#with rare exceptions the season during which the fic/chapter takes place is one of the very first things i establish | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

princessamericachavez · 5 years ago

Text

I wanna write a long multi chapter fic about Jack and Shitty becoming friends but also I don’t have the mental bandwidth right now so instead I’m just gonna blurt out a long bulletpoint fic so bare with me

Okay so Shitty B. Knight arrives to Samwell hungry for life and friends and finally some fucking air to breathe and be himself away from his conservative family

And it is fucking great, okay? From the get go he finds that his loud left wing talk is welcomed here, he gets to joke around and be as weird as he wants and no one cares

He hits it off pretty quickly with nearly everyone in the team. Sure, Johnson is a little weird and keeps talking about this merely being the “prologue of someone else’s story” but what he’s really curious about is the quiet Canadian guy that barely talks to anyone

Now, Shitty knows about Jack Zimmermann. Obviously. You have to grow up under a rock to not know about Bad Bob and his kid.

He also knows what happened. It must be a sore subject.

Is that why he’s so quiet?

It’s not that Shitty makes Jack a project. Not really. It’s that Shitty has been in a place where he felt lonely and out of place before and it sucked ass. He wants to help.

So he tries. Constantly.

Because Shitty sees the spark hiding behind the ice cold facade. He sees the way Jack’s face lights up in the rink, how loud and youthfully he celebrates cellys, how protective of others he is in the ice.

That’s a guy he WANTS to be friends with.

Except he can’t. After every training, Jack shuts back up

“Hey, Jaques, wanna go grab a bite?” “Thanks but I should sleep. We got an early day tomorrow.”

“My man, Zimmermann, lets go to that fucking party across campus!” “I’d rather not.”

“Hey, let’s celebrate this fucking win!” “I was actually gonna watch the game tonight. There was a play there that keeps bothering me.”

Anything that isn’t hockey is an instant No from Jack but Shitty is too stubborn to give up.

“Hey, Jack, I was going to train a bit extra on Sunday. Care to join me? You could teach me some of those sick moves.” “Sure.”

VICTORY. Sort of. Working out extra with Jack is exhausting, physically and mentally because Shitty keeps trying to come up with jokes and keeping up 90% of the conversation.

It takes nearly a month until Jack agrees to grab a bite after their Sunday skate and Shitty is so fucking beat that he nearly falls asleep on his burger.

“Hey, Shits, nice ketchup mustache,” Jack chirps him suddenly. And it’s the smallest, dumbest possible thing but Shitty laughs a little too loud and Jacks shoulders seem to lose a bit of that perpetual tension he’s always carrying.

It gets better after that. Slowly, painstakingly, but Shitty finds himself enjoying Jack’s company more and more.

He’s a genuinely good bro. He listens, even when he’s just grunting along time Shitty’s monologues, and he asks questions that shows that he actually cares, every now and then. It’s odd, being taken seriously.

By the end of their first semester, Jack and Shitty are spending a lot of time together. Which is why he asks him to come to the art kids party where Larissa is going to be.

Who? “Brah, Larissa Duan? Just the coolest fucking chick ever! I told you about her the other day, man. She said we should come over to this thing and I would go, but I know shit about art and I would rather not go along and bring my best fucking bro with me.”

After the word vomit he worries that maybe he pushed too far, judging by the way Jack freezes and stares at him like a deer on headlights. But then Jack sighs and says “fine, I’ll go,” and Shitty whoops with excitement

The party goes better than Shitty could’ve ever dreamed. Larissa’s super chill energy seems to have an effect on Jack, who half an hour in is talking about photography with some other art kids and he even agrees to come grab a beer with him and Larissa afterwards.

Until, of-fucking-course, Jack goes into hockey-mode and asks Larissa if she would like to be their team manager. They need one and she seems good at organizing stuff.

“Brah!” “I think it would be cool” “wait, what” “I’ve been looking to do more stuff and you guys are dope. Would I get my own nickname?”

And Jack looks her with that seriousness that means he’s thinking about hockey and firmly says “Lardo” and she says “sweet” and Shitty corrects “swasome” and things are good.

Thing don’t stay good, because as chill as Shitty tries to be, life rarely stays chill.

After winter break, in the smothering tightness of his folks’ home, Shitty finds himself craving that weird and easy friendship with Jack.

Why he finds is a Hockey Robot. All Jack seems to do and talk about is how to get the team to the play-offs. He trains longer than anyone (more than Shitty can keep up with), and when he isn’t on the ice, he is thinking about hockey or talking about plays or or about eating more protein.

Shitty is angry. Not that he would tell anyone (except Lardo) because it’s really not his place (he knows about shorty family dynamics, no pun intended) but he’s mad because Jack’s folks seem to have done quite a fucking number on him over the break and it kills him to even think about it.

And then family weekend comes and Bad Bob himself shows up to Samwell with his beautiful wife and Shitty has to swallow down his anger because Jack wants them to go have diner together and it’s the first human interaction he’s had with Jack in a month so sure he’ll go.

Shitty is good at being nice and polite around people he dislikes. He hates doing it, but it’s like muscle he had to work on growing up.

Except, Bob and Alicia are nice. Like, fucking nice. Even for Canadian standards. They are sweet and funny and normal and keep reassuring Jack about their love and support every third sentence.

And still, Jack has that grim “thinking about the next game” look on his face the whole time.

Shitty is confused as fuck.

The game goes well and Jack is the happiest Shitty has ever seen him as he celebrates his goal in the ice. He even hugs Shitty and thanks him for his assist.

Three games later they are out of the playoffs and Jack shuts down everything and everyone around him.

Shitty tries. He knocks on his door at least twice a day to see if he wants to go over to the Haus to hang out with the team. He offers going out for burgers or a beer or both. He even enlists Lardo, hoping the team manager will be able to snap him out of it.

Jack leaves early for a Hockey Summer camp and doesn’t say goodbye but Shitty hears from Johnson that he also got dibs on a room at the Haus.

Jack actually texts Shitty during the summer. It shocks him so much that he has to double check his phone before replying.

The texts are just to comment on the NHL playoffs and finals, sporadic and robotic at times, but Shitty does his best to drag the conversations for as long as possible. Once the season is over, so are the texts.

Shitty assumes Jack must be pretty happy though since his old bro won the cup.

When fall comes, Shitty stumbles again into Jack’s hockey-robot mode. His intensity is nearly terrifying. He barely speaks out of practice, only leaves his room to go to lecture or the rink. Looks like he hasn’t been sleeping at all.

Shitty is worried. He’s hurt, too, because he misses the friendly Jack that had slowly started coming out of his shell, and he wonders if it’s going to be like this, back to square-one after every break, but most of all he’s worried about Jack.

Lardo tells him to give him space. She says she sometimes gets “on the zone” for an art project and can forget about the rest of the world. Shitty likes thinking of Jack as an artist, but he hates seeing him this unhappy. None of the old tricks work to cheer him up.

Then comes the first Kegster of the year. Two frogs, Hostler and Ransom, take over planing duties and the party is the biggest the Haus has ever seen.

It’s freaking dope.

And then, fucking Kent Parson fucking shows up asking about Jack.

Lardo and Shitty nearly have to drag him out of his room to greet his old best friend.

Jack is cold towards Pars, in a way Shitty has never seen before. He’s downright rude and mean in every comment, no matter how much Kent tries to joke around, and five minutes later Jack turns around and leaves him talking to himself.

He’s jealous, Shitty realizes, and he’s being petty and awful and he doesn’t know this Jack Zimmermann at all.

Shitty runs after Jack upstairs, maybe a little emboldened by the alcohol.

“Hey, brah, what the fuck was that?”

“Stay out of it, Shits.”

“Nah, man, that was weird as fuck.”

“Seriously, you don’t know what you’re talking about”

“Then tell me, man, I’m your fucking friend! Just talk to me!”

Jack slams his bedroom door on his face and Shitty deflates. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe they are not friends after all.

The rest of the semester is tense. Shitty tries to focus on his classes, on the ice, on how fucking cool and pretty and funny Lardo is, on the parties and the rest of the team.

It just bothers him. He misses Jack. He’s still there but he’s been absent any time they aren’t in the rink. He’s still great and focused and nearly friendly in the ice, but anything else is like the fucking twilight zone.

It’s before a game that he finds Jack sitting outside Faber, curled into a ball and physically shaking.

Shitty thinks of the headlines about Jack OD’ing, thinks of his tension around his loving parents and his reaction to Kent Parson showing up. Anxiety. The word takes form in his head, clear and obvious and the relief of having an answer hits him so hard he wants to laugh.

Instead, he sits next to Jack, who stirs when he feels him by his side but actually seems to relax when he realizes it’s Shitty who found him like this. Jack lets out a breathy “I’m fine” and Shitty says “sure, brah, but I’m fucking nervous about tonight, mind if I sit here for a while?” And Jack shakes his head. So they sit, in uncharacteristic silence, until Jack’s breathing normalizes.

“Thanks, Shits. Could you not-“ “Don’t worry man, I ain’t saying fucking shit to anyone.” And Jack smiles for the first time in months.

By the end of the semester comes the Epikegster to end all the kegsters. Which means, of course, Shitty gets shitfaced.

Which is why he ends up stumbling drunkenly to his room in the middle of the night to grab another pair of sunglasses because who knows where the fuck his other two pairs went

And it’s why he doesn’t know how to react when he finds two linebackers throwing up on his bedroom floor

“Brah, what the fuck, get outta here!” He yells, trying to grab one of the guys and pull him out to the hallway.

Except, the guy is huge. And he is angry.

Shitty doesn’t know what hit him when someone throws him to the floor.

His brain thinks he’s been checked for a second but then he remembers he’s not in the ice.

The other guys, however, apparently don’t remember they aren’t on the field because the second dude tries to tackle Shitty just as he’s getting up and he barely has time to dodge before one gigant ducking foot goes through the bedroom wall

“Hey, man, what the fucking fuck?!”

Shitty tries to steady himself, increasingly accepting that he’s about to get into a fight he didn’t ask for. He has time to think it’s ironic that his first real fight in Samwell will be off-the-ice.

And then the bedroom door opens and in comes Jack Laurent Zimmermann in all of his gorgeous badass glory.

“Let’s all calm down, eh?”

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to forget how strong Jack is. Shitty is used to hanging out with Hockey Bros and it’s easy to forget that not everyone’s bro’s are big muscley athletes defying toxic masculinity standards one day at a time. But Jack, even when he doesn’t look that big, is one of the strongest people he’s met.

He remembers all this when Zimmermann grabs the two by their shirts and drags them out of the room and all the way downstairs.

Shitty stumbles after them, as Jack pulls them like they aren’t both huge masses of muscle and throws them out to the street.

By the time Shitty reaches the porch, a bunch of big as fuck guys are standing there, looking drunk and angry and ready for a fight.

So Shitty does the one thing that makes sense to him: he squares up next to Jack, ready to fight back to back with him.

Before they can get run over by fists, however, Jack reaches for the only emergency measure in the house: an old as balls fire extinguisher.

Two minutes later, the football bro’s are running away and Shitty is laughing so hard he collapses on the floor next to Jack.

Jack kneels next to him, with his serious hockey face on, puts a hand on Shitty’s shoulder and asks “you alright, Shits?”

Shitty nods, still laughing, and to his surprise Jack laughs too, sitting by his side on the floor. They sit there, chuckling, until the sound dies down and they both sigh at nearly the same time.

Whatever tension there was between them seems to have desipated with that clouth of dust of the fire extinguisher.

“Thanks for having my back, bro”

“Hey, you always have mine,” Jack shrugs. “What are best friends for?”

Shitty cries. Jack freaks out that he might have said the wrong thing. Shitty just hugs him and shouts about being the best bros.

That winter break Jack invites Shitty over to his house and Shitty accepts eagerly.

Bob and Alicia are sweet and happy to have him and keep saying how much Jack talks about Shitty and how thankful they are that Jack’s found so many good friends in Samwell and they’ve heard about Lardo and Hostler and Ransom and Johnson and Shitty most of all.

This time he manages not to cry.

At the end of the break, Jack and him are hanging out and Jack says “Hey, Shits, I’m not good at this but I wanted to say thanks, for not giving up on me when I was acting kinda weird.”

And Shitty just laughs and says “it’s alright man, I figured you have like hockey robot mode and then human mode.”

Jack makes a face. Shitty shrugs.

“I’ll take them both, brah.”

Jack doesn’t cry, because he’s Jack and even his human mode struggles with emotions, but he smiles and throws a snowball at Shitty’s face and that’s all he wanted really.

#omgcp #omgcheckplease #shitty b knight #jack zimmermann #their friendship is important to me ok?#this got SO LONG lmfao idewk how many words it has #sofia's nonsense

372 notes · View notes

jawritter · 5 years ago

Text

You and Me...

Chapter 20

***SERIES WARNINGS**** Rape, non con, male!rape, injury, violence, discription of injury caused by rape, nightmares, self harm, panick attackes, implied female non con, language, ass hole Jensen, hurt!jensen, dark fic, smut. If there is anything else I will add it as I go.

***Chatper Warnings*** Language, mentions of rape, Jensen caught up in his own head space, hint of depression, talk of nightmares and flashbacks. Angst? Some fluff maybe? I think that’s about it...

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Word Count: 1582

A/N: As always all mistakes are mine!, Please do not copy my work!! Feedback is gold! I hope you enjoy this one!

Summery: It’s funny how one choice you made can change your whole life. One mistake can alter you course, and set you on a path that forever will haunt you. Two people find themselves getthing through one of the hardest trials of Jensen’s life, on just one small promise. You and Me. We’ll get through it together…

Want more? Check out my masterlist!!

***MASTERLIST***

***YOU AND ME MASTERLIST***

It had been a long week to say the least.

Not because anything was wrong, it was just a lot more to get done than you thought it would be before Jensen and yourself took your trip.

He'd been up late at night, booking hotel rooms, making dinner reservations in towns that he'd planned to stop in along the way. The whole nine. He was really excited about the trip, and seeing him excited kind of had you looking forward to it.

It was the first time you had seen him that excited about anything at all, and seeing him put so much work into it, really made you see how much it meant to him to do this with you. That wasn't something you took lightly.

On top of all that Jensen had picked up his kids for a few days, they had wanted to see their dad before he was gone from town for a while again.

The days were filled with zoo trips, art projects, and movies in the family room.

Jensen had dropped them back off at their mother's house yesterday, which was awkward, because Danneel still wasn't speaking to Jensen, but Jensen was determined to take it all in stride. He didn't want a lot of tension between Danneel and himself for the children's sake. They had been through enough with the separation, and they didn't need to see him arguing with their mother every time he went to pick them up or drop them off, goodbyes were hard enough as it was...

The rest of the week had been filled with packing, and wrapping up his album so that it could be released when he headed out on his convention tour for season 16.

It felt strange to not be working at the studio anymore, but in all honesty it felt a little freeing as well. People treated you differently since they found out about your relationship with Jensen. Not your coworkers, but just people in general. New coming artists always thought they could get you to get Jensen to notice them, and fans were becoming more aware of you as well, which made it hard to get anything done in Austin period, much less work.

For everything there is a season, and it was just time for the season of you working at the studio to come to a close in order for a new season to take its place. You just didn't know what season that was going to be yet...

The feeling of Jensen's body waiting lowering onto the bed pulled you from your thoughts. You roll over, and snuggle into his chest. Taking a deep breath. Letting his scent surround you, comfort you.

You loved the feeling of his body weight pressing down against you. It made you feel safe. The rise and fall of his chest as he breathed laying next to you. The way he always ran his fingers through your hair until you fell asleep.

Just in a week sense he'd started doing this he'd had you spoiled. It was something you were confident you couldn't live without, and something at the same time you don't know how you ever lived without him in the first place.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" He asks you in a rough, yet sleepy voice. He was so cute when he was sleepy.

"As I'll ever be." You tell him. Nuzzling into his neck. "You?"

"Oh God yes. You know I'd always try to do things like this with Danneel, but she never would come with me. She never even came with me to conventions all that much. Not even before the twins were born. She only rarely showed up on the set, she never wanted to really go anywhere, unless it was to New Orleans, or something with her family. I honestly almost think she was a little ashamed of me." He said in a huff, settling the covers around the two of you before pressing his lips to the top of your head.

This was the first time he'd ever really talked about any aspect of their marriage with you. It was just something he didn't discuss. You never pushed him either. Honestly when you and Jensen had gotten together there were much more pressing issues at hand than his failed marriage.

"Well her loss is definitely my gain. I'm gonna have to send the girl a thank you card." You tell him, running your nails up and down his back lightly as he turned to the two of you on your side. He chucked against you.

"Yeah I might have to sign that card too."

"There's a lot that I've still got wrong with me you know. I'm nowhere near perfect. Even though I'm doing better. I'm scared to start filming again. I'm afraid of what it's gonna bring back up. I just got the nightmares under control... I don't want those to start up again...." He said, his grip tightening around you.

"Well whatever happens I'll be right there. In arms reach the whole time you're filming, and if it does bring up any problems they already promised to work around anything you weren't comfortable with." You tell him. Still rubbing his back and shoulders. Trying to keep the tension from building in them.

You knew he was scared, and honestly you were afraid too. You didn't know what it was going to do to him the first time Dean had to be tied to a chair, or the first hand to hand combat with a demon... That's what you were scared of..

"One step at a time.." You thought to yourself as he nuzzled himself into you more.

Jensen's POV:

Jensen laid there in the dark room with you in his arms, your nails running lightly over his skin, trying to keep the fear and stress from building in his body. Reassuring him that everything was going to be okay..

Still memories that you knew nothing about ran through his mind harshly in flashs...

Not caring that he didn't want to see them.

Not caring that they were probably going to keep him up tonight...Like they had every night this week...

Not caring that they might affect his career...

More than the flashbacks that some of the show may trigger for him as he has to act out Dean's struggles. He feared that it would put strain on his already struggling relationship that he and yourself had. Even though you never brought up the rape to him. Even though you never brought up the fact that he'd shoved you that night. He still was afraid that all you saw him as was damaged.

Just a shell of what a real man should be...

Not good enough...

He could feel your body relaxing against his as you drifted off to sleep in his arms. Your breaths became slow, and deep as sleep overtook you.

Tomorrow you two would head out on their trip that he'd taken so much time planning. Taken so much time to make sure it was perfect...

He fought hard against the sleep that threatened to over take him. Even though he knew that he needed to get some sleep to be ready for tomorrow, he still had a slight fear of the night, and the dreams that felt so real sometimes.

Even though they hadn't happened in a few days, and didn't happen every night, that didn't stop the fear that they would every time he closed his eyes....

He didn't know if the memory of what happened to him would ever stop haunting him.

Usually they only showed themselves at night. Like something that was too dirty, and vile to show itself during the day, so it would wait until the sun went down. So that it could haunt him like the things he'd pretended to hunt for so many years.

Except this time....

There was no body to salt, and burn to put the ghost of his attackers to rest. It was a battle of his mind. Something to him that was more terrifying than ghost. Because it was a part of him.

And It was also very much alive....

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

Tags below the cut!!

Tag List: @screechingartisancashbailiff @thecreatiivecorner @aflamboyanceofgays @vicmc624 @deanwanddamons @imabitch4jensen @rvgrsbrns @bi-danvers0 @onethirstyunicorn @i-love-superhero @akshi8278 @alanegaming @magssteenkamp @lemondropirwin @squirrelnotsam @hobby27 @spnbaby-67 @mrsjenniferwinchester @defenderrosetyler

Series Tag List:

@winchestergirl82

@idksupernatural

@fuzzycloudsz

@supernatural-bellawinchester

@vicmc624

@imaginationisgrowth

@smoothdogsgirl

@stoneyggirl

@whiskeydreamingx

@doctorlilo

@deans-baby-momma

@ricanqueen20

@supraveng

@allonsy-yesiwill

@glamourghoul138

#jensen ackles #jensen ackles x reader #jensen ackles x you #jensen ackles fanfiction #jensen ackles fanfic #jensen ackles series #jensen x reader #jensen x you #jensen series #jensen ackles dark fic #dark fic #hurt!jensen #hurt!comfort #spn fanfiction #spn fanfic #spn dark fic #jawritter #you and me

124 notes · View notes

gumnut-logic · 5 years ago

Text

Test Flight (Part 2/2)

From here.

This one fought me tooth and nail. Three times I started this chapter and it shows.

But many thanks to @scribbles97 for the poke in the right direction and for listening to my whinging.

This fic was for @tinglingsquidsense with the prompt ‘Scott and Butterflies’. I think I probably should have just settled for him lying in a field of flowers and watching the insects doing their pollination thing, but eh, muse does what it likes. Hope you enjoy it anyway ::hugs::

Timeline: Season 2

Spoilers and warnings: Very minor season 3, a little angst and brother butt kicking.

This bit 1699 words. Prompt list can be found here.

-o-o-o-

The wind came up that evening. Not strong, but blustery, enough to cover the ocean in whitecaps and to rattle the palm trees.

Scott emerged from his mandatory confinement just as the sun was making its way towards the horizon. Walking across the comms room to his father’s desk, his whole body creaked.

Being slammed into his harness as Thunderbird Two snatched the pod from its fall hadn’t been fun. He rolled first one shoulder and then the other.

Virgil had been beside himself.

As he reached the desk, Scott placed one palm flat on its smooth surface. Touching it felt like he was connecting with Dad. Like if he stayed in contact with the wood long enough, he could absorb his father’s wisdom through the laminate.

Dad, what do I do?

It was a question he had asked the empty desk so many times.

Two had grappled the pod from the sky before it could hit the ocean and immediately flown back to the Island, gently depositing the crippled flyer on the runway.

His brother then set his ‘bird to a hover and rappelled down to check on Scott.

Virgil had been inconsolable.

He saw the whole incident as a personal failure. He had signed off a test flight that, in his words, could have gotten his brother killed.

Scott just shrugged it off and said it had been fun while it lasted.

The silent aghast in those brown eyes had shut him up pretty quickly. His brother then proceeded to scan him within an inch of his life in the infirmary and on finding the harness bruises had sent him to his room for the afternoon under threat of Grandma.

Scott had been of the mind to ignore Virgil, after all he wasn’t hurt that bad, but there had been something in his brother’s eyes. So, he had complied.

The room was eerily quiet except for the stiff breeze outside. A tap on the desk and his brothers’ locations sprang onto a holographic map. Gordon and Alan were holed up in the theatre and Scott remembered that it was Buddy and Ellie day. A frown and he considered checking up to make sure Alan wasn’t tied to a chair or something.

Brains was in his lab, Grandma was with Kayo in Auckland - they wouldn’t be back until tomorrow. John’s icon sat beside the display with its usual gold flare indicating his presence on Five.

That left Virgil, but really, he didn’t need a map to find his brother. He was exactly where Scott knew he would be.

A sigh and swipe of his hand killed the locator hologram. Edging around the desk he sat down heavily, leant his elbows on the desk and let his head fall into his hands.

His shoulders yelled at him, but he ignored them.

Dad, how do you console a brother who cares too much?

Virgil had been so excited about this new pod design. Brains had put together several ideas, but it was Virgil who chose which one to go ahead with. Scott had found him hovering over the specs for it several times during development. At one point, he had had to drag a dirt coated, exhausted brother away from a discussion with Brains about that exact subject. The man had been dead on his feet after three nasty rescues in a row, but had still found the energy to spout engineering terms all over the room.

The fact that he had then protested by throwing more of those engineering terms at Scott just proved how much he needed sleep.

Scott sighed. His brother was passionate.

Okay, Dad, damage control. He pushed himself up and out of the chair with a godawful creak.

Ouch.

-o-o-o-

As expected, Virgil was down in the hangars. But unexpectedly, he wasn’t working.

Scott frowned as he approached his brother from behind. The engineer was sitting on the hard concrete floor, elbows on knees, head in his hands in front of the remains of the crumpled red-winged flyer.

“Virgil, you okay?”

His brother startled and a pair of strained brown eyes turned to stare at him.

“Fine.” A grubby hand was pushed through Virgil’s hair. An aggravated exhale. “The pod’s a bust.”

“Hey, don’t let one failed test flight get you down. Find the problem, fix it and we can give it another go.”

“Did. Can’t.” Virgil unfolded from the floor and pushed himself to his feet. “The problem is a terminal one. This design is not going to work. And I should have seen it coming.”

Scott blinked. “What?”

His brother began picking up tools and packing them away. “The cahelium thread in the wings develops a charge as it moves through atmosphere.”

“Yes, even I know that.”

“Yeah, well, it couldn’t be discharged safely. Today’s incident fried every computer component in the pod.”

“What?”

His brother glanced at him before returning to tidying up around the wreck. “It’s not going to work, Scott. We’re back to the drawing board.” A clatter as a spanner was dropped. His brother bent to retrieve it.

“Are you sure?”

Virgil straightened and glared. “What? Did you miss the fact I almost got you killed?”

Scott sighed, but then... “Uh, yes, I did. Because I wasn’t in any danger.”

Brown eyes continued to glare at him.

So, he pushed his point. “You think you wouldn’t have caught me?”

“Of course, I could have missed!”

Scott’s snort was pure scoff. “Sure. Say you did. Say there was a micro-chance that your experienced hands slipped and missed and I did fall into the ocean. Gordon would have caught me. That is why we have a team for testing.”

“You shouldn’t have fallen at all! It was an obvious error and I missed it!” Virgil took a step forward. “It was a pathetic mistake!”

Scott stared at his brother. The man was furious, obviously with himself. “What about Brains?”

That made Virgil take a step back.

“You weren’t the only one on this project. What did Brains have to say about it?”

Virgil fell silent and his head dropped to star at his boots. “This isn’t about Brains. This is about me and my screw up.”

“You’re allowed to make mistakes! Dad-“

“Dad didn’t!” Virgil rounded on him. “Dad and Brains worked together on this project and look at all they achieved!” He flung out a hand to encompass the entire hangar. “I’m the only factor in this equation that has changed, Scott. I guess I’m not the chip off the old block I need to be!”

Scott stared at him. “You’re kidding.”

Virgil returned the stare. “What? You think you’re the only one who wants to follow in Dad’s footsteps? I may not be the pilot you are, but he was still my father. I just...wish...” But his shoulders dropped. “You know what, forget it. Forget the whole thing.” Virgil spun around and began to stalk away.

He honestly could not believe this. Scott straightened, projecting his voice. “You’re wrong, Virgil.” Every word reflected his absolute certainty. “You don’t take after Dad.” A swallow. “You’re stronger than that.”

That stopped his brother in his tracks. Virgil turned around to stare at him.

And Scott followed it through. “You take after Mom.”

-o-o-o-

His eldest brother never looked more like his father than he did in that moment. He resembled Jeff Tracy in look, stance and determination. Part of Virgil couldn’t help but react with defeat because he knew it wasn’t in him. He wasn’t Scott. He had at least thought he had his engineering, but apparently, he couldn’t make the grade there either.

But his mother?

He continued to stare at Scott.

His brother clenched and unclenched his fists. “Do you have any idea how much you look and act like Mom?”

Well, yeah, it was obvious...and part of the reason why he was so desperately looking for a piece of his father in him. He held up his hands. “Yeah, so?”

“Do you have any idea how I wish I had a trace of her in me? You look like her, you have her artistic talents...for goodness sake, Virgil, she was an engineer! I look to Dad because he is what I understand, what I’m made for. You? You are Mom.” An exhaled breath and Scott’s tone softened. “Have you ever considered why Dad achieved so much? He didn’t do it by himself. Mom wasn’t one for celebrity, she had her preferences and mostly kept herself behind the scenes...sound like someone we both know?” Scott looked down at his hands before looking back at Virgil, his voice quiet. “I will admit that I follow Dad and I have encouraged all of you to do the same. But Virg, don’t discount Mom’s strength. It’s the same as yours.”

Virgil was still staring. Scott had always been all about Dad. He rarely mentioned their mother. Virgil had assumed it was a symptom of grief and maybe it was, but...something glinted in the blue of Scott’s eyes. His brother managed to straighten even more.

“So, we still need a Mars pod.” He raised an eyebrow. “What does my Field Engineer want to do?”

Virgil couldn’t help but straighten in response. He had always been so proud of his older brother. Had always looked up to him, followed him around like a lost puppy at school. Where Dad was Scott’s hero, Scott had become Virgil’s.

