#yes i know this is over a month late shh. it took me awhile to get all the film developed from this trip

[roscoehamiltons]

📸 williams fanzone event @ montreal, canada • june 6, 2024

[i8jisoo]

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐃𝐒 ⇉ skz with pregnant!reader

felix x reader | part six of dad!skz

↬ genre; fluff

↬ warnings; pregnancy, slight relation to sex, birth

↬ notes; this took so long lmfao i just had it sitting but i’m finishing up seungmin rnnn 🤓 i’ve been doing requests whew i just have EVERYTHING coming at once

u guys r really surprised 

u two had been in a relationship for four years now so this was inevitable as u two were putting off the pressure of marriage for awhile now

“woah, i’m gonna be a dad!! does this mean u have to call me daddy now?”

0_0

u r s e n s i t i v e

felix first notices this when he gives u a kiss in the morning n ur crying like two seconds after

:((

“why are you crying??!”

“you just leave so early and i miss you!!”

felix skips the day, not rly caring he just wants to cuddle u 🥺

speaking of cuddling u two r so cuddly together now

u guys just cant get enough of each other

ur at practice less often just bc of media and he thinks the house is safer for u

so the boys come over a ton more to the dorm just bc they wanna see u and spend time with u

he is so cute, whenever he sees you he’ll instantly be on his knees to kiss your baby bump and leave u with a light kiss on ur lips

u guys go to ur scan at the beginning of the second trimester

its hush hush and ofc felix has u with the best doctor hes heard of 

his hands are clammy asf, hes smiling and so dazed while he stares at the ultrasound

“look at that!! baby a and baby b!!”

felix is like, 

“oh im gonna pass out”

now he gets these corny ass JOKES like

“wow lix has really GOOD swimmers!!!”

“felix knows his way around the bedroom!!!!!!!!”

poor baby jeongin :( they are POLLUTING HIS MIND

he doesnt but this boy is scared shitless now, two babies?? thats a lot to handle

he likes to shop, a lot. 

for some reason everything is dog themed, puppies on everything and he’ll come home with bags of baby stuff everyday

lix is just so in love with your body

sweaters, t-shirts, hoodies, anything he owns, he 100% wants you to wear it

he might be a little excited at the thought of u in his clothes, it was usual but now u pregnant, he was a little MORE excited

abnormally this guy worships your body 100% 

he loves how easily you can just unravel, to the point of tears and have u begging for him to stop

ok lemme not ill start writing shit type smut anyways chile yes lix loves u A LOT in and out of the bedroom

mmm he’ll always be brainstorming names

aeygo for the babies 🥺

tons of kisses he has plenty to go around

he acquires a new skill called cooking 😣

ur his new favorite taste tester

he’ll read books for them both

tons of research on expecting twins and what to do

“hey, okay.. so i bought a pregnancy pillow, and like, i wanna use it?”

felix has this smirk, holding the huge pillow that is supposed to be a maternity one, but he much prefers himself using it as a regular pillow

he actually goes public with this, knowing that the fans adored u after being his girlfriend for so long nd u soon became a favorite for them

some shit like ‘stays meet your new members’ 😣

this guy has a knack for painting, his newest canvas is your large baby bump, doodling little flowers n hearts or animals on it, sometimes painting characters on it or whatever it may be

u two have this rly cute vlive together which consists of him painting ur baby bump, plenty of fun while he asked stays to tell him what to draw on ur bump :v

“ooh!! a ladybug!!”

he posts the finished project in nice high quality on their official instagram, showing off the many things he had painted

the dreaded bed rest comes into play

u are now nearing seven months, which meant that u should be experiencing labor or maybe labor pains soon

he takes his paternal leave, now indulging in ice-cream and gummy bears with u, rather than working out and drinking nasty smoothies

guess who has that sympathy weight 

(jk he just uses it as an excuse so he can just give up on his diet)

sleep all day

sleep all night

u two are honestly so tired for WHATEVER reason

lix is there to be a cuddle bug, pulling ur back close to his body, ur legs entwined and his hand on top of ur own that was on ur bump

its rly cute just try and picture it for a moment

u guys r trying everything to hurry and get to the end of this seemingly forever pregnancy

he’ll def buy two yoga balls instead of just one for u and he’ll bounce on them with u

who cares ab trying to hurry up y’all are having so much fun regardless of the fact u have to pee every ten minutes

u both forget the thought of it and just go with the flow

making a deal to go with the names for whomever u claimed aka baby a or baby b

i see ur guys timing to be during the summer so its miserable in ur house

its hot n stuffy

u two r just lounging n u both have popsicles, then ur just like

“oh! oh.”

it was a steady gush of fluid between ur legs and that was when the nervousness set in

u two just look at each-other in shock

“oh! we’re having a baby- um.. wow!”

he is abnormally good at keeping calm, helping u keep ur breathing steady and getting everything together 

felix is a pro.

u guys r kinda chilling in the parking lot just quiet and sort of nervous that the next time ur walking out of there you both will have not one, but two babies

“i don’t know if i’m ready yet.”

felix groans, grabbing ur hand

“ur right, ur more than ready. look at us!! parents of two in at least the next twenty-four hours!!” 

his hands r around u in a second to help u up and there to help u walk in

u two honestly decide to play games on ur phone to kill time

felix crawls into ur bed, seeing as how u looked extremely lonely, letting his arms and legs wrap around u n he’s just playing with ur hair

its honestly adorable

u two are really tired for whatever reason, falling asleep like this before u would be consumed in the late nights of being parents

these nurses wake u both up and are just like

“let’s see if we’re ready to meet ur babies!!”

felix is kinda scared but nonetheless he’ll grab ur hand and hold onto it with a smile

10cm woo!

if he wasn’t hyping u up before he is hyping u up right now

ur somewhat laughing and crying while in pain

yall r so weird

felix is there to wipe ur face with the wet cloth, or to give u a sip of water, rly whatever u need he is on it

poor baby just wants to be of help

“here’s baby a! it’s a girl!”

u two have at least a moment with her, taking in her small appearance, felix holding her out for u to see

abruptly cut off by baby b needing to make an appearance

“i don’t wanna do this again.”

“it’s alright, shh. we’re going to have two babies, two perfect ones. we have one little girl, let’s get ready for the next one, yeah? our two babies, you’re doing so good.”

they take away ur little girl while felix does what he already did beforehand

“here’s your second one!! we have a pair of sisters!”

u and felix are so overjoyed at this news, literally sobbing, u two r a mess

both r brought over to u, felix taking in the fact he’s a father of two girls, such small girls

ur both smiley while u kiss them n cuddle them, getting the nurse to take a picture of u two

ur obviously tired, felix emotionally worn out but having the brightest smiles on ur faces while u hold onto ur pair of newborn girls

he’s so proud, he’s the definition of a proud father

lix is holding onto one and he comes over to you, the other one cooing

“that’s it, my three girls.”

©️ maysdiors 2020 :: all rights reserved. do not repost my work on tumblr or other platforms.

[aslanjadecarlyle]

ghost of you (asheiji)

This oneshot is birthday gift from me to myself

-

You May also find this oneshot on my AO3 account: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33681853

-

In which Michael makes an imaginary friend.

-

Warnings: post-canon, grief/mourning

Michael is eight. Eight years, five months, and four days, to be exact. He’s too old for imaginary friends.

But, his friend that shows up in his parents’ living room one day can’t be imaginary. He can’t be, because Michael recognizes him.

“Ash!” he squeals.

He’s not sure what Ash is doing here. According to his parents, Ash had “gone away for a long time,” and they’d both had tears in their eyes when they sat him down to talk about it. That was just a few days ago. But, Ash is back. He hadn’t been gone for very long.

He’s back, and he’s right here in Michael’s living room!

The older boy looks surprised. And pale. He looks very pale, but it only makes the green of his eyes even brighter as they widen. “Michael?”

“Hiya, Ash!”

As Ash’s eyes soften, they are sad, but calm. “You can… you can see me?”

“Course I can, silly!” Michael grins as he jumps to his feet. “Oh boy, just wait ‘til I tell Mom and Dad that you’re back. They’ve missed you a whole lot.”

“Wait, Michael,” Ash calls out.

Michael, who’d started for the hallway, stops in his tracks. Confused, he turns back to the older boy.

“I don’t think telling your parents about me is such a good idea,” Ash says softly.

Michael juts his lower lip out in a pout. “Why not?”

“People don’t…” Ash pauses. Hesitates. “People don’t… normally come back from where I went to.”

“Where did you go?”

Ash hesitates again. Michael frowns.

“What’s wrong, Ash?”

“Nothing, buddy,” Ash says. “Just… I went to a place that you won’t have to worry about for a long time.”

“Oh. When I do have to worry about it, then will you tell me?”

Ash cringes, but he nods. “Of course.”

Michael smiles, eyes sparkling again. “Okay!”

“Michael?”

At the sound of Jessica’s voice, Ash freezes. As Michael looks at him, he puts a finger to his lips.

Michael nods.

“Yeah, Mom?” he calls back, going into the hallway. His mother is coming down the stairs.

“Are you talking to someone?” she asks. She’d just gotten out of the shower and she’s wrapped in a fluffy robe, her hair still dripping wet.

Michael shakes his head. “Just me. I made up a new game.”

“Oh. That’s nice.” She smiles, but it’s small and sad. All of her smiles have been sad since Ash went away.

As she turns away to go back upstairs, Michael says, “Hey, Mom?”

Jessica pauses, then turns to face him again. “Yes?”

“I miss Ash.”

At that, Jessica’s eyes mist over. She stares down at the floor and tries to hide her sniffling, but without much success. “I think we all miss Ash, sweetheart.”

“Will he come back?”

Jessica tries to hide the tear that escapes down her cheek, but she’s too late. Michael sees it. “Probably not, Mikey.”

Michael’s eyes widen. His mom hadn’t called him Mikey since he was a little kid.

“Okay, Mom. Okay.”

“Michael, if you…” Jessica pauses. Takes a deep breath. “If you want to talk about Ash, or anything else, your dad and I will always be here to listen.”

He nods. “Will Dad be home soon?”

“He has another hour at work, but he’ll be home after.” She ruffles his hair, but he doesn’t cringe away like he normally would.

He nods. “Okay.”

After she goes back upstairs, Michael returns to the living room. Ash is huddled in a corner on the floor, knees drawn up to his chin.

“Are you okay?” Michael asks, voice squeaking a little.

“I will be,” Ash mumbles.

“How long will you stay?”

Ash lifts one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “I don’t have anywhere I need to be. I can stay awhile.”

Michael’s eyes light up again. “Oh, yay! Will you play with me?”

Lifting his head, Ash manages a small smile.

“Of course, buddy.”

*

Ash keeps his promise. Ash stays.

They’d been almost caught a few times, but Michael is starting to think that neither of his parents can see Ash, which is weird. They’d had no problem seeing him before he went away.

When he asks Ash about it, Ash says he doesn’t know. He says that the place he went to changed him, and maybe grown-ups can’t see him anymore.

Michael accepts this answer, but he’s still curious about where Ash went. Whenever he asks, all Ash says is that it “was a bad place.” He’d tell Michael more about it when he was older.

Michael didn’t like this answer.

He was almost eight and a half. Eight years, five months, and twenty-three days, to be exact. He thought he was plenty old enough.

But, even though he gets frustrated, the frustration usually fades quickly. Ash was sticking around, and they still played together. That was enough, for now.

It took a lot of concentration for Ash to play, though. He could hardly roll a car across Michael’s bedroom floor without focusing absolutely all of his attention on it. Michael thought maybe he was sick, but Ash said that the place he went to made him weak. Not sick, just weaker than he used to be.

Michael hadn’t realized it before, but Ash was good at keeping secrets. He wished he was as good at keeping secrets as Ash was.

Because one night, about two or three weeks after Ash came back, Michael accidentally lets their secret slip.

He and his parents are sitting around the dinner table. Salmon, green beans, and rice tonight — one of Jessica’s favorite meals. Max and Michael normally preferred burgers and fries. But, it’s still good. Everything Jessica cooks is delicious.

Max is talking about work, and Michael, in typical eight year old fashion, zones out.

That is, until Ash’s name comes up.

At the mention of Ash’s name, Michael perks up. Forgetting the promise he’d made, he pops a piece of fish into his mouth and says, delightedly, “We’re going to play a new game later!”

Talk ceases. Max and Jessica both turn their attention to their son.

“Who are you going to play with, bud?” Max asks.

Michael smiles. He thinks it’s funny that Ash started calling him ‘buddy’ like his dad does. “Ash! He can’t play a lot of games anymore, but he said he’s gonna teach me a new one. One he can play.”

The clinking of silverware stops. Both adults freeze, then glance at each other.

“You’re going to play a game with Ash?” Jessica asks.

“Yeah!”

“Where did Ash come from?” This time, it’s Max who speaks.

Michael shrugs. “He came back. You guys acted like he’d be gone forever, but it was just a few days.”

“A few days? But it’s been weeks…” Jessica glances at Max.

A frown is settling deep in Max’s brow. “How long has he been back, bud?”

Michael shrugs. “You guys talked to me, told me Ash had gone away. But then he came back again a few days later.”

Jessica sucks in a breath.

“All right.” Max inhales deeply, nods. Then, he smiles. “How about you finish dinner in your room, huh? A special treat.”

Michael’s eyes light up. “Can I watch TV?”

“Of course, bud.”

Jessica helps him prepare a tray, then Michael takes his food to his room without complaint.

When he arrives in his room, Ash is waiting for him.

And then he remembers his promise.

“Oh!” Michael gasps. He stands there, tray rattling as his hands start to shake, and his lower lip quivers. “I’m s-sorry, Ash.”

Ash, though, only smiles at him. “It’s all right, buddy.”

“Are you gonna leave?” Michael’s eyes fill with hot tears. “I’m sorry!”

“Nah.” Ash leans back, crossing one Converse-clad foot over the other, “I won’t leave.”

“Really? You’ll stay?” Michael sniffles, but manages a smile.

Ash smiles back. “Yeah, I’ll stay. But, playtime is going to be a bit delayed, all right? I need to check something.”

Michael nods. “O-Okay.”

“Finish your dinner, huh? I’ll be right back.”

Ash leaves Michael, still sniffling but calming down, in his room, and ventures out. He knows there’s no reason to be overly cautious or sneaky, but old habits die hard

(pun intended)

as he creeps down the hallway.

He finds Max and Jessica talking in the kitchen. He stands, totally exposed but unnoticed all the same, in the doorway, and watches.

Jessica has her head in her hands and her shoulders shake. Her tears are silent, but he knows she’s crying. Max has a chair pulled up next to her and he’s got his arms wrapped around her.

“Maybe this is his way of coping,” he mumbles.

“B-By thinking he can see Ash? Max, Ash is, Ash i-is—“

“I know.” Max cups her face in his hand. He attempts to wipe the tears away, but they come too quickly. “I know, Jess. But, I don’t think he quite understood when we tried talking to him. Maybe this is his way of… processing.”

“He’s too old for imaginary friends, Max!” Jessica snaps.

But, she’s not angry. Not at Max.

She’s angry at the world.

She’s heartbroken.

“This will last a few weeks, maybe a few months,” Max predicts, “but he’ll grow out of it. Maybe it’ll help if we sit down with him again. Explain things… properly.”

“Y-You mean, tell him—“

Max nods.

“Oh, but Max—“

“I know,” he mumbles, pulling her into a hug, “but, is it really fair to let him continue to believe that Ash could come back someday?”

“I, I—“ Jessica hiccups, sniffles. She rests her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes. “I suppose you’re right.”

“I’ll talk to him after school on Friday,” Max mumbles, rubbing her back.

“Okay,” she whispers. He holds her tight. “But, what if…”

“Hm?”

“What if… it doesn’t help? What if he still thinks he can play with Ash?”

Max sighs deeply, presses his lips to her forehead. “If it doesn’t pass after a few months… it may be a good idea to take him to a child therapist.”

“Max,” she whimpers.

“I know. Shh. We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”

It is then that Ash chooses to take his leave. He returns to Michael’s room with hunched shoulders. He can no longer feel pain, but he’d swear his heart would be aching in his chest if it could.

Michael, though, is thrilled (and incredibly relieved) when Ash returns.

“You came back!” he exclaimed, hopping off his bed. His plate, now empty, sits on his dresser.

“I told you I would.” Ash smiles, but it’s small and shaky.

“I’m sorry,” Michael says again.

“Don’t be. You kept the secret for a long time.”

“Can they see you now?” Michael asks.

Ash shakes his head.

“But—“

“They know, but it’s still probably a good idea not to talk about me too much, all right? Sometimes grown ups think ghost stories are silly.”

Michael frowns. “But, you’re not a ghost, are you, Ash? Ghosts are dead people.”

Instead of answering, Ash says, “Hey, how about I show you that game now, huh?”

At the mention of a new game, Michael grins.

“Okay!”

Questions forgotten.

*

When Michael comes home from school on Friday, he doesn’t come straight to his bedroom. Instead, Max calls him into the living room. He says he needs to talk to Michael about something important, but assures him he’s not in trouble.

Ash could observe, but he knows that he’d only be distracting Michael.

So, he sits on Michael’s floor.

And he waits.

Michael is gone for a long time.

But, finally, his bedroom door creaks open. He pokes his head into the room first, lip quivering, eyes flooded.

“Michael—“

“You lied to me,” he whispers.

Ash stares down into his lap, fiddling with the zipper on his coat. “I’m sorry, Michael. I—“

“I said ghosts were dead people, and you said you weren’t a ghost!”

Technically, Ash hadn’t. He’d changed the subject. But, he knows what Michael means. He’d been lied to for weeks.

He felt betrayed, and it was because of Ash.

“I’m so sorry, buddy. I…” Ash hesitates.

Michael stares at him, heavy tears down his cheeks. His eyes are red and swollen.

“I can leave, if you want,” Ash offers, quietly.

He doesn’t know where he’d go. But, Michael doesn’t have to know that.

“No,” Michael whimpers.

“What?”

“I don’t want you to leave!” the boy cries. He sits on the floor, school bag still heavy on his back, and sobs. “Don’t leave, Ash. Please don’t go.”

Ash had thought it selfish of him to stay.

But, looking at Michael, eight years old and already having to deal with more than any boy his age should, he thinks it’d be much more selfish of him to leave. At least, for now.

“Okay,” Ash mumbles. “Okay, buddy. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

“Ash?”

“Yeah, buddy?”

“C-Can I hug you?”

“I’m… not sure, Michael,” Ash admits.

“Can I try?”

Ash hesitates. “All right.”

Michael hurries at him, arms outstretched. But, he passes right through Ash like he’s made of smoke.

Ash shivers. Michael hangs his head low and sniffles.

“I’m sorry,” Ash says.

“I wish I could hug you.”

“I know.”

They’re interrupted by Jessica, who knocks on the open bedroom door. Michael looks up at her from his position on the floor, then looks away.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” she murmurs.

Michael ignores her.

“I don’t think… I don’t think it’s good for you to be alone right now, Mikey.”

“I’m not alone,” Michael says. He looks next to him, at Ash. “I have Ash.”

Jessica looks directly at him.

Ash’s green eyes are wide and bright.

But she does not see him.

“I’m so sorry, Mikey. Please… come watch a movie with us? It will take your mind off of…”

“Go with her,” Ash whispers.

Michael freezes.

“Go on, buddy. It’s okay. They just want to take care of you.”

“You’ll stay here?” Michael whispers, believing himself to be quieter than he is. Jessica’s eyes widen.

“I promise.”

“Okay,” Michael mumbles. Slowly, he gets to his feet. “Okay, Mom. Can I pick the movie?”

Jessica tries to smile.

“Of course.”

*

Michael turns nine tomorrow.

And Ash has stayed through it all.

Since learning of Ash’s death, Michael has tried to quiet down around Max and Jessica. He still talks about Ash sometimes, but, though the subject is still a sensitive one, they have dropped the idea of taking him to see a child therapist.

Ash and Michael still play sometimes, but mostly Ash has become somebody to talk to. Every day, after he comes home from school, Michael tells Ash about his day.

Ash can’t help but compare his nine-year-old self to Michael, and he’s so grateful he would cry if he could. Michael had gone through a lot in the past year that no eight-year-old kid should have to go through, but it was nowhere near the inferno that had engulfed Ash’s childhood. And, most of all, Michael had parents who loved him. Who supported him. Who helped him however they could.

Something that Ash himself had never, ever had.

They’re in the kitchen. Ash is leaned against the refrigerator, arms crossed over his chest, easy smile on his lips. Michael is helping his mother frost his chocolate birthday cake, but he keeps sticking his fingers in the frosting whenever she turns her back. Max is decorating in the living room, but pokes his head into the kitchen every once in awhile to sniff the air.

“Why does Michael get to lick the spoon?” Max whines.

“Because,” Jessica huffs in exaggerated annoyance, “only one of you is turning nine tomorrow.”

Michael sticks his tongue out at his father.

Max grins, about to retort, when the doorbell rings.

“Ah!” Max grins. “I believe our special guest has arrived!”

“‘Special guest?’” Michael echoes. He and Ash exchange a look, but Ash shrugs.

“You stay there, boy!” Max orders before hurrying to the door.

When he returns, Ash’s jaw drops.

“EIJI!” Michael screams.

Eiji smiles.

“Hiya, Michael.”

Michael runs across the room, knocking Eiji back against the wall in a hug. Laughing, Eiji wraps his arms around the boy.

Ash is frozen.

He can’t stop staring.

It’s only been six or seven months since Eiji left for Japan, and, apparently, he’d come back earlier than that for the funeral. But, this is the first that Ash has laid eyes on him since… the hospital.

Since he was alive.

Eiji’s hair is a little longer, a little shaggier — it looks like he’s trying to grow it out — but, otherwise, he looks the same as he had six, seven months ago. He—

No.

Not the same. Not quite.

His eyes are dark, dark and sad. He’s laughing as he hugs Michael back, but there is a heaviness behind those eyes that wasn’t there before. Because of…

Because of Ash.

“Eiji, Eiji,” Michael repeats over and over, like it’s been a lifetime since they’d seen each other, “You came from Japan?”

“I did,” Eiji says. His voice is soft.

