#which isn’t so bad since no bridesmaid dresses but it was embarrassing

[mimbotomy]

I'm sorry to hear that planning has been stressful, but best wishes this Saturday!!! I'm so excited for you and your wedding and your marriage and wish you every happiness 💕.

Thank you! I am very excited too! Mostly because I get to marry the love of my life 🩷🩷🩷 but also because there are only four days left and judging from my track record this last month that means I will probably have to deal with🤞🏼only🤞🏼four more things going wrong! 🎉 And then I’ll be married to my favorite person and the stress will probably be gone! ✨

(Please send good vibes my way it’s been a very weird hectic month 😂)

[dollslayer]

Champagne Problems

Bartender!Bucky x Reader

Summary: When your ex-boyfriend makes a surprise appearance at your sister's wedding you find help from an unexpected source.

W/C: 4,642

Warnings: NO MINORS, Smut, oral sex (f receiving), unprotected sex, swearing, alcohol consumption

A/N: Hey! I know it's been a minute (sorry), I wrote this for @saiyanprincessswanie's writing challenge using the bartender au! If you like this please reblog and comment and check out my other fics!! Cheers!

Main Masterlist

You sighed internally before slapping on a smile for yet another group picture. Your bridesmaid dress was itchy and you already regretted spending the entire night in it, as the reception was just starting. But it was your sister’s day and you decided that if what she really wanted was for you to wear this itchy monstrosity to honor her wedding then damn it, you’d do it. So you leaned in close with the rest of the wedding party and posed some more.

When the photographer had finished with his photos you were ushered to the family table and wedged between your mother and your aunt. You mentally cursed your sister for seating you with them because they were going to spend the entire night trying to set you up with someone while simultaneously lamenting that you’d dumped your boyfriend of 4 years just a month earlier. Your mother wanted grandchildren so badly, you didn’t know why she couldn’t just settle to get them from your sister.

“Sweetheart, you and Steve were so good together though! Remember when he surprised you at Christmas with that puppy? I don’t know how you let a man like that go…” Your mom chided.

You grabbed the attention of a passing server and grabbed the champagne off their tray. If you were going to have this conversation again you needed liquid courage to do so. You downed it in three sips and your mom scoffed at you.

“Mom, we've been over this. I didn’t ask him to do that, we agreed we weren’t ready for a dog. Ugh, oh my god, anyways, we just didn’t work together. Sometimes things don’t work out, Mom. You’ll still get grandkids, just not from me.” You patted her on the shoulder but she just pursed her lips and looked past you to your aunt.

You wanted nothing more than to get wasted but you couldn’t do that to your sister. You wouldn’t get blackout drunk, but you were definitely getting drunk tonight. The reception was being held in a hotel and the wedding party had a block of rooms reserved so it’s not like you had to drive. You just had one thing to do before you did that.

The moment you’d been dreading had finally arrived, the toast. You held your freshly topped-off glass of champagne and brought your fork to it to get everyone’s attention. Someone handed you the mic and you hesitated before taking it and nervously cleared your throat.

By what you assumed could only be the grace of God you managed to deliver the perfect toast about finding the right person and soulmates and anything else you might find in a hallmark card with only minor stumbles. Everyone clapped and your brother-in-law wiped a stray tear and everyone finally dug into dinner. You just hoped that would mean your mother would be quiet about Steve for the next 20 minutes and then you could escape to the open bar.

____

You almost made it through dinner scott-free and sat back to watch your sister’s first dance. Just when you thought you were in the clear it was your aunt that threw a wrench in your plans. She was three glasses of wine deep and had that glassy look in her eye when she grabbed your elbow and pulled you closer. She spoke to you in a low voice while trying not to fumble her words.

“Listen kiddo, I know your mom is hard on you about Stevie but she just wants what’s best for you. What you two had… it was so good even I liked him! I don’t like anybody y’know that. So.. so why don’t you jus’ give ‘im another chance, make your mom happy? Couldn’t be that bad, could it? Maybe he’ll even… surprise you”

You mentally blocked out her words halfway through her speech, hoping neither of you would remember it by the end of the night. Right now you just had to get her to stop so you could get away from the table. You didn’t think you could take one more second of being shamed for leaving Steve.

You smiled sweetly and nodded in understanding towards her words.

“I know, Aunt Linda. I know. Sometimes things happen, I love mom but I’ll find someone else.”

With that you patted her on the shoulder and took off in search of the bar.

There were two bars and you wanted to go to the less crowded one. Looking around you had spotted it just past the dancefloor and made a beeline. Weaving through the now open dance floor and escaping the invitations to join your family you finally made it and leaned heavily against the countertop with a sigh.

“Rough night?” Your eyes follow the gruff yet amused voice and find that it belongs to a very handsome man with a defined jaw, clear blue eyes, and long hair that was tied back.

You smiled and rolled your eyes.

“You don’t know that half of it. Nothing like a wedding to remind you how single you are” You joked.

“Ah. Yeah, that’ll do it. That’s rough. You look like you need a drink, what can I get you?”

“Dealer’s choice. Just no vodka.” You requested.

He smirked and nodded, perusing the lines of bottles that were in front of him. He bit his lip as he concentrated on what to make and you tried not to stare. You watched him get to work on your drink and couldn’t help but notice the way you could see his muscles move underneath his dress shirt.

He turned back around and proudly presented you with something fizzy in a highball glass.

“My own concoction, I even used the non-watered down liquor. Just for you” He says with a wink.

You try your best to hide your shy smile and accept the drink.

“Thank you, how sweet of you.” You tell him.

“It’s nothin’. So how’s a gal like you single? If you don’t mind my asking. Seems pretty impossible to me.”

You're caught somewhere between flattery and embarrassment and just hope it doesn't show on your face. You take a long sip of your drink and gear up to answer him.

“Well, I just got out of a 4 year relationship, actually. He’s really sweet but he always had a tendency to steamroll my needs and just do whatever he was going to do. Eventually that shit adds up.” You sigh.

“Like for example - last year we had talked about getting a dog and I said I wasn’t ready, we’re just both way too busy and then on Christmas day he shows up with this puppy! And then I’m the villain for telling him no! The puppy ended up going to a good home but he did stuff like that all the time. It just became too much. Anyways now my mom won’t get off my ass about leaving him.” You shook your head.

“A puppy? Wow, that’s… intense. That’s a lot, I’m sorry. You finish that drink and I’ll pour us both a shot” He laughed.

You nodded in agreement and downed the rest of the cocktail. He held up two shot glasses and extended one to you.

“A toast, to… wait. I don’t even know your name!”

His shoulders shook as he laughed and he answered you.

“I’m James but you can call me Bucky” You made a face at that.

“What kinda name is Bucky?” You asked before giving him your own name.

“Whatever, I’ve got two shots of tequila, you want one or not?” How could you say no?

“A toast,” You continued, “To you and your weird name, Bucky.”

He laughed and you clinked your glasses together, then against the counter before downing them in one go. You tried your best not to make a face and looked up at Bucky to find him extending you the lime chaser, which you took gratefully.

“Hoo… I could use like, 3 more of those to get through tonight. So, how’d you get into bartending?”

“I needed somethin’ to put me through school and I figured this beats stripping. Though, with some of the customers we get sometimes I’m not so sure”

You laughed at that and Bucky went on to tell you anecdotes of all the crazy people he’s had to serve, disastrous weddings, and the time he got a lapdance from the bride herself. You hadn’t even realized how much time had passed but you were enjoying talking to him, forgetting your mission to be drunk.

The two of you kept swapping stories and were getting to know each other a bit more. He let you vent about Steve and just listened, it was refreshing to talk to someone and not be told what it is that you should be wanting. When you pictured the night you didn’t picture yourself confiding in the bartender tonight but if you were honest you were enjoying yourself. It beat awkwardly dancing with your family and enduring more disappointed remarks from your family.

You had hoped you could hide out at the bar and spend the entire night unscathed when the double doors to the ballroom opened. Your heartbeat in your ears as time slowed down around you as a blond head of hair made its way through the archway. Your laughter died in your throat when Baby blue eyes found you across the room and you froze like a deer in headlights. No. Nononononono this isn’t happening.

Time has somehow come to a halt while simultaneously hurtling forward since you can’t get yourself unstuck from this moment yet fail to realize that Steve is now standing right in front of you. His hair is swept back perfectly and he flashes you that million dollar smile of his that shows off his dimples perfectly. You scold yourself for checking him out but damn did he always clean up nice.

“Hey, sweetheart” he says shyly, as if he’s not crashing your sister’s wedding to get with you.

“What…? What are you doing… here?” You ask quietly, trying to avoid a scene.

Before he can answer you your mom comes up behind Steve and squeezes his shoulders tight, all with a big, bright smile on her face. Of course. How did I not see this coming?

“You made it!” She exclaimed as she leaned up to kiss his cheek.

“Of course, sorry to have missed the ceremony but there’s still plenty to celebrate, right?” He asked with his signature boyish smirk.

Shock was still in full effect on your features as you stood stock still. But that shock was soon giving way to anger as you slowly pieced together everything that was happening. Your mom had brought back Steve to try and get you back together and Steve was steamrolling you again.

“I… I, can’t. I can’t-” You started

“Sweetheart, how many of those have you had? You need some water.” Steve motions to the drink in your hand and you feel the anger running through your veins about to take over. You have to move this out of the room. Now.

“Why don’t we move this to the hall?” You suggested quietly.

You didn’t give him a chance to respond before you started moving towards the exit but you did spare one last panicked glance towards Bucky. He looked confused and his brows were quirked in a way that made him look upset, almost. You sent him a pleading look before turning back around and preparing yourself to deal with this shitshow that had slowly unfolded before you.

Breathe in. Hold. Breathe out. Hold. You got this. Your hand begins to push the door open when Steve’s much larger one covers yours and gets the job done. An action that you once would’ve thought was sweet, one that you would’ve made you swoon, even, is currently pissing you off.

You two made your way to the hallway and you looked around before you started in on him.

“Okay, what the hell, Rogers? Crashing my sister’s wedding? Really?! I don’t give a shit if my mom put you up to this I-”

“Sweetheart, please. She thought you might be having second thoughts and maybe us seeing each other would… patch things up. We just want what’s best for you, sweetheart” Steve attempted to console you, reaching out to try and rub your arm but you pulled back.

“No! I am so sick of you running me over! You never listened to me or what I had to say and this is exactly why I broke up with you, Steve! You’re being so fucki-”

“Hey, babe, everything okay out here?” Bucky’s voice surprised you but not as much as his lips pressing a kiss into your hair and his arms wrapping around your waist.

You had to crane your neck to look back and up at him. It took all of two seconds for you to piece together what you’d hoped was the truth. Bucky raised his eyebrows at you as if to say “come on” and in all your desperation you went with it. You supposed that his formal uniform made him pass for a regular guest.

“I, ah, yeah, yes. Steve here was just leaving, right?” You asked him.

Steve raised his eyebrows in a stunned expression, mouth slightly open in disbelief. His hand reached out towards your shoulder but Bucky pulled you back gently.

“Doll, are you serious? Who even is this guy? Does your mom know about this?”

“No, she doesn’t. It’s… new…” You told him.

“Right,” Bucky cuts in, “It’s new so we weren’t telling anyone just yet but she figured I should at least be here for the reception”

“Seriously?” Steve scoffs, “Man bun? What does he have that I don’t? C’mon, you know what you and I have is real.”

“What you and I have is over, Steve. You never listened to me, always pushed me further than I was ready for. We’re done, it’s over. I’m sorry for whatever Mom told you”

Steve took a harsh breath inwards and you watched him try to decide whether he should walk away or blow up. Based off of the veins popping in his forehead, he was opting to blow up.

“Listen, I don’t know what you’re up to but-”

“She said it’s over, punk. Move along” Bucky cut in. He took a protective step in front of you and pushed his shoulders back, squaring up to Steve. Steve seethed quietly and you two exchanged very tense glances.

“I’m telling your mother about this. I doubt she’ll be happy to hear you brought some random person to your sister’s wedding.” Steve spat.

He walked past the two of you and bumped shoulders harshly with Bucky. Bucky’s jaw tensed and his grip on your waist tightened but he didn’t retaliate. Instead he took a step back to get a proper look at you.

“You okay?”

“Why did you do that? You didn’t have to.”

“I know, but you looked like you could really use the help.”

“Well… thank you. I appreciate it, more than you know. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you weren’t there.” You laughed to yourself a little and added, “We’re not even together 5 minutes and you already have all my emotional baggage”

Bucky laughed at that and shook his head.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’ve got some crazy exes too. So what now? You going back in?”

You became a little flustered at that but moved past it with a sheepish grin.

“No,” You shook your head, “I think it’s best for everyone if I just go up to my room and avoid a whole scene.”

“Well at least let me walk you up. I wouldn’t put it past that creep to follow you.”

“What about the bar?”

“We’re overstaffed and the party’s winding down anyways. They’ll get on without me”

“Alright then” You accepted and started off towards the elevators.

You two were standing in the elevator waiting for the doors to close when you spotted the doors to the ballroom open. Your mother was looking around, her face a picture of anger. Lucky for you the doors closed before she could look in your direction and you let out a sigh of relief.

“You know as far as fake boyfriends go I’d say you’re pretty good”

“Just good? C’mon I had that guy on the ropes.”

“Yeah alright,” You relented with a grin.

You exited the elevator car and made your way down the hallway until finally you reached your door. You fished your keycard out of your wallet and turned to Bucky.

“Hey… do you wanna… maybe come in? Hang out? I know you’ve got work but if you’re overstaffed maybe…” You trailed off. There was a beat of silence and you felt regret instantly, thinking you’ve asked too much of him. “Y’know what nevermind, you don’t have to, I’m sorry I-”

“I’d love to hang out with you, if you’re okay with that. Plus it’s probably better I wait to get back until the wedding’s over. Can’t really show my face as your boyfriend and then get back behind the bar, can I?” He said with a soft smile.

“Suppose you’re right,” You swiped the card and cracked open the door.

You stepped inside and felt like you could finally breathe again. You kicked off your heels and went to turn on the lights. You reached back to get the zipper of your dress but couldn’t quite get there.

“Will you get my zipper?” You asked Bucky. He nodded and came closer to you.

You could feel his warmth radiating from him when he was this close. Your nostrils filled with the heady scent of his aftershave. He smells so good. He unzipped you halfway and left the rest for you.

You thanked him and grabbed your change of clothes and headed to the bathroom. Relieved to finally be free of the itchy monstrosity of a bridesmaids dress you sighed and put on a tank top and pair of shorts. You realized the tank top showed a little more of your cleavage than intended but you shrugged it off and exited the bathroom.

Bucky’s eyes landed on you and he took a sharp breath in but tried to play it cool. It half worked, you caught him staring a little bit and giggled to yourself. When you looked at him again he was undoing his tie and the first two buttons of his shirt. Wonder what he’d look like if he unbuttoned just a few more… You stopped yourself in that line of thinking and joined him on the couch.

“I think your phone’s gonna zap itself into an early grave with the way it’s been going off” Bucky said as he pointed to your phone on the table.

You picked it up to find you had several missed calls from your mother, one from Steve, and one very long text message from him that was already inducing a headache. You opened it, forgetting you had read receipts on. Oops. You weren’t going to read this now in front of Bucky, so you shut it off and put it aside.

“So how are you feelin’?” He asked.

“Better now that I’m out that damned dress. As for my family, they'll get over themselves. I don’t know why who I’m dating is such a big deal to them anyways.”

“You do look more comfy now that you’ve changed. If you don’t mind me sayin’ you’re just as gorgeous now as you were all dolled up”

You felt heat flood your cheeks instantly and eked out a thank you. You and Bucky talked for an hour more or so and in that time you’d found yourself nodding off with your head on his chest. On instinct he brought your whole body closer to him and put his arm around you. If you were less sleepy you’d be embarrassed but right now you didn’t care.

Bucky had moved slightly and inadvertently jolted you awake. You shot up and realized that you’d cuddled your way into Bucky’s side and now the embarrassment was catching up with you. You instantly scooted back to give him some space.

“Sorry, I uh, didn’t mean to cuddle you” You said while avoiding his gaze.

You felt a hand on your thigh and finally looked up to find him smirking at you.

“I didn’t mind it. It’s getting late though, I should get back.”

You were slightly disappointed but nodded your head. You rose and followed him to the door. He went for the handle but turned around when you grabbed his hand. He stepped away from the door and was in your personal space. You looked up at him with a shaky breath.

“Thank you, again, for what you did. It was really sweet of you.” He smiled down at you and brought one hand to your face. Oh God, I didn’t prepare for this. Your heart was beating just a little harder as you looked into his clear blue eyes.

“For you? Anytime. I had a really fun time with you tonight.”

“Me too.”

With that his other hand came up to cup your face and he kissed you sweetly. It wasn’t until you kissed him back that he pulled away.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to, I don’t wanna make you uncomf-”

You grabbed him by the shirt collar and brought him in for another kiss. This time more demanding but just as sweet. He let out a small moan and you swear you could’ve melted. His tongue explored your mouth while his hands moved their way down your body and brought you even closer to him. You could feel that he was hard and it only made you want him more.

Without breaking the kiss you started to move backwards towards the bed until finally you were just at the edge of it. You broke apart for air and searched his eyes only to find his pupils blown wide in lust. You cupped him through his pants and he groaned. He was big. Maybe even bigger than Steve.

“We don’t have to do anythin’ you don’t want to do,” He breathed out. You shook your head and kissed him again.

“I want you, I’m sure.” You panted out.

“I don’t have a condom”

“Doesn’ matter, I’m on the pill” You told him. With that his hands were up your tank top and you’d helped him to remove it. He worked on his shirt next and while he fumbled with the buttons you took off the rest of your clothing.

Bucky was every bit as devastating as you’d thought he’d be and you let out a genuine sigh. His toned muscles rippled throughout his arms and torso and you watched him remove his boxers and you’re not entirely sure your jaw hadn’t dropped. He noticed you gawking and chuckled as he leaned down to join you on the bed.

“See somethin’ you like?”

He didn’t give you the chance to answer though, he pushed you backwards onto the bed and kissed you again, this time trailing his kisses all the way down your body. He stopped and took his time to admire each of your breasts, licking and biting your nipples. You’d gasped in surprise and pleasure. He moved his way down finally to your pussy and looked up at you.

“Can I? You could only nod and let out a shaky breath as you sat up on your elbows and watched him get to work. He kissed and caressed your thighs until finally his fingers were prodding at your entrance. He groaned at how wet you were and pushed two fingers in. You let out an obscene moan and your hands went into his locks. His tongue lapped at your clit before he sucked on it, all the while pumping his fingers in and out of you in search of your G-spot.

You’d pulled his hair out of his bun and guided his tongue where he needed to be. Finally getting the right angle you were whimpering in pleasure, back arched almost to a point of pain. He’d finally found the spot he’d been looking for and your eyes shut closed in pleasure.

“Please,” you begged, “Please don’t stop I’m so close”

You pushed his head harder against you and his fingers sped up. It was only a matter of moments until your toes were curling in pleasure and you writhed on the bed in the aftershock of your orgasm. Bucky continued to lap away at you until you pushed him off. He came back up to eye level with you and had a wolfish grin.

“Who knew you’d make such noises? God it was so hot”

You pulled him in for another kiss and reached down to grab his cock. You pumped it a few times before you moved down to return the favor when he stopped you. You looked up at him with brows pinched in concern.

“Don’ worry about me, I just wanna feel you”

He moved you beneath him and you spread your legs apart for him. You were still sensitive in your post-high when his tip brushed your clit but you didn’t mind the bolt of pleasure. He aligned himself with your entrance and looked you in the eye as he pushed all the way inside of you slowly. You let out an involuntary moan, trying to accommodate his full length.

“You good?” He asked.

“I’m good, you’re just...big” He smirked at that.

“Can I move or do you need a second?”

“No, you can move, please move.”

One hand on your hip and the other on your breast he started thrusting in and out of you at a steady pace. You swore you could feel every bump and ridge of him with every inch he put into you. His pace picked up and he kissed the column of your neck, finding the one spot that drove you crazy. Your small mewls turned to full moans and he began fucking you harder.

“‘M not gonna last much longer” He told you. You didn’t say anything in response, just brought him in for another kiss and grabbed a handful of his ass to push him further inside you. He chuckled at that and took the hint.

He was going the hardest he had so far and you were holding on for dear life and loving every minute of it. His panting breaths were heavy in your ears and you reached down to toy with your clit so you’d cum together. His thrusts were getting a little sloppier and your hand moved faster, quickly approaching both your peaks. He let out an almost pornographic moan as he came, He fucked you through his orgasm and not a moment later you came for a second time. Your bodies melded together as you rode out the last waves of each other’s orgasms.

Finally Bucky stopped and held himself with one hand, trying to catch his breath. You were slightly dazed, trying to compute how your night had ended up like this. Bucky rolled over onto the bed and you felt the mess between your thighs. You looked over to him with a hazy smile.

“So, I know we’re doin’ things a little backwards here but, maybe I could take you out some time? If you want?”

Your smile grew even wider and your heart felt so light in this moment.

“I’d like that”

You didn’t know what tomorrow would hold or how to even begin cleaning up the mess with your family. You’d deal with it all in the morning, for now you’d just bask in the afterglow with your fake boyfriend and be grateful for chance meetings.

[maprron]

The perfect life

This is the third story I wrote today but this time I decided why not go back to my roots and put all the Nalu week prompts together and make one big one-shot so here it is. Disclaimer I didn’t proofread this so I hope it makes sense 😭 sorry for the gaps I am uploading from my phone 🥲

Lucy looked back on the past few years of her life and laughed. She couldn’t believe how much her life had changed over these years.

Little did she know that when she met an obnoxious pink haired boy with an equally obnoxious blue cat that fateful day in that port town of Hargeon that they would change her life.

She remembered how they both found each other annoying but he agreed to help her get into fairy tail so she put how much he annoyed her and left the town with him.

She couldn’t stand being around him and even after she joined his team she found him rude and annoying.

Somehow at some point though they both started getting over themselves and actually developed a relationship that Lucy had never expected they would have. Somehow Natsu went from being the last person she wanted to be around to being one of her best friends. Somehow the blonde found herself trusting her life with Natsu. Somehow she found herself actually enjoying his presence.

And one day during a job she realized she had fallen for him. She didn’t know why but she did. She didn’t want to so she suppressed those feelings she had for her teammate for years, scared of the rejection.

She tried going on dates with other guys, hoping that maybe she could get past her stupid crush, but everytime she was only wishing it was Natsu with her instead of the unforgettable guys who she couldn’t remember the names of now

Everytime she was away from that stupid grin of his she missed it, and she hated that.

She ended up convincing herself that Natsu wasn’t into these types of things so she never chased after him. She never planned on telling him how she felt.

Until one day, she remembered it was winter and the two of them were walking alone, she looks back and wonders where was Happy that night? She doesn’t know, she’s isn’t even sure if she knew that night.

She held onto his hand that no matter what it was always warm when he said the words “you know I love you right!”

“Yeah dummy,” she punched his shoulder playfully before leaning her head against it “I love you too”

“No, I mean… I mean I love you, Lucy” he said in a serious tone which stopped Lucy dead in her tracks. She didn’t believe what she was hearing

“You love me? In what way?” She asked, stunned at his words that were oh to good to be true

“I love ya Lucy, I have for years and I figured if you felt the same you would have said something by now since you are better with emotions then me but honestly I can’t keep it bottled up anymore. I love you” Lucy stood still, scared that if she moved that this would all just be a dream.

So her lips moved for her

“I love you too,” she said softly. Natsu’s body then reacted by leaning down slightly and kissing her lip tenderly. And she enjoyed it.

After their kiss outside the park that cold evening she let him take her out on some dates. They weren’t your average dates and definitely not the dates Lucy had dreamed of but what did she expect when she fell in love with Natsu Dragneel.

He thought that taking jobs alone together counted as a date so sometimes he did what he does best and drag her off on a surprise job. Other times they would actually go to restaurants but Lucy usually was the one who had to pay as he would admit he had spent all his money, Lucy would just roll her eyes and laugh at him. Other times they would just hang out in her apartment and just talk for hours, losing track of time, those were their favorites.

One day however he took her out to just walk. It was a winter night much like the one they had confessed to each other one the year prior. Lucy held onto Natsu’s hand similarly as she did the last time however this time Natsu was the first one to let go, an unwelcome cold engulfed her hand.

“Natsu?” Lucy pouted as he walked a few feet in front of her “is something wrong, love?”

“No” he turned to her with his signature grin present on his face, he then started walking back to her till he was able to grab both of her hands. She smiled at the warmth “have I ever told you how much I love you?” He asked

“Every day” she giggled, he smiled at her laugh

“How about how beautiful you are?” He asked and she smiled and nodded “A bunch actually”

“Good” he smiled down at her before letting go of one of her hands and putting the free hand in his pocket and then pulling out a small box. Lucy looked at him confused, still holding onto his warm hand.

Natsu then got down on one knee and opened up the small box with only one hand. Lucy gasped as she saw the small diamond ring in the box. Natsu looked at her for a second before his face turned completely red and he closed his eyes. The only words he managed to get out at that moment was “marry me”. Lucy smiled at her embarrassed boyfriend before leaning down to grab his face and sweetly kiss him.

As she pulled away she simply said “yes” and that is all either of them needed.

She smiled at herself in the vanity mirror as she gently rocked the baby in her arms to sleep.

“Aunt Lucy!” Both Shutora and Yajeh cried happily as they ran towards Lucy

“You ready?” the happy voice of Levy filled the room as her twins gently hugged Lucy, cautious about the baby in her arms

“I’m nervous” Lucy laughed as she leaned back against the chair

“Aw Lu, there is no need to be nervous” Levy smiled, sitting down in a chair next to her “everything is going to be fine, and then after this you two can make some more cute babies” Levy smiled as she tickled Nasha’s belly. Lucy softly slapped her best friend

“Levy just because that’s what you did doesn’t I should” Lucy rolled her eyes as Levy laughed

“Aw come on it’s not such a bad idea” she grinned, resting a hand on her almost 9 month belly.

“I’ll think about it” Lucy said to get Levy to hush “now can you help get her into her dress?”

The wedding wasn’t very traditional but neither was their relationship. Most people got married in the cathedral while they got married under the tree that he once uprooted and sailed down the canal, something Lucy is still unsure of how he did it. Shutora and Yajeh were the flower girl and ring bearer, Levy was the maid of honor, and Erza, Wendy, and Mira were all bridesmaids. Natsu didn’t necessarily have groomsmen but Levy, Erza, and Juvia all threatened Gajeel, Jellal, and Gray to play the part. Gajeel and Gray booed Natsu when he spoke, which got them momentarily thrown out of the wedding and made Lucy and Natsu laugh. Lucy couldn’t say that it was her fairytale dream wedding but she did know that I sure was a Fairy Tail wedding so what could she expect.

All Lucy’s life she had dreamed of the perfect dream relationship and if little her could see her she would probably be a little upset about how it played out but Lucy isn’t and is glad that finally after all these years she can finally be surrounded by her chosen family, even if they aren’t perfect.

[ingek73]

Gary Goldsmith: ‘When the Queen steps down, things need to pass to William & Kate’

April 27, 2021

By Kaiser

What on God’s green earth is going on over at Middleton Manor? Something has scared the bejesus out of Carole Middleton, and the Middleton media operation has been churning out these increasingly bizarre, overwhelmingly sugary interviews and “commentary” pieces. Enter Gary Goldsmith, Carole Middleton’s younger brother and Kate’s shady uncle. Uncle Gary has been getting bolder and bolder over the past year, giving two massively unhinged interviews to the Daily Mail (the Middletons’ favorite media outlet). Dodgy Uncle Gary called Harry and Meghan “attention-craving Muppets” last year, and then back in March, he practically gave the official Middleton statement on the Sussexes’ Oprah interview. He called Meghan a liar and made Kate sound like the second coming. Well, dodgy Uncle Gary has spoken again to the Mail and I can’t believe Carole does not realize how bad this makes the Middleton family look. Some highlights:

A decade of keen: ‘The ten years have been incredible for her. She’s taken to that job — and it is a job, her success comes from the fact she recognised that — like a duck to water, and emerged as the best thing that could have happened to the Royal Family. She’s their biggest asset at the moment. She was a breath of fresh air then and she hasn’t put a foot wrong since! When you look at what happened with Meghan, you realise how easy it is to marry into that family and get it completely wrong.’ He gives a little laugh as he refers to ‘our Kate’ (by contrast, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband are ‘those muppets’).

