#muffin and ASPEN now

[ghoul--doodle]

What if... the sillies interacted.... what then.......

What if they did!!!!

[stylesonfilms]

ink & innocence - 24

word count: 7.7k

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The sun stretched its rays into the bedroom of Aspen's, shining over her sleepy eyes as she rubbed them with the back of her fist to shake the sleep. Her mind immediately jumped to Harry and she reached over, swiping the phone off her bedside table to unlock. A smile crept onto her face as she saw notifications from him.

Her smile soon turned to a small pout when she realized how late it was when he had texted. Harry ended up texting her twice more around four in the morning, letting her know he had gotten home and that he was going to bed, bidding his goodnight.

It was currently ten forty five, as Aspen chose to sleep in a bit later this morning. Isobel was long gone for her shift, according to her text, and Aspen was left alone with her sleepy thoughts.

She perked slightly as her fingers danced around the screen of her phone to text him good morning. The girl had gotten the idea to bring over some coffee for Harry, as well as maybe a bagel or muffin, something she would decide later. 

The girl stretched her limbs to shake away the sleep before slinging her legs over the edge of the bed and slid her feet into her slippers to hide from the cold floor. She was going to take a shower and freshen herself up, maybe do her hair a bit and even her makeup. The girl truly enjoyed getting ready now, Harry had always made her feel so pretty, so worth it. 

Her heart fluttered as she rummaged through her clothes to set out on her bed to change into after her shower. When she had read Harry's text, she noticed how she didn't flood with worry or with a gut feeling that he wasn't being honest. Aspen trusted him like no other, and she knew how dedicated he was to his shop and his work. Plus, money was money and she would end up asking him about it later anyways. She loved hearing stories about his work. 

Aspen settled on a white dress, ruffled and off the shoulder with printed baby blue bouquets scattered over. A thin navy blue bow perched between the cups of the dress and the material was soft, a chiffon like fabric. It fell just to the middle of her thighs and she decided to pair with with a pair of black flats. The girl decided once she was out the shower, she'd blowout her hair and clip it half up with a white bow she had lying around somewhere, and she'd dabble on some light makeup to compliment her look.

The girl grabbed her towel when her phone chimed. Harry texted her back a quick 'Good morning, sugar.' yet it made her stomach coil with joy. She bit her bottom lip to suppress a smile as she padded towards the bathroom and texted him, asking how his sleep was and how he felt. Aspen wanted her arrival to be a surprise, so she kept quiet about that. 

Aspen let out a content sigh as she stepped into the warm spray of the shower, tilting her head back to let the water cascade down her shoulders. The steam curled around her, softening the morning chill as she lathered her body with her favorite vanilla-scented soap. She took her time, letting herself enjoy the quiet hum of the water, thoughts of Harry swimming through her mind. He'd gotten home so late—later than usual. It made her wonder just how exhausted he must be.

Her fingers combed through her wet hair as she rinsed out the conditioner, her mind drifting to the way Harry always looked when he was tired. Eyes a little droopy, voice a little deeper, movements slower. She thought about the way his brows would furrow when he was lost in thought, how he'd rub at his jaw, the way he'd lean against a counter or a doorframe, his heavy-lidded gaze always softening the moment it landed on her.

Her stomach fluttered as she imagined his reaction when she showed up with coffee and breakfast. Harry loved his coffee, and he loved food even more. It wasn't much, but she wanted to do something small for him, something to make his morning just a little better.

Once she stepped out of the shower, Aspen wrapped herself in her towel, patting her skin dry before slipping into her dress. The fabric was light and airy against her skin, the soft ruffles at her shoulders adding a delicate touch that made her feel pretty. She ran her fingers through her damp strands before grabbing her blow dryer, working through each section until her hair was smooth and voluminous. She clipped the top half back with the little white bow she found buried in her drawer, admiring how it pulled the look together.

After adding a touch of blush, a hint of mascara, and some tinted lip balm, she gave herself one last once-over in the mirror before grabbing her purse and heading out.

The bakery she stopped at was one Harry had taken her to once before. She still remembered the way he'd groaned in satisfaction after biting into a freshly made croissant, his eyes fluttering shut like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted. She smiled to herself as she ordered their usuals—one black coffee for him, a vanilla latte for herself, and two warm pastries wrapped neatly in a brown bag.

As she turned to leave, something caught her eye near the register—a small display of pet-friendly treats. A little cat-shaped cookie sat in a sealed package, labeled as safe for feline friends. Aspen's heart warmed immediately, her mind drifting to Harry's cat, Jasper. She knew how much he adored the little creature, how he'd talk to him like he was a person, how he'd let him curl up on his chest while he sketched. Without a second thought, she picked one up and added it to her order.

The walk to Harry's apartment was peaceful, the sun stretching higher in the sky as she made her way through the quiet streets. By the time she arrived at his building, she could feel the excitement buzzing in her chest. She knocked softly, shifting the bag in her hands, and after a few beats, the door creaked open.

Harry stood there, looking like he had just crawled out of bed. His curls were a mess, the ends flattened on one side, and his sweats hung low on his hips beneath a slightly oversized hoodie. His bare feet padded against the floor as he blinked at her, his tired green eyes flickering with surprise before softening into something warm.

"Baby, hi," he murmured, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Aspen beamed up at him, lifting the coffee cups. "Good morning. I brought you something."

Harry chuckled, stepping aside to let her in. "You're an angel." He took the coffee from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers for a brief second before he brought the cup to his lips, taking a slow sip. A deep, satisfied sigh followed. "Fuck, tha's good."

She giggled, setting the bag of pastries down on the counter before pulling out the small packaged treat. "And I got something for Jasper, too."

Harry paused, mid-sip, before lowering his coffee. His brows lifted slightly as he stared at the little package in her hand. For a second, he didn't say anything. Just looked at her with something impossibly soft in his expression.

"Y'got something for Jas?" His voice was quieter, touched with something more tender.

Aspen nodded, suddenly feeling shy under his gaze. "Yeah... I saw it at the bakery and thought of him."

Harry reached out, gently taking the treat from her fingers. He turned it over in his palm, his thumb running over the label before glancing back at her. His chest felt tight in the best way possible.

"You're the sweetest," he murmured, leaning down to press a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. "Seriously, sugar. You've got me wrapped 'round your little finger."

Aspen's cheeks flushed, her lips curling into a smile as she nudged him playfully. "Just eat your pastry."

Harry chuckled, grabbing the bag and pulling her toward the couch. He plopped down, pulling her with him, tucking her against his side as he reached for his croissant. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the warmth of their drinks in their hands, the soft hum of the city outside filling the space.

Harry took a bite of his pastry, groaning dramatically. "God, I forgot how good these are."

Aspen giggled, shaking her head as she leaned into him. "I take it that means you approve?"

He nudged her gently. "I more than approve. You could show up at m'door with this every morning and I'd propose on the spot."

Aspen rolled her eyes, laughing softly, but her heart thumped at the teasing weight of his words.

For a while, they just sat there, enjoying the slow morning together, wrapped up in the warmth of each other's presence. And for Harry, after the night he had just had, there was nothing—absolutely nothing—he needed more than this.

Aspen sipped at her latte, curled into Harry's side as they lounged on his couch. The morning felt slow in the best way, the kind of peace that settled warm in her bones. She loved this—just the two of them, wrapped up in nothing but soft words and the smell of coffee lingering in the air.

"So," she mused, tilting her head to look up at him. "How was your night at the shop?"

Harry felt his stomach clench, just slightly. He didn't let it show. Instead, he took another slow sip of his coffee, letting the question hang for only a beat before answering. "Long," he said simply, exhaling. "Had this one piece I worked on all night— big back piece, detailed as hell. The guy wanted it done in one go, so it was a marathon session."

Aspen raised a brow, intrigued. "That must've been exhausting. Did he at least tip well?"

Harry chuckled, though there was something tight at the back of his throat. "Yeah, he did. The tattoo itself was already four or five hundred, and when I mentioned finishin' it in one sitting, we ended up with triple that amount. Easy agreement."

A lie. A smooth one. One that made sense, one she wouldn't question, but still— it felt wrong.

The guilt sat in his chest like a weight, but he pushed through, flashing her a small grin as he tapped a gentle finger under her chin. "Enough 'bout me, baby. What about you? What'd you do last night?"

Aspen let the subject shift easily, not even sensing the lie hidden beneath his words. "Not much, really. I read for a bit before bed, and Isobel and I watched this awful reality show that she swears is good. It was terrible."

Harry smirked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Terrible how?"

Aspen groaned, rolling her eyes playfully. "The kind where the people are a mess and they get engaged after knowing each other for, like, a week."

Harry let out a laugh, low and warm. "Sounds tragic."

"It was," Aspen sighed dramatically, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "I don't know why I let her convince me to watch it."

Harry hummed, tilting his head as he studied her, his eyes flickering over the little bow in her hair, the soft floral print of her dress, the gentle flush of her cheeks. His heart clenched in that slow, aching way he was becoming too familiar with.

"You look so damn pretty today," he murmured, dragging a knuckle softly over her cheek. "I mean, you always do, but this..." He glanced down at her dress, then back up, his lips curling slightly. "It's sweet. Fits you."

Aspen felt warmth rush to her face, her fingers curling in her lap as she ducked her head slightly. "You think so?"

Harry huffed a quiet laugh, reaching out to tip her chin up. "Of course I do. You could wear a paper bag and still be the prettiest thing I've ever seen."

Aspen let out a soft giggle, biting her lip as she shook her head at him. "You're so dramatic."

"Not dramatic," Harry countered easily, giving her knee a squeeze. "Just honest."

Aspen tucked herself a little closer, resting her cheek against his shoulder. The conversation lulled into something comfortable, something easy. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her, the warmth of his body seeping into hers.

Harry sighed, tilting his head to rest lightly against hers. "I missed you, you know."

Aspen smiled softly. "You saw me two days ago."

"Exactly," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Too long."

Aspen felt her heart squeeze at that, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns against the fabric of his hoodie. "I missed you too."

Harry let out a pleased hum, his arm tightening around her as they sank further into the quiet morning, wrapped up in the comfort of each other.

Harry let out a small sigh, the kind that came from a place of contentment rather than exhaustion. He shifted slightly, his fingers grazing over the soft fabric of Aspen's dress as he absentmindedly traced circles against her knee. The warmth of her tucked into his side, the scent of her shampoo still fresh from her shower, the way she simply fit so easily next to him—it all made his heart swell in a way he wasn't quite used to.

He never really pictured himself in moments like this, wrapped up in something so soft, something so damn good. His life had always been messy, chaotic even, and Aspen was the calm in it all. The one thing that wasn't tainted by the world he had found himself stuck in.

And he wanted to keep it that way.

His fingers trailed a bit higher, a slow and steady brush against the side of her thigh. Aspen shivered slightly at the touch, tilting her head just enough to peek up at him with curious eyes. Harry took that as his cue, as the gentle push he needed to say what had been lingering at the tip of his tongue since she had walked through his door.

"You know," he started, his voice low and smooth, "I was thinking we should go out today."

Aspen blinked up at him, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh?"

Harry nodded, the corner of his lips twitching up. "Yeah. I'd love to take you out again. Jus' us, something easy, something nice."

Aspen softened at his words, her fingers curling against his chest. "Like a date?"

"Exactly like a date."

She bit down on her bottom lip, trying to contain the giddy smile that threatened to break free. "Did you have something in mind?"

Harry hummed, his fingers toying with the hem of her dress as he thought about it. "A picnic," he finally said, watching for her reaction. "We can find a nice spot just before sunset, bring some food, and stay to watch the stars."

Aspen's breath hitched slightly, her eyes widening just a bit. "That sounds... perfect."

Harry grinned, his heart swelling at her reaction. "Yeah?"

She nodded, tucking herself even closer, as if she could physically pull herself deeper into the warmth of his hoodie, into him. "Yeah. I love that idea."

Harry felt something settle in his chest, something warm and certain. He wanted this with her. The slow moments, the thoughtful gestures, the kind of love that didn't need to be spoken out loud to be felt.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a second too long before murmuring against her skin, "Good. Then it's a plan."

Aspen felt a giddy sort of warmth bubble up inside her, something light and airy and impossibly sweet. She loved this side of Harry—the one that took the time to plan things for her, the one who wanted to make her feel special. And she did. She really did.

"What should I wear?" she asked, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze.

Harry smirked, tilting his head slightly as he gave her a once-over. "Anything you want, sugar. You always look good."

Aspen rolled her eyes, nudging him lightly. "That doesn't help me."

Harry chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Alright, alright. Something comfy but cute. You'll be sitting on a blanket, after all."

Aspen playfully scrunched her nose at him. "So not this, then?" She gestured down at her current outfit, the ruffled white dress that he had so clearly loved.

Harry shook his head immediately, his fingers grazing over the soft fabric as if to emphasize his point. "No, no—wear it. I love you in it." His voice was softer now, like a quiet confession slipping past his lips. "I just don't want you getting cold later. I'll bring blankets, though. We can sit in the trunk of my car if we need to, whatever you want."

Aspen's heart swelled at that, at how much thought he put into even the smallest things. She smiled up at him, warmth spreading through her chest. "You think of everything, don't you?"

Harry smirked, giving her knee a small squeeze. "Only when it comes to you."

Aspen bit back a smile, shaking her head as she tapped his chest. "Alright, Mr. Thoughtful. I'll wear the dress."

Harry's smirk widened in satisfaction as he stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "Good. And while you get ready, I'll go grab us some food."

Aspen perked up, her lips parting into an amused grin. "Wait—you're cooking?"

Harry scoffed, placing a hand over his chest in mock offense. "You wound me, Aspen. You think I can't cook?"

Aspen laughed, nudging him playfully. "I've only seen you cook once. Honestly, I was starting to think you had one of those magic food ovens like Barbie did—just popping out food like it was nothing."

Harry barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "Magic oven, huh? I hate to break it to you, sugar, but I'm just that good."

Aspen giggled, tilting her head at him. "Mm, I'll believe it when I see it."

Harry smirked, reaching out to tug her up onto her feet, his arms effortlessly wrapping around her waist as he pulled her in close. "Then today's your lucky day, Asp. You're about to be impressed."

Aspen beamed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she pressed herself into his warmth. "I'm already impressed, Harry."

His heart clenched at that, and for a brief moment, he forgot about everything else—the shop, the deals, the lies. It was just her. Just this.

Harry tilted his head down to press a few soft kisses against her lips before sighing and glancing toward the kitchen. "Alright, let's see what I can scrounge up," he muttered, giving her hip a small squeeze before heading toward the cabinets.

Aspen giggled as she turned to sit on the couch but face him, hugging her knees to her chest as she watched him. "I have full faith in you, Chef Styles."

Harry shot her a smirk over his shoulder before opening the fridge. He scanned the contents, his expression shifting into one of mild disappointment. A single beer bottle, a takeout box from two nights ago, and some questionable leftovers stared back at him.

His lips pressed together as he shut the fridge door and turned toward the cabinets, but after rummaging through a few shelves, he let out a dramatic sigh and leaned against the counter. "Alright, maybe you were onto something with that magic oven," he admitted.

Aspen laughed, shaking her head. "So, what's the plan now, Mr. I'm Just That Good?"

Harry crossed his arms, humming to himself before he shrugged. "Let's go to the store. We need to grab stuff for tonight anyway, and we've got time."

Aspen's eyes brightened at the suggestion, already excited at the idea of shopping together. "You want me to come?"

Harry scoffed like the idea of going alone was absurd. "Obviously. You think I'd leave you here all alone?"

Aspen felt warmth bloom in her chest at the casual way he said it, as if not wanting to be apart from her was a given. She smiled up at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Okay, let's go."

