#who will stop me from eating up all those father/daughter moment and see my favourite babygirl cry because he's afraid to fail his 2nd girl

[daughtersofbelleteyn]

and noooow, of to a third rewatch of the episode in Jackson because I FUCKING CAN.

[channiesbedroom]

Pancakes for Breakfast | bc

I spend my entire life thinking about what Chan would be like as a Dad so have this little oneshot of cuddly appa Chan !!

- Dad!Bangchan x Reader - No warnings, just pure sweet fluff

“Appa! Appa! Appa! Appa!” Chan turned to face you, half of his head hidden under the duvet. You snort, unable to contain your laughter as he gives you his best impression of puppy-dog eyes. Your daughter continues to shout from her bedroom – “Appa! Come here!”.

“Darling, you’re not Seungmin. The puppy eyes don’t work on me. Go and get your child.” With a huff, he throws the duvet off, sliding out of bed and slowly tucking his feet into his slippers.

“Our child.” He mumbles as he stumbles out of the room, still half asleep. You let yourself lie back on the plush pillows, easily dropping back off to sleep as the shouting stops, and your 2-year-olds voice becomes softer, clearly happy that her Appa has come to get her out of her crib. It feels like you’ve barely gone back to sleep before a weight appears on your stomach.

“Mama, mama, mama.” A tiny voice whispers directly into your ear. “Mama needs to wake up for breaky.” You open your eyes tentatively, finding yourself face to face with Sarang, your daughter. She’s lying on top of you, with her face mere inches from yours.

“Good morning my baby.” Her face scrunches and she huffs. “What’s that face for?” You giggle.

“I’m not a baby, Mama. I’m a big girl.” You wrap your arms around her tiny body and squeeze her, struggling to lift yourself up with her weight still lying on you.

“The biggest girl. Shall we go and see Appa?” She nods frantically, wriggling until she’s out of your arms, sprinting down to the kitchen. Chan is standing at the kitchen counter, a stack of pancakes and a punnet of strawberries in the middle of the table.

“Ta-da! Mama, Appa made us pamcakes!”

“Pancakes, sweetheart. Not pamcakes.” Chan laughs. She clings to his leg, nuzzling her head against his flannel pyjama bottoms. You try to slyly take your phone out of your pocket, hoping to capture a picture of the sweet moment, but Sarang notices immediately, letting go of Chan and pulling her face into a huge smile, tiny hands trying their best to form a peace sign.

“Bang Sarang, you are such a poser.” Chan lifts her up under the armpits and sits her on his hip, pulling the same face, and holding the peace sign slightly more effectively.

“Just like Appa, hey?” He’s grinning from ear to ear. You love seeing Chan like this. You were young when you unexpectedly got pregnant with Sarang, and you never expected anything from him, but he was the perfect father to your little girl. He had to spend so much time working and travelling, but he always made an incredible effort to spend time with her, facetiming her every single day that he was away. He was the perfect boyfriend too, despite the crazy late nights, after which he’d creep into bed, trying not to wake you. Being in a relationship with an idol was hard – despite you having been in a relationship since you were teenagers, you’ve had to keep it secret from nearly everyone. Only your direct family – your parents and siblings, and of course his family, know all the details. You’ll never forget the emergency meeting you had to attend with JYP only a few days after you saw those 2 lines, where you had to sign a special contract about keeping your secret.

You look back to your 2 favourite people, who by now are sitting at the table, scoffing pancakes faster than you could imagine. You are constantly impressed by Sarang’s ability to eat just as fast as her father.

“Mama! Eat your pamcakes, they’ll get cold!” Her bossiness, however, she definitely got from you. She looks at Chan, tiny arms crossed, and her brow curved into a frown. She slips into Korean easily, telling him that he needs to scold you so that you’ll eat faster. Chan laughs.

“Sarang, you can tell your mama that yourself!” You’re laughing with him. Your Korean still isn’t perfect, despite years of practice, so Chan is the parent who speaks Korean with Sarang, whilst you always speak to her in English. She hasn’t yet realised that you can still understand almost everything she says, despite struggling to reply in the same language.

“I’m eating them! I promise!” Her furrowed brow relaxes a bit as she climbs up the side of Chan’s chair and perches herself in his lap, leaning against his chest and trying her best to wrap her arms around him.

“What do you want to do today baby?” You turn to look at Chan, trying to work out whether he’s speaking to you or your daughter, as he has the unfortunate habit of using the same pet names for both of you. His eyes are firmly fixed on Sarang’s face, his hands looking huge as he holds her steady. “Aquarium?” She jumps up immediately. Sarang loves aquariums and has done since she was a baby. You scoff slightly.

“Babe, I can’t really take her there today.” You don’t want to let her down, but no-one knows that Chan has a child, so he’s never been able to take her out unless you’ve privately booked. You know for sure that you haven’t booked to visit her favourite aquarium.

“About that.” He looks up at you, your heart immediately melting at his soft smile. “I spoke to JYP yesterday. And it’s ok.” You’re confused. What’s ok? You reply with a questioning hum and a tilt of your head.

“The big reveal. Your choice how we do it, we can announce something on social media, or we can just start subtly being seen together, y’know.” You can tell he’s nervous as he talks, but he has no reason to be. You jump out of your seat and almost run to be next to him.

“Are you serious? We’re actually allowed to leave the house together?” You have tears in your eyes, and you can see that tears are starting to form in Chan’s eyes too. Sarang, in contrast, doesn’t seem to have any idea what a big deal this is.

“Yes, my love. We can basically do whatever we want. They recommend that I call one of the managers to come with us if we’re going out in public, but officially, we’re fine.” He stands, Sarang settled on his hip, and uses his spare arm to wrap around your shoulders, squeezing you tight.

“Well, baby.” You wipe your tears and stroke Sarang’s hair, unable to hold back your grin. “Let’s go to the aquarium.”

“I’m not a baby!” She screeches. You and Chan reply in unison. “You’re a big girl!”

[shyvioletcat]

For zoom interrupted could we have one where aelin is attending a meeting and Rowan is supposed to take care of Elspeth and well hell ensures

Well, I don’t know where this came from. But it’s here and it’s fluffy, so enjoy.

Zoom Interrupted

~~~~~

It was Rowan’s turn for ‘keeping the toddler out of the study’ today. Aelin had a meeting and they weren’t as accepting of interruptions as his colleagues were. Dorian didn’t mind, neither did Aedion, but a lot of the others had sticks up their asses and didn’t understand kids at all. At least with Dorian as her directing manager, Aelin wasn’t going to cop any flack for it if something happened. He just listened to the complaints, reminded those complaining of the situations they were in, and left it at that.

The only problem was that Elspeth had woken up today feeling like Aelin was the only person that existed in the whole entire world. She wouldn’t have a bar of him. Rowan had tried everything –– snacks, her favourite toys, cuddles, video chatting the grandparents. Nothing worked. The best he could manage was cartoons and being regulated to the opposite of the couch after she had pulled just about every possession she had into the living room and left it there. Even then she was still restless and whiny, every so often she whimpered a little. It was enough to break his heart.

Rowan was checking his phone ignoring the annoyingly high voices on the TV, when there was a loud clatter making him snap his eyes away from the screen. The remote had landed on the floor, the batteries spilling out.

“Elsie,” Rowan said sternly.

It was a mistake. Her green eyes went wide and started to fill with tears. Rowan sighed, he knew what was coming so he slipped off the couch to deal with the remote before it did. He’d just got the batteries in and the back on when Elsie cracked it, crying like her world was ending when all he’d done was say her name in a slightly lower octave than he usually used. Kneeling on the ground Rowan looked over at his daughter, who was now lying down on the couch, her little face heartbreakingly sad.

“I’m sorry, little one,” Rowan said gently. “But you can't throw the remote, it will––”

She didn’t let him finish.

Rowan sighed again, knowing this was a losing fight. “Do you––” more crying, “I can get you a chocolate milk, how about that?”

That caught his daughter’s attention and her crying stopped as she nodded at him. Rowan smiled triumphantly and pushed himself off the floor to go to the kitchen. He got out Elsie’s favourite sippy cup and the milk and the chocolate powder. Spooning in just enough that the milk was convincingly brown, Rowan screwed on the lid and went back to the living room.

“Elsie, here’s your…” Rowan’s voice trailed off when he took in the oddly quiet couch.

Elspeth was gone.

~~~~~

Aelin loved babies. And she loved making babies. It was just the in between bits she wasn’t too fond of. If the vomiting and near constant nausea, along with the fatigue, wasn’t bad enough there was also the fact she was shut in their little house with nowhere to go. Aelin understood why she couldn’t go out, she really did. But being stuck inside with a toddler and her husband with no one else to see face to face was driving her a little stir crazy.

At least today she had something to break up the monotony of the days. She had a meeting for work, meaning that she had to at least look somewhat presentable, giving her something to do and a reason to wash her hair. The hard part had been convincing Elspeth to play with her father for a while. She’d been extra clingy today and Aelin had to literally pry off the little hand that held her shirt in a vice grip. Throughout the meeting she’d heard muffled sounds of tantrums and Rowan’s efforts to placate their daughter, all in all it didn’t sound like it was going great.

And neither was Aelin. She’d zoned out a little while ago while Kaltain droned on about something that wasn’t relevant to Aelin so she put all her attention to keeping her breakfast in her stomach.

Then there was a silence and Aelin hoped that the meeting was over but then her name was being said, and from the tone of it, it wasn’t the first time.

“Aelin,” Dorian said.

She took in a deep breath, not quite exhaling as she said, “Yep.”

“Have you finished that manuscript?”

“Not yet,” Aelin managed to get out, swallowing back the nausea. It usually took Aelin no more than three days to finish a manuscript with her notes for the publishers. But she was more than a week behind on this one. It wasn’t her fault, every time she tried to read she just fell asleep.

“It was meant to be finished last Friday. I don’t think you’ve ever been late before,” Dorian mused.

Aedion snorts from his little rectangle. “Being late is kind of Aelin’s thing at the moment.”

Aelin sends her cousin a scathing look while Dorian looks confused.

“Well that’s it for today,” Dorian said. “Same time next week.”

“Before you go,” Aelin adds quickly before the call ends. “I need a minute with you Dorian.”

“Okay, I’ll just disconnect everyone else.” It took Dorian a minute but then it was just the two of them. “What’s up?”

Just then the door to the study swung open and then a small figure launched itself at Aelin. She gagged on impact, but managed to keep from actually throwing up.

“Elsie!” Dorian cheered. “How’s my favourite little gremlin?”

Aelin saw her daughter give Dorian a look on the screen that looked all too much like Rowan as she clung tighter to Aelin.

“Aw, what’s the matter, petal? Do you want to see the puppies?” Dorian asked.

Elsie nodded at that, wiping her nose on Aelin’s shoulder. Dorian’s dog had had puppies a few weeks ago, Aelin was a little jealous and had cried over the photos more than once. Dorian apparently had one on his lap and he lifted it up so they could see. Aelin’s eyes started to tear up immediately and the fluffy little things. It was enough to get Elsie’s attention and she moved forward, nearly knocking over a drink bottle, making Aelin jump up to catch it before it did some damage.

“Aelin Galathynius-Whitethorn, is that what I think it is?”

Aelin looked at her own screen, at the view Dorian had. The shirt she had worn today hugged her very small baby bump, all the more noticeable from the sideways angle she was standing at. Aelin readjusted Elsie who was currently tucked under her arm, and sat back down. “Yeah so… I’m going to have to put in for leave. I’m pregnant.”

“Again?” Dorian all but blurted.

“Hey,” Aelin pointed a finger at him, feeling irrationally angry. “What do you mean again? It’s only the second one.”

“Sorry,” Dorian said meekly.

“Well, you say it like it’s my fourth or something.” For some reason this conversation was now making her cry. Damned hormones.

“Did you just make my pregnant wife cry?”

Rowan now came into the study, no doubt looking for his escaped charge. He was scowling at Dorian, green eyes staring him down through the camera.

Dorian cleared his throat. “If we weren’t in lockdown I might be afraid for my life right now.”

“Lockdown won’t last forever,” Rowan threatened. “And I never forget.”

“Unless it’s contraceptives,” Dorian muttered.

That set Aelin cackling, her erratic emotions coming full circle, especially when she saw the faint blush on Rowan’s cheeks. Elsie started laughing too, cheered up by being in her mother’s arms and the little puppy.

Dorian sighed. “I hate to lose my best proofreader, again,” he added with a wry smile. “But congratulations. To all of you.”

“Thanks, Dor,” Aelin said, giving Rowan a nudge.

“Thanks,” Rowan said tightly, making Aelin roll her eyes.

“Okay, I’m gonna go before Rowan finds a way to murder me through a screen, we can work out deatils later.” That was all Dorian said before he ended the call.

“You’re the worst,” Aelin said, looking up at her husband.

Rowan sighed, “Sorry, I’m just tired.”

“How convenient, me too,” Aelin said. “How about we take a family nap?”

