#dee really just needs to step back and think about herself for two seconds

[crqstalite]

🖊 + kodee!

Kodelyn is notorious for overthinking. She's hyperaware of little shifts in how someone acts around her, however she won't always come to the correct conclusions for those changes. In fact she can err on the side of pessimism on that front. She spends so much time in her own head worrying about things and other people, and that mixed with the aforementioned overthinking makes her a bit oblivious. Not enough to be an 'airhead' of sorts, but enough that I don't think she really realizes when people shift into 'friends' unless they say it outright.

That's half the reason I don't think she realized Kaidan was actually interested in her. Both because she was pretty sure he was just being nice, and also the disbelief anyone would want to start or continue a relationship with her. They'd surely failed before, she didn't have much reason to believe this would be any different.

[barnesbabee]

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ - ᴡᴏɴᴅᴇʀʟᴀɴᴅ

WONDERLAND MASTERLIST ⇜ ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏᴜꜱ - ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ-  ɴᴇxᴛ ⟿

CHARACTER LIST: White Rabbit - Choi Jongho Absolem (Blue Catterpilar) - Kang Yeosang Cheshire Cat - Kim Hongjoong Mad Hatter - Choi San Haigha (March Hare) - Jung Wooyoung Tweedle Dee - Song Mingi Tweedle Dum - Jeong Yunho Bloody Red King - Park Seonghwa

ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ: @myunvillage @mirror-juliet @jess-1404 @earth-to-leiki [Send me a DM, an ask or comment to be added to the tag list]

"Teach you what?"

"How to be a better man, how to have mercy, and compassion."

Unbeknownst to you, a little purple and pink cat watched every step you took. Of course, it wasn't because he cared. Cheshire (unlike many other Wonderland villagers) genuinely wasn't affected by your presence, or lack there of, but the Hatter had asked him, in exchange of a hefty reward, of course, to keep an eye on his beloved Y/N.

While watching over you Cheshire just did a whole bunch of growling and nose scrunching. He hated the sight of the King, and even worse, was the sight of such a man in love.

"Such a shame to be the bearer of bad news dear friend," Cheshire said, not at bothered by the fact that he had bad news to tell "but it seems as if Y/N will be our new Queen."

The cat twirled a strand of his coloured hair around his index finger, as he fell down onto one of the many chairs along with the Hatter's never-ending table.

The Hatter's eyes widened and so did his toothy smile.

"She's carrying on with the plan! She will decapitate him herself and become our Queen! Oh but I'm so happy I could dance the Futterwacken again!"

He clapped feverously and suggested a toast, clearly missing the meaning of Cheshire's words.

"I'm afraid you missed what I meant, Hatter. She will be our Queen, because she will be marrying the King."

The atmosphere suddenly became silent, eerie even. The Hatter's green, sparkly eyes transformed into an ugly, rage-filled, yellow. The man gripped the teacup on his hand so hard it broke, but the rage, disappointment, and growing heartbreak fogged his brain to the point where he didn't even notice the pain, nor the blood trickling down his palm.

The Hatter was rarely angry, but when he was, it was enough to scare poor Cheshire, who didn't hesitate in disappearing into thin air. Or he tried to. Before every bit of his body could be gone, the Hatter grabbed Cheshire's hair, making the cat groan in pain, and threw him on the ground.

"What has he done to her!? Was it a curse!?"

Cheshire caressed his head and stood up to look at the Hatter.

"It wasn't a curse Hatter, she fell in love. After you deceived her and the King showed her nothing but truth and love, the choice was pretty evident."

The reasonable explanation seemed to calm down the Hatter, whose eyes morphed back into their greenish colour. However the dread and panic in his face were still evident. Cheshire, still quite upset at Hatter's tantrum, could see on his friend's face an expression of someone about to spew a terrible, terrible idea.

"We must get her away from the Palace. It's gotten into her head. Let's get her back to us!"

The man-like cat floated back to his usual place in the air, twirling in the process. He chuckled audibly, showing his sharp canines in the process.

"Hmm yes, let's steal her away from the man she's come to love, so she could be with us, the people who lied to her for our own benefit. Sounds like a party if you ask me..."

"A party!?" Haigha exclaimed, his left eye twitching as he smiled widely at the mention of his favourite hobbie.

"That's where the King's behaviour comes in our favour," the Hatter said, patting Haigha's head so he'd sit back down "once he sees her take her beloved Queen away, he will show his true colours, Remember how scared and freaked out she was last time we saw her? She said he seemed really sweet while talking to her until he eventually snapped. Once he snaps, he will freak out and bring out the tyrant's behaviour and scare her away."

It was hard for Cheshire to admit, but his mad friend's plan wasn't so mad after all. It was possible to accomplish what the Hatter suggested, and there was nothing to lose, you already hated them anyway.

The Hatter slapped his thighs and stood up, fixing his big top hat in the process.

"Shall we go?"

Haigha was already standing up from his seat when Cheshire stopped them.

"Perhaps we should discuss the plan further... Something tells me we might need some help from Absolem and Bayard..."

Sneaking you out past the Card Knights would take a lot of help, and Cheshire had already worked out in his head the escape plan. It would take a little pressure on Absolem, as he managed to care even less about the people around him than Cheshire did, but the cat was sure he could get a shrinking cake out of the blue catterpillar. After shrinking you and hatter down to the size of a strawberry, Bayard (the loyal dog friend of Hatter's, that Cheshire tried his best to keep a distance of) would bring you to the White Rabbit's house, as it would be too obvious to come back to the Hatter's cabin.

The cat had no intention to help you, but he did like to see some drama and commotion in Wonderland once in a while, and this was his chance.

Whilst all of the furious planning went on on the greenlands of Wonderland, in the Palace you and the King sat opposite of each other on his bed, gossiping like two high schoolers.

"And then my best friend at the time, Anna, slept with my boyfriend and said it was 'because of a dare'. I forgave her because we had been friends for so long but then she told my crush that I smelled so I stopped being her friend."

The King nodded along and listened attentively (trying his best to cross his legs just like you, but failing miserably) to your story.

"Hm yes, yes, I understand. My best friend ate one of my tarts so I cut off his head."

You couldn't help but scoff at the way he compared the situations, although you reprehended him right after for the heartless act.

He had asked to know of your previous life, how it was back in your world, and so you sat there reminiscing your past for hours on end. Most people in Wonderland came from other places, but Seonghwa had never been elsewhere, as he was born in the Kingdom.

"So this establishment you call 'school', was it like a club you went to where you reunited with your peers?"

"No, no. School was a mandatory thing for all kids, we went there and a bunch of teachers taught us about different things."

"Hm, but all you've told me so far were anecdotes about these friends of yours, what were these classes like?"

You blushed slightly, realizing that in fact, you didn't remember shit from school, aside from past dramas.

"Well, they told us many things about earth, about what makes the world move, about how society works, and what makes things work. We learned about gravity, about numbers, about stars-"

"Stars!?"

The King's eyes lit up as if he was a child whom you had promised ice cream to.

"Yes, stars. Why?"

Seonghwa stood up from the bed in such a violent manner, he nearly fell. The man ran over to his closet, from where he retrieved an old book. The hard cover was beginning to tear, and the once white pages had become a weird mix of brown and yellow, but you took it in your hands nevertheless.

"This book once fell into the Wonderland when I was a child. I was alone most of the time, so it kept me company. I can tell from the images it talks about the stars, and I think I learned a lot from it since I stared at them a lot, but I cannot comprehend the alien language."

The King leaned against the headboard, and you laid beside him, placing your head on his chest, so you could hear his now nervous heart beating fast from the contact. Out of instinct, the King placed his arm around you and pulled you closer, as you opened the book.

You chuckled slightly, after seeing the author of the book and opening its pages.

"Seonghwa this isn't an alien language, it's Italian. Well, I guess it's an alien language to you, but it was funny that you said it that way... The person who wrote it was very influential back where I'm from, he taught the people of Earth many things about our space."

The male listened carefully as you tried your best to explain the things in the book as best as you could.

"This here is what we call the Solar System. It has nine planets, but only one of them has people, this one, where I live." You told him, pointing towards Earth.

Seonghwa noticed how your posture changed, after you remembered once more that you would never return home again, and panicked for a second. He disliked many things, but your tears had definitely gone up to his number 1 on the list.

"How about I ask for a picnic to be arranged in the garden, and at night we can watch the stars."

You turned to face him and smiled as you nodded. Seonghwa's thumb caressed your arm, and you couldn't help but to place a soft kiss on his lips, as a 'thank you'. No matter how many times you did that, the King never seemed to get used to it. He would always feel butterflies in his stomach and fireworks exploding on his chest. Sometimes you felt perverted, thinking of how he'd react if one day you decided to take it... further. You imagined how pretty he'd look... But you decided to take your time. Baby steps...

The King couldn't wait for dinner time, and you could tell from the number of times he had gone up to the window and pushed away the blinds to see if the sun was finally setting.

As he was staring out the window, you came behind him and wrapped your arms around his figure.

"Can I tell you a secret?"

Seonghwa looked around, to make sure no one was nearby eavesdropping. He wouldn't want your secret to being known.

You tiptoed so your lips could be leveled with his ear.

"You're adorable."

Once you got back down and looked into his gleeful eyes, you smiled.

"Let's keep this secret between us!" He joked along.

"Yes, I wouldn't want the other ladies to know and steal you away."

Seonghwa held your face and lovingly placed a kiss on your forehead.

"The other ladies don't stand a chance next to you princess."

Your cheeks heated up and you slapped his chest out of embarrassment. The King's face grew worried and confused.

"Why did you hit me? Have I done something wrong? It was meant to be a compliment I'm sorry I compared you to-"

You grabbed his face and squished his cheeks, making him form an adorable pout with his red lips.

"Seonghwa, it was a good thing. I slapped your chest because I was embarrassed, I was really touched by your compliment."

Once you let go of his face, the King tapped his chin with his index finger, in a pensive manner.

"I have much to learn about our future interactions, I do not understand many things."

You just chuckled and took his hand in yours.

"We have many years ahead of us, you will learn someday."

The small acknowledgment of your future made Seonghwa very happy. Never in his pitiful life had he even thought of being this happy over small actions... Last week the only thing that brought him joy was the sound of a traitor's head hitting the concrete floors of the palace's main area, but since you arrived, a smile was all it took for his cold heart to start beating again.

It didn't take long before one of the frogmen knocked on the door to inform the picnic was ready. Seonghwa didn't let go of your hand as you walked outside, to sit among the red roses.

You had finally come to terms with Wonderland's weird food. You had no choice really...

"Have you never been attracted to anyone, Seonghwa?" You asked as you munched down on a sandwich of... whatever it was.

Seonghwa's expression faded a little.

"Once. I had just become King and I thought that the next step would, logically, be the find a Queen. Every woman displeased me. All but one. She was beautiful, hair as dark as the night sky, tanned skin from the sun, and a beautiful mole under the eye. But she was cold, evil... I thought that it was a perfect match. After all, I wasn't the most caring person. But she would treat me like a servant. Our relationship was purely to serve a purpose to the Kingdom, nothing else. We slept in separate rooms and spent the day apart. We only dined together, but since I saw the same behavior from my parents I thought that that was love. Our wedding had been scheduled long before she moved into the castle, we were simply waiting for the preparations to be finished. Everything was custom made, from the clothes to the flowers on every table. The day before the wedding I walked to her bedroom and found her laying with a servant of mine. You know, back when they weren't... Frogs. I had them both decapitated, of course. And I swore off love forever. That is until you came along."

You flashed him a sad smile and set down your food. He looked awfully confused as you climbed onto his lap, but he didn't protest.

You brushed his dark hair away from his eyes. Both of them. He suddenly felt very exposed and insecure, but you kissed his cheek, reassuringly.

"Ever since I came down here you've shown me nothing but love, and honesty. You didn't try to sugarcoat who you are, or what you've done, and I appreciate your honesty. My place in Wonderland is with you."

The male smiled, and kissed you, a little more passionately than all of the previous times. The male's hands trailed down your ass, and pulled you on top of his growing erection.

"For someone who has never been with anyone you're quite good at this."

"Well I... I lied. I had a fiancé after all, and we laid together but we didn't get far. There was no kissing involved, she just wanted to get it over with since I was the one who suggested we should... do it. But she made fun of me for not being good at it and I became... insecure. I was insecure and for the longest time I've wanted to try it with you, because you give me those special butterflies but I was afraid I'd disappoint you."

"What a cold, heartless bitch!" You thought to yourself. No wonder he was so bad at human interactions, every relationship he had was a trainwreck!

You grabbed his face and placed a long kiss on his lips.

"Well then, let me lead at first. If you start feeling more confident, you can take the lead, if not, I'll stay in control, okay?"

The King simply nodded and kissed you once more. This time deeper than he had ever kissed anyone. Tongues fighting so intensely the King nearly missed the way your hand expediently undid his trousers. Your hand slipped inside his boxers and took out his length. You looked down at the dick in your hand and widened your eye.

"Well aren't I a lucky girl."

You spat in your hand and kissed him again, as your hand worked up and down his shaft. The King was surprisingly very vocal, and he didn't try to hide or suppress any of his pretty moans (and for that you were thankful.

You stopped your hand, right as he was getting riled up.

"Ready for something better?"

The King watched you strip from your panties, and he cursed the frilly dress that covered your womanhood, but as soon as you sunk down on his cock, all of his worries and anguishes washed away. It was automatic, the way he gripped your hips and made you bounce on him as he snapped your hips against yours was something he did naturally as if he truly knew what he was doing. You brought out something different in him, and the King was simply doing was his body was telling him to do.

You gripped his shoulders, overwhelmed with the feeling of having him inside you.

"S-shit Seonghwa, you're good, r-really fucking good."

"Oh yeah?"

He flipped you two around, so he could pound into you with all the strength he had. Your words of encouragement were all he needed.

Your consistent (and loud) moans got him on the edge quickly, and he knew he wouldn't last long.

"Y/N forgive me, but I don't think I can last much longer."

Your hand reached down and began circling your clit, so when he came inside you, filling you up with his cum, you came right after, with a loud cry for his name.

Seonghwa laid on top of you, his face nuzzled on the crook of your neck, trying to regain his breath. You ran your hand through his hair as you did the same, looking up at the sky.

"The stars sure look beautiful today."

[agustdef]

Tiptoeing: Around You | m.

✰ Pairing: Christian Yu/Reader 

› Genres: Smut, Fluff, Mildest of Angst

✰ Rating: 18+ 

› Warnings: Language

✰ Status: Oneshot 

› In Collaboration: With @shadowsremedy​ who altered my plans a little, but I don’t mind it. Here is his fic, they’re both in the same universe: Tiptoeing: Around Love.

✰ Beta Read: @suhdays​ and @ppersonna​

›  Banner: @shadowsremedy​

✰ Summary: YN has pined after Christian for a while, but after one more kick in the butt by her best friend and an evening in the same room she finally acts on those feelings.

›  A/N: This fic was written for the sweet and mildly chaotic @dee-ehn​ for her birthday. You deserve the world, but since I cannot give you that we’re going to have to settle for some fictional content starring the ever handsome and rude Christian Yu. I hope you enjoy it love and I hope your day was great!

“Pft, you’re no better than me,” YN whispered into her phone.

There was a loud chuckle on the other side and then it stopped abruptly.

“Yeah, but at least I have a girlfriend. You’re out here acting like a lovesick puppy for a guy who is clearly into you. I don’t know how much sadder this can get at this point. It’s been months, YN,” Yoongi said.

Naturally, she rolled his eyes at his words. The fact that all of that was true mattered not. Or at least most of it was true, she wasn’t quite sure if Christian was into her. Everyone said he was and there were some signs, like flirting and being touchy but he was like that with a few of his close friends. That alone couldn’t be the indicator for his feelings. If they were feelings at all. For all she knew she and everyone else were seeing the signs of lust and not romantic feelings that led to a monogamous relationship.

At least that’s what the voice in her head told her when she got up the courage to think he actually liked her and planned to act on it. The pesky ass voice couldn’t let her have nice things.

Despite her clear acknowledgement of the factualness of what he said she couldn’t let him have the last word. It just wasn’t a true testament to their friendship if she didn’t try to gain the upper hand.

“Well, at least I’m not using fuckboy antics to get out of telling the person I’m dating I love them. You can’t use that psycho bitch, who tried to kill me might I add, as an excuse for why you don’t say it forever, Yoon. Especially since you know Jamie isn’t like that. But you gotta take the plunge and talk to her before too much time has passed and she won’t want to listen anymore.”

There was a brief silence before a dramatic sigh left his lips. YN could imagine the look on his face as he did it too. A mix of sadness, resignation, and annoyance at the fact that she was right. They wouldn’t be such close friends if they both didn’t hate being proven wrong while also understanding the other enough to know when it was the right moment to push it.

“Okay,” he whispered.

“What was that?”

“Okay! You’re right. But you need to stop tiptoeing around the subject and just tell him already. He likes you, let him know you feel the same way,” he said.

That got YN to sigh with about as much feeling as Yoongi had. Her body felt tired as she thought of having to speak those words, but she realized she really needed to get it over with. Even if she threw up in the process, it had to happen.

“Okay,” she mumbled.

“Hm? What was that?” he mocked her.

“Okay, damn. I’ll do it. So annoying.”

Again, he laughed and it made her happy to hear him not so down like he’d been for days. Of course, the laughter could only help so much, but it was better than nothing.

Biting her lower lip her head turned so she looked at the studio door where the man who she was losing it over was. He waited for her to bring in snacks and she’d stopped part way to call Yoongi about something unrelated to the conversation they had. One that she was so lost in that she didn’t realize twenty minutes more than needed had gone by.

“Shit, I have to go. I should have been back already. I’ll call you later. Love you. Bye.” she said.

Yoongi laughed. “Love you too.”

With that she hung up the call and took a deep breath before walking towards the studio door. Her hand grasped the knob for a few seconds as she took a deep breath and thought over Yoongi’s words. Maybe the all-nighter they planned was the right place or maybe it was the worst possible place for her to do that since she’d still have work to do if he reacted negatively.

When she finally opened the door and stepped in she’d decided to just see what happened. There would be no forcing herself to say anything about it or actively stopping herself. For once she’d go with the flow, with a bit of hope that she’d randomly get the urge to blurt it out like she sometimes did.

Upon her entry Christian’s head whipped up to look at her. He stared her down as she kicked off her shoes and made her way to her seat. The expression on his face didn’t give way to his thoughts, but she assumed he was confused as to why it took her so long to get back.

“You get lost?” he asked, taking the bag from her.

“Nope. Just had a phone call.”

Christian paused for a second, his brow raised in question.

“Yoongi?”

YN didn’t stop what she was doing for many people, especially when it came to work related things needing to be done. But Yoongi was her oldest friend and she’d hop on a plane without a moment's notice if he needed her. That meant that usually people could guess who she’d been talking to easily.

“Yeah. He wanted to whine some,” she said.

Her attention moved to the computer in front of her, which still held the work she’d left off on. Christian had messed with something a little, but for the most part had seemed to be focused on what went on upon his own screen. Something about what he was doing reminded her of a thing she’d forgotten with the clip was editing and despite the hunger that plagued her she went straight into work. Of course, she felt Christian’s eyes on her the whole time and heard him chewing away at the snacks in the bag but her mind hyper focused so none of that matter.

About fifteen minutes passed before her hands stopped moving and Christian used that to pull her chair for the desk. Her immediate reaction was to tell him off, but he shoved half of a sandwich towards her mouth and she found herself biting it without a thought. That brought a smug expression to his face, but she merely rolled her eyes and snatched the sandwich.

There was some small protest from him, but it stopped as she took another bite of the sandwich. YN was so hungry that she hadn’t really chewed anything or tasted it for that matter. She’d had little to eat throughout the day because they’d needed some last-minute shots and that left her running here and there. Anything consumed was burned off within an hour or two. Which is why Christian had offered they go get dinner first, but she knew a heavy meal would make her focus on editing harder. Food made her sleepy most of the time.

“Slow down,” Christian said, his Australian accent thickening with the worry in his tone.

But his warning was too late because she’d shoved the last piece into her mouth and swallowed it. Her hand reached for the other in his hand, but he gently pushed it away and handed her an opened water instead. She glared at him but drank down the water; though with the way he stared at her she stopped herself from downing half of it in a few seconds. Sips were slow and small until she felt her throat less dry.

“Now can I have the other half?” she asked, her voice sickly sweet and a pout on her lips.

For a moment Christian just stared his eyes focused on something on her face. At first, she wondered if she’d gotten anything on it while eating, but then she watched him bite his lower lip and his eyes flicker up to her’s and then down again. She thought that he had to be looking at her lips and her heart did a thing, though her mind wasn’t sure if it was him wanting to kiss her or something being on them. In a moment of uncertainty, she wiped at the lip and came up with nothing, but that seemed to be enough to snap Christian out of whatever trance he’d been in.

Without a word he passed her the other half of the sandwich and then got busy unwrapping his own. Silence followed with a few words spoken here and there when one of them stared at either screen long enough to have a question rise up. It was a good little break from YN’s thoughts about what happened minutes before and also got her mind ready for what she was going to do for the next several hours. Dread filled her, but knew it wasn’t impossible by any means.

“Ready?” Christian asked after finishing off his tea.

YN nodded and just like that they got to work.

Christian was to focus on piecing together a visual that would encompass the entire comeback the Dabin planned, while YN was focused on getting through the main music video. There were some others she had to do, but they were all shorter and didn’t need some of the magic that the main one did. Part of her cursed the team for being so damn ambitious, but it kept her on her toes so she couldn’t complain. Well, wouldn’t complain until she felt the urge to pull out her hair because something wasn’t working.

But for once she went through her edits without any real roadblocks. She navigated the things that they’d talked about adding and her own ideas for things to flow seamlessly. There were a few snags here and there, but they were nothing that she couldn’t fix in a few minutes or that Christian couldn’t help her with.

They’d long learned to work together fluidly so all of it came easily.

A few hours in YN pulled her headphones off and pushed her chair away from the desk. Carefully, she stood up and stretched her body since it got a little stiff from sitting in one position for so long. Once she’d properly given them the movement they needed a yawn ripped free from her lips and she felt a wave of tiredness hit her. Of course, she wasn’t done by any means.

“I’m going to get something hot and something with caffeine from the kitchen, you want anything?” she asked.

Christian didn’t respond so she poked him hard and repeated herself, he shook his head no without ever glancing her way. She knew he’d complain later, but she didn’t have it in her to pester him, so she slipped on a pair of slides near the door and ventured out.

The kitchen in the building DPR was set up in wasn’t too far from Christian’s studio, in fact she walked back fifteen feet to get to it. Something she was thankful about because despite being in motion she felt her body grow more tired as each second passed. It’s why she was quick to grab an energy drink from the fridge and down that thing. It was followed by the consumption of red ginseng because it always helped her in some way. Or at least she placebo effected herself into that thought. After she moved to make herself some hot chocolate. Thankfully, they had a Keurig, so she didn’t have to worry about heating water herself. By the time it was done she’d gotten a few large marshmallows from her hidden stash and happily deposited on top of the hot, chocolatey liquid.

With her energy drinks consumed and her hot beverage ready she made her way back to the room. She took care not to spill any of the drink and sat it down on the small table that Christian kept over on her side. It was where she sat all her drinks or food out of fear that she would knock it over if it were on the desk with all the equipment.

The moment her butt hit the chair there was a frustrated grunt and Christian all but threw his headphones down. His right hand moved to card through his hair and his eyes closed as he let out a harsh breath.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as she moved closer.

There was no response, but she waited for him to get his bearings. Sometimes editing made you so annoyed that words failed to come together right away. There had been many instances where someone asked her questions and all they got in return was grunts or her starting a word only to scream halfway through.

A minute or two went by before he opened his eyes and spoke up.

“I just can’t get it to transition like I want. I’ve been trying different methods for the last hour and assumed I wanted to try out all the options, but they just fuckin’ suck. I don’t want it to suck. It needs to not suck.”

“I doubt it sucks, let me see,” she said as she moved even closer.

However, Christian was having none of it and knocked his chair into hers so she’d go back onto her side. He was stubborn as hell when in a mindset of defeat, so she had to be persistent. She knocked chairs with him a few more times before getting up. Before he could steady himself she pushed it back and it rolled almost to the door. Standing she leaned over and looked at what he had. Nothing sucked per se, but she could see what his issue was.

She got several clicks in before he protested again.

“I’ll just choose one and come back to it tomorrow or something. It’s fine, you have your own stuff to work on.”

“Shh.”

“Did you just shh me?” he asked incredulously.

Rolling her eyes she turned around to glare at him but froze up when she realized he was standing and doing it awfully close to her. His head was tilted down as he stared at her and with the way she’d held her head up high their faces where maybe an inch apart.

In an instant the atmosphere changed and YN did not know what to do. Part of her screamed to back away quickly and the other part of her wanted her to close the gap. The voices in her head were at war and then she noticed his eyes on her lips again and threw out all fear.

As she leaned closer Christian did too and soon enough their lips were pressed against each other. The initial kiss was chastise, something to test the waters, but once they got comfortable with it the intensity grew. Their heads tilted and their bodies pressed closer together. Soon enough YN’s fingers were threaded in his hair and his hands caressed her hips and ass.

With her lips on his all thoughts kind of left her, besides how soft they were and how she wished she’d kissed him sooner. And how she didn’t want to stop doing it.

Christian squeezed her ass a little too hard though and in retaliation she slowed the kiss and bit his lower lip. When he stilled she worried about if he didn’t like that, but then he released a sound akin to a growl. His lips were on hers again in seconds and she got so wrapped up in the kiss that she didn’t realize that he’d started lowering onto his chair and bringing her with him. She didn’t start to pay attention until he had her straddle one of his thighs.

He wasted no time with subtlety bouncing that thigh causing a bit of friction between her legs. It was bearable for a while but then he pressed a little hard and her lips parted as a gasp escaped them. Christian took that as a chance to slip his tongue into her mouth, swirling around hers. Though compliant with all his actions YN did try to gain control of the kiss, but all it took was another firm grazing of her crotch to have her moaning out. One bounce in particular had her pulling away from his lips.

But just because she stopped didn’t mean that Christian did, his lips went to kiss along her collarbone which was readily exposed in the off the shoulder top she wore. The feeling of them on her skin sent a shiver up her spine and inadvertently had her grinding down on his thigh, which only got her even more excited.

Her pleasure must have been apparent because once again Christian’s hands were on her hips. Unlike before though he used that leverage to move her along his thigh. With his lips still kissing across her shoulder and neck he moved her back and forth, ensuring he was pressing down enough that she could feel the friction despite her shorts.

The pace was slow at first, but it was enough to ensure that YN was growing wetter by the second. Her body felt on fire and it didn’t help when Christian began to suckle hickies onto her. She felt very stimulated and that’s what caused her to cry out in pleasure when he began to speed up the pace.

“Fuck,” she said.

“Oh, we’ll definitely get to that, but why don’t you take over and ride my thigh, baby? Get yourself worked up for me,” he whispered in her ear, slowly pulling away but not before biting gently on the lobe.

YN did not need to be told twice. Her hands moved to his shoulders and she sat firmly on his thigh before dragging herself back and forth. At first, she was frustrated because she couldn’t find the right amount of pressure to feel anything worthwhile, but before she could give up Christian started guiding her.

“Just like that. Yeah, you’re doing so good for me. Keep going and you can pick up the pace. Make yourself feel good,” he said.

There was no verbal response from YN besides the moans she released when the friction truly started up. Goosebumps covered her skin the more she got into, her body tingled and she wanted more. Craved more.

But the look in Christian’s eyes as he watched her get herself off was too good a sight. His eyes had darkened a bit and she could see the lust in them. It didn’t help that he was biting his lower lip as his eyes remained firmly on the thigh she was on. He was enjoying the show and she wanted to give him more, so she kept going and her pace quickened again.

Though her pace change was also out of desperation. She’d gotten worked up quickly and despite how good his thigh felt her orgasm felt out of reach. Getting closer to it was all she wanted, so she moved with a vigor that could get her there.

That didn’t fly with Christian though, his hands held her still.

“No, no. You are not cumming on my thigh. You’re doing that with me inside of you,” he said.

YN groaned. “Then get inside of me.”

That elicited a laugh from him and made YN finally look directly into his eyes. He appeared very amused by how she’d responded.

“I should have known you’d be just as bossy like this.”

Naturally, that ended with her lightly slapping his shoulder which brought on more laughter from him. She was ready to get off his lap after that but yet again he held her in place.

The thing was that unlike before the expression on his face was softer and less like that of a man who said she would only cum on his dick.

“I know this is ruining the moment, but before I bend you over this desk and fuck you until you can’t walk I want to be very clear with you. I want to be with you. This is not me just fucking you because I find you attractive as hell. Got it?” he said.

Though she wanted to roll her eyes at his delivery she couldn’t help but smile as happiness filled her. Hearing him say it made her night and she would stay like she was or cuddled up to him for the rest of the evening, but there was a persistent problem still between her legs.

She leaned forward and leaned towards his ear to whisper, “And I want to be with you, but we can discuss that later. For now you have a problem to fix and a lot to prove if you think you’re going to put me on bedrest tomorrow.”

It didn’t take long for him to get her off his lap. He barked orders about getting off her shorts and panties while he ran out of the room for a moment. By the time he returned she was undressed on her lower half and bent over on the desk. Her legs were spread slightly and it gave him the view of her glistening pussy, just like she wanted.

“Shit,” he mumbled.

YN tried to keep the laughter from escaping her at his reaction knowing he’d probably tease her if she did. There was no time for all that, she needed him inside her as soon as possible.

Once she heard the sound of pants unzipping and dropping she felt herself perk up. Her ass rose up a little more and that seemed to pull another groan from Christian who sounded like he was fumbling with something behind her. She was going to ask if he needed help but then she felt the head of his dick press against her slit and she moaned.

Slowly he moved it between the lips of her pussy causing her to push back wanting more. The feeling was so good, but she still needed him to go further. Thankfully, he didn’t keep her waiting for long. Before she could fully process it he’d pushed inside of her completely. There was some discomfort from the sudden intrusion–one that was the first of its kind in a year–but he didn’t move and she adjusted fast. The stretch still felt a bit odd, but not something she hated. In fact, she loved the feeling of being full of him.

“You can move,” she said.

He didn’t need to be told twice because in the next second he was moving at a moderate pace. His hips moved back and forth, while one hand on her back kept him balanced.

YN’s eyes fluttered closed as she focused on the feeling of him. She’d been worked up enough that she was more than prepared for him, but also enough that she was sensitive. It wasn’t the same level as if she’d orgasmed, but it was enough to have her feeling extra with every stroke.

