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#zombie is amazing and I want to give them a blanket and soup and tell them everything gonna be ok
blackholesun321 · 4 months
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“Yeah, I guess!” Smiling, smiling, smiling. The curve of their cheeks fills their voice with something false.
“Or, wait, maybe I’m closer to a zombie, actually? Since I have a body, and all.”
“Do you poop, then?”
“Not sure? I mean, this dying thing is pretty new. I haven’t tested it out yet.” He nods, sagely.
“It’s a mystery, then. Hey, do you want to join my crew?”
If you like laughs, a believable bad ass main character, trauma and coming to terms with the fact your world culture and everyone you love is gone? Go read @the-lizard-lord fic ‘Zombie’ one of the best self inserts I’ve read in a while, it’s really ramping up to be something special.
Link and close ups below-
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arthurflecksgirl · 4 years
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Your first Halloween spent with Arthur
Arthur never celebrated Halloween before, so you try to give him the best Halloween experience possible.
Apartment 8J seemed different today. The room was filled with the delicious smell of pumpkin spice and scented candles. Countless of them burning in every corner of the room, drowning Arthurs home in golden light. Warm blankets and cushions helped to create an cosy atmosphere while the ceiling was decorated wth all kinds of Halloween images. Self made pumkin lanterns standing on the floor....
You took a step back to get the full view of the apartment. This was perfect. At least ypu hoped so. You tried to see your result through the eyes of someone who had never experienced Halloween before, thinking this was pretty impressive.
The last pumkin was still waiting to be carved. But that was for Arthur only. You couldnt wait to see what kinda face he would choose for that little guy.
A quick look into the mirror left you wondering if he would like the costume you choose for tonight. You wanted it to be perfect. You wanted him to look at you with his big puppy eyes and melt. The black cat costume was pretty tight and not as comfortable as you hoped for, but if he thought it was sexy it would be worth it. You knew from the images he glued into his diary that he was very much into cat costumes. So why not give it a try on Halloween? Its the perfect night to be his black kitten.
You smiled at your own thoughts and made your way into the kitchen. The pumpkin soup was finally done, so as the self baked spooky muffins. Hopefully the smell of it would make Arthur hungry. At least a bit, since his meds made it difficult for him to eat . You placed the food on the table in front of the couch and lit another orange candle before you left him a little love note "May your first Halloween be just as magical as our love for each other". You drew a little pumpkin with heart shaped eyes and stuck the note between the muffins.
Done.
Now everything you had to do was wait until Arthur would be home.
You checked the clock. He`ll be back from the childrens hospital soon.  You sat down on the couch and sighed. Your love for him was immeassurable. Just thinking of him making the kids at the hospital smile with his little dances and magic tricks made your eyes water. He was the purest soul wih the biggest heart you have ever met. All he wanted in life was to see people happy. And all you wanted in life was to give those smiles back to him. He needed it. He needed smiles and love and happiness so desperately and he deserved all of it and more.
You knew for a fact that Arthur never experienced halloween before. Or christmas. Or his very own birthday even. His so called family would have never done anything for him. Not even when he was little. Especially not when he was little. Arthur grew up unloved, which created a huge hole in his heart only you were able to fill. And you filled it with your unconditional love every day. You filled it with warm and cosy light until he was radiating it on its own.
And tonight you would give him the most memorable Halloween ever. He would tell your kids about it some day, if you would ever have kids together.
A noise. Keys turning in the door lock. He was back. You checked your hair to make sure to look perfect for him and headed to the door. Arthur was falling into your arms, realizing that something was different. His puffy Carnival wig felt tickelish against your cheek.
"Y/N?.....let me take a look at you....wow...you`re.....wow. Oh my god...." if he wasnt wearing his clown make up you would have been able to see him blushing. Cat costumes really did a lot to him. "Thats just...." his eyes started glimmering "You`re a cat!"
You took off his big clown nose to kiss the tip of his own nose  before you put it back on, laughing "Yeah....I guess I am. Do you like it?"
Arthur wrapped his arms around your hips, staring at you with love "If I.....Like it? You are kidding me right? This is making me wild....Oh my god. I need to kiss you."
You couldnt help but laugh at his cuteness "So what are you waitng for?"
Arthur pulled you closer and pushed you softly against the wall. His hands all over you while he kissed you passionately. You could still taste the cigarette he was smoking before he got into the elevator. He grabbed his wig and threw it on the floor. As soon as his brown curls got exposed you put your hands into them. Oh how familar they felt between your fingers.
"My sexy, little kitten" he whispered into your mouth "I`m so glad to be home with you. I missed you so much. " His hands wandered down your legs. You wanted him. Now. But this had to wait. Time was running out. The kids will soon be ringing the door.
"I missed you,too, darling. "You held his face between your hands "But you gotta wait until tonight to see this kitten get undressed".
Arthur frowned "Baby?"
"We`ve got a lot to do today. Look!"
You turned him around to show him what he haven`t seen yet.  Arthur glanced at the living room "Oh my god. Y/N! This is....this looks wonderful. You made all of this by yourself?"
"Sure. Everything for you, Arthur. I know you never celebrated Haloween before. I just wanna make sure today is gonna be your first".
Arthur walked through the room, observing all the details of your decoration. "I love the candles and it smells so good. I love everything. This is amazing. Thank you so much!" He sat down and lit himself a cig, noticing the bowls on the table.
"You made pumkin soup and muffins! Oh baby, I dont even know if I deserve all of this....you`re the best." he inhaled the smoke and leaned back on the couch "I dont even know what to say".
You sat down beside him, toching his colorful tie, kissing his white cheek "I`m glad you like it. We gotta hurry a bit, the kids will start with their trick or treat tour soon!"
"Ohhhh! I`ve always wanted to give them sweets but I never had the money to buy them anything..."
"I got some goodies for them. You can hand it to them when they`re at the door."
"Awesome!" he smiled "Do you think they would like to hear some jokes? Or see some of my magic tricks?"
"Of course, Artie. I´m sure they will love it. You will be the only one showng them some tricks. They will tell all their friends about you. I am sure."
Arthurs eyes started to shine thinking of this "I will show them some of my best tricks, I swear.  But.... I`ve got no time to change my outfit. I`m just a regular clown right now." He put his cig into the ahtray, looking worried.
You grabbed his hand and lead him to the make up table in the bedroom "Dont worry, we will change Carnival to be a little bit scary".
Arthur sat down and closed his eyes "Thats a good idea! I know you`ve got some great make up skills. "
You started to cover his face with a bit of fake blood and gave the whole face paint a darker look to it. Arthur didnt moved through the whole process. Painting his face made you fall in love with every single wrinkle over and over again. His facial features always managed to drive you crazy, even when most of them kept hiding under all the make up. You could still see it through. You knew exacly where his birth marks and spots were hiding. Feeling the urge to kiss his make up off and taste his bare skin underneath.