On Kate’s keen behavior at the funeral: ‘She doesn’t just look the part, she’s living the part. She acts like you’d want a royal to behave. She has that poise of the public servant, yet she also has the common touch — or the Diana touch, as I think of it. It’s a difficult balance, being someone people can identify with but also look up to, but she’s got it. I think she’s the Queen’s protégée’.

He thinks the Queen looked suddenly and shockingly frail at Philip’s funeral. Understandable in the circumstances, of course, but with questions about the future of the monarchy swirling, he has an interesting but controversial take. ‘Obviously, I’m a massive fan of the Queen and it’s amazing that her reign has been the longest in history, but wouldn’t it be great if William and Kate had the opportunity to have perhaps an even longer reign? We are in an era of change for the Royal Family. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster, and if Her Majesty was to step aside, it’s my opinion William and Kate would give the whole country stability.’

What about Charles & Camilla? ‘Well, I personally didn’t think it was right the Queen was back at work. That was such a burdensome thing for anyone, never mind someone of her age. I think she should take some time out. Well if there was a good time to step down, maybe it is now. I think Prince Charles is a credit to the nation and I’m sure he would do a great job as King. And I have a huge amount of time for Camilla… But — and I don’t think I’m alone in thinking this — I think that when the Queen steps down, things need to pass to William and Kate. To give you a football analogy, they are ready to have their foot on the ball. Charles would do a good job, of course, but in terms of freshening things up it would be better with William and Kate. With them the monarchy would thrive, rather than just survive. Charles could be found another amazing role.’

On the Duchess of Sussex: ‘There isn’t any self-interest about Kate’s work. I wish I could say the same about Meghan,’ says Gary. He adds that he was ‘livid’ when he watched the Oprah interview, in which the Duchess of Sussex claimed it was Catherine who made her cry in a row over bridesmaid dresses.

On Harry: ‘I was angry at them over there [in California] slagging off our Royal Family. There was no reason for them to betray the family trust in the way they did. But seeing him at the funeral, I was just sad. He looked lost. I feel quite emotional even talking about it, but we’ve all been thinking about mental health, and here we are, watching someone crumbling in front of us. It’s not right.’ He talks of the ‘happy days’ when William, Harry and Kate had formed a sort of public trio. ‘Look at how happy they were. You can’t fake that. Kate adored him and everyone only wanted him to be happy. When Meghan came along it should have been more fun. Kate would have been welcoming to her, because she would have wanted Harry to be happy. If Harry is happy, everyone is happy. But at the end it became about Meghan. It’s all about Meghan. I was disappointed. I thought she was given quite a hard time from the Press, but perhaps the Press got it right quicker than we did.’

[From The Daily Mail]

The more these people talk, the more I feel like Harry and Meghan were so lucky to be able to get out alive. The obsession with them is really dangerous and unsettling, and there are so many moments where it feels like people are implicitly threatening Meghan’s life and existence. They’re so mad at her for… existing, for being the woman Harry married. It’s disgusting the way they speak about her. And Kate should be disgusted and embarrassed to hear her uncle speak this way about her and about Meghan and Harry, not to mention the Queen, Charles and Camilla. I keep thinking that surely, at some point, Charles has to step in and shut down the Middletons in some big way? Because it really can’t go on like this. It’s painful.

[holidaywishes]

today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives

part nine: today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives

  Summary: It’s New Year’s Eve in New York City, which means it’s finally time for you and Freddie to get married

  Warning: just some fluff

  Author’s Note: I feel like this chapter is either going to be really long or really short and to the point. So, let’s take that journey together! Since this is the wedding chapter, (finally, I feel like I’ve been trying to write this chapter for wayyy too long,) I think the chapter might end up only being 10 chapters. Of course, my mood might change and it might end up being 13 chapters anyway. We’ll see! Hope you enjoy this little chapter and keep coming back for more 😜

  masterlist

  the other masterlist

xx

 “I’M GETTING MARRIED!” You screamed as you woke up on New Year’s Eve, “I’M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!!!!”

 “YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED TODAY!!” Lauren repeated as you ran down the hallway

 “OH MY GOD!” You exclaimed

 “OKAY OKAY RELAX,” she laughed, “take a breath, calm down. Eat something..”

 “Eat something? No. I can’t eat anything, I’m too excited. There’s too much to do. I’m getting MARR--” she put her finger on your lips to stop you from repeating yourself, laughing at your excitement as she did so

 “I know! Yes, we’ve established what today is but you need to eat before things start happening okay?”

 “Where is Freddie?”

 “He slept at Mitch’s last night remember?”

 “Right. Can I call him?”

 “Sure.. I don’t see why not” Lauren shrugged and you ran to grab your phone, stopping suddenly when there was a knock on the door

  “Who’s that?” you asked

  “I dunno...” she scoffed, walking toward the door while you stared out the hotel room window

  “YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!!” Amalie and Stephanie said when Lauren answered the door, “oh-- you’re.. where is she?” Stephanie asked as Lauren opened the door and gestured to the window

  “YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!” Stephanie repeated as your bridesmaids ran to you

  “I KNOW!!! AHH!” you squealed as Lauren closed the door and made her way over to where you stood, “I’m so excited! I’m so nervous...”

  “Don’t be nervous,” Lauren smiled, “you have no reason to be nervous”

  “She’s right. Freddie will make sure everything runs according to plan,” Amalie added, “he wants it to be perfect for you”

  “It’s so cute how much he loves you!” Stephanie cooed

  “I was just gonna FaceTime h--” you started only to be interrupted by your sister

  “Nuh-uh,” she chided, “you wanted to call him not FaceTime. You guys can’t see each other before the wedding...”

  “It’s bad luck!” Steph agreed

  “Fine..” you sighed reluctantly, taking your phone with you into the bedroom to call your fiancé, “Hey, my soon-to-be husband”

  “Hey, soon-to-be-wife, how are you this morning?” Freddie’s voice was raspy from recently waking up but you could tell he was happy to hear from you

  “We’re getting married today, Fred” you whispered with a big smile on your face

  “I know” he whispered back

  “How’s Vita?” you asked. Freddie said he would keep her with him in his hotel room so that you and the girls could gush and coo over the wedding stuff without having to worry about the baby

  “She’s good. She’s still sleeping but she should be waking up soon, do you want to talk to her?”

  “No, don’t wake her up. I don’t want to make her cranky” you giggled

  “Good idea”

  “You have her little flower girl dress?”

  “Yes”

  “You have everything you need for you and the guys?”

  “Yes, baby, don’t worry. Everything is going to be perfect”

  “Don’t jinx it!”

  “Fred!” you heard a voice call to Freddie, “photographer’s here!”

  “(Y/N)! Time for pictures!” Amalie called for the same thing

  “Guess we have to say goodbye for now...” Freddie said and you frowned

  “Only for a little while” you replied before telling him you loved him and hung up the phone. As you made your way back to your three bridesmaids, the photographer ran through the shots he was planning to take before the rest of your bridal party arrived. You felt a sudden surge of anxiety run through you before Oma and your mom walked through the door

  “Where’s our beautiful girl? Liebling!” Oma said with her arms open wide

  “Oma!” you exclaimed

  “Darling, you’re getting married today!” Oma said, the girls giggled behind you

  “I know” you smiled

  “It’s time to get your pampering started” your mom said while the hair and makeup team set up

  “Isn’t it beautiful here?” you asked everyone, “this hotel room, this hotel. This amazing city on New Year’s Eve. It’s so beautiful, don’t you think?”

  “It is,” your wedding planner’s voice rang out as he walked through the door, “and the city will be even more beautiful once you get to your wedding venue. But in order for that to happen, you need to look like a bride. So, let’s get going!” Once Alannah finally showed up, it seemed like everything was happening in a frenzy -- each of your bridesmaids had a makeup artist and a hairstylist work on them while yours worked on you, the photographer snapping pictures from every angle for the perfect shot, your Oma drinking a mimosa before handing you one -- before it was finally time to make your way downstairs to get into the limo that would take you to the Theatre.

  “Your dress is waiting for you at the Theatre, so you’ll change there,” the planner said, “let’s go, we have a schedule to keep!” You smiled tentatively, before patting down your jeans and the pockets of your coat to make sure you had everything you needed

  “Don’t worry, doll,” Steph said, “you’ve got everything. In the little purse, remember!”

  “Right!” you laughed, following the group to the elevator. When you finally got to the Theatre, you were amazed by what everyone had managed to do to transform it

  “I know we talked about putting your names on the Marquee,” the planner said, “but, honestly, it felt a little tacky so we didn’t do that”

  “Oh, no, I think that was the right choice. This is perfect,” you cooed, “better than anything I could’ve ever dreamed of.” You were in awe with every step you took and you couldn’t believe you were lucky enough to be able to get married here

  “Let’s get you into your dress so we can take a few pictures before the guys show up, yeah?” The planner said as he directed you to your dressing room

  “Let’s do it!” you smiled, taking one last look at the lobby and the view of the city as snowflakes began to fall.

xx

Freddie’s P.O.V.

  There you stood, on the stage of the Kings Theatre with your friends and family sitting in the seats, all of you waiting for (Y/N) to meet you on stage. When the music changed, you trained your eyes to the doors and took a breath before your fiancée, soon-to-be wife, walked in. Mo and Alannah were first to walk in, then Amalie and Andrew, Seb and Stephanie and finally, Mitch and Lauren before Valdimar made his way to the front with the rings. Oma walked down the aisle with Vita, who picked up the flowers from the basket and tossed them down the aisle, earning little coos and laughs from the crowd. And then it was time for you to see your bride. The beaded tulle of her dress sparkled as the lights hit it and it was just as beautiful as her smile; You couldn’t take your eyes off her and you could tell that she was trying not to trip by the way she had trained her eyes on the ground. But she finally met your eyes when her dad gave her away

  “Take good care of her” he said

  “I will” you replied softly, before you and the Bridal party helped (Y/N) up onto the stage so she wouldn’t trip over her dress. As she stood in front of you, your heart began to race until you removed her veil from her face

  “Hi” she whispered, finally meeting your eyes with hers

  “Hi” you whispered back.

  “Friends and Family, we’re brought together in the beautiful, historic Kings Theatre to witness a true moment of unconditional love between (Y/N) (Y/L/N) and Frederik Andersen. Today, the two will become one”

  “When two become one,” (Y/N) sang quietly to herself with a laugh before the officiant looked at her with a smile, “sorry. Please continue.” You squeezed her hand and she bit her lip and the officiant continued to speak

  “...and so it is that (Y/N) and Frederik present themselves to be married today, surrounded by those they love most. You both look to a shared future that includes a richly lived life together…going out to restaurants, hanging out with family, relaxing at home in front of the TV, singing and dancing… Bride will do the singing, and Groom will do the dancing.” your friends and family laughed, sparking a smile to spread across (Y/N)’s face as well “The years will come and go… you won’t take each other for granted, you will laugh a lot, you will be the best parents you can be, you will grow older and wiser together. It’s a good story, and one we all hope to have of our own someday. Now, for the words you’ve really been waiting to say, and that we’ve waited to hear, but before we can hear those beautiful vows I know you two have cooked up, I need to hear your intent... to marry one another. Frederik, do you come here freely, and without reservation to give yourself to (Y/N) in marriage? If so, answer ‘I do.’”

  “I do” you smiled as you continued to look at your beautiful bride

  “(Y/N), do you come here freely, and without reservation to give yourself to Frederik in marriage? If so, answer ‘I do.’”

  “I do!” she exclaimed

  “Wonderful!” the officiant replied, a bright smile on his face as well, “having heard that it is your intention to marry each other. I now ask you to share your vows”

  “(Y/N),” you spoke first, your voice shaky and you could feel your hands begin to sweat, “I’ve never been the most outspoken guy in a room so forgive me if I stumble over my words here.” She laughed softly, squeezing your hands to let you know she was there when you needed her, “every day I get to wake up next to you is a day I know I did something right. I can’t promise that I’ll never make a mistake or that my singing won’t be off key or that my dancing won’t embarrass you but I can promise to love, respect and cherish you everyday. I can promise that I will be the best father to our beautiful daughter and be more than just a husband to you. For as long as I know you, today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives, I will love you and I will forever and always be yours.” Her eyes were brimming with tears as she smiled at you

  “My turn? Whew, okay, give me a second!” she joked, wiping away the tears that had escaped her eyes before smiling at you and taking a breath, “my Freddie... From the second I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. I’ve never known someone as sweet and strong and soft and protective as you. I remember our first date; you didn’t talk much, so I blabbered on to fill the silence, and I was convinced that I was never going to see you again but you walked me to my door, like the gentleman you are, and kissed me on the cheek,” another round of laughs from the group in the audience, “right?!” she exclaimed, “I thought I had screwed it up for sure. But then you said, and this I’ll never forget, ‘I could watch you talk all day.’ and right then and there. With those seven words, my life changed. I am so lucky to be the love you chose and to co-parent with you. I can’t promise that I won’t break into song whenever I get the chance or that I won’t change my outfit 20 times before we go out but I will love you until my dying day. I love you, so much.” She finished, a small tear escaping your eye as well as hers and you mouth ‘I love you, too’ and just like that, you were married! And now it was time to party.

xx

  As you and your now-husband made your way to the lobby, you were quickly pulled aside by your photography to get a few shots of the newly married couple.

  “We’re married!” you whispered to Freddie as the photographer had the two of you pose with your foreheads together

  “You’re now Mrs. Andersen” he whispered back, eliciting a small laugh from you that the photographer quickly tried to dismiss. He had the two of you pose in a few more locations before he took the bridal party aside so you and Freddie could say hello to the guests. “Hey, everything okay?” Freddie asked when he saw you alone, looking out the window

  “Hey, babe,” you smiled, pressing a kiss to lips, “I just wanted to take in this view for a second. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.” He laughed in response before wrapping his arms around you and watching the snow continue to fall onto the concrete streets.

  “It’s beautiful” he whispered into your ear

  “Do the newlyweds have time for their little girl?” Oma interrupted with a giggle

  “Always” Freddie said as the two of you turned around to greet your grandparents who had held onto Vita for the entirety of the ceremony

  “You look beautiful, sweetheart” Opa gushed

  “Thank you, Opa” you blushed before turning your gaze to Freddie and Vita and you couldn’t help but stare

  “Isn’t your mommy beautiful, little elske?” Freddie cooed

  “What about daddy, kleine? Isn’t he handsome?” you cooed right back, letting her hand wrap around your finger and your grandparents laughed at you

  “Oh yeah,” Oma sighed with a smile, “this one is not going to be without love, not for a minute.”

  “We’ll see you three at the reception” Opa said before kissing your cheek and walking out with Oma

  “Hey,” Freddie whispered in your ear, “I have pizza upstairs waiting for us.”

  “Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Andersen?” you joked

  “Always, Mrs. Andersen,” he laughed, “no but really. I knew we weren’t going to have a chance to actually eat anything. So, I got Auston to pick us up a pizza and put it in my dressing room.”

  “You. are. a. prince,” you smiled, making you laugh at her words, “plus, Vita should probably eat as well. My parents said they’re gonna take her home early”

  “Really? Aw that sucks. I mean, I guess it’s something we really didn’t think about. Sorry, little one,” he said to Vita, “come on, let’s head upstairs.” When it came time for everyone to ring in the New Year, meaning everyone had eaten, gotten pictures, gotten very very very drunk and danced to Cha Cha Slide one too many times, you and Freddie told everyone to run outside to catch a few of the fireworks.

  “We know it’s going to be cold,” Freddie shouted to the slightly unruly crowd, “but we promise, it will be worth it!”

  “And it will only be for a few seconds!” you added and people seemed to agree but you awarded that to the alcohol they had all consumed. Everyone began running outside while you and Freddie stayed back to have a few seconds alone together

  “This year has been...” Freddie started, wrapping his arm around your waist while he continued the walk from the reception area to the outside of the Theatre

  “A year” you finished, giggling at the only logical answer

  “Yes. But you have been there for all of the hard times and the good times. And I don’t know how I would’ve got through any of it, without you.”

  “Aww,” you cooed, clearly starting to feel the effects of the alcohol that you had drank earlier in the night, “I love you so much!”

  “Let’s get out to the front,” he laughed, “I want to say goodbye to 2020 with you and our friends.” On your way out, you found yourself twirling in your dress, getting distracted by the sparkles that the twinkly lights in the Theatre captured with each step you took

  “LOOK FRED!” you squealed, “OH MY GOD! MY DRESS IS SO PRETTY!”

  “Alright, drunky,” he laughed, picking you up and carrying you out, fireman style, “let’s go.”

  “Nice butt” you snickered, pinching his butt when you could reach it, earning a laugh from Fred before the two of you finally made it outside; just in time to join the countdown

  “10... 9... 8... 7...” The group counted as Freddie put you down and held you close, “6... 5... 4...” Someone handed the two of you a glass of champagne and you joined in the last countdown

  “3... 2... 1. HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Everyone yelled as fireworks began bursting over Brooklyn. It was a perfect end to a perfect night and the perfect beginning to the rest of your life with Freddie.

[angelsfalling16]

War of Hearts

Read on ao3

Summary: Simon and Agatha's arranged marriage is about to begin with a beautiful ceremony, but when someone crashes their wedding, it could put a wrench in their plans.

Requested by anonymous This is basically that Malec kiss in Shadowhunters but with snowbaz.

Word count: 1680

A/N: The title is from the song War of Hearts by Ruelle, which you should definitely listen to while reading this. (There is an acoustic version of this song that is so beautiful and makes for a more painful, thought-provoking listen. Like, I’ve got this whole other scene idea to go with that version that I won’t put here because I have rambled enough, but I highly recommend giving that version a listen as well if you have the time.)

Also, I deleted a couple of fics a while back, so this is my new 100th fic on ao3!! :D Thank you all for sticking around and continuing to read my fics. I wouldn't still be here without all of your love and support <3

***

As Simon stands at the altar, waiting for the moment that is supposed to change his life forever, he forces himself to take deep breaths. Now is not the moment to be panicking about whether this was the right decision. Granted, none of it was really his decision, but he’s still worried, wondering if there was something he should have done differently.

But then the processional begins, and he no longer has any time to wonder. It’s too late.

The doors open to reveal the two bridesmaids. They look beautiful in matching blue dresses, and they are followed by Simon’s bride-to-be, dressed in a white dress that flares out at her waistline and flows elegantly out behind here with elegant gold detailing the bodice.

Her hair is braided away from her face and is draped over one shoulder, shimmering an almost gold color, and she smiles when she looks up at Simon.

She looks beautiful, Simon thinks.

He may not be fully inclined to marry her, but he has to admit that this is a beautiful ceremony, and if he has to be forced to marry anyone, he’s glad that it’s her, one of his closest friends.

He even finds himself smiling at her as she moves closer to him. Maybe this day won’t be as horrible and dreaded as he used to think it would. Is it possible that an arranged marriage isn’t as bad he has believed it to be?

He hopes so because after today, there is no going back.

Agatha looks up at Simon, and he tries to ground himself, hoping that he doesn’t look quite as lost as he feels. He reaches out a hand to her as she steps up to him. She smiles at him again, but he finds it hard to meet her eyes when he knows that neither of them really wants this. They decided to go through with this, though, so he forces himself to smile and act like he wants to be there.

They exchange the traditional vows, and Simon tries to think of it as promising to be her best friend until death does them part. It’s practically the same thing, right? They love each other, and it may not be the way they’re meant to, but it can be enough. They can make this work.

Simon is just about to say those life-changing words, the ones that will change everything and seal their fate, when the chapel doors slam open, the sound as they hit the wall stopping Simon with his mouth hanging open.

He and Agatha turn to see who is interrupting their wedding, and Simon finds none other than Baz Pitch standing there, looking like he can’t believe that he’s doing this either. He quickly pulls himself together, though, and stares intently at Simon, hoping that he isn’t too late.

“What is that vampire doing here?” The Mage hisses audibly.

No one responds to him, though. All eyes are on Baz, including Simon’s, and as his eyes find Baz, it’s like the world freezes, everything around him fading away so that all he can see is one man.

They say that when you die, your life flashes before your eyes, and in this moment, Simon has a similar experience, only it’s every moment that he has shared with Baz: Growing up next to him in a room at the top of a tower at an old boarding school. Following him down to the Catacombs that lay beneath the chapel night after night. A particularly bad fist fight where he went flying down the stairs. Getting lost in the woods and having to work together to find their way out. Watching Baz run across the football pitch. Glaring at each other across the dining hall. Trying to prove that Baz is a vampire. Spending Christmas together. And most importantly: kissing in a burning forest.

Simon watches it all play out with a deep ache in his chest.

He still doesn’t quite know why things played out the way they did after that night. He only remembers Baz inviting Agatha over to his house the next day and feeling immediately guilty about everything that happened between them the night before. (As well as that morning, right before she walked into the library.)

Simon could barely look at Baz after that, and they definitely didn’t ever talk about it. He couldn’t. If they had, Simon would have had to face more than his questionable attraction to a guy. He would have had to face the fact that he had betrayed Agatha in a way that he never meant to.

Telling her what happened would only make him feel better and bring her pain. He couldn’t do that to her. She didn’t deserve that. Their arranged marriage was pain enough for the both of them. He didn’t want to make that worse by admitting that he might have feelings for someone else.

Especially when that same person became one of his closest friends after they graduated.

Has Simon imagined what it would be like if things were different? Yes. Has he woken up countless mornings with a problem he couldn’t ignore after dreaming of a certain handsome vampire? He is embarrassed to admit that yes, he has.

But has he acted on those unrelenting feelings? No. Not since that last kiss in the library.

Anytime he is with Baz, he forces himself to focus on the fact that they are just friends. Friends who kissed a little back when they were young.

Now, they’re the closest of friends, and that’s not going to change.

Except that Baz refused to even attend Simon’s wedding. And now here he is, interrupting it in a way just as dramatic as when he returned to Watford for their eighth year after being gone for two months.

Simon wants to run over to him, the same way he wanted to back then, but he isn’t sure what he wants to do more: punch him or kiss him.

Maybe both. That’s the way it’s always been between them. A clash between hate and love. The hate melted away a long time ago, though, leaving only one thing in its wake, one thing that Simon has been trying to ignore for over several years now.

The wedding ceremony comes back to Simon slowly, and he realizes that everyone is waiting to see what he’ll do.

The thing is that he doesn’t know what to do.

He knows what he wants to do, but what is the right move here? Is there anything that he can do here that won’t wind up hurting anyone? He doesn’t think so.

He hears Penny behind him asking, “Are you going to be alright, Simon?”

It’s enough to snap him out of his haze, but it takes him another moment and Agatha saying his name before he is able to look away from Baz.

Simon can’t hear anything except for the pounding of his heart in his chest, and as he meets Agatha’s eyes, he feels guilt and a tightness in his chest as he’s torn between two people, two paths, two very different futures. One that has been planned out for him and one that is riddled with uncertainties.

He knows that everyone is watching him and waiting for him to do something, and it feels like he’s suffocating under the weight of all of their eyes.

“I…” he starts, and he has to stop to take in a quick breath. “I can’t breathe.”

“I know. It’s okay.” Her voice is soft and encouraging, and Simon knows then that she doesn’t deserve this. She deserves to be happy and not tied down to someone who is in love with someone else.

“I can’t do this.” He watches as her smile slowly falters, but he keeps going. “I thought we were doing the right thing, but this isn’t it.”

She shakes her head, but she doesn’t seem sad, or even all that surprised. “You don’t have to explain.”

“Agatha, I’m sorry.”

She smiles softly at him, closer to her real smile. “You deserve to be happy, Si. I’ll be fine.”

Simon wants to believe her, so he takes a deep breath and turns back out to face everyone.

He looks towards Baz and his gaze catches on the shimmering green suit and the eyeliner the lines his eyes, highlighting their bright silver color. He can almost swear that there is a bit of glitter in his hair, which hangs in waves around his face, the blue ends of it brushing his shoulders and catching in the light and making him stand out even more. He is breathtakingly stunning, and once again, Simon finds himself unable to take his eyes off of him. Only, this time, he doesn’t have to.

Taking a deep breath, he steps down from the altar, his movements slow and calculated. He still isn’t sure that this is the right move, but he thinks that it’s the right move for him and that’s what matters, right? Who cares what his father thinks?

His father never cared about him. He only cared about what an alliance with Agatha’s family could bring for him. He has never been interested in hearing about Simon’s thoughts or feelings, so why should Simon care what he thinks.

He shouldn’t, which is why he keeps walking back down the aisle, his footsteps picking up pace as his feet carry him closer and closer to Baz. His father makes one last attempt to stop him, but Simon says, “Enough.”

He’s done with him. He is no longer going to listen to his demands.

Just a couple of more steps and he reaches Baz. He doesn’t pause as he reaches out and grabs his lapels, pulling him in and kissing him like it’s the last thing he’ll ever do.

He doesn’t care what everyone else must be thinking. All he cares about is this one man.

Baz is all he has ever cared about even if it has taken until now for him to finally admit it.

