#title is tentative but I doubt i'll think of anything better

[arafinweanappreciation]

sorry I can't make this any bigger but three guesses what i'm working on lol

[bunny9girl]

The monster trio Destroying their s/o Nest !

{The idea of the trio destroying their omega's nest was really funny to begin with}

Warning: None, well there is slightly little bit if bad language

Monkey D.Luffy 🍖🍖🍖

🍖Luffy didn't know what happened

🍖One minute he was care freely running around than the next he tripped landing on a pile of clothes blankets and stuff animals .ect

🍖In all honesty he didn't think much of it, I mean it just clothes...

🍖But No!

🍖This dumb meat brain picks it up stuffing the items into whatever drawer or closet he could find, thinking he did a good "clean up" duty.

🍖And just runs off to continue playing with Usopp and Chopper.

🍖Later on when you return with Sanji from the local market that the Sunny is currently dock at.

🍖"Thanks for the help, (Y/n)." Sanji said as he and placed down the groceries in the kitchen.

🍖"No prop." You smiled leaving the cook to his work, the blond gleefully started cooking for dinner knowing he has a lot to do.

🍖With Luffy on the crew he won't just be feeding one person more like an army in fact.

🍖(Y/n) left as they walked back on deck feeling the warm air and relaxing atmosphere around them it was all quite but all good things must come to an end.

🍖"Hey, (Y/n) check out this beetle it's as big as my hand look look!" (Y/n) turned seeing their captain, (Y/n)'s alpha their bonded mate.

🍖Luffy happily ran to his omega wanting to show them the bug which they flinch at, (Y/n) despised insects just as much as Nami and Sanji does so naturally they back up a little away from their lovingly childish alpha

🍖"No thanks Luffy but I'm going to take a nap."

🍖"Yeah! Than I'll take one with you." Luffy jumped around excited to spend time with his s/o.

🍖Placing the bug down rush after his omega following them down to a specific room below deck.

🍖When (Y/n) open the door they seemed a little confused thinking they must have walked into the wrong room.

🍖No this is the right room

🍖What happened ? It's all gone!!!

🍖An omega's Nest usually a place where an omega can be comfortable, whether if they are in heat or just having a bad day.

🍖But where's (Y/n) nest?

🍖"Luffy where i-is my n-nest?" (Y/n) questioned pointing at the empty room infront of them tears building up into their eyes body trembling as they point to the "missing nest" looking over their shoulder at Luffy who seemed confused.

🍖The alpha could scent that their omega is in distress and anger.

🍖"Nest? Huh?... All that was in there was a blankets and pillows what nest?"

🍖"Luffy what happened to my nest?" At this point Luffy's s/o was in full blown tears sobbing and whimpering.

🍖"(Y/n) I don't know what you're saying? All I did was clean up you know being grown up like you said." Luffy laughed being clueless like always.

🍖"Luffy you idiot!" (Y/n) yelled slamming the door in Luffy's face.

🍖Don't worry he didn't stay clueless forever, Nami saw the he thing go down.

🍖Gave him a hell of a beating.

🍖Afterwards explains to him what he did wrong in the most simplest way possible to screw it through his thick head.

🍖(Y/n) with a tears stain face and a sad look quietly took out blankets and pillows where every they could find some scenting a few stuff animals, working on repairing thier nest little whimpers leaving thier lips everytime the fortress flops apart.

🍖Soft knocks traveled from the door catching (Y/n) attention.

🍖"hey~" Luffy's head peaks through a purr leaving his mouth as he tries to lighten the situation and calming his omega.

🍖"What?" (Y/n) says wanting to sound mean but it came off more of a sob.

🍖"Sorry. My omega." Luffy placed his strawhat onto (Y/n) head it was filled with his scent calming down the sad omega, the hat (Y/n) wore many times before Luffy wouldn't easily let others wear it, other than those who he trusts with all his heart.

🍖"I'll help you." Luffy sat down on his knees next to (Y/n) taking up a few pillows into his arrms

🍖"Thank, you Alpha." (Y/n) wrapped their arms around Luffy's neck taking in a long breath of his scent.

🍖"Can, can you also scent a few things, please."

🍖"Yeah!"😃

🍖"And I'll start with you!"😚

🍖"W-what?!"😳

Roronoa Zoro ⚔⚔⚔

⚔Yes Zoro knows what nesting is

⚔The only way he knew was when his s/o direactly came up to him and told him.

⚔He didn't mind he secretly thought it was cute, rare to see such a adorable omega, his omega crawled into their nest looking all comfy and happy.

⚔But over time he started missing clothes, he just shrugged it off, not really caring cause he knows you have been sneaking some of his stuff into your nest.

⚔Like every omega they want their alpha's scent near them for comfort emotional times or during heat.

⚔He couldn't care less

⚔but he'd still scent anything you ask, he would even do it when you don't ask.