After several thrusts at that speed Christian suddenly sped up out of nowhere. It was enough that her hips moved away from the desk and hit against it every time he slammed back into her. It was a little painful, but the feeling of his dick pushing into her and hitting just the right spot made up for it. Her moans had been soft before, but with each thrust she grew louder.

At some point she was almost screaming out because of the brutal pace, but that didn’t mean that he slowed down. In all honesty it felt like he went harder and she loved every second of it. Wanted him to never stop.

And because she was so focused on how he felt she didn’t notice the tightening in her stomach and the way she was close to the edge until she was over it. Her eyes opened wide as her orgasm crashed through her.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she said.

Despite the clear indication that she’d come Christian didn’t stop. His pace slowed down some, but he kept pistoning into her. As she finished the last moment of her high the sensitivity set in, but she found herself building up again. Her pussy wanted a break, but she wanted him to keep going.

While she was ready to stay bent over for him until he came, Christian had other plans. Using his right arm he wrapped it around her torso and pulled her up so her back was against his chest. That hand moved down to rub her clit, something that had hips bucking because it felt like too much. She squirmed a lot, but then his left hand came around to wrap around her throat and she stilled.

“You’re going to give me another one, right?” he asked, though she knew it wasn’t up for discussion.

“Yes.”

“Good girl.”

Without another word spoken by either of them he kept her how she was and continued to thrust into her, but his intense pace from before returned. His hand continued to rub and pinch her clit, which caused her to vibrate in pleasure. Plus, his hand remained around her throat squeezing every so often and she loved it more than she cared to admit. So much that her next orgasm came a little quicker than the last.

There was a weird feeling in her stomach though, but she had no time to assess it before she came. Her pussy spasmed and then she felt an intense pressure before she felt her thigh grow wet.

She’d squirted all over his dick and herself.

“Fuck, definitely going to have to do that again some other time,” he murmured.

YN didn’t even have it in her to respond to him, she just relaxed against her body as he continued fucking her. It took a minute or two before his precision slipped and she heard him moan out. He didn’t stop until he finished cumming and then he just stood there, his chest rising and falling heavily against her.

Three minutes passed with them like that before YN said something.

“We can’t stand here all night. Also, I’m so tired from this and working, we gotta rap this up.”

Christian laughed, but pulled out. From there YN leaned against the desk trying to orient herself. In that time Christian had discarded the condom and pulled his pants back up. He helped her do the same, though he didn’t bother fixing her pants completely. H

Carefully he turned her around to face him and smiled at her clearly exhausted, but happy face.

“How about we take showers, get changed, and call it a night? If you want you can stay at mine and we can start first thing in the morning,” he said.

Not one second was wasted debating it, YN just nodded in agreement.

“If I can shower and sleep I’ll be happy.”

That made Christian smile wider and then he leaned down to press a quick kiss to her lips. He moved away to lead the way out, but YN took one step before reaching out to grip his arm. Worry colored his expression and then when he noticed the way her legs seemed to shake a little a smirk made its way onto his face.

“What was that about me having to prove something?” he asked.

“Fuck you.”

[sulphuryasecretcloset]

Drunk Corin strikes again

Yeah, uhm, I’m having far too much fun writing these and thinking about unleashing him upon character by character.... xD

-

Today marks the one standard year anniversary of when Kiergan, Hauroko and Leave-it had met Corin and Din for the very first time and while Hauroko’s death still looms like a shadow, it was decided to celebrate the day as the founding of ST-2199’s safe haven for Troopers.

Paz was not a part of it back then, but he doesn’t mind taking part in the celebration. While slipping out to chug down the occasional drink by himself, he spends most of the time soaking up the atmosphere and observing this odd gathering of allies. 

The ex-Troopers are singing and making poor efforts at dancing, except for the one who is trying to win favors with Zev’sonya. The blond is met with sour looks and snappy remarks, but even Paz can see her relaxed body language and the slight flush to her cheeks have nothing to do with the drink in her hand.

Then there is the limping Trooper making sure Mose has enough to drink as well. The Hutt kept strictly to himself when they first acquired this castle, but Paz has noticed he has started to spend more and more time outside of his room, even if his large eyes will occasionally narrow with wariness and he prefers to stick to the corners of a room. If someone had told Paz he would be allies with a Hutt a year ago, he would have thought it so unlikely it wouldn’t even be funny.

A loud laugh draws his attention and Paz can’t help smiling a little as he sees Raga shaking with mirth while Din stands in front of her and his posture is everything but pleased. She always did know how to piss him off in five words or less. It’s an impressive skill and one of the countless reasons why he loves her so karking much.

Turning to head out for another sip of his drink, Paz walks directly into someone, which happens all the time, but for once he apologizes when he sees who it is. “Corin.” He reaches out and grabs his upper arm to prevent the happily smiling man from falling over. “Sorry. Didn’t see you there.”

Corin responds with a cheerful hum and toppling forward and wrapping his arms around Paz’s torso, hugging him tight.

Paz amiably pats his back. Corin is tactile on a regular day, so it figures he’d be even worse when he’s drunk. “You okay?”

“You’re awesome.” Corin declares, cheek squished against Paz’ breastplate. “Like… really.”

Snorting a laugh, Paz feels a wave of affection and wraps his own arms around Corin. “You’re drunk, vod.”

“Yes!” Corin brightly declares, wiggling even closer. “And you give awesome hugs. Like a big plushie. With armor. I like you, you know. Din’s so lucky, has the best big brother ever.”

Even more amused, Paz can’t help himself. “Make sure you tell him that.”

“I will.” Corin swears in a solemn voice.

“Okay then…” Paz lets go and straightens up, only to realize Corin isn’t budging. He waits a couple of seconds, but when he still won’t let go Paz hints by lightly prodding Corin’s shoulder.

Nothing but a happy hum.

Placing his hand on Corin’s shoulder and gently increasing the pressure confirms Paz’ suspicion; Corin is not going anywhere. His arms even tightens around Paz’ torso and he makes an unhappy whine at the no longer so subtle hint to let go.

Fine, if Corin won’t let go, then Corin will have to suffer the consequences.

Paz bends his knees, wraps his arm around Corin’s upper thighs and hoists him up as he straightens with a slight twist. It’s not the first time he’s carried a child around on his hip.

Yelping, Corin lets go, but only to throw his arms around Paz’ neck instead and automatically wraps his legs around his waist in an instinctive move to keep from falling. He relaxes his grip almost right away as he realizes what just happened and that there is no danger of Paz dropping him.

Expecting to hear demands to be let down right away, Paz hoists him on his hip a little and the smirk on his face turns a little resigned when Corin responds by sink against him and happily rests his head on the area between Paz’s neck and pauldron. Great. Is there nothing that fazes this guy?!

Paz glances over at where he’d seen Raga and Din, only to find no sign of Din. Of course. Absently placing his free hand on Corin’s back, not trusting his balance, Paz starts walking towards Raga to ask where Din had slinked off to so he can pass Corin on to him, but that’s when he hears it.

A soft sniffle, the sound of muffled crying, and there is nothing fake or theatrical about it.

Paz freezes up and horrified unease prickles up his neck. “Corin?” Was he injured but had kept it quiet, and now Paz unknowingly made it worse? It would be typical Corin to keep quiet about something like that. Paz would never have picked him up like this if he knew he was in pain! It was just a joke. He tries to ease Corin back a little to see his face, but the man holds on tighter and refuses. “Corin. Look at me. What’s wrong? Are you injured?”

Corin shakes his head against the fabric.

Even more unsettled, Paz stands there, afraid to move and make it worse. “What’s wrong?”

Corin shifts his arms a little so he can hold on tighter. “I just… This reminded me about someone.”

No less confused, Paz dares to give him a couple of awkward pats on his back. “This? Carried like this? Someone carried you like this?”

“A friend.” Corin replies in a quiet whisper. “I miss him. I miss the three of them.”

Paz has absolutely NO idea what to do. “I, uh… Maybe we could… You want to go looking for them and bring them here? We’ll help you find them, you know.”

“They’re dead.” Corin replies, word clipped but with endless amount of raw grief and pain. Then he firmly burrows his face in the fabric next to Paz’ pauldron and his fingers dig in hard where they can find a grip.

Oh. Paz’ hand rests on Corin’s back and he feels how the man has gone from so relaxed to the point of just oozing against him to his entire body being tense enough to compete with Beskar. And Paz understands. He has lost many friends too. The memory of them still hurts.

“Well, I’m still here.” Paz declares with a weak effort to sound cheerful and he pats Corin’s back again. “And I’ll carry you around whenever you want, okay?”

With a final sniffle, Corin lifts his head a little to speak. “You’re really strong.”

“I know.” Paz says, far more comfortable with this topic.

“I wish I was this strong…” Corin continues, then adds a little thoughtfully; “Din would have liked that.”

“Din thinks you’re strong enough as it is.” Paz reassures him. “You’re a good fighter.”

“Yeah, but…” Corin leans his cheek on the pauldron. “Din really likes it when I hold him down.”

Paz blinks. “I… didn’t need to know that, Corin.”

“If I was stronger, I could-”

“Okay!” Paz cuts him off, for the sake of his own sanity and Din’s dignity. “Time for you to get down now.” Little by little, he loosens his grip on Corin, expecting him to slide down and land on his feet.

That doesn’t happen.

Paz has a moment of disbelief when he holds his arms out to the sides and Corin is just hanging there. Effortlessly. Like a barnacle!

“I know you want Din to be happy too, just like me.” Corin is completely unfazed. “You two act like you don’t care about each other, but you do. You really do. And he does too. He loves you and you love him. It’s beautiful.”

Paz looks around the room, scouting for Din with a touch of panic now. “Din!”

Corin sighs. “You two need to stop fighting all the time. Just hug it out. You give the best hugs and he likes to be hugged.”

“DIN!”

“What?!” Din’s voice snaps, clearly annoyed.

“Unless you want me to bring him along to take a leak, I suggest you get him off me!” Paz snaps back.

Sighing, Din steps up next to them and reaches out to touch Corin’s shoulder. “Come here, ner kar’ta.”

Corin makes a happy sound. He reaches out his right arm, slides it behind Din’s neck and yanks him close to trap him with Paz and himself with such intensity that Din’s helmet hits Paz’ breastplate with a solid ‘clang’. “Vod hugging time!”

And none of them sees Raga, barely able to suppress her laughter, as she holds up her vambrace and scans the image as Paz yells, Din flails and Corin smiles and hugs them tight.

-

-

-

Gorgeous and heart-breaking flashback to Pat carrying babyCorin home with Drop and Dee endlessly amused by the sight... Compliments of the art deity @cacodaemonia​ herself <3 <3

[negandarylsatisfaction]

[SUMMARY: Negan keeps a close eye on his ex Deena after learning that the man she is currently with has a history of abuse.]

Negan and Deena PART TWO

Smut/drama/TW:physical abuse

"What do you wanna know about Michael?" Simon asked a bit confused as they stepped into his apartment.

"Everything. Anything you know."

"Well shit-" Simon scratched his head trying to make himself remember anything about this man on the spot.

"I dont know, I met him like a decade ago. I'd always see him at the Jackson bar on Friday nights. I dont think he has any kids. He used to date this one girl for a while but I dont know what happened with her. We used to hear rumors but-"

"What rumors?"

"I-I dont think they were true but-"

"What fucking rumors?"

"Some people used to say he'd smack his girlfriend around but I dont know man, I never saw any proof."

Negan knit his brow giving Simon a death stare.

"And you didnt think to tell me this after I told you the mother of my child was with this man?"

"Negan I-" before Simon could finish Negan grabbed him by the collar and gave him a hard shake.

"You didnt think to tell me my woman could be with someone dangerous!"

"Your woman? Negan I swear I didnt remember." Negan didnt respond staring at him for a moment before finally letting him go and taking a deep breath.

"What happened, did he do something to Deena?"

Negan sat down and ran his hands over his face in frustration.

"She wont tell me but I know something is not right."

"Shes not going to tell you, remember you're an asshole in her eyes so I doubt she'd tell you even if something was wrong." Simon lit up a cigarette leaning back on his chair.

"Listen, I may be an asshole but I never fucking touched Deena. I never lay a hand on her." Negans knee was shaking as he sat back and thought of what the truth could be, Simon had never seen him this concerned.

"Hey man, maybe its not even like that. You cant bombard her with it, you know how she is. She'll shut down. Just give it time, if something else looks weird, act on it but till then just wait cause we really dont know."

Negan knew Simon was right in a way. Deena wouldnt admit it even if it was true and he didnt have solid evidence.

Instead Negan was going to make it a habit now to show up more often to see Jack. Of course during his visits with Jack he'd make sure you were ok without asking you anything. He would just keep a closer eye on you.

As he planned, Negan showed up more throughout the week to see Jack. Everytime he had been there Michael wasnt there, yet he still noticed you keep to yourself more than usual. Of course you had to keep to yourself more, you didn't want to upset Michael again. Part of you knew your feelings were still strong for Negan but you didnt want to acknowledge it because of how much he had hurt you. Michael was someone new who you convinced to yourself wasnt that bad. You did call him another mans name, part of you was almost making yourself believe it was your fault what occured. Michael hadn't touched you since, as long as you didnt upset him you were fine is what you would tell yourself.

Negan was in the living room with Jack while you began cooking dinner for when Michael would arrive. You could hear Negan being playful with Jack, it was a sweet sound that made your heart flutter.

Negan sighed putting the baby down in his playpen before looking towards the kitchen. He walked in as you stirred the food, leaning his shoulder on the doorway watching you quietly cook.

"You look beautiful."

Your heart immediately began to race, trying not to put much thought to it or even look his way, you smiled.

"Thank you."

Negan slowly walked in to the kitchen looking around. He noticed some things had been changed from where you originally had them. He noticed something sitting beside the food pantry he hadn't noticed before.

"What's this?" Negan asked opening the box to find a stack of tools.

"Wait, Negan-" you ran to him taking the tool from his hand and putting it back in the box carefully.

"This is Michael's and he doesnt like it to be touched." Negans face quickly changed noticing how nervously you reacted.

"What does he live here now?"

"No. He just has some things here. That's all, just don't touch it please. Hes really picky with his things."

You walked back to the pot of food that was almost done cooking as Negan crossed his arms not taking his eyes off you. He had never seen you act this way before.

"You must really like this guy huh?" He asked just to see your reaction, he knew there was something more making you act this way.

"Mhm." You responded without making eye contact.

"Mhm." Negan pressed his lips together before you were both interrupted by the sound of the door unlocking.

"That must be Michael now."

"He has the fucking keys? Since when?"

"Negan please. I just gave it to him for today since I thought I was going to be alone with Jack." You quickly walked out to greet Michael at the door. The more Negan realized things, the more angrier he became. This man was trying to claim all of this as his. He was trying to gain a power over you and you couldnt see it.

Negan walked out of the kitchen to catch Michael with his lips on yours. Negan right away got a bad taste in his mouth at the sight before Michael looked up at him.

"Negan. I didnt know you were here."

"Yeah. Came by to check on my son and Deena. Have to make sure shes ok here by herself with him."

"Oh I'm sure I have a good watch on that." Michael quickly responded.

"Yeah well an extra eye doesnt hurt." Negan grinned trying to keep himself composed. The silence that followed made you anxious and uncomfortable.

"So are you ready for dinner?"

"Yes!" Both men eagerly responded at the same time, making you more anxious. It was clear these men did not like each other and had no problem in showing it.

Negan watched as Michael sat and let you serve him. He could tell you were nervous as you served his plate, of course you were. You had not expected Negan to stay for dinner.

"Thank you, baby." Michael said loudly as you turned to walk towards Negan with the food when he suddenly spanked your ass hard making you gasp. Negan grabbed his knee under the table hard, he knew Michael was doing this to purposely piss him off and boy was it working. As you were about to serve Negan he stood up and grabbed the pot of food from you.

"I got it, Dee. Sit down, shit you been on your feet all day."

"Dee? I've never heard anyone call her Dee." Michael cleared his throat looking up at Negan with a raised brow. Michael clearly didnt like the sound of the little nickname Negan had for you.

"Only I do. Old habit." Negan knew what he was doing and if Michael wanted to get under his skin, he knew how to get under his too. Taking a deep breath you sat down next to Jack, making sure he was comfortable in his high chair and began to eat. There was silence for a moment until Michael noticed the lid on his box of tools was not left the way he had left it the day before.

"What happened with my tool box?" Michael's question instantly made you nervous.

"Oh I-"

"That was me." Negan interrupted not liking the tone in his voice when he spoke to you.

"You let Negan touch my tool box?"

"She didnt let me touch anything. I thought it was something I had left here so I went to take a look." Negan responded confidently.

"I dont know why you would think anything here belongs to you, you dont live here."

"As far as I'm concerned, neither do you." Negan shot back.

"Ok stop." You spoke hesitantly as the men stared at each other angrily.

"Can we just enjoy dinner?"

The rest of the dinner was silent, you didn't make eye contact with either of the men. Negan stood up and was soon getting ready to leave. He leaned in beside you to give Jack a kiss. You could smell his scent close to you, Michael quietly stared at you as you stared down at your plate of food.

"Let me know if you need anything, Deena." You heard his voice close to your ear.

Negan walked out not liking the idea of him leaving you alone with Michael. In reality, what could he do without you acknowledging anything or him having proof? He would just look like a jealous man, which he could admit jealous he was. Negan left and you could feel Michael's eyes on you.

"I trust you to not let your ex touch my belongings or disrespect me."

"I told him not to touch it, Michael. I really did."

"Dont." He slammed his fist on the table making you jump. Jack began to cry making you quickly pull him out of his high chair and comfort him.

"Dont lie to me, Deena."

"Michael stop it. Im not lying to you and you're scaring Jack. You can leave." Surpsingly feeling a rush of courage when it came to Jack, you stood up with him in your arms and began to walk out the room until he unexpectedly grabbed your arm. You froze as he squeezed you and stood up staring down at you.

"Watch how you talk to me, baby."

"I said..you can leave." You felt yourself shaking as you stood your ground.

"Alright. You want me to leave? I'll leave." Michael responded calmly, a little too calm for comfort. He turned around and began to walk away making you let our a deep breath of relief when suddenly he turned around and smacked you across the face. You yelped as you fell hard to the floor holding Jack as tight as you could. Blocking his head from hitting anything you slammed your head on the bottom kitchen cabinet.

"Now I'll leave. You see what you do to yourself." Michael walked out slamming the door loudly as Jack cried loudly. Tears streaming down your eyes you cried with him.

"I'm so sorry." You whispered to Jack. Pushing yourself up off the floor you went to lock the door when Michael suddenly appeared again making you step back.

"Another thing, you tell Negan any of this I'll make sure you never see your son again. Remember my brother is a lawyer. He'll have you all fucked."

With those last words he walked out for a second time. Looking over at the table by the door you were relieved to see he had left the keys. Immediately you locked it, even clicking the bolt into place. Upset you walked up the stairs to run Jack a warm bath and calm him down. All you wanted was to call Negan to come over in that moment.

You took Jack a bath and put him to bed when you realized you had a text from Negan.

"Is jackass still around?" He texted making you chuckle softly.

"No. Alone now, baby just went to sleep." You responded in a text when suddenly you heard your phone begin to ring but when you checked, it wasnt a phone call.

Negan wanted to video call you. Your heart skipped a beat, he had never done this. What the hell was making him do it now.

You picked up the video call and found him staring very serious at the screen, he also look a bit tired.

"Figuring out your phone huh?" You teased.

"I wanted to see you." You watched as Negans eyes roamed over the screen taking a good look at you. Negan was doing everything he could to have a closer eye on you without you realizing it.

"Well you're seeing me." You responded with a smile but Negan could tell the smile didnt reach your eyes.

"I'm surprised the asshole didnt stay the night." Quickly, he saw you look away from the camera turning to the side. Looking to keep yourself occupied with something.

"Its fine. I wanted to be alone anyways."

"Guess he didn't like me being there for dinner." Negan chuckled to himself.

"He doesnt like alot of things." You muttered low.

"What do you see in that asshole, Deena?"

His sudden question caught you off guard but you didnt know how to respond.

"I know I wasnt the greatest to you but I see you with this guy and you're not you."

You stayed looking away from the camera as Negan quietly stared at you.

"Can we talk about something else?"

Negan heard a crack in your voice as you brushed your hand through your hair.

"What happened after I left, Deena?"

"Nothing happend after you-" cutting yourself off you looked up having heard a thump. Negan frowned wondering what caught your attention.

"What is it?"

You didnt respond as you slowly stood up and walked out of the room quickly checking on Jack. Thankfully he was fine and the main door was still locked. You sighed a breath of relief before getting back into your room and realizing you were becoming paranoid.

"I thought I heard something, it was just me." Negan could tell something was worrying you but you didnt want to admit what it was.

"You want me to come over, just to make sure everything is fine around the house?"

His offer made you quickly look back at him with some sort of relief in your eyes.

"I mean yes, maybe check the attic. Could be a pipe." You lied and he knew it. In all honesty you were just afraid with what had just happened with Michael. You felt paranoid about him showing up unexpectedly. Negan played along just wanting you to be comfortable and made his way to you. It was around ten at night, Negan never came over this late but you didnt mind it.Relieved to see Negan when you opened the door you let him in and quickly locked the door from top to bottom. You turned to find him staring at you strangely.

"Since when have you been using the bolt?"

Negan had placed the bolt for you a few years back but with all the locks on the door you had never used it. You never found it necessary.

"A habit I have now." You chuckled low as you walked past him. It did make you nervous that Negan was in your home, what if Michael found out in some kind of way? The thought of Michael turned your stomach.

"What did you want me to check out, doll?"

"Oh yeah, the attic. Maybe I heard the noise coming from there." Negan never seeming to be afraid of the unknown, pulled the ladder down and walked right up. It was hard not to admit to yourself that besides the differences you both have had, you could always count on him whenever you needed him.

"Just like I thought! Theres nothing up here." He yelled from the attic.

"You sure?"

"Shit, come see for yourself."

Negan chuckled as he came back down the ladder, you had always been afraid to go up to the attic alone.

"I know I heard something." You whispered as he made his way to you and leaned his face in close.

"You sure, sweetcheeks?" He teased making you chuckle. Negan loved teasing you, he always liked seeing you laugh.

"Oh stop." You playfully shoved him which only made him bounce back closer to you. The two of you stopped for a moment and stared into each others eyes. The thought of that kiss he gave you the last time made you shiver inside. But before he could reach in and kiss you, you quickly turned away. The strong pull you felt to him couldnt be denied but Michael...the thought of that man terrified you.

"Do you want a snack, I want a snack. I'll make us something quick." Negan watched as you flew down the stairs and scoffed shaking his head. He knew you wanted him just as bad.

As you reached into the cabinet Negan walked into the kitchen and leaned on the door way. You could feel his eyes on you, devouring you from head to toe.

"I know you dont give a shit about this guy." Negan spoke confidently as he slowly made his way to you. You didn't say a word knowing you couldnt react to him, thinking of the threat Michael made, you couldn't risk it.

"Fuck, Deena why do you let him control you like this?" Negan asked making you turn to him. He knew that would make you react which is what he wanted.

"He doesn't control me so quit assuming things."

"So then kiss me." He grinned as get got closer to you making you back up into corner.

"So what you're telling me to do is cheat on him."

"Oh is that what I said?" Negan chuckled with sarcasm.

"Figures you know, since you know so much about cheating yourself." You responded back with double the sarcasm making him laugh. You rolled your eyes pushing him aside but he blocked you with his arm. His expression suddenly turning more serious, he stared down at you not letting you pass him. His look was making you weak, your lips parted looking at his. You knew this wasn't right but the closer he got the more irresistible he became.

"I'm not going to kiss you." You whispered sounding anything but confident.

"Oh yeah? You sure about that?" He whispered in return wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you against him making you gasp.

"Now what was that you said, sweetheart?"

You were now speechless, how can you resist this man? You never stopped wanting him and he never had stopped wanting you. He leaned in and you instantly melted at the feel of his warm lips on yours. He felt your body fall into his as he passionately kissed you. He took your arms and wrapped them around his neck as he grabbed your ass with both hands.

"Negan..." you whispered into his lips.

"Hm? Tell me what you want, doll." He spoke slowly and erotically. Each word pulling at your heart strings.

"I want you." You whispered feeling him squeeze you harder when he suddenly lifted you up and sat you on the kitchen counter. You could hear him unbuckling his belt as he kissed you, his hands brushing up your thighs and pulling down your shorts and underwear. Your heart was racing. You swore this would never happen again but you didnt want him to stop. He pulled back for a moment and looked at you as he pulled you towards the edge of the counter. Negan wanted you to look directly at him as he entered you. Your arms and legs were wrapped around him as he pushed in forward, the both of you moaned simultaneously at the first feel of each other. It had been too long since he felt you and he didnt know how long he could control himself before exploding.

"Holy fuck." Negan muttered as he got into rythm. Aggresivly pulling off his shirt he threw it across the room. You moaned loudly as Negan broke out in a sweat, it took alot of him not to burst with each moan you let out. You screamed as you leaned your head back against the wall, fully exposing your neck. Negan wrapped one hand around your throat and gave you a hard squeeze as he moved faster. You squealed as he used the same hand to now grab your hair pulling it back hard.

"Negan!" You grabbed onto him tightly, the sound of your voice helpless calling for him made it hard for him to control himself any longer.

"Fuck, Deena- I cant fucking hold it-" before he could finish he groaned loudly letting himself explode within you. You moaned as he buried himself deeply, his body against yours. The two of you panting uncontrollably in each others arms.

"Negan." You whispered in a shakey voice before he pulled back and slowly pulled himself out.

"Fuck, I couldnt stop it." He spoke breathlessly falling back onto the chair behind him.

"You know how long I've been waiting for that." He chuckled making you laugh.

Jack had still been sleeping while you and Negan lay in bed under the covers. Your face on his chest as he rubbed your hair back gently. It was nice forgetting everything for just a moment until Negan rubbed over a certain part of your head making you lift your head up and wince.

"Ow."

"What's that?" Negan felt the bump on the back of your head and frowned. You knew the bump must've been from when you fell and hit your head on the cabinet. You weren't going to tell Negan this so you simply shrugged.

"I dont even know how that happened. These random bruises come out of nowhere. Dont you hate when that happens." You laughed nervously and lay your head back down. Negan stayed looking down at you not liking your response.

"You know you can tell me anything right, Dee?" You hesitantly lifted your head up and looked back at him.

"What would I need to tell you? What do you mean?" Negan didnt say a word for a moment but he knew he had to. He didnt know how you would react but he couldnt continue acting like he wasnt noticing certain things.

"What I mean is that ever since you began dating that fuck, Michael, you either have some new bruise or you're suddenly nervous with shit you never were nervous about before. I know you, Deena and you sure as fuck arent acting like yourself."

"What the hell is that suppose to mean?!" You stood up quickly putting on your robe making Negan roll his eyes, he knew you would get defensive.

"Dee-" Negan tried to speak sitting up in the bed but you wouldnt let him.

"I dont know who the hell is putting this shit in your mind but leave it alone. Nobody is doing anything to me."

"Listen, I'm not trying to pick a god damn fight for fucksake." Negan got up and began to get dressed.

"Yeah? Well you are! Why dont you mind your business."

"You are my fucking business!" Negan yelled so loudly you were surprised Jack hadn't woken up.

"You know what, get out! This is why I never wanted to sleep with you again-" Negan scoffed in return.

"I beg to differ, sweetheart. With the way you felt you been wanting that just as much as I have." You stared at him in silence holding back your tears, you were not going to let him make you admit the truth.

"Get out and do me a favor dont come back unless it's to pick up Jack." You stormed out of the room making your way down the stairs to the kitchen. Negan cursed at himself angrily, the last thing he wanted to do was fight with you.

"Goddamn women." He muttered low, but he knew he had to approach this matter differently.

In the kitchen you quietly made yourself tea hearing him come down the stairs. He slowly made his way inside and leaned back on the counter beside you but you wouldnt look his way.

"Did he threaten you?" Negan asked with his arms crossed looking at the ground. Feeling a knot in your throat you couldnt respond, your silence spoke for itself making Negan look over at you.

"That son of a-"

"Negan please."

"Tell me the truth, Deena. He fucking hits you doesnt he?" His voice was stern, his eyes darkened as he looked down at you.

"It was my fault, Negan-" you cried out as Negan turned and punched the concrete wall behind him. The anger in him rising rapidly, he didnt even feel the effect on his knuckles.

"I'll kill him! I swear to God I'll fucking kill him."

"Negan, please you cant tell him anything. Please..."

"Oh for fuck sake, Deena! What the fuck does he have over you?! What is he threatening you with?!"

Negan stared down at you silently, his breathing was heavy, he studied the look in your eyes when it suddenly clicked.

"Jack." He whispered and all he saw was red. Negan quickly charged for the front door as you ran after him catching up before he could leave, you blocked the entrance.

"Negan, please you're not listening!" You cried.

"Oh I'm fucking listening, hes using our son to keep you shut. I'd like to see him try something-"

"Negan his brother is a lawyer. He threatened if I told you anything he'd make sure they'd take Jack away from me. Please, I beg you. I beg you, dont do or say anything. He doesnt do anything as long as I do what he says-"

"Do you fucking hear yourself, Dee?! As long as you do what he says? Who the fuck is he?! I know I was never an easy man to deal with but I never, ever put my god damn hands on you! Ever!" Negan turned red as he yelled, a vein pulsating hard in his neck appeared. You quietly cried before suddenly hearing Jack begin to cry upstairs. Negan sighed looking down, his fists balled up at his sides.

"Just promise me you wont say anything. Promise me."

"Ok." Negan stood aside letting you get past him to run up the stairs and check on Jack. He could hear you singing to him and ran his hands through his hair. He had never been so frustrated by a situation. He knew you were terrified for yourself and Jack and he hated that he felt like he couldnt do anything.

The next few weeks flew by peacefully, your cousin had come into town so she had been staying with you every day. With her around Michael never did anything to you. Negan knew you were safe for the time being but hated knowing Michael was still with you. You had never felt more confused, you loved Negan..you knew you did. The two of you hadn't even spoken about what happened between the two of you at all. Yet, you couldnt stop thinking about it. Jack's birthday was coming up the next day, you couldnt believe he was turning three. As excited as you were the thought of having Michael and Negan together in the same room for the first time since that night made your stomach turn. It made your stomach turn so much you actually began to feel nauseous. Brushing off the nausea, the sound of the doorbell went off and you knew it was Negan.