[hiccanna-tidbits]

Hiccanna 100 OTP Questions Meme--Part 1

So I saw this 100 Questions About Your OTP post, and I decided to do them for Hiccanna! And...I am never doing one of these memes again, because this took forever XD I decided to split it in two to avoid just creating a giant Monster Post. QUESTION SOURCE: https://the-moon-dust-writings.tumblr.com/post/159857601812/100-otp-questions 1. Who loves flower crowns more? Anna is highkey obsessed with them! Especially kinda lopsided weird ones with sunflowers and shit. Hiccup likes them a lot too but is too embarrassed to ever admit it 2. Who is the one who likes to cuddle? Probably Anna tbh, she’s extremely huggy and cuddly and basically always initiates the cuddle sessions. Hiccup is secretly super grateful for this because he’s actually touch-starved as all hell but absolutely is not aware of it like cmon do you think big tough Stoic hugged him a lot growing up??? Kinda doubt it tbh 3. Who has awful taste in music? Depends on who you ask XD Hiccup has exactly 2 Music Moods--Stuffy classical orchestal stuff with a bunch of fancy violin and flute and whatnot, and edgy underground alternative hipster nonsense from bands no one has ever heard of. Anna, meanwhile, is a simple woman, who listens almost exclusively to shitty, catchy-butvery-unoriginal Top 40 hits and belts along with them to the radio, much to Hiccup’s chagrin XD 4. Who is the meme lover? A N N A she is a memelord supreme 5. How did their second date go? An...oddly specific question XD But I’ll take a stab at it. I imagine on their first date they went to see some high fantasy epic movie with fancy CGI (they’d both be HELLA into that--Anna for the magic and epic romances and Hiccup for the interesting magical creatures) and then gushed about it for hours afterwards, so their second date might be something a bit more lowkey where they’d just talk and hang out. I feel like they both probably are coffee addicts, so...a coffee shop date, maybe? And Anna gets some kinda chocolate pastry, of course! 6. How many children do they want/have? Tbh unpopular opinion probably, but I actually don’t think Hiccup and Anna would necessarily want kids??? They’re definitely the kind of couple who would love exploring the world and taking spontaneous adventures together, and you can do a lot less of that when kids are typing you down. Not to mention I think the full-time responsibility of having a kid would be pretty exhausting to Anna in particular, as someone who identifies with her a lot and has never wanted kids because even thinking about it makes me tired XD I mean sure, Anna has a nurturing side that comes out with Elsa sometimes, but she doesn’t have to use that ALL THE TIME (since Elsa is a grown-ass adult usually capable of sound judgement) like she would with a kid. But ALL THAT SAID if they DID end up having kids I don’t think they’d go too crazy with it, probably just 1. Or 2 at the VERY most. 7. Who hides the weapons? You mean like...in an AU where they’re infiltrating an enemy fortress or something? Probably Anna, since she’s the more innocent and harmless-looking of the two XD 8. Who is the better dancer? They both can’t dance for SHIT it’s absolutely cringeworthy but probably Anna at the end of the day because she probably spent a lot of time practicing in those empty ballrooms 9. Do/Did they have a theme wedding? They’d probably want to have some kind of a magic high fantasy theme, since they’d both be hella into that--and then it ends up morphing into “Dragons and Princesses” XD Anna ends up getting over-the-top fancy princess dresses for all of her bridesmaids and Hiccup has the time of his damn life making basically everything in the buffet dragon-themed. The cake is like half dark green or black scale-patterned and half fancy-patterned spring green tiers. It’s quite the event of the decade! 10. What do their parents think of them dating? Valka absolutely ADORES Anna and thinks she’s perfect for her son--the perfect blend of cheerful and compassionate when she needs to encourage him, but also badass and tough-spirited to protect him when she needs to. Stoic doesn’t really like Anna at first--he’s under the (mistaken) impression that she’s a wimp and finds her bubbliness kind of grating and annoying, and generally worries that dating her will just make Hiccup even more of a wimp. He’d rather him date a no-nonsense tough-as-nails asskicker like Astrid in hopes it would toughen him up. However, once Stoic sees Anna do something like punch someone out with no hesitation when they pick on her and Hiccup, Stoic comes around to Anna VERY quickly XD I feel like Agnar and Iduna would just be happy to see their daughter dating a sweet, dorky guy who loves her with all of her being and appreciates her for who she is. As long as he treats her well and makes her feel loved (which he most certainly would because he’s a precious cinnamon roll), he gets their stamp of approval. And hey, anything is an improvement over Hans XD 11. Are they a super sappy couple? Nah. I imagine they do a lot of PDA and probably hold hands or kiss in public a lot, but they’re not like...overly gooey in how they talk to each other, if that makes any sense. If anything, their flirting is painfully awkward, even AFTER they get together XD So much so that when they try to hit on each other in front of their friends their friends are like “oh my god STOP this is too much secondhand cringe for me to bear” 12. How did they get together? I like to imagine they’re friends for a long while but both of them fully 100% believe that the other is ridiculously out of their league and they’re irreparably trapped in the friendzone and one day they’re hanging out with their friends and awkwardly flirting with each other (but of couRse the other person isn’t FLIRTING they’re just being NICE they both figure) and finally Jack just shouts “oh my god will you two just fuck already???” and after a few minutes of utter mortification they just have the world’s most awkward love confession XD Anna finally relents and asks Hiccup on a date, and of course he says yes! 13. Who asked the other to get married? I can honestly imagine either of them asking but probably Hiccup. And he’s SO nervous about it that he starts straight stuttering the first few times he tries to ask and has to stop and change the subject XD He probably gets it finally after like...the 5th time. 14. Who stays up too late and makes stupid jokes? A N N A 100% I headcanon that she has pretty bad insomnia (that’s why she has such a hard time waking up and is so tired in the morning!) so she stays up to the wee hours of the morning with her brain spinning with incredibly weird thoughts and her sense of humor becomes nigh indecipherable after 3 am. 15. Who is the nerd? Hiccup obviously is this even a question??? He spends all day collecting dragon facts and lore and building weird scientific contraptions to help crippled dragons fly WHAT A NERD  16. Who knows the most obscure facts? Hiccup again, he knows so many dragon factoids and random scientific shit that Anna sometimes wonders how he manages to fit anything else in there 17. Who makes the other a flower crown? Anna! She makes ones for both herself and Hiccup and Hiccup begrudgingly wears his but secretly thinks it’s pretty and likes it because it reminds him of his dorky gf :3 18. Who likes to read? Both! I mean Hiccup obviously does because, as established above, he is a nerd, but Anna has canonically read every book in the Arendelle castle library, some twice, so she doesn’t NOT like to read. Hiccup probably reads more, though, between the two of them--Anna often doesn’t really have the attention span for it. 19. Who bothers the other person while the other person reads? ANNA she loves to constantly hang over Hiccup’s shoulder when he reads and drape herself all over him like a needy cat like “PAY ATTENTION TO MEEEEE” and Hiccup just lets out a defeated sigh and starts playing with her hair while reading and hopes this will be enough to appease the little gremlin It usually is 20. Who tutors the other? Hiccup tutors Anna, but she HATES having to ask and is actually pretty insecure about school just generally not coming as naturally to her as it does to Hiccup, so he’s always super patient and understanding with her and tries his very best to never get annoyed or frustrated if she doesn’t catch onto something right away. He doesn’t want her to ever feel stupid because he imagines it feels the same to her as when people call him weak and useless. Slowly but surely, he’s saving Anna’s grades--and building her confidence! 21. Do they have similar taste in movies? Hell yeah! They love that high fantasy shit. I also like to think Hiccup manages to get Anna into some sci-fi and Anna manages to get Hiccup into romcoms (ONLY the good ones, he insists, as he would not be caught dead watching a shitty romcom!) 22. How do their personalities compliment each other? I mean the most obvious one here is that Hiccup’s general pessimism and cynicism compliment Anna’s optimism and cheerfulness really nicely. He would be able to keep her grounded and get her to be more realistic about things, while she would encourage him to see the positive side of bad situations and be more hopeful about things in general. Also I love the contrast of Hiccup’s intelligence and more quiet, snarky nature with Anna’s rather boisterous personality and general naivitey (sp?) and energy. They’re like a downplayed version of the “the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one” trope and I think that’s beautiful. Also, they’d both be great at soothing the other’s isecurities--Anna would be Hiccup’s biggest cheerleader and would believe in him like no one else did, and would stop at nothing to pull him out of it when he started spiraling into self-loathing and thinking he’s a fuck-up. Hiccup, meanwhile, would be so smitten with Anna and would think that it’s the most obvious thing in the world that she’s an amazing human being in her own rite and never has to feel like the “spare” princess living in her sister’s shadow. And saying this without a shadow of a doubt, like it’s common knowledge, is often exactly what Anna needs to hear to feel a little better about herself. 23. How do they tell everyone that they are going to be having a kid/adopting a child soon? I...honestly don’t think they’d be that extra about it??? In fact, they’d be the sort of couple who would be so UN-extra about it that it would do a full 180 and be hilarious. Like they’d be casually brunching with friends and Hiccup would just casually be like “oh by the way, Anna’s 3 months pregnant” or “oh, by the way, we just signed some adoption papers and we’re picking our new kid up on Saturday” and all of their friends would be like “wait WHAT” and Hiccup would be like “Anyways what were you saying about the newest episode of Alien Space Shooters 3000?” XD  24. Who has better fashion sense? Hiccup, probably. I mean, Astrid caught him making OUTFITS! The horror! The dude is also way more effeminate and, uh...clothing-conscientious than he realizes XD Anna has decent fashion sense, but I imagine that’s like 90% because Elsa spices up/makes her outfits since Elsa’s really more of the fashionista XD 25. Who will punch someone out if they are rude to their partner? Try bullying Hiccup when Anna’s around. I dare you. You’re gonna get a fistful of Anna Rage and a very angry redhead screaming “THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY TO MY BOYFRIEND I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU” Look this woman punched a man off a boat and knocked a wolf half a mile away with a guitar thing she absolutely takes no shits and she can and will fuck you up if you so much as lay a finger on her precious dork Hiccup thinks this is really hot btw 26. What songs do they sing together in the vehicle? For whatever reason the first songs that come to mind are “Africa” by Toto and “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey. ALSO “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus since they both are, in fact, teenage dirtbags XD It also like perfectly describes the story of a modern AU where Hiccup the Loser is secretly pining for Anna the Nice Popular Girl who is dating Hans the Douchebag but that’s neither here nor there 27. What other couple would your otp get along with? Jackunzel, Jackunzel, Jackunzel!!! Jack and Hiccup would definitely be bros, even if they are not above mercilessly roasting and/or trolling one another XD And Anna and Rapunzel would be BEST FRIENDS if they ever met and I will DIE on this hill, I legit don’t think Anna would Vibe with any other princess as hard as she vibes with Punzel. They could be ADHD disasters together XD 28. Who likes to prank the other? Anna actually turns out to be quite the closet gadfly and has a secret side that LOVES pranks and generally trolling Hiccup, much to everyone’s surprise and Hiccup’s mild dismay. It’s always pretty innocent and subtle pranks, like switching books on his bookshelf or hiding his various possessions in weird places in the house, but Anna absolutely LIVES for that long, defeated sigh he lets out when he realizes he’s Been Had. 29. Who is the one who loves to take pictures? Anna takes pictures of EVERYTHING on her phone--scenery, flowers, cute animals they come across, weird buildings, pretty fountains, Hiccup when he’s not looking, EVERYTHING XD She also bombs all her social media accounts with selfies of her and Hiccup and captions gloating about how great he is and how you WISH your boyfriend was this cool and rad and Hiccup is both embarrassed and flattered by this. 30. How would they react if they found out they were soul mates? Anna, who probably never stopped fully being a sucker for fairy tale True Love stories and all that shit, would fangirl for hours and hours. Hiccup would just go, “Oh, neat!” and go back to whatever project he was currently working on XD I mean his logic is mainly that regardless of whether it’s “magically destined” or not, he’s gonna date Anna anyway, so it really doesn’t make a scrap of difference to him whether she’s dubbed by some Mystical Higher Power as his soulmate lol  31. Where would they live? Well...SOMEWHERE in Scandinavia, since that’s canonically where both Berk and Arendelle are XD I kinda like the idea of them spending part of the year in Berk and part in Arendelle...maybe spring and summer in Berk, and fall and winter in Arendelle? I imagine spring and summer are when there’s the most interesting dragon activity in Berk, and winter’s probably pretty festive and colorful in Arendelle, if OFA is anything to go by. And the fall color is pretty too, going by Frozen 2. Seems like a good compromise, since I doubt either of them would want to permanently move away from their homes. 32. What type of dragon would they own, if they could have one? Given the shipping this question is HILARIOUSLY ironic Well it just so happens they would have a type of dragon called a Night Fury and name him Toothless XD Anna would probably have a dragon of her own too--I conversed with someone on fanfic.net and did some research into all the HTTYD dragons, and I think the one I like her most with is a sand wraith, since they live on the beach and Anna certainly seems to like the beach, if her throwaway comment complaining Elsa doesn’t have “tropical” powers is anything to go by XD 33. If they were both vampires, what type of vampires would they be? First of all, fuck you for making me google “Types of Vampires” and then getting me aggravated because like nowhere on the internet is there a straightforward list of vampire "species” that isn’t like 5 miles long or just a meme XD Welp, I couldn’t really find a list of vampire species that wouldn’t take forever to look over, so I wrote a summary for a vampire fanfic instead Anna turns first. I imagine probably Hans turns her--tricks her into falling in love with him without knowing he’s a vampire, and then biting her when she’s off-guard to basically try to make her into a spooky sex slave or something. Anna starts seeing Hiccup in secret (who she knew before--he’s still human at this point), and eventually he asks her to turn him so that he can be with her without her outliving him and also so that they can team up and fight Hans together. Anna has a lot of reservations about turning him, but finally agrees. They end up kicking Hans out of his spooky vampire castle and taking it for themselves XD Anna eventually makes the best of being a vampire, and has a blast wearing all manor of fancy dresses and throwing extravagant balls. She’s pretty bummed about never getting to gorge herself on garlic bread again, though :( Hiccup doesn’t much like it, especially since a lot of animals are scared of him now and he doesn’t Vibe with nature quite like he used to D: Nonetheless, he decides to use the immortality to do some pretty neat projects and work on his contraptions and inventions and whatnot. I imagine they eventually devolve into kind of a vigilante duo, and make a point of only hunting down and feeding on bad people who are actively hurting or abusing other people or animals. A pretty good incentive to not like...do violent crime in this AU is those creepy old wives’ tales people tell their kids like “don’t be an asshole when you grow up, or the Haddock vampires will get you!” 34. What would they dress up as, for Halloween? Well Hiccup would be some sort of dragon, obviously! Anna I have no idea...but I kinda like the idea of her just dressing up as a generic fairy tale princess and then going around with Hiccup like “oh no, this dragon kidnapped me!” Both their friends and various trick-or-treaters get a kick out of the whole bit. 35. Can they name each other’s favourite food? But of course! Anna’s is chocolate, krumkake, and sandwiches, and Hiccup’s is crabcakes (yes, all this is actually canon! I do my research for fanfiction thank you very much lol). And you can bet they surprise each other by buying one another’s favorite foods all the time! 36. Do they have pet names for one another? In my fanfic I always have Hiccup come up with SO MANY for Anna, like in my Fire!Anna AU fanfic alone I have Fire Hazard, Firecracker, and probably a few others I can’t remember One headcanon I really like is that whenever Anna is especially ready to attempt to kick the ass of something she really should NOT fight (such as a giant snowman), Hiccup physically has to hold her back and goes “Whoa, slow down there, tiger” and this happens so frequently that eventually it gets shortened to just calling her Tiger XD And hey, with the orange hair and the feistiness, it still fits! As for Anna, she usually just calls Hiccup Dragon Boy or Nerd XD 37. How do they cheer each other up? I imagine Hiccup probably tries to distract Anna from whatever’s bothering her by making her laugh and talking in dumb accents or imitating his dad XD Anna would probably try to help Hiccup stay optimistic about a bad situation and try to point out the positives, but more in an encouraging way than like...an obnoxious, condescending “oh, it could be worse, count your blessings!” kind of way. And Anna has so much peppy energy about it that it actually does sometimes manage to pierce Hiccup’s cynicism and make him feel a bit better, if only for a little while before he starts once again imagining everything that could possibly go wrong XD 38. Do they show a lot of PDA? Eeeeeyup XD They looooove holding hands in public, and enjoy kissing dramatically in front of the sunset and such. I mean I imagine they don’t have hardcore makeout sessions in public or feel each other up sexually, if only because they don’t want to make people THAT uncomfortable. 39. How old were they when they got together? Depends on the AU you’re using and where in both their respective timelines they meet, but I imagine them meeting either as kids or in their early teens, and then taking so damn long to spit out how they feel that they don’t actually start dating until their late teens or early 20s. 40. Who is the one that would bring the puppy home? If it’s a puppy? Probably Anna. If it’s a kitten or a weird, injured reptile? Deeeefinitely Hiccup. 41. Can they do yoga couple’s poses? They most certainly CANNOT. I like to think Elsa and Honeymaren tried to teach them one time and have a yoga double date (because of COURSE Elsa would suggest that) and it ended with Anna and Hiccup butchering every last pose, repeatedly falling on their asses, and generally having a bad time. Poor Elsa and Honeymaren had to work hard to keep from just losing their shit laughing. 42. What is their song? I mean...I don’t know what their like...OFFICIAL song is, but the songs “West End Kids” by the New Politics and “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift have always had Big Hiccanna Energy to me. 43. What does their room look like? It’s divided pretty neatly in two. Hiccup’s side has a near-spotless floor, a desk with a perfectly-organized bookshelf and a very chic desk lamp, several movie posters and a hanging whiteboard with miscellaneous invention designs and reminders about random stuff written on it. Anna’s side looks like Hurricane Katrina just swept through, this time with a personal vendetta against snack wrappers. 44. Who would be the one to kill zombies while the other keeps them grounded? Anna would absolutely be the sort to just fuckin tear through hoards of zombies screeching battle cries and knocking them all upside the head with a crowbar, or just straight plowing down an entire hoard with some freaking machine gun she stumbled on and taught herself how to use because she wanted to be badass XD Meanwhile Hiccup is absolutely grateful for the protection because Anna can fuck up a LOT of zombies at once, but he also has to keep the girl from going TOO crazy and accidentally putting her impulsive dumbass in grave peril XD 45. Who makes the other breakfast in bed? Hiccup, for sure. He’s used to being up pretty early because I imagine you get the most dragon-flying and exploring in if you wake up early, and he knows food is basically the only thing that will make Anna not hate getting up, so he makes her breakfast in bed as often as he can to make waking up suck less. And sure enough, after a while Anna starts to hate the morning just a liiiiittle bit less XD 46. Who loves kids more? Anna! Given how fun-loving and energetic she is, she probably loves hanging out with and being around kids. Hiccup likes kids fine, but he often feels kinda awkward and weird around them (I mean...more so than usual XD) because he isn’t sure how to interact with them. When they’re around kids, Hiccup usually follows Anna’s lead on how to talk to them. 47. Do either of them have a crazy ex? Well Anna’s ex attempted to use her to infiltrate and take over a kingdom and then tried to murder her sister so I mean 48. What are their favourite colours? Going by their canon color schemes, I’m guessing Anna’s would probably be like spring green and magenta, and Hiccup’s would be a more dark, foresty green and red. 49. Who likes to cook? Hiccup. Anna can’t cook for shit because she generally doesn’t have the patience for it and would just as soon live off of freezer food if she could because it’s less trouble XD Hiccup is good at making/building things, which actually translates to him being a pretty good chef. He makes Anna food a lot and she absolutely ADORES his cooking. 50. Who is the forgetful one? Anna. Gotta love that ADHD babeyyyy! (I mean I’m practically irl Anna and I am NOTORIOUSLY forgetful so it’s gotta be her XD)

[zi-i-think]

14 | A Promise

Zuko x Ama (OC)

Word Count: 5500+

.☽☼☾.

~ Ama ☾ ~

          A long and deep sigh escaped my lips the moment I trudged back into my room after a long, hot bath. Last night was traumatizing, but today just sucked all the energy out of me. 

         Suh came back, eventually. She claimed that she just took a long walk and got lost in the city. But we all were suspicious of the claim. The thought of Suh just made my blood boil. For many reasons. Like insulting my culture and being involved with murder, just to name a few. But also because I hated seeing her with Zuko.

         I'd finally admitted to myself that I still had feelings for him and it was like I was diving head first into a jealous ex-girlfriend state. If you'd even call it that. The way she was able to wrap her arms around his waist and cuddle into him while he had to pretend to be madly in love with her made my stomach drop.

         Not like I'd ever express that it bothered me. Suh was still under the impression that Zuko loves her. Plus, can you imagine the embarrassment on my behalf. My friends have already been teasing me constantly about my jealousy since they got here and I wasn't about to let them be right about my dislike for her.

         In fact, I was still waiting for an apology from them. How I was right all along. 

         Running my fingers through my damp hair, I eyed the katanas over my bed. The two blades were crossed to make an 'X' shape with the dark green sheaths over them to protect the metal.

          I hadn't touched them since placing them in the spot over my bed. I was scared to ruin them or lose one. Mulan always took such good care of her blades. Almost like they were her own kids. They were her pride and joy. I kept them to keep her memory with me. Remind me about what I fight for. And in the moment of anxiety and stress, I needed the reminder.

          Kneeling on the bed, I reached up on the wall and removed just one of the katanas. I carefully slid the sheath off, revealing the reflecting and clean blade. I could vaguely recall the feel of Mulan's hand over mine while she tried to teach me how to wield it. But I could barely even picture it. Just like how I could barely recall her face. It's only been a year, but I've spent so much of that year trying so hard to move on that she was starting to disappear from my memory.

         "No, gorgeous, you slice with a katana. Not jab." I could still remember her voice though. "And your grip is all wrong. Move it closer to the guard." She could pick up anything I did wrong. Every movement and imperfection was called out and then fixed, until I'd mess up again.

         I examined my tired eyes through the reflection of the blade. And when I thought of what I was fighting for, I didn't see the blinding smile of Mulan like I would before. But instead I saw the golden eyes of Zuko.

          A soft tug pulled at my lips and my stomach fluttered. Something about falling back in love with the firebender made me dreamy. It was different than we were 18. We were trying to hold together a relationship that neither of us were ready for. Now it was different. We were adults who knew ourselves better and ready to complete another half.

         A tiny knock sounded at my door, getting my attention. My eyebrows furrowed curiously while I turned my head to the door. "Who is it?" I asked loud enough for whoever was on the other side to hear. I was far too exhausted to get up from my comfortable position.

          "It's me, Katara." My sister's soft voice was heard.

          I thought she'd have gone to bed by now. Like me, she barely got any sleep last night and looked mentally drained all day. "Come in."

          The door barely made a sound as Katara came in and locked the door behind her. "You need to lock your bedroom door." She told me tensely. I was about to ask what why but then realized that the palace was broken into and that Azula was out to get me. Katara's arms were wrapped tightly around herself while she walked over to me. "Whatcha looking at?" She sat beside me, her reflection coming into the katana's blade.

         "This was Mulan's signature weapon. She was very protective of it. Never let anyone touch it." A wistful chuckle left my lips, remembering how she'd shout at everyone to get their hands off the katana. "Except for me, of course. Just once, though, before she yelled at me because I almost dropped it."

          My sister giggled while I sheathed the blade. "She sounds like quite the perfectionist." Katara remarked as I crawled to the frame of my bed.

          "Oh, she was." I carefully placed the weapon with it's other half and then fell back into the bed, my head falling into my pillow. "She woke up the same time everyday, always had a plan for the day, always corrected people."

          Katara laid down on her side facing me. "Sounds like we would've gotten along."

         "I firmly believe that the two of you would have worked against me in arguments." I pointed a sardonic finger at her. I could just imagine Mulan and Katara instantly clicking and then being on my ass about little things like timing. There'd be no escaping it.

         "Maybe we'd help you with your little procrastination problem." Katara smirked, still a bit ticked off that I put off many of my bridesmaid duties. Really, I just put off the least important things. Not the fun things like making arrangements for Katara to try on wedding dresses or helping pick decorations. But those little things did eventually catch up to me and left me stressed for weeks.

         I rolled my eyes at her playfully. "So... are you going to tell me what really happened?" Of course Katara would be one to confront me about this. I was thankful for it really. I was never exactly the person to call out for help or to go to others to talk it out. But since we were kids, my sister always made sure that I could confide in her. Even if I didn't always believe it.

         I let out a soft exhale and moved to my side to face my sister, resting my head on my arm. "After 3 years of travelling and learning, there was just something missing, you know? I didn't know what that was until I met Mulan. She saved me from a group of bandits."

         "Oh, so you were the damsel in distress and she was your hero?" She teased, making me giggle and shake my head in humiliation.

         "Okay, yes. I was in distress, but it was like 5 of them against one of me. Two of which were earthbenders." I held up two fingers and then allowed my hand to flop back on the bed. "Anyways, she was a part of this group that protected villages and people from bandits and gangs."

         "Yeah, those have been on the rise lately." Katara frowned.

         "And that is why the Miraculous Bastards existed."

          A questioning snicker spilled out of Katara’s mouth at the name and she tilted her head with an amused expression. "The Miraculous Bastards? And I thought Sokka's nicknames were bad?"

         "Taon's idea. He was kinda like the ecstatic and reckless one." I told her, somehow feeling that there should be some sort of explanation for the odd name. "There was also Masha and Bono, they were siblings. We all had our own strengths and fighting styles. We were basically unstoppable."

         I could vaguely picture the nights after heroically saving a village. We'd sit around a campfire in our filthy clothing and our bodies feeling weak. Masha would prepare something to eat while Taon would sleepily shower her with compliments. Mulan's head would lay in my lap while she "rested her eyes" and Bono would write in his journal.

         My adoring smile for them fell. "I don't even know if they realized that they were going to be killed. The rock avalanche buried them all in moments. And Mulan was killed right in front of my eyes." My voice cracked and tears started to form in my eyes.

         Katara pulled me into her arms while she cradled me and I wrapped my arms around her. Her hugs were so comforting. "Katara I wanted to kill their murderers and I almost did in the most horrid way..."

         Katara was silent. I didn't need to say it, but she knew. Bloodbending was something neither of us took lightly. The way I reacted and the shame I felt, Katara could already understand it. While she used it to get almost revenge for Mom's death, I used it for Mulan.

         "And you didn't tell us because you didn't want to bring that part of yourself here." She put together like the people-reading person she was.

         "I guess it was going to come back to me no matter what." I somberly replied and shrugged to the extent that my shoulders allowed while I was in the cuddle.

          Katara shifted in the bed a bit, dragging one of the pillows down to rest her head. "I also need to apologise for not believing you about Suh."

         Finally, this was addressed. A light giggle left my lips. "I love being right." I felt my sister shake her head through the top of my head where her chin rested.

         "Can't you just accept the apology?" She complained and her shoulders tense up a bit.

         "Who said I didn't? I just needed to make it clear that I love being right. You guys should really listen to me more."

         "You know I would agree with you but listening to you has led to many bad situations." I moved away from the hug for a moment with a challenging look, ready to ask her to name some of these said 'bad situations'. But she was already one step ahead of me. "It was because of your crush on Jet that we trusted him, eating those berries that left us all sick for days, Sokka almost broke his arm once when you dared him to climb that one tree. Shall I go on?"

          Katara was right. I had my good moments, but thinking about it, there were also a lot of less than ideal ones that proved I wasn't to be followed blindly. At least, I shouldn’t have been trusted then. "Okay, but that was years ago.” I retorted. Still my sister chuckled at me with an unbelieving espression. "Shouldn't you be with your fiance?" I wondered since Katara isn't usually one to just come in to chit chat right before bed.

         "I felt stressed. Aang is great at cuddling, but I think I just needed some sister bonding time." She claimed, but it felt deeper than that. The fact that the first thing she did was lock the door, how her arms were wrapped tightly around herself, and now were locked around me. She was scared.

        No, not scared. Concerned. This was supposed to be her week. The one where she's nervous and just waiting to walk down the aisle to the person she'll be spending the rest of her life with. Not anticipating an attack to kill her sister. Not to mention, Azula threatened to burn Katara on the night of her bachelorette party.

        I tightly hugged Katara, rubbing her back. "I'm going to be fine, Katara." I assured her. "I beat Azula once before and I can do it again."

        Katara sucked in a breath and held it, like she was contemplating what she was going to say next. "Just promise me that you won't let your emotions get the best of you." She asked me quietly.

        "What do you mean" I wondered just as quietly.

        "Sis, Azula is the reason that Mulan is dead, she threatened me... She's playing some sort of sick game and you can't fall for it." She spoke in a hushed tone. Behind her plea, I could understand where her fear was coming from. She was scared I'd kill.

        The room fell silent in a thoughtful moment. I was positive that we would be able to beat Azula, I was just scared that she'd hurt someone. She had a list of people to choose from. There was also Zuko, Sokka, Toph, literally anyone close to me. I didn't want to think that I'd do something so evil, but if Azula even touched them, I don't know if I'd hold to that promise.

        "Ama." Katara pleaded after the quiet minute. "Promise me."

        A soft breath of air escaped my lips. I needed to restrain myself from anything I may regret. "I promise."

.☽☼☾.

        The days passed quickly. Sokka and dad spent the days barking orders. The amount of guards they placed around the palace was honestly a bit much. Every turn I'd make there was a Water Tribe warrior, in all their traditional furs and armor, posted at attention. I could only imagine how many of them would be at the wedding.

        Suh was indifferent. Everyone tried their best to stay nice to her so that she wouldn't catch on that we were on to her. And Zuko kept her as far away from the wedding planning as possible so that she wouldn't get a whiff of where the guards would be placed and also to keep her from sneaking off.

        Sucked for me. The firebender and I would only see each other at dinner. And even then, we couldn't really have our own conversation.

        I continued with my duties in helping Katara the best I could. Confirming the seating, the cake, the marriage officiant and quite literally everything else. Katara spent so much time second guessing everything she and Aang had previously decided, it was getting annoying. The pre-wedding jitters were getting to her. And it was bad.

        But when we weren't working on the wedding, the two of us would practice our waterbending. It killed two birds with one stone, because it both helped us calm down and prepared us for whatever Azula had planned.

        This morning, though, Katara didn't show up. Sitting on the bench in confusion, I just gave up on waiting for her. Maybe she's with Aang or slept in. I went to the middle of the training yard, and manipulated some water to my sides, moving it from side to side.

        Since it was just me, I was kind of limited with what I was able to do. I started with a water gimbal, two rotating rings of water around my body, and shot it at two practice dummies, the force of the water made the two fall back. I then spun my arm, taking more water from the snow and threw it at another dummy. The water turned to sharp ice at the end to strike it, but it missed and skimmed the neck of it.

        I stood there in surprise. I missed? I haven't missed in years. With a frustrated grunt, I took more water and did the same move. But throwing it with more force. The ice hit the dummy hard and it skidded back before it fell to the ground.

          A pair of fast and heavy footsteps coming in my direction caught my attention. My face twisted in confusion as I looked over seeing Sokka run towards me with his arms out beside him. "What are you doing?" He stressed the question.

        I took a second to observe what he was wearing. His formal dark blue Warrior getup that made him look more muscular and his hair was slicked back tightly into his wolf tail. I cocked an eyebrow at him and put my hand on my hip. "What am I doing? What are you wearing?"

        My brother's jaw dropped and he stopped in front of me. "Are you stupid woman!?" His arms flung out in front of him when he asked the question. I glared at him lightly and crossed my arms to give him a threatening look. "Uh, I mean. What are you wearing? We are supposed to be at the airship docks in literally thirty minutes."

        The color drained from my face and my arms fell at the realization. "This has to be some sick joke, Sokka." I denied, nervously laughing as I shook my head. He always played jokes. This had to be one of them. "The guests are arriving tomorrow."

        "The wedding is tomorrow!" Sokka grabbed my shoulders and shook me back and forth. "They're! Arriving! Today!"

        "Shit!" I threw Sokka's arms off me and spirited back inside.

        "Run! Run like the wind!" Sokka shouted in the background. My legs carried me through the halls. I almost ran into a few maids. I probably would have if all of them were actually working here in the palace instead of setting up for tomorrow.

        How did I forget this? I’m the fucking maid of honor!

