#[Good ending];Mariah & Seven

[suguruplsr]

Pride and feelings aside…

Summary ✰ A mini story, in which, you happen to catch feelings for your fuck-buddy, Gojo Satoru, who just so happens to have a girlfriend you didn't know about until... however, someone's there to pick you up when you're falling. Geto Suguru.

,, gojo satoru x fem! reader x geto suguru , depictions of sexual/suggestive themes + scenes w/ alcohol usage , drug usage (not misused) , angst w/ no comfort.

wc: 3.1k

based on the song, 77 degrees, by Mariah the Scientist

+ full masterlist of “Seventy-seven degrees…”

tagging: @r0ckst4rjk @unmatchxd @chugao @coffee-on-a-rainyautumn @fvsm4x @ivyshiyo @shadowfoxey @aliyalala @sexeyess @magalimachete @tokenblckgirl @melancholysanatomy @nekkobi @eumorele @polarbvnny @msmarklee1213 @mellow-mewow @qmsvpx @miauna @mwtsxri @ba-ks @slammynics

Dividers @/enchanthings

“satoru, fuck— right there!” honestly, there’s nothing like a late friday night, tipsy and high off a few edibles, and getting some good dick from your trusty friend, Gojo Satoru. as your hands travel along his broad shoulders, sheened with sweat under the moonlight, you realize why people fight to have this man. “yea sweetie? right here— ohhh look at you. f-fuckin’ squeezin’ me so tight.” his form that towered over you pulls away, looking down at you with a slimy grin and throwing your legs over his shoulders while you squirm. “sorry baby. you ain’t cummin’ yet. wanna play with this pussy for as long as i can, before i go~”

you don’t know when it started, you were always just friends with him. hanging out with him and the rest of your little group consisting of shoko, suguru, kento, and haibara. young adults who party over the weekends and work boring jobs during the week while considering their future. kento and shoko already chose to start college, while satoru and suguru are planning on doing something together. best friends stuff. sometimes you wonder if they really just like each other and wanna live happily ever after.

you and haibara just so happened to apply at the same famous cafe downtown. so you’ve been working as a waitress with him as a server for the past few months.

but back to your.. relationship? nah, more like situationship. well, you wish you could call it that, maybe you don’t. that reminds you too much of him. but, you and satoru are just fuck buddies who got drunk together one day five months ago. him coming over to your new house with four good bottles of soju, which were mainly for you considering he couldn’t hold his liquor. but of course, little words of how pretty you’ve always been in his eyes spewed out, and.. in the heat of the moment,, you ended up kissing him.

and that was that.

there’s nights where you can taste the soju that was on his lips that day, thinking of him as your hands trail down to the straps of your panties. but nowadays, you don’t have to play with your clit and contemplate calling the pinned contact in your messages. cringy enough, a little, “u up?” text is enough for satoru to eagerly drive to your house before you can even think of sliding a finger in.

you look up at satoru as he teases your pussy, tip pulling in and out as he emits tiny murmurs out of you. he’s so handsome like this, and any other day. cerulean eyes focused on the gap of your hole, tongue sticking out a bit and his chest muscles flexing every time he’s pushed in just a slight bit more than the tip. then as usual, he fills you up to the hilt, both of you whining as he steals away your breath with a sloppy kiss. telling you how well you’re doing for him.

you almost wish you could experience this every night.

“turn a bit f’me sweetheart~” satoru coos. he was on your couch, legs crossed with a sweet smile on his face. he had taken you out shopping, saying that a girl like you deserves to be spoiled. having daddy’s money must be nice. rather than letting him go into the dressing rooms with you, risking him sneaking in and possibly getting you two in trouble, you decided to make him let you shop on your own, and promised him a show later. and later was now.

you turned to give him a tiny twirl, showing off the pink frilly dress. you hear him make a sound of amazement, “it’s that pretty?” “no.. well— yeah, but fuck. it’s you.” satoru groans, gesturing for you to come closer. you giggle, taking your place on his lap as his hands immediately move along your exposed thighs. “mm, yeah?” you purr, bringing a hand to his throat and encasing your fingers around it while your thumb tilts his chin up to you. you love watching how he visibly folds, adjusting you in his lap with a bite of his lip.

“for sure hun. you make me wanna rip it off you, maybe even fuck you in it. so beautiful.” he hums, hand breaching the area of your heat. his fingers pull the strings of your matching lace, making you pinch his neck when he snaps it. you could feel your blood rush around your body, flustered from his pure awe. “this one feels new..” and you huff, cute eyes looking up at him with ridicule. “you can’t even see it!” but satoru only gives you that charming smile, glasses tilting with the move of his head. “but i will later, yea?” and you roll your eyes, not bothering to hide your smile as he kisses the corner of your mouth. “yea..”

you part with a kiss placed on his jaw, strutting away to try on the dozen other outfits you bought. all for him to see. you did purposely buy a few that you knew he’d like, like a few summer dresses. and of course, white lingerie underneath to top it off. you just love the attention he gives you, giving you the feeling as if you’re on top of the world. you wish you knew how to make it stay like that.

the night ended like always, your arms around his neck while he thrusted inside you with low murmurs and grunts that circled around the room. but you couldn’t help but notice his phone went off more than usual.

not any of your business though.

it’s nothing like going to a nice bar during a random hot summer night in late june, hanging out with your friends as a little catch up and drinking together. until everyone’s swallowing in their own thoughts and wandering about the place while you sit and watch.

“you two are close.” suguru hums, taking a sip of his beer while you watch satoru talk to another girl, all happy and comfortable, maybe an old ‘friend’, from the way she casually places a kiss below his jaw. your spot. you don’t know why the bubbling feeling in your chest wasn’t quelled with three cans of beer, but keeping your eyes on the white haired man and his interactions didn’t help in the slightest.

with a disappointing sigh, you turn to suguru, who gave you his signature smile, head tilted on his palm and giving you a look that would’ve made you shy away. in the past at least. “obvious?”

“for sure.”

“fuck.” you groan turning around on the barstool, facing the bar and stealing one of shoko’s shots, making her scoff with a, “what the hell?”. to which you smile sheepishly in return, the taste of vodka blooming on your lips while you’re already sliding your purse to her so she can fish out some money for her next drink.

“reminded me of us. you’re so damn selfish.”

suguru quips lowly, dark eyes studying the way your eyes narrow, glancing over to him before looking at the dark brown wood of the bar table. “yea? well i clearly haven’t lost that trait, messing with you two…” you shrug, making him chuckle. “i’d say you have a type, well.. if you weren’t going for someone as mediocre as satoru. no offense sweetheart, but don’t get your hopes up. especially when he’s attached to her.” suguru gives you a pat on the back, letting the warmth of his hand linger before walking away.

you don’t even care to ponder over his last sentence, you're sure it’ll come to you later in life. you just wish you had said something in return, wanting to prove that handsome idiot wrong. but the way satoru comes back to you with marks of that woman’s lipstick shining on his neck proves you wrong. you really shouldn’t get your hopes up, but perhaps you wish this was some romantic story where he’s just trying to make you jealous.

and not you falling down an empty rabbit hole.

“you clearly had fun.” you point out, gesturing to the fresh hickies laying along satoru’s neck. they weren’t yours, considering you haven’t seen him much lately. after maybe a week of texting and a few nudes, he had finally come over. talking about the restaurant he took his ‘friend’ to.

a look of.. guilt? takes over his expression, turning his head away on the other side of your pillow and humming. “yeah i guess.. nothing special though. not like you.” and you roll your eyes, smiling though, as you slap his bare chest, climbing on top of him and dragging your palm around his chest. “oh really? why should i believe that? if we were really special you’d..” you pause when you see his brows furrow, as if he’s expecting your next words.

touchy subject huh? you two must not be as close you thought you were.

but the look of disbelief in his eyes makes you throw it all away in your little wishing well. a well full of things satoru makes your heart wish for. you try to brush it off, giving a sigh and leaning down to kiss him. “you really think we’re special?”

“you’re definitely special.”

it takes all your might to bite down the feeling in your throat as he flips you over. your heart probably exaggerated all those gestures, those rare soft moments, everything, that made you feel like you were on top of the world. like you were his world. you feel sick, but you’ll take what you can get.

so you try to devour all of him, taking every touch with all you can. you don’t have the strength to remind yourself that, this, you two, aren’t anything special. he’s doing this for his benefit so why not do the same. even if your wants differentiate from his.

it doesn’t hurt to dream.

you focus on the feelings of satoru’s lips on yours, both of your hands trying to undo each other's clothing, but you can feel the vibrations of his phone in his back pocket. “toru~ put it up.” you whine, pushy him away slightly and giving a look when he tries to chase your lips. “fine.” he sighs, pulling out said object and quickly taking a look at the notifications as he heads to your dresser.

you aren’t oblivious, and you aren’t stupid. you can see the way he smiles, genuinely even, standing still to respond to what you think is a message.

it could be anyone, you remind yourself.

you make an exaggerated sound from your spot on your bed, making him put away the device, and looking over to you. a bothered look flashes over his eyes before he lifts his shirt up. “sorry to keep ya waiting sweets.” satoru grins, moving closer and placing a hand on your neck while you move closer to the pair of gray sweats in front of you.

“s’okay. jus’ wanna suck on y’r cock.” you sigh, emitting a laugh from him while you get to work pulling down the pants.

you couldn’t let him fuck you that night with how uncomfortable you felt. the look— no, glare. he gave you, even if it was only a split second, felt like you were intruding on something when it was the other way around. like a look of distaste.

when you told him you were too tired for anything extra, he placed a kiss on your cheek, immediately tidying himself up before heading out. the satoru you knew would never do that, unless he made sure you were feeling okay and begging to have a taste of you, maybe even staying the night.

fuck, you feel so dry you might just have to call him. for old times sake. you hate how troubled you are by your unrequited love.

satoru barely comes over now, and if he does, it’s for a quickie. which, of course, is the point of your “relationship”. but satoru had never made it feel like that's all it was. like there was a possibility for more than you two just digging in each other's pants.

but now, either he doesn’t respond or he’s busy. normal adult stuff, you get it. you shouldn’t be crying as you sip your glass of whine, sitting lonely at your dining table after satoru told you he’d be here.

something came up.

is what he told you. you even responded in that same minute, getting nothing in response while you wallow in your shame and disappointment. it shouldn’t hurt but it really fucking does. you wish you didn’t ruin the friendship. you wish so badly.

you’re probably just every other enjoyment in life for him, something he’ll use when he wants and throws away when he wants.

how fucked up of a situation could this be?

“i think we should stop seeing each other. if you know what i mean.” it’s 10 pm when satoru shows up at your door, unexpectedly and catching you off guard. it’s your second pity party after three weeks of no communication with him. three weeks since you had accepted you caught feelings for the daring heart throb of japan.

“oh yeah— totally. not like we really were.” you shrug, fighting back the feeling of bile in your throat. the expression on satoru’s face lets you know you hit the spot, making his nod awkwardly and wave. “i guess ill go now.”

you close the door shut, maybe slammed, grabbing your cold bottle of water on the table in your living room as you travel through your house to your bathroom. why did you have to see his face, why did you have to see the way he dressed up so nicely, probably coming back from a date with that ‘friend’.

you know.

you remember every single detail of his face, it wasn’t hard to notice the smudge of red lipstick on his lips.

you put the tablet flat on your tongue, swallowing it and taking a big gulp of water all in one go. the sick feeling throughout your body slowly dissipates as you stand over the sink, looking at the running water in trance.

what a fool you are, huh? falling for someone who was meant to only make you feel good. that’s just a recipe for disaster.

you don’t know how long you stayed in there, gripping your counter as tears slowly slipped down your face while you fell to your knees.

today was a hectic day, business was bustling and there were lots of people coming in the cafe for the fall themed items. like pumpkin spice latte, hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, etc. the aroma flowing through the place was even better, you’ll have to ask your boss what she may have sprayed before opening. but maybe it’s just the food.

however, seeing a few families or couples smile, the joyful mood flowing around as the hot summer slowly ended, groups of teens coming in to hang out before school starts back up. all of it felt nice. like a nice view of what your life could be if you weren’t some depressed woman who had nothing to show.

you sigh, grabbing your notepad and walking out from the back of the cafe. you just needed a tiny mental breather, too overstimulated with the many people. you never know how to explain it, like claustrophobia without literally experiencing it.

but you just leave it to your mind and senses just feeling overwhelmed. you’ll have time to take your daily pill later.

as you head to a ready table, your mind halts while your body strays to the table. the tufts of white hair, and blue eyes that locked onto you made the peace in your body waver. why was he here? maybe he came to check up on you? not like he doesn’t know where you work.

oh how wrong you are.

“how may i take your order?” your voice breaks, coughing a bit and playing it off as a minor issue when the woman in front of satoru gives you a look of concern, so sweet, and you feel like you recognize her. “hey y/n. i know you’re busy right now so i’ll introduce you to her later, im not sure if you two had met before, hehe. but we’ll have…” your smile is forced, the grip on your pen only getting stronger as you recognize the pet names he calls her, names he used to give you.

but with how casually he says them, maybe she was first.

the satoru you knew doesn’t even introduce or take out girls unless he’s dating them. which means this is clearly a new sight for you.

you don’t remember anything after they left, too caught up in your whirlwind of heartbreak and confusion to focus on anything other than getting through your shift. which led to you now, crying in your car right after work. you just needed to let it out.

better than crying on your way home and risking an accident.

satoru seemed happy with her, he really did. a tension between them that you never had with him. the woman was even sweet enough to tip you big simply for being her boyfriend’s friend. you don’t have the courage to dislike her, not when you were shamelessly looking over at her boyfriend with eyes full of want and desperation.

but of course he didn’t notice.

if only you didn’t fuck up the friendship, maybe you were just in a different light to him, compared to her. maybe you would’ve had the chance to showcase all of you to him, rather than the rough intimacy within the confines of your bedroom. fuck, you’re stupid.

how the hell are you supposed to show you love someone when you two are just having sex to cure your sexual needs. that’s like begging for a disaster to happen.

hearing a knock on the passenger side of your tinted window, you quickly shuffle to put the yellow bottle of pills in your armrest box. you take a look at yourself in the mirror, taking note of your puffy red eyes.

you hope it’s some stranger who doesn’t care about your wellbeing.

wiping your face, you roll down the window, greeted with the sight of a nihilistic smile and dark gold eyes that scan your form with a scoff. “unlock the door princess. not gonna let you get all sappy over some pretty boy who's missin’ out on someone like you.”

[heavyhitterheaux]

And the Award Goes To...

First Lady of Private Garden Fic

AN: All the fluff between Jack and our First Lady 😘💕

Synopsis: You and Private Garden are in attendance for the 2022 BET awards and excited doesn't even begin to describe how you're feeling. The night ends up being even more amazing when the last thing you ever expected to happen does.

Pairing: Husband!Jack Harlow x Wife!Reader

Requested by: the gorgeous @minkookie95 😘💕

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

You woke up tangled next to your husband who was still in a deep sleep as you heard his light snores and him breathing with your face in the crook of his neck.

The day was finally here and you couldn’t have been more excited.

You finally have the chance of attending the 2022 BET awards that would be taking place in Los Angeles, California.

You remember watching the show every single year since you were a little girl dreaming of actually getting an opportunity to go and lo and behold, here it was.

You weren’t able to go last year since you had been on tour and wouldn’t have made it back in time in order to go with your husband.

Now, you would be able to go with him right along with the rest of PG. 

This year you had been nominated for two awards, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist as well as Best New Artist. 

Brandi let Jack be the one to break the news to you knowing how much it meant to you and you were floored.

You most definitely shed a few tears that night.

Working towards something for so long and actually seeing your work pay off was a dream come true.

And you had your husband and PG to thank for that.

Jack had been nominated the year before for Best New Artist, but unfortunately lost to Giveon which he was still salty to this day about.

You made sure to never bring it up after it happened. 

You would also be performing your hit song Big Energy and was planning on surprising the crowd by bringing out Mariah Carey since she had hopped on the remix with you, while Jack had planned on performing Poison along with First Class with Lil Wayne and Brandy.

Bottom line is that the Harlows weren’t coming to play.

All of you had been in L.A. for the past few days rehearsing and making sure that everything was just right for the special night.

You peeked at the nightstand behind Jack to see that it was around 7 in the morning.

The award show didn’t take place until 5, so there was plenty of time to kill before then.

You wanted to make it a priority to spend the day with Jack since both of you had been in overdrive for the past few days and truly hadn’t had the time to spend one on one with each other.

And both of you would soon become agitated when you didn’t get that one on one time.

Not wanting to be awake just by yourself anymore, you began to place kisses along Jack’s neck.

He fluttered his eyes open and you were met with a soft smile.

���Good morning, wifey.”

“Good morning, my baby.”

“Are you excited?” He asked while bringing you in closer to him. 

“That doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’m just happy I get to spend the day with my favorite people.”

“And you deserve all of this mamas. I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“Okay, please don’t make me cry at seven in the morning.” You immediately felt the waterworks beginning to form.

“I’m serious smush. Like you haven’t let up since you released your first single and you prove time and time again that you’re just as talented as anybody else out here. And wait.. it’s only seven? Baby, why are you awake so early?”

“Thank you my baby. And because I can barely sit still. I’m like a kid in a candy store.”

“Baby, I literally just put your ass to sleep at three so you mean to tell me you only slept for four hours?”

“Hmm, maybe?”

“Mamas, come on. Go back to sleep so you’ll have energy for later. No pun intended.”

“But...”

“Nope, close your eyes and lay on my chest. Your ass is about to be out in ten minutes. Works every time.”

And no lie was told.

It was nearing 3:45 pm and it was now time for all of you to begin getting dressed to head to the venue and walk the red carpet.

The butterflies in your stomach were increasing by the second.

You and Jack had decided to coordinate your outfits and Metta along with Julissa found the perfect outfits to put the two of you in.

Well, everyone knew you were probably going to take the longest to get ready, so they made you go first.

It simply never failed, you would start to get ready and still be the last person out the door.

And no one was trying to be late.

But, of course, that’s exactly how it played out.

“Baby! How did you start getting ready before anyone else and you still not done!?”

“Don’t rush me, Jackman! Be patient!”

“She’s almost done!” All of PG heard Julissa say as she was putting the finishing touches on your makeup and making sure there wasn’t a hair out of place.

Julissa then ran into the living room to present her work to everyone which was you. She was proud of it and had done a damn good job.

“Is everyone ready?”

“Yes, Julissa, damn! We’ve been ready for like an hour!”

“Jack shut up. Once you see how pretty your wife looks, you’ll be thanking me. You’ll probably want to rip her clothes off as we speak.”

“But, I planned on doing that later anyway.”

“Yall are nasty as all hell. Do yall EVER come up for air?” 2fo asked as he rolled his eyes.

“Been tapping that since we were 15, not a chance.”

“Okay, yall shut up! Bring her out Julissa.” Metta replied while coming to sit on the couch next to Quiiso.

“Okayyyyy, I now present to you Mrs. Y/N Y/M/N Harlow better known as your first lady! Come on out Y/N!”

You had nothing but a big smile on your face as you walked into the living room so everyone could get a good look at your outfit.