And if Dad was Scott’s hero, then Virgil must be more like Dad.

But he was more like Mom. He remembered soft words, long dark hair and eyes like his own. Her piano which was now his and the help she gave him with his math homework.

Something small bloomed in his chest. He was a Tracy, but he was also a Taylor.

And Taylors were traditionally a stubborn bunch.

He caught his brother’s eyes. “We need a new design.”

“Well, if a butterfly didn’t work, pick another insect.” Scott shrugged. “How about something with a little more speed? Like a wasp or a bee?”

Typical. Virgil felt his shoulders relax just a little and an idea came to mind. Okay. “How about a dragonfly?”

-o-o-o-

FIN.

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #Virgil Tracy #Scott Tracy #nuttys fandomversary

44 notes · View notes

seriouslyhooked · 4 years ago

Text

Feels Like This (Part 8)

Emma Swan is a once lost girl who is now making good. She has made a way in the world for her and her young son, Henry, and after years of hard work, Emma is in her last stretch of schooling for the career she’s always wanted. Unexpectedly, she finds herself in a tiny nation no one’s ever heard of for her last year of study. She knows nothing about the place except that it’s beautiful, has a world-renowned child life program, and is filled with possibility. Meanwhile, Prince Killian is hardly happy with the title he received at birth. As the second in line for the crown, Killian has long tried shaking his royal duties. He built a career in the royal navy, and has stayed out of the limelight, but his ship has been called to port indefinitely at the request of his brother, the King. Fate (in her many forms) brings Emma and Killian together and the resulting fic is a cute, fluffy, trope filled romp featuring heart felt moments, a healthy dose of insta-love and an assured happily ever after. Story rated M and will have 12 parts. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7. Available on FF Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey everyone! So I was writing this chapter before and during the angst of posting the parade chapter, and I want to just say, that while I knew many of you would be stressed, I imagined this chapter (and chapter 7) as a healing remedy. This is filled with first date fluff and cuteness and also some more needed disclosures between Killian and Emma. it represents a real beginning, and hopefully you’ll all enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Anyway, without further ado, here goes!

Okay, Emma, don’t panic. It’s just Killian. You like Killian. Actually, you really like Killian. And yes, he might be a prince, but that doesn’t have to mean so much when you think about it. A date is a date. Sure you haven’t been on one in years, and certainly not with a man you actually cared about. But it’s fine. It’s so fine. You got this. It’s not like he’s taking you to the palace for the date. Oh Jesus, he’s not taking me to the palace is he? I know he said he wasn’t but –

“I can practically hear you overthinking things through the door, Emma. Cut it out!” Anna scolded with her ever present affection laced into the sharp words. The censure snapped Emma’s focus back into the moment and reminded her that time was ticking, and she had others waiting on her. “Now come on, we want to see your dress, don’t we Henry?”

“Yeah, Mom. Open up!”

Anna and Henry’s headed back down the hall, and Emma heard their footsteps loudly thumping in a purposefully dramatic way. They hadn’t even waited for her reply, they just commanded her to get a move on. Emma smiled at their antics, despite her flurry of nerves, and looked back to the mirror one last time. She smoothed out the lines of the delicate dress she’d chosen for tonight, recalling Killian’s promise that they would have complete privacy and no expectations. With that assurance, she went with something pretty and yet still comfortable. Her chosen sun dress reflected the seasonal heat they’d been experiencing, but the pretty pink color was not her usual choice. It was different, but it felt special, and as she’d been choosing from the hordes of outfits Anna and Elsa offered when they arrived, Emma couldn’t help remembering Cecelia’s words at the center’s picnic. She’d said pink was for princesses, and though Emma by no means thought herself a princess, she wanted to feel a bit surer of herself in a not so normal situation.

“All right, I’m coming out,” Emma announced, swinging the door open and heading out for the big reveal.

Elsa, Anna and Henry were all gathered by the television, plotting out their movies to watch and snacks to consume while she and Killian went out for the night. Emma was so grateful to have new people in her life who would give up their one night off from work to help her care for her son, but when she tried to thank them, Elsa and Anna waved off her gratitude as unnecessary. Already they considered her a ‘dear friend’ and they were thrilled to spend more time with Henry. Henry was equally excited, but when he knew this was happening so Emma and Killian could go out, that excitement was compounded. He’d loved every minute they spent with Killian yesterday, and he’d reaffirmed that all day long. Henry had also been very clear of his approval and his want for Emma to give this a real chance.

When she came into view of her friends and her son, Emma felt a bit of lingering uncertainty, but it faded in the sight of everyone’s reactions. Elsa and Anna were so expressive, both of them clapping and smiling immediately.

“Oh, it’s perfect, Emma, just perfect,” Elsa said happily while Anna gave her own assessment.

“I really thought you should go with something more formal, but you were so right. This is the one.”

Emma smiled at the thought and looked to Henry. The softness of his expression made her throat tighten unexpectedly, and in seconds she was ready to cry. He looked so sweet and filled with adoration, and then he said the most beautiful words that always made a mother truly happy. “You look beautiful, Mom.”

“Thanks, kid,” she said, gesturing for him to come over. He ran to her, giving her a big hug that made her teeter slightly on her wedged shoes. She held on tight though, cherishing this love from her son and taking strength from his love for her. “You sure it’s really ok?”

“Killian’s not going to know what hit him,” Henry agreed with a grin. Then that smile faltered and Emma grew worried.

“Everything okay, Henry?” her son nodded.

“Yeah, Mom. Everything is great. You know I like Killian. He was so cool yesterday, and he makes you happy. I saw that.”

Emma couldn’t disagree. Even with all the unknowns and the questions and the hurt yesterday she had been happy. Spending time with Killian and Henry together had been easy and fun. It felt natural, and she’d loved that. It scared her, but she wanted it, and that was part of the reason she’d chosen to forgive Killian and still try despite everything that happened. Still, she felt there was something Henry wasn’t saying, and she waited her son out to see if he’d tell the full truth.

“You deserve this, Mom. I know you’re nervous still, about getting back out there after what happened with my Dad,” her heart stopped. They rarely ever talked about Neal, but when they did Emma always worried. Her priority was Henry and she never wanted him to feel like he was missing something. But in this moment, Henry quickly put those worries to rest. “But this is different. Killian is not like that.”

“You seem pretty sure about that,” Emma said, trying for lightness in tone, but not quite getting there.

“I am sure. You always told me to follow my gut, and my gut says that Killian is good for you. Good for us. Don’t you think?”

“I think…” Emma said, weighing her words carefully. Because yes, she did think that might be the case, but it was still very early on in whatever this relationship was, and she didn’t want to build up hopes too high for her or her son. “I think that I am excited for this date. So, what does that tell you?”

Henry grinned. He looked poised to say more but then a knock sounded at the door. Emma’s stomach flipped in anticipation and all the butterflies came back full force. Oh god he was here. This was actually happening.

“Look at that,” Anna said gleefully, gesturing to her watch. “He’s three whole minutes early. Someone’s certainly eager.”

“Anna,” Elsa said, chastising her sister, but only in jest. Elsa then came to stand and took Emma’s hands as a means of reassuring her. “You got this Emma. You can be totally certain we’ve got things handled here. Your only job is to go and have a marvelous time, okay?”

“And then report back all the details to us later,” Anna said. Elsa rolled her eyes, which made Emma laugh in spite of her anxiety, and then smiled.

“Any and all detail sharing is up to you.”

“Thank you. Both of you,” Emma said to Elsa and Anna. “Now Henry, you be good, okay?”

“You got it, dude,” he said sticking his thumbs up and quoting a show from her childhood that he’d taken to as a kid when it was on constant reruns. She laughed again, and allowed that laughter to carry her to the door. She didn’t give herself a chance to second guess, she just went for it, and then she saw Killian on the other side and she was spellbound, caught in a web of how handsome he looked.

“Emma.”

His voice sounded out in a deep rumble, gruff with feeling as his eyes took her in. She barely noticed though, distracted as she was by his outfit. Damn, it should not be legal for a man to be that hot. He was that perfect mix of formal and casual, and she momentarily forgot her audience. In fact, she forgot about everything except Killian, and by the time her eyes met his again, he was smiling this sinful smirk that lit her up inside. Crap, he’d caught her ogling him, but when he stepped towards her and filled the air around her with the scent of him she was lost again. She wanted to melt into him right now, but he held back, teasing her but never quite following through.

“I’ve no intention of waiting to the end of the evening to taste you, love,” he whispered, low enough that only she would hear. “But at the present moment we’ve got an audience, and I won’t put you through that.”

Emma nodded, thinking he meant Henry, Anna and Elsa but then she looked over his shoulder and saw the detail he’d had to bring. She blushed at the fact that she’d forgotten herself, but Killian didn’t give her any time to linger in that. Instead he took her hand in his gently. She assumed they’d leave straight away, but he surprised her by asking how Henry was.

“He’s great actually. Elsa and Anna are already spoiling him and I haven’t even left yet,” she said and Killian’s amusement was so genuine it touched her heart. “Do you want to say hi before we go?”

“I would love that,” he confessed and Emma brought him inside, realizing too late that this could be the equivalent of bringing him to the Spanish Inquisition. Her kid already asked a lot of questions, but with Elsa and Anna here, there was simply no way of knowing what would be asked or said. As if he could sense her worry, he squeezed her hand lightly and pressed a reassuring kiss to the top just before they came into view of the others.

“Hey, Killian! I didn’t know you were coming in. I hoped you might, but then Anna said people on dates get all heart eyes and stuff, whatever that means, and maybe you might forget.”

“Couldn’t possibly forget you, lad. Not when you introduced me to the world’s best pizza.”

Henry’s smile at that and his easy hop up from the couch to slap Killian’s hand had Emma absentmindedly rubbing at her heart. She watched the two of them catching up on the day, and also saw how easy Killian was with Anna and Elsa. Both of them lobbed a few sassier questions or comments his way, but he handled it all with grace, and every time he looked back at Emma, which was often, he had a smile on his face, like he was genuinely glad to be here, jumping through all these hoops.

Finally, after a a little visit with all of them, Killian made their excuses, while still keeping their end destination a secret. He offered Emma his hand once more and she took it, following him as he lead her out her front door and to the car. With sure and steady movements, he handed her inside carefully, acting every bit the gentleman. He then came around to the driver’s side and only when they were off and driving did she realize how not normal this must be.

“So what did you have to do to convince Jefferson to let you drive?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Killian said honestly before flashing her a smile. “He’s a smart man. He knows a losing battle when he sees one, and any iteration of this date where I sacrifice alone time with you is definitely a losing battle.”

Emma loved that he’d made this clear, and through the rest of the ride they talked and fell into an easy pattern together. It wasn’t long before they’d reached their destination though and Emma gawked when they pulled up to the magnificent, high, wrought iron gate.

“I thought you said we weren’t going to the palace,” she said, stunned at the size of this place. From the outside it looked like a castle, at least to someone who’d only ever lived in cramped apartments (at best) her whole life.

“This isn’t the palace. It’s another of my family’s estates. Actually, if you want to get technical, it’s mine.”

“Yours,” she said, dumbfounded, but entranced as they were let through and she looked at the stone façade. It was beautifully crafted, and maybe it was smaller than a palace might be, but it was a gorgeous home on a sprawling bit of perfectly manicured land. In a word it was intimidating, but she couldn’t deny the beauty, or the immediate charm of the place.

“Aye. I haven’t spent much time here though. I’ve always been home with my family when on leave. Historically if I so much as mention leaving, my Gran gets cagey and my mother grows quiet, two things you do not want to happen.”

“Bad signs?” Emma joked, and Killian nodded.

“Most definitely. Now though I don’t anticipate any push back.”

“What’s changed?”

“Everything.”

The way he looked at her when he said that told Emma so much. He was talking about her and about them. She felt a flare of heat and appreciation at his affirmation. Knowing he took this seriously made her happy even if she was still not ready to fully jump in. But it begged the question, did his mother and grandmother know about them? Did his brother? What did they think? Did they approve? All these thoughts ran rampant in her mind until Killian drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Immediately any worries fled and she was just here, with him, in this glorious moment. It felt just as good as she remembered, and she loved the taste of him and the feel of his hard body against hers. Emma never felt more secure or safe than she did in his arms, and she didn’t ever want to draw back. Fear was never on her radar when she kissed this man. She was simply free, free to be herself and to believe in something greater.

“I told you I couldn’t wait for the end of the night,” Killian said, his words a low warble that brushed against her skin when they broke apart. Her eyes opened and she took in his sexy as sin smile and felt her heart skip a beat. Damn this man for being so distracting. He was just so smooth and effortless, but underneath that swagger there was some not so hidden insecurity. He could be this and still be vulnerable with her, and that helped Emma feel like all of this was that much more real.

“Who said you needed to?” she quipped, teasing him with an almost kiss of her own and a soft nip at his lip. He growled and she pulled back, chuckling lightly. “Actually, on second thought, a little waiting never hurt.”

She should not have taken so much pleasure at his groan, but he respected her wishes, taking her hand and leading her inside. His hold on her was sure and strong, and she followed him, intrigued by a place she’d never seen the likes of before. The walkway inside was immaculately gardened. The cobblestone was ancient and even, and the vines along the walls were green and full and bright. There were flowers in the hedgerow, and the glass of all the windows glinted with the remaining sunlight. It was a gorgeous façade, and she was eager to see what beauty lay inside.

Walking into the manor home, Emma was struck by the design and the aura of the place. This home was pristinely kept and yet classic in all ways, but where Emma expected sterile, spacious garishness and overblown luxury, she found none. The mood inside was warm, there was plenty of natural light thanks to all those windows, letting in the dimming summer sun, and historical accents that blended with much more modern fare. Room by room she tried not to gawk at how beautiful it all was. It was wild because it was so different, but there was so much she liked, and so many parts of the house she saw and actually desired. It was a royal getaway but it was still a home, and that was beautiful. Thankfully they did not go on a full tour. That would have been kind of mortifying, and a reminder of how truly different their lives were, but what she did see was stunning. She could imagine Killian here, and for a moment she allowed herself to think if she would like it here and if Henry would too.

But she was getting way ahead of herself. She shook away the thoughts as they entered the kitchen, and once they were inside, she saw the first unkempt part of the house to date. It wasn’t messy, per se, but there were ingredients out and utensils and things for cooking. Actually, it looked like someone had already cooked half of a meal. Some things must be in the fridge, but there was enough on the counters for Emma to be curious. Yet there was no one in the house that she’d seen so far. The staff, Killian informed her, had all been given the night off. The only people on the property were his detail and they were at the gates. This was a secured place so aside from regular rounds, there would be no one walking about, and Killian assured her no one would be in earshot or view of either of them. She looked at Killian quizzically and he explained.

“I thought I might cook you dinner tonight, love, but then I realized, as a relative novice, some parts may take too much time. Between reading the recipes and consulting the videos I found online, it was a rather long process. So, I got what I could done earlier before picking you up. I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

“Killian, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble,” she said shaking her head. No one had ever done anything like this for her. Certainly not someone who had so many other calls on his time and attention.

“It wasn’t any trouble, love. And I hope, when you find out what exactly is on the menu, you’ll be pleased.”

Emma didn’t know what she was expecting him to feed her, but his menu, as he put it, was a mix of elegant refinement and casual things that showed his attentiveness. He had a few courses mapped out, and most were unfamiliar and native to the Montennaran coast, but every one smelled delicious and tasted even better. It was a languid pacing, with Emma offering to help and Killian insisting he could do this. This left her to relax with a glass of some of the best wine she’d ever tasted, and gave the two of them space to talk, all while Emma took in his determination and sheer power of will. He was a beginner in all of this, and some elements took a bit more time because he was new to them, but his carefulness and attention told her so much about him, and all of his patience was well rewarded.

They stopped to share each plate together, and those moments felt especially intimate. They were seated close together, with barely any space between them, sharing each dish and enjoying each other’s company. Of course it was only a matter of time before that closeness got the better of them, but every time Emma thought they’d give in to the crackle of heat between them, Killian would say there was another course left. He’d press a gentle kiss to her cheek or her neck or her lips and be back up cooking once more. Now it was time though for the final course and she was eager to see what he had lined up for dessert.

“So let me guess, this dessert is going to somehow factor in those Montecarri things right?”

“What makes you say that, Swan?” Killian asked, amused at her question, but giving nothing away as he pulled some items from the cabinets. She was so distracted by his smirk she didn’t take stock of what he was gathering.

“Well this has been essentially a culinary tour of this country, and I hear Montecarris are the specialty to end all specialties. Seems fitting to include them.”

“Perhaps it would have been,” Killian hedged, his expression now the tiniest bit unsure. “But I actually had other plans.”

Emma was about to ask what they were when she looked down at the ingredients he’d brought out. Marshmallows, vanilla ice cream, and wait – was that chocolate chip cookie dough? If her eyes did not deceive her, that was chilled dough of a totally American staple, which also happened to be her favorite baked good bar none.

“Okay, I’m intrigued, what are you making?”

“Can’t you tell?” he asked curiously. “It’s your favorite. Well unless I’ve misunderstood.”

Killian explained his intention to bake these cookies and then to move outside to use the outdoor fireplace. He produced two perfect roasting sticks for marshmallows, and suddenly it dawned on her.

“Cookie s’mores,” Emma said in awe. They were her favorite summer treat, and as she looked closer at the dough she could see that there were graham cracker flakes in the mixture. Holy cow, he’d really done his homework for this one. “But how did you know?”

“My first week at the center, you were caught up in the children’s favorite game,” Killian said, alluding to how the kids loved to ask all of the adults about their favorite things. It had apparently been a staple since the older kids watched The Sound of Music. Now all of them loved compiling lists of favorite things as well as a list of things to try and to dream of one day seeing and doing. Thinking back though, Emma couldn’t understand how he would remember something like this. It was weeks ago, and it was such a small moment, but from her handful of words he’d created a road map to something thoughtful and perfect just for her. “You told them about this particular delicacy, and they were fascinated, as they are by damn near everything you say. I’ll admit, I had some trouble sourcing these graham crackers, though. They’re not a staple around here, but a lieutenant of mine from the navy can get anything from anywhere so I called in a favor.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Emma admitted. She found it hard in this moment not to cry, and the reasons for the feeling were all good. She was just a bit overwhelmed at how much he’d really been paying attention and how serious he was about making her happy. And it was working. She felt so good being with him, and for the first time in her life she was scared in a relationship, not because she didn’t want to trust, but because she didn’t want to let go.

“Perhaps you should save any declarations one way or another until after they’re made?” Killian teased and she knew he was looking for a smile, but she couldn’t just stop there. Instead she moved around the counter and pulled him in for a kiss, showing him how much this gesture meant to her in the scheme of an already beautiful night.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered when they came up for air. His eyes were filled with admiration and want, and she could see he was barely holding back, even as his cursed words sounded more like a prayer than anything else. Emma grinned and let out a low laugh as she ran her fingertips along his jaw.

“I think it’s safe to say that I love this, but just in case there was any doubt…” Emma said, and she purposefully left her meaning ambiguous. To him he might think it was just the s’mores she was discussing, but it was actually so much more. She loved being with him, on this date and just in general. She loved this snapshot he’d provided at a perfect quiet moment. And she loved the passion and the hope this man brought forth in her life so often. Despite yesterday’s uncertainty, she felt firmer in herself and in this new relationship than she ever had, and that was thanks to Killian and his kindhearted ways.

“You’ll never know what it means to me to hear that, love,” Killian admitted and she smiled at him once more. “I only hope you like the rest of the evening as much as you’ve enjoyed all this.”

And as they finalized things here in the house to make the rest of their dessert out back, Emma knew that she would enjoy whatever was coming down the pike. Because with Killian at the helm, she could have total faith in what was coming, and that feeling of safety and excitement that had been with her all evening would continue in the best and most wonderful way.

…………………

Sitting beside the outdoor flame, watching Emma laugh in the flickering fire light as she tried not to set her marshmallow ablaze, Killian knew he had never been more at peace.

Tonight was a revelation, just as many of his moments with Emma had been, but this was different. This time, Emma knew he was a Prince, and though he saw her eyes widen at the ostentatious gates and the vastness of this house, she never made him feel different or otherized. It may not be her norm, but there was no judgment from Emma or expectation. She had rallied and clearly chosen to be herself despite all of this, and that allowed him to do the same. It was a remarkable feeling, and a pleasure he never believed he could have as long as he lived here in Montennaro.

For the past few hours, Killian had done his best to memorize each moment. He kept tabs on all of Emma’s words and expressions. She was touched by his cooking for her, and though he was somewhat overwhelmed by all the things that could go wrong, she seemed to have complete faith in him. She also cherished all of their closer moments together, and he felt her wanting and the way it mirrored his own. There was so much brimming underneath the surface, a tantalizing knowledge that their chemistry was bound to combust sooner rather than later, but still he held back, savoring Emma the best way he knew how and trying to treat her to the perfect first date that she deserved. He wanted to carry all these little pieces of this evening with him for the rest of his days, even while dreaming of making a million more memories like this in the weeks and years to come.

Tonight had also solidified his hope for a future with Emma. He had known for some time that that he was in love with her. Interest and infatuation grew surely towards love early on for him, and now he cared for Emma in a way that would outlive his time on this earth. There was no denying how connected he was to her, and how enduring this bond he felt was becoming. She had his heart and his hopes tied so effortlessly around her, he stood no chance at getting either back again. But seeing her here, in his home, and in the place he was expected to build his future, changed something, taking things even further than they’d been before.

For the first time Killian could imagine Emma with him in his world. He could see a path for them to meet in the middle and to carve out a life they both could love. He had duties and responsibilities as Prince, some of which would require Emma’s participation if they continued to be together, but he would fight tooth and nail to give Emma everything she wanted and deserved outside of royal expectation. He couldn’t give her a fully normal existence, but he could give her love, support, and opportunity. He knew she’d want to work with the Institute still, and likely do even more for children all around the country and the world and he’d see to it that she could. He’d move mountains for her to help her feel fulfilled, because all he needed to feel that way was her. She was his home and his purpose, first date or not, and he prayed that someday she could see a home with him here. If not, he didn’t know what he’d do. All he knew was that living without her was not an option.

“You’re making that face again,” Emma said and Killian looked to her, grounding himself in the feeling of his hands on her lithe form as she turned their sugary treats until they were a perfect toasty brown.

He’d had his hands on her as much as he could tonight, and he was addicted to the feel of her. He did not know how he could go another day without touching her. Even a few hours felt too long a stretch. Emma soothed him and excited him at once, his heart raced but his demons stayed away. Feeling so much and having those feelings be good was something he’d never known before, but yes, sometimes worries crept in. He couldn’t help fearing that somehow she would leave him, and his hands were tied at the moment. He couldn’t tell her everything he felt so early on, but he’d never feel fully comfortable until he could. Still, the way she looked at him, like she knew him even better than he knew himself, should terrify him. Emma saw into his soul and could read him fully, scars and all. But instead of running from the attention like he did with anyone else, he was filled with pleasure. To know that she cared and that she was in this with him meant everything, and that eased the pain of his thoughts and worries being so obvious.

“What face is that love?” He feigned ignorance, though he knew exactly what she was getting at.

“The one you get when I’m leaving, or when you’re worried that I will,” Emma said, pulling out her golden treat from the fire and offering it to him. He absentmindedly took it as she continued on. “You had it yesterday at the parade, and then before we talked. Sometimes you get a version of it at the Center when it’s time to say goodbye, or when our tasks take us different directions for the day. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s a pretty persistent expression.”

“I’m not a fan of being parted from you,” Killian admitted and Emma looked at him with a softness in his eyes that spoke to understanding.

“That makes two of us. But luckily we’ve still got time, right?”

We have forever, he thought to himself but he bit the words back as he nodded and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

From there they managed to create Emma’s favorite summer sweet, and he had to admit that it was delicious, especially when he tasted it on Emma every time he stole a kiss. It was decadent but simple, and though s’mores were not a custom here in Montenarro, he felt young again. Like a kid in the summer months. It was peaceful and rejuvenating, and he wanted to extend that as much as he could.

“What are your thoughts on stargazing, love?” he asked, and Emma looked surprised before casting her eyes above.

“I haven’t had much chance to do it, honestly. We’ve always been city people so the light makes it hard to see. But out here… wow, I didn’t realize just how much you can see.”

“This is nothing,” he said, standing up and tugging at her hand. “Here, let me show you.”

As they left the stone walkway, Killian grabbed a nearby lantern, lighting the flame so they’d have enough light to guide their way. With languid steps the two of them walked from the fireside down a path in the back greenery. It was dimly lit with tiny lights along the path on the ground, but by now the sun had long since set and the night was out around them. Only the pale yellow glow of their lantern cast anything substantial enough to help them see. Emma held his hand tightly, and he checked to make sure she was comfortable. Her expression, even in the dim light, told him everything he needed to know. She was excited for this, and unbothered by the darkness they needed to get through to see the sea of stars.

Soon enough they came upon the back villa, a structure meant to house any guests, which had long been dormant. Since Killian was not here, he’d had no visitors, but someday he hoped that would change. What the house did boast, however, was something essential for stargazing, and he was glad he’d had the foresight to pull it out before Emma’s arrival.

“Wow,” Emma said when their seating area came into view. “That’s some telescope.”

“One thing you’ll learn about my brother is he does nothing by half. I mentioned the stars once when home for a deployment and the next day this was in my rooms. I had no real need of it at the palace, so I had it brought here. Needless to say, it’s a bit more powerful than anything I might have expected.”

“Henry would love this,” Emma said and Killian warmed at the mention of her son. Her boy was special to be sure, and even though he’d only met him yesterday, he knew Emma was right. Henry would take great joy in learning about something like this, and Killian felt a strong need to be the one to teach him how.

“He’s welcome any time, love. You and he both. You know that.”

Emma nodded, running her fingertips across the telescope thoughtfully. Killian knew she was thinking of that possibility, and he saw no signs of discomfort on her face. She just appeared to be thinking about what that might be like and what it would mean to bring her son to this place. Eventually Emma looked at him again, and when she did there was a light in her green eyes not provided by the lantern or the nearly full moon. It was something else, something warm and wonderful. A moment passed where there was so much left unsaid, but then she smiled and asked him to show her what to do. He was eager to do so, finding with relative ease all the big constellations and visible planets on this clear, summer’s night.

“Which constellation means the most to you?” Emma asked. He noticed that she hadn’t asked which one was his favorite. She had purposefully worded her query with the intention of understanding him. Tonight they both wanted to learn as much as they could about each other. It had been a theme throughout dinner and beyond, and for the first time he felt able to give that openness to someone. She may not realize how much this particular question meant, but he wanted to share it all the same.

“Aquila,” he replied, aiming the telescope to where it should be in the inky night sky. It took a few moments, but he found it sure enough, and he passed the scope to Emma with careful fingers so as not to move the lens. She took it in, looking at the stars, some brighter than others. She wouldn’t be able to see the design, or the lines that star maps always filled in, but that wasn’t important. It was the story behind this choice that mattered.

“It’s beautiful,” Emma said quietly. “What does it mean to you?”

“Aquila is the eagle constellation, part of the Herculean star systems. You can see the wings up top, and the bulk of the body below,” Emma nodded, her eyes staying trained in the telescope, giving him a bit more time to rein in his feelings before carrying on. “Aquila has long been associated with warriors, and so being in the navy, that connection always drew some attention. But it’s not the only fighting symbol. It’s not the strongest or most dominant. Most people who know of stars appreciate the constellation, yet cite others as more impressive or important.”

“But not you,” Emma said, looking back at him and coming to sit beside him on the outside lounger. Her hand came back to his and she gave a soft squeeze, pushing him forward.

“My affinity for this particular constellation has to do with the number in the grouping itself. There are ten stars in the assemblage.” He took a steadying breath and said the rest. “The same amount of sailors I’ve lost on my watch.”

Killian took another pause, steadying himself as the faces of those soldiers graced his memory. Despite the effects of time, he remembered each one of them, and sadly he vividly recalled their passings too. None had been easy losses, almost all had been in active combat, and most never had real resolutions. The killers got away, or were untraceable. There was no avenging these fallen brothers and sisters, there was only forward motion. Survival dictated they all carry on, but Killian’s heart required that he carry the fallen with him. He would not let them be forgotten. Indeed, the smallest thing he could do was see them in the stars each night.