⚔But there's one thing (Y/n) wanted more than any piece of Zoro's clothes in their nest

⚔Zoro's haramaki.

⚔It was hard for them too just go up and ask him for it, he'd say no cause he usually carrying his swords with it.

⚔So all they could do was steal it when the marimo was in the shower.

⚔It was successful!

⚔The green haired swordsman, Alpha didn't noticed it was missing till he tried placing his swords in thier place but instead dropped to the ground though to the missing Haramaki that was not around his hips.

⚔At first he thought he must have misplaced it.

⚔He even ended up looking in the laundry room but no luck.

⚔Until his omega that means the whole world to him came to his mind, you must have seen it right?

⚔At first you denied it, "No. I haven't? Last I saw it you were wearing it." (Y/n) try their best to keep Zoro's off their tail and laying to your alpha feels like your betraying them.

⚔Somehow he ended up looking in your nest, he felt bad about invading your privacy but he has to have his Haramaki back he just gotta.

⚔But it was also weird that (Y/n) stop asking for stuff to be scent or being scented themselves.

⚔Zoro dig through the tent like nest pulling out blankets and throwing pillows out.

⚔Found It! His precious Haramaki.

⚔"Why would (Y/n) lay?" Zoro mumble to himself putting the Piece of clothes back on.

⚔"No! Stop destroying my nest!" A voice yelled at the alpha from behind as he was tackled to the ground.

⚔"Why did you had to find it this soon, I was going to give it back later." (Y/n) pouted giving Zoro puppy eyes tugging at the material around his hips.

⚔"So you took it, you know it's not good lay to you alpha, little omega~" Zoro smirked in quick movement pinning his omega down beneath him sitting in between their legs.

⚔"Bad Boy/Girl~ but why my Haramaki?" Zoro purred sending shivers down your spine the omega in you turned on by your dominant alpha, just hovering over you.

⚔"I wanted something... you use everyday."

⚔"mmmh~"

⚔"Well I'm going to have to punish you, I skipped too many training and napping sessions looking for this."

⚔"Wait, alpha-" (Y/n) was shut up before they could finish as the alpha above took them right there and then...

⚔Next thing you took was his bandana😏

Sanji Vinsmoke 🚬🚬🚬

🚬Sanji loves your nest, his in there everytime when you allowed it made him feel so special. Because he is. He is your alpha mate duh. especially when you have your heat😏

🚬Butttttttt now his currently in a huge crisis.

🚬how did it happen... well...

🚬A while ago he finished making some delicious tropical drinks for the ladies and yours is made the best of the best.

🚬He made it exactly to your liking with every thought of you in mind, it made his alpha very pleasing to serve you.

🚬Despite what genders his omega is or how they met, he'd be on his hands and knees giving you all he has.

🚬He happily bouncing into the room where his omega's nest was built.

🚬"Look what daddy brought you my pup~" Sanji sang kneeling down to the nest opening the cover looking in the nest like tent.

🚬His smile dropped when his s/o was nowhere to be seen, thinking you must have left for the bathroom or something?

🚬"Oh well."

🚬Suddenly the ship rocked, a wave or one of Luffy's stupid doings.

🚬.... That was the least of his worries...

🚬The drink slipped from the tray spilling into (Y/n) nest!!!!

🚬😱!!!!!!!!!!!😱

🚬This was the end of him.

🚬That bring us to how he ended up in this situation to begin with.

🚬"No no no no no no !!!" Sanji panic pulling out the wet blankets and pillows with some of his shirts or pants.

🚬You just recently gave him free access at anytime to be in your nest, after this your not going to near your nest in his life time again

🚬He broke your trusts

🚬He shattered his nesting fantasies

🚬Its all down the drain

🚬is what he currently felt like while pulling all the wet stuff out.

🚬At some point the blanket he was pulling got stuck so he pulled harder bringing down the hole nest came crashing down.

🚬Now his fucked.

🚬Sinking to his weak knees as he tears drip from his eyes he got to an ugly sobbing, and his scent change to a gloomy disgusting scent one that he doubt you would want to be scented in.

🚬And worst of all fear of you declining a bond between the two of you.

🚬...

🚬(Y/n) opened the door immediately catching the sight of their alpha on the floor kneeling infront of the door his forehead though the floor boards.

🚬"Daddy, what happened?" You looked at your destroyed nest behind him and his scent made you hold you nose shutting it tightly for the first time, glance back down at the blonde, worried and confused.

🚬"Icameintogiveyoudrinkthanshipmovelostbalancedroppeddrinkonnesttridetockeanbutmadeitworstpleasedontleavemeilldoanything!!!!!!"

🚬"Huh?" (Y/n) titled their head to the side not getting anything he said, kneeling down on front of him, "Its okay, I can just fix the nest stop crying, is okay alpha." (Y/n) purred letting off a relaxing soft and sweet scent as he cooled him down his nerves stopped sky rocketing.