“Well, got damn. Definitely worth the wait.” You heard Jack say as he was eyeing you up and down.

“Yes mamas! Work it! Give em a twirl!” Julissa was hyping you up as everyone began to laugh and take in how happy the scene in front of them was.

You did as you were told and hit a pose when you were finished.

“Damn, them earrings big as shit.” Brandi said taking in the sight of them. 

“You know what they say. The bigger the hoop, the bigger the hoe.”

“Y/N! Stop that!” Jack exclaimed while also trying not to laugh. 

“Now drop!”

“NO! My wife will NOT be dropping it for anyone but me. Y/N, you better not! If that ass hits the floor, they’ll be hell to pay. Damn mamas you look gorgeous. How’d I get so lucky?”

Jack asked while getting up and making his way towards you and taking in how amazing you looked.

“I’m the lucky one.” You replied as you lightly kissed him trying to not mess up your makeup.

“Nah, cut the shit! Don’t get these two started because we won’t make it downstairs until the show is over. Keep it moving. Jack, you know what your wife looks like. You’ve been staring at her for almost ten years.”

“Urb, you are such a fucking hater.” You replied while sticking up your middle finger in his direction with you earning the same gesture in return.

“Okay, yall we are all on a mission tonight to get Urb laid so he can stop hating on me and my wife!”

“I’m getting real tired of yall asses.”

It took less than twenty minutes in order to get to the venue and it was now go time.

The rest of PG got out first leaving only you and Jack.

“You ready, baby?”

You simply nodded as he got out first and held out his hand for you to take and you heard nothing but screams erupting from the crowd in front of the venue.

“Private Garden has arrived! Jack Harlow and the first lady, Y/N Harlow are making their way down the red carpet!”

All of you posed for several pictures and also made the time for you and Jack to do a few interviews before making your way inside. 

All of you were sitting in a row with Jack being on the end and you were in the middle of him and 2fo.

The award show was now underway and Jack had killed his performance.

You were nothing but smiles as you all made your way back to your seats since all of PG had been on stage during it. 

It was getting close to the time where the awards that you were nominated for were going to be presented and Jack could tell that you were starting to get restless.

“Baby, it’s going to be fine. If you get that award in your hand tonight or not, I for damn sure am proud of you along with the rest of PG.” Jack softly whispered in your ear before kissing your temple making you smile.

“I love you.”

“And I love you more.”

“Cut it out. Save it for later.” 2fo replied as he overheard the two of you making the both of you roll your eyes.

It was time.

“Please welcome Saweetie to the stage!”

They would have to get your best friend to present this award. You knew that she was probably behind this somehow.

After this award was presented, it would soon be time for you to hit the stage for your performance along with Mariah Carey. 

“So, I am here to present the award for Best New Artist. Now, I have to admit there is some tough competition this year and it might seem biased of me however, the real ass rich ass bitch from the south has not come off yall necks since she stepped on the scene! Hey best friend!”

You and everyone else around you immediately laughed and you knew that she was trying to do her best to ease your nervousness.

That’s why she was one of your best friends.

“I love you!” You mouthed to her as she sent you a warm smile before mouthing the words back to you.

“Now, let’s take a look at the nominees.”

“Baby Keem.”

“Benny the Butcher.”

“Bleu.”

“Y/N.”

“Muni Long.”

“Tems.”

“And the award goes to...”

You were holding onto Jack’s hand for dear life and took a deep breath.

“MY BEST FRIEND! THE FIRST LADY OF PRIVATE GARDEN, Y/N HARLOWWWWW!” Saweetie yelled as Big Energy began to play.

You were in immediate shock and your eyes began to water as you stood up and embraced your husband.

“What I tell you? Nothin but winners in this family.”

“I couldn’t have done this without you.” You replied as you kissed him.

He helped you up the steps to the stage so that you could take your award from Saweetie who screamed before giving you a hug.

Once she handed you the award, you stepped to the mic with tears threatening to fall.

“I.. am.. I’m literally speechless right now.”

“WE LOVE YOU!”

“And I love yall too, yall have no idea how much. This is my first award that I’ve won and the fact that it’s a BET award is just out of this world and makes it all the more special. I have to thank God for giving me the opportunity to do this alongside by husband and best friends. They’re the ones who were constantly pushing me to be my best self and continue to do so on a daily basis. So, Jackman, I absolutely love you and PG, it’s only up from here. Thank yall so much for this.”

You were met with applause as Saweetie led the two of you backstage and the both of you embraced once again.

“I am so fucking proud of you babe! You deserve this!”

“You have no idea how much that means to me.”

“You are the shit, baby. And first lady needs to start acting like it.”

Liked by jackharlow, bet, saweetie, urbanwyatt, druski2funny, privategarden, and 7,249,870 others

y/ninsta: it's givin BEST NEW ARTIST 🥺

jackharlow: so proud of my baby. well deserved. all hail the queen of the south!

saweetie: go best friend, that's my best friend!

sza: and we didn't expect anything less!

normani: you out here killin it bby! let them know!

mariahcarey: it was an honor to share the stage with you. keep reaching for greatness. Love, Mimi 💕

y/ninsta: mariahcarey I can't even put into words how much I appreciate you 💕🥺

urbanwyatt: maybe you should listen to us more often. we KNEW how amazing you would be

y/ninsta: love you Urby 💕

druski2funny: proud of you mamas! but why yo earrings so big? 🤔

y/ninsta: druski2funny you know what they say, the bigger the hoop the bigger the hoe 🤭

jackharlow: Y/N!! stop that!

y/ninsta: jackharlow no.

jackharlow: y/ninsta no? did my wife just tell me no?

y/ninsta: jackharlow 👀

jackharlow: y/ninsta imma teach your ass a lesson when we get back at this hotel. no my ass.

y/ninsta: jackharlow or you can do it right now 😏

urbanwyatt: PLEASE NO

jackharlow: urbanwyatt we gotta get you laid man. and soon.

y/ninsta: jackharlow urbanwyatt 🤭🤭🤭

jackharlow: y/ninsta stop laughing because you won't be after I get through with you

y/ninsta: jackharlow do your worse daddy 😏

jackharlow: y/ninsta meet me by the bathrooms. NOW.

2forwoyne: jackharlow y/ninsta can't take yall horny asses anywhere

privategarden: it's only up from here for our queen!

y/ninsta: we got room for everybody to win!

jackharlow: y/ninsta get your ass back here NOW.

y/ninsta: jackharlow cumming! I mean coming!

druski2funny: jackharlow y/ninsta yall got room for one more? 👀

jackharlow: druski2funny you got the got damn audacity to ask me that shit?

druski2funny: jackharlow look closed mouths don't get fed

jackharlow: druski2funny only mouth getting fed over here is mine. get your own girl.

druski2funny: y/ninsta tell yo man to let me watch!

y/ninsta: druski2funny you already got a free show in the past so no

saweetie: wait WHAT

normani: SPILL THE MUTHAFUCKIN TEA NEOW

sza: y/ninsta jackharlow EXPLAIN YOURSELVES

jackharlow: sza later. we busy.

jackandy/naremyparents: can't wait to hear about this one 🤭🤭

saweetie: and why do I feel urbanwyatt was somehow involved?

urbanwyatt: *sigh* because I was

theestallion: urbanwyatt SPILL IT

urbanwyatt: I think 2forwoyne is calling me

2forwoyne: urbanwyatt the hell I'm not. Spill it!

urbanwyatt: yall not about to send me 6 feet under. all imma say is the recording session of Sex Lies.... and I'm out ✌️

jackharlow: urbanwyatt one of my best performances if I do say so myself 😏

2forwoyne: jackharlow keep it down. yall loud as shit. how we in the club and I can still hear her?

jackharlow: 2forwoyne I'll do my best but no promises

saweetie: jackharlow well got damn

Taglist:

@harlowsbby

@babyharleezy

@hoodharlow

@stefansalvatoresgf

@jackiehollanderr

@primadxna-girl

@dessmxsworld

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[debbiechanclub]

Hit Me Like Bang (and Now I'm Never Looking Back), Part 2

A "Take My Hands, Wreck My Plans" fic

Pairings: David Finlay x OFC / past!Jay White x OFC Word Count: 11k Warnings: Language; alcohol use; radioactive levels of angst but also fluff; and a little smidge of smut so 18+

On the road to Dominion, Nellie's past and present converge to solidify the truth of what's been in front of her all along.

TMHWMP Timeline | Masterlist

Read it on AO3

A/N: Herein is the end of Nellie's story, and I am emotional :') Don't worry―there are more prequels forthcoming that will go more into her previous relationships and how she got here, but this is her happy ending.

One small note: there's quite a bit of flashback scenes in this chapter, and they're not in chronological order to each other, so pay attention to the dates. That said, this fic and Nellie truly are my baby, and thank you for coming on this two-plus-year journey with me. I hope you enjoy reading her story just as much as I've enjoyed creating it for you <3

tags: @aussiearrow @cowboyslariat @knifepervert @sldghmmr @cardblade @missbrownstone @meteora-fc @bec0m @thatgirlforever5 @rocca09 @aussiespam

Friday, April 14, 2023 Tokyo, Japan

It took about seven minutes bell-to-bell for Nellie to dispose of Mariah May in their title match at Korakuen Hall. She hadn’t even broken a sweat. But she’d anticipated short work. She’d already planned to make up for it in her backstage comments.

“Alright, I’ll make sure this is short and sweet just like that match,” she started as she stepped in front of the camera. “Do you see this title?” She held up the championship in her hand. “I have been the SWA World Champion since May fifth of last year. Twenty-twenty-two. That is three hundred and forty-five days, just twenty days short of an entire year. And no one here at World Wonder Ring Stardom seems to give a shit about it, or the verifiable fact that I am the only person in history to hold this title more than once!

“But here’s the thing: I know exactly why they don’t care. Because I’m a gaijin. Never mind that I’ve been dedicated to this company since twenty-eighteen; that I’ve lived in Japan for over three years, through a fucking pandemic; that I’ve learned the language. Apparently, none of that matters, because I’m still not from here. I’m still an outsider. And God forbid a gaijin become the face of Stardom, so what do they do? They hold me in place with this title that they clearly don’t give a shit about and allow me to defend it once a quarter. And Mariah May?” She scoffed. “Do you know how many times I’ve already beaten Mariah in title matches? Tonight makes three, and the other two were in her home country for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. So please, someone enlighten me: if Mariah May couldn’t get it done against me in her home country, why the fuck did anyone think she stood a chance against me here, in Korakuen of all places? I might be from Philly, but Tokyo is my home. Stardom is my home. The Stardom dojo beat me down, built me back up, and turned me into the joshi I am today, and in return I made history. And I refuse to be held in place any longer.

“Saya Kamitani. You’ve made history, too. We have history. Because see, everyone associates you with Hayashishita-san and me with Torrance—but you and I were partners first. We were Goddess of Stardom champions together. We’re both champions now. And at All Star Grand Queendom, I want you in a winner takes all match for my SWA World Championship, and your Wonder of Stardom Championship. And it’ll be a gaijin from Philadelphia who puts an end to your history-making reign.”

And with that she walked off camera, the gauntlet thrown.

* * * *

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Tokyo, Japan

Nellie was in good spirits. She was fresh off defending her SWA World Championship against Mayu Iwatani in New York City. Halloween was tomorrow, and David had come over for a horror movie marathon. He’d brought takeout from her favorite sushi place and a six-pack of Sapporo. She intended to tell him how she felt. And she couldn’t have been more nervous.

“Is everything alright?” he casually asked. “It seems like something’s on your mind.”

She brought her feet up to sit cross-legged on the couch and pulled her soft checkered fleece blanket over her lap. Of course he could tell something was on her mind—it was David. He paid attention. He was perceptive; emotionally mature. It was one of the many, many things that drew her to him, something that set him apart from most guys she’d been involved with in the past. And now, after her few days away, she knew for certain.

“Yeah… I, um,” she started. “I just guess I realized something when I was in New York.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“Well,” she stalled, nervous. But there was no turning back now—and she didn’t want to. “I went out with a few people after the show, and… Kyle Fletcher kissed me. But all it did was make me realize that I have feelings for someone else.”

David wasn’t looking at her as she said it, queuing up the first movie on her TV. And Nellie quickly started to overthink, worried that maybe he’d focus on the fact that Kyle had kissed her and not what she was trying to tell him—

 But then the corner of his mouth quirked up. “Oh, yeah? Who’s the lucky guy?”

He glanced at her as he set down the remote. She pursed her lips at him. “Are you seriously gonna make me say it?”

“I kind of want you to, yeah.”

She bit back a grin. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that she worried he could hear it. “Well… I don’t know how he feels, so I’m kind of nervous to.”

“Well, let me clear things up for you, then…” David said, and he pulled her in and kissed her. Nellie melted into him. His lips were soft, his kiss slow and sweet, and the way he cradled her head in his hands felt natural, as if they’d done this a thousand times before. And she already knew she wanted to do it a thousand times more.

He pulled back from her lips but still held her close. “I’ve been wanting to do that for the last three months,” he said.

 She grinned. “You have?”

“Yeah. And since we’re talking about it… I wasn’t sure how you felt. Sometimes it seemed like you were still hung up on Jay.”

Nellie sighed and leaned back into the couch. Admittedly, he wasn’t entirely wrong.

“Honestly, at the start of the summer, I was still hung up on him. And I think it was because I never got any definite closure when we broke up, and so when he showed up out of nowhere at Dontaku it did feel like there was still something there between us. And he made it seem like there was, too, which didn’t help at all. But then you came back for the G1, and we reconnected, and genuinely—you’ve put in more effort over the last three months than Jay ever put into our entire relationship. And that really put things into perspective for me. But then it was complicated, too, because I know how close you and Jay used to be, and sometimes I worried that getting involved with you after him would look… I don’t know… messy? As stupid as that sounds.”

“No, I get it,” David nodded. “No matter how you and Jay left things, there was a point in time when you cared about him, so of course you wouldn’t want to throw salt in a wound. I mean, there was a point in time when I cared about him, too; he was my best friend. But it’s not like you and Jay just broke up, and he and I aren’t as close as we used to be, either.” He reached up and pushed her hair behind her ear; Nellie’s skin tingled at his touch. “Besides… technically I went out with you first, anyway.”

She mirrored his grin. He wasn’t wrong about that, either. David had gone out with her first, on an awkward date back in 2017, the first time Nellie had ever set foot in Japan. Back before she’d met Zack, or Riley, or Kyle, or ever gotten involved with Jay—David had been first. But she hadn’t seen it then.

“Not technically—you did,” she confirmed. “And lately I’ve wondered how different things would be if I’d given you a chance back then.”

“Nah,” he returned with a shake of his head. “I was a clown back then; I don’t blame you for not giving me a chance. Plus, I’ve come to believe that everything meaningful happens when it’s supposed to.” He smiled to himself. “I was actually planning on telling you how I felt tonight. But you beat me to it.”

Nellie’s smile widened. “Oh yeah?”

He nodded. “Yeah. So, I guess I owe Kyle Fletcher a beer for kissing you and helping you figure shit out.”

“Ha!” she laughed, and he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, and she snuggled into him, moving the blanket so that he was underneath it, too. It felt right—a perfect fit. And as David pressed play on the first movie, Nellie knew in her heart that this was when it was all supposed to fall into place, and not a moment sooner.

* * * *

“God, you are a sight for sore eyes.”

Nellie smiled at David through her phone screen. It was only a few days ago that he’d left, and he’d only be gone a few days more, working Capital Collision in Washington, D.C., and then Collision in Philadelphia before flying right back to Tokyo—to her. But Nellie already felt the ache of his absence.

“You have no idea how bad I wish you were here right now.” She settled back into her bed pillows, getting comfortable. “I have some pent-up energy that could really use working out.”

David grinned, crooked and handsome. It didn’t help her situation. “I know you do. I just watched your backstage comments.”

She waited, expecting him to say something more, wanting him to. After all, his opinion was the one that mattered most to her. “And?” she impatiently pressed.

“And it took everything in me not to share the video wherever I could,” he said. “I’m proud of you, babe. You already deserved that match; I don’t see how they can’t give it to you now.”

The ache in Nellie’s core deepened. But so did the warmth in her heart. “Thanks, babe. I’m hoping it’ll be official by tomorrow, but… we’ll see.”

“Do you have a match tomorrow?”

She laughed shortly to herself; the expression on her face said it all. “Yeah… a best two out of three falls eight-woman tag match. Me, Tam, Poi, and Mina against Donna del Mondo. It’s the main event.”

“Shit,” David commented before she’d even finished. “That’s gonna be charged.”

“Tell me about it,” she lowly returned. And then, “Thekla thinks I should take the opportunity to leave Cosmic Angels.”

“I was just about to say. It’s the perfect opportunity, isn’t it?”

She drew in a hesitant breath. “Potentially? Actually, if the Cosmic Angels-Club Venus shit finally hits the fan like I expect it to, it probably will be the perfect opportunity. I could just say they’re too dysfunctional and walk out. That’s exactly how I left Queen’s Quest.”

“Then I say do it,” David returned. “You’d be better served somewhere other than Cosmic Angels, I know you would. You know you would.”

“I do know I would,” she agreed. “I’m just… I don’t know. Worried about hurting people’s feelings even though I know I shouldn’t be.”

“Torrance will be fine,” David dismissed; it went without saying that she meant her. “She has Mariah and Mina.”

“No shit,” Nellie breathed. “They’re three peas in a pod these days. Which doesn’t really surprise me… Torr and Mariah are basically the same person in slightly different fonts.” David laughed at that. “Well, it’s true!” she doubled down.

“No, it is,” he nodded. “But I could always just say you’re Bullet Club, too. I’m sure that would get the point across to Tam.”

A grin spread over Nellie’s face. It felt inevitable that she would be Bullet Club, and sooner rather than later. But he’d reminded her. “Speaking of Bullet Club, are you gonna tell me who Riley’s replacement is yet?”

He smirked and shook his head. “No. That’s privileged information.”

Her eyebrows arched. “And I’m not privileged to it? I’m your girlfriend!”

“You’ll find out tomorrow,” he assured her. “Don’t worry—it’s someone you like. I can’t have anyone in Bullet Club who doesn’t get along with my girl.”

“Well, there’s some people you need to kick out, then,” she returned—just as she heard a knock-knock-knock on the front door of her apartment. She glanced toward the sound in confusion. David noticed.

“What?”

“Someone just knocked on my door.”

He looked confused then. “Isn’t it almost 10 p.m. there?” he asked. But Nellie was already pulling up the live feed from her video doorbell—and she saw a familiar figure.

“It’s Torr.” She sighed. Something told her she wasn’t just dropping by.

“I guess you should go, then,” David figured. Nellie’s brow furrowed.

“Probably. I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize,” he gently said. “I should probably get going myself, and you two are overdue for a talk.”

“Yeah… because I don’t want to have it,” she muttered.

David smirked. “Go, babe. I’ll talk to you later.”

She pouted. “Okay. See you soon,” she returned—and before they disconnected, she almost said it. I love you. She knew she did. But she wanted the first time she told him to be in person.

She left her phone in her bedroom and padded down the hall to the front door. She unlocked and opened it just as Torrance was getting ready to knock again. She quickly put her hand down, almost as if she was surprised Nellie had answered.