"Hi." You smiled as you stepped back and let him come in with a bunch of balloons.

"I picked up all these damn balloons, the cake and tomorrow I just gotta get the food." You laughed as Negan struggled with decorations and lay them out on the table.

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

Once he had everything set, he turned to you and couldn't help letting his eyes roam from your head to your toes.

"Looking good, Dee."

You blushed feeling your cousins eyes fall on you in confusion. Negan winked at you before turning to Jack and got right on the floor with him and began playing with him.

"Looking good, Dee." Your cousin muttered beside you, making fun of what she has just witnessed.

"Cut it out, Louise."

"What was that all about, he looked like he totally undressed you with his eyes." She continued making you sigh when you the wave of nausea struck you again.

This time it didnt go away and you found yourself running across the living room to the bathroom. Negan looked up with a frown then looked over to Louise as she stared in even more confusion.

"Stay with Jack." Negan pushed himself up and made his way to the bathroom door, knocking gently.

"Deena? You ok?" He could hear you continuing to throw up before you finally flushed. A few minutes later you stepped out of the bathroom looking pale and weak.

"I think it was something I ate." You whispered rubbing your head.

"Come on, let's get you to sit back."

Negan guided you by your arm to the living room when you found Louise opening the door for Michael. You froze in your steps as Negans expression quickly changed.

"Negan, what a surprise."

Negans lip twitched as Michael's eyes drifted to him holding your arm.

"Oh I wasnt feeling good-"

"So I was making sure she could make it back to the couch safely." Negan interrupted in a calm yet cold tone.

"Well I'm sure I can take over now that-"

"I got her." Negan shot back sternly.

"Its ok, Negan. I feel fine, Louise is here with me too."

"Yeah I got her, Negan." Louise agreed.

Michael and Negan didnt say a word to each other as Louise took your arm and led you to the couch. Negan walked out angrily not liking to feel out of control with this situation. You knew tomorrow would be a whole other roller coaster of emotions. It would be Jack's birthday celebration, it was already the 8th. Your heart sunk realizing what you had just thought to yourself. How could you be so stupid?

It was already the 8th and you realized you were four days late on your period.

The rest of the day you felt fine physically but you worried like never before. You knew you had a extra pregnancy test hidden in your drawer somewhere that you would take as soon as Michael would leave. When he did finally leave you asked Louise to stay with Jack while you hid in the bathroom to take the rest.

"Please don't be positive, please dont be positive." You continued to whisper repeatedly when it was time for you to look at the test and your mouth dropped open.

"Oh my God.."

It was positive.

Obviously, you knew it was Negans not having had sex with Michael in the last few weeks. Louise called out for you and you quickly hid the test and the box under your shirt and ran down stairs. Throwing out any of the evidence and without saying a word put Jack to sleep for the night.

The next day you got dressed up in a nice blue sundress for Jack's birthday. It was a very small gathering and you were excited to make this memory for Jack. Looking at yourself in the mirror you finished you make up and took a deep breath before heading out of your room. The decorations had been placed nicely in the living room. Michael was in the kitchen while Louise finished setting up the balloons. You had no idea that while Michael was in the kitchen he had discovered the box the pregnancy test came out of my accident as he was taking out the garbage.

"Deena! Can you come to the kitchen for second?" Michael called out for you as you played with Jack in the living room. You left him on the floor with Louise as you entered the kitchen with a smile excited for the day before realizing what you were walking into. Michael stood by the counter with the box of your pregnancy test in hand. The expression on your face instantly changing, you felt yourself having trouble to breathe.

"Wh-where did you get that..?"

"Oh right from your garbage can, baby." His face looked demented, he looked like a ticking bomb.

"Michael....let me explain.." you whispered as he made his way closer to you.

"Let you explain? Go ahead, explain." Michael threw the box on the table making a glass cup fall and shatter on the floor. Louise heard the noise and looked up before being distracted by the door.

It was Negan.

Louise opened the door for Negan as he came in excitedly picking his son up and wishing him a happy birthday.

"You're a big boy now, three years old." Negan grinned when he suddenly heard Michael yelling. He looked towards the kitchen door then back at Louise with a raised brow.

"I dont know." She whispered with a shrug.

"Michael please!" Negan heard you yell making him quickly give the baby to Louise and charge to the kitchen. When Negan pushed open the door he found Michael grabbing you by your hair before pushing you to the floor. You screamed before looking back and noticing Negan at the door. His eyes filled with rage, you stood up and ran to him blocking him before he could do anything.

"Negan wait- it's not what it looks like."

"Oh yeah, Deena why dont you show Negan here what it looks like huh?"

"Please, Negan just go-"

"Get out of the kitchen, Deena. I've been waiting for this shit." Negan didnt take his eyes off Michael across the room.

"Negan please, listen to me. Look at me."

"Yeah please, look at her before I have to make her shut the hell up."

"Negan!" You squealed when he suddenly pushed you behind him and charged towards Michael.

"Come on asshole, I'll give you a fair fight." Negan threw the chair that was in front of him across the room before he finally reached Michael and the two men began to fight. Both men trying to put each other in head locks as they ran into everything around them, knocking everything to the floor.

"Deena get the hell out of here!"

You stood in shock against the door way watching as Negan knocked Michael off his feet.

"Yeah...wouldnt want an unfortunate accident to happen to a pregnant woman." Michael grunted as Negan held him down before realizing what he said. Negan looked up at you in disbelief before quickly looking back down at Michael.

"Wouldnt want anything happening to that baby." He continued to taunt before Negan collided his fist with Michael's face.

"Say something stupid again, I fucking dare you. Trust me asshole, I got alot more where that came from." He looked directly into Michael's eyes but before he could utter another word, Negan punched him again. Louise had put the baby in his crib and called 911 from hearing all the commotion. She came into the kitchen and gasped at the site of the entire kitchen a mess. The rush of emotions and morning sickness started to take over you. You felt yourself tipping over to the side before bumping into Louise.

"Deena are you okay?" She yelled making Negan look up to find you struggling to stand straight.

"Louise sit her down." Negan instructed without letting go of Michael. Michael scoffed with blood pouring out of his mouth when soon you heard the sound of the cops at the door.

"My brother will handle all of you."

"Youre brother can choke on my dick." Negan squeezed down harder on Michael's neck. The police quickly entered the house and detained Michael who kept yelling at all of you as they dragged him out. Negan rushed to you, grabbing a chair and sitting down right in front of you. You instantly noticed his bloody and bruised knuckles.

"Sir, do you need us to take a look at that?" A paramedic asked Negan.

"No, this is fine-" he shook his hand not worried of any injury.

"I need you to check her." Negan motioned towards you but you quickly shook your head.

"I'm fine, I'm just dehydrated-.

"And pregnant." Negan interrupted.

"You're pregnant?! What!" Louise screamed with excitement making you chuckle. Negan himself couldnt help but smirk a bit.

"Yes, Louise. Wait-wheres Jack?" You looked around as your heart began to race.

"Hes upstairs sleeping, hes fine. Dont worry, Deena." She hugged you as Negan stayed holding your hand. "You're going to need to get a restraining order on that guy if hes bailed out. You cant be here alone with the baby, and pregnant with that mad man knowing where you live."

"Oh she wont be alone, I can promise you that."

Negan meant every word he said, he was never going to risk losing you again.

If you have ideas for a part 3 if youd like one let me know? Not sure where to go after this or if I should continue at all.

[vintage-squid]

Vulture Culture

Summary: Remus loves living in his little cabin in the woods with his two gorgeous, snarky partners. Coming home from another scavenging adventure to Virgil and Janus being their wonderful selves, Remus has a very important question to ask them.

Pairing: Virgil/Janus/Remus Rating: G Warnings: Animal bones, use of scavenged bones for art, a whole truck load of fluff

Huge thank you to @rosesisupposes for beta’ing for me! 

-----

“Ohh honey-bunny-bums! I’m home!”

The front door slammed against the wall, echoing through the house as Remus stomped inside, a wide grin spread on his face and his backpack heavy over one shoulder. Bracing the toes of one foot against the heel of the other, he aggressively yanked his feet out of his boots, laces still tied. He haphazardly tossed his jacket and toque over the back of the nearby armchair - on top of other outdoor outfits that had already received a similar treatment. With much more care, he set his bag on the floor.

“We’re in the kitchen, Re!”

“And I swear to the gods, your boots better not be on your feet when you get in here, because I am not mopping up after you again!”

“Yeah, yeah, no need to get your knickers in a twist,” Remus snorted, grabbing his backpack by one strap and slinging it over one shoulder. He made his way further into the house, following the sound of his loved ones' voices. “I’m still wearing socks, though, so no peeping at my toes for you! You’ll have to wait ‘til later for that treat.” Coming around the corner into the kitchen, Remus gave an exaggerated wink to his partner standing on the step-stool by the window.

Virgil rolled their eyes, shaking their head and setting aside the small scissors they had been using to tend to their plants. “I offer to give you a massage one time for your sore feet, and suddenly I’m the one with the foot fetish, I see how it is.”

Smirking, Virgil turned to face Remus, but before they could hop off their stool, a pair of burly arms cinched around their middle and swept them into the air.

“Remus!” They shrieked, dissolving into laughter as their boyfriend held them close and spun them around the room.

“I’ve got a Virgil!” Remus hollered, bouncing them both as he giggled. Even in play, Remus was cautious not to spin too fast and actually upset Virgil’s nerves; it was a delicate balance, one he had perfected over the years. Both of them were snickering breathlessly when Remus finally came to a stop and set Virgil’s feet back on the floor, though his arms remained snug around their chest. The pair faced Janus, who was smirking at them with a raised brow.

“If the children are done playing in the kitchen where I am currently working over a hot stove?” Despite her tone, Janus’ smile softened fondly as she flicked her wrist to cut the heat. The fire witch stepped forward and planted a smooch on Remus’ nose, her hand following quickly to cup his face and smooth her thumb over the boisterously grinning chub of his cheek. “Welcome home, possum. I’m glad to see you’ve returned safe and sound, and not covered in pond scum.”

Remus only grinned wider and hugged Virgil a little closer, much to their grumbling delight. “The grime feels so good, though! Oozing between your fingers and squelching when you bend your knees! Come on, you have to admit that my skin was so soft for, like, a week after I fell in last time!”

“I will admit to nothing, other than that you smelled like a rotted fish for that week too,” Janus retorted. “I still think you did that on purpose; there’s no way a water witch wouldn’t be able to bathe himself properly to get rid of that odor.” Pushing up onto her toes, she pressed a tender, lingering kiss to his lips. “I, however, much prefer your natural musk.”

Leaning in to Remus again, Janus yelped as Virgil suddenly grabbed her by the front of her shirt and tugged her into a searing kiss that made bursts of colour flash behind her eyelids. Melting against their mouth, she gripped Remus’ forearm with one hand while the other ran through Virgil’s long hair over and over, dragging them back for more when they tried to pull away. When the pair finally parted, panting heavily, Janus couldn’t help the lazy satisfaction that settled over her when she was greeted with Virgil’s smile.

“What?” They asked innocently. “You gave Remus kisses, and I wanted some attention too.”

Janus rolled her eyes, thumb tenderly rubbing the back of their neck. “So needy, I swear.”

Remus snorted, gently depositing Virgil into a dining chair and scooping his bag off the floor where he had left it in favour of his favourite tiny plant witch. “You’re one to talk, mixter-”

“Ah, she/her now, darling, changed about an hour after you left this morning. I just haven’t had the mind to swap out my necklaces while Virgil and I have been working in here. Sorry, possum,” she murmured, fiddling with the sparrow’s skull resting at the hollow of her throat from a braided rope.

“Well, princess,” Remus adjusted smoothly, kissing the top of Janus’ head and petting over the buzzed side of her hair. “First off, you have no grounds to complain about me being needy, Miss clings-with-all-four-limbs-every-night. And secondly,” his voice softened, “you never have to apologize for expressing whatever gender feels best for you, ever. Okay? Do you want me to grab Trip for you?”

Laying her hand - slimmer than his, but still larger than Virgil’s - atop Remus’, Janus nuzzled into the calloused warmth of his palm. “I would appreciate that, possum. I think I left her on the smaller bookshelf in the bedroom.”

“Anything for you, dandelion. Lemme take Kee, too.”

Obligingly, Dee lifted her hair, long only on the right side of her head and curlier than a pig’s tail, to allow Remus room to remove her current necklace. She glanced up, feeling a tingle down her neck that had nothing to do with her boyfriend’s wandering fingers. Virgil was seated at the table across the kitchen, their cheek propped on one fist, a dreamy haze over their normally snarky features.

“See something you like?” Janus asked with a snort.

“Only the loves of my life,” Virgil replied, grinning wider when Dee scoffed to hide her fluster. “Ohh, you thought I meant you two? No, no, the coffee machine and a bag of chips are on the counter behind you, babe.” They cackled as both their partners squawked in indignation, hiding their wide smile behind their sleeve.

Janus rolled her eyes, stepping away from Remus and lightly kicking the leg of Virgil’s chair before sitting across from them. “Ha ha, you’re so funny, V.”

“I knew it was only a matter of time before you recognized my true genius.”

“Alright you gaggle of gossiping gophers,” Remus cut in, dropping his bag on the table between them. “Why don’t you have a look through what I found today while I get Janus’ necklace and change into something a little more cozy.” He exaggerated a wink at his partners, taking their snorting laughter with him as he swaggered off in the direction of the bedroom.

Virgil and Janus shared a look before diving for the ties on the bag. Janus worked the flap open, allowing Virgil to reach their hand in for the first discovery. Their eyes lit up, with a sparkle that had nothing to do with the green magic flowing through their veins, as they pulled out a neatly tied bundle of watercress, the pale roots intact and cleaned of any potentially parasite carrying soil.

“Ah! Where did he manage to find this!? I’ve been needing more since that doe and her fawns have started coming by,” they murmured, bringing the bundle up to their face and inhaling deeply. “Mother Earth, there is no better smell in this world.”

“And of course you’re selflessly going to plant it all outside in the pond for our little ungulate neighbours without keeping some as a snack for yourself,” Janus drawled while reaching into the bag herself.

Virgil finally looked away from the watercress to smirk at their girlfriend, plucking a plant free from the bundle and nibbling on it like a rabbit. “I never said anything of the sort.”

Heart throbbing fondly, Janus snickered and pulled out the next of Remus’ finds. Her fingers wrapped around a small burlap bag and she squealed. Pulling it out, she eagerly opened the drawstrings and carefully dumped the contents onto the tabletop: a grey, spherical rock, seven small vertebrae of assorted shape, and three colourful, river-polished stones. Janus cooed, smoothing the tips of her fingers over her new treasures, eyes wide with wonder and ideas for her latest art project.

When she looked up to share her excitement with Virgil, they were already rifling through the next of Remus’ gifts, a collection of plucked flowers spread out across their side of the table. Their wide smile softened as they glanced up and made eye contact.

“Reme really went all out today, I can’t believe some of these blooms he managed to find at this time of the year!”

“I wonder what we did to deserve such a spoiling?”

“You two were absolutely perfect, that’s what.”

Virgil and Janus perked up, turning to look at their returned third. Both seated witches felt their stomachs lurch with affection as Remus stood in the doorway dressed, for once, in a clean shirt the same colour as his intelligent blue eyes. It was buttoned up only halfway, his burly chest exposed to the warm air of the kitchen and his partners’ hungry gazes. Both hands were held suspiciously behind his back.

Virgil recovered first, trying to appear nonchalant by tousseling their fingers through their shaggy bangs. The effect was betrayed by the glowing vines that had begun to creep up their forearms like living tattoos, pulsing in time with the rapid fluttering of their heart. “Whatcha got there, possum?”

Biting his lip, Remus couldn’t stop himself from breaking out into a wide grin as he shrugged one shoulder in a not-answer. “We all know that Janus is usually the sappy one among us-

“Hey!”

“So, I’m sorry sunshine, but I’m about to borrow your role for a second.”

Virgil and Janus exchanged a glance as Remus paused again to exhale slow and deep, almost as if he were running through one of Virgil’s breathing exercises. What could have made their fearlessly boisterous possum so uncharacteristically nervous? Their attention snapped back to their third as Remus stepped forward, stopping at the head of the table between the seated pair.

“Most of the people I meet in my life haven’t been overly enthusiastic to meet me in turn. Lotsa people don’t want to put up with my magic or my brain, or really anything about me, and even among those who do, most of them just don’t really get me, y’know? But... but you two...”

Remus looked from Virgil to Janus, love welling in his eyes like the rising tide he so adored. His hands tightened on the objects still hidden behind his back.

“You two not only understand me, but you encourage me to be myself and are actually fucking comfortable being around me? Like, holy shit. I don’t even have the words to explain to you what that means to me - and I usually have no problem describing anything! Like how some sharks are so gluttonous they will gorge themselves and then throw up everything they just ate so that they can keep eating! Isn’t that so cool!?” As he got more and more excited, his shoulders began to hunch and roll in a mimicry of his usual out of control gesturing. Somehow, he managed to hold onto enough sense of mind to keep hidden his hands, and the precious cargo they held.

Janus leaned forward, tapping one manicured nail on the table to draw Remus’ attention back. “C’mon, possum, you can tell us all about vomiting sharks after you finish our surprise speech.”

Shockingly, a faint blush coloured Remus cheeks. He cleared his throat and glanced to the side with a sheepish grin. “Ah, right.” Looking back to the loves of his life, Remus set his shoulders square and dropped down to one knee, delighting in his partners’ gasps and widening eyes.

“What I was trying to say, is that I love you two so fucking much, and I wanna spend the rest of our lives together. So…” Remus brought his hands out from behind his back and held them up.

In front of Janus he presented a gaboon viper’s skull, meticulously cleaned with the top few vertebrae still attached at the jaw hinge so the mouth could remain propped open to show off the elongated upper fangs. The larger bones were intricately carved with runes for love, protection, and strength all twined together. Looking closer, the grain of the pattern wasn’t rough, as it would be if the markings had been made with a knife, but smooth and even like a stone polished by the endless waters of a river.

Cradled in his left hand for Virgil was a delicate crested gecko skeleton. Every minute bone was present, complete down to the tiny claw tips on each foot. With the tail slightly raised, and the front right foot lifted in step, the tiny skeleton looked like it was moments away from coming to life and skittering up their arm. Only the skull was large enough for the carved depictions of hyacinths to be visible - Virgil’s favourite flower. They had always favoured constancy, after all.

“Will you marry me?”

Though Virgil covered their mouth with both hands, it couldn’t hide the smile crinkling the corners of their watery eyes. Sniffling, they nodded rapidly. “Y-Yes! A million times yes!” Reaching out to cup the fragile skeleton in their hands, they brought it up to their face to briefly admire the little bones. By the time they had carefully set it aside on the table, Janus had already slid out of her chair and into Remus’ arms on the floor. She was pressing kisses all over his face, and the snake skull was resting on the countertop above them.

Quickly dropping to their knees and squirming their way up under Remus’ free arm, Virgil joined Janus in covering their third in smooches. The flurry of joyous affection softened as lips finally met in languidly. They traded off, kissing what they could of the other two when their lips were free.

Both smaller witches suddenly squealed with laughter - though they would aggressively deny it later - as Remus cinched his arms around their waists and rolled to his feet, easily hoisting them up and spinning them around.

When he finally slowed to a stop, Remus was speechless at the sight of their flushed cheeks and wide smiles.

“I love you both so much,” he whispered.

Janus smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek once more with a loud smack of her lips. Virgil was quick to mirror her on the other side, tucking their face into the crook of Remus’ shoulder and neck afterwards with a content hum.

“We love you too, possum.”

“Always and forever, Reme.”

----

Janus' pronoun charms are three necklaces, each a different skull on a rope chain that Virgil braided. Sparrow skull - Kee - they/them Salamander skull - Trip - she/her Squirrel skull - Riz - he/him

[perditaalottachocolate-blog]

Caterwauling in the Rain

Summary: Marinette and Adrien share their very first kiss after their very first date. Chat is so overjoyed he’s ready to burst into song, albeit not all Parisians share the sentiment. Ladybug comes to investigate the complaints about a feline caterwauling in the spring rain. Luckily, it’s just her very wet boyfriend. A Miraculous Writer Zine​ story.

A/N: This is my piece for @mlwriterzine . I’m so happy I can finally share it! I feel honored to be among the chosen authors. I want to thank everyone, who made this zine possible, it was an amazing adventure! Make sure to read works in the zine collection, they're all a m a z i n g !

AO3

The whisper of wind in his ears, the tap of boots on the tin roofs, the pigeons nesting among the chimneys, cooing to the spring in his step. Chat Noir ran high over the streets, reveling in this late April evening, basking in the fading light of day. 

 Everything in his path was blooming recklessly, fueled by sunshine, turning the warmth of spring into an opulent palette of greens, whites, yellows, pinks, and every other color one could think of.

 It wouldn’t have been far from the truth if Chat claimed he floated on the breeze. It certainly felt like it. Butterflies, the good kind, not the evil purple ones that’d been giving them so much grief, fluttered happily in his stomach. His chest swelled with affection as if it tried to contain all the smells and scents at once.

 His heart was so full he was ready to burst into song any second now. And snugly pressed to his chest was none other than the bravest, prettiest, awesomest, and the most amazing girl he knew. The love of his life, sans the spots. Marinette Dupain-Cheng. His Lady. His girlfriend. His everything. 

Her hair tickled the exposed skin under his chin, but he was too focused on carrying his precious cargo to utter a chuckle. It was her who giggled happily instead. 

 “I really could have gotten home myself, silly Kitty,” she murmured to his sternum. Only his enhanced hearing allowed him to pick up the words over the rush of air and the buzz of traffic. 

 “A gentlecat always walks the lady home after a date,” he countered, allowing a little bit of flirt to seep into his voice.

 A date! he thought excitedly, his heart skipping a few beats. The very first real one, official and everything. Not that anyone paid attention to two goofy teens sharing an ice cream, walking down the banks of the Seine and doing all the carefree, silly things teens did. Bantering, picking flowers, playing tag just because. Holding hands, stealing glances, blushing. Basically half of Adrien’s bucket list went down on that date, more than he could ever hope for. It was still very fresh—the romantic side of their relationship, just like nature herself, coming to life with spring—yet he doubted the excitement of enjoying her company on both sides of their masks would ever ebb.

 Alas, their time had run out all too quickly. For unfathomable reasons their parents set a curfew and warned them not to break it. Yet Adrien refused to leave Marinette to return home by herself. He announced his arrival at the mansion, claiming he was exhausted after a busy day, and dashed off to his room. The door barely had time to close behind him when Chat Noir was already leaping through the window. He scooped Marinette into his arms and vaulted them high and away from the prying eyes of pedestrians. Just a little run and they were already on the little balcony of 12 Rue Gotlib.

 It wasn’t dusk yet, although darkness already settled over the city thanks to the rain clouds that flocked from the west, keeping the last rays of spring sun to themselves. A silver half-moon peeked tentatively over the rooftops, picking up the slack. 

 Unexpectedly the sight filled him with nostalgia. “Anything can happen at half-moon,” Chat recited absently. He didn’t remember where he’d heard the verse. 

 “Anything?” Marinette frowned in confusion. After all, they had just spent a delightful afternoon together. Why would his mood turn wistful so suddenly?

 He decided to play it off. He grinned cheekily. “Like maybe … a kiss?” 

 He was pushing his luck, he knew. They hadn’t reached that milestone yet, still tiptoeing around each other after the accidental reveal, still testing the waters, although neither of them was oblivious to the other’s feelings anymore. 

 To his astonishment Marinette fixed him with a coy smile and threw her hands around his neck. She climbed to her toes. “Maybe,” she whispered, her lips a hairbreadth away from his. Her eyes twinkled in the moonlight. 

 Chat released a ragged breath against her mouth. He shuddered from head to toe as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His body screamed for her, longed for her presence. But he wouldn’t dare to make the first step. He always followed her lead. He had to be sure it was what she wanted, even if he knew it wasn’t in her nature to tease him like this. 

 And then Marinette was kissing him. Sweetly, tenderly, with just a hint of passion simmering underneath. The gentle caress shrunk his world to just her and this moment.

 He was sure he died, his heart flatlining out of sheer euphoria, his neurons fried from overjoy, his body coming apart at the seams. He floated to heaven and then her kisses brought him back to life. Back to the warmth of her embrace, to the flowery scent of her skin, and to soft kisses he knew he would never have enough of.

 All too soon she withdrew, leaving his lips tingling and cold. He stumbled, dizzy with love in his heart and springtime in his lungs. 

 She must have thought he was being dramatic, because she ruffled his already wild mane.

 “Goof,” she giggled. “Go home, before you catch a cold.”

 “A cold?” He knitted his brows. “Why would I catch a cold now?”

 “It’s raining, you dork.” Marinette bopped him on the nose and turned her hands up. A few plump droplets splashed on her palm.

 Huh? How long did that kiss take? He hadn’t noticed when the rain started. Either those clouds had been moving faster than he’d thought, or he might have been more distracted than usual. Lately he tended to get tunnel vision in Marinette’s company, tuning out everyone and everything while soaking in her presence. 

 From behind the deck chair Marinette produced a black umbrella. She pressed it into his claws. “This is no dew, Kitty. It’s going to pour heavily soon.”

 “Really?” He chuckled. She walked straight into this one. “I’m purring already, my Lady.” He grabbed her hand and put it to his chest. Then he released a rumble worthy of a thunderstorm.

 “Besides, where I stand, the sun is shining all over the place.” He dropped the cheesy line with a flourish.

 “See, you’re already delirious,” Marinette replied matter-of-factly. “Also, yes, I’m very proud of you for getting the ‘Singing in the Rain’ reference, you dorkasaurus,” she added, seeing his pout of indignation. “Now go, before you get wet for real.”

 “Didn’t you mean furrrrr real?” he started, but dropped it immediately when she set him with one of Ladybug’s finest glowers. “A kiss good night, purrrhaps?” he asked hopefully.

 Marinette grabbed him by the bell with such force, his hand slipped on the umbrella’s handle. She pressed her lips to his, but with more fire than sugar this time. 

 Snap! The black canopy sprang to its full size, startling them both.

 “Sorry! Sorry!” Chat exclaimed, but Marinette just shook her head, launching into a fit of laughter. It was impossible not to join her.

 “This umbrella is absolutely terrible,” she wheezed, clutching at her belly. “The ultimate killjoy.”

 “You mean this is …” He trailed off, finally giving the umbrella a thorough look. Sure enough, he soon found the loopy ‘Agreste’ carved into the handle. “Oh, wow,” he whispered reverently. Marinette had mentioned the significance of that first rain they’d experienced together.

 “Yup. And I want it back, mind you,” she added. 

 “This is an Agreste umbrella. You’d need to marry me for the name to check out, Princess.” Chat shot her with a toothy grin.

 “Did you just propose on the first date, Adrien?” She raised a brow. “You might want to save something for the second one.”

 “Ooops.” He feigned a horrified gasp. Incidentally, that absolutely had been on his bucket list. This was Marinette after all. “I’m gonna have to google some new ideas. But anyway, your answer would be …?”

 Marinette shook her head again and thrusted her hand into his face. “You’re impossible. Just go home already before we both catch a cold.”

 Right. He hadn’t noticed her shivering in the cold evening breeze, and the rain probably wasn’t helping. 

 “As you wish, m’Lady.” He bowed. “See you tomorrow?”

 “Tomorrow it is, my Prince,” she replied with a curtsy, raising the imaginary fabric of a long dress with her fingers. Then with one last playful wink, she disappeared through the skylight. 

 Chat sighed in contentment, drawing in the chilly, humid air. He didn’t feel even a little bit tired, more like ignited after the spectacular afternoon of romance, flirting, and banter. He leaped to the railing and elongated his baton so that it hit the pavement. Then, like a leather-clad Mary Poppins, he floated down, startling a few passersby. 

 “Du-dudu-du, du-du-dudu-dee-dudu,” he hummed under his breath, setting into a leisurely stroll. The rain picked up a heavier rhythm, just like Marinette predicted. 

 “Du-dudu-du, du-du-dudu-dee-dudu.” He continued letting his inner Gene Kelly come out and play. He always wanted to perform that song, ever since he’d watched the movie with his father ages ago. And what better place to do so than the Parisian streets, a classy background to the classic number?

 He already felt the tune bubbling in his throat. He couldn’t contain it any longer even if he tried. With a theatrical shrug he folded the umbrella and propped it against his shoulder. His lips stretched into a dreamy smile when he set off again. Then came the song.

 “I'm siiiingin' in the rain, just siiiiiingin' in the rain.” His voice carried over the street, earning him a few confused glances. He gave his audience a little wink. 

 “What a gloooorious feeling, I'm haaaaaappy again,” he claimed, jumping onto a lampost. “I'm laughing at clouds. So daaaark up above. The sun's in my heart ...” Chat’s smile turned into something more smitten as he gazed upon a certain balcony looming in the distance, “… and I'm reeeeeady for loooove.”

 “Let the stoooormy clouds chase everyone from the place.” He waved at a couple making their way through the rain, hiding under an already-soaked newspaper. They chuckled at his antics and clapped, rewarding his performance. 

 Encouraged, Chat turned his face to the sky while throwing his arms to the sides in a truly musical fashion. “Come on with the rain! I've a smile on my face!” 

 He resumed his walk, nonchalantly swinging the umbrella in large circles. “I walk down the lane, with a haaaaaaaappy refrain. Just singing, singing iiiiiiiin the rain.”

 Chat spotted a few phones aimed at him and chuckled inwardly. People always looked for a scoop. Alya was going to be so angry she missed this. He could almost hear her gritting her teeth. Let's give them a show, he thought as his feet carried out the routine, a mix of waltz and tap dancing. 

 “Daaaaaancing in the rain,” he howled. “La-daaaa-da-da-di-daaaaAAA. I'm happy again.” He grabbed the umbrella as if it were a ukulele and struck a chord, making an elated face, as if he were Luka’s more handsome twin. “I'm singin' and dancing in the rain.”

 More tap dancing followed. Chat finally found a way to release all the pent-up energy that had come from the afternoon spent with the love of his life. He tapped, he stepped, he pirouetted, for his joy and for the entertainment of a significant crowd that had gathered to witness his performance. The umbrella was his partner, his pendulum, his microphone and staff. Oh, how versatile a prop this was! Chat leaped like a very wet ballerina, jumped over the puddles or right into them, frolicking in a totally unfeline manner, splashing the water onto himself and all around. A reckless, unstoppable dancing and singing machine.