🚬Rubbing his back helped and your soft caring loving words lighten his atmosphere and his hopes.

🚬"Pup~"

🚬"Yes, daddy?~"

🚬"Sorry."

🚬"it's okay I'd never hate you for something that wasn't your fault, is fine your honest with me and tried to make it all better."

🚬"My pup~" Sanji yelled his mood completely turned squeezing the daylights out of his s/o

🚬"But you not allow in my nest for the next 2 weeks."

🚬*Sanji Instantly cried again*😭😭😭

[whattodowithace]

Title: The Babysitter

Pairing: Byeongkwan x Reader

Writer: Whattodowithkpop [Lio]

Genre: Fluff; Slight Angst

Word Count: 2205

Summary: Byeongkwan took a job as a babysitter, but this wasn’t what he was expecting to happen.

A/N: This is based off the Kdrama ‘My Little Baby’. It’s not exactly dad!ace but I hope you enjoy it none the less.

*****

"Bold of you to assume I'm cut out for this." Byeongkwan glares at Jun, holding an ad in his hand seeking help for a babysitter.

"You need the job, plus you're like a kid yourself, you'll do fine." Jun laughs at the deadpan expression on Byeongkwan's face.

Jun was right. Byeongkwan needed the job, and Jun happened to know someone who was in search of a babysitter. Byeongkwan had never babysat anything in his life, but when you’re pinched for cash you’ll take anything.

“Fine.” Byeongkwan agrees, smoothing out the paper in his hands to read the details.

Byeongkwan dialed the number nervously, doubts upon doubts entering his mind. The phone rang a few times, Byeongkwan letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in, thinking he'd luck out without having to actually respond.

Unfortunately for him, she picked up on the last ring, a soft, feminine voice saying hello over the line. Byeongkwan's throat dried suddenly, nerves surging through him.

Jun nods his head at the younger, his eyes wide as he told him to speak through gestures.

The phone's voice asks if anyone was there.

"Yes!" Byeongkwan blurts out, wincing at his own voice. "Sorry, I was just calling about the babysitting ad."

"Oh yes!" She exclaims through the phone. "That's great. Can we set up an interview?"

Byeongkwan took a moment to respond, shocked at her forwardness. "Sure.. Yea, that's fine." He stutters.

The woman introduces herself, asking for his name.

"My name is Byeongkwan." He smiles, feeling more comfortable the more he talks with her, realizing she truly was as nice as Jun said she was. "I'm a friend of Park Junhee."

"Little Park Junhee?" She squeals in excitement, making Byeongkwan laugh.

"He's not so little." Byeongkwan smirks at Jun who looks at him with a shocked expression.

She laughs, bringing Byeongkwan back to her. "That's great! I'll text you after I get off work and we can work out an interview time."

"Okay, that sounds good." Byeongkwan agrees, the pair saying their goodbyes before hanging up.

"That sounded good!" Jun cheers as the two boys continue walking to meet up with the rest of the group.

"I hope the interview goes well." Byeongkwan nods.

Jun gives him a look, an eyebrow raised. "You were so hesitant just a minute ago."

Byeongkwan rolls his eyes. "Mothers are usually very strict and terrifying when it comes to their kids, of course I was nervous. But she sounds nice!"

Jun nods, his thoughts running wild as they approached their destination.

~

Byeongkwan received a text from his new possible employer. A time for an interview that he was currently waiting at as his hands rubbed together nervously.

He hadn't met the mom or the child he'd be babysitting, which only made his nerves worse as he knocked on the apartment door. He hears a faint 'I'm coming' before loud footsteps approach the door. The door swings to reveal a young woman, a woman much younger than Byeongkwan was prepared for.

"You must be Byeongkwan." She smiles warmly as she invites him in.

Byeongkwan's nerves skyrocket as he walks into the apartment.

"It's nice to meet you." Byeongkwan bows. "In.. In person, I mean."

She giggles at his nervousness, offering him a drink and inviting him to sit down. He does watching her as she prepared some water for the both of them.

"I have to confess." She starts as she sits next to him, handing him a glass. "I called Junhee's sister to ask about you. She and Junhee both had only good things to say about you."

"Oh." Byeongkwan nods, sipping his water lightly.

"They said you're really good with kids." She says. "Haneul is really a good kid, I wouldn't ask someone to watch him if he wasn't."

"I'm glad to hear that." Byeongkwan smiles. "Can I meet him?"

"He's not home right now." She tells him. "He's with his dad this weekend."

Byeongkwan nodded.

"How about we talk about the job some more?" She asks, Byeongkwan agreeing.

The two discuss terms and requirements for some time. Byeongkwan was surprised how forward she was, telling him she wanted someone that would stay a long time so that Haneul wouldn't have to get used to different sitters. She was generous about it and kind with all of Byeongkwan's concerns. With each question asked and answered, the likelihood of him getting hired skyrocketed. And by the end of the interview, that's exactly what happened.