“You came for my birthday?” Michael squeezes tighter, afraid to let go.

Eiji laughs as the air is squeezed out of him. “I did, yes. But, not only reason.”

“Huh?” Michael finally lets Eiji go as he takes a step back and looks up at him.

The gentlest smile pulls at Eiji’s lips. “I been thinking of relocating to New York. Permanently.”

Ash’s mouth falls open.

“You’re moving here?!” Michael demands.

“Well,” Eiji says, “I sure going to try.”

Ash continues to gape at a man who cannot see him.

What happened to going back to Japan?

“It’ll be wonderful to have you around again, Eiji,” Jessica gushes, wrapping him in a hug and gently squeezing, “You are always welcome here.”

Eiji holds Jessica close as he hugs her back, sturdy and comforting. “I appreciate you very much, Jessica.”

Jessica is shaking her head as they pull apart.

“You boys,” she murmurs, voice thick, “did not deserve any of what happened to you.”

Her own traumas go unspoken.

“I hate to interrupt,” Max says, stepping in as soon as he realizes Jessica is becoming overwhelmed with emotion, “but, I think we still have some presents to wrap. Can you watch the cake for us, Eiji?”

Eiji laughs. “Of course.”

Wrapping his arm around Jessica’s shoulders, Max leads her out of the room and takes her upstairs.

Michael waits until they are out of earshot before turning to Eiji, big smile on his face. “Guess what!”

Eiji smiles. “What?”

“Someone else is here for my birthday!”

Snapping out of his Eiji-induced trance, Ash’s eyes go wide. Pausing, Michael looks at him. Ash looks very scared for a moment.

But, after a moment, he nods.

“It’s okay,” he whispers.

Michael grins.

“Huh? Another guest? When will they come?” Eiji asks.

“They’re already here!”

“What?” Eiji crosses the kitchen and looks out into the hall. “Where?”

“Right here!’

Eiji turns to look back at Michael, who’s pointing at the wall.

“Ah, I get it. Is your friend invisible?”

“Yes!”

Eiji chuckles. “Well, then. What his name?”

“It’s Ash!”

The laughter cuts off as quickly as it had started.

“Your imaginary friend… is Ash?”

Michael scowls. “He’s not imaginary. He’s dead!”

He says that so excitedly that Ash can’t help but laugh. He covers his mouth with his hand.

Eiji is starting to look a little pale. “Don’t be silly, Michael. There’s no such thing as ghosts.”

“Yes, there is!”

Shaking his head, Eiji leaves the kitchen. Michael and Ash both follow him into the living room.

“Don’t you believe me?” Michael asks.

Crossing the room, Eiji goes to Jessica’s bookcase, picks a seemingly random book, and begins to flip through it. “You’re very imaginative, Michael. You should be an author when you grow up.”

“I’m serious!”

“There’s no such thing as ghosts,” Eiji repeats. He takes his book and sits on the floor… just like Ash does. Leaning against the wall, he pretends to read.

Michael looks at Ash, exasperated.

Biting his lip, Ash looks back at Eiji. His head is bowed as he skims the page.

Michael bites back a giggle as Ash moves closer to Eiji. He stands right in front of him, and Eiji shivers.

This, though, is where Ash falters.

In the months since Ash had shown up in Michael’s house, he has not been able to muster the strength to touch a living human.

Ash looks back at Michael, who nods his encouragement. He turns back to Eiji, who is still pretending to read though his teeth have started to chatter.

Slowly, very slowly, Ash bends down. Then, he leans forward and wraps Eiji in a hug.

Michael is all but holding his breath.

At first, nothing happens.

Then, Eiji gasps. The book falls from his hands, into his lap, and his head jerks up.

He stares directly into wide, bright, beautiful green eyes.

Ash’s smile is very soft.

“Hello, Eiji,” he mumbles.

“Nice to see you.”

[johnkrrasinski]

Midnight, I’m Not Leaving

full masterlist

Pairings: Biker!Bucky Barnes x female!reader (AU)

Word count: 1,995

Warning: fluff!!!! just a lot of feelings tbh.

Summary: you had your whole life planned out; work hard, move to new york and pursue your dreams... but what happens when a coquettish biker gang leader crossed your path and relentlessly asked you for a date?

a/n: this one’s written for @captain-rogers-beard​‘s “Flex Your Writing Muscles” challenge. i was inspired by the prompt “a late night bike ride under the stars” and i’ve been actually thinking of writing about biker!bucky for awhile!! so yeah, it was a perfect coincidence. please leave a like & comment! enjoy!

The crisp breeze felt piercing on your skin, your hair was blowing through all over your face barricading your sight, the soft hum of the engine that you had grown fond of reverberated in your ears, like midnight jazz cruising through the streets of Sunset Boulevard.

Bucky’s sturdy material of leather felt nice against your palm as you inhaled his musky scent, the smell soothed your nerves. But again, Bucky Barnes always soothed your nerves.

You had been dating the town’s most infamous bad boy slash biker gang leader, Bucky Barnes for over two months now. You were a persevering small-town girl who valued your independence and was determined to get out of this mundane place.

You wanted to migrate to the big city, preferably the Empire State, where you can be whoever you want to be, and there’s a seat for you and your big ambitions on the dining table. Not like this small-minded, incommodious small town where everyone seems to have a thing of sticking their noses in places they don’t belong and the most “noble” job you can have is being a waitress.

You didn’t have any desire in fulfilling this small town’s dreams for you by being a waitress but you had to fill in your bank account if you really wanted to leave and run to the big city. So you took a part-time job at a local bakery store, owned by Mrs. Potts, called “Potts’ Boulangerie,” where you get paid quite generously for someone who only works as a part-time waitress.

Life in Islesbury was anything but exciting and extraordinary during most days.

But all that changed since, a rainy afternoon, when the fearsome, James Buchanan Barnes, the leader of the notorious biker gang, “The Howling Commandos.” The bell above the door dinged as Bucky with his two most trusted men, Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson tried to fit their massive figures into the moderate-sized door that would fit the average people.

Bucky set his foot first as Sam then Steve trailed along. They were soaked with the droplets of rain that were clouding over the tranquility of Iselsbury but they didn’t seem to mind one bit. There was only you at that moment since Wanda wasn’t feeling too well so she worked only for half-day. The shop was a little slow too since it was raining and most people preferred to stay inside, and Wednesdays aren’t exactly the most casual day to stop by at the bakery store.

To say you weren’t a tad intimidated by the sight of these menacing men would be a deceit. You had heard the rumours, the small crimes that they did, the various members that had gone in and out prison, and the bars that they owned and ruled over. But you put on your professional facade anyway, and you did your job.

They immediately sat at the last table in the corner, where Bucky leaned against the window, whilst Sam and Steve sat next to each other at the opposite of his direction. You heard one of them say, “damn, it’s really coming down.”

You carefully walked over to them with your notepad and pencil, and you raise your voice meekly, “can I get you guys anything?” Bucky instantly turned his head and took a good look at you, shamelessly eyed you up and down. “Well, hello there, gorgeous.” Bucky winked.

You were taken aback by his blunt move. The fuck did he just call you? You weren’t an escort who was prying on your next potential client and on your way to seduce him. “Excuse me?” All the civility in you dissolved, your offence was on palpable.

“Whoa, what’s the matter, doll face?”

“Don’t call me that. I’m here to take your order, not to escort you.”

“Calm down, doll. I ain’t saying that at all. I’m just stating the obvious.”

“Well, you better keep your mouth to yourself because I don’t like those nicknames and if you’re not going to make an order, then I suggest you leave.”

“Well, this is a public place, ain’t it? Anyone can be here whenever they want as long as the sign on the door says open.”

He was right. You shouldn’t be rude to a customer, but again, you weren’t going to let him or anyone walk over you. But you tried to regain your composure and tried to act decently again, “fine, what would you like to order, sir?”

“Sir… I like that. I’ll take one cup of espresso, please, darling.” He winked at you and grinned a Cheshire cat smile. “Be cool, he’s a customer. Be cool, he’s a customer. Be cool, he’s a customer.” You reminded yourself. “Just serve his orders and you won’t have to deal with him ever again… At least for today.”

“Alright. What about you?” You directed your attention to Steve and Sam.

“Americano, please.” You noted down Sam’s order. “And you?” You moved to Steve. “Just black ma’am. Thank you.” You noted that down also.

“I’ll be right back with your orders.” You immediately walked away and went back to the kitchen where you were going to make their coffees. Only after a few steps away from them, you heard the faint, yet bold voice of Bucky. “Feisty... Think I like this one.”

-

Since that fortunate day, Bucky never stopped bothering you, even though you persisted on rejecting him, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He kept on visiting you at the bakery store, annoying you whilst you were busy taking customers’ orders or helping Wanda out in the kitchen. He even went as far as insolently knocking on your door at night whilst you were having a movie night with your parents in the living room.

“What the hell? What are you doing here?!” You spoke in a hushed tone, but you glared at him. How the fuck did Bucky find your resident?

“Wanted to see you, doll. Thought you’d give me a different answer if I had visited you at your place rather than the shop.” He leaned into the frame of the door. Meanwhile, your mother in the background was not making the situation any easier, “who is that, honey?”

“Nobody…”

“What? Is it a false address?”

“Yeah…”

Amidst the turmoil of trying to get rid of Bucky and convincing your mother, you didn’t notice that Bucky was audaciously eyeing you up and down for you were clad in nothing but a white tank top and pyjama shorts with a thin cardigan cloaking you as an outer.

“Never seen you in something so scanty before, you look better like this.” There is that presumptuous smirk again.

You realized he wasn’t going to leave anytime soon for the persistent douche he was, so you shut the door behind you and stepped outside to your porch. “What the hell? You can not just come into my house uninvited! And most importantly, how did you even know where I live?!”

“I have eyes in the sky and ears all over town.”

You groaned and rolled your eyes.

“If you want me to leave, you gotta say yes to a date. Just one date, doll.”

“No.” You resolutely gritted.

“Fine, then I’ll just stand here all night, maybe even flaunt my singing skill and wake the entire neighbourhood, until you say yes.” He started singing a song that you didn’t know, like a drunken teenage boy at a bar. He didn’t even hesitate in turning up his volume and it immediately made you panic.

“Shh! Okay, fine. I’ll go on a date with you. Just please, stop causing a scene. My parents will call the cops on you if they saw you here.”

“Of course, still the uptight rich people, I see.”

“You gotta leave. Now.” You started pushing him, even though he barely moved an inch for he was stronger and bigger than you.

“7 PM, tomorrow. I’ll pick you up on my bike.”

“Okay, go!” You shoved him mildly to get him off your veranda.

He yielded then began moving to where he parked. He hopped on his bike and revived the engine as took one last glance at you, “can’t wait to see you all dressed up for me, doll.” He winked and geared on the asphalt road.

And the rest was history.

And now, here you were, two months later, sitting on the back of his bike, with your chest pressed against his broad back, as he cruised through the open road under the glow of the moon.

You hugged Bucky tighter as he sped up. The feel of his warmth against you relinquished all the burden and the mundanity of the small-town life were omitted.

“Where are we going?” You gritted.

“You’ll see. If I tell you now, it ain’t going to be a surprise.” His tone detonated, trying to overpower the din of the wind.

Typical Bucky. Even after you were his for two months, he was still coming up with inventive ways to impress you. It’s the little things and modest ways he did that pulled you into him like a magnet. The sugarcoated words he effortlessly spoke, the kisses his ingenious lips left on you and the iniquitous way he touched you when you were making passionate love… It captivated you like a firework show.

Bucky took you that night to a secluded hill, in the outskirts of town where there were barely any people passing by. You had snuck out earlier, cautiously not to jolt your parents up as Bucky noiselessly waited for you outside. You felt like recalcitrant teenagers recklessly in love. And maybe you were at that moment.

“Let’s go on a ride tonight, doll. I’ll be here by midnight. Be ready, princess.” He urged you on the phone earlier.

The midnight was besieged by stillness and nothing but the sonances of crickets. Bucky lifted the seat of his bike and retrieved the plaid picnic blanket from inside.

He placed it on the lawn and he laid down with you in his arms. You placed your head on his chest as you curled up to him and fitted your entire height in the blanket.

“Look at those stars…” Bucky pointed at the sprinkled constellation adorning the royal blue sky. “Beautiful, aren’t they?”

“Yeah, they are.” You paused. For a moment there was only the sound of you and Bucky’s slow breathing and steady heartbeat humming in your ear. Then you filled in the silence with the sentimentality of your childhood your mind recalled. It’s really difficult not to open up when you are this close to him.

“When I was a little girl, I used to pretend that those stars would follow me wherever I go like they were my little guardian angels. And whenever I’m sad or afraid, I’d look outside my window and feel safe.”

“You still do that?” He breathed into your hair as he played with some of the strands. He tenderly caressed the back of your head with his indurated fingers that you had memorized every inch of.

“Of course not.” You slightly chuckled in disbelief at his question.

“Good, cause as long as you got me, you don’t ever have to feel sad or afraid again, doll.”

“Is that a promise?”

“It’s an oath. And I’ve got a lifetime to prove my words to you.”

You thanked your lucky stars that night, as they watched over you and Bucky like the angels taking over the form of flickering stellar in the sky. You always thought you knew where your future was heading and had your plans laid out immaculately in front of you until Bucky came along like a whirlwind sweeping away all your scribbled notes and took your hand to walk through every second with him.

And for the first time in forever, you weren’t rushing to be in another place or calculating your next move. For the first time, you think you were content enough to stay.

[ayyyez]

Helloooo i looove you’re writing anyways I think there was a chitchat once about Tobirama opening up to his s/o. Do you think you can like add onto that if you can? If you can’t that’s totally fine ha ha

a/n: aw thank you kindly :) oh yes yes I love vulnerable moments with all my favs warnings: angst, mentions of sex (not explicit)

I feel like a lot of vulnerable moments where Tobirama opens up happen in your shared home - mainly late at night/early morning in bed. It’s sad hours up in the Senju household but it’s not all angst and trauma, sometimes it’s just random thoughts shared.

Before you get to this point though a lot of ground work has to be laid. It’s a ways into the relationship (you either have to have been friends with him for a long time or romantically involved for a long time) before he even thinks about opening up to you.

You have to be the one to coax it out of him. I don’t mean bugging him every night to tell you his secrets but rather, asking him questions that can lead him there. 

Start off opening him slowly. He gets so lost in his own thoughts when he broods sometimes you have to bring him back to earth. “What’s on your mind?” “Nothing.” “It’s not nothing to you.” *sigh*. This is how you begin to show he can trust you.

It starts off with his concerns for the village and it’s people. He will tell you basic things and that is your queue to ask more questions to help him solve the problem or offer him comfort in the form of listening and touching him in soothing motions. The warmth of your body soothes him most. 

He will begin to look to you for guidance. You don’t have to necessarily be smart of know the dance of politics, you just have to ask the right questions and make him voice his thoughts out loud. Unloading it onto someone else helps clear his head. 

If you are familiar with politics and have a thorough knowledge of the shinobi world then most of your pillow talk is going to be filled with these discussion. Sometimes it gets the two of you so wired that you go for another round or two. Intelligence and empathy turns him on shh you didn’t hear that from me. 

He won’t talk about fighting or anything to do with battle during the warring period in detail. There might be mentions but it’s something he won’t talk about - he doesn’t need to because you went through it too. 

The only exception might be Izuna. And it won’t be something he brings up but you do and that is only because you need too. By that I mean if you are an Uchiha or you knew/were close to Izuna in some way. If you’re none of these things and ask he will feel attacked. 

To answer you question, no he doesn’t regret what he did. There were tinges of guilt over the years but they were quelled when he reminded himself if he hadn’t killed Izuna then Izuna would have killed him.

If Izuna was particularly important to you he will feel guilty when he tells you this and will add, “I know it’s not the answer you wanted.” he sees it as a disservice to be dishonest though. Assure him you wanted the truth. 

Talking about his parents comes from you discussing your own. There’s a a particular energy in the room that night. Even the lovemaking was deeper, more emotional than usual. Like there was a longing within the two of you that need to be satisfied. 

You start telling him things about your past. Your parents, your upbringing, the reason you are who you are. He is quite taken back at how easily you can talk about these things and how lightly you can do it. 

He’s looking at you intently and hanging on your every word but eventually it becomes a lot. It’s like you’ve given him this piece of yourself he feels he doesn’t quite deserve. He pins his gaze on the ceiling as he listens to you continue, there’s always a part of you physically touching him - it grounds you both to the moment. 

This honesty and openness sits with him for awhile - weeks, months, maybe even years and then he decides to open up to you. There is usually a trigger. His brother might have said something, something might have happened to you - it doesn’t matter but he decides to take this step.

I headcanon Tobirama not really knowing his mother. His only role model was his father and we all know what that meant. He mentions it in a few words. He doesn’t tell you his feelings on the matter. But you can tell by way he phrases it, the way his tongue quickly runs over the syllables like he wants to move on as fast as possible that this was important to him.

It made him feel vulnerable. He wasn’t sure why. He always wondered about her but he was also content with how things ended up. He didn’t want her to die but the longing for things to be different in terms of his parentage died in his youth. 

His relationship with his father was complicated. He followed his orders and decisions because he didn’t know different. And while he didn’t agree with his father he never did speak out against him. Instead he contented himself from learning from his mistakes and the things he did right-right in Tobirama’s eyes. 

He doesn’t tell you this outright but you can tell - when his father died he felt relief. Relief that the weight on his shoulders to measure up to his standard despite disagreeing with his decisions was gone. And although Hashirama had is shortcomings, he was going to be a good leader. Someone he would express his opinions too. 

Pillow talk moments are plain vulnerable for Tobirama in general. Being intimate with someone was not something he took lightly. It takes a great level of trust for Tobirama Senju to take you to his bed and he is not as calm about it as he would have you believe. 

Cuddle up your body against his after. Stroke his face, his arm, his chest but don’t suffocate him with your touch. Keep it light but knowingly there. It’s assuring and grounding and it’s the rare time he allows himself to relax. This is where he lets his worries go and just exists. Exists for you and him. Nothing else matters until the next morning comes. 

[hopelikethemoon]

JoJo (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: JoJo  Rating: PG-13 Length: 1800 Warnings: Fluff! Notes: You can find everything about Maybe Today, Maybe Forever here. Set July 1993. Javier POV. Becca, I owe you for this prompt! Summary: Javier gets up to take care of Josie. 

@grapemama​ @seawhisperer​ @huliabitch​ @pedropascalito​ @rogrsnbarnes​ @thewallpapergoesorido @twomoonstwosuns​ @gooddaykate​ @livasaurasrex​ @ham4arrow​ @plexflexico​​ @readsalot73​ @hdlynn​​ @lokiaddicted​​ @randomness501​ @fioccodineveautunnale​​  @roxypeanut​​ @snivellusim​​ @lukesrighthand​​ @historynerd04 @mrsparknuts​​ @synystersilenceinblacknwhite​​ @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead​​ @exrebelshocktrooper​​ @awesomefandomsunited​​ @ah-callie​​ @swhiskeys​​ @lady-tano​​ @beskar-droids​​ @space-floozy​​ @cable-kenobi​​ @cool-ultra-nerd @himbopoes​​ @findhimfives​​ @pedrosdoll​​ @frietiemeloen​​ @arrowswithwifi​​ @random066​​ @uncomicalhumour​​ @heather-lynn​​ @domino-oh-damn​​ @cyarikaaa​ @ahopelessromanticwritersworld​​ @im-still-a-pieceofgarbage @ksgeekgirl​  @yabby-girl​ @xqueenofthecraziesx​​ @punkass-potato​ @coredrive​ @pascalesque​ @theduchessofkirkcaldy​ @queenquazar​ @sabinemorans​ @buckstaposition​ @holkaskrosnou​ @yespolkadotkitty​ @fleetwoodmactshirt​ @seeking-a-great–perhaps

“We are going to let your mommy sleep, okay?” Javier said softly. He carefully supported Josie with one arm as he pulled open the refrigerator door and grabbed one of the bottles of breastmilk off the shelf.

He adjusted her in his arm, bouncing her a little as she fussed. “I know, sweetheart.” He kissed the top of her head as he turned and moved to the sink to run some warm water over the bottle to take the chill off. 

“Shh. Shh.” He rubbed his hand over her back, “Don’t wake your mommy up, JoJo. She needs all the sleep she can get.”

Javier shut off the faucet and headed back down the hall to the nursery. 

He wished he could be there every night to do this for her. She was juggling motherhood, the end of mat-leave, and working her ass off at the office. 

Last night he’d had every intention of making it over to her apartment, but he had worked late and ended up falling asleep on his sofa when he swung by his own place to grab a suit for tomorrow — well, today now. 

And of course, Josie had been a little terror. Her mother had looked like shit when she rolled into the office. It killed him that he couldn’t comfort her at work. But she panicked if he so much as lingered at her desk for too long. 

Javier couldn’t risk doing something wrong. Not when he still considered their relationship to be a precarious thing. 

“That’s it, princesa.” Javier drawled out as he nestled her into the crook of his arm as she started sucking at the bottle contentedly. “We’re going to get you back to sleep in no time.”

Josie curled her little fingers around one of his, holding it as she drank her bottle. God, she was so precious. Even after she’d woken him up at three in the morning. 

He still couldn’t quite wrap his head around the fact that this little squirmy baby girl was part of him. She seemed too precious and innocent to have a single drop of his blood in her veins — and yet he knew she was his. 

That one night — the one that had been a long time coming — had given him the greatest little miracle. He had Josie and he had her mother. And even if it wasn’t forever… it was worth it to have them now. 

“I wonder if you’ll have curls,” He remarked as he brushed his fingers over her dark hair. There was a definite wave to her hair. “I had the curliest hair when I was a baby. My mother used to say she was so jealous of how nice it was.” He chuckled at the memory.

Josie squeezed his finger gently as she pulled away from the bottle, her little tongue working at the milk that lingered on her lips. 

“Was that good?” Javier questioned. “I think you need to drink more, sweetheart.” He tilted the bottle back to her lips and she latched back onto it.

“And then you’re going to go back to sleep, JoJo and I’m going to go back to sleep.” It was so easy to talk to her, despite the fact that there was no way she could respond to him. It was cathartic. 