Rowan grinned at her as he helped her up from the chair while Elsie still clung to her. “Sounds perfect.”

~~~~~

Tags: @fucking-winchester-trash // @literary-licorice // @galyxsy // @tangledraysofsunshine // @highqueenofelfhame // @3am-reading // @soup-that-is-too-hawt // @aelinfire-bringer // @nalgenewhore // @highladyofthesith // @http-itsrebecca // @sleep-and-books // @alifletcher2012 // @westofmoon // @sleeping-and-books // @ttakeitbacknoww // @armixers-unite // @mariamuses // @chocolate-eating-bitch-queen // @velarian-trash // @queenofxhearts // @heroesofterrasen // @highladyofstoriesandmusic // @empire-of-wildfire // @camerooonchiu // @crackedship // @lowhangingtreebranches // @over300books // @yourwhisperingshadows // @thesirenwashere // @tswaney17 // @impossiblescissorspeachpaper // @cat5313 // @judelovescardan // @flowerspringsea // @chaoticskyy // @the-regal-warrior // @fanfictrash3000 // @blueeyes425 // @starseternalnighttriumphant // @bamchickawowow // @thehuntressofmoon // @giorgia-the-trashpanda // @flora-and-fae // @thereaderandfangirl // @illyrian-bookworm // @chemicha // @meltalgel // @gay-book-nerd // @that-odd-puzzle-piece // @i-love-all-books // @in-love-with-caramel-macchiato // @girl-who-reads-the-books // @hizqueen4life // @the-third-me // @1islessthan3books // @bestmelle // @cursebreaker29 // @b00kworm // @superspiritfestival // @aesthetics-11 // @maastrash // @mynewdreamwasyou // @the-last-apprentice // @charincharge // @firestarsandseneschals // @scarznstars // @absolute-dissapointment // @thesurielships // @df3ndyr // @trinitybailey2003 // @hellasblessed // @booknerdproblems // @larisssss // @sevenfreckles-for-sevenloves // @rolltide7 // @scandinavianromantic // @tillyrubes10 // @starwarsslytherin // @minaidss // @paytin77 // @jesstargaryenqueen // @anntheintrovert // @starbornvalkyrie // @loudphantomdragon // @woollycat22 // @claralady // @perseusannabeth // @fangirlprincess09 // @maddymelv // @sierrareads // @more-espresso-less-depresso-xx // @jlinez // @lysandra-ghost-leopard // @rowaelinismyotp // @pullnpeeltwizzlers // @anne-reads // @jadeaffliction // @gracie-rose // @elriel4life // @miserablesmusings // @tothestarswholistentodreamers // @thenerdandfandoms // @castielspelvis // @swankii-art-teacher // @grandma-noob-lord // @vanzetanze // @highlady-brittney // @story-scribbler // @linguine-panini // @pastasiren // @surielandiareendgame // @silentquartz // @littleboxofthunder // @empress-ofbloodshed // @booksbqueen // @rowanwhitethornisbae // @charlizeed // @feysand-loml // @aelin-queen-of-terrasen // @alyx801 // @amandaswallowtail // @louiseleblancdiggory // @abookishfreak // @danibutterr // @thegreyj // @lizzyfirebringer // @endlessdaydream // @magnifique1807

[deepseavibez]

A Star In Your Sky || JJK

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

-> Picture Source - Pinterest

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

A Star In Your Sky [Jungkook]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Genre - Dad!Jungkook; Angst; Sadness; Melancholy; Drabble:

Summary - Helpless as he was, 'what you didn't know couldn't hurt you'... it would have to do. There was nothing else he could do.

Warning - Angst; Sadness; Major Character Death;

Word Count - 1.7k

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Jungkook woke up with a start at the blaring alarm. 5am - his phone flashed in red numbers. Snoozing it, he left it back on the table.

The fog on the windows signifying a cold morning, the dreary grey clouds overcast, the edge of dawn.

Wiping the sleep out of his eyes he righted his shirt, pulling his sleeves over his cold hands, ruffling his hair as he stretched his limbs and swung them over the couch.

The cold hit his bare feet as he stood up and started his way down the hall, switching the lights on as he walked, to navigate his way to the room right next to his.

Door slightly ajar, he pushed on it, the slight creak a normal sound, a part of the surroundings, the many years behind the action of tuning it out.

His eyes fell past the threshold, items he knew by heart, colors he had committed to memory, the scent and the surroundings - his home.

The curtains in this room were purple, deep purple, the hue something akin to indigo, silver moons and stars shone at the catch of even the tiniest bit of light.

There were posters of cartoons, drawings in crayons and paints, a basket of toys in the corner of the room, and Cooky, the pink plush toy staring back on the made bed.

Eyes scanning the toy he remembered the day it came home.

----------

'Dad, look what Uncle Jinnie got me,' Moon ran up to him, as she giggled in excitement, eyes lighting up at the plush toy in her hand.

Turning toward the sound of his daughter, he bent down on one knee so she could hop into his waiting arms. He held her easily, her form tiny and stable in his muscled hands.

Her momentary glance to the tattoo on his skin, a second nature, something that made her smile, as her name had been carved into his forearm, stars surrounding it with a Saturn ring.

She was Daddy's little girl and she loved every moment of it.

Meeting her fathers eyes, she held up the pink bunny in her arms, a prize worth every drop of attention he could give.

Smiling bemused he asked her, 'What about all the other teddy's in your room, babygirl?'

He nosed at her cheek as he teased her.

Her eyes went as wide as saucers, 'Dad!' she exclaimed in a mock whisper, 'They aren't Teddy's, they all have names.'

'Yeah, Jk, how can you call them Teddy's,' Jin played along, just as scandalized at his dongsaengs choice of words.

Mouth twitching, the mole on his chin, shifting at the movement, he raised an eyebrow at his hyung, 'I'm surprised you didn't get her the RJ.'

'Now, now, I did explain the perks of having RJ, but she is Daddy's little girl.' They smiled, endeared with the toddler between them.

It was the last proper, happy outing they had, ice-cream, feeding the seagulls, playing in the sand, her best days with her father and her Uncle Jin.

----------

‘I don't care what happens to me, I don’t care about the money! Just please save my baby, please!’ Jungkook was enraged, angry at the world, helpless, desperate.

Stage 4. She was only a child, her tiny body fit in his arms, her form only half of him.

It came out of nowhere, severe bruising and bleeding when she fell down, or got cut. Trouble breathing when she ran, nausea when she ate and sometimes not wanting to eat at all. Waking up to her cries in the middle of the night, sniffling quietly, at the pains in her body.

Too many symptoms, too many blood tests later, too many restless, sleepless nights, she was diagnosed with leukemia.

There were weeks of waiting for results, test after test, of having to sit her in his lap, and explain why she needed to see countless doctors and that things would get better, that it was just for now.

But as he stood opposite her doctor, his hyung holding his shoulder, he had to go home and tell her he lied. He lied.

He'd have to tell her that there was no turning back, and if it was too late for his daughter, the love of his life, the very center of his world, for him, there would be no way forward.

----------

He stood at the doorway of her hospital room, having just gone home to change up and get her favorite mac and cheese. The sight he met every single time, not something he had gotten used to, despite the number of weeks he’d been at the forefront of it all.

The tubes along her face, her nose, in her arms, something a baby should never have to go through. A parent should never have to think about outliving their child. It wasn’t the cycle. It wasn’t fair.

She deserved, to hit double digits, to find love, to have him fight the need to protect her from every mistake, to always be there for her, she deserved friends, memories, the chance to discover hobbies, she deserved more time.

The saddest part was that she was too young to think of any of those things, and yet, maybe it could also be a blessing.

What you didn’t know couldn’t hurt you, right.

Blinking back tears he plastered a fake smile on his face, the brightest one he felt he could muster. ‘Hey, babygirl.’

She looked up, a small smile, slowly making its way up her cheeks, her face pale. Opening her mouth to speak, he shook his head at her. ‘No, no, shh, baby, don’t hurt your throat.’

Making his way over to her bed, he gingerly climbed in next to her, the nurses used to his presence, the doctors having no objection considering the care he had with her as he slotted himself protectively over her.

Pecking her on the head, he took note of the scrapbook in her hand. She looked at it everyday, pictures of her six loving uncles, Taehyung plaiting her hair, Jimin showing her tiny jewelry pieces, stick-ons for her ears, Namjoon with a bunch of block letters, a tower of it clearly having collapsed around them. Her Uncle Hobi always made her smile, as he had her on his back and his neck, walked her around the apartments like he was her personal chauffeur, Yooni holding her as she slept, light music playing in the background, and her Uncle Jin, her favourite Uncle Jin, always around, choosing school bags, spoiling her with anything she wanted, anything that caught her eye, especially morning blueberry waffles and her dad, Jungkook, her dad, the youngest, the one with the most time, the most allowance to make reckless decisions, the one who adapted his whole life around her inclusion in his life.

‘Hey, remember the story of your first birthday,’ His voice exuberant at her cake covered face,’when you didn’t want to wear the red jacket Uncle Tae gave you, and you cried for his instead,’ he petted her head as he searched her face for recognition.

She pouted at the mention of it, the story recounted so many times before,’Uncle Tae’s jacket was purple, Dad. How could I not want it,’ Her cheekiness earned her a light flick to her nose.

She upturned it crossly, a little zest in her eyes at the familiar chastising.

They paused, looking at each other, before the smile slowly disappeared from her face, the reaction apparently contagious as Jungkook sat up in concern. ‘Dad,’ she started softly, her eyes trained on the blanket covering her legs, ’are you gonna forget me?’

Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat at the innocent question, striving to show no reaction on his face. Moving swiftly, he worked his way around the cables and maneuvered her into his lap. They tried, he tried, and she had been so strong but even at her tender age she knew it, he knew it, the time for sugar coated words, and false hopes were over, acceptance was all that was left.

‘Close your eyes,’ he prompted, wiping tears he could no longer hold back, away from his eyes.‘Can you see me?’

‘My eyes-,’

‘No, keep them closed, can you see me,’ he reiterated, beside himself.

‘No, I can’t see you.’

‘But you can hear me right,’ taking note of her face, her nose, her cute cheeks, he waited for her answer.

‘Yes, I can hear you.’

‘Well,’ he sniffled, head falling against her forehead lightly, the contact needed, ’that’s what it will be like. I will always be here for you. I will always talk to you, and I promise,’ his hand found hers and squeezed it, ’I will never forget you. You may not see me and I may not see you, but you will always be the biggest part of me. And I promise, I will never, ever, forget you.’

He broke at his last words, pulling her into his embrace, holding his Moon, wishing with everything he had left, he would never have to let her go.

Moon passed that night, in her sleep, in his arms, as painless as it could possibly be. Knowing what was going to happen, couldn’t have prepared Jungkook for the real thing. But he knew he had to let go of her lifeless body, he knew he had to call the one person who could handle him or whatever came next for him, and as soon as he saw his Jin hyung, the one that named his perfect girl, he fell into his arms and cried, as his heart shattered into pieces.

----------

Standing at doorways were his thing these days, he thought, everything he did was not enough, not too much, like sitting on the fence, falling in the middle.

It had been a year, but he couldn’t clean out this room, he still woke up at 5am despite his flexible job because he had to take care of her routine, maybe someday he would have to stop coming in here, but right now, the made bed, the unused room, the stillness of it all, would remind him that even for a time, he had something beautiful, something worth all that pain, a human that he would meet someday again.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[satoshy12]

Reading Kronos talks about his children

Kronos about his children

It had been a normal day at Olympus in the meeting of the Winter Solstice as suddenly fate appeared before them and seemed to not be able to stop laughing.

The Fates: "Here you can't leave this room, till this is done, hahahaha."

With a Poof sound, they were gone as fast as they were there.

Athena made her way to the little Book they left for them to read and picked it up.

"Athena what are we even supposed to see?" Zeus demanded his favourite child.

" Here stands "Kronos talks about his children" looks like what grandfather thinks about you father and your siblings." Athena read out loud.

"Father's thoughts about us?" Hestia asked not sure if she heard it right.

"Seems so." Poseidon looked at his siblings, all of them not sure if they really wanted to know it.

"Athena starts reading." Zeus commanded his daughter," the faster you read the faster we are done."

"Okay."

It has been a normal day at Tartarus the Titan Kronos was once again having a card game with the Norse God Loki and Egyptian God Seth.

"Father knows those gods?"

"Looks like it sister." Demeter answered to the Goddess of the Hearth.

"So favourite children, mine was Vali?" Loki started as he lost his hand," do you have one?"

"Do I look like Rhea?" Kronos said he was sure won the game," I treated all my children the same."

"You eat us!" Poseidon to the screen," mother saved us."

"Umm, mother only saved Zeus, we were saved by Zeus." Demeter started," so in a way she played favourites at that time."

"Hahahaha, I am mother Rhea's favourite." Zeus started to laugh at his brothers.

Before Zeus and Poseidon started a new argument Athena continued to read.

"Really?" Seth," What are their names?"

"My Perfect, has never will have done anything wrong, Baby Princess Angel, Flawless Perfect, Fire Angel, Cookie Princess, Best Girl, Good Girl, …."

"Father."

"What is it, daughter?"

"Grandfather is talking about the next 200 sites about Aunt Hestia and how great and perfect she is."

The gods in the room have to give the Titan King that truth Hestia is truly the favorite in the family. But 2000 sites to listen to Kronos talking about Hestia?

"Just start reading as fast as you can."

"……….. good girl….how perfect she is….want to see her baby pictures from my memories…. Shows pictures…."

More and more Hestia blushed and her family was shocked how Kronos sounded like a doting father to Hestia.

'Why did the Fates laugh then?' Hades thought as he looked at his older sister who was now blushing Black Gold on her face.

'This is embarrassing.' Hestia accepts a little doting of her dad but this is too much for her.

".... the glorious fabulous heir to my throne and Powers! Hestia the Bestia!!!"

Silence was in the council room.

"Wow." Apollo broke the silence,"2000 sites only about Aunt Hestia."

The rest of the family looked at Hestia who was seemingly burning. Outside and inside so golden she was from the Ichor.

"What is with your other children?" Seth wasn't that shocked to all that talk he is the same about Anubis when he sees him.

"Now it's interesting. Let's see what father thinks of us."

"Hestia little sister 1, Hestia little sister 2, Hestia first brother, Hestia second brother and not to forget my loyal Stone."

"HE DOESN'T EVEN REMEMBER OUR NAMES!"

"What kind of father are you!"

"See I told you?"

"Stone, WHAT IS ABOUT ME. I DEFEATED YOU AND I AM THE KING OF THE GODS. I AM YOUR SON ZEUS!!"

Seth and Loki couldn't stop themselves from laughing and laughing how Kronos first even said he doesn't have a favourite child.

"What is with Zeus?"

"What by Ouranus's Balls is a Zeus?"

While most of Hestia's siblings were angry at not being remembered even by their name they couldn't stop themselves from laughing hearing that Kronos doesn't even remember having Zeus.

And the god in question was turning a releasing lighting around him and his master bolt glowed to show his owner's anger.

"So the Stone? Haha hahahaha"

"Oh my loyal Stone is next to Hestia my heir in the case i Fade. Whatever this Zeus thing is he wasn't eaten by me so not my child. Zeus comes up with such a name. Hestia is a good name on the other hand Worthy of a Perfect being like her. "

"The stone?"Ares yelled, "The freakin 'Stone?!"

"The stone is the heir? After Hestia for his powers. How would that even work?" Athena asked herself.

The children of the titan couldn't even open their mouths right now.

Seth and Loki with their pantheons could after this moment no longer look at the Olympians the same.

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Not just a soft princess  - Azula x female reader imagine: Part Five

After your holiday things with Azula couldn’t be better then the firelord makes a discovery that puts both your lives at risk.

Part one here

Part two here

Part three here

Part four here

Part six here

Your POV

Your holiday had initially filled you with dread but when you were forced to leave the Ember Islands you were very sad. It had turned into one of the best experiences of your life. You felt like you were walking on air, just looking at Azula made you smile and feel fuzzy. Her blush every time you made eye contact told you she felt similarly.

Even when you returned to the fire nation that didn't go away precisely because Azula was there. She was beside you and that made you happy. 

Azula had evidently listened to your concerns too. She’s paid attention to your comment about treating other people poorly and you noticed her behaviour changing. She didn’t start braiding daisy chains for her workers but she did treat them properly. She thanked the guards who escorted you to training, she nodded to maids as they opened the doors for her, said please before asking for certain weapons and didn’t yell if they made mistakes. You smiled noticing how the servants stared when she said something resembling a compliment and felt your feelings for her grow more. She was really trying to address the concerns you had and you liked her even more for that.

Azula also meant to keep her promise about finding more moments alone. You of course had you sparring sessions but they were too exposed and public for either of you to openly express your feelings. So Azula put her sneaky calculating talents to good use and came up with many excuses to get you alone in private locations. The first week it had been an airship inspection, followed by a crucial mission to find earth nation clothes the next week. This week it was the excuse of extra tutor sessions. Azula claimed with the upcoming eclipse she needed to speed up your education and so evening sessions were now a part of your life. Not much learning went on in them of course and that was why they were your favourite part of your day.

On time for one of said sessions your guards stopped outside Azula’s door and knocked. Azula’s maid opened the door and bowed “princess”. “Let her in” Azula called and the woman moved out of the way. “Thank you, you may leave” Azula told your guards “we do not know how long we will be studying, we have a lot to get through tonight”. You managed not to smirk as Azula said that and the guards filled out. “Princess shall I fetch the food?” the maid asked and Azula nodded her head. “Food?” you asked and Azula blushed “we need sustenance for studying so I arranged with the kitchen to have a meal prepared”. The maid returned soon afterwards and she opened up a tray to reveal your favourite earth kingdom food. “These are cabbage noodles and those are wagashi pastries for dessert!” you cried spotting the foods of your nation “but how did you...?”. “Honuh has spent some time in the fire nation colonies in the earth kingdom and so she knew some recipes” Azula explained. You paused before realising the name of Azula’s maid’s was Honuh, fire nation nobility and especially royals never called servants or maids by their first names. That was reserved for people they respected or maybe a high ranking guard but never a server. You smiled at Azula’s gesture and Honuh herself seemed stunned. She stared at Azula before lowering her head. “That was very kind thank you both” you smiled and Honuh blushed “it was my pleasure princess, would you like me to leave now princess?” she asked turning back to Azula who nodded. “Yes and thank you for all your work it has been greatly appreciated”. The maid stuttered in shock and seemed unsure if she should bow and leave or thank Azula again. Azula simply smiled “you are dismissed Honuh” she said gently and the maid flushed “thank you princess, good night” and she bowed deeply before leaving. 

Azula closed the door behind her and you looked from the table Azula had set up, candles and all, to her behaviour recently and followed her. The second she turned around you ambushed her kissing her and Azula kissed you back just as fiercely. When you separated Azula gasped for breath "What was that for?" she asked and you smirked. "I’ve just noticed everything you’ve been doing lately and I wanted to show my appreciation". Azula looked down "well I told you I didn’t want to upset you didn’t I?". "You did" you nodded and Azula nodded “and so if being polite and respectful to the staff is important to you then it’s important to me too”. You smiled and stared at Azula intensely “it is and you are as well”. Azula blushed even more and looked away “we should eat...the food will get cold otherwise”. “Sure if that’s what you want to do right now when we’re all alone....then sure”. Azula’s eyes flicked up to yours and you laughed as she grabbed hold of you “the food can wait”. 

It turned out the food tasted good even cold. You brought the food to Azula’s bed and ate it from the comfy silk sheets still wrapped together. “You know I usually hate any other nation’s cuisine but this tastes nice”. You rolled your eyes “why am I not surprised that you’re a fussy eater?”. “I’m not fussy! I just know what I want”. ”Um hmm” you nodded “that’s it you’re not fussy at all” you smirked sarcastically and Azula laughed. “I’m not! Take it back”. “Never” you smiled and Azula fixed you with a determined look. “Take it back” Azula cried launching herself at you and you shrieked “Azula you’re spilling food!”. “I don’t care take back your slander” she cried as she struggled to keep a hold of your arms. You eventually gave up fighting and let Azula pin you down both of you panting and laughing. “Fine, you win okay? I take it back of course you’re not a fussy eater”. Azula smiled smugly “thank you for admitting you were wrong”. “For you anything” you smiled and Azula blushed. “Shut up” she said smiling and leant down to kiss you. You smiled “stop talking about how great you are? You know you love it”. “I do” she admitted and kissed you harder making you smile against her. 

You were both so wrapped up in the moment you didn’t hear the soft knock or the door opening. You heard something smash and you stopped. You both slowly looked towards the door and saw Honuh stood there gaping. Azula must not have locked the door properly and the maid Honuh had gotten in and caught you together in a very compromising position. Neither of you moved not wanting to startle her but it didn’t matter, Honuh shrieked and ran from the room. “No” Azula yelled springing up before realising she was very very undressed. Azula grabbed a robe and you grabbed your clothes. “Azula what if she...”. “I’ll catch her and stop her” Azula told you “just stay here i’’ll be right back!” she cried rushing to the door but it opened as she got there. Ozai appeared and he had the crying maid in a tight painful grip. He scanned the room from the bed to the state of you and Azula and his eyes narrowed “I heard a cry and found this woman blabbering about the princesses doing unspeakable things....” he said coldly “I never thought she would be telling the truth”. “Father I....we can explain!”. “Silence” Ozai yelled his calm composure gone. “Guards” he yelled and fire nation guards appeared. “Take the earth princess and lock her in her room until I say not to, make sure the dai li are allowed nowhere near her and don’t let anyone in, understand?”. The guards nodded and looked to you but you didn’t move. “What...what will you do to her?” you asked not wanting to leave Azula alone with him. “That is of no concern to you” Ozai spat “that is between my daughter and me, leave now”. When you didn’t move Ozai yelled “go” but you still wouldn’t move. “Y/n it’s okay go” Azula said softly and Ozai glared “did I say you could speak?”. Azula lowered her head and you glared. “If she will not go then there is only one thing to do, grab her”. 

You were dragged kicking and screaming from the room by the guards. Azula tried to tell you to stop but Ozai started yelling at her and that made you even angrier which made the whole situation even worse. It only stopped when the guards managed to get you out of the room and down into your own. They threw you inside and locked the door behind you. You kicked and attacked the door but it was too strong to break down. You cursed the palace for being made of anything but earth and sat down utterly helpless in the centre of your room.

You didn’t hear anything all night. You’d tried listening for noise outside your door but nothing. The day was the same, one meal was thrown in but other than that nothing. So by the time the night came you were restless and terrified. The weather was cold and stormy and appeared to be just as miserable as you felt. You stared out of your window looking for a sign, a hint, anything that would tell you what Ozai was doing. You were exhausted but there was no way you could sleep or eat, you had to be ready for whenever Ozai came for you but it was Azula who appeared first. 