“Hey.” Torrance took in her appearance—pajamas on, makeup off. Her brow furrowed. “You weren’t in bed, were you?”

“Well, technically,” Nellie returned. “But I was talking with David.”

Torrance’s frown deepened. “Oh. I’m sorry, I should have texted—”

“No, it’s fine,” Nellie dismissed, and she opened the door wider so she could come inside. Torrance hesitated for a beat before she crossed the threshold. It was odd. They both had keys to each other’s apartments; it used to be that Torrance would just let herself in without so much as a knock. But a lot had changed over the last three months.

“What’s up?” Nellie asked as she shut the door. She noticed that Torrance was dressed for a night out in a shiny pink miniskirt and white bustier tank top, her hair and makeup done to perfection. And again, Torrance hesitated.

“Um, well,” she started with a bit of a nervous laugh. “I actually came over here to ask if you wanted to come out with us, but—”

“Who’s ‘us’?”

Torrance bit her lip. “Me, Mariah, and Mina.”

Nellie couldn’t help her laugh. “You’re joking, right?”

Torrance’s expression turned stony. “No, actually, I’m not.”

“Torr,” Nellie breathed out. “Come on. I literally just beat Mariah in a title match and then talked shit about her, you really think either of us want to hang out with each other?”

“Well, Mariah’s willing to put that aside because she knows you’re my best friend,” Torrance returned. She looked down at her hands. “And I feel like we’ve barely seen each other since… well, since the Triangle Derby started.”

So, since Club Venus became a thing, Nellie wanted to say. But she figured it wouldn’t help. “Because we haven’t,” she regretfully returned. “But it’s not intentional. You’ve just been doing your thing with Mariah and Mina, and I’ve been doing mine with Tam and Poi. Or I was. And I know I sort of went off into my own little world when David came back, so…”

Torrance looked back up at her. “Yeah, so are you and him…?”

“Together? Officially?” Nellie finished. “Yeah, we are,” she confirmed, and the mood lightened a bit. Torrance smiled.

“Took long enough.”

Nellie breathed a laugh. “I know. But I think it happened right when it was supposed to.”

“No, I think so, too,” Torrance agreed. “He’s good for you, I can tell. You’ve carried yourself differently ever since he came back; more confident.”

“Thanks,” Nellie genuinely returned. She’d noticed that change in herself, too. David was good for her. He was good to her. And she wasn’t the only one who’d changed. “You’ve been more confident with Club Venus, too.”

Torrance looked down again, the corners of her mouth turned up, almost as if she was bashful to hear that Nellie had noticed. “Yeah, they’ve really helped me come into my own. Mina really pushes me. And I don’t know… it just feels like we’re all on equal footing.”

Nellie nodded in understanding. “Unlike when we were a tag team?”

Torrance frowned again. “I wasn’t trying to imply—”

“No, I get it,” Nellie assured her. And she did get it. After she and Torrance had won the 2021 Goddesses of Stardom Tag League, throughout their entire reign as Goddess of Stardom Champions, people had said that Nellie carried Torrance. That Nellie was the better wrestler, that Torrance would never be champion without her. So, it was no wonder Torrance felt more confident with Mariah and Mina. People weren’t comparing her to them; instead, they were acknowledging how much she’d improved. And as much as Nellie didn’t care for Club Venus, she still wanted the best for Torrance.

“And for what it’s worth, I never felt like I was carrying our team,” she told her. “I should have told you that back then. I’m sorry I didn’t.”

“No, I know you never felt that way,” Torrance returned, and nothing else needed to be said. She and Nellie understood each other. They always had.

“But… I guess I can’t persuade you to get dressed and come out with us?” she added.

Nellie shook her head. “Not a chance.”

Torrance nodded. “It was worth a shot.” She started for the door. “Well, sorry for interrupting your call with your man.” She stopped. “I didn’t interrupt… something, did I?”

Nellie let out a laugh. “No, it wasn’t one of those calls. He’ll be back Tuesday; I think I can manage ‘til then.”

“Tuesday?” Torrance noted. “Okay, I’ll be sure to steer clear of here that whole day.”

She let herself out, and Nellie told her to have a glass of water for every drink—she had to work tomorrow. And as Torrance waved goodbye and Nellie shut the door, she knew that neither of them were the same people anymore. They’d grown. Professionally, apart. But not in their hearts.

* * * *

Sunday, November 20, 2022 NJPW/Stardom Historic X-Over – Tokyo, Japan

If anyone was surprised at how well Cosmic Queendom and Aussie Open worked together in the ring, it wasn’t Nellie, Torrance, Kyle, or Mark. It felt like they’d been teaming together for years, and the deeper they got into the match against Los Ingobernables de Japon and Fukuoka Double Crazy, the more Nellie knew they were creating something special for fans of NJPW and Stardom alike. But it wasn’t all serious. Nellie couldn’t help but mess with Sanada and Naito a bit—a callback to her days in Suzuki-gun with Zack. In the end, it was Torrance who got the pin over Koguma after she and Nellie surprised Mark and Kyle by doing Coriolis. And when their arms were raised in victory, Nellie almost wished that she and Torrance had joined United Empire like they’d half-joked about a year ago.

Almost.

More members of United Empire greeted them as they returned backstage; Jeff Cobb, Great O-Khan, and Aaron Henare’s match against Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, and Great Muta was next. Mark and Kyle exchanged “Crowns Up” with all their teammates—and then Jeff looked expectantly at Nellie.

“Come on, you know you want to,” he tempted, wiggling his hands at her.

“Fine; but only for you,” she reluctantly gave in, and she made a crown with her hands and touched her fingers to his.

“I don’t know,” Jeff teased, his voice raising leadingly. “After seeing that Coriolis, I think there’s definitely a spot for Cosmic Queendom in the Empire.”

“Ha!” Torrance bluntly dismissed. Jeff pressed his mouth into a line.

“Okay, maybe just a spot for Nellie, then.”

“Yeah, how long have you two been planning that?” Mark asked, tactfully shifting the focus away from the ghost of Torrance and Will’s relationship. Thank God Will was elsewhere.

“Not long; we only just thought of trying it a few days ago,” Nellie said. “You’re not upset we did it?”

She looked hesitantly between Mark and Kyle, but they both quickly shook their heads. “Hell no, it was perfect,” Kyle assured, and Nellie smiled. They’d talked everything out that night he’d kissed her three weeks ago in New York City, and there wasn’t any awkwardness at all between them. They’d had a fling a year ago that just hadn’t panned out, and that was that. They were just friends. Easy.

“Well, thanks,” she said. “But Torr and I are kind of a package deal, so if she’s not in, I’m not, either. Sorry, Jeff.”

“A package deal?” O-Khan slyly asked. Torrance’s eyes widened.

“Not that kind of package deal!” she proclaimed. And then, more under her breath, “Not that anyone hasn’t asked me that before, but.”

Nellie whipped her head around at her. “Wait, what?”

“Yes, please share with the class,” Jeff eagerly added, propping his chin on his fist. But O-Khan’s entrance music started to play and inadvertently gave Torrance the perfect out from answering.

“Good luck!” she said, and the guys all groaned and booed after them as she and Nellie left. Nellie could tell by Torrance’s clipping pace that she was keyed up.

“You alright?”

“I need to get out of here and get a drink,” she returned. “How many more matches are there?”

“Um,” Nellie thought about it for a second. “Three, I think? But that reminds me—Gabe invited us out with the LA Dojo guys. I told him I wasn’t sure if you had anything in mind already and would let him know.” She shrugged. “I don’t know, it could be fun. Although that Clark guy seems like he might be trouble.”

“I don’t have anything in mind,” Torrance returned. “And honestly, I’m up for a bit of trouble.”

And that was how, later that night, they found themselves at a dive bar in Roppongi with Gabriel Kidd, Clark Connors, and Alex Coughlin. There had been more people with them at the outset, but one by one they’d dropped off bar after bar and called it a night. But not Nellie and Torrance. They were both familiar with Gabe from his time as a Young Lion, although they hadn’t seen him in a year-and-a-half. As for Clark and Alex, the girls barely knew either of them—but the guys seemed very keen on changing that.

“How the hell is it we haven’t hung out before tonight?” Clark asked Nellie, turning toward her as they sat together at the bar. “I know you were around when I was here in twenty-nineteen.”

“Probably because I was around, but I wasn’t living here yet,” she explained. “I moved here in twenty-twenty, right before everything shut down.”

“Yeah, Nell and I were in that same shitty boat,” Gabe said. “At least you weren’t stuck quarantined in fucking dojo housing.”

She snorted through her nose. “No, I was just stuck quarantined with my ex.”

“No shit!” Clark exclaimed. “Who’s that?”

“Jesus, Clark, mind your business!” Alex shot, his New York accent becoming even more pronounced. Torrance chuckled beside him.

“It’s fine,” Nellie dismissed with a wave of her hand. “It was Zack. Sabre Jr.,” she added, as if there was another pro wrestler named Zack living in Japan.

“Oh shit, you were with ZSJ, weren’t you?” Clark realized. “Actually, now that you mention it, I remember working a RevPro show with you, him, and Suzuki a few years back. Both of y’all were there too,” he said to Alex and Gabe.

They both nodded. “Yeah, bruv, I know exactly what show you’re talking about,” Gabe confirmed. “And clearly Nellie has a thing for Brits, so we should switch spots.”

Clark flipped him off. “You want another drink?” he asked Nellie.

“Nah, I’ll get it,” Gabe said, already flagging down the bartender.

“How about I get us all the next round?” Alex interjected. “You two are embarrassing yourselves.”

Clark and Gabe both let Alex know exactly what they thought of that, and Nellie took the opportunity to slide off her barstool. “Well, while you guys figure it out, I’m gonna run to the bathroom.”

“I’ll go with you,” Torrance said.

“It’s a one-stall bathroom,” Clark pointed out.

“Well, good thing I’m going just so we can talk about the three of you, then,” she sweetly returned, and Nellie laughed at the look on Clark’s face as they both walked away.

“Looks like you have your pick of Clark and Gabe tonight,” Torrance smirked once they were out of earshot. Nellie genially rolled her eyes.

“Come on… you know I’m not available.”

“Yeah, I know,” Torrance started—and Nellie could sense it coming.

“But?”

“But,” she went on. “As much as I want things to work out with you and David, you’ve already spent enough time waiting on guys, Nell. More than enough, more than you ever should have. I mean, speaking of Zack—he’s literally the only guy since I’ve known you who didn’t leave you in some sort of limbo.”

Nellie’s eyebrows arched. “Jesus, when you put it like that.” She tried the restroom door handle as they arrived, but it was occupied, and so they both leaned back against the wall on either side of the hall to wait.

“I’m just being honest,” Torrance returned.

“No, I know,” Nellie breathed; and, admittedly, Torrance did have a point.

David had left Japan less than a week after he and Nellie had finally told each other how they felt; and with no timetable for when he’d be back, they’d made the mutual decision not to put a label on anything. “That would make me no better than Jay, and I refuse to do that to you,” David had said. But it didn’t dishearten Nellie. Instead, it emboldened her. Because, to her, it confirmed that what she and David had wasn’t conditional. It was real.

“And I get what you’re saying, I do,” she told Torrance. “But it doesn’t feel like I’m in a limbo this time, Torr, and I can’t explain it other than to say I just have this deep-seated feeling in my soul that David and I have something real that’s worth waiting for. I mean, we’ve talked every single day since he left, and I sure as shit couldn’t say that about Jay when he was stuck in the States, and we were actually in a relationship.”

“I know,” Torrance nodded. “David’s a good guy, and I have a lot more faith in him than most, I do. But I’m just saying… I’ll still kick his ass if I have to.”

Nellie grinned. “I know you will. But I’m telling you you won’t.” The restroom door opened, and a woman smiled and bowed her head at them as she exited. “You go ahead,” Nellie offered Torrance.

“Okay, cool; turns out I do have to go,” she said, and she ducked inside and locked the door behind her as Nellie fished her phone out of her small crossbody bag. The clock widget on her home screen informed her it was after 10 a.m. on the East Coast of the U.S., but David was in Los Angeles filming an episode of NJPW Strong; ironically, he had an eight-man tag match against a team that included Jay and Riley. But she decided to text him, anyway. Even if he wasn’t up, he’d get back to her when he was.

She pulled up their text chain and smiled seeing their messages from just a few hours ago; he’d gotten up in the middle of the night to watch her and Torrance’s Historic X-Over match live. Torr and I are out with the LA Dojo guys, she wrote. I’m having fun, but it’s also just making me miss you.

She sent it off and switched over to Instagram, not expecting a reply. But then David’s name popped up on her screen.

Are you? They’re good guys, don’t let their antics fool you. And I miss you too, every day.

Butterflies. Meaningful ones.

They exchanged a few more texts before Torrance emerged from the bathroom, and Nellie told him she’d let him go to start his day. Okay, let me know when you make it back home, he wrote back. You know I’ll start to worry if I don’t hear from you.

I know, she returned, and she sent it off with a kissy face emoji. Because even though there wasn’t a label on her and David’s relationship, in every other way, every way that mattered, they were together.

* * * *

Sunday, April 23, 2023 Stardom All Star Grand Queendom – Yokohama, Japan

Doggedness and determination. That’s what Nellie was running on by the end of the winner takes all match against Saya Kamitani.

She’d been prepared, thoroughly. But as well as Nellie knew Saya, she wasn’t used to being opposite her, at least not one-on-one, and she realized early on that she couldn’t afford a single misstep. But the reverse was also true—and unlike Nellie, Saya had nothing to gain or prove. She’d surpassed the record set by Momo Watanabe for defenses of the Wonder of Stardom Championship, eclipsed Kairi by more than one hundred days to become the white belt’s second-longest reigning champion, her position as one of Stardom’s best and brightest secure. She had nothing to fight for outside maintaining the status quo.

But Nellie had everything to gain, everything to prove, everything to fight for. Despite being a long-tenured champion herself, despite being the older and more experienced wrestler of the two, she was decidedly the underdog. That was her motivation, her drive, her fire. And by the halfway point, there were more people cheering for Nellie in Saya’s hometown crowd than there had been at the opening bell. If she lost, at least she would have that.

But she won.

She knew she’d done it as soon as she hit her new finisher, a variation on a lifting reverse STO that she’d worked out with David and dubbed the Wit Hit. (“As in a cheesesteak wit onion, not as in like, a quick wit,” she’d explained. “Honestly, it works either way,” he’d smirked.) And when she hooked Saya’s leg and felt the referee count one, two, three, she knew she’d earned the crowd’s respect.

And she had Saya’s, too. All along.

As Nellie stood with tears in her eyes and the winner’s trophy in her hands, Saya fastened the Wonder of Stardom Championship around her waist. And after she raised her arm in victory, she pulled her into a hug and told her in Japanese, “You are always welcome in Queen’s Quest, Nellie-san.”

Nellie hadn’t expected it. It gave her even more to think about.

But she’d worry about that later. Right now, her priority was setting her intention as the new Wonder of Stardom Champion.

“What did I say?” she started as she stepped in front of the backstage camera; sweaty and worn, laden with gold. “I said I would end Saya Kamitani’s history-making reign, and that’s exactly what I did. And now a gaijin from Philadelphia is the 9th SWA World Champion and the 17th Wonder of Stardom Champion—and I intend to be a fighting champion.” She shook her head. “No more going five months without a defense. No more being placated and overlooked. Whoever wants a shot at either of my titles, just say the word. Kamitani-san had fifteen defenses of this championship? I want sixteen. Seventeen, eighteen, more. So whoever wants to try to take it from me, let Rossy know. He can’t ignore me now.”

She stopped to draw in a breath, collecting herself before she went on. “And now that I have proven just how un-ignorable I am, how much of an asset I am to this company, there’s another piece of business I need to address. For an entire week now people have been asking me nonstop backstage, online, stopping me out in the street—Who are you with, Nellie? Are you with Cosmic Angels or Club Venus? And frankly? The answer is neither.

“Tam and Poi, you welcomed me into Cosmic Angels without question. You gave me a place when I was suddenly without one, and I’ll never take that for granted. Torr and I won the Goddess titles with your backing, I won this SWA title for a history-making second time with your backing, the three of us nearly went the distance in the Triangle Derby. But despite all that success, we all knew I was something of a black sheep in your colorful, kawaii flock. It was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, and what happened? I wore myself down to try to fit.” She shook her head again. “Not anymore. My edge is back—and with all due respect, I’ve outgrown Cosmic Angels. And with no due respect, I’m sure as shit not joining Club Venus.”

She adjusted the SWA title on her shoulder. She was exhausted, and it was getting heavier by the minute. “But even though I know at the end of the day I can only really rely on me, myself, and I, I’m not really into the whole lone wolf thing, either. I recognize that there’s strength in numbers, and I’ll be taking my time to consider my next move. But for now, I’m gonna go put all this down because it’s fucking heavy, and then I’m gonna crack open a Sapporo and celebrate the sweet, sweet return of Two-Belt Nell.”

* * * *

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Wrestling Dontaku – Fukuoka, Japan

The Stardom bus arrived at the Fukuoka International Center fifteen minutes before bell time. They’d had a show earlier that afternoon in Shimonoseki, and with Stardom running a pay-per-view in Fukuoka tomorrow, they’d loaded up and made the hour-and-a-half trip down for the NJPW show there that evening. And as soon as she could, Nellie shot off the bus like a bullet.

David had been back in Japan for two weeks, but Nellie had only gotten to spend a handful of hours with him. He’d arrived in Tokyo only to turn around and leave for the Road to Dontaku tour, and their schedules had kept them apart in separate corners of the country. And because of that, Nellie still hadn’t said those three little-big words.

They’d been on the tip of her tongue the day he’d come back. She’d felt them in the way he’d touched her, looked at her, in every breath during that abbreviated time they’d spent together before he had to leave to get on the bus. But she hadn’t wanted to say it only for him to be physically absent again. If she was going to tell him she loved him, she needed to feel it, live in it for longer than just a few hours.

And tonight, the timing was finally right.

She made a beeline for his dressing room, pausing impatiently when she ran into Aussie Open, and they both hugged her and congratulated her on winning the Wonder of Stardom Championship before she took off again. She knocked on the door when she arrived, and David called for her to come in. Her heart melted at the sight of his smile.

“Finally,” he breathed, and then his lips were on hers. Hungry, eager, heated, as if it had been two months instead of just two weeks.

But then Nellie had a thought. “Are you sharing this room with Kenta?” she quickly asked. She hadn’t noticed any other luggage around, but she hadn’t really looked, either.

David shook his head, a smirk on his lips. “Not tonight. We have this all to ourselves.”

That was all the information she needed. She pushed him down onto a seat and straddled his lap, and then they were the only two people in the entire arena again. David ignited her entire being in a way that no one ever had, mind, body, soul—heart. And before they lost themselves in each other, she needed to tell him.

She pulled back and looked down at him. His eyes were dark and hooded, full of desire. “What?” he softly asked.

“I love you.”

Nellie knew he felt the same, she knew he did—but there was still that anxious knot in her gut. Until a smile spread over David’s face.

“I was wondering when you’d finally say it.”