“I hope you grow up to be just like your mother, Josie. She’s a hell of a woman.” He shook his head. “She puts up with so much shit at work, just to make this family of ours work.”

Somehow, she had the patience of a saint. He didn’t know how she did it, but she did. She gritted her teeth and refrained from murdering Chris every goddamn day. 

“She puts up with a lot of shit from me too,” Javier sighed, brushing his fingers over her hair. “I hope by the time you’re older, I’m a man worthy of having a daughter like you, JoJo. I’m trying. For you and for her. I wanna be better.”

Javier wished that he could call his father. Chucho would know what he should do. He used to coach him through all sorts of shit that he got himself into. And he could really use his advice on fatherhood. 

How did it work? How could someone like him deserve this? How did he become the father that Josie deserved? 

Josie stopped drinking and Javier was swift with sitting the bottle aside and cradling her to his chest to burp her. “And then we are going to sleep…” He reminded her softly, kissing the top of her head as she fussed. “You’ve got to be quiet, sweetheart.” 

If someone had told him a year ago that he’d become the father of such a perfect little girl, he would’ve laughed in their face. Him? A father? And yet it felt like the most natural thing in the world. It helped that he had a good partner too. 

She made his life better just simply by letting him be part of hers. He couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

“Javier?”

“Uh-oh,” Javier said lightly as he settled Josie into his arms. “I think we woke your mommy up.” 

She appeared in the doorway of the nursery, wearing one of his tee-shirts she’d commandeered during her first week of maternity leave. “You didn’t wake me.” She told you, rubbing at her eyes as she stifled a yawn. “My body did.” 

“She drank most of the bottle,” He explained, looking back down at Josie in his arms. “I wanted to let you sleep.” 

“I appreciated the few extra minutes I got,” She stepped further into the room, smiling at him. “She kept me up last night.” 

“I know,” Javier frowned. “I really did try to come last night. Had my bag packed and everything.” 

She shook her head as she reached out to stroke her fingers through his hair as she looked down at the two of them. “It’s alright. You’re here now, that’s all that matters, Javi.” She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “Want me to put her down?”

“Sure, baby.” He passed Josie to her mother, cradling her head until she was securely in her arms. “I’ll clean this up.” He offered, picking up the bottle as he took a moment to watch her as she sank down into the chair with their daughter. “You’re a natural with her.”

“So are you.” She tilted her head to look at him, “I already know that she misses you when you’re not here.”

“Yeah?”

“And so do I.” 

“I feel like shit for not being here,” Javier confessed, working his jaw as he looked away. “I had to help Danny with the reports from last week. It was a fucking nightmare.” He pinched the bridge of his nose as he looked away. “You’ve got me all weekend.”

Her eyes lit up, “Really?”

Javier nodded, scratching at the back of his neck. “The conference today. The one at noon. The assignment got pushed off. There’s shit that needs to be worked on before we tackle it.” 

“I was afraid to ask.” 

“Baby—”

She held up a hand to stop him, “It’s weird, alright? I had months of desk duty when I was pregnant, but… I feel ready to get back out there — with you and…” She looked back down at Josie. “She’s worth it.” 

“Yeah?” Javier questioned hesitantly. 

She rubbed her lips together as she lifted her eyes to meet his. “Yes. I mean, maybe in time I’ll get back out in the field.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?”

“I miss it.”

“Me too.” Javier admitted. “It’s not the same being stuck on a stakeout with Chris or Danny.”

She snorted, “I can’t imagine why.” She rose to her feet and carried Josie over to her crib. “I’ll be back in bed in a few minutes, Javi.”

He let his gaze linger on her for a long moment as he ducked out the door to put the bottle of milk away.

By the time Javier was headed back to the bedroom, she was slipping out of Josie’s nursery with a finger pressed to her lips. 

“Out like a light,” She murmured as she followed him into the bedroom. “Thank you for getting up. I’m glad she’s started taking the bottle better.”

“How’s pumping at work going?”

She made a face, “Aside from having to pump in the bathroom, it’s fine.” She explained, sinking down onto the bed beside him. 

“I’ll kill Chris if he pulls any shit about it.”

She laughed as she draped her arm over his chest, “I’ll kill him first, don’t worry.” She ran her hand up his chest and neck, before cupping his jaw. “I love you.”

His heart skipped a beat, “I love you too, baby.”

She pressed her lips against his bare shoulder, her breath tickling his skin. “Our novellas should be on tomorrow.”

Javier chuckled, “It’s been awhile.”

“Too long.” She brushed her fingers over his collarbone. “I miss a lot of things.”

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “Maybe we can make some time tomorrow while she naps.” Javier suggested, pressing a kiss to the center of her hand. “Has it been long enough?”

“It’s been about… seven weeks.” She ran her thumb over his bottom lip. “Things are still a little sensitive.”

“I would imagine so.”

She shoved him with a laugh, “We can try.”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

Javier could only make out her expression when she shifted out of the shadows and into the glow from the window. And he could tell that she was staring at him too. 

“Javier Peña being so diplomatic about not having sex,” She teased, leaning in to kiss him. 

“Oh, fuck off.” He snorted, nipping at her bottom lip. “I’m very diplomatic in the bedroom.”

“So I’ve heard,” She pressed her forehead to his and tilted her head to brush her lips against his once more. “Having you here is almost as good as an orgasm—“

“What?”

“I did say almost.”

Javier slid his arm beneath her and pulled her to his chest. “Have you lost your mind?”

She laughed happily and pressed her face into the crook of his neck. “I’m really tired, you can’t judge me for anything I say.”

“So you’re telling me to ask you anything?”

She tugged at his hair roughly, “Shut up.”

“Baby, you can’t get out of this that easily.”

The soft sound of snoring came as her response and for a split second he was certain she was putting on, but he recognized the slow and steady in-and-out of her breathing. 

Fuck, he wished he could fall asleep that easily. He ran his hand down her spine and pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

[moonlightstars16]

Connverse “I had a nightmare you hated me”

I FINALLY have an excuse to use an old one-shot I wrote months ago! Thank you wonderful Anon!