"Byeongkwan." She catches his attention just before he leaves. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate it."

Byeongkwan smiles, some small amounts of excitement bubbling through him. "Of course."

~

It really didn't take long for Byeongkwan and Haneul to get close. Haneul was as good as his mom said he was, hardly ever giving Byeongkwan trouble. The two of them would play around a lot. Byeongkwan worried Hanuel's mom would get upset the first time she came home and they were messing around with nerf guns. However, she just laughed and made the two dinner. Overall, the dynamics of all relationships were good. Byeongkwan and Haneul got along and played until she got home, she often made them both dinner and Byeongkwan was able to have good conversations with her. Everything had been pleasant and happy! Until the day the papers came.

Haneul's parents were still married up to this point, but the day she received the divorce papers was a glum day. Byeongkwan didn't know much about Haneul's dad, but he knew every time she talked to him she would grow sad and distant. Byoengkwan knew he probably shouldn't have felt a twinge of anger, but he did every time he heard about Haneul's dad.

He hated seeing her and Haneul sad. He hated that the father made them sad. It wasn't until the papers came that he realized how much he started to care for the two of them. As he watched her wipe away the stray tears that fell from her eyes his heart twisted in hurt and anger. Byeongkwan was angry that her ex husband had made her cry. He did his best to distract Haneul from seeing his mom upset, continuing the game of battleship they had started. He was playing the game, but his mind wasn't fully focused on it. He watched as she made dinner, her shoulders slumped as she continually ran her fingers through her hair. Byeongkwan had the sudden urge to comfort her and tell her it was going to be okay. But he was just the babysitter, there was nothing he could do except try to keep Haneul occupied and happy.

She made a quick dinner, not feeling up to making the long meal she usually did. She ate quietly, only speaking when she wanted to keep Haneul conversing about his day. She smiled at him, but Byeongkwan saw the sadness behind it.

They ate quickly before she asked Haneul to go play with the kids across the hall. Haneul nodded as he went, it was often that he went to play with them after dinner, so it was nothing out of the ordinary. She waited before Haneul closed the door before she sighed heavily.

"You don't have to say anything." Byeongkwan breaks the silence, watching some small tears fall over her cheeks.

"Sorry you had to see me cry." She laughs quietly, hoping to lighten the situation.

"It's okay." Byeongkwan tentatively reaches a hand out to her hand, holding it gently. "It's stressful, don't feel bad for crying."

She was able to keep from sobbing, but she was exhausted and Byeongkwan could tell.

"I wanted to ask if you could watch Haneul on Saturday." She starts, looking into his eyes. His heart breaking as he saw them filled with tears. "That's the court date."

"Of course I can watch him." Byoengkwan nods, smiling widely in the hopes it would make her feel better.

"You've been a life saver, Byeongkwan." She looks down laughing again to keep from crying.

Byeongkwan's heart picks up speed at her words as she wipes the tears away.

"Haneul adores you." She looks up with a tearful smile.

"I adore him too." Byeongkwan admits, his mouth wanting to say he adored her as well, but knew it wasn't the time for that.

She smiles a genuine smile. "I'm glad."

~

That had been weeks ago. It wasn't the last time Byeongkwan witnessed her tears and with each one that fell, his heart fell harder for her. His anger grew hotter against the man that used to be her husband when he stated he wanted nothing to do with Haneul. Haneul was saddened, but he was okay. Unbeknownst to Byeongkwan, Haneul liked Byeongkwan more and was more worried of him leaving him than his dad.

Byeongkwan wasn't going to leave, though. He wanted to protect them both. He grew to love them, but he was worried it would only complicate things. Not only was he younger than her, but he was the babysitter.

He had vented to Jun about it hundreds of times, Byeongkwan frustrated about the whole thing. Jun always told him the same thing.

"If you don't make a move you'll regret it forever."

"But when is the right time?"

Byeongkwan still didn't know the answer to that question. He had hoped the right moment would present itself, but it never did. He feared he would never make his move because he was too cowardice.

~

It was a late evening, one like countless others they had spent together. The three were eating dinner, Haneul telling his mom about his day as usual. It was no secret where Haneul had gotten his boldness from, his mom had exhibited it on countless occasions. But neither one of them were prepared for the bold statement that came from his mouth.

"I had fun today, Dad." His eyes trained on Byeongkwan.

Byeongkwan's eyes widened as Haneul's stared into them.

"Hanel l, I'm... not your... dad." Byeongkwan stated carefully, hoping not to hurt his feelings in any way.

"I know." Haneul nods, a wide smile on his face. "But, you treat me like the other dads treat their kids."

Byeongkwan looks up to her, his face held a shocked expression as his gaze fluttered between the two.