“On a ship or on deployment, there are lots of open spaces. The night sky is a constant. Clouds may come, and so does fighting, but if you live through the day, the stars remain. They teach all sailors in the royal navy about the stars. Navigating by them might not be necessary anymore, but it’s a skill we’re expected to harness. The stars were also familiar. I had gazed upon them as a boy, not so unlike tonight. Liam and I used to enjoy such things, in the summer especially. For a long time, when I saw the stars, I thought of home. I thought of my family, and I took strength from that.

“But as much as the stars were a comfort, they were also witness to some of the worst moments of my life. When I experienced real fear and real loss in the field the first time, it was dark out, the peak of night, where stars are brightest. We were ambushed, a number of us were wounded, and we lost a life. Lieutenant Smee was nearly finished with the service. He had three weeks left, but death doesn’t respect such things.”

As he remembered that first lost, Killian still felt the weight of that realization. He’d known going into the service that risk was a part of things, but it made it all so much more real to have someone die in front of him. At that time he couldn’t understand why things happened that way, and he’d felt completely unmoored from any concept of a higher power. If endings were arbitrary and life came crashing down so unexpectedly all the time, what did that mean for the rest of them? What were they fighting for? And was any of it worth it?

“The next night I couldn’t sleep. I felt too much guilt,” he explained, looking down at Emma’s hands on him and using that as a lifeline in these murky feelings from his past. “We were sleeping and a man was dead, a family was broken, a dream was erased. I looked at the stars all night. This time I felt my ties back home and I also saw the scars I was forming. But even still, every night thereafter I looked at them. Loss came at any time, under the night sky, in a rainstorm, or in the blazing sun. Every time it did, I added a face to see. Soon I had enough to merit picking a specific group. At one time I prayed I would never come to need Aquila, and when I did need it, I prayed to never need another. Ten souls lost was ten too many.”

By now Emma was wrapped up beside him, her embrace having grown more supportive as he continued on, and despite the weight of the memories, he didn’t feel overwhelmed. There wasn’t darkness in full. It was like the sky tonight. There was deep, obscure patches, but light overall. That’s what Emma did for him. She lit him up and made his world so much brighter in the process. It also helped that as he continued on, telling stories of the people he’d lost she never flinched. She sat there calmly, attentively, and supportively. She held him, and when he felt he could say no more tonight she looked at him, with unshed tears and true affection that helped him feel like everything might be okay.

“That was the first time you’ve told anyone any of this, wasn’t it?” he nodded. She curled up closer to him, quietly telling him that she knew how much that meant.

“Aye, but it won’t be the last. I’ve made arrangements to meet with a naval counselor. I never intended to, but today I made the call.”

“What changed your mind?” she asked, clearly glad for his choice but holding off on her opinion.

“You,” he said honestly. “I would really like the chance to be in your life, Emma. You and Henry both. I hope I’ve made that clear by now, but I need to know for myself that I can give you everything I want safely. I still have nightmares and bad moments. I have scars as you now realize, and I want to understand them so I can be better for you, and for me.”

“You’re already more than enough, Killian.” Again she cupped his face, looking at him with what could only be described as love. Whether it was said or unsaid, Killian knew that Emma loved him, and that she was proud of him, despite everything he’d seen and done. It humbled him to feel that, and he knew he could never go another day without it. She was everything and so much more. “As someone who has needed help for my own demons though, I know how good sharing your stories will be. I used to be so afraid about being enough for Henry, about messing him up because of what I’d been through. I know you know the basics, but the truth is I was in more than a dozen placements in sixteen years, and that kind of constant change and upheaval and rejection takes a toll on a kid.”

Killian could not imagine how anyone could meet Emma and not want to keep her. To think of all the places that she’d landed that didn’t fight for her, that didn’t realize what a good and honest person she was made him sick. He knew she’d been through agony as a child, but he never imagined it could be so bleak.

“When I finally split, I still couldn’t find roots, no matter how hard I tried. I was desperate for them. I had no money and nowhere to go. I just… wandered. I’d have given anything for a family or even just friends, but I didn’t trust anyone enough to really let them in. I just needed to survive, and I couldn’t get to a stable enough place to feel like I could take a breath, never mind live a real life. Neal was the first person who helped me, and I made an exception for him. I let him past my walls, and I trusted in him.”

It wasn’t easy to hear Emma speak of a past love, but the look in her eyes told him there was no lingering emotion for this man he knew was Henry’s father. She may have loved him at one time, but that love was now gone. There wasn’t anger or hurt either, there was just calm, like she’d already made peace with every part of this sad story.

“It was good between us for a while, and I was young and I wanted to love and be loved. As soon as I let him in, that was it. He had my loyalty and my heart. I’d have done anything for him. I thought he could be that connection I was needing, but my desperation clouded my judgment. I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I knew he wasn’t always on the right side of the law, but he always did right by me. I could see past his choices because he loved me and because he did these things for us. That’s what he always said, ‘I’m doing this for us.’ He also never involved me, and he made me feel protected. The world was a rough place, but we’d make it through. He’d get us through, that’s what he said. By the time I realized what kind of man he really was though, everything had gone wrong. He got caught stealing all sorts of shit, and he ran. Not only did he run, he tried to set me up for what he did to get the heat off of him. I almost went to prison. Not jail, but prison, for grand theft.”

Killian could understand more and more now why she had felt extra sensitive to the differences between them. As a Prince, his life and the lives of his loved ones would be under scrutiny always. She probably worried he would hear this and resent it, but he never could. He was livid at the fact that a man had ever hurt Emma this way, that he’d been coward enough to let her take the fall. But he was stunned at her perseverance. Somehow she’d gotten through that, and he was awed by the strength such growth must take.

“The only reason I was let go and my arrest was never recorded was because a good Samaritan called into the cops and provided my alibi. I had been in the park all day, studying for the last of my tests I needed to pass my GED. She and her dog were out there and the dog got off leash. I helped her wrangle the little guy at the same time as the robbery clear across the city. With her testimony they had nothing on me, and they realized they were going to charge me with something I had nothing to do with. I was let go, but yet again I was left with nothing. I had to start over again and it was so hard to do. Then a few months later I realized I was pregnant with Henry. I was so scared. I really didn’t think I could do it, but my state sponsored counselor ended up being a great help. She got me on the road to making things better, and she helped me see the circumstances of my life were out of my control. She said something I thought was unique, but it’s something I hear Anna say to the kids all the time at the center.”

“All you can do is the next right thing,” Killian echoed, and Emma nodded.

“I don’t think I always get it right, but I try to, and looking back I can honestly say that I’m proud of the last ten years. It wasn’t always easy, but we are here and here is…” Emma’s face colored with a soft, thoughtful smile and he could tell that she was thinking of her boy and how their life together was. Killian couldn’t help but feel tremendous pride in Emma and awe at all she had done. She was truly a survivor, and it was clear that the choices she’d made since then had all been guided by a want to do right by herself and by her son.

“Here is…?” Killian hedged, wanting to hear her put it into words. Now her eyes met his and they flickered, turning warm and sultry.

“Here is proving to be better and better, in no small part because of you.”

It was difficult to tell which of them started the kiss they shared then, but Killian savored every moment of it. They were out there together, under the stars and enjoying the quiet peace here away from the world. He wanted to get lost in it, to hold Emma tight from this point on and never have to pull back. Before their evening began he’d already envisioned his future lay with Emma, but now he could see it all here. The two of them together, choosing each other, building a life. Henry was here, and maybe someday other children. He’d be with his family, but they’d live on their own. He didn’t know how, but he felt that he could. He could craft a story for them here, and he just prayed that Emma felt inclined to do the same. Her actions tonight stoked that hope, and the taste of her kiss and the feel of her hands on him revived anything that he’d lost in his recent journey back through the past. Soon enough he was restored, feeling better than he ever had, and content that after so long he truly had found everything that he wanted.

“I wish this night never had to end,” Emma said wistfully some time later. Her lips swollen from their interlude and her golden hair bearing a slightly different shape from where his fingers had twined through. She was more beautiful than ever, here under the moonlight and in the lantern’s golden glow. And though they’d done nothing more than typical first date customs would allow, Killian would never know. He’d never felt so satisfied, and he shuttered to think of what he’d feel when they truly came together.

“I feel the same, love, but I promise – ehrm rather, I hope – that it won’t be the last.”

He shouldn’t have been so presumptuous as to assume she’d want another date with him. Of course he felt her desire and her want to be with him, but this situation was different than most other couples giving things a try. Perhaps she would realize she didn’t actually want to date a prince, undeniable attraction be damned. But God if she ended this then –

Before his thoughts could spiral, Emma pulled him for another searing kiss, one that left no room for outside worries or despair. There was only Emma, and god she was a wonder. He was dizzy from her by the time they broke apart, and his heart lurched at the seductive smile she tossed his way.

“Any chance you’re free on Tuesday?” Emma asked, filling his heart with relief before adding an even sweeter sensation directly thereafter. “Henry’s going straight from camp to dinner at a friend’s house but he’ll back for dessert. We’re having…” she trailed off and blushed and now Killian was too curious to be polite.

“What is it love?”

“Apple pie and ice cream.”

“How endearingly American.”

“I swear we’re doing our best to immerse ourselves, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants,” she said with a shrug and he chuckled, running his hand along her cheek and watching her green eyes darken with the immediate interest that flared once more.

“I can think of nothing I’d like more than to see you and Henry again, love. Dessert sounds divine, whatever is on the menu”

“And dinner?” she asked, licking her lips and making him want another taste even though he’d had one just moments ago.

“If you’ll place your trust in me, I have just the spot in mind. It’s in the city, and we’ll be assured of total privacy.”

“Perfect,” she whispered, leaning into him as they stood and as he took her hand, leading her down the outdoor path once more.

And though it hurt to say goodbye when he drove her back home, so much so that Killian couldn’t bear to say the words, opting instead for a ‘See you soon, Swan’ and a final stolen kiss, he was comforted in knowing that this night was not the end. Instead, it was a beautiful beginning, one his instincts told him would lead him to the best moments of his life for now and always.

Post-Note: So there we have it – another CS first date in the books. I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter. For me it was a real relief to write this, both because I wanted to get to this moment, but also because I crafted it in the midst of a maddeningly busy part of my program. The good news is I have moved to my final stage and successfully passed, so I’ll soon be out of the thick of my crazy time consuming studies. Still, I may be sporadically posting for a little bit as I settle into my new normal post-school. All that being said, this chapter helped me destress and surround myself in fluff, even while dealing with some harder issues in Emma and Killian’s pasts. Please rest assured that Emma and Killian move forward from this moment with nothing but hope and good vibes. My plan for this fic has always been about 12 chapters, and I think I will land right there when all is said and done, and I promise to get back to this fic as soon as I can. In the meantime, I appreciate all of you so much for your continued support and kind words. They mean so much to me and I carry them always. Thanks again and hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

27 notes · View notes

ryqoshay · 5 years ago

Note

Got any fluffy domestic NicoMaki headcanons?

Do you mean besides those already making up the bulk of the content for HtHaN?

Apologies if that comes off as cheeky, but I wholeheartedly believe that happy fluffy NicoMaki is the best NicoMaki and thus mainly stick to that when writing chapters for HtHaN. HtHaM may delve a bit more into action adventure fantasy magicks stuff, but were I to hazard a guess, it will also end up containing a high percentage of happy fluffy NicoMaki. Because I love happy fluffy NicoMaki - and YohaRiko, but they have their own pair of fics for that.

But for the sake of not turning down a chance to think about happy fluffy NicoMaki, I’ll make a quick little list off the top of my head; and likely come back to edit/reblog/whatever other things that come to mind later.

- Nico is far more open about her affections out in public. And yes, knowing that it gets Maki flustered absolutely plays into it; a flustered Maki is an adorable Maki.

- Maki is slower to open up to her desires for physical affections and even after the couple has been married for years, tends to stick to displaying it behind closed doors.

- Though she’s loathe to admit it, Maki is very clingy when her guard is down; when she’s drunk, tired, asleep, sick, etc. Nico loves this side of Maki, even if she sometimes wishes the redhead would be more honest when at full capacity.

- Nico loves spoiling Maki by doing things for her; cooking, cutting her hair, giving her a massage, washing her back in the bath, drying her hair after a bath, “forgetting” whose turn it is to choose the music and letting Maki do so, letting her go nuts during the Christmas season - though likely limited to the confines of December - and many more examples.

- Maki loves spoling Nico by buying her things; special chocolates, a new hair accessory, something pink, a rare signed idol thing Hanayo found online and recommended to her as a gift, etc.

- Nico would rather do housework herself while Maki would rather hire someone to do it for her. It takes some time, and there are a few disagreements on the topic, but they eventually agree to effectively do it both ways depending on the situation.

- After graduation from high school, Nico moves in with Nozomi. Maki and Eli become members of the household for all intents and purposes except the lease.

- I read a doujin - or was it a fic? - depicting Maki taking a selfie with Nico to send to her parents to assure them she was safe and where she said she was; at Nico’s apartment. I’m not sure if I’ll include this in HtHaN, but I do imagine that the Drs. Nishikino become quite accustomed to regular “I’ll be at Nico-chan’s tonight” messages though much of Maki’s remaining high school years.

- Though Maki moves into a dorm for her college years, she uses it more as a place to hide from the world for serious study sessions right before important exams. Normal studying is done over in Nico and Nozomi’s apartment, even if she gets distracted by the goings on there.

- My current HtHaN timeline has Maki buying a house between college and medical school, but I’ve read some differences between the U.S. and Japan when it comes to scheduling out higher education, so the timing may end up changing at some point. In any case, Maki asks Nico to move in with her, which Nico happily accepts. (Eli takes over Nico’s half of the lease back at the old apartment)

- Both Nico and Maki like cuddling against the other to sleep, but more often than not, it ends up being Maki snuggling up to Nico. And while Maki never gives voice to it, Nico comes to notice a certain preference insofar as Maki wanting to be the big spoon. I can imagine some prideful thoughts about being the older one and whatnot, but eventually Nico gives into the adorableness of sleepy Maki’s insistence.

Well, surprise of all surprises, this ended up not being all that short at all. And were I not starting to fall asleep at the keyboard, I could probably double this length given enough time. And as mentioned above, I may do that later.

That all said, a lot of this has been covered in HtHaN while some I happen to know is in my notes for chapters I’d like to write soon’ish.

#Ryqo's Q&A #How to Handle a Nico #NicoMaki #headcanon stuff

16 notes · View notes

petri808 · 5 years ago

Text

Precious Occasions

my story for @furubabigbang a Kyoru Family fic. with art by @theredwateringcan LINK TO ART

Summary: Just a few years ago, Kyo and Tohru would never have imagined the way their lives had ended up. They found each other, saved one another, and now they were happily married. Kyo could have gone on forever in this bliss, content with the gift of life that Tohru had given him, but now... She was pregnant with their first child! This should be a time in their lives filled with all of the special moments and wondrous occasions that accompany it, but all he could feel was the churning knots of anxiety.

Follow along with Kyo and Tohru through all the ‘Firsts’ of parenting. This story will feature four seasons, from pregnancy to Hajime’s first day of Kindergarten. *note some of the storyline does not follow either Fruits Basket or FB Another, in this one Arisa and Kureno have a son. 8k words

He stares wide-eyed at the imposing wall before him wondering why, just why was he even standing in this aisle? Except for the cool AC during this August heatwave, being in a bookstore was not where he wanted to be. Maybe he should have taken the store clerks offer of assistance, or ‘maybe I should just google it like everyone else does in this day and age!’ But Tohru wanted a real book of what to expect when you’re expecting. Kyo couldn’t remember if that was the title or just the type of book she wanted. He groans and clenches his fist, ‘there’s just too many to choose from!’ Oh, wait, his eyes land on a spine. ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Tch, figures.’

Last month they’d registered the pregnancy as soon as they found out. The local city hall had provided them the first set of information they needed with the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. It only covered the basics, check-ups, etc, but was necessary in order to get a birth certificate later. The book he walked out of the store with had been recommended by Arisa. She and Kureno already had one son, so aside from Hatori who also has a daughter, they gave the new mother any information that might come in handy. Luckily for Tohru, the morning sickness that had plagued her best friend hasn’t reared its head.

It was too early to tell how things would progress, Tohru being in her third month and barely showing yet. Japan was still coming down from the summer heat wave this September, but the small room air conditioner Kyo installed kept her comfortable. She was so nervous and excited about being a mother, hence the book he’d found for her among other things, but he knows she will be an amazing one. Him on the other hand, as the normally less excitable one was turning into a bit of a worrier. Tohru is on the klutzy side, there’s no way around it, so he focused mainly on her safety and that included no more working as soon as she had started to show. Maybe a bit of overkill, but the dojo was doing well financially and since they could afford it, she would stay home for now. Winter was on its way in a couple of months and the last thing he needed was for her to slip and fall somewhere on ice.

It was amazing how much her belly grew in the short span of months. By November, the bump had been barely noticeable, but now it was the first thing that caught Kyo’s attention- cute and round- like the little spark of life he knew was inside. He couldn’t help but slather her with affection every time he looked at her.

“How’s my beautiful wife feeling?” Kyo cradles Tohru in his arms and runs his hand over her growing belly. “Ready to head to the train? The taxi is here.”

“Yes,” she smiles, “just need my coat.”

“I’ll get it.” He moves around and kneels before her, placing a soft kiss on her stomach, before moving away to grab their coats and gloves.

The commuter train was partially empty during this time of the day, which was well and good. Bumping along in a packed train would be uncomfortable with Tohru’s growing belly. They were nervous and excited for the 5-month check-up, because today they would find out the baby’s sex. Not that they cared either way, boy or girl, this child was going to be loved regardless. All of the misfortunes of their own childhoods made up for in this bundle of joy.

As the train comes to a stop, Tohru pulls her coat tighter around her and adjusts her gloves, Kyo doing the same, double checking his wife’s for good measure. The snows had yet to come, but for November, the air was already growing chilly and sure enough when the doors open, a bluster of icy winds slam up against them. Kyo wraps his arm around her shoulders, guiding her out and past the awaiting travelers, to lend his additional body heat. Tohru lets her hands rest against her belly and allows her husband to lead the way. It was maybe a two-block walk from the station to their obstetrician’s clinic.

After a brief wait, the couple is led into an examination room, where Tohru is prepped for the simple ultrasound procedure. Kyo waits patiently on a seat next to her, holding her hand. He squeezes gently and kisses the back of it. “Are you ready for this?” he smiles at his wife.

“Mmhmm,” she beams back. “Are you?”

“No,” he chuckles, “but I’ll be fine.”

Ten-minutes later, the doctor begins the scan as the couple eagerly watches the monitor. The doctor points and explains images as she goes along, taking measurements, and other needed information for the chart. The fetus was an average size for the 22nd week, growing normally, with no signs of any distress. They coo over the little digits of its fingers and button nose, or how the arms and legs look so strong already. Finally, the moment arrives as the doctor zeroes in. “It’s a boy,” the woman announces. “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Sohma, you have a healthy baby boy coming along just perfectly.”

Tohru looks over to her husband at the news, quickly flushed with pride at their creation. Kyo was struggling to contain his elation, but she knew better. She squeezes his hand to gain his attention. “Kyo, it’s okay, you can let it out,” Tohru smiles, knowing he was on the verge of tears. It reminded her of the day she’d learned of his true self, when he’d broken down in her arms. All those emotions of happiness overwhelming him, when he’d realized it was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, just as this was again. They were bringing a new life into this world, and one that symbolized the very love they felt for one another.

“Thank you,” was all Kyo could manage as the tears broke free and he hugged his wife. She was doing it again. This beautiful soul always managed to take his breath away.

For as hot as August had been, December’s chill was becoming unrelenting and it wasn’t even the coldest month of the year. “Are you warm enough?” Kyo wraps his arms around Tohru as she stirs a pot on the stove, letting his hands rest over the ever-expanding curve of her stomach. “The weather is getting really chilly.”

“Mmhmm, yes,” she smiles, “the heater is holding up, though I heard the snow by the end of this month will be growing heavier.”

“It might be best not to attend the Sohma’s Christmas Eve dinner if it’s too heavy.”

“Aww! But I was looking forward to seeing everyone,” Tohru pouts.

“I know,” he kisses her cheek, “we’ll decide when it’s closer to that date.”

“O-kay.”

He chuckles at her whine. “Why don’t you go rest and warm up under the kotetsu?” Taking the spoon from her hand, “I’ll bring the dinner out.”

“Are you sure? Aren’t you tired from training all day?”

“Nah,” he flexes his biceps with a grin, then shoos her away.

As he plates the dishes and piles them onto a serving tray, Kyo hears the television turn on and the sounds of a variety show spilling out. Tohru rarely watched tv, but those shows were her favorite because they made her laugh. Christmas music, so it’s begun he chuckles. The holiday was still three weeks away but everywhere you turned companies were in full swing taking advantage of the Western tradition.

“Would you like hot tea with dinner?” He asks as he places the first set of dishes onto the table.

“That would be wonderful,” she beams back. “Is the heater sufficient for you, I could turn it up.”

“It’s perfect. I’ll be right back with the drinks.”

Before sliding the door to the kitchen closed, he looks back at his wife and sees her swaying gently to the music. It brings a smile to his face to see her so relaxed and content, but as his eyes glance over to the shifting snows outside the window, he sends out a silent prayer that the weather closer to Christmas clears. His family had a big surprise instore for her and he really didn’t want to dash her hopes of attending the Christmas Eve party. Akito had offered for them to move into one of the houses in the compound, but they’d declined for the time being. He rather enjoyed the freedom of being outside on their own, and besides, this was much closer to his dojo. Maybe one day, but not now.

“Lookie, lookie Kyo!” Tohru waves her husband over to the window. The morning of Christmas Eve was gearing up to be a gorgeous break in the weather. She presses her palms and face against the cool glass taking in the beautiful scene on their front garden. The sculpted trees that were covered in melting frost sparkled brightly against the sun’s rays, and the white snow-covered ground gave up pockets of dormant zoysia grass below. The blue sky above only held pockets of fluffy white clouds to let them know it was weather to last for a while.

It was like a child excited to get their first puppy, the way she was practically bouncing with energy. “Looks like we’re going to the party,” he chuckles. Guess his prayer worked.

That afternoon, they pile luggage and bags with gifts into a taxi and head over to the Sohma compound. Gates that were once kept shut were now open, bringing a dramatic change to the very energy the place gave off. It used to be such a cold and uninviting world that made Kyo’s hair stand on end, but now he could tolerate it. First through the outer compound, the car makes its way towards the inner sanctum where Akito and Shigure lived, and where the banquet hall, turned general party room was located. Kyo checks his watch to see it was just past 5pm; perfect timing.

Dutiful servants meet them at the door and help them with their bags. Because it was an evening party, rooms were already prepared for attending guests who lived outside of the compound to stay overnight. In their case, they had plans to stay through the New Year festivities so Tohru wouldn’t have to travel if the weather turned sour. Luggage is taken to their room, while another servant leads them to the banquet hall.

“Surprise!!!”

“Oh, my goodness!” Tohru jumps back in shock, but having anticipated her reaction, Kyo had been waiting to keep her from stumbling.

The room was filled with the entire family and their closest friends standing in a group holding balloons and spinning party favors, noise makers and other celebratory devices. It may have been a holiday party, with the room decorated with lights and a tree, but mixed in were baby shower themed décor. A large, “It’s a Boy!” banner hung on a wall above a table that held a diaper cake and gifts.

“W-What is this?” Tohru stammers. She had no idea what a baby shower even was.

“It’s the latest trend,” Kyo whispers in her ear.

“Come now, sweet Tohru,” Ayame struts closer with his head held high, “progress is advancing, and this Western tradition is growing here in Japan, which means we must take part in it!”

“He means any opportunity for a party,” Yuki chimes in, causing others to chuckle.

“Oh hush,” Ayame’s wife Mine bounces over and sticks an over-embellished, sparkling blue tiara on top of Tohru’s head. “Nothing wrong with having as many celebrations as possible.”

“Yes,” Ayame brushes up against his brother, “and when will I have the opportunity to lavish my own niece or nephew with gifts?”

Yuki flushes, but keeps his mouth shut and simply slinks away. Yes, he and Machi had been talking about it, but they didn’t need to know that yet.

Once the initial shock was wearing down, others rush up for their opportunity to congratulate the couple properly. The women surround Tohru and usher her over to the gift table, cooing over her belly, and chattering away at how lucky she was. Dinner was yet an hour away, so the room stayed abuzz over the impending pregnancy. Kyo watching from the side as he talks with the other males and leaving his wife in the hands of the women. She was glowing not just from the pregnancy hormones, but pure happiness at being with her friends again.

Typical gifts include items for the baby, clothes, toys, even a beautiful carrying sling, but others were meant to help the parents cope with the stresses once the baby was born. Tohru almost breaks down in tears at some of the gift certificates for housecleaning services and free grocery deliveries because it reminded her that with all the happy parts, there is struggle too. Her friend Arisa hugs her. “You’ll be fine, if I could do it, you can do it too.”

Tohru couldn’t help starting to feel a few pangs of despair. Tonight, was supposed to be a festive night, not a sad one. Even surrounded by people that loved her and accepted her as family, she still wished her mom and dad were still alive to see her child. She grows quiet while keeping a faux smile on her face, half listening to the conversations around her, picking at the dinner that had been served, family buffet style. Why now of all the times for this emotion to surface, was it the hormones? People told her that sometimes pregnant women’s emotions go crazy because of the hormones, happy one minute, sad the next. Maybe the holiday season wasn’t helping either.

“You okay?” Kyo leans over and whispers, “are you getting tired?”

“I’ll be okay,” Tohru smiles at her husband, “just… zoned out for...”

Kyo watches as his wife stops mid-sentence and her hand quickly moves over her stomach. Concerned, “what? Is something wrong?!”

“He kicked!” Tohru gasps. She grabs his hand and covers where she is feeling the movements. “I felt a couple of kicks!”

“Wow!” Kyos eyes light up as he feels the light movements too.

“Is this the first time?” Machi asks.

“Mmhmm,” Tohru smiles.

Those closest to the couple lean over hoping to see something, a few of the women begging to touch her stomach too. What amazing timing, Tohru reasoned in her head. Had the infant known his mom was feeling sad and decided to act in the only way he could to pull her from that mood? Such a sweet idea triggers a big blush and beaming crinkle to her eye, this child really was a gift from the gods.

The rest of the evening went well, her mood brightened once more. After dinner, everyone exchanged gifts and opened them while conversations continued. By 10pm, a few started to leave, by 11 the last guests were saying their final goodbye’s.

In their guest room, Kyo snuggles Tohru to him. “Did you enjoy seeing everyone?”

“Yes,” she murmurs, eyes closing with sleep.

“I’m glad. We’ll be here for a week, so you should spend as much time with everyone as possible.” He kisses her cheek, “goodnight Tohru.”

“I can’t… wait. Goodnight Kyo…”

By February, the snows in their area were starting to melt away. Spring was coming, and with it a reprieve from winter’s grip. Up until January, things had been easy during the pregnancy, but that changed as Tohru’s belly grew. It was all a part of the process their doctor had advised. Her body was preparing for the birth and with that, came discomfort. Her joints ached, the skin of her stomach was tight, muscle pain and fatigue, even shortness of breath. Not to mention she was constantly hungry and needing to pee.

The Braxton-Hicks contractions had started as well, a clear sign, the time would soon be arriving. She had known all about the false contractions through reading about it, but its appearance brought a new wave of anxiety. Kyo made sure to get her bag packed and ready at a moment’s notice, despite there being another month to go.

There were other amusing developments as well which to Tohru’s annoyance, Kyo couldn’t help but take advantage of.

Tohru was developing a waddle when she walked.

“I’m sorry,” he chuckles as his wife pouts and stomps her foot. “It’s just adorable the way you walk!”

She didn’t care that this was just another part of the whole ordeal, or that her hips were shifting to accommodate the birth canal. She felt like one of those fat little penguins they saw at the zoo.

“But,” Kyo chuckles and hugs his wife and kisses her forehead, “a cute penguin nonetheless.”

Tohru stays stiff in his arms, mumbling, “It’s still not funny.”

“Of course, it’s not funny,” he kisses her again, “adorable. My little penguin wife.”