She let go of the breath she’d been holding. “Are you serious right—”

He silenced her with a kiss, and she melted into him like she always did. She loved him; he loved her. It was undeniable.

He pulled back, their lips still close, noses brushing. “I love you, too. I have since the fall.”

Butterflies exploded in Nellie’s stomach. “You have?”

“Mhm,” he nodded. “I spent that entire tour last year falling in love with you, and when I left Japan, it felt like I’d left part of myself behind. And then the night of Historic X-Over, when you called me after you got home from being out with the LA Dojo guys… I knew.”

Nellie’s smile lit up her entire face, her entire being. “I was drunk when I called you that night,” she remembered.

“Yeah, I know you were,” David grinned. “Which reminds me, I have to tell Clark he can’t take my girlfriend out and ply her with alcohol anymore.”

She laughed. “But it would just be a little Bullet Club bonding,” she innocently returned. It made him arch a brow.

“You saying you’re Bullet Club? Is that what I’m hearing?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know… that’s kind of up to you.”

He drew her closer on his lap. “It would be nice to have you out there with me when I win the title tonight…”

He trailed off and kissed her neck. She bit back a grin. “I don’t want to stir the pot just yet. I just won the Wonder of Stardom title; it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to ruffle any company feathers.”

David hummed against her skin. “Mm… yeah, you’re not ready. That’s not something someone in Bullet Club would say.”

Nellie playfully rolled her eyes. But he pulled her mouth against his again, and they let their bodies finish the conversation.

* * * *

Sunday, June 12, 2022 Osaka, Japan

For the longest time, this was all Nellie had wanted. To feel Jay again. To feel wanted by him again. And now that she’d finally gotten it, all she felt was uncertainty. Still.

She lay next to him in his hotel room, facing the other way, listening to him breathe. In and out, steady. Last night had been an intoxicating blur of adrenaline and emotion. She blamed Osaka, the romance of a different setting, the context of why they were there. Stardom and NJPW both had shows in the city; Jay had a match against Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Dominion that night. And last night, Nellie had felt like her body was a prize for Jay just as much as that title. Something for him to win, to take. Part of her regretted letting him have it. But another part of her still yearned to belong to him.

She felt him stir beside her, and then he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her back against his chest. She closed her eyes and folded into him.

“Mm,” he hummed. “I missed this.”

He pressed his lips against her neck, and Nellie let him. But she couldn’t keep from asking.

“Did you?”

“Of course,” he easily returned. Almost as if he’d expected her to question him, as if he’d had the answer at the ready that he knew she wanted to hear. But then his mouth was working down her body, his lips leaving a trail of goosebumps over her skin, until his head was between her legs and his tongue inside her. And she gave into him, writhing and arching her back, curling her fingers in his hair until she came undone. And all the while, she didn’t stop questioning.

He kissed his way back up to her lips, his naked body hovering over her. His cock pressed hard against her inner thigh. She wanted it. She hated that she did. But she wanted him.

“Let’s get in the shower,” he breathed. And she let him pull her from the bed and lead her into the shower where he had her again, her back pressed up against the wet tile, legs wrapped tight around his waist as her nails left tiny moon-shaped marks on his shoulders. Because even though Nellie knew it wouldn’t last, that Jay would just be gone again come tomorrow, she wanted to pretend he was hers for just a little while longer.

* * * *

Saturday, May 27, 2023 Stardom Flashing Champions – Tokyo, Japan

Two defenses in just over a month. Nellie had said she’d wanted to be a fighting champion, and her challengers had quickly formed a line.

Natsupoi had been first, eager and determined. Nellie bested her in a main event twenty-minute battle in Fukuoka the night after David won the NEVER Openweight Championship. Tonight, it was Unagi Sayaka, defeated in just over fifteen minutes. Nellie wasn’t surprised that her former teammates had been the first to step up. They wanted to defend the honor of Cosmic Angels in the wake of her departure, even if there wasn’t any bad blood. But their efforts had fallen short—and Nellie was still an island unto herself. She was biding her time, weighing her options between Donna del Mondo and Queen’s Quest. This time around, the ball was in her court; she wasn’t going to fumble it.

She returned to the locker room after making her backstage comments and automatically checked her phone. David was flying in tomorrow after being back in the States for the last three weeks and change, returning early to spend time with her before Dominion and the next Stardom tour. She smiled when she saw she had a text from him.

Two down, fourteen to go. Proud of you, babe. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

Tomorrow isn’t soon enough, she returned with a kissy face emoji.

But David wasn’t the only one who’d texted her. So had Clark.

Congrats, champ. We’re going out to celebrate, right?

Her brow furrowed. Who’s we? she sent back. She and Clark were friends, but he could get too friendly sometimes.

His response came quick. You, me, and your Stardom friends. The hot single ones.

She rolled her eyes, but her phone pinged again. He’d sent her the name of a bar in Roppongi; of course that was where he wanted to go. She pursed her lips as she wrote back.

My hot single friends might already have plans, she told him.

Alright but if Dave asks it was your idea for just the two of us to hang out, not mine, he returned.

Nellie breathed out. As irritated as she wanted to be, she had to give him that one. But she sent him an eye roll emoji and said, I’ll ask Torr and Thekla and let you know, and threw her phone in her bag to head to the shower.

* * * *

As it turned out, Nellie’s hot single friends did already have plans—to go to a different bar in Roppongi. But that worked just fine for Clark, and he told Nellie he’d meet them there. And honestly, she hoped he’d get there sooner rather than later, because the current company was a mixed bag, to say the least.

Thekla had come, along with Giulia and Mai Sakurai, the three of which were in a celebratory mood—they’d won the Artist of Stardom Championship from REStart that night. Torrance had also come; it was the first time she and Nellie had gone out together in months.

But she’d brought Club Venus with her.

“They’re really not that bad if you get to know them,” Thekla told Nellie over the music as they sat together in the booth; all the others were off dancing or getting drinks. It earned her a skeptical stare. “I know, I know,” she returned. “You’re Team Tam even if you’re not in Cosmic Angels anymore. But Torrance is your best friend, and Mariah is practically her clone. Her much taller British clone, but still.”

Nellie laughed, remembering how she’d told David almost the exact same thing. But then Thekla changed the subject.

“And speaking of you not being in Cosmic Angels anymore… when’re you gonna bite the bullet and join DDM?”

Nellie breathed out. She’d expected this to come up.

“It’s been over a month, Nell.”

“I’m aware,” she replied. “But Giulia doesn’t seem nearly as eager to have me in DDM as Utami does to have me back in Queen’s Quest.”

She sent Thekla a pointed look over her drink. Thekla’s eyebrows arched in understanding.

“Giulia is hard to read, I’ll give you that,” she admitted. “And I’ll be honest with you—you’d have to earn her trust because of how close you are with Tam. Which I mean, can you blame her? Tam shaved her head.”

“Okay, but she rocked that look, though,” Nellie pointed out.

Thekla grinned. “She did, but still. The good news is you’re already halfway there.”

“Am I?” she curiously asked.

“Yeah. Because Giulia trusts me and my judgment—and I want you in DDM, dammit.”

Nellie grinned. “And I appreciate that. And as soon as I make my decision, I’ll let you know.”

“Look who we found at the bar.”

They both looked up. Giulia and Mai had returned, and they had Clark with them.

“I wouldn’t expect you to find him anywhere else,” Nellie quipped.

He set a shot glass in front of her and Thekla each. “Here, I bought us all a round,” he said, and then, in a higher-pitched voice, “‘Oh, thank you, Clark, you’re so sweet and thoughtful and also incredibly handsome.’”

Thekla snorted. Nellie's expression was deadpan. “I already regret telling you where to meet us.”

“Scoot over,” he said with a nudge of her shoulder, and she and Thekla made room so he could sit down while Giulia and Mai did the same on the other side of the booth.

“What is this?” Nellie asked as she picked up the shot.

“Tequila,” Clark said. “I remember what you like.”

She ignored the comment and brought the liquor to her lips.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he quickly stopped her. “We gotta toast!” He raised his glass and looked expectantly around the table. The girls all obliged. “To the success of Donna del Mondo,” he started, “and the restoration of fucking Bullet Club.”

A smirk pulled at Nellie’s lips, and they all toasted and kicked back the tequila, some grimacing more than others as it went down. “Okay, that one was for you, but we're getting whiskey next round,” Clark winced.

“What, can’t handle it?” Nellie teased. “I remember Gabe shooting tequila just fine.”

“A-heh-heh-heh,” he screwed up his face and mock-laughed in return. “But speaking of Gabe—I heard you’re gonna be at Dominion?”

Her brow furrowed in confusion; that segue didn’t make any sense. What did Gabe have to do with Dominion?

But before she could ask, Thekla interjected, “Wait, what? Isn’t Dominion the same day as our Korakuen show?”

Nellie nodded. “It is. But I told Rossy I want to be in Osaka to support David at ringside and that if he really wants to elevate Stardom’s global profile, he needs to start putting me and my two titles on NJPW TV.”

Thekla’s eyebrows arched. “And he agreed to that?”

“Mhm,” Nellie proudly returned. “I think he admired my nerve.”

“Hell yeah,” Clark grinned. “I cannot wait to see the look on ELP’s face when you walk out there with us.”

She gave him another curious look. Us? As far as she knew, Clark wasn’t booked to be at Dominion. “Okay, is there something—”

“What the fuck is this twat doing here?”

Nellie whipped her head around. She saw Torrance first, her face flushed from dancing. And then she saw Dan Moloney.

“I know you’re not talking about me,” Clark returned.

“Well, I don’t see any other twats sat at this table.”

Nellie shot a tense look at Torrance, asking with her face what the hell Dan was doing there. He and Clark had just tried to murder each other in their Best of the Super Juniors tournament match three days ago; the last thing she wanted to do tonight was pull apart another United Empire-Bullet Club fight.

Clark stood from the booth, and Nellie almost grabbed the back of his shirt—but then he greeted Dan like they were best mates.

“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight, man. You should’ve said something.”

“Yeah, well, kind of a last-minute thing. This one invited me,” Dan said with a thumb at Torrance.

Nellie, meanwhile, was at a complete loss. “I’m sorry—what?”

“I don’t know—men,” Thekla shrugged. “They beat the shit out of each other once and suddenly they’re best friends.”

Clark sat back down next to Nellie while Mai made room for Torrance and Dan on the other side of the booth, and Torrance and Nellie’s gaze connected again. Torrance tapped her phone; and no sooner had she than Nellie felt hers vibrate in the back pocket of her jeans. She pulled it out and read the text.

We may have hooked up. Surprise?

Nellie widened her eyes at her friend. She just shrugged.

Surprised and not surprised, she wrote back. I guess bro code doesn’t count for shit in UE.

She waited for Torrance to see the response. Her phone lit up—and she scoffed before quickly typing back.

Whatever, I don’t care. Will had already moved on to another warm body before my side of the bed was even cold.

Nellie read the text and gave her a look that said, “You’re not wrong,” before sending a written reply.

Maybe Dan isn’t even in UE anymore. Him and Clark acting all buddy-buddy right now is suspicious AF.

Torrance’s eyes went wide, and she typed quickly back. Don’t even joke. I’m so done fucking with Bullet Club boys.

Nellie just laughed; she’d thought the same after she and Jay had broken up. And yet, here she was, just days away from declaring herself Bullet Club, too—something that only she, David, and Clark knew.

As far as she knew, anyway.

* * * *

Friday, November 4, 2022 Osaka, Japan

Tomorrow would be David’s last show in Japan until he didn’t know when. It sucked—it really sucked. He and Nellie had only realized their mutual desire for something more than just friendship five days ago. But Nellie didn’t want to focus on their painfully poor timing. As it worked out, their schedules had synced up to give them a full day off together in Osaka, and they’d taken full advantage.

They started off with getting breakfast at an American-style diner, splitting chocolate banana pancakes and a bacon and cheese omelet because neither of them could decide which sounded better. Then they’d gone on the famous Osaka costumed go-kart sightseeing tour that Nellie had always wanted to try but never had the chance; she’d dressed up as Yoshi, David as Pikachu. Afterward, they’d stopped at one of the city’s numerous food stalls for deep-fried chicken and sticky-sweet rice balls before heading back to David’s hotel room, where they’d fallen asleep watching TV together on the bed. It felt so natural, so comfortable, so uncomplicated sleeping in David’s arms.

But when they awoke, it only made it that much more difficult not to think about how their time together was dwindling all too quickly.

“I don’t want to leave you at all,” David said as they still lay together, his arm around her, her head on his chest. “But I also feel like I need the time away for myself to reset; go back to the fucking drawing board. My G1 was shit; I really wanted that TV Title… I don’t know. I need to figure out what I need to do to stop just spinning my wheels.”

“Your G1 wasn’t shit,” Nellie gently returned. “Will won your block with what? Eight points? And you and everyone else but Juice finished with six. Most people finished with six this year. And if it helps at all, that TV Title is ugly as shit.”

David let out a laugh. “You’re right about that. And yeah, at least I did beat Juice. But it’s just one disappointment after another, you know?”

“I do know. You know I do. And I think you’re right. I don’t want you to leave, either. But even more than that, I don’t want you to get burned out from frustration.” She lifted her head to look at him. “So, take some time to do what you need to do, and then come back to me.”

He gave her a soft smile. “I know this probably feels like an uncomfortably familiar situation. But I promise, Nell—I’m not Jay.”

She shook her head. “I know you’re not,” she said, and she kissed him. She’d meant it to be just one, short and sweet, assuring; but neither of them wanted to stop at just one. David rolled her underneath him, and her hand unintentionally slipped under his shirt. Nellie wanted him; she wanted to cross that line. But she knew all too well that sleeping with him now would only make his absence hurt that much more—

And then her phone started ringing.

He pulled back. “Is someone calling you?”

She sighed. “Guarantee it’s Torrance.” Sure enough, when she retrieved her phone from the nightstand, Torrance’s name was displayed on the screen. David just laughed.

Nellie answered the call, and she and Torrance talked for a few minutes, figuring out what the plans were for the evening (“The Aussies and Jeff and Francesco want to get dinner with us, but I don’t want to be around Will,” Torrance explained). When she hung up, she looked back at David. The previous tension still hung in the air between them.

“It’s probably for the best she interrupted,” he softly said. “I don’t want to do that just to turn around and leave for I don’t know how long.”

Nellie sighed again. “I know. But you know you saying that only makes me want it more, right?”

He grinned. “Maybe that’s the point,” he teased, and he kissed her again. Once, tender and meaningful.

They got up from the bed, and David walked her to the door and told her to let him know when she made it back to her hotel—she wanted to shower and change before dinner—and Nellie made her way to the elevators. She looked down at her phone as one arrived with a ding; but when the doors slid open, a stone dropped into her stomach.

Jay.

He looked like he’d just arrived, luggage in tow, sunglasses on. He pushed them on top of his head and grinned. The cat who caught the canary.

“Well, fancy meeting you here.”  

He stepped out of the elevator, but his suitcase blocked her way and the doors slid closed. Not that Nellie could move, anyway. It felt like her legs had suddenly turned to lead.

“Is Stardom in this hotel?” he asked. “I thought your show was in Nara tomorrow?”

She tried not to think about why he knew that as she answered. “It is, and we’re not. I’m here with David.”

It was more gratifying than she expected to say that to Jay’s face. And even though his face didn’t give much away, she could see it in his eyes. Resentment. But then he turned them down and nodded.

“Are you? That’s kind of surprising.”

Nellie’s brow hardened. “What’s so surprising about it?”

He shook his head. “Nothing—well. It’s just that when you started hanging out with him during the G1… I thought you were doing it just to get back at me.”

Anger bubbled up in Nellie’s chest. Shock, disbelief, to the point that she felt ill. She looked him dead in the eye. “If you think I would use someone like that, then you really don’t know me at all.”

She hit the down button again.

“Nell, come on,” Jay breathed. “What else was I supposed to think? When I got back to Japan it seemed like you wanted to fix things between us, and then next thing I knew, you were out getting drinks with my old best friend.”

“I did want to fix things!” she burst. “Against my own better judgment, I did! And what happened? You fucked me one last time—here, in Osaka, to pump yourself up for your World Title match—and then you disappeared again.”

His eyebrows arched. “Are you joking? I had other bookings; that was two weeks before Forbidden Door.”

The elevator arrived, but Nellie didn’t get on. “Okay, but you didn’t talk to me! You didn’t show me anything, Jay—nothing changed! And you know what David did? He showed me that he gave a shit about me.”

The elevator doors started to close, and Nellie caught them with her arm and stepped inside. She looked back at Jay. The resentment in his eyes had given way to something else. Guilt.

“Nell… I don’t want to leave it like this.”

She shook her head. “Now’s not the time,” she told him, and the elevator doors slid closed, putting a pause on the one conversation that she knew, eventually, she’d no longer be able to avoid.

* * * *

Friday, June 2, 2023 Tokyo, Japan

“You remember the last time we were in Osaka together?”

David asked the question as they finished packing. The big weekend had finally arrived. They were taking the bullet train down to Osaka tomorrow for Dominion on Sunday, and Nellie was buzzing with excitement.

“Yeah, I was just thinking about that,” she said as she zipped up her suitcase and moved it with some effort from her bed to the floor. “It’s crazy to think how much has changed since then.”

Everything had changed. Seven months ago, she and David had been reluctantly pulled apart from one another, both frustrated and floundering in their careers, nothing but uncertainty on the horizon. And now, they were both champions; David the leader of Bullet Club, Nellie on the verge of making her membership known to the world. It felt like they had the whole world ahead of them. And they were doing it together.

“I know,” David returned. “I’d never wanted to board a plane less in my life than I did after that show.”

“Even more than this last time you left?”

“Oh, for sure,” he answered, no hesitation. “Because when I leave now, I know exactly when I’m coming back. It was the not knowing back then that really made it hard.”

Nellie didn’t reply as she climbed onto her bed and settled against the pillows, her thoughts turning inward. After Dominion, David didn’t have any bookings until the G1, over a month away. And they hadn’t really discussed that—if he would extend his stay to spend some extra time with her before heading back home to Florida, if he would come back early before the tournament, if he’d even given it any thought at all. It didn’t worry her, per se; they’d both been busy. But now it was right there in front of her.

“Which, actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

She looked back at him, pulled from her thoughts. “What is it?” she asked.

He settled next to her on the bed, and the atmosphere suddenly felt different. Not tense. But important. Nellie felt her heart pick up a beat.

“I know we’ve been moving kind of fast since I came back in March,” David began. “But truthfully—and I think you feel the same—I don’t see the point in waiting if we both know what we want. And so… I’ve decided that I want to move here, to Tokyo. And if you want, I’d like us to get a new place together.”

If Nellie had been buzzing before, she was positively vibrating now. “Are you being serious?”

He nodded. “Of course. I fucking hate every time I have to get on a plane and leave you again. I hate it. And this last time I was gone, I realized… it’s not just my career that’s here now. My life is, too.”

He looked her in the eyes, full of love and trust, and her heart grew wings. “I would love to get a new place together.”

David smiled. “Yeah?”

“Yes, of course,” she said, and she kissed him. She couldn’t contain her excitement. “Babe! This is a big deal!”