You’d fallen into an uneasy fitful sleep in an awkward position by the window and were awoken by a tapping noise. You jumped in surprise to see Azula’s face on the other side but quickly overcame your shock. You rushed to open the window and she fell inside. She was freezing from the rain and cold but you weren’t sure if that was why she was shaking. You wrapped a blanket around her and pulled her to the fire “i’m so happy to see you I haven’t heard anything this whole time! I worried that he’d....how bad is it?”. Azula shivered despite the blanket and you knew it was bad when she wouldn’t answer you “Azula?”. “It’s not good y/n” she sniffed “I can’t stay long in case my father finds us if he does....I managed to talk him down from the punishment he had planned and he’ll hold up his promise not to harm us as long as we both comply with his demands”. You froze “which are?”. “Straight after the eclipse I will be married off to some nobleman and removed from the palace, you will marry Zuko and stay here. We won’t ever see each other again but we’ll live”. “What no” you said confused “that’s ridiculous, how can he expect us to...”. “He can demand anything of us y/n! He can have us killed for what we did, homosexuality was made illegal when my grandfather firelord Sozin decided it went against fire nation ideals” she sighed “this is the best case scenario y/n! Do you think I’d agree to this if it wasn’t”? she cried her voice breaking. Azula looked away from you and wrapped the blanket around herself tighter. A tear slipped down her cheek and you realised with a startling realisation that she was utterly terrified. Azula, the girl who was so headstrong and confident she’d conquered the greatest city in the earth empire, had been broken. Her father had finally made her snap and it made you want to scream in anger and sadness seeing her like this. You couldn’t believe she had no fight in her but the longer you watched her the more certain it seemed. You saw the way she held her arm close to her body protectively and wondered what Ozai had done to her. Her face was swelled slightly and you felt anger rage inside you as the realisation of what Ozai had done to his daughter flooded into you. “Azula your cheek and arm...you’re in pain” you said reaching to touch her and she pulled away “it’s fine I...shouldn’t have argued”. “Azula you didn’t do anything wrong I....” Azula started to cry and you lost your train of thought. You grabbed Azula and bundled her into you and she obligingly clung to you. “I’m sorry y/n” she sniffed “I tried I really did but this is the best I could achieve”. You shook your head “you have nothing to be sorry for and this is not over, I won’t let him take you”. Azula looked up at you “what do you mean...y/n we can’t do anything he’s the firelord”. “And what are we nobodies? You are the strongest firebending prodigy in decades and I was trained by assassins since I was 7, your father doesn’t stand a chance”.

You’d hoped that would awaken some fight in Azula but it only seemed to make her angry. Azula wrenched herself out of your arms and grabbed yours tightly forcing you to look at her. “What is wrong with you?” Azula asked “you’re talking like a fool”. “No I’m not, we can do this Azula, we don’t have to do as he says”. “Why won’t you listen?” Azula cried “He is the firelord y/n! He can kill us legally and everyone will support him. This foolish notion of fighting, of refusing his decision will get us both killed. Do you understand that?”. “Yes but it doesn’t change my mind” you said and Azula groaned in frustration “then why can’t you just let it go? Why can’t you just let us go?”. “Because i love you!” you cried and Azula paused “you...you what?”. “I’m in love with you” you said laughing at how good it felt to say “I’ve never felt this way about anyone and I know I won’t about anyone else and so I don’t care what Ozai tries, I won’t let him take you away from me, I refuse to let him hurt you ever again”. Azula relaxed her grip on your tunic and looked down in thought. You figured it’d be really awkward if she just rejected you and as she turned away you wondered if that was happening. “Azula?”. She didn’t reply her back fully facing you. “Okay now you’re worrying me please just say anything”. The silence stretched on and when Azula did speak it made you jump. “If we’re to stay together then we have to escape” Azula said suddenly spinning around “with the eclipse coming up the timing will be perfect there will be so much chaos we can slip away unnoticed, of course we’ll need help but i’m sure your dai li won’t mind that...Mai and Ty lee will aid us too of course, we’ll need an airship but I can get one of those easily now all we have to do is plan it”. “Plan what?” you asked and Azula focused on you “our running away together”. Azula smiled and you felt yourself sag with relief “so I...I didn’t totally humiliate myself by telling you I love you?”. Azula shook her head blushing “no you actually just made me remember who I was and why I deserve better, you made me want to fight because I love you too”. You grinned and kissed Azula swiftly. Azula smiled and let you take the lead simply following your energy and excitement. When you finally separated you were only confused by one detail “but where are we running away to?”. Azula smiled “that’s the great thing about us both being princesses...if my city isn’t safe anymore we can just reclaim yours, we’re taking back Ba Sing Sei”.

_____

Next parts the last one!!! 

[albertasunrise]

It's Yours - Chapter 1

Summary: You and Javier have been sleeping together for almost two years but after his name was leaked by the papers, he is sent home for investigation. You remain behind with Steve to catch Escobar but when he’s finally dead, you decide to go after the man you’ve fallen for. You don’t like what you find when you finally reunite with him.

Warnings: Angst, Smut, Unplanned Pregnancy 18+

Relationships: Javier Peña x Reader

~

Your nails dig into the strong muscles on his back as he thrusts his hips at a maddening pace, teeth sinking into your shoulder as he chases his release. It was your last night together and you weren’t going to let him go without feeling him one last time and he couldn’t leave without one final taste of you. Pulling his head back his dark, lust-blown, eyes lock with yours and he lets out a primal growl as he feels your walls start to tighten around him.

‘You going to cum for me?’ He asks, in a low tone as he angles his hips so that he’s hitting that toe-curling spot over and over.

‘Yes.’ You moan ‘Fuck.’

You cum hard, screaming his name as tears leak from the corner of your eyes and you pull him right along with you. He collapses beside you, chest heaving as he fights to catch his breath and you chuckle as you roll onto your side to look at him. You both remain silent for a short while, revelling in your post-sex bliss as the sounds of the city drift through the open window.

‘You need to quit smoking.’ You say as you place a loving kiss on his shoulder.

‘I think you may be right Hermosa.’ He replied with a breathy laugh as he turned his head to look at you 'But I don't need to start tonight.' He sniggers as he lights one and takes a long toke, blowing the smoke away from you.

‘What time is your flight tomorrow?’ You ask, smiling sadly at him.

‘A little after 12.’ He replies, turning his head back towards the textured ceiling.

‘Do you need a lift?’

‘Murphy’s driving me.’ He replies coldly, not looking at you as he speaks.

‘Right.’ You roll out of his bed and start to collect your clothes, grabbing his attention.

‘What are you doing?’ He asks, his stomach sinking at the sight of you getting ready to leave.

‘Getting dressed so I can go home.’ You state plainly as you scan the floor for your shirt ‘Isn’t that how it works? We fuck and then go our separate ways?’

‘Can you stay?’ He asks and you look at him in surprise ‘Just for tonight.’ He paused as he gave you a wounded expression ‘Please.'

‘Okay.’

You left early in the morning, taking one last glance at his sleeping form before turning to leave. You knew it was wrong of you to just go, but your heart was aching at the knowledge that he was leaving you and you had to stay behind to finish what he's started. He deserved to see this to the end. Sure he'd made mistakes but he made them for the right reasons. Sometimes you have to do bad things to catch bad people as he would say.

~

One month later…

Staring up at the departures board you see your flight listed just below Murphy’s and you glance at your partner who stood at your side, watching you curiously.

‘What Murphy?’ You grumble as you let out an exasperated huff.

‘You’re going to Texas?’

‘Yes.’

‘Because you felt like a change or because that’s where Javi is?’

‘I have family there. I have a ton of leave to take so decided to visit them.’ You lie, shrugging your shoulders ‘Since my parents died, my aunt and uncle are the only family I have left.’

Murphy looks away guiltily. You’ve fooled him. Good.

'What will you do when you get back to Miami?'

'Hold my wife and daughter.' He states as he smiles at the thought of them 'I've missed out on so much.'

'Connie loves you, Steve. She'll be overjoyed to have you back.' You say sweetly as you give him a genuine smile.

'I hope so.' He replies, giving you a slight nod.

You look at the departures board again and see that your flight's terminal is nowhere near your partners so you turn to Murphy and prepare to say goodbye.

‘It’s been a pleasure Stevo.’ You say with a smile as you hug him tightly.

‘Don’t be a stranger.’ He replies, giving your arm a friendly squeeze.

‘I won’t.’ You give him one last hug and then head your separate ways.

'Say hi to Javi for me.' He shouts over his shoulder and you can't help the smile that crosses your lips.

When you finally reach your gate, you take a seat on one of the thinly padded benches and pull out the address Javier had given you on your last night together.

‘This is where I’ll be.’ He’d told you ‘You know… If you wanted to come to see me.’

You’d chuckled at that and told him you'd consider it... Then you’d left early that morning before he’d even woken up because you hadn't wanted to face saying goodbye to him. You’d regretted that move but knew he wouldn’t have cared, you were just fucking after all.

The flight was long and you weren’t able to sleep a wink, your leg shaking nervously the entire time. They'd served the in-flight meal but you couldn't eat a bite, the smell making your stomach turn. When you heard the captain announce that you would be landing in Laredo airport you feel your pulse quicken, palms starting to sweat as your nerves got the better of you. It was late when you landed, gone 11 pm by the time you made it out of the airport and so you decide that you would find a motel for the night and drive to Javier’s father’s ranch in the morning. You rent a car at the airport and drive around the unfamiliar town until you find a semi-clean looking hotel, the vacancy sign flashing in the dim light of night.

‘That’ll be 100 dollars for the night with breakfast included.’ The lady at the desk states, passing you a key with a large wooden tag attached, 101 carved onto it.

‘Thank you.’ You reply as you give her a genuine smile ‘Is there anywhere around here that’s still open where I can get something to eat? Just had a long flight and the plane food made my stomach roll.’

‘There’s a bar down the street.’ She replies ‘Does the best nachos you’ll ever taste.’

‘Great. Thanks.’

You make your way to your room, dropping off your luggage before heading to the bar the girl had mentioned. It was painted a dark red, a neon sign flashing ‘Open’ hanging in the window and you push open the door and make your way inside. Taking a seat at the bar you raise your hand to grab the barman’s attention, smiling as he approaches you.

‘Not seen you here before.’ He says as he smiles at you and you can’t help but notice how attractive he is.

‘I’m visiting some family.’ You reply ‘I hear the Nachos here are the best around.’

‘You heard right. Can I get you an order of those?’

‘And a beer.’ You finish as you give him a genuine grin and he gives you a wink before going off to give the kitchen your order.

You let your eyes scan the bar. It’s fairly busy for a Wednesday night. Mainly men scattered around the various tables and booths, a few women in small groups giggling as they sip their cocktails and you suddenly feel lonely, but the feeling disappeared when your beer is placed down in front of you.

‘So, how come you’re here alone?’ He asks as he leans against the bar polishing a glass.

‘I only landed an hour or so ago.’ You reply as you sip at your beer ‘Noting it’s a favourite of yours yet you’re finding it bitter.’

‘And is there a boyfriend in the picture?’ He asks and you can’t help but blush.

‘There’s a guy.’ You reply, taking another sip of your bitter beer ‘But he’s not my boyfriend. Not sure what we are if I'm honest. We kinda had a -friends with benefits- situation going on but I fell for him. They never end well eh?’ You chuckle and he responds in kind.

‘Shame.’ He replies as he gives you a cheeky grin ‘Would love you take you out.’

Your nachos arrive and sure enough, they are the best you’ve ever had. You chat to the barman, learning all there is to know about Lurado. You talk for a few hours before you inevitably have to leave.

'If things with that guy don't work. Feel free to call me.' States the barman as he hands you a scrap of paper with his name and number on it.

'I will.' You reply as you suck on your bottom lip.

When you get back to your room for find yourself emptying your stomach. You put it down to being jet-lagged and decide that sleep will help but when you wake up in the morning you find yourself hugging the toilet again, a thin layer of sweat coating your skin as you lean against the tiled wall. You brush your teeth and head down for breakfast but every smell that greets you makes your stomach turn and you soon find yourself sprinting for the toilet again but all you can do is heave, your stomach completely empty now.

‘What the fuck is wrong with me?’ You asked yourself as you rinse your mouth and face with water.

Then your mind starts to go over the facts. Your tastes have changed, smells are making you sick.

‘I can't be… can I?’ You ask yourself as you count back the days since your last cycle and your breath hitches.

You're two weeks late.

You practically sprint out of the motel, remembering that you’d seen a pharmacy down the road. You buy a pack of tests and make your way back to the motel, taking it a little slower as the Texas sun beats down on you. You happen to peer into a diner as you approach it and your heart stops when you see who’s sat by the window, smiling at a woman sat opposite. You stop dead in your tracks. Your heart in your throat, stomach twisting in knots as you watch him laugh at something she says whilst he strokes his thumb over her knuckles and he looks at her the way he used to look at you. A server comes to speak to the woman he’s with and he looks up and out of the window, his eyes then locking with yours. You don’t realise your crying but he can see it and his brows furrow as he tilts his head slightly. You can’t look at him a moment longer. You have bigger things to worry about and so you will your legs to move, practically sprinting down the sidewalk to get away.

‘Hermosa?’

You stop dead in your tracks but you don’t turn to face him. You’re shoulders shake as your sobs wrack your exhausted body.

‘What are you doing here?’ He asks and this makes you turn to face him.

‘Seriously?’ You spit, eyes red with tears ‘You should get back to your date Javier.’

‘Hermosa wait.’

‘Don’t you dare call me that!’ You growl ‘You don’t get to call me that. Not now.’

'You left me.' He states and you feel your anger explode.

Without another work you storm towards the motel, stopping by the front desk and asking if you’re able to extend your stay another night. You pay her and sprint back up to the room, pulling out the tests and heading into the bathroom. You're angry because he's right. You did leave him but as you look down at the box of tests in your hands you decide that this is more important right now. You need to know. So you follow the instructions and you pee on two of them, deciding that it's better to be safe than sorry and you place them facing down beside the sink, watching the minutes tick away on the clock opposite the bathroom door. You wait the five minutes it states on the box and turn to look at them, your hands shaking as you close your eyes and flip them over. Taking a deep breath you crack your eyes open and let out a sob at what you see.

Both of them are positive.

A million and one thoughts go through your head. You’re panicking as you think about what to do. Do you tell him? It’s his after all. You’d not been with anyone since he’d left. You sit there and stare at the tests, allowing your mind to think about the future. You growing round with Javier’s baby and you feel a small smile tugging at the corner of your lips. What if he doesn't want it? What if he's serious with that woman? You don't want to be a homewrecker. Do you want to keep it? Are you ready to be a mum? You ponder all of these things for a long while as you stare and the two sticks of plastic in your hands. Yes. Yes, you are ready.

‘I’ll tell him.’ You say to the tiny being inside you ‘If he doesn’t want anything to do with you then that’s fine. We’ll be okay on our own.’ You pause as rest your hand on your stomach 'He's a good man your dad but he's complicated. Never one for settling down yet despite us not being an official couple he remained faithful to me for two years and I was to him.'

You shower and brush your teeth, needing to remove all evidence of your rough morning and head out a little after midday. Hopping into your rental car you pull the address out of your pocket, fingers brushing against the positive test you’d decided to bring and causing your heart to skip a beat. You sat there for a moment and imagined what they might look like. Would they have his expressive brown eyes and golden skin tone? Or would they have yours? Shaking your head you start up the car and pull out of the parking lot, following the signs for the area stated on the slip of paper on your lap. His father’s ranch is surprisingly easy to find. It sits a few miles outside of town and you feel your heart race as you make your way down the dusty drive. The house is a decent size. It's well kept with one large truck parked out front. To the left are some stables, two horses grazing in the field beside it and the nicker and whinny when they see you hop out of your car and head towards the house. You let out a shaky breath as pluck up the courage to knock on the door, your stomach doing somersaults as an older man answers and studies you for a moment before he speaks.

‘Can I help you?’ He asks, his accent much like Javier's Must be his father You think to yourself.

‘I’m looking for Javier Peña. Is her here?’ You asked, your voice shaking as you speak.

‘He’s up by the river mending fences.' The man states 'Follow that track up... You can't miss him.’ He states and you nod your thanks before getting back in your car.

'You're her aren't you?' He asks, stopping you dead 'He mentioned that he'd seen his partner from Columbia in town this morning. Also mentioned it wasn't a pleasant reunion.' You turn to look at him as he sizes you up 'He was broken when he left to fix those fences. You best not be going up there to break him more.'

'That's not my intention.' You state and he nods before heading back inside.

You get back into your car and make your way down the road you were told to follow and sure enough, you see Javier. He's adorning the same shirt he’d been wearing this morning, his signature yellow aviators tight jeans. He looks up when he hears the sound of tires on gravel and watches as you exit your car. His eyes follow you as you step towards him, gaze locked to his. He removes his shades as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing and you finally you come to a stop opposite him, your heart thundering so hard you’re sure he can hear it.

‘What are you doing here?’ He asks coldly with a stoic expression.

Your mouth moves but no words leave your lips. You think long and hard for a few moments about what to say to him but decide to cut straight to the chase. You need to get it out there.

‘I’m pregnant Javier.’ You state plainly as you pull out the positive test from your pocket ‘I'm pregnant and it’s yours.’

~

Chapter 2

[oddsnendsfanfics]

Love, Uncle Sy

Genre: Fan Fiction (Sand Castle) Pairing: N/A Warnings: It’s so fluffy!  Rating: G Length: Drabble Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.  

A/N: I had fun with Sy and Willow, making Christmas cookies, so I brought them back for some adorable birthday fluff.

Henry Cavill Master List

Saturday morning, sun barely above the horizon and Sy was wide awake. As usual, his morning began in the kitchen, a pot of coffee perfuming the room while accompanied by the humid scent of dishwasher and frying bacon. He'd woke this morning, tossing and turning, a cold sweat cresting his brow. Nothing a shower and a soothing meditation tape wouldn't temporarily fix. Had he not been woke by the nightmares, Sy would have planned to sleep in – or his version of sleeping in, at least.

Waking from a nightmare on your birthday, should be criminal. Never the less, he had work to do once breakfast was over. In a few hours, he had to pack his truck with a few party favours and drive over to the local horse farm where his niece took lessons every Saturday morning. While Sy was turning older than he cared to remember, today was his niece's seventh birthday.

The grizzled Army vet loved all of his nieces and nephews, but Willow was certainly his favourite. She was his mini-me. His tiny partner in crime. His shadow, and the light of his life. From the moment Sy had held his birthday twin, he'd been in love. His heart was melting and there was nothing that he wouldn't do for that child.

Calling the dog back inside, he gave a scratch behind the ears. Plating his bacon and a piece of toast, saving a few pieces to cool as a treat for the faithful canine. Checking his watch, Sy frowned, 6AM was a little too early to call his birthday girl. He'd have to wait until he saw her later this morning, when he would also be presenting her with the most perfect present in the world.

Around 10AM Sy's truck was packed with a few birthday banners, balloons, cupcakes, and a giant pink sparkly bow. Willow's lesson ended at 11:30, if he wanted to get there and allow his sister time to set up then he had to hurry. Sy couldn't wait to see his niece's face, when he presented her with the present that he'd bought her. He could picture it now, her eyes shining and that adorable smile, ear to ear, squealing in pure delight.

Arriving while Willow was busy cleaning her tack, Sy managed to get somewhat set up. A kind parent helping to set up made it easier on Sy. One last thing to get from the truck and they were set. Sy shut the door, the case of cupcakes in his arm. Walking back to the surprise location, the last thing he'd expected when he stepped inside the barn was Willow running towards him, tears streaming down her face, sniffling and trying to contain the sobs of anguish. Stopping in his tracks, Sy removed his sunglasses, intercepting the little girl rushing towards him at the speed of light.

“Uncle Sy,” Willow rushed her uncle, tears in her eyes. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she sniffled.

“Hey Wispy, what's wrong Bub?” Sy stroked the back of her head, the braided pig tails messed from their time under her helmet.

“Oh Uncle Sy.” She wailed, bottom lip trembling. A child crying on their birthday was never a good sign. Squatting down to be the same height as his niece, Sy wiped her eyes. “Checkers.”

“What about him?”

“He's,” hiccup, “he...” she sobbed. “He's sold.”

Biting his bottom lip, Sy felt for the little girl. He wished they could have told her before now, but that would have ruined the entire birthday surprise. Of course her favourite pony had sold, the second Sy had heard that the striking spotted pony had a price tag, he called and negotiated the sale. Checkers had sold nearly two weeks ago, his new owner none the wiser that the pony even belonged to her – at her Uncle's request.

Aimee and Mike had been discussing buying their daughter her own pony, though funds and the right pony were never aligned. When Sy heard that the favourite lesson pony was going to be sold, he discussed it with his sister and knew what he had to do.

Seeing Willow sobbing uncontrollably was going to make the reveal that much sweeter. Even so, knowing something his niece did not, seeing her in such a state broke Sy's heart.

“Oh Wispy,” Sy soothed her, bringing her in for a tight hug. “I know it hurts now, but just think, Checkers is going to have a little girl of his very own. Don't ponies deserve a good home and all the love?”

“Yeah, but I'm going to miss him. I wish I could have him. I would love him forever, Uncle Sy.”

“I know bub, I know.” Gently giving her a squeeze, Sy let her go rubbing the tears away from her cheeks. “How 'bout you go finish putting your things away, then come find me and we can give Checkers some treats and tell him what a good pony he is?”

“Okay.” Willow nodded, hiccupping through a new batch of silent tears.

Close one. Sy stood, blowing out a heavy breath.

He had to hurry, if he wanted to be set up by the time Willow came back. He picked up the case of cupcakes. Delicately arranged in the shape of a pony, of course. Sy had worked hard baking, decorating, and creating the perfect birthday treat. Walking through the aisle of the small riding facility, Sy smiled seeing his sister and nephew waiting at the party site.

They had arranged to meet up after Willow's lesson, catching a few of her horsey friends before they left. Parents happy to wait for an extra hour to help the little girl celebrate her birthday. Sending Willow to the car to put her things away had been the only way Sy could get her far enough away to make their plan work.

“Sy, Happy birthday.” Aimee hugged her brother tightly. Careful not to squish the container of cupcakes that he held.

“Thank ya.” He kissed her cheek, smiling wide. Nodding to Ben, who would rather be anywhere else right now. “Wispy was pretty upset,” he commented glancing over at the pony who was standing in a holding paddock near by. “I nearly broke, Aim.”

“Oh god,” Aimee rolled her eyes, “who knew all it took to break the soldier was a crying child.”

“She's gutted,” He frowned, setting the cupcakes down on a small table decorated with a pink birthday sign, matching plates, and cups.

“Won't be for long,” Ben shrugged.

“Sure you and Mike are okay with this?” Eyeing his sister, Sy smirked adjusting his cap.

“Well, we kind of need to be. It's not like we've a choice.”

“Course you do, if you don't want  the pony, I am sure Checkers and I would get on fine.” laughing, Sy took a good look at the pony who was content to eat the hay he'd been given. The big sparkly pink bow around his neck didn't seem to hinder him any. “He's a good looking boy.”

“I'd like to see you on that pony.” Her laughing intensified, Aimee snorted slapping Sy in the arm.

Her giant of a brother would look insane on the pony, even if Checkers was on the bigger end of being a pony. Hell, the last time she'd seen Sy ride he was maybe twelve, before girls and other interests had taken over his attention. Back then he would have loved to have his own pony. Their parents had allowed Aimee to begin taking lessons, when Sy had tagged along, insisting that he be allowed to ride too. Fearless, the six year old climbed onto the horse assigned to him and didn't bother to look back. For a few years everyone had began to assume that he'd eventually end up in high school rodeo, after that he'd find a woman and settle down on a farm somewhere.