“Oof!” she hits his chest a few times. “So, mean!”

That only sends Kyo further into hysterics. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” He kisses her hand. “Come on, it’s time for bed.”

“But, I’m hungry again.”

“Why am I not surprised. What would you like to eat, I’ll bring it to the room while you get ready for bed?”

“Hmm, something warm, maybe miso soup.”

“I think we have the instant type. I’ll go make you some. Anything else?”

“Some koko?”

Kyo’s nose scrunches, “you want pickled vegetable now?”

Tohru shrugs, “I just feel like something salty.”

“Okay. You go get ready for bed and I’ll bring them in a few minutes.”

“Thank you Kyo.”

“Anything for you,” he kisses her and heads to the kitchen.

Not the weirdest craving he’s heard of women having. Miso soup and pickled vegetables was no different than a traditional breakfast. If he remembered correctly, Kureno mentioned Arisa asking for things like pickled ume plums and sardines or ice cream and dill pickles. What was with the polar opposite type requests? Kyo chuckles to himself as he prepares the soup. Sweet and salty mixtures. He’s also heard some gain cravings for ice or even dirt which is a symptom of lacking a mineral like iron in their body. Thank goodness Tohru wasn’t craving dirt, he chuckles inwardly, that would be too strange.

He finishes the dishes and takes it to their room where he finds Tohru fast asleep. Kyo shakes his head, ‘figures she’d fall asleep.’ But he wasn’t upset and instead packs the items away in the fridge for the morning.

As he lays down beside her, Kyo takes a moment to appreciate all that she was going through. Men had the easy part of this deal, women are the ones that are putting in all the blood, sweat, and tears to bring a baby into this world, and for that, Kyo had no problem doing everything he could to make things as comfortable for Tohru as possible. If she wanted something to eat in the middle of the night, he would get it for her. If she was sore and needed a good massage, he would happily turn into a masseuse. He was lucky in that his wife was healthy and so easy to care for.

He brushes away her bangs and notices a slight dampness on her brow. It seems that her temperature was a little elevated. After doing a simple check by placing the back of his hand over her forehead, Kyo realizes it’s not a fever. More likely, she’s just warmer than normal. ‘Well things aren’t normal at the moment,’ so it was completely understandable. Other than the elevated body temperature she seems fine.

‘We’re almost there.’ Kyo gently slips in under the covers, so as to not wake his wife, closes his eyes, and dreams of the new possibilities.

It was the first time in months that they were finally able to walk outside in comfort. Scatterings of snow still litter the ground, but the concrete sidewalks held no ice that Tohru might slip on. That eased Kyo’s mind when she’d asked to go walking just around the neighborhood. Being cooped up in the house for so long was boring, and it was hard to resist a pretty sunny day.

Kyo held her hand as they walked along the pathway, passing houses, and occasionally waving to neighbors. Tohru was radiant in her ninth month of pregnancy. She almost glowed against the sunlight if that was even possible. It was moments like this one that made him pause and thank the stars that she came into his life.

They were almost home when Tohru pulls Kyo to a sudden stop.

“What’s the matter?”

He follows her gaze as she looks down to see liquid trailing along her legs.

“I think my water just broke, but, there’s no pain,” she looks back up at her husband, “isn’t there supposed to be pain?”

“How should I know! C-Can you still walk?”

“I think so.”

“Okay, let’s get to the house, grab your bag, and get to the hospital.” He’s already on the phone dialing a taxi service as they walk. “They’ll be here in a few minutes.” Kyo sits Tohru down on a bench in front of the house, while he runs in to grab her travel bag.

On the way to the hospital, he text’s Arisa and Saki to let them know Tohru had gone into labor because he knew they were the two people she’d want to be around for her. He also texts Kazuma and asks him to let the rest of the family know.

“How are you doing,” Kyo holds her hand through the car ride.

“I’m…. I’m okay, just scared.”

“I’ll be with you through the whole thing, I promise. And your friends are on their way to the hospital too.”

“Thank you Kyo…” Tohru suddenly hunches over holding to her stomach, “K-Kyo I think…” and her face contorting, “the contractions j-just started.”

He can clearly see his wife grimacing through the pain. Panic sets in and all the lessons they’d learned from Lamaze class fly right out the window. What was the pattern of breathing again?! Deep breaths? “J-Just…. I-I think, okay focus on me Tohru,” he pulls her chin up a little, “inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and focus on something other than the pain. Me, focus on me for now and squeeze my hand if the pain is too much.”

She does her best to let Kyo guide her, just like the Lamaze instructor taught them to do. It wasn’t always easy to focus against the pain. It was like getting hit by a freight train. One moment nothing, and the next second, strong pains that came in waves. They could visibly see her stomach tightening and relaxing after a few tense minutes. As soon as they arrive at the hospital, the orderlies bring a wheelchair and admit her to the obstetrics ward. The nurses hook her up to baby and contraction monitors, fluids, and ask if she’d like anything for the pain.

“Yes,” she squeals through another bout of waves. Since the onset of the contractions, the pain had only grown stronger and deeper. Her whole body hurt, her lower back was killing her, and the pressure in her pelvis was completely uncomfortable.

Their doctor arrives just as the nurses prepare and administer an epidural. The doctor checks Tohru’s situation and informs them she is only dilated to 5 centimeters, or that she’s half-way there. The monitors show the baby’s heartbeat as strong.

“It may be a few more hours, Mrs. Sohma. We’ll be checking you periodically to see if you’ve dilated further. In the meantime, the epidural should make things a little more comfortable for you pain-wise.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Tohru ekes out a grimaced smile. She could feel the pain medication starting to take effect.

“Thank you, doctor,” Kyo add in, “is there anything else I can do to make my wife comfortable?”

“If she’s still feeling a lot of muscle ache and pressure after about 20 minutes, and is able to roll onto her side, sometimes massaging her lower back can help with the pressure she’s feeling in the area. Just be careful to work around the epidural tube. She may get thirsty, so you can give her ice chips to help with that.”

The rest of the night was a bit of a blur. It took another 4 hours for Tohru to dilate to the full 10 centimeters, before they could start the second delivery stage. To pass the time, Arisa, Saki, and Kyo did their best to comfort and keep Tohru’s mind off the pain. While the epidural was taking most of the contraction edge off, Arisa knew that once the delivery stage began, they would remove the epidural to allow the body greater feeling to help in moving the baby through the birth canal.

It was agonizing for Kyo to watch his wife suffer. She looked so tired, so exhausted with the whole thing and ready to get the baby out of her. He held her hand as the doctors and nurses guided them through the delivery, telling her when to breathe, when to push. And she did. Regardless of how much it hurt, Tohru fought and pushed through it all. Kyo was positively proud of her.

And when they heard the first mewling cries from their son, Tohru and Kyo broke down in tears. Sweat beads still clung over her skin, yet through her exhaustion, she never looked more beautiful to him. Kyo takes a cool, wet towel a nurse hands him and wipes his wife down. “You did wonderful,” he kisses her softly.

“Do we get to see him?” she asks curiously, and dreamily.

Kyo looks over to where the nurses were cleaning up their son, then back to his wife, “soon.”

“Yay…” her eyes crinkle. She was extremely tired but fought to stay awake.

They move her to a fresh bed and after a few minutes, a nurse comes over with their son bundled up in a blanket. With Kyo’s help, Tohru shifts over and turns on her side. Then the nurse places Hajime in Tohru’s arms.

“Hello Hajime,” she beams at the little baby who slept peacefully, placing a little kiss on his forehead. The baby mewls, shifts, but settles again into sleep.

Little Hajime was beautiful. Kyo couldn’t help but marvel at their creation. A tiny tuft of orange hair peeked out from beneath a beanie. His little digits were curled in a fist and every so often the babe would move his lips. Kyo smiles as Tohru also doses off with the child nestled tightly in the crook of her arm. He crawls onto the bed, turning on his side to face his wife and child, then pulls the blankets up around them. It had been a long journey, but this part was now over. Let her sleep tonight, for the morning their new life will begin.

It’s been a month since Tohru and Kyo’s son was born and all the preparation they had done to get ready paid off. Their family and friends were also a true blessing, along with those gift certificates from the baby shower. While Kyo was at work, Tohru became the primary caregiver. Others like Arisa stopped by often to lend a hand as well as experience for the first-time mother since she knew just how difficult it could be. They were lucky that Hajime wasn’t a colicky child and his eating and sleeping patterns fell into a routine fairly quickly. But that still meant feedings every 2-3 hours round the clock, and after a while, the lack of sleep was taxing on Tohru. Again, family stepped in, dropping by during the daytime to give her a chance to catch up on sleep.

The air was crisp and warm on the July afternoon, sun shining but not yet reaching the stifling hot temperature late August will bring. A light breeze kept the midday heat to a minimum, creating just a perfect day for a little picnic at the park. It was within walking distance, so Tohru bundles little Hajime in a sling wrapped to her body along with a small diaper bag. Kyo holds his wife’s hand while carrying a blanket and the food in the other arm as they make the short walk.

Once they arrive, the park held a scattering of other families just like them. Children playing while parents watch from the sides. The Sohma family finds a shady spot under one of the big maples that dot the landscape and spread out their blanket. This was the first time the young family had taken Hajime outside of the house, except for doctor’s visits. Tohru passes their son to Kyo who holds him steady in his lap, as she sets out their bento containers and drinks.

Hajime was doing well holding himself up with help, and so Kyo uses his thigh’s as additional bumper supports while giving the child a bit of freedom to test his developing muscles. “Did you bring a toy for him?” Kyo asks his wife. She nods and pulls one out of her bag, handing it to the child who grasps onto the ringed toy.

She giggles, “he really likes that one.”

“I don’t know why,” Kyo grumps. It was just an orange tabby-shaped plush doll attached to a ring that can be hooked to a stroller. Shigure had said it reminded him of Kyo’s ‘old days’ and couldn’t resist buying it for their son. But aside from the teething ear part, the toy didn’t do anything else. He helps the infant bring it closer to his mouth, and Hajime promptly starts gumming on the toy’s rubber ear. Kyo can’t help but laugh but assumes this was just the onset of the child’s teething phase.

Tohru smiles and shrugs, “it keeps him busy.”

Which was a good thing. As they eat their lunch, the child focuses on his toy all content to turn the fluffy fabric into a soggy mess from his drool. Hajime wasn’t showing any pain or discomfort yet, but according to what she’s read, the beginning stages could just be a strange and new feeling that bothers the child. For the breast-feeding mother, it was exciting and scary to know his teeth would be rearing its head soon enough.

“That was a great lunch as usual Tohru,” Kyo pats his belly and smiles. He moves Hajime from his lap and places the infant on his back onto the blanket, then lies on his side next to him. Tohru stretches her legs, leaning back by supporting herself with her arms counter to Kyo like a yin and yang, to create a channel between them for Hajime. Their son may not be able to crawl yet, but he could hold his head up and was starting to turn over on his own. It was safer this way just in case he decides to pick now to move.

Kyo props his head up with his hand, while his eyes half close. Tohru promptly chides him about falling asleep. “I can’t help it,” he chuckles, “I’m so full I want to take a nap.”

Seeing his father laugh, Hajime tries to lift or turn his head to look at his father. But not satisfied with the angle, the child makes almost a grunting sound of annoyance. This makes Kyo and Tohru chuckle more. They watch as Hajime fusses, then rolls onto his side to face his father. A look of satisfaction washes over the infant as he stares at Kyo.

“See,” Tohru giggles, “Hajime is telling you not to sleep either.”

“Okay, okay,” Kyo sits back up. He picks Hajime up, holding him under the arms and letting him put weight on his legs without bearing the full burden. “You, little man are wide awake, so if daddy wants to nap, that means making you want a nap, huh?” Hajime laughs and blows a small bubble of drool at him which sets Tohru giggling again. “Oh, yeah,” Kyo teases and bounces the child up and down a couple of times gently, making Hajime giggle even more.

The back and forth between father and son continues for several more minutes while Tohru just chuckles and watches, even snapping a picture or two with her cell phone camera. It was one of the best parts of motherhood to watch the two loves of her life enjoying themselves like today, playing and having fun. It made all the stress and worries, the pain and discomfort worth going through again. Someday, when they’re ready for another…

By the ninth month mark, Tohru and Kyo had managed to find a routine that worked for them. They were also a lot more comfortable caring for their son now, with those first month jitters a thing of the past. He was a strong little baby, but not much of a babbler. Hajime was rolling over and half crawling by the 8th month ahead of the typical milestone charts. Tohru loved teasing Kyo about it, saying their son was going to be strong like him. Of course, Kyo would say he wasn’t that strong, but Tohru would politely disagree. Their doctor also assured them that just because he wasn’t making a lot of ‘talking’ sounds, in intellectual milestone tests he scored as average, explaining that some children are just quieter than others. That helped to allay Tohru’s worries.

“Besides,” her friend Arisa teased during a visit, “just wait until he’s walking, you’ll have your hands too full to worry about whether he’s a chatter box!”

Time had slipped past and the weather was growing warmer by the day as winter’s grasp eases into Spring. Tohru dabs the sweat from her brow. With all the activity going on, the dojo had heated up. Most of the room was already set up for the party, thanks to a handful of Kyo’s students helping the mother out. She was delighted that Kazuma had graciously allowed them to use the spare rec area to host Hajime’s first birthday party. Tables and zabuton cushions were placed for guests to sit and eat on. Tables for the food and gifts, along with a small receiving area set up, and all that needed finishing was the decorations. Kyo and Kazuma had left to pick up the catered food and drinks while she worked on the final touches. It would be mostly adult family or close friends in attendance, maybe a handful of children, so Tohru decided games wouldn’t be necessary.

Once, the décor is complete, she opens a sliding door that leads out to a small Zen garden area to allow the room to cool down. It was time to take a break. Tohru sits down, letting her legs hang off the raised walkway that surrounds the room, and closes her eyes for a moment, taking in the sweet smell of nearby cherry blossoms wafting by. She loved seasons, every one of the four having their own melody and rhythm to them. Spring was all about renewal and rebirth after Winter’s fading light. Summer a time of remembering to enjoy life and Fall a reflection of change. But those blossoms. The sweet, sweet scent of the cherry blossoms relaxes her like no other flower.

“We’re back!”

Tohru hears Kyo calling out to her. And just like those blossoms’ short life span, so was her break time. She chuckles and stands up, stretching her back. “Coming!” she calls in through the open doorway.

Kyo and Kazuma bring the boxes filled with catering trays and places them on the serving table, setting out each pan into the warmers. Once that’s done, Kyo kisses Tohru on the cheek. He smiles, “when is Arisa bringing Hajime?”

“Should be soon. They’ll be here before the other guests start arriving.”

“Good,” Kazuma chimes in with a chuckle, “been waiting all day to play with my grandbaby.”

“Hey, no hoarding him all day,” Kyo teases the man. “I think you’re getting too soft in your old age.”

“Old age?!” Kazuma cackles and throws a jab at Kyo, “this old man can still kick your butt!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kyo grumps with a smile still plastered on his face, while Tohru laughs. He really didn’t mind, just wanted to tease. Hajime loved the man. The child’s eyes lit up whenever grandpa Kazuma was around and that always brought a smile to Kyo’s face. He remembered being the same way once he’d warmed up to the older mentor. As far as Kyo was concerned, Kazuma was his father, and the grandfather to his son.

Arisa arrives 20 minutes later with Hajime and her own son in tow, and sure enough, Kazuma sweeps the boy up before Kyo or Tohru can get to him. In fact, the only reason they knew their son had arrived, came from the sounds of loud giggles. They see Kazuma throwing the boy gently in the air and catching him to elicit all the laughter. Alright fine, Kyo teases the man from across the room, he was on babysitting duty for the rest of the party. Of course, Kazuma’s response was to grin and walk away with Hajime.

Guests began to arrive shortly after, and soon Kyo and Tohru were busy greeting everyone. Tohru sees Yuki and Machi walk in and immediately squeals. It was the one person she was excited to see today.

“Machi!” Tohru rushes over to say hi. “How are you?!” The woman was 7 months pregnant with her and Yuki’s child, and since the last time they saw her was two months ago at the baby shower, she was excited to see how far along Machi was progressing. She could only imagine after going through this herself how uncomfortable things can become in the third trimester.

Machi Sohma smiles at seeing her friend. “Hi Tohru,” she rests her hands on her stomach, “oh, doing as well as any,” she laughs.

Tohru laughs too and helps the woman to a table while Yuki follows and Kyo stays behind at the door greeting other guests that have arrived. Tohru sits next to Machi. “Have you guys picked out any names yet?” She asks Machi and Yuki.

“Mutsuki,” Machi answers, “for ‘harmonious’.”

“Ehh!” Tohru squeals, “that’s a cute name!”

“Where’s Hajime?” Yuki looks around the room. “Is he here?”

“Yes,” Tohru laughs, “Kazuma is somewhere around here with Hajime.”

For the rest of the day, the former zodiacs spend the time catching up and musing over the latest edition to their growing numbers. They eat and sing and laugh the time away. Some of the guys even start a betting pool on which of the zodiacs would be next to have kids. Hatori had been the first, then Kureno, Kyo, now Yuki. Based on age they decide it had to be between Shigure and Haru. The women focus more on Machi, asking the woman how things are going and if there was anything they could help with. It was a wonderful sight to see everyone coming together to help each other out as a family.

By the end of the party, Tohru and Kyo were exhausted. With the help of some students, they clean up the dojo then head home for the night, while Kazuma babysits a little longer to give the couple a break.

“That was fun,” Tohru snuggles to her husband with a yawn slipping through. “But I’m so tired.”

He chuckles and kisses her forehead, “then go to sleep silly.”

“Hajime is already one…” her eyes slipping closed, “time passes by so quickly….”

In just the one year they’d experienced so many firsts, from an infant that couldn’t move to a child now walking and talking. Kyo remembered the first time his son sat up on his own or crawled. His first steps, or the first times he said mum or da. You could have knocked him over with a feather with how excitedly surprised he had been. Hajime already looked like a miniature version of Kyo, but it was too early to tell what kind of personality he would develop.

“Yes, it does,” he sighs, shifting closer and closing his eyes too. ‘It really does…’ There were so many more first to come as well, from school to eventually other relationships. All he could wish for was that his son would always be happy and healthy no matter the path he chooses.

Tohru questions the kindergarten administrator. “But Hajime is only 2 and half, are you sure it’ll be okay for him to go to the kindergarten class? He’ll be younger than the other students.” This administrator woman herself was a distant Sohma relative and had come to their home by request of Akito now that Hajime had reached a certain age. The school is a private kindergarten that has been used by the Sohma family for many years.

The older woman adjusts her sitting position using the kotetsu table to balance as she shifts her legs. It was uncomfortable at her older age of 60 to sit for long on her knees and shins in the traditional style. “He won’t be an official student until he turns three, but for the Sohma’s we always make an exception. By coming for a few hours, a day, he’ll be able to integrate into the class more smoothly once he does become a student. I wouldn’t say Sohma’s are given special treatment, but because of their generosity over the years, we make exceptions to get them prepared sooner than the average child for school life.”

Tohru turns to Kyo to ask what his opinion is. He’d been quiet through the whole meeting so far, and that was unusual. She sees a look of apprehension, with his brown slightly furrowed and his arms crossed. “Kyo?”

But the man was lost in his own thoughts. He remembered this school alright, even the woman sitting in front of them, though a 20 years younger version, and while he couldn’t say the teachers were bad, the memories of that time were not the greatest. As the cat zodiac, any of the Sohma students there would shun him, which in turn meant other students hoping to gain their favor would follow suit. His years were lonely ones. Of course, that didn’t mean it would be the same for Hajime, in fact he knew logically it wouldn’t be, but that didn’t stop the memories from creeping up.

Tohru taps her husband’s shoulder this time, “Kyo? What do you think? I think it would be good for Hajime to be around other children.” The mother-side of her wasn’t thrilled with seeing her son growing up and starting school, but at the same time she was excited. For the next 6 months, Hajime would only be going from 8 in the morning until 11, and the school welcomed parents to volunteer.

“It’s fine… it is a good school…. I’m sure Hajime will do well there.”

The pause in Kyo’s words causes Tohru to stare deeper at her husband. She knows if she asks if anything is wrong, he won’t speak up with the lady there, so she’ll ask later. Then it dawns on her, Kyo may have attend the school. She knew that his experiences as a child were still a sore spot in his heart, could that be what was troubling him? Tohru places a hand on her husband’s arm and smiles when he turns to her, “Hajime will be fine.”

Kyo places his hand over hers, sighing but smiling back, “I know.” He couldn’t let his fears project onto his son. He’s come a long way since the curse had been broken thanks to Tohru and he never wanted his children to ever have to feel what he had gone through. When the boy is older, they’ll tell him about the Sohma history, but not anytime soon. Right now, he just wanted Hajime to worry about being a kid.

“And to think in another year Mutsuki will be able to join him at the school.”

That makes Kyo chuckle, to think the sons of once two sworn enemies could be friends. The children are still very young, but Hajime and Mutsuki got along since Mutsuki had been born and he hoped it stayed that way. Rin Sohma was still in the first trimester, but they recently learned that she and Haru were expecting twins. Everyone was doing well and really starting to settle down into family lives. He truly hoped their past would stay a distant memory as they all move forward.

The female Principal smiles at the couple, “When you bring Hajime, we’ll get him fitted for the uniforms and introduce him to his class.”

On Monday morning, as Tohru readies Hajime to go to the school, the anxieties creep up from nowhere that, it really was happening, her son was going to school. The days of spending her life revolved around this first-born son will soon become just a memory. Hajime had meant so much to Kyo and her. He was the product of their love, a second chance for the both of them to provide a child with a better life than either of them had ever had. To lavish him with all the love they could give.

Tears gather in her eyes, and she wipes them away before grabbing his outfit from the dresser. Don’t be sad, she chants to herself, it’s all a part of growing up. Was her mother sad when she’d gone to her first day of school? Tohru couldn’t remember something so long ago, but she was sure that her mom had been. Kyoko Honda worked many long hours, especially after her father Katsuya passed away and there were many days when she’d only see her late at night coming home from work. They never had much, but that woman always gave her as much love and affection as she could.

Memories of all the hugs and laughter bring a smile back to Tohru’s face. ‘I hope I’m making you proud mom.’ She was sure her mom was smiling down on her. How could she not be a good mom to her son, she’d had a great teacher.

With Hajime ready and bundled in his jacket, Kyo takes the child’s hand and Tohru the boy’s other hand as they set out from the home. Kyo took the day off because he didn’t want to miss this big moment. It was his son’s first day of school, and he wanted to make sure his son would be okay. Hajime knew where they were going. Frankly, the child seemed excited to be going once they’d mentioned other children. He was a smart, curious child, so the idea of learning new things intrigued him.

The weather was mild for the early Fall season, growing chilly, but the snows were still another month away. It was a beautiful time of the year and one that Tohru delighted in seeing with the color changing leaves. Because it was early enough, most of the leaves had not fallen and were still on the trees. Fiery reds and oranges, dark browns, and bright yellows in a kaleidoscope of color.

It was a short walk from their home to the school, just a handful of blocks away. Cutting through a park would shorten the time, so they chose the scenic route. It was early, so the park didn’t have many people around, except for other commuters like them. As they walk along a path through on their way to the school, they swing the giggling child between them. They’d prepared him as best they could explaining what school was, and that this was the first-time mommy or daddy, or a family member wouldn’t be around for a few hours. At first Hajime was confused, but once they got him to focus on playing with the other kids, it perked him right up.

“Are you excited Hajime?” Kyo asks his son.

“Yeah!” he giggles. “Meet kids today!”

Tohru chuckles, “Yes, meet lots of kids today. Remember, mommy will pick you up after school, so listen to the teachers, and play nicely with the other kids.”

“Mutsu there?” the child questions.

“No, honey, Mutsuki is still too young, but next year he will be at the same school with you.”

“Yay!” Hajime pulls down on their hands again, signaling his for them to swing him more.

Kyo laughs, and he and Tohru oblige. Based on how happy the child seemed, he was starting to think that this new arrangement would be tougher on them than it was for Hajime. He glances over to his wife, who returns it with a knowing look. They’ll get through this just fine, and of course, they could always have another…

#fruits basket #furuba big bang #kyoru #kyoru family fic #Kyo sohma #Tohru honda #Hajime sohma #kyoru fanfiction #kyoru fan art

40 notes · View notes

rmg91 · 5 years ago

Text

Meant To Be (In Any Form)-2

So, this isn't really holiday fic (I was going to but muses are fickle things) but I've been working on this all month (in reality it's probably only taken me a few days but yay for procrastinating!) Anyway! This particular AU's background in vague and foggy because I really just wanted to write fluff, but I've put in hints of what I have thoughts of. If you have questions, feel free to ask but I do plan to eventually do a sort of 'How it all started' oneshot at some point but for now, please enjoy the fluff.

AU: How To Train Your Dragon

Chapter Summary: It's Poppy's first hatch day on the island and she spends it with Branch showing her all the adorable baby dragons.

Previous Chapter/Next Chapter; AO3/FF.net

@writerofberk-HTTYD AU no one asked for but I did anyway??? I thought of you when this AU came to mind XD

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Whoa there!”

Poppy gasped as she was suddenly pulled backwards and the angular head of an angry dragon appeared out of nowhere in front of her. She gaped at the red dragon, with it's long, wide horns and draping, leafy appendages as it narrowed large yellow eyes at her, a low growl emitting from it's throat as it bared it's fangs. Branch kept one arm wound tightly around her waist as he angled her away from the dragon and carefully held out his own hand. It still amazed her how he could be so fearless when faced with one of these dangerous reptiles, having been such a cautious viking, never mind the fact that he was alive after missing for five years. Everyone had thought the worst when that flaming hut had collapsed and his body hadn't been found.

Shaking her head away from those terrible thoughts, it didn't matter anymore, he was alive and well now, the young woman focused on the dragon tamer as he softly spoke to the dragon in front of them.

“Hey...It's okay. We're not gonna harm your hatchlings...” Branch slowly reached out toward the Changewing, praying to the gods that it listened to him. He tipped his head back toward Poppy as he spoke, “She didn't know any better, your babies are safe, you can relax...”

The Changewing growled, preventing his hand from coming any closer before hissing and curling around the tree where its nest sat, disappearing just as quickly as it had appeared. Branch breathed a sigh of relief before he quickly tugged Poppy away, hoping the dragon wouldn't change its mind and decide they needed to have an acid bath. He continued to pull her away, trying to put as much distance between them and the mother dragon as possible, even as Poppy tugged at his hand to stop.

“Branch! Branch, come on, stop!” She panted as she was dragged along, “What kind of dragon was that?” She hadn't seen anything like it yet! “Are there anymore of them?!”

Branch suddenly stopped and whirled around, hands clutching her shoulders as his eyes roamed her for any injuries. Finding none, and he knew that deep down there wouldn't be any, he sighed, shoulders dropping, “That was a Changewing... And are you insane?!” He shook her slightly, “You don't just go up to a dragon's nest like that!!” And he hoped to Thor there weren't anymore on the island.

“Hey!” Poppy cried, pushing him away and placing her hands on her hips, “I didn't know that dragon was there! I thought those babies were abandoned or something! I just wanted to check on them!”

Branch opened his mouth to retort before pausing and sighing roughly, running a hand through his dark hair. Of course Poppy would want to do something like that, she was far too kind to leave a clutch of hatchlings alone if their parent was no longer around. Never mind she was still learning the basics of interacting with dragons. Running a hand over his face, Branch looked at her with icy blue eyes, “Look, you can't just go up to a nest without first determining if the parents really are gone and not coming back. I know dragons can seem docile but they're still dangerous creatures with fangs, claws and breath weapons that can kill you if you're not careful!!” He held up a hand as she started to make a retort, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Thor this woman had always known how to push his buttons without even realizing it, “However...I also know you are far too kind not to help something in need and are still learning things. So...if you promise to be more careful around them and their nests today, I'll try to actually teach you more quickly than I have been.”

Poppy blinked, surprised at not only how Branch had not really yelled at her like he used to but also his promise to teach her more. Especially after he had been so adamant about teaching her slowly, partly due to his own reluctance. And, she had to admit to herself, he was probably also just trying to protect her from doing something reckless like she was prone to do...again. Smiling softly, the young woman nodded, “Okay. You got yourself a deal.”