“I know, but it’s what I want,” he reiterated. “And plus, this timing works out because I have a month-and-a-half off after Sunday, so that’ll give me a good amount of time to sort everything out and get my place in Florida packed up and shipped over here.”

“That’s a process,” she told him. “Trust me, I know from experience.”

“I know. But to be honest with you, I already started.”

Nellie smiled at him. “You did?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I had a feeling you’d say yes, so I figured I’d get a head start when I was home.”

“Oh, you had a feeling?”

“I did,” he grinned. “Come here.”

He pulled her into another kiss, and Nellie had never felt so much love, so much trust, so much understanding, so much faith that this was right. That everything she’d been through, that they’d been through, had purposefully brought them exactly to where they were now. And she couldn’t wait to find out what else they would build—together.

“I love you,” David said against her lips, and Nellie smiled.

“I love you, too.”

* * * *

Sunday, June 4, 2023 Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall – Osaka, Japan

Nellie had thought she was the only surprise David had in store that night. Boy, had she thought wrong.

The first surprise came after the IWGP Junior Tag Title match. Catch 2/2 had staved off Intergalactic Jetsetters only for Clark to come strutting down to the ring—with a gold cap on one of his teeth and a too-orange spray tan, God bless him—and at first, Nellie hadn’t understood. No one had; he was outnumbered, what was he going to do? But everyone got their answer when Dan Moloney, who had been at ringside for the match, unexpectedly attacked Francesco and TJP, officially turning on United Empire and joining Bullet Club. And Torrance had texted Nellie almost as soon as it had happened.

Nellie I swear to God if you knew about this and didn’t tell me.

Dude I had NO idea I swear, I’m just as shocked as you are, she’d quickly sent back. But as Dan and Clark had walked back up the ramp, the sight of them together made a little too much sense.

“They’re gonna bring out the absolute worst in each other,” she’d noted. David had just laughed.

And then, the match after the next, there was another surprise.

After Bishamon had defeated House of Torture and United Empire to win both the IWGP Tag Team and Strong Openweight Tag Team championships, Alex Coughlin and Gabe Kidd had shown up in Bullet Club shirts and put the boots to them, declaring their intent and establishing their allegiance in one fell swoop. It explained why Clark had brought up Dominion after Nellie had mentioned Gabe last week. She had to admit—she was impressed.

But now it was her turn to be the surprise.

She’d never felt more confident than she did now in her BC Decade t-shirt, cropped to show off her figure; although, she wore her Wonder of Stardom Championship around her waist and her SWA World Championship diagonally across her chest, so she was mostly gold. David had explicitly told her to show off. “You’ve earned that,” he’d told her. “We run this fucking place.”

Excited butterflies teemed in her stomach as they all stood at the ready at the Gorilla curtain. David smirked down at her.

“Last chance to back out.”

She grinned and shook her head. “Not a chance,” she told him, and sealed it with a kiss.

His entrance music started. Clark and Dan went out first, followed by Gabe and Alex. They stood on either side of the stage, and then David went up the steps, followed closely by Nellie, Gedo behind her. She could hear the surprise of the crowd when they saw her, feel it course through her body, energizing her. It was a familiar feeling, but renewed. Different. Deeper.

They walked down to the ring, and while David’s focus was zeroed in on El Phantasmo, ELP was looking at Nellie. Except it wasn’t ELP; not right then. Right then, it was Riley.

“Seriously?” he said down to her. “You never once came out here with Jay.”

Nellie didn’t hesitate. “Jay never asked,” she returned, and David slid into the ring and attacked him.

Twenty-six minutes later, he was victorious. And Nellie hadn’t gotten involved; none of the other members of Bullet Club had. David didn’t need their help; he didn’t need them to interfere. This was a different Bullet Club than what it had been under Jay, a return to the original. And when they all joined David in the ring and raised up the Too Sweet above ELP, Nellie had never felt more like she belonged. Not in Cosmic Angels, not in Queen’s Quest, not even in Suzuki-gun. This was her home, beside David—and it just so happened to be in Bullet Club.

[vinnces]

𝐎𝐍𝐄   .

joshua bassett.     he/they.     cis  man.      ›     spotted   at   the   met   steps   ,   vincent   'vinnie'   sawyer  ,   most   likely   listening   to   blue   world   by   mac   miller  with   their   airpods   pro   .   the   twenty   four   gained   quite   a   reputation   ,   known   to   be  -secretive  yet   +selfless   to   anyone   who   knows   them   .   you'll   easily   spot   them   when   you   hear   about   finger   drumrolls   before   making   an   announcement   ,   waking   you   up   with   3am   voice   messages   with   random   thoughts   –   irrelevant   and   not   important   enough   to   wake   up   for   ,   making   up   random   stories   during   interviews   to   confuse   the   audience   ;   leaving   not   a   single   article   to   be   true   ,   a   batch   of   ripped   papers   on   his   bed   &   broken   pencils   as   a   result   of   songwriting   for   seven   hours   ,   followed   by   bad   boy   by   carolina   herrera   .   latest   nepoupdates   article   talks   about   vinnie   sawyer's   newest   song   release   spectaculated   to   be   about   muse   2i   and   not   about   his   girlfriend   ,   but   i   guess   any   reputation   is   good   reputation   .  

–   𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗   𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦   .  –   𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗬   𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗬   . –   𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧   𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗   .

𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓     .

𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭  #𝟏𝟕  :  josie  seong  and  vinnie  sawyer  have  been  called  the  it  couple  for  the  past  two  years  .  every  party  ,  every  candid  resulted  in  viral  tweets  praising  them  ,  people  wished  to  be  like  that  .  for  the  past  two  years  ,  nothing  ever  came  between  them  ,  until  vinnie  is  offered  to  go  on  worldwide  tour  as  one  of  the  supporting  acts  to  one  of  the  biggest  band  in  the  music  industry  recently  ,  together  with  muse  2i  .  josie  and  vinnie’s  relationship  was  put  out  to  the  test  when  what  came  between  them  were  different  timezones  ,  busy  schedules  and  sudden  duet  between  vinnie  and  muse  2i  ,  sparkling  an  affair  rumors  which  muse  2i  feeds  gp  into  .  and  after  six  months  ,  tour  ends  with  a  closing  night  in  new  york  and  it’s  the  first  time  when  josie  and  vinnie  can  see  each  other  ,  except  there’s  an  uncertainness  about  their  relationship’s  future  ,  especially  with  muse  2i  around  .

𝐓𝐖𝐎     .   𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒔

full   name   :   vincent   nathan   sawyer  .   nicknames   :   vinnie   .   dob   :  jan  3rd   .   age   :   23  .   birthplace   :  pairs   ,   france   .   citizenship   :  french   -   american   .   current   residence   :   new   york   ,   new   york   .   gender   :  cis  man   .   orientation   :  bisexual   .   languages   :  french   ,   english   ,   swedish   ,   polish   ,   latin   .   occupation   :  musician   .   education   :   completed   private   /   boarding   school   .   big   3   :  capricorn   sun   ,   scorpio   moon   ,   aries   rising   .   character   parallels   :  christopher   wilde   (   starstruck   )   ,   aki   menzies   (   gossip   girl   )   ,   ricky   bowen   (   high   school   musical   the   musical   the   series   )   ,   jess   mariano   (   gilmore   girls   )   ,   jj   maybank   (   outer   banks   )   ,   xavier   thorpe   (   wednesday   )   .   currently   listening   to   :  heaven   angel   ,   new   person   ,   same   old   mistakes   ,   blind   ,   i’m   in   love   with   you   ,   about   you   ,   boyfriends   ,   sex   on   fire   ,   blue   world   ,   cinderella   ,   high   infidelity    .   voice   claim   :   joshua   bassett   .   career   claim   :   joshua   bassett   .

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄   .   𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒍

biological  father  :   gabriel   sawyer   ,   50   .   occupation  :   executive   music   producer   .   biological  mother  :   sabrina   sawyer   ,   48  .  occupation  :   former   high   fashion   model   ,   current   professional   dance   choreographer  .  biological  sister  :   camille   sawyer   ,   20  .  occupation  :   law  student  .  family  financial  status  :   high  upper  class  ,  wealthy  .  

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑     .   𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒚

google's  definition  of  a  nepotism  baby  ,  born  to  a  freshly  married  and  in  love  couple  of  gabriel  sawyer  ;  famous  executive  producer  ,  often  credited  on  the  top  of  billboard's  albums  ,  as  well  as  collaborated  with  multiple  top  artists  ,  from  mariah  carey  to  ariana  grande  ,  dua  lipa  or  olivia  rodrigo  ,  and  sabrina  sawyer  ,  former  high  fashion  model  loved  by  top  designers  such  as  versace  ,  dior  ,  mugler  etc  .  and  currently  one  of  the  best  professional  dance  choreographers  ,  highly  desired  by  the  music  industry  to  work  with  .  vinnie  had  his  entire  life  secured  the  moment  first  pictures  of  sabrina  with  baby  bump  leaked  .

saying  he  was  raised  with  a  silver  spoon  in  his  mouth  is  a  disgrace  as  they'd  be  most  likely  seen  wearing  golden  diapers  if  possible  .  spoiled  left  and  right  from  their  parents  ,  family  and  family's  friends  and  as  vinnie  grew  up  ,  he  quickly  became  people's  magazine  and  tmz's  most  loved  .  despite  being  raised  in  circumstances  that  everyone  else  would  be  rotten  spoiled  ,  vinnie  was  everything  but  that  .  always  polite  ,  always  making  a  conversation  with  everyone  and  never  left  without  wishing  you  a  good  day  .  days  spent  on  playground  only  to  come  back  when  the  evening  came  closer  ,  all  muddy  and  bruised  with  his  perfectly  curled  hair  now  wet  from  the  sweat  but  his  face  was  always  red  ,  biggest  smile  glowing  up  his  face  from  the  happiness  after  the  entire  day  .  when  their  younger  sister  was  born  ,  she  became  absolutely  everything  to  vinnie  ;  probably  a  bigger  apple  of  the  eye  for  him  than  their  parents  .

the  sawyers  moved  out  of  france  when  gabriel  was  offered  to  start  his  own  record  label  .  it  only  made  sense  that  vinnie  would  start  showing  their  interest  and  an  incredible  talent  in  singing  ,  songwriting  and  had  a  golden  touch  with  different  instruments  when  they  barely  turned  eleven  .  it  wouldn't  take  long  for  their  parents  to  put  them  on  voice  lessons  ,  piano  and  guitar  playing  lessons  ,  songwriting  camps  and  they  would  even  be  casted  in  ads  for  kids  and  growing  up  ,  managed  to  book  his  disney  cameos  in  a  few  episodes  of  different  shows  .

at  sixteen  ,  he  goes  viral  as  his  sister  posts  a  short  video  of  him  covering  ‘  drops  of  jupiter  ’  .  it  was  easy  –  after  all  ,  they  are  a  sawyer  .  the  record  deals  were  coming  left  and  right  ,  booking  vinnie  would  bring  an  immediate  success  to  any  label  that  was  lucky  enough  to  get  their  attention  .  a  nepo  baby  coming  back  to  the  spotlight  with  his  own  thing  ,  separating  himself  from  his  parents  and  making  a  name  out  for  himself  .  loyalty  being  first  thing  vinnie  was  ever  taught  ,  he  signed  a  deal  with  his  father's  freshly  debuted  record  label  .  it  was  a  successful  decision  ;  the  label  received  a  big  clout  as  vinnie  was  announced  as  the  first  artist  and  their  fame  was  growing  with  each  day  passing  .  they  didn't  need  a  feature  ,  neither  a  scandal  (  however  ,  was  unable  to  avoid  them  ;  especially  when  you're  suddenly  raising  towards  the  fame  )  .  they  released  their  first  single  ‘  secret  ’  on  february  14th  2018  ;  the  song  talking  about  his  ex  girlfriend  cheating  on  him  ,  a  break  up  the  entire  internet  was  going  through  as  well  which  turned  out  to  take  a  successful  toll  on  his  career  .

career  wise  ,  they  have  been  releasing  multiple  eps  while  working  on  his  debut  album  since  their  first  single  dropped  .  vinnie  recently  came  back  from  world  tour  where  he  was  performing  as  one  of  the  supporting  acts  alongside  muse  2i  ,  which  was  also  what  tested  his  two  year  long  relationship  on  basically  every  platform  possible  ;  not  only  with  the  difficulty  of  timezones  but  having  to  deal  with  more  and  more  rumors  forming  ,  one  of  them  suggesting  an  affair  between  vinnie  and  muse  2i  after  their  duet  song  was  released  ,  ‘  we  both  know  ’  right  as  vinnie  lands  in  new  york  after  six  months  of  absence  .  the  tour  has  definitely  helped  their  career  a  lot  more  ;  their  following  and  streams  growing  up  each  day  ,  the  duet  song  currently  spending  its  fifth  week  on  the  first  place  at  billboard  hot  100s  .

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄     .   𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

he  was  always  raised  well  despite  the  luxuries  he  lived  in  .  often  mixed  in  problematic  rumors  which  are  quickly  to  be  exposed  as  lies  as  they  never  fit  what  vinnie  really  is  like  .  a  short  description  would  be  as  your  book  definiton  of  golden  retriever  energy  and  a  social  butterfly  .  takes  romantic  relationships  very  easily  ;  he  watched  his  parents  in  love  their  entire  life  ,  their  little  secret  desire  is  to  have  what  they  do  yet  often  gets  his  heart  broken  which  helped  him  learn  how  to  be  cautious  .  vinnie  is  a  very  private  person  ,  the  only  way  he  ever  exposes  himself  is  through  his  music  .  not  a  single  truthful  interview  in  their  entire  career  has  ever  been  made  as  he  often  dodges  a  question  or  is  able  to  come  up  with  a  lie  on  spot  as  they  believe  the  less  they  shows  to  the  public  ,  the  better  .  also  ,  pro  at  dad  jokes  ,  always  has  them  up  his  sleeve  .

𝐒𝐈𝐗     .   𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

–   known   for   making   instagram   lives   where   he’s   teasing   new   songs   in   the   middle   of   the   night   which   his   fans   hate   him   for   ! –   often   goes   on   tweet   /   dm   sprees   on   twitter   where   he   notices   his   fans   .  think   like   ,   ariana   grande   before   she   dipped   .   this   is   how   close   he   is   with   his   fanbase   ! –   always   wearing   his   airpods   &   is   never   seen   without   his   skateboard   ! –   came   back   with   BOXES   of   fun   skateboards   from   tour   &   even   had   custom   made   vans   from   his   vans   which   he   luvs   very   much   &   is   often   seen   wearing   <333   ! –   is   the   worst   at   dancing   which   is   ironic   bc   his   mother   is   known   for   being   probably   the   best   dancer   on   the   planet   .   he   held   a   q&a   at   his   last   tour   &   almost   broke   his   ankle   when   tease   argued   with   a   fan   about   having   two   left   feet   ! –   overshares   .   a   lot   .   especially   with   his   fans   .   it's   often   "vinnie   just    tweeted"   &   it's   deleted   five   seconds   later   too   jfdkdks   ! –   he's   the   face   of   prada   ! –   owns   two   dogs   ,   one   is   a   three   year   old   australian   shepard   called   howie   and   a   seven   months   old   doberman   puppy   ,   ricky   ! –  when  secret  was  released  ,  it  brought  a  lot  of  jokes  and  memes  inside  his  fanbase  ,  often  referring  to  tweets  such  as  ‘  remember  when  vinnie  ended  his  ex  on  valentine’s  day  ’

𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍     .   𝒂𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔

making   up   random   stories   during   interviews   to   confuse   the   audience   ,   leaving   not   a   single   article   piece   to   be   true   ;   a   batch   of   ripped   papers   on   his   bed   &   broken   pencils   as   a   result   of   songwriting   for   seven   hours   ,   a   collection   of   limited   edition   skateboards   hanging   on   his   bedroom   wall   ,   missed   calls   from   his   ex   ,   fan   letters   from   tour   hidden   in   his   desk   drawer   that   he   comes   back   to   every   once   in   a   while   ,   multi   colored   vans   &   converse   ,   skating   everywhere   &   probably   driving   you   insane   ,   salt   &   vinegar   crisps   ,   a   vinyl   collection   (   especially   limited   editions   )   ,   two   left   feet   while   dancing   ,   getting   a   store   bought   pie   only   to   layer   it   with   icing   &   write   apologies   on   it   .

[digitalbug999]

alright guys new proposition for an au (i had this thought and it wont leave me alone):

claires au.

the characters dont want to be here, they hate each other, they are in love. if theyre arch enemies working together then theyre well aware of it. if one of them wears earrings, they refuse to wear claires brand. give me mall shenanigans, give me them threatening each other at work, give me people thinking theyre customers bc one of them is dressed like they work at hot topic.

anyway all this to say: ive discovered varian and the seven kingdoms as a concept and decided that this is hugo and varian. theyre vigilantes, they havent bothered to hide their identities bc varian didnt think hed see any criminals he busted ever again, and hugo didnt think he would ever get caught. after both of them get fired for side job related problems, they end up at the same claires and now have to work together. their coworkers either think theyre exes or very much dating, this isnt helped by one of them limping into work and the other smirking, or the inherent homoeroticism of having an archnemesis.

together they get into problems such as:

playing the mariah carrey all i want for christmas is you/my chemical romance welcome to the black parade mix at work bc theyve had to listen to the original for their whole shift today

daring each other to do stupid things as relating to crimes

threatening each other at work

stupid bets that end with both of them losing (they really would be like “if you lose you have to wear this” and then they have to look at the other, and theyre both losers, we all know it)

having to learn to hide their identities for once

explaining to their coworkers for the millionth time that they arent dating, just very attracted to the other, and surely this is unreciprocated, no they cannot explain how they know this

hugo brings his hacking software mouse to work with him to harass varian

said mouse gets found and broken by a 7 year old and hugo now has to restrain himself from cussing out a genuine kid bc that was a lot of hard work

varian reads romance novels with a similar plot as his current situation and tries not to absolutely burst into flames when tropes happen to him in his real life

and finally, them actually doing their goddamn jobs

the most unexpected part of the au, is that i will depict them as actually doing their jobs in such a way that they wont be fired immediately, and theyre good at it. they struggle with proper store behavior and attitude, but they are excellent at what they do manage to get done (varian usually organizes and helps customers, hugo does the register unless hes actively piercing someones ears)

[thewhitneyhoustonblog]

The Billboard Hot 100 celebrates its 65th anniversary today. Few recording artists set chart records on there more than Whitney Houston. Here are just a few of these chart achievements:

*First female artist to land three number one singles off a single album (Whitney Houston: “Saving All My Love for You”, “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All”).

*First female artist to land four number one singles off a single album (Whitney: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”, “So Emotional” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”).

*Only recording artist in history to score seven consecutive number one singles on the Hot 100. Houston set the record when “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” replaced Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” for the week of April 23, 1988. Houston broke a long standing record of six held by the Beatles which was shared with the Bee Gees.

*Only recording artist in history to send an Olympics theme song to the top ten after “One Moment in Time” peaked at number five on the week of November 12, 1988.

*Tied with Madonna as the female artist with the most number one singles in the 1980s.