"Finished!"
Arthur took a close look into the mirrow "Thats great. Now I look like a Halloween worthy clown. Do you think I should put the wig back on?"
"No I think it looks darker this way."
"Okay" Arthur watched you getting the paper plates with the candy, feeling nervous for the first kids to arrive.
"I hope the kids will like me as a spooky clown,too"
"Of course they will. Kids love you eighter way. And they want to see something spooky today, you know?"
"Yeah. I guess you`re right Y/N"
10 minutes after you got ready the first group of kids was ringing the door. Arthur opened it and waited until they got out of the elevator. You handed him a pile of goodies.
"Hey kids! Looking good" Aww look at this scary skeleton boy right there!" The little boy giggled "Trick or treat Mr Clown!" he yelled.
Arthur frowned "Ohhh I sure dont wanna get into trouble today.....but I dont have any candy I´m afraid"
The kids made long faces.
Arthur pulled his magic wand and made a little dance. The kids looked at him with curiousity. Suddenly all sorts of candys fell out of his sleeve "Ahhhhhhh look at that! I guess I was wrong!"
The skeleton boy laughed "Hey, how did you do it? We wanna know!"
"Yeah " a little girl in a zombie costume said "We wanna know".
Arthur picked up the candy and handed it to them, blinking "Shhhht....Its magic!"
"Wow!" the smallest one of the kids said "Thank you so much Mr Clown."
Arthur smiled at you as he closed the door again and fell into your arms "Did you see that darling? They loved it. They loved me. "
You stroke his sweaty hair "I told you so!"
Seeing Arthurs face light up meant the world to you.
Another ring of the doorbell.
"Ohhhhh more kids, Artie. Grab your stuff!"
Arthur grabbed the candy and opened the door again.
A scary pirate and a bloody meremaid stood in front of him "Trick or treat!"
"Ummmm......" Arthur  acted like he was thinking hard "Not sure if I got something for you. At least you can tell me why the clown got to the doctor?"
The little pirate was looking overwhelmed "What?"
"Why did the clown go to the doctor?" he repeated.
The meremaid whispered something in the boys ear "Ha! I know it! Because he felt funny!"
Arthur clapped his hands "Thats was the right answer! So this is all for the both of you" he handed them two plates of sweets "Ohhhhh , thats a lot. Thank you Mister!" the girl giggled as they left.
Arthur closed the door and felt more than happy "It feels so good to see them smile" he sighed. The next group of kids got their candy for singing "If you happy and you know it" with him and you couldnt help but crying a happy tear while watching it. Seeing him with kids made you think that he would be the best dad ever. Maybe you should ask him what he thinks about being parents.
After it started to get too late for kids being out on the streets Arhur fell back onthe couch. Happy about the outcome of the evning.
"You did great, Arthur. You made a lot of kids happy today"
"You think so?"
"Yeah"
"Thank you!"
You grabbed the last pumpkin "So Artie, its your turn now. I will tell you how to do it and you will carve this little guy. Better think about what kinda face you want him to have".
"Oh I never did this before."
"We`ll do it together" you said, helping him to cut it open and take the guts out. Arthur couldnt help but laugh "This feels funny to the touch" .
"I know. Okay so now that its hollow you can start drawing a face on it and then you take this and start to cut it out."
Arthur drew a big smiling clown face on it and took the tiney knife to carve it out. The result looked pretty good. He took a tealight and placed it on the right spot.
"My first pumpkin lamp ever".
"Its a great one. I love that you choosed a clown face."
You placed it right in front of the couch so you could see it for the rest of the night.
"Now its your turn to eat something. Wanna watch a scary movie together and get comfortabe?"
Arthur looked at the Muffins while you put a tape in and started the movie.
As soon as you got back on the couch you covered him with his fave blanket and crawled underneath. He immediately took you in his loving arms.
Arthur grabbed a muffin and took a bite. You ate one,too.  "I love those little  sugar spiders you put on top of it. " He now noticed the little note you write to him. "May your first Hallooween be just as magical as our love for each other....oh god, you`re the cutest catlady out there!" He took another bite.  "Its delicious. I wish I had an normal appetite. I think my stomach cant handle more than two of them at once."
"I know, darling, dont worry. Go slow okay. Maybe I can feed you some soup?"
Arthur nodded after he finished half of  the second muffin and let you feed him the warm pumpkin soup. "It tastes so good, its impossible to say no to this." He licked his red painted lips. His hair looked like dark gold in the candle light. Arthur was so focused on the movie and how well you treated him , he wasnt even aware that he managed to eat the whole plate.
"I`m proud of you, Arthur. You just finished your soup."
"Oh, really? Well thats on you. Thank you. Tonight I dont have to go to bed with an empty stomach. "
You put the plate away and rested your had on his tummy before you pulled up his vest to kiss his lower belly , which was now sicking out a tiney bit.
Arthur started to stroke your hair in the most gentle way "So.....what are we gonna do now, Miss kitty cat?"
You slowly started to unbotton his shirt, grinning.
"Oh I see you`ve got something on your mind" he chuckled, wrapping his hands around your waist to turn you over. He was now on top of you, smirking. "Are you afraid of the scary clown? And what he could do to you?" he chuckled.
Your opened the botton of his carnival pants "Um......maybe a little bit?"
Arthur leaned in to kiss you as the weight of his body was covering you like the most comfortable blanket in the world "You better be. Tonight  I`m gonna make you purr!"
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serahsanguine · 5 years
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School, Sex and Subterfuge NC-17
Chapter 8 of?
part one, part Two, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7,  AO3
tagging @today-in-fic @skullsmuldon @foxystarbucks
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Chapter 8; Christmas Vacation
One Week later: Christmas Vacation.
Scully Residence.
Scully had arrived at her parents’ house a couple of days ago. Missy had come down from Washington, too, after finally securing her flat. Bill was out at sea.
Charlie, Ahab and Maggie went out in search for the best Christmas tree, which left the two sisters discussing what their plans were for the next two weeks. They were both sitting in their bedroom, together on one of the beds.
“We need to get your stuff moved in, Missy.”
“If I actually had anything to move in I would. I sold most of it before taking that trip around the world.”
“Well, whose clever idea was that?” Scully was looking at her sister but her hands were fiddling with the corner of her blanket.
“Mine.”  
Scully rolled her eyes but sighing “Ok, whatever. Then we’ll buy some stuff in the January sales. For now, I’m sure mom has a few items you can have.”
“How’s the college boy been treating you?” Missy changed the subject.