Shoulders dropping as he sighed in relief, Branch gently took her hand and began guiding her once again, “Thank you. Now the most important thing you can remember about Changewings, besides their ability to blend into their surroundings, is they're not like some of the other breeds. They're mean and we're extremely lucky that mother let us go. I know there can be exceptions to anything but I haven't met one yet.”

“Okay,” Poppy nodded, happily trotting beside him, “So if they can be one with the scenery, do you think there are more here? Also where are we going now?”

“Gods, I hope not. They really are some of the more unpleasant dragon species. Honestly, it's rare that they leave their island during mating and breeding season.” He then flashed her a smirk, “As for where we going, you'll see, but I have a feeling you'll like it.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Poppy blinked as she looked around them, taking in the warm, rocky terrain with some sporadic pools of water. Branch had led her to the more warmer side of the island, a few miles away from the hot springs they had visited a few times but apart from a few Gronckles and Deadly Nadders, she couldn't see why. Glancing at Branch confusedly, she asked, “Why are we here?”

Chuckling, he pointed toward a green Gronckle, pushing what looked to be rocks into one of the pools of water, “Just watch.”

Blinking confusedly, Poppy turned back to watch the dragon finish pushing the rocks into the water. She still wasn't sure what was happening until a moment or two later when the water seemed to boil and out popped small Gronckles in varying shades of color. The strawberry-blonde gasped in delight as she watched the tiny reptiles crowd around their mother happily before turning back to Branch, who was watching her reaction. “Those were eggs!” She exclaimed in awed excitement, smile wide before pursing her lips, “But why'd she push them into the water?”

Chuckling, Branch grabbed her hand and started walking toward the new family of dragons, fetching a good sized rock along the way as he explained, “Gronckle eggs explode when they hatch.” At Poppy's gaping shocked expression he nodded, “I know. And don't ask how I found that out. Anyway, Gronckles will push their eggs into shallow water to hatch because of that.” They stopped a good ten feet away from the boulder class dragons and Branch gave her a little push forward, “Go on. I know you want to see them up close.”

Poppy looked over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow, popping a hip out to rest her hand, “Weren't you just making me promise to not go toward dragons and the nests?”

Branch rolled his eyes, “Okay, yes. But we both know Gronckles won't attack unless threatened and I can guarantee that one won't. I've ran into her a few times, she's a local.”

“Oooh...” Poppy exhaled, turning back to face the herd before biting her bottom lip. As excited as she was to learn she was right that dragons weren't just murderous creatures, it was still little nerve wracking to just go up to one, even though she trusted Branch. But as she was Poppy Meadows of the Savage Singing Troll tribe, she wasn't about to back down from a challenge. So taking a deep breath, she carefully approached.

“Greet the mother first,” Branch coached her softly from behind as she came closer to the happy, wiggling mass of baby dragons.

Breathing in, Poppy carefully reached out toward the mother, who had started watching her curiously before speaking softly, “Hey there, pretty mama.” The Gronckle's warm breath tickled Poppy's hand as she sniffed at it before laying her rough, warm nose against her palm. Poppy let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, still amazed whenever she made contact with these creatures before gently scratching at the dragon's scales. “Hi~” She cooed, “Do you mind if I take a look at your babies?”

The Gronckle purred lightly before rumbling at her hatchlings, which Poppy took for a 'yes' as the dozen small, round, multi-colored dragons suddenly rushed around her, happily sniffing at her. She dropped to her knees with a coo, reaching out to pet the closest ones, grinning and giggling as she was surrounded by them. They all crowed around, some bouncing and trying to crawl on her, others licking her with their warm, wet tongues and Poppy didn't care as she happily held as many in her lap, scratching them where ever she could reach. They were all so adorable, with their big, wide eyes and grinning maws, some trying to hover in the air in their excitement before dropping down and trying to get their own pets.

Branch chuckled as he watched her, smiling at how happy she looked surrounded by the tiny horde of small reptiles. Coming closer himself, he offered the rock to the mother dragon, who happily ate it before licking his palm and purring as he scratched her behind her head wings. Still petting the larger dragon, he looked over and watched Poppy get knocked onto her back by the hatchlings, laughter echoing around them as she was showered with affection. When she had disrupted his somewhat peaceful life six months ago, he hadn't been sure letting her stay and learn would be a good idea but she was adamant about showing their tribe dragons weren't as horrible as they believed. Not to mention his deep seated crush had reared it's head again with her reappearance. But now...now he wouldn't change her company for anything. He had to admit it was nice having another person around to talk to, rather than the draconian company he usually kept, and to hear her sweet singing in the mornings or her laughter echoing around as the Terrors trying to charm extra fish from her or a million other little things that he had come to notice. Odin above, he truly loved this woman.

Branch was just starting to get lost in some of his newer daydreams when Poppy's cut through his thoughts, “So what's her name?”

“Hmm?” He blinked, focusing on the woman still covered with a pile of baby dragons.

“Mama dragon there,” She nodded to the Gronckle, “Does she have a name?”

“Well...no...I don't run into her that often.”

Poppy pursed her lips, dissatisfied with his answer, “Well she deserves a name, I think.” Taking a good look at the content reptile still getting pets from Branch, she thought for a moment before her eyes lit up, “How about Spring?”

“Spring, huh?” Branch mused, moving his hand to scratch along the newly dubbed dragons neck scales. He had to chuckle, trust Poppy to want to name a creature she now considered a friend, and rather fitting name too. Shaking his head, he flashed her a small smile, “I suppose that works.”

Poppy grinned, wide and bright, before sitting up and dislodging the pile of baby Gronckles as she gestured for the mother to come close. Spring waddled over and let Poppy scratch under her chin before licking the viking's cheek in a very wet display of affection. Poppy squealed and laughed as she carefully wiped dragon drool off her cheek, “I think she approves!!”

Branch shook his head again and walked over to offer Poppy a hand off the ground, “Come on, Giggles, we've got more to see.”

“Really?!” Poppy gasped in delight as she let Branch hauled her up. She danced excitedly from foot to foot, ignoring the drying drool on her clothes, “What other hatchlings are we gonna see?!”

Branch just rolled his eyes with a smile and gestured with head. Turning around, Poppy spotted a group of Nadders close by and giggled, “Oooh~!” She laughed as Branch simply took her hand and started to take her closer before she turned to wave back at the family of Gronckles, “Bye-bye, Spring! You take good care of those babies!”

Branch chuckled lowly as he watched Poppy happily skip beside him as she turned back around, “You are a very strange viking, you know that?”

“Oh, shush!” Poppy scolded, bumping her hip against his, “You're strange too. I mean...you figured out how to tame dragon's! Most everyone else...well...” Didn't think these magnificent creatures were worth getting to know.

“Only because someone never shut up about how there was more to them than what we feared.” He squeezed her hand gently, knowing where her thoughts had gone.

It was Poppy's turn to roll her eyes but she squeezed back to show she appreciated the gestured, “Yeah but it took you getting saved by a Night Fury for you to see that.” She then shook her head, hair flying over her shoulder, before smiling at him, “But let's not talk about that anymore. Everything's good right now and we've got some Nadder babies to see!”

Huffing out a laugh, Branch nodded, “Alright, alright.” He led her up to the flock of Deadly Nadders, their scales glittering in the sunlight and gently pushed her towards them, “Let's see what you remember about Nadders.”

Poppy nodded, steeling herself up, as she looked at the dragons in front of her, “...They like to be complimented?” She looked over her shoulder at Branch and saw him nod, a proud smile adorning his face. “Right.” A deep breath and she was walking closer but didn't get too far as a trio of hatchlings poked their heads over their mother's back before rushing closer to Poppy. She cooed at the sight of them and held her hands out for them to sniff. They were all in varying shades of blue and she couldn't help giggling as they hopped around her, sniffing and chattering at her. “Look at you three~ You're all so pretty~!” She reached out a pet one under the chin, causing the other two to headbutt in for scratches of their own.

Branch watched on, arms crossed, standing back and letting Poppy get to know the baby Nadders. He felt safe enough around the dragons on this side of the island to just let her interact and learn on her own but would step in if the need arose. Of course, he'd feel even better had his own dragon partner been beside them on this venture. But Celeste, the very Night Fury that had saved his life and he had bonded with, was watching her own set of to-be-hatched eggs back at their little homestead. Blinking his thoughts away on how much of a surprise it had been to find Celeste had had eggs, Branch focused on the present as the mother Nadder of the three got up and walked up to Poppy.

Poppy blinked as her vision was suddenly filled with a large snout and warm breath was being blown in her face, “Oh...Hello~” She reached up and held the adult dragons chin as she began to gently scratch at her scales. “Aren't you a beauty? And you have some gorgeous babies~ They're so lively!” She said calmly, making sure to keep eye contact as she spoke. The mother Nadder gave a low purr before gently nuzzling her head against Poppy's in thanks for the compliments. Poppy giggled and rubbed her chin in earnest, cuddling the dragon best she could as the young ones chased each other around the two.

Branch chuckled at the scene before titling his head as an idea entered it. Approaching carefully, he spoke up as he held his hand out to the mother, “You know...she'd be a pretty good match for you. Or Spring, even. Both are even tempered and I'm sure you could easily bond with either.” Not that he or Celeste minded riding with Poppy but he knew she wanted a dragon partner of her own.

Poppy hummed as she continued to pet the Nadder before shaking her head, “No...I don't think...” She paused, thinking on how to phrase what she felt without sounding like she wouldn't be happy with either, “They're both wonderful but I just feel like...neither are really meant to be my partner. I know I could easily bond with them but...something just tells me...to wait till I meet that right dragon.”

“...You do know we're talking about dragons and not finding a lover, right?” Branch said in a deadpan voice. He got what she was saying but he also couldn't resist teasing her a little for being so serious. Which was another thing she brought out in him, he never liked to tease like this back on their home island.

Poppy scrunched up her face before sticking her tongue out at him, “Oh shush! You know very well what I meant. Plus...” She slipped over next to him, eyes shining mischievously, and leaned up to whisper in his ear, “Why would I need to look for another lover when I've got you~?”

Branch's face grew red and he sputtered for a response before shouting, “There are hatchlings about!!” He couldn't-well no, he could believe she'd use their newfound relationship against him like that, he just didn't think it'd be quite as unexpected as it was.

Poppy laughed, the dragons looking at her in confusion as she wrapped her arms around Branch's to keep herself upright, “Hahaha!!! You should see your face!!” She tried to reign in her laughter, more snickers and giggles escaping before she managed to get a light hold of herself in order to say, “I don't think the dragons really care about our human mating rituals.” And then she was giggling all over again.

Branch glared at her with a pout, face and ears still red, “Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Rolling his eyes, he grabbed her hand and started pulling her away, “Come on, we're losing daylight and if want to see more baby dragons, we got to get going.”

“Aww...” Poppy attempted to whine, smile still a mile wide on her face. “Bye, cuties~!” She shouted to the family of Nadders before turning around and following Branch. Before they got too far though, she quickly hopped up and kissed his warm cheek, “Forgive me? I was just teasing a little. You know that, right?”

Branch sighed, shoulders dropping as he did so, “Of course, I know that.” He turned then to glare playfully at her as he wagged a finger threateningly, “Just watch it in front of impressionable young dragons!”

Poppy snorted and nodded, “Oh, yes. Of course, sir. Whatever the expert says.”

Rolling his eyes, Branch tugged her back on course to their next destination, ”Come on.” Poppy was one ridiculous woman but he wouldn't change her for the world.

~*~*~*~*~*~

They spent the rest of the afternoon observing and playing with all sorts of hatchlings. Branch had taken her to a group of Monstrous Nightmares after they had left the Nadder family where she found a whole host of excitable and mischievous little dragons. Of course that was only after the titan wing leader had loomed over her and Branch in attempt to appear intimidating, and it had almost worked, before Poppy had complemented his mate and babies. The larger than normal Nightmare was then absolute putty in her hands as he rumbled approvingly and let the blond scratch behind his horns. They then spent a good time surrounded by the willowy reptiles, Poppy playing with the hatchlings as they chased and nipped at her while Branch watched on and checked a few of the surrounding dragon's health.

Eventually the group had gotten larger as a few Zippelbacks had wandered over to enjoy the warm rocks. Poppy had learned then just how much of a handful the two headed hatchlings could be, they fought more constantly with each other than the adults did and were some of the most clumsy dragons she had met! She had been playing a game of tag with the babies, some Gronckles and Nadders joining in when one Zippelback, or two if you counted the heads separately, had tripped over a few Gronckles and rolled right into a Nightmare. The two young dragons had almost fought with each other, snapping and growling while Poppy tried to stop them, when Branch stepped in and calmed both of them down. After that, he had suggested they leave the dragons to themselves and that he had something else he wanted to show her.

That something had turned out to be a grove of trees where the Terrible Terrors made their nests and after greeting a few Poppy had been treated to the pleasure of seeing and holding the babies. They had been, of course, the smallest she had seen so far and she could easily hold four at a time in her arms. She had almost cried from the cuteness as she cuddled the tiny dragons. After finding the strength to leave all that cute behind, she and Branch had made they way back to their home base, the sun having set before they climbed up to a warm hut and simple meal. Poppy had been falling asleep in her food, tired from a full day of walking and playing, while Branch made a quick check on Celeste. After that they had both fallen into bed, asleep long before their heads hit fur.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It couldn't have been more than a few hours later when Branch was being rudely awoken by tiny claws tugging at his hair and a small reptilian body colliding with his. He made the effort of tugging his arm from around Poppy to bat at the Terror to leave him alone. The green Terror, Trouble as he was known, cried in his ear and redoubled his attempts to get his tamer awake. Branch groaned and after attempting to wave Trouble away again, simply pulled the furs up higher around him to ignore the tiny claws trying to drag him out of bed. He wasn't falling for whatever the dragon wanted right now, he was tired and just wanted to sleep.

Poppy stirred next to him as he wrapped his arm around her again, awoken by his fidgeting. “Wha's goin' on?” She slurred as Branch tugged her closer.

“Trouble is earning his name.” Branch growled as the Terror continued to jumped on him and yell in his ear. That's when another small weight could be felt landed on their bed and a softer cry could be heard. Oh great, now Dawn was joining in. “What!?” Branch snapped as he sat up and glared at the two dragons, “What do you two want?!”

Both squawked at him at the same time, seemingly trying to tell them something when a deeper more louder cry sounded from the direction of the stable. Branch blinked, Poppy sitting up beside him rubbing her eye, as he listened again. When the cry registered to Branch as his Night Fury calling he quickly got up with a 'It's Celeste' to Poppy before he was down out of the loft. Poppy quickly scrambled after him, shivering as the cold night air met her bare legs with the Terrors following after her. She jogged into the stable's open door and found Branch standing there in front of Celeste's pad with the Night Fury herself curled around two rocking eggs.

Celeste warbled happily now that her two humans were present for the birth of her hatchlings and went back to watching the eggs move. Branch blinked, coming out of his shock that it was happening, and sank to the floor with a sigh as he gently tugged Poppy down with him. Smiling, she scooted close and laid her head on his bare shoulder as they watched one of the eggs, the darker of the two, wobble more and more. Soon a crack formed with more quickly following before a loud crack sounded and out popped a small black form of a dragon with too big wings and floppy head fins. Poppy cooed as Celeste carefully sniffed at her hatchling as the baby Night Fury rolled around to it's feet.

Sitting up, the small dragon cocked it's head to the side as it gazed at Branch and Poppy with bright blue eyes. Curious, it clumsily climbed over it's mother's tail and approached them, nostrils moving as it took in the new smells. It looked almost identical to Celeste but there was a small patch of white scales on it's chest. The newly hatched dragon boldly came close enough to sniff at Branch's offered hand before giving a small roar and climbing over his lap. Poppy laughed as it happily climbed up Branch's chest to his shoulder before perching it's upper body happily on Branch's head and giving a victory warble.

Branch glared halfheartedly up at the it as it ran it's snout into his hair, “Really?! This is happening?” He sighed when the hatchling made no response to move.

Poppy and Celeste both laughed to Branch's dismay before Poppy held out her hand for the baby to sniff, “What do you think it is?”

“It's a boy.” Branch answered with certainty, “His build's a little different from Celeste's.” Said mother dragon crooned in agreement before turning her attention to her second egg.

Poppy returned her gaze as well, letting Branch deal with his little friend, to watch and see what the second hatchling would look like. It took a little while longer but just as Poppy was getting worried something was wrong a crack appeared on the smooth surface of the egg. The shaking got a little faster, though not as violent as the first's had been, before more cracking sounds echoed around them. Soon enough a nose broke through the shell and a small glistening white dragon fell out. Poppy cooed again as she watched Celeste tend to her newest baby as Branch laughed softly.

“So that's where she went.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?” Poppy asked, looking at Branch.

“We've come across a Light Fury a few times in the last few years. I guess Celeste decided he was worthy of becoming her mate. Though I'm surprised he hasn't been around if that's the case. I've heard Furies tend to mate for life.” He explained, petting the male hatchling as it finally settled down.

“Hmm...” Poppy hummed, “Well maybe he likes just likes to travel and knows Celeste wants to stay by you?”

Branch chuckled softly, amused by her theory, “Who knows. I may have learned a lot but even I don't know everything yet. They're still so mysterious,”

Poppy nodded and turned to look at the smaller hatchling as it cried out softly. Celeste carefully picked it up and placed it upright so it could look at Branch and Poppy. Poppy held back an excited coo, this one was almost cuter than its brother, with its bright green eyes the same shade as Celeste's, and she carefully held a hand out. The hatchling, smaller and more streamlined looking, shyly backed up before looking up its mother. Celeste carefully nudged it toward Poppy and it slowly approached, eyes watching Poppy's every move. When it was close enough, it sniffed at her palm before giving her a shy lick, which made Poppy giggle softly. Blinking, the small reptile decided her lap looked warm and carefully crawled into it, curling up and closing its eyes. Poppy's heart melted then and there and she promised herself and all the gods that she would do anything to protect this precious bundle. Well, bundles, she'd protect the little boy too of course.

“Looks like you've made a friend.” Branch said softly, the male hatchling happily gumming at his hand as he laid in his lap.

“Yeah...” Poppy gently glided her hand across its back, electing a small purr, “Tell me...is it a girl?” She thought so but she wanted to be sure.

Branch nodded, “She is.”

Poppy smiled, letting her head fall back onto his shoulder as she gazed at the small female in her lap, “They need names.” When Branch hummed in agreement, she bit her lip in concentration before smiling, a perfect name in her head. “How are about Freya? I don't think the goddess would be too offended at this beautiful little girl being named after her.”

“Fitting. Very fitting.” Branch said as Celeste rumbled her own approval. Looking down at the little Night Fury in his lap, the dark haired man made a suggestion of his own, “How about Bitey for this one?” Celeste snorted and growled her rider for the ridiculous suggestion which had Branch chuckling, “Okay, okay...How about Storm? Appropriate?”

Celeste rumbled, finding the name suitable, before climbing off her pad and curling around the two humans. Settling herself down, head beside Branch and tail curling around them, she let the two leaned back against her as they held her hatchlings. Poppy yawned and shifted slightly, feeling her eyelids grow heavy now that they excitement was over. This had been one of the best days in her life and she couldn't wait until the next year when it happened again. She felt Branch lay his head on top of hers and smiled lightly, she was getting to experience all these wonderful things because of him.

“Thank you,” She mumbled, sleepily.

“Mmm...welcome.” Branch murmured back before they settled down, safe and sound surrounded by their draconic family and each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~

BABY DRAGONS!!! Look at all that fluff, hope you all got cavities XD So yeah, it was (and is) a little hard to put Branch and Poppy into this verse as Viking's were very different from fun loving trolls but hopefully I've done alright with the little clues I put in there concerning where these two come from. Anyway, You will see more of Celeste, her babies and the Terrors in whatever future fics that are set after this one, alongside Poppy's eventual partner dragon (I'm keeping a secret until said shot, heeheehee) But here's a list just so you know who's who;

Branch's dragons; Celeste (Night Fury), Trouble (Green Terrible Terror)

Poppy's dragons: Dawn (Pink Terrible Terror)

Celeste's babies: Storm (Night Fury), Freya (Light Fury) (And don't get me wrong I love the Night Lights, I just wanted less mixed babies)

Anyway, see you all next year! (Haha, new years joke XP)

#Dreamworks Trolls #HTTYD #Branch #Poppy #Broppy #Fluff #Fanfiction #HTTYD AU #Dragons #Baby dragons #Dragon OCs #dreamworkstrolls #Human AU

11 notes · View notes

lilypad-make · 5 years ago

Text

BNHA Fanfic Recs

*wearing shades and trench coat* Do you want to read bnha fanfictions ? *opens coat* I have plenty.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20248642

Shouto leaves his window open every night, waiting for Touya to come home.

And then he gets back from training camp.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20291851

Class 1-A has a competition to see who can confuse the villains the most.

This fic is filled with memes and references and hilarious to read !

https://archiveofourown.org/series/1228076

Partway through Shouto Todoroki's first year in UA, Endeavor is outed as a domestic abuser and Shouto is taken in by the Midoriya family. This series of oneshots follows Shouto's experiences following his arrival in a home with people who aren't out to hurt him.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19943341/chapters/47223358

Hisashi Midoriya has gone through a lot, as you can probably imagine most heroes have. The difference is that nobody actually knows who The Flame Team’s leader actually is. But that doesn’t mean the stress is on sometimes. For a while, things are peaceful. Then the world decided ‘hey, why not fuck Hisashi over?’ and suddenly his world was flipped upside down. His son had a quirk, and was attending UA— and all of a sudden he’s got one of the biggest investigations he’s ever worked on courtesy of the league of villains.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19317394

Natsou and Shouto bonding ! It’s really good fic to read.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18224540

All Might and Izuku badly cover things up and Shoto gets validation for his secret love child theory.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19113469

Another Natsou and Shouto bonding fanfic , where things get a little heated up .

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15980336/chapters/37277807

Five times somebody from 1-a hugs todoroki and the one time he hugs them first

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16714774/chapters/39202621

During a clash with a world renowned villain duo, Izuku becomes overridden with guilt. He knows why, and he knows how to clear his head and take away the burden.

It's time they learned the truth.

Basically a reveal fanfic about One For All .

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15697566/chapters/36480378

"The guy living below me has a really loud alarm clock that always wakes me up at the crack of dawn." --------- It's five in the morning and Ochako may be wearing her old, faded, kind of inappropriately short pajamas, but this time it's the last straw. She's going downstairs and she's giving this jerk a piece of her mind........ Except that he's actually really friendly and sweet and Oh No He's Hot.

It’s a Quirkless!Au where superpowers doesn’t exist. It’s hilarious and fluffy read !

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15602958/chapters/36226161

Here was the thing about having the man you’ve secretly desired for most of your life in your home: it was so weird that Inko found herself reeling.

In which Inko serves coffee, protects her son and stands her ground against the most powerful person in the world.

Then she restarts her career as an artist, because if there is one thing that seeing All Might bow to you teaches you it is that you are unstoppable.

An Inko- centric fanfic , which we honestly needed. I LOVE THIS FANFIC SO MUCH !

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16210469

Another fanfic inspired by the previous one .IT’S REALLY GOOD !

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19467397

A morning commute goes horribly wrong, and Midoriya, Todoroki and Bakugou (plus multiple background OCs) get thrown into an alternate reality where quirks don't exist. With no idea how to get home, they will have to count on the world they left behind to find them, somehow. Until then, they will have to keep themselves from becoming pawns in a game with no winners.

SIMPLY AMAZING !

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17193656/chapters/40427798

When Midoriya Izuku is taken from his mother, all clues lead to All Might himself getting involved in the case. When the child is rescued after four months, he and his mother need to be put under witness protection to avoid the villain who took Izuku to retaliate against them, even while in jail; he's just THAT powerful.

But when it turns out the villain in question has a very especific reason to go after the Midoriyas, it becomes a personal matter for the Symbol of Peace to make sure they are as safe as they can be, in the most secure place in Japan: UA Hero Academy.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18192182/chapters/43032344

A family emergency calls Midoriya Hisashi and his youngest son back to Japan. Soon after, Izuku is dragged into his brother's problems and has to find a way to dig them both out. Meanwhile, Aizawa, Class 1-A, and all the other teachers can only watch from a distance. There’s only so much they can say or do to cheer up a boy grieving the death of his mother. Little do they know the cause of Izuku’s sadness is much more sinister.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18336086/chapters/43407350

It’s a fanfic where Izuku and Todoroki are fusions, not with each other , but separate.

His mother had given birth to twins - both of them frail - but the doctors did not expect them to live long. For the twins were pale and sickly, too thin and too small, to survive. But there was a solution to this problem. And they were very lucky that this solution was even available to them. For you see, Inko was a special human. It wasn't as if she wasn't human, nor was she incredibly rare - but there was something about her that distinguished her from others. Inko was part of the 40% of the population with the ability to fuse with other people. And she had passed this trait down to her twins. So the twins were to be fused - while it was commonly done so by dancing, the doctors were able to find a way to make the babies become one, to become a strong, healthy boy with curly green hair, a million freckles on his cheeks, and bright round eyes, not as bright as the girl's, but still brighter than the boy's. Not as round as the girl's, but still rounder than the boy's. He was perfect. Inko had named him Izuku.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20194165

Class 1-A has always wondered what Midoriya's quirk is.

One day in the dorms, they get their answer.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12614520

Omegas who haven't presented deal with their premature heat in different ways.

Midoriya Izuku bakes for people he loves.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8845645

Satan is a little piece of shit and he likes Bakugou Katsuki. Nobody is really surprised. ( Tokoyami gets a pet)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13527255

After the big battle between All for One and All Might, Class 1-A moves into the dorms. What is Izuku to do when he starts having nightmares about his childhood best friend being taken again, or worse, killed? There's only one person that can help him when his friends' attempts fail. Will he finally stop trying to win and instead rescue?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20169160/chapters/47785192

SPOILERS for season 4 ! What would have happened if Izuku got younger instead

*vanishes in smoke *

#boku no hero academia #bnha fanfiction #bnha fanfic recs #bnha #mha

6 notes · View notes

samwell-actually · 7 years ago

Text

Holsom Fic-Rec

Although I have my all-time favorite OMGCP fic bookmarked on my Ao3 page, I wanted to compile a master list of all of my favorite OMGCP Ao3 fic to have in one place on my tumblr. And since I’m that neurotic, I thought it might also be nice to break-up each ship as well:

Two Minutes for Holding | halfabreath One-Shot, 2k Ransom is a team physician and Holster is a referee. They first meet on the ice during a particularly physical Aces v. Falcs game.

not funny | applecrumbledore One-Shot, 9k This whole thing feels so weird, like they're betraying some clause of the homosocial bro code that says it's only for fun, you can't actually be gay, like they're letting someone down. But on the other hand, being with each other is the most natural thing they've ever done. Like a chemical reaction, or two halves of something whole, or one of those hand puzzles where the two pieces of metal are all twisted around each other, or the logical and satisfying conclusion of a really good book.

Score | emmagrant01 One-Shot, 12k Ransom and Holster like to score goals for each other, and they like to take care of each other. It was probably just a matter of time before those two things became entangled.

What I Wanted Was to Fall Asleep | halfabreath One-Shot, 5k The gods are real, which everyone knows, but when they’re not fighting among themselves they’re usually partying and humans have generally learned to accept their meddling without too much complaining. Ransom just never thought he’d actually know someone who’d been god-touched and he never, ever expected that it would be Holster. Alternatively: Holster becomes a tree.

Five Things Adam Birkholtz Learns in HDFS 332: Healthy Couple Relationships | EllyAvon Completed Multi-Chapter, 6k HDFS 332: Healthy Couple Relationships is just the night class Holster is taking with Lardo to fulfill one of his core requirements. He doesn't expect it to drastically change his life. OR: The Weirdest Healthy Relationships PSA Ever. OR: Wholesome Holsom

In a Different Frame | sunfair One-Shot, 4k Holster is determined to become somebody's boyfriend. Too bad he's kind of an idiot. He figures it out, though.