        I swear the running from the training yard was probably more of a workout than I thought I was going to be getting.

        I turned one corner, and immediately jumped to my left to avoid crashing into the blur of a person. "Sorry!" I called the apology but didn't bother seeing who it was.

        "What the fuck, Ama!" Toph's annoyed voice shouted back.

        My hand gripped the head of the staircase pillar, my body swinging to turn and sprint up the stairs. I had to make another right turn at the top. This time I wasn’t so lucky and bumped right into a firm chest. Thanks to momentum, I started to fall back, but whoever I just crashed into grabbed my wrist and pulled me back up.

        Once I got my balance back, I looked up to see who I now had to apologise to now. Just my luck, it was Zuko. Not alone, however, because Suh was right there, sending me the deadliest of glares. Because how dare I bump into her boyfriend. His face was scrunched up in confusion and he opened his mouth to question me.

        As much as I wanted to hear his gorgeous, fruity voice, now was definitely not the time. "My bad!" I hopped around him and continued with my mission.

        Approaching my room, Suki luckily stepped out of her and Sokka's room in her Kyoshi uniform. "Suki." I gasped for air and realized that there was no way I'd be able to form a coherent sentence. "Help. No time. Clothes."

        She took one look at me, seeing that I was in old, workout clothing and got the idea. An amused laugh came from her lips. "Oh my Spirits, Ama. You have five minutes tops." She commented, the two of us hurrying into my room.

        I gave her a thumbs up and scurried to the bathroom for the quickest shower I've ever taken in my life. Suki was turned away from me when I stepped out of the bathroom naked. But she had my undergarments, dress, and everything else laid out on the bed for me.

        I threw the lavender dress on and then the long purple fur coat. "You decent?" Suki asked just as I pulled my hair out from under the layers.

        "Yep." I responded and scurried over to the end of my bed. She handed me the hair brush and waited til my hair was smoothened out to start putting my hair into a traditional style as I put on my fur boots, trying not to bother her.

        "You are a mess." She giggled at me, moving to the other side of me, grabbing another chunk of hair from the underside of my hair.

        "Tell me about it." I rolled my eyes with a deep sigh.

        "But you look good, despite taking four minutes to get ready." She wiggled her eyebrows in a teasing way. And here comes the taunting. "I don't think Zuko's going to be able to take his eyes off of you."

        I froze for a fraction of a second. The entire week, not one person taunted me about Zuko. Which was ironic. So I was kind of caught off guard. A nervous laugh left my lips. "What? No, that's false."

        "Oh please, Ama. Every chance he gets he takes a peak at your gorgeous self." Suki shook her head, finishing up the last tie in my hair. "And with Suh being, well evil, I think the two of you have a chance."

        I had to restrain myself from laughing out loud and telling her that she's on hundred percent right. Well, not saying that Zuko and I were going to fall back in love and then la-di-da we get married, just that there's a chance.

        "I'd make a comment, but we really need to get going." I reminded her. Suki nodded rapidly and we raced down to meet the rest of the group at the front of the palace.

        Everyone was already sitting in the two separate carriages, just waiting for us to get on so that we could head to the docks. "Finally!" Katara stood from her seat to shout at us.

        "Sorry!" I called back. Suki and I jumped into the carriage with Sokka, Toph and Haru. We let out a simultaneous breath of relief that we weren't late, which was a miracle.

        Sokka shook his head in disappointment at me. "Sis, you have a problem with time."

        “Shut up.” I grumbled and just let my body relax into the leather seats. The carriage lightly jolted forward as the buffalo yak started to move us away from the palace and to the docks.

        “Snowcone, don’t you have a schedule or something? I mean, you are the maid of honor.” Toph pestered me with her signature smirk.

        “We all make mistakes, people. Just give me a break.” My fingers pinched the bridge of my nose. I love my friends dearly. But sometimes, I’d prefer if they didn’t tease me so much.

        “I don’t think you’ll be getting a break anytime soon, girlie. Cause Suh is staring daggers straight at you.” Suki giggled and bumped her shoulder to mine. I kissed my lips, clearly annoyed, and straightened my posture in my seat. 

          The way the carriages were made was so that four people could sit in each of the seats and there were two long seats facing each other on both sides. Suh sat facing the back, and I sat facing forward. So she was able to stare right at me without even having to move her neck.

        Zuko sat next to her, engaged in a conversation with the others. The malicious woman was the only one who wasn’t even trying to interact with the others.

          The two of us made eye contact, and I couldn’t help but narrow my eyes hatefully back. Sending her an even sharper glare. A tiny and mischievous smirk played at her lips. She hand slithered up Zuko’s and rested it on his bicep. The firebendered paused in his conversation to give his clingy girlfriend attention. His soft smile turned into a grin, seeing her imploring eyes.

        I clenched my jaw and looked away from the couple and at the snowy landscape of the South. Despite being fully aware that his grin was fake, it still bothered me to see them together. Which was exactly why Suh felt the need to showcase that she was the one dating the Fire Lord.

        And sickening enough, I felt comfort knowing that Zuko was loathing her touch. That he was probably imagining that it was my arm wrapped in his. My lips curved ever so slightly at the thought.

        Before I knew it, the carriage came to a stop. I turned my head to the opposite side, realizing that we were already at the airship dock. I was the last person to step out of my group’s carriage and was already being approached by an irritated sister.

        Katara’s hands rested on her hips with an irked head shake. “How could you possibly forget that people were arriving today? Did you also forget that the wedding was tomorrow?” She fumed. I flinched a bit at her tone. “They’ll be here any minute, we were almost late!”

        “I thought today was thursday.” I gave her my pathetic excuse with a nervous smile and shrug.

        Katara sucked in a deep breath and her glare gave me the idea she was just about to strangle me. Aang came up behind her, rubbing his hands up and down her arms soothingly. “Sweetie, why don’t you go greet your dad.” He suggested quietly to calm her down a bit. His fiance nodded as she let out her breath slowly. Katara walked faster in front of us while Aang and I took a moderate pace to the greeting area.

        The airship dock was huge. The snow and ice was cleared away from the slabs of rock for a safe landing and so that everyone could walk without slipping. Since not everyone was as accustomed to the natural snowy ground of the Southern Water Tribe. A line of pine trees were planted on the sides and two large ice sculptures with the Water Tribe insignia on top stood off to the side.

        “She’s more anxious than I thought.” I worried for my sister out loud.

        Aang let out a deep chuckle while we both looked over at her, blabbering about something to dad while pointing in various spots. “Can’t blame her. I mean she has both a wedding tomorrow and Azula to worry about.”

        “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.” I apologised for probably the thousandth time in the past week.

        Aang kissed his lips and shook his head at me. “Can’t blame you for something Azula is doing.” He, yet again, assured me. “We’re going to be ready for whatever she has to throw at us.”

        I gave Aang a thankful smile. “I’m really glad that Katara is marrying you.” I meant that genuinely. Aang always treated my sister with respect and as an equal. Never looked down upon her. Instead, they always picked each other up and encouraged each other to be their best selves. They were perfect for each other.

        “But if you ever hurt her, not even the Avatar state will be able to save your ass.” Aang’s grateful grin fell as fast as he could run. His face flushed at my threat and he nodded rapidly. “Good talk!” My expression changed completely and I gave Aang a cheerful grin and firmly shook his shoulder.

        “The first ship is arriving, people!” Sokka’s commanding voice announced. “And by the looks of it, it’s Earth King Kuei!”

        At a fast pace, everyone got into formation. Aang and Katara stood up front and in the middle with their arms linked, Dad, being the Head Chieftain, stood close by with Malina. I stood on Katara’s side, along with Sokka, Suki and a couple others. On Aang’s side, stood Zuko and the rest of the group.

        I smoothened out my dress and fixed my posture. Shoulders back, head up, a welcoming smile. My excitement grew each second. I hadn’t seen my old friends in so long. I wondered how much of their lives had changed.

        I glanced to my side, seeing Zuko glancing back. I bounced my eyebrows in an attempt to communicate my excitement. His chest rose in his quick chuckle at me before we focused our attention back onto the dock.

        The first Earth Kingdom airship landed delicately. The gold insignia on the green material of the blimp already screamed Earth King. The ramp lowered and King Kuei happily walked down, but shivered at the sudden cold air. Beside him walked everyone's favorite bear, Bosco. And someone new was at his side as well, with her arm locked onto his. The woman was dressed in regal clothing and a heap of jewelry.

        “Welcome, King Kuei.” Hakoda bowed his head and the Earth King bowed as well. “A pleasure to have you here. Earth Queen Lina.” He bowed to the woman.

        “Oh course!” The king exclaimed. “Wouldn’t miss the Avatar’s wedding for the world!” He turned to Katara and Aang and bowed to them. “Congratulations, you two.”

        And the greetings went on. More Earth Kingdom blimps brought Haru’s mother, the Kyoshi warriors, Bumi. Overall, everything was pretty formal. More bowing and congratulations. Katara and Aang looked so happy seeing all their friends arriving and being in one place.

        Then the Fire Nation ship arrived. Iroh stepped out first, followed by Ursa, Noren and Kiyi. The next family to exit the ship was Mai’s mother and little brother. Iroh wore a large grin of his face and had a skip in his step while he approached us.

        “Welcome to the Southern Water Tribe. It is a pleasure to have the rest of the Fire Nation royal family joining us.” My dad bowed.

        “The pleasure is all ours.” Iroh responded with a rumbling chuckle. “After all, it would be a terrible mistake to pass up the chance of witnessing such a beautiful marriage.” He, and the others, bowed to Aang and Katara.

        “Ama!” Kiyi’s bubbly voice exclaimed and she ran towards me.

        “Woah.” I chuckled in surprise at her sudden hug. “Hey, kiddo.” I had to bend down a little in order to hug the girl back, but she was still significantly taller than 6 years ago. “Look at you, you’re so tall!” She kept her hair short, cut at shoulder length, and still had those inspiring, innocent brown eyes.

        Kiyi stepped back with a bright, childlike smile. “I know I’m twelve now! You missed so much! Zuko’s been teaching me firebending and I started school like a while back, obviously-!”

        “What, you won’t say hi to your older brother first?” Zuko interrupted the pre-teen with an amused smirk.

        Kiyi’s hand went up to block her brother. “You’re insignificant to me right now.” She rolled her eyes. Zuko and I’s jaws dropped and he faked a scoff. His mother stepped forward to him with a loving smile to hug her son. “Anyways, Zuko was writing to me about the polar bear dogs and that there's a whole stable of them?”

         “Oh yeah.” I nodded. “I’d be more than happy to take you to see them before you guys leave, if your mother allows it.”

          Kiyi turned to look at Ursa with a pleading look. Her hands were placed under her chin and she pulled out the most impressive puppy eyes I’ve ever seen. “Please mom. I promise I’ll be good.”

          Ursa let out a morthly sigh and glanced at Mai’s mother. “Take Tom-Tom with.” She concluded. Both Kiyi and Tom-Tom jumped up in excitement with a loud ‘yes’.

          “And I’ll go with.” Zuko joined in. Suh furrowed her eyebrows, being slightly taken aback by his volunteering. He turned to his girlfriend. “You can spend an hour or two with Mai, right?” As soon as he said that Mai’s head fell into her hand.

         “Perfect.” Ursa gave me a pleased smile.

         My stomach exploded in butterflies. Finally. A moment with Zuko. Even if we were technically babysitting and he was probably offering because he needed to protect his sister if Azula showed up. It was a moment nonetheless. We just had to hope that Azula didn’t try anything before then.

.☽☼☾.

~ Azula ϟ ~

         I sat on the highest chair in the unpleasant cavern. It was no throne, but it did well to get me the respect I deserved. One leg was crossed over the other and my fingers intertwined dominantly. A satisfied smirk grew on my painted lips as I looked over yet another piece of my puzzle. 

         A group of perhaps 30 men and women sat in the old ice cavern, gobbling up their food like the greedy, yet desperate people they were. Some spun small knives, while others swung a sword side to side. Then there were other who’d rotate small chunks of rock in their hands or manipulating fire or water.

         “I must say, Bohan, Puha. I didn’t know you two could pull it off so well. I’m impressed.” I hummed with pride. With just a cocked eyebrow and a tilted head that screamed my curiosity the two glowed in self-satisfaction. “How did you do it?”

         Bohan’s chest rumbled in a boastful chuckle. “You have any idea how many people are out there who hate the Avatar?” He questioned me. I knew that there was definitely a large number, but for them to find so many in such little time, it baffled me. 

         I looked out at them all again. Benders and nonbenders all in one place with a hate for the Avatar. Here to serve me in my quest. Just for the pleasure of ruining a wedding.

.☽☼☾.

Lowkey though. I wrote some of this while tipsy and the part with Ama and Suki I wanted to write "Ama and Suki kiss and left Sokka and Zuko to live in a cottage with tons of flowers and baked everyday." Lmao.

If you liked the chapter please consider giving it a like, it always brightens my day. I love you all liked it! I loved writing it!

Hang Loose, amigos 🤙🏼

[hockeybabestars]

New Year, Same Us - Auston Matthews - Eight

a/n: im going out of town for a football game/visiting friends this weekend and i’m not bringing my computer so i thought i would post this early for yall!! thank you to every person who has been keeping up with this story and liking or reblogging! you mean so much to me! i hope yall enjoy the longest chapter of new year same us, to make up for the shortest in chapter seven (yikes!) we’re almost through with this story yall! we have a lil flashback in this chapter! (in italics) and finally have the prompt that started it all! (in bold)

September 18, 2018

Austons P.O.V

“Aus?!” She yelled from her room. “Are you almost ready?” 

I had been ready for 20 minutes and was sitting on our couch waiting for her to finish up. “Yeah I’m ready now!” I rolled up my sleeve to get a better look at my watch, “are you almost ready? It would look really bad if my plus one made us late.” I snicker as I heard her heels clack, the light to the hallway going off simultaneously.

 I got up from the sofa as she entered, and boy, was I going to have to keep an eye on her tonight. She looked stunning. The light pink dress cinched her curves in all the right places, and her hair was in waves. She was like something out of a dream. She didn’t bat an eye as she went to the kitchen looking for the keys. I came up behind her and dangled them in her face, and before she could snatch them I pulled them away. She reached for them again but I held them behind my head, and suddenly she was all too close to my face. I glanced down at her lips, wanting to kiss them badly but then I quickly diverted back up to her eyes. “You look stunning (Y/N).”

I could feel her breath hitch against my own lips and the minty flavor of her gum hit my nose before she smiled genuinely, her signature smile where her lips tilted a little crooked at the corners, and it made my heart flutter. “Thanks Aus, you don’t look too bad yourself.” 

She stepped away and we did a once over of our apartment, making sure we didn’t forget anything. I grinned and opened our front door for her, watching her walk as she went. I locked the door and we went down the hall towards the elevator, “just out of curiosity,” she toyed with a strand of her hair, eyes flicking up to me through long lashes, “how much did your suit cost?” She was smirking at me and I couldn’t resist really. “Wanna bet on it?” The elevator dinged for us to get on and she rolled her eyes, “do I even have a choice?”

“No use fighting at this point babydoll.” I flashed her my signature smirk as the floor indicator ticked down.

“Does that really work on girls?” She played.

“Apparently not on you.” I laughed but deep down I kinda hoped it did.

“It’s because I know you better than you know you.” She stated matter of factly. She did though. That was the scary part. We hit the first level and strolled out, before she added thoughtfully, “did you want it to work on me?”

I felt my cheeks flame, and was thankful she was walking slightly ahead of me, “uhh,” I faltered before gaining my confidence back, “depends on if you wanted it too.” 

She stopped for a split second, giving me a chance to catch up before she continued walking, this time leaning into me a little bit, “maybe.”

My heart jumped at that, “Still wanna make that bet?” I opened the car door for her. She thanked me and I hopped in the drivers side.

“Am I betting high or low.” She gave me side eye as she buckled her seat belt and we were off.

“What do you think?” I grinned. There’s no way she gets this. “Do you know your suits? What brand am I even wearing?” I smiled. 

I could feel her eyes on me as mine were on the road, and she reached over and ran her finger down the lapel of it, feeling the fabric. I tried to concentrate on the road but she was leaned over the console examining the details of my suit, looking for anything that would give away the designer or price. I needed to think fast, I could tell this would be a long night already and it hadn’t really even begun. 

I swatted her hand away, “hey stop it! that’s cheating.” I smiled and looked over at her as we hit a light. She placed her palm flat against my chest as she mocked me, pulling her lower lip into a pout. I could feel my heartbeat pick up and surely she could too.

 “Just seeing what I have to work with Aus.” The nickname melted off her tongue like butter and really I only like it when she says it anyway. The light flashed green and I grabbed her hand off my chest, entwining our fingers together and resting them over the middle console. “I’m betting high, what like $7,000? Is that too much for a suit? What is it Gucci? Aren’t you like their poster boy or something?” 

I laughed at her accusations and she squeezed my hand a little too hard. “Ow! Jeez woman that hurt. Those are my money makers!” 

She swatted at me again, “sorry not sorry. Isn’t like half your closet Gucci or something. I feel like I should know this but I’m really drawing a blank here.”

A smile crept up onto my face. She’s cute when she’s thinking too hard. She always over thinks or over-analyzes everything. It’s like it’s written in her DNA or something.

She looked over at me and I attempted to keep a straight face, “it’s Gucci isn’t it.” I nodded. “$7000 close?”

I kept a tight lip. She turned towards me, “it’s fuckin higher isn’t it!!!” Her voice raised towards the end and I burst out laughing. 

“$10,000.” Her jaw dropped, “what do I get since you couldn’t guess it?”

“I can’t believe you spent $10,000 on a suit.” She was in awe, “that’s like a trip to Europe, or a down payment on a car, what are you psycho?”

“Are you really belittling me right now?” I chuckled, “you guessed $7,000 that’s just as high!!!” 

“Yeah but-“

“But what? $7000 okay to drop but $10 is too much?” Her face went blank as she tried to process it and I howled as her eyebrows knit together. She was something else.

“I hate you.” She fought to keep the smile off her face.

“Your mouth says otherwise.” She covered her lips with her hands as we pulled up to the venue, she finally pulled them off as we valeted the car. And as we walked into the rustic barn I elbowed her a bit, grinning wildly, “seriously though, what’s my prize since you didn’t guess right?” 

She linked our arms as we tried to figure out where we were sitting and smirked at me, “Bragging rights.”

“I bet we could make it a little more interesting.”

“Oh of course you bet huh.”

“You owe me a dance.”

She pouted. “Aus-“ 

“Nuh-Uh. We’re dancing later, it’s the least you can do.”

I can tell she wanted to press me further but instead she just nodded, “Okay.”

“Wow, I didn’t think that would be this easy. I need to win bets more often.” I knew how much she hated dancing. It was because she had two left feet and literally tripped over herself on any normal day. She didn’t like to embarrass herself. The truth was, she wasn’t a bad dancer at all. She could dance fine by herself, especially after a drink or two. But she was clumsy enough that partner dancing wasn’t really her thing. I always try to get her to at weddings and events but she doesn’t budge. She's stubborn as hell, but it’s why I love her. She doesn’t change for anyone. Not even me. I always ended up finding some random bridesmaid to dance with at these things, but tonight she was mine. 

We wandered further into the barn stopping for a few pictures together before the ceremony as Paige snapped away on her phone and a film camera as well. Mitch and Steph found their way to us too and soon enough we had group pictures with the six of us, then guys, girls, and finally as we finished up it was about time to find our seats. 

The Tavares wedding was really going to be something. Greenery was everywhere and there was a modern feel to their set up even with the more natural elements. I put a hand on (Y/N)’s lower back and guided her to our seats on the grooms side. We were in the middle back and slid into the refurbished white bench with ease, the rest of our group following suit, filing into the row after us. I wrapped an arm around the back of (Y/N)’s seat as she crossed her ankles, leaning into me while we waited for the ceremony to start. A comfortable silence settled over us and somehow both our free hands found each other on their own accord. Soon enough she was playing with my fingers, clasping and unclasping them, tracing the outline of my hand and holding our palms up to watch our hands align. It was something we had done plenty of times before. Whenever we got bored or were watching Netflix or at family events. It was inevitable that our hands would meet. Her hand was a lot smaller than mine, and we quietly played a game of thumb wars before the loud chattering settled down. I could hear the preacher say to rise, so I gently grabbed her hand in mine and lead her up. She was still leaning into me as we waited for the bride to make her way down the aisle. 

John and Aryne chose to say their own vows although short and sweet. It was nice. Being here, celebrating them. (Y/N) was the perfect wedding date. She was classy and reserved when needed but could definitely open up and make conversation with anyone who approached her. And soooo many people approached her. Which was crazy because she was the plus one. But that’s just (Y/N), stealing everyone’s heart the way she stole mine. 

It had to be obvious at this point. I thought my incessant flirting and annoying her every chance I got would be enough to give her the hint, but apparently not. I thought that living together was another sign that maybe I was kind of into her but she just took it at face value since it was the most logical option. I think I really realized how I've felt this past May. I mean, it was there all along, but I didn’t admit it to myself until then. She started hooking up with some random guy at college, and when I walked into some kid in our apartment it made my stomach lurch. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that sick in my life.

I had talked to her earlier in the day. We were on a long road trip in the west and I was excited to get back and see her. 

It felt like maybe things had been changing between us lately, and I wanted to get back and test the waters a little just to see if she even felt a tiny bit the same. It was easy with her. I missed her like crazy, constantly texting to see what she was up to, and sending snapchat updates of what the boys and I were doing, just because I knew she would send a picture back and I could see that gorgeous face again. 

Our flight was delayed because weather in Toronto was pretty bad.  And we didn’t end up landing till pretty late. I texted her when we landed at 12 that I would be home soon. I never got a response so I figured she was asleep. 

What I didn’t expect, when I came home at 1am on a Saturday, was some random guy going through the cupboards in our kitchen with just his boxers on. 

“Uh who are you?” I had a sour taste in my mouth.

The guy looked up from his position on the floor, going through the bottom cabinets and I swear almost shit himself. “Oh my god you’re Auston Matthews.” I frowned. Oh jeez a hockey fan, how rare in this city! He shook his head in disbelief and stood up, walking over to me and put his hand out for me to shake. I took it, begrudgingly. “I’m Reese, it’s really nice to meet you, although I never thought it would be like this.”

I scoffed, but he didn’t seem to notice. He found (Y/N)’s post it notes on the kitchen island and pulled one off handing it to me, “do you think you could sign this for me?”

“What the hell is going on here? Reese I thought-” (Y/N) ‘s voice sounded a little groggy, like she might’ve been sleeping, but when she came out of her room, only clad in black lace underwear and a t-shirt I presumed to be his, my breath caught in my throat. One because she looked damn good. And two because she was wearing his clothes and practically nothing else. I felt a fire in my chest. I swallowed hard and tried to remain neutral. 

When she finally realized I was home her eyes went wide. “Oh, uh, hey Aus.”

“(Y/N) you didn’t tell me your roommate was the Auston Matthews.” This guy was still here?

She uncomfortably glanced over at me. Yeah me too. “Uh roommate? Try best friend.” I said smugly.

“I didn't see a reason to bring it up.” She said. Ouch that hurt.

“Sorry Reese bro, but I’m gonna have to ask you to leave, I really need to get to bed and I’m sure your friend (Y/N) here can fill you in on all the dirty details later. Have a great night.” I walked past them and into my room, shutting the door. Trying to get ready for bed without my head exploding from everything that just happened. I waited until I could hear him leave before I went and knocked on her door.

“What Matthews?” I opened it slightly and peered in, leaning on the door frame and watching her fix her bedding a bit, now in another old t-shirt. 

“Matthews huh? Can I come in?” She nodded and crawled under the white comforter patting the spot next to her. I sat down on top of it before rethinking this whole situation. “Actually can we go to my room?” I wasn’t really comfortable that they just fucked in here and wasn’t too keen on sitting in the bed that someone else got to touch her in. 

She nodded and as I grabbed her hand, I felt tingles. I didn’t dare to look behind me as I lead her to my room. We crawled under the covers and sat against the headboard.

 We stared up at the ceiling a bit before she turned to me. “You’re so dramatic.” 

I looked over to her and I could tell she was slightly upset. “But I know that’s not exactly the most fun thing to come home to and I’m sorry.”

“S’okay. Were you ever gonna tell me you were kinda seeing someone?” My jealousy got the best of me, and I couldn’t help but let it seep into my voice a little as I ask.

“No not really, you never tell me when you do...So.” She shrugged, and I tilted my head back a little, groaning.

“You don’t tell people we’re friends either?” It sucked knowing that maybe she was ashamed of me for whatever reason. I always told everyone about her. I loved to talk about her and how proud I am of her for working hard in college and her internship which she officially secured, and just being the amazing, kind hearted person that she is.

“It’s different… I- I don’t tell strangers or people I just met or at least until I have a grasp on their personality. I stopped doing that a long time ago. I can never tell if they want to be friends with me, or have a relationship with me, for me or to get to you.” 

“Oh.” It sucks, but it makes sense.

“Oh. Is right. Also I don’t want people to be up either of our asses if they're just clout chasers.” She smiled, shaking her head as I laughed, “Just not how I want to spend my time.”

I sighed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to kick him out, that was just weird and I wasn’t expecting you to have company and-“

“Auston. It’s okay. I should’ve warned you in some way, or gone to his place. Maybe this whole thing could’ve been prevented. I’m the one who’s sorry. That situation was pretty awkward.” I don’t want her at some guys place. I want her with me.

I grabbed her hand and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. My stomach churning as I did so, “Stop worrying. Don’t be sorry either. We good?” She nodded and entwined our pinky’s. “Always.” And with that she slipped out of the darkness of my room and back down the hallway to hers. And my heart ached with every step.

Maybe I wasn’t doing enough, maybe I just needed to be upfront. 

I took a swig of the beer I was drinking and set it back on the table as I watched her converse with Steph, Paige, and Aryne, Probably complementing the bride on her gown and the allure of the wedding.

Pretty soon we were eating steak, mashed potatoes and wedding cake, and my stomach was all too full when the bride and groom shared their first dance. I looked to (Y/N) to see her swooning at John and Aryne adoringly. She was facing the back of her chair, hands resting on the back of it, and chin resting on her hands. “Don’t you just love those two together?” Her nose crinkled. It was really cute.

I stood and held my hand out to her as other couples started to join in on the dance floor. She looked up to me, eyes slightly glazed from her glasses of champagne, but I knew she was at a good level. Sober enough to make good decisions, buzzed enough to have a good time. “Are you gonna dance with me?” My heart felt like it was racing as I waited for her answer.

She took my hand so I took it as a yes. I lead her out to the dance floor, Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran coming on as we stopped in the middle. She wrapped her arms around my neck and my hands settled on her waist, pulling her close. My stomach churned with nerves and a little bit of excitement. I looked down at her, her head on a swivel, looking everywhere but me. Other people are looking at us and her brow knit in confusion. Her hand was burning a hole where it was placed flat against my chest. 

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” I touched her forehead lightly, then bringing my hand back down and wrapping it around her waist securely.

She looked back to me, eyes widening, “It’s nothing.”

“You know you can tell me anything right?” I tried, pulling her back into me as she slowly tried to pull herself away. “That’s what friends are for. And hey, quit trying to leave me!” I laugh, grinning. “Were kind of in the middle of that dance you owe me.”

She smiles back softly but glances around the room again, this time almost self consciously. “It’s just that… I don’t know- I don’t really know how to say it without sounding weird.”

“Are you okay? Is something wrong? You know nothing you say will ever sound weird to me? I’m pretty sure we’ve been through it all.” I leaned my forehead against hers and try to ease her mind but she seems so off. I don’t know what happened because everything seemed normal when we first got here.

She took a breath and pulled back a little looking right at me, “Everyone thinks we’re a couple.” I could see the nerves riddling her features and it made me curious as to why. It’s not what I was expecting, but it made me grin, “I know.” 

“You know? It doesn’t bother you?” Her nose scrunched again.

“Should it? Does it bother you? I mean, personally I think I could do worse as far as fake lovers go, but…” She playfully shoved me and we fell right back into place, swaying as the song went on melodically.

“It really doesn’t bother you?” She seemed unsure, but avoided my question nonetheless, looking up at me as if the only answer I could give would be yes. That it does bother me. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I shrugged trying to play it cool, “why would it bother me?”

 “I don’t know…” She looked away, back to the surrounding crowd as the song changed. “You’re Auston Matthews.” She huffed. “You can get any girl you want. Wouldn’t people believing that… we’re an item… wouldn’t that get in the way?”