"Alright, I'm gonna change real quick," Harry told her, moving toward his room. "Unless you want me walking in there like this, all sexy and all." He gestured down at his sweats and hoodie.

Aspen grinned, tilting her head playfully. "I don't mind."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll be quick."

As he disappeared into his room, Aspen sat back against the couch, scrolling through her phone to pass the time. But the moment Harry returned, all coherent thoughts flew straight out of her head.

He had changed into a fitted black t-shirt that stretched over his broad shoulders, the fabric snug around his biceps in a way that made Aspen's breath hitch. His signature ripped jeans sat low on his hips, hugging his frame in all the right places. The black lip ring he wore caught the light as he ran his tongue over it absentmindedly, and his tattoos peeked from under the sleeves of his shirt, all dark ink and intricate lines against golden skin.

Aspen felt her cheeks grow warm as she stared a little too long, unable to help the way her gaze traced over the familiar but always captivating sight of him. The unruly curls, the sharp jawline, the lazy smirk that spread across his lips when he caught her staring.

"See something you like, hm?" he teased, tilting his head at her.

Aspen's eyes widened as she quickly averted her gaze, biting her bottom lip in an attempt to suppress her shy smile. "Shut up."

Harry chuckled, stepping closer and reaching out to tilt her chin up with his fingers. "You're cute when you blush," he murmured before dropping a quick kiss to her forehead. "Let's go."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The local grocery store was quiet when they arrived, the late morning rush already settled down. Harry grabbed a cart, steering it toward the produce section while Aspen walked beside him, already eyeing the fresh fruit.

"What's the plan for food?" Aspen asked, running her fingers lightly over a few apples before picking up a particularly red one.

Harry hummed in thought, scratching his jaw. "I was thinking something simple. Maybe sandwiches? Some fruit, a little dessert—"

"Ooh, what kind of dessert?" Aspen perked up, her eyes lighting with excitement.

Harry chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Whatever you want, baby."

Aspen grinned, tapping her chin in thought. "Maybe something chocolatey?"

Harry smirked. "You just want an excuse to eat chocolate."

"And?"

"And nothing," he replied, reaching out to flick the bow in her hair. "You can have all the chocolate you want."

Aspen beamed at him before dropping the apple into the cart. They continued strolling down the aisles, filling the cart with the essentials: fresh bread, cheeses, a selection of deli meats, and a variety of fruit.

At one point, Harry stopped in front of the snack aisle, eyeing a bag of sour gummies. "Think we need these?"

Aspen raised a brow, crossing her arms. "Do we need them? No. Are you getting them anyway?"

Harry grinned as he tossed the bag into the cart. "Absolutely."

Aspen shook her head with a fond smile, reaching for a bag of chocolate-covered almonds. "Fine, but then I'm getting these."

Harry chuckled, nudging her side. "See? I knew you'd find a way to sneak in more chocolate."

Aspen giggled, nudging him back. "It's a gift."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The apartment was filled with the soft sounds of Harry moving around the kitchen, the rhythmic chopping of fruit against the cutting board blending with the occasional rustle of sandwich wrappers and the subtle clink of glass jars. The warm scent of freshly sliced strawberries and crisp apples filled the air as he arranged everything into neat portions, methodically placing them into containers.

Aspen sat perched on one of the barstools, chin resting in her palm as she watched him work, completely enchanted. His brows furrowed slightly in concentration as he carefully cut through a ripe peach, his tattoos flexing with each precise movement of his hands. His lip ring caught the light whenever he ran his tongue over it absentmindedly, a small habit she had grown to love.

"You know, I could help," she offered, tilting her head playfully.

Harry, without missing a beat, shook his head. "Nope. Not happening. You just sit there and keep looking pretty, sugar."

Aspen giggled, rolling her eyes. "You really don't have to do everything yourself."

"I do when it's for you," he shot back smoothly, sending her a wink. "Besides, I like taking care of you."

The way he said it so effortlessly made her stomach flutter, and she quickly busied herself by grabbing one of the juice boxes he had picked up earlier. She blinked when she recognized the brand and flavor, her lips curling into a surprised smile.

"You bought my favorite?" she asked, holding it up.

Harry glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "Course I did. You think I don't pay attention?"

Aspen bit her lip, trying (and failing) to fight back a growing blush. "You're the sweetest, you know that?"

Harry simply shrugged, finishing up the last of the sandwiches before wrapping them neatly. "I try," he said, though there was clear satisfaction in his voice.

She shook her head with a fond smile, standing from her seat. "Alright, well, since you won't let me help with food, I'm at least gonna grab some blankets for us."

Harry gave her an approving nod. "Hallway closet, top shelf. There should be a couple thick ones in there."

Aspen padded down the hall, her fingers lightly trailing along the wall until she reached the closet door. She pulled it open, her eyes immediately scanning the shelves for blankets—only to freeze when something else caught her attention.

Little printed photos, scattered between spare towels and neatly folded sheets, were small, candid pictures of her. Some were from moments she hadn't even realized he had taken.

A shot of her laughing at something, eyes crinkled, pure joy radiating from her expression. Another of her curled up with a book in her lap, completely unaware of the camera. One where she was mid-sip of a milkshake, looking up at him with amusement. Little remnants of their time together—receipts from a coffee date, a napkin with a doodle she had drawn absentmindedly, a dried flower from the first bouquet he had ever given her.

Her heart swelled at the sight, her fingers reaching out to gently touch one of the pictures. It was so... thoughtful. Intimate. A collection of quiet, simple moments that meant something to him.

She was still staring, completely lost in it, when she heard footsteps approaching.

Harry peeked into the closet, wondering what was taking her so long, but when he saw what had caught her attention, his entire body stiffened.

His hand shot up to the back of his neck, rubbing awkwardly as his face flushed slightly. "Shit. I—uh—"

Aspen turned to look at him, eyes wide, though there was no trace of discomfort—just warmth. "Harry..."

"I didn't mean for you to see that," he admitted, shifting on his feet. "It's not—" He let out a breath, shaking his head. "It's not in a creepy way or anything. I just... I like having pictures of you. They make me happy. I wanted to make a scrapbook, maybe?"

Aspen felt her chest tighten, emotions swelling at his honesty. "It's really sweet," she said softly, her fingers still ghosting over one of the pictures. "I love it."

Harry studied her expression, searching for any hint of unease, but all he found was that familiar softness she always carried when she looked at him. He let out a small, relieved chuckle, scratching at his jaw.

"They're in my room too," he admitted sheepishly. "Just a few. But, uh—if it makes you uncomfortable, I can take them down."

Aspen turned to face him fully, shaking her head. "No, don't."

His brows lifted slightly, surprised.

"I like that you keep these," she continued, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "It's... kind of beautiful, actually. That you find these little moments worth keeping."

Harry exhaled, his shoulders easing as a slow smile spread across his face. "Well," he murmured, stepping closer, "you're worth keeping."

Aspen felt her breath hitch at the sincerity in his voice.

Harry reached up, brushing his knuckles along her cheek. "You make my life a little brighter, sugar. Can't help but want to hold onto that."

Aspen melted at his words, warmth spreading from her chest to the tips of her fingers. She reached up, looping her arms around his neck as she leaned into him. "I don't think you realize how much I adore you," she whispered against his shoulder.

Harry's arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close, sporting his signature lopsided smile. "I think I'm getting the idea."

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, before Aspen pulled back slightly, her nose scrunching. "We should probably grab those blankets before we get distracted."

Harry grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead then to her nose. "Right. Before I start making excuses to keep you in my arms all day."

Aspen giggled, stepping back to grab the blankets while Harry watched her, the fondness in his gaze undeniable.

Even in the quietest of moments, she had his heart entirely.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The soft roll of the car came to a stop. Aspen's lips curved into a smile as the vibrant green grass came into view, the sun sitting atop the hills in the farside. 

"We've got a short walk, but it'll be worth it. C'mon." As Harry stepped out, he walked towards the passenger side to open Aspen's door and held out his hand for her to step down. He pressed a small kiss to her knuckles and help her shut the door before he opened the back door to grab their items out. 

Aspen offered to carry the basket, but he shook his head and managed to carry their basket and blankets under his arm, his other hand free to intertwine with hers. Harry kicked the door closed lightly and clicked the button to lock his doors before he faced her. "Ready, sunshine?"

The girl smiled and nodded, a blush forming along her cheeks as they started their walk through the green grass. "You don't have any allergies to grass, right?" Harry halted, looking towards her. She only laughed softly and shook her head.

Harry narrowed his eyes. "Are you absolutely sure? If it makes you itchy or anything, we can drive the car up and save your ankles from a field day."

"Yes, H. Now come on, please. I want to get there before the stars come out." Aspen quipped and tugged him along, his own lips tugging into a smile. He watched her take a few steps ahead of her in excitement, and his heart swelled. He shook his head to himself before he set foot.

It didn't take long for them to set up. Well, more like Harry set up since he kept insisting for Aspen to just 'stare at the pretty sun'. The basket sat on the corner of the comforter, two plates out with their food on a neat tray. Harry's camera slung around his neck by the straps, and he pulled it up to snap a quick photo of the set up, then of Aspen, who was busy taking photos of the view of the field on her phone.

"Come sit, baby," He reached his hand out, resting his camera back down against his chest while he sat on his knees. He wasn't as dressed up as Aspen, having just thrown on a black backwards hat and a red and black flannel on top of his outfit he already wore. 

The girl took his hand and grinned over the view, coming to sit with her legs tucked under her legs. "This is beautiful, Harry. Thank you so much." Her brown eyes skimmed over the details of their picnic as she sighed contently. She couldn't believe she had found someone like Harry. 

Harry reached over and took ahold of her hand, grazing her knuckles with another kiss. "You are beautiful, Asp." His fingers hooked under her chin, tilting her head up as he leaned over to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. As he sat back down, he reached to help her plate up her food. 

"How's school been? How was that exam?" He kept his question light, not too pressing in case she hadn't done well, as he plated some fruit alongside her sandwich for her. 

Aspen sighed softly, her fingers playing with the edge of her dress as she glanced at Harry. "It wasn't exactly the score I wanted," she admitted, her voice carrying a small hint of disappointment. "I got a seventy-two." She paused, watching his reaction before shrugging slightly. "But honestly, I thought I did worse, so I'll take it."

Harry hummed, finishing plating up their food before turning his full attention to her. His brows knitted slightly, noticing the way she toyed with the fabric of her dress—a small nervous habit he had picked up on over time. He reached out, his fingers grazing over hers before fully taking her hand in his.

"Asp, a seventy-two is still passing. And you worked your ass off for that exam, yeah?" His voice was gentle, but firm in its reassurance. "That's what matters. It might not be what you wanted, but it's still something to be proud of." He gave her hand a small squeeze, his thumb brushing along her knuckles.

Aspen looked down at their hands, a soft blush forming along her cheeks. She knew he was right. She had studied hard for that exam, even when the material felt impossible to grasp. And while the score wasn't what she had aimed for, it was still better than failing. She felt a little lighter hearing him say it out loud.

"You always know how to make me feel better," she murmured, her eyes flickering up to meet his.

Harry smiled at her, shaking his head slightly as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "That's because I pay attention, sunshine," he said, his voice lower now, softer. "And I hate seeing you doubt yourself. You're brilliant, even if you don't always see it."

Aspen let out a small breath, her heart swelling at his words. She didn't know how he always knew exactly what to say, but he did, and it made her fall for him just a little more each time.

Harry, noticing the shift in her expression, grinned and leaned in, pressing a slow kiss to her temple. "Now," he mused, pulling back slightly. "Eat, b'fore I start feeding you myself."

Aspen laughed, shaking her head as she picked up her sandwich. "You wouldn't."

Harry raised an eyebrow, smirking as he picked up a piece of fruit. "Wouldn't I?" Before she could react, he gently tapped the piece of fruit against her lips, coaxing her to take a bite.

Aspen huffed, rolling her eyes but ultimately indulging him, taking the fruit from his fingers. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, chewing, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Harry's smirk softened into something more affectionate. "Maybe. But you like it."

She shook her head, but she couldn't deny it. She did like it— she liked him. Loved him. Everything about him.

They ate in comfortable silence for a bit, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere around them. The sun had dipped lower, casting golden hues across the field, painting everything in warm, soft light. Aspen took small bites of her food, occasionally sneaking glances at Harry, who was preoccupied with his camera, snapping candid shots of the scenery.

She watched the way his jaw tensed slightly when he was focused, the way his lip ring caught the sunlight when he adjusted his camera, the ink on his arms shifting with every movement. He was so effortlessly beautiful, and he probably didn't even realize it.

Harry, sensing her gaze, turned his head towards her with a curious smile. "What?"

Aspen flushed, quickly looking away. "Nothing."

Harry chuckled, setting his camera down as he reached over to tilt her chin up gently. "No, don't do that," he murmured, his green eyes searching hers. "What were y'thinking about?"

Aspen hesitated before letting out a small sigh. "Just... you."

Harry blinked, surprised for a second before his lips curled into a slow smile. "Yeah?" He leaned in just slightly, his nose nearly brushing hers. "What 'bout me?"

Aspen bit her lip, suddenly feeling shy under his gaze. "You just... you look really good tonight," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "You always do, but— I don't know. It's something about the light, or maybe it's just you. Either way... yeah."

Harry's heart swelled at her words, his expression softening. He wasn't used to compliments, not in a way that felt so genuine, so unfiltered. And coming from Aspen? It made something deep in his chest tighten.

"Well," he murmured, tilting his head slightly as his thumb brushed along her cheekbone. "I think y'look absolutely breathtaking, Aspen."

Aspen's breath hitched slightly, her blush deepening. "Harry..."

"Just stating facts, baby," he murmured before closing the small distance between them, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips.

The world around them seemed to fade, the only thing that mattered in that moment was the way he kissed her—gentle, patient, like he had all the time in the world to memorize the way she felt. Aspen melted into him, her hand resting lightly against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

When they finally pulled away, Harry rested his forehead against hers, exhaling softly. "We should do this more often," he murmured.

Aspen smiled, her fingers curling slightly against the fabric of his flannel. "I'd like that."

Harry grinned, pressing another quick kiss to the tip of her nose before leaning back. "Good, because I already have ideas for our next date."

Aspen raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "Oh? Care to share?"

Harry smirked. "Not yet. Gotta keep some mystery, love."

Aspen rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't deny the way her heart raced in anticipation. She didn't know what the future held, but sitting here, under the golden glow of the sunset with Harry, she knew one thing for certain—she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Aspen stretched her legs out, her hands pressed lightly against the soft comforter beneath them as she glanced out toward the open field. The golden light of the sunset stretched across the landscape, painting the grass and the delicate white flowers that danced with the evening breeze. The sight was nothing short of ethereal.

She sighed contently, letting her gaze drift to Harry, only to find him already watching her. His green eyes held something unreadable—something soft and consuming, like he was trying to memorize every detail of this moment, of her.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head.

Harry blinked, as if pulled from a trance, before a slow smirk curled at the edge of his lips. "Nothin'. Just thinkin' how pretty you look right now."

Aspen felt warmth rise to her cheeks, her fingers instinctively toying with the hem of her dress. "You always say that."

"'Cause it's always true." His voice was steady, unwavering, like he needed her to believe him.

Aspen smiled, shaking her head before her eyes flickered back to the open field. "Let's go over there," she said, pointing toward the flowers scattered across the grass.

Harry glanced toward the area, then back at her. "You wanna go run through the field like you're in a movie or somethin'?" he teased.

Aspen rolled her eyes but laughed. "Oh, shut up. It just looks nice. I want to see it up close."

Harry chuckled, pushing himself up and dusting off his jeans before reaching out a hand for her. "Then let's go, little mouse."