“I had a nightmare you hated me.

~~~~~~~~

It was a few months after the incident. A long time ago since he proposed. Still they hadn't really touched too much on the subject. What with Steven's therapy and Connie's cram school studying, it was difficult to even find time to just hang out. Sometime later Connie was studying at the temple because of home renovations. However it had gotten to be too late and Connie had to stay the night.

While Steven insisted she take his room and he take the couch, Connie politely refused since she would be up late studying anyways. So after they kissed each other goodnight, they were off to bed. Connie followed suit within minutes.

Suddenly there was a loud scream that woke Steven up. Quickly getting out of bed he raced down the stairs, shield up, and prepared himself for a fight. Finding nothing but a dark house lit by the moonlight coming through the windows, he sighed and put down his shield.

Wondering if what he heard was just in his head. Then he began to hear the sounds of someone crying. Looking over at the couch, he heard them much louder. Connie's back was towards him as she gripped a pillow and tried to muffle her cries. Her nightmare was almost to real for her. She froze for a moment when a familiar hand touched her shoulder.

"Connie? Are you alright?" Steven whispered as she shook her head.

"I-I'm sorry for waking you up." She whispered back feeling slightly guilty about it.

"It's okay....did you have a bad dream?" He asked as she could only nod her head.

"I don't want to loose you again." Her voice whimpered out between cries. She dreamt about them and it didn't end well from what he gathered. Plus that sentence was enough to make his own heart ache even more. Still it was all he needed to scoop her up in his arms and carry her, bridal style like, to his bed. He sat up with legs stretched out and herself on his lap. It was all she needed right now. The warmth, herself within his tight and loving embrace, him being there.

The images of her nightmare still haunted her. But they soon disappeared the longer they were together. Her hands gripping his shirt as she buried her face in his chest. One arm wrapped around her tightly, the other gently stroking and running his fingers through her hair. His head on top of hers. Her cries kept continuing to spill over her cheeks and it was hard for her to stop. But he didn't care how long it took, she needed to let it all out.

"Shh" Steven whispered gently. Calming her trembling and feeling her tears through his shirt. He knew how awful nightmares were. But to see his beloved Connie suffering from one wasn't okay. Wanting to be there for her through it all just like she did with him. Gently pressing his lips against her forehead. He pulled back slightly and placed a hand on her cheek. She leaned into his touch, embarrassed to open her eyes as the slight blush permeated her cheeks.

He smiled and chuckled before gently lifting her up in his arms before positioning both of them on the bed. Once more he enveloped her in his embrace. Gently holding her head against his chest. Hearing his heartbeat soothed her.

"I had a nightmare you hated me... I-... I saw your face after I r-rejected your proposal and then the next minute, you were shouting you couldn't be around me right then. That's what I've been dreaming almost every night. I never told you this but....it hurt me when you said that you didn't want to be around me. I know you didn't mean anything by it! You were going through so much that I will always understand. But I just...I can't help but feel hurt." She paused before continuing.

"Steven I wanted so badly to say yes to your proposal. However it wasn't the right time for me. I want to be my own person first, to figure out who I am so when I'm ready I could be there for you. But then I saw that you left me and I was surrounded by darkness...it suffocated me to the point where I couldn’t breathe and-“ Her voice cracked a bit unable to complete the sentence. More tears threatened to overflow.

"Oh Connie, I could never hate you. Shh, I'm here. You're safe now, I've got you." Steven understood between feeling he needed fixing a problem that wasn't his , and being there for someone else because he wanted too be. Connie seemed to be the most likely to come up in that train of thought.

In this moment she was vulnerable. He knew she was embarrassed of it, but it never bothered him. She needed to release her emotions from time to time as well. That's one thing he'll always be there for. To hold her up just like she did for him.

Soon they fell asleep in each other's arms. That next morning Steven was surprised to find himself the first to be awake. But he was thrilled, because he awoke to find a sleeping Connie with him. Her face calm and beautiful as she slept peacefully. Gently he caressed her cheek. Sweeping away her hair.

Her eyes fluttered open and smiled when she saw him. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Enjoying just being in each other's company. Then slowly Connie sat up and stretched while yawning. Steven sat up as well, leaning back against the bed frame and pillows. Connie leaned against him once more. Resting her head on his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her waist. She was slightly embarrassed of what happened last night. Being so vulnerable when she was supposed to be so strong.

So lost in thought she didn't realize his hand took hers and placed a gentle kiss on the back. Looking up she met his gaze as he let go of her hand and once more caressed her cheek. Only this time pulling her closer until both of their lips touched, eyes closed. Connie placed her hand on his shoulder. After a brief moment they parted and he leaned his forehead against hers.

"I'm always here for you Connie. You don't have to be embarrassed about anything with me. I love you no matter what. .... You still love me and was/is always there for me. Even at my worst moment. Please let me be here for you too. I want to be here for you."

"Even if I'm weak?" Connie spoke in almost a squeaked whisper. "I love you too, so much. I just...I want to be strong for you." Steven sighed and lifted up the bottom of his t-shirt. Then taking one of her hands again he guided them to his gem. Allowing her to touch what he couldn't even look at for what felt like years.

Connie inhaled sharply though quietly as well. Her skin feeling the smooth and slightly cool surface of his gem; while his hand was on hers. Encouraging her to stay as if to say it was okay. Looking down she saw the familiar rose-pink diamond that he always had. It was a part of him she felt was sacred. After the events of what White Diamond did, she never thought he would let anyone touch it.

"As kids, good times, bad times, confusing times as well, even through the brightest and darkest moments, Connie, you accepted me for who I was then and who I am now. Just like I accepted you for who you are. My brave, kind hearted, funny and wonderful Connie. My jam buddy for life. Good moments and bad I'm here for you." His words brought tears to her eyes. He wiped and kissed every one of them away. Through her tears was a smile and laughter.

Lifting her hand she pressed her lips on her fingers before resting it on his Gem once more. An indirect kiss so to speak. After awhile of just being in each other's company, they decided to embrace the morning. Steven lifting Connie almost effortlessly in his arms.

"Steven!" She tried sounding firm but it came out in almost a giggle. "I can walk you know."

"I know but maybe I was want to carry you today." He smirked while walking downstairs with her. Both just happy and in love.

[blurry-fics]

Chapter Nine

Where Did We Go | Series Masterlist

Warnings: Angst, profanity

Word Count: 2118

Author’s Note: I’m back from my little break! Thank you for letting me take a weekend off from posting, I’ll make sure to make this weekend’s posts extra good! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter :) (picture credit)

The sun was shining as you pulled up along the curb outside Carter and Marenna’s house. Since Tyler was out at meetings and the two of them had somehow managed to get a coinciding day off, you had decided to spend the afternoon with them and your nephew. It was something that you were looking forward to, especially since your busy schedules didn’t often allow for days like today.

Carter was already at the door as you walked up the front steps, leaning against the doorframe. He straightened up as you got closer.

“Y/N,” he smiled. “I’m glad you were able to make it over today.”

“Me too,” you said, returning his smile. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to come visit.”

The sound of tiny footsteps running along wood floors became audible the moment that you stepped in the door. A moment later, a tiny figure wearing a brightly colored dinosaur shirt and jeans came around the corner, making a beeline straight for you.

“Auntie!”

Your legs were attacked by a small pair of arms the moment that he was close enough to do so, making you wobble a little bit. Once you were steady, you bent over and scooped Max up, ruffling his hair once he was comfortably in your arms.

“Somebody is happy to see you,” Carter smiled as he closed the front door.

“I’m happy to see him too.”

After giving Max a proper hug, you set him back down onto the floor. As soon as his legs were on the ground, he took off at a run towards the living room.

“How are you doing?” you asked, now pulling Carter into a hug.

“I’m doing alright. Work has been kicking my ass lately, but I’m getting through it.”

“I’m proud of you, bud.”

“Thanks.”

Carter gave you a pat on the back as you pulled away from the hug. You quickly set your things by the door and followed him into the living room. Marenna was already in there, sitting on the couch and playing with a very giggly Max. She looked up when you entered the room.

“Y/N!” she smiled. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too!”

You walked around the couch so that you could give Marenna some form of half-hug, which was quickly interrupted by Max wiggling in between you two and demanding that he should get a hug too. Marenna gave him a quick talking to while you got comfortable on a different part of the couch.

“Do you need anything to drink?” Carter asked.

“Could I have a root beer, please?” you said.

“Not a vanilla Coke?”

“Do you actually have some?”

“Yes, because somebody demanded that we keep a box here,” he laughed.

“Right,” you laughed along with him. “Then one of those, please.”

“Ren? Do you want anything?”

“I’m ok, but can you grab some juice for Max?”

“Juice!”

“Coming right up.”

Max started to get off the couch so that he could run after his dad, but Marenna quickly caught him and pulled him back into her lap. He fought for a moment before dramatically flopping into her arms, finally realizing that it was a losing battle.

“How was your weekend, Y/N?”

“It was really nice! Obviously I had a lot of fun at the wedding, and then Tyler and I did some errands and had a relaxed night last night after he finished some work. How were things here?”

“Oh my gosh, I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I was when we got home Saturday night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that we had the wedding that we did, but I never want to be involved in planning another one in my life.”

“What is all this talk about weddings? Is Y/N finally getting married?”

“Shut it, Car,” you laughed as he passed you your drink. “We’ve talked about this.”

“Yeah, yeah, Joseph is busy, no time for planning, I’ve heard it all.”

Carter took a seat next to Marenna and started to open Max’s juicebox. Max, upon noticing this, climbed over Marenna’s arms and quickly made himself comfortable in Carter’s arms. He had a huge smile on his face as he was finally presented with his juice.

You were distracted from the conversation by something rubbing up against your legs. There was barely enough time for you to register it before Georgie was in your lap, stretching out and making himself comfortable.

“Hi, Georgie-bean,” you cooed, scratching at his ears. “I’ve missed you.”

He acknowledged you with a little headbutt to your palm before returning to finding a comfortable position on your lap. You never quite realized how much you missed having Georgie around until you were in his presence again.

“Speaking of Joseph, where is he?”

You pressed your lips together for a moment before speaking. “He’s out at a meeting for their tour. I guess everything is going wrong so there’s a ton of last minute things they have to do and it’s all on the brink of falling apart. He’s been super stressed about it, and this is only the first of three meetings this week, and that’s only as of right now. Who knows if they’ll decide to schedule more or not.”

“Oh no,” Marenna frowned. “That sounds awful.”

“It is. I, um,” you idly played with the tab of your soda can. “Yeah.”

You met Carter’s eyes, only to see that his eyebrows were furrowed. He was always able to tell when you were upset, no matter how hard you tried to hide it.

“Something more is going on here,” he said, shifting Max in his lap.

“It’s nothing.”

“Y/N,” Marenna chimed in. “This is a safe place, you can talk about things that are bothering you.”

“I guess it’s just… this was supposed to be our break, you know? And of course I knew there would be meetings, that’s a given before any tour, but I didn’t know it was going to be quite like this. I mean, he was gone for an entire month and it still feels like he’s on tour sometimes, or when he is home he’s just on his computer doing even more catch up for the next meeting. I know he can’t control the fact that everything is going wrong, but it hurts to still be spending so much time alone.”

“Have you tried talking to him about all this?” Carter asked.

“A little. We talked about it briefly yesterday, but I really don’t want to become another source of stress for him. I know this will all pass eventually. I guess, I know this is stupid, but I just miss when we were kids and the band wasn’t some huge thing that took over our lives, you know? Now it’s like everything has to be planned around his schedule. I miss when we could make last minute plans to go to the beach and not have to worry about everything else.”

“That’s not stupid,” Marenna answered this time. “I think that’s a reasonable concern to have.”

“I agree, but at the same time, that’s just how life goes. Relationship dynamics change and you have to change with them if you really want the relationship to work. You and Tyler care a lot about one another, so I’m sure you can figure out a solution if you just sit down and talk it through. There are still ways for you to have fun days and last minute plans, it just takes a little bit more work than it did before.”

You began to chew on your bottom lip. “I guess.”

“And you don’t need to sacrifice your happiness for him, either,” Marenna said. “I know the band is a big thing in his life right now, but you are too. He can find ways to balance those.”

“I know, he said that last night.”

“See, he’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Carter smiled.

“He does. And you’re right, I just need to talk to him about all of this. I just don’t want to upset him and make him feel like he has to make a choice, because he doesn’t.”

“You’re smart, Y/N, you’ll find a way to express that to him.”

“Yeah, what he said,” Marenna laughed.

“Thanks, guys,” you said. “I’ve been holding that in for awhile, so it was nice to get off my chest.”

“We’re always going to be here for you.”

“Auntie!” Max suddenly yelled.

He started wiggling in Carter’s arms, eager to be free of them. Carter gently set him on the ground and Max was off, making his way around the coffee table to you. The sound of his little feet on the carpet was enough to wake Georgie, allowing him enough time to escape before Max was climbing in your lap and taking the spot where Georgie had previously been.

“Hi, little dude. What brings you over here?”

Max held out his arms, making little grabbing motions with his hands. You got the message and held him close, gently wrapping your own arms around him. He held onto you for so long that you thought he might have fallen asleep, but then he leaned back and sank a bit further into your lap.

“He’s getting so big,” you said, running a hand along his hair. “I remember when he was just a little baby.”

“Tell me about it,” Carter scoffed. “I see him every day and it still feels like he grows an inch overnight. Before you know it, he’s going to be taller than me.”

“Shh, I don’t want to think about that,” Marenna said, putting a hand on Carter’s arm. “He’s still my baby boy.”

“He’ll always be your baby boy, no matter how big he gets,” Carter said.

“Are you guys going to have more kids, do you think?”

“Maybe in the future. I want to get a little more established at work before we start growing our family anymore, but it’s definitely something we want. Right, Ren?”

Marenna nodded, “Definitely. I think having a big family would be really nice.”

“Then I can bug you and all of your siblings,” you said, tickling Max’s side.

He giggled and tried to squirm away from you, but you caught him and pulled him close again. As retaliation, he reached over and started to “tickle” your side. You pretended to laugh and try to get away from him, making him laugh even harder.

“Hey, while we’re on the topic of Max,” Carter said. “Do you think I could ask a favor?”

“When do you need me to take care of him?”

“Wednesday afternoon. Marenna’s parents wanted to take us and her siblings out to dinner, but it’s a really nice restaurant and I don’t want Max to cause a problem. I think he would just have more fun if he was with you and maybe Tyler.”

“Unkie?” Max smiled.

“Yes, unkie will be there,” you said.

“So is that a yes?”

You held back a sigh. Wednesday was supposed to be one of the free days that you had with Tyler this week, but you also knew how much it would mean if you were able to watch Max for them to go out and have a nice dinner. Tyler did enjoy having Max around, though, so maybe it wouldn’t be a huge deal.

“Yeah, I think we can take him. I’ll make sure to double check with Tyler tonight, but I don’t think he’ll mind.”

“Thank you so much, Y/N,” Marenna smiled. “It means a lot.”

“Of course! I’m always happy to hang out with this little guy.”

Max barely noticed that you were talking about him, he was too busy watching Georgie sniff around by the window. Even if you missed him, you did enjoy knowing that Max had a little companion around the house.

“Kitty,” Max said, once again wiggling his way out of your arms.

He walked over to where Georgie was sitting in the window and started to reach for him.

“Gentle, Max,” Carter warned.

Max turned to look at Carter for a moment before turning to look at Georgie again. As gently as his little hands could muster, he began to lightly pet Georgie’s back.

“Good job, bud.”

The three of you watched Max and Georgie interact for awhile longer before Marenna suggested that you all make some lunch. You were tasked with keeping Max entertained while Carter and Marenna made up some sandwiches and fruit for everyone. Your worries about Tyler were quickly forgotten as you became wrapped up in spending time with your family.

It was exactly what you needed.

*     *     *     *     *

Taglist

@tylersheavydirtysoul @faceofcontvsions​ @ohprettyweeper @shaytwentyonep @tyler-josephs-floof @buzzybeebandaid​ @topownsmyheart @harishaanne @addictwithaheavydirtycheetah @somethingboutyou1 @boiled-onionrings @heythereitm3 @gaysludge @breadbinishigh @5secondsofmoxley @patdsinner33 @littlerachelbee @royal-avengers

[simonxriley]

Suspension Without Suspense

Pairing: Timur “Glaz” Glazkov x Skylar “Phoenix” Jackson (oc)

Summary: When Skylar get’s tasked with a mission, Glaz it left watching their toddler son, Sasha for a few days until she returns. The morning of her return Glaz wakes up to find Sasha not in their room. Sending the sniper into a panic, will he be able to find Sasha before Skylar gets back? 

Words: 5,669

Warnings: light angst

Prompt: I lost our baby

A/N: I decided to do a cute little one-shot based on a prompt that could be very sad for Glaz and Skylar. This was also an idea I had for awhile because I picture their son having a very close relationship with one of his ‘uncles’. This also turned into 96% fluff and 4% angst. I hope you enjoy!

Russian Translation: Opezdol = Idiot. Tysyacha blagodarnostee = A thousand thanks. Pozhaluysta = You’re welcome. Da = Yes.

Ao3 and FFN

“I miss mama.” Sasha looked over to his papa from the floor where he sat playing with some of his toys. It was late and Timur thought it’d be best to wind him down in their room. “When is she coming home?”

Timur gave him a small smile and slid down to sit on the floor with him. “She’ll be home tomorrow.”

Sasha put his action figure down and crawled into Timur’s lap, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapped his little arms around his neck. Timur smiled to himself as he wrapped his arms around his son in a gentle yet firm hug. He couldn’t thank the stars enough that they granted him and Skylar such a sweet, loving and laid back child. Sasha was such a blessing to them both, as well as to his aunts and uncles.

“That’s a long time papa, why can’t she be home now?” He started playing with his papa’s earlobe, like he always did since he was an infant and could hold things.

“She’s not done working. How about tomorrow we go into town and buy her something special?”

Sasha let go of his earlobe and pulled away, looking up at him with a big smile across his face. “Da!”

Timur laughed and smiled down at him. “What should we get her?”

He looked down and started to pick at his camouflage pajamas he was wearing, Timur moved some strands of black hair out of his blue eyes. “Flowers, mama likes them.”

“Mama does like them! Okay, we’ll get her flowers and what else?”

Timur watched his son with nothing more than admiration, for being three years old he already had what people called an old soul, yet he could still be a rambunctious toddler at the same time.  

“Another baby.”

“Another baby?” he quirked a brow, a smile spreading across his face. “I think that’s going to be a little hard to get mama.”

“Why?” Timur’s face faltered as Sasha looked up with a curious expression on his face.

“Babies take a little longer to make than flowers are.”

“Why?”

Timur is usually quick to come up with an answer but trying to tell a three year old where babies come from is a feat he didn’t expect. And he wasn’t about to have the ‘talk’ with him right now. For one he was way too young to be knowing what sex is and two, he would ask way more questions.

“Why don’t we ask mama when she returns?”

“Okay.” He shrugged his shoulders and went back to his toys. “Papa do you want another baby?”

“I do! Having another baby won’t happen until your mama says if it’s okay or not though.”

Becoming a father was the best thing to happen to him and he would love to have more someday. But when they do decide to add another to the Glazkov family it’ll be when Skylar is ready, since she is the one carrying the child.

“Why?”

Timur laughed and shook his head. “Because she’ll be the one carrying your little brother or sister, like she carried you!”

“Mama carried me?” His blue eyes lit up under the fluorescent lights and a big smile spread across his face.

“She did!” He got up for a moment, going into one of the nightstand drawers to pull out a photo album, then sat back down. “Come here I’ll show you.”

Sasha scrambled over to him and sat back on his lap. Timur placed the photo album in front of him and turned to the first page. As he looked down at the first picture, a small smile started to spread across his face. Skylar wanted to do one of those maternity shoots a month before Sasha was born and Timur couldn’t say no. He loved going back to old photos of her pregnancy, seeing how happy and excited they both were to be expecting their first child together. A child that would end up blessing them both more than they would ever realize.

“See you’re in mama’s tummy.” He pointed to Skylar’s bump to show him.

“I made mama look fat.” Timur snorted, making Sasha turn to him for a brief second before he turned back to the picture. “She looks super happy and so do you papa!”

“She looked beautiful!” He kissed the top of Sasha’s head, sighing in content. “We were super happy. That picture was taken a month before you were born and your mama and I were beyond excited to finally meet you!”

“You love mama a lot, I can see it in your eyes! You look at her like I look at plyushka, with love.”

Timur shut the photo album and laughed, then stood up with Sasha in his arms. “It’s getting late, why don’t we get you some warm milk and you can say goodnight to your aunts and uncles.”

“Okay papa.”

He tossed the album on the bed then left the room. As he headed down to the cafeteria with Sasha on his hip to warm up some milk the base was still buzzing with people, that was the only downside of still living on base when you have a toddler. They would definitely need to buy a house before adding another child to the Glazkov family.

“Would you like a snack before bed?”

“Ice cream.”

“Ice cream?”

“Da.”

“Okay you can have a little ice cream before bed, don’t tell mama though you know she doesn’t like you having sweets before bed.”

“Can I eat it in uncle Alex’s room?”

Timur chuckled and kissed his head making Sasha giggle. “Of course. We’ll get you some ice cream and bring you over to uncle Alex’s room so you can eat it. He’s going to watch you for a bit while I clean up your toys and get you your milk.”

“Yay!”

When they walked into the kitchen, no one was in there beside Ash. And as soon as Sasha saw her he bounced himself in Timur’s arms. “Auntie ‘Liza!”

Ash looked up from the sandwich she was making and smiled over at him. “Hi buddy!”

Timur set Sasha down on the counter where he gave Ash a hug and went for the bowls.

“I’m having ice cream before bed even though mama says not too.”

“What mama doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” She smiled over at him and ruffled his black hair making him laugh. “As much as I would like to stay, I have a bunch of paperwork to finish. So goodnight Sasha, I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Okay night night Auntie ‘Liza!”

“Goodnight Timur.”

“Goodnight Ash.”

As Ash left the kitchen Timur set the bowl down and went to the freezer. “What flavor do you want Sash?”

“Chocolate.”

Timur grabbed the chocolate ice cream, shutting the freezer door and setting it on the counter next to the bowl. He went to go fetch the ice cream scoop and a spoon from the drawer, glancing over at Sasha to see him picking at his fleece pajamas again with a distant look on his face. “What’s wrong Sasha?”

He looked up at him with glistening blue eyes and quivered his bottom lip. “I want mama.”

Timur picked him up, gently rocking him. “I know you do, I want her too.”

This was the first mission Skylar has been on since his birth and he wasn’t used to her being gone for over twenty-four hours, especially when going to bed. She would always read him his favorite story and tuck him in and Timur thinks now it’s fully hitting him that mama won’t be there for that tonight.

Timur felt his body shake as he started to cry into his shoulder, he gently swayed him and rubbed up and down his back as he softly hummed a Russian lullaby that his mom used to do for him.

He never noticed how much Sasha missed his mom, he was fine throughout the day, barely asking where she was. Now that night was here and everything was becoming more calm he was showing it more and it didn’t help that Skylar left before Sasha woke up.

“Shh, shh mama will be home after lunch tomorrow, it’s okay.”

“I I I w-want mama n-now.” He sobbed out.

“I wish I could get you mama.” He sighed and set him back down on the counter, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Why don’t we get you that ice cream and spend some time with uncle Alex. He always cheers you up and I’m sure he wouldn’t like you being upset.”

Sasha nodded his head and sniffled.

Timur quickly got his bowl of ice cream, placing it back in the freezer and the ice cream scoop in the sink for some other soul to wash, picked up Sasha - handing him his bowl of ice cream and headed for Tachanka’s room.

As he rounded the corner he hoped he was there and not somewhere else on base, he wasn’t going to search for him. Good thing he always had his phone on him.

He stopped in front of the door and knocked, patiently waiting to see if the door would open. Thankfully it did and a relieved sigh escaped Timur’s lips.

There was an ounce of annoyance on Tachanka’s face until he saw Sasha, his face softening, but Timur could see the small amount of sadness in his eyes. “What’s wrong with little Sasha?”

“He misses his mama. Do you mind taking him for a bit? I need to clean up the room and get him some warm milk. It doesn’t look like he’ll be sleeping anytime soon.”

“Timur you don’t need to ask me.” He took Sasha into his arms. “I’m always happy to take the little guy.” He smiled over at Sasha, tickling his side. “We have fun, don’t we Sash?”

“Da.”

“Alright, thank you! I shouldn’t be longer than a half an hour.”

“You’re welcome! Take your time, he’s not going anywhere.”