I grabbed her hands in mine, looking down at them. She instinctively clasped them together and my heart warmed as I glanced back up at her. “That’s just the thing.” We had stopped dancing at this point, and I’m pretty sure we were in the way of people trying to dance, but I didn’t mind. “You don’t see me as the Auston Matthews. You never did. You just see me as Auston Matthews, your extremely good looking and talented best friend.” I smirked.

“Way to ruin it.” She laughed.

I gently pulled her closer, “you see me as the dumb kid who broke his arm at your eighth birthday party, and the horrible friend who spilled punch on your prom dress, and the annoying son of bitch who always tries to force you to dance. You never see me as someone who’s untouchable,” I grab her hand and place it over my heart, “you always touch me.” She looked as if she lost her breath, eyes swirling with emotions. She carefully removed the hand that was over my heart and stood still for a second. She looked back up to me meticulously, “let’s get some air yeah?” I let my hand rest on the small of her back and nodded as she lead the way out, one step ahead of me. My heart was pounding in my chest.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the little piece of privacy that we had out here. The air had turned slightly cooler, and I could see her shiver a little, although she would never admit she’s cold. I shrugged my suit jacket off anyway as we walked along the outside of the barn. The sun was starting to go down and the chill in the air picked up. I wrapped my jacket around her shoulders, and used it to pull her in closer to me. 

She muttered a thanks and I sucked in a breath. Now or never Matt’s.

But she turned to me sharply, beating me to the punch, “you can’t just say stuff like that you know?” 

“Why not?” Her eyes met mine and the wary look on her face told me what I needed to know. I know what she’s thinking. And she means more to me than anyone. She must know that. She has too.

“You could never get in the way of anything (Y/N).��� I tucked a lone strand of hair behind her ear as her eyes sparkled and flickered up to mine. “It doesn’t bother me because I don’t want just any girl.” I toe around the subject, hoping she can figure it out before I have to say it outright.

“Well, what do you want Aus?” I want you. Don’t make me say it. Don’t make me ruin a good thing (Y/N). I don’t want to lose us.

My eyes flicker down to her lips. I close my eyes and lean in a little, nudging her nose with my own. Slowly but surely closing the gap between us. I could feel the electricity radiating off her, our lips barely touching before I heard a voice coming from the door. We broke apart, wide eyed, hearts racing, both looking to see who joined us outside.

Kappy looked drunk. And Paige looked like she was dying from laughter. They spotted us and made their way over. I looked back at (Y/N), her cheeks flushed and managing to look anywhere but me, although my arm was still wrapped around her. She leaned into my touch as they approached.

“Youuuuu guyssss.” Kap slurred and Paige just seemed to notice the position we were in.

“Uh Kappy needed some air, but I see you guys did too.” She grabbed his hand and tried to lean him into her for leverage. “We’ll just let you guys have some privacy.”

(Y/N) turned her face into my shoulder as Paige tried to shove Kappy back into the reception. I looked down to her and laughed. She did too, bringing her face out of my shoulder. I would’ve tried to recreate the moment but it seemed like it was lost as she grabbed my hand and tugged me back inside. “C’mon Aus, we should get back.” And I had no choice but to follow.

[hattywatch]

J. Vesey - Love Songs

Author’s Note: THIS TOOK FOREVER! Honestly who is even surprised at this point. Sorry to the anon who requested this a million years ago; I hope you get to see it?! Message me and let me know if you liked it!! Based on “I Hate Love Songs” by Kelsea Ballerini 

Request:  Oh my god, maybe a friends to lovers with jimmy? you've told him in the past that you were interested, and he turned you down because he was nervous, so now you're really good friends and have gotten more comfortable being touchy and whatever, and then he realizes that he needs to marry you!!

Looking up would surely help the tears not spill, you think you read that somewhere. You blink rapidly; it does clear most of the water from your eyes. But not before your cousin notices.

"You're so fucking soft, (Y/N)."

You give an unladylike snort through your nose and pat your under eye gently with a tissue.

Slapping your hand across his chest, all you can respond with is a quick, "Shut up, Kev," before the bride and groom begin the recessional back down the aisle as man and wife.

Jimmy starts in on you from the other side of Kevin, "What are you even crying for? Shouldn't you be happy?"

Far be it from you to explain actual human emotion to Jimmy, so you settle for rolling your eyes.

By the time you make it through cocktail hour, Kevin, your actual date, is off making eyes at the pretty bridesmaid with the colorful sleeve of tattoos and you're left at the bar alone, emptying your purse of singles in an attempt to sway the handsome bartender in your favor for the rest of the evening.

When a hand grazes the small of your back, touching bare skin in your backless dress, you peek over your shoulder expecting to see Kevin, but it's Jimmy who's leaning into your ear.

"Hey, use your powers for good and get me a beer. I don't want to wait in line." The bartender sees your new companion as he places your champagne in front of you. He raises his eyebrows, a silent ask if he can get you anything else, and you give in and order Jimmy's beer, shoving it at him while throwing a smile over your shoulder back towards the bartender.

He keeps his hand where it is and steers you back to a table, you plop down, happy to be off of your feet since your heels are way more beautiful than they are practical. But before Jimmy sits he reaches into his pocket and pulls out your escort card.

"I grabbed yours too," he hands it over to you and you lean down to start unstrapping your heels, mumbling a thank you, mostly towards the floor. "Why do you wear those things if you can't even handle them for an hour?"

You've succeeded in kicking off your shoes and you wiggle your toes, now free from their confines and clink glasses with Jimmy as he brings his beer up to his lips. "Because they make my ass look fantastic," you bring your champagne to your mouth and sip, always thoroughly enjoying catching Jimmy off guard. He wasn't ready to laugh and is sputtering and choking on his beer for a second before he catches his breath and looks away.

He's focused on Kevin making a fool of himself on the dance floor, always the life of the party, so you take a moment to watch Jimmy, undisturbed.

He's been around as long as Kevin has. The two of them somehow related in the same way every kid from Boston who plays hockey is somehow a distant cousin.

You're related to Kevin too, on the other side of the family, obviously.

You remember the first time you saw Jimmy, young and skinny. Quick on his skates, but always ready to unleash his smart mouth and drop gloves no matter how big the other guy was. You admired that about him. He was probably your first crush. Well, your first real crush who wasn't like, Zack Morris.

He was different then, more red faced and shy. He'd really grown into himself. You check to make sure his gaze is still on Kevin, and when you notice it is, you give Jimmy a good once over.

Objectively, he's average looking, you know this; your friends didn't really understand the appeal when you've shown them photos. His lips are thin, but you know first hand that his smirk is devastating and on the rare occasion that he smiles, your heart nearly stops. He's still looks slim- almost gangly, or so you had believed until you caught him on the beach with Kevin earlier in the summer, all lean muscle, freckled from the sun.

It's not like you have a crush on him anymore. But you know that you'll always have a soft spot for your first love, even if it wasn't reciprocated- which he made really clear the summer before your senior year of high school. The memory still makes you shudder with embarrassment.

Jimmy finally looks away from Kevin and speaks up pulling you from your daydreams, "I don't get this whole thing," he waves his hand around, at the room in general. You're not sure what he means, so you just tip your head sideways and motion for him to continue. "Seems like a lot of pomp and circumstance to prove you love someone." You get it, you really do, but he's so cynical that you have to laugh.

"Jimmy, sometimes when two people really like each other," he hits you with an eye roll, "they just wanna shout it from the rooftops."

It's at this point that Kevin decides to take a break from dancing and sink down into the chair beside you.

"I think I'm in love," his eyes are still focused on the bridesmaid, leading the group of flower girls and the ring bearer through the cha cha slide.

You look at lovelorn Kev and turn your hand upwards while eyeing Jimmy, "Case and point, my friend."

Jimmy drinks deeply from his beer and drains it. "Had about enough of you softies," he gets up and heads over to the bar. You know he's kidding, but you feel deeply bad that Jimmy hasn't experienced this type of love yet.

Another champagne will probably help.

Kevin gets up with you to head back over to the cute bartender, but Jimmy intercepts you on your way, pushing a new, full glass at you. You raise your eyebrows, impressed, but accept it with a thank you.  

Kevin balks, "Dude, hello?" He holds up his empty hands and Jimmy tips his glass towards Kevin and shrugs a shoulder, "Bar's that way. Cheers, bro."

Once the DJ succeeds in filling up the dance floor after dinner, you join in, too buzzed and high on ~~love~~ to care about your goofy dancing.

When the DJ calls up the bride and groom for their first dance as husband and wife you're back to tears streaming freely down your face, standing barefoot on the side of the dance floor next to Jimmy. Kev having walked off with the bridesmaid to do shots at the bar.

"Would you stop crying? You're a mess, kid." Jimmy drops his arm over your shoulder and pulls you into his side.

"I'm fine! I'm fine, totally okay, don't worry about me!" You manage to wipe away your tears and smile up at him, but then the DJ announces a good luck dance, and invites all the couples to the dance floor, "each couple on the dance floor is an extra year of good luck for our bride and groom, folks. Grab a partner and join us here to celebrate the new Mr and Mrs!"

You give a cursory glance for Kevin, but the flat leaver had already pulled Jo onto the floor and she has her tattooed arms wrapped up and around his neck, her head drooped forward on his shoulder, laughing at something he's whispering into her ear, trying to be heard over Unchained Melody.

Jimmy must feel you sigh, "C'mon," he nudges you forward with the arm that's wrapped around your shoulders.

Shocked wouldn't begin to cover the emotion that bubbles out of your chest. "Jimmy stop, you hate dancing, you don't have to," you protest pretty weakly, but still follow him onto the floor though.

"It's fine (y/n). Three minutes won't kill me. Just turn off the water works, yeah?" You tell him you'll try your best and place your hands delicately onto his shoulders, pushing yourself up, up, up onto your tiptoes to sway side to side with him.

"God, I hate this fucking song," you can't help but laugh because he's such a grump and it's really a nice song.

"You're a spoil sport, Jim." The eyeroll he gives you is real and you're sure he's about to launch into a tirade about the bridal industry, so you change the subject.

"Kev's gonna kick me out of our room tonight isn't he?" Both you and Jimmy have a close eye on Kevin and his new lady love.

That does it, you get a rare Jimmy smile- he actually laughs-, and you feel warm down to your toes with it.

"Yeah, yeah definitely. That's a good assessment."

_________

The next morning you wake up to the snoring coming from the other side of the room and you groan, rolling over. Bless Jimmy's heart for giving you the bed. He looks uncomfortable and smushed on the pull out couch clearly not designed for someone of his height.

Grabbing a change of clothes, Jimmy’s- since your bag is still firmly locked in your room with Kevin and Jo- you escape into the bathroom to wash your face and change. Your hair looks like a rat's nest, so you grab Jimmy's hat on your way out as well as the key card he gave you last night, and head down to the lobby; you're sure you saw a Starbucks down there.

Of course you see Kevin in line, somehow looking more rumpled than you are. You sidle up next to him and bump him with your hip. "Good night there, Hayes?"

"You have no idea," Kev still sounds sleepy and you're so happy he had a good night, because you know he's been feeling a little down since his brother got married, wondering when he'd have something like that of his own.

It seems to hit him that he sexiled you last night as he slinked off the dance floor wrapped up in Jo.

"Oh shit, I'm so sorry," he looks chagrined, so you let it go.

"No sweat. Jimmy let me stay with him." You turn back to the board over your head, trying to figure out what you want to order, but Kevin rounds on you.

"Sooooo… did you have a good night?" He's wagging his eyebrows at you as he nods towards your outfit and your ears feel hot.

"Shut up. You know it wasn't like that." He places his order and slides down so you can place yours.

"Yeah, I know, but it could be worse. You guys would be good together. A guy can't wish happiness for two of his oldest friends?" You decide to not even dignify him with a response and take your drinks before heading back to your room after throwing a chilly sniff over your shoulder. You do give him a little elbow on the way past, though.

Kevin was there that summer, so many years ago. You had thought you and Jimmy were getting closer, bonding while sitting in the stands cheering Kevin on at his games, group trips to the cape on the weekends when he wasn’t at hockey camp. You’d venture to call the two of you friends; friends share beers on the beach and help sunscreen each other's backs.

Finally, towards the end of the summer, right before Kevin was leaving for college, you gathered up some courage. Sat around the bonfire with the last days of freedom closing in, you spot Jimmy. He's finally, blessedly alone and you take a deep breath to steel your nerves.

“Hey Vese…” you cringe because- weird- you never call him that, but you shake it off and sit down next to him. “What up,” he spins his marshmallow around and glances over at you. It’s now or never, “I was just thinking, I know it’s kinda far away, but I’m sure a lot of girls will ask you, so… did you want to maybe… go to prom with me?”

He takes a deep breath and pulls his marshmallow out of the flame and you’re already deflating before he can open his mouth, “I’m not really a prom kind of guy, (y/n)... Sorry.” For what it’s worth, he does look apologetic about it, but you can’t even consider how he’s feeling when you can actively feel your heart drop down to your stomach; now you know why it’s called a crush.

Kevin found you crying back by the bathrooms an hour later and faked a headache so he could drive you home.

By the time you get back up to the room Jimmy's awake, sitting up on the couch, scrolling through his phone, shirtless. You walk over and hand him one of the coffees you picked up before dropping back onto the bed with your own cup.

He takes a sip and finds it to his liking, "Best. Wedding date. Ever." He leans in to fist bump you, and you smile at him and reach out your own hand, yeah he's right, you're pretty awesome.

_________

It takes you by surprise when you receive a text from Jimmy a few months later at the beginning of the summer. It shouldn't, you're both friendly. You’ve seen him over at Kevin’s on Sundays for football and go out to the bar with them every once in a while. You hang out at his family’s pool when everyone is back in Boston and it feels like old times. It’s never weird or awkward, but when his name pops up unannounced on a Wednesday afternoon on your cell, it feels different. Usually you see each other around, but never one on one, it's fine, Totally Fine. But his text still takes you by surprise.

Jimmy: Brady gave me a plus one to the blessed affair… wedding date part 2?

You can’t say no, because you’re long-time buds and Kevin is going to bring Jo and you don't want Jimmy to have to go stag. Plus, you know this wedding is going to be incredible, so it’s really a no brainer when you send back:

Obviously. When?

You could literally smack him when he says that it's a week away. You have nothing to wear and he doesn’t know what color the bridesmaids’ dresses are. That's a mistake you don’t want to make- showing up in the same color, it’s so tacky. When you bring this all up to him his response is the little shrug emoji and you drop your face into your hands and sigh.

Deciding to call Kevin had been a better idea in theory that it was in actual practice.

“Soooo, Jimmy asked you on a date?”

You huff and explain for the third time since he picked up the phone, “No. Kevin. Please try to be helpful."

"I'm helpfully pointing out that you and Jimmy are-"

"I'm going to kill you, Kev. Please just text them and ask so I know what's okay to wear and let me end this fucking nightmare of a conversation." You rub your temples with your thumb and middle finger, feeling a headache coming on.

He laughs and you're glad that someone is finding humor in this situation. It's certainly not you.

When he finally gets back to you it turns out the bridesmaids are in "a soft champagne blush color? I'm reading this verbatim, but fuck if I know what that means," Kevin tells you.

Luckily, you do know what it means. And spend the weekend poring through every store in the mall to find something sleek enough for a wedding where you'll be rubbing elbows with young, eligible men. If it also succeeds I'm making Jimmy regret not taking you to prom… well, that's a bonus. Not that you're still mad or anything.

When you finally find a contender that you like, you decide to use Kevin as your sound board and send him a picture of the dress for approval. He immediately calls you when he receives the photo.

"What's up?" You answer on pins and needles, afraid he's going to tell you it's too over the top for the small, rooftop wedding that Brady is having.

He doesn't even say hello, "Did you show Vese your dress yet?"

"Uh, no. Just you. Why? Is it awful?" You start gnawing on your nail before you remember your manicure and pull your finger from your mouth.

"Nah, you're beautiful, cuz. But send it to him… to uh, make sure it goes with his suit."

Makes sense, "Yeah that's a good idea. Thanks Kev.”

There’s about 4 pictures of you in the dress sitting in your camera roll, but now that you’re supposed to be sending one to Jimmy and not your cousin, none of them really look good enough. It’s stupid and childish, but you sit down at your vanity and fix your hair and make-up before slinking back into the dress and finding a pair of heels.

That’s more like it.

You turn in the mirror and honestly, it’s gorgeous. The blue looks fantastic against your skin. It hugs all the right places, even the cut-outs on the side hit perfectly against your rib-cage and none of your usual bra-fat is an issue; it must have been tailored by witches.

You snap 3 photos, one of the front, one of the side, and one of the back over your shoulder before swallowing and hyping yourself up to text them to Jimmy.

Can I show you the dress I picked and you tell me if it's okay? Kevin said I should show you so you can make sure it matches your suit?

Jimmy: I mean, I’m not really good at that sort of thing, but yeah.

You send them in order- front, side, back and get so inexplicably nervous you have to put your phone down and walk away.

Taking the time to peel the dress off and to gently hang it back up, you end up on your bed in a pair of old shorts and a BC hockey t-shirt, ready to check your texts.

Jimmy: Looks great.

It's an underwhelming answer. But, at least all of your shopping wasn't in vain. You're staring at your phone, scrolling back over your conversation with Jimmy when you see him start typing. You wait for his message to come through, but it doesn't.

He starts typing two more times and stops before you finally get a message.

It's not even a text. In front of you is a photo of him in his suit. It's light grey, and underneath is a crisp white button up with the top 3 buttons undone.

It's certainly a look. And you're not proud to say you saved it to your gallery and zoomed into every pixel. You totally did… but you're not proud to say it.

Jimmy: Do you think this will work with a blue tie

You think it would work with anything and everything, including your bedroom floor, but like, you're not about to say that. So you wuss out and just send a few thumbs up emojis.

It's annoying how you feel like you have to be so careful around Jimmy. If he were any other friend you'd have told him he looks handsome and never thought twice about it, but you just don't want to come off like you're hitting on him. Certainly not ready to have him reject you again.

Jimmy: Awesome. See you Saturday?

Can't wait.

_________

By the time Saturday comes you're all nerves- waking up before your alarm and promptly deciding to put on a face mask so at least you can stay horizontal and relaxed.

It lasts for a while. 20 minutes to be exact, before you peel it off and immediately start stressing before just deciding to get ready so you stop chewing on your manicured fingers.

It's a late afternoon wedding in a chic little church with a reception to follow at an intimate rooftop restaurant. The weather seems to be cooperating, checking your phone the forecast calls for sunny skies, not a cloud in sight.

By the time you're doing your make-up and trying to YouTube-tutorial your hair  into a style that looks elegant enough to go with your dress, there's a knock at your door. You jump and accidentally scrape a bobby pin along your scalp while trying to secure a roller in your hair.

"Son of a bitch."

Hustling over to the door, you assume it's your neighbor. Sometimes her cat goes missing and you're pretty much the feline pied-piper.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Dennehy. I can't look for Bootsie right n-"

Swinging the door open mid-sentence in your ripped Cinderella tank top, ratty old shorts, and curlers in your hair, you immediately regret not looking through the peephole. "You are not Mrs. Dennehy."

"Nah. Definitely not." Jimmy steps past you into your place, looking lethal in his suit and tie.

You can't get over it because he's in your space and the room is filled with him, not to mention the fact that you feel like a schlub; hair still in rollers, but at least you finished your make-up.

"That's a good look, (y/n). I mean… I liked the blue dress better, but I don't know much about fashion." Squinting your eyes at him you poke him in the sternum with a pointed finger.

"How the fuck do you even know my address. I thought I was meeting you at Kevin's?" You decide to ignore his jab at your present state.

"I asked Kev. I figured we could go over there together. Him and Jo are still in the mushy honeymoon stage and I love him, but I really want to throat-punch him when I have to witness it firsthand." You nod, because it's a valid point.

You unroll your curlers in the bathroom and are pleased to see that your hair looks decent, successfully mirroring the YouTube video. After hair spraying and sliding your heels on, you pull your dress up over your hips and zip it, leaving the hook and eye at the top undone, since you can never hook it on your own.

"Vese?" Jimmy appears at your bedroom door a moment later, one eyebrow raised.

"I hate when you call me that." You know this.

"Yeah, but it always gets a reaction," you smile and spin around so your back is facing him. "Can you clasp the top of this please and then I'm ready to go, I swear!"

It seems like an okay idea until you feel the whisper of his fingertips over the nape of your neck and you feel your flesh turn to goosebumps, and you realize you're about to have a very long evening.

________

The wedding is beautiful. They wrote their own vows and it has you fanning your eyes trying to keep the tears at bay before they've even kissed as man and wife. Jimmy laughs when he looks over and sees you blinking rapidly, trying to save your mascara.

"You cry at everything, huh?" He deserves the elbow you throw into his ribs.

When the ceremony is over and the bubbles have been blown, a limo whisks away the bridal party for photos, while Kevin and Jimmy lead the way to the reception venue. Kevin has his arm wrapped firmly around Jo's waist and you catch the sidelong glance Jimmy gives as if to say see what I mean?

It's only a few blocks away, but in heels you're wobbly at best. So when you stumble over a dip in the sidewalk, he takes your hand and tucks it into the crook of his elbow.

"You're a fuckin' hazard in those shoes. Look at you." He shakes his head, but you start in, smiling cheekily up at him, "Yeah but they make-"

"-they make your ass look fantastic. I know."

Kevin must hear Jimmy talking, because he looks over and furrows his eyebrows.

"Keep your eyes off my cousin's ass, Vesey." Jimmy responds with a delicate fuck you, Kev that has all of you laughing.

___________

All four of you are tipsy before the cocktail hour ends and the bride and groom make their appearance- all effervescently in love and wind-blown from taking photos on the beach.

You blubber through their first dance, you and Jo holding each other through it- and laughing at how silly you both are- before tapping your champagne flutes and getting Brady to lay a big smooch on his bride.

It's a few more champages that has you kicking your shoes off and dragging Jimmy onto the dance floor to stumble through the electric slide and (a thankfully abridged version of) the cotton eyed Joe. He shucked his jacket hours ago when you found your table and the tie followed soon after, shoved into your purse so he doesn't lose it. He looks loose and happy, surrounded by friends and glowing with summer.

When you hear the familiar snaps of Single Ladies, it seems like a great idea to stay on the dance floor with the other women to try to catch the stupid bouquet Gracia is chucking over her head. It stops seeming like a great idea the second your hands close around the bouquet and you feel the lace between your fingers.

Jo jumps up and down next to you, screeching and laughing in your ear with a gentle refrain of ooooh and you're next! sprinkled in from the other girls, congratulating you on the way back to their seats.

The DJ brings a chair over next to his booth and you plop down, happy to be off of your feet, but increasingly antsy when you see the swell of bachelors on the dance floor. Brady apparently only has very handsome friends- birds of a feather, obviously. There's a handful you're sure are NHL players and you are slightly worried about the cellulite they'd feel high up on your thighs.

When the garter is inevitably flung, it's Kevin's height that gives him the advantage. It doesn't occur to you that he has absolutely no business being on the dance floor at all, since he's surely not trying to feel up his own cousin. Not to mention Jo- she's standing about 4 feet to your left, her camera trained on Kevin.

They're no good terrible people. You're certain of this when you watch in slow motion as Kevin reaches up and stops the garter's trajectory and as falls directly down onto Jimmy. Jo has caught the whole charade on video it seems, since she's cackling in delight, the traitor.

Jimmy accepts a handful of pats on the back, and walks over towards you looking downright twitchy. You know somewhere in the background there's plenty of hooting and hollering, but someone's wolf whistle finally pulls you from your internal panic and you can hear the slinky intro to “Dress” start up.

The DJ is talking into the microphone and Jimmy seems to be paying attention to what his job is, namely- sliding the garter in his hand as far up your leg as you'll allow. You'd take the red flush on his face as a compliment at literally any other time, but your hands are clammy and you're sure your face is giving off more heat than the sun. It isn't until Jimmy kneels down in front of you that you realize the DJ has stopped talking and this is about to happen.

All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation / My hands are shaking from holding back from you

You quickly decide that this may be the one and only time you'll get to feel him all over your bare skin, so after a deep breath, you meet his eyes, give an encouraging smile, uncross your legs and drop your foot into his waiting hands.

He huffs out a breath, which sounds suspiciously akin to "Fuckin' Kevin," but knocks a smile sideways at you and peers at you with his half glassy eyes.

Say my name and everything just stops / I don’t want you like a best friend / Only bought this dress so you could take it off

Jimmy slides the lace garter over your ankle and up your calf, his hands barely brushing to your knee before he pulls them out from under your dress, but the crowd won't let him off so easily. You're sure it's Jo who leads a "high-er, high-er" chant and you laugh, because if you don't laugh, you might cry.

"Our friends are idiots," he sighs out. You smile and shake your head yes.

"They really are, but they're not going to let you out of this, Vese," you lift your foot off the ground and shake it at him until he takes it back in his hand and lifts your dress up with the other before wrapping both around your knee and gently pushing the garter up higher; hands slowly dragging the scratchy lace up your thigh. The slit on the dress is pretty high, so everyone can see the moment his hands slide underneath, finally hidden from their view.

His fingers are scarcely touching your skin, but you know you're covered in goosebumps. When you make eye contact this time, it has you feeling more exposed than the fact that his hands are inches from your panties.

Just when you're surely about to explode, he lets go of the garter and slides his hands back down your thigh, teasing over your calf and down to your ankle before placing your foot on the floor and standing, offering you his hand to help you up.

Deep down you know everyone is clapping, but you desperately want to crawl under a table, sure that you've just spilled the beans about your residual feelings for one of your oldest friends.

________

Jimmy walks you back to your table but you don't wait around, downing your remaining champagne and scampering off in search of the bar. That's where Jo finds you, sidles up next to you, and drops a five in the tip jar before handing her flute over to the bartender.

"Honestly, you know I love the shit out of you, right?" You already don't like where this is going, but you nod anyway.

"If you two don't fuck tonight I'm going to die from the tension." This is why you love the shit out of her right back.

"Let's go dance?" She downs her drink and leaves the glass on the bar, following you back to the dance floor until dinner is called. The DJ transitions into smooth jazz and some old standards, quieting the party down to eat.

You have no choice, and during dinner you sit down primly next to Jimmy, antsy and nervous to sit too close, your elbow knocking against his and making you jump each time. Both of you knowing the feel of each other's skin.

Brady's grandparents get up and start dancing together, finished with their dinner. It's beautiful how they hold each other close after being together for so long and it has you feeling misty all over again, turned sideways in your chair eyes trained on the dance floor.

When Unchained Melody starts up the metallic clank of a fork on a plate next to you has your eyes jerking over and away from the dance floor.

"C'mon hotshot," Jimmy stands, so tall and lean, looking down at you with his hands in his pockets, head tipped towards the dance floor, and who are you to say no.

You can hear Jo's 'Get it girl!' And you wish you could kill her here, maybe suffocate her with a damned dinner roll.

"What gives? Sick of seeing me cry?" You place your hands on Jimmy's shoulders but it feels too stilted, his hands have already raked up your thighs, so fuck it, you wind them around his neck, pulling him a little closer than you should.

"Nah. It's our song," his grip at your waist tightens and you can barely breathe, but he clears his throat and adds, "Tradition."

You know the grin you lay on him is glowing, your cheeks ache with it, but it's Jimmy and you'd suffer through a lot more for him. When he twirls you under his arm, you know you're fucked and the feelings that you've been doing your best to shake off are going nowhere fast.

Jimmy doesn't leave your side the rest of the night. Dancing with you and smiling,  singing along under his breath.

When he drops you at your apartment later, he kisses you on the cheek after helping you fumble with your key, but he doesn't turn around on his way to the elevator, so you sleep alone that evening. If you keep the garter on, no one is any wiser for it.

_________

It's a beautiful day and you're dining al fresco, happy to have the sun on your skin, but happier with the food in front of you. The company, well…  it leaves something to be desired.

"You guys are hot for each other and just need to bang already. Please. Even Kevin agrees and he's your cousin. Gross." You don't want to hash out your history again, living it out once was enough.

"Jo, no. Stop, it isn't like that!" It's girls' day. A week or so after Brady's wedding Jo had texted to see what you were doing and invited you out for lunch. So here you are, having to revisit the traumas of your youth with your cousin's girl.

"Can you just? Not? Like he texts you every day, and has been to two weddings with you-"

"Technically I was Kevin's date to the first one," you interject and pop a piece of pineapple into your mouth.

She carries on without even acknowledging you, "What is your hang up? Just tell him you're interested. You're cute and fun and you have all the same friends. It's a match made in heaven."

You don't want to get into the prom story, but you think it will get her to take a little pity on you and make her to stop, so you decide to clue her in.