Aspen took his hand, letting him pull her up with ease. Her fingers fit between his naturally, like they had been made to hold his. As they walked toward the field, the cool evening air wrapped around them, the sun dipping lower by the second.

The grass brushed against Aspen's ankles as she stepped through it, the white flowers swaying gently in the breeze. She let go of Harry's hand momentarily, stepping further in, her fingers grazing the petals. The sun's last golden rays caught the fabric of her dress, making her glow under the sky's soft hues.

Harry stopped in his tracks, his breath catching slightly. The delicate white flowers surrounded her, her hair catching the light in the most perfect way, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe.

"Stay just like that," he murmured, lifting his camera.

Aspen turned slightly, her brows raising. "What?"

"Just— don't move," Harry repeated, his voice softer now as he adjusted the focus. He snapped a picture, then another. The way she looked against the wildflowers, with the remnants of sunlight framing her face— it was the kind of beauty that couldn't be staged, only captured in fleeting moments like this.

Aspen laughed gently, shaking her head but letting him take his photos. "I feel like some kind of model."

"You should," Harry muttered, still looking through the lens. "You're bloody perfect."

Aspen's breath hitched slightly at the sincerity in his voice.

Harry finally lowered his camera, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Okay, I'm done. Now, let me have y'back."

Aspen grinned, stepping closer to him. "You have me."

Harry's smile widened, and he reached for her hand again. "Good."

For a while, they wandered through the field, their fingers intertwined, simply enjoying the feeling of being close. At one point, Aspen spun lightly with her arms outstretched, her laughter ringing through the air. Harry watched her, completely mesmerized.

And then, he couldn't help himself.

He stepped forward, grasping her waist and pulling her flush against him. Aspen gasped softly, but it melted into a breathless giggle as Harry dipped his head down, his nose brushing against hers.

"You drive me absolutely mad, you know tha'?" he murmured.

Aspen tilted her head, her lips inches from his. "Is that a bad thing?"

Harry let out a breathy chuckle before shaking his head. "Not in the slightest."

Then, he kissed her.

It wasn't slow or tentative. It was deep, consuming—like he had been waiting for this moment all evening. His hands tightened against her waist, pulling her even closer as his lips moved against hers. Aspen let out a small, content sigh, her fingers slipping into the hair at the nape of his neck as she kissed him back just as eagerly.

The world around them faded, the soft rustle of the grass and the distant chirping of crickets becoming background noise to the only thing that mattered—each other.

When they finally broke apart, Harry rested his forehead against hers, his breath a little uneven. "God, I could kiss y'forever."

Aspen's lips curled into a smile, her eyes still closed as she whispered, "I wouldn't stop you."

Harry chuckled, pressing another brief kiss to her lips before murmuring, "C'mon, let's head back before it gets too dark."

As the stars began to peek through the sky, they made their way back to their picnic setup. Harry removed his camera and set it aside before sitting down and patting the space beside him.

"Lay with me?" he asked softly.

Aspen smiled, slipping off her flats before settling beside him, her head resting against his chest as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She felt the steady rise and fall of his breathing, the warmth of him against the cool night air.

The stars above them twinkled brightly now, stretching endlessly across the sky. Aspen let out a soft sigh, her fingers tracing small patterns along Harry's arm.

"This is perfect," she murmured.

Harry glanced down at her, his heart swelling at the content expression on her face. "Yeah," he agreed quietly. "It is."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind that only happens when two people are completely at ease with one another.

And then, Harry whispered, "I love you."

Aspen's breath hitched, her fingers stilling against his arm. She tilted her head up to look at him, searching his face with fond eyes. She'd never get over hearing it. 

His green eyes were soft, vulnerable in a way that made her heart ache.

"Yeah?" She mumbled back, a small smile curving back to her lips.

Harry let out a quiet chuckle, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Of course, my sweetest flower."

Aspen felt something deep inside her swell—something warm, something terrifyingly beautiful. She pushed herself up slightly, just enough to hover over him, and whispered, "I love you."

Harry's breath left him all at once. His lips parted slightly, his gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips like he was trying to commit this moment to memory.

Then, he kissed her again.

It was slow this time— deep and tender, full of every unspoken thing between them. Aspen melted into him, her fingers clutching at the fabric of his shirt as if she could somehow pull him even closer.

Harry cradled her face between his hands, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. His heart pounded against his ribs, a silent rhythm of her, her, her.

When they finally pulled away, Aspen rested her forehead against his, smiling softly.

Harry sighed, a lazy grin pulling at his lips. "You're gonna be stuck with me forever now, y'know that?"

Aspen giggled, brushing her nose against his. "Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Harry sighed, his fingers brushing through Aspen’s hair as she lay nestled against his chest. The warmth of her, the quiet rhythm of her breathing—it was all he ever wanted, all he ever needed.

Aspen traced slow circles against the fabric of his shirt, her heart still racing from the words they had just exchanged. She tilted her head up, catching the soft glow of the stars reflected in his green eyes.

“What happens now?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She had meant for their date, and a part of Harry knew that.

Harry huffed a quiet laugh, his lips curling into a smirk. “Now?” He tightened his arm around her, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple. “Now, I keep lovin’ you. Every day. Just like this.”

Aspen bit her lip, her heart swelling at the promise in his words. She leaned up slightly, pressing a feather-light kiss to the corner of his mouth before whispering, “That sounds perfect.”

Harry smiled against her lips, his voice softer now. “It is. You are.”

They stayed there, wrapped up in each other beneath the endless sky, neither one eager to leave the warmth of the other’s arms. And for the first time in a long time, neither of them felt like they were waiting for something more— because this was enough. They were enough.

And as the stars continued to twinkle above them, they stayed— lost in their own little universe, where love was steady, real, and theirs to keep.

wooould you guys be mad at me if i said.... the end?? 🫣🫣

[iloveladybuglucy]

Sugar-Coated Candyman

new rarepair dropped! i want to incorperate not-so-common ships in my au so after looking through the cc wiki, i found the Cute Waitress and knew she had to be David's partner :)

facts ab them/their familiy under the cut!

David and Rosie (aka Cute Waitress) met by chance when David stopped by the café she works at to grab a quick lunch on his way back from town. the two struck up a conversation and David was almost instantly smitten. during the school year when camp wasn't in-session, David found himself frequenting the café daily with a reluctant Max in tow (he'd been adopted at this point) and before they knew it, David and Rosie were openly flirting while Max gagged in the background

this went on for nearly an entire year until Gwen basically forced them to go out on a date after hearing through Max how painfully corny they were being. the dinner itself was quiet and a bit awkward; David was clearly not able to talk up a lady, and Rosie was naturally quiet and shy. however, it was after they'd finished dinner and headed down to the lake in the comforts of the setting sun, chirping crickets, and warm breeze that they were finally able to unwind and spent hours talking and enjoying each other's company. after that, their dates became more frequent and made things official not long after.

max was initially iffy about Rosie. he didn't necessarily hate her per se, he was just convinced she was missing a screw because she was willingly with David of all people. Rosie of course treats Max with nothing but kindess and never over-stepped/forced him to call/see her as his mom.

Rosie will often bring Max home his favorite pastries (double-chocolate chip muffins are his kryptonite) and even packs his lunch for him. the first few times, he was genuinely confused by the gesture.

if David and Rosie's wedding was a strange time for Max, then Rosie announcing she was pregnant was a huge adjustment period for him. he'd gotten used to things being just him, David, and Rosie, with Gwen occasionally joining the family for dinner. he wasn't super thrilled at first and held a grudge against his eventual newborn brother, Aspen. it didn't take too long for Max to warm up to Aspen though and won't hesitate to curbstop anyone who dares hurt him.

Rosie and David enjoy being outdoors and their dates/anniversaries often consist of, surpise surprise, going camping at various locations.

Max had beef with a literal newborn for a short while, but now they're besties and love each other sm

aaand their bio kiddo's turnaround sheet!

Aspen

Nickname(s): N/A

Name meaning: Trees of the same name

Parent(s): David, Rosie (aka Cute Waitress)

Age: Teenager (15)

Gender: Male

Backstory/Personality:

Painfully shy and socially awkward, Aspen contrasts greatly compared to his sociable, friendly father, David. Aspen is a camp counselor in-training, but secretly hates the job but doesnt have it in him to tell his father. Despite being the oldest camper, Aspen is picked on by the other kids and pretends to not care or notice. He’s a lot more aware than he lets on but chooses to hold in his true feelings to keep from causing tension among the others. Similar to his father, Aspen rarely swears- only when he’s very upset and/or confused.

[ask-rowans-sides]

How are you all today? :D

What are your favorite pastries/snacks?

We're all doing well!!! Rowan got to sleep in today so now I'm all full of energy! - Aspen

Speak for yourself... (Yawn) - Hazel

Oh hush, you, you're always tired. Now, in terms of snacks... I just adore cinnamon buns... They're simply delicious. - Wisteria

I know it'll sound basic as hell, but I could eat sausage rolls all day... Or those little cheese and onion pastry bites? Thosw are so good... - Aspen

I enjoy a pasty every now and again - honestly any kind, I'm yet to eat a pasty I have not enjoyed. - Willow

Does a bakewell tart count as a pastry? I love them.. they always remind me of home... - Sequoia

Muffins. I don't give a shit it's not a pastry, chocolate chip muffins. - Yew

Ooookay then, uh, well honestly I really like pain au chocolat - they're so good, especially warmed up - Hazel

I suppose I'll have to say croissants - especially almond ones, if I must... - Eden

Yes! You must! Oh I just gotta say jam tarts... They're just so cute and yummy! Thanks for the question! - Juniper

[tymorasmiles]

[Timlan’s Tale, Chapter 4: Return, Part 2 - Market]

Aspen hands a couple of goodberries to Lydia who eats them and sighs with relief. They proceed more easily now and soon come upon a marketplace with colorful carts selling all manner of goods. The sights and smells are intriguing.

A dryad with stunning eyes and physique presides over a cart of fragrant candles and winks at Timlan when they make eye contact. Timlan blushes and turns to see a booth with every kind of hat conceivable. 

The smell of baked goods competes with other sensory input, and Timlan finds the source in a cart with breads and muffins and pastries which seem to be fresh from the oven. Timlan suddenly realizes that they haven’t eaten in a while.

“Do you mind if I get something?” they ask their companions. They approach and greet the baker, an elf with golden eyes and blue spiky hair who gazes over Timlan’s head with disinterest. After an awkward pause, she barks, “What you want?”

The contrast of her gruff voice with her lithe form takes Timlan aback for a moment. “Um...how much are the muffins?” they ask. The elf sighs and rolls their eyes. “One gold each,” she responds. Timlan is shocked at the price.

However, they are a bit large and smell amazing, so they dig out a gold piece and hand it over. The baker pulls out a muffin and thrusts it in Timlan’s direction. They take it and return to their companions. 

Despite the rudeness of the baker, the delicious muffin was totally worth it. They are just finishing it off as they leave the market and Timlan feels a little tug on their belt.  They turn to see a sprite trying to take their pouch.

“Hey!” shouts Timlan and tries to grab them. But the sprite slips away, fortunately without Timlan’s gold. They never worried about theft in the Arbaro or even Temerrill. Now Timlan keeps one hand on their pouch as they continue. 

[simthorium]

Noah hugged Aspen tight as he and Cassidy sung happy birthday over the cake.

Aspen grew into such a cute little boy! He smiled at his super long arms and legs and jumped up in the air. "I can't wait to eat every single food now!" he shouted.

"Happy birthday, baby," Cassidy said, bending down to hug her son. "I'm so glad I got to see you." "I'm glad I got to see you too, mom," said Aspen. "Do you think you can come visit me more now that I'm big? Maybe I can even stay with you sometimes, too!" "I don't think so, darling," Cassidy said. "Mommy's moving pretty far away, so it'll be best if you stay here with dad." "Moving?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, didn't I tell you? Robert got a job in Kaltumbra. We're moving next week," Cassidy said flippantly. "What!?" Noah exclaimed. "You didn't tell me that, Cassidy. You're just gonna up and leave to another country next week!?" Aspen sighed and sat down to eat his cake. It was par for the course to watch his parents fight, he didn't know why he thought it'd be different on his birthday. "Don't be so dramatic, Noah," she laughed. "Not like we're married." "You have a son here!" he said. "And we can FaceTime when he misses me!" Cassidy said. "Look, I gotta go. Lots of packing to do. See you."

Noah flopped down on the couch, head in hands, and Aspen joined him. "I've never been to Kaltumbra," Aspen said. "Maybe we can visit once mom gets settled in." Noah patted his son's head gently. "Yeah, maybe," he said. Noah looked down at his phone and hopped up to his feet. "Shit, sorry. I gotta be at work in 20. You'll be ok until the nanny gets here, right?" He didn't wait for an answer, just rushed out the door as Aspen looked on.

While it did sorta suck to be left alone with the dumb nanny on his birthday, Aspen was ecstatic to get a kitchen set as a present. He got to work trying his hand at the biggest muffin ever.

For some strange reason, the children's toy oven got hot enough to burn muffins! Aspen sighed at his burnt creation, but resolved that he'd nail it on the next one.

[felixsterprankster]

Alle Hjerters Dag

WELCOME TO MY VALENTINES FIC FOR FALCO AND ROSIE!!

Warnings: poor Grammar

Art at the end

__________________________________________

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valentines day. The day alot of people expressed their love, whether that be romantic or Platonic. American Traditions were different from what they were use to. Normally the Eriksson family would do their things and then go on a walk on the trail to see the sights as tradition, but this year, 2014 February 14th a friday, the younger two Eriksson had their plans, of course they were gonna go on a walk with their Momma as soon as they got out of school, but immediately after they planned a hangout with their neighbors. Right now the Erikssons were on a call with their aunt and cousin as they prepared for school.

“Soooo, what’s the plan for our Fellow Erikssons this holiday?” Aspen, their cousin, asked teasingly knowing what the plan.

“Oh you know the dang the plan, Aspen” Falco shot back at his older cousins teasing

“Oh? What’s their plans?” Their aunt chimed in the teasing. “Knapp and Muffins are going on daaaaaatesss”

The two began to laugh, not in a mocking way.

“Oh don’t get them a hard time you two, Aspen, I remember your first date “ Momma spoke which caused their Aunt to burst out laughing, and Aspen to blush.

There was a knock on the door, causing the youngest Erikssons to let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding in.

Allison opened the door to reveal their neighbors. Leaning back she shouted out to her brother

“HEI! Vi må gå!” Before putting on her sweater and grabbing her bag. Falco jogged over and put on his sweater in a hurry.

“Farvel Aspen! Tante Liz!” He shouted before closing the door, turning to his friends. “You guys literally saved us”

“How?” Qiu asked with a Raised eyebrow as they walked down the steps of the porch. “Our Cousin and Tante were teasing the hell out of us” Allison Rolled her eyes.

“Oh! About?” Tamarack asked curiously. Allison slightly panicked abit, but before she could speak, Falco spoke up as he walked ahead of them. “Nothing important, come on let’s get to school.”

Allison sighed alittle in relief before she walked beside Tamarack as Qiu looked at Falco with confusion and turned to Allison. “What’s up with him? He seems alittle jumpy”

“You DO remember what day it is? It’s valentines day.” Tamarack Raised and eyebrow. “Keep him away from Archie, I just know he’s gonna make Falco uncomfortable with some gesture. Alright Qiu? You share a few classes with him” Allison face became abit serious before she gestured for Them to catch up with him.

As the day went on it was time for the schools secret (or not secret) Valentine event to hand out the sodas, this year they chose Fanta sodas. It was Homeroom, last class of the day. During Lunch Allison and Falco faked going to the restroom to go the stand to buy one for their friends.