 Slosh! A wall of cold water washed over him, effectively ending the show. He wiped the liquid from his eyes only to see a very familiar red-clad figure holding a polka-dotted bucket, which must have been the source of his unexpected and involuntary shower. 

 Concern marred Ladybug’s face. She breathed heavily—she must have been running fast to get here. But why did she have to be such a … what had Marinette said? Ah, an ultimate killjoy.

 “Why did you go and do that?” he complained, frowning in accusation. Water dripped from his soaked hair right into his ears. Both pairs. 

 Ladybug narrowed her eyes at him. “The neighbors were complaining about some caterwauling felines and I decided to investigate in case there was an akuma,” she said. 

 Chat shook his head, trying to get rid of the ear leak. “Well, was there?”

 His partner raised a brow and smirked, taking in his drenched form.

 “Oh.” It suddenly dawned on Chat that maybe performing a musical number in a city regularly haunted by mind-controlling villains wasn’t the best of ideas. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly, then shivered. “I’m cold,” he added.

 “Awww, poor kitty,” Ladybug cooed. She relaxed her shoulders, no longer alert. “I need to take you home.” She tangled her yo-yo around a chimney, grabbed him at the waist and in the next moment they were already soaring over the streets. 

 She stopped on a roof a block away from the mansion. Her timing was perfect, as usual.

 “AAAACHOOOOO!” Chat’s sneeze was so powerful Plagg flew out of the ring, taking the leather suit with him. The little kwami didn’t look happy in the least. 

 “Awww, shucks.” Adrien trembled. “Now it’s even colder.”

 “You don’t say,” Plagg grumbled. He was dripping wet. 

 Ladybug sighed in disbelief. She scooped the sprite into her hand and hid him in her pigtail. Then she proceeded to lift Adrien princess style and set off in the direction of his house. Unseen and undetected by the mansion’s security system, she slipped through the bathroom window and into the warmth of his room. 

 A true hero, the epitome of helpfulness, she grabbed a blanket from the bed and wrapped him tight. Then, with a towel she had taken from the bathroom, she gave Plagg the same treatment. 

 “I’m gonna leave you to change and go to sleep,” she finally declared. “No more clowning!” She pointed a finger at Adrien.

 He gave her an innocent blink. Alas, Ladybug seemed to be immune to his charm. Or maybe it was just late for her. After all he had caused her to leave the dry room and investigate an alleged akuma attack. He decided to step up his game.

 “Maybe a good-night kiss?” He fluttered his golden lashes hopefully. That always got a nice fluster out of Marinette. 

 “Haven’t you gotten like two already?” she frowned.

 “Nuh-uh, that was Chat. Adrien didn’t get any,” he complained. “Besides”—he fixed her with the delightful smile of a teenage heartthrob, his voice lowering to a murmur—“three is the charm, as Lady Luck should be perfectly aware.”

 Ladybug tapped her lip thoughtfully. “Well,” she drawled, stepping closer, “you do make a compelling argument …” Then she closed the space between them.

 Meowrrr, the cat in him uttered. Three was definitely the charm.

 - The End - 

[bbyx]

ripple effect - part six

Summary: During her fourth year at Hogwarts, (y/n) Deauxville falls for none other than Cedric Diggory. But it's not easy when you have to deal with protecting your family's fortune, keeping your father's illness a secret and having two of your closest friends catch feelings for you.

Pairings : reader x cedric, reader x draco, reader x harry

It was Friday morning, the first week had gone relatively fast. (y/n) was still angry with Draco so she decided to sit at the Gryffindor table. She was popular enough that she didn't get to many glares as she sat down with her friends with her green robes.  You yawn, having spent all night studying.

"I have a quiz in muggle studies today"

"Who do you have class with?" Ron asks

"Ravenclaw" You sigh and bury your head in your hands " I'm bound to have the worst mark in the class."

"At least we have Care of Magical Creatures together." Hermione says playing with a strand of your hair.

You stare at your class notes trying to drill them into your brain.

"Guys, who killed Lincoln again"

"I didn't do it!" Fred screeches.

"I have an alibi! I swear!" George adds wearing an identical grin as his twin.

"John Wilkes Booth"

"Thank you Hermione" You answer glaring at the twins.

"You're eating again, I notice" Ron says to Hermione who's buttering a toast.

"I've decided there are better ways to make a stand about elf rights."

"Yeah....and you were hungry."

You, Daphne and Millicent walk down to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical creatures.

"Ew what is that?" Millicent says pointing to the cage with strange lobster scorpion hybrids.

"Blast Ended Skrewts!" bellows Hagrid excitedly.

"Oh wow they're... interesting."

"Eurgh" squeals Lavender Brown.

"On'y jus' hatched," said Hagrid proudly, "so yeh'll be able ter raise 'em yerselves! Thought we'd make a bit of a project of it!"

"And why would we want to raise them?" says Draco turning his nose up.

(y/n) picks up some frog liver, trying not to gag and drops it inside the box of skrewts. A flash erupts from the rear end of one of the creatures and she feels a sharp pain in her right hand.

"Ow! Shit! It burned me."

You look at your shaking fingers, whimpering. Your index and part of your middle finger were bright red and blisters were starting to form all over. You bite back tears as a pale pair of hands grab yours.

"(y/n)! Are you alright?" Draco says with a frown as he looks down at your fingers "Bloody hell that looks bad. Come I'll take you to the infirmary."

Hagrid steps forward and tries to inspect your injury but Draco starts pulling you away.

"My father will hear about this." He spits out venomously.

Draco leads you inside the castle.

"Not gonna faint on me this time?"

You smile through the pain. "That was ONE time!" You say thinking back to when you and Draco were little and you fainted on him after scraping your knees.

"Not another one!" Madam Pomfrey exclaims as you walk inside the infirmary already full of students who were burned or stung by the skrewts. She grabs your hand "This is pretty bad" she mutters  quietly " You must have been close to the blast."

"Okay that's it (y/n). I'm taking you to St.Mungos right away." Draco says, looking paler than usual.

You roll your eyes at him. He's always been an overreactor

"Nonsense! Absolute nonsense! I'll have it fixed in a jiffy." huffs Madam Pomfrey, pulling out a turquoise paste from her apron. As soon as the minty paste touches your skin it instantly numbs the pain and makes your hand feel very cold.

"Apply this every morning for a week and you'll be just fine." She says, handing you the paste in your healthy hand.

You string together a few thank yous and slip out of the infirmary. You're walking next to Draco when he grabs your forearm and forces you to face him.

"(y/n) i'm sorry."

You let out a silent sigh of relief because some part of you feared that he would never apologize and your friendship would never be the same.

"For what?" (y/n) wanted to drag out his apology, she wanted to savour this moment, to embed it in her memory forever because Draco Malfoy never apologizes. She's known Draco since before he could talk and she swears he's only apologized to her twice.

"For being a dick." He says grudgingly.

"Annnnd?"

"And being rude to your friends." He chokes the words out like saying them was physically hurting him. He looks so uncomfortable that it's nearly impossible not to keep going.

"Becauseee?"

He signs and turns slightly pink "Because I was jealous."

"That wasn't that hard now was it Drakey?" You had about a thousand nicknames for Draco like Drakey, Dracula, Dee, Little Lucius, Casper the Ghost ect.

"Never doing that again." He scoffs.

"So you forgive me?" You nod. "Really? huh.Thought you would give me a harder time."

You laugh. You've missed this, how easy everything was with him.

"Yes well I need my study partner back before the Muggle Studies quiz."

"Study partner? Please! I'm practically your tutor."

"Whatever shut up Dee."

(y/n) was the last one to leave the Muggle Studies classroom after taking forever to finish her quiz. It wasn't that she wasn't smart but she had had a lot on her mind the past two years and it was taking a toll on her grades. And Muggles were so bloody complicated. She walks into the courtyard just in time to see Professor Moody turn Draco into a small white ferret.

There was a terrified silence and (y/n) ran forward and kneeled on the floor to pick up the ferret.

"Draco?"

"LEAVE IT!" Moody shouted.

"Leave — what?" Harry said, bewildered.

"Not you — her!" Moody growled.

Before you could turn around the ferret leaped out of your hands towards the dungeons.

"I don't think so!" roared Moody. He proceeded to levitate the ferret and slam it back and forth into the ground. You wince every time the ferret hits the floor but find yourself unable to move. Finally Professor McGonagall steps in and turns the ferret back into Draco. You practically jump on him, hugging him tightly while McGonagall scolds Moody.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt? Can you walk?"

"I'm fine" He huffs staring daggers at Harry but when he sees your worried expression his eyes soften and he offers you a slight smile. "Really, i'm all good"

His eyes are still glossed over when he mumbles in your ear "Just wait until I tell father about this"

"Oh yeah?" said Moody quietly, limping forward a few steps, "Well, I know your father, boy. . . . You tell him Moody's keeping a close eye on his son . . . you tell him that from me. . . . " He looks at you dead in the eyes, sending a violent shiver down your back. "That goes for you as well. Now, your Head of House'll be Snape, will it?" He takes Draco's arm and roughly shoves him towards the castle. You stay fixed in your spot pondering Moody's words.

"Don't talk to me," Ron said quietly to Harry, Hermione and (y/n)

"Why not?" said Hermione in surprise.

"Because I want to fix that in my memory forever," said Ron, his eyes closed and an uplifted expression on his face. "Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret . . ."

"Shut up Ron"

"C'mon I know you secretly loved watching Draco get his ass handed to him on a platter." He nudges you with his elbow.

A small smile hints at your lips. "Maybe a little"

It was Saturday morning, and you were sitting at the Slytherin table. Everyone was avoiding the topic of Professor Moody because Malfoy was still fuming about yesterday's incident.

"What's that?" says Theo pointing at your SPEW badge.

"Hermione's starting a society for the promotion of elfish welfare." The whole group burst into hysterics but you silence them with a lethal glare. Pansy practically skips over and squeezes herself between you and Blaise.

"Oooh Dracooo? Will you come to Hogsmeade with me today? I really need to buy something, pleaseee?"

"What are you buying?" He answers cooly.

"Guess! It's something I really need." She says with what you think is supposed to be puppy dog eyes but it just throws her facial proportions even more off.

"A personality?" You spit out venously. As if on cue Daphne adds " Some friends maybe?"

Pansy scoffs and turns back to Draco. "I need an owl."

Blaise jumps in, saving Draco "Draco didn't you say we would go buy new quidditch robes today."

"Oh right. Sorry Pansy"

(y/n) starts thinking about her owl, Juniper. Juniper is a streaked brown and white barn owl. Juniper didn't live in the Hogwarts Owlery. Instead she lived at the Deauxville Manor and it was specially trained to take your fathers letters before he could see them. Then Juniper would bring them to you and you would respond to your father's business letters for him. Reading your father's mail had felt uncomfortable at first but you had to remember that you were just trying to save his life’s work.

You watch Daphnee and Millicent blush and Draco clench his jaw. "Ready to go?"

You turn to see Cedric looking a little uncomfortable under the glares that most of the Slytherin boys were giving him. You give him your most reassuring smile.

"Yeah, let's go before my brother kills you."

He holds out his hand to help you up take it, feeling an electric rush pass through your arm as you do. Walking out, it seems that every single person in the Great Hall has their eyes fixed on the couple. Cedric doesn't seem to notice and throws you a chocolate frog. You catch it with ease.

"How do you have so many of these?"

"Easy. I have a box of them with (y/n) written in big red letters on it." He says with a grin as you plop the frog in your mouth.

"So what do you want to do?" Cedric asks while the two of you walk.

"I'm not sure. Let's go have butterbeers."

You're waiting at a booth in the Three Broomsticks while Cedric goes to buy two butterbeers. He hands you a mug full of rich brown liquid.

"Thank you."

"No problem at all" He pulls out a red liquorice wand and snaps it in half. He slides you a piece.

"Cedriccc. First of all where are you getting all these sweets from, second of all licorice is eurgh."

He shakes his head. " No, no, no. See this?" He says holding out the candy.  "This is RED licorice. It's big in the United States, tastes completely different. I want you to try it."

"No please don't make me. I'll throw up on you I swear" You plead.

"Yess"

"Noo"

Yes"

"No"

"Yes"

"Fine!" You finally give in when he flashes you his breathtaking lopsided grin. "You are so stubborn!" You slowly drop the red candy in your mouth. You expect the nauseating taste of molasses to take over but surprisingly all you taste is strawberries.

"Cedric! This is kind of good." You say while chewing. He laughs and your hands brush slightly together as he gives you another piece which makes your cheeks go red.

"So who do you think is gonna be the impartial judge who decides the champions?" You ask quickly hoping to distract him from your embarrassing blushing.

"Eh, maybe the sorting hat?"

"I hope the hat doesn't pick Nick then because he wouldn't last five seconds."

"Come on, give him some credit, he's pretty talented in transfiguration."

"Wouldn't know, we barely talk anymore." Your voice takes a bitter tone.

"Is that why you didn't come to St.Tropez this summer."

"Yeah and I had to take care of family stuff." You say not wanting to look at his face because it would make lying so much harder.

He grabs your hand on the table. "(y/n) I know your dad is sick."

"NICK TOLD YOU?? I'M GONNA KILL HIM HE REALLY IS A USELESS PIECE OF SHIT" You jump up raising your voice, everyone in the bar looking at you. Cedric's face stays calm and compassionate.

"Please calm down, let me explain." He grabs your hand and forces you to sit. "During the summer I found Nick crying by the pool one night. He didn't say much, just that your father was sick and there was no cure. He was really upset and kept mumbling stuff about being a shit brother and such. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. I just wanted you to know that i'm here for you."

Cedric slides closer to you and wraps an arm around your shoulder. You rest your head on him.

"Alzeihmer's" you whisper.

"Pardon?"

"He has Alzeihmer's. He can't even remember my name most days." He wraps his other arm around you, engulfing you in a hug.

"God (y/n). I'm so sorry."

" It's okay, I've become a little bit numb to it all." You breathe in his scent. "Cedric you can't tell anybody okay? Promise me."

"I promise" He whispers and squeezes you tighter.

You stayed like that for a while, it was nice, for once your thoughts seemed to come to a stop as you focused on Cedric's heartbeat.

(y/n) and Cedric walk back to the castle. She has a bag full of candies from Honeydukes and bag with a pair of earrings for Millicent's birthday. He's holding your hand which makes your little heart do backflips in your chest.

"So what happened to your right hand?"

" A blast ended skrewt's ass exploded on me.'

He picks up your other hand and gives it a small kiss. "There. All better."

You try to contain the furious blush dotting your cheeks as you laugh. "You're so cheesy Ced."

"No but seriously I think there's a plant in the Hufflepuff common room that can help with the blisters."

"Whoa watch out for Cedric Diggory, future Mediwizard."

He smirks. "Dr.Diggory does sound pretty nice."

"Well Dr.Diggory how does it feel to have the second nicest common room."

"You're kidding right? Hufflepuff has THE nicest common room. It's next to the kitchens, it has plants, it always smells like cinnamon..." He keeps listing reasons why his common room is the nicest all the way to the castle.

"Unfortunately Cedric" You say standing in front of the entrance to the Slytherin common room. "This still remains the best common room."

Cedric is about to answer but you stop him in his tracks by standing on your tiptoes and kissing him on the cheek.

"Bye Dr.Diggory" You whisper in his ear before slipping inside.

The whole school was buzzing because today was the day that the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were arriving. All the Hogwarts students were waiting outside for their grand entrance. Dumbledore smiles and calmly says.

"Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"

"Where?" said many students eagerly, all looking in different directions.

"There!" yelled a sixth year, pointing over the forest.

Something large, much larger than a broomstick — or, indeed, a hundred broomsticks — was hurtling across the deep blue sky toward the castle, growing larger all the time.

"It's a dragon!" shrieked one of the first years, losing her head completely.

"Don't be stupid . . . it's a flying house!" said Dennis Creevey.

When the thing gets closer, you realise that it's an ornate powder blue carriage pulled by a giant winged horse. It comes to a stop and a boy in pale blue robes comes out and pulls out small golden steps. A comically huge woman walks out and greets Dumbledore in a thick accent. (y/n) spots Cedric in the crowd and he waves enthusiastically.

The Black lake starts to bubble and the water separates, a thick brown pole sticks out. A big wooden boat starts emerging from the hole. Durmstrang students start filing out of the boat. They were all muscular and bulky. You take a moment to look at the contrast between the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students. Ron gasps and jumps up.

"Harry — it's Krum!"

But you don't hear him because in the crowd you've spotted a familiar face in pale blue robes eyeing you. A beautifully creamy face wearing a very hateful expression.

Your cousin Fleur has arrived at Hogwarts.

[mlovesstories]

His Thoughts on Therapy 2

Masterlist of Masterlists 

Warnings: cussing, violence, hurt, emotions, therapy, homelessness, VERY hurt characters. 

Words: 2400

Thanks as always to my boo @cherryblossomflowers​ for the help.  Hope you like this, girlie! 

AN- Enjoy! Maybe grab tissues? 

“So what’s up your butt, Winchester?” YN sat on the steps of the office building. Dean stopped when she acknowledged him. 

“I’m sorry about earlier. I am just going through some stuff, and I was about to explode.” He towered over her as he came closer. 

“Ah.” She kicked her feet in the air off the side of the staircase. 

“What’s on your mind, T?” Dean knew her session was right after his. “Don’t you have session now?” 

“Don’t want to.” YN didn’t dare look at him. 

“That’s what I said this morning to my brother. But he made me come anyway.” Dean grinned. “You should go in. Sky will make you feel better. I’m sure you know it too.” He extended his hand to help her up. 

“I got it, thanks.” YN maneuvered herself to a standing position and limped up the remaining stairs. 

“YN!” She turned. “What happened?” 

“I’m fine, Dean.” Now it was her turn to walk away from him without explanation. 

Dean texted YN the next day to check on her. 

YN

I’m fine, Winchester. 

Dean

I can practically see you rolling your eyes at me. 

YN 

Go away.

Dean

We’re texting, where would I go? ;] 

YN

You know what I mean. 

She didn’t text back after that. When he saw her at therapy, she was withdrawn and quiet. 

“Did something happen?” He slowly sat next to her on the steps. 

“Tires were punctured this morning. I hate it here.” 

“Wow. Seriously bad luck.” 

“Can you stay for my session today? After yours?” 

Dean’s jaw dropped but he didn’t want to show his astonishment. 

“Uh, sure. I am done for the day at work.” 

“Thank you,” she whispered. 

Dr. Sky smiled as the two walked into her office. “Dean, we just finished…?” 

“YN asked me to stay for her session. We met outside a few months ago and I’ve seen her around. YN was acting weird today and asked if I would stay for her session.” 

The doctor looked from Dean to the girl. 

“Is this right?” 

“Yeah.” YN nodded. 

“Alright then.” 

They participated in small talk for the first few minutes. 

“So, why is Dean here, YN? Is there something you felt you needed extra support for?” 

“No, not really. I just wanted him here for my session. And to thank him. Thank you, Dean, for being so kind to me. I know I’m an ass sometimes, but you still decided to be my friend.” 

“Sure. We both have helped each other, T.” 

“I think I may know why YN wanted you here, Dean.”

His eyes snapped up to meet hers. 

“Do you mind if I give Dean some insight, YN?” 

“Sure,” the girl shrugged. 

“YN doesn’t trust a lot of people, especially males. Males older than her. From getting to know her, I would hypothesize that you did something very nice for her, and now she trusts you. Would that be accurate, YN?” 

YN nodded. 

“I’m sorry, Winchester. This was stupid,” YN thought she was stupid for even thinking of being so open with Dean. 

“T, it’s fine, come on. Relax.” 

“Fine. I don’t go to KU, okay?” 

Dean cocked his head to the side. 

“What?” Dean gasped. 

“I ran away from home. Let’s just say it wasn’t a healthy situation. And then I find an ass of a guy who actually asked how I was doing.” She rolled her eyes.

“Can I punch someone for you?” Dean gritted his teeth. 

“Stand down, Mister Winchester.” Dr. Sky put a hand up.

“You remind me of my older brother.  I think that’s why you don’t scare me. He was fifteen years older than me.  You kinda look like him too.” 

“Was?” 

“I haven’t seen him in a long time.  Mom and Dad said he couldn’t see me anymore because he was trying to get me out of that house.  They threatened to get him arrested for something stupid.  So… he left.” 

“Damn.  So, you have no idea where he is? Why don’t you go see him?” 

“No, no clue.”  YN wiped away a tear.  “I’m sorry, Dean.  I didn’t mean to make you involved in this.  I’m sorry, Doctor Sky.  This was stupid.” She stood and started to exit.  Knowing that he had to get her attention, he shouted.  

“Tissues!” 

She jumped and turned. 

“Sit down.” 

They finished their session, but both Doctor Sky and Dean noticed how closed off she became.  

“Let’s go,” Dean practically dragged YN to his car.  

“What?” She tripped over her own feet as he pulled her along.  

“Get in.” 

“What?” YN jerked her arm out of his grasp.  

“Get in, we need to have a conversation.” Dean growled, frustrated. 

YN slowly sat in the car. 

“Why didn’t you say you weren’t safe? Someone you know could have slashed your tires.  It may not be a random thing, don’t you get that?” 

“It WAS random! My family has no idea where I am.” She crossed her arms. 

“Fine.  What do you need?” 

“Huh?” 

“Job, food…?” 

“Both?” She sighed. 

“I got an opening at the shop.  You know how to sweep floors?” 

“Yeah…” She eyed him curiously.  

“Great.  You start tomorrow at 7am.  I’ll text you the address.” He pulled out his phone. “Now, get out of my car, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dean winked at her. She rolled her eyes.  

“Bye, Dean.” 

The next morning, she hopped off the bus across the street from Winchester Auto.  

“You’re late,” Dean walked past her as she entered.  

“It is 6:55am.” 

“If you’re not early, you’re late.” He gathered up random nuts and bolts on a counter and handed them to YN.  “Sort these.  The breakroom is down the hall.  You can put your stuff in there.” 

Okay…” she huffed.  “Good morning to you too, Winchester.” 

“I’m treating you like anyone else around here.  Hurry up,” he walked her to the breakroom and watched her drop her things.  

“How long is my shift?” 

“Til five.” 

“I don’t have a lunch…” 

“I brought you some.  Lunch is at twelve.” Dean walked to the fridge, opened it and took out the milk.  In a cabinet, he reached for some cereal.  “This is why I said you were late.  Come in early and you can eat before you start your shift.  I get here at six every morning.” 

“Wow.” She smiled.  “Thank you, Dean.” YN whispered. 

“You’re welcome.  Ten minutes, then it’s time to work.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“This is YN, she is our new rover.  We all know how to be gentlemen in here, so let’s keep it that way.  Any ogling eyes will have their pay cut, you understand me?” He glared at all of the men in the room.  

“Yes, boss,” they all responded.  

YN stayed quiet the whole day, doing what Dean asked her to.  

“You want a ride home, kid? I saw you took the bus this morning.” 

“No, it’s okay.  Thanks, Winchester.” 

“What’s going on?  You’re not telling me something,” he read the uncertainty and lie on her face. 

“I don’t have anywhere to go…” she looked away.  “I lied about having an apartment.  It wasn’t mine…” 

“You’re homeless?  And now you don’t have tires?  Where is your car?”  

“Guy bought it.  I needed the money.” 

“Let’s go,” he took her elbow and practically shoved her in the car.  “Where is your stuff?” 

“In my backpack.” 

“Damn, T.” 

“You don’t have to feel bad for me, ya know.  No one has ever cared anyway!” YN screamed. 

“Well, you should!  This is what it is for someone to care, okay!  Having empathy is caring.  I don’t feel bad for you, just for the record.  I’m angry that you didn’t have somewhere to stay, and you felt like you had to hide it from me.  You had no reason to.” 

“I’m sorry I lied.” YN sighed and looked out the window.  Dean started the car and drove out of the parking lot.

They pulled into the driveway at Sam’s house.  Dean saw that he was already home.  

“Inside, now.” 

“Grumpy old man,” YN whispered to herself. 

“SAM! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE!” Dean’s voice bellowed throughout the house.  

“WHY?” Dean heard him yell back from the kitchen.  

“I need you! Hurry up!” 

Sam rolled his eyes.  He carried his water bottle with him to the entry way.  

“Oh, hi, YN.  What’s going on?” 

“YN needs to crash until further notice.  Can she take the guest bedroom?  She’ll be on her best behavior, yes?” Dean glared at her.  

YN nodded and bit her lip.  

“Is everything okay?” Sam looked from her to Dean and then back to YN.  

“Yes.  I just need a bed for a few days.  I won’t cause a problem, I promise.” 

“Okay.” 

“You’ll be here at least a month.” 

“DEAN!” She stomped her foot.

“You barely have any money and no belongings.  How are you going to get a roof over your head in a few days?  Two paychecks and then you can go, you hear me?” 

“Ugh.” 

“Excuse me?” Dean stepped closer to her. 

“Fine.” 

Two days later, Dean came into the kitchen to find YN wiping down the counters. 

“You know, you don’t have to clean all the time.” 

“I’m a guest living in your house for free.  I should still contribute something, and right now, all I can do is clean.” 

“Will you sit down and be still for two seconds?” He yanked the sponge away from her.  “Sit.” She harrumphed and plopped herself down at the kitchen table. 

“What, Dean? I’m trying to make sure I do my part. And stop bossing me around, would you? I’m not a kid!” She crossed her arms. 

“Why should I trust anything you say? You cried in therapy and then drop a bomb on me about how your life is not as you presented it. Now, I get that you’re running away-“

“WATCH IT, DEAN WINCHESTER!” 

“You came to a new town to start over. So start over. Don’t run from what’s going on in front of you.”  

“Hmph.”

“You don’t get to tell me about how to deal with you when you lie.”

YN shook her head, rolling her eyes. 

A FEW YEARS LATER

“DEE?” YN ran into the house. “Sam?” 

“What, T?” They walked into the living room from the kitchen.

“I -“ she sniffled. “I found my brother.”

“What?” 

“Found him on social media. He… he died though. I saw someone tagged him in his obituary.” Her face was red and puffy. 

“Wait, what?” His mouth opened. She ran into his arms. “Oh, T.” He sighed. 

After many minutes of crying, she quieted and wiped her eyes. 

“I’m sorry, Dee.” 

“It’s okay.” 

They sat down on the couch and he pulled her into his side, even though she resisted. 

“I know you’re not a hugger, but you need one. Relax,” Dean whispered. He felt her muscle tension release. “Good job.” They sat silently for a while before he looked down and saw her asleep next to him. “Oh, kid. I’m so sorry.” Dean said in his head. Not being able to move because of YN leaning into him, he fell asleep. 

When he woke up, YN sniffled and wiped her eyes again. 

“YN?” He looked down at her. 

“I need some alone time.” YN stood up and walked out the door.

“Don’t go home,” he chased after her. “Stay here. I want to keep an eye on you.” 

She turned around. 

“I want my blankets, and I want my stuffed animals. I don’t have that here. I moved out, remember?” 

“Fine. Go upstairs, hide under the covers. Sam will go get some of your things on his way home.” 

“No, I’m fine-“ 

“NOW.” Dean said from his throat. 

She swallowed hard. YN respected him enough to know he was serious even though she didn’t understand why he wanted her to stay. YN hung her head and walked back into the house.

“Come on.” She followed Dean to his room. He pulled out a pair of sweats and a shirt. When he offered them to her, she slowly accepted them. “You can go hide now,” Dean winked. 

Later that evening, Dean woke up to sounds in his room. 

“YN?” He rubbed his eyes. 

“I’m going to hurt you for stealing my girl,” a woman hissed. 

Dean tried to get up and defend himself, but his body was under his blankets, rendering him unable to fight back. Something hit his head. 

“Ah!” 

He fought his way out of his sheets, but he didn’t have time to stand up. When Dean put his arms up to protect himself, she slashed him with something, cutting his arms and his cheek. 

YN woke up hearing screaming. She raced to Dean’a bedroom where the noise was coming from. He was on his back with his hands behind him. A very prim and proper-looking lady stood over him with something shiny and skinny going toward his eye. Dean saw YN and indicated to his right. Looking to her left, she saw a lamp. The lady heard YN and tried to stab Dean’s eye with the object. Dean screamed in pain. YN saw the uninvited guest push it onto his eye. He screamed. YN kicked the back of her knee, knocking her off balance. They fought until YN missed a beat. Her opponent pulled out a knife and stabbed Dean in the chest. 

YN ripped the lamp cord out of the wall and chucked the object at the lady’s head. Splintering after it hit her, some of the pieces sprayed all over Dean. He whined. The lady lay incapacitated on the ground. YN pushed Dean to roll over and untie the bandana around his wrists. Crying from his injured eye, YN took her flannel off and put it up to his face. . 

“It hurts!” He made incoherent noises in too much pain to say anything else. 

“I got you.” 

YN called for Sam when she heard the door slam. He barreled up the stairs. Seeing the scene before him, he pulled YN away from Dean and the lady below her. 

“No!” She yelled. 

“Call 911!” Sam shoved his phone into her chest. “Dean,” he reached his older brother, and he took his hand. “Oh, Dean.” 

After Sam started screaming, realizing Dean was so hurt, YN was on the phone with 911, she looked down at the woman bleeding out on the ground. 

“Mom?”

________

Forever Friends (Everything):

@katymacsupernatural  @unicornblood4ever  @supernatural-crazed-girl

@fangirl-moment-x  @empirialwolf @winchesters-favorite-girl  @super100012  

 @percywinchester27  @waywardsuns  @supernatural-jackles  

@mcallmestiles @sdavid09  @kingandrear  @bellero @skylarraker

@seality​​​​​ @jaycc7983​​​ @luci-in-trenchcoats​​​ 

@cherryblossomflowers​​ @because-you-never-know-when​ 

@sleepylunarwolf​ @choosemyname​ 

@internationalmusicteacher​ @mersuperwholocked-lowlife​ 

@encounterthepast​  @torn-and-frayed​ 

@giggles1026​ @xiumin-girl99​ 

@mangueweaschester​

@idksupernatural​  @silverstripe101a​

@thevelvetseries​ @jennawinchester152a​ * @samsgirl93​   @supernatural3002​ *

* @breereadsthings​ * 

@a-magey​ @vicmc624​ @hookedinto-fictionalworlds​   @beatifuldisaster018​

@miraclesoflove​ @myopiamystical​ @fallen-wolf22​

@waywardnewcomer​  

@marvelouslysherlockedhunter @miss-nerd95​ 

@akshi8278​

[unatempesta-dipensieri]

Red Moon

banner done by the wonderful @dee-ehn​ (thank you bb)

pairing: OT7 x reader

genres: poly!au, fallen angels!au, demons!au

word count: 2095

warnings: feathers falling from the structure of their wings, leaving a very ugly structure (not described in detail), minor character death

                                           ACT 1, CHAPTER 01

Small impetuous drops rumbled in the pine forest, in the silence only that continuous jingle was audible. The wood is very large and extends over an enormous arch of territory, surrounded by very high white mountains for recent snowfalls. The smell of resin, fir and musk was added to the sweet and relaxing sound of the drops falling on the pines. The landscape was wrapped in a solemn silence, the animals seeking shelter, the pine trees motionless since there was no wind. The whole expanse was colorful with various greens, from light to some dark shades. In the undergrowth, small bushes and moss reigned. On the ground only pine needles, fallen over the years. Suddenly a dazzling light, a noise rang out in the valley, the most intense rain and the amplified noises. A stream of water rushed beyond the valley and swelled visibly as the small drops increased. Namjoon was still lying on the ground, his body was too heavy and numb to allow him to stand up and seek shelter. He tried to move his head slightly to look around and to see if the others were beside him, but his neck hurt. He had taken a hit, so he stopped and closed his eyes, thinking about why he was in that place.