Timur smiled, kissing Sasha’s head. “I’ll be back soon, be good for uncle Alex.”

“I will papa.”

Timur left after that, leaving Sasha with Tachanka.

Tachanka turned around, shutting the door with his foot. He walked over to his bed and sat Sasha down on it so he could eat his ice cream. He grabbed the chair from his desk and pulled it over to the bed and sat down in front of him.

“You know, your mama misses you too.”

“She does?” Sasha took a bite of ice cream, keeping his attention on Tachanka.

“Of course, you mean the world to her Sasha! I’m positive you haven’t left her mind from the moment she left home.”

“Why did she have to leave uncle Alex?”

“Sometimes we don’t get a choice and we have to leave, even if it means leaving someone we love behind for a few days.”

Sasha took another spoonful of ice cream, getting some on his face. He set the spoon back in the bowl and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand making Tachanka chuckle.

“I know you love my mama uncle Alex, just as much as papa does but you don’t get to kiss her.”

Tachanka’s mouth fell open and he became dumbfounded, Sasha has said some funny things in the past like Thermite being old because of his gray hairs, Ela reminding him of the grinch because of her green hair, but Tachanka never thought he would be called out by him, even if unintentional.

“I do love your mama and I’m sure your papa would not like it if I did kiss your mama.”

“No he wouldn’t, I think he would be very mad.”

                                                                     xXx

Timur entered his room, shutting the door behind him and sighed. He knew it was going to be a long night if he couldn’t get Sasha to sleep at a reasonable time, but he couldn’t blame him. Sasha is three and he doesn’t fully understand why she had to leave for a few days, that’ll change in time.

He walked over to the bed, picking up the album and sat down. His fingers traced over the black vinyl of the photo album, and a small smile started to spread across his face. He opened it, glancing at all the pictures from the maternity shoot to the day Sasha was born. It was hard to believe that was over three years ago already.

He flipped through the pages until he got to his favorite one, it was taken an hour after he came into this world. Skylar had Sasha in her arms, all swaddled and looking down at him with nothing but love, and Timur was sitting right next to them, looking down at him with his arms wrapped gently around them both. All you could see in their eyes was love and happiness.

He closed the album and placed it back into the drawer. He stood up and looked around the room, it wasn’t too messy, but he thought it would be nice to clean it up a bit more before Skylar came back, just so she wouldn’t get stressed over it.

It wasn’t even that long ago when he was sharing a room with Kapkan and how nice and orderly it was. Now that he has a wife and child and sharing a room with them, the room was now more messy. He didn’t care, there’s more to life than cleanliness.

He picked up Sasha’s toys that were on the floor and placed them back in his toy-box.

Six was gracious enough to let them have one of the bigger rooms on base, that surprisingly fit a queen size bed, a toddler bed, a dresser and a toy-box. Him and Skylar knew they were going to need to find a place of their own soon, Sasha was growing a lot faster than they anticipated. Until then, this was their home, they’ve made so many good memories on base and Sasha was close to his aunts and uncles.

He picked up the clothes that were covering the floor near the hamper, Skylar would just toss the dirty clothes towards it and if they got in, that was another story. Placing the dirty clothes into the hamper, he noticed the laundry would need to be done soon, maybe he’ll do it in the morning.

Timur walked back over to Sasha’s Mickey Mouse bed and got it ready for him, placing his teddy bear under the blanket with his head on the pillow.

Above his bed was a canvas with one of his newborn pictures on it, done professionally of course. That was one thing Skylar was very adamant about, getting newborn pictures done professionally.

He glanced around the room, thinking it wasn’t too messy, then headed back towards the kitchen.

                                                           xXx

“Can we watch Mickey Mouse?”

“Of course we can. Are you done with your ice cream?”

“Da.” Sasha handed him the bowl and went to lay on a pillow. “I think my mama loves you a lot too uncle Alex.”

Tachanka set the bowl on the desk that was in his room and grabbed his laptop. He turned around with a smile on his face and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Does she?” He opened up his laptop to get it ready, feeling Sasha move behind him.

“Da. She smiles every time she talks about you, you make her happy too!” He crawled over to him, snuggling up right next to him. “I like it when mama is happy.”

He got Mickey Mouse on and wrapped his arms around him. “I like it when your mama is happy too! She deserves to be happy.”

Alex scoop Sasha up with one arm, grabbing the laptop with the other and moved them both up the bed. Sasha snuggled back against him as he set the laptop down on his lap, both waiting for Glaz to come get him.

“Da, she does! And to have another baby like you said.”

Alex laughed. “That’s up to your mama and papa, mostly your mama. Not me.”

“That’s what papa said too.”

“I’m sure they’ll talk about it soon.”

“Okay uncle Alex.”

Sasha went back to watching his show and Tachanka leaned his head back against the headboard of his bed. He was surprised Skylar even asked him to be Sasha’s godfather after all he did. He was selfish, wanting her for himself even if he never made it known, but she was smart and figured it out. Now he’s come to peace with that it wasn’t meant to be and that he could still have a very good relationship with her.

He’s happy for her and Glaz though, they were made for each other and now have a beautiful baby boy that he loves more than words can express. Sasha may look almost exactly like Glaz, but he can see a lot of Skylar in him as well. His wit for one.

A moment later his door opened and Glaz walked in with Sasha’s sippy cup of warm milk.

“Papa!” Sasha sat up more as Glaz handed him the cup. “We’re watching Mickey Mouse.”

“You are?” Glaz smiled and took a seat in the chair in the room with a sigh. “You can finish this episode and then it’s time for bed, okay?”

“Da papa!”

Tachanka turned his attention over to Glaz, seeing the tired look in his eyes. “You’ll get the hang of it Timur.”

Glaz looked over at him, meeting his gaze. “I highly doubt that, parenting is hard. I feel like once I figure it out, he changes.”

“You’re a sniper Glaz, one of your jobs is to adapt to your surroundings. Use that as a parent, be adaptable and you’ll be fine.” He gave him a reassuring smile. “You’re already a wonderful father Timur, that’s not going to change!”

Glaz’s face softened, his eyes darting to Sasha who was snuggled up to Tachanka’s side. “Thank you Alex, that means a lot!”

“You’re welcome comrade!”

Eventually the show ended and it was time for Sasha to go to bed. Glaz stood up and stretched, looking down at his son. “Give uncle Alex a hug, it’s time for bed.”

Sasha whined in disapproval, then turned around and gave Tachanka a hug. “Night night uncle Alex. I love you!”

He smiled and wrapped his arms around him. “Goodnight Sasha and I love you too!”

He let him go then raised his arms out for Glaz to pick him up. Glaz gave Tachanka a small smile and a nod then left the room.

                                                                 xXx

“I don’t want to go to bed papa, not without mama.”

Glaz sighed as he opened the door, he knew this would be a feat of it’s own. He walked in, kicking the door shut. “If you go to sleep, that means you’re closer to seeing mama.”

“But she’s not here to tuck me in and kiss me goodnight.”

He walked over and sat him on his bed, kneeling down beside it and placed his sippy cup on the nightstand. “I know she’s not Sasha, but it’s okay she’ll be able to tuck you in tomorrow night.”

“I want her now!” He slammed his hands against his blanket, eyebrows narrowing into a thin line.

“Sasha, we’ve talked about this!” There was a little warning in Glaz’s voice, only his face softened when he say Sasha’s bottom lip quiver and tears welling in his eyes. “Come here.”

He picked him up and stood up, gently swaying him back and forth as he started to cry again. Glaz closed his eyes as he kept swaying him, tomorrow he was definitely going to buy Skylar something really special. He never realized how hard it was to parent on your own and she does it almost everyday. Without complaining too, Skylar was wonder women in his eyes.

“Would you feel better if you slept in the same spot mama does?”

“Da.” He said through a sob.

Glaz set him down on his bed, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Okay, there’s no need to cry, would mama be happy if you were crying?”

Sasha looked up, all tears faced. “No, she would want me to be happy.”

“Exactly!” Glaz smiled over at him, ruffling his hair to make him smile. “Mama would want you to be happy, even when she’s not here.”

“I feel sad when she’s not here papa.” He wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand and sighed.

Glaz stood up and sat on the bed, picking up Sasha and placed him on his lap. “I feel sad when she’s away too. But I know she wouldn’t like it if I cried when she was gone, so I try my very hardest to be happy.”

“You feel sad too?”

“Of course I do, I love her just as much as you do and I hate when she has to leave. It feels weird without her here, I miss her voice.”

“I do too.” He yawned and laid against his chest. “I tired papa.”

“Why don’t you get under the covers and I’ll grab your teddy bear.”

Sasha nodded and Glaz placed him on the bed. As he got under the covers, he went for his teddy, handing it to him. Sasha took it in his arms and hugged it, making Glaz smile.

He leaned down, giving Sasha a kiss. “I love you, now get some sleep.”

He yawned again, nodding his head. “I love you too papa!”

                                                             xXx

The next morning Glaz woke up to an empty bed, not thinking much of it. It wasn’t unheard of if Sasha woke up early and decided to play with his toys on the floor. However when he turned over, he didn’t see him and he toy box hasn’t been touched since last night.

His heart started to beat rapidly in his chest, he looked around frantically in their room wondering if he was getting into something he wasn’t. When there was no sight of him, he threw the covers off of him, grabbed his boots and pulled them on, then grabbed the shirt from yesterday off the floor, pulling it back over his head and left the room in a hurry.

“Sasha!” He yelled, hoping he wasn’t that far away.

When no answer came, he yelled his name again, only this time louder.  “SASHA!”

He jogged down the hallway, looking in every direction to see if he could spot him. The base was huge and Sasha could be anywhere, especially if he decided to be bold and go somewhere he shouldn't ...like the shooting range.

Glaz’s heart sank at the thought and his light jog turned into a sprint. He sprinted past Sledge and Mute on his way out of the dorm section, both of them giving him a confused look, then went about their business. He ran to the shooting range, yanking open the door and walked in. Looking around frantically, to see if he was. Thankfully he wasn’t and he calmed himself a bit and leaned against the wall.

Not many people were in here, but luckily someone who could help, was. He walked over to him, lightly tapping him on the shoulders.

Kapkan looked over his shoulders to see who it was and took off his ear protectors. He noticed Glaz to on edge and that’s not something common for a person like him. “Is everything all right?”

“No I lost my child and if I don’t find him before Skylar comes home…”

“How did you lose him in the first place?” He placed his hands on his hips and his blue eyes pierced into his own. “You share a room with him.”

“I don’t know, I woke up and he was gone.”

Kapkan settled a little bit, his arms dropping to his side. “You are very lucky I love that boy like he’s my own and I’ll help you find him. Afterwards I keep no promises on telling you you are an opezdol.”

Glaz visibly relaxed, letting out a breath he never realized he was holding in and hugged him. “Tysyacha blagodarnostee!”

“Pozhaluysta!” He hugged him back and chuckled. “We should split up, be easier to find him before Skylar gets back and divorces you for losing your child.”

Glaz let him go and sulked. “Don’t say things like that Maxim. I agree we should split up, I’ll take the locker room, the workshop and the rec-room.”

“Okay. I’ll take the gym, the mess-hall, and helipads.”

He nodded his head. “Text me updates.”

“I will.”

Kapkan holstered his handgun and left the shooting range, Glaz following right behind him. They went their separate ways, Glaz heading towards the workshop and Kapkan towards the helipads.

Glaz opened the door to the workshop, only seeing a few people in there. He made it look casual like he was going in there to see Fuze, glancing around the room to see if he could spot Sasha. But the room was rather quiet for a toddler to be in, so he took a seat next to Fuze who was working on his cluster charges.

“Good morning Shuhrat.”

“Good morning Timur.” Fuze looked over at him, raising a brow. “Where’s Sasha?”

“Oh he’s having breakfast..with Maxim.”

Fuze set his screwdriver down and turned to him. “Maxim had breakfast an hour ago, I know because I was with him. What is going on Timur?”

Glaz sighed through his nose, glancing towards Frost who was working on her traps at another table. “I lost Sasha. I came here to see if he was here, Maxim is looking for him too.”

“Do you want more help?”

“No, I’m sure Maxim and I can find him.”

Fuze nodded. “Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for him as well.”

“Thanks.”

Fuze nodded and went back to his cluster charge while Glaz left the workshop. The next place to check would be the locker room.

He hurried his way to the locker room, or building checking his phone to see if Kapkan texted him. Nothing yet, and it was getting very close to when Skylar would be back. He needed to find him asap.

Glaz yanked opened the door to the locker building, starting at the first floor he jogged down the hall, trying to see if he was here. Luckily there was no place for him to hide and everyone's lockers were locked which was a plus.

The ding of his phone, alerting him that someone texted him made him stop in his tracks. He grabbed his phone to check.

“Sasha isn’t at the helipad, heading to the gym. Any luck?”

“Okay and no, I’m at the lockers now.”

The bottom floor was clear, now the second. And the longer it took to find him, the more his heart was breaking. Sasha never did anything like this before, running off wasn’t like him and that worried him even more. Would he do this every time Skylar had to leave for a mission? He hopes not.

The second floor was clear too, not the only place left to check was the rec-room. Glaz stopped at the bottom of the stairs and retrieved his phone from his pocket.

“He isn’t in the locker room either. How about you?”

Glaz leaned against the railing and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. If he wasn’t afraid of being critiqued as a bad father he would have the whole base looking for him. Having forty plus operators looking for a three year old, Sasha would have been found in an instant.

“The gym is clear, heading to the mess-hall now. We’re going to find him Timur, don’t worry.”

He didn’t reply back, just shoved his phone back in his pocket and headed to the rec-room.

There was a chance most of the base was in there, which didn’t entice Glaz one bit. He’ll just peek his head in and if he can’t see him, he’ll leave.

Glaz knew becoming a parent would home a few problems here and there, like every other parent out there. Waking up to find your child gone was not one of them. He even started to sweat because of this, wiping the sweat off his brow he jogged to the rec-room.

Turning down the hallway he could hear people talking, ignoring their conversation he peeked his head in and looked around. Still no sign of Sasha. He sighed and then stood out in the hallway.

“He’s not in the rec-room either.”

He paced back and forth trying to think of where he could be. Skylar was going to be back in fifteen minutes and if he couldn’t find him...who knows what will happen.

“He’s not in the mess-hall either. Why don’t you go meet Skylar and I’ll keep looking?”

“Okay.” Glaz sighed and made his way to the helipads.

                                                                       xXx

Glaz paced around, waiting to hear the sound of a helicopter approaching. Yes he was excited to see Skylar after a few days, but not like this. Now he’ll have to face the music and tell her what happened. She’ll be mad but maybe Sasha will come out of hiding hearing his mama’s voice.

He stopped in his tracks, heartbeat quickening up as the chopper approached. As he watched it land his hands started to tremble, great something else to make it look more suspicious.

But then he saw her and couldn’t help but smile. He couldn’t wait to have her in his arms tonight.

Skylar smiled in return, then raised a brow when she didn’t see Sasha. She was expecting both of them to meet her. She sighed and hopped off the chopper and walked over to him.

“I’ve missed you!” She gave him a quick kiss and hugged him, feeling him tense into it. She let him go and raised a brow. “Is everything okay?”

Glaz waited until the other operators left the helipad, then turned to her. “I lost our baby. I woke up and Sasha wasn’t there and I can’t find him. I’m sorry Skylar, I should’ve been more responsible. Maxim is searching for him too.”

Skylar chuckled and cupped his cheek. “Follow me.”

“What?”

“Just follow me.”

He nodded his head and followed after her.

They made a quick stop to her locker so she could put her weapons away and then headed towards the dorm. Glaz didn’t say anything, he already felt terrible losing their own child and he didn’t want to anger her more.

Eventually they came to a door, and his face paled. When she opened it and stepped to the side he saw Sasha sitting on Tachanka’s bed playing with his helmet.

Sasha looked up as did Tachanka and a big smile spread across his face. “Mommy!”

“Hi my angel, I missed you!” Skylar walked in and Sasha jumped into her arms. She wrapped her arms around him and gently swayed him.

“Sasha you nearly gave me a heart attack, you know better than to leave the room without telling me.” Glaz sighed through his nose, and narrowed his brows. “I’ve been running all over this base trying to find you. Uncle Maxim is even looking for you.”

Sasha looked over at him, his blue eyes glistening. “I sorry papa!”

Glaz relaxed a little, and softened his look. “It’s okay, but for now on tell me you’re going to see uncle Alex so I won’t be running around trying to find you.”

“I will papa.” He laid his head back on Skylar’s shoulder and smiled.

Skylar looked over at Glaz with a cheesy grin and laughed. “There’s only one person on this base that Sasha loves just as much as he does us and you never thought to check there first?”

“It never crossed my mind, I went directly towards the places he shouldn’t have been.” He turned to Tachanka and shook his head. “You could have told me you had him.”

“I did, I left a note in your room saying I was taking him until you woke up. It’s not my fault you didn’t read it.” Tachanka chuckled and set his phone down. “I also texted Skylar telling her I had him.”

Skylar set Sasha back down on the bed and took a seat. Only he didn’t stay seated, he crawled into her lap and snuggled up against her. “I missed you mama! Don’t ever leave again.”

She pouted her bottom lip and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m never leaving you again, I promise!”

Glaz looked away, feeling the guilt inside him. He was Sasha’s father and he couldn’t even keep track of him, and he doesn’t blame Skylar for never going on a mission again.

She looked over at him, seeing the almost broken look on his face. “Timur, you’re not a bad father, you made a mistake, a big one but it was still a mistake.” She got up, placing Sasha on her hip and cupped Glaz’s face again. “I’m not angry and it helped that Alex told me. And it also helped that you told me what happened, what you did.” She turned her attention back to Sasha, kissing his forehead. “You don’t go scaring your father like that.”

“Da mama!”

“I love you milaya!”

“I love you too!”

Glaz leaned down and kissed her, passionately this time. Not caring that Tachanka was in the room. A moment later he pulled away and took Sasha into his arms, smiling at him. But he only had his attention on his mama.

“Mama, Papa let me have ice cream before bed and uncle Alex watched Mickey Mouse with me.”

[thewritingstar]

I loved both of these prompts so i decided to combine the two! I had a lot of fun writing this and since it is suppose to make up for my missing posting I made it quite long. I hope you all enjoy this angsty fic and remember that request are always open! Thank you both for the requests!

WC #58 

Prompt: ^^^^ aka: Missing You

Pairing: Gruvia 

----

Gray opened the door, he was exhausted from working late at his office. He knew he didn’t need to work this late but the clock seems to slip easy. The stove light was on and the plate in the microwave was waiting for him, a newly occurrence that had been happening for a few days now but he hated having to reheat his food. Cold food was the worst. He kicked off his shoes and sat at the table, scrolling through his phone as he ate quietly in the dim light.

“Hello love.” His head looked towards the voice. Walking down the stairs, Juvia emerged into the light, one of his nightshirts was lazily button onto her body and a yawn escaped from her mouth. She walked past him and opened the fridge and pour herself a glass of milk. Taking her glass she walked over to her boyfriend and sat on his lap, kissing his cheek softly.

“I’ve missed you. You said you would be home sooner tonight.” She whispered in his ear making him shiver.

“I know.” He kissed her lips and he felt her hand travel down, Juvia anxiously awaiting for him to take ignition. But it didn’t come. He grabbed her hand and kissed it softly. “Not tonight love, I just wanna go to sleep already.” Her eyes widened and an ‘o’ formed on her mouth.

“Understandable, it is late after all.” She smiled and kissed his cheek before walking back upstairs to bed, he finished eating and joined her and pulled her close before falling asleep quickly.

---

The door opened and Gray walked in, kicking off his shoes and hanging his coat on the rack. It had become a routine for him to arrive deep into the night, his job just took up his mind and all he wanted to do was eat and get some sleep.

He turned the light on in the kitchen and saw a figure on the couch. A groan came from the person as he reheated the plate and a mop of blue hair popped up. She turned her head to see Gray eating from the plate.

‘Oh Gray-sama, you’re home.” She said but the excitement from her voice was like a knife that had been used one to many times, dull.

“Yep.” He said while popping the ‘p’. “How was your day?” He asked and she got up to place her cup of tea in her sink.

“Oh it was fine. Juvia spent lunch with Lyon and Meredy. They joined me since you weren’t able to.” She said and he almost heard a bitter tone towards the end.

“Lyon? You had lunch with him?” He questioned and took another bite of food.

“And Meredy. And yes, it was quite nice. We went to the cafe on the corner where you can sit outside and look at the garden.”

“Oh.” He turned towards the sink and saw her sat on the counter, a blank expression on her legs and a ringlet of her hair between her fingers. Smirking he walked until he was between her legs and began to kiss her neck softly. “Yah know, we haven’t had time together in awhile.” He let his hands roam and she huffed out a breath.

Pushing him back, she jumped off the counter and grabbed a bottle of water. “Juvia wonders why.” She whispered sarcastically. 

“What?” He asked not hearing her correctly.

“Juvia’s tired love.” She said louder and her figure disappeared up the stairs. Gray nodded and followed her.

--

The door opened and Gray was thankful that he was home on time, before dinner actually.

“Juvia I’m home” He called and when he kicked off his shoes, he frowned. Another pair of shoes were on the ground and he looked up to see a white haired man.

“Hey Gray.” Lyon smiled and he saw Juvia walk out of the kitchen with a salad bowl and plates.

“Oh Gray, you’re home early! Lyon and Meredy are going to join us for dinner but the poor thing came down with a terrible cold so it will just be the three of us.”

“Great.” Gray said sarcastically but smiled when Juvia met his eyes.

Juvia brought out the roast and placed it in the center, they each took turns collectively scooping food and passing it to the next. Irritation ran through Gray as Lyon sat across from her, that was his spot. But now he was sat next to her and he only got the side of her beautiful face while the white haired man got the full deal.

Gray frowned when the two began to laugh.

“And then the elephant fell.” Juvia laughed and Lyon joined her and a confused look went on his face.

“Inside joke.” Lyon clarified and Gray raised his eyebrows before taking a swig of wine.

The rest of dinner was pure torture. Lyon and Juvia tried to explain the inside jokes they had collected over the past month or two and Gray grew furious when he couldn’t understand.

“Well thank you for having me tonight.” Lyon said as he slipped on his shoes. Gray couldn’t wait for him to leave. “See you for coffee on Tuesday?”

“As always Lyon, have a nice night.” Juvia smiled and Lyon walked out the door.

“Later Gray.” Lyon said and leaned to see Juvia walking towards the kitchen to start cleaning up. He looked back at gray and winked and to this Gray gave an unfazed grimace and shut the door saying a quick ‘bye’ as he locked the door.

Gray made his way towards Juvia and grabbed some plates.

“What the hell Juvia? Why was he here?” He spat.

Juvia turned and looked at him funny. “For dinner?” She said confused.

He gave her a blank stare. “And what is this coffee business? Why are you spending so much time with him?” He asked and dropped the dishes in the sink.

“Gray it is just coffee and yes Juvia and Lyon have been hanging out more often, it's no big deal.” she shrugged and now she was getting mad.

“Just coffee? Yeah right, not for him at least.” He rolled his eyes and Juvia slammed the bowl on the counter.

“What the hell is your problem Gray?” She yelled.

“I’m just saying that you could spend more time with me.” He said bitterly.

Juvia gasped and turned towards him with tears in her eyes. “MORE TIME!” She sobbed. “Gray, you work so much that you come home and you push me away! Forgive me if I want to spend time with another human who is actually there for me! Don’t ever tell me to spend time with you when you don’t put in the effort. For the past month or two, you have come home late every single night. I have spent every night eating alone, waiting to have at least one meal with my boyfriend, but no, I can’t.” Tears ran down her face and all the pent up anger and resentment fuel this outburst of anger and Gray could see it spilling out.

“I have tried Gray. And I am tired of not being able to be with you, so don’t tell me that I haven’t given everything to you.” She threw the dish towel on the counter and pushed past him but he grabbed her arm. “Don’t touch me.” She yelled and walked up stairs. “If you don’t think I wanna spend time with you, sleep on the damn couch.” She cried and he watched as she stormed upstairs and the slam of the door left him in shock.

And as he stood with a shocked expression he began to contemplate the past months. The touches between them have become ice cold and the conversations were short. It all came crashing down on him like a bucket of cold ice water. Tears pricked his eyes as regret and shame punched him in the gut.

His head snapped towards the stairs when he heard a crash and he found himself in front of their bedroom door. Pushing it open, he found Juvia sitting against the bathtub as a glass was smashed on the ground. His eyes locked on the red leaking from her foot and saw a few sharp shards stuck in her pale foot. Quickly he got to her, making sure not to step on the glass as he picked her up and carried her to their bed.

Carefully he removed the glass from her foot, holding her ankle as she squirmed and her hands bunched the blanket and she let out a sob.

“Shh it's okay, I got you.” He stroked her leg as the final shard was pulled. A hot towel was wrapped around her foot in no time and he began to clean up the glass on the floor. Silence still lurked around them and she didn’t move when he kneeled down in front of her. Gently he caressed her foot, making sure the blood had stopped.

Carefully he locked eyes with her. The red under her eyes was due to all the tears he shed and he knew that the glass contributed least. He didn’t understand how he neglected her, how he let the precious nights slip away from them and how he let that white haired man steal all those days and hours away.