Both Allison and Falco had the same Homeroom. Allison had received two Sodas to her shock, not expecting to get any honestly. Falco had also received two, also, to his shock expecting none.

Allison receiving 2 Strawberry ones, one Marked with the name Tamarack, and one from her very own brother. Making her smile.

Falco both marked with a question mark, though it was easy to guess who the pineapple on was from as it had Qius signature stars on it, as well as Qiu knowing he didn’t like the taste if artificial grape, which was the other one was.

“Oh wow who ever gave you the grape one doesn’t know you” Allison laughed before packing up to hurry home to their mom. “Your telling me”

As they left the school they ran home so they could to their traditional walk on the forest path as a family.

“Welcome home, I made us some tea for our walk, put your bags up so you can get this walk over with and go to your little hang outs”

“Momma you say that as if we don’t want spend time with you” Allison said with a little pout with how mom worded it.

“I just messing with you dear” Mom said ruffling Allisons hair as the three headed out the back door.

The family talked about their day and got some…advice from both their Mom and Aunt on their “hang out” with their neighbors that was akin to a date.

As the three arrived home, Rosie met up with Tamarack in her backyard before beginning their “hang out” while Falco jogged over to Qius old play fort and tapped on their leg to inform them of his presence.

Watching her kids grow up made her extremely happy.

(TAMARACK AND ALLISON)

“Ready to go?” Allison asked as she grabbed the bag she left next Tamaracks tire swing.

“Ya. Where are we going?”

“Somewhere special, Promise” Allison responds with a cheeky grin before walking toward the forest with Tamarack in Tow

Allison lead them to a ‘special’ place in the forest. Tamarack looked around for a second, realizing where they were she blurted out.

“Is this where we met?”

Allison nodded with a blush before sitting down on a log and patted the spot next to her, gesturing Tamarack to sit next to her, and she did.

Allison pulled out a single Poppy before handing it Tamarack with a shy smile along side a small Box of Conversation hearts. “Gratulerer med alle hjerters dag”

Blush Tamarack took the Flower and candies. “I’m guessing that means ‘Happy Valentine’s Day?’”

“It means Happy All Hearts Day, it’s what we call it back in Norway. And well….I wanna give you…um…all my heart” Allison face blazed a bright red as she averted her gaze from Tamarack.

“Will you have it? My heart I mean…TamTam?”

Now Tamarack face was a deep read, before laughing, she stood up and pulled Allison up with her. Pulling the slightly taller girl into a hug.

“Of course I’ll have your heart, but only if you take mine Allison”

“Um! Of-Of couse!” She giggled before she swung the Coppered haired girl into a gentle dance.

(QIU AND FALCO)

“Where the hell are we going?”

“The bridge”

“Couldn’t we just stayed at the fort? I know how you celebrate, isn’t that place special enough?” Qiu teased already aware of Falcos plan

“You can be so infuriating sometimes, you know that right?” Falco turned towards Qiu

“Ya but your one of the few people who don’t take it seriously, so that means I can be as infuriating as I want with you” They smirked as they walked past their friend and up onto the bridge above the small river. “So am I gonna get a white flower to?”

Walking up to stand next to them Falco leaned his back against the rock railing. “That’s Denmark”

“Oh I saw Allison getting a poppy from the Florist so I assumed” They looked up confusedly at Falco who was looking up at the sky

“Well it’s mainly from Denmark but it’s also done in Sweden and Norway. Enjoying scenery is our thing”

“Well I wouldn’t exactly call this…‘scenery’…you know” They said pretending to disappointed

“Oh and your grand plan to stay in the fort has amazing scenery of trees and decaying wood” Falco chuckled before a comfortable silence fell between the two

“Well…I have an idea for a better scenery.”

“Oh? And what’s your plaaaAAAAANNN!!-“

Qiu moved fast and placed themselves infront of Falco and leaned their hands on the rock railing behind Falco startling the boy

“Hva gjør du!?” Falco yelled

“See. I told you this would be better scenery” Qiu let a playful smirk spread across their face causing Falco to let a deep blush spread across his face at Qius boldness

“My Gods Qiu. You’re the worst you know?” Falco sighed before a goofy smile spread across his face.

“Oh don’t worry, I know” They leaned in and hugged Falco

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~__________________________________________

[lilylees]

HELLO I just did yoga outside on a sunny 68F morning with the wind in the aspens after eating a muffin from the fancy grocery store and taking my Adderall and I have SO MANY GOOD BRAIN CHEMICALS RIGHT NOW

The teacher was this middle aged white lady with a smoker's voice and at one point her playlist included a 9 minute Loreena McKennitt ballad about murder, and now I desperately want to take a yoga class with ONLY ballads. "Shavasana," a soothing voice says. "You are a victim of the Edmund Fitzgerald, floating in Lake Superior, uncorruptible, for eternity"

[saharamae21]

Unrequited Love - Chapter 12

Authors: @sguymon21 and @outerbongs Check out chapter 11 on her page!

Masterlist

Emma’s Masterlist

Get Added To The Tag List!

________________________________________________

I woke up the next morning, stretching out my arms and accidentally hitting Kie in the process. She groaned next to me before waking up herself. I watched as she yawned and muttered good morning to me. I smiled and said it back before standing up. I opened the drawer of my clothes that I kept at her place, grabbing an oversized hand me down shirt. I quickly changed into it, changing into a swimsuit top underneath it and knotting the shirt at the side. I slipped into some shorts and told Kiara I would be downstairs.

I walked down the steps, the smell of something delicious wafting passed me. I felt my stomach growl. When was the last time I had a home cooked meal? I didn’t want to burden Anna though so I peeked in and thanked her for letting me stay the night.

“You’re staying for breakfast right?” she asked. I opened my mouth to tell her that I should be heading out, but the smell of food had me distracted. “C’mere and take a seat, Aspen.”

I smiled at my name and sat down at the table. She placed a pile of eggs and bacon in front of me, my mouth watering as I stared at it. I noticed the muffins that were cooling on the stovetop. I listened to Anna ask if I wanted one as she followed my gaze.

“Can I…?” I asked meekly. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries at all. She smiled and handed me one. I peeled the wrapper off carefully and took a bite, humming in delight. Everything tasted so good. I smiled at Anna and scarfed down the rest of my food. “When do you want me to come into The Wreck?”

“Want to start this weekend?” she asked. I nodded, excitedly and smiled at her. I hoped they all knew how grateful I was for them. I finished my meal just as Kiara came down the steps. I told her I would see her later tonight and decided to go kill some time at the beach. I had a lot on my mind and it seemed like the best place to go.

A while passed and the sun beat down on me. I stood thigh deep in the water and just closed my eyes, listening to the sounds of the waves. The beach was vacant, which was highly unusual for a day like this. I thought about Topper and asked myself if I was being selfish by wanting to be with him. I remembered the look on his face when his mom showed up and felt my heart ache a little bit. I didn’t want to make his life harder in any way. I listened to a car pull up and a door shut, but I didn’t think much of it. I kept my eyes closed and enjoyed the small breeze from the ocean.

I heard someone coming in my direction, water splashing behind me. I opened my eyes and turned to see him. He was in this faded orange shirt and board shorts. He slipped his hand into mine and pulled me to look at him. I couldn’t help smiling at him when he looked so handsome. The look on his face troubled me though. He looked distressed.

“Aspen, I’m sorry” he said. I told him it wasn’t his fault, giving his hand a small squeeze, but I don’t think it was helping. I listened to him tell me the truth. He didn’t want her to be ashamed of him. That’s what I was, a shame to his name. I let out a sigh, slipping my hand out of his to fiddle with my thumbs. I stared down at the water rippling beneath me. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to think of a response to that, but he didn’t give me enough time. He took my small hands within one of his. With the other, he tilted my head up to look at him. His blue eyes had determination in them. “Aspen Maybank, I don’t care anymore about who knows. You mean so much to me and I have never ever felt this way with anyone before.”

I felt my heart swell as he told me that I was the reason for his smiles and that I made him want to get up in the morning. I tried my hardest to just listen to him. I wanted to interrupt him though. I wanted to just press my lips against his, but in this moment I also needed to hear everything he wanted to tell me.

“When I walked in to see your dad doing that to you, it broke me. The fact that anyone would want to hurt you just eats me up inside because I worry that one day I won’t be there to protect you, and I might lose you forever. But, Aspen, I don’t ever want to lose you. Ever. And I mean that. The past few weeks have been so incredible and I never want this to stop. I never want us to stop,” he said. I sniffled a little bit, tears clouding my vision. I wanted to say something, anything, but my emotions were rendering me speechless. I looked at him and could see he was just as emotional as I was and that made me believe every single word he said. “You know what? Fuck it. I don’t care what anyone else thinks anymore, Aspen. I want it to be you and me, against the world. I want to be with you. Whatever it takes.”

“Then guess what, Top?” I asked. My voice came out small and sincere. I was smiling like crazy as he stared down at me. The way he looked at me made time stop around us.

“What?” he asked. A smile was painted across his face. He looked so genuinely happy and I couldn’t stop staring at him.

“It’s us against the world,” I said. That was all he needed to hear. He leaned down, slamming his lips into mine. I leaned into the kiss, savoring every moment of it. My hands moved to cup his face, as his hands traced down my sides, stopping on my waist. I felt him lift me up, allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist. The desire to be as close to him as possible radiated through me. My heart was nearly beating out of my chest as we both pulled away, leaving our foreheads against each other. Our breathing was heavy as we stared at each other. His beautiful, ocean blue eyes stared into mine with such an intensity.

“Aspen?” he asks. I hum in response, not trusting my voice not to shake. “I love you.”

My heart sped up at his words. When was the last time someone said that to me? I smiled uncontrollably as my world shifted around me. Someone loved me…

“I love you too,” I said. I meant it too. I loved this boy more than he would ever know.

The next few hours were spent at the beach. We laid in the sand together, laughing and finding any excuse for PDA. He had his arms tightly around me as I joked with him. I threw my head back with the biggest chuckle that I could remember. I laid my head against his chest and the happiness that I felt in that moment was enough for a lifetime. I never wanted it to go away.

We stood up after a while and headed over to The Wreck for dinner. I smiled brightly at Kiara as we entered. I sat down at a booth, him across from me and we ordered. It was almost like a first date in a way. We were talking about his plans for tomorrow, when he reached across the table and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear to get a better look at me. I could feel my skin heating up at the intimate action and looked away from him, embarrassed. He chuckled at me and took my hands in his. I sat there holding his hands on the table, looking at him with probably the dumbest grin on my face. I was so happy.

After dinner, we just walked around town. His hand held mine firmly. When he said that he didn’t care who knew, he meant it. He wasn’t embarrassed of me in the slightest. I was embarrassed though. We passed all these nice stores full of outfits that kooks would wear and here I was in one of JJ’s old shirts that didn’t fit him anymore and jean shorts. I wished I could afford something nice to impress him…

“What are ya thinking about?” he asked me. He was staring at my face that was now contorted with all the ideas that I wasn’t enough. I told him not to worry about it, but he didn’t let it go. He stopped in front of me and leaned down, kissing me quickly. “C’mon, what’s wrong?”

“I just wished I could impress you,” I muttered, realizing how stupid I sounded. “I wanna wear something nice and go on a cute date and give you what a kook could…” “C’mere,” he said, pulling me into his arms. The smell of his cologne filled my nose as I slipped my arms around him. I wished I could live in his arms forever. I wished I could spend every moment I had with him. His lips met my forehead, placing a small kiss there. Then, after he moved away, he pulled me into a store. I looked at all the cute dresses and skirts. He told me that I could pick out anything I wanted and that we could go on a date this weekend. Excitement jolted through my veins like a current of electricity. I browsed the racks, looking for something fun and beachy when I spotted the perfect dress. It was this yellow sundress with little flowers on it. Usually I wouldn’t want something so girly, but it just seemed so perfect. I picked it up, letting my fingers brush over the fabric. I looked at Topper over my shoulder and saw him smiling at me, encouragingly. After he bought it, we walked back to the Figure Eight. The sun was setting, but I didn’t want to say goodbye. I held his hand tightly, trying to memorize exactly how it felt in mine. He stopped in front of the Carrera’s and we prepared to say good night.

“I have plans with the boys tomorrow at the country club, but my parents are gone for the weekend if you want to come over after,” he said. I smiled and nodded. I couldn’t wait for more alone time with him. I felt him kiss my cheek sweetly and smile before saying good night to me. I said goodbye and slipped into the house, watching him walk away from the window. I fell asleep that night with the first feeling of love still present in my mind.

______________________________________________

Tag list: @sexualparkour @briandaflores19 @yungbludz @poguelive @jiaraendgame

[something-tofightfor]

Christmas in Wyoming - Two

Pairing: Logan Delos x Emma .... Logan Delos x Reader

Word count: 5330

Rating: M (language)

Author’s Note: Here we gooooooo

Taglist: feel free to ask me to remove you… or to add you!

@banditthewriter @breanime @obscurilicious @madamrogers @suchatinyinfinity @chibiyanai @songtoyou @ethereal-heavcns @editboutique @marauderskeeper @drinix @ilkaeliseb @delicatelilyflower @king4thesirens @blah-blah-fuckit-shit @ymariejp @mr-robot-x @rageshots @shinebrightlikeafanbase @littlemermaidprobz @introvertedlibrary @writing-for-a-chance @yesixoxo @ilikebeachessushiandsmallanimals @likeorions @swiftyhowlz @dylanobrusso @benbarnestongue @its-my-little-dumpster-fire @the-blind-assassin-12 @dreamwritesimagines @waytoobsessedwithmyfandoms @lexxierave @ms-delos @elanor-of-imladris @lynne1993 @dreams-with-thoughts @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @mfackenthal  @traeumerinwitzhelden @bucky-is-my-precious @weallhaveadestiny @ladyblablabla @sweetybuzz25 @luminex3 @christinawxxx @thesumofmychoices @audreychaz @tc-elliot @kind-wolf @gollyderek @honeyydippaa @thesandbeneathmytoes @malik-payne @geeksareunique @bellastellaluna @agentlingerie @elioelioeli0  @wangmangagavroche

“So you’ve lived here with your aunt and uncle for most of your life?” Logan brought the coffee mug to his lips, sipping it. “Your uncle wouldn’t stop talking about you.” Really? He laughed before he continued, Logan’s eyes flicking around the semi-crowded room. “Says you’re a huge help to them, that you’re going to run the place when they retire.” 

“He talks a lot, Logan.” You picked off a piece of the lemon muffin that you’d ordered with your coffee, popping it into your mouth. “But yeah, I came out here with them after I lost my parents, and when I turned fourteen or fifteen, they started having me do work around the place - cleaning up the campground and cabins, checking guests in and out, doing the shopping for the resort…” You shrugged. “Made choosing where I went to college and what I went for much simpler.” He quirked a brow at you and you continued. “Two degrees; one in business, one in hospitality.” 

 “Damn.” He said the single word softly, shaking his head. “There good schools around here, or…” 

 “No, I went to State in Pennsylvania and Notre Dame, so I had to leave here for a while, but I came back during the summers… we’re really busy then, and Brandon and Elle needed the help.” The story was one you told often, both to guests that you befriended and the friends you had. “It makes sense for me to take over for them, they’ve owned it for decades, and want to keep it in the family. I’m the logical… well, the only choice.” Logan smiled at you, and while you both ate and drank, you took the opportunity to look him over more closely than you had before. 

 He’d shrugged out of his coat as soon as he set his tray down, pulling the hat from his head and stuffing it into the front pocket before sitting, his posture on the chair casual. Though his cheeks had been reddened from the cold while you waited in line, they weren’t anymore, his skin pale and smooth above his beard - which he’d trimmed to a much shorter style than it had been previously. It looks better this way.  In the light of the bakery, Logan’s eyes were still dark, but you saw that they were more brown than black, softened slightly as they fell on your face. How am I here with him now? “What?” The smile had turned back into a smirk, and you shook your head, bringing yourself out of your thoughts. “You can take your coat off, you know. Stay a while.” He glanced down into his mug. “I might even get another cup. You want one?” 