Heh. What a life that would have been. A wife and kids were evidently not in the cards for this Syverson. He loved his nieces and nephews, but the scars his life bore, it would be unfair to condemn a child to a father who was broken and haunted by war. Clouds settling in his mind, Sy cleared his throat bringing himself back to the present matter at hand. Tormenting his sister.

“I happen to be a fine rider.” Winking at Ben; Sy nudged his sister. “I remember being a much better rider than some others that I know.”

“Shut up, I was a good rider.” Defending herself, Aimee stuck her tongue out at him.

“I know you were, but I was better that's all.” grinning from ear to ear, Sy ruffled his sister's hair, checking his watch. Willow was still missing, unlike her. “Should I go find Wispy? Bring her over?”

“Uh, yeah. If you don't mind.” Aimee nodded, checking her watch. The car had been unlocked, there was no obvious reason for her daughter to be held up.

Walking to the parking area, Sy laid his sights on the suv belonging to his sister. The doors were all shut and no sign of Willow. His truck, parked beside it was also vacant. In the back of the suv, Willow's stuff was tossed in. It looked like she had thrown it and ran.

“Wispy?” his heart began to thump when the car was clear. Logically, Sy knew that she couldn't have gone far. The soldier in him told Sy that there was no need to panic. The uncle side tried to take over his wildest imagination. No, sir he was not allowing those thoughts in. Listening for a moment, he took a deep breath steadying his heart and calming the pounding in his veins. “Willow?”

Behind him, he could hear a rustling in the grass. All the dogs were around the back and this was too big to be a barn cat. Following the noise around the corner of the shed, Sy's heartbeat returned to normal finding Willow sitting in the grass. Knees to her chin, her face stained with tears, her jeans dirty, boots covered in dust.

“You coming, birthday girl?”

“Uncle Sy?” Willow sighed, rubbing her hands against her eyes.

“Yeah?”

“My heart hurts. Is this what it's like when you have a broken heart?”

“Wispy, bub.” Sinking down to sit beside her on the grass, Sy felt his chest tighten. Wishing that Aimee had never mentioned the sale.

“I miss him already.”

“I know, but for now he's still here and he wants those carrots that I brought.” Trying his best to encourage his tiny shadow, Sy smiled. “If we go see him now, it means we get to spend more time enjoying Checkers than worrying. We can't predict tomorrow.”

Leaning into her uncle, Willow sighed. “But why did he have to sell? I love him, I don't want him going to a new home and on my birthday.”

“Oh Wispy,” Sy kissed the top of her head. He wanted to tell her, reassure her that Checkers wasn't going anywhere, but he didn't want to ruin the surprise just yet. “Honestly, bub, I don't know what to tell you. What I can tell you is that it won't always hurt.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Now, your ma is waiting for us. Some of your friends have stayed, too. There are cupcakes.”

“Really? But I thought we were going to feed Checkers.”

“We are, after. I wasn't supposed to tell you about the cupcakes, but I even made them myself for you. Come on, let's go enjoy the day. It's our birthday! No tears on our birthday.” Standing, Sy held his hand out to Willow.

Grasping her Uncle's hand, she squeaked when he grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder. Laughing hysterically, Willow flopped around on his back, bracing herself with her elbows as he walked through the yard.

Seeing Sy with Willow over his shoulder, Aimee instructed Ben to grab Checkers and have him ready for his sister. Whatever. Ben crawled through the wooden fence, clipping a pink lead line onto the pony and coaxing him away from he hay. His sister was about to lose her mind. Straightening the bow, Ben smiled fondly at the thought of how happy his little sister would be.

“Happy Birthday, Wispy!” Sy announced setting her down, back to Checkers.

“Is this all mine?” Willow's eyes were wide as she stared up at her uncle.

“Sure is.” Nodding, Sy smiled with pride.

A few of the kids who had stayed were giddy with anticipation. Wishing their friend a happy birthday, waiting for the big moment. Turning to look at her mom, Willow spotted her brother with the pony. More tears in her eyes, she began to loudly sob. Her body shaking, words escaping her. Kneeling down beside his niece, Sy sniffed back his own tears.

“Happy birthday, Willow. He's all yours.”

“M-mine?”

“Yeah sweetheart, Checkers is all yours. If you want him.”

“I do. I really do, I love him so much.” Willow rushed the gate, fumbling to undo the latch. Frustrated she darted under the fence, throwing her arms around the pony's neck, hugging him tightly. “My own pony,” She whispered, causing Ben to smile. Handing his sister the lead line, Ben took a step back allowing his mom to take  photo of the moment.

“Send me a copy, will ya Aims.” Sy wiped his hand across his eyes, putting his sunglasses on to hide the tears.

“You big softie.” Aimee nudged him. “Go on, get in the photo with them.” She urged her brother.

Stepping into the small paddock, unlatching the gate – unlike his niece and nephew there was no way in hell Sy was darting through the fence boards. He stood next to Willow for a moment, stroking the spotted neck of the content pony. Whispering softly to Checkers about what a good sport he'd been.

“I can't believe it.” whispering, Willow looked up at her uncle. “He's all mine.”

“He sure is, bub.” Holding out his arms Sy smiled when Willow rushed into them. Hugging her uncle tightly. Scooping her up, Sy took the lead line from her, holding Checkers beside them while Aimee took some photos. “Happy birthday, Wispy.” Sy smiled kissing her cheek.

“Happy birthday, Uncle Sy. Sorry that I didn't get you a pony.” Willow kissed his cheek, hugging her arms around his neck.

[bibbawrites]

Margaux’s New Friend - a Single Dad!Charlie short story

THIS IS A PART OF THE SINGLE DAD!CHARLIE SERIES, YOU CAN FIND THE OTHER PARTS HERE

Request: none but @happinessinthedarkesttimes​ and i started discussing this after the last part of single dad!charlie and i couldn’t help but write it 

Word Count: 1281 words

Summary: Set before the Single Dad!Charlie series, at the start of filming when Margaux is only 2, Charlie has one more scene to shoot and all of his usual babysitters on set are gone, so Taylor steps up 

Warnings: none

A/N: so i wrote this like last week sometime? and didnt post it cause i didnt want to be annoying, and then forgot about it until today lol and now that my laptop is dead i wont be posting much writing so hopefully you like this one  i’m loving writing these little flashback short stories so you’ll probably see more of them eventually, if theres anything in particular you’d like to see in one of them (i have a couple of ideas already)  enjoy!

Tag List: @happinessinthedarkesttimes​​​​​​​​ @littlemissaddict​​​​​​​​ @vicesvsvirtuesfanfic​​​​​​​​ @headheartbellarke​​​​​​​​ @lovesanimals​​​​​​​​ @bartok-the-magnificent​​​​​​​​ @juliefromaustralia @multi-universe21 @rangerelik @kaitieskidmore1 ​​​​​​ @fandomxreaders​​​​​​​​​ @ifilwtmfc @yagorlemmalyn​

"Taylor, I need a massive favour.” Charlie gasped out, entering the room in a rush, his daughter in his arms. Taylor looked up from the piece of paper where he was studying the chords for Now or Never. 

“Yeah what’s up?” He questioned.

“Can you look after Margaux for like 20 minutes? I’ve got one more scene to shoot and Tori and Sav are already gone.” Charlie said quickly, and Taylor nodded.

“Of course man, no problems.” He agreed, and Charlie gave him a thankful smile, placing Margaux down on the ground in front of Taylor and kissing the top of her head. 

“She’s gonna cry, just distract her. Good luck. Bye baby!” Charlie called as he rushed back out of the room. 

Taylor stared down at the two year old, watching as her face fell when she realised her dad had left her behind. He had only met her once before and it wasn’t for very long, and the toddler had just clung to her father the whole time. This was his first time properly interacting with the little girl. 

“Hi Margaux, my name is Taylor, do you remember me?” He said softly, crouching down next to the two year old. She ignored him, still staring at the door that Charlie had left through, tears beginning to stream down her face. 

“Hey, don’t cry.” Taylor soothed, reaching out to rub her back, not wanting to overstep with the clearly emotional toddler. 

“Want Daddy.” She cried. Taylor bit his lip. 

“He’ll come back soon.” He tried, but Margaux shook her head. 

“Now.” She whined, her bottom lip jutting out. 

“He’s busy sweetie, why don’t we go get a snack or something?” Taylor tried. Charlie did say to distract her. Margaux nodded tearily, and Taylor hesitated. 

“Can I pick you up?” He asked gently. 

Margaux nodded again and Taylor stood back up before leaning down, lifting the tiny blonde toddler into his arms. Her face instantly went to his neck and he flinched slightly at the feeling of her tears and heavy breathing. Distraction time. 

“Do you like chocolate cake Margaux? Maybe we should go find some.” He questioned as he pushed the door open. Margaux sniffled. 

“I like it.” She mumbled. 

“You like it? That’s good, me too!” Taylor said, his tone overly enthusiastic, trying to cheer the two year old up. 

Margaux hummed slightly and Taylor paused, listening, trying to figure out what she was singing. When he couldn’t identify the tune he decided to ask. 

“What are you singing?” He questioned softly. 

“Butterfly.” Margaux answered, sniffling slightly. 

“I don’t know that one, can you sing it for me?” Taylor asked, and Margaux shook her head. 

“Daddy sing it.” She stated. 

“Your Daddy sings it for you?” Taylor checked, and Margaux nodded. 

“Yeah.” She said. 

Taylor entered the catering tent, spotting the table covered in tea cakes instantly. 

“Here we go, do you want a cake?” He asked, heading over to the table. 

Margaux nodded slightly, lifting her head out of his neck to look at the table, her eyes red and nose running. 

“Which one?” He asked, and Margaux pointed to a chocolate cupcake. 

“This one?” Taylor picked it up and she nodded again, taking the cake from him with a mumbled thank you. Grabbing himself a cake too, two juice boxes and a few tissues to wipe her nose and in case of a mess, Taylor carried the toddler back out of the tent, knowing exactly where to take her.

“We’re gonna go for a walk, okay?” He told her. 

“Okay.” Margaux replied simply. 

“What’s your favourite colour?” Taylor asked, trying to keep the toddler from thinking about her dad. Margaux squinted. 

“Purple.” She decided after a moment. 

“I love purple too.” Taylor agreed. 

“And pink and blue.” Margaux added, and Taylor smiled to himself at the added interaction. He might be getting through to her. 

“Very pretty colours.” He said. Margaux nodded. 

“What ice cream?” Margaux mumbled.

“What’s my favourite ice cream?” Taylor asked. 

“Yeah.” She replied. 

“Tiger tail, do you know what that is?” He told her and she shook her head. 

“No.” She said. 

“It’s black liquorice and orange flavour.” He explained, and Margaux gave him a blank look. Taylor chuckled to himself. 

“I like chocolate ice cream as well.” He said, and her eyes lit up. 

“I like chocolate and strawberry and rainbow.” She smiled, and Taylor mentally cheered that she seemed to finally be coming around to him. 

“Those are some very good flavours.” He agreed. He stopped at a bench that overlooked the main road outside the studio, sitting down on the chair and shifting Margaux onto the seat. She wriggled, moving herself so that she was sat in his lap, and Taylor smiled. 

“Can I wipe your nose?” He asked, and Margaux stayed still in response, allowing him to wipe her damp cheeks and nose. 

“Much better.” He said once he was done and she smiled up at him, a smile that made her look almost identical to her father. “Do you want some juice?”

“Yes please.” She said, taking a juice box from him and sipping on it instantly. 

Taylor started to eat his cake, and when Margaux was finished hers he offered her the remainder of his, which she ate happily. 

Taylor’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out, seeing that it was a message from Charlie saying that he was done already. 

Taylor texted back that he would meet him where Charlie left them, and moved to lift Margaux back up again. 

“Where we going?” She asked as Taylor threw their rubbish into the bin. 

“Your Daddy is done now so we’re going back to him.” He said. 

“Daddy?” She exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. Taylor nodded and Margaux squealed with excitement, as if she had been separated from Charlie for days and not around 20 minutes. 

They walked back in mostly silence, Margaux squirming out of his arms to run over to Charlie when she spotted him, and the young father lifted her up, kissing her head gently. 

“Did you have fun?” He asked, just as Taylor made it over to them. 

Margaux nodded. 

“We got cake!” She grinned. Charlie fake gasped and Margaux giggled. 

“You got cake without me?” He asked, pretending to be upset. Margaux laughed harder. 

“Yeah!” She exclaimed, and Taylor couldn’t help but smile at the interaction. 

Charlie turned his attention to Taylor, smiling at the older boy. 

“Was she good?” He asked. Taylor nodded. 

“She cried a lot but once we got cake and juice she was fine. We had a good chat and watched some cars and then we came back.” He told him. Charlie gave him a small smile. 

“Thank you, she’s not the easiest to leave. Her whole life it’s just been me and her so she doesn’t really cope well with me leaving her. We’re working on it and she’s actually gotten a lot better, if you can believe that.” He explained. 

“Well she did good today. Actually, she was singing herself a song, if that’s important at all. I asked her what it was and she just said butterfly, and that you sing it.” Taylor said. 

Charlie nodded in understanding, clearly knowing what song Margaux had been singing. 

“It’s the butterfly fly away song from the Hannah Montana movie. I sing it to her when she gets too worked up. I’ve never heard her try to sing it herself before so that’s a new one.” He glanced at the toddler, who was already falling asleep in his embrace. “Anyways we should go, Owen’s waiting. Thanks again Taylor.” 

“Anytime.” Taylor nodded. 

And he meant it. 

[miraculousoj]

LadyNoir July 2021 Day 1: Older

Summary: Just some pre-reveal banter and fluff between LadyNoir. Ladybug spends Chat Noir's birthday with him eating macarons, joking about his age, and discussing his plans as an 18-year-old.

Rating: General audiences

Word count: 1920

Warnings: slight mention of alcohol

"Cats me if you caaan!" Chat Noir sang out as he ran across the Parisian rooftops under the night sky. The cool autumn air hugged his face as he laughed, jumping from building to building, running from his lady in their usual game of catch; the loser had to bring food to the next patrol. If he got to their rendezvous point before she caught him, he'd win, if she caught him before that, she'd win. 

If Ladybug were to be completely honest, she didn't mind losing and purposely tried to lose at times since she knew bringing fresh pastries was easy for her seeing as her family owned a bakery and she had no idea what Chat noir's financial situation may have been outside of his superhero life. Listening to him talk, he usually seemed like his home life was nothing to envy - he often spoke about his neglectful father, his deceased mother and busy schedule; though he did not give specific enough information to reveal his identity. It seemed that the only happiness in his life was being a superhero and attending school, something that had to mean that his home life was absolutely horrendous since she couldn't imagine anyone enjoying school. Nonetheless, he always put on a smile during their late-night patrols and akuma fights, seldom showing sadness or pain. It was only during the end of patrols when they'd sit and talk for an hour where he'd express his misfortunes in life but never in a way to gain sympathy. He'd always state them matter-of-factly as if narrating his life without seeming too beaten up about it. Maybe he had just gotten accustomed to it, that thought broke her heart. So she always tried to bring him his favourite pastries - croissants and macarons which he would gulp down graciously, almost as if he hadn't eaten at all that day.

"Seems like I'm the faster hero today m'lady!" Chat Noir taunted as Ladybug finally jumped to the roof that he had been standing on for about two minutes. Chat Noir contorted his body, flexing his biceps and triceps, earning an eye roll and chuckle from Ladybug. "Cats got your tongue? These bad boys right here got you stunned huh, m'lady?" He said, smiling proudly and moving his eyebrows up and down. 

"As if Chaton," Ladybug retorted, hiding her blush and strutting towards him. 

Standing directly in front of each other, he looked down at her acknowledging the height difference which increased by almost six inches in the past two years. It was in these moments when he noticed how much more beautiful she had become over the years. She looked up through hooded eyes, got onto her tiptoes and kissed his cheek gently. Chat Noir gasped, his jaw fell open and his eyes widened in shock. She had never done that before.

With a flick of his bell and a giggle, Ladybug whispered, "Happy birthday, Chaton" into his ear causing Chat Noir to regain his senses.

"Y-you remembered?" He asked wide-eyed, turning to his left to face Ladybug who had now walked over to the box of treats she had brought. They usually left the treats at the rendezvous point to indulge in whilst hanging out and chatting after patrols.

As she sat, Ladybug asked, "Why wouldn't I? I even marked it on my calendar so I wouldn't forget. You're one of my best friends, and I never forget a friend’s birthday." If it wasn't for the darkness of the corner she sat in, Chat Noir would've seen her face turning as red as her mask. 

He was speechless. Ladybug had marked his birthday on her calendar and even considered him more than a friend, yeah it was a best friend, but it was more than a friend, so he was obviously climbing the relationship ladder in some way. 

He resorted to saying a grateful thank you instead of asking too many questions, also he was famished and tired and just wanted to put his head in his lady's lap and eat some of those delicious Dupain-Cheng pastries she always brought. Oh how he loved them. He was even good friends with the bakers’ daughter who sat behind him in class. She was an extraordinary girl and he'd be lying if he said that he hadn't considered asking her on a date a few times but his schedules didn't permit it and his heart belonged to Ladybug but by all means, if Ladybug didn't exist, he'd be head over heels for Marinette. She reminded him so much of Ladybug too, the way she took control during akuma attacks, stood up for others, helped those in need, brought pastries to school and she even told him Happy birthday that morning and gifted him some macarons. 

"Chaton" Ladybug’s cooing broke him from his thoughts of Marinette. He constantly compared them and if you asked, he wouldn't admit it but he would be a little disappointed if she wasn’t the girl under the mask.

As he dropped his body next to Ladybug’s and threw his head into her lap, she began running her hands through his hair and they both peered into each other's eyes in silence for a while. Friends. That's what they were but this wasn't what friends did, at least none of Adrien's friends did this. Except for the couples, of course. However, he dare not complain in case she stopped. He let the moment continue until she broke eye contact to fetch a macaron from the box to feed him. Another thing that friends did not do. But he ate it happily, it tasted like passionfruit, like the same ones Marinette gave him that morning. It came from the same bakery after all and they were his favourite flavour both as Chat Noir and Adrien so it was only obvious that his respective ladies would gift him his favourite flavour. 

"So how old are you now Chat?" Ladybug asked with a smile, she obviously knew but was just asking the usual birthday question.

"Eighteen," he replied sitting up, the number echoed in his mind and his eyes widened slightly. "I'm eighteen," he repeated a bit louder with a smile, this time, "finally legal. How old are you, m'lady?" He taunted, leaning towards her with a Cheshire cat smile, poking her cheek.

Ladybug narrowed her eyes and flared her nose, "Seventeen," she whispered "but I'm turning eighteen in two months, you know that," she stated louder, scowling with her arms folded.

"I'm oollldeer than you!” Chat Noir sang out pinching her cheeks and laughing. "Aww, babybug is maad, she's angwy, absolutely fwustwated," he teased in the most babyish, high-pitched voice he could have made whilst gently tugging at her now warm, reddening cheeks. "She's bwushing!" he exclaimed and fell backwards laughing wholeheartedly. He only felt this happy with her. Chat Noir’s laugh was contagious, to say the least, so although Ladybug tried her best to look angry, she couldn't hold in her laughter and began laughing too. 

As their laughter died down, Chat Noir sat up, slouching down to rest his head on her shoulder. Ideal sitting position. He hated having to sit upright and maintain that prim and proper form for extended periods of time. Yeah, he knew that slouching was bad posture but he wanted to be a normal kid who didn't need to worry about posture. 

"Hey Ladybug, now that I'm eighteen, I bet I could probably buy some wine for us," Chat Noir said excitedly.

"Oh!" Ladybug looked at him in wonder. They both had had wine many times before but had never been able to get wine-drunk especially together. Gabriel never allowed Adrien to have more than half a glass of wine to maintain his pristine image and Marinette’s parents didn’t necessarily like alcohol so they rarely cooked or baked with it unless an order or recipe specifically required it. Therefore, they never kept it around the house or encouraged Marinette to drink. 

Both teenagers looked at each other grinning, they had talked on many occasions about their desire to experience what being drunk was like. Now that Chat Noir was eighteen, he could pull through for them and bring a bottle or two during one of the patrols in the future. 

"Wow, you've got perks to being older, huh?" 

Chat Noir laughed, "Definitely, but I gotta use my powerup within the next two months else you'll come and snatch it from me!" Both teenagers laughed, revelling in their company and happiness. 

"But I think what I really want to do now that I'm eighteen, is organize to move out of my dad's house." Chat Noir said, feeling the atmosphere become heavy. Ladybug nodded, allowing him to continue. "Maybe I'll get an apartment and you can come visit me sometime," he had a faraway look in his eye and a small smile. 

Ladybug knew sharing their identities was a dangerous idea and going to his apartment would only reveal his own but she also knew that their relationship as superhero partners needed the reveal soon or things may begin to fall apart. 

She felt herself falling for Chat Noir more and more each day, the way he fought valiantly at her side and trusted her no matter what, and the way his eyes twinkled when she called him Chaton or scratched his chin. Her descent was slow and gradual at first but then she began thinking about him after patrols, ‘Does he go home? Does he stay out for a bit longer? Does he do homework or did he finish that before patrols? What time does he go to bed? What time does he wake up? Did he eat?' So many questions spiralled her mind each and every day, she couldn't control her feelings. She even resorted to telling him to send her a message when he got home so she'd know that he was safe, of course, she blamed it on the danger of akumas, not her feelings for him. She even stayed transformed until she got his 'I'm home bugaboo <3' message through her yoyo. Oh how she lived for that little heart at the end and the one time he didn't send it, she had a slight panic about whether or not he was okay, if they were okay. But he sent it in a separate message with an asterisk twenty seconds later. And that's when Ladybug knew she had it bad for Chat Noir, maybe even as bad as she had it for Adrien. The descent after that was like being thrown off of a cliff, she fell, and hard too. 

Did she want to go to Chat Noir’s house one day? Hell yeah she did! But she couldn't. Things bigger than them and older than them were at work in the universe and there was no telling what could happen at any moment. 

"M'lady?" Chat Noir’s voice broke into Ladybug’s thoughts, "you okay?" 

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. I-I was just thinking about um...uh if I saw any apartments in the classifieds or on social media lately," she lied.

"Oh, ahaha. It's fine, don't worry yourself with that m’lady, I'll sort that out when I'm ready. Plus, father’s not letting me move out anytime soon,” he patted her knee, “Right now I'm focused on us enjoying the end of my birthday together." With that, they both smiled peacefully and leaned into each other as they watched the moon and ate the macarons and croissants in silence.

@ladynoirjuly

Also posted on AO3

[a-smile-hides]

WARPAINT - I.R.

WARNINGS: long fic, description of battles, blood, wounds, death, some time jumps, I had a bit of a block during this …

This was actually requested, so thank you for that! Sorry for the wait. I kind of got carried away with this. My first draft was not so long, but then I realised I kind of wanted a stronger reader and now… well this happened. Hope you enjoy!! xxx

The request: Hello! I wasn't sure if requests were open or not, but I had this idea were the reader is not a shield maiden and prefers doing other things, and shes not exactly that well-built. Maybe there's an attack on kattagat and she's one of the people who were taken? But she fights her way out and goes back to kattagat when ivar was planning a rescue mission (nobody thinks she could fight) but she can because of some reason in the past and she was forced to? I'm literally just throwing ideas.

---

“Correct me if I am wrong, but the Christians that you just defeated have invited you and your brothers – and only you three – to come to their palace to talk about peace?” You scoffed, shaking your head in disbelieve. “You honestly can’t believe that Ivar.”