She stared at Byeongkwan, a thousand feelings rushing over her. She had never payed much attention to how Byeongkwan had treated Haneul, she just knew they got along. But after Haneul's statement, she begin to look back, recognizing the signs. Her mind ran a mile a minute as it processed Haneul's words and Byeongkwans actions up to this point. Now when she looked at Byeongkwan, her heart picked up, joy flooding to it as she realized how wonderful he had been not only to Haneul, but to her also.

"Haneul honey, do you want to play with the kids across the hall?" She asks him, her eyes only leaving Byeongkwan for a second.

Haneul sighs as he gets off his chair. "I know why you send me there after dinner." He trudges to the door, his final statement causing Byeongkwan to choke on air and for her to gasp. "I know what moms and dads do together."

Haneul closes the door, leaving the two in an awkward silence.

It's a few moments before she breaks it. "I don't know where that came from."

"It's fine." Byeongkwan waves his hands in front of him frantically.

Byeongkwan's eyes drop to his lap where he twiddles his thumbs. She watches him quietly, trying to find her next words.

"You treat Haneul like your own son." She states, Byeongkwan lifting his head to look into her eyes.

"He's a really good kid." Byeongkwan admits with a small smile. "I hope I have a son like him one day."

"And you treat me..." She continues, Byeongkwan tensing as he waits for her next words with baited breath. "You treat me like a loving husband would treat his wife."

Byeongkwan gulps nervously, his eyes darting back to his hands.

"Why didn't I notice sooner?" She asks herself, a smile breaking out on her face.

She stands to approach Byeongkwan, grabbing his face gently to make him look at her.

"Why didn't I notice sooner?" She whispers as she looks down at Byeongkwan.

"You... I just..." Byeongkwan stumbles over his words, his voice shaky as he feels the warmth of her hands cover his cheeks.

"I want to protect you. Both of you."

She smiles at him, bringing his lips to hers in a soft kiss, first of many to come for the couple.

~

The woman from across the hall welcomes the young boy into her home, her own sons coming out to play with him.

"My mom and dad are at it again." He states dramatically.

"Mom and dad?" The mother asks with confusion, knowing about her neighbors recent divorce.

"Yea, they're doing what mom and dads do." He sighs, again, dramatically.

"What do moms and dads do?" She asks him, her confusion only growing.

He leans on his tip toes, beckoning her down with his hand.

"They kiss." He whispers in her ear, going off to play with his friends.

[song-fox]

"You're A Dork."

.

Roman's P.O.V.

This is it, I thought gleefully to myself. I'm finally gonna know my soulmate's first words to me!

Well, at least for after I get my soulmark.

I closed my eyes excitedly as everyone began the countdown to midnight. It was my sixteenth birthday, and it was tradition for everyone to stay up until 12 o'clock for when the words appeared on the person's wrist. After years of daydreaming and wondering, I was finally about to find out what they would say to me. But even still, I had so many questions. What would he look like? How would he act? Would I already know him, or would it be a complete stranger? Would he like Disney as much as me? Would he even be a he? I desperately hoped so, otherwise all those years of denial and coming out would have been pretty useless.

"Three..."

I took in a couple of breaths, balancing on the balls of my feet.

"Two..."

I tugged at my sleeve. What would my wrist say?

"One...!"

I immediately opened my eyes and pulled down the sleeve of my red hoodie, revealing the black letters that stood out against my pale skin. My eyes scanned over them frantically.

You're a dork.

I almost laughed out loud at that. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but it wasn't exactly an unpleasant surprise, either.

"Ooh! What'd you get?" Patton asked, bouncing around and looking just as excited as I was, if not more. Right. He couldn't see the writing on my arm. No one could. Soulmates are supposed to be personal and should be your own choice to pursue them, so nobody can ever see the writing on someone's wrist.

Unlike me, Patton had already found his soulmate, on the same day as his birthday, in fact. Of course it had been Logan, our mutual friend who seemed to have been dropping incredibly obvious hints that he was crushing on the boy, at least by Logan's standards.

I grinned at them both. "It says You're a dork."

Logan snorted. "Fitting," he remarked, earning an elbow from me.

Patton, however, seemed ecstatic. "Aw! That's really cute!"

I put down my arm, still smiling. "Yeah, it is."

*****************

Over the next few days, I was waaayyyy too confident on finding my soulmate soon, if not right away. If Patton could do it, why not me?

"'Sup, dork!" a kid yelled out one morning on the bus. We were on our way to school, so he could have been talking to anyone, but still I pulled down my sleeves and quickly read over the words.

No match. It was probably for the best, anyway. The guy was straight, and also kind of a jerk. He wasn't even talking to me, either.

Oh well. Maybe next time.

Months later. I walked into the local bookstore, looking over the list that Patton had given me. Logan's birthday was coming up, and Patton had suggested gifting him some books and gave me a list of specific ones. Patton himself was making Logan a scarf, since it was nearly winter and the nerd got cold easily.

I walked over to the checkout counter a few minutes later with a stack of books in my arms. I placed them in front of the cashier, surprised at their weight. Those books were heavy.