Scully chooses to ignore the question and change the subject completely too.
“Are we still going ice skating later tonight?” Her hand was still fighting with the blanket, her eyes locked at the back corner of the room.
“Yes, we are. But, don’t change the subject. How’s your college boy going?”
“It’s fine,” Scully stood up to walk out of the room but her sister caught her wrist. Spinning her on the spot they were face to face.
“Don’t insult me by lying to me. Something’s up, I can feel it.”
“I’m fine.”
“Dana.” Melisa placed her hands on her sister's shoulders gesturing for her to sit back down on the bed.  “What happened?”
Scully had no choice but to pour her heart out to her sister. She still left the detail about Mulder being her professor.
About ten minutes had passed and during those minutes Scully managed to go from full heart-wrenching tears to only hiccuping between breaths. And during those futile minutes, she had come to the realisation that her sister was right at thanksgiving and she had indeed fallen in love with him. With his smile, his personality, his looks and definitely the sex. The man was built for that particular sport!  When she came to this realization, she also knew it could never be. She had indeed signed a contract to this effect. She knew that as soon as such things as feelings got involved, it would end. She put on a brave face, held her head up high and started getting ready to go ice skating. Leaving Melissa’s questions and protests unanswered. Melissa also knew not to push the subject for now.
Several hours later, Scully was lying on her bed listening to her sister snore. She was physically and mentally exhausted. She should be asleep by then but she just couldn’t. Scully had been thinking about everything that happened in a few short months, and how everything had changed. She could not decide whether this was for the better or not. She sat up and quietly got out of bed fumbling in the dark for her bag, to find her secret stash of cigarettes. She found them with ease and crept down the stairs, tiptoeing each step. She opened the back door trying not to wake anyone up, praying it would not creek.
Scully was finally outside, the air brisk and quite chilly. I should’ve brought a coat, she soon thought, but she didn’t really care enough to get back inside. She leaned her back against the wooden pillar of the outside porch. She opened her pack of cigarettes taking the middle one and placing it the other way round putting it back in the box. Then she grabbed another one and placed it in her mouth. Fishing the lighter out of her pocket, she breathed in a deep lung full of smoke. She placed the lighter beside her and looked up at the stars. Scully could spot all the constellations which was surprising for how much light pollution there was from the city. She let out a puff full of smoke, watching it disappear into the air, mixing with the dark, and the cold. Her body started slowly relaxing.
Her mind focussed on the stars and she remembered when Ahab taught her everything about the stars.
//
Dana was about five, sitting outside, wrapped up in the thickest blanket that her dad could find. It was Christmas Eve and he had surprised her. He wasn’t meant to be coming back that night. But, she had a nightmare, a really scary one, and wandered downstairs to find her mom. And there he was, too, sitting in the living room. He hugged her fiercely. Ahab asked her what was the matter. When she told him, that's when he found a blanket and told her to sit outside. He soon made hot chocolate for them both and sat beside her.
“Look up at the sky, Starbuck. Tell me what you see.”
Dana looked up, staring at the night with its blacks and greys swirling, mixing, colliding.
“I don’t see anything, Daddy.”
“Of course you do, Starbuck. Look really hard.”
She strained her eyes, looking really hard like her daddy told her to.
“I still don’t see anything.”  She placed her empty hot chocolate mug down and wrapped her arms around her chest, angry that she could not see anything.
“You can see the stars.”
Her mom appeared and gave them another blanket, also giving her dad a kiss on the cheek, which made her giggle. Her mom left and she watched her dad as he placed a blanket on the ground gesturing for her to lie down on it with him. And she did so, cuddling into her dad’s chest with a blanket around her, both of them looking upon the stars.
Ahab pointed to Aries, Cetus, Eridanus, Perseus... to which little Dana could not see. But then Ahab pointed to the easier constellations like Fornax, Horologium, Hydrus Triangulum... Little Dana always thought there was magic in the stars and looking beyond that into space.
//
Scully took the last drag of her cigarette smiling at the memory.
“Those things will kill you.”
“Shit, Missy, what the hell?” Scully jumped, startled by her sneaky sister.
Missy sat by her, laughing quietly.
“What are you doing up?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” She stubbed her cigarette out before bending in and putting it in her pocket for the bin.  
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“No, I’m ok. Let's go back in. I’m cold and finally ready for sleep”
Christmas Day
Scully was tired and exhausted. That was certainly one tradition she did not like, especially after not sleeping very well. Maggie took everyone to midnight mass, which had ended a couple of minutes ago. Scully couldn’t wait to crawl back into bed and sleep. She felt like a zombie and Missy kept teasing her that she looked like one.
The previous day was spent with the whole Scully clan at the local homeless shelter. She always loved the atmosphere. It was always a positive outlook on life, no matter how bad your living situation was. She helped with the younger ones, playing and singing with them. She later helped out with serving everyone soup and Christmas pudding and cake.
They finally arrived home. Luckily, it was only a short walk. She went straight upstairs and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was asleep, oblivious to the world.
6 hours later;  
Scully woke up in Melisa’s bed, the aroma of Christmas dinner floating in the air. They had not shared a bed since they were little, but there were both far too tired to care the previous night. She sat up slightly, trying not to wake her sleeping sister. She looked at the alarm clock which sat in between the two beds. She groaned inwardly when the clock read 8 AM. The only good thing about getting up early without her sister or brother being awake was she could get a shower and then have a good look at her presents first. So, without any noise, she moved to get some clothes and take a shower.
30 minutes later,
Scully walked into the dining room, and sat down. She was not surprised at the full breakfast spread that was laid out. Her mom never ceased to amaze her, even know. She always likes having the family to dinner. There were croissants and pancakes, fruit, two different types of toast...
“Hi, Starbuck.”
“Hi, Ahab.” She smiled at her father, glad that she could spend some time with him.
“Hope you’re hungry. Your mom seems to be thinking she's feeding the five thousand, again.”
Scully nodded and slightly laughed. Once the table was prepared, her brother and sister appeared, sleep ridden at the table. Maggie finally sat down to join everyone at the table after some persuading from Ahab. Everyone started tucking into the food in front of them and she was in the middle of taking a bite of pancake.
“It’s a shame Bill isn’t here,” Maggie said sympathetically.
“Yeah... a damn shame, isn't it mom?”  Missy replied sarcastically.
Scully choked on her pancake as she bit down a laugh. Missy was right, she loved her brother, but in all honesty, he is an ass and that is never going to change. It was nice not to have him here.
The conversation carried on, changing the subject several times. The food was eaten and the dishes were washed. Soon, everyone was sitting in the living room. It was beautifully decorated with lights. Different coloured tinsel, a modest tree decorated with precision, thought and symmetry. Maggie and Ahab were sitting on the two-seater sofa, Charlie was next to the fireplace, and Missy and her were sitting side by side on the floor, opposite everyone.