"We've been down that road before." She looks intrigued and waves her hand for you to continue, so you do, regaling her with the whole embarrassing story.

".... and then I finally built up the courage, after all of that, to ask him to go with me to prom and all he can respond is that he's 'not really a prom kind of guy' seriously?" You let out a sigh, all keyed up and anxious again, on the brink of tears as if it all happened 5 minutes prior and not over 5 years ago.

Jo puts her glass down on the table with a clank, "Um. So?" You literally can't believe what you're hearing and stare at her blankly, blinking and waiting for her to understand.

"What do you mean 'so?' Why would I put myself out there, AGAIN- to have it not be reciprocated? Are you crazy?” Surely Jo doesn't get it.

"Babe, that was a LONG time ago. Let it go. Not everyone dreams of a romantic evening at prom. You know how Jimmy is. He's not about that kind of thing." You scoff loudly, and before you can even open your mouth to combat her she continues, "BUT, he danced with you at both weddings. Got you drinks from the bar, and he participated in the STEAMIEST garter toss I have ever, in my life, witnessed. He likes you. What more do you need to see it?"

You mull her words around in your head for a while as she looks on, rather content with herself, it appears.

"I just don't know if I can put myself through that again. Admitting to you that I like him is hard enough. Imagine if I had to say something to his face?!"

All Jo does is nod, "I get where you're coming from. I think you're stupid, but I get it." She pats you on the hand probably more out of pity than comfort, but you'll take what you can get.

______

Kevin asks you to meet him at the bar a few days later. "Watch a Sox game and have a few drinks with me," it sounds great and low-key, so you say yes.

You come straight from work,  emotionally disheveled from a long day, but dressed nice enough for it not to matter too much.

When you walk through the door and peer around you feel like you've been shanghaied.

Kev is there all right. Sat snugly next to Jo on one side of the booth. You don't have to walk over to know who's facing Kevin and Jo, the hat on his head giving it away.

You slide into the only available seat in the booth, right next to Jimmy. If you kick Kevin on your way in, well, these things happen sometimes.

When Jimmy looks over at you and smiles confusedly, you're sure it's a set up.

"Didn't know you were coming, (y/n)!" He seems genuinely happy to see you, which makes your heart trip in your chest, before beating double.

Kevin has this shit eating grin on his face and you know your evening is about to go to hell in a handbasket. "We were just talking about the old days. Feelin' a little nostalgic."

If you could, you'd leave as quickly as you came, but it doesn't seem like an option you have at the moment.

"I was just telling the boys how I lost my v-card at prom to my first boyfriend. He  just had a baby! How far we've come," Jo looks at you with a playful smile on her lips and if you didn't think you'd end up kicking Jimmy in the process, she could catch a foot to the shin as well.

"I wouldn't know about that Jo, where's the waiter?" You didn't really want to drink on a Thursday, but if this was how the night was about to go, who could really blame you?

He pops up and you all place your orders, but it doesn't give you the break in the conversation you were hoping for.

Jo sips her drink and plows on, "You didn't lose it at prom?" she asks, like it's the most normal question in the world. Jimmy's sipping his Guinness and you want to cover your face and slide down under the table, but all you can do is shrug.

"I didn't go to prom, actually," deciding to avoid the question completely. That has Jimmy looking over at you.

"Yes you did," he says it so surely. "You went with Brian."

Well, that's interesting.

"I think I'd know if I went to prom or not. My memory isn't that bad, Vese." He wrinkles his nose at the nickname.

"I hate that and you know it." You smile snidely back at him, still hoping the waiter will get you out of this conversation.

"No, you did. I heard him at hockey practice. He said he was asking you." Jimmy's sat sideways in the booth, all his attention on you and it's overwhelming.

"I mean, he did ask. But I said no." That's when the waiter finally drops your food off.

It's really smooth how Kevin gets up to use the bathroom and Jo gets up a moment later to 'fix her lipstick.'

It's quiet when they leave, you're doing your damnedest to sip your water and focus on the game, but Jimmy clears his throat and nudges you with his knee.

"I, uh, really thought you went with Brian." He is just barely glancing at you from the corner of his eye.

"I didn't want to go with him. He was kind of a douche." Jimmy turns to you, his thigh pressed all the way against yours.

"All the girls liked him, though," he's aiming for detached nonchalance, but he's rolling his beer between his palms and that gives him away.

Maybe it's starting to make sense now.

"Yeah, the dumb ones," you smile and decide maybe Jo is right, and it has been years and your day can't really get worse and you've already made it this far.

You take the chance to steal a french fry off of his plate and idly wonder how long it takes Kevin to pee or Jo to fix her lipstick. "I wanted to go with someone else. I asked, but you know…"

It's Jimmy who sighs this time. "I guess I was pretty dumb back then too."

"I mean, you went to Harvard, so how dumb can you really be, James." You set your sights on Kevin's fries, because fuck him, it's really the least he could do right now.

"So," Jimmy stops and exhales loudly, "this is embarrassing, but," he pauses and looks at you.

You place your hand on his knee and tap it patronizingly, "You weren't shot down  asking someone to prom, so how embarrassing could it really be?"

"Touche, but for the record- I only said no because I figured you'd rather go with him." Your jaw drops in its best impression of a trout. "I just didn't want to get my hopes up only for you to change your mind when he asked you."

"You're right, Vesey. You are dumb," he gives you that little half smirk of his, and you quickly realize your hand is still on his knee.

The look on his face is definitely what people envision when they use the phrase "making eyes at," but of course this is when Kevin and Jo make their grand return, and you pull your hand back into your own lap as quickly as possible.

The rest of the dinner is quiet. Casual small talk over the din of the game. When Kevin and Jo decide they want to head home, you stand too, ready to take your leave.

Jimmy gently grabs at your wrist. "I'm going to have another beer, wanna stay with me?" You hug Kevin and Jo goodbye and blatantly ignore the wink she gives you. Jimmy waves at them but walks off towards the men's room and you take the chance to flip Jo and Kevin off while he's not looking. They laugh and give you a thumbs up while heading to the door.

Deciding to relocate to the bar, you climb up onto a stool at the end of the counter and wait for Jimmy to return.

He does, wiping his damp hands on his pants; he stands next to you. "I didn't know what you were drinking or I would have ordered it for you," you tell him, peering up as he towers over you.

"Oh, no. I'm good to go. I just wanted  them to leave so we could talk alone. Is it okay if we go to my place?"

Sneaky little shit.

______

When you said yes, you didn't think about the five floor walk up Jimmy lives in. "Don't the Rangers pay you enough to live in a building with an elevator?" He laughs, not at all out of breath like you are, the bastard.

You've been here of course, but never alone. Never just you and Jimmy.

Everything seems very real, very quickly. You wish you had opted for a little liquor at the bar, you could use any courage you could get, Dutch or otherwise.

Kicking your shoes off, you sit down on Jimmy's couch. He plops down next to you, more comfortable since he has the home team advantage.

"I really wanted to go with you." You're surprised he just blurted it out like that. He doesn't follow it up with a 'but' or any excuses at all, and it sends your heart soaring in your chest.

"If I had known you didn't want to go with Brian, I would have said yes when you asked." He's looking down at his hands, but speaking slow and steady. "I know it was so long ago, but I just feel like I want you to know that."

Jimmy's confession is making your skin tingle with heat, but he's still sitting there, looking so hesitant. It bolsters you. He chooses that moment to look up at you and you can't help but grin- a wide, cheesy thing.

"You like me," his face instantly flames. He attempts to stutter out a response which really cements it in your head.

Without letting him respond, you continue, "No. It wasn't a question. It was a statement. You like me." He bites his lip and nods.

"Yeah. I just… you know how I am. With feelings and stuff." And you do know.

He's like Ron Weasley, emotional range of a teaspoon. But you, you make him stutter and blush and that's not something you think you'll ever get over.

You're sort of torn between smacking him for putting you through all this and tearing off all of his clothes, so you settle somewhere in the middle and turn to kiss him straight on the mouth.

He was about to say something so when you catch him mid-word your teeth clash and you back off apologizing profusely.

"So aggressive," he laughs and wipes at his lip. "Slow down, we have lots of time now." And he's right, but every second that passes without his lips on yours feels wasted and empty.

"We really don't though," he looks upset and confused, pulling back into himself before you clarify, "I have to be up in the morning so I don't have all night, Vese. Some of us have been patiently waiting for years."

That has him blooming a smile again and you shake with the knowledge that you caused it, but he agrees "Yeah, some of us have been."

_____

It's not the first time Jimmy has stared at you like this, and it probably won't be the last, but right now it's making your eyes water with the sincerity of it.

His hands are on your hips, warm and familiar and your skin tingles under the weight of his palms and your dress.

"Vese," it's the first time the name elicits a smile from him. It may have something to do with the fact that it's his turn to whisper the nickname.

You can't help the smile snaking its way across your face. "It's Mrs.Vese, actually, James." A flash goes off somewhere to your right but you can't be bothered to take your eyes off of your husband.

"I can't believe you chose this song for our first dance," you pull him close so his forehead rests on yours, "you hate this song."

He presses a kiss to your lips, gentle but still eliciting cheers from your audience. "I really do. But you like it, and I love you."

[westannatasharomanoff]

THG AU Chapter 24

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3     Chapter 4    Chapter 5    Chapter 6 Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9  Chapter 10   Chapter 11 Chapter 12  Chapter 13 Chapter 14  Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17  Chapter 18 Chapter 19   Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22  Chapter 23  

*Natasha, Maria, Wanda, Pietro, Alexei, Melina, Liho, and Fury were on the train to The Capitol. *

Pietro: This is so cool! Was it like this for you the first time you left 12?

Wanda: No. I was terrified. But the train ride home was mesmerizing. 

Pietro: If the wedding is anything near as beautiful as this train ride, it’s going to be amazing. 

Melina: I can’t believe my little girl is actually getting married! It seems like just yesterday that we found you in the snow while packing up the old house!

Alexei: Tomorrow is a big day! Are you ready? 

Natasha: I’m a little nervous. 

Maria: You’ll be fine. 

*Meanwhile, Bruce, Vision, Tony, Pepper, and Morgan had arrived in The Capitol several hours before. *

Tony: You are going to love married life. Tying the knot was the best decision I ever made. 

Bruce: I’m just so nervous. 

Tony: I was nervous too, but it was so worth it.  *a train arrives* Hey, look, a train! Do you think that’s her?

Bruce: No. That train has the District 5 emblem. Thor’s here!

Tony: Who? 

Thor: Greetings. I’m Thor. *shaking everyone’s hand*  

Vision: I’m Vision.

Tony: Tony. Tony Stark. 

Pepper: I’m Virginia, but you can call me Pepper. *points at Morgan* And this is Morgan, she’s our two year old daughter. 

*They all talked for a bit longer, but once the train got there from 12, everyone was rushed to their rooms to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.* 

Gamora: *pulling out a floor length, A- line black dress* Since you are wearing white tomorrow, it is customary that you wear black to the rehearsal tonight. Your dress tomorrow is a ball gown, so it might be harder to walk in.

Natasha: Don’t worry about me, I’m pretty agile. I just wish I had some say in any of this. I haven’t even heard of half of these traditions. 

Gamora: Well, at least your father isn’t forcing you to design dresses and marry President Snow’s nephew. 

Natasha: That’s rough. Anyway, what is a rehearsal dinner? Nobody has explained it yet 

Gamora: Oh! Everyone practices walking down the aisle and then you have a big fancy dinner.

Natasha: How fancy?

Gamora: Formal wear, place settings, proper etiquette, 5 courses, and like a bajillion forks.

Natasha: That sounds really over the top. 

Gamora: Just wait until tomorrow! Cameras, a big poofy dress, uncomfortable shoes, flowers, high class guests who you’ve probably never met, crazy fancy decorations, a dinner ten times fancier than the one tonight, and a big party with music and *shudders* dancing. 

Natasha: What’s wrong with dancing?

Gamora: I just don’t like it. I once embarrassed myself while dancing by tripping in front of everyone and dancing brings back all of those memories. 

Natasha: Dancing might be the only tolerable thing about all of this. Besides, you know, being married to Bruce.

Gamora: I’m glad you’re excited.

*The rehearsal dinner went pretty well. Natasha and Bruce had to give speeches because of a Capitol traditions, but they were very heartfelt. That night, Natasha had a really bad nightmare. When she woke up, she felt like she couldn’t move. It wasn’t until after Wanda and Maria burst into her room that she realized she was screaming. *

Maria: What?! What is it?!

Wanda: Did you have another nightmare?!

Natasha: Yes! It was a bad one! I can’t- I need- I-. *sigh* I need some air.

 * She ran out onto her balcony and looked up. Back in District 12 she could usually see a whole sky of stars, but in The Capitol that night, only one was visible. She just wanted to go home. *

*The next morning*

Wedding planner: Wake up! Rise and shine! Today is the big day!

Gamora: I’m sorry to bother you so early, but guess who’s doing your hair, nails, and makeup. *Peter, Drax, and Mantis wave* Remember these guys?

Natasha: Oh, it is so great to see you all again! What have you been up to? 

Drax: I got promoted again. I do makeup for District 5 now. 

Mantis: My girlfriend and I went to the carnival last week and it was awesome! Oh I love saying that word! Girlfriend. *bounces up and down happily*

Gamora: *whispering to Natasha* She means my sister.

Peter: I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. Maybe I’ll try to be an ambassador to the districts like Gamora. No, that sounds boring

Gamora:  Anyway, Natasha, here’s your dress. *She pulls out a poofy white ball gown with spiderweb lace on the top and a tulle skirt*

Mantis: Go put it on!

*Natasha put on the dress. Mantis curled her hair and put in a veil with red flowers adorning it and held in place by a small tiara. Her lipstick was blood red, just like the bridesmaids dresses. her shoes were also white and her nails were red.* 

Natasha: Whoa. I look like-

Mantis: A cupcake?

Drax: A fashion icon?

Peter: A bride?

Gamora: A murder princess? 

Natasha: No. I look like I’m missing something. *puts on the locket Bruce gave her before her games* Wait, What do you mean “murder princess?”

Gamora: You know, like a princess from an old fairy tale, but less helpless. Which reminds me, here. *hands her an ornamental dagger* Put this in your garter. 

Natasha: Thanks! 

* Bruce was also getting ready. His suit was black and his groomsmen were wearing dark grey. * 

Bruce: I can’t believe today is the big day! I love her so much. What if I mess this up?

Tony: You’ll be fine. Now come on! You need to finish getting ready!

*The ceremony was perfect and they got married. Although, Natasha couldn’t help but feel like something wasn’t right. There were so many cameras watching them. The dinner was fantastic. It was the best food most of the wedding party had ever eaten. The wedding just didn’t feel right for them. All of that was forgotten when they got to the reception. Bruce and Natasha shared the first dance, and then Tony and Wanda gave their speeches. The party was a lot of fun, and Wanda danced with Vision pretty much the whole night.  Natasha and Bruce were exhausted that night. They fell asleep cuddled together and it was really hard for them to go their separate ways in the morning, but they managed it. The train left for District 3 very early.Two hours later, as everyone was getting on the train back to 12, President Snow himself pulled Wanda and Natasha aside.*

Snow: Did you know that District 3 and District 12 are the two furthest districts from each other in Panem? People from 3 and 12 are never meant to meet. *showing photos of Bruce and Natasha as well as photos of Wanda and Vision* Imagine the surprise the people of Panem would feel if they saw not one, but two couples between people from the two least united districts in our great country. Fortunately, we’re solving that problem.

Natasha: What do you mean? 

Snow: Why don’t you check the news once you get home? In the meantime, *hands each of them a wilting white rose* just remember that nothing truly beautiful is ever meant to last. 

* Meanwhile in District 3, Tony is helping Bruce pack his things.*

Tony: *crying* I can’t believe you’re moving to District 12! I’m going to miss you so much!

Bruce: I know, I’ll miss you too. The thing is, I love Natasha and this is really exciting for us. I can’t wait to spend every day with her and have a family and *BOOM* What was that?

Tony: I have no idea. *sirens start going off* Are those... air raid sirens?

Bruce: They are! Get to the storage room!

*Tony and Bruce run into the basement storage room of the lab, huddle under a table, and close their eyes. *

*BOOM*

[msilwrites]

The Wedding

A/N: Errr... so I finally had enough sleep and inspiration to write whilst at home. Enjoy!

This story is the continuation of ‘Addio Al Celibato’

Genre: Action/ Drama / Comedy

Sandro Balestreri - Michele Morrone

Tilly McLeod - is an original female character

Will McLeod - Liam Neeson

Henry McLeod - Henry Cavill

                                                    The Wedding

Tilly sat quietly in the drawing room, already dressed and groomed for her big day. She was an early riser, therefore, she had requested earlier on to have the make-up artist come at an earlier time.

Any moment now, her bridesmaids, flowergirls and ‘bridesmen’ will fill the drawing room. So whilst the halls were still quiet, she had requested the kitchen to bring her breakfast. She knew that mosts brides didn’t eat during their wedding day. But there is no way she would let herself go through that, knowing that she’d probably faint due to hunger. 

Much to her surprise the food came sooner that expected, and a was styled in  charcuterie boards. Before she could ask anything, the maid had informed her that;

“It’s the instruction from the Don Sandro, it's for your entourage Madame, enjoy and best wishes!”

Tilly smiled and thanked the maid before she left the room. She asked the kitchen only for her meal, because she knew it was still too early to requests food for everyone. She didn’t expect that Sandro would be considerate enough to ask the kitchen to prepare food for her whole entourage. Half-an-hour later the hall was already busy, with her whole entourage either eating, running around, trying to fix their bow tie, or getting their makeup done by the makeup artist. In no time, all the food was quickly finished, the boards had no crumbs nor syrup left on the bowls, which made the people in the kitchen glad, because it meant that the ‘madame’ and her family liked the food.

Whilst waiting for everyone to get ready, Tilly sat on the side and read her magazine that she subscribed to inside her phone. It was one way to kill time since all she needed was a touch up on her make-up before the actual ceremony begins. But her attention shifted when she heard a knock outside of the room. Because nobody was paying attention and was busy with their own thing, Tilly answered the door herself.

“Oh! Emil! how are you?”

“I’m fine, Sandro told me to check on you if you are doing fine or if there is any problem. Since the groom can’t see the bride before the wedding.”

“Oh yes, I remember, come in, please... I need to talk to you,” Tilly said, opening the doors wide for him to come in.

When Emil entered the hall, he was not surprised at the chaos that was happening. There was Tilly’s ‘bridesmen’ on one side, having a banter on how to tie a proper bow tie. Whilst the women were busy with their hair and makeup, and the children were running around nonstop in circles. It was only when Emil was able to sit down that he noticed how ethereal Tilly looks.

“Sandro will definitely like it when he sees you!” he claimed, and Tilly threw her head back laughing, knowing it was the most silly thing in the world.

She wore a white off-shoulder trumpet shaped wedding gown that showed off her swan like neck and well defined collarbones with bell sleeves which seemed amplify her shoulders, and paired it with a gold gothic spiked crown where her veil was hanging, and gold-emerald earrings and necklace.  

“Oh come on, Sandro isn’t that bad!” he claimed.

“He isn’t, but I am not his type,” she reminded Emil, causing him to sigh in embarrassment. “Speaking of Sandro, can you help me relay a message to him?”

“That’s not a problem,”

                                                         **********

“ Vogue Weddings and another Society magazine will be covering the wedding and will be interviewing you both at after the ceremony, preferably before the reception starts.” Emil begins, as he pulls a chair nearby, whilst watching their Tia fix Sandro’s tie.

“And?”

“Act as if you are truly in love with her...” Emil repeats what Tilly has said earlier.

“What? come again?!” Sandro tries to clarify, trying to see if he just misheard things.

“If not, just try to act as if you like her... look at her as if you life her... and before you kiss the bride, if you find it repulsive, just kiss her on the side of her lips, you know, the side facing the crowd, so it would look like an actual kiss.” Emil add, repeating Tilly’s instructions clearly.

“What?! You want me to make her look good?” Sandro’s brows furrowed, he knew that his bride-to-be is a beacon for the press, and have a reputation to uphold, but it doesn’t mean he would exactly relent to her demands.

“Not me... but I think her requests is reasonable!” Emil adds.

“Ai! Figliolo! just give your bride some face in her wedding day!” Their Tia chastised. “She’s not only doing this for herself, but for you too! To give you good press! Besides, no woman would like to be embarrassed in her wedding day!”

“And one more thing!” Emil adds as he turns to their Tia. “Tia, do you know how to apply this?” he says, showing two tube of green and orange concealer.

“ Of course figlio, what for?” their aunt answered.

“ Tilly says apply it on Sandro’s neck, I think his hickey is too obvious.” Emil says.

“My you are right! It looked too weird for an insect bite!” their Tia says, as she examined the hickey on Sandro’s neck.

“Tia!” Sandro backs away in protest, there was no way she would have those weird colour creams touch his skin.

                                                      ********** 

The ceremony began as Sandro and his entourage entered the church filled with beautiful arrangements. The flashing lights of cameras continued as a number of photographers who they hired and the ones from society magazines continued to take photos. 

Sandro sighed, and was resigned to everything, wanting to be over and done with. 

The first that came were the flower girls dressed in black chiffon dresses, followed by the bible and ring bearer dressed in ‘skirts’. 

The next was her bridesmen, and bridesmaids who were both dressed in black. Much to his chagrin, the men wore some sort of skirts. It was something weird for Sandro, but then again, he had to remind himself that his bride is strange too.

“Tell me Emil, why are they wearing skirts?” Sandro whispered to his cousin who also stood as his best man.

Emil, noticing his cousins eye twitching, chuckled. “Sandro... those are ‘kilts’... they are not skirts. It’s a tradition amongst Scottish, there is nothing wrong with it” he replies like a ‘know-it-all’, chastising manner which further annoys Sandro. 

The tune of music suddenly changes when the turn came for the bride to walk in. And the moment the bridal march began, Sandro finally turned to the direction of where his bride stood and he was astounded. Tilly looked so beautiful, elegant, and ethereal that made his mouth hung agape. 

“A fly might go inside your mouth if you don’t close it...” Emil teased.

Sandro glared at his cousin before turning his attention back to his bride.

Tilly’s parents walked with her until they reached the end of the aisle. Much to Sandro’s surprise Mr. and Mrs. Mcleod started tearing up, as they handed their daughter’s hand to the him. It was totally unexpected to see a tough ol’ mob boss crying.

Tilly beamed at him, as she stretched out her hand for him to take, as if telling him what to do. Sandro returned her smile, much to her surprise, before taking her hand, and climbing the stairs to the altar. 

Because there no vows, much to the Priest’s chagrin, the ceremony didn’t take that long. Afterwards, the long awaited part, where the bride and groom must kiss came. Both of them faced each other. Tilly smiled and mouthed “Remember what I told you earlier!” reminding him of her previous instruction.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priests said.

Sandro’s lips curved into a naughty smile, which made Tilly suddenly nervous. And with that, he pulls up her veil, cups her face, and gives her the most passionate kiss, which made Tilly’s eyes widen in surprise and throw her off balance. 

All the guest cheered louder than before, causing heat to rush to her cheeks. She almost lost balance when the kiss was over, but Sandro was quick to catch her, wrapping a possessive hand around her lower back. That mischievous smile, still plastered on his lips.

Tilly hits him playfully in the chest with her bouquet and chastises him “  giamburrasca! what has gotten into you!?”

Sandro did not respond, and just smiled at her.

“Introducing Mr and Mrs Alessandro Balestreri!” the priest announced, and everyone cheered.

The recessional music plays, a cue for them to exit the ceremony. Tilly whispers to Sandro that he may let his arm go now, referring to his arm that was around her waist. But Sandro didn’t, and just continued to give her that smile of his.

“giamburrasca!” she complained and just sighed, resigned to it, causing him to chuckle in response, seeing his wife’s reaction.

Sandro pulled her closer by the waist and they began to walk down the aisle and to the front door of the church. 

The guests quickly walked outside as well, getting their confetti of rice to throw at them. 

Outside, a handful of loose rice confetti was thrown to the newly married couple. The flower girls, joined in, throwing the remaining flowers in their baskets to. The photographers kept taking pictures, getting a numerous number magazine worthy shots.

In that moment, it was strange, but Sandro actually felt happy. He couldn’t say the same for his wife, but it did look like she felt the same, seeing that dimpled wide smile on her face that wrinkled her eyes. 

As they reached their bridal car, Tilly turned back, signalling that all single ladies must get ready to catch bouquet. 

Sandro watched in amusement of how many of them gathered at the centre, a few metres behind his wife.

Tilly throws the bouquet high, some of the ladies jump, trying to reach for it, but much to their chagrin, the bouquet landed at her younger brother, Henry’s hands, causing everyone to erupt in laughter including Sandro.

Embarrassed, Henry quickly throws the bouquet back to where all the ladies gathered, and much to everyone’s amusement, the ladies still fought for it. 

Tilly turns away from the crowd as Sandro opens the passenger seat of their bridal car for his wife. It a vintage tessa rossa spider with purple lilies in front which made her compliment her husband’s taste.

“It looks cute and classic!” she mentions as she closes the door. 

He smiles at her compliment, before driving away, heading to their wedding reception.

By the way, if you want to read the previous story, here it is,  ‘Addio Al Celibato’

The Next Part of this story is here; ‘The Beginning of a Marriage’

A/N:  I will be editing this because I probably have made a number of grammatical errors. I hope you enjoyed the story. FYI. It will be a series of one shots

[lightningenergy]

Pokeshipping Week 2019 - Day 7: Engagement/Wedding

art & half the writing by @zdbztumble​

⚡-⚡-⚡

"...You're sure this is enough food?" May asked, for the twelfth time that morning.

"Are you asking for the groom, or for you?" Mallow asked, rather sharply.

"... It could be both," May shrugged. “You don’t need to get so snippy about it.” Sure, she may have asked after the food twelve times now, but planning a wedding – especially Ash and Misty’s -- was a huge responsibility.

"Well, I'm sure.” Mallow sighed, a hand to her brow. “I've done the math, like, fifty-seven times. Which was annoying."

"Hmm... still, maybe we should've hired Brock and Cilan too..."

"May, there's enough!" Mallow finally snapped. "I've been working on it since that rehearsal dinner!"

"OK, OK, yeesh! So, food's ready... now what about..." May gazed around the open grounds of the Pallet Town shrine. The shrine was the largest one near Pallet Town (which wasn't saying much) with a small temple at the front. The shrine itself rested atop a cliff overlooking Pallet Beach, and a wide, open, grassy area spread out behind it. A few dozen empty chairs waited quietly. "Hey Dawn!” she called. “All the flowers are in place, right?"

"Just so!" Dawn hollered back, having set the last few in place. "Now relax! This isn't your wedding!"

"I just don't want Misty yelling at me!" May responded.

"We planned it together - she'll yell at me too!"

"We don't want her yelling at all!"

"And everything's perfect, so she won't!"

"How do you know she won't?"

"Because you two are eating up all the yells allowed at a single wedding," Drew deadpanned as he passed behind May, arms laden with laundry bags.

"Just like I'll be eating up all the food once I'm allowed to!" May shouted at him. "Geez, you try to be helpful and look where it gets ya..."

"I'm standing right here," Drew noted, dryly and quietly.

"I know!" May screamed, beaming. "Ooh, are those all the kimonos for the bridesmaids?"

"You know they are," Drew sighed. "You called me twice on the road after you sent me for them."

Screeching tires caught their attention, and they all turned to witness a car drift around the corner and come to a sudden, violent stop in a parking space.

"Tell me Daisy's not driving the car," Dawn groaned.

"Never again!" they heard Misty gasp. "I don't care how bad the traffic is in Cerulean City, you are never getting behind the wheel of a car with me in it!"

"Chill out, sis!" Daisy said with a wave of her hand. "We're all here, right?"

"And our make-up's totally ruined from sweating out your driving!" Lily snapped. She, Violet, Iris, Lana, Lillie, and Misty all filed out of the car in various states of distress; Daisy alone looked calm. The passengers were laden with laundry bags too, and Misty had a disheveled towel wrapped around her hair.

"Morning, sunshine," said May as she caught the bag Misty so unceremoniously tossed to her. "Let's say we get you all fixed up, huh?"

"That'd be nice," Misty grunted. "I don't want to be a bad mood once Ash gets here."

"So, like, Misty," Daisy began. "About your hair..."

"You three staying out of the way will help me not be in a bad mood," she growled, before softening slightly. "Please, Daisy. May and Dawn know what I want to do, and Iris and the other girls were the ones who prepped everything last night. I'm glad you're enthusiastic, but could you just help greet guests and look out for Ash?"