It all started when Yoongi saw that girl. He saw her run through the crowded streets of New York, with headphones in her ears that let out classical music. He had fallen in love with watching her play the piano, her diaphanous white fingers moved gracefully on the piano keys, while a sweet symphony echoed in the room where she was.

The second to see it was Seokjin; he saw her with several plastic bags in her hands, as she tried to go up to the fifth floor of the building. She almost fell from the cloud she was on when she saw that the girl was about to fall down the stairs when she was wrong to put her foot down but was saved by another human who was a few steps away from her. After a few minutes, he saw her enter her apartment and start putting away all the ingredients or products she needed for the home. He loved the fact that she was neat and that she loved to cook.

The third was Hoseok. He saw her while she was teaching girls ballet. Hoseok, besides the angels, had never seen such a beautiful and graceful creature. She managed to be so elegant even when the little creatures made a wrong move, she always smiled and if necessary she explained again every single move to those girls who couldn't understand or perform the exercise; but she also loved the fact that when she wanted to, she knew how to be serious and was able to put back those who did not follow her rules.

The fourth was Namjoon. He saw her walking with a bag over her shoulder in Central Park. Already the fact that the girl liked the vegetation had made the archangel's heart beat a lot. He saw her sit on a bench, and after taking a book out of her bag, start reading. He saw how she began to isolate herself, perhaps, recreating the scenes from the book in his mind. Namjoon could not help but stare at her with a smile on his face.

The fifth was Jimin, although a little hesitant in looking at a human who was not what the superiors had chosen at all. He perched on a cloud and looked at her with bored eyes. He spent several days looking at her until he understood why the others were so taken with her. Looking at her, he understood that she had a pure heart and soul, perhaps even too pure not to be an angel. He fell in love with her innocence and her smile; perhaps, he had never seen such a bright smile in all his years of service.

The sixth was Taehyung, who used the excuse of looking at the human as a moment of relax from the addict of his chosen one. He needed to breathe and to stop watching his chosen drug and slowly bring himself to death, that's why as soon as Namjoon asked who wanted to watch her, Taehyung did not think twice. He loved how the hair strands were arranged, which protruded from the tail, behind the ear, of how, when she had the chance, she went to see some art shows, or when she painted and stained, who knows how, her face.

The last but not least, at least for them, was Jungkook. The youngest of them and the newest. He had fallen in love with a nice and sunny girl like her. He loved the fact that, like him when he was still alive, she found time to play video games, train in the gym, but still managed to find space for friends. He knew that humans were running constantly. He understood that by seeing his chosen one. Single mother of two children, the ex-husband cheated on her with a colleague and gave her up in no uncertain terms, to then go to Norway with the other woman. It was something he hated. Betrayal.

The betrayal was just what he expected of all seven.

An angel heard a conversation that all seven were having and ran to one of the superiors telling him everything he had heard. They didn't even have time to rebel that in no time they were in the room where the Superiors met and discussed very important matters.

"Cherubino Namjoon, I never expected such behavior from you," said one of the elders. If Jimin remembered well he had to be called Jaehyung but he was not very sure.

"And what would I do?" Namjoon asked raising his head and looking at him defiantly.

"I heard that you seven have fallen in love with a human," said the superior, smiling at him, showing him his white teeth.

The boys widened their eyes, their hearts started to beat wildly. They could not speak, perhaps because they were caught in the act. Yoongi clenched his jaw thinking about who might have heard their private discussion.

"Seraphin Seokjin -continued the superior- you know that these emotions are not part of the angels, but of the demons!" he screamed the last word in panic, had wide eyes and a crazy smile, while looking at Seokjin, who remained impassive.

The Superior was about to insult Jungkook when the main door opened. "What do you want now?" he screamed as soon as he saw an Angel enter.

"Sir, we did what you ordered," said the newcomer, bowing.

"Well," said the Seraphin, then turned to the seven angels. "Surely you are wondering what I asked him to do. I ordered him to kill her while she slept. A quick and painless death. "

The Seraphin never expected such a violent reaction, especially from Seraphin Seokjin. He jumped up and threw himself against his body, squeezing his neck with his hands.

"How dare you! And you are the ones who say you love independently and that you are better than demons, but you are worse than them! As soon as a human creates the slightest problem, you get it out of the way! Jaehyung, remember my words, I will make you go through the pains of hell, I will make you die of a slow and painful death! " Seokjin shouted in anger.

Even the others had never seen him in those conditions. His neck and face were completely red, his hands that were still around Jaehyung's neck trembled and his eyes were filled with tears, as were theirs. In an instant the guards seized Seokjin and stopped him with golden chains, preventing him from moving.

Jaehyung got up and after adjusting his white tunic, looked at the boys, then smiled.

"I, Archangel Jaehyung, in the name of God, cause the Cherubino Namjoon, the Seraphim Seokjin, the Throne Yoongi, the Domination Hoseok, the Archangel Jimin, the archangel Taehyung and the angel Jungkook, to be exiled from Paradise for eternity. May Hell welcome you," said the Archangel and with a snap of fingers it began.

Pain began. They could feel their wings cracking, their heads hurting and their stomach turning over. Hoseok looked towards Jimin, and saw the younger bent forward while holding his head in his hands, the wings were completely bare and writhing taking a really bad position, all the white feathers were still bleeding on the ground while in their place, black feathers were growing. He looked at Namjoon and saw that the color of his eyes had changed to a color he could not define, but he looked like a mixture of light orange and yellow, his white hair had become a light lilac. Maybe his partners's hair had changed too but he had no reflective surface to see himself in.

When the wings changed completely, they felt the floor crumble under their feet and fell on deaf ears. Jungkook opened his eyes just when his body crossed a cloud, he tried to stop and trying to flap his wings but a twinge of pain ran all over his body. He looked to the sides and saw that the boys were beside him, Seokjin held the hands of Jimin and Taehyung, while Hoseok held his and Yoongi's. But who was holding Namjoon's hand? He looked slightly further and saw that Namjoon was still passed out, he tried to tell Yoongi to hold Namjoon's hand, but when they crossed a large cloud, he didn't saw him again.

Then the crash came in no time. The good thing was that it was raining like never before so humans would have thought that the sound of their fall was a thunder nearby.

****

Hours passed, the first ray of light illuminated the valley which took on a magical aspect. Everything was now visible: the high white mountains with various clouds full of humidity, the pine forest and the river.

Namjoon opened his eyes still dull and heard rapid steps towards him, perhaps someone was running to help him.

"Namjoon!" Seokjin entered his vision followed by Taehyung, who began to dig to free his body of the earth and the mud that had covered it. He tried to speak but only guttural lines came out of his mouth.

"Hyung, don't try! Keep drinking the water we found at a nearby stream! " Jungkook said approaching his cup-shaped hands.

Hyung? What word was it? What did it mean?

"I know you're asking yourself many things but first we have to get you out of here," Seokjin said giving him a reassuring smile. The oldest, along with the youngest, had always had this reassuring soul, which managed to calm the other five.

"Black looks good on you," Namjoon whispered when he started focusing. “Thanks hyung! Lilac is fine for you instead, ”Jungkook replied with a smile. "What is this hyung, you keep calling?" Namjoon asked looking him in the eye.

"Since I have been dead for about two, three years I think things have not changed much, hyung is used by males to call another boy who is older than him, therefore of logic, I should call you all hyung, to show respect, ”said Jungkook, continuing to remove the mud that had trapped one of the older's legs.

After the two freed him, they gave him a hand to get up and clean himself of the residues that had remained on his clothes and face. "So what do we do now?" Jimin asked, attracting the attention of others. "Let's start walking in search of civilization," Yoongi replied.

They didn't know how long they walked when they started hearing car noises. Taehyung passed a bush and had to close his eyes when a light blinded him. It was the headlights of a car passing by.

"Anyone know what place this is?" he asked when the others had joined him. "This ... this is Seoul, we are in South Korea," replied Jungkook and then continued: "This is the city that brought me to end my life, it shouldn't have changed much and I still remember some things," 

"So what are you waiting for? Show us the way angel, ”Hoseok said putting a hand on his shoulder. Jungkook nodded and the others followed him breathlessly. It would have been an adventure in teaching kids how to behave among humans and how to use the simplest things, like taking a bus.

[thinkyoureholy]

Oceandust [1]

[a/n: ya girl is back at it again with a new series]

.

.

.

Pairing : Kim Hongjoong / [fem] Reader

Genre : Angst, Violence, Language, Fluff, Smut, Pirate! AU

Words : 2.6k

Pt 1. Pt 2.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

-Y/N’s  P.O.V-

I grinned as I raced down the narrow alleys of the small town, hearing the shouts of the merchant behind me. I knew he wouldn’t follow me for long, they always gave up within a few seconds, worried about leaving their merchandise unattended for too long. I mean, I'd pick losing one piece of jewelry over the whole damn cart. He was smart to not follow me for long, but not smart enough because I did steal from him pretty easily. I chuckled at the thought, slowing down to a jog then to a walk. 

I looked down at the gold plated bracelet in my hand, throwing it up in the air before catching it, my eyes shining brightly at the thought of the money I could get for this. I'd be able to buy Yuki a present for her birthday. Oh! And Alex can get some new shoes, God knows he needs them. And I can buy Dom a new hat and Yuri a- my thoughts were cut short as I bumped into a sturdy back, the person I walked into cutting their own conversation off.

"Watch it." The man spat out, turning on his heel to face me, a sheer mask covering his mouth and nose.

I scoffed softly to myself, uttering a half hearted apology under my breath. I gave him a once over, smirking to myself at the idea I just had. I walked around him, careful to keep my head down as I swiped him of the pocket watch he had. I mean he was practically begging for me to take it, the chain was hanging precariously out of his pocket, I'd be a fool not to take it. I was admiring the watch as I made my way back home when that same man suddenly appeared in front of me, this time pointing a gun to my head.

"Don't think I'm stupid enough not to know when I've been pick pocketed." He snarled, looking angrier than I've ever seen anyone look, "Give me back my damn pocket watch and I'll let you go without a scratch."

I took a step back, hiding the watch behind my back, "I don't have your watch."

He chuckled lowly, the look in his eyes only seemed to grow more intense, "Don't play the fool now, little lady. I know your kind and you're crafty I'll admit," He paused, cocking his gun, the smile disappearing from his face, "Give it back while I'm still being nice about it."

I took another step back but froze the moment he moved the hand he was holding the gun with slightly to the right, firing off a warning shot and missing my head by a few inches. He closed his eyes for a moment, running his fingers through his hair before opening them, the look in his eyes somehow softer yet still firm.

"I'm in no mood to entertain you, girl. Hand over the watch and I'll let you go. If you refuse once more then I'll kill you here and I get my watch back anyway...and that bracelet you have in a death grip in your left hand as well.." He threatened, his hand extended, waiting for me to place the pocket watch in the palm of his hand.

I unconsciously moved my left hand behind my back, staring at him for a second longer before placing the pocket watch in his hand. I forced a smile on my face, chuckling softly.

"Ah...I was just trying to mess with you a little, sorry about that. I'll be on my way now, have a lovely day." I hurriedly said in the sweetest voice I could muster.

As soon as I placed the watch in the palm I turned on my heel, walking away from him quickly. But I didn’t get very far, the sound of his voice made me freeze mid-step.

“A little piece of advice little lady...try not to be so obvious when pick pocketing someone. The moment you looked down at the pocket of my jacket I had you figured out. I suggest you search someone with your eyes a for few moments before you bump into them.” He said, his calm and somewhat condescending tone making me clench my hands into fists.

I turned back around to give him a piece of my mind but I was surprised to see that he had already disappeared. I looked around to see where he went but he was nowhere in sight. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding, shaking my head slightly, staring out into the empty alley for a moment. Weird.

…...

“Y/N!” 

I grinned at the sound of her voice, crouching down and catching her, timing it perfectly with her jump, “Kiki! Did you behave yourself while I was out?”

I watched the smile on her face fall the slightest bit but she recovered just as quickly, nodding her head vigorously. I gave her a skeptical look, glancing over at Yuri standing in the doorway of the kitchen, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Honestly with how she normally is I’d say Yuki behaved herself pretty well today.”

Yuki nodded her head along with everything Yuri was saying, looking mighty proud of herself, a smug smile on her face. I chuckled, pinching her cheek. She whined and pulled away, squirming in my hold until I put her down. Once I put her down I placed my hands on her shoulders, kneeling down in front of her so we were eye level with each other.

“I got you a little something for your birthday.” I told her with a grin, watching her squeal in delight.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a doll she had been begging me to buy her for the past few months. Her toys and dolls were always made out of rags, or they were so used they could barely even be called toys. The look in her eyes the moment she saw the brand new doll was worth the money it took to get it. She grinned so widely and yelled out the happiest 'thank you' I had ever heard before running off to play with her new doll. I watched her leave before calling out for Alex and Dom, the twins running over to me at the sound of their names. I pulled out some new shoes for Alex and pulled Dom’s hat off of his head, replacing it with the new one I just bought. The two of them bounced happily on the balls of their feet at their presents. I watched as the three talked amongst themselves and showed off their presents.

“You spoil them too much.” Yuri said, coming over to stand next to me, his eyes on the little ones.

“And I’ll continue to spoil them rotten until the day I die.” I replied with a fond smile playing at my lips, “Don’t think I forgot about you.”

I reached into my bag and pulled out the new pair of pants I had bought him. I felt sorry that he had to wear the same worn out pants to school everyday. I worried that the others would tease him for the holes in his pants. Yuri on the other hand didn’t think he needed them, pushing my hand away from him.

“You should’ve bought something else with the money you used on those pants.”

I grinned, grabbing his hand and put the pair of pants in the palm of his hand, “They don’t give refunds so just take it...besides I’m tired of sending you off to school with pants that have holes all over them.”

He sighed, offering no argument over the pants, but instead brought up one I had shot down over and over, “About school...I was thinking I could drop out and-”

“No.” I cut him off in a firm voice, heading into the kitchen and pulled out the food I had bought on the way over here.

“But I can help you out more! I could sell the milk Dee makes or we can turn it into butter or cheese! Y/N please I see you struggling and I just want to help.” He practically pleaded with me, hoping I’d finally change my mind but this was something I wouldn’t budge on.

“My answer is no and it will continue to be no. This is not a discussion, now help me make dinner or go and entertain the little ones.” I declared, not even sparing him a glance.

He stayed where he was for a moment before he let out a huff of annoyance, stomping out of the kitchen. I sighed heavily, leaning against the counter with closed eyes. Yuri was smart...he should at least finish school. He doesn’t need to work, he’s only fifteen. The money I get is enough to get us through the day. He doesn’t need to worry about anything...all he needs to do is focus on his studies...I’ll take care of the rest.

With that thought in mind I got to work on making dinner. All I could do was make them food before leaving once more to go work at the pub by the docks. I hardly made any money there so I had to resort to stealing but even though I didn’t get paid much I couldn’t really afford to quit. I stole yes, but not enough times to get caught...just when we were really desperate and recently...it’s been more often than not.

-

I hurried around the pub, picking up the empty glasses and replacing them with full ones. I shouted along with the customers every time they made a toast, the bartender and other waitress joining as well. I grinned as I looked around, seeing everyone in high spirits. I chuckled at something I heard from a customer as I walked back to the bar. Before I could get back out onto the floor the bartender, Eunwoo, reached out to grab hold of my wrist gently.

“New customer in the corner, go get his order for me will ya? Rie is too busy to make it over there.”

I nodded at his words, looking over to where he had said the customer was at. I couldn’t quite make out their face from where I was but I didn’t pay it any mind as I made my way over. As soon as I got close to them I put a smile on my face, asking them what they’d like to start off with. But as soon as they lifted their head my smile dropped. He smirked at me, looking me up and down.

“That uniform suits you, little lady.” 

I stayed glued to my spot as my eyes scanned his entire face. The last time I saw him he had a mask on, it was sheer but it was still a mask nonetheless. Now with the light in the pub I was able to make out his features...and as much as I hated to admit it, he sure was handsome. The grin he now wore did nothing to mask the dangerous glint he had in his eyes. I didn’t notice this before but he had a slit in his right brow, his multiple earrings shining in the light. I gulped at the look in his eye, involuntarily taking a step back, the smile on his face falling at the action.

“Relax. I’m not going to threaten you here...unless you try and steal from me again that is.” He said with a wave of his hand, leaning back in his chair, “What would you recommend?”

I gawked at him for a moment longer, recollecting myself with a shake of my head, “Um rum? I heard it’s good…”

He cocked a brow at my words, tilting his head to the side, “You’ve heard?”

“I...I’m not much of a drinker.”

“But you work at a pub.”

“It doesn’t mean I have to be an alcoholic.” I shot back, watching the amusement fill his eyes.

He chuckled softly, nodding to himself, “You got a point there. Fine, I’ll take that rum on the rocks.”

“Dark or light?”

He leaned forward, that grin back on his face, “Give me the darkest one you have, little lady.”

I nodded and turned on my heel, going over to tell Eunwoo what he ordered. I looked around, seeing if anyone needed a refill but to my surprise everyone seemed to be doing okay with their drinks so I waited on his drink. Eunwoo had it ready in no time at all. With his drink in hand I headed back over to where he was sitting, setting the glass down in front of him. Without a word I went to go back and see what else I could do but the sound of his voice stopped me from going more than a few steps.

“If you’ve got a job why do you go around stealing from people?”

The color drained from my face at the question, my eyes darting around the pub to see if anyone heard him. They all seemed to be busy talking amongst themselves. I let out a sigh of relief, turning back around to face him and took a few steps closer to him so I could speak in a low voice, diminishing the risk of having someone overhear me.

“Look, what I do or don’t do is none of your business so I’d appreciate it if you didn't bring it up ever again.” I threatened, hoping he’d drop it.

I mean I barely even know the guy, I just met him today and not under the best circumstances either. Why he’s bringing any of that up is beyond me. I had hoped he would at the very least not want to continue conversing with me but he smirked instead, a soft chuckle falling from his lips.

“Oh ho...I see you can be threatening as well...and here I was thinking you were just another pretty face. I’ve been pleasantly surprised…” He muttered, leaning in closer

I didn’t move an inch, knowing he was probably trying to intimidate me. And by the way his smirk grew into a grin I knew I did exactly what he wanted me to do instead.

“What’s your name, little lady?” He asked, his voice dripping with something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

“What’s yours?” I shot back, smirking at the way his eyes widened the slightest bit before he chuckled for the third time in the span of five minutes.

“Hongjoong. I don’t think you’re interested in last names so I’ll just keep it at that. Now that I gave you my name it’s customary to give one in return.” He said with a teasing smile, leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink.

I looked at him skeptically, thinking if I should just give him a fake name. He could’ve given me a fake name so it wouldn’t hurt to give him one in return. But the longer I looked into his eyes the more honesty in them shone through. I mean what harm could it do really? I sighed heavily, relaxing my shoulders for the first time since I met him.

“Y/N.”

The teasing smile turned into a genuine looking smile, the look in his eyes softened, “Y/N, a pretty name for a pretty lady. Finally, a name to put to the face,” He mumbled under his breath.

I gave him a quizzical look but he offered no further explanation. I shrugged to myself, looking over my shoulder around to see if there were any glasses that needed to be refilled. I excused myself from Hongjoong, unaware of his lingering gaze.

[matrixreimagined]

The Dream Chronicles Chapter 7

I always forget to post this here! lol

A03 Story Link

A03 Chapter Seven

Trinity woke with the ship.

The gentle hum of the systems rebooting, coming out of their overnight stasis. She heard the lights in the hall flicker on and reach their gentle hum.

She opened her eyes.

Neo was still lost to sleep, his face relaxed and content. She ran a hand down his cheek. Stubble was starting to form. The hair on top of his head was also quickly growing into what looked like a buzzcut. It was cute, she thought, but his haircut in the Matrix had suited him much better. It somewhat softened his features.

It would grow back, she knew. Just as hers had done, fifteen years ago.

She wished she could just stay and watch him sleep. But there were things to do and everyone had been slacking since finding the One. Morpheus was letting it slide because he was so excited himself, but they needed to stay on top of things. Especially repairs. The last thing they needed was for the ship to break down while everyone on board was celebrating and watching Neo kick ass all through the construct.

Sighing, she tried to slip out of his arms, only for his grip to tighten, pulling her back to his chest with a dissatisfied groan.

Try as she might, she couldn't help the smile on her face. For a poddie, Neo was already shockingly strong.

"Don't you dare," he muttered.

"I need to shower," she replied, squirming as she tried to fight his vice-like grip.

"Smell good to me."

She smirked. "I'd like to keep it that way." She slipped down and out of his arms, quickly stepping to her feet.

His eyes cracked open, a lazy grin on his face. "Want help scrubbing your back?"

"Some other time," she promised, grabbing a fresh set of clothes from her shelves.  She leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead. "I'll be back soon."

Neo hummed, closing his eyes. "Miss you already."

She hurried to the wash. It appeared that no one else was up yet. She could not hear the subtle creaks that came from the crew moving about on the metal ship.

While there were two bathrooms on the ship, only one contained the showers. It was usually a fight in the morning to get there first and Trinity nearly always won.

She kept her time to a minimum, scrubbing her body down and soaping her hair, all the while knowing it wouldn't make much of a difference. In a few hours, she'd be covered in dirt and sweat from running repairs.

Still, it was soothing. And while water was plentiful in Zion due to the recycling plant, on a hovercraft, they were much more limited. Most ships allowed for showers every two days. As the Neb rarely made port in Zion, they tried to conserve water the best they could. Meaning, oftentimes, they were limited to twice-weekly showers.

The urge to get back to Neo was surprisingly overwhelming. She told herself it was only because they'd have to spend the day separately and not because his absence weighed on her every moment that they were apart.

She had lived without him for decades but now minutes dragged by.

Trinity dried off quickly before dressing for the day and slipped back into the hall. Dozer's door was open, as was Morpheus'.

She opened the door to what had quickly become hers and Neo's room.

The man in question was sitting up in bed. He had dressed for the day and made the bed before sitting back on top of it, the datapad pulled down and resting on his lap.

He looked up as she entered, a smile forming on his face that made her heart fucking stop.

"What are you looking at?" she asked to distract herself from his contagious grin, tossing her used clothes into the laundry bag.

"Catching up on the history of Zion. You know-—trying to fill in the gaps."

"How's that going?" She sat next to him on the bed, glancing down at the datapad. He was reading about the Second Machine War, judging by the pictures.

Neo shrugged. "It dually makes sense and is hard to make sense of."

Trinity nodded. "Despite your dreams, you spent thirty years indoctrinated by the Matrix. It'll be harder to let go of certain things."

Neo powered down the datapad, pushing it up behind them to its rightful station. He leaned towards her, pressing a kiss to her lips. "Good morning."

"Morning," she echoed, resting her head against his. "How are you feeling today?"

"Mentally, pretty good. I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be."

"And physically?"

"I'll do anything you ask if you don't tell Apoc where I'm hiding."

She laughed, craning her neck to kiss his cheek. "Sorry, sweetheart. It's back to bootcamp, I'm afraid."

Neo was practically beaming at her and it took her a moment to realize the term of endearment she had laid upon him. She felt herself flush, but Neo kissed her before she could dwell on it for too long.

She let herself get lost, at least for the moment, in the tastes and sensations of Neo. She wanted to just say fuck it all… to call out sick and just stay in bed, kissing him, all day.

But it wouldn't be beneficial for either of them.

Neo still had to train, and she had a ship to run.

But a few minutes more wouldn't hurt.

............

While there was technically no time constraint on breakfast being served, they were definitely late, considering everyone else was already sitting when they walked in.

Switch wasted no time honing in on the tray in Neo's hands. "What's with the bowls and shit?"

Tank was quick to jump in on that as Neo and Trinity made their way past the table to the little kitchenette. "Oooh, that was from their date last night."

Trinity sighed as Neo set the tray in the soapy water. It was going to be a long fucking day.

"Date?" Switch nearly hollered, looking up. "What date? We're on the Neb!"

Dozer fielded that one. "They made do. Dinner, tea, bottle of my home brew."

"What? Ugh!" Switch shook their head. "I can't fucking take this."

"That's really cute, though!" Mouse piped up.

"I'm dying. I'm literally dying."

Neo stopped up next to Trin as she prepared their teas. "Think they've noticed we haven't said anything yet?" he asked, bending down to whisper in her ear.

"Definitely not." She gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry they're like this."

He kissed her head before reaching for two bowls.

"Just look at them," Tank was saying. "It's nearly nauseating."

"Nearly?" Cypher added.

"Hey, dumbasses," Trinity said loudly as Neo poured them each a serving of breakfast, "take a moment and remember who makes your schedules and decide if you really want to be doing overnights for the next month."

Apoc snickered as a collective sigh filled the kitchen. Trinity had never been so thankful for her one friend who seemed able to mind his own damn business.

She brought their teas over and sat at the end of one of the tables, Neo quickly following with their breakfast.

"You two look awfully domestic," Tank said, like he was unable to help themselves. It only made sense, thought Trinity. Of everyone on the crew, Tank was probably the least afraid of her.

"How long was that?" Trinity asked with a sigh.

"Not even thirty seconds," Neo replied evenly, slipping into the seat next to her, "although I'm not sure what you expected."

"You know what? With the exception of Neo, everyone on this crew has gone after me and Sparky for years. And now that I'm on the other side, I get it and I'm getting in on it!"

Neo smirked at the operator. "I'm not exactly innocent; I've definitely got in on going after you and Sparks on my end."

"See!" Tank said, raising a hand to accentuate his point. "This is my time to shine!"

Trinity rolled her eyes while the others chuckled, save Morpheus. He was eyeing Neo with that intense curiosity.

"You're remembering," the captain commented.

"More and more every day," Neo admitted with a glance to Trinity, remembering their conversation the previous night. "The problem is I'm not sure which dreams are reliable, and which aren't."

"What the hell does that mean?" Cypher asked.

"I mean," Neo paused trying to think of how best to explain, "it's undeniable that some of the things I know are accurate, but there's very little I trust implicitly."

"You dreamed of the club," Apoc noted, sounding curious.

"I did," Neo agreed. "Hundreds of times. And the scenarios ranged a few dozen different ways. But nothing actually matched what really happened that night. And even as far as meetings go, I had other dreams where I met Trin in a library or in a bus."

Trinity's head turned towards him quickly and he was met with a stunned silence from the rest of the room. She shook her head, sighed, and went back to her breakfast wordlessly.

The stares from the others didn't stop.

"What?"

"When Trinity and I were deciding how to make contact with you," Morpheus replied, "we discussed both your bus route and the library you frequent."

Neo glanced to Trinity and back to Morpheus.

Fuck.

"I wonder then, if instead of a fixed linear path, you've been dreaming multiple eventualities of the possible ways this could have gone."

"Oooh," said Tank, shaking his head. "Too many big words possibilities for breakfast conversation."

"Agreed," Switch jumped in. "I'd much rather hear about the shit the Messiah may or may not know."

Neo smirked, setting down his spoon into his breakfast, again leaning forward so he could see around Trinity. "Switch, with the things I know, do you really want to play with me?"

"Save the teasing for Trinity, Messiah. I want dee-tails."

Before Neo, Trinity reflected, she probably could have counted the number of times that other's antics had made her blush on one hand. She didn't embarrass easily, nor was she uncomfortable with people being sexually explicit. Case in point, three of her closest friends were Sparks, Tank, and Switch.

Now? It felt as if her cheeks were stained pink at all times.

"I can't speak to the entire validity of everything I know and remember from this world, however"—Neo kept eye contact with Switch—"do the words 'the Switch Shuffle' have the same resonance for you as they do for me?"

Trinity choked on her breakfast, coughing as she tried to swallow the goop. He looked to her, slipping a hand onto her back immediately as Switch spluttered and Apoc, Dozer, and Tank burst into laughter. The others continued to look on in stunned disbelief.

Neo continued rubbing Trinity's back in small circles as he handed her the tea. She took it gratefully, sipping to soothe her throat after the unexpected revelation.

"Oh, shit. Neo knows about the Switch Shuffle," Tank said, wiping his watery eyes. "New best day ever."

Neo shrugged, looking back to Switch. "Now, do you actually have to be drunk to perform the Switch Shuffle or is that just the only way I've seen you do it?"

"I dance better drunk," Switch confirmed, nodding in slight awe. "Okay, Messiah. Tell me about that dream."

Again, Neo shrugged, sliding his arm fully around Trinity's back to hold her against him. He stiffened as he did, remembering again that this was not his world and while Trinity was still his, she did not have the memories that he did. He went to lower his arm, but Trinity leaned into him in silent permission.

He swallowed while the others eagerly listened in. "We were in Zion at a celebration in the Temple. Switch had a little too much to drink when everyone was getting ready and arrived completely sloshed. Before Hamann could do any sort of announcements, Switch was demanding the drums start and proceeded to do the Switch Shuffle in front of half of Zion. No music, no one else dancing. Just a big circle cleared for you to… shuffle."

"That's bloody brilliant!" Switch said, nodding ferociously.

Neo picked up his spoon. "I enjoyed myself."

"What else happened?" they asked, drumming their hands on the table, bouncing in their seat.

"That was mostly it," Neo said, squeezing Trin's side. "Just dancing."

"Dancing?" Tank asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Or… you know… dancing?"

Neo said nothing, just took another bite of his breakfast.

The short answer, which he would not be sharing, was both.

He could still hear the beat in his head of the drums echoing around the Cave. Heat rolling around them with hundreds of people dancing in close quarters. Trinity pressed against his body, his arms around her as they swayed to the beat. Not caring about sweat or the people around them watching, just moving together.