Gifts were exchanged then. Scully got some book which she had been after for a little while now but never had the chance to get. Also, some scarves and other bits and bobs. However, the most precious one that was received was the gold bracelet with the words ‘Look upon the stars and you shall see the world, Starbuck.’. It was the most beautiful thing she had seen and she would treasure it forever.
The rest of the day was spent helping to prepare for the Christmas feast which went off without a hitch.  Everyone was full to the brim. There was no room left for dessert and there were plenty of leftovers for the next few days.
All in all, it was a peaceful day spent with family, enjoying each other's company.
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Aspen Ski Resort.
Sam had surprised Mulder by packing his bags and taking him to Aspen Ski Resort. They were meant to be spending the days in California but she wanted to do something nice for him. They had just gotten back from Snowmass, Aspen's largest and most popular ski area, comprising 3,332 acres of skiable terrain. They were both exhausted. They order a hot meal from the resort’s restaurant that should be there within the hour.
They were sitting in the living room both on a chair in front of the open fire. Mulder even though he was on vacation. He was planning the next semester's workload and Sam was reading a book about local painting which they had brought from the museum earlier that week.
He finally finished what he was doing and looked over at her sister. She looked so calm and collected and he certainly enjoyed his ‘little’ surprise. Tomorrow was Christmas, which for this family was a horrible time in past years. Their mom had died when he was twelve and Sam was eight, and a few years later, also on Christmas, their father got arrested for a beating so bad that he was hospitalized several times. From then on they had gone to live with their aunt Becka. She was a lovely woman who helped both him and Sam a lot. Every Christmas they circled a different ski resort. Even while he was in Oxford they still kept the tradition.
“Sam? I don’t think you put sunscreen on. You’re a little red.”
She took her eyes from what she was reading and looked at him.
“I applied plenty, thank you.”
“Maybe you should go look in the mirror,” he said in a teasing tone.
She huffed and the movement of getting up. He knew her legs would certainly be protesting of so much strain after skiing and boarding. He watched her walk over to the mirror with her cotton pyjamas on and her hair in braids. She inspected herself, turning her face side to side before speaking.
“I am not sunburnt, told you!”
Just as she had said so, the bell for the front door had gone off, announcing the arrival of their food.    
“Sometimes, Fox, you have a damn right spooky intuition,” she laughed as she went to pay and collect their food.
He went into the kitchen to go find some plates and cutlery.
“What drink do you want, Sam?” he shouted through the cabin.
“Diet Coke will be fine, thanks,”  she shouted back.
He walked back into the living room carrying everything they needed. Sam was knelt down at the table with the food in front of her.
“Some help would be nice,” he said sarcastically.
“What do you mean? I did help. I got the food which was your whole plan of telling me I had sunburnt.”
“Humm… if you say so—.”
Sam helped serve out the food between them. It was one of the tastiest beef, vegetable stew they had ever tasted. They both polished the plates and even left a little room for cheesecake for dessert.
After dessert was eaten, Sam picked everything up, and said her goodnights. Picking up her book, she headed upstairs to bed. Mulder stood up watching some old Twilight episode that was on tv. An hour or two passed when he started with his secret preparations hoping his sister was well and truly asleep. He got the decorations out of the cupboard under the stairs. With the tinsel and lights and wall decorations hung, he still needed to retrieve the tree, decorate it and place the presents underneath it.
Mulder got the tree off the hiding places and realised he should have either moved it sooner or with help because it was a lot heavier then he realised as he shuffled it across two floors trying not to scrape it or walk into anything when dragging it. About thirty minutes of sweating he finally managed to put the tree where he wanted it. He decorated it with candy canes, barbells, Christmas beads... He even managed to place a star on top.
He finally crawled into bed after lighting the fire in his room. It was about four o’clock in the morning. His head hit the pillow and he closed his eyes. Within seconds, he was gone into the land of slumber.
Christmas Day;
Mulder woke up and shivered, the fire had gone out a little over an hour ago and there was a certain chill to the air. He needed to get up and start on breakfast before heading out to the restaurant where he had booked a reservation for Christmas dinner. He grabbed a quick shower and crept downstairs.
He was going to mix Sam's favourite chocolate chip pancakes. He mixed the butter and poured them into the pan. Not long after the first two were good his sister wandered down and stopped in the second to last step. The look of amazement and pure joy is written on her face was all he needed. It made it all worth it for that one look. He smiled and turned back around and carried on cooking pancakes.
He heard her walk towards him and sit down at the kitchen island.
“How? When? Why?”
He turned around with a smirk. Placing the hot pancakes on a plate in front of her, then placing some on a plate for himself, he turned off the hob and placed the pan on the rack to cool down. Sitting opposite her, he spoke to answer her questions.  
“The lovely lady who owns these little cabins wanted to help out.  I asked her a couple of days ago, and she thought it was sweet that I wanted to decorate it as a surprise for my little sister. She said yes and placed all the decorations in the large hidden cupboard under the stairs. And, to answer the last one… because even though you’re a pain in my butt, I love you. Plus aunt Becka in all her old wisdom made me promise to keep up the tradition of a decorated tree on Christmas day.”
“Thank you.”
She bit into her pancake and a sound of satisfaction filled the room.
With breakfast eaten, presents were opened. Sam got loads of art supplies, a couple of books and some socks. It was time to open some of his. He got Terry Pratchett's new book, the first edition of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. He had no idea how Sam managed to get it but she did. He opened the last present and was a little in shock.
“What is this?"
“Well, big brother, it is pretty self-explanatory, ” she laughed.
“These are two tickets for a getaway for two, place of my choice.” He looked at her like she was an alien eating children. He was a little shocked and surprised.
“But I have no one to go with,” he pouted.
“What about that girl you’re not in love with? ” she replied, sarcastically.  
“I wasn’t in love with her and we're not seeing each other anymore.”
“Your loss then,” she shrugged. She kept looking at him for a couple of minutes. "I still think you should get you head out of your ass and tell her how you feel before she swoops away with a nice college boy. ”
“Sam.”
“Yes?"
“It’s Christmas. ”
“And you're avoiding.”
He went to answer her back but decided no to. After all, she was right. He shrugged his shoulders and changed the subject.
“We should start getting ready or we’re going to be late for our reservations.”
Later that evening.
Sam had gone to sleep and Mulder sat on the small balcony overlooking the lodge and charming village below, with its variety of shops and restaurants. From their cabin, he could see roughly half of the trails there. The grey sky was mixing with the white of the snow, illuminating as far as the eye could see in a luminescent green, almost like an aura for buildings. The place was so tranquil and quiet, he could have easily fallen asleep looking upon this view if it wasn’t so damn cold. Maybe he would come back in the summer.