That didn’t leave the Waterflowers with much to do, though May suspected Misty wanted it that way. Besides the wedding party, the only people about were Drew, completing the last of the chores assigned him, the Waterflowers, and a very haggard and bleary-eyed Gary Oak leaning against a nearby pillar.

"Like, what happened to you?" Daisy asked derisively.

"Bachelor party. Hungover," he grunted. Even his own voice caused him to wince and put a hand to his temple.

Dawn, giggling, hurried over to her boyfriend and put her mouth very close to his ear. "SO IT HELPS IF YOU TALK IN A LOUD VOICE--"

"For the love of Arceus, babe!"

"Killer couple," Daisy muttered to May, who could only shrug.

A large truck came up the road, at a much slower, careful pace than Daisy’s car. ("At least, like, one person in this relationship knows how to drive," Violet sneered.) Tracey stepped out and hurried to help Professor Oak and Delia do the same.

"Hello, everyone!" Professor Oak greeted. He, and everyone in his party, were already dressed for the wedding. Oak and Tracey were in simple kimonos, red and teal respectively, while Delia was in a pink yukata with white trim. May approved of all their choices. "I hope everything's going swimmingly. We have a beautiful day for this - er, is everything alright, Gary?"

"HE'S HUNGOVER," answered Dawn. Gary doubled-over and shoved past his companion, head in his hands.

"Well, I hope no one else is in such a state at this wedding," Delia said sharply. "I've been waiting too long for this day!"

"I know, right?" Daisy squealed.

"Er – haven't Ash and Misty been waiting, too?" Tracey asked quietly.

"Details!"

Tracey shook his head and pulled a large container off the back of the truck. May watched with interest as he lugged it over to the designated spot to the left of the shrine, set aside for all of Ash and Misty’s Pokemon. With a few quick flicks of the locks and a release switch, Tracey had them all out on the field, though it was a rather tight fit.

("Screw this,") Charizard grunted. He yawned and flexed his wings in the afternoon sun. ("I'm watching from the skies.")

("I hear that.") Pidgeot, Noivern, and the other Flying-types followed him into the air, while Gyarados lead a few of the Water-types over the cliff and into the sea off Pallet Beach, where they still had a decent view of the hill.

"How many weddings do you think have this kind of attendance?" chuckled Iris.

"Tease later," Misty said. “Prepare now.” She took Iris by the shoulder, then Lana, Lillie, Dawn, and finally May, and started herding them to the women’s changing rooms.

"Make sure the groom gets cleaned up!" May hollered over her shoulder. “Misty’ll kill ‘im if he’s not!”

“Not funny, May!” Misty snapped.

“No sense of humor on the wedding day, I see,” May muttered to Dawn as they were hurried along.

-----

"Iris, this headdress is amazing!" Dawn gushed.

Iris beamed at the compliment. "I know my way around hair."

"And this shade of polish is perfect, Lana! Put that together with the flowers we picked out and the dress we made, and we - Misty? Are you OK? You look a little pale..."

"Just still shaken from my stupid sister's driving skills. I'll be okay, promise," Misty said. She cinched her bathrobe a little tighter around her and started pacing the room again. Noting everyone’s concerned looks, she added, "I want this, believe me."

"Oh, we might've figured that out ourselves," Lana giggled. She and the other girls were already dressed, in kimono-converted dresses of the same cut: May in red; Dawn in pink; Iris cream; Lillie white; and Lana blue. Misty's was the only one with a pattern: white with red trim with bubbles and flowers at the sleeves and hem. It sat atop a chair as its intended wearer paced and wrung her hands.

"It's finally happening," she said softly, to herself more than anyone else. "It's really, really happening!"

Dawn's Poke Gear started ringing: she quickly answered it. "Hello? ... Okay, thanks! Ash and everyone else got here!"

"Surprisingly? The least of my worries."

"It was at the top of our worries," May whispered.

"We'd better start getting you dressed," said Lillie. "We only have so much time before - "

"Before I'm MARRIED!" Misty jumped for joy and threw herself down on an empty chair. "Get to work, ladies!"

---

“Do we really need all this, Mom?”

“Ash Ketchum, this is your wedding! Of course we need all this! And don't think I'd let you go out and get married without me helping you get ready!"

"Mooom..." Ash protested, but he still wasn’t let up from the chair in his changing room. He hadn’t even been allowed to greet the few people at the shrine when he arrived; his mom, Brock, and Cilan shooed him inside right away. The two men were sitting in the corner: Brock in the ceremonial dress needed to conduct the ceremony; Cilan in a forest green kimono.

"This is the most important day of your life, young man," Delia insisted. "I want you to have a perfect time of it! Now let's see.. .your montsuki is clean... your hair needs a little bit of work... do you have on some clean -"

"MOM!"

("He does,") chirped Pikachu helpfully.

"Oh, Pikachu! Don't you look handsome in your own little kimono!"

As embarrassing as his mother's attention was, Ash couldn't help but feel a little insulted that his Pokemon was upstaging him.

("I got it made special,") said Pikachu, turning and posing. ("And Lopunny, er - she has a matching one...)

"Yeah, Dawn insisted that she get to do it," Ash muttered. "Everyone's got something they want out of this."

"Oh, sweetie." Delia pulled Ash in close and wrapped her arms around his head and shoulders. "What we want most of all is to see you and Misty happy, of course. You know that, don't you?"

"Yeah, though you all have a funny way of showing it..."

Delia smiled and kissed his forehead. "Alright... ceremony's due in a few hours, so let's get started."

It was amazing how long "a little bit of work" on his hair could take. Of course, forced rehearsal of his wedding vows, tearful anecdotes about Delia's own wedding, and relating stories to Cilan and the other groomsmen as they arrived (Clemont, Kiawe, and Sophocles, in sky blue, scarlet, and yellow kimonos, respectively) helped eat up the time. Then there was the shared attention of his future sisters-in-law...

"Daisy, if you don't let go, I'm gonna need my hair fixed again!" Ash protested. No matter how he squirmed, he couldn't get free of her grip.

"Aww...but then I could, like, do it right!" Daisy teased. "A bit more mussed up in the front, we can finally frost the tips..."

"NO! No, no, no! That's a veto, Daisy! This isn't the 90s anymore!"

"Y'know, that's what Tracy always says..."

Ash stood up and picked up his kimono. "Okay, I'm getting changed, so anyone not named Pikachu needs to leave."

("Why do I have to stay?!") the Pokemon protested.

"You're the Best Man."

("... Right.")

"He's so touchy sometimes," Daisy complained as they all filed out.

"Now, now," Delia chided gently. "He needs his space before the ceremony..."

Got that right, Ash thought as he shut the door behind them. He felt as fired up as he did before any Pokemon Battle - more fired up - but his mouth still felt awfully dry, and his head rather light. "You ready, Pikachu?"

Pikachu answered by leaping onto his shoulder and nuzzling his cheek. ("Of course. I'm ready to zap either of you at a moment's notice!")

"Comforting... alright, let's get myself into this thing..."

And a few minutes later, he found himself standing under the shrine, looking out at the crowd of people assembled for his wedding. Geez, I knew we invited a lot of people, but...

A good number of them were the extended relations of his friends and traveling companions: Dawn's mother, Cilan's brothers, representatives from Iris's village, and so on. There were Gym Leaders, Frontier Brains, and professors as well. Ash smiled and waved at Riley as he came in, dressed in the same blue suit as always.

There were a lot of Misty's friends - Casey, Marina, Sakura - and an assortment of Trainers they'd both known over the years. The front rows were reserved for close friends and family. Mallow was already seated, along with Drew, Gary, Miette, the Waterflowers, Professor Oak and Tracey, Professors Kukui and Burnett, Max and Mahri, Ritchie and Serena, and his mother.

Brock stood at the center of the shrine, with the groomsmen aligned behind him. Pikachu stood on Clemont's shoulder, beaming. Ash looked over at the bridesmaids: Lana, May, Dawn, and Iris all smiled and waved. He grinned back but quickly straightened up: the music was starting, which meant...

Bonnie scurried down the aisle in a fit of giggles. Azumarill and Rowlet, with matching floral crowns, came along either side of her as she slowly walked back up, tossing pink cherry blossom petals about. Ash was only vaguely aware of this, and cared even less. All his attention was on the fiery-haired woman in the white-and-red dress slowly following them, her hair wrapped up in a white gold headdress, a bouquet of roses in her hand, and a nervous smile playing at her lips.

Nothing else mattered. He only had eyes for Misty, watching as she slowly made her way up the aisle. Her eyes shone once she stopped next to him, and Ash was only vaguely aware of his own reddened face and Brock's light sobbing.

"Hey," he whispered.

"Hey yourself."

"Arceus I love you."

She winked. "I know. And you clean up nicely."

“My mom and your sisters had something to do with that,” Ash admitted, chuckling softly as he rubbed the back of his head.

“You still went through it for me.” She tugged lightly on the front of his montsuki before they both turned to face Brock and the shrine.

"D-d-dearly beloved," Brock choked out. Tears dripped down the sides of his face. "We are gathered here t-today to witness the joining of... of these two in h-h-holy m-matri - sniff - mony. If anyone has any reason these two should - should not be wed... please leave immediately."

Laughter rippled through-out the audience, and Brock seemed to relax a little. "Ahem... I've known these two for a long time, and I am very glad to be here for this special day... now, um... I guess we should start with the vows..."

At Cilan’s insistence, Ash had spent all of yesterday writing out vows, with the groomsmen insisting on proofreading. He wondered what they thought as his hands, instead of producing that worn piece of paper, fell gently on top of Misty’s around her bouquet.

"Misty... I had some stuff written, and I got a lot of input on it, and it was good and all... but it wasn't me. It wasn't us."

He was forced to pause briefly as another wave of laughter passed.

"You know all the best and worst stuff about me, and I know the best and worst stuff about you. We've dealt with it ever since we were kids, we managed to be friends - best friends - after meeting in such a crazy way. I mean, you caught me with a fishing rod."

More laughter.

"And you caught me with your heart a few years down the line. I know it took me a while, but...well, now that I'm here, I'm not leaving. Ever."

Misty closed her eyes and inhaled, then smiled. "Ash Ketchum... you are, without a doubt, the most stubborn, arrogant, foolhardy man I have ever known. You stole my bike, wrecked it, and argued with me over more idiotic things than I can count. And yet... there is no one on this earth I would rather have as my prince, my best friend... my soulmate. You want to be a Pokemon Champion, but never forget that you are my Champion. From then, now, and always... I am forever yours."

Several people, including Brock, could be heard blowing their noses.

"Th-the bride and groom will now exchange rings..." Brock sobbed.

One of the snifflers in the crowd, Pikachu had to wipe away his tears before he produced the wedding ring from his kimono's sleeves. True to form, Psyduck only made it out of his Poke Ball right at that moment, bawling uncontrollably as he handed Misty her ring.

Brock coughed and stomped his foot and even slapped himself to get under control. "Do you, Ash Ketchum, take Misty Waterflower to be your lawfully wedded -"

"Brock, didn't we kinda already do this part?" Ash asked quietly. He could hear Cilan and Kiawe's affronted gasps and see May and Dawn's furious looks, but Misty just giggled.

"Yes," Brock said rather firmly. "Do you, Ash Ketchum, take this woman--"

"Yes."

"... Okay." Brock turned to Misty. "Should I even ask?"

"You already know."

Brock sighed, but he was smiling. "Alright... by the power vested in me by the Region of Kanto... and the Internet guys... I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Now..." he started sobbing again. "You may... y-you may..."

Everyone else in the procession screamed with smiles and laughter, startling the couple: "JUST KISS ALREADY!!"

It was hard to tell which of them moved first. They both leapt at the other's lips as if it were the first time they'd ever kissed. For good measure, Ash wrapped his arms around Misty's waist, lifted her off her feet, and spun her around for the whole duration. It was too much. She started laughing and crying at once, and never stopped kissing him.

Everyone was applauding. Pikachu leapt onto Ash's head, laughing and cheering; May and Dawn collapsed into each other's arms, sobbing wildly; some people in the audience were cat-calling, though in a joyous manner.

Ash smiled up at his wife, eyes gleaming. "We did it."

"We did it," Misty whispered, and kissed him again. "We did it, we did it, we did it!!"

Out of one eye, Ash dared to look around at the crowd. Misty’s sisters were in hysterics; Serena and Ritchie were glancing from the shrine to each other with sheepish, blushing smiles; Bonnie was biting down on her hand in a failed effort to keep the waterworks at bay; Miette had a small and oddly sad smile; and Mom, Oak, Kukui, and Burnett were all beaming.

"OK, everyone!" Dawn disentangled herself from May and wiped most of the tears off her face. "That's the wedding - who's ready for the biggest and best reception ever?"

[amarauder]

Stargirl, Rocketman, and the Greater Dog - Sirius Black x Reader

                     002. star girl, rocketman, and the greater dog

PAIRING; Neil Armstrong's Daughter! Muggle! Reader x Sirius Black

HOUSE; N/A

YEAR; After Hogwarts

DATE; April 20th, 2020.

WORD COUNT; 6183

WARNING; Drinking! Horrible, horrible characterization of Sirius, kissing, a bad word or two, horrible writing and plot, not edited, etc.

A/N; 1. So, I did some research on the Apollo moon landing which was July 20th, 1969. Unfortunately, that would mean that Sirius was around 10 years old when that happened and of course I can't have that so the gang is 18-19 age range, along with reader.

2. Yes, you are the daughter of Neil Armstrong. However, it is not really mentioned at all, just once or twice. Your last name will still be L/N. Your Father is really just a muggle astronaut, that's all I have to say.

please let me know anything I can do to make it more realistic for you.

TRAILER; in which a boy named after a constellation falls for a girl who's dad walked on the moon.

ART CREDS; upthehillart at tumblr.

-

The pub had been a bit too dark for her taste, but the freezing gust of wind outside just picked up pushing her to scurry inside. Walking up to what she assumed was the hostess stand, but seeing no one there, she looked around. All the TV sets were playing replays of previous soccer games, which almost made her laugh out loud. Considering the NFL playoffs were rapidly approaching, she knew that every television in her country was playing American football.

Another gust of wind from someone entering the bar made her shiver. Forcing herself not to look, something she knew was awkward from experience, she drummed her fingers on the counter becoming a bit impatient from the lack of service. However, just as she was about to call over a waitress who was staring at her bit oddly, she couldn't help but overhear the group of people behind her.

"-But Lily wanted a muggle wedding, Padfoot. So, will you-"

"You know weddings are so not my forté, Prongs. You are lucky I love Lily so much."

"Since when did you know such a big word like forté, Padfoot?"

They finally walked into her peripheral view, "But think about all the bridesmaids!," the one with the glasses said and clapped the longer haired one's shoulder, "We all know that Petunia chick sure is nifty."

"Merlin, Prongs, no matter how many times I tell you to let go of your Mother's strange lingo..." The words died out as Y/N realized they had walked right past her. She noticed another couple do the same before letting the embarrassment wash over. The hostess stand was not in fact a hostess stand. In fact, did pubs even have hostess stands?

She sighed before walking over to the bar. Later on, Y/N knew she would be revisiting that moment right as she was about to fall asleep and then cringe in embarrassment. But, fortunately enough, being in a foreign country left plenty of room for embarrassing moments.

She sat two seats down from the couple who came in right after the men with strange nicknames and ordered a drink that she hoped looked normal enough. The one thing that made the lack of knowledge of a different country was the legal drinking age. In her home country she could drink at 21, but in Britain she could have as much alcohol as she wanted at age 18. Something she felt made a lot more sense and liked a lot more.

  However, she had a feeling her choice of drink (that was in fact giving away her lack of knowledge on drinking) was not the main reasoning behind judgmental eyes. Her clothing choice was hopefully what they were staring at. The bartender even gave her a look up and down before shaking his head and muttering something that sounded like, 'stupid Americans'.

Y/N's Father had been invited by leaders all over the world to success. The ceremony was held in the stupid Buckingham Palace and her Father was to be congratulated by the Queen herself. Y/N had been dragged along despite her resistance and last minute had ditched. Now, she was in a grubby pub for the first time in her life in a gown and fat dried mascara tracks fit for the royal palace, itself.

Fortunately, the bartender left giving her much needed space. She chose to look around during the extra time and hopefully distract herself from anything moon related. But once she made eye contact with the long haired man with the dumb nickname and a even dumber leather jacket, who looked way too chipper and eager to talk about her dress, she gave up. Instead, she shuffled through her bag looking for a pen and her notebook.

Finally finding them, she smiled in satisfaction before Bella decided to ruin the moment by barging in the bar. The girl who she had known for about ten days, was way too chipper and nosy for her taste. Bella had been assigned to her by some government official to help show her around, but had instead used Y/N's last name to her advantage. Throwing it around like confetti, Bella had tried and tried to get guys left and right but to no avail. It was actually kind of entertaining.

"Y/N," the girl rushed towards her, tumble of curls going wild, "What are you doing here? Your Mother is furious and your Father is well, we need not to talk about that."

Y/N didn't even look up from her notebook and instead continued to finish trying to find the next blank page, "Well, that is such a pity. Tell Mother-"

Bella abruptly shut the book on her fingers causing Y/N to flinch and hiss at the girl in betrayal. "Listen, I know your knickers are all in a twist because Mr.Armstrong missed your graduation but he really wants you there." Narrowing her eyes and ignoring the pang in her chest from the stupid girl's words, Y/N calmed herself down and tried to think rationally. The girl never cared about her well being, so how did she of all people know about her Father's antics.

Throughout Y/N's entire life, her Dad had continuously proved to her family that work was his most important priority. He hadn't just missed her High School graduation, but he had missed all her graduations, all her sports games, all her recitals, anything that was important to Y/N. No matter how hard she tried to prove herself to him, he never ever showed up or if he did, he left five minutes in. It was a constant battle, as her therapist had said, but now Y/N was supposed to show up to her Dad's important event. Interesting how the tables finally turned.

Y/N only snorted and patted Bella's hand in what she hoped looked like a convincing manner, "Congratulations! You are the first person who I have ever heard say, 'Knickers in a Twist'."

"Y/N! You have to be serious about this! It's important for your Father's career, and not only that but a memorable experience for the both of you."

"Really?" Y/N remarked sarcastically, "Well, you know what is another memorable experience? Your daughter's High School graduation, but he had no problem missing that."

Bella sighed and opened her mouth to speak before she was interrupted by one of the weird nicknamed men, "Excuse me," and Y/N noticed that the rest of them were behind him, not that she was surprised, "Hello, um. You don't happen to be Arabella Figg, do you?"

"Guilty!" the girl laughed daintily and Y/N couldn't help but roll her eyes. Remarkably, considering the lack of time Y/N had spent with the girl, Y/N had spent way too much time deciphering between Bella's multitude of personalities that all happened to change whenever a boy was within a five foot radius.

The boys, whom she never actually got introduced too, had even weirder names than their nicknames. Except for James and Peter of course, but they made it up through their nickname she supposed.

After a while, Y/N realized that, thankfully, she was not going to be brought into the conversation and instead continued what she had been doing before she was rudely interrupted, only to be interrupted again by an annoying but very Bella topic: her Father.

"Her father is Neil Armstrong," Bella said and gestured to Y/N who was rolling her eyes.

"Who?" Raising an eyebrow at his question, she ignored the man's probing eyes and continued on with her notebook. But she couldn't get his question out of her mind.  It seemed 'Sirius', whose name she caught on from Bella, was full of surprises. She hadn't met someone who didn't either still at her Father's name or even worse ask her a bunch of probing questions.

"No one," Y/N grumbled moodily but not before giving him a calculating once over which somehow only seemed to give the boy more confidence.

"The first man to walk on the moon!" Bella put in helpfully.

"I just.." Y/N paused her speech when she noticed Remus stiffen at the mention of the word 'moon' and the rest of the posse exchange glances, her stink eye only intensified. "I just don't see why this is such a big deal. The Soviet Union already landed on the moon. This whole thing is completely unnecessary."

"Ya, but it really isn't a moon landing if America hasn't done it, is it?" Y/N was shocked that for one, that the pretty boy named Sirius even knew something (God, she really needed to stop judging.) and for two, that he had blatantly called out her home country like that.

She liked him.

Giving him another once over, she quietly laughed. Y/N didn't quite know what to make of him or his antics, "I suppose. It depends on how you see it."

Sirius leaned forward, "Well, how do you see it, love?"

Y/N also leaned forward, a challenging look in her eye, "None of your business, love."

-

The next few days passed by in a blur. Her family had tried to fit in as much sight seeing as they could in the past week. Y/N had instead been forced to stay in the tiny apartment as a grounding for not coming to her Father's ceremonial service. It had been absolute torture, her family would come back after experiencing something amazing with loads of pictures and stories that Y/N couldn't handle, especially when they decided to bring Bella with them to Big Ben that night.

After having just finished her dinner at a cute little cafe, Y/N set out to go get some much needed alcohol. It had been a stressful but very uneventful trip and she couldn't stand to go back to the tiny hotel room. You can only watch so many seasons of the Brady Bunch before it becomes annoying.

Thanking the waitress after getting her card back, she left the restaurant and braved the harsh weather. London at night was a force to be reckoned with. The sights were absolutely gorgeous, but the streets were absolutely dangerous. As a tourist with limited knowledge about where she was going, Y/N set off for the stupid pub that she went to last week.

The second she walked in there, she made a beeline to the bar. It was surprisingly busy that night and as she looked around in surprise there were no open seats. Wrinkling her nose, she stepped forward and ordered her drink anyway.

Maybe once she came back from the bathroom then there would be an open seat?

Biting her lip but deciding against going back, she got in line behind some man with annoying nice hair. Glaring at the back of the head of the guy with annoyingly nice hair, she sighed and let her head fall against the wall. Instantly regretting it and feeling her head start to pound, she cursed under her breath and rubbed the side of her head.

Why was she so clumsy?

"Real smooth," someone said in front of her. Looking up, she noticed it was one of the weird nicknamed dudes with an either weirder name.

Y/N rolled her eyes and smiled at him sarcastically, hoping to hide her embarrassment, "Thanks, you're a real helper."

"I try my best," he said before sticking his hand out in front of her, "Sirius Black. I remember you from the other night. The daughter of the original rocketman?"

Y/N snorted, "Nice Elton John reference. Ya, and you're the guy with the names related to dogs."

"Impressive. I don't always come across a pretty girl who also knows her stuff, like you."

Taking a step backwards in order to regain her thoughts back for a second, she crossed her arms, "It helps being the daughter of the original Rocketman.

He smirked, "Very funny."

"What? Your music choice or pathetic nicknames, dog face?"

"Touchè. I prefer music but whatever floats your boat."

Pretending not to be amused, she rolled her eyes and pursed her lips, "Really, whatever floats your boat?"

"Well, what else did you expect?"

"I don't know," Y/N said, taking in a long sigh and knocking on the wooden wall next to her absentmindedly. Ever since leaving the bar, the man in front of her had been all she could think about. She found herself overanalyzing everything that had happened that night: from Remus walking up to Bella to when Sirius shocked her. She liked a man who could discuss contradicting topics but also defend his own opinion while also acknowledging her own point. It didn't help that he was gorgeous either. "Maybe an explanation or two. I just can't quite figure out why you and your posse all looked at Remus when I mentioned that my Dad was the first to walk on the moon."

"First of all, my friends and I are not a posse, we are the Marauders-"

"Marauders?"

"Our group name," Sirius said as if it was well known information.

Little snorts turning into full-blown laughter, Y/N felt her sides start to ache and her eyes tear up as she laughed. Why on earth would a group of full grown men name their own group?

Sirius only pouted, muttering something that sounded like, 'It's not funny.'

Only giggling more, she patted his shoulder and passed him to use the restroom and said , "Thanks for letting me cut you," before shutting the door.

Finishing using the restroom, she exited it and winked at Sirius before walking over to the bar. Fighting the urge to make sure he was following her, she hopped up on her stool and smiled at the lady next to her who was giving her a glare. She was probably hoping some guy was going to come and sweep her off her feet. Too bad she was an old woman in the middle of a bunch of barely legal adults.

She was about to order another drink, the lady had taken hers, when she felt him. His hand was brushing against her shirt as his hand rested on the back of the stool, "One fire whiskey for me, and one whatever the lady wants."

"I'll just have whatever he is having, please." Y/N smiled at the bartender politely before turning to Sirius.

"What the hell is fire whiskey?"

Blinking at her owlishly for a few seconds, before looking like he had just done something horrible, he rubbed his lips together as if he was a woman putting on lipstick. "It's a kind of whiskey. You'll love it, trust me. Do they not have it in America?"

Y/N shrugged, "I wouldn't know. I don't drink too often, and at my age it would be illegal to drink there."

"That sucks."

"Ya, I know." Good thing she wouldn't have to deal with that anymore, "Anyways, Remus and the moon?"

"Oh, ya. As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted by your laughing," Sirius said with a smirk and pinching her sides making Y/N shriek and wiggle away from him, "I think it's pretty self-explanatory, sweetheart. I mean it's pretty far out that your Dad is literally rocket man. I guess we just all happened to look at Remus, he is the most understanding out of all of us."

Looking at him unimpressed, she rolled her eyes and reached for the drink that was just put in front of her before taking a sip. It burned down her throat and Y/N coughed hackedly.

Sirius chuckled and took the drink out of her hands, "It's not for the faint hearted."

Y/N rolled her eyes and pouted, "I don't believe you."

"What? That you're faint hearted, cause sweetheart, I hate to break it to y-"

"You know what I mean, puppy dog," Y/N interrupted with a sigh.

"Puppy dog? That's a new one. How much of this did you drink, love?"

"Stop changing the subject."

"Fine, you want to hear Reemy's deepest darkest biggest secret of all time?" Y/N nodded earnestly and fought the urge to laugh when Sirius got closer to whisper it to her, "Well, the truth is that Remus is a-"

A cleared throat. Some snickering. An annoyed sigh from Y/N. A sudden feeling of cold.

"Padfoot, who's this?" Y/N turned around and was faced with the other three nicknamed boys. James, the one who had interrupted them, put his hand out in greeting, "You're the girl from earlier, aren't you?"

Y/N nodded, "Nice to officially meet you. I'm Y/N."

"Nice to meet you, James Potter."

The others introduced themselves after that and the drunk-like feeling slowly went away. The problem was whenever Sirius leaned over to whisper something in her ear, it returned. Just like that, she was back on square one, uncontrollable giddiness, dizziness, and ridiculousness.

"So, Y/N what brings you to our little corner in London?"

Y/N smiled, "Well, originally, I was here for my Father's congratulatory ceremony. But, last week, just after I met you all actually, I got an acceptance letter at Oxford. (I wonder if any of you guys can guess why I chose this college out of all of British colleges. Hint: Hogwarts.) I wanted to tour it once more before I accept and start Uni next fall."

James raised his eyebrows but smiled, while him and the other two congratulated her nonetheless. Out of the corner of her eye, she tried to register Sirius' expression but all she got was an annoyed glance towards James, who had elbowed Sirius after her explanation. It was enough to lighten her spirits.

"What about you? Are you guys regulars here?" She asked, trying hard not to seem too obvious.

Sirius shook his head and placed an arm over her shoulder, "Nah," he said while her body stiffened but warmed from the contact. She felt her entire face and neck grow hot but tried to hide her embarrassment by scooting closer to Sirius. "Jamie here is a whipped boy. His fiance wanted a specific type of wedding but is unable to make the wedding planning. So she forced all of us men to come and keep Prongs in check, while he basically repeats everything she wants."

Y/N was barely able to understand what he had been saying, he had leaned in close and his breath was hot on her neck as he talked, but she had been able to get out a dizzying smile and congratulate him. It seemed her mind went to mush whenever Sirius was involved because since he put his arm around her, she had not been able to pay attention to what the others had been talking about.

"I'm sorry, what?" Y/N asked after she had noticed everyone staring at her.

Sirius laughed quietly, "Prongs was just wondering if you would want to come over sometime and meet his fiance?"

-

Sirius had arrived early, which any other time would have been fine, except for the fact that Y/N's parents were late in leaving for dinner with some friends they had made in London.

Her Mother fortunately, was still setting her hair and called for someone else to get the door once the bell rang. "I'll get it!" Y/N hollered and darted to the door, praying to God and any other godly figure she could think of to not let any of her nosy family come into the living room.

Sirius stood at the door with a lazy smirk on his face, that any other time Y/N would have loved but she was in fight or flight mode and that was never good.

Y/N wasn't even ready yet, she had wanted to wait until her parents had left the house to get ready. But plans had changed and now Y/N was still in a tee-shirt and sweatpants. Sirius looked amused.

"Well, aren't we looking dazzling this afternoon."