Before stumbling home. Leaving the party early to kiss in empty halls and elevators. Fumbling to unlock their apartment as he pinned her to the door, before their clothes fell to the floor and their rhythm changed.

He tried not to shift as he felt himself harden.

Instead, he just took another bite.

"This is fucking wild," Mouse said, eyes wide. "I've never even seen the Switch Shuffle. I've only heard about it."

"That's because I don't drink around children."

"I'm seventeen!" Mouse whined.

"You're a baby."

"I'm old enough to drink and go into the Matrix. I should be old enough to see the Switch Shuffle."

"You're really not missing much," Trinity told him.

"Neo's seen stuff in his dreams that I've never seen in real life! How is that fair?"

"Don't worry, Mouse," said Tank, slinging an arm on the younger man's shoulders. "One day, you'll see real titties too. Just not Trinity's."

Trinity smirked, sparing a side glance at Neo. Years of worrying how the One would react to waking up in the real world were wasted down the drain.

When she had gone into the Matrix that night to find him, she was secure in the knowledge that she was at an advantage. She knew things about him. She orchestrated getting him out of his tiny apartment and to the club, had watched him for weeks on end.

And then he had said her name.

It was intimidating, sometimes, how well he knew them all. An odd anecdote about Switch's dancing skills or Deadbolt giving him a hard time, but it all came back to her.

Entwined, the Oracle had told her. Their fates were entwined and inseparable. "He'll be the One. But without you, he'll fall."

She had spent so long trying to figure out why life in the real world still felt wrong and incomplete. Like a breath caught in your throat. Taking in more and more but being unable to release. And then, he was there, and she could finally exhale.

"Oooh," said Switch, sitting up straighter. "Have any fun stories about Sparks?"

Neo blinked, tilting his head to the side in thought.

"Ease up," Trinity ordered the table softly. "Breakfast first, then interrogation."

Switch stuck out their tongue but started eating.

"You guys up for poker later?" Tank asked. "I know Neo knows all of us but maybe that would be a chance for us to know him."

Trinity glanced to Neo, inclining her head slightly and leaving the decision to him. She had to admit, it wasn't a bad idea, but he needed to do so on his own terms. When she gave no indication one way or the other, Neo nodded. "Yeah, that might be nice."

"Awesome!" Switch grinned. "I'll bring the cards, Neo brings the stories, and Dozer can bring the booze."

"I'll bring the stomach pump," Apoc added dryly before turning to Neo. "Finish up. I'll meet you where we trained yesterday."

Neo nodded, unsure what he was dreading more: the intense workout or having to let Trinity go from his arms. She felt so fucking right, leaning into him, tucked into his side. He finally understood why couples felt a need to display affection.

It wasn't about proving something. It was about never wanting to let go of something good in a world where everything else was bullshit.

The older man carried his dishes over to the sink, setting them in the water before saying a quick goodbye to everyone.

Trin leaned her head against his shoulder, briefly, before sitting up to continue eating her breakfast.

The crew at large still seemed fascinated with their interactions. Most were trying, subtly at least, to avoid staring at them.

Cypher, however, was blatantly watching them.

It made him a little uncomfortable and he tried to think back to his dream memories of the real world. While he had plenty of memories of Tank and Dozer and Switch and Apoc, even a fair few with Mouse, there were significantly less of Cypher.

He knew the man, vaguely.

Had memories with Cypher lingering in the background, watching Trinity a little too intently for Neo's liking. Mostly on the Neb. In fact, he couldn't think of any memories of Cypher in the Matrix or even in the city.

It was as if the man existed only on the ship.

He couldn't quite make sense of it, but then, things were still becoming clearer.

Trinity started giving orders out to the remainder of the crew, letting them know their jobs for the day, prioritizing a crack in the outer hull that needed to get repaired before they flew off anywhere new.

She turned to Morpheus. "I'm giving you a heads up—there's a good chance Lock is going to want a call. He wasn't too happy with the latest report."

The captain barely withheld a sigh. It was nice, Neo thought, to know some things never changed.

Neo waited for Trinity after he finished eating so he could take her bowl to the sink as well. She rewarded him with a small smile that made his heart skip a beat.

"Good luck," she said as he walked by.

He cupped her cheek as he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head.  "See you soon," he promised, more for his benefit than hers.

He ignored the teasing sounds from Switch and Tank as he left to continue his training. Life was good.

.............

One by one, the rest of the crew filed out of the mess hall to get back to work. Cypher and Dozer went to work on the hull, and Mouse hurried along to help with the wiring on the bridge. Morpheus left to take inventory, leaving only Switch and Tank behind with Trinity.

"So?" Tank pushed.

"You can't just let things be, can you?" Even as she said it, her lips twitched into a small smile.

"Not for all the bread in Zion. Come on! How was your date?"

"It was good"—she found herself looking down as she thought back to the night before—"really good."

"It was his idea?" Switch asked, leaning forward.

She nodded. "Yeah. Said he wanted to make sure we did this right, despite all the memories and confusion. And he's more concerned with making sure I'm comfortable than he is with this transition."

Trinity wondered if it was wrong that it made her unbelievably happy to see him trying so damn hard to make her feel safe and happy.

"It's all he seems to be focused on," Tank agreed. "Much to Morpheus' dismay."

She considered admitting what the Oracle had told her. To unleash the burden that lay on her shoulders for fifteen goddamn years and yet… she stopped herself.

She had her reasons for keeping it to herself for so long, least of all that what the Oracle said was for her and her alone. She knew she would have been weaponized if anyone had known her ties to the One.

She'd thought about telling her friends before, just so she could talk to somebody about it.

But Tank would be too excited to keep it to himself. Even if he never told, his actions lacked subtlety and Switch would have kept it to themself but would have teased Trinity mercilessly, she knew. And there was always the chance of being overheard and found out.

Of course, now the secret was mostly already out.

She and Neo were bound together.

A profound attachment that she couldn't begin to explain.

But she stopped herself from saying more about the Oracle because… well, because the only person she really wanted to share that with was Neo.

And it was stupid—he had barely gone from her sight and she already missed him and was counting down to when she'd have an excuse to touch him again.

They had spent two nights together and the thought of sleeping in her own bed alone made her queasy.

The words were already on the tip of her tongue every time she caught sight of him, and her heart ached to say them.

I love you.

But he was still so new to the real world. He was still adjusting and the last thing she wanted to do was confuse him as he learned to separate his dreams from reality.

"Morpheus'll get over it," Switch said, pulling Trinity from her thoughts abruptly. "So, have you two fucked yet?"

"Will you stop fucking asking that?!" Trin said, staring at her friend incredulously. "In what world would I ever share that kind of information?"

"This world, Neo's dream world… who cares? Come on, I mean, he stayed the night after your little date, didn't he?"

"We're sharing a space." She didn't mean for it to come off defensive, but it definitely did.

"Whatever. The fucking is inevitable. What I'm curious about is, are you two married in his world?"

Oh.

Truthfully, she hadn't thought about it.

Marriage was, after all, a simple ceremony and a piece of paper.

It was low on her priorities long before she met Neo but now… the idea of putting some kind of formal claim on him was appealing. To have him marked as taken…

She had never been particularly possessive but now it crept through her. A dark urge to keep him for her own. To lock him away where he could be safe and protected and hers. It sounded far too good for her liking.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "But I feel like he would have said something if we were. He's been very honest about the whole thing."

"I don't know," said Switch, "you said yourself, he's concerned with making sure you feel safe. And you're kind of a flight risk. He might not be telling the full truth.""

Shaking her head, she said, "He wouldn't lie. He knows that everything between us right now is based on trust and…"

"Slow down," Switch narrowed their eyes, leaning forward. "Holy shit. You really trust this guy, don't you? Like actually trust him, trust him?"

Why did it feel like she was walking into a trap?

Trin looked away briefly before admitting, "Yeah. I do."

Switch looked to Tank. "Took this bitch years to trust me. Turns out, all it takes is a line about seeing her in my dreams and a swift make out."

Trin flipped Switch off.

"It is weird," Tank said with a shrug. "I mean, under normal circumstances, if someone walked up to me and said they knew shit about my future, I wouldn't believe them. Maybe it's because he's the One or maybe it's just because you two have your whole"—Tank waved a hand—"thing going on."

Trinity knew what he meant.

Tank tended to be as trusting as they came but the things Neo said were somewhat out of the realm of belief. And yet, she never doubted his words or his intent.

"And not for nothing," Tank added, almost as an afterthought. "I know you know more than you're saying."

Her crew wasn't stupid, that was for sure.

She nodded, unwilling to lie to her friends through anything beyond omission. "If there was anything that I felt was related to safety or the wellbeing of the crew, I would let you all know. But there are some things that don't need to be shared."

Switch snorted loudly. "You tell that to Morpheus?"

"Yes."

"How'd the Cap take that?"

"As well as can be expected." Trinity sighed. "There's a lot that I know. But there's a lot more that I don't. Until Neo and I are able to figure things out, he's just going to have to deal with it."

"Surprised you didn't figure things out last night." Tank had a teasing tone lacing his words.

"We talked some."

"Some?" the operator pushed, waggling his brow.

She kept a blank face. "Yes."

"Ugh, stop it with that!" Switch shook their head. "I get that you're keeping some things to yourself but at least tell me this: the One a good kisser?"

It took all her self-control to not let that question affect her. Because fuck. The care and attention put into each moment where they were fused together was outweighed only by the sheer passion and mutual adoration.

Kissing Neo was toe-curling, body-tensing, eye-rolling, breathtakingly perfect.

"Fucking amazing," she muttered before she could stop herself. She regretted it immediately, noting the shit-eating grins on both her colleagues' faces and Trinity sighed. "He knows me, okay? Like, in some ways we're starting this like it's new, but he still is coming in with all this information."

Tank bounced in his seat. "And when you say he knows you…"

She'd already alluded to it. In for a penny. "He's been dreaming about me for fifteen years. He knows my body better than I do."

Switch smacked Tank in the chest. "Can't take it. Can't fucking take it anymore."

"I'm literally dying," said Tank, shaking his head, "Trin, please, I am fucking begging you… let me tell Sparks!"

She shook her head. "Not until I talk to Ghost. I don't want him to hear about this third-hand."

Tank leaned forward. "Sweetheart, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this to myself. We message every day and I keep telling him ‘not much' is going on. Not much, Trin! When we've got a living, breathing Messiah walking around and you're saying shit like that!"

"I have faith you can keep this to yourself for at least a few more days."

"I don't!"

"I can always find more work for you if you think you have enough time on your hands to be gossiping," she teased. It was an empty threat and they both knew it.

"You owe me so big, mami."

Trin rolled her eyes. "On that note," she said, "I need to get back to work. As do the two of you."

"Bo-ring," Switch sang even as they stood up. "But I guess I'll have to wait for tonight. Playing poker with the One is sure to be fun."

"It'll be something."

Trinity could only hope the crew would behave.

[zutaralover94]

Prompt #5 Request

This is for you anons! And for @dangerouspersonllamabagel​ and for @beealexageek​ 

Once upon a time I said I would never write this but here it is!

Read below or Read on AO3 (hopefully I can post on Fanfic soon. Still dealing with those flags!)

Tags: One Night Stands, Pregnant AU, Roommates, Pining, More Pining on Zuko’s half, but Mutual Pining, Rated M, there is a dabble of smut, and a handful of cursing, mentions of the series ‘The Untamed’ and ‘The Office’, Anyone see the Friends inspiration?, I rewrote this more times than I’d like to admit.

Katara woke up with a huge headache. She rolled over and rubbed her face into the warm pillow. There was a groan above her, and she shot up in bed. She looked over to see someone sleeping next to her. She let out a scream before grasping her head in pain. Her eyes closed and she put her head down to her bent knees.  There was another groan and the someone sat up next to her. Katara rubbed at her eyes. “Shit.”

“I agree.” 

Katara turned to the familiar voice, “Oh fuck.” 

Zuko blinked multiple times and then turned to her. “Oh fuck.”

Katara looked down to Zuko’s shirt and sighed, “Oh, thank God.” Katara moved out of the bed pulling the strap of her bra up onto her shoulder. “For a second there I thought we, you know-.” She ended her sentence with a soft laugh and then held her head as she stood up. “Whew,” Katara began pulling on her things from the night before. “I’m going to head downstairs. I’ve got to get something for this headache.”

Zuko patted at his bare thighs and found his boxers thrown over the hotel’s desk chair in the corner. He did his best to be calm as he searches through his non-existent memories to see if anything had happened last night. But he’s fairly sure if anything did happen with Katara, even if someone brainwashed him, that he would remember in an instant. 

+++

Three weeks later, Katara groaned as she felt her stomach lurch again. Stupid Sokka and his dumb chicken parm. Katara leaned over the toilet bowl yet again. She dry heaved and cried a little when nothing came up.

“Woah, are you sick?” Sokka pushed open the door. His face screwed up as Katara dry heaved over the bowl again.

“Yes,” Katara whined. “Your stupid chicken parm made me sick.” She leaned back and rested her head on the cool tub. 

“That can’t be it.” Sokka poked Katara in the forehead. “Both Suki and I are feeling fine. What are you pregnant?”

“Ha!” Katara burst out a laugh and pushed Sokka away. But then it hit her with another wave of nausea. Have I had a period this month? Katara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She mentally started counting backwards. And when she got to day 40, she started over again.

“Kat?” Sokka poked Katara again with a much more serious face. He handed her a glass of water. “I was kidding. I know you’re not seeing anyone.”

“Haha,” Katara gave a weak laugh. “Right.” She took a sip of water before laying her head back on the bathtub again. 

Maybe she was just late.

+++

Two weeks later and many trips to the bathroom all but confirmed that she wasn’t just late. Katara bit her lip as she shopped through at-home pregnancy tests. She had done her research and was pretty sure which one to get. But standing in the aisle by herself was causing a queasy feeling. (That was not a morning sickness feeling. She knew the difference now.) Katara grabbed the one that had the highest ratings and another one just in case. 

When she got home, she held the bag close to her and looked around the apartment. Most everyone was at work. Katara had called in with a stomach bug. She wasn’t too sure how long she could keep using that excuse. Joo Dee was becoming more and more suspicious. 

She was almost too nervous to pee. Her hand kept shaking and her stomach was in so many knots. Katara was positive she knew the answer to this test. She was never late and never sick. She was as healthy and regular as any girl could be. Even so much Suki made fun of her.

Katara sat the test on the counter and sat down on the floor. She sighed as she looked around the small bathroom. She reached over for an old magazine in the bin beside the toilet. It was definitely dated but it would keep her mind busy for a few minutes. 

Or so she thought. She got through one article about boob reductions before she grew bored and put the magazine in the trash can. Katara stood and leaned over the test but there was still no answer. She took down one towel and began refolding it. Then the next and the next. She put them back in color order making a very small rainbow on the shelf. 

Katara froze as she heard the front door open and close.

“Kat?”

She took a deep breath in at the sound of Suki’s voice. Her hands on her stomach and she exited the bathroom with a fake smile. “Hey Suki!”

Suki gave her a strange look, “Did you stay home again?”

“No,” Katara said a little too quickly as she waved her hand as if to be nonchalant. “I, uh, took an early lunch and decided to come home and eat.”

“Oh,” Suki nodded and grabbed her lunch from the fridge and sat down at the table. “That’s good. I was a little worried when I saw your car that you decided to stay home again.”

“Nope,” Katara went to the fridge and realized it was pretty much empty, except for the case of beer, wine coolers and about three boxes of some sort of take out. Katara bit back a wave of nausea and quickly closed the refrigerator door. “You know what I think maybe I’ll just take a nap.”

Suki squinted at her, “You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Katara smiled over to her friend and hoped it look convincing.

“Okay, well I’m going to finish this and go. I hope you have a nice nap.” Suki followed her with still squinting eyes to her bedroom. 

“Okay, have a great rest of your day!” Katara said cheerfully as she opened and closed her bedroom door.

Katara blew out a breath as she laid on her bed. She closed her eyes for just a moment. Not realizing how tired she was. 

It was only twelve minutes later that Suki burst into Katara’s room. “Your PREGNANT!”

“Huh?” Katara rolled over and faced Suki. She rubbed her eyes as Suki held out a white stick.

“What-? Who?!” Suki pushed the stick further at Katara.

Katara blinked a few times before looking at the stick clearly. Two lines stared back at her. She sat up slowly and looked at the two little pink lines for a few more seconds. “I’m pregnant.”

“Yeah!” Suki nodded and handed her the stick. “Aren’t you happy?”

Katara sat there stunned after taking the stick from Suki. Of course. But… “Yeah.”

Suki sat on the bed, “So that’s why you’ve been so sick. You’re never sick.” 

Katara only nodded. I’m pregnant. She placed a hand on her stomach. I’m going to be a mother. Katara’s other hand slapped to her forehead. Oh, fuck! I am going to be a MOM.

“Kat?” Suki nudged her best friend. “Kat!” She pulled the hand away from her head. “Katara! Babe! Woohoo!”

Katara blinked back at her friend. “I’m going to be a mother.” Suki’s smile was bright as she nodded. “I have no idea how to be a mom!”

“What?” Suki sat back but still held on to Katara’s hand. “It’s okay. They say it just comes to you. Plus, you’ve been mothering the Gaang since we were like 12. You’ll be great!”

Katara’s thumb brushed over the non-existent baby bump. “I’m pregnant.” She whispered again and looked down at hers and Suki’s hands. “What am I going to do?”

“What do you mean what are you going to do?” Suki squeezed Katara’s hand. “You’ve always said that you wanted kids.”

“I’ve also said I want to lick whip cream off of half the cast of ‘The Untamed’!” Katara countered.

“Yeah, but that’s like not something obtainable.” Suki shook her head with a small laugh.

“And being pregnant with no idea who the father is or how I’m even freaking pregnant,” Katara pulled from Suki and stood up. “I always thought I’d be married with a steady job first. Hell, being in a relationship would be a step above this!”

“Wait,” Suki stood up too. “You don’t know who the father is?”

Katara bit her lip and shook her head. She had run through everyone she had been with in the past three months. Even though she really only needed to know who she’s slept with in the last month. But even then, Katara couldn’t think of a soul. 

Tears started gathering in her eyes again. If she didn’t even know who the father was, how was she supposed to raise the child? Katara wiped at her eyes. She was just going to have to think harder.

“Kat, calm down.” Suki put her hands on her cheeks. “Hey, look at me.” She gave a smile that calmed her slightly. “We don’t need to know who the father is. You’ve got me and Sokka and Zuko and Toph and Aang and Uncle Iroh.” Katara gave a hiccup and a smile at all the names Suki started rattling off. “That’s plenty of people to look after Peanut.”

“We are not calling my baby Peanut.” Katara said with a serious face.

Suki held up her hands and backed away, “Okay, deal.” They stood there for a few minutes before Suki wrapped Katara up in a hug. “I’m so happy for you! You’re going to be a great mom!”

Katara hugged her best friend back. She was quiet for a few minutes before whispering, “I’m going to be a mom.”

“Yeah,” Suki patted her back. “So, how long have you known? Or thought you knew?”

“It’s been about a month now.” Katara pulled back and sat back down on the bed. “You remember when I first started getting sick two weeks ago?”

“Yeah,” Suki nodded.

“I’m pretty sure I knew then. But what I can’t figure out is like a week or two before that. Where was I? What did I do?” Katara rubbed at her head. “I remember Mai’s and Ty Lee’s wedding was about that long ago. But I didn’t hook up with anyone at their wedding. Or at their bachelorette party. Or any other events like that.” She looked over to Suki. “The last guy I slept with was Haru and that was what six months ago now?”

“Oh, I did always like him.” Suki nodded and then shook her head when Katara gave her a look. “So, there is no one else? You didn’t go partying without me, did you?”

���No,” Katara looked around her room. “See, this is what I mean… How am I supposed to be a mom if I can’t remember someone I’ve slept with in the past-?”

There was a flash of heated skin and dark hair in her mind’s eye. 

Katara’s ankles were hooked around a strong body. Her fingernails scrapping over one pectoral while the others dug into a right shoulder blade. Her teeth sunk into pale skin and sucked. A strong buck of hips caused her to release her teeth and her head fall back in a loud moan. “Oh, my! Do that again! More!” 

And more she got. Katara was hot and she ran her hands up the body to his long black strands that stuck to his sweating face. She pushed back the bangs in his golden eyes. 

“Oh, FU-UH-CK!” 

“Zuko.” Katara whispered as a blush rose up her neck.

“Huh?” Suki blinked at her with confusion.

“We slept together.” Katara whispered. Then groaned as more very detailed memories came back to her from their drunken escapades after Mai’s and Ty Lee’s wedding. “We, fuck.” Katara closed her eyes but was only met with Zuko’s golden eyes practically glowing with desire. “We woke up the night after the wedding in bed together. We still had on clothing, so I thought... “Katara’s eyes popped back open to see Suki gaping down at her.

“Zuko?” 

“Yeah.” Katara sat up and ran a hand through her hair.

“Our roommate, Zuko? Your brother’s best friend? That Zuko?” Suki asked leaning forward with each question. Katara nodded. “The Zuko that gave you your first kiss? Zuko, the one that froze our bras when we were 15? Zuko?”

“Yes!” Katara nodded and then covered her face. “Yes, yes, yes, yes. That Zuko. The one and only Zuko we know! It’s not like he is a Lee. We know a million of Lees.”

“Kat,” Suki put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re sure?”

“I can’t think of another male that I have been in a horizontal position within the past two months.” Katara let out the biggest sigh she had ever in her life. She put her hands back on her stomach. “What if he doesn’t want it?”

“Zuko?” Suki asked with skeptic look. 

“How many times are you going to say his name like a question?”

Suki huffed and crossed her arms, “I’m pretty sure Zuko will-,” 

“Let’s not tell him.” Katara interrupted.

“be ecstatic.” Suki’s arms dropped, “What do you mean ‘Not tell him’?”

“I’m not going to tell him and since you are the only other person-,”

“You should definitely tell him.” 

“That knows. You will not tell him either.” Katara pointed at Suki. “Got it?”

“Like ever?” Suki tilted her head and looked down at Katara’s abdomen, “You know that when the kid comes, he’ll probably know.”

“What? How?”

“Genetics.” Suki stated plainly. 

“Right,” Katara stood back up again and paced to the other side of her room. “Then we won’t tell him or anyone until absolutely necessary. No one can know. Okay? Deal?”

“Katara…”

“Deal?” Katara walked back to her with her pinky finger out.

Suki sighed and held out her pinky. She yanked it back right before Katara curled it around hers. “But just so it’s on the record. I think you should tell him.” Katara rolled her eyes and hooked her pinky around Suki’s.

+++

Five months later, Katara rubbed her stomach as she munched on another small bag of pretzels. She watched as Sokka and Suki pulled out outfit after outfit from the rack. Katara had only shaken her head to pretty much every single garment. She wondered how long it would take them to realize she was doing it on purpose. 

Zuko walked up to her shaking his head as he passed her a white grape juice water, “You know you’re just going to reap what you are sowing when they have a kid?”

Katara gave a soft laugh as she wiped off her fingers on her top. “I don’t know what you mean, ZuZu.”

Zuko just chuckled and passed her the opened water bottle. “Have you decided which bedding set?” Zuko picked up a package with little yellow ducks. “I heard you have to buy a whole bunch of them and put them down like all on at once. So, when Baby Peanut has an explosion in the middle of the night, you just have to take off one layer and not redo the whole bed.”

“I’m still upset that caught on,” Katara mumbled into her water bottle. 

Zuko gave a smile, “Ducks or Turtles?” He held up two packages of bedding. 

Katara looked them both over, “Both?”

Zuko nodded and placed them both in the buggy. “Both is good.” He pushed the cart down the next aisle. But Katara hadn’t moved.

She pressed her hand again to where she thought she felt something. Alarm bells went off in her head and she looked around. “Zuko?” Was something wrong with the baby?

Zuko was back to her in a blink hearing the shake in her voice, “What’s wrong?” Zuko looked down to where Katara was pressing a hand to her stomach. “Is something wrong with the baby?”

“I-I don’t know.” Katara smoothed her hand over the spot again.  And felt the little push again. “Oh my God!” Katara pulled her hand away with a gasp. “Oh, my God!” She put her hand back over where she felt the kick or punch or whatever the baby was doing. “She kicked! She!”

Katara grabbed Zuko’s hand and placed it on her stomach. The baby gave two swift kicks to Zuko’s hand. “Woah!” Zuko pulled his hand back and then broke out into a smile. He put his hand back. His fingers were overlapping Katara’s as he felt the baby move. “She’s moving.”

“I know.” Katara laughed and looked up to Zuko. His golden eyes were so wide with surprise but also looked happy. 

Katara hoped Baby Peanut would come out just like her dad. Happy.

+++

It wasn’t until they were cleaning up the baby shower two months later that Zuko asked.

“So, did the father come today?”

Katara paused while shoving a forkful of cake in her mouth. She bit down only if to have her mouthful, so she didn’t have to reply immediately. Zuko took down another row of lights as he waited. He glanced over at her often. Katara licked the fork clean, still trying to decide if she should lie or not. “Uh, yeah. Why?”

“Oh,” Katara watched his shoulders drop a little. But then come back up as he reached for another set of lights. He turned his back to her, “No reason. Just wanted to know if the father would be around a lot and if we are going to get along with him okay. Is he going to be around a lot?”

Katara swallowed and took another bite of cake as Zuko looked over his shoulder at her. Katara held up her finger as she slowly chewed. She looked down at her plate that only had maybe two other bites. 

“Bye, Katara! I’m really happy for you.” Joo Dee came over and gave her a short hug. “I can’t wait to see the little one. Bring her in as soon as you can. I know the whole office will be so excited.”

Katara nodded and finished her bite. “I will. Thank you for coming.”

Joo Dee patted her head before leaving. Zuko cleared his throat, as if to remind Katara that he was still here and still waiting for an answer.

“I’m,” Katara licked her lips. “I’m not sure.” She whispered.

“Oh,” Zuko said again and began rolling up the lights. 

Katara hissed and placed a hand over where the baby was pushing hard against her side. She winced and moved to be a little more comfortable. Zuko was to her in a few seconds, worry clear on his face. “I’m okay.” Katara pushed Zuko’s hands away that had reached for her side. “I’m fine. She’s just squishing my everything.” 

Zuko sat back on his heels. Katara tried to ignore the small flash of hurt in his eyes. He schooled his face and then rose, picking up the string of lights he had dropped. Zuko and her were quiet for some time. Katara finished off the cake and watched Zuko climb up and down the small step ladder as he took down lights. 

“Are you still free tomorrow and maybe Monday night to help me take back all the double gifts?” Katara asked to break the uncomfortable silence.

“Sure, if you need me.” Zuko shrugged as he rolled up the last string of lights. The streetlights and some small outside lights still lit Azula’s backyard enough that Katara could see Zuko’s facial expressions. It looked a little agitated, but his emotions were blocked off. 

That was one thing she was hoping the baby didn’t inherit. Her father’s skill of turning off emotions. Even after all these years, he could wrap up his emotions with practically a flip of a switch.

“I mean, you don’t have to go.” Katara crossed her arms. 

“Why don’t you ask the father to go? Huh?” Zuko turned around to her, dropping the string of lights in a box. 

“What is up with you and asking about the father all of the sudden?” Katara tried to stand up swiftly but realized it’s a lot harder being eight months pregnant. Zuko moved to help her and once she was on her feet she slapped at his hands. “Stop. I’m fine. Thank you.” Zuko backed up with his hands raised in surrender. “I just know we had already talked about going back to get that changing table I actually wanted.”

“Yeah, we can do that.” Zuko shoved his hands into his pockets. “Just figured maybe during this last month, you might want to spend some more time with the father. Since this whole time, you’ve really only spent it with us.”

Guilt filled Katara’s stomach, she rubbed her hand over the swell right below her boobs. “I think he would be fine with us returning stuff.” She paused her hand over where the baby’s toes were pushing against her ribs. “I think we can do all that boring stuff.”

Zuko sighed and turned to pick up the box of lights. “If the father is around as much now as he is around when this baby is born. The baby will end up calling me dad. And wouldn’t that be awkward.”

You have no idea. Katara patted her belly with a laugh and walked (more like waddled) behind Zuko back into the house.

+++

It was one week before her due date that The Secret spilled.

“Me?!” Zuko yelled as he and Katara stood toe to toe in the nearly finished nursery. Zuko was holding a piece of the new changing table.

“Yes, you.” Katara had her arms crossed over her chest. “Who else?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Zuko crossed his arms over his chest. “It could have been anyone at this point!” 

Katara huffed and unfolded the directions. “But it definitely has to be you.”

Suki popped her head in after just arriving home from work. “Hey guys!”

Katara gave a smile and then rolled her eyes.

“I just don’t see how it’s possible, I’m the only guy-.”

“Oh, you told him!” Suki burst further into the room. She hugged Katara from the side and gave a little squeal. “I’m so happy you finally told! I thought for sure I was going to tell! You know back when you finally told everyone about the pregnancy, I was sure you were going to tell him then. But then I remembered you really didn’t want him to find out. So, two weeks ago at the baby shower. I thought ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be cute if she told him- ‘,”

It took Katara’s fogged up pregnancy brain too long to shove a hand over Suki’s mouth. “Yes, I told Zuko that he had to help me finish the baby room. He is the only one I know that could put this together.” Katara hissed through her teeth.

Zuko looked between the two girls. As Suki blinked a few times and pulled back. “So, you still didn’t tell him?” She almost looked sad.

“Yes, I did tell him.” Katara glared at her best friend. “That I needed his help with building the changing table.”

“Right,” Suki gave finger guns with a slightly guilty face. “Wow, awkward. I’m going to go cook dinner. I’m thinking something spicy. What do you think, Kat?” Suki started making her way to the door. “Pad Thai? Enchiladas? Oh, ramen?” Suki closed the door without an answer. A few seconds later. Katara and Zuko heard the front door close too.

“What was she talking about?” 

“Nothing,” Katara looked back down at the instructions. “I swear sometimes I think it’s her that has the pregnancy brain.” She gave a short laugh. “Now we should probably sort-, Hey!”

Zuko took the instructions from Katara. “What was she talking about, Katara?”

Katara ran her hands over her belly. “I think my water broke?”

Zuko gave her an unimpressed look, “You’re not going to ‘Office’ your way out of this. What was she talking about? She seemed way too happy that I was putting together a dumb changing table.”

“You know how us girls are, we get excited about anything baby.” Katara gave a small smile and tried to shrug of the conversation.