As he stared into the evening sun his thoughts drifted to Scully. Maybe, one day soon, he could share a cabin with her,  quite possibly this exact one. And, together, they could oversee the town in all its beauty under the summer sunset.
But first, he needed to take his sister's advice, pull his head out of his ass, and apologise to her. Would she even accept the apology? Would she even want to talk to him? If she did want to talk to him, would she want him back?
Sam was right, he was an idiot and he had maybe just lost the best thing he was ever going to have in this life. One thing was for sure: even if she wanted nothing more to do with him, whether it was misplaced jealousy or not, he definitely needed to tell her that Daniel Whatever-his-name was a creep.  He had tried to sleep with her when she was drunk and, if he was a betting man, he would even put money on it not being the first time he had tried to get into her pants. He was losing track of thoughts now. He should really head to bed, lots of snowboarding and sledding to be done tomorrow.  
******************************
2 weeks later.
Scully had an exceptional Christmas Vacation filled with love, joy and surprises all around. Mellissa tried to bring the subject of the mysterious man who Scully had fallen out with at least three more times over the two weeks. Every single time she was shut down.
Just before coming back to college, Scully received an email from Mulder asking her to meet up with him on the second Friday that they were back to school. She hadn’t replied back and she also didn't know if she was going to attend that meeting.
Mulder tried not to think about Scully again. But, each night he ended up alone, he kept thinking about her, more and more each night. He finally decided to extend an olive branch by sending the email, leaving the ball in her court. What she chose to do with that was completely up to her. One of two things were going to happen: she could either hurt him or forgive him.
Scully and Serah had a lengthy talk about what happened that last night they were together. Serah apologised profusely about her actions and promised never to do it again. They were now sat in the dorm room debating what Scully was going to do about Mulder.
Serah was pacing the room, it helped her think.
“You should at least reply, Dana. ”
“Why?”
“You’re miserable without him. ”  
“I am not.” Scully threw her hands against the bed in defence.
“Don’t lie to me. It’s not beckoning on you. ”
“Give me an example of when I have been missing him,” she dared her friend.
“For starters, when you're in the gym and you see him, all sweaty and tuned up. It turns you on. You come back with a certain glow, a certain look and a certain body movement.”
“I do not!”
“Ahh, ahh. No speaking until Serah has unloaded all her wisdom. ”
“A—.”
“Shh! Anyway, also, when we're in his class you can’t help but check him out and get all dreamy-eyed and start daydreaming about it. And, third: I am not putting up with a horny, sad, depressed Dana Katherine Scully any more.”
Serah looked at her and Scully raised her eyebrow in scepticism.
“And, before you say anything… Yes, you are all those three.”
“Hum—.”
“I’m not finished yet.  You were happy with him. Yes, he was a jerk towards you and you both said things you may regret. But he's extending an olive branch. ”
“Yes, I suppose so. ”
“You never know, he might even apologize and say he loves you. ”
“Like that’s ever gonna happen.” Scully laughed it off.
Later that day she sent Mulder an email.  
Subject: Re: Meeting.
Dear Mulder.  
I would like to accept your invitation to meet. I just need a place to do so.
Yours faithfully,
Dana Scully
It did not take long for a reply.
Subject: Re:  Re: Meeting.
Dear Scully,
Thank you for accepting my invitation to meet. As we already have a date set of the 27th I thought we could meet at a place of your choice.
Yours faithfully,
Fox Mulder.
It took her a few hours to reply. She didn’t know whether she wanted to meet in his office or somewhere public like their little restaurant. She finally made the decision and messaged him back.
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Meeting.
Dear Mulder,
Your office on the 27th at 8 o'clock. I will meet you there.
Yours Faithfully,
Scully.
No less than five minutes later she received an email which was short in nature and only one word which said 'Agreed'. That one made her smile for the rest of the day.
1 week later;
Friday, 27th January
They were both apprehensive about today's meeting. Scully couldn't focus on her lectures.
On the flip side, Mulder couldn't focus on teaching his lectures either. 7.30 PM and he was pacing his office back and forth. He couldn't still his anxiety and the waiting was unbearable. The ticking of the clock was filling the silence of the room.
Scully was feeling anxious. She didn’t know what he was going to say, she didn’t know how she would respond. She couldn’t sit idle for long so she made her way to his office. Before she knocked she was standing outside his door. Her palms were hot and clammy, her body slightly shaking, her heart rate fast and uneven. She finally knocked on the office door. It wasn’t a loud knock but it wasn’t a timid knock either. She took a deep breath in and he opened the door.
He heard a knock and knew it was her, he was so god damn nervous. He walked over to the door and opened it. There she was, in front of him, in jeans and a t-shirt with Stranger Things written on the front. He smiled knowing how much she liked the program. He moved to allow her to walk in. He closed the door behind him, locking it before sitting in front of her at his desk.
God, she had missed him in his tight t-shirts and hanging low dark jeans. She was sitting in front of him trying to act calm when she was anything but. She had butterflies in her stomach like the first time they had met. His normal hazel eyes were an emerald green. Ok, maybe looking in his eyes is a bad idea. She chose instead to focus on the picture of him and his sister.
There was silence for several minutes, all that could be heard was the ticking clock, the breaths and occasionally the water cooler. Until he spoke.
“I’m sorry, ” he looked at her with pleading eyes. “I didn’t mean to do what I did, or hurt you like that. ”
“You mean use me?” she said calmly.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I just wanted to clear a few things up before we go our separate ways if that's what you wish.”
“Ok, I’m listening. ”
“Your grades won't be affected. If your work is an A-plus, which it normally is, you will be awarded such. Even if the contract does not stand.  I will not purposely fail you so I can see you.” He put on his clean teacher's voice, strong, stern but warm and kind.
“Thank you.”
“The night you were drunk and rang me, that kid Daniel tried sleeping with you and nearly succeeded. I thought I should warn you before he tried again and you get hurt,” he said more softly.
“I can look after myself,” she said defensively and slightly more cold and clipped than she had intended.
This is not going well, he started squirming in his chair. Damn, why is it so hard? I’m just going to tell her.
“If you choose to accept my apology... I would love to start again and take you on a real date. ”
“I…” that was the last thing she expected him to say, she was in shock and lost for words.
She had missed what he said next but the clean “I Love You” cleared through all the fog of her mind and started ringing in her ears. She needed to go, she couldn’t handle this. He just said the words she never expected. She stood up and slammed the door behind her.
Leaving a confused Mulder in her wake.