 “I… sure.” You nodded. “C-”

 “Cold brew with cream and salted caramel, right?” Blinking quickly, you nodded at him as he stood, heading back to the counter with your empty cups in hand. I didn’t realize he listened to what I ordered. Huh. The line was shorter than it had been, but you knew it would still take Logan a few minutes to get the drinks, and you drummed your fingers on the table as you waited, chin in the other hand. The conversation you’d had with Logan - him asking you questions and listening intently had been nothing like you expected - and nothing like what the tabloids and Internet made him out to be. There hadn’t been a good moment for you to bring up the fact that you knew who he was, but you knew that before you separated, you had to. Be honest about it. I’m sure he already thinks you know. Taking a deep breath, you stood, unzipping your coat and sliding your arms out of it, draping it over the back of your chair - much like he’d done. “You really do dress for the weather out here, don’t you.” 

 You froze, turning back toward Logan, who was standing on the opposite side of the table, holding both of your coffees. Shit. “Yeah, Logan.” You collected yourself quickly, reaching out to take your drink from him before you sat, careful not to touch his hand. “Some of us prepare accordingly when it’s supposed to be below freezing.” You’d thrown on an oversized sweater and a pair of insulated leggings with your boots that morning - an outfit that you figured none of the women Logan associated with would be caught dead in, but still, he eyed you with a little appreciation, eyes moving downward from your face and then back up. 

 “This place isn’t what I expected.” Logan took another drink of his coffee, shaking his head before he ran a hand through his hair, pale fingers visible through the long, dark strands. “People are friendly, the scenery is beautiful, the food’s been good so far…” Logan shook his head. “There are worse places to spend the holidays, I guess.” Is that a compliment? I can’t tell. “Nothing against you or Fireside or … but like I said, I’m used to warmth and… God, the last time I saw snow had to be years ago.” Logan fell silent, staring down at his mug, and you noticed that his fingers were tightly wrapped around the container, brow furrowed. 

 “Where do you usually spend Christmas, Logan?” You were genuinely curious, though you didn’t really expect him to answer. “You said you’re used to sun and sand and warmth, so -”

 “Wherever my family isn’t.” He offered you a tight lipped smile, shaking his head. “We’re not that close, especially since my sister got married to... “ He stopped, taking a deep breath. “I… it doesn’t matter. But this… I needed to get away, and I figured that putting myself in the middle of nowhere would be a good break.” Oh, Logan. You thought back to the stories that you’d read, the things people said about Logan and his father and his brother in law. It’s serious. “You don’t want to hear about that, though, I’m sorry.” It’s time to tell him. You closed your eyes, squaring your shoulders and then took a long drink from your straw. 

 “Logan, I need to be honest with you.” He looked confused for a second, but you continued. “I… know who you are.” You watched as he stiffened briefly, waiting, the look on his face changing. “I didn’t at first, when I came to get you? But after I went home last night, a friend of mine called, freaking out because you were at Snow King yesterday.” You leaned back, but Logan stayed silent, watching you. “When she mentioned Westworld, it kind of clicked, because I’ve heard of the park before, but…” You shook your head, looking down. “I looked you up online, because I couldn’t believe it - why would someone like you stay at a place like Fireside? All of the resorts are so much more … fitting, I guess? We’re nothing compared to them, and you’re one of the wealthiest men in the world, so why would you pick a place like ours?” 

 “That’s what you’re worried about?” His voice was low, and Logan leaned in over the table, closer to you. “You looked me up online and saw… whatever it is that you saw and you’re worried about why I picked your place over one of the others?” He laughed, and you took a breath, surprised at the sound. “That’s the question you ask me?” 

 “Well, yeah.” You frowned at him, meeting his eyes again and not looking away like you’d done before. “What else would I worry about? Your personal life? Your … extracurricular activities? That’s none of my business, Logan.” He looked surprised, but you continued. “All I need to worry about is whether or not we’re doing what we need to do to make the time you spend with us what you hope it will be, nothing more.” He was silent for a while, watching you, his face giving nothing away. 

 “So you’re friends with Emma?” He asked the question casually, and though you hadn’t expected it, you were able to keep the flinch contained - barely. 

 “We were friends once, yes.” Biting down on your lower lip, you thought before continuing. “It’s hard to be friends with someone when they’re constantly trying to one up you and your business. And it’s fine, she’s focused on Snow King and her family, and she should be, but we’re… so different, that it shouldn’t matter.” Logan had leaned in again, watching you as you spoke. “It wasn’t her that called, Logan, it was a mutual friend.” He nodded. “You being here in Jackson Hole is a big deal, apparently. Everyone’s curious. We don’t get as many celebrities as Aspen or Vale or -” 

 “Celebrities?” He laughed again, tossing his head back. “I’m not a celebrity, I’m just a rich prick with too much money and not enough good sense to spend it well.” Logan grinned. “Did you tell your friend I’m staying in one of your cabins?” 

 “Of course not, that’s not… I wouldn’t ever. I don’t care who you are, you’re a guest, and you’re entitled to your privacy while you’re here. All of our employees know to keep quiet about it, too.” He considered your words carefully, wetting his lips with a few quick swipes of his tongue. 

 “I’d like to keep it that way, if possible.” That’s what I just said, Logan, I won’t say a word. “I’m… meeting your… meeting Emma for dinner tonight.” Logan’s fingers played with the napkin on the table, eyebrows knit together. “She asked and I didn’t say no, but… I’m assuming it wouldn’t go over well if she knew where I was staying, would it?” You shook your head, deciding not to try to hide things from him. 

 “It won’t, she’d try to convince you to stay there the rest of the time if she knew.” And we need the money. “She’ll show you a good time, Logan.” The words came out before you could stop them, and you widened your eyes, hand going to your mouth. “I shouldn’t have said that.” He laughed again, leaning back in. “She’s not a bad person, Logan, she just…” You’re an idiot. You basically just told him he was going to get laid if he wanted to. 

 “No, stop.” He winked at you, and you felt your breath catch. “I know what you’re saying, and I got the same vibe.” 

 “That why you agreed to go out with her?” You spoke again without thinking, and even as Logan laughed, you put your face into both hands, groaning. You’re so goddamn dumb. “That’s none of my business, I’m sorry.” You peeked up at him, finding that he was watching you closely, one thumb pressed against his lips, teeth just visible as he chewed on the nail. Glancing behind him, you were surprised to see that it was almost 2:30, and that just under two hours had passed with him. “It’s late, I think I should get going.” He frowned. “They close at three, Logan, I don’t want to be those people.” 

 After putting your coats back on, you collected your trash and empty plates and made your way toward the front of the bakery, Logan nodding to the young woman and man behind the counter. When you stepped outside, you watched as he pulled his hat on, covering his ears. “Thanks for this.” He shook his head, stepping closer to you as a gust of wind made you shiver. “Halfway figured you’d say no… I’m surprised you didn’t, knowin’ what you do about me.” No way. 

 “Of course, Logan, maybe you’ll let me repay the favor before you leave Wyoming.” He raised an eyebrow, turning to look at the highway and then back at you, eyes moving over your face. “There’s a restaurant I think you’d like, but it’s a little bit of a drive.” He nodded twice, opening his mouth to speak. “Hey.” You closed your eyes. “I hope you have fun with Emma tonight.” He looked shocked as you continued, his mouth closing. “I’m not surprised that she asked you out.” 

 “Why’s that?” I’m not going to give you the satisfaction. He waited, biting the inside of his cheek as he watched you. 

 “Despite what the tabloids might say about you - and what you say about yourself, Logan Delos, I think you’re actually less of an asshole than you pretend to be.” He laughed again, shaking his head and muttering the word ‘wow’ under his breath. “But I still have some work to do this afternoon, and you have a date to get ready for.” He rolled his eyes. 

 “It’s just dinner.” And some drinks, I’m sure. And shameless flirting on both ends.

 “Where are you taking her?” You held up a finger. “Wait, let me guess. She picked the place… and it’s…” You thought, closing your eyes for a second. “Hayden’s, right?” He nodded slowly. “Figured. She’d want to be seen with you in her own resort’s restaurant.” Logan didn’t say anything and so you continued. “It’s a shame, really. The food’s alright, but there are plenty of other places to go that are just as good.” Before you could stop yourself, you reached out, squeezing Logan’s arm through his sleeve, surprised to find it much smaller than you’d imagined. He’s thin. “Thanks for this afternoon, Logan. See you around.” 

 “Yeah. Hey,” he called after you, following you down the steps. “Really, it’s just dinner. I just figured -”

 “You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Logan. You’re an adult.” You paused, a hand on your door handle. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?” He gave you a tight nod and you turned away from him, opening your door and climbing inside. You warned him without warning him. Whatever happens, happens. By the time you’d pulled out of your spot and were preparing to turn left onto 390, Logan had pulled behind you, blinker on to turn right. Raising a hand to him in the rearview mirror, you watched as he did the same, a small wave visible before you edged forward and out of the parking lot. 

 --- 

 But you didn’t see Logan the following day, though you noticed that his lights were on in the cabin when you showed up for work just before 7. Jeep’s windows are frosted over… means he’s been back for a while. There were no extra tire tracks in the fresh snow behind his car either, and though you didn’t know why, it filled you with relief. Brandon kept you busy, sending you out in a different Jeep for extra supplies for the cabins that would be filled the following week, and when you got back a little after five, Logan’s car was still parked - still frosted over. Lazy day for him, I guess. 

 You helped your aunt and uncle unpack, promising that you’d be back early the next morning to sort through the items that you’d purchased and get them to where they needed to be, and even though Elle told you that someone else was capable, you waved her off, Logan’s face in the back of your mind. After stopping home to change, you got back in the car, driving to meet Gina and Ana at Snake River Brewing, where an order of nachos and a beer were already waiting for you as you slid into your seat. I needed this. 

 The three of you talked for a while, ordering entrees and a second round of drinks, and you forgot all about Logan, about the issues at the resort, about the unease you’d been feeling for the previous few months. I needed this. By the time your food came, you were relaxed, listening to Ana talk about something that her husband had done the day before - until a voice cut in from behind you. “I didn’t get an invite?” Shit. You closed your eyes, beer glass frozen halfway between the table and your lips. “Can I sit?” Ana’s eyes flicked to you and you nodded minutely, gesturing to the empty seat across the table from you. “Thanks!” 

 Emma dropped gracefully into the chair, looking over her shoulder as the waitress came back to the table, taking her drink order. Though you stayed quiet for the first few minutes, only offering a response when it was required, you studied your former friend. Her long, dark hair was down around her shoulders, the sweater she was wearing expensive and perfectly suited for her body. Wonder what she wore last night. “How’d your date go?” Gina finally asked the question that Emma had been waiting for, and the brunette leaned in, one hand wrapped around her beer glass, perfect manicure on display. Here we go. Though you hadn’t wanted to admit it, you were curious to know, too. Did you impress him? Did he impress you?

 “Well.” She grinned, biting her lip and looking around, eyes falling on each of you in turn. “I don’t know if Gina told … everyone, but I went out with Logan Delos last night.” She paused, taking a long drink. “He showed up in the ski shop the other day, and I couldn’t not ask him out, right? He was even better looking in person than in pictures, and, I just…” She sighed, shaking her head. “He’s not staying at Snow King, but I’m sure he’s somewhere in town - he wouldn’t tell me where, though, and I tried everything to get it out of him.” She frowned, twisting the ends of her hair around her fingers. “We went to dinner at Hayden’s, had some drinks, and… he’s incredible.” She leaned in, a knowing smile on her face. “If he’s here alone, and I definitely think he is, he’s gotta be interested in investing somewhere, and my parents would kill me if I didn’t make him see how great our place is.” Sure. Like you need more investors. 

 “Isn’t Delos mostly tech-oriented, though?” You finally spoke, head tilted to the side. “What kind of technology could a ski resort use that it doesn’t already have?” Emma rolled her eyes, but you continued. “Maybe he’s just here to get away for the holidays.” 

 “It doesn’t matter.” Emma shrugged, one finger moving up to her lips as she wiped away a few wayward drops of beer. “I don’t care why he’s here, I’m just glad he is.” Gina leaned in, asking a few more questions, and you caught Ana’s eye, shooting her a deadpan look. “He kissed me goodnight.” A few minutes later, your attention went fully back to Emma and you felt your stomach drop. He did? “Well, he kissed me back, I guess. When I kissed him.” She giggled. “I invited him back to my place but he said no, said that he didn’t want to give me the wrong impression.” She grinned, eyes falling on you. “He’s not usually like that, he must actually like me, playing hard to get.” Or maybe he wasn’t interested. “Anyway, one of the resort photographers got a few pictures of us eating, and those are going to go up on the Instagram page in a few days. What great publicity it’ll be for us - Logan Delos of Delos Inc, on a date with me? We’ll book the final few rooms for the holidays no problem.” Oh, how dare you. 

 After that, you tuned out completely, only hearing a few of the words that Emma, Ana and Gina said, asking for the check the next time the waitress came to the table. “You seeing him again, Emma?” You finally spoke again as you stood, pulling your coat on, fingers going through your hair as you pulled it from beneath your collar. “Seems like you had a good time.” She laughed, pressing her plump lips together and looked up at you. 

 “We are. He said he’d call, but when he does, I’m going to make sure to show him a real good time while he’s here, show him what I can offer him.” She raised an eyebrow. “You know what I mean?” Oh, I do. “I’d suggest that we all meet up together, give him a taste of Jackson Hole, but...wouldn’t it be awkward for you?” Gina hissed Emma’s name, reaching for the girl’s arm, but Emma waved her off. “I mean, since you and Colin broke up, it’s not like we could go on a group date or anything.” Rather than respond in the way you would have liked to - picking up her drink and throwing it into her face or punching her - you just shrugged, pulling your keys from your pocket and taking a deep breath through your nose. 

 “We broke up over a year ago, Emma. It’s not a big deal. And I very highly doubt that Logan would want to meet a bunch of your friends on a second date, anyway. He doesn’t seem like the type to get attached.” She recoiled, and you looked away from her, saying goodbye to the other two before you turned and headed out to your car. So he kissed her, and they’re planning on going out again. Without waiting for the car to warm up, you put it in reverse and pulled out of the parking space, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. Good for him. 

 --- 

 The following morning, you woke up determined to get everything done for the coming guests before heading home for the weekend, since you’d be handling more than a few new guests the following week. You were looking forward to the time off, thinking that you’d get more done around the house as well as finish up your Christmas shopping, but mainly, you were excited to be away from Logan, especially knowing that he’d apparently hit it off with Emma. It doesn’t matter. I just don’t want to hear about it. 

 Pulling down the drive toward the lodge, you glanced over, seeing Logan’s jeep missing from it’s spot, even though it was early. Oh. Parking and letting yourself into the lodge, you busied yourself with making lists of the individual cabin needs, separating out the items that had been specially requested and designated for delivery. Emma and Brandon were gone for the day, and the rest of the staff knew what they were supposed to be doing, so you worked in the comfort of the main room, phone playing music as the boxes of items were packed. “Good morning.” 

 “Shit!” His voice startled you and you looked up from your place on the floor, eyes wide. “What are you doing here?” Logan was standing in the doorway, a small smile on his face as he held two cups in his hands. Where’s his coat?  

 “Brought you coffee.” He licked his lips, stepping into the room. “Your aunt and uncle told me they had the day off today, and I figured that meant you’d be here.” What? “Ordered you the same thing you got the other day, I thought…” He trailed off, eyes on you. “What’s wrong?” Logan pulled a seat over from the lone table, settling down and holding the plastic cup out to you. 