Ivar sighed. His back was turned towards you as he tightened the straps of his gloves.

“Ivar… Do you?”

Ivar threw his head back, looking up to the sky above him. The sky was bright blue. A couple of birds flew over, following the largest one in their group to their next adventure. Behind him a couple of men sat together whispering and pointing at the exchange in front of them, wondering aloud what or who made you qualified to step up and talk to one of their leaders. “Of course not. It is not me who has turned into a fool.”

His words made you bite your lip. Merely a few hours after the army had returned victorious, a petit man dressed in beautiful red robes decorated with golden leaves had fearfully entered the camp. Stuttering and barely looking into anyone’s eyes, the man proclaimed his lord acknowledged their triumph and had asked the three leaders to come to the castle at sunset. In that way they could discuss the outcome of this victory. This lord, the prince of this dying land, clearly did not want to lose any time.

Ubbe, wanting to take this opportunity of peace, had immediately accepted the offer to which the messenger nodded and ran away, looking like a dog with its tail between his legs. Ivar had been furious and confused by his brother’s naïve decision. But he could not ignore the fact that a part of him was curious to what this prince wanted to offer in exchange for “peace”. This soil was rich, and he knew this land held unknown treasures. Its only flaw was the leadership. And so, he wanted to follow his brothers to this castle. Yet, he knew how foolish they would be if they did not bring their most trusted warriors to the castle.

“You are going no matter what I say?” The question came out as a statement. You didn’t need any answer. The silence that followed and the slight second his movements halted were enough. Slowly, he turned around. A sly grin concealed the doubts he had.

“Do I suspect some concern?”

You licked your lips, shifting your weight to one leg. “I am only worried about my place in this camp. You know they don’t like me here, Ivar. Without you, they might come up with something to get rid of me.” You said laughing airily, your head subtlety nodding in the direction of the men behind you whose eyes were still locked on you two. And although you said it with a small grin, your words held a certain truth. And he knew it too.

Ivar nodded his head. “I would like to see them try.” He whispered, narrowing his eyes.

You could hold back you laugh. Ivar pressed his lips together at the sound, hiding his smile as he watched you. And then, the mood changed. That airy, light feeling disappeared. Everything became serious, while the two of you just stared at each other.

“Be careful?” You asked him again. Your voice was small, barely audible.

Ivar looked up at you and extended his hand, mentioning you to come closer. In a few steps you stood in front of him, patiently waiting for his answer. Tenderly, he grabbed your hand. His thumb brushed over your skin, while his other hand followed the curve of your hip. His brilliant blue eyes stared right up at you. The corners of his mouth slightly curled upwards.

Ivar breathed in deeply, leading your hand to his lips. Without breaking eye contact, he pressed his lips on your hand.

With that you got his silent promise.

***

A fire crackled in the background as the sun began her descent. The dry ground felt cool against your feet. The birds chirped loudly as they flew over the camp. From behind you, you heard someone howl as his friend emptied his cup in one big gulp. The music that was played by some of Sigurd friends amused the crowd. And slowly but surely more and more people joined the drinking game going on around the fire.

The mood was light and happy. Every last man or woman that decided to come along this raid was cheerful because of the recent victory on those pathetic Christians. Ivar had used his tactics and bright mind to conceive a master plan. Ubbe had led them forward with his skills as a warrior and Hvitserk gave the men the support they needed in the middle of the fight. The army, for once, was not big in numbers, but with those three it hardly was necessary.

No one knew who came up with the idea to organize this raid. But not a single soul cared. Since Ragnar’s disappearance, those voyages had been put to a halt and many men and women longed for this opportunity. An opportunity to raid and find treasures and make their families proud. An opportunity to get access to Valhalla.

Now that the three brothers had left to negotiate, the camp had decided to feast. No one was worried for their safety. Even if they had been gone for longer than the few hours they anticipated. The road to the battlefield had been long and tiring. Who knew how far this castle lay?

A fine grin formed on your lips as the sounds filled your ears. With your back turned towards them all as you let your body sway to the rhythm of the music. With both hands you lifted your skirt up, keeping it out of the dust’s range you kicked up as your movements got bigger. The music swelled up and you closed your eyes.

Your mind had been clouded by worries and possible disastrous outcomes for the sons of Ragnar, but now for the very first time since they left, you could let go of those dark thoughts.

Getting lost in the story the tune told you, you did not notice the girl that joined your side. She had come along this raid with her mother, a gifted healer. It was clear she had inherited this knowledge, and therefore wished to accompany her mother on this voyage. Her big eyes were focused on you as she tried her best to imitate your moves. Many times, she almost tripped over her own feet.

With your eyes closed, you kept twirling and dancing to the music. Lost to the world around you and the crowd that watched with amused eyes to the show going on in front of them. Some men catcalled while others were completely obvious to the dance. As the music slowed down, you took a moment to catch your breath. Only now you noticed the people that had their gaze pointed at you.

“Is it true?”

The high voice of the young girl next to you made you snap out of your daze, looking at her with your eyebrow raised.

The young girl grinned; her eyes glimmered with mischief. “Is it true you dance for the brothers like this every evening? They say you do it for Ivar whenever he demands it.”

Her innocent question made you snort; her innocence could not stop the irritation from building up inside of you. It was not the first time someone had asked you this.

Unlike other children, who helped their parents in their line of work, you often hung around the brothers. Acting as a shadow and sneaking up on them. This continued until you came of age, and Hvitserk saw you disappear into the woods with your father. He dragged a heavy cart with him, knives, axes and ropes thrown into it, while you carried a large basket with food in it. At first it did not worry him, but when you did not return for five days, questions arose amongst the brothers. When the day of your return arrived, the men were confused, but happy to see you. Only Ivar had been reluctant, focussing more on the scars and bruises that covered your body. It was only after you had shaken your head at him and asked Sigurd to play your favourite song once again that he warmed up, trying his best to hide his smile as you danced to the music his brother played.

Many wondered why you always danced until your feet got raw. Swaying your hips and twirling around in circles until the sun set in the evening. Many thought it was the effect of plants that you were not supposed to eat or the consequence of your mysterious disappearing in the woods. You learned fast that everything that was not done by most people, was considered odd.

This could be the reason why the youngest prince let you walk beside him. He too was considered as someone odd, someone unusual. Although you were not a shieldmaiden, nor a woman with a famous background, a connection was shared.

Ivar often said to be irritated by your presence and loudly proclaimed that when he was around his brothers. He would hide his smile, only giving it when he knew no one else was around. Sometimes he would utter out a sneaky comment as you passed them, making Hvitserk snicker and Sigurd roll his eyes. Yet never would he allow another to say those out loud. The ones who dared to mock you in his presence usually ended up with a nasty cut on their forehead.

“Y/N, you’re ignoring my question.” The healer’s daughter sang out.

This time you laughed out heartily. “People believe what they want to believe. I must say that I don’t know wh-“

Your voice died as you looked to your left, where the road lay on which Ivar, Ubbe and Hvitserk had departed. Appearing at the horizon was a horse, soon followed by four others. Their riders hitting the animals to make them run faster. Squinting your eyes at the moving figures, you saw how each of them seemed to be shouting, one even raising their sword high in the air. The metal reflected some of the sunlight and made turn your head. The sight only made your heart miss a beat. Behind you, although hard to see due to the evening sun, you could make out the silhouettes of the men that slowly stepped out of the woods.

The girl beside you noticed your worried gaze and followed it to the tree line. Her cheeky smile disappeared immediately once she too noticed the men storming at your camp. All of them carrying various weapons.

The young girl screamed out, making the musicians stop playing and everyone look up. Frightened the girl ran in the direction of her mother’s tent, while you shouted out at the top of your lungs.

“Ambush!”

***

“Does he really think he can bribe us with a bit of land, now?”

Ivar’s soft but menacing words made every Christian man in the large palace room look up alarmed. They did not know what he was saying, because suddenly he had changed to his own language, but his tone had changed drastically. During this whole ordeal, the young man had not spoken much. Only asking a couple of questions on a light and airy tone. Now it seemed as if his patience had reached its end.

“Do not forget that we are in another country, Ivar”

“Ubbe, this kingdom is dying. You are the one forgetting we destroyed them on the battlefield. We should just raid and move on. Maybe we can send word to our home. To little Sigurd. He could stand in as our man here?” He grinned, “Then at least he does something useful.”

Hvitserk lowered his head as Ubbe sighed out.

The prince coughed, snapping the men out of their argument. This man, the only living member of the royal family, had been sitting on his throne uncomfortably ever since the Viking brothers had arrived. He had invited them over in hopes of finding a truce. Some form of agreement so that he and every last resident in his land could come out of this alive. But so far, none of his offers had pleased all the brothers.

“We could take the land, Ivar. The best that is out there. We can demand it from him.” Hvitserk urged, a wide grin on his face. Ubbe nodded at him, patting him on the back. The prince grinned at the interaction.

Ivar rolled his eyes. Something did not feel right. The land was theirs to take. This prince knew it too. He did not get why his brothers suddenly became too soft to continue.

Ivar’s suspicion only grew when a slim man dressed in the same red and golden robes as the messenger that directed them here entered the room. His gaze was only pointed at his lord, trying his best to avoid the heathens that he feared. Bowing for a second, the man stepped forward. He opened his mouth, but then closed it as he finally locked eyes with the three men sitting in front of him. Those heathens knew his language. Leaning forward, he quickly whispered something in the prince’s ear which made him sit up straight. The prince nodded his head at his messenger, thanking him and letting him leave.

For the first time, he stepped off his throne and walked towards the three brothers. He took a moment, nodding to himself as if he were encouraging himself to continue. “Good news, my informant just told me the council has agreed to come together and talk about this arrangement.” The prince stretched his arms out wide, a hopeful smile on his face. Ubbe and Hvitserk nodded their head at him, while Ivar looked away. “This all on the condition that you spare the people and myself and do not attempt another attack on my kingdom.”

***

Blood covered the dusty ground as the large group of men fought their way through the camp. Each of them entering the tents to drag the ones that tried to hide in them outside, claiming their most valuable belongings as their own. Laughing wickedly, each of them left the tent ravished behind them, setting them on fire once all the goods had been taken out of it. Women thrashed around in their holds as men of different ages fought bravely against the marching forces.

It became clear very early that this was a planned attack. A strategical set in a game of vengeance. The clearing had been chosen carefully by the three brothers. It was large enough so anyone who had joined this raiding party could place their tent where they wanted to. It provided a good view on any upcoming forces. And enough scouts were present in the forest, carefully placed there to warn everyone if an attack may happen.

And yet, no signal was sent. Those Christian men snuck up on the camp as if someone had opened the door for them.

As you hid in the tent, you watched with sorrowful eyes how the girl that admired you earlier sat beside her mother. Her little body shook in fear, while tears kept rolling over her rosy cheeks. In the chaos of the attack, you had pulled them with you inside a tent. Your hideout was fragile. Nothing more than a piece of cloth. But at least it was something. A place to think of a better plan.

Two shieldmaidens had followed you inside. One tried her best to look outside, while the other tried to mend her broken bow.

Outside, the screams of anguish and the shouts of war became less prominent, making you think the Christian forces were retreating or at least, that the fight was ending. The shieldmaiden at the opening of the tent seemed to share your thoughts, lifting her hand in a silent demand for the girl to calm down.

Her brows were furrowed as she slowly pushed away the material that closed your hideout. Her eyes scanned the area, but seemed not to find any enemy.

“I can’t see anyone. We cannot stay here. The girl will betray us with her cries.” She whispered out. Her eyes going from her fellow shieldmaiden to the mother.

“She is a child!” The woman whisper-shouted, pressing her whimpering daughter against her chest.

“If she is a child than why is she even here?” The other shieldmaiden snapped back. “The camp is not a sacred place free of any harm.”

The mother scowled at the woman, running her hand over her daughter’s head in a comforting way. “I’ve come along raids many times. Not once have I-“

Her angry words were silenced by the gasp her daughter lets out. Frightened for the safety of her girl, the women grabbed her tightly. But her daughter had not been harmed. Her finger shakily pointed forward as her eyes filled themselves with tears.

The shieldmaiden that was looking out the tent, lay now dead on the floor. Her throat pierced by an arrow.

“Audhilde” Her fellow shieldmaiden whispered out, her hands clenched into fists. Without thinking you jumped up, grabbing the axe the fallen shieldmaiden had taken with her.

In the moment it took you to grab the axe, a second arrow entered the tent, missing you by an inch. The feeling of the arrow zooming past your face made you choke on your breath. Looking to the left you saw two men fight with each other, one of them holding a crossbow in his hands.

Sniffing, the other shieldmaiden took a seat next to you. Her eyes were clouded by the anger rising inside of her. With harsh movements, she lined up her arrow.

“What are you playing at?” She hissed, as you held her back.

Remaining silent, you stared straight into the fiery eyes of the shieldmaiden next to you, while your hand kept pushing the bow down. The woman in front of you frowned, opening her mouth, but was silenced when you placed your finger on your lip. Slowly, you crawled backwards, pulling the woman with you to hide behind the fabric.

Nodding your head towards the small mirror that was placed on the box next to the healer and her child, you made the shieldmaiden aware of the danger right outside the tent. In the reflection you could make out a man. He walked hastily around the tent in front of your hideout, before deciding that the one on its right was the one he needed. A second soldier joined him, and together they entered the tent.

You tilted your head, frowning at their odd behaviour. As you took a better look at them, your confusion only grew. They seemed to be in a rush. As if they were the ones being hunted, as if they were struck with fear and wanted this to end as fast as possible.

The shieldmaiden next to you grew tired of waiting inside the tent. Waiting was just the same as giving up, she thought. Pushing you aside, she took a seat next to the entrance. With the tip of her arrow she carefully pulled back the material of the tent, giving herself more room to get a good look at the outside world.  

“Why haven’t they burned ours yet?” You wondered out loud.

The shieldmaiden snorted, looking over her shoulder briefly. “Why should I care?”

“Look around you. They are not walking around as men that believe in their cause. Only a few seem proud to fight for their lord. We are losing this. We are being slaughtered. And still, most of them seem so scared of what may come after them…”

Your words made the woman in front of you think for a second, before she shook her head and lined up her arrow once more.

“Try to get out as fast as you can. Run to the forest. Take ‘whiny’ and her mother with you. I will take care of those fuckers outside.” She groaned, before she shot her first arrow and launched herself out of the tent.

The shake of your head went not unnoticed by the mother, who looked at you confused. Her insides boiling with anger due to the shieldmaiden abandoning her and her only child in the middles of an ambush with a woman who seemed unfit to protect them.

“Pure suicide. This is going way too fast. Attacking now that the three brothers are not here ...” You mumbled out. The words coming out fast and quiet, crumbling the little hope the woman had. Not only did that shieldmaiden leave her alone with a seemingly unfit person, but now that person was mad too. “They planned this all!”

The conclusion made you snap back to the reality around you. The frightened girl shaking in her mother’s arms, the sounds of swords clashing just outside your tent, yells of terror in the distance. You looked down, the axe lying comfortably in your hand. With a small nod to the mother you told her to get up. Quickly, she scrambled to her feet, lifting her daughter up. Her eyes immediately went to the entrance of the tent, but you held her back.

“Go out there and you’ll die.”

The words made her halt. She wanted to scream back at you, but the confident glare on your face made her bite her tongue. “Where do we go then?”

Not answering her, you stepped forward slightly, bending down to get a look of the frightening world outside the tent. Outside the shieldmaiden who had carelessly run out of her hideout was fighting against one of the soldiers. Her face was covered in the blood of her opponents. Skilfully, she kept the man at bay with a sword she had taken from the ground. But beyond her knowing, a second man slowly made his way towards them. The grin on his face was vicious. He was one of the few who enjoyed this all. Collecting all of your power to restrain yourself, you watched how he snuck up on the shieldmaiden and sliced her shoulder with his sword. Turning around before you saw her end, you tried to see if you could find another way to escape.

There was no way you could fight your way out of here. Even if you wanted to, the possibility of stepping outside this tent and be met with the same fate as that woman was too high. Nevertheless, staying in this tent was no option either.

Blinking at the weapon in your hand, an idea struck you. Without hesitation you walked straight towards the back of the tent, followed by the mother and her daughter. With brute force, your pushed away everything that kept you from reaching the fabric of the tent. A couple of boxes, the mirror, some candles, they all landed harshly on the ground. The mother watched perplexed as her daughter escaped her grip and helped you. Your lips curved upward as you looked into her eyes. Raising your eyebrows, you lifted up the axe in the air.

“We’re making us a way out of here…”

With the axe, you sliced the fabric of the tent, ripping it apart. Careful not to end up like the death shieldmaiden inside the tent, you opened the gab slowly, searching for any possible foe.

“Everything’s clear. When I say go, run. Run and do not stop until you’re deep into the woods.”

Not waiting for an answer, you walked around the tent, straight towards the boxes you carelessly threw through the tent. There had to be something in here for them to protect themselves with. The mother narrowed her eyes at your plan, the concern for her daughter made her be on edge. But her daughter nodded determined.

You smiled as you stumbled across a knife. Nodding your head at yourself, you walked up to the mother.

Her confusion did not disappear once you presented her with the knife, but without hesitation she took it from you. “How do you know all of this?”

Not containing the sinister laugh that escaped your lips, you grinned back at the mother.

“My dad wished for a son.” You muttered out, raising your eyebrows at her.

Before you could step outside to get one final look, you heard a low chuckle behind you. Turning around, your eyes widened as they made contact with the men that had attacked the shieldmaiden only a few moments ago.

“Three little birds in a cage.”

“Now!”

In a flinch the mother and her daughter ran out of the tent. The young girl screamed and cried while she held the hand of her mother, her tearful eyes glued on you until she disappeared out of your sight.

The man grunted, irritated by their escape. However, he still had one little bird left. Slowly, as a fox sneaking up on his prey, he walked towards you. Confident in his skills. You licked your lips. Chuckling, the man took a step forward, the sword in his hand raised high above his head. Without thinking, you ducked underneath his swing, sidestepping to avoid him completely. With all the power you could muster up, you sliced the axe across his back. The man hollered, pressing his hand against the wound. As he took sight of the blood on his hand the man simply laughed at you, muttering under his breath. There was no sign that this man was one of those weak one-God lovers Ivar used to tell you about.

The man’s eyes had become very dark. And with a load roar he ran towards you, making you duck to avoid his dangerous move. The man, not expecting this, could not hold himself back and thrashed through the tent and the opening you just made, falling down on his face as he flew through the gab. Not wasting the moment, you ran after him, pushing him down with your foot and hitting him with the stump side of your axe so you could knock him out. As fierce as you may be now, a shieldmaiden was not what you were at heart.

“Heathen!”

The word made your blood run cold. A couple of men had spotted you. Running towards you at full speed, their swords raised high in the air. Turning around and deciding that your time acting as a hero was over, you tried to make a run for it, sprinting to the trees.

With each step the tree line came closer. And with that, your freedom. An escape from the terrible fate of being captured by the enemy. Behind you, tents were still burning. Christian soldiers and Viking warriors lay dead on the bloody floor. Those that had started their escape too late either trashing in the hold of those Christians or hiding in the few tents that were still untouched.

Another step. The trees were so close. Two men ran in front of you. Both carrying their wounded friend, trying their best to get him to safety. Grunting as they carried him forward, completely ignoring his pleas to leave him behind.

Another step. With a quick look behind your shoulder, you noticed that those Christian soldiers had stopped following you. Instead, there was only one remaining. Standing lonesome, next to a tent that was lightened on fire. Not slowing down, you kept running.

And then.

Pain.

A sharp cry passed your lips as the piercing, throbbing pain in your shoulder knocked you off your feet. Falling down on your stomach, you tried your best to look at your right shoulder, where an arrow had pierced your flesh. Moving felt almost impossible, the pain keeping you down on the ground. Leaving you vulnerable. An easy prey for the Christian soldier that walked up to you, grinning wickedly while playing with the bow in his hand.

---

Thank you for reading xxx

Tags: @fairyofvoid​

[seasonsofeverlark]

Beautiful Dreams

Author: @ameliaodair​

Prompt:  Katniss and the children are down with a cold. Peeta takes care of them. Brings them Lamb Stew and favourite baked goods. He draws colouring pages for the kids but all are colouring. He puts in a fall realted movie. As all who are sick are snuggled together in the master bedroom. Katniss says shes cold Peeta goes and gets more blankets walks out of the room to get more comes back and looks at his wife and children all cuddling together watching the movie and thinks how did he deserve this. [submitted by @katnissandpeeta125​]

Rating: G

Author’s Notes: Thank you @eiramrelyat​ for betaing :)

Word Count: 1977

___________

“Thanks, dad. Katniss caught the kids’ cold and woke up feeling pretty miserable this morning,”  I tell my father, explaining the care package I am picking up after placing the order at the butt crack of dawn.  It is filled with all of her favorite foods; two pints of lamb stew, a dozen cheese buns, and half a dozen mini rolls of Mallorca sweet bread for the kids.

“The kids are feeling better, though?”

“They’re on the uphill slope,”  I tell my dad as I climb into the driver’s seat of my car.  “I better hurry up and get back before the kids destroy the house. I love you, dad!”  I yell out to him before shutting the door behind me, and wave through the window as I pull out of the parking lot.

“Daddy, Daddy!”  Stella yells excitedly as soon as I open the door. She runs up to me and wraps her tiny arms around my legs⎯ nearly knocking me down in her all too adorable Winnie the Pooh pajamas. 

It utterly blows my mind at how easily children bounce back after being sick.  I remember around a year ago when Stella had the flu. It only took her two days before she was running around, bouncing off the walls and full of energy. Yet, when Katniss and I were run down with fevers, it had been almost a week before we could muster the energy to simply lift our heads from the pillow.  Thank goodness for our wonderful parents who live less than five minutes away, or I do not know what we would have done.