The cashier hummed as he grabbed the books and scanned them, reading over their titles.

"Encyclopedia, A Brief History of Time, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd... wow, you're a nerd," he teased. I paused, then quickly glanced at my upturned wrist whilst the cashier bagged the books. No match.

Of course.

"Oh, uh, they're just for my friend. But he is a nerd. I'll tell him that you acknowledged it too," I remarked. The guy smiled, handing over the books.

"Have a nice day."

A few more months passed. I tried hard to forget that I had a soulmate and to stop constantly checking my wrist every time someone said anything similar to my soulmark. It worked, for the most part. I spent most of my time at school, anyway, and the rest of my days were mainly hanging out or talking to Logan and Patton.

I also spent a lot of my time drawing and painting, although that didn't really have much to do with the whole soulmate thing. I just really enjoyed it. I even posted a lot of it online, along with some picture of my friends and I just hanging out and goofing around.

One day while I was drawing, I heard a faint vibration from my phone, signalling a notification. I dropped my pencil and grabbed it, scrolling through all the random notifications from weird group chats until I found one from a comment on one of the pictures I had posted.

I tapped on it. The picture was one that Logan had taken, with him looking disappointedly into the camera whilst Patton and I goofed off in the background.

I kept scrolling until I found the comment.

PurpleDinosaur123: Lmao youre such a dork

For a second I felt my heart stop, and I scrambled to look at my wrist.

No match.

I sighed, instead opting to type out a reply.

Royal_arts: Lol thanks for noticing, I really do try

I put my phone on silent and tucked it away.

Almost a full year had passed since my sixteenth birthday, and although it was irrational, I was starting to lose hope. I know, it was dumb to expect a soulmate in just one year, but still. I couldn't really force myself to feel any different.

I pulled out my phone and texted to a group chat with Logan and Patton.

Me: i'm sad :(((((

DadPat: Is this about me eating the last cupcake?? if so I'm sorry <333

Me: wait you ate my last cupcake

Me: nvm it doesnt matter,, i'm just being angsty over the whole soulmate thing

DadPat: Aww, chin up kiddo, you'll meet him someday

Nerd: It's true. My parents didn't even meet until they were nearly thirty

Me: but what if i never meet him :(((

DadPat: Of course you will!! you're destined to, remember? it's basically set in stone :)

Nerd: Well, actually

Me: stfu logan i'm trying to cheer up here

Nerd: Right. My apologies

Me: s'cool

DadPat: Ah well, just get some sleep kiddo, maybe you'll feel better in the morning. love ya!! gnight!

Nerd: Indeed, perhaps some rest will benefit you. Goodnight

Me: goodnight ya nerd, ily2 patt

With that, I turned off my phone and let sleep overtake me.

I haven't seen him in a while, and it's a pleasure to see him again.

"Do you think I'll ever meet my soulmate?" I ask, staring into the dark, nightmarish atmosphere. He sits with me too, a warm and comforting presence beside me. He laughs and shakes his head, although it isn't a negative sign.

"You're a dork."

I tilt my head. "What do you mean?"

"Roman, you're a brilliant and amazing and creative person. Don't doubt yourself. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

I mull it over, before pausing. "Wait, what did you say?"

"I said that anyone would be lucky to have you."

I shake my head frantically. "No, no before that!"

"I said 'You're a dork'."

I feel like my breathing has stopped for a second. I stand up, backing away.

"No, no, no," I say breathlessly, running a hand through my hair. I nearly trip over my own feet.

"What? You don't want me?"

"No, I- I, but.." I'm stumbling over my words. Tears are threatening to spill out.

"Not you... not you... please, not you," I plead to deaf ears. The threat is now a battle with my emotions. My cheeks are wet with bitter tears and I'm gulping back breaths.

"Please..."

I jolted awake, my mouth ajar and sucking in precious oxygen. My eyes stung with fresh tears.

I grabbed my phone off the table and texted the group chat again.

Me: hey patt?? i'm gonna need a ride later

DadPat: Oh? what for?

DadPat: Are you meeting someone??

Me: kind of

DadPat: ??  ',:/

Me: i need to have breakfast, i'll just text you the location later, k?

DadPat: Okie kiddo, I'll pick you up at noon <33

Me: thx, ly

As he said, Patton was waiting outside my house by lunchtime. I stood anxiously outside my house, holding tightly onto a bouquet of flowers. Hydrangeas, hyacinths and lilacs, all varying shades of purple.

Patton waved me over, and I noticed Logan was sitting with him in the front seat.

"Hey, kiddo! I hope you don't mind that Logan came along; he saw your texts and wanted to make sure you were okay." Logan waved awkwardly at me.

I sniffed and wiped my eyes. "Thanks. It means a lot."

Logan tilted his head. "Roman, are you okay? You seem upset."

I let out a deep breath. "I met him."