Lifting up her arms, he changed her shirt into one of his old button nightshirts that she loved. His lips pressed to her forehead and he wiped away the fresh tears.

“Are you alright?” He asked softly and he only got a nod with a trembling lip. “Juvia.” He whispered and she let him take her hand. “I am sorry. There are no words that can make up for what I’ve put you through.”

“I just want my boyfriend back.” She sobbed quietly.

“Im here. I promise.” He hugged her and her body naturally responded and the warmth returned slowly. “I love you so much.” He kissed her lips softly. He placed his arms underneath her and lifted her up, body pressed to his chest as he sat against the headboard, leaning her back against his chest and pulling the blankets over them.

He rubbed her shoulder gently and dragged them down her sides and she leaned her head back, feeling his heartbeat on her back. He kept whispering how much he loved her into her ears as his hands stroked her leg loosely. Her hand covered her mouth as a yawn escaped and he knew she must have been tired from the yelling and emotional baggage.

He re-position them so her head was against the pillow and laid calmly against him. His hand continued to run up and down her stomach and he pulled her close, kissing her neck softly.

“Tomorrow is for you.” He told her. “I'll take the day off and i know it won’t makeup but I can try. And from there each day and night will be devoted towards you, like it should have been. And don’t bother going to coffee on Tuesday with him, because now you have me, always and forever.” He leaned so he could kiss her cheek but that didn’t satisfy her so she turn and faced his and cupped his face.

“I get you all to myself tomorrow?” she asked with a small smile.

“Tomorrow and the next and next.” He smiled and she giggled.

“Juvia didn’t want to go to coffee with him anyways. She wants coffee with her Gray-sama” His heart filled when her third person and his preferred name by her had return.

“I want that too. Now you should rest, you must be tired due to me and I’m sorry for that.” He kissed her lips again and pushed her hair out of her face. She nodded and set her head against his chest and swung her bad foot lazily over his leg.

---

Gray opened the door and kicked off his shoes. “Juv I’m home.” He called and placed the take out bag on the counter. A week had past since their fight and a new love had bloomed. He turned and smiled when Juvia jumped into his arms wearing nothing but her favorite shirt of his and took his lips eagerly.

“Welcome home my love.” She whispered between kisses. “How was work?” She asked and he carried her towards the couch.

“Boring as hell but i don’t care because I got better things to do now.” He smirked and she yelped when she was on the couch and he practically toppled over her.

“Foods gonna get cold.” She mumbled against his lips.

And for once he said “Don’t care” And ripped off his shirt and looked down at the beauty before him.

“My foods right here.” He smiled and Juvia practically melted against his touch.

“I missed this.” Juvia gushed as he kissed her neck.

“Well you’re never gonna miss it again.” He promised.

“Im all yours.” She winked and grinned brightly when the warmth of his lips returned to hers.

---

I hope you enjoyed!!

[mimik-u]

Flower Child, Chapter 10, “Steven”

A/N:

Hi, friends.

I'm incredibly sorry about this long hiatus. Inspiration just... flagged, and it was hard for me to pick this fic back up after days and days of, well, not picking it up.

That being said, I still appreciate every kind word and every Kudos on this fic... and I promise, come hell or high water, I will finish "Flower Child" one day. <3

AO3

—

It was the heat, he tried to tell Pearl as she frantically worked to revive him on the wooden floor, but the words were jumbled on his tongue, stew. Steven could barely keep his eyes open, could only dimly make out her face in the darkness—pale, dripping with her tears, terrified.

“Steven!” she cried, her spidery fingers crawling across his face, his neck, his chest. The sensation was vaguely unpleasant. “Steven!”

It was the heat, Amethyst! I’m fine! I’m fine! Please don’t cry. But the gurgling and the bile percolating like acid in the back of his throat would not assume the form of these words. When he turned his head to the side, he could just make out her bare feet stumbling over one another, her apologies coming in hiccups.

“I-I’m sorry, Steven! I’m sorry! I-I just opened the window so he could hear, and—”

Pearl’s hands suddenly stopped on his chest, her sharp features turning to stone.

“You what now?”

“I-I opened the window, Pearl! He wanted to know what was going on. He had the right to know!”

“It wasn’t your right to make that call,” she snarled, her fingers twisting tightly into his shirt. “Now look at him! He’s—”

I’m fine! As he tried to speak, bile trickled out of the side of his mouth in a thin line. With a tenderness that did not befit the scary expression on her face, Pearl lifted his head gently, so he cough the phlegm out. His face was streaked with it. He was limp in her arms, a rag doll.

“Get it all out,” she whispered, her thumb brushing his burning cheek. “Shh, shh”—for he tried to talk again—“I’m here.”

“Hello, 911?! Yes, yes, this is Greg Universe. My son’s in renal failure, and he just suddenly collapsed, a-and we need to get an ambulance out here immediately…”

“Amethyst, make yourself useful and go get our overnight bags. We won’t all be able to fit in the ambulance.”

It’s not her fault, Pearl—please.

“Yes, we live at…”

“Garnet, can you call Dr. Maheswaran? She’ll… she’ll want to meet us up there.”

“Pearl,” Steven moaned, grasping feebly at her silky pajama shirt. Darkness was closing in on him quickly now, weighing down his chest, his legs, his arms. He clung tight to what he had. His hands looked as distant to him as the stars. The bruises on his arms were little blue nebulas, burning and blurring in equal turns.

Pearl’s head snapped down in an instant.

Her touch was soft, gentle, warm—and he was so cold, freezing.

When did it get so cold in here?

“I… I…” 

She tried to shush him again.

“Shh, save your strength—an ambulance is on the way.” 

But he wouldn’t be deterred.

His grip loosened, but his words did, too, all of his consonants and vowels slurred with sickness as they tumbled out of his mouth.

“I don’t wanna go to the hospital.”

All those needles and machines.

Poking and prodding and taking something out of him.

At that very moment, he couldn’t quite recall what they did for him.

Pearl’s breath hitched in her throat, but she never stopped dragging her thumb across the side of his face. She was insistent in her touch, almost feverish, perhaps trying to assure herself of his pulse.

“I know you don’t. I know,” she choked out, “but you have to, Steven. It’s the only way.”

He’s heard this one before—time and time again.

Maybe he even believed it to be true.

Laying in Pearl's arms, he couldn't remember if he did.

“I’m so tired,” he whispered.

It was a child’s prayer.

It was an admission.

Pearl’s eyes were wide, pale moons above him, leaking.

“I know, but you have to stay awake, please—at least until the ambulance gets here, okay?”

He swallowed thickly.

He could give her that at least.

“O-okay.”

But as much as he would have liked to stay, Steven fell away from consciousness in the way that stars fell away from the sky.

Like confetti, drifting.

—

If Steven dreamed of anything as he was being transported to the hospital, he dreamed of darkness. 

He dreamed that he closed his eyes and never opened them again, his world full of blackness, devoid of any light. He dreamed that he was at his own funeral, and Pearl’s long fingers shook on top of his still chest as she attempted to straighten his little bow tie. Amethyst was crying, and Garnet was crying, and Dad was, too, his red face hidden beneath his big, calloused hands as he sobbed. He dreamed that Lapis buried her nose into Peridot’s neck and that Dr. Maheswaran gripped Connie’s shoulders as Connie gripped her thick copy of My Unfamiliar Familiar. Her little straw wrapper bookmark poked out between the pages he would never get to hear now.

They’d stopped on a cliffhanger.

Her eyes soft, her smile bright, she had promised to read him more.

He dreamed that Blue Diamond sat in the front row, her silvery hair falling across her shoulder in a thick plait.

She was wearing that silky bathrobe of hers.

She twirled a pink hibiscus flower between her fingers as a lone tear slipped down her face and collected on her pointed chin.

Steven dreamed that he was dead...

... and then he woke up.

It was dark when he opened his eyes, not in the way his dream was dark, but dark in the way nights usually were—as though the promise of day just lurked around the corner. As his vision adjusted, he discerned that he was in a hospital room, the lights off, the TV on, a square of orange light slanting in through the crack in the doorway. His entire body was heavy, as though it was weighed down with insistent hands instead of blankets. He tried to wriggle his own hand but found that it was encumbered with wires and tubing.

“Ugh,” he groaned into the darkness, subsequently discovering that his mouth was rather dry.

(Not that he liked to curse, but without a doubt, Steven felt like... poop.)

“Steven?” The mass at the foot of his bed that he originally took to be a pile of blankets suddenly shifted and said his name, which, of course, would have terrified him witless if the light wash from the TV hadn’t happen to flicker across the silhouette at just the right moment. 

It was Pearl, and her features were devastated with relief.

“Steven!” She stumbled out of the chair where she’d been sitting and fell next to his head, her lanky arms encircling his neck in such a studiously gentle way that he instantly knew that she wished she could hold him tightly. She was still in her pajamas, he realized with a jolt. Silk brushed against his neck and all of the wires protruding out of it.

He didn’t dare tell her that he was a little sore there, didn’t dare hurt her just a tiny concession to his own sickness more, but fortunately enough, she fell back on her own accord, pressing her elbows into the mattress.

“That’s my name,” he joked feebly, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards into a tired smile. “Don’t wear it out.”

She laughed incredulously, tears glinting in her big eyes, but she wiped at these quickly, her mouth wobbling to keep its smile.

“Silly boy.”

“You know it.” 

Steven grinned at her.

(His teeth were like concrete, aching.)

She tried to grin back.

(And that was something, an improvement, at least, on her tears.)

He glanced up at the TV then, squinting to make out the time stamped on the corner of a generic weather channel. It was almost 3AM... he’d passed out around ten if he had to guess.

So much time unaccounted for.

His gaze trailed down to his right arm where a thick tube was laden with some kind of crimson liquid—blood, he realized too many seconds too late. Pearl’s eyes followed his, and her tentative smile collapsed on itself like a balancing act gone wrong. She reached out and laid her hand on his left arm, which was considerably less machinated than the right.

She was so... warm... and he was so... cold. 

“Your hemoglobin dropped to a dangerous level,” she explained quietly. “Dr. Maheswaran had no choice but to transfuse you.”

“Oh,” he said. He couldn’t quite draw himself away from the sight. “I... I guess that’s okay. I mean... we knew this was a possibility, right?”

It was a poor man’s optimism, but it was all Steven had in him right now. Pearl’s gaze dropped from the crimson tube to the place where their arms were meeting. Studiously, she began rubbing rhythmic circles into the back of his hand.

“Steven...” He barely heard her. Even the distant hum and buzz from the outside hallway was louder. Someone was tired of working night shifts, and someone needed a mop bucket in Room 11037—stat—and someone was sitting by his bedside, staring at him as though he was already a ghost.

He looked away, eyes flicking upwards towards the ceiling to abate the burning that had suddenly risen in them. 

“Just tell me, Pearl... please,” he whispered to the light fixture. “Rip off the bandaid.”

I can take it.

I’ve taken everything else already.

“I… I don’t know if I…”

“Pearl.”

“You’re very sick, sweetheart.” She flinched as she said it; she couldn’t believe it for herself.

“I know.”

He had known for awhile now.

For days, weeks, months.

Tell me something I don’t know, Pearl. 

Pearl’s fingers stilled on his hand.

“Dr. Maheswaran wants to keep you here for… for a little while longer.”

He did not skip a beat.

“How long?” (He did not skip a beat, and yet, he was smart, clever—he already knew the answer before it left her mouth.)

She was silent again, agonized, her eyes screwed up against the truth.

Don’t make me say it, the expression said.

With his furrowed brow and grim mouth, he shot back, Why not?

“Pearl… please.”

“Steven—”

“Please," he croaked.

She opened her bright blue eyes; it looked as though it cost her to do so.

“… until we find you another kidney.”

The if was implicit.

—

They unhooked him from the transfusion machine around five, and he fell asleep shortly afterwards, Pearl’s trembling lower lip the last sight his dark eyes lit upon before they succumbed to the utter exhaustion in his body. If Steven dreamed of anything in that lonely hospital room, he dreamed of darkness. He dreamed that he died in the hospital, that he slipped away one night when everyone else was asleep. He was alone, and the white walls were so cold, so sterile. His monitor flatlined, the insistent beeping noise shrilling across the line of his vision like a premonition, a ghost. A scream of discovery dribbled down the air. 

Amethyst, he guessed wildly. Or was it Garnet? Pearl? Dad?!

Was it all of them at once?

The sound was agony.

Inhuman.

Steven woke with a start, gasping heavily. The heart monitor whirred in time with his panic, beating a frantic, insistent tattoo.

“Hey, hey, hey—breathe, kiddo!” Where there were once empty ceiling tiles, Dad’s face appeared above him, his bushy brow furrowed in concern, eyes wide with the anxiety he usually tried so hard to hide. He placed a big hand on Steven’s chest in an attempt to regulate his breathing. “Yeah, that’s it, buddy. In and out! In and out.”

In and out.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Steven feebly brought his left arm up, up, up... and let it fall against his dad’s as his chest rose and stumbled in short, staccato bursts. His head was light; the touch almost grounded him.

In and out.

Inhale.

Exhale.

In and out.

Inhale.

His fingers curled weakly against his father’s forearm.

Exhale.

Dad's eyes were the color of driftwood, burning bright.

When he could finally catch his breath, Steven did not use it to speak; rather, he closed his eyes, exhausted from even the simple act of trying to breathe. Were his dad not hovering above him, there was a good chance that he’d just pass out again—slip into the familiar nothingness that slipped into nightmares—but slowly, painstakingly, he made himself unclose his eyes.

“Sorry,” he rasped. The gray light pouring in from the window stung him. He tried to focus on his dad’s face, but everything was blurred, fuzzy around the edges. “Nightmare.”

Dad brought his hand from Steven’s chest to his head, resting his palm on top of his curly, black hair. Relief made him look ten years younger, ten years less sad, but the wetness around the corners of his eyes told a different story.

“No apologies needed, champ,” he sighed, a weak smile rippling across his mouth. “I’m just glad you’re”—he hesitated slightly—“okay.”

Of course, okay was not the right word.

Steven tried to return the smile anyway.

(It fell flat in his eyes.)

At that precise moment, though, he was spared from being caught out as Dr. Maheswaran burst through the door, looking, for all intents and purposes, harried. Her salt-and-pepper hair was tied back in a haphazard ponytail, and the usual lines under her eyes seemed harsher, as though someone had run through them with a Sharpie.

“Your heart,” she said gruffly by way of greeting. She barely threw either of them a glance as she proceeded over to the monitor mounted on the wall, arms crossed firmly over her chest as she studied it intensely. “What was wrong with it?”

“Nightmare,” Steven explained again. 

“He couldn’t catch his breath,” Dad elaborated further, finally removing his hand from Steven’s curls. “Think he might need oxygen?”

Dr. M pressed a few buttons on the monitor as she nodded tersely.

“Precisely, Universe. Looks like he’s not getting enough oxygen while he sleeps. I’ll get a nurse to come set him up shortly.”

She then swooped down, in a manner vaguely if not exactly hawklike, and briefly looked at the catheter bag poking out beneath Steven’s many blanket layers. It was amazing he hadn’t woken up for that ordeal; when he was conscious, it was rather uncomfortable to say the least.

“Not as much as I’d like,” she murmured, seemingly to herself, “but I suppose that’s to be expected.”

And with that bleak assessment, she straightened back into a standing position, her brown eyes lighting upon Steven properly for the first time. 

Looking closely, and knowing where to look, he observed that all of the hardness in them had seemed to melt, like liquid. 

For that was the thing about Dr. Maheswaran—she was all bite and no bark—not so much of a conundrum as she was a Russian nesting doll, hiding oh-so-many layers. Her hardened facade was one, and here was another; he could see it in even the way she held her shoulders back, like she was holding something else back in the posture, too.

Something soft.

Something vulnerable.

“I’m glad to see your eyes open,” she said, tucking her hands into the pockets of her lab coat.  “You scared me for a little while there.”

And maybe he had; her entire appearance certainly attested to it.

“You—scared?” But he'd try to make this old grizzly bear smile anyway; that was his wont. “I don’t believe it.”

“Believe it, Steven.” Her lips just barely twitched. (He’d take it.) “When Garnet called, I just threw my lab coat over my pajamas and hightailed it up here.” She jerked a thumb over towards his dad. “Greg was there. He can tell you.”

Dad chuckled gamely, lowering himself back into the chair next to Steven’s bed. 

“Yup—she got you stabilized all while wearing a onesie.”

“It was a matching two-piece,” she corrected him, “but I digress.”

Steven laughed—how could he not at such a ridiculous image?—but even that proved to be too much on his poor chest. He winced involuntarily, and to his chagrin, the monitor called him out on it, stuttering as he did. Dr. Maheswaran and Dad both collapsed into their former sobrieties as quickly as they had tentatively shed them—stretched rubber bands recoiling.

“I’m going to find a nurse to set up your oxygen,” the nephrologist said suddenly, terse as she ever was but trying too hard to be so. “Universe.” She nodded awkwardly at Dad. “Steven.” Her incisive gaze settled on him for a brief moment before she turned away; he felt pierced through, like an x-ray.

And then she left—(fled)—her white lab coat flaring behind her as she stepped out of the open door. Dad stared at the place her back had been for only a short second more before shaking his head and returning his slow, somber gaze to Steven. There were bags under his eyes, gray whiskers in his beard.

“She was torn up last night,” he murmured, and then, as though it was an afterthought, added, “We all were.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.” It was all he could say. As much as the wires crisscrossing his torso would allow, Steven tilted his head on the pillow, so he could see his dad more easily. The man’s hands were on his lap, limply pointing to the tiled floor.

“S’not your fault, kiddo,” came the mumbled reply.

They were silent then.

It was a small comfort, but Steven’s heart monitor carried on.

—

By eight that morning, the sun was fully peeking out—warm and arresting, falling upon his swarm of blankets in little golden dapples. Steven watched these as the nurse slid the oxygenated cannulas around his ears and into each of his nostrils, and then he watched them some more as she changed out his catheter bag. She hmphed at the less than satisfactory output in the very way Dr. Maheswaran had.

Around nine, his dad left to go find them some breakfast other than the mush that the cafeteria offered, and Garnet came in soon afterwards, her bicolored eyes still edged with the dregs of recent sleep. Attached to the hospital was a hotel that visitors could stay in while they were visiting patients, and only earlier that morning, Dad had made Pearl go join the others for a few hours of shuteye as only one guardian had been allowed to stay with him while he was still being transfused.

Garnet stepped in uncertainly, her discomfort scribbled all across her person in what could have very well been neon for all of her usual subtlety. She wrung her hands in a clear betrayal of the stoicism she espoused on a day to day basis, and she stared at him for what seemed like a long time before she crossed the room and placed her warm palm on his forehead, smoothing away a few of his stray curls. She’d never particularly cared for hospitals, but even still, every time Steven landed in one, she came and stayed anyway.

She was steady like that.

Constant.

“Garnet!” He exclaimed as she patted him.

“Hello, Steven,” she rumbled, her voice rich and soft. (She tended to be the very same.) “How’s my little fighter doing?”

It was a running joke between them. Ever since he’d been small, Garnet had taken him up to the gym from time to time to help her “train” her various clients. This practice ultimately amounted to Steven taking a few concerted shots at a punching bag while his guardian awarded him with a silent thumbs up each time that he did. 

You’re a fighter in a whole different way now, she once told him after the diagnosis. Her square chin laying atop of his head, she whispered it into his hair. Keep fighting. Please, Steven.

“Still fighting.” His smile was like a bruise, but it was a smile nonetheless. “But I guess I’m a little worse for wear.”

She was quiet as she absorbed the notion, her gaze flitting from his oxygen cannulas to the multitude of wires springing like roots from his chest—finally landing upon the couple of tubes snaking in and around his arms, red spots already popping up around the injection sites—promises of later contusions. 

Garnet brushed her thumb across his forehead one last time before letting go and collapsing backwards into the chair next to his bed in what was more or less defeat.

“Mm, yeah.”

She looked down, her broad shoulders caved in on themselves, fingers templed and fallen between her lap.

That was another thing about Garnet.

She was present—always, without fail—but she could be so very distant at precisely the same time.

Usually, Steven took it upon himself to bring her back, his hand reaching for her hand, his smile a loud invitation home.

Sometimes, he failed.

“Garnet?”

“... yes, Steven?”

And sometimes, he did not.

“Will you come lay down with me?” It was a familiar question, one he asked every time he had a bad nightmare, or every time he landed in a hospital to live through another. In answer, Garnet would curl around his body, her warm arms holding him close.

She’d tell him stories.

She’d hum him to sleep.

She'd be there for him.

And never, would she ever let go.

She stared at him painfully now—well, not him so much as all of the machines that currently swarmed and intruded him. The oxygen filtering in through his nostrils tickled his nose.

“Please?” He intercepted her rational protestations long before she could lay them out with all of her usual practicality. “We can move all this stuff aside—just like before.”

A long pause, long enough that the hum from the outside hallway filled the gap. 

Garnet rubbed the heels of her hands against her legs, pulling them back and forth as she mulled the request over.

“Okay,” she finally whispered.

“Okay.”

—

In Garnet’s arms, he slept soundly for the first time since he’d arrived at the hospital.

She was conscientious of every wire, every tube, letting them drift over her shoulder like rivers.

—

One nightmareless hour later, Steven picked feebly at his breakfast to the chagrin of the motley audience who had come to watch him do it: Garnet (still tucked next to him, propping her head upon her fist and her elbow upon the pillow), Pearl, his dad, and Dr. Maheswaran. Amethyst was… missing in action.

(“Last night rattled her,” Garnet murmured in answer to his ensuing question. “She didn’t sleep well.” Pearl was close enough to hear. She shifted uncomfortably where she stood, crossing her arms over her chest.)

“C’mon, buddy,” Dad encouraged, his beard lightly frosted with the yogurt parfait he’d gotten from McDonald’s. “Just another bite.”

Steven stared into the mostly full cup of his own yogurt and tried to envision himself picking up his plastic spoon and shoving another scoop into his mouth. Upon waking up from his nap with Garnet, his stomach had felt full, bloated, as though he’d already eaten a full course dinner. 

It was just another symptom in a long litany of many.

Loss of appetite.

Something, something about cytokines, Dr. Maheswaran had wearily explained.

“Maybe later?” He shoved the yogurt backwards on the hospital tray lofted to his height. “Sorry—I’m just not hungry right now.”

He could feel Garnet’s frown better than he could see it at the angle he was laying. It leaned quietly against his shoulder; it worried for him.

He tried to ignore it as best as he could.

“Dad, do you have my phone?”

“Yeah, yeah… it’s in my pocket…”

In the corner of the room, Pearl and Dr. Maheswaran were having a conversation that they believed to be softly spoken.

“UNOS just got his blood work,” Dr. M said. “They’ve moved him up significantly on the list.”

As his dad passed him his phone, Steven worked to listen to what the two were saying, which became increasingly hard as the TV played some stupid jingle about vacuum cleaners, and as Garnet asked Dad about who was taking care of the cats.

Pearl murmured something that he couldn’t quite catch, but her thin mouth floated upwards into a weak smile that collapsed just as quickly as she seemed to realize something.

“But… but what does that say about him, how he's doing?"

Dr. Maheswaran simply shook her head.

Steven's phone buzzed in his hand before he had time to glean any kind of meaning from this tilt of the doctor's head to the shadows in the planes of Pearl's skinny face.

He looked down to see who’d texted him, surprised to find that he had more than a couple of missed messages.

(And, like, thirty notifications from Candy Crush.)

Sunday, 12:09 AM

Group name: Dork Squad

Peridot: Don’t give up, Steven.

Lapis: we’ll kick your ass if you do

Peridot: Yeah, what she said.

Peridot: Text us when you can.

Sunday, 8:24 AM

Connie: Hi, Steven. Mom told me that you were sick. Are you okay? Can I come visit you soon?

Sunday, 10:17 AM

Blue Diamond: Hello, Steven… I drank tea on the balcony this morning and, strangely enough, came to think of you. You would have loved the skyline, I think—all of its many colors. Pink, gold, and blue. 

Blue Diamond: But enough about me—have you been well?

At this last message, Steven's chapped lips tilted upwards into a smile, or at the very least, the suggestion of one.

He began to type.

—

Sunday, 10:20 AM

Group Name: Dork Squad

Steven: Hi, guys. Please don’t kick me. :)

Lapis: steven!!!!!

Peridot: STEVEn!

Peridot: You're not dead!

“If we can get him to eat,” Dr. Maheswaran shrugged, “that’d be great, but if we can’t, then we’ll need to resort to something more proactive… a feeding tube, another intravenous line maybe.”

As Pearl opened her mouth to protest, the nephrologist cut across her in a manner that was both curt yet kind.

“I know it seems soon. Hell,” she laughed bitterly, “it seems soon to me… but Steven can take it, Pearl. I’m sure of it.”

If her words were surprising, her next gesture was staggering.

She lifted one of her lined hands and placed it firmly on Pearl's arm.

And to Steven's continued amazement, she squeezed.

Seemingly in spite of herself, Pearl appeared to unbend—just a little, just enough—a wry smile appearing at one corner of her mouth.

“Be careful Priyanka,” she teased. “You're verging on sentiment."

“Oh, shush.”

Sunday, 10:22 AM

Steven: Hi, Connie! Your mom’s in here right now.

“Dr. M, I’m texting Connie! Have anything you want me to tell her?”

“Tell her to tell you that you need to eat more,” Dr. Maheswaran quipped before returning to talk to Pearl.

Steven: She said hi. Come visit me when you can… I’m going to need the company. Bring the book!!

Sunday, 10:27 AM

Hi, Blue, he typed and re-typed into the box. His other well-wishers knew the state he was in, knew where he was and why he was there; Blue Diamond did not. He ate her chocolate cakes and puked them up in her gold inlaid toilet minutes later.

He hadn't told her this.

Didn’t even tell Amethyst.

What could he say?

What did he even want to say?