“Hey sweetheart, where is your brother?”  I ask her, making my way into the kitchen to place the care package down on the island.

“In his cwib, daddy,”  she tells me matter-of-factly, giving me a slight roll of her eyes as if I should already be aware of this information.  Scooping Stella up, I raise her in the air and blow a raspberry on her belly.

“Why don’t we go check on him?”  I ask her once her giggles subside, then I carry her into her and her brother’s room and set her down.

Lucas is sitting up in the corner of his crib, hugging one of his favorite stuffed animal teddy bears.  At the sight of me, he erupts into the most adorable toothless grin, seeming to emanate an almost iridescent light in the process.

“Come on big guy, how are you feeling today?”

“Da-da.  Ma-mee!”  He chirps, grabbing onto the rail of his crib to steady himself while holding his stuffed teddy bear out to me.  I reach in the crib to scoop him up, and the three of us make our way into the kitchen.  We stop at mine and Katniss’s bedroom first, and I crack the door open, poking my head in to peek in on her.  But no matter how sick she is, her hunter’s instincts are always as keen as ever, and she lifts her head groggily from her pillow.

“Peeta, are you okay, the kids—” She croaks, her froggy voice sounding no worse for the wear.

“We’re okay, I was just going to heat up some lamb stew.  You want some?”

“That sounds amazing.  Will you guys  keep me company?”  She whines in her sick throaty voice.

“Of course, just give us a few minutes and we’ll be in here.”

“Okay.”  She moans and her head collapses to the pillow, gravity getting the best of her.

Once we are in the kitchen, I strap Lucas into his highchair while I heat the lamb stew.

“Daddy, forgot to get dressed!”  Stella squeals, already trying to peel off her nightgown.

I pour the lamb stew into a pot and set it on the stove to simmer for a few minutes. “Honey, remember, we’re having a sick day, pajama’s only,”  I playfully scold her, twirling around like one of her ballerinas to show off my own pajama pants.

“Do you guys want to watch a movie with me and mommy in our bed?”  I ask Stella, raising my voice an octave near the end to make it sound more enticing than it actually is. 

“Wif lots of bwankets and piwwow’s?”  Stella beams, her eyes lighting up as if it’s Christmas morning.

“No—” I begin, frowning and pretending it’s a bad idea and my heart sinks when I see her eyes sadden a bit, so I quickly brighten my face with a radiant smile, “—with lots and LOTS of pillows and blankets!”  I finish quickly and watch as her eyes return to their previous state of sheer excitement.

“And coworing, daddy?”  she asks, already running into the playroom to collect her crayons.

Lucas is squirming in his seat, already bored of sitting there with nothing to do, so I hand him a wooden spoon to bang against the tray of his highchair.  Stella returns with her container of assorted crayons, and I frown at her, wondering why she didn’t bring her coloring books.

I stir the lamb stew and test it out on my tongue, making sure it’s hot enough, and then give my attention to Stella.

“You forgot your coloring books, sweetie.”  I point out.

“Siwwy daddy, you draw the coworings.” She grins, shaking her head and pointing to me.

“Oh, okay,”  I concede, shrugging my shoulders.  

One rainy day a few months ago, Stella was flipping through a coloring book, and noticing her frustration after the third time, I asked her what was wrong.  With a disappointed face, she informed me that the coloring book didn’t have the specific image she had in mind, so I offered to draw it for her.  Ever since then, Stella refuses to color in the pre-drawn coloring books⎯ preferring  my sketches instead, which I suppose I should be proud of.  My daughter does have exquisite tastes.

“I think it’s done, are you guys ready?”  I ask the kids after scooping the stew into two bowls and placing them on the food tray.  I remove the tray from Lucas’s highchair and pick him up to set him down on the floor.

“I’ll carry our food and drinks. Stella, will you help your brother?  We’ll come back for the rest after we eat.”

I carefully pick up the food tray which contains two bowls of lamb stew, a plateful of cheese buns, and the sweet bread, then motion for Stella to follow me into mine and Katniss’s bedroom.  When I look behind me to make sure they are not far behind, my heart swells with an inordinate amount of pride as I see Stella crawling on the floor next to Lucas.  She’s making a game of having him chase her into our room, and I cannot help the ear-splitting grin that overcomes my face⎯ nor do I want to.

Katniss is already sitting up in our massive bed and has made room for the three of us to climb in with her.  I hand her the soup and she takes it greedily⎯ lamb stew being her favorite.  Stella climbs in first and scoots up to Katniss, then I pick Lucas up from the floor and swing him in the air and plop him onto the bed. He bursts into a contagious round of giggles that Stella catches for a moment.

Once the kids have calmed down, I climb in next to the kids and we all situate ourselves under the covers, getting ready to have breakfast in bed as a family.  Stella grabs her own piece of bread and takes a bite into it.

“Peeta, will you hand Stella a napkin?  I don’t want crumbs—”  Before Katniss is able to finish, I already have a towel wrapped around Stella’s waist, ensuring that it will catch any pieces that do not make it into her mouth. 

Katniss turns her head to meet my eyes and mouths the words ‘I love you.’  I can’t help but lean over the kids and plant a kiss on her forehead.  “I love you too.”  I tell her, meeting her eyes.

“Daddy, you fowgot me!”  Stella mumbles with a mouthful of bread, glaring at me with those beautiful bright blue eyes that resemble my own. 

“One for you—” I tell her, kissing her cheek, and then move to Lucas, “And one for you.”

I begin pinching off pieces of the sweet bread dipped in lamb stew and feed it to Lucas in between bites of my own.

“You guys want to watch a movie?”  Katniss asks after turning her bowl up and slurping the last remnants of her stew.

“I want Winnie-Pooh!”  Stella squeals, scrunching her shoulders up excitedly.

“Winnie-The-Pooh it is!”  Katniss says excitedly, but I see her rolling her eyes behind Stella’s back.  Stella is obsessed with Winnie the Pooh, and we have probably watched ‘Winnie The Pooh’s Season of Giving’ at least fifty times since the beginning of October.  And since Lucas is too small to voice his opinion yet, Winnie The Pooh it is.

Once everyone has finished eating and are moaning over their full bellies, I clear the food from our bedroom and sit the food tray on the counter in the kitchen. I save the dishes for later, eager to return to my amazing family.  Stella disappears for a moment, returning with her container of crayons and my sketch pad.

“Dwaw Pooh, daddy?”  she asks me, her eyes so wide and blue⎯ how can I say no?  I scoop her into my arms, hugging her tightly, and place another kiss on her cheek.

“Of course, baby girl.”  I release her and she snuggles up to Katniss while I sketch her an image of the famous Pooh Bear.  She accepts the picture and secures it on her clipboard and begins coloring away. 

“No, Lucas, we don’t eat crayons, we color with them,”  I tell Lucas, giving him his own piece of paper and showing him how to utilize the crayons.  Fascinated with the array of colors, he begins fashioning his own masterpiece while we watch Winnie the Pooh.

Stella is exhausted by the time she has colored in every bit of white on her paper, as is Lucas.  Tired baby that he is, he nestles himself onto Katniss’s chest, while her chin rests on the top of his baby-soft hair.  She leans up to kiss the top of his head, inhaling his signature baby scent.

“Are you cold?”  I ask Katniss, but I already know the answer as I feel her shivering next to me.

“I’m okay.”  ‘Liar.’ I think to myself.

“I’ll be right back,”  I tell her, popping out of bed before she has time to object and run into the playroom to search for her favorite blanket.  The kids were making a fort a few nights ago, so it must be in here somewhere.  It takes me a little longer than I expected, but I finally find it.

Scooping it up, I make my way back to our bedroom but stop myself in the doorway⎯ my heart fills with so much joy I think it may explode on sight.

Sitting before me on our bed is my beautiful, amazing wife, fast asleep and lightly snoring, with Lucas curled up on her chest just the way he did as 0a newborn.  Stella is scrunched up on her side with Katniss’ arm securely around her back.  And all three of them are fast asleep.

Standing in the doorway, witnessing this perfect family we have created, I grin from ear to ear, intoxicated with so much love, wondering how I got so lucky for these amazing creatures to be mine.  I slip into bed next to them and kiss each of their heads before spreading the blanket out to cover all of us.  And although reality can’t get much better than this, I fall asleep, awaiting beautiful dreams.

[yespolkadotkitty]

Valentine’s Day with Zach I BEG

Words: 1300 ~ Warnings: leaving baby with a sitter for the first time; breastfeeding, fluff. Pairing: Zach Wellison x OFC Jade Yuan, from my full-length fic,  Fighting Blind

*****

“Zach! Emma’s here!” I called up the stairs.

“One sec, baby,” he called back.

Emma swept in the door and held out her arms for baby Mae, who lurched forward out of my grasp, towards her aunt.

Emma grinned. “Yeah. You know who your favourite Aunt is.” She cuddled Mae close, kissed her explosion of black hair.

I rolled my eyes. “That baby does not know which side her bread is buttered.”

Emma leaned forward, kissed my cheek. “Happy Valentine’s. You look amazing.”

“Thanks.” I smoothed my hand down the front of the new pale gold dress, nipped in at the waist, striped with caramel. “I felt something new was in order, now the twenty-four hour breastmilk cafe is shut.”

Emma laughed; narrowly dodged a poke in the eye from Lin Mae.

Footsteps on the stairs made me turn, and, as he often did, my husband took my breath away.

He wore an open suit jacket over a crisp, storm-grey shirt, open at the neck. He’d paired it with dark jeans that hugged his legs, and the leather ankle boots I’d given him for his last birthday. His hair was just a little scruffy, and his patchy beard was growing in nicely, just how I liked it.

He stopped on the last stair. “Hi, Emma. Thanks for coming.” 

Then his gaze lingered on me. 

“Wow.”

I turned a full circle. “You like it?”

“A lot.”

We gazed at each other for a long moment before Emma cleared her throat. “So, are you going out, or what? Mae and I have stuff to do.”

I blushed, leaned down to kiss my daughter. “Mummy and Daddy will be back tomorrow, okay, sweet pea?” I levelled by gaze with Emma. “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Yes, mum. I’ve babysat her before, you know.”

I worried my lower lip with my teeth. “But not overnight.”

“It’s okay.  If she doesn’t go to sleep, I’ll spike her milk with whiskey. How much do you give? One or two fingers?”

At Zach’s look of abject horror, Emma cackled and kissed Mae noisily. “We got them good, didn’t we? Didn’t we?”

Mae laughed uproariously.

“Say bye bye to mummy and daddy, baby girl,” Emma encouraged as Zach held out my coat,

I leaned down and kissed her soundly, breathing in the sweet baby scent she still had at eleven months. Her hair was soft as down, her skin like the finest silk. “Love you, my little babe.”

“Mum-mum,” she squealed. At least I chose to believe that was what she said. Most of her “words” were still unintelligible.

Zach took my place and gathered Mae into his arms. Seeing him, so unspeakably gentle with her, made my heart squeeze. “Be a good girl for Aunt Emma, okay, mija?”

He’d said once that Pero would have called a daughter mija. Those tiny things, little threads of connection to my husband from another lifetime, never failed to warm me from the inside out.

Zach kissed Mae’s forehead, and then her tiny mouth.

She giggled. “Dun-a!”

Which we assumed meant: Dada. Who knew. Zach chose to believe that and I encouraged it.

Emma took the baby back. “Come on. How are we supposed to crack out the face masks and talk about boys if you’re hanging around? Parents are such a drag.”

“We’re going!” I tugged Zach’s hand.

He gave Mae’s cheek one last stroke and then - we were free.

The door shut behind us.

Zach pushed open the letterbox. “Don’t forget you can call if you need anything! Anything at all!”

“I can’t hear you, you’re meant to be on a date!” Emma yelled back.

I took Zach’s hand and tangled our fingers. “You okay?”

“Hard to say. I think so? I don’t know. I wanna go back and hold her again. Is this normal?”

I leaned into him. “Pretty sure it is,”

Our Uber pulled up just as he glanced back at the door. I tugged his hand.

“Big, bad Marine missing his baby already?”

Zach huffed, but held the car door open for me. “Marines never leave a man - or daughter - behind.”

I kissed him as we buckled our seatbelts. 

“Bootcamp was a breeze compared to this,” he muttered.

We made small talk with the cab driver as he ferried us to Babylon Restaurant in Kensington. Perched atop Kensington Roof Gardens, it boasted beautiful views, and, thankfully for us, price tags that didn’t make my eyes water. Much.

The owners had decorated tastefully for Valentine’s, a squat vase of big, fat roses on each table, small heart balloons, helium filled, covering the ceiling, candles placed strategically to avoid sleeves and waitstaff.

“Whoa,” Zach murmured. “When they said it was fancy, I didn’t expect - do you like it?”

I squeezed his hand as we waited in the doorway. “I do like it, but what I like most about it is that I’m here with you.”

Our table overlooked trees strewn with tiny fairy lights that glowed gold in the dark, chilly evening.

When we weren’t eating or drinking, we held hands. Did we spend the whole evening talking about Mae and looking at pictures of her? 

Yes.

Did Zach text Emma a dozen times to ask how his daughter was? 

Also yes.

Her most recent reply: “You’re interrupting me teaching her how to do tequila shots.”

But... was it perfect? Undoubtedly.

We fed each other bits of dessert - a cloud-soft tiramisu sprinkled with rose-gold petals of the thinnest chocolate - and lingered over the post prandial coffee and mints.

The street lamps were all on, and my breath formed clouds in the air as we walked to our hotel.

“Feels like playing hooky,” Zach laughed as we walked. “Do you think she misses us?”

“Of course she does.”

He gave me the side-eye. “Am I pathetic? Am I that crazy dad?”

“You didn’t wear sleeveless vests in Summer. Much,” I clarified. “You’re a great father, Zach. The best I could wish for.”

He paused under a streetlamp. The soft golden glow caught on his face of planes and angles, illuminating his soft brown eyes, the stubborn curve of his nose. 

“What do you think he’d have been like?”

“Pero?” I reached up and cupped his scruffy cheek. “You tell me.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve taken this from him. You know? Taken you. But I can’t feel guilty about it,” he added, scowling. “I won’t.”

“I would never want you to.”

“Good.” He pulled me into a kiss, one hand in my hair, cradling the back of my neck.  “I love you so much, Jade. Enough for a thousand lifetimes.”

“I love you, too.”

He lifted my hand, kissed the leather bracelet around my wrist. He wore a matching one, leather bonded with the ribbon bracelets Mae’s namesake had gifted Pero and I, in another life. “Let’s go do things we can’t do with a baby in the house,” he whispered, cheekily, his dimple flashing. “Wanna see what’s under this dress.”

“We have to get back to the hotel first,” But still I pressed into him, feeling the hard line of his erection flush against my belly, and desire pooled between my legs, hot and urgent. A taxi pootled past us, music drifting lowly from the half-open driver’s window, and across the road, 

He nipped at my neck, the scruff tickling. “You’re no fun.”

“You can revise that statement when you see what I’m wearing under my clothes.”

And he did.

************

Zach Pit and regular tag lists: @mrschiltoncat @astroboots @songsformonkeys @biblioworm @aeryntheofficial @thirstworldproblemss @wheresarizona  @knittingqueen13 @alwaysbethewest @agirllovespancakes @f0rever15elf @heatherbel @frannyzooey @sarahjkl82-blog @thedazeinmylife @holographic-carmen @idreamofboobear @fromthedeskoftheraven @disgruntledspacedad @chicken-nugget-puta @miulola @nelba @alienprincesspoop @tardisfangurl @synystersilenceinblacknwhite @mylonelylittleappreciation @filthybookworm @absurdthirst @thestrawberry-thief @lilangeldevil006 @marydjarin @jedi-mando @havenforafrazzledmind @myoxisbroken @10-96dispatcher @stormtrooperofficerbrowneyes @mrsparknuts @roxypeanut  

@mouthymandalorian @lannister-slings-and-arrows @aeryntheofficial @pedro4ever @soldade @miulola @lunaserenade @lunarthoughts

[cower-before-power]

Hearts at Twilight

Summary: Yami and Charlotte escape their own wedding celebration for a little bit of romance

Pairing: Yami x Charlotte

TW: swearing, smoking, implied sexual content

Link to A03 here

A/N: So ridiculously fluffy. I hate the title. Also mentions of wedding planner Julius, because you know he has to be involved when one of his sons gets married asdfghjkl. Enjoy, my sweet potatoes!

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

The sun hangs low in the sky, painting the garden with dazzling reds and golds as it makes its journey below the horizon. It will be twilight soon, time to serve dessert and coffee and after dinner liqueurs. He knows he should head back inside, but he’s a little reluctant to leave the peace of the outdoors. Not that he isn’t enjoying the party; he’s just always liked a little time to himself when things get too noisy. Living with his unruly ragamuffins has taught him that. He puffs contentedly on his cigarette. Just a few more minutes, maybe one more smoke, then he’ll head back inside. 

Back to her. 

“There you are.”

The quiet is broken. Seems like she came to him first. He smiles. 

“Thought I’d run off?” He teases, turning to look at her as she makes her way to him. She’s angelic in the glow of impending evening. He’s always thought her beautiful in anything (or nothing), but there’s something about her tonight that makes her seem practically celestial. His heart gives a lovesick thump.  

He wonders if he’ll ever stop turning into a sap inside when he sees her.

“It’s a little late for that,” she replies, sitting down on the bench beside him. He automatically lifts his arm so she can snuggle up to his side.  

“I just needed some air,” he tucks her closer to him as she shivers from the cool evening. She’s always cold. He doesn’t mind; it means he gets to spend a lot of time wrapped around her. 

“Are you having a good time?” She looks up at him, a touch of worry colouring her face. “I know this isn’t exactly what you wanted.”

(It isn’t, well not the trappings anyways. Seriously, who decided on live doves?)

“It’s not so bad,” he shrugs, brushing a stray strand of hair off her forehead. His fingers linger on her skin, soft and supple. “Food’s good. Booze’s good. I don’t have to pay for anything.”

She snorts. “Ugh, typical. You’re such a cheapskate.”

“I’m miles in debt!”

“Then stop drinking and gambling so much, you moron. Or get better at it.”

“Ouch, Prickly Queen. I’m not that bad.”

“Sure you aren’t,” she rolls her eyes, but her pink lips are tugged up in an amused smile. He can’t help himself; he flicks the now dead smoke away and leans down and kisses that smile right off her face. She makes a contented noise and melts into him, arms reaching up to wrap around his neck. He pulls her closer, closer, until there isn’t an inch of space between them. 

He’ll never, ever get enough of this. 

“The part where you became my wife wasn’t so bad either,” he murmurs into her mouth, unwilling to break their contact. “It might have been my favourite part.”

She brushes her nose against his, a gentle gesture that sends a shiver down his spine. “I figured, considering you had tears in your eyes.”

He pinches her side. “I did not.”

(He totally did. He’ll never admit it.)

She giggles, moving away from his mouth to press kisses against his jawline. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Besides,” her voice grows quiet, loving, “it was my favourite part too.”

He captures her lips again; they kiss some more, lazy and unhurried. The twilight grows around them, somewhere an owl begins hooting softly. It’s easy to believe that only this moment exists, that it’s just the two of them suspended in a perfect bubble of time. 

Eventually they have to breathe but they don’t let go of each other. He leans his forehead against hers, gathering her to his chest as he pulls her onto his lap. 

“Did there really have to be live doves though? I’m never gonna live that one down.”

“You try reigning in both my mother and the Wizard King,” she sighs. “They were this close to throwing a parade.”

“Damn Julius,” he grumbles. “Who said he needed to get involved?”

She strokes his face with cool fingers. “He wanted to be because he cares about you. Did you see him after the ceremony? He was practically bawling like a baby. You mean a lot to him.”

He has a brief flash of that moment, the one he tries to never think about when he thought he’d lost a father all over again. His throat tightens. 

“Tch,” his voice comes out too hoarse. He banishes those thoughts from his mind. “Crazy old man.”

He’s grateful when she doesn’t mention the change in his voice. They fight and they tease, but they both know some things are not to be touched. 

“We better get back, they’ll be wondering where we are,” she changes the subject instead, attempting to disentangle her body from his. He doesn’t let her. 

“Yami!”

“What?” He’s decides he doesn’t want to go back, not anymore. Let the others drink and eat and toast to the happy couple. He’s suddenly aware there’s much more fun things he’d rather be doing. His hand slides under her dress and up her leg.

“You know what!” The words come breathy, and she starts to blush. 

His hand creeps higher. “Can you blame a man for wanting to start his wedding night early? Especially when his wife looks as fucking delectable as you do?”

She’s fully red in the face now. “We’re in public! Someone could come out here at any moment!” But she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans into his touch. 

“Hasn’t stopped you before.” He mouths at her neck. She shudders.

“That was one time!”  

“And what a glorious time it was.” 

“I doubt it needs to be repeated on my parents‘ garden bench!”

He strokes his fingers against her thigh, lightly, teasingly. “Hmmmm, true, it may put a damper on how much they like me if they catch me fucking their daughter where they like to have afternoon tea.”

“You’re so vulgar,” she whines, arching her neck. He knows what she’s asking for; he sucks a pretty bruise just below her ear. “Whatever am I to do with you?”

“Nothing that involves this bench, apparently.“ 

She huffs a laugh at that, pulling back to look at him with hooded eyes. “You idiot, why would we even consider a bench when I’ve still got a bedroom upstairs?”

He grins salaciously. “Don’t wanna head back to the party then?”

“They’ll survive without us,” she presses a hard, hot kiss to his lips. “I’m tired of sharing you. Let’s have our own celebration.” 

“Now you’re talking,” he scoops her up and stands all in one fluid motion, the sound of her delighted giggle music to his ears. He’s on fire, every nerve ending in his body buzzing in anticipation. But there’s something that needs to be said before he loses himself in her. Something that comes easier with actions than with words. But this occasion calls for it to be uttered aloud.  

“I love you,” he says, and he means it with every fibre of his soul. He may struggle to express his emotions, but he never ever wants her to doubt him. They spent years and years dancing and doubting, circling each other but never being brave enough to leap. 

All that is over now.  

She smiles; it’s like a flower blooming after the last frost. “I love you too,” she says, and  the joy in her voice threatens to bring him to his knees. “Now take me to bed, husband.”

“Your wish is my command, wife.”

And no one but the moon sees them for the rest of the night.

[frickfrackapplesnack]

And I you...Princess

I have not written in months so I apologise if this is shit. 

Request: Hi, I was wondering if you could do a one shot of Geralt claims the law of Surprise after he saved the reader's father and comes back for her when she is an adult after a horrible king wants her to be his next wife. She can be a gifted healer and is one of the very few people that is not afraid of Geralt of Rivia

I hope I have fulfilled the request...

Warnings: Swearing, implied smut (I do not write explicitly) 

The city was in the midst of celebration. Men, Women and children all pranced around the streets as if they had been enchanted by a powerful enchantment; the kind that once cast gave little control the those under its spell. However, the people were not so cheerful because of a spell but because of the news of one royal engagement. The King of Skellige had shown great interest in the young princess and gave great promise that once married to her, the kingdoms would unite and become an impenetrable force. A hefty promise, but one the King and Queen took into consideration. A banquet was to be held for the men who shared their interest in the princess but it was well known throughout the castle and through the streets of the city that the princess had already been promised to the King of Skellige. 

His majesty had been married three times, his wives all dying mysterious deaths only a few months after the births of their firstborn; all of which had been girls. But, no one seemed to be considering this except for the princess in question. Sitting in her room watching over the town while one of the many maids played with her hair creating yet another masterpiece for her to show off to the drooling men wandering about the castle. Everything for the night had been laid out on the bed for her to put on when the time came. The flawless white fabric glistened in the light of the setting sun. One may see it as the perfect wedding dress, one fit for a Queen…but Y/N saw it as the dress that would take away her freedom. It was not a soft fabric, but heavy chains that would surely aid in drowning her if she could not give this horrid King a son. For now, though she enjoyed the feeling of the fingers running through her hair. This was always her favourited part of getting ready, it was calming and it gave Y/N time to think and for now, that was a good thing. Her mother had made a note to tell her that she would not have time to think once she was a married woman. Y/N hated the idea, running around some dusty house yelling at the maids and servants to cook and clean. It sounded like absolute torture. 