BFFWB | emmagrant01 One-Shot, 7k Ransom's schedule this semester leaves no time for a sex life. Holster has a solution for that. (Set fall 2014)

Seasonal Drinks | rhysiana Completed Multi-Chapter, 1k An AU in which Ransom and Holster never met in college. Thank goodness for the local coffee shop.

someone as good for me as you | astrolesbian One-Shot, 7k “So tell me,” Justin’s mother says, all business, “is your boy going to propose?” “What, Jack?” Justin says, and doesn’t really think much of it, because his mother eats up the details of Jack and Bitty and JackandBitty like Holster eats up rom-coms. His mother sighs, and he can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “No, baby, I meant Adam.”

what is the meaning of this? | kleinergruenerkaktus Multi-Part Series, 13k Ransom has a system, and it was working just fine before Holster came along.

There Were Fireflies | Schuyler One-Shot, 3k Holster has never been weird about shit like this before. They’ve been friends for, what? Almost a decade? And Holster has never said anything bad about guys who date other guys. Hell, they lived in a house with Jack and Bits. But Ransom goes on two dates with a guy and Holster goes ballistic.

blink back to let me know | nighimpossible One-Shot, 4k Justin is a medical student in Boston and Holster is working in New York.Things were a lot easier before they became real people.

Here’s a Man in Evenin’ Clothes | halfabreath One-Shot, 5k Ransom's estimating that they've got another 3.75 hours until the last people trickle out of the Haus. 3.75 hours, 225 minutes.Holster grins, flushed and disheveled and handsome as Justin has ever seen him, and suddenly he knows he's not going to be able to wait another 225 minutes before kissing him. Or: Epikegster toga porn

Keep It | petals42_tumbler (rosepetals42) Completed Multi-Chapter, 18k At the start of their senior year, Ransom is dating March and Holster is okay. Of course he is. Except when he's not.

cabin fever | theghostofjamespotter One-Shot, 5k “Dude. You didn’t score a single goal.” He’s beaming, chin resting on Ransom’s thigh. “And you came in like, under five minutes.” or, the forfeit fifa fic no one has asked for. just bros being bros and somehow accidentally hooking up.

How to Romance a Hockey Player | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells One-Shot, 7k After Holster comes out, Ransom needs a plan. A plan to make his best friend fall in love with him. What could possibly go wrong?

the lucky ones | screamlet Completed Multi-Chapter, 17k They made the decision to drive to Myrtle Beach when Holster found the fucking sweetest cottage near the beach.

guard/hit/hammer | halfabreath One-Shot, 2k Justin Oluransi is a gold medalist, and he has no idea what he's doing. (Ransom and Holster's first kiss happens on a tiny couch on the world's biggest stage.)

first love, late spring | lehtonen One-Shot, 12k “Right.” Ransom still looks serious, but there’s a sinister glint in his eye that Holster gloomily recognises as contemplation. “What’s in it for us?”Holster whips his head round to stare at him so fast his neck twinges in three different places. “Nothing is in it for us,” he hisses sotto voce, “or did you not hear the part where we’d be dating?”

Ransom and Holster’s Guide to Shennanigans | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells One-Shot, 8k Ransom and Holster have been together since June, but they keep it low key. Maybe even a little too low key. Shenanigans ensue because, hey, it's awfully hard for the team to set them up when they've already been dating for months.

Just bros being bros | blue_eyed, growlery One-Shot, 7k Rans and Holster have a busy semester, so they start planning their bro-time. But its not like they're dating, right?

all my time is yours as is mine | halfabreath One-Shot, 1k No one knows how long Holster's been alive. No one knows how much time Ransom has left. Everyone knows about things. Not everyone has one, but everyone that does has a different word for it. Gifts. Abilities. Talents. Purpose. Superpowers. Quirks. Most things are small, but sometimes, in very rare circumstances, they’re all encompassing and terrifying. There’s a reason Ransom and Holster call them curses.

Give a Little Bit (of Your Time to Me) | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells Completed Multi-Chapter, 21k In a world where Adam Birkholtz never went to Samwell, he loses a beer pong bet to Lardo and winds up refereeing a rec hockey game for one freshly broken-hearted Justin Oluransi. For once in his life, Justin is totally out of his league.

Adam Birkholtz's Foolproof Guide to the Perfect Birthday | akadiene One-Shot, 6k On March 28th, 2016, Justin Oluransi, co-captain of the Samwell Men’s Hockey team and love of Holster’s life, is turning 23. It's also the day Holster dies.

Always Halfway to Go | halfabreath Incomplete Multi-Chapter, 33k While at Samwell, Ransom gets a job at the Rec center teaching water aerobics. Generally his class is filled to the brim with old ladies and their husbands, so he’s shocked to arrive at class at the beginning of the semester and find Adam Birkholtz, ex-hockey player, who’s there to supplement his physical therapy with gentle cardio.Things only get more complicated from there.

Detachment Studies | Tiptoe39 Completed Multi-Chapter, 4k A soulmate doesn't always mean a lover. But it does mean an attachment that's hard when it breaks. Luckily, there's the field of detachment studies -- how to mitigate the cognitive damage done when one loses a soulmate. Ransom's going to become a specialist in the field and prove that there's life after detachment. And he's going to practice what he preaches -- by leaving his own soulmate behind.

Salt-Mates | orphan account One-Shot, 4k Losing is dog in the park, Adam Birkholtz is pretty sure he's about to experience his worst day. Until he finds his dog sat quietly with a gorgeous man on a bench, a Harry Potter book in his hand, giving a lecture to the animal about the tragedy that befell Remus Lupin. That's when things get a little bit...strange.

This is Why We’re Medical Proxies | SecretGeniusShittyKnight One-Shot, 4k Holster gets sick. Then he gets a hospital stay. Then he gets high. Then he gets a boyfriend.

pH balance | alcatraz One-Shot, 2k “I can’t believe you have a crush on a white boy who unironically wears cut-off sweatpants,” she says gleefully. “This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.”

Have We Been Boyfriends This Whole Time? | rhysiana One-Shot, 1k Post-college socializing is harder to organize than Ransom expected. Fortunately, his best bro is there for him. In every way.

Future Perfect | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells Completed Multi-Chapter, 14k WANTED: COMMITTED MONOGAMOUS COUPLES Are you and your significant other in a committed, monogamous relationship? Have you been dating for at least six months? Are you living together? If you meet these criteria (and you are at least 18 years old), you may be eligible to participate in a COMPENSATED study (up to $300) on love and decision making. Please call 617-555-7864 or email [email protected]. The moment he sees the sign, Holster knows he's struck gold. The only problem is, he and Ransom aren't technically dating. But who are romance and technicalities to stand in the way of a business scheme that's bound to go according to plan?

Tailspinners | rhysiana One-Shot, 1k In which Holster runs a literacy non-profit, Ransom is a pediatrician new to town, and Bitty is the Youth Services librarian who brings them together.

don we now our fake romances | DizzyRedhead One-Shot, 4k Justin notices that Holster is looking a little run-down. But there's no problem that their awesome broness can't solve. Right?

wanna be your romeo | leetlebird Completed Multi-Chapter, 50k Holster's always said 'fuck the lax bros,' but when he meets Ransom, a new transfer student on the lacrosse team, Holster realizes he wants to be a gentleman and date a lax bro first. (Ransom doesn't think Holster's too bad, either.) As Ransom and Holster navigate their own secret relationship, their teams band together to get Nursey and Dex to stop fighting by any means necessary - even if that means setting them up on a date. (Romeo and Juliet AU + Much Ado about Nothing AU. Dramatic misunderstandings can only be solved with One Direction, secret make-out sessions, snickerdoodles, Jerry's dates, and - finally - some communication.)

Literary Inspirations | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells Multi-Part Series, 15k The possibilities of life are infinite, but time is not. Certain things, like college years, like hockey careers, like the time for your best friend to fall in love with you, have expiration dates. Justin's just afraid he's missed his chance.

the masculinisation and romanticisation of art criticism through the framework of sports-related injuries (or, gross and beautiful) | heyfightme One-Shot, 2k ransom is a gross pre-med hockey boy. holster indulges him. art is created.

The One with All the Kissing | halfabreath One-Shot, 2k In which Holster messes up, gets way more action than he anticipates, and really is Chandler.

The New Ref | rhysiana One-Shot, 1k Ransom is the on-call emergency dentist at the Falconers' games. Holster is the new ref. Lardo and Shitty are matchmaking busybodies.

The World Still Spins | lecrivaineanonyme One-Shot, 5k Justin had first learned about the theory of paradigm shifts back in junior year during his class on the history and philosophy of science. It was just another definition for one of the short answers in the midterm exam: a fundamental change in the basic concepts of and experimental practices within a given scientific discipline. It was a benign factoid to be stored away, something to be revisited in a later essay: compare and contrast the views of Thomas Kuhn and Karl Popper on the scientific process. He hadn’t understood just how jarring such a fundamental shift could be until he broke up with Adam. (Happy ending!)

Homecoming | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells One-Shot, 10k Each December, Justin brings Holster home for Christmas. Each time, it means something new.

Division One Defense Duo To Reunite Saturday | the ghostofjamespotter One-Shot, 1k Flyers Defenseman Justin Oluransi will play against Adam Birkholtz of the Pittsburgh Penguins, for the first time since the two were college D-partners.

Bittle Birkholtz Brousins | halfabreath Multi-Part Series, 19k When Eric Bittle is 8 years old his Aunt Judy marries a Northeasterner named Jacob Birkholtz and suddenly he’s not the weirdest cousin anymore, it’s this gangly 12 year old named Adam who Did Not Want to move to Georgia and now they’re stuck in the same town together.

Bull City Blues | rhysiana Incomplete Multi-Chapter, 11k In which Ransom chooses Duke for medical school, the boys move to Durham, and Holster has to figure out what to do with his life.

One Dance | palateens Complete Multi-Chapter, 7k If he remembers any part of them making out and promptly passing out on the couch the next morning, he doesn’t mention it. Justin would rather avoid making things weird with his best friend while he’s still searching for his soulmate. She’s out there somewhere, and she’s everything he’s ever dreamed of.

The Final Rose | Tintinnabulation_of_the_Bells Incomplete Multi-Chapter, 7k Justin Oluransi quits his job and goes on the reality dating TV show The Bachelor looking to find love. It should be simple, but what he finds is nothing he (or Bachelor host Adam Birkholtz) could ever have imagined of in their wildest dreams.

#holsom #holsom fanfic #omgcp fanfic #fanfic #omgcp #omg check please #check please

105 notes · View notes

hannah-deserved-better · 4 years ago

Text

Multi Fandom Extravaganza Ch. 1

This multi fandom fic is going to be a little different than my other fics in the past in that it’s not really a plot. It’s more of a collection of one shots. Each chapter will contain a collection of small drabbles which with move the story along. These are all of my favorite characters in all of my favorite fandoms. Here are the timelines from each series.

Supernatural: Season 15, they are battling Chuck. Pairing is Castiel/Hannah/Meg.

The Legends of Drizzt: takes place after the events of the novel Exile by R. A Salvatore. Pairing is going to be Drizzt Do’Urdon/Ellifain Tuuserail

Rurounni Kenshin: Takes place sometime in season one of the anime. No romantic pairings, just a platonic bromance between Kenshin and Sanosuke.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Takes place in season seven. Pairing is Picard/Crusher

Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Takes place in season six. Pairing is Kira/Odo

Star Trek Voyager: Takes place in season seven. Pairing is Janeway/Chakotay

X-files: takes place some time in season seven. Pairing is Mulder/Scully

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Takes place sometime in season four. Pairing will be Willow Rosenburg/Charlie Bradbury from Supernatural

Hobbit: Takes place during the battle of the five armies pairings will be Fili/Original Gnome character from the Forgotten Realms series, and Kili/Original Hobbit character

Lord of the Rings: Takes place during the battle of Helm’s Deep. No pairings, just Faramir, Legolas, and Aragorn bromancing together. There may be a Faramir/Aragorn thing but we’ll see.

Note: This story is not canon in anyway. It falls somewhere between canon divergence and AU.

Note Two: I don’t own any of these characters (except Asphodel and Brenna, they come from my novel so they are mine, but I adapted them to fit into the Tolkien and Forgotten Realms verse and changed their backgrounds to fit. Everyone else belongs to their associated creators.

Note 3: No haters. This is a collection of rare-pairs for the most part. If you don’t like them, or their fandoms, then don’t read it.

Note 4: there is no real plot, I’m kinda writing as I go, letting my muse do the writing. I would love to have an idea beta, or two, or three for this so let me know if you are interested.

Warnings: There will be plenty of violence, survival themes, struggles, etc. Some of the characters have trauma, some of them start out as enemies. Some of them have violent backgrounds.

The first chapter is kinda boring, there are a lot of characters and I wanted to quickly introduce them all.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27217501/chapters/66485341

FFN: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13729681/1/Around-the-World

Chapter One: Introductions

Part One: On the shores of unknown

When Castiel woke up, his head throbbed with pain. But the sun beat down on him. As he opened his eyes, he found himself on the shores of a strange ocean; its sea-green waves crashed onto the sand as two suns hung in the air.

“When did Earth get a second sun?” the angel wondered as he got slowly to his feet, glancing around him. As he did, he noticed three other figures lying prone on the beach. Quickly, he hurried to the first one. An agile looking creature with the darkest skin Castiel had ever seen, and his long hair was a stark white color as it spread out on the sand around him.

Castiel knelt, touching the man, trying to see if he was alive. His touch provoked an immediate response, and the man, or creature, whatever he might be, was suddenly sitting up, brandishing a curved scimitar sword so quickly that Castiel nearly stumbled backward in an attempt to back away and avoid having his arm chopped off.

“Who are you!” the man demanded as he got to his feet. “Where am I?” He blinked as he gazed around at his surroundings, and Castiel was perplexed by his strange purple eyes and his pointed ears.

“I could ask those same questions,” Castiel told him as he stood in front of the man. “My name is Castiel, but I just woke up here, like you.”

“I’m Drizzt Do’Urdon,” the man stammered, as he put a hand to his head and looked around, trying to get his bearings.

“I believe we are all in the same predicament,” came another voice. Castiel glanced at the other two men. One appeared to be an Asian man with slightly feminine features. He was short and slim. He wore a burgundy men’s kimono with white hakama pants. His red hair was pulled into a ponytail.

The other man almost looked artificial. He looked as though his face had been sculpted out of clay. He wore a strange tan and yellow uniform jumpsuit.

“I gather that we aren’t on Earth,” Castiel surmised as he glanced around at the strange faces. Of course, he was wearing his usual beige trench coat and blue tie, but he doubted any of them suspected he wasn’t human.

The clueless looks on all of their faces most likely mirrored his own. Castiel wondered if maybe this might be one of Chuck’s other worlds. It concerned him, considering that Chuck was busy destroying all of his worlds one by one. This one didn’t seem to be in any danger at the moment.

“I believe we should introduce ourselves,” Castiel told his companions. “And then we can try to find out where we came from and how to get back.”

“Where I am makes no difference, I suppose,” The samurai responded. “I’m only a wanderer, after all. I do have friends I would like to get back to, however. You can call me Kenshin.”

“I’m Constable Odo,” said their last companion. Castiel turned his attention to Odo. He glanced at him curiously, and he explained. “I am a shapeshifter. I’m afraid I don’t do faces very well.”

“Shapeshifter,” Castiel pondered that. He had no reason to doubt that these people were who they said they were even if he had no idea what sort of beings they were. They all seemed to be from different worlds, perhaps even other realms altogether. “Well, you should all be aware that I am an angel, although I’m afraid I don’t have my wings.”

“I’m only a samurai,” Kenshin replied. “Just a wandering swordsman.”

“I am a drow,” Drizzt explained as he put his blade away. Castiel noted that Drizzt and Kenshin were both armed with swords. Kenshin wore a long katana on his waist while Drizzt wore two scimitars, one on each side of his belt.

Drizzt wore his thick white hair long and flowing. As the wind picked up, his hair danced around him. He wore a thick green cloak, high boots, and a unicorn bone carving around his neck.

With the introductions concluded, Castiel looked towards the treeline of what looked like a forest. A small stream appeared to be flowing across the sand towards the waves.

“I think if we follow this stream, we may find some clues,” he suggested.

“I could just fly out and see if I can see anything,” Odo suggested. Castiel nodded, feeling envious. He missed his wings.

Odo quickly morphed into a bird and took off soaring high above the trees. Castiel glanced at the others as they all waited for Odo to return. He could tell that these two both had stories to tell, and he thought maybe their being here was no coincidence. Perhaps he was connected to them somehow. He hoped he would find out soon.

Part Two: A desolate town

Hannah found herself lying in the middle of what appeared to be some sort of convenience store. It seemed to be abandoned, the rows of paper products and candy had been scattered about the floor, and the glass refrigerating walls containing various beverages were all smashed in. Hannah thought maybe there had been a struggle here, and the eerie quiet kept her on her guard.

She’d spend so long in the endless darkness that was the empty. She had endured the moans and cries of dead angels and demons as they called out into the darkness. Their sorrows, their regrets, she wished they could all be silent.

But in an instant, she was dropped from the empty and left here on Earth. She had no idea why or how, only that she was an angel again. Glancing around her, she heard what sounded like voices outside. Carefully, she walked through the glass and debris towards the door.

The sun was bright and hot as she stepped out onto what appeared to be the concrete surface, which seemed to be a gas station. It looked so much like the many way-stations she and Castiel had visited that she almost expected to see him standing there, or perhaps leaning on his vehicle.

But he wasn’t there. Instead, Hannah found three women standing in front of the gas pumps, chattering to one another. They all glanced over, and one of them quickly produced what Hannah assumed was a weapon.

“Who are you?” the woman wearing a red jumpsuit and pointing a strange weapon at Hannah demanded. She wore short red hair, and as Hannah came closer, she noticed the strange markings on her nose.

“I’m an angel,” Hannah replied softly, holding her hands up as the three of them walked up to her. One of them appeared to be a child, being of much shorter stature, but as she got closer, Hannah could see she wasn’t a child at all, though she appeared young. She had thick curly red hair, large pointed ears, and she was barefoot.

“An angel?” the third woman was a petite red-haired woman wearing a business suit and a long dark trench coat. Hannah seemed to fit in the most with her, as she wore her grey blazer, dark blue shirt, and jeans. “Even Mulder wouldn’t believe that.”

Hannah felt confused. “I don’t know who Mulder is, but I assure you, I am telling the truth,” she insisted. “My name is Hannah; I am an angel of the lord.”

“Prove it,” the woman insisted, crossing her arms across her chest and raising a brow. Hannah frowned as she realized her powers were weakened. The return from the empty must have drained her. But she gathered what strength she had and focused on a newspaper stand, and suddenly, it burst into flames.

Hannah was quick to put the fire out, and when she turned to the women, they all looked impressed and bewildered. “Is that enough for your approval?” she asked. The red-haired woman nodded.

“I’m special agent Dana Scully,” the woman introduced herself, coming forward, her eyes wide as she looked Hannah over. “I can’t believe I am meeting an angel.”

“My powers are weakened,” Hannah explained, and she glanced at the others. “I assume you all have names as well?”

The taller of the two nodded. “Kira Nerys,” Kira introduced. “I’m a Bajoran. I don’t exactly have any powers.”

“And I’m Asphodel Breeswillow. I’m a Hobbit of the shire,” said the short young woman. “This world is so strange. I knew I shouldn’t have wandered too far from home.”

“We will find our way back to where we belong,” Hannah assured her. “If we work together.” Hannah wasn’t sure of her own words. She didn’t know where they were or where they had all come from. And she wasn’t all that familiar with Earth anyway. But she sensed all these women were reasonable, and maybe with their help, they would all be able to find familiarity.

Part three: Cave of Wonders

Beverly Crusher had thought she had gone to bed in her own quarters on the Enterprise last night, but when she woke up, she was anywhere but.

It didn’t take her long to learn that she was in a cave and that her companions were as lost as she was. Faramir, captain of Gondor, Meg, a demon, and Ellifain, a pretty black-haired elf, had all been close by when she opened her eyes.

The mouth of the cave they were in was wide, and it provided adequate shelter for the insufferable heat. But as the four of them ventured outside into the vast grassy plains, which seemed to stretch on forever, they had little protection. The suns above them were relentless.

“This seems to be a binary system,” Beverly commented as she walked through the tall grass. “Whoever transported us must be nearby.”

“I will be returned to the Moonwoods so I can complete my quest,” Ellifain demanded as she gripped her longbow.

“What kind of quest are you on, Milady?” Faramir asked as they all walked close to one another. They were all strangers, but every Starfleet survival training course she’d ever taken had always emphasized the importance of working with others.

And in her travels, Beverly had encountered so many different species; these beings and their diverse cultures didn’t feel too strange to her. Though given Faramir and Ellifain’s clothing and attire, Beverly worried that she had stumbled upon a pre-warp society.

“I’m on a quest for vengeance,” Ellifain explained angrily. “I was hunting him before I was brought him; I must find his trail again.”

“Ooh vengeance, eh?” Meg, the demon lifted a brow. “Sounds sexy. Do tell more.”

“It is not anyone’s concern but my own,” Ellifain retorted as she stormed ahead of them. “And I do not need anyone’s help.”

“I don’t think we should go too far from the cave,” Beverly spoke up as she came to a stop in the grass and turned back towards the direction they had come. A line of towering mountains loomed before them in that direction; the cave had been carved into the rock. “We might need the shelter. The heat can be dangerous.”

“I think she is correct, Milady,” Faramir said politely as he reached out and brushed a hand on Ellifain’s shoulder. The intense glare told Beverly that the elf didn’t approve of the touch. “We don’t know where we are. You may have to put your vengeance on hold for now.”

Ellifain seemed to think about that for a moment and then reluctantly agreed. Beverly was relieved. The cave was much cooler.

Part Four: Forest brook

Kathryn Janeway found the babbling of the brook comforting as she and her three companions sat on its banks, trying to decide on their course of actions.

It didn’t take long for them to understand that they weren’t where they ended up. They all seemed to have similar stories. They were minding their own business, going about their lives, when they’d all woken up here on this strange planet. Their only belongings had been what had been on them at the time.

Janeway was in her uniform, but as she had been off duty at the time and in her quarters, she was unarmed, and she wished she had a tricorder. She did have her communicator, but it seemed to have been damaged.

As she sat on a rock, trying to fix her communicator, the women around her tried to figure out their next course of action.

“My phone isn’t getting any reception,” Charlie Bradbury said as she turned the device over in her hand, flipping her red hair over her shoulder. Willow Rosenberg, who had claimed she was a college student from California, sat beside her, trying to operate her own phone. The two of them seemed to be from the same world- or same time perhaps, as their sense of fashion seemed similar. They both wore jeans and t-shirts. They had also revealed something significant. That they were from Earth… but not the Earth Janeway had been hoping for. 300 years ago.

The fourth woman had been a very short-statured young woman with a brazen attitude. Brenna was a gnome from the north, at least that is what she had told them all. But she was quick to bark orders at everyone; her sharp tongue seemed to make up for her short stature tenfold.

“If we follow the river, it might lead us to a village,” she explained as she perched on a rock and put her hands in her lap. “They could at least tell us where we are.”

“If there are other people on this planet, we don’t want to startle them,” Janeway explained calmly. “And some of my crew may have ended up here; I want to get my communicator fixed. They’d at least be able to pick up my signal.

“I don’t care for strange human devices,” Brenna sneered. “I was about to lead my people on a caribou hunt; I must return.”

“Oh, poor Rudolph,” Willow commented quickly as she glanced up from her phone. “Caribou are so cute.”

Brenna shrugged. “My people have lived off of them for as long as we have lived in the north,” she replied. And Janeway noted that she was wearing thick animal hides and furs, no doubt to keep her warm in the cold climate which she had described.

It was then that as Janeway used a long hair clip to manipulate the controls in her communicator, everyone heard the familiar chirp. Eagerly, Janeway opened the comm, knowing it was a long shot.

“This is Captain Kathryn Janeway to anyone who is in range,” she spoke into the communicator as Willow and Charlie watcher her curiously. “Does anyone read my signal?”

“Kathryn?” came a familiar voice through the communicator. Janeway smiled with relief at the sound of Chakotay’s voice.

“Chakotay, where are you?” she asked, “I don’t know how I ended up on this planet, but I’m not alone.”

“Neither am I, Captain,” came Chakotay’s static-filled answer. “We’re in some sort of farmhouse in the middle of a pasture. We all just woke up here.”

Janeway frowned. Did Chakotay end up stranded on this planet too? They had to find each other. “I’m in a forest, near a stream,” she reported. “Stay where you are; we’ll try to make it out of here and try to find you. You must not be far.”

“We’ll do what we can, Chakotay out.” The comm disconnected, but Janeway felt a whole lot better knowing there was at least someone she was familiar with on this planet, and the comm signal told her that they weren’t too far away.

“How are you even getting service?” Charlie asked as she held her phone in her hand. “I’m not getting anything.”

Janeway didn’t know how to explain. The archaic-looking device looked primitive compared to her comm. “Futuristic technology,” she explained as she got to her feet. “Come on, we have to find Chakotay, and with any luck, we will be able to find Voyager.”

With that, the four of them headed along the river. None of them knew where they were going, and Janeway hoped that they were heading in the right direction and not further away from Chakotay.

Part Five: Desolate plains

Fili was glad that when he had woken up, his brother had been there—seeing Kili there beside him looking as confused and lost as he had made him feel better about their situation, precarious though it was.

But now, they were in real trouble. The two of them and their two companions- a human named Fox Mulder and a human named Sagara Sanosuke- had found themselves in the middle of a prairie, and it seemed to go on forever.

The suns were becoming dangerous. Fili was so thirsty, and beads of sweat trickled down his face as he pressed on. They had to keep going, he told himself. There had to be relief for them somewhere.

“Brother,” Kili groaned as he stumbled along. “I… I can’t.” Fili turned and grabbed him before he fell. Kili gasped as he gazed up at his brother.

“Come on, brother, we have to keep going,” Fili insisted as Mulder and Sanosuke turned toward them. “We’ll find something soon.”

“Hey, I think I see something,” Sanosuke spoke up as he turned to gaze out towards the horizon. “It might be a town.”

Fili groaned. “It’s probably a mirage,” he suggested as he pulled Kili to his feet, and the four of them started walking again. “I am sure this prairie must go on forever.”

“We should head in that direction anyway,” Mulder said as he draped his trenchcoat over his head, shielding his head from the relentless suns.

Fili let out a breath as he complied. His legs felt like lead as he concentrated on stumbling along as Kili followed him. He worried about the battle that the two of them had left behind.

“Do you think Uncle held the mountain against Azog?” Kili stammered, voicing Fili’s thoughts. Fili couldn’t be sure. And he wasn’t even sure this wasn’t the afterlife. He remembered Azog grabbing him; he remembered the fiery pain as he felt the orc’s blade enter his body. He was prepared to die; he thought he was going to die.

And then… he woke up here in the middle of this field with Kili and two strangers who were dressed very strangely.

“I don’t know, Kili,” Fili said after a pause. “I hope so.”

All Fili knew is that no matter what happened, he had to look after his brother. He didn’t know if he could trust Sanosuke with his strange spikey hair or Mulder with his strange black coat, but they seemed as lost as the dwarves were and Fili felt compelled to follow them towards the horizon.

Part Six: desolate farm

Chakotay finished inspecting the farmhouse he had woken up in. It felt as though it had been there for ages. There were no signs of life except for the three he had woken up close to—two men from Middle Earth, and Captain Jean-Luc Picard whom Chakotay only knew by reputation.

“We found human remains,” Chakotay glanced up from his communicator after he ended his conversation with Janeway. He felt so relieved to hear Kathryn’s voice, and to know that she was here somewhere on this planet made him feel a lot better.

But when he turned to see Picard, he focused on the tasks at hand. “Remains?” he repeated as he followed the captain along. He found Legolas and Aragorn out behind the house in the rocky pasture field; they seemed to be examining the bodies.

“They have been dead for far too long,” the blonde-haired elf explained as Chakotay looked at the skeletons lying in the dirt. “Perhaps years.”

“They must have been the previous inhabitants of this place,” Chakotay surmised as he turned to look at the farmhouse. They had examined the interior already. It was a large house in an advanced state of decay. The wood was rotting, the furniture inside and the rugs had all turned to mold and dust. The glass windows were broken in. The wood had been in such bad shape that none of them would risk venturing upstairs to inspect the rooms. At the ground level, they had found an old antique kitchen with a wood-burning stove and furnishing that looked as though they belonged in the 19th century.