 “Nothing, Logan.” You accepted the coffee from him, feeling his chilled fingers brush yours for a moment. It doesn’t matter. “Thank you. You didn’t have to…” He shook his head, looking around the room. “I figured you went out last night and hadn’t made it back yet.” 

 “That why you’re so annoyed with me?” Logan shook his head back and forth slowly. “You think I’m stayin’ out all night with someone after only a few days here? That what you think of me?” He paused, shaking his head. “Actually, don’t answer that. I’m sure that’s exactly what the tabloids would have you believe.” Logan sighed. “No. I woke up early and went for a drive to look around, and then stopped at that bakery, because it was good.” 

 “Logan,” you said, uncrossing your legs and drawing your knees up. “I’m sorry, I don’t know you, I shouldn’t have…” He waved you off with one hand, eyes moving around the room again.

 “What do you guys use this room for?” He sipped his coffee, gesturing with a long finger that he uncurled from around the cup. “I see  the tree an’ the lights and decorations, but…” He sucked his lower lip into his mouth. “This would be a good place for groups to gather, like... “ Logan trailed off. “For events and shit?” 

 “That’s exactly what we do, Logan. When we’re booked, we usually have tables and stuff set up in here, and Elle does meals, or we have movie nights, or crafts for the kids.” You took a drink of your coffee, shaking your head. “It’s busier in the summer, like I said, and... “ Your eyes moved around, looking at the boxes of items for the cabins, remembering the previous summer months. “We do a Christmas brunch, so if you want, you’ll see it full then.” As you looked back at Logan, you saw that he was still looking around the room, eyes lingering on the corners, the windows that overlooked the trees and the empty RV lot behind the building. 

 “What are you doing today?” He spoke suddenly, snapping your attention back to him. “I mean, after you’re done here? With this?” You looked around the room. Though there were only ten cabins to prep, you figured you’d be busy until at least noon, especially since you had to lug the boxes into the different units. Wait, why is he asking? He’s …. Emma. 

 “Logan.” You looked directly into his eyes, shaking your head. “There’s no reason to…” You stopped, rubbing your hands over your face. “I went out with my friends last night, and Emma was… there.” He stiffened. “She told us all about your date, about how you’re going to see her again, about how you… about your kiss.” You almost couldn’t get the words out, but you forced them. “She seemed very sure of -”

 “Of what?” He stood, glaring down at you. “Of the fact that she kissed me? That she propositioned me in the restaurant?” He shook his head, pushing his sleeves up to just below his elbows as he spoke. “I donno what you read about me, but there’s more to me than booze and sex and…” He shook his head, hair falling over his eyes. “I have no intention of seeing Emma again, but since you’ve already made up your mind, I guess that’s all I need to know.” He shook his head and you felt your heart hammering in your chest. Stand up. Stop him. “Enjoy your coffee.” Logan turned and began walking out of the room, but you were on your feet before he’d taken more than a few steps, following him. 

 “Logan, wait. Stop.” You reached out again, gripping his arm just above the elbow. “Please.” He did, turning to face you with disappointment etched across his features. “What you do is your business, but I know Emma, and…” You shook your head, trying to reconcile that he was only inches from you, that he smelled incredible, that you could see the freckles on his skin clearly - one beneath his right eye, another high on his left cheekbone - that he hadn’t pulled his arm away from your grasp. “I like you, Logan, and she’s… she might seem…” You shook your head without breaking eye contact. “It’s not real, Logan. Everything she does is…”

 “Fake?” He licked his lips, taking a fraction of a step closer, his body shifting. “She practically screamed at me when I suggested we go somewhere else for dinner to keep it low profile.” Logan shook his head, glancing down for a split second. “You were right that she… she wanted to be seen with me.” I knew it. “And you warned me.” He laughed, and your eyes were drawn to the corners of his eyes, skin wrinkled, the same true of the bridge of his nose. He’s… I can’t, I need to step back. But you didn’t, waiting for him to speak instead. “I thought it was just you bein’... a typical woman, right? Jealous or whatever, since you two don’t get along.” Seriously? You opened your mouth to speak but he stopped you with a raised finger. “I did say I’m an asshole.” You chuckled, surprised that you were responding coherently with him so close. “But when she wouldn’t go somewhere else, and hinted before we even got our food that she was willing to show me her place, I realized you were right.” 

 “Logan, you don’t have to…” He licked his lips again, shaking his head as his raised finger turned into two, and they moved closer to your face, stopping just before they touched you. 

 “I do, though.” He took in a breath and slowly let it out, eyes never leaving yours. “I don’t want to be that guy anymore.” Oh, shit. “None of these people know what I want, an’ they just assume.” You felt him touch you, fingertips against your hair, his face impossibly close. “She kissed me, and it surprised me, and I kissed her back.” Of course you did. But the moment wasn’t broken and Logan continued, the arm that you were still holding rising, hand settling at your waist, his fingers gently curling into the material of your hoodie. “But it won’t happen again,” he said softly, leaning in, lips pressing against your cheek once before he moved them to your ear. “Because I’ve got enough people usin’ me at home, and I don’t need that here, too.” 

 All you needed to do was turn your head slightly and your mouth would meet his - and in that moment, you realized how much you wanted it, how attracted to him you were. I shouldn’t, I can’t. Frozen in place, you felt Logan’s palm on the side of your head, his hand tugging you closer at the waist, breath warm on your skin. “Logan.” Your voice was thick and you swallowed, using your free hand to push against his chest - gently but firmly. “I don’t… we don’t know each other.” His hands didn’t move but he allowed you to move his body backwards. He’s surprised. 

 “Can we change that?” He cleared his throat, finally dropping his hands from you and Logan looked down, staring at his feet for long seconds. “You know what the Internet says, and a lot of that shit is true, but…” He stopped, eyes back on your face. “There are things to…that you should hear from me, not from a newspaper or a gossip column. And if I tell you, and you don’t… you still want to know me, at least it’s ...” You wanted to say yes, wanted to agree to get to know the real Logan Delos, but you couldn’t form the words. He’ll be gone in a few weeks, and it’ll be like … he’ll go back to his mansion, back to his life, back to… “Hey, everything alright?” He was still standing there, still waiting for you to respond - and after another few seconds of staring into his eyes, you made a decision. 

 “Yes.” With a nod of your head, you continued. “I’d like that, Logan.” He again seemed surprised but the smile that he gave you in return was dazzling. Eye crinkles and all. “What does ‘getting to know Logan Delos’ entail out here in the middle of nowhere?” He laughed, stepping back and running his hand through his hair. 

 “Well, in Los Angeles, I’d take you out somewhere obnoxiously expensive, show you that I don’t care what I spend on a date, that we can go anywhere, even without a reservation, because I’m Logan Delos.” Bigshot. “But… A, I don’t think that would impress you, and B, I don’t think that there’s anywhere here like that… so…” He sighed, reaching down to run his knuckles over the back of your hand before he closed his fingers around yours, squeezing. “You mentioned that there was somewhere you thought I’d like?” 

--- 

[poppibranchlover]

The Queen and the Butterfly II: The Witch’s Curse - Part 15

This story is a sequel to “The Queen and the Butterfly”.

The story: Poppy offers Branch some cupcakes with butterflies in it which turns out to be mysterious. When the two Trolls eat them, they got transformed into butterflies themselves and realize that the cupcakes were actually cursed by an evil witch! Now they must try to find the witch who made those cupcakes and get a cure to get themselves back to normal, while encountering obstacles in the process along the way.

You already seen what had happened in Part 14. Now get ready for Part 15!:

Meanwhile, Poppy, Branch and Cloud Guy made their way through the village, attempting to search for Chrystelle. Cloud Guy made his way on top of a huge plant and settled the jar with Poppy and Branch in it down before examining the landscape of the beautiful meadow.

“The village looks more beautiful when we are small!” Poppy enthused. “Look at the trees and the pods sparkle in the sunshine!”

“But Chrystelle’s cottage has to be around here somewhere!” Branch complained. “Where is she? Cloud Guy, see anything?”

“Well, let me see...” Cloud Guy looked in each direction. He licked his finger and stuck it in the air to test the wind. He took a deep sniff. He got down on his hands and knees and listened to the ground for a long time. Finally, he stood up and smiled at Poppy and Branch.

“No idea! You said nobody knows where it is, right?”

Poppy grew worried-sick. “I hope we’re not too late!” she said. “We just need to find it quickly or we’ll never become Trolls again!”

“Don’t worry!” Branch reassured her, putting a butterfly wing to her shoulder. “We’ll try to get there and break this curse! But we need to keep going!”

He was right. Soon the trio started moving again as they went further deeper in the woods. When they got there, they stood there and stared at the foliage around them.

Branch pointed toward a large bright opening of the forest. “Well, that way looks friendly and inviting, but you just know it’s going to turn out to be horrible and terrible once you get there.”

Cloud Guy smiled and nodded. “Right,” he said. “It could easily be the way to CERTAIN DEATH…death…death…death.” He switched to his booming, dramatic voice and even made his own echo while saying this.

Branch and Poppy exchanged a look. Branch added sternly, “Or at least imprisonment.”

“Sure,” Cloud Guy agreed. “Could be imprisonment. Definitely.”

“Followed by death,” Branch said.

“Or MAYBE,” Poppy argued. “it could turn out to be just as nice and safe as it looks!”

“Maybe,” Cloud Guy said skeptically.

“Doubt it,” Branch added with a scoff.

No more than a few minutes has passed when Cloud Guy held up a megaphone and shouted at the top of his lungs:

“HEY, HAS ANYBODY SEEN A YOUNG WITCH WHO MAKES PASTRIES, CAKES, MUFFINS, COOKIES, PIES AND EVEN BUTTERFLY CUPCAKES?!”

The sound of his shouting was loud. Really loud. In fact, he was so loud that Poppy and Branch covered their ears with their butterfly wings and winced at the uneven tone of his voice!

Branch frantically shushed Cloud Guy in order to make him stop yelling through the megaphone. “Shhhhhisssssh!!! Shhhhhhh!!! Keep it down a little! The rest of the world will hear us for eternity!”

“Come on, Branch,” said Cloud Guy. “How bad could it be?”

Before Branch can do anything about this, a Troll named Aspen Heitz came running frantically around, crying out “My Lord! Who has disturbed my peaceful skating routine?!”

That’s when Cloud Guy immediately realized his mistake. “Whoops!” he said. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to spread the word to ya!”

When Aspen realized that it was Cloud Guy talking through the megaphone, he called out to him “Yo, Cloud Guy! How it’s going?! Why’d ya speaking too loud on that megaphone?!”

“Well, I’m here to find a witch,” Cloud Guy began. “A young one who lies far ahead from Troll Town! Have you seen her?”

Word for the whereabouts of Chrystelle struck Aspen like a lightning bolt. Stunned by this explanation, he hopped on his skitterboard and casually rode off!

“That’s just a myth!” he yelled as he started moving away from Cloud Guy. “A witch like that has never existed! Gotta move!”

“Hey, wait! Aspen!” Cloud Guy called out. “You need to tell me where she is!! Just come back here and sign my megaphone!”

But as he pointed at his megaphone to Aspen, the Troll had already disappeared! It seems like he’d been expressing disbelief since Chrystelle was nowhere to be found in the entire town. Poppy and Branch gave dissatisfied glares at Cloud Guy for disturbing the peace and quiet for the Trolls.

Cloud Guy chuckled sheepishly at them. “That’s just great, isn’t it?”

Moments later, Cloud Guy carried Poppy and Branch in the jar down a meadow. He plucked a red flower from the ground and waved it in front of them.

“Why are you picking a flower for us?” asked Branch.

“So that in case you want to sniff at it, you might want to rest your little fluttering wings from all that hovering with this,” Cloud Guy explained. “I think it also contains pollen for you to eat!”

“Excuse me?” Branch said. “We don’t drink pollen at all!”

“But you’re butterflies and they eat pollen, right?” Cloud Guy corrected him. Branch had to groan over the fact that most butterflies eat pollen while Trolls usually don’t, which he thinks it’s a little disgusting when they eat it. But Poppy wished she really wanted to take a mouthful of flower pollen for herself but Branch was against this idea for now.

Later, Cloud Guy continued trudging through the woods with the jar holding Poppy and Branch inside as they kept going. It didn’t take long until Branch looked up at the sky. It was going sunset.

He looked down to Cloud Guy and asked him “Are we there yet? It’s less than a few hours already?”

“We’ll get there when we get there!” he said. “Don’t worry, Branch. It might not be as difficult as it seems.”

Despite his clear explanations that they are really trying to find the witch they were looking for, the search is turning out to be difficult, just as Branch and Poppy would predict. Where is Chrystelle? And why did she isolated herself away from Troll Town?

Poppy, Branch and Cloud Guy tried everything they can to see an old cottage belonging to Chrystelle in the distance but to no avail. The search went in vain as soon as they tried searching on some cliffs. On one cliff, Cloud Guy gazed at the far-off landscape of the Troll universe until his stomach grumbled and he starts straining. Grrrrrrggh!! Ngggggh!!!

“Oh no,” Branch moaned, realizing things have took the wrong turn this time. “What?”

“Cloud Guy, what’s the matter?” asked Poppy. “Why did you stop?”

“I think I had to take the washroom,” he admitted. “Can’t we just stop for a while?”

“FOR REAL?!” Branch shouted, frustrated that Cloud Guy is going to screw up once more. “We’re halfway there and you stopped here just to take a pee?!”

“I’m sorry, Branch,” said Cloud Guy gently. “But my carbon dioxide oxygen can’t handle much during this search so we need to rest first.”

“Okay, so where should we rest on?” Poppy asked. “A flower?”

“That has to be one of the good spots,” Branch replied with a grin, hoping that Cloud Guy would give them his flower he found in the meadow earlier.

But instead, Cloud Guy found a dead unsteady tree nearby and walked straight into it! Then he placed the jar on one of its loose dangling branches and asked “Why don’t you just take a rest in this tree until I get back from the washroom for a minute?”

“WHAT?!” Branch yelled. “No, no! Please, Cloud Guy, no! This is just a bad idea! That tree looks not so fine and it would kill both of us down the cliff!! Don’t do this! Use the flower with pollen instead!”

“Don’t worry,” Cloud Guy told him calmly. “It’ll be fine!”

“No! It’s not fine!” Branch shouted, glaring at him. “Just give us your flower! We’re so hungry for pollen right now!”

“Oh, okay,” Cloud Guy said, understanding his statement. Then he reached for the flower in his sleeve. “Okay, just give me a second-”

PFFFTTT!!!

Poppy and Branch exchanged a disgusted look as they heard a stench of brown icky air coming from Cloud Guy’s bottom. He looked at them, embarrassed. “Uh-oh. There goes my dim-dong! Gotta run!”

And just like that, he took off running away from the cliff, leaving the jar holding Poppy and Branch inside suspended on the loose branch.

Branch looks stressed up when he saw the cloud disappearing away from them. He yelled “WAIT!!! This tree isn’t safe for us to rest on! Get back here, you... You sick! Revolting, low some little...”

But it was too late. Cloud Guy had already been gone! Not again!

He had left them behind once again since Cooper did this the other day! It’s a shame that Branch and Poppy would have let the cloud open the jar so they can raise their voices.

Poppy looked at Branch, feeling utterly upset at him. “This plan stinks,” she retorted. “I don’t know when we will find that “Chrystelle witch” right now unless Cloud Guy would’ve not been so careless in the first place!”

It was true. Cloud Guy would have also give them the flower he found in the Troll Village meadows but everything had came too far since this happened. As soon as Branch let out a disappointed sigh, the tree started to sway from the wind and the jar tilted a little.