“Do you think this is a good idea?” Y/N questioned. The fingers in her hair stopped, but only for a moment before they started moving again continuing the job they were intended for. Clearing her throat the maid asked what the princess meant. “The engagement of course.” Y/N scowled. “To this rotten King, if you can even call him that.”

“Majesty?” the maids' voice quivered.

“I mean, the things I have heard might suggest he has no brain. I can never see myself marrying someone so stupid.” She sighed. “I have studied my whole life to become a healer, I find pleasure in helping people who truly need it; not marry someone who needs a quick fuck to try and get themselves a son!” she honestly didn’t mean to yell, but it felt good to get these things off her chest. 

“Perhaps if you tried to think about the positives, things wouldn’t seem so bad” the maid commented.

“Ha!” Y/N chuckled. “There is no bright side, the only side is the dark side my mother is persistent upon pushing me into” Y/N sighed thinking about simpler times, when she was a child who could carelessly run around the castle or if she really wanted to; venture down into the city and play with the other children. But now, she was a proper princess and could no longer afford to get even a smidge of dirt of her perfect little shoes. “It is absolute hell; I have done better things in my life then stand around while the lords introduce themselves. I have healed a Witcher for fuck's sake!” it was only after she had said this that Y/N realised she had made a mistake. “Get out…” she said. 

“I have not finished your majesty.” The maid said, “I have only a few things left to do.”

“I don’t care,” Y/N said “It looks fine, now get out” The maid stopped her work, bowed and left the room swiftly but not before Y/N made her promise not to tell a single soul what she had heard. She had promised the man not to tell anyone she had helped him, to keep their meeting private. For 2 years, she had not let it slip that she had been the one to heal him after he had been employed by her father, to kill a monster that had been wreaking havoc around the borders of the city. She had heard the tales, of course, the Butcher of Blaviken was the one her father was most fond of using. However, when they had met Y/N could not see how the names suited him at all. He was covered in blood, beaten and bruised but his outer appearance gave no insight to the kind of man Y/N saw him to be. He had been nothing but kind to her when she was washing away the blood and wrapping his new wounds. And when he had taken her virginity; he was gentle. So, gentle. She could remember everything about him; the way his muscles moved under her touch when she would wipe a damp cloth over his wounds how his unusual yellow eyes glittered in the candlelight. But most importantly how his body moved above hers. But, after that night she had promised to tell no one of their meeting even if she wanted nothing more than to run away with him, to join him on his many adventures. But no, she was stuck in this godforsaken castle, getting ready to marry a stupid king who was only going to kill her if she couldn’t produce a male heir. 

She had written letters to him, in hopes that someone may be able to find him, letters containing her boring day to day activities and how she wished he would come to her again, beaten and bruised after another fight with a monster. Only for them to spend another night together…because that was the most free she had ever felt. 

But he had never written back. 

All too soon the time had come for the princess to make her way downstairs to the rest of the party, dressed in her new white wedding dress. The time had come for Y/N to drown.

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

The banquet was in full swing, drunken people stumbling about with what seemed like their twentieth drink sploshing about and spilling onto the floor and music bouncing off every wall in the room. Sometimes someone would yell and everyone else would yell back, celebrating. Every man in the room thought they had a chance. All Y/N knew that even if she had been promised to a king; not one of these fools could win her heart. King Hodus of Skellige was in clear view from where Y/N sat snorting like a pig as he consumed greasy chicken leg, laughing with the men around him about some battle he had won a few years back. Y/N couldn’t help but grimace at the gravy getting caught in his greying beard. “He’s disgusting,” Y/N said, directing her words to the King who sat next to her. 

“He is my friend and you will treat him with respect.” Her father scowled down at her. “Now shut up and eat your dinner.”

“I’ve lost my appetite.” Y/N shot back “How can one be hungry when watching a pig devour a chicken?” She growled folding her arms across her chest; from the corner of her eye, she could see her mother muttering something while shaking her head. “Excuse me, mother, but unless you’re marrying this disgusting excuse for a man then you cannot comment on the matter.” 

“Y/N…” her mother warned.

“Shut up, the both of you!” The King growled. Turning toward his daughter he continued “You will marry King Hodus, to secure the future of this Kingdom and its subjects. I will hear no more argument from you. Do you understand?” Y/N nodded, deciding that for now she would be silenced.

It was another hour before anyone had started to introduce themselves to the Princess, this completely useless ritual only lasted for 5 minutes however, when Hodus yelled amidst the crowd. “Enough of this bullshit, that woman…is mine!” he slurred, unbalanced in his drunken state. “You can all go home; she’s promised to me!” he laughed and Y/N grimaced at his revolting nature. He waltzed up to the Kings table reaching his dirty hand out toward Y/N waiting expectantly for her to take it. However, when she refused to take it he decided to take matters into his own hands grabbing her wrist and pulling her around to stand in front of the crowd trapped in his grip. 

“Let go of me arsehole!” Y/N screamed looking to her parents for help but they remained cold and stone-faced. ‘Dicks’ she thought. Her thoughts were interrupted however when the bastard decided to bash his crusty lips against hers, pulling her even tighter against his fat body. Screaming Y/N tried to pry herself away from his grip but he was much stronger than she was making it almost impossible for her to move away as he slid his slimy tongue into her mouth. Her opportunity came when she found the strength enough to bite the disgusting invader. Hodus shrieked shoving Y/N away only for her to bump into another man’s chest. 

“Don’t fucking touch me” Y/N snarled turning to see who she had been pushed into, only to meet a pair of strange yellow eyes. Time seemed to freeze as Y/N took the man in, he was much cleaner than he was when they had first met, his white hair straight instead of knotted and his clothes were no longer torn. He almost looked like a prince but Y/N knew that would be an insult if she were to say what she thought out loud. He seemed taller than she remembered although it had been two years since they had seen each other so perhaps he had grown a bit. “Geralt?” she asked, eyes wide as he took her by the arm and moved her behind him.

The King stood from his chair, followed shortly thereafter by his Queen both looking furious at the situation unfolding in front of them. “What the hell is going on here!?” The King yelled, silencing any other murmuring throughout the large room. Y/N looked from her father to King Hodus who was glaring at Geralt as if he had just stolen his favourite mirror. She moved further behind the Witcher shielding herself from the disappointed gaze of her mother. 

“What’s going on is that you were about to hand over your only daughter to a murderous rapist with not so much as a second thought.” Geralt growled.

“You have no right!”

“I have every right…or have you forgotten our past?” Geralt huffed. Y/N gazed up at him confused, but he refused to tear his eyes away from the King. “I saved your life old man” he smirked. 

“What are you talking about?” Y/N asked moving to his side. “You never mentioned…”

“It was not something I wanted to talk about Y/N, now shut up and let me talk.” Y/N’s mouth fell open surprised by his rudeness, he had been nothing but kind to her during their first encounter, and yet now he seemed a different man. But before she could counteract his words the white wolf spoke again. 

“I am here to claim the law of surprise.” These words bought uproar throughout the room, everyone screaming their disagreements while Y/N stood shocked. ‘The law of surprise?’ she thought; ‘Married to a Witcher…who had ever imagined such a life?’

“I regret to inform you,” a voice rose above the crowd, “But she has been promised to me, we are the be wed tonight and sail to my kingdom in the morning” King Hodus chuckled. “Best you be on your way, beast.” Geralt did not falter but instead moved closer to the man who had earlier assaulted the princess.  

“She was promised to me first pig.” He smirked. “Besides, you may have kissed her; but I’ve fucked her”

“ENOUGH!” The King yelled, silencing the two men. “How dare you Witcher, come into my home trying to steal my daughter away from her rightful place!”

“She has no rightful place.” Geralt replied. “She has yet to find it.”

“And you think by claiming the law of surprise she will?” The King questioned

“Yes.” 

“But she is promised to me!” Hodus roared.

“Stop it, all of you!” Y/N screamed. “I have had enough of people deciding my future for me, it is my life and so I should be the one to decide my destiny.” She was beyond angry, at her parents, at stupid King Hodus and at Geralt for thinking he could just step in to save her. “Everyone can go home; I have had enough of this!” Y/N cried tears of anger forming at the corners of her eyes. 

“Y/N” Geralt tried but the girl held up her hand to silence him. She had made her decision, while these men had all been bickering amongst each other she had been thinking. The options for her future and her destiny had been opened to her in ways she had not seen for years. She had a choice. And she had made it. Moving to stand in front of the crowd she spoke. 

“I am princess Y/N and while you are here in my Fathers kingdom you must bow down to me for I am my Fathers daughter. And yet you treat me like a wench you can pick up in a pub. I may not act like it sometimes but I am a princess and therefore I have the right to make decisions. If Geralt of Rivia has called upon the law of surprise, then we cannot refuse him. Tonight, I will go with him, but we will not be married. I do not know this man but I know that a life with him will bring me more joy than living in a castle ever could.” She looked at her parents then to King Hodus. “You can all fuck yourselves” she growled grabbing Geralt by the hand and dragging him from the castle forever. 

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

Years had passed and Y/N still wandered the continent with her Witcher, going on mighty adventures; learning how to become a true healer of many. Be it human or otherwise, these adventures had enhanced the skills that seemingly sat in a box all these years. Y/N was happy that she could finally help those in need and not just herself. 

A week or so after their departure from her kingdom Y/N had learnt that Geralt had read and kept every single letter she had ever written to him, finding that he had not written back for the lack of ink. He promised her that he had always wanted to come back for her, but being too afraid of losing her stopped him from even crossing the border. On the news of her engagement however, he could not stay away any longer. 

Y/N was glad he had decided to return. She had never been so happy, so free, so in love. Every day would bring adventure, and Y/N found solace in the fact that when they had a moment alone, without any danger or job needing to be done. They could lay in each other’s arms and whisper the words she had been waiting to say her whole life. 

“I love you Geralt.”

“And I you…princess”

[cilldaracailin]

We Are The Champions

Hello my Tumblr Lovely’s,

Happy Friday and Weekend! I finally got my text today to tell me I could go for my first vaccine next week (Even though those younger than me have been able to get theirs since Monday and I have actually been physically in work since June when we re-opened) but anyway. That was great news.

Maybe some not so great news is that this is the last part to this story. I am working on the next one but who knows when it will appear so please enjoy this last cute little piece of fluff! Thank you so much for all the read, love and comments on it. I don’t expect them and appreciate them all. I just love writing about these two and am so glad to share their story for those who wish to read it.

Suze xx

14

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

Robyn wasn’t too sure if Taron was fully unwound as she finally let him go but he gave her a beautiful smile which she returned. She reached up to lightly pinch his cheek, another smile filling his face. “I understand how much you want to control it Taron. You know how much I hate it when I am not in control but please, please trust in your team and that ninety-nine point nine nine nine nine percent of your fans are wonderful lovely people who just want to support you.”

It was so easy to smile when she was teasing and playful with him. “Thank you Robyn.” He sighed. “Always so good with your words.”

Robyn grinned. “Might have a knack for it. Now I know you probably don’t feel like eating, just like me, but let’s make an effort to put something on our plates.”

With a nod of agreement, they turned back to the counter, Taron handing Robyn her plate. They chose a few items from Eve’s selection, more so for show than anything else and as they walked back to the table, Taron couldn’t look his mother or step-father in the eye. He always had an unusual intimacy and affection with Robyn but normally in private and for such an open show of affection for such a long time in front of his family, he felt a little embarrassed, although he knew his mother would be thrilled and more than likely tease him about it later. He slunk into his seat, placing his mostly empty plate in front of him, Robyn slipping into the chair beside him, her plate filled even less.

“Something wrong with my cooking?” Eve asked with amusement.

“No not at all. Just lost my appetite.” Taron answering picking up his glass of water to have a drink.

“Well maybe if you and Robyn weren’t secretly kissing you would feel hungry.” Mari said casually, eating a piece of her cheesecake. “Mouths are for food, not kissing.”

There was the slightest hesitation from all at the table than Robyn’s deep laughter broke through the silence, the others quickly following including Taron’s though he was absolutely mortified at his what his sister said.

“Really not a fan of kissing, are you Mari.” Smiled Robyn to Taron’s youngest sibling.

“Just yuck!”

“Well Mari when you are older, I will come and ask you if you still think it is yuck.” Robyn leaned into Taron and lifted her left hand to cup the right side of his face, guiding him closer to her and gently kissed his cheek, seeing his whole face light up with a sweet smile. “A kiss is a beautiful and loving moment shared between two people.” She explained to the eight-year-old as she moved away from Taron and back into her seat.

Mari stuck her tongue out at Robyn, the Irish woman trying not to laugh at the come back from the child while Tina scolded her daughter. “Mari!” She said shocked at the gesture she gave to Robyn. “That wasn’t very nice.”

Robyn chuckled. “It’s ok Tina. I am sure it is a way of thinking that Guy wants her to follow through with for most of her teenage life, her affliction to kissing.” Robyn looked to Guy who was nodding his head.

“Mari, Mam kisses us all the time.” Taron told her.

“But Taron she is our mam. That is ok.”

“She kisses dad too.”

“They are married.” Mari answered firmly.

Robyn looked at Taron with a grin. “Right that’s it. Guess we know what we have to do!” She winked at Taron, praying he quickly caught on to what she wanted to do, seeing another cute little smile fill his face.

Out of their seats they walked around to the young girl and standing either side of her, they each kissed her cheek, Mari giggling as Taron placed lots of sloppy kisses over her face.

“Stop it Taron!”

Robyn chuckled, so glad to see a genuine smile on his face and moved to stand behind Rosie, leaning in to give her a little kiss too, Taron’s other sister smiling. “I am wearing my bracelet, see!” Rosie held her arm up to Robyn, the green bracelet with the shamrock on it tied neatly around her wrist. “Just like you.” Rosie reached to touch the silver bracelet on Robyn’s arm. “So pretty. Mine doesn’t sparkle like yours though.”

Robyn crouched down a little to be able to look at Rosie in her eyes. “Not everything needs a sparkle. Yours is a good luck charm and a little piece of Ireland for you to have with you at all times.”

“I am never going to take it off. Just like you.”

Robyn grinned. “I take it off sometimes. Like at the beach. I don’t want to lose it. It is very special to me.”

“’Cos Taron gave it to you?”

“Yes and because of what all of the little symbols mean.” Robyn unclasped the bracelet and let Rosie hold it. “It’s extra special because each stone and the heart and dolphin mean something to me and Taron.”

“You weren’t really kissing him, were you?” Rosie asked handing the bracelet back.

Robyn shook her head. “Not even one. Taron was a little bit sad and needed an extra squishy hug.”

“It looked like a brilliant one.”

“It was.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Asked Taron and he came to stand behind Rosie’s chair.

“Nothing.” Robyn answered him, giving Rosie a wink.

“Hmm….” Taron mused as he bent down to give her head a kiss.

Once seated again, Taron found he didn’t feel as nervous and congested with the worry of the media. It was only because he loved Robyn so much, he felt such a need to protect her but knew in his heart he was going to have to let go a little to the fear he held. As she told him, he needed to trust in his team and also his fans and as usual she was right. Only a few were bad eggs and it wasn’t fair for him to tarnish the good ones by what shitty things a few did.

“Taron?”

He looked up, locking eye contact with his mam and he could read the concern on her face for him. Reaching over the table, he took her hand. “So these stories, how many of them involved me when I was naked as a baby?”

The atmosphere lightened after that, easy conversation flowing around the table, though not much food was eaten by Robyn or Taron but the family enjoyed each other’s company, talking about their weekend, Mari’s birthday as well as Robyn’s job, the girls very interested in how she worked with little children.

“Robyn you never got to show me how to play the whistle you got me.” Mari said as Eve poured some tea out for everyone except her nieces and Robyn. “We don’t have the time now. You and Taron go tomorrow.”

“Oh Mari, I will be back I am sure and we can do it together.”

“That could be ages away.”

“Well it gives you lots of time to practise and then when I do come again, you can show me what you have learnt.” Robyn glanced to Tina. “But maybe don’t practise too hard or if you want too, do it outside.”

Happy with her answer, Mari sat back in her chair but as Robyn’s eyes looked to her sister, Rosie’s previous smile had faded. Robyn gently nudged Taron with her knee.

“What’s up Rosie?” He asked her gently.

“You are going tomorrow. I will miss you.”

Taron knew his short visits were hard on his family and although his sisters were old enough now to understand why he had to go, what he worked at, but he didn’t make it any easier to leave his favourite people in the world. He gave her a little nod and she hopped off her chair and walked around the table, climbing up onto Taron’s lap, cuddling into him.

“I will miss you too fy anwyly.” Taron wrapped Roise up tightly against him.

“We didn’t get to spend any time together. Not even a movie night.”

Taron had no words for her, but just hugged her, smoothing her hair down.

Seeing her sister getting a cuddle, Mari got off her chair and came to stand beside Robyn, who immediately opened her arms to her, the little girl crawling into her, taking up a very similar position, hugging Robyn.

“Wish you could stay too.”

“I think that is something we all wish hunni.” Robyn said, moving her hand from Mari’s side, to place it on Taron’s left shoulder very lightly, giving it the smallest rub, her hands going back around Mari once she had given Taron what she hoped was a little bit of comfort.

Taron couldn’t lift his head, his emotions all over the place but this time from sadness. Although the weekend hadn’t been exactly perfect, it had still been amazing to have been home and though a lot of things went wrong, so much more had been brilliant.

“Eve do you have a jar, maybe some paper and pens?”

Taron turned his head to look to Robyn, hearing her strange request, his aunt getting up from her chair to get what she had asked for.

“What are you up too?” Taron asked her.

“Just a little something to lift the mood a bit.”

Eve quickly returned with an empty glass mason jar, some coloured post its and some pens, leaving them on the table in front of Robyn.

“Thank you.” She shuffled Mari around a little, freeing her hands up but still keeping the little girl close to her. “So I have done this before with my family and I think it will be a perfect way to end what has been a wonderful weekend.” Robyn picked up the post its and split them, sliding them across the table to everyone seated, rolling a pen their way too. She then moved the glass to the middle of the table. “What you need to do is, write down two or three things you would like to do when Taron comes back to visit as a family. They can be anything you want. As big as a trip to London or just baking some cake. Then we fold the post its in half and put them in the glass jar and then when Taron comes home, you already have your plan made, your list of things you want to do together and all you have to do is pull one out. Now when you write down your ideas, it’s better if they are things he can do. I mean he can’t go to space and eating twelve pizzas’, not such a great idea but things you would like to do with him.”

“And you.” Mari said turning her head a little. “We like doing things with you too.”

Robyn wrapped her left arm around Mari a little tighter. “This is for your family and Taron. We all know he will be back home to Aberystwyth before I get to come back.”

“We need a Robyn jar then too.” Said Rosie firmly, her family laughing a little at her words.

“That jar would just be full of Disney princess ideas Rosie.” Taron said to her.

“I would be ok with that.” Robyn grinned. “But this is Taron’s jar, the Egerton jar.” Robyn picked up her own pen and handed one to Mari too. “Shouldn’t take us too long.”

“I have seen something like this before.” Tina had started to write on her post it but stopped, looking over to Robyn. “Where you write down one good thing that happened to you every day and pop that in a jar and then at the end of the year, you look through all the papers.”

“I have heard about that one but never done it. Claire and I do something like this on New Year’s Eve every year. Normally after one too many and when we read the papers after we just laugh at the suggestions. Most we can never use.” She snuck a glance to Taron, a wide grin on her face. “Might have had one or two about you in there at one point.”

“What?” Taron stopped writing mid-sentence.

“And if I can remember correctly, Richard might have been involved too.”

Taron’s whole face smirked. “Oh really?” He asked putting his pen down. “Care to share?”

“Like I said, one too many had been had. Can’t remember exactly.” She folded up the post it she had finished writing and stretched over to put it in the jar, a few others already in it from his family.

“What would it take for you to remember?” Taron asked turning his body a little towards her.

“Nothing you could ever give me.” Robyn replied, working on her next post it.

“Oh really?”

“Really.”

“Trip to Hawaii to see wild dolphins?”

Robyn shook her head.

“Cruise about the Caribbean?” He bit his lip as Robyn shook her head once more. “A full week of going to see musicals on Broadway in New York with a backstage tour and chance to sing on one of the stages?” He saw the faintest lift of her lips. “Done and at Christmas too. Snow and everything.”

“You just concentrate on writing your post its.” Robyn turned away from him, letting her head rest so very lightly on Mari’s left shoulder. “Your brother doesn’t play fair.”

Mari nodded in agreement and then concentrated on writing on her idea, her sister doing the same. The jar quickly filled up with colourful half pieces of paper and once everyone was done, Robyn screwed the lid of the jar back on and pushed it over to Tina.

“You can look after this until your son is home. Then pick one.”

“You wrote some too.” Tina said as she slid the jar her way.

“I did and they were suggestions for family togetherness and if I happen to be around, I can join in too.”

“This is such a lovely idea Robyn. Thank you.”

“You are so very welcome.” The Irish woman did her best to hid her yawn behind Mari’s head, but Tina spotted the way her shoulders lifted.

“And you two must be ready for bed, both working hard and had an overly exciting day and you two…” She looked to her daughters. “Definitely time for bed. You both have school tomorrow.”

The complaining from Rosie and Mari was natural and to be expected but just after ten-thirty, it was time for everyone to make a move out of the café, the evening ending with many hugs and kisses. Robyn made sure she said goodbye to Tina and Guy, giving them a long winded thank you and hug, the same to Mari and Rosie. She could see Taron hovering, hating having to say goodbye and see you soon to his family.

“Here give me your car keys.” She held her hand out to him. “I will wait in the car for you.”

Taron hesitated but reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys. “I will be right down.”

“Take your time. I will lock myself in the car.”

“Robyn I will walk you out.” Eve walked to Taron to give him a long hug. “You take care of yourself.”

Following Even down the stairs, Robyn took her time, feeling a little stiff after sitting for so long, her left leg aching a little but once at the bottom, caught up with Eve, the older woman directing her back through the store room, stopping at the door.