"Shut up, Sirius," Y/N hissed, pushing him further into the hallway, "My parents are still here."

At this, Sirius perked up. For eagerness to run for the hills or stay and meet the devils themselves, Y/N didn't know.

"Do you not want me to meet them?" He asked and Y/N sighed. She didn't know what she really wanted. Hell, she had just met the guy. Ya, she hadn't been able to stop thinking about him and he had managed to consume her daily thoughts. Now, he had invited her to meet more important people in his life and spend more time with her. Sure, it was a bit fast, especially since they haven't even been on a date yet.

But meeting the parents? That was due after dating for a while! Even with her limited experience she knew that!

He was an odd sort too, something Y/N didn't know she trusted but was always attracted too.

The man in front of her looked at her patiently, a hint of a smirk still ghosting on his features. He tilted his head slightly and Y/N gulped, "Well, would you want to?"

Sirius raised his eyebrows, and Y/N mentally gave herself a high-five. She had managed to catch him off guard, more time for her to ponder whether he should meet her parents or not-especially now.

But before she could make her decision, Sirius shrugged, "Well, why not? I would love to meet Rocketman." Y/N froze for a few seconds and he hastily tried to fix his mess, "Only if you want me too, of course. I don't mean to seem to forward or anything but, I don't mind, is what I am saying. I have been trained to meet adults my entire life-"

Before he could continue rambling, Y/N started to laugh, "Trained to meet adults your entire life? What did your parents give you lessons on how to properly introduce yourself? Oh my God, were you one of those spoilt brats who were forced into lessons on manners and ballroom dancing and all that ridiculous shit?"

"I don't think Mother," he said in a posh voice, "would have liked hearing her 'well-spent' money being called all that ridiculous shit."

"Well, it's a good thing, I'm not trying to impress her then. Isn't it?" Y/N said and leaned forward.

Sirius smiled, and God, it was blinding. The more she stared at him, the more her stomach flipped and flopped and the more addicting, dizzying feeling increased. Her placed his forearms on her shoulders, and her skin tingled, "Yes, it is a very good thing. Now, why don't you get dressed and we can head to James house late, ya?"

Y/N sighed and shifted her weight under Sirius, "Fine, but I wanna show you something first. Stay here, I'll come get you once I change."

Sirius saluted her and stalked over to the window, while Y/N closed the door. Her Mother asked who it was but Y/N merely said a stranger, a man who was lost.

But Sirius was not a stranger anymore, nor a man who was lost, and the permanent smile etched onto her face by a painter who goes by the name of a dog said so.

-

 By the time Y/N got changed and scurried around the little place, it was dark outside and the night was cold. She had a bottle of Sherry in her hand, the only thing she could find in their rented space and a fistful of Sirius's leather jacket in the other.

Her parents had luckily left just before Y/N had finished getting ready, she had hid in the bathroom in order to not be seen and questioned about her appearance.

Y/N assumed they had seen, and hopefully not met, Sirius on their way out. But Sirius didn't mention anything, so neither did she.

"What's in there?" Sirius asked, peeking into the bag Y/N grabbed with her. Swatting his nosy self away, Y/N brought the bag closer to her chest in order to protect it. He wasn't getting near it anytime soon, or until they arrived at the secret destination in a few minutes.

"None of your business."

"Well, I don't know about you. But considering I am here with you, possibly in danger-"

"In danger?" Y/N cried indignantly with a laugh, "Of what? Messing up your hair?"

Sirius grinned, "Precisely."

"I don't think I have ever heard a boy say 'Precisely', Mr.Manners."

"Well, us Brits have to use our accent to our advantage. How else would we wind up with pretty American girls like you?" Rolling her eyes, she shoved Sirius to the wall next to her and opened a window. The window itself was old, which was odd considering the building looked to be rather new. The outlining was painted red, but seemed to be chipping off and the glass itself was blurry as if someone had used the wrong cleaning product on it one too many times.

But Y/N grinned as if she was telling Sirius her deepest, most kept secret and it was drawing Sirius in like a moth to light.

She opened the window and climbed through without a word. It was only a few seconds later she realized Sirius hadn't moved and she stuck her head out again to beckon him in.

As Sirius climbed through, he felt like a different person. Almost as if someone had switched out his brain for someone else's, like Regulus', but he kept the same body. He felt as if he was a puppet moving on strings, only the puppeteer was learning how to control him. He stumbled through the window, and it was an odd feeling for Sirius.

Sirius had climbed through windows drunk before, snuck around a school filled with Patrollers who performed magic on a daily basis, executed pranks on the greatest witches and wizards of their time, but here he was stumbling around like a deer first learning how to walk.

Y/N turned around with another blinding grin, as if to check he was still following her and he almost fell. She laughed lightly and held her hand out to him. Sirius didn't know whether to be embarrassed or delighted.

They finally got to Y/N's little secret spot and Sirius finally noticed that they were outside. The air was chilly around them, just enough that Sirius could use the weather to his advantage. It was dark outside, so dark that Y/N's pretty features all seemed to meld into a nameless face. But the scenery was pretty and Sirius' nerves were buzzing with activity, all the warmth seemingly to be an extension of Y/N.

"Can you believe I just found this place?" Y/N asked, nearly breathless from next to Sirius. Their hands were still connected but Sirius decided not to mention it.

Sirius laughed, his mind finally starting to rebuild itself from the shock of Y/N's touch, "Well, you did just arrive here." She laughed and shoved him, and it was then that Sirius really felt how cold it was outside. She turned away from him and Sirius pouted, if she was really going to play this game then Sirius was going to have to give in.

But she wasn't playing the 'you didn't really hurt my feelings but I am going to pout anyway because I want attention' game and instead she turned around with a devilish smile and two of Sirius' favorite things.

Food and Cigarettes.

She was an angel trying to become a devil. He was screwed.

But Sirius only laughed quietly at her, and this time she pouted, "What, you big meanie."

"Nothing," he paused and waited to see if what he said next was worth it. It was. "It's just you don't drink too much, do you?"

Y/N nodded then scrutinized him as if trying to figure out what he was getting at, "Ya, so..."

"It's amusing to me how you don't drink but you smoke. Usually, if someone is dipping their toe in their rebellious stage then they start with alcohol first."

She rolled her eyes so hard he thought she might hurt herself, "Sirius, that may have been what you did but I started probably before you even knew what a cigarette was."

Sirius raised his eyebrows at her comment but said nothing. He could prove her wrong, but what if he was wrong? The chances of him winning and failing were 50/50 and if it were any other girl, then he would have taken them.

But he knew about three things about Y/N and they were all general: One, She liked Elton John (But who didn't?). Two, she was going to college next fall and wanted to go to some muggle school here, which only excited Sirius more. Three, she was from America. Oh yes, and her family was a bunch of humbugs who liked to go to the moon.

It was four things in total, but that did nothing to help Sirius nerves.

Instead Sirius leaned down on the roof of her rental, and looked at the heavens above him. She lit up a cigarette from next to him. It struck him then, in the glow from the lighter Y/N was very much alike and different from all the other girls he dated.

A girl with probable Daddy issues and a need for exhilaration, but she was intelligent and was going places. Besides, all the girls he dated, he knew of. He had lived in the same castle as them for seven years, Y/N grew up in an entirely different country and lived a life without magic.

She was new, and comfortable, and different, and forbidden in some shape or form.

His parents would have hated her, the ministry still held more than enough laws against what Sirius was doing.

It only brought him in more.

But then she laid down next to him, with a blinding smile and a glow to her face. Smoke floated around her like a halo, and Sirius wondered again if she was more devilish or angelic.

She took another hit before passing it to Sirius, he took it in his fingers and debated smoking or not. Her lips had been around it and he really wanted the first time for their lips to 'touch' to be a kiss, not a cigarette butt.

"Well," she said looking at him expectantly, "I thought you said you've smoked before."

"I have," he said and shot her a look.

"Then, what's stopping you?"

Sirius sighed but took a deep breath of the drug, then he blew it all in her face. She coughed and sputtered while Sirius laughed. She pushed him again, but he only brought her closer and looked up at the stars again.

The cigarette was a good distraction and he took in as much as he could, before she snatched it back from him with a huff.

Then the silence took over, and the stars shone brighter, and the warmth of Y/N lulled his buzzing skin to sleep, and the passing of the drug became a mindless routine. Sirius felt a serene sense of calm wash over him.

-

A light laugh. His head fell to the side. His name was called once. Sirius opened an eye. Burning stars fell from the heavens. He closed his eye again. His nerves buzzed, right near his heart. He opened his eyes. A burning star fell on him.

"Good morning," Y/N whispered as she looked up from him on his chest.

Sirius looked up, it still looked like night to him. He needed to wake up. "How is it," he paused and cleared his throat, "How is it morning?"

Y/N smiled and it was suddenly to bright for him. He wanted to shut his eyes again. "Well, it is only one in the morning."

Sirius groaned, "Bloody hell. James is gonna kill me." It was a lie. James wouldn't kill him, James would laugh and tease him about who kept him so busy and distracted. Lily would be the one to kill him.

Y/N ignored him and played with the cuffs of his jacket. It was quiet for a while as Sirius woke up. He should feel bad for falling asleep on his date, but he couldn't bring himself too.

"Hey, Sirius?" Sirius hummed in response, "Why are you named after a star?"

"It's a tradition in our family to be named after constellations and other balls of fire in the sky." Because that's what stars were, glorified balls of fire.

Y/N smiled at him, and for the first time her smile wasn't so disarming. It was a soft, barely there, closed lip thing but it made Sirius' heart flutter. "That's neat."

"Never really thought of it as neat, but I guess that's a way to think of it."

"Well, what did you think of it then?"

Sirius opened his mouth, then closed it. What did he think of his name? "I guess... I never actually thought about it. James, the idiot, thought of my nickname when we were all fifteen. It all sort of stuck after that."

"Because of the constellation, right? Because Sirius is a star in the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog."

"Umm, ya," Sirius said, glad that's what she thought instead of the truth.

"Did you know that Sirius is the brightest star visible from any part of Earth?" She whispered and Sirius' heart whispered back, "You stupid, stupid, falling star."

"Nope," Sirius said with a grin and squeezed her, "But I do now." He made the mistake of looking down at that moment. She was giving him that grin again, the grin that would forever be on the edge of a smile and a smirk, the edge of an angel and a devil.

Her hand reached up to his jaw, and she became a star girl, shinning bright above him. Her blinding light beaconed him closer and closer, until it consumed him whole.

-

a/n; i really don't know what this is and the whole star girl thing and angel and devil thing. but I don't know. it's just something i came up with along the way. and i know sirius is so out of character, but i like to think that Sirius is different with a girl he really likes. like completely overtaken by her and super mushy gushy type romance, but doesn't like to show it? i dunno. I'm working on trying to better my writing and I noticed that a lot of it is tell not show, so i tried my best to make it the opposite but I dunno. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Also, this is not just a marauders one shot book like it was previously! I know I have only been writing for marauders only, but it's a hp book! but requests are still closed! i want to get through all of my own ideas before i open up requests again! :)

Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

[commonratmiraculous]

Miraculous Divergence AU

Accidental Good Dad Gabriel Agreste.

Where Gabriel realises that Marinette couldn’t have stolen the Miracle Book from Adrien because Lila knew about Volpina and he, recognising Lila’s toxicity towards Adrien in particular from that interaction and as an akuma, takes Marinette’s side somewhat.

Perhaps this is done by requesting the school look at cameras/video footage - maybe Mr. Damocles is so thrown off by Gabriel showing up at school that he just does it without question - “I’ve been told it was stolen from my son and would like the school’s assistance in verifying this.” Would probably also work honestly if it sounds like enough of a threat.

After that he tells Adrien what Marinette did, specifically the implications that Gabriel believing her would have had on her career in fashion design. Adrien is clearly touched and might give him a bit more of a push towards something other then the high road later on.

Gabriel still plans to use Lila obviously, but it’s more on the Hawkmoth side of things rather then Gabriel specifically. And of course he keeps Marinette in mind, not yet sure of how he’d be able to convice her to help but knowing she’d be a formidable ally.

Adrien and Gabriel would have to get closer because Gabriel would want to know more about Marinette, and maybe that’s why he’s more accepting of Nathalie becoming Mayura - since she’d be a more acceptable ‘sacrifice’ then Adrien in terms of the Miraculous Wish consequences. As their relationship strengthens with that between Adrien and Gabriel.

For the purpose of this fic, the peacock miraculous would have to not be broken and Emilie would have to have been cursed for a different reason but that can be left up to creative interpretation. Since the wish would require an exchange and an already sick person likely wouldn’t be accepted as a sacrifice for the same curse.

Anyway through Adrien he learns that Marinette isn’t very good at being on time, and perhaps it’s found out that as far as scheduling goes Marinette has an as busy schedule as Adrien but less routine (babysitting Manon and commissions come to mind). So while Gabriel doesn’t start off by offering an internship as far as his company is concerned, Nathalie is enlisted to help Marinette get her stuff together.

Of course spending more time just in the Agreste household she gets more comfortable around Adrien. Starting with a few jokes on Adrien’s side of things regarding how Marinette spends more time with his father and Nathalie then he does and Marinette getting upset about it not fully realising the joke.

It becomes very clear to Gabriel that Adrien is falling in love with Marinette even if Adrien himself isn’t realising it. Maybe he talks to Adrien a bit, warning him against aggressive pursuit romantically, and a long overdue discussion on boundaries that he never realised Adrien didn’t get. Both in realtion to himself and others.

And somewhere along the way Marinette realises that she shouldn’t be apologising for everything that goes wrong. Not that apologising is wrong, but that if she apologises for the faults of others she’ll get blamed.

Adrien’s growth comes at the same time as Marinette’s growth and inadvertently they become better heroes as Ladybug and Chat Noir as a result. (i.e. Chat stops flirting with Ladybug in battle and Ladybug is her thinking and her excuses.) With Chat’s growth being more apparent then Ladybug’s, while on the flipside Marinette’s growth is more apparent then Adrien’s - thus keeping them safe from Hawkdad’s suspicion.

If I were writing the fic I’d put a wedding between Felix and Bridgette coming to Paris, and then deciding to just move in with them. The wedding being a good way of bringing Adrien and Marinette closer while shutting others out, while also setting up a support system outside of Plagg for Adrien to lean on when the whole Hawkmoth and Mayura are my parents thing.

And the announcement comes in the same time as Chameleon. Marinette’s still late for school having spent the night sketching wedding dresses after Bridgette asks Marinette to help her do hers, and the Bridesmaids dresses, Mother of the Bride etc. (While Gabriel is presumably doing the other bridal party) and overslept as a result.

It’s a big thing that doesn’t really get mentioned because she arrives in class to hear Adrien mention it’s unfair to expect Marinette to move to the back because Alya wanted to sit next to her boyfriend and everyone else is with friends. In the end they both end up sitting at the back and Adrien politely asks that Marinette not argue with Lila’s lies because he didn’t really want to sit next to someone who stole from him.

The subject of jealousy doesn’t really come up then and at lunch the conversation between Alya, Nino and Marinette happens exactly the same just with Marinette telling Alya that she won’t apologise if the Ladyblog fails for posting unsourced information since she tried to warn her.

Lila doesn’t actually have too much of a reason to threaten Marinette at that point, nor does she go after Adrien that day. But when it becomes apparent that the two of them are focusing on their own successes that would outshine Lila’s fake one’s then things start to get nasty.

I’ve also liked the idea of someone, maybe Chloé or Sabrina mentioning the whole napkin able to gouge out an eye thing to Mme. Mendelieve. And Lila would clearly think that it’s Adrien or Marinette when they both claim to have not believed that. Not to mention by then Marinette and Adrien are sitting next to each other in most other classes because the Tittinus thing isn’t working all that well for her. (Maybe Mme. M genuinely believes that Marinette and Adrien would work well together given Adrien’s own interest in physics and Marinette’s off the wall way of problem solving, and actually lets them sit next to eachother out of scientific curiousity). Marinette: “for clarification, Mayura didn’t turn the napkin into an amok.” Mme. M: “that’s correct” Adrien: “the trajectory is all wrong, the napkin would’ve ended up in Max’ lap” Marinette: “plus he’s wearing glasses” Adrien: “Ladybug couldn’t have thrown a napkin hard enough to produce the force necessary to break Max’ glasses, let alone Marinette” Marinette: “and that certainly doesn’t account for the actual motions the napkin would have to go through to gouge out an eye”

Later when Lila’s returned from her akumatization she tries the whole my Tittinus is clearing thing and Mme. M is just, Ladybug’s powers have never worked like that why would they start now? Sit down Mlle. Rossi or I’ll have the Principal phone your mother.

Some of the others are getting it though. Like, they have no idea what the drama is between Adrien and Marinette and Lila, but there clearly is drama. Though Adrien suggests perhaps dialling it back a bit, for his own reasons it’s because the Lila is a difficult akuma, and suggests they just take the high road until something else is started. They don’t know who each other is yet but Marinette concedes the point, later texting Adrien a “I thought about what you said what if Lila is working with HM?” As a joke.

Adrien doesn’t think things are that bad until Lila breaks into his house, though she meets Felix instead of Gabriel - who’s a lawyer for the brand and just goes into the school requesting they keep Lila away from Adrien and Marinette regarding seating and group work thereafter since legally nothing can be done with Lila’s mother having diplomatic immunity.

A short interview is given on the subject in which it’s announce that Marinette was included because of the family ties as well as her newest internship with Agreste (the Brand as a whole becoming two separate lines/designers under one house etc. since they don’t want to fully compete with eachother ‘Gabriel’ and Bridgette’s ‘Coccinelle’ and - later - Marinette’s ‘MDC’).

Marinette’s progress causes her to start Guardian training earlier then in canon (not that I’ve been able to physically watch the amount of secondhand embarrassment in the show at current) and Chat Noir manages to catch her in the act of it for whatever reason, with Master Fu telling Marinette he’ll handle it.

They still don’t know identities, but Adrien is told by Master Fu that he thinks Gabriel is still a viable suspect for HM especially with the knowledge that miraculous users can be akumatized. He’s stopped from panicking too badly because he’s got more support now and because Master Fu mentions that Gabriel’s recent interest in Marinette is worrying him.

Marinette ends up holding the Rat Miraculous to ‘keep safe’ and also spends some time with Chat Noir practicing fighting or what not. Which a miraculous user that isn’t on either team but is close to Chat ends up being a really good article on the Ladyblog and intrigues Gabriel.

How it goes from there I don’t know. Obviously, this has the makings to be very Adrienette but can also end up being Marichat if the route of DoubleAgent is taken with Mulmouse. Mostly I just like the idea of HM fucking up by telling Ladybug his plan thinking she’ll help him because he doesn’t know she’s Ladybug.

And Lila’s siding with HM would start out subtle enough to be easily used in her becoming a pawn in a possible Old Guardians v New Guardians plot after the fact, perhaps with a HM!Lila?

[the-lady-of-stars]

My Love, My Life

Requested by @mayansthings

Poe Dameron x Reader

Summary: Reader is a pilot and is in love with Poe but doesn't admit her feelings because Poe is always flirty with everyone. Unbeknownst to the reader, Poe might just love her back. 

You soared precisely through space, shooting down TIE fighters one by one. You shot accurately, slicing through three fighters in one shot. 

“Great shot, Pipsqueak!” you heard Commander Dameron through your comm.

Pipsqueak. The nickname Poe had given you one night when you and the rest of Black Squadron were drunk after a celebration. There was no particular reason for the name, but when you're drunk things are 50 times funnier, and Poe found it hilarious. So that was you now. Pipsqueak. 

“Not too bad yourself, Commander,” you smirked. 

“Oh yeah? Not too bad, huh? Watch this then, Pip!” Poe made a sudden turn at a ninety-degree angle, taking out four fighters in one shot. 

“Well look at you, Flyboy,” you joked.

“Oh you can look all you want, Sweetheart. Go ahead- take your time. You wanna go land on a planet somewhere so you can get a closer look? I wouldn't blame you. I’m a sight for sore eyes.”

“Well I don't know about sore eyes but you're sure as hell giving me sore ears.”

“Hey, hey. You love my voice really, Pip. Want me to sing you a song?”

Before you could quip back you heard Snap groaning through the comms “I’m gonna shoot at least one of you two down in a minute if you don't stop flirting.”

This was then followed by a “Get a room” from Karé, making your face heat up.

Poe made some comment back to them about them being a miserable old married couple but you were too embarrassed from his flirting to register it. 

The mission had been a complete success. Black Squadron had taken out an entire First Order dreadnought together. Now you were entering the atmosphere back on D’Qar, ready to celebrate your victory. You slowly lowered your ship down next to Poe’s, sighing gratefully as you reached the tarmac. 

You raised the canopy of your ship, throwing your legs over the side and hopping down. You pulled off your helmet, giving it to your engineer before following the rest of the squadron back into the base. 

After the quick debrief with General Organa, you made your way to your room, walking beside Jessika who stayed in the room next to yours. 

“So?” she began, smirking at you. 

“So?” you replied, confused as to what your best friend was on about. 

“You and Dameron, huh?”

“What? No- Jess no! We’re just friends!” you exclaimed in shock.

“Y/N, friends don't flirt like that” she teased, making your face heat up again.

“Jess, you know Poe. He talks like that to every girl on base. It’s nothing special. That’s just how he is!” you reasoned. 

“Y/N. He does not talk to any other girls like that. In all my years of knowing him he hasn't talked like that to anyone except you.”

“Jess!” you groaned, rolling your eyes at her. 

“Whatever you say, lovebird. See ya at the party tonight. Make sure you make yourself real pretty for Poe!” she blew you a kiss before disappearing into her room, making you roll your eyes again.

You trudged into your room tiredly, heading straight over to your bed and flopping down onto it. The long mission you'd been on had taken its toll on you, the thin pillows and worn down quilt feeling luxurious in your state. Just as your eyes were about to succumb to sleep, your holopad beeped, indicating a message. 

You picked up your holopad from your bedside table, seeing that the message was from Poe. This made your heart flutter, your little crush on your Commander giving you tingles. The message read:

“Hey there, Pipsqueak. Nice flying today. You’re almost getting as good as me. Well- almost. No one’s better than me. My ‘best pilot in the Resistance’ title isn't going anywhere any time soon. 

Anyway, I wanted to ask if you were going to the celebration party tonight. If you are, then I was wondering if you'd allow me to escort you there. I’d like to spend some more time with you. 

Let me know what you think, Pip.

- Poe”

Butterflies swarmed your stomach. Surely Poe wasn't asking you on a date- was he? No, he can't have been. It was probably just as a friend. Either way, you weren't going to turn down the opportunity. You replied:

“Hey, Poe! You flew good too, but I wouldn't get so cocky. That title can't be yours forever. I’m coming for you.

Despite the fact I’m about to steal your title, I’d still love to go to the party with you. Maybe I could teach you a few tricks. Meet you at eight?

- Pip”

A few minutes later, you got a reply.

“Oh yeah? Think you can beat me, Princess? I wouldn’t wanna get a pretty girl’s hopes up but you’re gonna have to try harder to take my title. 

I’ll be outside your door at eight. See ya later, Pips. I look forward to it.

- Poe”

You squeaked, pulling your holopad to your chest. Clearly you’d squeaked louder than you’d thought, as you got a message from Jess. 

“You good in there, Y/N? What was that noise for? - Jess”

“Poe may or may not have asked me to the party with him.”

“What!? You serious? Oh stars, tell me more! I need all the details! I’m coming over now. - J” 

As expected, a knock sounded at your door moments later. You got up and opened the door, Jess leaping in and wrapping her arms around you. 

“Y/N! You’re going on a date! With Poe!” she squealed.

“Yeah, yeah. Cool it. We’re just friends- I told you earlier.”

“Stars, Y/N, you're so oblivious! Come on. We need to start getting you ready right now. You go shower while I pick you out an outfit, then I’ll do your hair and makeup.”

“Jess there’s really no need for this-”

“Quiet! I will not accept anything but a yes. Bye Y/N, have fun in the shower!” 

You groaned, grabbing a towel and heading into the bathroom under the orders of Jessika. 

After you were nice and clean, you made your way back into your bedroom, seeing that Jess had picked you out a short black dress which was tight around the bodice and had a flared skirt to accentuate your figure and some matching black heels with red soles.

“Really, Jess?” 

“Yep! No arguing. You are gonna look hot by the time I’m done with you.”

You pulled on your dress, sitting down in a chair Jess had pulled out and allowed her to do your hair and makeup. She gave you a deep smokey-eye, accentuated with a little bit of gold and a perfect cat-eye. Then she made your lips a sweet cherry red. Jess moved to your hair, curling it all perfectly and setting it with spray. 

“Oh, Y/N, look at you! Damn, Poe’s not gonna be able to take his eyes off of you for a second.”

“Thanks Jess, I appreciate it.” you smiled.

“Anything for my best friend who should totally trust me more,” she winked, heading off to get herself ready. “I’d better be a bridesmaid at your wedding!” she called out, just as the door was closing so you couldn't respond. 

- Time Skip to 8pm -

You heard someone knocking at your door. Poe! It was eight already. Well here goes nothing, I guess. 

The door slid open to reveal Poe, dark curls freshly cleaned and falling around his face. He had his iconic leather jacket on over a white t-shirt and his matching brown trousers. His jaw fell when he saw you.

“Damn, Pipsqueak. You look gorgeous!” he gasped, cheeks reddening.

“Thanks, not looking too bad yourself, Dameron.”

He blushed even more, biting his lip and reaching out his arm for you to take.

“Shall we?”

When you both entered the bar, heads turned to look at you both. The two dreamiest Resistance members were here together, not going over lightly with people. You got sharp glares from jealous girls who wanted their turn with the great Commander Dameron and Poe got dirty looks from all the men who had their eyes on you. It didn't matter though, Poe was yours tonight. 

You sat down at a table with the rest of Black Squadron, receiving whistles from Jess and Snap who you both rolled your eyes at. 

“Well damn, look at you two. All dressed up and such,” Snap smirked. 

The jokes went back and forth, getting both more stupid and yet somehow funnier after every drink you had. After about two hours, Poe said he needed a quick breather, asking if you'd like to accompany him on a walk. Naturally you'd agreed, taking his hand and allowing him to lead you outside, ignoring the Squadron’s drunken comments all along the lines of “don't have too much fun.”

Poe led you to a lake on a part of D’Qar you’d never been to before. The moon was the only source of light in the darkness, reflecting calmly in the water. The trees swayed in the gentle breeze, the leaves making a gentle sound along with the crickets in the grass and the serene babbling of the lake. You were far away from base, so those were the only sounds you could hear. 

Poe sat down at the base of a tree at the lake shore, opening his arms as an invitation for you to join him. You settled down against his side, watching him pull his jacket from his shoulders and drape it over yours.

You tilted your head to the side, resting it on his shoulder in a motion of gratitude. You both remained silent for a while, until poe slid one hand into yours, interlocking your fingers. This made you look up at him, noticing the moonlight reflecting in his eyes that were the same shade as a sweet chocolate. His curls seemed to float in the wind, practically calling for you to touch them.

“Y/N?” He spoke very quietly.

“Mm?” You hummed in response.

“I- I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while now. Ever since I first met you I knew there was something different about you. I’ve always felt a connection to you. I know it sounds weird but- I can't seem to pull myself away from you. Every time I see you I can barely think straight. And when I see you putting yourself into danger on missions? Hell, protecting you is the one thing that occupies my mind. I don't know if you feel the same way, and please don't feel pressured at all to say yes just for my sake, but- would you consider being my girl?” 

Your heart was pounding at his confession. You ran your thumb over the back of Poe’s hand. 

“I feel it too. The connection.” you looked down at your intertwined fingers before continuing. “There’s just something that makes me want to be with you all the time. To keep you safe and to make you feel loved.” you whispered.

“Really?” Poe asked.

“Yes, Poe. And to answer your question- I’d be honoured to be yours.”

Poe’s lips pulled into a smile, making you do the same as you looked back into his eyes. 

“I love you, Y/N,” he confessed. 

“I love you too, Poe.” you spoke softly. 

He looked down into your eyes, exhaling slowly before leaning down, ever so gently pressing his lips to yours. Your eyes fluttered closed, sighing and pushing your fingers into the hair on the back of his head.

Slowly, you pulled apart, resting your foreheads together. 

“You’ve made me so happy tonight, Y/N.” he sighed. 

You smiled lovingly, completely smitten for the man in front of you. You pulled him into another kiss, this time more passionate and expressive of your true feelings. 

You both headed back to base, hands clasped tightly together. When you arrived you were a completely different person than you were before you left. You weren't alone any more. You had Poe now and he had you, and neither of you planned on giving each other up any time soon.