Poppy and Branch stared down from the branch and could see that they were above hundred-feet high on the cliff! They shuddered, hoping they would not fall at all as Branch said “At least it can’t get much worse than this...”

But it did.

CRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAKKKK!!!

Startled by that strange sound around them, Poppy and Branch froze in terror.

Poppy gasped. “What’s that noise?!” “I don’t know!” Branch told her.

CRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAKKKK!!!

The sound was actually coming from the branch they were on! Upon inspecting it closer, Poppy and Branch could see a crack on the end of it! It means that they are truly going to fall any minute!

Poppy and Branch began to panic as they tried to look for a way to open the jar. But Cloud Guy wasn’t there for them right now and they were hoping that he might come back from his toilet break to help save them.

CRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAKKKK!!!

Suddenly, the sound of the creaking branch grew louder as another crack vertically slithered through the wood, where it stopped right in front of the jar! Once it got there, it formed another horizontal crack right near it!

CRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAKKKK!!! SNAP!!!

Just as Branch had been predicting about this tree, the branch barely snapped in half and began tilting, holding the jar with Poppy and Branch inside! They cowered as the branch continued creaking, this time very loudly, and tilting towards the abyss below.

Shivering with fright, Branch and Poppy watched in horror as it tilted almost halfway just before it will snap off!

“Brace yourself!!!” Branch screamed.

And then...

SNNNAAAAPP!!!

Instantly, the branch snapped free and it was sent falling down into the abyss, sending the jar flying off from it and into the air! Poppy and Branch were flung about inside, bouncing around the glass and screaming as the jar fell away from the branch!

Branch smacked to the lid and tried to open it, but the jar rolled around and around that he can’t reach for it! He screamed along with Poppy as the jar and the branch made their way deeper and deeper into the abyss below!

In moments, they would truly meet their end together...

Until...

SCRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!

A loud screech echoed around the abyss. Poppy and Branch frantically looked around and saw a giant blur of black and green coming towards them!

“Oh no!” Poppy screamed in horror. “Look out!”

SCRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!

The blur went nearer, revealing a giant black bird with green streaks in its feathers! This was the most scariest bird Branch had ever met in his childhood a long time ago and now, it was heading straight for the jar! Branch and Poppy screamed together as the scary creature swooped down at them and...

SWOOP!!! SCREEEEEEEEEE!!!!

...grabbed the jar with its talons and screeched! Then it flew away from the abyss, carrying the jar with Poppy and Branch inside and leaving the broken branch fall down in the abyss below.

The last thing Poppy and Branch could hear was Cloud Guy’s voice calling out from above “Hey, guys! I’m back from the washroom! Let’s get goin...uh, guys?! Poppy?! Branch?! Hey, where are you?! I thought you hated resting in this tree?”

                                                   To Be Continued...

                                               Stay tuned for Part 16!

[tfashleybenz]

ashleymcloughlin: this is from the first time we saw aspen. The first time we heard her heartbeat. The first time we really knew that she was there. My tiny little muffin. Its miscarriage and infant loss month/day. Normally I'd look past it, it was too sad of thought to think of everyone who hasn't had the joy I had over the past few years. But now today has a special place in my heart. We had an infant loss, the hardest thing either of us ever had to go through. Going through this makes you stronger, realize what life is about. A tiny little baby who was barely here can change someone's life. Aspen and all the other babies who were too perfect for this earth will always be with me.

[alessandra-writes]

Momentum

Pairing(s): Peter Maximoff x Female Reader

Summary:  In the midst of all the chaos, heartbreak, and friendship, you fell in love with Peter as he did with you. Things don’t always turn out the way you wanted them to, but it’s not always a bad thing. + things you said when we were 18

Word Count: 5.6k+ 

Warnings: swearing, kinda angsty, mentions of sex

[A/N]: I don’t think Peter’s age is established so I made it up. Also, I don’t think his mother’s name is proved either so...? This is long overdue so thank you to all who were waiting. ( @v-writings I've mentioned this to you before. it was like two months ago, though) Also, I feel like Peter is.... OOC? yikes idk let me know

Fall 

“How ‘bout that Kara girl?”

Peter blows a low whistle, “2, not counting the intense makeout sessions.”

You laugh loudly, glancing over to where Peter stood concentrated intently on a PacMan game. “Jesus, Pete, how many girls have you fucked?”

A triumphant melody plays from the game as Peter sits down with two muffins in his hand. “I don’t know. It was like a year since.”

He hands you a chocolate muffin and you gratefully take it. “Okay, so should I call you the new playboy or....?”

He chuckles softly, “Okay, what about you then. How many people have you hooked up with? Or dated at least.”

“Uhm,” you stutter, almost choking on the chocolate chips in your mouth. The question had seemingly caught you off guard, as Peter had never asked you anything about your love life- much less your nonexisting sex life. “I haven’t really had, a, uh, a serious relationship in a while.”

Peter looks at you disbelievingly, “[Y/N], you're kidding, right? What about Todd? I thought you two were a thing.”

“No, no. He’s just, uh, a crush. I mean, it’s no surprise.” you laugh a little, hoping to anyone that Peter would just drop the subject. Why'd he care so much anyway?

“Well, [Y/N], I mean you are pretty attractive. I would’ve thought guys would be pining after you.”

He’s speeding around the room now, doing everything he can do ignore looking at you. You’re blushing slightly, feeling butterflies fluttering in your stomach. “I’m just waiting for someone.”

“Can you tell me who it is?” Peter questions now appearing in front of you.

If only you knew.

“Nope, it’s a secret.” you smile, locking your lips. Peter pouts, folding his arms across his chest, “[Y/N], C’mon. You can’t keep secrets from your best friend.” Well, what were you supposed to say? Oh, yeah, you’re the reason I don’t let myself fall in love in hopes of you maybe falling in love with me. Yeah, right.

“[Y/N], please tell me.” he says, edging closer to you and you eye him cautiously, sensing an oncoming attack.

“Peter, if you’re about to do what I think you’re going to do, don’t you dare.” you hold up an accusing finger, but it’s too late. Peter has already tackled you onto the couch and is now tickling you to death.

You burst out into laughter, trying to push Peter off of you. “Peter,” you say, trying to catch your breath, “Pete, please,” you squealed, “Please, stop.”

He looks at you innocently, though you can tell he's trying to hide a smirk, "Stop what, [Y/N]?"

You're tugging on his hands, trying to get him to let go. "Pete-" you giggle in between attempts of breathing, "Peter, please!" 

Peter removes his hands and you inhale deeply trying to catch a breath. It's only when you have opened your eyes that you become aware of the close proximity between Peter. You both are extremely flustered, yet you both didn’t dare move. A split-second and you swear his eyes darted to your lips. You're just seeing things now, [Y/N].

The instant he realizes that he's leaning in Peter quickly dashes to the other side of the room playing another round of PacMan. You had contemplated whether to inquire it. Balancing that moment back there, whether it was real or not. Maybe you had thought you’ve seen it. Maybe that moment didn’t actually happen and you were too caught up in your own imprudent feelings. Whether it did or did not, you would not be the one to bring it up. Not if it meant you would probably make yourself look like an idiot.

So you let the somewhat comfortable silence overtake the room and you stare up at the ceiling, never catching the quick, flustered glances Peter would steal from you. Him not knowing either if you felt something back there. He knew he definitely did. He felt like an idiot for thinking you had felt the same way, thinking you would've kissed him back if he would've inched any closer.

There’s a tension that quickly disappears when Peter speaks again, and both of you fall back into a normal conversation as if nothing had happened.

Which nothing had. Or at least that’s what you had told yourselves.

Winter

The air’s chip, a cold yet burning feel against your skin. You’re surprised it isn’t snowing yet, it would always fall around this time of year. A couple of houses are passed by until you reach Peter's. You hesitate before knocking on the door. You step back, using every passing second to calm your nerves. It was just a gift. Nothing extremely special. But what if he didn't like it?

"[Y/N]!" Peter's mom greets as she opens the door. "What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?"

You smile, hugging your hoodie closer to your body. "I thought I'd come by before I leave to Aspen."

She smiles warmly, opening the door wider for you to come in. “Peter’s downstairs,” she says, walking to the kitchen. You thank her quickly and make your way to the basement. Pink Floyd fills your ears as Peter stands near, playing table tennis.

"Hey, [Y/N]," he says, now in front of you, " I thought you were leaving today." 

A smile makes its way to your face as you take off your sweater. "No, we actually leave tomorrow. I, uh, I came to give you something, before we leave." you sit down on his bed, Peter following suit.

He looks at you expectantly. Brown eyes looking so innocent. You suck in a breath and pull out a neatly wrapped package. Handing it to him, you smile brightly. "Merry Christmas, Pete."

He looks shocked at first. He never thought you would even bother to give him anything. Pleasant feelings set in his chest. You actually give a damn. "Can I open it?" he asks, motioning to the gift.

You nod curtly, waiting as he quickly unwraps the gift to see a book. No, a photo album? Wait- a scrapbook?

Peter looks at the front. Both of your names in bold letters. He flips through the first pages, which is filled with polaroids of you and him that he didn't even know existed.

"You made this?" he asks, still flipping through the blue-colored book. 

You nod, nervously picking at your nails awaiting his reaction. "Yeah," you say.

He smiles, finally looking up at you, eyes glassed over with tears. You furrow your brows, confused as to why he was close to crying. "Are you okay? Do you not like it? It's okay if you don't. I could-"

"I love it." he interrupts and you smile though you're still confused. "It's just," he sniffles, turning to look at you fully. "I didn't think you cared."

You frown, taking his hand in yours, ignoring how fast your heart speeds up. "Of course I care, Peter. You're my best friend."

Friend. The words leave a bitter taste in his mouth. Of course, you looked at him as only a friend. But, it was okay. Better than nothing. "Thank you, [Y/N]," he says, tears almost spilling out of his eyes. "I have something for you too," he says "wait here." and then he speeds off upstairs.

A couple of minutes go by while you patiently sit in his room, toying with objects near you. "Here it is," he says, now standing at the foot of his bed. You jump, not expecting for him to come back quickly. He holds out a black box to you and you slowly take it out of his hands. Peter watches you examine the box before untying the golden ribbon around it.

You glance up to Peter, who's blushing lightly. When you take the top of the box off, Peter's hands stops yours from picking up the many objects inside. "I spent a lot of months making those," he says, seeming extremely nervous, "I just really hope you like it. They mean a lot." 

You smile reassuringly and Peter removes his hand. Inside the box, there are mixtapes. Lots of them. And they're all labeled differently. Your smile grows as if it possibly can, and you take one that catches your eye. On the front, in black Sharpie, is written FRESHMAN YEAR. You look to your side where Peter's standing, grinning goofily. "You made all of these?" you ask, smiling down at the box.

He blushes profusely, speeding to the couch. "Yeah, I've been making them since freshman year. I was going to give it to you when we graduated, but, I, uh, I thought it would've been better now."

"Thank you, Pete. These are amazing. I'll be sure to listen to all of these during my trip." you say, walking over to him to hug him tightly. He hugs you back with just as much strength. You're both on the verge of crying, feeling an enormous amount of affection for each other. He would rarely open up to anyone, leaving you to be very special to him whenever there were intimate moments like this.

Peter pulls back after a couple of seconds. "Do you, uh, maybe want to do something before you leave...." his voice trails off as he speeds to the ping pong table, holding up two rackets.

"Uhm, actually, I should get going. I have to see if there's anything else to pack." you start to gather your things, smiling apologetically at him. "I'll see you when I get back?"

His smile falters slightly, but not enough for you to notice. "Yeah, you should," he says, now playing ping pong by himself. "Bring me something back, will ya? Maybe a postcard?" you laugh.

"I'll make sure of it. Bye Pete." "Bye"

You walk up the stairs, bidding goodbye to Peter's mom before walking out the door. The cold air immediately hits you and you shiver, beginning your short trek home. A montage of Peter plays through your head. From the time you broke into the school swimming pool in sophomore year to now. It felt like if it was just yesterday you and Peter had met, back in 7th grade. Two awkward pre-teen kids who were too afraid to sit with other kids at lunch.

That was then, though, it's all different now. You're both 18, with different thoughts and feelings. But somehow, in the midst of all the many responsibilities being an adult brought you, you had managed to catch feelings for you best friend. You had denied it many times before. You did not have feelings for your best friend. It was not true, even if your racing heart and lingering touches said the contrary.

You continue to walk, trying to forget your foolish thoughts, trying to convince yourself it was just a phase. But the truth was, you were falling for him, harder than you thought. You just didn't know it yet.

Spring

The school hallways are filled with noises of chatter about prom. Who's going with who was the most talked subject at this time, as well as what color their dates would wear. Prom was a couple weeks away. Not just any prom, senior prom. In your honest opinion, it did not fully matter to you. But, since your mom was hellbent on you going (said it was a 'once in a lifetime' experience) you had no choice but to engage in the festivities.

From beside you, a voice calls your name and you turn your head, expecting it to be Peter. Instead, it's your crush, Todd, who was trying to make his way to you. "Hey, [Y/N]," he smiles, and you're just about to pass out right there. "I-I wanted to ask you something."

You smile, making sure to not show how excited you are. Is he about to ask you what you think he is? "Sure, ask me anything."

He begins to scratch the back of his neck, and it's only now you see that he looks extremely nervous. "Do you plan on going to prom?" he asks.

You're shocked a little, considering you didn't even know he knew you existed. "Uh, yeah, that's the plan," you say, letting out a breathy laugh.

"Do you already have a date?" he inquires.

"Uh, no, no not yet."

He smiles widely, "Okay, well I'll see ya later."

You wave as he leaves, once he's out of sight you continue to walk to your locker, letting out an exasperated sigh. What the hell just happened? 

Peter's standing at your locker when you get there, and you skip excitedly to him, "Pete! Hey! How's your morning?"

He laughs at your enthusiasm, finding the way you jump a little incredibly cute. "It was good," he says, moving to stand next to you as you open your locker. "How was yours?"

"Great! Awesome, amazing!" Peter eyes you suspiciously, "Okay what happened?" he asks with a knowing look.

You laugh nervously, "What are you talking about? Nothing happened, absolutely nothing." you pretend to be confused, but with your heart beating a mile a minute you're pretty sure it did not convince Peter.

"Seriously [Y/N], you're never happy in the mornings. Especially when we have Calculus next."

You bite your lip, trying to hide your smile. "I think Todd is going to ask me to prom." it comes out quietly but for Peter, it sounded like you were yelling. What? No. No fucking way. He was supposed to be the one to ask you. It was his only night that he could've had you. As more than a friend.

You slam your locker shut, snapping Peter out of his daze enough to realize what’s actually happening. “How?” he asks, and you shoot him a confused look. “How do you know?” he looks evidently discouraged like someone who had been standing in line for a long time only to figure out it was the wrong line.

“Well,” you start, now walking to class with Peter begrudgingly trailing behind you. “He asked me if I had a date. Then, he smiled, like, really brightly. I just, I don’t know, I feel like he's going to."

Peter internally dies a little. What an idiot to think you were going to be reserved for only him. “What if he doesn’t? Then who would you go with?”

"I don't know yet. I mean, everyone has been saying he's had a crush on me since, like, freshman year." Peter halts to a stop when you turn to face him. Your eyes looked hopeful enough to almost make Peter forget his dilemma. Almost. "Besides, I have you, right?"

Peter sighs quietly, mentally taking a front row seat in the friend-zone. "Right"

Prom Night

The smell of spiked punch takes over your mouth as you continue to down your drink. There's a overplayed pop song blaring from the speakers. Peter stands on the other side of the room, watching you laugh at something that Todd had said. 