Chakotay was curious to explore this place, being that he enjoyed archaeology. He had learned quickly that Picard shared that particular interest with him, and the two had set about trying to determine what kind of people these long-gone inhabitants were and how they lived.

“They may have died of old age,” Chakotay suggested. Legolas and Aragorn knew one another from whatever world they had come from; they claimed they had been in a battle before they arrived here. And their simple hide leather outfits seemed to fit the part.

“I got ahold of Captain Janeway,” Chakotay reported to Picard. “She’s on this planet, in a forest somewhere. I suggest we wait here for her.”

“There seemed to be little else to do in any case,” Picard agreed. “Except look for more clues about the people who lived here.” As Chakotay watched, Picard pulled out his tricorder, scanning for any clue to where they are. Chakotay felt relieved that at least one of them had been equipped with a tricorder before being brought here.

“I am reading other life forms,” Picard explained. “More than a dozen humanoid life signs within a 10-mile radius. It’s hard to get a clear reading here, and I am picking up a faint federation signature coming from north of here; it's heading in our direction.”

“That has to be Captain Janeway,” Chakotay said. He didn’t know who these other life forms could be; they were all too far away for anyone to see. But many of them were heading in their direction, so Chakotay could only hope that they will be friendly.

0 notes

karenhikari · 8 years ago

Text

The Ones Who Wander-1. A Place to Stay

Alright folks, I came back from the dark abyss of school to invite you over to this advernture. I know, you're probably asking what I'm talking about. Well, you see, the chapter you're about to read is the first one to a massive story.

If you've been my reader before (which I'd be very thakful about) you'll know that I rarely write long-fics and, well... this is going to be the exception to the rule: this story will be humongous work, so I thought I'd let you know.

Also, I can't promise I'll update constantly or that I'll have a schedule for it, because once vacations are over I'll become a hostage to school. I mean, that's just how it goes for me.

What I can promise, though, is that I won't abandon this story. You see, these are my children and I am very, very excited to start this, so please rest assured that I will finish it. I'm so completely in love with this story and the character growth you'll see through it that I don't think I can properly express how thrilled I am to share it with you and I really hope you'll love it as much. I'm pretty sure you will because there will be a little of everything and a litle for everyone, so here it goes.

I'll try to post as many chapters as humanly possible while I am still enjoying summer vacations, so please feel free to suscribe and bookmark.

Now, to make this story possible I needed the help of some people. First of all, I want to give a huge shoutout to geminalupus, who has kindly promised to keep up with me and who will be the official beta for this story.

There's also a very special friend of mine who was part of the behind-the-scenes work and helped through the planning, the drafting, the research and the whole bunch of headcanons that will become canon for this story... Hotema, shoutout for you!

And last but not least my very best freind in the whole world, my first beta ever and a huge support in every aspect of my life, Cris, will also be helping me through this, so if you actually like this story you have these people to thank to, because they're the ones making it awesome.

PS: this story won't be taking in account neither the second book nor the second movie because, when the planning for this monster began we didn't even know if we'd get another movie, so... Yeah, I've been planning this for more than a year, you know why I'm so excited now.

Alright, after this very long introduction all I can do now is step aside and let you enjoy...

Ginny Gothel was used to a lot of things. For starters, she was used to the sour coffee of the goblins that always left her with a bitter taste dancing in her lips, to the winter-y coldness that took possession of the island during all four of the seasons despite the scorching sun above them, to the feeling of an empty stomach, not only because there was not much to eat in the Isle but, more importantly, because she still held on to the mild hope that, one day, if she was thin enough, made up enough, graceful enough, Gothel would turn to look at her. Talk about heedless thinking.

Of course, living in the Isle of the Lost one had to get used to some things.

However, there was one thing that she would never, try as she might, get used to, and that was Gothel ways. The reason for it was simple and no, it was not that she was not yet ready to accept the fact that Gothel would never change. It was the complete opposite: what made it impossible for her to learn and resign herself to her so-called mother's ways was the fact that they kept changing.

At the moment, all Ginny wanted was to get her out of her hair. Literally.

"It's time, it's finally time!" That's what had woken her up, just before Gothel's long fingers found their way to her curls and dragged her out of the heap of dirty rags she called her bed.

"What are you talking about? You're hurting me!" Ginny screamed back at her, trying to make her mother let go of her hair. Old as she was, Gothel had a strong grip and, what was more, a crazed gleam in her eyes that had only worsened with the years she'd spent in the Isle.

"Ha! It's finally time, finally time! After sixteen years of being trapped with you, useless child, I'll finally get a chance to come out of this place and be young again!"

"What are you talking about, Gothel? It won't work, let me go!"

"Sixteen years, but it will be over soon, very soon!"

"It won't work, let me go!" Ginny repeated, already feeling tears prickle in the bottom of her eyes.

This wasn't something out of place, dare she thought about it that way. Gothel had been "working" on a way to leave the Isle long before she was even born, though those last "sixteen years" Ginny had become nothing other than her guinea pig. Well, that and the one responsible for her stretch marks and even more premature aging process. Not that Ginny would have been born to her if she'd had been given the option.

"This is stupid, Gothel, let me go!" Ginny cried, knowing full-well that it was stupid to try to reason with her mother, but knowing, as well, that she was not above it.

"I've waited long enough, idiot child!" Gothel laughed, her iron grasp around Ginny's locks seeming tighter to the girl once she stopped fighting back and allowed her mother to haul her out of their deteriorated hut.

This wouldn't work, Ginny knew that. The barrier wouldn't come down even if she bled to death and her hair was cut and washed away by the sea. No, Gothel wouldn't become younger even if she bathed in Ginny's tears and she transfused Ginny's 'purer' blood into her body. And she had tried all of those things.

No matter what Gothel did, Ginny wouldn't become a blonde, willowy girl with huge emerald eyes and a hair so long it wouldn't fit in their shack.

No, all Ginny had to offer to her mother was a skinny daughter with waist-long curly hair and chestnut eyes. All she was could be summarized in raven hair and 'not enough.'

Yet, Gothel wouldn't stop trying to get her 'poor flower' back. She wouldn't, for the life of her, accept the fact that beautiful, innocent Rapunzel was gone and all that was left behind to replace her was the maiden she was dragging towards the woods, the maiden with eyes darkened with blood and sleepless nights.

"Hickory, oak, pine and weed, bury my heart underneath those trees*," Gothel started chanting, unheeding of Ginny's huffs. "And when a southern wind comes to raise my soul, spread my spirit like a flock of crows."

"It won't work!" Ginny shouted once again. "You will never see Rapunzel again!"

That was when Gothel's fingers let go of the girl's hair, and despite the fact that Ginny had thought that to be the one thing she desired, the gesture wasn't as she'd pictured it―instead of simply letting her free, Gothel shoved her against the trunk of a tree. Before Ginny even had time to scream in pain, Gothel's jeweled fingers were already in her cheek, the strike of her slap strong enough to make Ginny's neck crack as it was forcefully turned.

"You have no right to speak her name!" Gothel roared. "My baby is out there, living with thieves and monsters and meanwhile I'm trapped in this dumpster with you and your pitiful attempt of being her!"

"I will never be like her!" Ginny managed through the blood that dripped from her mouth.

"That I know," her mother spat, gripping the neck of Ginny's dress so she could pull her closer to her as she spoke. "And that is why I need to get rid of you to get her back."

Gothel was crazy, that was all Ginny knew for sure. She became crazier by the second and nothing, magical, medical or mundane would give her back the sanity she had lost centuries in the past.

"Old heat from raging fire, come and light my eyes. Summer's kiss thru electric wire, but I'll never die!"

Ginny had heard that song a thousand times, as seasons changed, as she became older, and it could only mean one thing: Gothel had come up with another way to reach immortality and de-age, which, in return, could only mean one thing―Gothel had a plan to torture her so she could recover her own youth.

"It won't work, it won't work, it won't work," Ginny whispered, a plea so notorious in her voice it would have been painful, had they not been in the Isle of the Lost. Gothel, however, had long in the past turned a deaf ear to whatever her daughter said.

Ginny closed her eyes and let her tears run down her cheeks freely, careful, nonetheless, of biting the inside of her cheek to prevent a scream from coming out once the pain began. She didn't get to see the dagger that shimmered in Gothel's hand, neither did she take note of her mother's triumphant smirk. What she did feel, though, was the acute end of the weapon as Gothel stabbed her chest.

"Sycamore, ash moss and loam, wrap your roots all around my bones. And when they come for me, when they call my name, cast my shadow like a bellow's flame."

She didn't have time to cry in pain before Gothel made her next movement: dragging the knife across her skin, first vertically, then horizontally, up again and then from left to right, as if she were marking something, typecasting it into a squared box of blood and flesh.

True to her word, Ginny didn't scream, and it wasn't only because she had a reputation to live up to, but rather, because she was too horrified to even utter a witness to the agonizing convulsion that pierced through her body.

"You can bury my body, but I'll never die! Hickory, oak, pine and weed, bury my heart underneath those trees."

"M-Mother…." Ginny managed through her trembling lips, surprised even in her state that Gothel didn't correct her.

Gothel, to not break the habit, ignored her and continued with her newly invented ritual, this time, letting go of the dagger, which fell, blood-stained and harmless, to the ground before her fingers, with nails so long they seemed a crow's claws, entered the ensanguined cavity she had just created in Ginny's chest.

To be honest, the girl didn't even feel the pain anymore, she didn't force herself to choke down sobs or a plea for mercy. What she did feel, however, was the warm liquid that exited her chest and was soon tainting her torn-up dress with a bright red, brighter than Ginny had ever seen, warmer than she had ever felt.

It was only a few seconds before Gothel found what she had been looking for and, with hands that dripped blood and vengeance, took Ginny's still-beating heart out of her chest.

"Sixteen long years, that's how much I've waited for this!" the old hag laughed, bringing the blood-soaked organ to closer to her face. "Sixteen years with you, a useless nobody, tugging at my sleeve and twenty years of torture away from the mainland! That's how much I've waited!"

Thunder roared in the distance, and either Ginny's vision was clouding or there was really something magical in Gothel's actions, as the unforgiving sun of the Isle was suddenly covered by a veil of clouds as gray as her mother's hair.

"M-Mother, please…" Ginny let out in a shaky whisper, knowing full-well, that Gothel would ignore her. It didn't matter, she would think later, since her voice had been so low she couldn't even remember if she'd actually said the words or just thought about them.

She must have been delirious, Ginny thought as she saw Gothel prepare to chew on the heart that she taken out from her body, heart that she could still feel beating loudly in her ears, heart that, if the crimson lines that marred her vision didn't deceive her, was still connected to her body.

The ground started shaking. Cracking. Disappearing.

Who knew, Ginny thought dizzily, perhaps it had worked. Perhaps, this time, her mother's spell had finally worked. And through all of it, the only thing that she was certain of was that, be it that Gothel recovered her long-lost beauty or not, at least, at least it would be too late for her. She wouldn't recover from the gap in her chest or the blood loss. At least, for her, it would be over.

Soon, soon enough, in a jiffy, and what an irony it was that she thought of her death in so mundane words.

Suddenly, there was a scream in the distance. Or had it been close to her?

Numbly, Ginny opened the eyes she hadn't noticed she'd closed and was even more flabbergasted than she was already at the bizarre sight that greeted her: a humanoid blue figure towering over her mother, boney fingers making wide gestures.

"And I've spent twenty years listening to you idiot mortals lament over what you lost when that stupid beast put you here!" the newcomer exclaimed in disgust.

Whatever her mother answered ―if she even did― was lost for Ginny. In fact, she must have lost conscience all together, because the last thing she recalled thinking was: he must be Hades, Lord of the Dead.

And, by her train of thought, that could only mean one thing―she was, as she had predicted and even desired, dead. Dead, there was no more to it. No more scolding from her mother, no more cuts, no more anything. She was dead. Funny, Hades was another villain and through her hazed state all she could think of him was that he was her savior.

Hades, despite having spent the last twenty years trapped in the Isle like all the other villains, was rarely seen. He didn't like to mix with those commoners. Dirty mortals, that's what he called them.

"Oi, girl, do you plan to lay there the whole day or stand up?" a murmuring voice questioned her limp body. Ginny didn't even stir, so Hades sighed. Mortals.

Tracing the girl's sweaty forehead with his ice-cold fingers, he finally managed to make her eyelids flutter. As soon as Ginny's eyes focused on him the scream she had been swallowing for oh-so long found its ways through her lips.

"What are you doing?" she let out hoarsely as she tried to gather the rags of her torn dress and cover her breasts with it.

"Oh, no fancy introductions?" Hades smiled with his pointy teeth. "No 'Oh, lord Hades, I am so fortunate to have you here, thank you for saving my life'?" he questioned. "It's a shame, you mortals are losing your manners."

"What do you want?"

"Quite some things, actually. To get out of here, to conquer Olympus, to see my wife, but then again, none of them can be granted by you, can they?"

"What?"

"Oh, girl, how is it you're called? Gin?"

Numbly, she nodded, despite the fact that no one had ever called her that. She had always been Ginny, nothing more, nothing less.

"Alright, so, Gin, if I wanted to take away your innocence and your ephemeral life, don't you think I would have done so already?" he inquired, pointing at something in the ground.

That was when Ginny noticed it―the unconscious body of her mother, sprawled on the dry grass as an open wound on her head bleed.

"G-Gothel!" she whispered. "Is she… is she…"

"Dead?" Hades offered. "Ha! She is as dead as you are, and by that I mean very much alive!" He laughed, nudging Ginny's side as if to question why she wasn't cracking with laughter as well.

"What did you do to her, you monster?"

"Oh, here's what I get for saving your life," Hades said, a smile much more sinister than the one he'd sported until then plastering his lips. "This is why I'm not a hero, it would have been much easier to let you die, if you prefer that I can disappear and leave you to the tender mercies of your progenitor."

"What?" Ginny uttered. And that was when she remembered―the dagger, the knife, the blood. Forgetting about her inhibitions, she stopped trying to cover her naked breasts and instead dropped what was left of her dress to inspect her wound.

There was dry blood prickling at her skin and some of the liquid was still warm in the fabric of her skirt, but, where she should have had a deep gap and an empty chest all that was left was a scar. A prominent, notorious, worm-like scar but she supposed that was better than bleeding to death.

"You did this," she let out, more a statement than it was a question.

"Wrong again, sweet pie, I didn't do that," Hades laughed. "I put your mother to sleep, but you? You're not my problem."

"Then how…Why?"

"Oh, sweet children like you don't stand a chance in the outside world, do you?" he continued. He had a smile that made Ginny uneasy, and not precisely because it was vicious, but rather because it looked almost… nice. Kind. Those were not things you encountered in the Isle. Suddenly, his snicker turned darker. "The barrier around us does not only keep magic out. Far from it, there's magic inside the Isle as well, though it's not one we can bend and use, it has specific instructions. For example, no one can die inside the Isle. How else do you think you children haven't died after your parents drink too much? How else do you imagine villains haven't killed each other in a battle to gain power."

"What?"

"But, darling, I'm a god, and the silly magic the fairies possess is no match to my powers. Fairies die, gods do not, girl, remember that," Hades continued, not paying attention to Ginny's interruption, much like Gothel had done. "The barrier, however, is becoming weaker. Soon enough, there won't be a barrier anymore. Strange things are happening in Auradon, and it's just a matter of time before they start happening here as well. Hide from Gothel, there's nothing more she can take from you and don't trust I'll have your back a second time. Hide and wait for whatever will happen to happen. This will be over, and despite the fact that I cannot see the future, I foresee it won't be as bad as you expect."

"What?" Ginny whispered, her head throbbing.

The earlier fog seemed to reappear as her mind whirled, the forest around her seeming to tilt on its axis as she tried to comprehend all she'd been told. The barrier? Weakening? One day… to fall? That was… that couldn't happen. Thinking it could would be like hoping the sun would fall off the sky or that one day her mother would start treating her like the queens from Auradon's corny shows did their daughters. It was, simply, something that wouldn't happen.

"What are you waiting for, girl? An invitation," Hades taunted, the sand under his feet turning to a blueish smoke that was soon swallowing his figure completely. "Get out of here, Gin, before I regret having come out of my house for you."

Ginny ran. She didn't remember raising to her feet, she couldn't conjure the last image she'd seen of Hades or of her mother. She ran, that was all she knew. And in the distance, louder than the waves crashing on the shore, all she could hear was Hades' maniacal laugh.

She arrived to the place she'd called her house and packed. She changed her dress and tried to wash the blood away. She tried not to flinch whenever the wound in her chest sent waves of pain through her back and arms.

The only place she could think of to "hide" was the old church of the Isle. The fact that they had an emaciated replica of the Cathedral of Notre Dame had been hilarious until then, mostly because the majority of villains were god-less and the their descendants didn't want anything to do with a compassionate god when they had only known the opposite of that in their lives.

She didn't arrive to the cathedral, panting, because of what it represented to the believers. She only went there because Claudine Frollo, the only girl she had some kind of relationship with, lived there.

They weren't friends, of course, there were no friends in the Isle of the Lost, but they had spoken a handful of times and she had defended Claudine from the Gastons on a couple of occasions. Claudine had fed her in return.

This time, Ginny didn't want food, she didn't even want clean water. All she would ask for was a place to stay.

Well... this is the first chapter and I am so eager to know what you think,oh my gods!

Okay, first things first, the * goes for the song. It actually exists and, of course, I didn't write it. This was "I Will Never Die" by Delta Rae. I absolutely love the band and you should too because they're amazing.

Also, I have a confession to make: I'm as passionate about reading fanfiction as I am about writing it and my favorite story for this fandom is "Nothing In This World But Myself to Protect Me" by thatoneshippyblog. If you can check out this account and read that story, please go ahead and do it. If by any chance you end up enjoying my fic, then I beg you go and check hers out because, really, I'm no match when it comes to that story.

And I am giving you this long-winged paragraph about that story not only because it's flawlessly written, but also because it's so wonderful that my mind has immediatly taken some of the things written there as facts. One of them is the idea of the magical barrier keeping magic inside too so the villains didn't kill each other. I'm sure there will be a lot of other details like that that I won't really remember are not canon, so... this time I can point you out to the master mind behind it, I'm not sure if I'll be able to tell apart canon from thatoneshippyblog later, and that's why I want to apologize and to let you know that, if you want to separate thatoneshippyblog from Karen and canon you must read that story.

This is all for now and I'll post the second chapter as soon as I can!

I really hope you enjoyed!

#Descendats #Long as hell fic #Hurt-comfort #Mal #Yeah #everyone in Disney #Love #Abuse #Healing

3 notes · View notes

ghtlovesthg · 8 years ago

Text

Rethg 1&2: My misconceptions

One of the things I love about rethg is that revisiting the books never fails to unearth misconceptions I’ve formed about the world of Panem. I tend to write canon divergent fics, a pursuit that necessitates lots of fact-checking with the series. And even so, every time I reread, I’m always shocked to discover how much I’m assuming or distorting. These might not be a surprise to you, but the first two chapters had lots of details that were a surprise to me:

"tuck my long dark braid up into a cap” - starting out with the obvious. This was mentioned last rethg, but I’m still totally blown away that I never noticed Katniss keeps her hair tucked up into a cap when hunting. My entire mental image of quintessential ‘Katniss in the forest’ is totally wrong.

"Let’s fish at the lake” - I’ve discussed this with some folks before, but I always assumed there was just one lake Katniss visited - the lake, which her father loved. Katniss describes it as being so personal and special to her, and the decision to bring Gale there so monumental, that somehow I got the idea it was the only lake nearby. It’s certainly the only one I’ve written about, or ever read about, in THG fic. And yet, I also knew that Gale and Katniss fished and collected strawberries on Reaping day. I somehow just erased the first lake from my recollection.

“The few of us who hunt” and “a few brave souls sneak away into the woods to harvest apples.” Ages ago, I remember being so startled to realize that Katniss and Gale are not the only ones going in the woods - it’s not surprising that others would venture just past the fence if food is within sight. What I didn’t recall is Katniss indicating there are other hunters in Twelve. No matter how you look at it, a “few” indicates more individuals than just she and Gale. There are a lot of desperate people, and a lot of woods to share. It makes sense that there would be others out there, and it opens up all sorts of interesting fic possibilities.

“The square’s surrounded by shops, and on public market days, especially if there’s good weather, it has a holiday feel to it.” If anyone is guilty of overusing the Harvest Festival in fics, it is me. It’s like my cure-all plot device. How else am I supposed to believably throw Peeta and Katniss together in Twelve and be even slightly upbeat about their surroundings? The hard part is that it only happens once each year, and I have to make sure my story is set in the correct season to utilize it. Oh wait, there was a simple way all along - a public gathering in the Square where Seam and Merchant folks both go to trade and interact, that even has a positive atmosphere. Oh, and no need to engineer the entire story around one event at ‘harvest time’ - these public market days can occur whenever and however often you want. Face palm.

“the small merchant class that caters to officials, peacekeepers, and the occasional Seam customer” - In my head, I somehow got the idea that the Capitol exerted its influence on Twelve from afar, by virtue of the peacekeepers alone. I assumed that aside from times like the reaping or the victory tour, where Capitolites would travel to the districts to perform necessary roles, public officials were from the districts themselves. But that doesn’t make much sense. The business of monitoring, documenting, and punishing an entire nation of people, let alone overseeing that oppressive policies are implemented as they are decreed, would take any number of individuals loyal and sympathetic to the Capitol. It would have to be done on a district level, but people from the district could not be trusted in those capacities. I always thought of the peacekeepers as the proxies for the Capitol, and they are - but only when it comes to enforcement. There must be a whole population of officials, as Katniss says, in each district. And from her statement, we can see that in Twelve, they are clearly neither merchant nor Seam. To further drive this point home for me, in ch. 2, it is mentioned that officials, not peacekeepers, go door to door checking for attendance during the reaping. Again, this detail, opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities for fics.

“We easily trade six of the fish for good bread.” When I write fics, I write as if Mellark Bakery is the only place to get decent bread in all of Twelve. But it’s often made me wonder, based on the population of Twelve, how can it possibly be the only bakery, even if the majority of people are making their own bread out of tessera grain? Turns out, I was forgetting/assuming things again. Not only is “good bread” readily available, it’s available at the Hob.

Which then makes me wonder, why does Katniss keep going to the bakery? Maybe squirrels are hard to trade, even at the Hob, and Katniss knows the baker’s fond of them - but I doubt it. The only game Katniss mentions being difficult to get rid of is wild dog. Maybe she’s trying to do the baker a favor - make sure he has fresh meat. Except we know Katniss is not familiar with how rare fresh meat is, even for merchants, from the conversation in the cave. Is it because she loves quality bread? The bread at the Hob is described as good, but the bakery bread is described as “Fine bread” for “special occasions.” But Katniss doesn’t seem that self-indulgent to me. Perhaps she likes doing business with the baker. But then again, she has to risk dealing with his wife, and when Mrs. Mellark is around, Mr. Mellark won’t even trade with her. That’s a waste of time I don’t think Katniss could afford, if she’s trying to find buyers for items that are illegal to have in her possession. Now, probably, Suzanne Collins mentions Katniss trading at the bakery because she wanted to introduce the Mellarks before Peeta is introduced, to give him a grounded presence in Twelve. But my shameless Everlarked heart has a theory, and it’s this: I want to think that Katniss keeps trading at the bakery, because she is unconsciously drawn to Peeta. :)

I tend to think I know these books in and out. I’ve certainly read and referenced them enough so that should be true. But rereading always makes me a little worried that I grow myopic between perusals, and tend to oversimplify Panem in my mind. That’s why I find rethg not only fun and rewarding, but important - it gives new perspectives, refreshes the basics, and unlocks a plethora of details that were forgotten or went unnoticed in the past.

What about you? Did you share any of these misconceptions? Are there any you’ve bumped into that I haven’t mentioned?

I’d love to hear about them!

#rethg #misconceptions

114 notes · View notes

nedcanquen · 8 years ago

Text

NedCan fic: Mr 7th Floor

Surprise! I wrote something for the first time in months. This NedCan fic takes place in a professional services/audit firm AU that no one asked for and kind of came out of nowhere. It’s not finished because I’m not sure if anyone is remotely interested in an Audit firm AU - if you guys like it though, let me know and I’ll see about writing more. (UPDATE: Looks like there are enough plot bunnies to continue writing this).

Tags: Audit firm AU, Pining, Office AU, Slow Burn, Single POV

Photo by Alisa Anton

Notes:

APH Vietnam - Ha Ngoc Le APH Seychelles - Michelle Vel APH Australia - Jack Brown

Basically, the highest rank you can climb to in a professional services firm is ‘Partner’. After that it’s just variations of the title like ‘Managing Partner’ etc.

Mr 7th Floor

For the past three years, since the first sight of him in a shared elevator took his breath away, Matthew Williams has eagerly anticipated and dreaded the appearance of Mr 7th floor. It was actually ridiculous that he still mentally thought of tall-and-handsome-bicycle-maniac as Mr 7th floor (and that he seemed to have assigned the man a secondary ridiculous nickname on top of the first), because he did know the man’s name - Daan deBoer, Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory Services. Matthew was not a stalker, he was not…except he learned Mr 7th floor’s name by searching the corporate directory for all the names on said 7th floor and looked at all of their staff pictures until he found who he was looking for…

Okay, Matthew was a stalker.

A pathetic stalker. In his defense, he didn’t do it on his own? It didn’t take much encouragement though.

Anyway, he didn’t do more than that and besides, Mr 7th floor wasn’t a Partner then.

After learning Mr 7th floor’s name, Matthew went back to work, just as he had the day before when he hadn’t known of Mr 7th floor’s existence. Or at least tried to, because after he knew the man’s name it was impossible to avoid him - Daan deBoer turned up in several news interviews, in the firm’s magazine, and he was also easy to spot at every firm event Matthew found himself at. Even if he wanted to forget him it was impossible, because the firm was a micro world of its own and there was no escaping the consultants in advisory services, even at an audit firm where they were supposed to be the minority. Matthew was an auditor, like most people in his firm in a giant category called ‘Assurance services’, but the thing was, the Advisory folks were just obnoxious - they were loud, they were proud, and they made sure everyone knew it. With the amount of noise they made, you’d think that they won every inter-firm competition, they touted themselves for bringing in the most profits, doubled as models in every brochure, and could spend hours talking about something that meant absolutely nothing at all. They could draw diagrams like their lives depended on it too but in Matthew’s opinion, these diagrams didn’t really mean much once you scratched the surface of how nice they looked. The worst part was, they were paid better than anyone in Assurance, worked less hours in total, and still spent every waking moment complaining about how hard their lives were. They also all sat on the 7th floor.

Fucking 7th floor.

The thing was, his crush was perhaps acceptable three years ago when Matthew was just a green associate at PK&DE, one of the world’s largest professional services firms and having a laugh with his new friends - feeling appreciated and human for the first time in a long time because he was good at his job. But now, Matthew was supposed to be management, even if he was at the lowest rank of it. It still meant new responsibilities - (officially anyway, he had already been doing most of this as an Assistant Manager) he led teams, he maintained his relationships with clients well enough that that they preferred to give him new work over the competition (except Maplecorp, who had switched their auditors last year but his friend there assured him that it wasn’t personal), he encouraged young associates “don’t despair, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed but you can do this” and dear Lord now he was responsible for career coaching - people’s lives, whether they were promoted or not depended on how well he could defend them when performance review season came about. Sometimes Matthew was proud of himself, making manager in just three years was no mean feat, but oftentimes he was just fucking terrified and hoped it wasn’t obvious that he didn’t feel like he knew what he was doing. That at any moment now, Francis would walk in and say “There was a mistake, we like the other Matthew” (surely in a firm this size there were other Matthews). Most times he could lose the anxiety in the work, and the reliability he found in it.

Anyway, now Matthew was a manager. He wasn’t supposed to have goofy crushes on hot men who were Partners and who worked on the 7th floor. At least not in the way he obviously crushed on said hot man from the 7th floor.

Because everyone in his team knew about it.