“It was so lovely to finally meet you.” Eve said turning to face her. “Taron does nothing but gush about you.”

“I can’t imagine Taron gushing.” Robyn answered with a light laugh.

“Oh, believe me, he can and does, a lot. You have been a very important friend to him and he loves you dearly.” Eve returned the gentle laughter. “Just like you love him.” She added quickly. “Please take care of yourself and you are always welcome back here. You know where the back entrance is.”

“Thank you Eve. I had a lovely evening.”

“Maybe not that way I had intended for it to go but it is always nice to get the family together.”

“Taron and I don’t have a great track record for having a so-called perfect meet up.” Robyn shrugged a little. “We are getting used to the little bits of drama that follow us.”

Even stepped closer to Robyn to give her a gentle hug. “You will get there. Just hold out a little longer. Slightly biased, but he is worth it.”

Eve walked Robyn back to Taron’s car making sure she locked the doors, Robyn glad to see no more fans were lingering around, though supposed they could be at the front of the café, rather than hiding at the back door but with Taron parked out of the busy streets, it was unlikely that any one who didn’t live in Aberystwyth would be passing by. She slipped the key into the ignition and turned on the radio, settling back into her seat. She was happy to leave Taron some time alone with his family, give them the space they needed. It was something she felt she didn’t need to be a part of, so happy to give him some privacy and pulled out her phone from her bag. She typed out a quick text message to her mam and Claire, ignoring the sass she received back from her friend. Always on her case, Robyn’s best friend had more smart remarks then Deian but she always had a reply for her friend, or sometimes, none at all, smiling at the many messages that came her way as she ignored her. After a while, she heard a light tapping on the window and saw Taron standing outside the driver’s side. She unlocked the doors, taking the dish from his hands so he could get into the car.

“Eve wouldn’t let me leave without taking some leftover lasagne. She told me to freeze it if we weren’t going to eat it this evening.” Taron explained as he closed the door and pulled his seatbelt on. “No one else out and about?” He asked, glancing briefly out the windscreen, the last of the daylight not really giving him much to see with.

“Nope. All quiet on the outside.” Robyn reached over to take his left hand, giving it a light squeeze, feeling one in return. “So home?”

“My bed is definitely calling.” Taron held in his yawn, but still covered his mouth as it came through anyway, his whole body lifting with the oncoming tiredness. It was always horrid saying goodbye to his family and never got any easier even after all the years of doing so. Hugs were tight and hard and when his mam teared up, it was so hard to not get emotional. He was so grateful for Robyn and her thoughtfulness, how she didn’t mind giving him the time he needed to get one last chat in with his mam and step-dad, getting the usual take care of yourself and don’t forget to call speech. It was a little harder to pry his sisters from his legs but with reminder about the jar, they finally let him go with one tight hug. Eve demanded that he brought home some of the leftovers, forcing the dish into his hands before he walked out the door. As he left the café heading back to the car, it was now close to half ten and sighed at the thought now of having to go home to pack. He was slightly dreading his early flight but it took away the lingering around during the day, the need to get to the airport getting him up and going and giving him the reason he needed to get out of bed. He always hated getting Lyndsey to organise the early flight for him when he needed it but once he was back in Belfast, he would be able to get some rest before he was back to work.

The only thing he had to face now was saying goodbye to Robyn. It was a little harder this time when they had yet to make a plan to meet up again. Knowing when he was going to see her made the gap between visits easier but with nothing set in stone, he only had a few hours left with Robyn, most of which they both would be spending asleep, though he was definitely looking forward to her rubbing the after sun into his shoulders again. The heat was becoming very uncomfortable and his skin was stinging with every little movement. Another yawn which had him stretching his arms over his head, definitely had him crying out for something to soothe his shoulders. “Jesus sorry Robyn. Just catching up on me I guess.”

“Don’t worry. It’s been a long day.”

“Long but good.”

“I had a nice evening.” Robyn agreed,

“Me too. Thank you for the idea with the mason jar. Such a thoughtful thing. The girls loved it.”

“It’s a simple way to keep people smiling, excited for things to come.”

Taron nodded as he carefully pulled out of the parking space, his headlights on. “I am interested to know what you wrote.”

“Tonight, or all those New Year Eve’s ago with Claire.”

Taron’s chuckle was deep. “I won’t lie. I am very interested in that one.”

“Like I said. We both had way too much to drink. Can’t remember.”

“A likely story.”

Robyn shrugged. “And I am sticking to it but I did have a lovely evening and a fantastic weekend.”

“Fantastic?” Taron questioned taking the turn to head down the road to his home. “Really?”

“You know I had great time.”

Taron carefully pulled into the space outside his home. “You always do.”

“I got to dress as Elsa, watched the sun set, watched a movie on the couch, spent the day at the beach and fixed Olaf. Couldn’t have asked for more.” She unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Maybe a few less bruises?” Taron suggested as he took the dish from her and opening the car door.

“Sometimes they can’t be helped.” Robyn closed the passenger door and waited for Taron to join her.

They walked to his front door and once had opened it, he turned on some lights, letting Robyn pass him. He brought the dish of lasagne into the kitchen and set it on the counter, rolling his shoulders and his neck again.

“I can put more after sun on those for you.” Robyn came to stand beside him. “Last time before I head home.”

“Please but I am just going to put this into some freezer bags first.”

“Sure. I am going to change. Meet you in the bedroom?”

“Yep. Will you turn on the fan please?” His home was horribly warm and stuffy inside even though they hadn’t been gone too long and he was glad to know he had something to keep his room cool once again during the night. It definitely made sleeping much more comfortable.

Robyn nodded. “Of course.”

Taron divided out the dinner Eve had pushed him to take and once tied up in some freezer bags, he put them in his empty freezer. He only took it because his aunt had insisted, telling him it would be an easy dinner for him to have when he came home next time. He filled the dish with hot soapy water and left it in the sink for the next day to wash, not being too worried about doing it at that moment. He pulled his t-shirt off as he walked into the bedroom, not even bothering to knock. Throwing the material in the direction of his wardrobe his head turned as he heard the toilet flush. He headed straight for the bathroom and lightly rapped on the door.

“You decent?” He called in through the wooden door, grinning as it was flung open, Robyn dressed in her pyjama’s already, a toothbrush in her mouth. “Perfect. I can do that too.” He slipped in past her, going to the sink and taking out his toothbrush from the holder. Once he put some toothpaste on the bristles, he stood in front of the sink and started to brush his teeth, Robyn soon coming to stand beside him, a half grin on her face. Standing right beside him as their bare arms and shoulders touched, Robyn could feel the heat from his skin.

“I know you are thinking it, so just say it.” Taron said through a mouthful of toothpaste. He bent down so he could spit out the minty foam from his mouth and stood back up waiting for her to answer before he went to brush his teeth again.

“So warm.” Robyn answered him before working on brushing the left side of her teeth, watching Taron’s reflection and the smirk grow.

“Sun burn.” Taron answered, once again through his toothbrush. “I fave my ban.”

“You fave your ban?” Robyn laughed. Taron turned to her and with the toothbrush still in his mouth, stuck his tongue out at her. “So now I know where Mari got that from!” She continued to brush her teeth, smiling as Taron nudged her a little too hard, knocking her off balance but she came back to her feet. “Injured leg here.”

“Shit sorry!” Taron placed his hand on the small of her back, concerned he had hurt her but saw a tiny glint in her eye. “Robyn…”

“I am ok. Just a twinge. Brush your teeth. You still have to pack.”

A long groan came from Taron that quickly turned to laughter as Robyn stood on her toes to place toothpaste kisses all over his left cheek. “And you think I am a terrible influence!” He chuckled as he wiped his cheek, watching as Robyn cupped some water in her hands to wash her face and rinse her mouth out.

She placed her toothbrush on the edge of the sink “I can help you pack.” She said to him, pulling the towel from the rail to dry her hands. “We can do that first and then your after sun. I am sure you don’t have much to put in your case.”

“You will get the throw from the bed for me now please? Put it with my case? I don’t want to leave it behind again.”

“Sure.”

“I will be right out. Just going to change too.”

Robyn left the bathroom, Taron following her, still brushing his teeth, grabbed his shorts from the bed and headed back, closing the door behind him. Doing as he had asked, she picked up the fleece throw she had given him as a present back in November for his birthday and carried it over to his small case which was thrown open and a complete mess. Placing the throw on the ground, she then carefully knelt in front of his case and pulled the clothes out. All were clean and Robyn carefully folded each garment neatly, placing it back into his case, rolling matching socks together and laying his boxers together before putting them on top.

Taron had opened the bathroom door and was taken back at how Robyn was packing his case for him, making sure all of his clothes were tidy, blushing lightly when she placed his boxer shorts on top. He had never expected her to actually do it for him and headed her way. “Really no need chicken. That is just going to be pulled apart once I am back in Belfast.” Taron threw his clothes from the day into his laundry hamper, picking up the t-shirt he had thrown on the floor to put in the wicker basket too. “And I can really do it myself.” He came to crouch beside her.

“Mostly done.”

“I would say pretty much done. Just have to throw in my toiletries in the morning.” Taron got to his feet and walked to his wardrobe, opening one of the drawers to take out two hoodies. “Just going to bring some more jumpers with me. I really wasn’t expecting the weather.”

“Maybe take a rain jacket too.”

Taron smiled. “Good idea.” He turned back to his wardrobe and opened the doors, taking a grey rain coat from a hanger. “Just in case.” Back at the case Taron dropped the three onto of the neatly folded clothes.

“Really Taron.” Robyn frowned at him and she lifted the new items in his case. “Fold them. You will fit more in.” She carefully folded each piece of clothing and laid them neatly in his case.

“I normally don’t have time for folding. It’s a quick get up and go before moving on.”

“Even your suits? Your clothes for events.”

Taron shook his head. “Someone takes care of them for me or if I have to bring one, I am a bit more careful. This looks ready to go though.”

“And you have all of your flight information, passport, carry-on bag ready to go too?”

It took Taron twenty minutes to find all of his flight details, having to print them off again in the end as he couldn’t remember where he had put them, but thankfully his passport was still in his shoulder bag. He threw in a few extra items for the long drive to Cardiff and then the short flight, making sure his hat and sunglass were ready to go on the kitchen counter too. As he had prepped his bag, Robyn folded his fleece as best she could, squishing it into the remaining small space left in his case. She didn’t want him to forget it so made sure it was safely packed for him. When Robyn stood up, Taron was back in the bedroom and laying down on the bed on his back, the fan turned towards him so it was blowing cool air over his skin.

“You need another cold air lecture?” Robyn walked over to the fan and turned it so the air wasn’t wafting directly on his body.

“It’s stuffy in here.”

“And letting the air flow through the room rather than on you will help cool the room down.” She crawled up onto the bed, along by his feet and then up to her side, settling against the pillows, her right hand naturally going to his hair, grinning as Taron stretched his upper body to meet her hand.

“I really did have a lovely weekend, no matter how you think different.”

Taron opened his eyes and glanced back to her. “I suppose a normal weekend would be boring to us.”

“Absolutely.”

“You sure you didn’t mind me posting the photo?” He asked as he closed his eyes as Robyn gently massaged the crown of his head.

“Not at all. I told you at the table that it was fine.” Robyn changed her position so she could sit around his head a bit more, now having two free hands. She switched her hands around so her left hand very lightly scratched his head, her right running over the scar on his forehead. “And your parents were fine with it too.”

“You looked at the comments?”

“Nope.” Robyn said quickly smoothing his crinkled frown away. “And you know I won’t either and my account is private.”

“Yeah but I follow you. People are going to put two and two together quickly.”

“And we agreed earlier before dinner that this was something you were not going to worry about. You have been following me since we met Taron.”

“Yeah I know.” He took a very long and deep breathe, his hands on his stomach rising and falling as he took another. “Sorry. Thanks for being so patient with me this weekend.”

Robyn laughed lightly. “Seriously? You know I would do anything for you Taron and do we need to talk about two weekends ago? I believe you were literally my rock at that course.” Again she delicately pressed out the frown lines on his forehead. “I am fine with it Taron and you have been amazing this weekend and your family have enjoyed you being home so much.” She ran her index finger down his nose, seeing the slightest of change in his face so she did it again and again, his eyebrows rising with his smile. “Everything happens for a reason, shitty or not and we always come through and we know our circumstances are so different. People respect what we have been through, it changes how they react to us, think about us. Well most of them anyway. Me and you?” She ran two fingers down his nose this time, keeping their path past his lips and to his chin. “We are friends for life. Nothing going to break us up.”

Taron opened his eyes to look at Robyn, grinning as she trailed her fingers back up his face. “Definitely.” He agreed. “Thank you for being so understanding with my job Robyn. I know it isn’t easy.”

“I have a fantastic support around me Taron in you and your family and Lyndsey and I trust you. I know you wouldn’t do anything with the media unless you were absolutely sure it was ok. You will always be weary but believe me, I know when you mean no and also, I wouldn’t have walked your red carpet if I felt completely overwhelmed by it all.”

“I know. Thank you.”

Robyn awkwardly bent her head so she could kiss his forehead. “So time for after sun I think. Those shoulders are still giving you hell.”

“I am tired.” He said a little sleepily.

“Too tired to roll over so I can rub your shoulders?”

“Yeah.” He answered closing his eyes tight to further his point.

“Well ok then.” Robyn took her hands away from his head and face and moved so she was laying down on the bed, on her right side, facing Taron. Snuggling down into the pillow, she curled up and closed her eyes. She let her legs straighten out slightly, the tight curl pulling sore skin and shuffled a little to find the most comfortable position, now a little on her stomach her left leg resting on the bed over her other leg.

“Robyn!” Taron sat up on his elbows, regretting the stance but stayed as he was so he could look at his friend as she got ready to sleep. Her pyjama shorts as rolled up with the way she lay and he could see those sore looking lesions on her skin, the coloured bruises but she never complained once during the evening that she was hurting or in pain. The three dressings he had placed over the worst of the cuts, were still intact but even if she wasn’t saying anything, he could see her injuries were still very tender as she kept the pressure of her leg. Distracted by her scratches, when he looked to her face, her eyes were open and he realised he had been caught staring at her. Gathering his thoughts, Taron remembered what he wanted to say. “No after sun?”

“Hard to rub it in when you are laying on your back.”

“I will roll over.”

“I am already set for bed.”

“Robynnnn!” Taron whined, throwing himself back onto the bed. “My shoulders!”

“You snooze you lose rocketman.” Robyn giggled into her pillow as she felt the bed move as he kicked his legs. “Taron, stop it!”

“But my shoulders. They are sore.”

“My eyes are tired.” Robyn answered him laughing hard as he kicked his legs again. “Jesus you are worse than a four-year-old.” Robyn sat up, taking her time and crossed her legs, making sure she was sitting opposite him. “Go and get the stuff for me and I will look after you.”

With a wide grin, Taron jumped to his feet and quickly walked out of his bedroom and to the bathroom where he knew the jar of after sun and tube of gel were after they were left there from earlier that evening. When he came back into the bedroom, Robyn was sitting at the end of his bed.

“You can sit in here.” She said to him pointing in-between her legs. “I can’t kneel comfortably at the moment.” She held her hands out for the jars, seeing his steps slow a little. “Or we can stand if you want.”

“No no. Stay as you are.” Taron hastened his pace a little and gave her the after sun and gel. “I can sit in front of you.” Turning around, he lowered himself onto the soft duvet of the bed, making sure he was sitting right back so he wouldn’t fall off. “This ok?”

“Yeah perfect.” Robyn had moved back until Taron was settled and then forward again so she could easily reach his back and not have to stretch too much, her legs either side of him, bent a little at her knees. “Is it still sore?” She asked him as she opened the green jar, placing it to her left.

“Not as bad but definitely noticeable.”

“Tomorrow is day three, so by Tuesday the heat and sting should really ease but keep rubbing in the cream Taron.”

“I will.”

“And even after it doesn’t hurt any more because then your skin will start to itch and dry out.”

“I will.”

“And if you can’t do it, get someone else to do it for you because that itchiness is really itchy and if you keep scratching it, you can hurt…”

“Robyn…” Taron turned around as best as he could to look at her. “I promise I will.” He gave her a sideways smile. “I promise.”

Robyn retuned his smile. “Sorry just…”

“I will do it myself if I have to.”

“Ok.”

“Now can you do it for me please?”

“Sure.”

Taron turned back around and when Robyn placed her hands on his shoulders, he didn’t jump but happily breathed in, letting his head drop to his chin. Though they were sore, he was getting used to the burn that had been with him all weekend but it didn’t mean he was so appreciative of the mix of the after sun and cooling gel on his warm skin, even more of how Robyn was still as gentle as ever with him.

“You have gotten used to the tropical scent.” Robyn said to him as dragged her thumbs down his spine and then her whole hand back up over his skin to his shoulders.

“Doesn’t bother me as much anymore and we never really did have the chance to get a new pot.”

“True.”

“And I have noticed a softness to my skin today.”

Robyn chuckled. “I told you. You happy if I do your whole back?”

“I am not going to say no.”

Filling her right palm with the cream colour after sun, Robyn rolled her hands together, her hands fully covered and ran them down his back, leaving long white streaks of cream on his skin. She stopped just above the waistband of his shorts and moved her hands out so her fingers curved around his waist and sides, Taron lifting his arms a little so she could run the whole way up his body and then back down. She moved into the centre of his back, circling the tips of her fingers around and around, ensuring all the cream was rubbed in.

“I am going to miss this.” Taron whispered, now feeling Robyn palm down his arms and over his forearms, changing the pressure she used once she hit the sensitive burnt skin at the top of his shoulders.

“You have been a spoilt boy the last few days.”

“I need one of these every day after set. I am so stiff when I finished after holding myself so straight during filming.”

“I can’t cut myself in half.” Robyn laughed lightly as she squeezed some of the gel directly onto each shoulder and then rubbing it in circles lightly. “Take a bath. It always helps.”

“My apartment in Belfast doesn’t have one and the shower is nowhere near powerful enough to get the knots out.”

“You need to get a back massager.”

“I have one. She just lives too far away.” He flinched and rolled his shoulders around and slightly away from Robyn as she pinched his sore skin. “Shit, ow.” He shivered too as the twinge from the pinch travelled across his skin and only settled down when her hands lay flat on his body again. “I deserved that I know but fuck Robyn.”

Giggling, Robyn leaned forward to kiss where she had pinched. “Sorry but I am not your personal back massager. Personal cookie maker, sure but that’s where it ends.”

“But…”

“Your sun burn is by coincidence and the only reason you are getting these three times a day. No sun burn, no massage except when you use a voucher and the head massages don’t count.” Robyn slid her hands down the full length of his back again, drifting over the skin at his shorts. “Did I miss anything?”

Taron grinned into his chest. “No Robyn, you answered all my buts.” He groaned happily as she pressed her thumbs hard into his skin. “So good at this.” He spoke through another moan, his back arching as she did it again. “Once more, please?”

“Sure Taron but it’s the last one.” Digging deep into his warm skin Robyn’s last one gave him five minutes of soothing relief and when she was done, she shuffled back on the bed and closed the jar and tube. “I am going to leave these with you.” She got off the bed and walked to his case, placing both on top of his clothes. “And…” She turned to his wardrobe and opened the door, taking out his new green jumper she had given him. “I don’t think you want to forget this either.” She folded it up and put it in his case too.

“Thank you Robyn.” Taron got to his feet and came to crouch beside her. “Sometimes I need the little extra help with these things.”

“And I am always happy to do that for you.” She leaned into him as he gave her a sideways hug. “So you should actually try and get some sleep now.”

Taron nodded and stood up, making his way to his bed, flopping onto his stomach, taking up his latest sleeping position, feeling the bed move as Robyn lay down beside him. He called out to set his alarm for six, already feeling tired at the thought if getting up at the crack of down in less than seven hours. “Do you think there is any chance of one cuddle this weekend?” He asked, his voice muffled by the pillow his face was buried into.

“You know I am always your number one cuddle supporter.” Robyn replied. She was laying on her side as before but closer to Taron this time and she watched him shuffle around so he was laying on his back, making sure he was comfortable before he gave her a nod and beautiful smile.

“I am ready and waiting.” Once Robyn had filled the space between them, she very carefully leaned her cheek against his shoulder. “That is not a cuddle Robyn Quinn. I want a proper one.”

With a little grin, Robyn moved even closer to him, moving so her head was against his chest, her cheek nestled against his bare skin. She was turned more on her stomach than her side, still keeping the pressure off her leg. She tucked her right arm under herself and let her right rest on his chest just under her chin. “Your shoulders ok?”

“Just fine.” Taron lightly wrapped his left arm around her, his hand resting on her waist. “Missed this too.”

Robyn laughed a little, enjoying the echo of his laugh in his chest too. “I am happy to just be with you.”

“We will see each other soon, won’t we?” Taron asked as his eyes closed, feeling lovely and cosy now he finally got to hold her close to him.

“Of course we will.” She said firmly.

“I don’t mean by video call Robyn.”

“Neither do I Taron. We will figure it out.”

“I like seeing you every two weeks but I will be back in London in the next two weeks.”

Robyn could hear and feel the increase in his heart beat and she very lightly stroked the tips of her fingers over the middle of his chest. “I can come over one of the evenings next week after work.”

“Night shoots Robyn.”

“You know I like watching you sleep.”

Taron’s whole body as he laughed, holding Robyn close to him in a tight hug with both arms. “Thank you. Always trying to make me smile.” He let his hand rest on hers which was still over his heart, his other arm back to her waist. “And you can’t keep watching me sleep.”

“Try and stop me.”

Laughing once more., Taron closed his tired eyes again. “Whatever makes you happy chicken.”

“You sleeping, so sleep.” Nuzzling into his soft skin, Robyn yawned.

“You too.” Taron replied his voice heavy with haziness. “I had a great weekend.”

“Me too.” Without thinking, Robyn turned her face slightly and placed a soft kiss on his skin. A little embarrassed by what she just did, not knowing exactly why she felt the need to suddenly give him the small little gesture, she lay her head back down. “Sleep rocketman.”

Taron’s chest was tingling where Robyn had placed the lightest of kisses and he pulled her a little further into him, smiling as she snuggled into him. He couldn’t say it out loud but his mind was repeating the same three words over and over again, his body wishing he really could pull her closer but content with his cuddle at last, he was determined to enjoy their closeness and turned his head, dipping his chin slightly so his nose was just touching her hair. “Sleep well Robyn.” His next three words were murmured, a quick ‘I love you’, knowing well she hadn’t heard him but every time he said it, he meant it more and more and this weekend further reinforced how much he loved and cared for the woman in his arms.