They both perked up at this.

"Wait, really? Roman, that's amazing! Who is he?" Patton piped up, eyes glimmering excitedly. I kept silent and simply looked at him, watching his misty blue eyes scanning my face.

Logan realized it first. He stifled a gasp and his eyes widened, before softening sympathetically. Then it clicked for Patton. He gasped, and his hands flew to his mouth.

"Oh my gosh, Roman, I'm so sorry, that must be terrible," he rambled, his eyes shiny with unshed tears.

Logan nodded, then gestured to the flowers. "Are those...?"

"Yeah," I muttered simply. Logan stayed quiet, knowing better than to press on.

The ride was agonising. Patton had tried putting on some Disney songs, but I insisted no music. The day was beautiful, otherwise; the sunlight glinted on the morning dew of the bright, crisp grass. The trees were lush and full of life, and daisies poked out of the masses of summer foliage.

We arrived after twenty minutes of almost complete silence. The only time it was broken was whenever Patton tried to crack a joke, or when he saw a sign that said ROAD WORK AHEAD and muttered, "Yeah, I sure hope it does," under his breath.

I got out of the car, the gentle breeze stinging my watery eyes. I gripped the bouquet with both hands, as if I were scared that it might have disappeared or suddenly died.

Just like he did.

"Would you like us to accompany you?" Logan asked tentatively. I shook my head slowly, my gaze trained on the ground.

"No, I-I'd like to be alone with him. You can join me later."

Logan nodded and stepped back to join Patton.

Walking through the maze of stone slabs was painful, as it always had been. Even the grass that had been bright and lively just a few minutes before seemed limp and dull.

I kept walking, each step slower than the other, but I kept going. I needed this. I needed to see him again.

I kneeled down in front of the grey stone slab in the ground. Letters were etched neatly into the grave, chipped away with time but still legible.

Here lies Virgil Emory

2004 ~ 2019

Gone, but not forgotten.

I took one more look at the writing on my wrist. The familiar curving lines and dark ink contrasting against my skin.

You're a dork.

I placed down the bouquet, a faint smile on my lips.

"So," I said, choking back a sob. "You're my soulmate."

[siderealxmelody]

They arrived at the restaurant early, Markos leaned against the railing watching the people and Caelia she ripped her napkin into tiny pieces. She looked to him when she finally registered him staring.

"You sure don't want to see the Sidra? Or the shops? What will you do while Morrigan and I have lunch?"

She had thought of asking Markos to sit with them, she desperately wanted him to. But she doubted Morrigan would appreciate it - no doubt she'd think her words would be controlled. That everything she said was something Markos would expect her to. Lunch shouldn't be too long anyway and she had always liked this restaurant. It was tucked away, off the beaten path. She had found it one her first visit when she'd been wandered Velaris and got caught in the rain. It always was quiet and calm, nothing like the main streets with their noise and people.

Markos's gaze softened and he shrugged, titling her face up to kiss her softly.

"How can anything be as beautiful as you? They're fleeting pieces of architecture when you're timeless."

She flushed and shook her head at him, batting at his hand playfully. He grinned at her squeezing her hand.

"I'm officially here for you but you know father will want some secrets on Velaris. Maybe I'll find a seedy bar to pretend I got lost in."

Markos grinned as she giggled and shook her head. He hated how nervous she was, how he couldn't protect her from this.

"Beron wouldn't believe you'd get drunk when I can't drink with you darling."

Caelia's smile froze as she felt Markos tense and look over as Morrigan neared them. She stood, moving toward her and stopping. She wasn't entirely sure if Morrigan wanted a hug from her or not. She gave a tentative smile and twisted the bits of the napkin she hadn't shredded in her hands.

"You look well Mori."

It had been a childhood nickname, Morrigan had been too hard for her to say for the longest time. Would Morrigan call her Cali like she used to?

Markos pushed off the railing, a hand on her back steadying her.

"Here's how this is going to go. I'm trusting you with my mate, she better be one piece when I come back."

He looked to her, his cold mask faltering as he met her eyes. Caelia knew it was involuntary, his brothers had teased of his tell multiple times. He stroked her cheek, kissing her quickly.

"Be good for me?"

It was shorthand, it was a reminder of the life they were building together. It was an affirmation to live by when they were apart. She gave a warm smile and nodded. He stared at her for another long moment before he gave Morrigan a look and brushed past her.

Caelia exhaled slowly and looked to her, her nerves easing just a bit.

"Did you want to sit? How is everyone? Rhysand has a mate now?"

Maybe if she started the conversation it wouldn't be so awkard.

Caelia hadn't seen her sister since she fled Velaris. It had been 50 years and she was happy to keep it that way. Markos wasn't as evil as everyone seemed to think. He regularly told her about his work and was happy to listen to her opinion on things. 