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More Top 20 Must-See Horror Movies
 Especially now we are in isolation, who doesn’t crave a good horror movie to watch? To that purpose, I have created yet another top 20 must-see horror movies, along with why you should be watching them. So get into your comfy clothes and blanket, grab some popcorn, and settle in to watch these horror gems (WARNING: May contain spoilers).
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1) Ginger Snaps (2000)
I first saw this movie when I was fifteen years old, and, watching it recently, I was still impressed how it handles the perils of transitioning from teenhood to womanhood. Ginger Snaps follows the story of two outcast sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), in the mindless suburban town of Bailey Downs. On the night of Ginger's first period, she is savagely attacked by a wild creature. Ginger Snaps is a terrifying movie with good character development, acting is convincing and it has a fast-paced story line. If you're into well-done horror movies Ginger Snaps is the movie for you. It is one of the best modern werewolf movies I have seen.
2) Annihilation (2018)
Drawing on mythology and body horror, Annihilation is an intelligent film that asks big questions and refuses to provide easy answers. It is Sci-fi horror at its best, boasting a very intriguing and unique idea whilst entertaining the viewer throughout the film. Definitely a must-watch.
3) Green Room (2015)
A punk rock band becomes trapped in a secluded venue after finding a scene of violence. For what they saw, the band themselves become targets of violence from a gang of white power skinheads who want to eliminate all evidence of the crime. Influenced by exploitation movies of the 1970s (and punk music of the 1980s), this horror-thriller is rooted in a gripping, grisly kind of realism without resorting to lazy coincidence or stupidity. This is again a fresh take on horror and worth a view.
4) 1922 (2017)
I learned from a great film critic many years back that your own best judgement of a movie is best discovered when you realise that you are still thinking of it many days later. This Stephen King film stays true to the iconic master with all the tell-tale signs of a Kings classic: A haunting grimness that lingers throughout the movie, a tragedy and of course, outstanding performances. The mother that returns from the dead leaves you in a crazy suspense of whether it is simply a dream, a man’s demented insanity, or an actual reality. Thomas Jane’s performance was stellar and totally believable as a farmer in rural America in 1922. He actually takes you through the movie as if you were part of him and what is going on. The message that Stephen King leaves you with is dreadfully powerful of how greed can destroy all. Definitely worth the watch, especially for Stephen King fans.
5) Evil Dead (1981; remake 2013)
Both versions of this movie are great, but I have a special fondness for the original, which was Sam Raimi’s directorial debut. The camerawork is amazing for a low-budget film, and the creepy atmosphere is eerily accurate. We feel Ash’s pain when his friend, sister and girlfriend are one-by-one changed into Deadites, and the ending keeps you guessing, and wanting, a sequel. I am quite a fan of the Evil Dead franchise actually, and have just finished watching the TV adaptation Ash vs. Evil Dead. I’m savouring the last episodes, and am sad that it got cancelled. I look forward to more from this franchise, hopefully in the not-to-distant future.
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6) Get Out (2017)
This film is unique, telling the tale of young black man who meets his white girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Jordan Peele’s film delivers a chilling satire of liberal racism in the US. More than just a standard-issue thriller, this brutal, smart movie is impeccably made, as well as surprising, shocking, and funny, while also offering a compassionate, thoughtful look at race. Expect only the very best a film has to offer, with a nasty twist at the end that you won’t see coming. 
7) Hell Night (1981)
One of the best things about this movie which follows fraternity and sorority pledges who spend the night in a mansion haunted by victims of a family massacre is that it stars legendary Scream Queen of The Exorcist fame, Linda Blair. Other than that, prepare for a fun, wild ride, the way every good slasher movie should be.
8) Insidious Part 2 (2013)
I actually enjoyed this sequel more than the first movie, as it was less plodding and more action-packed, with an intriguing antagonist in the form of the mysterious “Bride in Black,” who turns out to be the evil spirit of serial killer Parker Crane, who, as we know from the previous movie (SPOILER ALERT) has taken over the body of Josh Lambert, and is fighting for control of his soul. I enjoyed seeing the return of Elise Rainier, who was (SPOILER ALERT AGAIN) killed off in the previous movie. James Wan directed this second helping even more masterfully than the first. A must-watch.
9) Sleepaway Camp (1983)
This is a campy slasher gem, where they cast real teenagers, which elevated the drama of the plot somewhat. Sleepaway Camp tells the story of a young girl named Angela who goes to Camp Arawak with her cousin Ricky. Once the two arrive at camp, a series of events/killings leads the campers to discover that there is a killer on the loose. Sleepaway Camp is not in any way intense or fast paced. However, even though many initially might look at as a “rip off” slasher film, the movie does get creative when it comes to the brutal killings and certain aspects to the film that no one saw coming. Including the jaw-dropping twist at the end. I’m not giving it away. You just have to watch it.
10) Cold Prey (Fritt Vilt) (2006)
This movie takes full advantage of its snowy, secluded set-pieces, using Norway’s harsh winter landscape to masterfully build tension and heighten the sense of isolation. As horror movies go, Cold Prey is a slow-starter, committing the first third of its running time to investigating the signs of violence scattered throughout the hotel, allowing the characters to theorise about what pernicious acts may have taken place before the hotel’s abandonment. It begins at the intriguing yet deliberate pace of a psychological horror film as the sequestered friends, initially inebriated and giggly, explore the hotel and sharing secrets, but the movie’s party-hard atmosphere bursts open at the 40-minute mark to reveal a black horror centre. Slick and stylish, Cold Prey is a genuine pleasure to watch.
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11) The Hills Have Eyes (1977; remake 2006)
Even if it echoes a better film (namely, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), the original movie is still an important one to view for lovers of the horror genre.  This is a sometimes ghastly  - and occasionally absurd - shocker that really gets under one's skin. Though many critics initially despised the original outing, it has since been called one of the best horror movies of the 1970s. Scary-movie specialist Wes Craven made this viscerally-violent feature on a low budget, and some horror connoisseurs call it his best. Ultimately the "normal" people strike back with a ferocious blood-lust they didn't know they had, and the question is how much a "civilised" person can be pushed before one becomes a savage. Are the Carters really all that much "better" than Jupiter and his spawn? That is a question that you, as the audience member, are required to ponder.
12) The Dawn of the Dead (2004)
This remake of George A. Romero's 1978 sequel to Night of the Living Dead soups up the zombies, cranks up the gross factor to 11, and has a lot of cheeky in-jokes about its predecessor. In comparison with the original, out are the shrieking blondes and rampaging looters, in are smart, controlled Ana (Sarah Polley as a believable nurse not afraid to wield a fire poker) and Kenneth (Ving Rhames), who is exactly the kind of cop you want walking beside you if you are facing scores of the undead.