*First female artist to land multiple number one singles off three or more albums after “All the Man That I Need” topped the chart for the week of February 23, 1991.

*Only recording artist in history to have multiple number one singles off their first three albums.

*Only recording artist to land the national anthem in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 after “The Star Spangled Banner” initially peaked at number 20 for the week of March 12, 1991.

*On the week of February 27, 1993, Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” surpassed Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” to become the first single to stay at number one for 14 weeks, then the longest running single in US history.

*Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” holds the record for longest running consecutive number one single by a solo artist sharing the record with Elton John, who tied it with his Princess Diana tribute single “Candle in the Wind ‘97”.

*Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” maintains its record as the longest running number one single by a female artist at 14 weeks, shared with Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together”.

*Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” holds the record for longest running consecutive number one single by a female artist (only Toni Braxton came close when “Un-Break My Heart” did eleven consecutive weeks in 1997).

*Whitney holds the record for most number one remakes with four.

*Whitney became the first solo artist in music history to land three singles simultaneously in the top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of March 7, 1993 with “I’m Every Woman” at number 5, “I Will Always Love You” at number 7 and “I Have Nothing” at number 11.

*Whitney became the first female artist to land a song at the top of the Hot 100 Year-End list in the 1990s with “I Will Always Love You” in 1993 and the first female solo artist to top the list since Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” in 1982.

*Whitney’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” became just the third single in chart history to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1995.

*Whitney’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” became one of only two singles from a soundtrack to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

*Whitney’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” holds the record for the longest consecutive weeks at number two by a female artist after debuting at number one (11 weeks, shared with Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U”).

*Whitney holds the record for most top ten remakes with seven after “The Star Spangled Banner” reached number 6 in October 2001. Aretha Franklin came closest with six.

*Whitney’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” reached number six in October 2001 marking the only time in history the national anthem reached the top ten of the chart.

*Whitney is only one of twelve artists (Andy Williams, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Aerosmith, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Mariah Carey, Madonna and Britney Spears) to score a top ten single in four or more decades.

*Whitney is only one of four artists to have a top five single in four decades on the Billboard Hot 100 (Cher, Mariah Carey and Elton John are the others).

*Whitney is the only recording artist to have a top five single in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

*Whitney is only one of three female artists to score a top ten (or higher) hit posthumously after her previous number one hit “I Will Always Love You” reached number three in March 2012. Houston joined Aaliyah, whose “Miss You”, released posthumously after her tragic death in 2001, reached the same position in April 2003, and Janis Joplin, whose 1971 song “Me & Bobby McGee” reached number one in March 1971, some five months after her death in October 1970. They joined Otis Redding, John Lennon, 2Pac, Static Major and the Notorious B.I.G. in scoring a posthumous top ten Billboard Hot 100 single later joined by Michael Jackson, Juice Wrld, XXXTentacion and Pop Smoke.

*Whitney remains in sixth place for most number one singles of all time with 11 only trailed by Madonna/The Supremes (12), Michael Jackson (13), Rihanna (14), Mariah Carey (19) and the Beatles (20) and is tied with Drake.

[somecrazylads-a-blog]

💘 + 707 and 606 pls! (and thx)

HEADCANONS MEME: DATING EDITION!! | @intergalacticxmisfits

---

where they first met and howAll working in canon here, they first met when Mariah joined the RFA by pure accident and scam :D I’m fairly certain Seven probably harboured most suspicions for the longest (possibly only on par with Jaehee), but also, which should I consider utmost canon here, only his Route, right? AAH the trouble with multi-route games

how long their ‘flirting’ phase was before feelings got involvedThis is only the second question but I’m longing so hard to include their holiday at Mariah’s farm WHEN CAN I MENTION IT- ahem, a few weeks I would say? What can I say, Mariah STOLE HIS HEART

who fell for who first ( if applicable )Again, this question is one I find no interest in replying to because it’s just not something I believe can be determined with confidence. But if I may place a hypothesis: I think it was Seven.

where their first date was and what it was likeWELL, CANONICALLY, SHOULD WE COUNT THEIR... SECRET AGENT MISSIONS AS DATE- I think I’d actually like to discuss this with you, because it intrigues me B)

who asks who out and how ( with a sign? spelled out on a cake? just a simple ‘will you go out with me’? )I think... wasn’t there a moment where Seven actually... does ask? WELL either way, I headcanon if Seven were the one to ask first, depending on angsty circumstances or lack thereof, it might have either been just very intimate, y’know, just a quiet gentle conversation, and then maybe he’d do it again in a more ‘Seven Style’ and like... make a cake explode and a neon sign burst out of it saying ‘WILL YOU BE THE YEE TO MY HAW?’

who proposes firstPutting aside eventual doubts on the concept of marriage and fears on Saeyoung’s side, I think this could also go to Seven, if we keep it traditional and all that. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I’D LIKE TO HEADCANON? That they both do it at the same time in their own silly flashy ways without knowing the other was planning to.

if they keep / kept their relationship secret or let everyone know right awayHmmm, if it’s set in a world after the entire secret endings and just when everything has settled to a somewhat normal life I doubt there would be reason to hide it? I personally headcanon Saeyoung to be the kind of boyfriend who, like... his entire snapchat is him just gushing over how beautiful and perfect and cute his girlfriend is, so really

where the proposal happens and how ( kiss cam at a baseball game? on a hillside surrounded by ducks? at a disney park? )Can there be another exploding cake- At a disney park sounds actually like something that could happen, but Saeyoung might also just try to stage something ridiculous at Mariah’s farm

if they adopt any pets togetherAs a cat lover and someone who has raised her fair share of both kittens and puppies and knows about all the nasties and diseases and all that jazz, please don’t ever let Saeyoung own a cat because I get his good will, BUT THE POOR FURBALLS- Putting that aside, THEY GOTTA BECAUSE THEY BOTH LIKE ‘EM AND... oh my god the pigs at the farm, can they name them all together and call them their children

who’s more dominantWhat context are we working in here, because I’d say Saeyoung for tradition alone (y’know, the male in the equation-) but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mariah took the reigns quite often, she’s COOL AS FUCK, and Saeyoung is putty in her hands

where their first kiss was and what it was likeCAN THIS BE AT THEIR FARM TOO... No matter the location, I can absolutely imagine it being one of those movie-like kisses where they’re just talking softly and then someone makes a joke and they laugh and it gets really quiet and they both just start to lean in and it’s soft and wholesome?

if they have any matching couples stuff ( mugs? sweaters? pillowcases? )Matching hoodies with cat ears, matching onesies (cat onesie for Sev, pig onesie for Mariah, but they switch sometimes which is ridiculous considering size difference), matching headbands that they got at Disneyland and still wear sometimes, matching shirts with silly text on them, ALL THIS STUFF

how into pda they areHMM, I think they would keep it to hand holding and arm-wrapped-around-waist scenarios? Basically, just common stuff, nothing too intimate

who holds the umbrella when it rainsSaeyoung because he’s taller I’m guessing, BUT you know that drawing? That showcases how each different person would carry the umbrella for someone? Seven is the last drawing where he just puts his jacket over his head and hovers over her and they run through the rain screaming, wait I’ll find it EDIT: I FOUND IT OMFFG

where their usual ‘date spot’ is ( if applicable )I’m... lowkey starting to think amusement parks OR OR LIKE UHM IN THE COUNTRYSIDE? THOSE FAIRS WITH LIKE COUNTRYSIDE STUFF

who’s more protectiveSaeyoung would die for Mariah and that’s... actually an understatement

how long it is before they sleep together ( can be as in ‘had sex’ or as in ‘shared a bed’ )Shared a bed possibly less than have had sex, but I dunno actually :thinking:

if they argue about anythingMAYBE PLAYFIGHTS? Or maybe Saeyoung’s need to protect her by pushing her away, that’s reason for argument

who leaves more marks ( lipstick, hickeys, scratchmarks etc. )Why can’t this be pure- UH, I don’t know :’)

who steals whose clothes and how oftenSaeyoung is still sobbing that he can’t steal her clothes because they don’t fit him, SO MARIAH IT IS and every time she does and he sees her in one of his hoodies he dies, instant cardiac arrest

how they cuddle ( spooning? facing each other? )ALL THE WAYS I HOPE

what their favourite nonsexual activity isHMMM... Cuddling? Or... playing video games together maybe? Pestering Jumin lmao

how long they stay mad at each otherSaeyoung takes one look at Mariah’s face and gets angry at himself because he can’t stay angry at her for like more than 20 minutes, don’t know about Mariah though, BUT YOUR FOOT DOWN MARIAH

what their usual coffee / tea orders arePhD Pepper, baby, and... anything that won’t make them sleep lmao

if they ever have any children togetherTHEY MIGHT WHO KNOWS WINK WONK

if they have any special pet names for each otherI’m WILLING TO PUT MY MONEY ON THEM HAVING. Princess, kitten, cutie, baby, Saeyoung would probably never stop coming up with new ones, Piglet (because of her pigs tbh), sunshine, my star, babe

if they ever split up and / or get back togetherNO

what their shared living space is like ( messy? clean? what kind of decor? )Messy as all hell but it works for them :’)

what their first christmas / hanukkah / etc as a couple was likeSaeyoung probably did something ridiculous again, UNLESS they spent it at Mariah’s farm, in that case it was probably very warm and homely and everything Seven never thought he’d get to experience

what their names are in each other’s phones'Eminem’ because her name starts with M, I’M KIDDING- or am I

if they have any ‘couple traditions’ ( buying a new mug for their collection every year? baking every friday evening? )Buying... all... the couple... outfits at amusement parks?

who falls asleep first and who wakes up firstSaeyoung’s sleep schedule is a fucking nightmare, so I think Mariah falls asleep first and wakes up first because Saeyoung didn’t even sleep

who’s the big spoon / little spoonSAEYOUNG BIG SPOON KING BUT ALSO LIKES BEING LITTLE SPOON

who hogs the bathroomHave you seen Seven’s hair, it’s Mariah

who kills the spiders / takes them outsideMariAH LMAO

[parkers-gal]

simple acts of intimacy that actually mean a lot T.H.

wc: 3.1k (fluff)

taking something out of your pocket

"Tom!" you called for him.

"Hey, babe," he greeted you. You had just gotten back from a shopping spree, and you were holding about seven heavy bags, two drinks in your hand. Harrison and Harry were seated on the couch in front of the two of you, Tuwaine in the kitchen getting more snacks. 

"I didn't bring my purse," you huffed, out of breath from the walk. "Can you check for my phone? My wallet?" 

Tom smiled softly in response, sending you an easy nod. "Of course," he said, moving to the pockets of your jeans. 

He searched the front right pocket first, his fingers strong and warm and lean, and the touch made you giggle. He found your keys in the front right pocket, momentarily holding them up for you to see before moving to the next pocket. He found your phone and wallet pocketed in the back pockets, and then he was by your front again, searching your left pocket. 

"Your chapstick," he held it up, and you giggled again as he opened it and applied it to his own lips and then your own. "They say you get more alike to your significant other, y'know," he smirked, and you laughed again with a nod. 

knowing just how to calm you down

It was a dangerous scenario to be in in the first place, though it wasn't your's nor Tom's fault. After dealing with a rather rude man from the front desk, you were rushing out of the building, Tom barely trailing after you. Just as you were making it to the car, he rushed ahead of you, halting you.

"Hey- hey, hey, hey," he said, hands gesturing for you to slow. There were frustrated tears in your eyes, threatening to spill if any one move prompted them. You'd hope Tom could be the dam to keep them up. "It's alright," he assured you. 

"No, its-! It's not!" You exclaimed, breaking your silence. "N-now I have find another way to do it and I can't t-" 

"Love," he cut you off, hand caressing your arm, moving you into his embrace slightly. "He's an asshole- he had no right to tell you those things, okay? We're gonna find another way, but later, okay? Listen to me, listen to my voice," he whispered. "And look at my eyes," he moved your chin, engaging eye contact. "We're going to be alright." 

A smile broke out onto your face for the first time, and you nodded, fully accepting his hug and hiding in his chest. 

calling to make sure you've eaten

Calling in between takes and scenes wasn't uncommon, and especially calling during lunch. Tom had a tendency to forget to eat or take breaks; wearing the Spider-man suit was a big contributor to his re-prioritization, his reason for the distractions. Unfortunately, he tended to bring this habit onto the sets of different films. Luckily, you had paid mind to the habit, and made sure to check in on him everyday, especially if you weren't on set all the time. 

"Hi, angel," Tom spoke into the phone after picking it up. 

"Hi, Tommy!" You exclaimed excitedly. "How's filming?"

"Good, tiring. Miss you," he huffed out, still with a smile. 

"Miss you too bubs, tell everyone I say ''hey.'" you replied. "Have you eaten today?"

Tom was nodding off silently to a crew worker who had asked him a quick question. "Hm?" he laughed a light one. "Oh, yes I have. Have you, darling?"

"I have, I have, no worries," you assured him. "Drinking water?"

"Just got a new bottle," Tom smiled. "Alright well," he trailed off disappointingly, "I hate this part but, they're calling me now. I call you when the shoots over. Love you, baby." 

You hummed, "'kay, love you Tommy. And good luck!" You giggled before hanging up.

"Y/N?' Harry asked Tom, looking to the phone. 

"Mhm," Tom smiled. "She says 'hi'." 

wearing/borrowing clothes

"Hey, Y/N, have you seen my-?" Tom stopped short in his tracks, barely through the doorway. He smiled at the sight of you, a pint of ice cream sitting on the table in front of you, an open book in your lap and a spoon in your mouth.

You hummed, "What was that, hun?"

He eyed your figure, clad in his pink sweatshirt, before shaking his head. Upon realizing you weren't looking at him, he breathed out a laugh. "Never mind."

You hummed again, glancing up to him before smiling softly at him. 

**

"Hey, love?" Tom hollered from within the depths of the closet. 

"Yeah?" you shouted back, applying some lip gloss as you looked into the bathroom mirror. 

"Does this work with my outfit?" 

You laughed before walking over to him. You smiled at him: he was holding a baseball cap in one hand, your beanie fitted on his head. Though he loved his buzzcut, he also loved to wear matching hats, though this time you were wearing the sweatshirt. 

"I like the beanie," you agreed. 

He glanced up with a smile, setting the baseball cap down. "Me too." 

zipping up/ unzipping

Tom was waiting in the living room for you. It was almost routine, that whenever the two of you were attending a gala or a premiere together, he'd wait to see your final look, and god he loved the reveal every time. This time, however, was one of the first times you were doing everything on your own, no makeup artists or stylists there to assist you. 

"Tommy?" you yelled softly. 

Tom's head perked up, and he slipped his phone into the pockets of his dress pants before making his way to the closed bedroom door.

"Yes, love?"

You opened the door, stepping towards him slowly. Tom was awestruck, mouth agape and eyes wide. You were absolutely stunning, from every and all angles, and Tom swore his heart leapt into his throat.

"Tom?" you repeated, waving a hand in front of his face. 

It had just occurred to him that you had been talking and he had completely tuned your voice out, too taken up by the sight in front of him. 

"Sorry- what?" he asked, finally looking at you. 

"Can you zip me up?" you asked again, softly. You turned around, gesturing to your zipper. Tom smiled, fingertips softly grazing the lower portion of your back, before softly gripping the zipper. The fingertips of his left hand ran up your spine, his right hand with the zipper following along. He left a small kiss on your shoulder and you went straight back into the bedroom to get the remaining accessories for your outfit. 

putting jewelry on for each other

After you chose a few rings, you walked back over to Tom with a necklace in hand. You placed both ends in his hands with a hopeful smile before spinning around, making sure your hair was not in the way. Tom clipped both ends and let the jewelry dangle off your neck. He left another kiss on your shoulder before you intertwined your hands.

remembering coffee/tea orders verbatim

"Go find us a booth," Tom whispered in your ear, hand on the small of your back as he gave you a nudge, and the two of you separated into two different directions, you towards the seats and him towards the line to the barista. 

"Hi, how're you?" The barista greeted.

Tom returned a smile," I'm good, how're you?" 

"I'm good, what can I get you today?"

"Can I get a hot chamomile tea with some lemon...?"

"Size?"

"Uhm, medium please." 

The barista, Sophia, nodded. "Anything else?" 

"Yeah uhm, a medium honey cream latte? Not too heavy on the creamer?"

"Got it. Will that be all for you today?" 

"Yes I think so," Tom replied, handing her his credit card before moving to the counter to pick up the drinks. 

When he had both, he made his way over to you, who found a booth by a window. 

"Hey, love," Tom trailed excitedly, placing the mugs down softly. "I got your favorite." 

"Light on the cream?" 

Tom sat down across from you. "Light on the cream," he repeated with a smile.

dancing in the kitchen

A quick trip to the kitchen for some toast had started a mini concert by the sink and in front of the dishes. Tom was clad in a pair of sweats, white socks helping him slide on the cool tiled floor, his pink hoodie fresh on his torso. 

The speakers were playing a playlist of his favorites, which also consisted of your favorites, because you had introduced him to several new artists and genres. Song after song came on, distracting him from the opening and closing of the front door. 

Hearing the commotion from the cooking room, you left your bags by the door, going upstairs to change into some comfy clothes and finding your boyfriend rocking out to some of Taylor Swift's Lover. 

You giggled from the doorway, and he spun around to look at you, lowering the large metal spoon away from his mouth. 

"Hi," you laughed again. 

"Hi," he panted. 

"What," you took a sip of water. "are you doing?" 

"Dancing in the kitchen, obviously."

You nodded, drinking your water again with a smile. 

"Care to join me?"

You set the cup down with raised eyebrows. "Thomas..." 

Mariah Carey started ringing through the speakers, and the spoon went back up to his mouth as he started singing his heart out. 

"C'mon, Y/N...." he smirked. "You know you want to," he held his hand out. 

You rolled your eyes playfully before extending your arm, accepting his hand. "Fine.."

Tom grinned in victory, singing louder again, and you joined him, twirling him around as he did the same for you, toast long forgotten in the toaster oven. 

knowing what food you're craving based on your attitude

"I'm bored," you whined to Tom, who was sitting next to you on the couch, looking at his phone. 

He chuckled quietly as he clicked the device off. "Yeah, whaddya want to do?"

"Cuddle. I'm cold." 

He grinned again, turning to you, caressing the skin of your ankle, which was splayed across his lap. 

"Are you hungry, my cuddle bug?" he asked after pulling you into his chest, arms circling around you. 

"Mhm," you nodded, fiddling with his fingers. "How'd you know?" 

He grinned again, his face out of sight for you. "What if we eat... pho?"

You gasped, louder for dramatics, hand slamming down on his, halting your movements. "Thomas Stanley Holland how did you fucking know?" you whined, feet kicking lightly. 

He chuckled again, kissing the back of your ear before opening the Ubereats app on his phone. 

offering to drive instead

The gala was coming to a close, and you and Tom had both taken the clue to get ready to leave, heading out to the parking lot after saying your goodbyes to the present participants. 

Rounding the car, you pulled the key out of your hand-purse, unlocking the car. Your hand was still intertwined with Tom's, about to separate to get into your respective seats, when he spoke. 

"Do you want me to drive instead, love?" 

You glanced to his eyes with a thankful nod. "Will you?" you asked, reaching to give him the key. 