Zuko only shook his head, “Look, I’m happy to help. But I want to know what she was talking about. You didn’t even know what color the room was going to be until you were what six months along? So, how would you know to tell me to build this changing table back when you first told us you were pregnant?”

Katara just stood there running her hands over her pregnant belly. Baby Peanut moved around slightly and Katara could feel the little hiccups. Katara looked around the room. There wasn’t really an escape. “She wasn’t talking about just the changing table she was also talking abo-.”

Zuko sighed and sat down the pieces of the changing table and the instructions. “Okay.” He looked Katara over and then began to walk out. “I’m going to go find Suki. I think enchiladas would be better than Pad Thai.”

“Zuko, wait.” Katara reached out for him as he reached the door to the baby room.

“Why? So, you can stand there and lie to me some more?” Zuko opened the door to the living room. “Because I don’t want to do that.”

Katara followed him, “Zuko…”

“No, Katara.” Zuko looked around for his keys and wallet. “I feel like all you’ve done this whole time is lie.”

“I haven’t lied about a single thing!” Katara crossed her arms over her chest in defense. 

Zuko scoffed, “Right. Then what was Suki really talking about?” Katara’s arms dropped and her mouth opened but closed again. “Exactly. Do you want two chicken or do you want a spinach one this-.”

“You’re the father.”

“What?”

“I said I wanted two chicken enchiladas and a cup of spicy ramen?” Katara bit her lip.

“No, you didn’t.” Zuko shook his head at her. “You said, I’m- ha. I’m the-.”

“Father, yeah.” The smile she was holding back cracked when Zuko’s bloomed on his face. “That’s what Suki- Mmph!”

Zuko’s lips were on hers. The kiss was surprisingly soft and Zuko wrapped his arms around Katara. When Zuko pulled back, Katara’s lips chased after his. She reached up and pulled his face back down to hers. They stood there kissing for a few moments until Peanut decided to start kicking. Zuko stepped back with the largest smile on his face.

“I’m going to be a dad.” Katara nodded with a big smile too. Zuko’s hands ran over Katara’s belly. “I’m going to be a-. We’re going to be parents. Holy Shi-zues and pekingeses.”

“Nice save.” Katara laughed and placed her hand over Zuko’s. Zuko took her hand and kissed it.

“Agni, I wish you would have told me sooner.” Zuko ran his thumb over her knuckles before kissing them again. 

“Why?” Katara gave a small laugh. 

“I don’t know. Maybe so I could have enjoyed this pregnancy longer. Instead of being jealous of some stupid jerk that hadn’t been there for any of the important parts.” Zuko shrugged. “Wait.” Katara hummed. “How do you know that stupid jerk is me?”

“You remember the night of Mai’s and Ty Lee’s wedding? When we got super drunk and we woke up the next morning in bed together?”

Zuko vaguely remembers having to grab his boxers from across the room after Katara had crawled out of bed. “And so, you’re sure…”

“Yes, I haven’t been in bed with a male since way before that.” Katara gave a small laugh. “Plus, I kind of remember bits of that night. It was pretty hot. It got me through my horny months.”

“Oh?” Zuko wiggled his eyebrows. Katara gave his arm a little smack. Only for Zuko to gather Katara up in his arms again. “I’m going to be a dad.” 

Katara wrapped her arms the best she could around Zuko. “Yeah, you oh-,” Katara clutched at Zuko’s shirt. Katara felt a gush of wetness run down her leg. “Uh, I got to go to the bathroom.”

“Oh,” Zuko stepped back and helped walk her to the bathroom.

“It’s okay. I just didn’t realize I had to go.” Katara patted Zuko’s arm and closed the door. Once she was finished, she joined Suki and Zuko on the couch. Suki had come back with boxes and boxes of take out containers. Her stomach gave a twinge and Katara hissed. She waved Suki and Zuko to continue their conversation.

“So, she finally told me.” Zuko said as he opened another container for Katara. “And I kissed her.”

“Ow!” Katara grabbed at her lower stomach. “Okay that hurt. Sorry. You were saying.” Katara moved to get comfortable again, but her back began to ache and her stomach cramped. She hissed and ran her hand over her stomach. “Sorry, go ahead.”

Suki and Zuko gave her a strange look, “You kissed her?” Suki asked after a second. She watched Katara take a bite of her noodles. 

Zuko looked Katara over as she winced while eating, “Are you in labor?”

Suki’s eyes got wide and sat down her fork, “Oh my God she is in labor!”

“I’m what?” Katara groaned as a large wave of pain hit her. “No, remember I’ve had these before.” She patted Zuko on the arm. “I’m fine. What were we saying?”

“We were talking about how you told him, and he kissed you. What does that mean? Are you guys like togeth-,” Suki looked between Zuko and Katara.

“Okay. Ow!” Zuko pulled his arm away from where Katara’s nails had begun to dig in. “Why don’t we just take you down to the hospital?”

“Cause, I’m not in la-.” Katara moved again and felt the need to poop again. “I’m not in labor. I just need to go to the bathroom. Help me back up.” Zuko looked over to Suki before helping Katara up. Katara groaned in pain as she stood. “Maybe get some Tylenol too?”

Suki shook her head, “How about an epidural?”

Katara paused and looked over at her. “No, I’m fi-.” Katara whined. “Okay, maybe we should.”

+++

“Here she is,” The doctor laid the fresh pink baby over on Katara’s shoulder. Katara began bawling and Zuko kissed Katara’s forehead. He reached out for the little crying baby. He held onto Katara’s hand as she touched the baby’s foot. “Alright, we’re going to wash her off and check a few things and then we’ll do some skin to skin time. Okay?”

Katara bubbled out an ‘Okay’ and held onto Zuko’s hand harder. A nurse came by and began helping Katara clean up. They turned out some of the lights before handing the baby over to Katara. 

“Oh, my Spirits she is so precious.” Katara whispered and ran her hand down her baby’s back. “And beautiful. Oh, my God. I want to keep her.”

Zuko chuckled and kissed Katara’s forehead again. “You do get to keep her, I promise.”

“Don’t make fun of me,” Katara said in between tears. 

“I’m not, ‘Tara.” Zuko’s face didn’t fall from the large smile. 

“Oh,” Katara whispered and kissed her baby’s head. “That little sigh. Zuko, I love her.”

Zuko rubbed Katara’s arm, “I love her, too.” Zuko sighed and after a moment continued, “I love both of you.”

“I love you too.” Katara leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Her eyelashes were still wet with tears. “Zuko?”

“Hmm?” He raised a hand to brush hairs from her face.

“I still don’t know her name.” Katara opened her eyes with a little pout. “I’ve just been calling her Peanut like the rest of you.”

Zuko did his best not to laugh, “You’ve got time.”

“But her birth record will show Baby Girl.” Katara pouted more. “I don’t want her to just be Baby Girl.”

“Then what do you want to name her?”

“I don’t know.” More tears started to well in Katara’s eyes.

“How about Peanut?” Zuko joked. But realized that this was not a joking matter as Katara’s blue eyes turned an icy glare at him. “Okay, not Peanut.” Zuko looked around for a minute. They hadn’t looked through any baby naming books. Zuko thought Katara already had one picked out. “What about Hope?”

“No, my godchild’s name is Hope.” Katara waved off the idea. “Next?”

“Uh, Patricia?” Zuko thought he remembered hearing that name somewhere…

“You want to name our baby after our birthing coach?” Katara raised an eyebrow at him.

“No,” Zuko shook his head. “Da-Shoot, this is harder than it looks.” 

They were both quiet for a moment. Both working through a list of names. Katara sighed as Zuko’s fingers continued to run through her hair. The soft strokes made her want to dose off. But she knew someone would probably be in to collect their baby soon. Then she could sleep. Maybe she should make Zuko stay with her if only to have him continue running his fingers through her hair. 

“What about Zara?” Zuko asked and Katara hummed. 

She rolled the name around in her mind a few times, “Zara.” Like Zuko and Katara put together. “I like it.” Katara brushed a hand over the baby’s head, “Zara.”

+++

Two years later and Zuko is trying to take the curlers from Zara’s dark brown hair. “Katara! Hurry up or this flower girl won’t make it to the wedding!” 

“Really?” Katara stepped from their room with a diaper bag and her hair still in curlers.

“What?” Zuko smiled up to her. “You know Suki will be mad if you show up late.”

“Oh, like her and Sokka did at ours?” Katara raised an eyebrow. “I believe you told me once ‘you reap what you sow.’? I think that they are doing just that.”

Zuko chuckled and stood up with Zara in his arms. He leaned over and kissed his wife on her freshly painted lip. “Love you.”

“Mhmm,” Katara took out Zara’s last curler. “Now, let’s go because you’re right. She really will be mad if we are late.”

[cherryblossomflowers]

An Old Life Meets A New (Pt9)

Pairing: Jensen x Daughter, Danneel x Stepdaughter

Warnings: Slight Cussing, Angst, Fluff, Death Mentioned, Car Accident Mentioned, Anxiety/Depression, Arguing, Panic Attacks, Yelling, Fighting

Summary: After the recent death of her mother, Harper must adjust to her new life in the Ackles home, this includes a new stepmother, half-siblings, and reconnecting with her father.

A/N: LONG CHAPTER ALERT! No hate on Danneel or Jensen please. This chapter is a little into Harper’s mother. Believe me, these chapters are leading up to a HUGE fight. Feedback is greatly appreciated!

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Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 4   Part 5   Part 6   Part 7   Part 8

Chapter 9

Jensen pulled the truck into the driveway, but before he could even park the truck, Harper opened the door and jumped out. Jensen looked in the rear view mirror at Danneel before shaking his head, turning off the truck, and getting out.

Danneel sat there for a moment. She couldn't move or speak or think. The guilt she felt, the pain she felt, it was horrible.

She saw Jensen walking up to the front porch with the bags from the mall in hand. He and Harper walked inside the house and the door closed behind them.

With a deep sigh, Danneel made her way out of the truck and up the steps of the front porch. She laid a hand on the door handle, debating whether to open it or not. She closed her eyes and pushed the door open.

As she walked inside, she noticed the silence in the house. Jensen nor Harper was anywhere to be seen.

Danneel slumped into the kitchen and over to the fridge. She grabbed a bottle of water and began to walk out of the kitchen.

Just then, Jensen was walking down the stairs from the dining area. Danneel looked up at him, but he had his head down. He was heading for the front door. He reached in his pocket, pulled out his truck keys, and extended his hand for the door handle.

Just as Jensen was about to open the door, Danneel spoke up, "I'm sorry, Jay."

Jensen stopped his movements. Without looking up, he replied, "I don't think it's me you need to be saying that to."

Danneel looked down, "I doubt she'll talk to me right now."

"And you'd be right about that. I took everything into her room, but she doesn't care about any of it right now. She's just laying on her bed, crying."

Danneel's eyes filled with tears, "She's crying? I caused that, didn't I?"

Jensen looked up at Danneel, "You really fucked up Danneel, and I'm sorry to say it that way but it's true. She lost her mother a week ago, and then you suddenly name yourself her new mother. That is not okay, Dee."

Danneel stood in silence. A tear fell down her face.

Jensen sighed and opened the front door, "I need to go pick up the kids from my parents. You have 3 hours to somehow make it right before we have to dive into another problem, Dee," he said as he walked out the door.

Danneel wiped the tears from her eyes and looked towards Harper's room, "What am I going to do?"

Thinking quickly, she gathered the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies and laid them out. She made a small batch of cookie dough from memory, placed the dough on a cookie sheet, and set it in the oven.

While cleaning up, Danneel was humming Blackbird by the Beatles. It was one of her favorites, and something she'd sing from time to time for her kids. She smiled as she sang quietly to herself.

The timer rang loudly in the kitchen as Danneel pulled the cookie sheet from the oven. She grabbed a plate from the cabinet, sprinkled it with sugar, and one by one placed the cookies on the plate.

Once she finished, she stared down at the cookies, "I don't know if this will work, but I don't know anyone who can resist a cookie fresh from the oven."

Danneel smiled as she made her way out of the kitchen and up the stairs towards Harper's bedroom. She got up to the door and froze.

Harper was sobbing loudly on the other side of the door. It broke Danneel's heart knowing she caused that.

Danneel knocked lightly on the door, "Harper? Honey, it's me. It's Danneel."

Harper yelled through her tears, "Go away!"

Danneel sighed and pushed the door open just a crack, "I, um, I made cookies. Would you like one?"

Harper ignored her and curled into herself more. Danneel pushed the door open the rest of the way, filling the room with light from the hallway. She walked inside and stood at the side of the bed.

"Harper, I'm sorry. I really am. I shouldn't have pushed you to get your ears pierced. And I certainly shouldn't have pushed you into seeing me as your mother," Danneel said quietly.

As Danneel walked closer to Harper, she noticed Harper was clutching something in her hands. She sat down on the bed and set the plate on the ground.

She leaned to see what Harper had in her hands. Harper saw Danneel from the corner of her eye and curled into herself.

Danneel hung her head and sighed, "Harper, please. Talk to me. Say something, anything."

Then Harper mumbled something that Danneel wasn't expecting to hear at all, "You're so much like her."

Danneel blinked and looked at Harper, "I...what?"

Harper sat up to the edge of the bed next to Danneel and clutched the framed picture in her hands into her chest, "My mom. You two are so similar."

Danneel was shocked to say the least. She had no idea how to respond. She remained quiet and next to Harper.

Harper set the photo down between her and Danneel before wiping her eyes.

Danneel looked down at it and finally spoke, "Is that her?"

Harper nodded, keeping her head down as tears still poured down her face.

Danneel picked it up and took a good look at it, "I had forgotten what she looks like," she smiled, "Jensen is right though, you look a lot like her."

Harper replied, "I hate hearing that. It makes me not want to look at myself. I'm afraid I'll see her every time."

"I'm sorry," said Danneel setting the photo back down, "I won't say it again."

"It's fine, I guess," Harper said as she shrugged.

Danneel sighed, "You two must've been very close."

Harper nodded, "She was my best friend. I don't know how I would've gotten through anything without her."

"You know, my mother and I were close too at one point," replied Danneel.

"Y-you were? But not anymore?" asked Harper.

Danneel shook her head, "Not after I told her I wanted to go into modeling."

Harper's jaw dropped, "Wait a second, you were a model?"

Danneel laughed, "For a bit yes. Then I started acting in 2003," she looked back down, "My mother didn't exactly approve of it. She wanted me to do something more. But it was my dream. So I took it and ran with it."

"Do you still talk with her?" asked Harper.

"Occasionally. Not as often as she or I would like, but we do speak to each other," Danneel smiled up at Harper.

Harper sighed, "I'm sorry. I bet you wish you could just go back and change things."

Danneel shook her head, "I wouldn't change a thing."

"Really?"

"Really."

Harper and Danneel sat in silence for a bit. Harper took a deep breath and sighed.

Danneel looked over at her and cleared her throat, "Can I ask you something?"

Harper nodded, "Sure."

"And feel free to not answer. I don't want to push anything," said Danneel raising her hands in defense.

"Go ahead, ask away," replied Harper.

Danneel sighed and closed her eyes, "Do you hate me...because I remind you of your mother?"

Harper slumped back, then stood from her spot on the bed and walked over to her window. She leaned against the glass with her arms crossed. She didn't speak or move.

After a moment, she turned to Danneel, "I don't hate you, Danneel. I don't particularly like what happened today, but I don't hate you."

Danneel sighed, "Well, I'm happy you don't hate me."

"You do remind me a lot of my mom, though. A lot. Your enthusiasm when you first saw me, mom would greet me like that everyday. You made homemade spaghetti, mom used to do that kind of stuff all the time. You got concerned that I hadn't eaten, my mom would be furious with me if there was anything left on my plate," Harper spoke quietly.

She crossed the room towards Danneel, still explaining as she walked, "The small talk at dinner, my mom always knew when there was something on my mind. My mom loved to decorate all the time. She tried to make me change from blue to different colors, but I wouldn't budge. I was so scared to get my ears pierced though I wanted to, so she set a date in August and said it's happening whether I liked it or not."

Harper sat down next to Danneel again, a tear falling down her face, "She used to make cookies when I was sad, too. Sometimes...she'd even sing."

Closing her eyes, Harper started to hum Blackbird. Danneel recognized it and hummed along with her.

Harper opened her eyes, "She'd sing that song to me a lot, and sometimes I'd sing with her. It really made me...happy."

Danneel looked down at the plate on the ground. She picked it up and passed it over to Harper, who took it with a smile.

Harper and Danneel both took a cookie from the plate, and Harper placed it behind her.

Danneel stared down at the cookie in her hand, "I didn't realize your mother and I had so much in common."

"Neither did I until yesterday," replied Harper.

They looked up at each other and smiled.

Danneel looked away, "I have to confess something."

Harper gave a confused look, "Confess what?"

"I-I was jealous. Of you and your dad," Danneel said, not looking at Harper.

Harper chuckled, "You're joking right?"

Danneel shook her head, "When Jensen told me you'd be living with us, I was so happy to get to see you again. It hadn't hit me yet that you were no longer 5-years-old. When I hugged you and you pulled away, I was hurt. When I saw Jensen hug you, I was hurt more. Him holding your hand, the memories you two share, the fact that you two picked up right where you left off," she trailed off, "I guess I wanted that for us too."

Harper thought for a moment, and stood from her bed. She walked in front of Danneel and opened her arms for a hug.

Danneel stared at her, confused and shocked. Harper is willingly hugging me?

Harper smiled, "Are you going to hug me or not? My arms are getting tired."

Tears of happiness filled Danneel's eyes as she stood up and welcomed a hug from Harper.

Harper was tense at first, then melted into the hug, "Your hugs feel so much like hers."

Danneel smiled, "Is that okay?"

"It's perfect," whispered Harper as she hugged Danneel tighter.

Danneel held Harper at arms length, "You and I should just start over. Pretend none of this ever happened."

Harper laughed, "I don't know how I pretend that the two holes in my ears never happened, Dee."

Danneel joined in the laughter, "I guess you're right, sweetheart," Danneel's eyes went wide from realizing what she said, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. That slipped."

Harper took a step forward and hugged Danneel again, "I think I can let it slide. It's not so bad hearing it again."

Danneel wrapped her arms around Harper again, "From now on, I'll try to be a better stepmom, okay?"

"And I'll try to relax more into the stepmom thing," replied Harper.

"Agreed," Danneel said, giving Harper a side hug.

Just then, the two heard the front door open and close. The muffled voice of Jensen from the entryway, "We're home!"

Harper looked confused at Danneel, "We? Who's we?"

Danneel took Harper's hand, "Come on. There's a few people you should meet."

They walked hand in hand down the hallway and down the stairs to the entry, Harper confused of the entire situation.

Once they got to the living room, Harper stopped dead in her tracks.

Three small children stood at Jensen's feet. Jensen held the hands of the two smaller ones while Danneel picked up the bigger child.

Danneel walked over to Harper, "Harper, this is Justice Jay, JJ for short."

Jensen piped in, "And this is Arrow," pointing to his left side, "And Zeppelin," he said pointing to his right side.

Harper took a step back, "They're...kids."

Danneel laughed, "Yes?"

Harper looked to Jensen for answers, "But who's kids are these?"

Jensen walked up behind Danneel and hugged her, "Well, they're ours of course. They're your step siblings."

All the color drained from Harper's face and her jaw hit the ground.

Step siblings?!

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

Masterlist

My Cherry Blossoms

@mlovesstories​ @chessurkait​ @adorable-minibot​ @desiredposion​ @idksupernatural​ @thevelvetseries​ @spnfamily-j2​ @let-me-luve-you @obsessedwithfandomsx

[heloisedaphnebrightmore]

Journey to Hogwarts - Chapter 5; That damned letter

Gif’s not mine! [Google]

Title: That damned letter Pairing: Sirius Black x OC Word count: 3165 Published: 28 August, 2020 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Notes: Here is Chapter 5 to our little project Journey to Hogwarts with Mags [ @kalimagik ], Dee [ @obsessedwithrandomthings​], Steph [ @firewhisky-kisses​ ], Millie [ @iliveiloveiwrite​ ] and myself. 

Series Masterlist: Journey to Hogwarts

My Masterlist: Masterlist 

Desiree arrived at the living room of Grimmauld place first, stumbling out of the fireplace, still unable to get used to the Floo network. Kiara followed closely behind, placing an arm around Des’ shoulder to keep herself steady. She wasn’t wasted, but had enough to stand on shaky legs. Sirius followed behind, stepping beside the two girls as Remus appeared in the room.

“What the hell were you thinking getting home at this hour?” Remus started off on a lecture, but Des waved him off as she heard an annoyed groan from Ki.

“Can we get this over with, after we slept?” Des asked with a stern look, but Remus didn’t seem to care.

“Certainly, I will just wait until you get better, because you have not done anything wrong at all. Of course, not! You went out and got drunk, like two reckless teenagers. Do you really think I will just let you walk away without a word?” He opened his arms in a questioning gesture.

“Do you really think we would be able to listen to any of your rumbling? I’m not even sure we will remember what happened today, let alone remember your ranting. We will see you tomorrow or today. Same difference.” Des heaved a deep sigh as she started off with Ki towards the stairs.

“Don’t you dare think I’m done with you!” He spoke to the back of the two girls, before Ki turned back around to finally give a piece of her mind to the man, but she was cut off.

“Remus! Let them go.” Sirius said as he put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. Des turned around giving Sirius a grateful smile, before she walked upstairs with Kiara on her shoulder.

Des helped Ki to her room, tucking her in, the younger girl falling into deep slumber almost immediately. She chuckled at her friend’s mindless state as she was murmuring something about Neville in her dream, a small smile creeping up on her lips.

She walked back to her room, quickly changing and throwing herself on her bed, rolling under her duvet. She leaned down beside her bed, taking out a letter from the back-pocket of her trousers, hiding it in her nightstand, away from the prying eyes. She didn’t want anyone to see it, let alone Sirius. Her letter to the man was more personal than she intended to write, but the words just came out without a second thought.

Morning came quickly or so she thought as she looked at the clock on the wall showing 5pm. She jumped out of bed, a slight headache making her feel dizzy. She needed food. She went to the bathroom, cleaning herself up, before she headed downstairs.

The house seemed to be deadly silent. She took a seat in the kitchen and as if on cue Kreacher appeared with her food. She didn’t dispute how he knew that she was up, she started stuffing herself with all the delicious dishes across the table.

As she finally felt full and her slight headache disappeared, she recognised two voices coming from the living room.

She walked across the kitchen, darting her head out of the doorway to see an annoyed Remus standing in the living room, across him Ki with a grimace. He was beyond angry at the younger woman. Ki thought he treated her like a child, but he was only looking out for her, trying to protect her. His arms crossed in front of his chest, a sceptical look on his face.

“What were you thinking? All of you getting drunk, when you are still barely out of school? Don’t you think that’s a bit reckless?” He asked, but she just rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed huffing sound.

“I am 24 years old, Remus. I think I am at an age where I do not need a babysitter and I definitely don’t remember hiring one.” She replied, making her friend, Des snicker at her words. She leaned against the doorframe, watching as the scene was unfolding with an amused look on her face.

“I am responsible for you and I am planning to keep you in one piece.” He retorted, his tone firm.

“Which part of I’m an adult don’t you understand? Just stop acting like you're my father - you're not!” Ki raised a brow, lips pursed as she tried to swallow the anger bubbling up inside her.

“I don’t need to be your father to want to protect you. You might be an adult, but you’re new to our world. This is not a child’s playground.” He scoffed, hoping she would finally understand his point.

“If you keep acting like I’m some sort of a naive little teenager, I promise you, I’ll behave like that and you’ll have plenty of time to regret it.” She shrugged, knowing well that she would keep her words.

“This is exactly why I am treating you like a child.” He heaved a deep sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose. Des let out a silent giggle at their bickering. She was lost in enjoying their little drama, she didn’t even recognise the man standing beside her.

“Shouldn’t we stop them? This will escalate quickly.” Sirius raised a brow. Des didn’t turn towards the man, she kept her gaze on the arguing pair.

“Nah, this is way too entertaining.” She smirked, enjoying the moment as if she was watching a comedy show.

“Oh is it, sweetheart? I reckon I could entertain you even more.” Sirius spoke with a confident grin. Des finally turned around, looking into the man’s grey eyes, for a moment getting lost in them, before she composed herself.

“Okay, Black, you got my attention.” She replied with an ever growing smile across her face. Sirius placed his palm on the small of her back, gently guiding her towards the kitchen, pulling out a chair for her. “What a gentleman.” A playful grin spread across her face as she took her seat and watched the man taking out a bottle of firewhisky.

“Only when I want to be.” He shrugged, his smirk cockier than ever.

“Why would you want to be?” Des asked as she put her elbow on the table, placing her jaw into her palm, raising a questioning brow.

“I wouldn’t want a pretty lady like yourself to feel disrespected.” He replied as he filled up two glasses with the alcohol. Des couldn’t hold in an evil chuckle.

“Oh Black, that was really bad.” She breathed as her laughter finally faded.

“Maybe I just wanted to impress you?” He asked as he sat down beside her and offered a glass of firewhisky to her with a cheeky wink, making her giggle.

“That sounds more like it.” She raised her glass and clinked it with Sirius’.

The pair continued to talk about themselves and their younger, reckless teenage years. Des was listening to Sirius, completely focusing her attention on him, inhaling every word of his tales about the marauders and their mischievous school days.

They tapped into darker subjects too, revealing parts about his past that Des didn’t know much about, parts that the books didn’t contain. His time in Azkaban was one of his worst memories, but he didn’t seem fazed as Des' confidence got boosted by the alcohol and questioned him almost as if she was interrogating the man.

“Why did you not escape before? I mean, you were there for twelve years. You were an animagus from the very beginning.” She frowned, waiting eagerly for a reply. Sirius stayed silent for a while, collecting his thoughts.

“I guess, I could have escaped earlier, but I felt guilty. It was my idea to use Peter as a secret keeper and after his betrayal, I felt as if it was all my fault. And noone would have believed me if I said Peter was the traitor. I wouldn’t have believed it either.” He shook his head as he took another swig of his whisky.

“But Remus would have believed you, if you just explained it to him.” You tried to understand his logic, but it was beyond you.

“When you lose everyone you love and they cage you in with multiple dementors, sucking even the last remaining hope out of you and you are only clinging to the knowledge of being innocent, it doesn’t really give you the push you need to get up and go.” He offered Des a smile, but she could see through his hidden pain.

“I’m sorry to ask about it.” She spoke in an apologetic tone.

“It’s fine.” He smiled, this time happier. “I can’t imagine how hard it is for you being stuck in a world you thought was a fairytale.”

“You tell me. I got dropped off here thinking it was all part of my imagination, then I realised that I could do magic. Me?” She scoffed in disbelief. “I am loving it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not easy to process.” She frowned, thinking back at the moment the bright light sucked them into this world, that she thought to be a mere invention of a writer’s mind.

“Well, if anything, I am glad you fell into our world.” He smirked as he looked down at her empty glass. She followed his gaze before she returned to his grey eyes.

“If I didn’t know you better, I would think you are trying to get me drunk, Black.” She chuckled as he stood up and opened another bottle of firewhisky.

“Maybe I am.” He smirked, his whole presence radiating confidence.

“Oh, and why is that?” She smirked, biting into her bottom lip.

“Do you two ever stop flirting? Get a room.” Ki walked into the kitchen with a cheeky grin, searching for a bottle of water in the fridge, her words causing a fit of laughter to erupt from Sirius’ lungs.

“I don’t think you would enjoy the noises.” He laughed playfully, watching as Ki’s face took on a darker shade of red. Des stood up from the table, walking over to Sirius to nudge him on the shoulder, but he didn’t mind, he just gave her a sweet smile. She shook her head as she took the bottle of alcohol from the man, filling up her glass, before jumping up on the countertop and getting herself comfortable.

“You should know how to use a silencing charm.” Des quipped in with a playful smile across her face.

“Oh I am excellent at it. I can teach you if you’d like.” He replied wiggling his brows, making her scoff, but her smile didn’t falter. Des looked at Ki as she heard a gagging sound from the table. She imitated the way she was about to throw up, but soon a huge grin appeared across her face, causing Des’ smile to wither realising the devilish grin on her friend’s face.

“What are you up to?” Des asked Ki with a suspicious gaze.

“Did you give the letter to Sirius?” Ki asked, her grin growing by the minute.

“What letter?” Sirius asked with a curious expression, his eyes wandering between the two girls who were having a staring contest.

“I don’t know what she is talking about.” Des spoke, silently trying to suffocate her friend with the deadliest gaze directed at her.

“Oh, it’s nothing really. It’s just a love letter she wrote to you.” Ki smirked, causing Des to slap herself on the forehead as she wanted to dig her own grave in embarrassment.

“I’m listening.” Sirius grinned excitedly, his eyes attached to the fidgeting girl.

“Let’s clear things up, before this conversation takes a whole different turn. I didn’t write a love letter, because I wanted to, but because I was dared to do so, it doesn’t mean anything.” Des quickly tried to explain the situation, heaving a deep sigh as she finished.

“Oh…” Sirius raised a brow. “So you don’t actually think I have kissable lips, nor do you want to run your fingers through my soft black hair, right?” He asked with an innocent smile. Des’ face turned pale for a second, before it took on the darkest shade of red, her eyes wider than ever. “You don’t want me to grab your thighs and push you up against a wall?” She closed her eyes and heaved a deep sigh as she tried to forget each word Sirius was repeating from her letter. “You don’t want to wrap your legs around my waist and kiss me hard, tugging on the end of my hair, moaning into the kiss?” He chuckled playfully. Des could hear Ki’s wholehearted laughter in the background, but her eyes were attached to the owner of the grey irises.

“Enough! How do you even know about those lines? Fred gave back the letter to me. It’s in my room.” She tried to argue, even though she had a feeling the letter in her room was not hers after all.

“Fred put the letter in my pocket last night.” Sirius shrugged, sending a wink at her.

“That little shit.” Des spoke under her breath, sighing deeply.

“I’m just going back to sleep, so enjoy your night, guys.” Kiara grinned happily as she started off towards the door.

“Don’t leave me here now.” Des called after her, but she just chuckled.

“Don’t forget to use protection.” Ki shouted from the bottom of the stairs, making Sirius laugh at her blatant comment, causing Des to groan in an annoyed tone. “And a silencing charm if you don’t mind.” Her laughter died out as she disappeared.

An awkward silence fell upon the pair, or so Des felt like it, whilst Sirius was enjoying her embarrassed state. He walked up to the blushing girl, stepping in between her legs as he placed his hands on her thighs, drawing circles on her exposed skin.