The zombies are a bit spryer in this film, and the pregnancy of one of the main characters is not the life-giving promise it was in the first movie. But the ending is what differs most from the original. If you're a fan of the horror genre, then this flick is a welcome, if derivative, fright-fest in the school of Romero's classics.
13) The Cabin in The Woods (2011)
What starts out as another five-band teen getaway to a cabin in the woods ends up becoming a fresh take on the trope, with puppeteers behind what is taking place, in a twisted game of Choose Your Adventure. The ending is fittingly grim, but you won’t be disappointed. Definitely worth one hour and thirty-five minutes of your time.
14) The Babadook (2014)
The feature debut of writer-director Jennifer Kent is not just genuinely, deeply scary, but also a beautifully told tale of a mother and son, enriched with layers of contradiction and ambiguity. It presents grief as a demon, questions reality, and creeps out the viewer by making psychopathology seem like something that could happen to anybody. The style of the film is not teasing exactly - it's too sad and lonely - but there is certainly a hair-pulling mixture of glum laughter and vast apprehension. Is the demon real? Does it matter? That’s for you to judge. Either way, if it’s in a word, or if it’s with a look, you can’t get rid of the Babadook.
15) Suspiria (Original and the Remake - 1977 and 2019 respectively)
Suspiria is a baroque piece of esoteric expressionism that you enter - and exit - without understanding so much as feeling. It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them. Director Dario Agento works so hard for his effects -- throwing around shock cuts, coloured lights, and peculiar camera angles -that it would be impolite not to be a little frightened. This entry stands out as it is a visually beautiful horror movie, a bright fantasy that lives off its aesthetic. If you are a horror fan and haven’t seen this movie yet, then you’re not living right. The remake is also worth a watch, something that is oftentimes unique in the horror genre.
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16) A Quiet Place (2018)
This gripping, clever monster movie is one of those rare genre treats that seizes on a simple, unique idea and executes it so perfectly and concisely that it elicits satisfying squeals of delight. It's directed and co-written by Krasinski, who's best known for his work in comedy but translates his experience in that genre to the expert building and releasing of tension here. A Quiet Place is, in many ways, like an extended classic horror movie sequence, such as famous ones in The Birds or Aliens, wherein the heroes must try not to disturb packs of resting monsters.
At the same time, Krasinski uses his quiet moments like music, ranging from moments of restful beauty -- including a father-son trip to a waterfall, where it's noisy enough that they can talk and even shout -- to moments of pause. A loud noise can cause a jump, but it's immediately followed by tension and dread: Will the creatures come this time? The real beauty is the movie's primal quality, based on the most basic elements of life, such as survival and protection of the species. No explanation is given for the monsters' existence; they, like us, are just here. Images of water, sand, bare feet, crops, and plant life serve to underline the theme of life itself. A few overly familiar horror movie clichés keep it from being perfect, but otherwise A Quiet Place is so good that it will leave viewers speechless.
17) The Exorcist (1973)
Once famously dubbed ‘the most terrifying movie ever made,” this movie is steeped in urban legend, especially concerning the unfortunate happenings that occurred when it was being made. 
If you think your teen is ready for this shocking film, keep in mind that some audience members in the '70s reportedly fainted after seeing Dick Smith's grisly makeup effects on Blair. In some extreme cases, viewers even required psychiatric care. Also, the moans, snarls, and profane utterances from Regan (most are actually the dubbed-in voice of a well-known older actress, Mercedes McCambridge) amount to some of the most chilling audio ever done for film.
Thanks in part to Linda Blair's wrenching, Oscar-nominated performance, The Exorcist was a huge hit, earning back 10 times its $10 million budget (a then-lavish sum, outrageous for a "mere" horror flick). Movie historians cite it (along with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) as the conclusive end of old-school spook shows featuring Dracula and Frankenstein and bobbing rubber bats. If you haven’t watched it yet, you may have your horror movie fan card revoked.
18) The Final Destination Franchise (2000 - 2011)
If I had to list all of the movies in the Final Destination franchise in order of quality, I would say 5, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Fourth instalment withstanding, the series is a formidable addition to the horror genre, as the invisible killer, Death Itself, stalks its victims and kills them off in creatively gruesome ways after they initially cheat death. The fifth addition contains an awesome twist at the end which in hindsight you should have seen coming throughout the entire movie. Pay close attention. The only downside is (SPOILER ALERT) that none of the characters throughout the series really survive.
19) Let the Right One In (Lat den Ratte Komma In) (2008)
Please watch the Swedish version, and power through the subtitles. This is a horror movie that is tragic on multiple levels, as it deals with a lonely and bullied boy who so happens to live next door to a pubescent vampire. When her benefactor dies, we see how the main character’s life will also unfold, and what lies in his future. A must-see film that is more than just your average horror movie.
20) Terrifier (2017)
This movie definitely gets back to basics by paying homage to the original slasher classics. Art the Clown, who we are originally introduced to in the 2013 movie All Hallow’s Eve (also worth a watch), is a vicious horror movie villain who kills just for kicks. He also subverts the horror movie trope by using a weapon which was previously considered off-limits to horror movie villains, especially those with supernatural abilites (mostly, anyway). This movie also contains one of the bloodiest deaths in recent horror movie history. I like the use of practical effects over the often-overdone CGI. What is Art the Clown? Deranged killer? Demonic entity? Who cares? Its all good fun. Watch it now on Netflix.
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I’ll probably be back again some time in the future with a further 20 horror movies that are worth a watch, because there are so many of them. To everyone, take care during these uncertain times.
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amyscascadingtabs · 6 years
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long as my heart is beating, this is it
or, happy halloween have some plotless peraltiago fluff on me
read on ao3
There is no tradition at the Nine-Nine more sacred than the Halloween Heist. There are no excuses, no exceptions, no forgetting the yearly spectacle that is a bunch of cops blatantly ignoring their assigned duties for a day to team up and go through the ordeal of attempting to steal a chosen object in order to be crowned an amazing detective or human slash genius; until there is.
Early in October, Holt announces he will be at an important conference in Washington during the day of the heist. A week before, Charles and Rosa are asked to go undercover for two weeks to get more evidence on the dealer they’ve been tailing for months. Then Terry’s kids bring home a nasty case of the flu, spreading through Terry to the rest of the precinct and resulting in the majority of remaining detectives coming down with a fever.
Calls are made. Cancellation fees for body doubles and ruse pizza delivery guys are paid. Sighs echo through the bullpen when Holt announces the heist will indeed be postponed until further notice.
No one won the Halloween heist last year, but this year there won’t even be one.