Matthew heard Michelle bite down a laugh as a certain someone walked into the elevator right before the doors closed, and could feel the heat rush up his neck and burn his cheeks. Matthew looked over at her to distract himself, give himself something else to do than awkwardly pretend he couldn’t see the man who was standing right in front of him in that cramped elevator (who was a head taller than almost everyone else in there) and saw that Michelle, was thankfully not being too obvious about how she was holding back her laughter. Matthew clenched his jaw and frowned at the small screen above that showed the steady ascent to their respective floors.

‘Come on’ Matthew willed ‘Just make it to his floor already and get him out out OUT’

But with the morning rush the elevator stopped on almost every floor, leaving Matthew to stew in agony, until finally, FINALLY…he was aware of Daan deBoer shifting his shoulders, getting ready to walk out. Too soon, Matthew relaxed and looked down from his intense glaring at the screen, only to catch those green eyes regarding him curiously for a moment, before the other man nodded at him briefly and walked out. By the time they reached their own 12th floor, Michelle was shaking so hard that she burst out laughing the moment they stepped off the elevator.

“Ahahahah! Oh my God Matthew! Your moment! You had a moment!”

“Shhhhh! Shut up shut up shut up!”

The problem with spending most of his life at his job from a young age, with colleagues of a similar age, was that Matthew’s colleagues became his friends. This wasn’t really an issue except that it was almost impossible to keep secrets from them. Secrets were not on Matthew’s mind one fated 3 in the goddamned morning during the height of stock-take audit season after he discovered that some idiot didn’t know how to file things properly. At 3 in the morning, surviving off nothing but maple syrup and Red Bull, Matthew became prone to saying things like “this guy, this guy makes me forget how to count…” or “he wore a light orange shirt today, who the hell looks good in light orange? He does! He looked delish and I just wanted to lick him!…” Sleep deprivation is a bit like being drunk, but still okay, because if he open ed his mouth to talk about the numbers again he may have thrown himself out the window instead.

“Which guy?” Michelle and Ha dropped what they were doing and looked at Matthew greedily, desperately hoping for something different to sustain them through this painful season. And Matthew, in an equally desperate need to distract himself and not thinking that this would turn into a problem, let them convince him to pull up the staff directory and click ‘7th floor’ to look at every single staff photograph until they found his mystery man.

“I hope his surname isn’t Zembiro or something, it’ll take us forever!” Michelle had wailed. Ha laughed with her while Matthew blushed, all smiles, enjoying their harmless game as he clicked on another name, and then the picture. Arthur, their manager, looked over from his cubicle on the opposite side of their section at the noise, but went back to his work. That was the good thing about Arthur, he stayed with you, even if he did micromanage a little. The three smiled sheepishly and ducked back down.

“It’s not Hunter David.” Matthew confirmed with a more careful whisper, closing the window and moving onto ‘Daan deBoer, Manager’ and not expecting any kind of success, except...

“Matthew? Matthew come back to us!” Ha waved her hand in front of Matthew’s blushing face and didn’t get a response. “Well, I guess we found him, let’s see.”

Files and numbers forgotten, Michelle and Ha leaned so close to the laptop screen that Matthew was worried they’d disappear through it, like some cliche horror story.

“Really?” Michelle scoffed, sounding disappointed.

“What?” Matthew felt oddly defensive about his taste here.

“I mean…he just looks…mean.” She finally answered, leaning back with a huff of disappointed. Ha was still looking.

“You don’t even know him.” Matthew lamely defended (and neither do you, a little sleepy voice told himself but he ignored it). “And it’s not fair to judge someone on appearance alone.”

“No, it’s just…come on Matthew, he has a scar on his face, he looks like a Bond villain, how does he even win clients? Does he scare them into signing contracts?”

“I know of him!” Ha yells, which is actually uncharacteristic for her. “He’s the guy who won the two-point-five-million bid from Honda Corp! He’s like…CEO Honda Kiku’s only friend.” She managed to spit out. Matthew feels his jaw drop and Michelle does the same. Two-point-five million on one bid? Assurance rarely pulled in those kinds of numbers with just one project, but the nature of their work was completely different.

“What on earth is going on here?!” Arthur is stomping over with a particularly stormy look on his face and Matthew gulps.

“Uh, sorry Arthur, we’re mostly done we just needed a break. The numbers were starting to…”

“Blur together.” Arthur finished for him. He shakes his head and runs a hand through messy hair before sharpening his gaze at Matthew’s laptop screen. “Why is there so much noise here over Daan?”

Silence. Matthew can feel burning embarrassment overwhelm him and Michelle opens and closes her mouth several times, trying to think of some lie or excuse for him. But they’re auditors, they’re not supposed to lie and they’re too inexperienced to do it well so Arthur finally chuckles.

“Really? Daan? That’s what you all like?”

Matthew is now aware of two shaking heads and a set of hands indicating him and he feels warmer, if that was possible. “Traitors.” He can’t help but mutter, but it’s 3.15am so who cares about discretion?

Arthur just looks at him, shocked and amused. “Have you even met him?”

“No! And I don’t need to! Really Arthur, sorry for disrupting everything it’s just, we needed a break, I saw someone in the elevator, we got curious, it’s...just can we all forget about this? Please?”

Arthur sighs and shrugs. “Office crushes help us get through the day I suppose.” There’s confusion in his tone. “Daan is...good at his job.” Arthur adds lamely, as if he can’t think of any other compliment to pay him but Matthew can detect a certain jealousy there. He’s somewhat grateful that Arthur is gamely trying to cover up whatever he personally thinks of the man so that his own Associates can have their distraction, but it doesn’t look like Arthur hates Daan the way he growls about Francis, their Partner. “Uh...he has a particular type of...mercenary fairness to him?”

“Arthur! Stop please it’s okay!” Matthew is ready to die of embarrassment now, waving his hands in front of his manager to get him to stop. “I really don’t need to know anything about him, I just...you know what? I’m awake again! Let’s finish these numbers and go home.”

Michelle doesn’t seem to hear him as she adds. “Tall, scarred, and brooding is not going to be just a Manager very long if he keeps pulling in numbers like that…”

He wasn’t. Daan deBoer’s rise to Partner turned out to be the fastest in the firm. Matthew somehow knew that whatever quality it was that Daan possessed that enabled him to do that, was at the root of Arthur’s personal hesitance to fully endorse the man. Still, it didn’t stop Arthur from transferring and joining Daan’s team two-years later when he finally left Francis’ and joined Advisory as an Associate Director. Daan promoted him soon after that, so there was some kind of grudging respect between the two at least.

However, since that fateful night, news of Matthew’s crush spread like wildfire amongst his own team (but thankfully not beyond that), because he finds emails from his colleagues linking to news articles that mention Daan deBoer. His phone gets sent messages with pictures of Daan from the firm’s sports day, looking particularly sweaty and good after the football match between Advisory and Tax. Michelle sends a picture of him cycling on the weekend with another laughing and blond gorgeous man (she puts a sad face emoticon afterwards). Matthew can actually live with that but it goes too far when Francis, the PARTNER in charge of his own team, sends him pictures of Daan shopping at the grocery store, clearly taken without the other man’s knowledge, since apparently they live in the same neighborhood, or at drinks sessions with other Partners. It never stops - Matthew’s team has decided that Daan deBoer is their personal distraction from work, and apparently they find Matthew’s blushing too amusing so they’re stalking deBoer for him, even though Matthew constantly tells them not to…it’s creepy. But because it doesn’t happen often, the warnings are left alone for months before some other stressful excuse begins and before Matthew knows it, he’s deleting new pictures from his phone.

He saves one though. Francis has managed to take a rather lovely picture of Daan deBoer looking at a bouquet of tulips in the store with a soft, faraway look. Matthew doesn’t feel right having it but every time he tries to do the right thing, his thumb hovers over the ‘delete’ button and the look on deBoer’s face makes him pause for too long.

Arthur’s email has three exclamation points next to it in his inbox, so out of habit, Matthew opens it first. Since Arthur’s transfer to Advisory, Matthew had prayed that Arthur never got drunk in front of his new colleagues and reveal his crush on Daan fucking deBoer or the strange fixation that Francis’ team had on him thanks to Matthew.

The email is short and not particularly sweet or salty, which means that Arthur is in a rush -

From: <Arthur Kirkland, DIRECTOR, ADV> <[email protected]> To: <Matthew Williams, MANAGER, ASSUR> <[email protected]> Cc: <Francis Bonnefoy, PARTNER, ASSUR> <[email protected]>

Subject: Project Oberon 2017 Proposal

URGENT

‘Need your updated CV for this proposal NOW - meeting in an hour to discuss’

“Project Oberon” - it is such a codename that Arthur would come up with. Proposals were given code names to protect potential client identities in case anyone carelessly spoke about work in public, and it was always fascinating to Matthew to see peoples’ naming preferences.

Right now though, Matthew looks at his watch and frowns, he hates last minute proposals and meetings but he’s lucky because he’s just finished the major audits and there’s a slight breathing space before it starts up again. It’s also curious and oddly exciting, Arthur has never invited him to a proposal meeting before, conflicting interests usually kept Advisory and Assurance working apart out of legal necessity and he’s not sure what’s going on with this but...if he can get some of his team members into this potential Advisory-led project, he can get his associates rare valuable experience in case they want the option to transfer departments later. Besides, he may not like how obnoxious the consultants are but it never hurts to have more friends in the firm. When Matthew finishes the necessary updates and sends it to Arthur, he notices another email from the man. ‘Congratulations on making manager. See you next week.’

Next week? Oh, the training course for new managers that was mandatory to attend.

Twenty minutes later after Matthew has sent his proposal CV over, along with some team members for consideration, Matthew is happily sipping his coffee as he checks his course registration details, noting who his classmates will be - training is easier when you know who you’ll be working with. Eduard from IT security services is going to be there, Yong Soo the new transfer from Korea who was joining the MNC team …it all looked quite pleasant actually until he read the name of one of the instructors for Day 3.

Matthew spit out hot coffee in horror at his computer screen even as he dropped the contents of the mug on his shirt and pants in horror. “Oh no…OH CRAP NO!” Matthew scrambles to save his computer from his coffee, turning it upside down and shaking the liquid out.

“Matthew?” Francis pops his head out of his office, wondering what has Matthew of all people, making such a commotion, his eyes widen.

“Ah, sorry boss, just had a little accident with the coffee, trying to save myself from a three-thousand dollar fine.” These crap laptops were not worth that much but that was IT policy for you.

Francis is an amiable Partner, known for being a genius but somewhat eccentric. The arguments between him and Arthur were stuff of legend because of that (well, and also because Arthur was his own brand of eccentric) - Matthew still remembers an audit file hurled so hard against the glass door that it had cracked (no one knew who threw the file) so it was a miracle they worked together for as long as they had. Still, Francis was fair to them, evidenced by still promoting Arthur after the file incident. Francis is full of energy and surprisingly patient and hands on when it comes to his team. He treats them to dinner after they finish every project (which is often Francis loves to cook and his wife Jeanne is such a wonderful lady that they love spending any time with her), gives honest heart-to-hearts when their morale gets too low, and he actually takes the time to get to know who they are as individuals - time that Partners don’t usually have. He has even spent weekends helping to tutor his more junior staff with their certification exams. However, Matthew has heard that once you become a manager, the kid gloves come off in a serious way. Matthew has just become a manager. Matthew is covered in coffee and may have ruined his computer that has EVERY piece of client work on it even though he’s backed up his files. It’s where he accesses the global databases and collaborative spaces, and files and...Shit.

“Take that thing down to IT before it actually becomes a mess.” Francis suggests. “And Arthur CCed me in on that email - get this sorted out quick because that proposal meeting is in a half hour and I need you there.”

Francis goes back into his room and Matthew bites back a groan.

IT says he’s lucky, it looks like no harm is done but they’ll keep it for a few hours anyway. The coffee has since cooled and Matthew feels sticky and disgusting. He does his best with the remaining five minutes he has in the bathroom to wash out the stain but now his shirt is wet. Shaking his head in hopelessness, Matthew calls Arthur from the privacy of the empty bathroom, hoping he can get a reprieve. No one else has a change of clothes that will fit and suddenly Matthew is irrationally upset at himself for actually being physically active and well, fit. But walking into his first meeting with those brash consultants while wet and bedraggled, and smelling of old coffee is a nightmare scenario to him. Matthew doesn’t care about what the consultants think about him and yet he does. He’s going there to represent his team, and represent Arthur’s trust in him…and he can’t even do that right.

Arthur doesn’t pick up, probably in discussion or who knows what. Matthew can’t just text him and not show up or leave without a word though, so he does what he’s always done, even with the tide of doubt in his head. He straightens his shoulders, takes a few deep breaths and prepares for battle.

The 7th floor is loud. That’s the first thing Matthew notices when he steps into their workspace. They’re yelling over cubicle walls at each other, laughing so loudly they can be heard from the other side of the floor, pacing or sitting on desks as they’re in discussion. Everything is flashier and some of these junior associates are wearing clothes that Matthew doesn’t feel like he can afford even now. He’s been to this floor before of course, twice before for quick errands and once to put a birthday present on Arthur’s desk in the wee hours of morning, but never in the state he’s in now. Entering the 7th floor also comes with a heightened sense of awareness. He’s always on the lookout for his Mr 7th floor, but thankfully has never run into him when he’s been here. It finally occurs to him for the first time since he’s received Arthur’s email that Arthur is on Daan’s team. Shit. He doesn’t know the worth of this proposal though, and chances are, unless it’s worth millions, Daan won’t be bothered with it and will be travelling or doing whatever it is that Partners do.

Matthew just shakes his head, takes a deep breath and goes to find the meeting room that was indicated in the email. He opens the door to find a flurry of voices - other consultants getting their computers set up, passing notes, drawing diagrams and timelines on the whiteboard. Arthur is deep in discussion with...of course.

Matthew wants to strangle them all, right here, right now, out of the embarrassment he feels. Arthur and Francis especially because there was no way they didn’t know, and granted, he should have known too but surely someone could have teased him to remind him? Actually, Arthur didn’t know that Matthew was covered in coffee and a sticky wet shirt, but Francis did. What had Matthew ever done to deserve this level of torture? The teasing had been exasperating before sure but always light hearted. This? This was too much.

Before too long, Daan deBoer’s gaze lazily moves over to him, then the man’s eyes widen and he does a double take. Matthew opens his mouth to explain but his Mr 7th floor beats him to it with a smirk and biting sarcasm.

“No one told me we changed the dress code and started allowing wet-shirt Wednesdays.”

As the younger team members burst out in laughter, Matthew feels his face heat up and his insides twisting. He also feels a cold fury at Mr fucking 7th floor and wishes he was never shallow enough to find the man attractive, but he still does because Mr 7th floor is and he has a deep and sexy voice to boot. He wishes his team let him forget about this stupid crush rather than encourage it, he wishes that it hadn’t escalated to the point where the man’s name and thought of meeting him would make him spill his own coffee...especially when he was going to meet the man that day anyway without even knowing it and find out that he was an asshole. Because yes, he may be covered in coffee and walking in here with pride but if Matthew saw someone like that walk into a room, he’d know that this person was having a crappy day and he’d go find a jacket or something.

Somehow the fury pushes Matthew forward with a hand extended, “Don’t get used to it, enjoy it while it lasts.” He bites out, before realizing what he’s saying, but hopefully he’s too angry for it to sound...wrong. Daan deBoer straightens himself, eyebrows raised in surprise as he shakes Matthew’s hand, even as the rest of the room bursts out into louder laughter and guffaws. Being in a room full of consultants is eerily reminiscent of spending any time with his brother Alfred, and somehow that calms Matthew down. He can handle these guys, he just has to mentally imagine that he’s dealing with a room full of Alfreds.

God help him.

Apparently acting like an ass to an asshole Partner is step one of getting by in Advisory because Daan deBoer just chuckles and nods. “Nice to meet you too Matthew. Just call me Daan.”

His brain is dangerously close to short-circuiting in its confusion over Matthew’s emotional state right now, so he tries to focus it. Had he even introduce himself? Daan doesn’t give him time to think about it though because he turns to the room. “Everyone, this is Matthew Williams from Assurance, he’s from Arthur’s old team and he’s the expert on Maplecorp. Arthur’s the lead for this proposal.” He gestures at Arthur and Arthur steps forward to whip some focus into this room - Matthew recognizes that expression and the set of Arthur’s chin when he’s in this mode.

“Right,” He says in his usual no-nonsense tone. “Maplecorp is expanding out into Europe, they plan to do it in a big way in a period of just one year. Why are we bidding? Because they dropped us as their auditors last year, so we finally can. Remember, we need to make ourselves distinct from the competition, and realistically speaking, there’s nothing that really separates us from them except,” He puts a firm hand on Matthew’s shoulder “We know them better than anyone else. They’re looking at buying over...”

Daan doesn’t stay long. Partners oversee several external and internal interests at once, but he also isn’t going home until they get a working draft to him that evening. This is in fact, the type of multi-million-dollar proposal that makes Daan deBoer feel uncharacteristically generous...according to his reputation anyway. The moment he leaves, the first of the team members to approach him is Jack, a jovial looking Manager from Daan’s team with a plaster over his nose and an odd resemblance to Arthur in the brows. He looks a little too happy but this thing about people brimming with barely suppressed and oddly hyper energy seems to be the norm here. “Hey there Matthew! I got my gym wear at my desk, I think we’re about the same size?” Matthew let out a breath of relief that he didn’t even know he was holding, a once over confirmed to Matthew that he should fit into whatever clothes Jack could offer. He follows him out to an odd corner and sees Daan’s room behind glass walls. The Partner is holding his cellphone to his ear, his back to the office, looking out his window, but somehow radiating tension in the way he’s standing. Since Daan can’t see him, Matthew risks a look, taking in as much as he can before turning to Jack. Daan’s desk is sparse, only the laptop is on it, but there’s a happy-looking bouquet of tulips on the corner of the desk, another on the shelf in front of the window, a few bronzed awards, a wooden ship on a back shelf with books and an antique-looking map framed up on the wall. There are photo frames that Matthew can’t quite make out but he’s a little surprised at how...warm that room actually looks. It’s the flowers that do that.

“Don’t worry about returning these today,” Jack smiles. “I’d hate to be stuck in wet clothes all day and we are going to have a loooong day.”

Matthew nods grimly. Proposals were intense and taxing in all the wrong ways - win none and all the people relying on you couldn’t work. But to actually win one...you had to go through hell and back and lay your soul on the table...at least that’s how it felt. A proposal was usually a week’s worth of work squished into a few days, and unpredictable - new ideas and concepts changed so quickly that the moment you thought you were done you had to start all over again. Hunting down the right talent to throw into the team makeup or get the right advice sometimes led to phone calls across the world, and you having to wait for these people to wake up. At the end of it all, the potential client could just reject you, and all your work wouldn’t come to anything...yet. Matthew just feels like he’s unfairly judgemental of the process because it taps on his more sensitive anxieties - giving someone else the power to judge him and his worth, to dismiss his sweat and blood to call it unworthy or expensive. It was like a dating auction gone wrong with a whole bunch of legal concerns thrown in but…

Matthew looks around on his way to the men’s room at the young and eager associates sitting at their laptops and making phone calls and realizes that this is how they earn their living. Arthur, Francis and countless of others had gone through this pain over and over again just so Matthew and others like him could work and grow. It was his turn to give back.

He returns from the bathroom dressed in a clean yellow rugby jersey with green accents, a wallaby and an Australian crest on green, where Jack was from, Matthew assumed - and shorts that run to his knees. It feels odd at first thanks to the firm’s usual strict dress code, but he tells himself he’s got extenuating circumstances and he’s not meeting any clients today - nope, just a room full of consultants.

“Matthew, Daan wants a word.” Jack grins when Matthew returns his bag to him. “I’ll see you back in the project room.”

Matthew bites the inside of his cheek. Daan wants a word. He quickly messages Michelle that she’s welcome to his music collection if she never sees him again, before striding into Daan’s room with more courage than he feels. “You wanted a word with me?”

Daan is sitting in his chair now, leaned back slightly with those gorgeous long legs elegantly crossed. He’s not looking at Matthew yet, he’s distracted by something on his screen, a finger tapping his chin as he’s thinking of...something. Those green eyes flicker to him and his expression transforms to one that is more amicable. Matthew would believe it if he didn’t notice the stiffness still apparent in the man’s shoulders. “Matthew,” he smiles. “Have a seat.”

Stiff shoulders or no, death knell or no, Matthew has to fight the swoon over that smile. He sits and waits.

“I realize that what I said back there could be...misconstrued. I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

It took a second for Matthew to put what Daan was saying together. “Oh...” He trails off, not quite sure what ‘misconstrued’ means exactly in this context, it could mean a lot of things, but the asshole part of it wasn’t really, wait... ‘wet-shirt Wednesdays’, and what he himself had said after...oh, OH. “I was joking too! I mean...” It’s too late to take the words back because Daan is looking at him searchingly. “I mean I was pissed off but...I didn’t think that you were being forward or sleazy or anything like that. Please don’t worry about it.”

Daan’s expression hasn’t changed and Matthew feels like he’s being picked apart and assessed, which Partners tend to do, so this is an all too familiar anxiety for him.

“I pissed you off.” Daan eventually says, interested. “If you didn’t think I was being inappropriate, what else was it?”

Matthew can’t quite believe he has to explain it, but tries to wave the concern away anyway. Then he remembers his Teamwork training course from a year ago, ‘Don’t expect people to act as you would, put yourself into their shoes’. “I had a deceptively good morning,” Matthew tries to explain, “Which was quickly burned away by my own clumsiness and terror for my work laptop, which is still with IT at this moment. Then walking into a room to meet a lot of new people for the first time, representing Francis’ team, but covered in coffee and water and feeling sticky didn’t have me at my best, then you called me out on it, it was just…I was trying to make a joke rather than jump down your throat about my morning. I feel I would have responded differently, if I were in your shoes, and do what Jack eventually did. But I know that isn’t fair, we’re all different and I owe you an apology as well.”

Daan is looking at him again with that assessing look but nods. “I see. Well I can see how helping someone instead of joking with them may have gone down better for a first-time meeting. No apology needed. ”

Matthew is grateful that the issue seems mostly resolved. “I promise Daan I’m usually more...put together than this.” He doesn’t even realize he’s smiling with relief until he notices Daan is smiling back at him, more relaxed now that he’s not dealing with getting reported for sexual harassment.

“Don’t worry about it Matthew, we all have our off days.” Daan shrugs, eyes twinkling even if his smile is...it looks like he’s fighting to keep it from full-blown amusement. “And don’t worry about making a good impression here.” There silence for a beat before Daan quickly adds “Arthur’s known to be picky. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with tonight.”

That’s a dismissal if he’s ever heard one and Matthew doesn’t want to sit in there any longer than he absolutely has to. He smiles and leaves.

The moment he turns around though, he grimaces, grateful that the desks in this part of the floor are mostly empty. He hurries back to the project room and checks his messages.

Matthew: If I die, you can have my music collection Shell: ?? Shell: ??????? Shell: OMG Francis just told me you’re with Arthur and you’re gonna be there all day! Shell: IS 7TH FLOOR THERE?! IS HE HOT?! Shell: Of course you find him hot, ARE YOU TALKING TO HIM? Shell: HAS HE SPLAYED YOU OUT ON HIS DESK NAKED AN-

Matthew rips his eyes from his phone and silences her notifications. He absolutely refuses to read anything she’s going to send him today.

The brainstorming session goes well, and before too long, Matthew finds that working in comfortable clothes lets him relax in a way he never could before. It allows him to build an easy camaraderie with the giggling and exuberant consultants of the 7th floor, who all seem to be eager to take a liking to him.

Michelle is positively buzzing at the news that Matthew has FINALLY met the infamous Mr 7th floor. She’s even more excited at the prospect that Matthew may even end up on a project with Daan and even if he doesn’t...he’ll be seeing Daan during his training.

“No I won’t.” Matthew confidently responds.

“Are you skipping this round of training?” Michelle looks confused.

“No, but there are 50 new managers and 5 instructors on day three. Class will be split up between them for that simulation and Daan is an Advisory Partner. He’ll take the Advisory managers. I’ll probably end up with Yekatarina or Timo.” He reasoned, naming the Assurance Partners who were also involved with the week-long training.

Michelle just gave him a searching look and a wink. “Well I think the universe has finally gotten tired of your pining. Twenty bucks. I bet you twenty bucks you’ll be assigned to Daan deBoer.”

Matthew laughed and shook her hand. Easiest twenty he’ll ever get.

Matthew ows Michelle twenty bucks. He is also going to die because manager training Advisory style involves a lot of talking and sitting too damn close around a small round table to the object of his (still, unfortunately) affection, and Matthew... this was funny when it was an unreachable crush but now Daan is a PARTNER and not just any partner but possibly the lead Partner on a project he is going to be working on anytime soon and oh God why the fuck are there only a handful of these Advisory people to distract him and why are they all so damn giddy all the time? He understands that they share a floor and they all already knew each other, making him the odd one out but do they all have to look like they’re in on a joke that he has no idea about?

Daan for his part is stiff and stern, which didn’t surprise Matthew at all. The last time he had seen Daan with any kind of light heart was the wet shirt incident. His sternness didn’t seem to have much of an effect on these new managers though. Training is good and all but…

Matthew summons his courage and stays back after everyone else has packed up for the day. Daan is wearing that fucking orange shirt - a shade so light that it is almost unnoticeable but it makes him look fresh.

“Daan, why am I here? I didn’t apply for a transfer to Advisory.” Because honestly, there are few reasons he is the only non-Advisory manager here.

Daan nods but didn’t stop what he’s doing - staring at his phone with a frown before pocketing it and looking at Matthew. “What do you think of it so far though?”

Matthew shrugs. “I prefer the stability of audit, I think my associates wouldn’t give me as much trouble as the stories I’m hearing today and you can afford to pay my department for my time if we really do win Project Oberon.”

That smirk graces Dawn’s face again. “Has Francis been complaining about how cheap I am again? He's not the one who can talk.”

Matthew sighs. The firm encouraged cross-departmental projects and learning but had set up a cost structure where departments had to pay each other to use each other’s team members, it led to friction at times when people were tempted to other teams, but Matthew knew that the structure also created an incentive within the firm to share opportunities.

“No one complained.” Matthew lies. “I just like my own team, we're a close bunch.”

“Francis does a good job of fostering a team community.” Daan acknowledges. “And he doesn't fight to promote someone as quickly as he has you, usually, without a good reason. You have a lot of potential and we like potential and diversity in advisory, we’re always looking for the best. No pressure, but just consider it? You'll have a better springboard for yourself here, more diversity of work, better recognition and pay…” He trailed off and looked away, somewhat distracted by something and Matthew had this strange feeling that Daan wasn’t as sure himself, if Matthew belonged in Advisory, as his words imply.

Matthew put on the most polite smile he can muster. “You haven’t even seen me work. Not really.”

“Proposals are work.” Daan responds almost immediately, but Matthew is still suspicious.

“Well, thanks...but I’m happy staying where I am right now. If I change my mind…”

“You know where to find me.” The tone is so sure and encouraging, eyes warm, matching the small smile fighting its way to stay that way. It is completely at odds with his demeanour just a moment earlier. Well, Daan isn’t wrong, Matthew does know where to find him.

Does he ever.

More notes:

PK&DE is a spoof of the four current ‘Big4’ accounting/professional service firms: PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst & Young. These are known for providing armies of auditors (who mostly belong to a giant service called ‘Assurance’) who make sure that companies aren’t lying to the public, management consulting services (under a service called ‘Advisory’) who make money by advising companies on how they can work better and lose less money and Tax advisory services (under ‘Tax’) who help people navigate complex tax rules. There are other services but those are the main ones.

Real-life rankings between the firms vary by firm and even then, by country. Vaguely, PK&DE’s ranks are:

Associate (entry level) Senior Associate Assistant Manager Manager (considered first level of management) Associate Director Director Partner (junior) Partner (profit-sharing)

Matthew is fast-tracked like whoa - him making manager in three years is so not the norm (people tend to spend at least two years at the AM level alone even if they perform well).

Daan and Arthur are also fast-tracked promotion wise and Francis is older.

P.S. If you’re curious what the Wallaby rugby jersey looks like (is it too much of a spoiler if I ask you to pay attention to how form fitting it is? Probably).

#nedcan #nedcan fic

8 notes · View notes