“So you were just dared to write such a detailed letter, right? You didn’t mean any of the words in your letter, huh?” He asked, his smile still unfaded.

“No, I didn’t?” She replied, although it sounded more like a question, her tone unsure of her own words.

“Are you sure?” He asked again, stepping closer, his face barely any inches from Des’ face, his gaze wandering between her brown eyes and pink lips.

“Do we really need to talk about this? Can’t we just change the subject?” She asked, as she felt his closeness too unbearable.

“Oh, no, I am enjoying this way too much.” He chuckled as he watched the girl roll her eyes.

“Well, I don’t. So I would very much appreciate it if you could just ignore that letter.” She huffed in an annoyed tone.

“I don’t want to.” He replied with a shrug, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Well, try it then.” She scoffed as she tried to remove Sirius’ hands from her thighs, but the man was stronger.

“I don’t plan to.” He shook his head, a confident grin spreading wider across his handsome face. Des noted how good looking he was even more so than she imagined in the books. But she didn’t let it get to her.

“Oh, bite me.” Des nudged him on his chest.

“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” He asked playfully, but he didn’t miss the shiver his close presence caused her as he leaned closer, his lips almost grazing hers. “Are you sure you didn’t mean any of your words? I think you really want to run your fingers through my hair, tugging at the ends. I feel like you do want to kiss me.” She knew he was taunting her and she was losing hard. Her eyes were focused on his lips, wanting to feel them against hers, his scent, a mix of alcohol and nicotine finding its way into her nostrils, his presence absorbing her complete attention.

She didn’t even have time to process what was happening, it was too quick. His lips attached to hers, kissing her hungrily, needy. His hand wandered up to her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies melting into one. She ran her fingers through his hair, smiling into the kiss, enjoying the feeling more than she ever thought she would. She moaned into the kiss as he sucked on her bottom lip, making her gently pull at the end of his black locks.

“So you did want to do that?” Sirius chuckled as he broke the kiss, his forehead against hers, his thumbs drawing random patterns on the side of her hips. Her arms hang lazily around his neck, gently playing with the soft strands of his hair.

“Maybe?” She chuckled as she bit into her bottom lip, her gaze fixed on his grey eyes.  

“What about the rest of the letter?” He asked, running his tongue across his lips.

“Can you just forget about that damned letter?” She was almost begging him, scrunching her nose in embarrassment, but her smirk didn’t falter.

“It was way too detailed to forget about it.” He chuckled. “I mean the part where you wrote how you would like me to take you, is definitely my favourite one.” He laughed louder, pulling Des closer as she hid her face in the crook of his neck, her face blushing furiously, her eyes squeezed shut. “But if that helps, I could have a temporary amnesia?” He smiled sweetly as Des pulled away from her hiding place and looked up at the man.

“Would you, really?” She tried again, wearing her most innocent smile. She questioned and Sirius nodded in reply. “Thank you.” She said as she wrapped her arms around the man, hugging him gratefully. “I’m sorry you had to read that though. I didn’t mean for you to see it.” She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly.

“I don’t mind. I actually liked it. Especially how you described the way I took off your clothes hungrily.” His laugh sounded like a bark.

“Sirius! You said, you would temporarily forget it.” She huffed in an annoyed tone.

“Oh sweetheart, we didn’t agree to a time or date.” He chuckled, placing his hands on her face, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. “Maybe from tomorrow.”

“Oh hell no.” She pushed him away and jumped down from the counter, trying to walk away, but Sirius grabbed her from behind, pulling her back against his chest.

“Where are you off to?” He whispered into her ear, causing goosebumps to appear on her skin, shivering slightly under his closeness.

“I am very clearly trying to get away from you.” She replied as she removed his hands from her waist and quickly headed towards the exit. However before she completely stepped out of the room, she turned back around, looking at the man with a playful smirk across her face, leaving a chuckling Sirius behind with an amused look. He shook his head before he heaved a deep sigh and fell back on his chair, his happy smile wider than ever. 

Tags: @just-an-outstanding-auror​ @jenniweaslee​ @hufflefluff-writer​ @ravenclaw-member​ 

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[the-regal-warrior]

Earl Grey and Cappuccinos: Part Two

This chapter is so long, and I’m so excited to share all of it with you. As always, @nalgenewhore is my very creative bestie, and she’s responsible for some of the really cute dialogue you’re about to read. Also, Dee Dee, Jello, and Jett came from her mind - I just expanded. Also, the music that gets mentioned here - all of that came from her.

The other part of this story, along with everything else I’ve written, can be found on my masterlist, which is linked in my bio.

Summary: It’s a Coffee Shop AU meets Rival Tattoo Artists AU meets Elorcan k- do I even need to say anything else?

Warnings: Still just language.

.

Elide knocked on the door to Lorcan’s apartment, wiping her hands on her black mom jeans when the sound echoed loudly in the empty hallway. She cringed at the noise, looking over herself one final time to make sure she looked presentable for their date. She’d chosen a red crop top to pair with her jeans, and even though her arms were covered, the low neckline showed off the tattoo arching over her chest perfectly. Tied all together with her signature platform Doc Martens, she looked like the badass babe everyone always told her she was - if she could only shake her nerves. 

Before she could make herself even more freaked out, the door opened and she was met with the sight of Lorcan’s defined torso wrapped in a dark grey Henley. Glancing down, she saw he’d paired it with dark wash jeans and dark high-top Chucks. “Hey,” he greeted, dropping a kiss to the top of her head before motioning her into his apartment. 

Reaching up to tap a finger against the arm of his round-rim glasses, which somehow made him even more handsome (especially given the contrast they provided with his septum piercing), she replied, “hey yourself, babes.” Elide let out a small chuckle as she looked over the inside of his apartment. It was an industrial loft, but everything was dark - from the walls to the furniture to the tiny pitbull puppy peering at her over the back of the sofa. “Oh my gods that is the tiniest puppy I’ve ever seen.”

He grinned at her as he moved toward the dog, offering the tiny creature a gentle smile. “His name is Dee Dee, and he’s very shy.” Lorcan picked him up, cradling him in his arms as the puppy gave Elide a nervous look. “You can come say hi if you want, but he’s not big on people.”

Giving the puppy a soft smile, she approached the two of them slowly, one hand extended towards Dee Dee where he was burrowing into Lorcan’s chest. He gave her a long look, almost like he was deciding if he could trust her or not, but after a moment he pushed his little nose against Elide’s palm. “Hi,” she whispered, giggling when he started to lick her fingers. “Did your silly daddy name you after the bassist of the Ramones?”

“Well I’ll be damned.” He stared at her with a look of shock on his face, and it only grew when Dee Dee began pawing at Elide’s hand, trying to crawl out of Lorcan’s arms and into hers. “He’s never been this sure of anyone before. And yes - yes I did name him after the bassist of my favorite band.”

“Of course you did,” she replied, scooping Dee Dee into her arms and scratching him behind his ears. “I see someone never quite got over their teenage angst - I don’t think this apartment could get any darker.”

Lorcan laughed at that, a strand of dark hair falling over his glasses, since he’d left it loose for their date. “Lucky for you, I lost enough of that angst that I realized blackout curtains were unnecessary - and a little creepy.”

“And you’d be right on both counts.” Elide smirked at him, elbowing him lightly in the stomach when he just shook his head at her. 

“As much as I hate to break up this little cuddle-fest between the two of you,” Lorcan started, reaching out to take Dee Dee back, “I think you and I have a date planned?”

“You know, I do remember something about that,” she quipped, leaning down to kiss the puppy’s head before he curled up in a little ball on the couch after Lorcan put him down. “Bye sweet boy - I’ll be back to visit you soon.”

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he began leading her toward the door. “I’m glad Dee Dee likes you, though it does mean I have to work that much harder to impress you today. I hope you like what I have planned, which includes our first stop - the bookstore.”

“I’m sure I will, babes, since you’re already off to a great start - you know, with the adorable puppy and all. And I must say, the glasses are an added bonus - they make you even more handsome. But, do you mind if we make a quick stop first? I promise it’s right on the way - and I think you’re gonna like it.”

“Anything for you, mamas.”

~*^*~

Lorcan couldn’t help the grin that seemed to be permanently fixed on his face when it came to Elide Lochan. The minute he’d opened his door and seen the phases of the moon inked across her chest, with more of the design spilling down between her breasts, he’d been completely gone for her. And when Dee Dee, his sweet, shy little pup who hid from everyone, took to her with hardly a second thought, he’d fallen even further than he thought was possible. 

The object of his affection was currently tugging on his hand, a bright smile spread over her lips as she tried to get him to stop. He realized they must have reached her intended destination, and he turned to face the building, curious to see where she had taken him.

They were in front of the record store. 

“This is my surprise?” he asked, tugging gently on the hand he still had twined with hers. “The record store?”

Turning to face him, Elide knocked her forehead against his chest gently before giving him an exasperated look. “Wow, you’re a perceptive one, huh?” She said it in the driest tone he’d ever heard another person use, and he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. “Nothing gets by you, does it?”

He merely raised an eyebrow at her, not deigning her sarcasm with a response. Lorcan could see the edges of her lips starting to turn up, and he knew she was fighting a grin.

“No, babes,” she continued, resting her chin on his chest, “the store isn’t your surprise - it’s the idea that goes along with it. I thought that we could pick out records for each other? Since we both like music and seem to have the same taste?”

Hearing the uncertainty in her tone, he couldn’t help but kiss the tip of her nose. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

The resulting smile she gave him stopped his heart in his chest. 

~*^*~

After browsing the store for a solid twenty minutes, they’d both made their purchases and were ready to show them to each other. Though they’d wandered around the store separately in order to surprise one another with the records they’d picked out, Elide had twined her fingers with his every time she had to walk by him. She’d hold on even as she kept walking, not letting go until she absolutely had to. And, each time, she’d turned to watch him just as their hands separated, a small pout pulling on her lips as they lost contact. 

She came bounding up to him where he was waiting on the sidewalk for her, a beautiful smile on her face as she ducked under his arm and wrapped her own around his waist. “Hi,” she murmured, lips pressing against his chest in a gentle kiss.

“Hey you,” Lorcan whispered back, one arm falling around her shoulders as he tugged gently on the ends of her hair. “Ready to show me what you found for me?”

Offering him a wry smile, she giggled and shook her head. “You first.”

He just furrowed his brows and gave her a confused look, but he handed over his bag anyway. “I just - I saw this one and it just screamed your name at me. I hope you like it.”

Setting her other bag on the ground by her feet, Elide offered him a quieter smile that was a little more shy than the others she’d given him as she opened his bag. “Oh my gods!” she squealed, her eyes lighting up as she pulled Vive le Trash ‘74 by the New York Dolls out of the bag. “Lorcan, this is perfect!”

She pressed the album to her chest, and Lorcan felt the tension ease out of his shoulders. He’d been so nervous that she wouldn’t like it - he’d actually been afraid that she’d hate it. Even though she seemed over the moon about it, he still asked, “you really like it?”

”Babes,” she whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to his jaw. “I love it.” Her fingers ghosted over his jaw as she slid her arm around his neck, scraping her nails over his neck in a comforting gesture. “You had no way of knowing this, but live albums are my favorite albums. Something about them just speaks to me. You couldn’t have made a more perfect choice.”

“I’m glad to hear it, love.” Pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, he kissed her forehead. “Alright mamas, let’s see what you got me.”

Elide nudged him with her hip as she leaned down to grab the bag on the ground, and he winced theatrically and stumbled back a couple steps. Laughter tumbled from her lips, and he knew then and there he’d do anything to keep hearing that sound. “Now,” she started, grabbing his hand to keep him from taking the bag, “please keep in mind that there is a reason behind this.”

“Uh huh, whatever you say, mamas.” Giving her a skeptical look, Lorcan glanced into the bag she’d handed him. He could feel the confusion settling across his face, and he knew she could see it the minute he met her eyes. “Plastic Letters? You got me Blondie?”

“Erm, yeah?” He could hear the question, the hesitation, the uncertainty in her voice, and he hated that he’d put it there. “I just figured that you need to branch out from the one band you listen to.” She giggled as she said it, and he couldn’t help but join in, even though she still seemed unsure of herself. “And, I did hear you humming The Tide is High when we were at lunch the other day, so I just thought you might like it?”

Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he nuzzled her temple with his nose. “Can you keep a secret?” When she nodded, he continued, “Blondie is actually one of my favorite bands. You did good, El.”

He felt her sag against him, and he heard her sigh of relief. “Oh thank Anneith. I was so worried you didn’t like it.”

“That could never happen - somehow you know me a lot better than you should, love.”

“Like I said,” she replied, her fingers trailing over his hip, “we’re connected, babes.”

“Indeed we are.” Beginning to lead her in the direction of the bookstore, he added, “let’s go see how deep that connection goes.”

~*^*~

Elide was practically bouncing in excitement by the time they reached the bookstore. Books had always been her favorite escape, and she’d always loved browsing the stacks until she found one that called to her. Plus, spending time with Lorcan was becoming her new favorite thing, and she was excited for their date to continue. 

She made to reach for the door, and promptly drew up short when she felt two warm hands land on the bare skin of her hips and draw her back against a broad chest. Squealing at the suddenness of the motion, she felt Lorcan’s chuckle vibrate through his chest and into her back.

“Just a minute there, Lochan,” he purred, his breath ghosting over the skin of her neck as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “This isn’t an average trip to the bookstore.”

“Oh?” she murmured, tilting her head and arching her back to give him access to her neck. “What’s so special about it then?”

He leaned into her, pressing his lips to her neck and letting them slide over the smooth expanse of her skin. “Well mamas, it’s like this: you sorta stole my idea at the record store, but I was thinking we could pick out books for one another?”

Though the feeling of his lips on her skin was like nothing she’d ever felt before, the sweetness behind his gesture meant more to her. Whirling around in his arms, Elide wrapped her own around his neck. “That’s perfect!” she squealed, kissing his jaw as he pulled her tighter against him. 

Pulling back to look in her eyes, he grinned down at her. “Well, shall we see what we find?

Elide grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the door before he’d even finished talking, a happy little giggle falling from her lips.

~*^*~

She practically launched herself at Lorcan the minute he walked through the door. She’d picked out his book much quicker than he’d picked out hers, so she’d wandered around the store for a while before deciding to pay and wait for him outside. Elide whispered her plan to him on her way outside, her fingers dancing along his muscled back and shoulders as her lips brushed against his ear - he’d leaned down to meet her when she rose up on her toes, one arm banding around her waist to bring her even closer to him.

Though he’d been looking down at his bag as he pushed the door open, he looked up just in time to catch her as she flung herself at him. Lorcan slid one hand under her thighs as she wrapped her legs around his waist, securing her to his chest and pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he walked them away from the door. 

Lifting her head, which she’d nuzzled into his neck when he picked her up, Elide met his gaze with her own, a smile pulling over her face. 

“You’re cute,” he murmured, squeezing her thighs. “Did you know that?”

Scratching her nails over the back of his neck, Elide smirked down at him. “I did,” she quipped. “But it doesn’t hurt to hear it again.”

“You’re also very sassy.” Setting her down, Lorcan pressed his lips to the top of her head before reaching for the bag in her hand. “Okay, let me see what you got for me.”

Taking a step back, Elide handed him her bag, giving him a gentler smile when he took it from her. He was grinning before he’d even pulled it entirely out of the bag, and that smile only grew as she saw him mouth the title of the book she’d chosen for him.

“Elide,” he breathed, turning his happy smile to her. “This is amazing. I don’t think you had any possible way of knowing this, but Agatha Christie is my favorite author.” He held up the copy of The Labors of Hercules she’d picked out for him as he added, “and this is one of my favorite books.”

Letting out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, Elide rocked back on her heels, smiling at the happy expression on Lorcan’s face. “I’m really glad you like it.”

“I love it, babe - I really do.”

“Okay, now it’s my turn,” she said, reaching out with her free hand to take the bag he was still holding tightly. “Let me see, let me see!”

“Yes ma’am,” he finally relented, handing over the bag and chuckling when she swore because the handles had gotten tangled, which prevented her from opening the bag right away.

Finally getting the bag opened, Elide couldn’t keep her jaw from dropping when she saw what book he’d chosen for her - The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver. “Oh, Lor,” she murmured, clutching the book to her chest. “I’ve been dying to read this for so long - thank you so much!”

Taking her hand in his, Lorcan smirked down at her. “You mentioned that you’d been watching the show during lunch the other day, so I thought it seemed like a good choice.”

“It really was,” she replied, lifting his hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. “So,” she continued, gesturing down the sidewalk, “did you have anything else planned for this date - which has been amazing so far, in case you were wondering.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself - I really like being with you, too,” he answered, pulling on her hand as he started walking. “I was thinking we could grab some coffee?”

“You mean I could grab coffee and you could get tea?” Elide giggled at her little joke, and it turned into a full-blown laugh when he nudged her with his hip. When she snuck a glance over at him, she saw that he was laughing along with her. “I’m just teasing, babes. That sounds like a great plan.”

“Anything to keep you happy, mamas.”

~*^*~

They were about three blocks away from the coffee shop when Lorcan just couldn’t help himself anymore. He had one hand wrapped around her hips, his hand tucked into the back pocket of her jeans as they walked. Her arm was wrapped around his waist, and her fingers were drifting against the skin of his hip where she had tucked them under his shirt. She was talking happily as they made their way toward their destination, and every time he caught her gaze she gave him a smile that made his heart flutter and set butterflies loose in his stomach. 

He saw an alley just to her left, and, nudging her gently with his hip, he used his grip on her back pocket to spin her around and into the alley. Elide wound up with her back pressed against the brick wall of the building behind her, and Lorcan caged her in with his body.

“Hi,” he whispered, his nose brushing hers. Resting one hand on the wall by her hip, he cupped the back of her neck with his other hand. 

Elide’s arms wound around his waist as she looked up at him. “Hi yourself.”

She looked like she wanted to say more, but she cut off when Lorcan’s gaze dropped down to her lips. When he flicked his eyes back up to hers, he realized she had been looking at his lips too. They stayed like that for a moment, pressed together with their gazes locked. He could feel the desire coursing through his veins, and, from the way she arched her body into his, he could tell that she was feeling the same way. 

She was the one to finally break the silence. “Are you gonna kiss me or not, Salvaterre?”

Leaning in until his lips were just barely brushing hers, he murmured, “well, yes ma’am.” The words had just barely left his lips before he was kissing her, the hand that had been resting on the wall coming to encircle her waist and pull her against him. He could feel himself getting lost in the taste and feel of her, the way her lips moved against his making him feel like he was floating and falling all at once. 

He groaned when he felt her hands tangle in his hair, her delicate fingers pulling on the inky strands as she kissed him harder. He’d just swept his tongue into her mouth, a mere tease of the way he truly wanted to kiss her - the way he planned to kiss her as soon as they were alone - before he pulled away, grinning down at her as he pushed himself up to his full height, chuckling as his back popped from being hunched over. 

“Shit, mamas,” he started, his hands cupping the sides of her neck and his thumbs brushing over her jaw. “Kissing you is going to be the death of my back.”

Pouting her lips just enough that it somehow made them look even fuller, Elide started to turn her head away from him. “Well, if it hurts you too much, don’t do it.”

Lorcan just chuckled, using his thumb to turn her head so he could lean down to kiss her again. She kissed him back for a moment, sighing into his mouth gently before she was pulling away.

Turning her head away once again, she said, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

He gripped her jaw, trailing kisses over her cheek and jaw until he was right at the corner of her mouth. “Come here, give me those lips.”

That was all it took before she was kissing him again. He felt her rise up on her toes, and his heart swelled as he realized she was still trying to take some of the strain off his back. 

When he finally pulled back, he couldn’t help but press several soft, sweet kisses to her lips before separating from her enough that he could look into her eyes. She was smiling up at him, her fingers twisting through his hair. “That,” she breathed, “was amazing, babes.”

“Likewise, mamas.” 

They stayed in the alley for a few moments more, just resting against one another and enjoying being so close together. Eventually, however, Lorcan remembered that they had a date to continue, and he took her by the hand, pulling her back onto the sidewalk.

Once they were walking again, Elide slid her hand from his so she could wrap it around his waist. He couldn’t help the grin that lit up his face when she slid her hand into his back pocket. Slinging his arm around her shoulders, he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

~*^*~

Letting her very handsome date open the door for her, Elide giggled as he inclined his head toward the coffee shop, motioning her into the building. She started to walk, but drew up short when she refused to let go of Lorcan’s hand and that grip caused her to bounce back, since he was still holding the door for her. 

She turned to him with a small pout forming on her lips, tugging on his hand to make him move. He chuckled but released his grip on the door, reaching out to smooth the furrow in her brow before following her inside. 

Thankfully, they’d chosen to get coffee after their shopping, so it was that perfect time of the afternoon when the coffee shop wasn’t that busy. There was only one person in front of them, so they waited for him to order, Elide leaning back against Lorcan’s chest with his arms twined around her waist. She was enjoying just being near him, listening to him hum softly to whatever song was playing on the radio, when the customer in front of them finally finished ordering.

“Hey, guys,” the barista greeted as they moved forward, “what can I get for you today?”

Lorcan squeezed her waist, which she assumed was probably his way of telling her to go first, but all it did was make her squeal quietly at the unexpectedness of it. Smacking his hand lightly, she giggled as she responded. “He’ll have a medium Earl Grey, with just a dash of milk.” A small giggle escaped her when she added, “just enough to taste, but not to change the color.”

“Brat,” he murmured, pinching her side when she turned to face him with a very satisfied smirk lighting up her face. Pulling her into his side, he turned to face the barista, who was staring at him with a patiently amused look. Chuckling slightly, Lorcan said, “And the lady will have a large cappuccino, black - nothing in it.”

Elide was laughing uncontrollably by the time he’d finished ordering, her face buried in his chest. His own laughter rumbled through his chest, and she barely heard the barista’s response as he moved off to make their drinks. 

Tilting her head up so she could rest her chin on his chest, she said, “you’re pretty cute when you manage to relax - did you know that?”

“I guess it’s just easy for me to be myself around you,” he whispered, cupping her face in his hand.

Elide turned enough to press a kiss to his palm. “Oh, love. I feel like I can be myself around you too.”

“That’s good to know, mamas.” He leaned down to kiss her quickly, huffing a laugh when she frowned as he pulled away. “Let’s go get our coffee and see where this date takes us.”

~*^*~

The date ended up taking them back to Elide’s apartment. They’d both decided that they wanted to spend more time together, but they were also curious about the records and books they’d bought for one another, so they decided to head back to her place to listen to music and read. Lorcan was already into the vibe of her apartment and she hadn’t even opened the door yet. She lived in an apartment building that was built out of old shipping containers, and he could see how that played into the internal design of her apartment as soon as they were inside. 

He took in the clean lines that were everywhere, accentuating the lines of the containers that had created her apartment without making it overwhelming. While the outside of the building was brightly colored, she had kept the tones in her apartment muted, and while most of the colors leaned toward the cooler end of the spectrum, there were still flares of brights in the pillows that she seemed to be stock-piling. 

And there was certainly a lot of green. Elide had plants on every possible surface, from her kitchen counter to the spaces on her bookshelves to the open shelves hanging over her sink. Peeking toward her balcony, he could see even more plants out there. “Someone’s a bit of a plant mom,” he teased, gesturing to the room as a whole.

Huffing a breath through her nose, she just poked him in the arm as she set her bags on the counter. “Yes - and all my plant children love me for it.”

Lorcan chuckled at her, setting his own bags next to hers. He’d just leaned down to press his lips to her forehead when a blur of grey caught his eye. Peering over her head, he saw a sleek grey cat jump off the sofa and take several slow steps in their direction. “Looks like someone isn’t too sure of you having a guest.”

Twisting in his arms, Elide shook her head at the cat. “That’s Jello,” she started, her voice taking on a bit of an exasperated tone. “I’d tell you to go say hello, but she hates literally everyone but me, so I wouldn’t get your hopes up.” She just shook her head at Jello (who Lorcan was positive was named after the lead singer of the Dead Kennedys), grabbing her album from the bag and walking toward where her record player was sitting behind the sofa, half-hidden behind a very large spider plant.

He nodded once to show her that he’d heard her, but he didn’t take his eyes from Jello, who was watching him carefully. Crouching down, he watched as she sniffed in his direction before taking another step toward him. Apparently she’d decided he was okay, because she walked right up to him and pushed her head gently against his leg.

Holding a hand out for her to sniff, he couldn’t help but smile as she stretched a paw out toward him before she jumped onto his leg. He’d just taken her into his arms and stood back up when Elide turned back around, and the expression on her face was priceless.

“What the fuck?” she breathed, just staring at her cat, who was currently purring away in Lorcan’s arms. “She’s never liked anyone. Like, even when I got her the people were surprised that she liked me.”

“Maybe she just knows that you like me, mamas.” He stroked Jello’s head, his heart fluttering when Elide walked back over to him and dropped her head against his shoulder. 

She giggled at that, pressing a kiss to his shoulder as she looked up at him. “Eh, I guess.” When he gave her an offended look, she kissed his shoulder again. “I’m only teasing, babes - you know I like you.”

“That’s good, since I like you - erm, the fuck is that?” Though he’d been about to lean down to kiss her, he stopped at the sight of the black and white creature that came walking around the corner wearing a little blue t-shirt.

Giving him a confused look, she turned to see what he was looking at - only to make a happy noise at the creature. “Oh, that’s my other cat, Jett.”

“That thing is not a cat, El.”

Elide pouted at him, her brow furrowing at his words. “Yes she is!” Stepping away from him, she leaned down to pick up Jett, the so-called cat curling into her chest and giving Lorcan a curious look over her shoulder. Walking back over to him, she turned so Lorcan could see her little face. “She’s a Sphynx cat, and she’s very sweet.” 

Almost as if she’d understood her owner, Jett (who Lorcan assumed was named after Joan Jett) leaned over and licked Lorcan’s finger, giving him a look that was both sad and curious. He could feel himself melting at that look. “Oh, she’s precious,” he said, stroking her nose. “I’m sorry I said you weren’t a cat.”

Jett reached out for him, so he and Elide did some careful maneuvering until he was holding Jett and she was holding Jello. “Hi, little one,” he murmured to the cat, one hand stroking her back over the shirt. “Why is she wearing a shirt?”

Elide, who had been scratching Jello behind her ears, turned to him with a cute little grin. She leaned up in a request for a kiss, which Lorcan happily gave her before she replied. “Since Sphynx cats are hairless, they tend to get cold easily. Her shirt keeps her warm. It also protects her skin from the sun, since she doesn’t have fur to protect her.”

Turning back to face the cat, he whispered, “We can’t have you getting cold, now can we?” Leaning toward Elide to stroke Jello’s tail, he said, “It’s a good thing they have you to take such good care of them.”

“I love both of them so much - I would do anything to keep them safe,” Elide replied, gesturing with her head toward the record player. “Why don’t we grab our books and we can start listening?” When Lorcan gave both of the cats in their arms pointed looks, she added, “don’t worry, I’m sure the cats will be happy to join us.”

~*^*~

They were reading together quietly with the album he’d bought for Elide playing softly in the background, both of the cats sprawled on the couch next to them, when the song changed to “Give Her a Great Big Kiss.” It was a song that made Elide start drumming on his thigh. When he turned to give her a questioning look, she just set her book on the coffee table and stood up, taking his hand and pulling him up too.

Sighing good-naturedly, he set his book down as well and linked their hands, moving with her as she started to dance around her living room. She was laughing as they moved, and Lorcan loved the sound the more he heard it.

Lifting his hand, he spun her underneath it before pulling her into his chest. She squealed at the motion, the sound spilling into more giggles as he spun her back out and kept twirling her around. The joy on her face made him smile as well, and soon he found himself laughing with her, especially when she tried to spin him under her arm.

They laughed and danced their way through the entire song, only sitting back down when it ended and the next one started. He sat down first, and Elide all but fell into his lap, curling up so she could rest her head on his shoulder. 

She leaned down to grab both of their books off the table, and he couldn’t help but tighten his arms around her waist when she sat back up, pressing a soft, slow kiss to her lips when she looked at him.

He pulled away and took his book from her hands, shooting her a very happy smile before turning back to his reading.

~*^*~

They’d been reading long enough that the album had finished, so Elide reached over the back of the sofa to change it to the one that she had bought for Lorcan. However, that meant that she had to pull her hand from Lorcan’s, since they’d ended up holding hands while they cuddled and read. 

Pulling his eyes from the page in front of him, he pouted at the beautiful girl in his lap. Focused as she was on the task at hand, she didn’t notice his sad look until she’d settled back down and picked up her book. Offering him an apologetic grin, she ran her thumb over his lips before placing her hand back in his and turning her attention back to her book.

Losing himself in his book again, it took him a moment to realize that Elide was no longer reading hers. In fact, he only noticed it when he felt her fingers dancing along the skin of his neck. Glancing down, he saw that she was playing with the chain that he wore every day.

He’d just resumed reading when she pulled the dog tags out from under his shirt, the two of them clinking together gently at the motion. She began sliding them along the chain, content to sit and be close to him while he read. 

They stayed like that long enough for “Poet’s Problem” to start playing, and Lorcan set his book down on the couch beside him before he stood, lifting Elide and setting her on her feet. Wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into his chest, he began swaying to the song. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers sifting through the strands of his hair as she buried her face in his chest. He dropped his chin on the top of her head, the sound of the music and the feeling of the woman in his arms making him feel a sense of peace he’d never known before.

They swayed together until the song ended, and Elide tilted her face up to his for a kiss, which he obliged. It started as gentle and soft, but it soon turned to something more. Even with Elide on her toes, he still had to bend over quite a bit, so he decided to make his life easier.

Sliding his hands under her ass, Lorcan lifted her into his arms, walking into the kitchen and setting her on the counter - which made her much closer to his height. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he kissed her harder, his tongue sweeping into her mouth as she moaned.

He groaned at the sound, his hands sliding into her hair so he could angle her head. The new angle allowed him to kiss her even harder, turning it to something that was all teeth and tongues and biting kisses. 

Eventually he had to pull away to breathe, dropping his head against hers as they both fought to get their breathing under control. Her hands drifted over his arms as his fell to her thighs, and he grinned as he pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose before pulling away.

Looking into her eyes, he asked, “will you be my girl, El? You know, officially and everything?”

Though a part of him still couldn’t believe that she wanted to be here, with him, on a date, the smile she gave him showed that it was all real. “I’d love that, Lorcan - more than anything.”

They were both smiling into the kiss he pressed to her lips, and he realized he’d never been happier.

.

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