It’s lucky there are other things to celebrate. The day after Frans Bruggen’s birthday, National Knock Knock Jokes’ day or Caramel Apple day; the possibilities for festivities are endless, and yet Jake is focused only on one.
“You know what today is, babe?” He whispers it in her ear when the alarm rings at seven a.m sharp. The shrill noise is hurtful as always, but after a full night’s sleep curled up next to his wife for the first night after three night shifts in a row, it could practically be a new Taylor Swift hit.
“Yes”, she groans, voice croaky and eyes still closed. “It’s the first day in three years I’m calling in sick to work.”
“Are you sure? It just might bring about the end of the world, Ames.” She is warm - he feels the unnatural heat emanating from her skin as he presses soft kisses to the side of her forehead. “I’m honestly impressed they invented something you weren’t vaccinated against.”
“No one invented viruses, Jake. And yes, I’m sure. I feel like I’m doing that horrible winter bath with Holt and Rosa again, but I’m also burning up and my throat is sandpaper.”
“Miserable you is kind of cute”, he muses, handing her the cup of water on her nightstand. “But that might be because all you-s are cute.”
“Sure.” She empties the water cup in big gulps and launches straight into a coughing fit before slumping her head back down on the pillow. “Cute is definitely top ten of things I am feeling at this moment.”
He shakes his head, unable to stifle the smile creeping up on his lips when he sees her. She does look pitiable blinking at him with glossy eyes, but damn it if she’s not still the cutest sick person he’s ever seen. “Happy engagement day, babe.”
“Aww. Today’s Halloween, huh?”
“Sure is. And you look so much like a zombie you won’t even need a costume!” His grin is short-lasting, abruptly interrupted by a pillow to the face after only a second or two.
“Screw you”, she mumbles, but he can see the corners of her mouth twitch.
“While a tempting offer, you, m’lady, need to save your energy.”
“Very funny.”
“Constantly. In all seriousness, flu-friendly celebrations will be taking place tonight, so be there or be square.” He gives her one last brief kiss before reluctantly slipping out of bed. “Call if you need anything, okay? I will be checking my phone obsessively.”
“Jake, you’ve got work to do.” “Amy, my wife is sick.”
“Right, right. I forget my husband is a hopeless dork.” She rolls her eyes before coughing and pulling up the covers to her chin again. “See you tonight, babe.”
He’s heard her say it for three years, and it still makes every inch of his skin tingle.
He misses her at work. He successfully bargained with Terry to have the night off - the man loves love after all - and so he only needs to survive up until seven p.m before he’s allowed to leave, but today it’s an eternity. An Amy-less eternity, which is arguably the worst kind of all eternities.
She texts him hourly updates to assure him she’s not dying. He sends back cute bitmojis of the two of them, retellings of the most fascinating arrests of the day and encouraging compliments telling her she’ll kick this flu’s ass and be back in tip top shape in no time. It’s not quite waiting for the last minutes to pass while feeling the ring box burn inside his back pocket, heart fluttering like it’s threatening to jump out of his chest, but she sends him a Die Hard gif after one of the updates and he swears he falls a little bit more in love with her right then and there.
It never gets tiring.
~
“One Whole Foods chicken noodle soup and one Meat Supreme pizza served room temperature, delivered to your door.” He places the plastic bags on the kitchen island quick as he can when he gets home, eager to join her on the couch. “They made sure to send their most good-looking delivery guy too, so you better give them a good rating.”
She snorts, laughing at him from beneath the three blankets she’s buried herself under. “They did, huh? Can’t argue with that. I’ll leave him a tip.”
“Kisses are accepted as currency at this particular chain. Especially if the customers are hot.”
“Sexist”, she mutters. “And I don’t want to make you sick.” “My immune system has survived thus far, ergo, it’s unbeatable.” He leans over to press a chaste kiss to her forehead anyway. “How are you feeling?”
“Never better, thanks.” Amy gestures to the assortment of napkins, empty teacups, medicine and crossword magazines occupying the couch table. “Lucky there’s no heist this Halloween. I would never have been able to win in this condition.” “You would have figured out a way.”
“Oh, for sure.”
He hums something soft in agreement, moving one of the blankets to minimize the space in between them. Amy looks like she’s about to protest for a split second, but then he gestures for her to move over and soon she’s in his arms, the little spoon for once this time because she’s sick and Jake’s not a monster. She lets out a content sigh when he lets his fingers run through her hair, drawing circles and playing with it to design a strictly alternative hairstyle. A few strands of hair gets caught under his wedding ring somehow, making both of them laugh, and it’s not the electrifying suspense of a Halloween heist but it’s perfection still, this intimate moment of safety and satisfaction and the intangible definition of knowing things worked out in the end.
“I knew you were going to figure it out, you know”, he says when her breathing has grown so even he fears she might be falling asleep. “Last year. I designed my entire proposal after that assumption.”
“I know, Jake.” “Humble as always.”
She shakes her head before turning around to face him with a smug look, lips together in a confident smirk. “I am the last one in this relationship to have been crowned an amazing detective slash genius. If you recall.”
He grins, remembering this night three years ago. “Pretty hard to forget. That was epic.”
“Was kinda brilliant, wasn’t it?”
“It was a genius move.”
“Mm-hmm. And how is that word spelled again?”
“Sheesh, Ames, that was one time!” He punches her teasingly in the shoulder.
“Five, and I screenshotted them all because the fact that you were calling yourself a genius while spelling the word itself wrong was absolutely hilarious.”
“You never forget something, do you?”
“Nope. Congrats on marrying me.” She lights up at her last words, that infectious smile shining brighter than should be allowed, and kisses him. It lasts too short, and will probably cause him to wake up with a fever tomorrow, but he still considers it worth it. “Sorry I’m such boring Halloween company. I know take-out and binge-watching The Good Place maybe wasn’t how you’d planned on celebrating.”
This time, he’s the one to kiss her before answering. “Every day I get to -”
“Nope, nope, nope.” She places her hand over his lips without letting him finish the sentence. “You don’t get to repeat your wedding vows at any given occasion just because they were good. Come up with something new.”
“You’re asking too much of the man who complimented your butt twice in his proposal speech, Ames.” She sticks out her tongue at him in response and he laughs sweetly, linking their hands under the blankets to run his hands over the two rings. “But as long as it’s with you, it doesn’t matter whether it’s takeout and Netflix or crazy-ass heists. Honestly.”
“I love you.”
“Love you more. Dinner on the couch tonight?”
“You got it.” She curls up like a ball with the blankets in the corner of the couch after he untangles himself from her, watching him get to work on heating up her soup. “Oh, and Jake?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for making me like Halloween.”
(Flu-friendly engagement celebrations end up being dinner and ice cream and Amy falling asleep halfway through the second episode, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.)
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