The girl in front of him is talking animatedly, but Peter can't hear a word she's saying. All his attention is fixated on you. The color of the dress you're wearing and how gorgeous your eyes seem to blend. Oh, god you look fucking angelic.

He watches as Todd leans in to whisper in your ear to quickly pull back and you're nodding with an understanding smile. He stalks away, blending into the crowd.

A slow song begins to take place of the previous upbeat one, and couples begin to crowd the dance floor. Peter looks over at you where you're back to downing your drink, watching him with slight amusement. It's now or never.

He heads over to you, hands tucked neatly into the pockets of his trousers. “[Y/N]," he starts, waiting as you turn around and smile brightly.

"Never thought I'd see you in a tux.” you say, picking at the cupcake in your hand.

Peter's cheeks blush slightly, feeling grateful for the terrible lighting that you can't see him. "My, uh, mom said it would've been better instead of wearing my jeans."

“She was right, it suits you.” a wink is sent Peter’s way, darkening his blush furthermore. An awkward silence follows as you both avoid eye contact. It had been an occurring thing now, everything seemed to be tenser. It was weird, considering in your years of friendship nothing like this had dawned on the two of you.

"Wanna dance?" you ask, although you had no right to. You were the one that had ditched him for Todd, only to feel completely terrible, regretting the moment you had said yes.

Peter nods, "Yeah, sure." and you both begin to make your way to where people are dancing. Peter hesitantly places his hands on your waist, and you follow by wrapping your arms around his neck. 

The tension, you both feel it, is ridiculously thick. Since when had things gotten so awkward between you? You two have been friends for ages, so, what the hell was happening?

"Sorry." you whisper, a pang of guilt hitting your chest.

Peter sighs, "Don't be, it's not your fault."

You laugh dryly, "Yes, it is. I totally forgot the promise we made in freshman year. I should've never said yes."

“It’s not like you could've remembered. It was so long ago."

You scoff, rolling your eyes. "That's the thing. I did remember when Todd asked me. I still said yes, though, I could've said no."

Peter responds with silence because there's nothing else he can say. He knows it's true. You did remember the pact you made in 9th grade. There was no point denying it. "It's okay. I wanted you to be happy."

Your heart clenches, almost spilling out three words when Todd's voice interrupts you. "Hey, mind if I take her now?" 

"No, not at all." Peter wastes no time to unwrap his arms from around you and you almost whine at the loss of warmth. "She's all yours." he says, and then he's gone before you can say anything else.

Todd takes you into his arms and you lean your head on his shoulder. It doesn't feel right, it doesn't feel the same. But, how could it when the one you're supposed to be with is not even here? That's just it, though. You're in love with him.

Even if it had taken almost a year for you to admit it, you, [Y/N] [Y/L/N], was in love with him, Peter Maximoff.

He was now standing on the sides, watching you dance with someone else. He should've never waited. This should’ve been his night. He was supposed to be the one to pick you up at your house and say you're beautiful and then kiss you at the end when he took you home. 

This could’ve been his night. You could’ve been his.

Graduation Day

A banner is being taken down in the front of your school. CLASS OF '72 is painted on the white paper in a fluorescent red. The crowd that was formed around you had dispersed into what was now only you. It felt like the four years you had spent here were only fleeting moments.

An arm swings around your shoulder, weighing you down. Peter's at your side, standing in a blue cap and gown. "Hmmm, time seems to move too quickly."

You laugh, turning your head to look at him. "That's because you're Quick Feet."

He smiles cheekily at you, "Yeah, I know that but also as a metaphor. And it's Quicksilver."

"Yeah, okay, sure." you mock, your stare lingering slightly on Peter.

You supposed to crush, or as you liked to call it, infatuation had been going a little over what you like to guess a year. It's always subconsciously been there. Even before you would like to admit it, it had consistently been picking at your heart to notice.

The silver-haired boy has seemed to catch your stare, and you both blushed profusely, stepping slightly away from each other. "You ready to take on the world partner?" 

You laugh loudly, and Peter can't help but have his heart flutter. "I guess so," you bow your head, tipping your imaginary hat "partner."

Peter sticks out his arm for you to take, "Shall we?"

"We shall." you reply, intertwining your arm through his.

It was strange, Peter had looked so grown in his gown. He looked like a full-blown adult, even if he acted far from it. His features were extremely different than from the time you had entered high school. 

Physical features were one thing that had changed, as well as the feelings you were currently hiding from each other. 

Summer

The smell of salt water overtakes your nose, deepening the feeling of relaxation. Peter sat on a bench in the back of the beach house you two had snuck into this weekend. You were playing slightly with the water that would come to shore. He rarely would be patient, it would strike a nerve in him if he would do almost anything at a normal pace. But for you, he would stop everything completely just to make time go slower.

"Peter!" he hears you yell "Peter, c'mon!" your hands motion him excitedly towards you, and he complies, standing in front of you faster than you can process.

You let out a breathy laugh “What were you doing?”

“Nothing. Just, uh... Nothing.”

“Okay,” you eye him skeptically. “So, I was thinking...” your voice trails off as you start to walk the shoreline. “Maybe we could order take-out, and maybe watch a movie or some-” you turn.

The close proximity shocked you out of talking. You both are frozen to the spot and then-

he starts leaning in.

Is he leaning in? You think he’s leaning in. Yeah, he’s definitely leaning in. 

There’s a sunset on your right, and there are seagulls flying above.  Electricity was going up in you, and your heart was soaring. It’s the most cliche thing ever but it’s just how you wanted it to be. You want to lean in too. You want to grab his shirt and push his lips to your and finally confess everything.

But you don't. And you regret everything.

You clear your throat, backing away from him. "We should probably head inside. It's starting to get cold." You avert your gaze, afraid if you had looked him in the eye you might've broken down into tears.

Peter's face is full of heartbreak, and to be completely honest he wouldn't care if you had seen it. "Yeah," he sighs. "I think we should too." 

"Peter, wait-"

"WHAT, [Y/N]?! What else do you want?!"

You're taken aback by his sudden change in mood. He had never shouted at you. "Peter, what's wrong?"

He laughs humorlessly, holding his hands up in exasperation. "You really don't see it, [Y/N]?"

"No." you whisper, your voice cracking a bit.

A gust of wind blows past you and then, he's gone. Leaving you alone with your thoughts.

It had been the right thing to do, right? I mean, you're already crossing the line if you're in love with your best friend, kissing them is way beyond.

If it was right, then why does it feel so wrong?

You walk to the back of the house, kicking off your shoes as you slide the back door open. Peter had left, you could feel it. Oh, god what the hell have you done?

You could've had it all. You could've had Peter, you could've finally got to kiss him. But you didn't. And all for what? For being afraid losing him. And looked how that turned out.

You lost him anyway.

Fall

Her eyes are filled with pity, furthering the feeling of pain in your chest. “I’m sorry,” she says, probably for the thirteenth time today “he hasn’t come home today.”

You smile sadly looking down at your shoes. “It’s fine. Just let me know, okay?”

She nods before closing the door, and you start walking to your house. You had not talked to Peter since summer, in which had turned into you thinking he absolutely hated you after what had happened. Though he had every right to, part of you hoped it wasn’t true.

You unlock your door, quickly stepping inside and setting your keys aside.

“Hey baby, how’d it go?” your mom’s voice comes from the living room.

You sigh, sitting next to her on the couch as you put your head on her lap. “Not good. His mom says he’s not home. I just think he doesn’t want to see me.”

Your mother nods understandingly, giving you the millionth pitied smile you’ve received today. “I’m sorry you have to leave without saying goodbye. I know how much Peter means to you.”

You sigh, almost on the brim of tears again. You hold them back, though. You were an adult now, you could handle yourself, right?

“It’s fine. I just wanted to see him one last time. Maybe get to hug him one last time too.”

She kisses your forehead, a simple gesture enough to let you feel at ease. “Just get some rest now okay? You have a long trip tonight.”

_____

“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

You chuckle, wrapping your arms tighter around your mom. “I promise. Don’t worry, okay? I’ll call every morning and every night.” she chuckles squeezing you one more time before letting go.

Her eyes are filled with tears, some already cascading down her cheeks. “My baby has grown so fast.”

You both let out watery laughs, hugging once more before she lets you get into the car. “I’ll miss you. I love you.”

“I love you too, mom.”

And then you’re driving off. Turning out of the neighborhood you grew up in and then traveling into the freeway and fleeing from the town you had grown up in. Everything felt nice, finally being able to go anywhere other than the same town. 

It was weird, at the beginning of fall last year, you would have never imagined leaving to college in a stuffed car you had managed to buy from the used car dealer. It almost felt complete, though, something was missing.

Peter was missing.

_____

Peter’s form has been glued to the living room window ever since you had left with a longing look in his eyes. Although Peter could be stubborn at times, his heart had sunken when he saw you get into your car. It was his fault, though, he had been the one to choose to ignore you for the whole summer.

What else could he do, though? You had broken his heart into a million pieces without even blinking an eye. It had hurt him. You were the person he had been in love since the beginning of high school. And then, just like that, you had burned down his hopes.

"You should go find her before it's too late."

Peter's head shoots up to the door, where his mom is leaning against. "I don't know what you're talking about." he lies.

A scoff emits from his mother's mouth, and Peter knows she's not going to let this go. "Peter, don't you want to?"

"Maybe I do."

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“What if she doesn’t want to see me?”

His mother softly chuckles, “Peter, of course, she wants to see you. She came by three times today and you were the one who didn’t want to see her.”

She walks to him and sits down, putting a comforting hand on Peter’s shoulder. “C’mon. What are you afraid of.”

“[Y/N]. And her not feeling the same way.”

“Peter!” he jumps, shocked from his mother’s sudden outburst. “Can’t you see it? She’s in love with you!”

And you were, very in love with him. It was only now that Peter realized when it was coming out of someone else’s mouth. 

He had never run faster in his life.

_____

In a gas station, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, you stood in an aisle, staring at the Twinkies in front of you. 

You remembered the way Peter would have boxes of them stacked in his room, and wrappers everywhere. You would always scold him for it, saying he left too much of a mess. He would always roll his eyes, replying with a snarky comment on how you cared too much.

He was right. You were always caring too much.

“Will that be all?” asks the cashier at the front, who clearly looks unamused.

“Uh, yeah. And 20 on 4.”

He nods, reciting your total out loud. After handing him some cash, you make your way to your car. A gust of wind suddenly whips around you, instantly making you think of Peter. What a coincidence.

You quickly pump your gas, opening a Twinkie in the process. You savor the sweet taste and only know do you understand why Peter loved these so much. That’s weird, huh? Everything seems to lead back to him.

After fully removing the pump from your car, you take the driver’s seat. You almost have a heart attack.

“I never-”

“HOLY SHIT!”

The voice sounded like Peter’s, though you have no time to see because you’re out of the car and running back towards the convenience store. “[Y/N]! [Y/N]!”

And then he’s standing in front of you. Peter is standing in front of you.

He looks different. Much different from the Peter you had almost kissed three months ago. Could he have possibly, maybe, matured? He could’ve, but you wouldn’t know, you hadn’t talked to him.

“Peter?” is all you can say because this doesn’t seem real.

He doesn’t answer, only responding by leaning closer to you. This time, though, you lean in too. You don't remember who was the one to close the proximity between you two but it happened. His lips had slammed into yours. It was messy, inexperienced, and this time there was no sunset nor a beach in the background. Just two teen, or now adults, who were making-out in a gas station in the middle of the night. 

It's a peculiar place to confess your love to one another, but you couldn't ask for anything else. If it weren't for the knock that startled the both of you, you would've probably forgotten where you were actually at. 

"Can you both move out of the doorway? I don't want yall startling my customers!"

Both of you blush furiously, pulling away from each other with lovestruck smiles on your faces. "Peter-"

"[Y/N]-"

Peter's smile grows "You first." he says

"Peter, I'm so sorry it took so long for me to admit this. And I'm also so sorry for breaking your heart, I thought it was the right thing to do at the moment. But, not anymore." Your eyes are filled with unshed tears, but they're not from the desolation, it's from the happiness and swelling in your heart.

"Peter, I think I'm in love with you."

He lets out a watery laugh, "I think I'm in love with you too."

It doesn't take long for the both of you to pull each other in a passionate kiss, putting all the emotions and unsaid feelings into one chaste kiss. After pulling away, you pull each other tightly into a hug. One that makes all the heartbreak and saddened souls dissipate into now only love.

"I missed you so much."

Before you know it, you're both sobbing into each other, Peter fully revealing himself to you which only makes you cry harder.

You both know it now. After all this time, you had known subconsciously what you wanted.

Each other and only each other.

Tags: @theregoesximena @heyitsbabycindy @alcxsummcrs @ohlookcarmenwrites @alexsunmners @haankmccoy  @kurtwxgners @brownvalerie @(that anon)

If you would like to be tagged for future fics or 

Feedback (pls it only takes 2 min)

[compatiissante]

it’s 3am, aspen, why are you still awake???

because i spent twelve hours playing life is strange and i have zero control over my life right now, that’s why. i’m gonna,,,,,,,pass out now and make muffins in the morning tho.

[catchmeifyoucanxox]

Aspen smiled and nodded. “Okay! Great...thank you, Aunt Hare...I really appreciate it...” she hugged her aunt and got ready for Mister Fluffles and her tea party.

She hummed to herself, sitting Mister Fluffles down with muffins her mother baked.

Bunny looked at Jack speak about Aspen and her pheromones. “Very strong...super powerful....I wonder if Rhea’s are stronger...” She groomed her lover, running her fingers through his hair last. “You’re so handsome...I don’t get it...it’s like...my brain can’t comprehend how attractive you are...” She purred, playing in his hair now.

Rhea told her lover what happened and why she needed to go see Jack and his home full of rabbits.

@gothams-new-rabbit

Aspen looked at her father and held herself as he spoke. “So…what now…?”

Bunny sighed. “Sex…is what we were getting at…”

She crossed her legs, clearing her throat. “Sex is…well…sex…is a physical and mental thing…and thankfully for us…we’re powerful…good for us…Terrible for humans…”

Aspen looked confused. “Explain…?”

[dfroza]

stopped in for a “cobblestone” muffin and coffee on monroe avenue downtown across from Rosa Parks Circle

which reminds me of an article posted in december of ‘16 about a conservation effort that i shared here on tumblr back then when staying on Lafayette avenue and would sometimes walk nearby the cobblestone roads of north avenue as well as Trowbridge street

and speaking of roads and driving, here’s a string of my Facebook memories from december 14 in my personal History beginning in 2010:

left LA late Sunday night and had to make a detour on my driving route to stop in the mountains to reflect upon this adventure and have a cup of coffee~ bundled up and stayed in my car last night (nippy cold!) and now having coffee in aspen~ and then the journey continues...

my heart is currently 7,890 feet above sea level~

it's when i listen closely that i hear the ticking clock of eternity~ it chimes perfectly every time~ and loves continually~ smiling every second

sometimes things are printed after they happen, other times things written are the things that happen~ everything in between is coincidence

had coffee and played a nice bourgeois guitar in aspen~ got a $40 parking ticket 'cause i sat way over two hours at parallel 15 coffee, have to pay that at a later convenience~ met a few cool people~ saw some amazing snow covered mountains~ sat by a warm fire outside with a few nice people~ and on this journey continues~ gonna get in the tent and drive

December 14, 2010 • Facebook

this beautiful (Grace)

though imperfect, this shell, blemished, aging, trapped in Time, saved by Grace alone…

regardless of this, this beautiful mess, it is not a picture of myself that matters, but only Light that makes any difference at All

(and for this i am most grateful)

i am also thankful, that no matter the amount of Time i am allowed in this shell, the most important thing is that i Believe (that i am Loved)

and i do (Believe)

(and for this i am most grateful)

December 14, 2012 • Facebook