Hi, Blue. I hope you're doing great! Me? I’m in the hospital on the verge of dying.

No, no, too direct.

Hi, Blue. I’m doing well. How about you?

And that one was both deflective and a lie.

She didn't care much for lying, he knew.

Oh, my boy, she murmured once upon a time, her smile sad, her eyes soft, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been me… and yet, here you are, completely, unrepentantly you.

Completely and unrepentantly, he was Steven Universe... and he wasn't... wasn't doing great.

But he wanted to be.

And that made up for some of the difference.

Hi, Blue, he typed again, his mouth set in a resolute line.

He’d tell her the truth.

Steven: Hi, Blue… that sounds really cool. I wish I could have been there to see it.

Steven: But I’m afraid I have a bit of bad news. :/ I passed out last night and, well, had to go to the hospital. Still here this morning.

Steven: Please don’t worry!

He added as a hurried afterthought.

Steven: I hope you’re doing well!

“Are you feeling okay?” Garnet whispered into his ear. She’d been watching him closely, had been skimming her long fingers up and down his arm, so that he could feel something other than his own coldness. “You look sad.”

He hesitated to respond to her, didn't want to tip off everyone else in the room.

His loss of appetite was one symptom, and his sadness was another.

And it was contagious that one.

Infectious.

So he only nodded.

Garnet, if possible, held him even closer.

Sunday, 11:13 AM

Steven: Hi, Amethyst. 

Steven: I miss you.

Steven: Come see me when you can?

I'm okay, he backspaced. 

Promise. He deleted that unkeepable word, too.

He texted her later than he did the others because suddenly, without warning, he had begun to spew up yogurt.

[itsakurl]

My Reason | LTY

Genre: fluff, angsty  [warning: suicidal mentions]

Word Count: 2130

highschool!AU

Part 1: Just a quick errand

Part 2: Unordinary school day

Part 3: Reminiscing

“ You know...You miss him like hell.  Even though you two still talk...you haven't seen him since graduation.  You’ve just been traveling too much the past year that you weren't able to go back home where he was working his ass off as a singer.  You were happy for him though, that he was able to follow his dreams. “

ITSA FINALE!! MAKE SURE TO READ PARTS 1 AND 2 BEFORE YOU CONTINUE.  IF YOU HAVE THEN ENJOY!

It's been one year.  A whole year since you graduated out of that hell of a high school.   What had adulthood been like to you? Well, it’s better….you’ve become more confident, independent, and happier.  A whole new world for you……Okay, you admit….youve rewatched Alladin too many times over the years.  The soundtrack is starting to get to you.  

Well, nevermind that.  You were taking a trip into the hillsides of Japan.  Since you graduated, you decided you just wanted to take a trip.  A trip somewhere nice to where you’ll actually enjoy your time there.  Your parents were moving back to your old neighborhood where you grew up to retire and so you sold the majority of your things to be able to go on the trip, of course with the help from your parents.

The mountains beautifully inclined through your walking path as you continued step by step.  Tall trees overhead blocked the sun, letting small little snippets of light pass through the leaves creating the lit up the pathway.  

It's cherry blossom season.  Well, that's what the Old lady that saw you at the base of the hillside told you.  You stood still.  Looking up at the cherry blossom tree that happened to pass your way.  There you stood, staring at the tree as people walked around you.  After each passing wind, more and more cherry blossom petals fell from it...but you kept your stance.

Its been a Year.  A year since you and him went your separate ways.  Just a big ceremony could change a whole lifetime.  One moment you two are happy, ready to move on with your lives...and then you two are there, crying your eyes out as you walk out of the event.  

You still stared at the cherry blossom tree.  The petals still falling from all wi-

“Excuse me! Miss! Do you know where the shop is?” A young man that looked to be somewhere in his late twenties along with who seemed to be his wife and toddler.  “We tried to find it for the past thirty minutes...but we haven't even stumbled upon it yet…”  The wife spoke as she managed to get your attention by the crying baby.  

You were lucky to have passed the shop that was a few feet down the hill so you couple helps the lost family.  “Hmm..oh yeah, follow me” you started to lead them with no more words of explanation.  At least you’re doing them some good.

You know...You miss him like hell.  Even though you two still talk...you haven't seen him since graduation.  You’ve just been traveling too much the past year that you weren't able to go back home where he was working his ass off as a singer.  You were happy for him though, that he was able to follow his dreams.  One of his group members was from Japan and a couple of them were from China, so everywhere you went for your year-long trip...there was some talk about him.  It felt weird though.  You would see his picture in a few magazines and a couple of ads when you walked down the big cities in the places you visit.  

You weren't forgotten though...he still talks to you as much as he can, as well as calls you and face times you to catch up on each other’s lives...but why do you feel like that's not enough?!  Its been so long since you were able to see him face to face.  To talk to him in person...to hear him, to see him, to touch him.  To hear his soothing words that made you happy, the soft pats and hugs that perked you up when you were down...all of that, you missed.  Why did it ever have to en-

“Thank you, miss! Have a good day!” there it was.  The giant gift shop that held endless things.... it's a pretty big store….how in the hell did they place it on the side of a hill? The world may never know.  A gush of wind passed you, making you shiver.  

There it was again.  Another cherry blossom, now landing directly into your hand.  That's odd...maybe it's global warming….haha okay, but yeah, the cherry blossom thingy was weird, but its pretty….just a small perfect cherry blossom, touched by only the gushing wind.  You’re going to keep it.  

It's too pretty to throw away.

You headed back to your hotel, placing the cherry blossom on the desk in the corner of the room as you collapsed on your bed, passing out from the exhaustion that built into you.

-

There you were.  Staring once more at the dead cherry blossom flower that lay on your desk.  Would it have survived if you put it on water? You were never the flower fanatic anyways.  Death is something.  Maybe the flower was bound to die, but why so quickly?  It was just spring and the cherry blossoms are falling, one by one...dying as soon as they touch the ground.

They don't die on the tree.  That's the beauty of it you guessed….people only see them on the as they bloom new beautiful flowers...after they fall, no one cares about them.  They just die as winter comes until they reminisce the flowers that were there before.

It was too stuffy in your hotel room anyways.  You need to get food and the closest store was a few blocks away.  It was 11:36 am...it was almost lunch so you really should get something to eat.  Food, utensils, and a drink...that all you need right? Yes.  Okay, Lets Do This!

The convenience store, that is 7-11 because that place is great, was surprisingly huge.  It's like a whole target in a convenience store.  No one had noticed you come in, which was good...you were still in decent clothes...the ones you slept in yeah, so its better for people not to notice you right?

You walked through the aisles of the 7-11 and stumbled upon the huge, wait sorry….the HUGE ramen section you’ve ever seen.  Now that you think about it, why haven't you come to this 7-11 since you’ve been in Japan? You missed out on so many opportunities omg.

There it was.  You’re favorite Ramen that you and Taeyong used to eat every time he would come over to your house after school...Yeah, you knew it was unhealthy...but it was just spending time with him that mattered, not the ramen.  Even though the ramen was delicious.

Is that it? Is that all you came for? Oh god, now the cashiers are going to notice you. They are going to know that you just woke up because of how horrible you look, and including that you're only going to buy ramen?! That's an unhealthy lifestyle that you really don't want people to know….oh no! Okay, you should put the rame back.  There are salads...make you look healthy...wait, it might look like you’re trying too ha-

“Excuse me, ma’am..is there anything I can help you with?”  dammit, someone noticed you.

“N-no thank you...it goes-” Wait...why did that voice sound so familiar? You stared at your ramen for a good second until you turned your head towards the person who just asked the question.  After that, it seemed like time stopped.  

“T.Taeyong!?” He smirked at your reaction as he took the ramen out of your hand.  “I haven't eaten this in awhile, you mind buying me on-” You attacked him with your hug that added your love and affection.  That man was stuck in your head for months...It's not like you to just stand there and give him a simple hello until he was on his way out of your life.

“I missed you too y/n..”Taeyong patted your head after he hugged the life out of you.  

“Why are you here?”

“What?! You don't want your best friend here! I'm hurt”

“NO! I mean...i thought you were promoting in Korea...that's all”

“Well, the managers finally gave me a vacation...so, I came here”  Taeyong grabbed about 6 ramen cups and placed it into your hands.  “Six? Are you trying to kill us?”  You weren't that concerned about the amount of ramen, but like, Taeyong was now one of those ‘Popular Lovie Dovie kpop idols girls scream for’ and you don't want to the be witness to him ruining his health.

“Shh! We are spending quality time together AND ramen is going to be our life support”  He paid for it at least…

You and Taeyong spent the whole day together.  The truth was that the whole NCT U came on a trip to Japan for Yuta, but he had to come to you since he missed you like hell...who would’ve known amirite?  Anyways, You and Taeyong just laying on top of one another, watching sappy romance movies as you gobbled down your ramen and even ordered room service.  You two missed these days.  The days when you two could just spend together and not give two shits about the next day.  You and Taeyong were the unstoppable two, and you knew it.

“Do you remember that day I called sick into work to just spent time with you?” Taeyong spoke up as you lay on his chest, watching the romanticized date that played in those ‘top grossing’ movies that randomly popped up on Netflix.  

“Hmm… yeah, why?”  

“Did I ever tell you that my boss caught me when I was running home and made me do the closing shift?”

“What really? You should of went to work!” you shouted, lightly slapping his chest until you realized something, furrowing your eyebrows, “wait...didnt I call you to hang out? Why did you call in sick?”

“I was thinking about you, that's why…”

“Aww, you care” you smiled as you hugged him.  “Of course I do...anyways, what were you doing that made you call me?”  it was now or never… it's not like this was worse than anything else you did for him to deal with.

“Writing...a note.” Taeyong hugged you, indicating that you didn't have to further explain the note.  “You were...the reason I guess…”

“The reason?”

“Yeah...you, Taeyong, was my reason.  You know, my reason to stay, my reason to not leave… If you never helped me that day oof...what would have happened?”

“That carl, that random old dude at the store that looked like a complete profile, would have helped you and steal you from me”

“Yeah exactly” you two laughed,  you were happy.  And specifically, you were happy with your best friend by your side.  

All those movies, shows, books you watched and read, you could ask for any happy ending in them...the one you had now was all you could ask for.  It doesn't matter if you would have died.  If Taeyong became your boyfriend.  Even if you went any different path with your life...all that could make you happy was now, and you accomplished it.

The time you spent with Taeyong at the park the day after you two first met, you felt something.  At the time, you couldn't figure out what it could be, but now you know.  It took you a year to figure things out...but that's the time sacrifice.

You felt love.  Love for Taeyong, love for your life, love for you.  You were able to create this passion to live that previously died inside of you.  Taeyong was there to help spark it, but you were the one who needed to make the fire inside you bigger.

The Cherry blossom is a symbol of Beauty.  The beauty of life that is short.  That's why after each petal falls, it dies almost immediately.  But there's always that one person who would replant those cherry blossoms, restating a beautiful life one more for the spring.

The cherry blossoms are here for beauty.  They die once they fall… but in the worst, their reason for living are those who plant them…

You are here for changing the world for the better good.  One of these days you’ll feel out of place like you don't belong... But even in your worst, you’ll find your reason...

[mamaredd123]

Love Born of Fire (Conclusion)

A/N: This is the conclusion to this little series. I wasn’t going to finish it but I can’t stand having an unfinished tale. I took a few short cuts, didn’t stretch it out as long as I had originally planned but I am still happy with the ending. Hope you enjoyed it. If you haven’t read the first 4 chapters or missed one, get caught up here, Love Born of Fire Master List.

Feel free to leave feedback if you care to.

PAIRING: Dean x Reader

WARNINGS: a murder but not detailed, I think that's about it

WORD COUNT: 1932

Mama’s Tag List

Mama’s Master List

His smell. He smelled like heaven after a spring thunderstorm. That was the first thing I noticed as I woke up. The second thing was how freaking strong he had to be. My hands, gently, moved across his chest. There wasn't a spot of this man that wasn't toned.

“If you keep doing that, I may feel the need to go a little further than a simple kiss,” he said hoarsely.

“That might not be such a bad idea.”

“I think it might. You just had surgery. I can't take you back to the doctor and say ‘Sorry doc. We busted her stitches having sex’.”

“Fine,” I replied trying to pout a little. “How about breakfast then?”

“Depends on who's cooking.”

“A chef asks you if you want breakfast and you don't know who's cooking? Maybe I need to rethink my security detail.”

“Well I might be a good cook too, ya know.”

“You might be, huh? Alright, then you get to impress me with breakfast.”

We crawled out of bed, Dean headed for the kitchen and I headed for the bathroom. I took my time getting dressed wanting to make sure he had plenty of time to himself in the kitchen. I just finished rebandaging my wound when Dean called out for me. I slid my shirt on and walked to the kitchen. I could smell maple syrup as soon as I came out of the bedroom. Pancakes. He chose pancakes for breakfast.

“Prepare to be impressed,” he said as I sat down at the kitchen table.

“We will see.”

Dean brought a platter out with a huge stack of pancakes and set it down right in front of me. He then made a few more trips back to the kitchen. When he finally sat down beside me we had the pancakes, a ton of bacon, fresh peeled oranges and cut strawberries, and of course, a pitcher of milk before us. It take either of us long to dive in.

“Ok, I guess I will give you a little credit. Those were some really good pancakes,” I told him after we were finished.

“See? I told you I could cook.”

“You going to fix lunch too?”

“Well, here’s the thing, breakfast is really like the main thing I can cook. And when I say breakfast, I really mean mostly just pancakes.”

I shook my head and laughed. We stood up and started getting everything cleaned up. Thankfully, he had cleaned up somewhat behind himself as he prepared everything. When everything was finished we headed to the living room.

“What’s on the agenda today? Are you going to take it easy like the doctor said?”

“I really want to but I have to try to make some progress on getting my stuff replaced, the insurance company notified, and all that stuff.”

“Ok but on one condition.”

“What?”

“I will be your chauffeur and as soon as everything is done, straight back home and off your feet.”

I smiled and nodded my agreement. This man just continues to amaze me. I stood up, got my stuff gathered together, and off we went.

               ======================================

It has been almost four months since my restaurant blew up. Four very long and exhausting months. Randy has not been seen from since that day. The police were still hunting for him, especially now that they had all the evidence to tie him to the explosion. Personally, I kind of hoped he was dead in a ditch somewhere but I knew better. I actually believed he was still in town, just laying low.

The insurance company never gave me a bit of trouble in filing my claim. So the restaurant wasn’t going to be closed much longer. The clean up went smooth and the rebuilding even smoother. I figured I should be up and running by next week. All of my staff were excited and came everyday to help do whatever they could. Katrina healed up quickly. Juan gave us a scare not too long after I left the hospital but he bounced back and was should to shoulder with us every single day.

Dean Winchester. That man swept into town and into my life like a whirlwind. He stood by me through everything and I couldn’t have been more grateful. But his life is still a tab bit mysterious. Now that the restaurant was almost finished, I was beginning to think now is the time to try to figure him out a little bit more. Dean left almost a week ago and was due back in town tomorrow. That was one of the things I was most curious about. His ‘business’ was always taking him out of town, sometimes just a day or two, other times a week. Yet, during all this time I really didn’t even know what he did for a living.

It was almost eight at night so I went through the new place sending everyone out and home. I leaned back against the front door after I locked it and took a moment to admire the new dining area. Everything was falling in place and the it looked so much better than the original restaurant. All the tables, chairs, and accessories new and updated. The room was larger and more open now without all the previous walls. The lighting was terrific. It allowed for brighter lights during the day and the ability to dim them for the evening meals.

I headed for the stock area to grab some of the paintings I had purchased. I was going to at least them get them hung before I headed home myself. After three trips, I had the six paintings propped against their perspective walls. One more trip and I had my hammer and hanging supplies. Thirty minutes later, I stepped back to admire the first two walls. The paintings looked great up there so I turned to the third wall. Stumped, I looked around the room and couldn’t either of the last two paintings.

“I know I brought them out here,” I mumbled to myself as I headed back to the stock area.

The confusion I was feeling had to be the reason I never realized he was in there. The moment I stepped into the room, his hands were on my shoulders, throwing me across the room. I rolled over and propped myself up as I turned to my attacker. Randy! I should have known.

“Randy, what are you doing here?”

“I’ve gotten finish what I started.”

Panic set in and I fumbled around trying to stand up. My eyes were darting around trying to see if I could spot anything to use to protect myself. Randy was walking towards me when I spotted the extra cutting knives on the shelves.

“I should have done this years ago and then I wouldn’t be in the mess I am now.”

“That’s not true and you know it. You can’t control yourself. You never could.”

I tried to maneuver myself with the knives to my back but he sidestepped and cut me off.

“Killing you will get me set for good for awhile though. A million dollar life insurance policy will definitely get me out of debt.”

“Randy, you can’t do this. Even if you do kill me, you will never be able to collect on that money. The cops will know you did it. They will lock you up.”

I mimicked his action and sidestepped opposite of him. Maybe if we took enough steps, I would be able to get to the knife.

“Doesn’t matter. They won’t find me or the money.”

“Yes they will. That’s what they do.”

Three more steps. Just a little more and I will be able to reach them.

“The life insurance? Come on Randy. Soon as the cops find out about that with your name on it, that will be a wrap for them.”

“You always thought you were so much smarter than me, didn’t you? The policy isn’t in my name.”

I was right there. It was now or never. Taking a leap, I jumped for the knives and gripped as hard as I could on the one my hand landed on. Turning, I realized I was too late. He was already upon me.

Randy slammed me down on the floor and jumped on top of me in the same instant. As he held me down, he positioned his knees to hold my arms down. Then he leaned back and appeared to be gloating.

“If you are going to do, then just do it. Get it over with you crazy psycho,” I yelled at him, still squirming to get free.

“Oh my darling, I will. I just needed a second to relish in this moment.”

Suddenly, all my squirming around had me moving backwards across the floor. I watched as Randy was dragged out of the room by someone I couldn’t see. I was still pushing myself across the floor and away from the door when I heard the gunshot. A wave of dread swept over me at not knowing who he had just shot. I snatched up the knife and was heading for the door. Maybe I could get to him before he came back for me. I darted out the door and froze in my tracks.

“Dean?” I whispered. “Dean! Oh my God”

I ran and threw my arms around him.

“Shh. Everything is going be ok now,” he told me as he wrapped his arms around me. “You won’t have to worry about him anymore.”

I don’t know how long I stood there like that, holding onto to him. I finally pulled away and stepped back to look at the lifeless body laying beside us. I thought that I should have been feeling something, anything, as I looked down at my dead ex-husband but there was nothing. I pulled out my cell and dialed 911. Then we went to sit at a table by the door to wait for the cops.

          ============================

I watched Dean walk across the room. My very own guardian angel.

“Here drink this,” he told me handing me a tumbler. “It will calm your nerves.”

“Thank you. Ya know, I shouldn’t be this damn nervous. I wasn’t like this when I opened this place the first time.”

“A lot has happened in four short months.”

“I know. I have to tell you, I don’t know how I would have survived without you here. Not once, but twice you saved my life now.”

“You remember when you were in the hospital and you told me you were planning on a murder as the way to hook me in to stay? I have to tell you, I really didn’t think you were serious.”

I had completely forgotten I had said that. I burst out laughing at the memory.

“Hey,” I started after my laughing slowed down. “A girl has gotta do what she must to get her man.”

“I’m your man, huh?”

“As long as you can keep up. I mean, this is only the first four months. We have the rest of our lives.”

“Can we maybe take it down just a notch? No more explosions or murders?”

I just smiled at him as I walked to the front door. Katrina and all the staff were standing, ready to help get us started on our opening night. My smile widened even more as looked out at all the people I called family. A girl couldn’t be any happier than I was at that moment. I turned and unlocked the door and welcomed our neighbors inside.

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[im-sexy-and-im-mystictrash]

So I wanted to know how the rfa+v+saeran+ vanderwood would react to a young mc like 15-18 being pregnant like a teen mom *Plantonic relationship Sorry if you don't like this *Let's say they got pregnant by a boyfriend

Naw fam I love this, I love anything with babies or teen moms so Ight I’ll take a crack at it, lets see what we can do if it’s okay some of them are going to have the boyfriend not in the picture. Also it’s like 2 o’clock in the morning so any spelling mistakes are still propable my fault, I still have shitty spelling at any time

Yoosung

You weren’t that far along 

only a tiny baby bump

So not being that far along you didn’t feel the need to tell them much

and then in the chat room you totally forgot you didn’t tell them

so you just

“Ughh the morning sickness is really getting to me again”

“Morning sickness? so you only get sick in the morning?”

“No that’s just a saying people use when the pregnant are sick”

…

…

“Pregnant?”

Oh yeah oops

“I totally forget that I didn’t say anything, Yeah i’m pregnant”

Yoosung has so many questions and then remembers

“Wait aren’t you in high school?”

“Yup”

…

“So you’re a teen mom?!”

“Yea”

He was so surprised

He’s never known anyone that’s been a mom so young

He had asked many questions and you answered all of them

but then he asked one that caught you off guard

“So are you and your boyfriend hoping for a boy or girl?”

“Well I’m not sure about him, he hasn’t talked to me for awhile…”

“WHAT?!”

He is furious

The dad doesn’t want to be there?!

“It’s okay MC I’ll be there for you!”

That just tugs at your heart

When you two met irl

ya’ll were stuck like glue

He stayed with you to help you

“MC would you like some more food?” Yes

He did

E V E R Y T H I N G   F O R   Y O U

“Don’t worry Uncle Yoosung is here”

Zen

You were trying to tell them that you couldn’t do the whole RFA thing because your due date was coming up soon

but they were so excited to do the party so you didn’t say anything

Seven obviously knew about it so you told him to say nothing

“Alright but I’m going to watch you like a hawk!”

So as the days went on you were pretty good and having fun

But it was when it came to the time that Zen broke his leg

You wanted to help so badly

but no one knew you were VERY pregnant

So while in the chatroom as the car was on it’s way to pick you up you just dropped it into the chatroom

“Can’t to see you”

“Me too! I’ll see you soon”

“Yup btw I’m 9 months pregnant bye!”

MC left the chatroom

Zen was freaking out

What if something happens on your way here?

And what would he do if your water broke while your were here?

your pregnant?!

*Ding dong*

OMG PREGNANT TEEN IS HERE WHAT DO I DOOOO

He opens the door for you and sees your very big belly

“MC get in here! what if the baby gets cold?!”

it was more like he was taking care of you then you taking care of him

He grew attached to you two

“Is this what it feels like to be a grandpa?”

“You’re not my dad Zen”

Also Zen refused to let you go back to the apartment

“You’re not going back while you’re going to pop any day now! I want nothing to happen to my grand child”

“Zen you’re not my…whatever yeah your grand kid”

Everyone agreed that you should stay with Zen for the remainder of the time

you were doing so good even getting many guests

until you were at the party

While stuffing your face at the food table your water broke

once he heard you screaming in pain he was running to you

“Don’t worry MC! Grandpa Zen will get you there safely!

He obviously didn’t go into the delivery room

But he was right beside you when your baby Boy/Girl was in your arms

“Zen would you like to hold your grandchild?”

He was in TEARS

Grandpa ain’t going anywhere

Jaehee

You actually didn’t know you were pregnant

You were only a few weeks

and you didn’t have a clue

Jaehee was the one that suggested it when you told her about you being sick and wanting really weird food, being really moody

“Jaehee I don’t know what’s going on”

“Aren’t you pregnant?”

…

…

“haha..”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes”

…

“OH MY GOD”

You get a pregnancy test and low and behold

Boom

Lil MC in progress

You were so scared

“Jaehee I can’t have a baby! I’m only in high school!”

She was a bit started about your age

but

“MC I may have known you for very few days but I know you’re a very strong woman, you can do this!”

Awww shedding a few tears

She helped you through the whole process

She ordered Seven around so you got all the things you needed

You could have left to get the things you needed 

but nope

Momhee ain’t havin it

“You’re staying in the apartment we don’t want anything to happen to you”

“Seven get her medicine for her morning sickness”

“Yes ma’am

“Seven watch to make sure she’s eating those veggies”

“But those are gross”

“Seven you’re getting her the fucking vegetables”

“Spare me yes your highness”

Seven was forced to go back and forth to take care of you in place of Jaehee

He was too scared to find out what she would do if he didn’t do what said

and when you two met?

She was even more protective

Made sure you did your homework

more healthy food

but she did it because she cared about you like her own daughter

“Jaehee you’re the best mom ever”

“But I’m not-”

“shhh Just let it happen”

Jumin