Caelia had trained under her father just like Morrigan had to fight. She'd never seen war nor had she had any interest in it.  She was happy to tend to the grounds around the Palace. When she wasn't doing that she was content to walk through to the posion garden Beron had gifted them as their 50th Mating year anniversary. 

She had always had a fascination of death and decay. It's what she and Markos had talked about that fateful night when he first showed her Autumn some when they were both 20 some 80 years ago. They never exchanged names and when they were 50 Amarantha had come and she'd fled to him, to Autumn. All in all, she was happy with her life, with the grace and calm she had everyday. 

Even Beron who was quick to anger seemed to be happy to have in his home. After all she didn't know anyone else he invited on his daily morning walks. Zefera was no different, Caelia always looked forward to having lunch with her. 

But her evenings? Her evenings were reserved for Markos and her. He always made sure to take his tea and dinner with her. For all she had heard of how he was more violent than Eris, she'd never seen it. Not unless she asked for him to mark her and bruise her in bed. How many people would believe that Markos fell asleep to her voice reading to him?

But she felt an obligation now, if only because she knew if she didn't talk her sister and actually show her everything was - she'd probably throw a fit. Why did everyone think they knew her life better than she did?

Eris had tried to tell her once what happened between him and Morrigan. She'd cut him off, she had no interest. She wanted to know him on his actions toward her. She wasn't her sister's keeper or mouthpiece. Morrigan could cause speak for herself and fight her own battles clearly. Isn't that why she had left her?

----------

"Are sure about this darling? You don't owe her an explanation on your life."

Markos had a hand on her shoulder, meeting her eyes in the mirror. The other entwined with hers over her stomach. 

She sighed and leaned against him. 

"I know love, but I just - I hope she'll be happy for me. Truly if something was wrong won't she have heard by now? I left, I choose you. I wanted this child, this life."

She turned in his arms, humming when his grip tightened around her.

"Maybe my hope is foolish, but I want to try. Regardless she's going to see the child when we go to Nightmare anyway. Might as well get this the conversation out of the way no?"

Markos just kissed her temple. 

"Whatever you wish. But if I feel like she is a danger to you or our child we are leaving. I refuse for you to be another casuality of Night."

Caelia nodded and ducked her head, smiling softly as she splayed her hands over her stomach. 

"Parents Markos, we're are going to be parents."

Markos relaxed and knelt before her. Caelia flushed, he'd been doing that a lot ever since she told him. She still wasn't used to it, to see the male she worshipped kneel so easily before her. 

Though hadn't he vowed that to her on the wedding night? 

"I will worship you as you worship me Caelia. And if I ever forget my duty may Mother strike me down for my arrogance."

----------

Rhysand looked over his morning paper to his cousin. She was meeting Caelia today. 

"Did Caelia say where in Velaris this meeting would be? You sure you don't want me to attend?"

Caelia had sent a hand written note requesting Morrigan meet her and her mate. He didn't know when or where. And he really didn't want to pry but she was his cousin too. 

Beside she was barely 100 years. Eris assured him she was doing well and cared for. Still he hadn't seen her in 50 years. Let alone spoken to her.

And asking Markos at the Council of High Lords or after the war hadn't felt appropriate. For one thing the bastard could just be called away - and Rhysand wanted his undivided attention.

//ayy Cali for Mor!!//

In all honesty she should be happy that her sister was safe, that she had found her happiness and had been safe from what had happened all those years ago. For the longest time she hadn’t know what had happened to her, she hadn’t known what had become of her when she felt Valeris. For the longest time she hadn’t even heard word of where she was, especially not when they became sealed off from everyone else.

The months, the years. It became a long stretch of silence for everyone she knew and cared for; Unah, Rhysand, her sister. When they had been taken from her it made those years unbearable, despite the fact she had the company of Cassian, Azriel and Amren. It didn’t make those years any easier, it didn’t mean she didn’t worry.

When news had reached her of Caelia she had considered the worse, especially when news came with where and who she was with. It had taken so much self restraint to keep herself from storming the Autumn Court, demanding to see her sister and take her home. It had taken the others to explain that doing such a thing could make it worse, that they had other things to worry about before it even came to that.

So, this day coming was something she wasn’t sure she was ready for, however she was going regardless. She had to; she couldn’t turn her back on her sister despite what her parents had done.

Morrigan tapped upon the table, her focus dazed as she found herself lost deep within her head. When her cousin spoke a jolt of reality returned to her, the blonde turning and looking towards him. “The small restaurant by Sidra River,” she confirmed as she leaned back within her chair. “I don’t think it wise if you attend, the note didn’t say if I could bring anyone.”

She also didn’t want to give Markos any impression that they were going to do anything to her sister, she didn’t want to give him any reason to hurt anyone – especially not Caelia. If Rhysand came he could possibly consider it a slight, he could think they were going to take her from him.

“I know you want to see her, but I think I should take this step first.” She rose from her chair, a heavy sigh came from her. “I probably should get going.”