"Of course," he smiled, moving to the other side of the car, giving your temple a kiss as he rubbed your arm, taking the key from you and closing your car door after you had been seated.

remembering confessions from late nights or simple words that are forgotten by most

"Hey did you book the flights for next month?" You asked Tom, sitting across from him at the dining table, planner in front of you, a pen and your phone in each of your hands. 

"Just up till the nineteenth," he replied, thumbs moving across the keyboard of his cell phone. 

"Got it." 

"Oh also," Tom looked up from his phone, forearms leaning on the edge of the table as he looked at you, focused on writing more details into that little book you loved so much. "I booked us a round trip to Mae Raem. I talked to Harry and I managed to get a week off from work, in between films I think."

Your eyes were fixed on the boy sitting across from you, hands frozen in their places. 

"You what? "

"I booked us a flight To Mae-" 

"I heard that part!" You exclaimed with a laugh. "Why the fuck are we going to Thailand?!"

"Well I just-" he looked off to different parts of the room, the tips of his ears turning scarlet as his cheeks heated up. "I remember you saying you wanted to go to this little place in Thailand and I just- I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget. I was just waiting until I had free time in my schedule." 

"Tom you moved film times for this trip!" You laughed. "Why- how did you even remember that? It was like three A.M. when we were talking about those crazy dreams and shit," you laughed. 

"I don't know," he put his phone down, fiddling with his fingers and knuckles. "You just sounded so passionate about it- I just remembered the sound of your voice, I guess. It seems like fun." 

You clicked your pen, putting it down, and closing the planner. "Yeah, yeah it does."

remembering to buy something you'd forgotten to (grocery shopping) 

"Oh fuck, I'm out of jaffa cakes," you huffed, closing a cupboard door. 

"Let's go to the market then," Tom said, finishing his cup of tea.

**

A shower and a car drive later, the two of you were walking into the supermarket, Tom leaning on the cart as he followed you. You spotted the chip aisle, and headed straight for it. Tom chuckled at your behavior, suspecting that perhaps you were stocking up on your cravings-foods, knowing your period was coming too. 

Aisle after aisle the two of you went before grabbing a few boxes of brownie mix. You saw the aisle with cereal, and left Tom on his own. He chuckled, moving over the next aisle. 

"I think I'm done," you huffed, placing your last items in the cart. Tom nodded, putting a bag of apples into the cart before moving into a line for the cash register. 

"Wait lets do the self checkout thing." 

"Really?" Tom laughed at your suggestion before reluctantly agreeing, heading into the direction. He was scanning while you were bagging, the two of you moving like clockwork. 

Tom paid the receipt before stopping abruptly. "Wait fuck, I forgot something." 

"What?" you asked. 

"Nothing, I'll meet you at the car." 

"'Kay," you replied, rolling the cart out of the shop. Tom went off to find your favorite jaffa cakes, buying some extra danishes as well. When he paid, he added the items to the bags in the trunk before joining you in the front seat. 

"Ready?" He asked, turning the engine on. You hummed a confirmation, and Tom changed the car's shift, driving home. 

After the two of you brought the bags into the kitchen (in one trip, because two trips are for loser), you began unloading the items into their spots in the kitchen. 

"Wait," you groaned after opening the cupboard. "I forgot the fucking jaffa cakes!" 

"Ah ah," Tom spoke, pulling the sweet out of a bag he'd just unloaded. 

You gasped, jaw slightly ajar as you reached for the food. "Oh. My. God," you looked at the wrapping. "I fucking love you." 

Tom laughed, "Well," he was moving forward, his face two inches from yours, "it's a good thing I fucking love you too." 

and finally, showering together

"Tommy! I missed you," You greeted him, rushing to your boyfriend, jumping into his embrace just as he closed the front door. 

He groaned with a laugh, arms on your waist. "I missed you too, angel."

"Are you sore? Tired?" 

He chuckled again, "mhm." 

"Let's go get you cleaned up and we can go to bed then," you smiled at him, fingers running over the hair of his brows, trying to smooth out the stray one. 

"Sounds like a plan, darling." 

Making your way up the stairs, you ridded Tom of his coat. You went into the bathroom to turn on the shower, hoping to get the water warm, before pulling him into the bathroom with you. 

"We can do face masks or we can fall asleep watching movies." 

He booped your nose before answering. "Let's do the face masks tomorrow."

"'kay, arms up now, mister," you ordered him playfully, and he rolled his eyes before complying. 

"My limbs still work, yanno-" 

"Sure mister I-love-being-babied." 

"I do not!" he denied, cheeks reddening. 

"You secretly love it," you kissed his nose after removing his shirt, hands splaying across his bare chest and abs. He visibly shivered at your touch, and you smirked. 

"Now get in the shower, you big doof," you playfully pushed him in the direction of the shower before stepping out of the bathroom. 

Tom, unknowing of your full plans, hopped into the shower, letting the heated water cascade down his skin and drench his hair. As he was about to reach for the bottle of shampoo, you opened the shower door, your bare skin coming into view as you joined Tom in the shower. 

His eyebrows shot up, movements stopped. 

"Uh-" 

"Hi," you said with a giggle. "Let me," you took the shampoo from his hand, squirting some into your hand before rubbing it onto the top of his head, fingers running through his unruly curls as he hummed contently at the feeling, always loving when you did anything to his hair. 

"Rinse now," you said, moving to clean the strands out, ridding them of the suds. You repeated the process with conditioner (your conditioner, because though Tom would deny it, he secretly loved it, and cheered internally when you picked it up instead of his own) before reaching for the body-wash. 

"Uh-uh, let me do this one," he took the bottle from your hands, starting to clean himself. 

You laughed at his attempts before snatching the bottle from him. "You can't even reach this part of your back!" 

"I'm a gymnast! I'm flexible enough to reach that!" he breathed out a laugh. 

You giggled, shaking your head and letting your fingers caress his shoulder blades, his lower back as well as his ribs. You spun him around so you could continue on his chest as well, and his eyes were closed in bliss. When you finished, you walked him backwards under the streaming water of the shower head, arms wrapping around his lower stomach, hugging him, chin resting on his chest as he looked down at you. 

"Thank you for this, love." 

"Anything for you Tommy." 

He kissed the tip of your nose and smiled. 

[delacyrose224]

Welcome to The Jukebox!

What tune would you like to listen to today?

Gold Rush

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: drummer!Jungkook x reader, guitarist!Jin x OC

-Premise: You were never one for rushing into relationships, but what happens when you meet a certain blue-haired drummer?

Champagne Problems

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: bassist!Yoongi x OC

-Premise: Yoongi keeps to himself, but everything changes when he opens up to his best friend about his past.

Long Story Short

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: guitarist!Jin x reader (named)

-Premise: You've been hurt in past relationships, but there's a goofy guitarist that seems to be passing every test you throw at him. Now what?

Leave Before You Love Me

-Artist: Marshmello and Jonas Brothers

-Pairing: Yoongi x reader

-Premise: Yoongi needs to escape you before anything gets more complicated than it already is.

Enough for You

-Artist: Olivia Rodrigo

-Pairing: Namjoon x reader (for a hot second), Taehyung x reader

-Premise: You constantly feel like you're playing catch up with your boyfriend...will being yourself ever be enough?

The Moment I Knew

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Yoongi x reader, Hobi x reader

-Premise: It's your birthday, but what happens when the most important person doesn't even show up?

A Sky Full of Stars

-Artist: Coldplay

-Pairing: Dad!Jin x Mom!Reader

-Premise: Your daughter asks for a bedtime story, and Jin tells the story of how the two of you met...as a fairy tale.

Chameleon Boy

Part One Part Two Part Three

-Artist: Blue October

-Pairing: Gryffindor!Jin x Ravenclaw!reader

-Premise: You had no reason to believe that Kim Seokjin, Gryffindor's Head Boy and Quidditch captain, was anything other than a popular pretty boy. But when you're paired for a class project, he starts to prove you wrong...

You Send Me

-Artist: Sam Cooke

-Pairing: Jin x reader

-Premise: Your favorite diner cook just can't help but think of you every time a certain song comes on the jukebox...

Fly Me to the Moon

-Artist: Frank Sinatra

-Pairing: Beomgyu x reader

-Premise: On a date to the planetarium, you and your boyfriend learn all about stars...

Loser=Lover

-Artist: TXT

-Pairing: Beomgyu x reader

-Premise: Beomgyu is on a mission to impress his favorite Hufflepuff...it just happens to involve a trip to the Shrieking Shack.

Starlight

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Yoongi x reader

-Premise: A night stargazing with your boyfriend is just what you needed.

State of Grace

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Jungkook x reader

-Premise: When the world's too much, Jungkook's got you.

All I Want for Christmas is You

-Artist: Mariah Carey

-Pairing: Gryffindor!Beomgyu x Hufflepuff!reader

-Premise: You and Beomgyu exchange Christmas gifts.

'Tis the Damn Season

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Namjoon x reader

-Premise: The holidays back home bring up a lot of memories for you, both good and bad. You reconnect with your former best friend, and try to figure out where the two of you stand.

Message In a Bottle

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Beomgyu x reader

-Premise: You and Beomgyu have been best friends for longer than you can remember. But when you ask him to pretend to be your boyfriend at the New Year's Eve party at work, everything changes.

Mr. Roboto (Part of the Seven Tales Collab)

-Artist: Styx

-Pairing: Shadow Hacker!Jin x Criminal!reader

-Premise: A techie control freak, Kim Seokjin lives for the thrill of hacking systems and leaving chaos in his wake. He prides himself on hiding his emotions behind his wit and snark. His latest project? Assisting a crime syndicate with cracking the code on Seoul’s newest art museum installation.

Pretty in Pink

-Artist: The Psychedelic Furs

-Pairing: Gryffindor!Beomgyu x Hufflepuff!reader

-Premise: When Beomgyu sets out to get you a unique Valentine's Day gift, it ends up going not quite as planned.

Middle of the Night

-Artist: Elley Duhe

-Pairing: Vampire!Yeonjun x reader

-Premise: Though all blood is tempting, yours is Yeonjun's favorite.

You Are In Love

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Jin x reader

-Premise: A prequel to A Sky Full of Stars, this tells the story of how you and Jin fell in love.

This Love

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Regency!Beomgyu x reader

-Premise: Once upon a time, you were in love with Choi Beomgyu...but that was before you grew up, he left, he changed, and now you want nothing to do with him. So why is it that you can't seem to escape him, even when another man is courting you?

Witchy Woman

-Artist: The Eagles

-Pairing: Taehyun x Fortune Teller!reader

-Premise: One fateful night, five boys stumble into your fortune teller's shop, wanting to know about their futures. Taehyun's skeptical, but can't help coming back for more.

Underneath the Tree

-Artist: Kelly Clarkson

-Pairing: Han Jisung x reader

-Premise: When you're unexpectedly left alone with Jisung in a cabin at Christmastime, what's the worst that could happen?

Strawberry Swing

-Artist: Coldplay

-Pairing: Bang Chan x reader

-Premise: Bang Chan surprises you with a heartfelt Valentine's Day gift.

ceilings

-Artist: Lizzy McAlpine

-Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x reader

-Premise: You can only imagine how perfect a relationship with Hyunjin would be.

Late Night Talking

-Artist: Harry Styles

-Pairing: Lee Minho x reader

-Premise: Minho misses you when he's on tour.

King of My Heart

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Seo Changbin x reader

-Premise: After meeting at a party, a date with Changbin makes you rethink how you feel about relationships.

Christmas Tree Farm

-Artist: Taylor Swift

-Pairing: Seo Changbin x reader

-Premise: A day getting ready for the holidays with Changbin. Sequel to King of My Heart, but can be read as a standalone.

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 141

Last week I posted a day early because vacation was doing vacation things to my sense of time.... This week I forgot to queue the chapter up because Monday was a work holiday, so I forgot today was Tuesday. *insert facepalm here please*

Thanks on this one go largely to @baelpenrose who rightfully pointed out that one part made very little sense to him and therefore was unlikely to make sense to a reader.  The clarification smoothed things out quite a bit, I think.  Just in case, whoever spots the area I’m talking about gets a cookie as soon as travel restrictions lift.

As always, thanks go also to @the-raven-fae, @charlylimph-blog, and @anotherusrname for completing the corners of my support system. And, a super-duper extra-special to @drinksteawithcake! I don’t know if I am allowed to tell everyone why, but you know why you get the extra-special, and I hope you are having fun!

BWAAAAAHP!   BWAAAAAHP!

“Uhhh?” I squinted in complaint as flailing arms clambered over me. One pair snagged me around my waist to drag me from bed before depositing me shakily on my feet. “What are you - ?”

BWAAAAAHP!  BWAAAAAHP!

Any trace of sleep was shoved out of my system, replaced by sizzling alertness when I realized I was hearing ship-wide alarms.  Shoving myself into the first clothing I grabbed, not even bothering with shoes, I was hot on Conor and Maverick’s heels as we raced out of our quarters and into the corridor. We paused only long enough for both men to kiss me and for “I love yous” to be exchanged before they turned and headed toward the areas indicated on their datascreens, while I hauled ass toward the Archives, ducking and twisting to avoid anyone in my path.

“Forty minutes,” Tyche told me crisply as I basically fell through the door, panting. “The Ark could be invaded and the battle over by the time you make it.”

“I ran….huff….the whole….ugh….way….” I managed to gasp out.  Part of me felt like puking, but I was pretty sure the muscles in my abdomen were too busy to figure out the logistics.

Clicking her tongue, she pulled me up from the floor. “Alistair, make a note to suggest to Xio that Sophia’s quarters be relocated once we have a better idea of when we are dropping into real space.”

I nodded numbly. “And probably… amp up… sensors… give… earlier… warning.”

“Nice outfit, by the way,” she laughed quietly as we finally reached the shelter point within the Archives.

Glancing down, I had to suppress a sigh. The first thing I grabbed to dress myself had apparently been a pair of Conor’s boxer shorts and a very filthy t-shirt that I assumed belonged to Maverick, since Conor’s was usually under coveralls. “At least you can’t say I took my time getting dressed.”

Her shaking head was greeted by faces in various states of wakefulness - this had been a drill, and woke nearly the entire Ark during their sleep interval on Delta shift.  But we weren’t out of the woods, yet: the drill didn’t end until all of Xiomara and Evan’s scenarios played out, including the mock combat and various tests of concealment for the other shelters.  As such, Tyche stood guard over the choke-point into this section, while Alistair had stayed behind at the entrance.

Early on, when the drills started, there had been fifty-fifty odds that the mock-invaders would make it this far, but over the past few weeks, that had narrowed to maybe twenty-percent.  It was still too high a chance in my judgement, and Xiomara clearly agreed as she stepped up training schedules and randomized the timing of the drills. 

Taking a swig of water from a stash of bottles, I queued up my datapad and stood next to Tyche, watching the ‘casualties’ from a point where no one could see over my shoulder to avoid panic, which I would have done in a real situation. “They didn’t find mess hall seven this time,” I murmured.

She glanced at my screen. “Acoustics are still too damned high. She must not be simulating for that this go around.”

One of the decoy locations lit up. “Looks like this time it’s heavy on thermal.” The location in question had been equipped with a cooking surface, triggered to activate when the klaxons that had woken me up went off.  Which Xiomara knew, but did not tell the ‘pirates’ for authenticity.

“How did they get past the combatants this time?” She asked, both curious and slightly worried.

Rolling back the sensor data, I watched it carefully. “Looks like these got in during the initial breaches, multiple points. But the line has held since, that’s good.”

Doing another check toward Alistair’s direction, she didn’t seem to see anything concerning. “How many?”

“Four,” I confirmed.  “Sam’s thermal camouflage is working beautifully, though.”  I couldn’t help but grin, and Tyche snorted at the same time. ‘Thermal camouflage’ was a bit of overkill as a name, but it was working well in every round. Potential access points were equipped with fast-acting environmental simulators - originally designed for temporary habitats on inhospitable moons - modified to release atmosphere like a Terran equatorial rainforest within one minute in an enclosed space.  It was a much more simple and elegant solution than any others we had found for giving combatants defending the Ark an advantage - instead of trying to create technology to make them look colder, make the entire area match human heat signatures.  Boom, instantly blinded enemies.

A tense half-hour later, the ‘all clear’ sounded, queueing grumbling from those who had dozed back off as everyone stood to make their ways back to their quarters. I waited with Alistair and Tyche for everyone else to be accounted for on the way out, and the three of us headed back toward our quarters together.  Alistair peeled off first, living closest to the Archives, and no sooner had my sister and I reached my door than the page sounded for the post-drill meeting.  She waved me off as she answered on her databand, and I did the same as I pushed into my quarters and flopped on the couch. “Councillor Sophia Reid, present, audio only,” I answered. “And no jokes, Pranav… I look like I smell awful.”

“Alistair Worthington, present, audio and video. I can confirm that she does, and she does.”

Laughter filled the comms and the rest of the group leaders and Councillors joined the debrief.  Finally, everyone was present and Xiomara called the meeting to order.  First, the leaders of each shelter reported in, as those usually went the fastest. There were a couple malfunctions in the deployment of the shielding to disguise the entrances and hide heat and electrical signatures, but nothing Huynh’s team couldn’t fix.  Tyche and Alistair made the recommendations around earlier detection and the need to move those sheltering in the  Archives closer as we approached time to drop out of relativistic space. 

Once that was out of the way, it was on to the combat and invasion teams. Overall consensus was that Sam’s trick with the portable environments was a rousing success and would be installed at each point determined to be most likely as a breach, with trigger conditions to be determined later. “I hate to say it,” Michael sighed, “but we also need Charly’s team to crank up the scovilles on the arrows and grenades.” His team had played the ‘invaders’ this go around, equipped with sensors and readouts to simulate the effect our defenses would have on the various species who most commonly were found on pirate vessels.  Evan had worked intensely with Pranav and Derek to ensure that the strategies provided by the readouts were modelled after similar strategies based on which ever species each team member was assigned, to ensure we weren’t accidentally drilling against human tactics.

Michael hated it, but he was strict about his team complying nonetheless.

“Seriously?” I squawked, and I wasn’t the only one. “One of those things accidentally went off in my quarters…. Can confirm, they’re pretty potent.”

“They dissipated too fast against my team, and also the contact element left a lot to be desired. Charly, you may want to consider adding a sticking element.”

“Duly noted,” she chimed in with a yawn, her normal pep doused by being woken up and then the drop in adrenaline post-combat.

“What about the sonic weapons?” Xiomara asked, moving the meeting along.

“Still less effective than Nixe is on her own,” a familiar voice I couldn’t put a name to responded with a sheepish tone.  “How hard would it be to train more people to shatter glass with their voice?”

“Incredibly,” Grey stressed. “It takes a very unique combination of training and the right vocal chords.”

“Then we may need to work on adding a projection component.  The sonic devices can match the pitch, but not the actual tone and direction. They’re very effective given time and especially contact, but we need something more immediately disabling.”

Xiomara groaned. “Are we back to Mariah Carey on this one?” Objections exploded until she muted the comms. “It’s that or opera.” Votes started scrolling up the screen, and I could see Xio nod. “Opera it is.  Let’s find a suitable piece and try using more analogue-style speakers.”