You were about 5 months along

So you had a belly

but it only made you look chubby

Which effected you greatly

“Jumin am I fat?”

“I’ve never met you in person so I don’t know”

“Oh my god you think I’m fat!”

“what? no I didn’t-”

“Well you’re fat!”

“No I’m within healthy range for my age and height”

“Oh rub it in why don’t cha! well you’re not 5 months pregnant!”

…

…

“Mc you’re pregnant?”

“Yeah! so I’m not fat!”

“MC I never said you were fat”

He had you brought to his penthouse sooner so you could get the best care

“I refuse to let you be alone without proper care”

So while being there the whole time you had whatever you wanted

you might or might not have worked the maids to death

You were queen

“I want ice cream”

“Yes ma’am”

“Get me someone to rub my feet, they hurt”

“of course”

“Bow and kiss my feet!”

“…”

“Sorry I was kidding Maybe”

When it came to the party he kept you by his side

And even after the party he took care of you

“Jumin you would make a great godfather”

He was so touched

He was there for everything

But you refused to let him in the delivery room

When he first saw your child he practically claimed him/her

“Make arrangements that this child will take over the business once he/she is 18″

“Jumin!”

“Make it 20″

Saeyoung (Seven)

you were 707 months along

I might have done that on purpose

He didn’t really think everything through

“It’s okay for her to do this as long as I watch her every 1.33 seconds”

Vanderwood was PISSED

“Stop watching this pregnant teen and do your work!”

LE GASP

“Uncle Seven can’t not take care of Them! what is WRONG with YOU!”

work was basically thrown out the window

Speaking of windows

*enter unknown through the window*

He also didn’t think things through by making a pregnant teen as a victim

Eh whatevs

*now enter agent 707*

“MC is the baby okay?!”

“What about me you asshole!!?”

“oh yeah are you okay? hopefully the baby didn’t get hurt”

You damn near slapped the boy

but it was sweet he cared

Again he stayed at the apartment for you and did basically everything for you

He also read up everything about babies

“omg MC did you know babies swallow and breath at the same time!?”

“Saeyoung you better not try that”

Too late

But besides all the silly stuff

He truly cared about you and the baby

He called himself Uncle seven every chance he could

“Agent 707 get back here to work!”

“Excuse you, it’s UNCLE agent 707″

“I swear to god I will taser you”

He took care of you even when you two went to save Saeran

“Saeran you have to come back you’re an uncle now”

“I’m an uncle? cool lets go”

By the time the baby was born

Both Saeran and Saeyoung were there for you

But Saeyoung tried to name the baby while you were asleep

“Saeyoung is this a good idea? I don’t think MC would like this”

“Shh Saeran this is the Job of an uncle”

“I name thee…Little defender of justice”

Que you waking up just as he’s about to sign the birth certificate

“SAEYOUNG”

“Shh MC just let it happen”

Jihyun (V)

It was THE day of joining the RFA that your water broke

“Ah Seven?”

“Hmm what can god seven do for you”

“Do you think you can take a look at the CCTV?”

…

…

“OMG MC I’LL BE RIGHT THERE”

No one could no the location

but seven didn’t want to be alone

so he brought V

They both show up as your clutching your stomach in pain

“ABOUT FUCKING TIME YOU’RE HERE”

“MC don’t swear in front of the baby!”

“Um Seven I don’t think that’s helping MC”

V was holding your hand the whole way to the hospital

Seven had to get back to work

so V stayed with you

“You don’t have to help RFA we’ll understand”

“No I want to help! I just need a little bit of help…”

Done and done

V had given up all his time to be with you

you stayed with him

He was actually really good with babies

did you need sleep because you were up with the baby all night?

“Here I’m take care of the baby, You go get sleep”

Ran out of baby diapers?

“Stay here I’ll take care of it”

Dude He probably forgot about Rika

He was spending to much time helping you

and he really liked it

it might have been just to thing he needed to help him heal

“Jihyun would you like to be the godfather?”

He was so happy

He went and got the surgery so he was at his peak to help

“I would be honored”

Saeran

You had met after the whole mint eye thing

so Saeran was still very damaged

he was away from it all

but he felt like he was missing something

Then you walked into the picture

well you walked into him

you were a troubled teenager that had a pretty crappy home life

He was about to yell at you for running into him

but his eyes widen when he saw you holding your stomach in pain

“Help me?”

He took you to the hospital

and he thought it was his fault about what happened so he stayed to make sure you were okay

The doctor said the baby was okay 

that this pain was normal and should go away

you knew nothing about babies and being pregnant

You broke down when Saeran asked of you were okay

“I don’t know anything about being a mom! I’m all alone!”

you didn’t have any family

and the dad bailed

He didn’t know what but his heart went out to you

“I can help”

He can’t believe he said that

“You will?”

“Well…I can try”

and sense then you two became friends

He would help you and you would help him

he looked up everything about babies

and he went strictly by the books

“MC it says here you shouldn’t be eating this much”

“Seriously saeran?”

…

“Yes?”

Saeran wanted to help you by his self

so he didn’t ask seven for anything

and he didn’t need seven

although he was scared himself

he did pretty well taking care of you

When the baby was born he was so scared that you wouldn’t need him anymore

“saeran where are you going? The baby is going to need his/her Uncle

He had never felt this way

or felt this needed

He was very happy to call himself an uncle

*saeyoung walks in*

“Get out don’t come near him/her you’ll corrupt him/her with your idiocy

*saeyoung walks out with tears

Sorry I forgot you Vanderwood

Vanderwood

You were a family member from his past

so he had no idea that you were 8 months pregnant

The due date was just around the corner 

and you were trapped in a cult leader’s apartment

no big deal

Vanderwood didn’t like you because

1.You were distracting Seven from work

2.He had no idea it was you yet

So he would come to the bunker to collect Seven’s work

only to find that it’s not done

…

…

“Seven why the hell is your work not done?!”

“Hmm? babysitting”

Vanderwood is ready to roast his ass

“You can’t even take care of yourself and you’re babysitting?”

“I’m hurt Vanderwood…I’m hurt”

*takes out taser*

“Whoa whoa lets not get hasty here, I’ll get the work done if you help me watch over her”

…

…

“You want me to watch over some girl?”

Seven scoffs

“Oh my gawd Mary it’s not JUST a girl”

“It’s a teen girl”

That like set off read flags in Vanderwood’s head

“A teen girl?”

“Ya and pregnant

RED FLAGS RED FLAGS

“You need to be put in jail”

Seven busts out laughing

“Oh you naughty Mary you, I only father to all cats of the world, She just stumbled upon us.

Totally done with seven’s shit and just wants him to get his work done

He watches you

he looks into the CCTV

to see you with yo big ol’ baby bump

and then he sees your face

OH

EM 

GEE

“what the hell is my Niece doing in there?!”

Seven drops his pop to the floor

“SHE’S YOUR NIECE?!”

“YES YOU MORON GET HER OUT OF THERE”

“But-”

“so help me god if you don’t get my niece out of that room I will taser you till you fry”

…

“One niece coming right up!”

He picked you up and took you to his bunker

“Seven why are you bringing me to your place?”

“So I live”

You both arrive and once you see Vanderwood

Total tear fest

you and him haven’t seen each other in years

“MC why were you trapped in the apartment?”

“Seven put a bomb in it”

…

“SEVEN!”

He’s probably already on his way to mexico

You stay at the bunker with him

He took care of you

even after you gave birth you too stuck together

He wasn’t going anywhere ever again

Master list of my headcanons

Ray’s headcanon

[buckybarnesappreciationsociety]

“Broken Souls Made Whole” Part 1

Summary: This is for @amarvelouswritings​ 2.1K Challenge. Thank you for allowing me to participate. Hope you’re pleased!

Prompt #5: “You’re one of the most important things in my life”

Pairings: Bucky x Original Character of Color

Word Count: 2,018

Warnings: Brief mention of suicide, racial indifference, and a little sexual innuendo

A/N: Sorry I’m late!

The mind sometimes plays cruel tricks on you. James Buchanan Barnes knew this better than anyone.

Sure, he had lucid days when past demons ceased to exist and he actually formed a thought not laced with darkness.

Other days weren’t so pretty. Today, Bucky was off kilter.

After a night of fitful sleep, Bucky left the tower with his black baseball cap pulled down low, hands tucked in his stonewashed jean pockets.  

He stumbled upon a pond with ducks and ducklings. The ripples in the water reminded him of days gone by. Bucky made a mental note to bring bread to feed his quacking friends.

Sitting over to his left, a woman with empty cognac colored eyes, bronze complexion with braids woven into an intricate pattern, stared into the abyss of nothingness.

Her mind riddled with so many unsavory thoughts. She’d been dealt a shitty hand and wanted to throw in the towel.

Lately, the wheelchair had become her jailor. All she wanted was freedom to walk or run like the old days, before a drunk driver ran a red light, stripping away her independence.

Bucky didn’t know her story because it wasn’t his place to be rude and ask. All he knew she appeared to be broken. That’s one thing they had in common.

A week passed. The beleaguered super soldier stayed away from the park. Not only did the ducks miss their feeding, Aniyah missed him as well.

She knew who he was and about his past. It didn’t matter; they were two bookends on a rickety shelf, holding onto whatever normalcy they could.

Bucky resurfaced . While feeding the ducks, Aniyah took a chance and wheeled over to him.

“James Barnes right?. How are you?”

Clearly taken aback, Bucky responded. “H-hiya. How do  ya’know who I am?”

Chuckling, Aniyah mused, “That’s easy. Everyone knows the infamous James Barnes”

“SInce you know who I am, what’s your name dollface?”

“Please forgive my manners. I’m Aniyah. Pleased to meet you.”

Extending his flesh hand, Aniyah shook it and smiled.

“The ducks are happy you’re back. Did you go on vacation?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, “Naw, uh been locked away in m’room. Ain’t felt right,” Bucky tapped his head.

Aniyah nodded, understanding what Bucky felt because she was there now.

They sat in silence for awhile until Aniyah decided to break the  monotony.

“I know you won’t ask so let me unburden you. I was hit by a drunk driver over a year ago. Guess walking in the crosswalk doesn’t matter anymore. There’s been days when I wanted to end it all.”

Bucky didn’t say a word. He knew Aniyah needed to vent and he was more than glad to listen.

“Life sucks man. I used to dance with a modern dance troupe in Manhattan. Now, here I am. Stuck in this damn rolling contraption.” Tears trickled down her face.

Bucky pulled her wheelchair close to the bench he was sitting on and hugged Aniyah as she shed pinned up frustration in the form of tears.

“Hey hey doll. It’s alright. I got’cha. Shh.” Bucky understood better than anyone.

“Guess I’ve been holding that for awhile. Thanks for allowing me to mess up your shirt.”

Bucky shook his head, “S’okay. I didn’t mind. Listen, would’ya like to have dinner sometimes?”

“I’d like that Bucky. Hand me your phone.” Aniyah typed in her address and phone number.

At first, they’d meet at the park twice a week. Soon, they graduated her favorite coffee shop. Eventually, dinner evolved into a full blown relationship.

8 months passed, Aniyah and Bucky  couldn’t stand to be apart from each other. Her sister, Trinity, had trepidations about her baby sister’s new beau, but she kept any snarky comments to herself.

One night while out to dinner Bucky suggested Aniyah come to the compound and meet the team.

“Do you think that would be wise, Bucky? I mean, look at me.” He disliked the self-loathing that would befall Aniyah sometimes.

Placing his hand on her cheek, Bucky smiled, “They would love to meet you.  I talk about ya so much, Nat doesn’t believe you’re real.”

Laughing, Aniyah shook her head. “Well, we can’t have everyone thinking you have an imaginary friend, can we?”

“Great. Tomorrow is movie night at the compound. I’ll come pick’ya up at 6 p.m. You can hang out and meet everyone. One more thing. Ignore Tony and Sam; they’re real pains in the ass.”

“Alright Bucky. It’s a date. Goodnight.” Aniyah kissed Bucky lovingly on the lips.

“You’re gonna be the death of me woman. Goodnight”

MEETING THE “FAMILY”

Aniyah wore a button down white shirt, black tattered skinny jeans and simple black flats.

Bucky loved Aniyah’s braids. He found the criss cross pattern creative and beautiful the way they fell onto her delicate shoulders.

Looking at her reflection in the elevator glass, Aniyah adjusted her shirt and checked her modest make-up.

Noticing her nervous demeanor, Bucky pointed out, “You’re gorgeous babe. No need to fix anything.”

“You’re biased Sergeant.” Bucky gazed deep into Aniyah’s eyes and kissed her.

Unaware of their surroundings, Bucky and Aniyah were pulled out of their searing kiss by Steve clearing his throat.

“Uh, ‘cuse me lovebirds,” rubbing the back of his neck.

Obviously startled, Aniyah blushed. “H-hi. You must be Steve.” She extended her dainty hand.

Bucky wiped lipstick from his swollen lips. “This is Aniyah, Stevie.”

“Pleased to meet ya. Everyone’s waiting in the common room.”

Aniyah rolled her wheelchair into the room, as Nat and Wanda greeted her.

“Wow, you’re not Barnes’ imaginary friend,” Natasha quipped.

“Oh goodie. I’m so happy to finally meet you,” Wanda was absolutely giddy.

“Hello Nat and Wanda. Nice to finally meet you guys also.” Aniyah was pulled into a hug.

Sam just couldn’t resist. “Frosty said you were beautiful but to finally see you, he lied. You’re radiant.”

Bucky growled and slapped Sam’s hand away from Aniyah’s. “Back off Birdbrain. She’s spoken for.”

Tony made his way over. “So, you must be Manchurian Candidate’s love interest. I’m so sorry.”

Aniyah threw an insult of her own. “Why are you sorry Tony? I should give Ms. Potts my condolences. Dating you must be pure hell.”

Nat, Wanda, and Bucky couldn’t hold their snickering. “Barnes, she’s a keeper.” Nat mused, sipping a vodka and tonic.

The movie choice, “21 Jump Street”, didn’t appeal to Bucky. So, he suggested showing  Aniyah around the compound.

Bucky thought it would be a good idea to show his best girl the view from the rooftop deck.

“It’s so peaceful up here, Bucky. I could sit and star gaze all night.” Aniyah’s voice was laced with a touch of sadness.

“Shuga, what’s wrong? The smile has left your face and those bright eyes gone dim.” Bucky scooted next to her.

“Your friends treat me like a normal person baby. It’s so refreshing.Trinity means well, but she acts like I’m an invalid.” Aniyah’s voice trembled.

Taking a leap of faith, Bucky proposed Aniyah move in with him at the compound.

“Dollface, you have no idea how hard it is saying goodnight and leaving ya. I know ya love Trinity, but it’s time to enjoy life again. I’d love to wake up to your smiling face and go to sleep with ya wrapped in my arms. You’re one of the most important things in my life. Would ya do me the honor of moving in with me?

“James Buchanan Barnes you’re important to me as well. Thank you for taking a chance on us. And to answer your question, yes I’d love to move in with you!”

Bucky sealed the deal with a kiss. He loved Aniyah and wanted her with him all the time.

Aniyah broke the news to her sister. Trinity balked at the idea of her moving into the compound. “Are you crazy Niyah? You’ve known this man how long? 8 months! Use your head girl!”

Determined to take control of her life, Aniyah stated her case. “Look let’s lay our cards on the table. It’s not about how long I’ve known Bucky, is it? This goes deeper than that.”

Trinity whipped around, peering deep into Aniyah’s eyes. “Okay, I’ll spell it out for you. He’s an assassin and he ain’t a brother!”

Aniyah became enraged. “You’re prejudice! James is a former assassin and his skin color doesn’t matter! Sorry to burst your color blind bubble, but I’m moving in with him whether you like it or not.”

Snatching her phone from the bed, Aniyah called Nat. “Hey Nat. Are you busy?” Aniyah’s voice quivered.

“Aniyah? No I’m not. What’s up?”

“Would you mind helping me move my things? I don’t want to wait until James comes back.”

Wanda’s brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“I dunno but we’re going to get Aniyah. She’s really upset.” Nat grabbed her car keys, pulling Wanda along to the garage.

Meanwhile, Trinity, against her better judgement, helped Aniyah pack. “I’m just looking out for you Niyah. It’s too soon.”

“Trinity, like it or not, I’m going. I hope you find it in your heart to accept my choices. If not, oh well. I’ll always love and miss you.”

The doorbell rang. Aniyah greeted Nat and Wanda. The female Avengers introduced themselves to Trinity. She feigned interest while helping her baby sister load luggage into the tinted window SUV.

Wanda put the last bag in the back. Aniyah reached out for her sister; Trinity simply waved good-bye walking back into the house.

It was a bittersweet moment as Nat and Wanda held Aniyah. Trinity’s blessing meant the world to her.

Nat carefully lifted her into the seat, folded the wheelchair and closed the door. As they drove away, Trinity peeped through the curtains, watching her baby sister leave.

MOVING IN

Tony was the official welcome person. “So, you decided to stay with Tin Man in our friendly asylum?”

“Yes Tony, I did. Figured one more crazy person wouldn’t hurt!” Aniyah laughed.

“Glad you’re here. Now Barnes can shut up about how much he missed you.” Tony sipped on scotch. “Wanda and Nat will be your tour guides. See ya!”

Aniyah waved, as Tony went back to his lab.

Helping her get settled, Wanda couldn’t help but feel Aniyah’s aura. “Are you alright?”

“Trinity and I had a fight. She still thinks of Bucky as his past. He’s a different man from the Winter Soldier. Hell, he can deactivate his metal arm and we’re talking about him getting a service dog.

Breathing deep, Aniyah poured her heart out.

“When I met James, life as I knew it was bleak. Truthfully, I’d considered ending it. Then one day, I built up the nerve to speak to him. The more we talked, we knew our meeting was kismet. Here you have two broken humans, coming together to make a whole person. I can honestly say I love him.” A tear escaped her eye.

Bucky stood in the doorway, listening to this fragile dove pour her heart out.

“Guess you couldn’t wait huh? Glad you’re here doll.”

Making grabby hands, Aniyah couldn’t wait to wrap her arms around the man she loved.

“Buck, I’m happy you’re home. I’ve missed you.”

“I know something happened ‘cause you’re here early. We won’t talk ‘bout it now. Tomorrow. Right now, m’gonna light some candles, drop one of them fancy bath bombs in the water and spend time with the  woman I love. First, I gotta rinse  all this shit off m’body from the mission.”

“Now that sounds like a good idea. Are you trying to get frisky with me?”

“Hell yeah woman. I’ll be back in a flash.”

Reaching for his flesh hand, Aniyah kissed his knuckles. “I love you too James Buchanan Barnes.”

They’d found each other under the weirdest of circumstances. Two halves coming together to make one whole person; one heart; one love.

TAGS: @omalleysgirl22 @erisjade @barnesvogue @love2rhyme@pegasusdragontiger @irene-rogue-adler @vampirephile @supersoldierslover@rebelslicious  @caplanbuckybarnes@this-kitty-has-claws @goodnightwife@buckybabybaby @writing-is-my-elixir-of-life @magellan-88@theimpossibleg1rl @sebstanfanma@magellan-88 @blackcaptainrogers @sgtjamesbuchananbarnes107th @captnbarnesrogers @sgtbxckybxrnes

[moonlightstars16]

Scenario: "Playing your hands through their hair while sitting next to them on the couch" Numbers (from prompt 2): 1, 3, 9, 18, 24, 29, 52, and 53 uwu

1. “I need you.”, 3. “I care about you.”, 9. “I could never leave you behind.”, 18. “I’ve got you.”, 24. “I trust you, do you trust me?”, 29. “I’m here if you need to talk.”, 52. “Everything is fine.”, & 53. “I’ll keep you safe.”

"Playing your hands through their hair while sitting next to them on the couch"

Enjoy :)

There is a difference between being home schooled and going to public school. But usually the outcome education wise is more or less the same, if one applies themselves. However socially it’s obviously different. So much so that it can affect your learning performance.

Not for Connie....usually.

She had studied so hard in cram school, working her but to get into college. She had Patrica and Daniel while at school and sometimes out. She had her beach city friends and of course her parents. The gems of home world, Greg Universe and the Crystal gems. Above all she had her boyfriend whom she loved with all her heart. And right now, is when she needed him the most.

The past spring semester she did her usual routine, keeping up and going above and beyond all her classes. But this time, something happened. This term, changed her life. Now bullies she was used too. It hardly affected her as she grew older and merely dropped their insults to a ‘whatever’. But every Tuesday afternoon, while at her locker, that’s when it happened.

It happened in an instant. A group of football jocks(or jerks among some of the student body), paraded through the hallways so fast. Like he heard of animals going after their prey similar to the scene in Lion King where Simba was almost trampled by wildebeest’s.

It began with her not caring as she moved closer by her locker. Trying to steer clear. Until right as a certain blonde haired jock, taking advantage of Connie not looking. Back fully facing him, as he reached out and slapped her right on her right butt-cheek. Connie gasped and looked up and around. No one else saw, and it seemed she couldn’t pinpoint who at first. So with a blush she ignored it.

But it happened again, and again and again. Every Tuesday afternoon for a month. So much so that Connie avoided them by picking her stuff up quicker. Or turning around to face the group of guys striding down the halls as if they owned the place. She made eye contact with the same guy and knew instantly. And so did he realize what happened. So those incidents stopped. For awhile.

Connie was more forgiving, and before them she couldn’t make a claim because it might’ve been an accident. But after multiple attempts, that day she was planning on filing an official complaint. However knowing who her suspect was didn’t help in matters; because he was one of the main stars of the football team. No one dared to speak out against anything they did.

Because the football team brings in money for the school(not sure why, but who cares the education system was flawed in that way), and so they got ‘special treatment’. Anyone who tried to stand up was immediately in the wrong here. At least, he would twist it that way, and it only got worse as others believed him.

So she sighed and let the matter drop. Until one day, in class she felt something touch her back. It was kinda pointy, like a mechanical pencil. Rolling her eyes she continued her work. She faced off multiple enemies and faced countless battles. This was nothing. Or at least it should’ve been. A loud snap, laughter going from soft to roars all around the classroom. Connie felt her right bra strap in two and the right side of her bra sliding downwards a tad.She wore a sweater that slightly exposed her shoulder. Not enough to wear it was a violation. But right now all that matters was her being harassed and humiliated.

Afterwords everything was a blur. Connie running out with her arms folded, the teacher, leaving her teacher’s aid to watch over the classroom, a trip to the principals office. Both Connie’s and the boys parents. A heated argument over who was in the wrong here, and finally ending with Connie going home early. Not by any bad means, just to rest and recover so to speak. The boy was suspended for two weeks and had many detentions when he arrived.

Her parents talked everything that happened from the but slaps to now. Connie felt the guilt rise in her. Thinking it was her fault for not speaking up sooner. She never meant to get anyone in trouble, even if they more than deserved it. So after spending the rest of the day with her parents at home, with them trying to cheer her up, she went to bed early. But couldn’t sleep. She did homework, no sleep. Reading, no sleep. Music, no sleep.

This was her last attempt as she reached over and grabbed her phone. Changing from her pajamas into sweatpants, a t-shirt with a sports bra, her sneakers and began to snuck out the window. Texting the one person she needed most right now. Hoping...praying, he was still awake.

Steven? I know it’s late, I’m sorry but... She couldn’t even finished the text before it send. Not even ten seconds later he replied.

Connie, it’s only midnight, we’ve pulled all nighter’s before. Lolz. What’s up? Tears filled her eyes as she picked up her pace towards the temple.

I’m coming over to see you, Steven..... I-I need you. Within ten minutes she was tapping on his balcony door(thanks to a secret hidden emergency escape ladder). Steven quickly opened the door. Instantly met with her head on his chest. Sobs pouring out as she tried to quiet her muffled cries. Steven pulled her close while shutting the door behind them both. All the gems were gone away on a field trip, so he was alone(for the first time in awhile it was nice).

“I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Everything is fine.” Those words haunted him. Taking on a new meaning in his experience. Though in his therapy sessions, it was a ‘normal’ thing for humans to say. Still those words affected him, and for Connie to use it when obviously upset was unsettling to say the least.

“Is it really though?” In response he saw and felt her shaking her head negatively. That was a better start.

Something so soothing as hot green tea with honey and lemon works wonders. Especially when that person is upset. Connie held it in her hands, basking in the warmth it brought her. in this moment. Steven laid against the couch, back against the armrest near the wall, in a slight sitting up position. Legs spread across the length as Connie laid gently across between them. Resting her head against his chest and relishing being in his comforting embrace.

A few minutes ago as he made the tea, she told him everything. Though seemingly remained calm, Steven had broken three mugs, bent handles on two of them, and almost burnt his hand multiple times. However he didn’t glow pink, that was something Connie was nervous about. Because she never wanted to add to the ‘stress’ he felt. Still not seeing any signs made her feel a bit more at ease.

Running a hand through her hair he waited patiently. Watching as she took a few more sips before setting the mug down on the coffee table. Resting her hand over the top of him. Closing her eyes as he tightened his grip around her waist and felt the tears coming out again. Not as much but enough to make his own heart ache. Never wanting to see her cry, ever. Not like this.

“Shh, I’ve got you Connie.” He spoke while placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head. Holding her head against him briefly, letting his beating heart sooth her. Though it was odd, he knew she liked it and said nothing about it. Letting his actions speak for him. Continuing to run his fingers through her hair.

“I care so much about you, Steven. I love you. But I don’t know if I’m worthy of it,”

“Hey, shh don’t say that. I love and care for you a lot Connie.” She lifted her head up and looked straight at him.

“I’m some knight huh? Can’t even take care of herself.”

“Connie I trust you, do you trust me?”

“Of course I do, but what does-”

“And you know I could never leave you behind right?”

“I-...yes.” he cradled her cheek in his palm. Gentle caressing his thumb against her smooth skin. Gazing into her own eyes as she pressed her hand against his and turned slightly. Pressing a gentle kiss into her hands. He breathed in deeply and smiled upon her.

“Then trust me when I say, I love you. It’s okay to have moments where you need to lean on someone. Lean on me if you want to Connie. I won’t push you away. I never will. I want you to come to me if you want it as well. I have two shoulders and both are yours if you desire so.” At that last sentence they both let out a short and soft laugh. Connie feeling a bit better already.

They continued to talk and he reassured her that it’s was going to be okay. Deep down he knew that she knew that. But the shock and the feeling she must’ve felt, similar to when they first fused as Stevonnie and that,,, incident. Leaving her a bit unease at the moment. So he held her tight and rocked her back and forth.

“I’ll keep you safe Connie, I promise.” Steven whispered as she relaxed in his arms more and more. Fully vulnerable and safe within his comforting embrace. “I’ve got you, Connie. I love you.”