“I still say that death metal would work better,” Arthur suggested as soon as the comms were back on.

“Annnnd we already tested it, I will remind you. The volume works, but the pitches aren’t high enough to hit a broad enough population of species sensitive to sound.” After that nearly-obligatory objection, the meeting continued going through reports from each combat team until finally Xiomara announced the end results. “I have to admit, this was one of our best drills yet. Ten percent casualties of the combatants defending the breaches, only two percent among non-combatants, and the invaders were only able to traverse three decks before they were subdued.” She let the cheers go for a couple seconds before getting everyone’s attention again. “Yes, great job on the improvements, but let me remind everyone - those numbers still leave us below threshold for a healthy genetic population. Engineering teams, make the necessary adjustments with whatever resources are necessary. Shelters Three and Seven, you will start training for armed and unarmed combat with Shelter Fourteen and Combat Team Two daily.  Sophia, your team will coordinate schedules. Any questions?”

There were no arguments, not even a groan or mutter as the meeting was dismissed. Before I could even add the new task to my agenda the next day, I received the notification that Alistair had beaten me to the punch.

Glancing at the time, I wanted to hit something.  I had to be back up and at work in four hours, and the realization weighed me down with exhaustion.  The guys had come in and gone to bed while I was in the debrief, and I could already hear synchronized snoring coming from the bedroom.  Rather than risk waking them with my now-frozen feet, I pulled the quilt off the back of my couch and rolled myself into it.  Only minutes later, a heavy weight oozed across my hip and started purring furiously.

“Yeah, buddy. I agree. We need a nap.”

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[outerbankspreferences]

50 Wordless Ways to say I love you

Word Count: 1683

MASTERLIST SERIES MASTERLIST

A/N: Every time I sit down to write a shirt blurb it always turns out long. Every time I sit down to write a long blurb it always turns out long. I can’t seem to win. I’m always taking request, and message me if you wanted to get added to the tag list :)

#14. Singing and dancing to their favorite song.

  It was Madison Bailey’s birthday coming up and you had started a tradition last season on everyone birthday to make them a cake of their choice. You always loved baking and found it therapeutic and soothing. You and Madison were roommates while filming season two of the show, and you kicked her out of the apartment so you could surprise her.

You asked Drew to come over and help considering him, and Austin lived in the same building. In all honest, the two living in the same apartment worked out great for you because you had a huge crush on Drew. You had since you meet him at the beginning of filming season one. Your characters were love interest, and at first you didn’t know if the lines of acting were getting hazy, but you soon realized it wasn’t. You had some serious feelings for him, but you were too nervous he didn’t like you back.

 You were greasing the pans for the cake when you heard a knock on your door, and then was greeted by Drew. “What’s cooking good looking?” He laughed kissing the top of your head, giving you butterflies. “Only the best birthday cake in the entire world.” You said in a half serious tone, “where’s your partner in crime?” You asked looking for Austin. “Uh-he went to play basketball with JD, so just me and you are today. Is that okay?” He asked walking over to your speaker. A whole afternoon just to two of you, of course you were okay with that. “Yeah sure, did you download that playlist I showed you?” You asked, the two of you having similar taste in music.

 “Of course, I did, I don’t know how you find such good playlist.” He said turning on the music, “so how can I help?” “Well, do you know how to bake Drew?” You asked, have never done this with him before. “I would rate myself like a seven and a half out of ten” He said confident. “Okay, well why don’t you measure all the ingredients, and put them into these little bowls so I can post something cute to my Instagram and then we’ll get started.” You said handing him the recipe with the measurements.

 You preheated the oven and got the stuff together for the frosting. You prepped all the pipping bags and sprinkles in Madison favorite colors. “Did you get Madison something for her birthday?” Drew was the first to break the comfortable silence. “I did, I got her a gift certificate for a spa place for her and Mariah this weekend.” You told him proud of your gift. “Shit, I forgot to her something, I’ve so busy filming, do you know what she wants?” He asked. “Um- she broke her Bluetooth speaker last week, maybe get her that? That’s why we’ve been stuck using my crappy one.” You said laughing finishing get your stuff together. “Okay, are you done with the measuring?” You asked, looking over his shoulder. “You know that’s a good idea, do you want to come with me when we’re done this?” He asked moving out the way so you could see he finished.

 “I would love that.” You say grabbing your phone and taking a picture of Drew’s hard work, adding a cute filter before posting it to your Instagram. “You know she’s going to see your “Why are you posting that your IG story, she’ll know that’s what you’re making.” Drew said not understanding why you were taking a picture. “I know she’ll see it, that’s why I made cookies earlier. She’ll think I was making those and not her birthday cake.” You explained, grabbing some bowls to mix the stuff in. “Okay, you mix the wet ingredients together, and I’ll mix the dry and then we combine them together in the end.” You explained handing him bowl. “Why can’t we just mix everything in one bowl, you’re making more of mess.” He asked looking down at you, “uh-I don’t know, you just can’t. Those are the rules Andrew.” You responded sarcastically. “Oh god, not the full name. Remind me not to question your authority again.” He said shoving you shoulder playful.

 Drew loved to hear you say his full name, normally it was something he despised but not with you. He was excited when you offered for him and Austin to come over and help bake the cake. When you asked him the day before you told him the Austin was welcome too. Normally Madison would help you, but you didn’t want to ruin the surprise. He didn’t invite Austin though, wanting to spend as much time alone together as you could. He would take any chance he could whether it be running lines, watching a movie, carpooling to work.

 Everyone in the cast knew you guys had a thing for each other and encouraged the both of you to make a move, but nether of you did. Drew nor you ever thought you guys would have chance with each other. So, you guys would just spend time together, dancing around feelings, and awkward moments.

 As you guys finished mixing the ingredients together you poured the batter and put it into the oven. “Okay, that should take about twenty minutes to bake and then we can make the frosting while it’s cooling.” You said grabbing some of the dishes putting them in the dishwasher. “Who taught you how to bake?” Drew asked, curious on how the habit started. You smile thinking about your childhood. You turned around to face him, leaning against the counter. “My mom taught me. When I was kid, she used to bake all the time. If it weren’t someone’s birthday, she would say they’re ‘I love you’ cakes. I guess after that I always found joy in it. I know it’s kind of cliche girl thing, but”- “No I like that you do stuff like this, it’s not cliché.” Drew said cutting you off before you could bad mouth your favorite pass time.

 That’s when your favorite song on the playlist came on. Drew looked over at you, knowing it was your favorite. He loved seeing the light in eyes when ever it came on. “Ugh, I love this song” you say humming along to the words while looing at your phone. Drew got up from the chair he was sitting on, and grabbed your hand pulling you close to dance with him. “I know, that’s why I added it to the queue, come dance with me.” The two of you danced like idiots while you sang to the song. Drew spun you around, and you almost tripped and fell but he caught you, the two of you giggling. You looked into his eyes, the two of you close enough you could feel his breath on your face. ‘Just do it, kiss him’ you thought to yourself, and the next thing you know, you’re closing the small gap between you two.

 Drew was shocked at first, not believing he was kissing you. Your lips were softer than he had expected, and they tasted like raspberries, most likely from your lip balm. He placed his hands on your hips, pulling you closer kissing you back. You guys made out for a couple more minutes before you pulled away from lack of air. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me”- you started to stumble over your words when Drew leaned down and kissed you again. “it’s okay Y/N/N, I’ve been wanting to kiss you for while I just didn’t think you felt the same way for me.” He said with a little grin.

 You couldn’t believe you waited that long to show him how you felt, and now that you had you were glad, he felt the same way. “I was worried that you didn’t feel the same way, I didn’t want to make things awkward between us.” You said almost in whisper, a blush creeping on your cheeks. Drew leaned down and kissed you again, “of course I feel the same about you. How could I not? You’re such an amazing person.” His kind words causing a blush to form again. You hid you face in his chest, making him laugh.

 The two of you were pulled away from your conversation when the timer went off for the cake. “Oh, it’s ready!” Drew said rushing over to the oven taking the cakes out. “I’ll grab the stuff to start making the frost, and you can take the cakes out of the oven.” You directed. “Yes chef.” Drew saluted you in joking matter. Once he took the cakes out, you tested it with a knife to make sure it was cooked all the way through. You cut a bit off the top to make sure it tasted okay, giving a piece to Drew.

 Once you took a bit you immediately made a face, the cake tasted terrible. You looked at Drew trying to judge his reaction, laughing when he made the same face you did. “I don’t mean to be an asshole, but this taste terrible Y/N/N.” You grabbed the recipe off the counter and read the instruction. “I don’t understand I made this recipe a hundred times, it always turns out good. Three cups of flour, a teaspoon of vanilla, two teaspoons of salt, a”- “did you just say two teaspoons of salt?” Drew asked with wide eyes. “Yeah, why how much did you put in?” “Uh, well I though it meant tablespoon, so I put two tablespoons of salt.” He said rubbing the back of his neck cheeks turning red.

 You start to laugh at him, finding his embarrassment hilarious. “Oh, come on love it’s not that funny.” He says wrapping his arms around you from behind. “Don’t worry I can bake.” You say mocking him. “I guess Madison is getting a store-bought cake this year.” You say turning around kissing him. “At least I can kiss better then I can bake.” He said making the both of you laugh.

TAGLIST:

lemur46  

fttayla

drewstarkeysbitchh

[biletdoux]

x marks the spot | x.dj

Member | xiaojun (nct) + gender neutral!reader Rating | g Genre + Tropes | childhood friends to lovers!au, idol!xiaojun, romance (fluff) Warning(s) | none, unless you consider badly written fluff something to be wary of lol Length | 5.1k+ Prompts | “Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you.” - Mariah Carey (All I Want for Christmas is You) + “I should be playin’ in the winter snow, I’ma be here under the mistletoe.” - Justin Bieber (Mistletoe) Playlist | All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey // Mistletoe - Justin Bieber  // My Everything - NCT U

Summary | You were five years old when you met your best friend.

(Or; the cycle of waiting and wanting between you and Xiaojun throughout the years.)

Note: For the Walking in a Winter Wonderland Collab hosted by @suh-insane​ and @neocitybynight​! Merry Christmas and have a happy holiday season, everyone <333 let me know what you think!

yo,,, fluff is so hard to write, so mad respect to all the fluff writers out there. 

“Hey—”

You were five years old and had a knack for stating the obvious.

“You’re not Chengxiao!” Your voice was loud and annoying, the shrill ring of it reverberated throughout the open roof. Your index finger, straight and stern, was aimed right at his face in accusation, as if it was a sin to not adhere to your expectations. “Chengxiao was supposed to be here, not you!”

The boy who was indeed not Chengxiao, as you so clearly pointed out, sniffled even louder as he clutched at his toy buccaneer sword. All around you, drying linens and laundry swayed gently in the summer breeze to the sound of his soft sniveling, before he broke out into an all out sob.

You were five years old and also insensitive in the way that five year olds were. 

“Uhm,” you faltered, your pointer finger recoiled back just ever so slightly as his cries continued. 

This was not supposed to happen. You were supposed to be playing hide-and-seek with your building friends and maybe grab a popsicle down the street later once you all tired out. You lost the rock-paper-scissors between everyone and had to be the first seeker. You counted all the way to 100 without even peeking once, even though you were tempted many times when you heard the occasional giggle and scattered footsteps.

Chunyang was always the easiest to find between the three of you. He was also five like you and he always hid on the sixth floor of your shared building, usually behind the large potted plants near the stairway. You actually found him behind the leaky plumbing pipes at the end of the hall, but he was still on the sixth floor nonetheless. 

Chengxiao was different. She was seven years old, two whole years older than you and Chunyang, and she was also much smarter than the two of you. It was always difficult to find Chengxiao because she was more tricky and clever than your one-track minded five year old brain. 

When you found Chunyang, the two of you agreed to split up and search for Chengxiao separately, the first one to find her gets the ultimate bragging rights for the rest of their life. When you shook on the deal, Chunyang immediately took off for the stairs, clumsily bounding down the steps with as much grace as a five year old could muster, which left you with only one option remaining; climbing the flight of stairs to the roof. 

The roof was large and vast, filled with a sea of linen and mismatched laundry drying in the wind. The sun was at its peak in the sky as you started your searching, scouring near and wide for Chengxiao. When you nearly lost hope, you noticed a pair of white sneakers belonging to a person hidden behind a billowing bed sheet. You rushed toward it with all your might, already tasting how a sweet a lifetime of bragging to Chunyang would taste on your lips, but as soon as you yanked back the cloth, your mouth immediately turned sour at the sight of a boy with brown hair and teary eyes. 

Your tone was harsher than you intended, so here you were stuck with a blubbering boy and your lifetime bragging rights out the window. 

“Hey,” you tried again. You were five years old and not very good at comforting people. “My mom says children who cry won’t get any candy until they stop.” 

Unsurprisingly, his cries did not cease and you were scandalized by it. The possibility of no candy left you in shock and awe, so why wasn’t he feeling the same as you?

“Who, hic, cares about candy, hic,” he started, every few words out of his mouth was staccatoed by an uncontrollable hiccup.  “If I can’t see, hic, my friends!” 

“Huh?” you tilted your head to the side. “Why can’t you see your friends anymore?” 

It took a few seconds of blubbered hiccups before the boy answered, “cause we moved far away from them!”

You absorbed his words in quiet consideration. How would candy taste if you had to move away from Chengxiao and Chunyang? Not very good, but… 

“Why don’t you make new friends?” 

“I don’t want new friends! I want, hic, to go back to my old home!” Indignant, he lashed back. “I want to go back, hic, and play pirates with my old friends.” 

“I’ll play pirates with you,” you offered. You didn’t think much about the rest of the words that escaped your mouth either. “I’ll be your friend. I want to be your friend.”

The boy was significantly calmer after shouting out his frustrations. He wiped at his tears and for the first time you had a good look at his brown eyes. You didn’t know it at the time, but the boy, like you, was also five years old, and five year olds calmed down as easily as they lost their temper.

“Do you mean that?” he asked, tone soft and quiet. “Would you really, hic, be my friend?” 

Your smile was brighter than the summer sun that day. “Yeah, of course!”

“Okay,” he agreed.

“Yeah, and I can also show you my friends right now too. We’re playing hide-and-seek.” You grabbed his free hand, the one not holding the toy sword, as you tugged him to get off the roof. He followed obediently without a word. 

“What’s your name, by the way?” You asked over your shoulders, your voice ringing through the roof.

“My name is Xiao Dejun.”

You were five years old when you met your best friend. 

--

The air was crisp with the sharp, but refreshing sting of sea salt as the waves crashed onto the side of your ship. You climbed out onto the main deck to check on the progress of the voyage. The waters were steady and your trusty sea vessel rocked to the rhythm of the ocean. There were no clouds in the sky this far out into the sea and the sunlight blinded your eyes, but you didn’t need to see it to know that the treasure was straight ahead. You took another deep breath to savor the thought of future riches before you turned around to go look for your first mate. 

You traveled the expanse of the main deck before reaching the weathered ratlines. The rope felt coarse to the touch as you climbed all the way up to the crow’s nest. Once you made it, there he was, standing and staring out to the wide ocean, probably lost in thought about gold and jewels. 

“First mate Xiaojun.” you called. 

He turned his head and smiled. “Hey, I was waiting for you.”

You fully climb into the crow’s nest and settle beside him. “We’re about to find the secret buried treasure.” 

“Yes, captain,” he nodded his head in agreement.

“What do you want to do with you half?”

“Hm…” Xiaojun was contemplative. “I’ll need to buy another sword. Mine is getting rusty. What about you?”

“I would like to—”

“Class! Recess is over.” Your teacher, Mrs. Huang, interrupted you before you could finish. “It’s time to head back now.” 

And suddenly your trusty sea vessel was no longer a ship, but actually a small corner of the large school playground. The tethered and hardened ratlines melted away to reveal the metal ladders of the play area and the crow’s nest was the slide tower. The sun, however, remained as bright as ever.

Your first mate looked at you and a mischievous glint crossed his eyes. “I’ll race you to the classroom!” He hollered as he threw himself down the slide and took off running as soon as his feet hit the ground. You were not far behind him as you shrieked for him to slow down. 

You were eight years old and you kept your promise to him about playing pirates. 

The two of you became the best of friends shortly after your encounter on the roof. You grew close to him exceptionally fast when you learned he and his family had moved to the same floor as you and your family. Chengxiao and Chunyang liked him well enough and your tight trio grew to accept a fourth corner. 

When school rolled around, you were delighted to find out he was also enrolled in the same school as you and even was in the same class. Since then, the two of you had been inseparable. 

He beat you to the classroom by a few steps and his smile was dazzling as he gloated to your face. You sneered back at him as you watched his fringe stick to his forehead from sweat. 

“I only lost cause you cheated.” 

“Yeah, yeah whatever.” 

You both sat down in your assigned classroom seating, with him exactly one seat behind you. Mrs. Huang announced it was independent study time, so everyone quietly pulled out their books.

When you pulled out yours, you realized you had broken your pencil and had nothing to write with. You pushed your chair back and leaned over on his desk. 

“Hey Xiaojun, can I borrow a pencil?”

He was still Dejun then, but he was always Xiaojun to you.

He looked annoyed, but went to rummage for his pencil pouch in his backpack anyway. “Don’t call me that unless we’re playing. How many times have I told you to call me Dejun? That’s my name so use it.” 

“But I don’t want to,” you huffed.

“And why is that?” Xiaojun found a suitable pencil and handed it over to you. 

“Because,” you took the writing utensil from his outstretched hand. “You’ll always be my first mate Xiaojun no matter what.” 

You returned back to your desk before you could notice the blush that colored his cheeks and you didn’t turn back to him again for the remainder of the independent study time. You didn’t realize it at the time, but Xiaojun never bothered to correct his name ever since. 

You were eight years old when you became someone special to Xiaojun. 

--

You felt hot and sticky.

Summers in Guangdong were hot and humid in ways that left you gasping for air as if you had been trudging through a thick wall of sludge. The heat was heavy and thick, reminiscent of an unpleasant weighted blanket that wrapped around you at all the wrong times and places. During the summer, the Guangdong sun was angry, and you felt as though its wrath was personal from how intensely the rays would beat down on your back as you hopped from one stall to another. Nonetheless, you were not deterred because you came here on a mission.

You were thirteen years old and wanted to do whatever it took to find your best friend the perfect birthday present. 

You prepared for August 9th tirelessly with impressive care and consideration. You had been casually asking questions and fishing for hints months before the fated date to figure out the most perfect and surefire gift for Xiaojun. When you realized he wanted a new controller for his PlayStation because the ‘X’ on his current one wasn’t working half the times, you knew you had to get him a new one. And so, you started to plan.

Step one was complete. You figured out what Xiaojun wanted, but now step two was in the way. How were you going to get it for him? You were thirteen years old and you had no money. You couldn’t ask your parents for money because then that would mean your parents actually got Xiaojun the present and not you, even though it was your idea. After thinking long and hard, you decided to carefully siphon a small portion of your lunch money each day until you had enough to purchase the controller. Even though the lunch money was from your parents, the money was given to you, so now it’s your money and not your parents’ anymore and you had to work hard to save it, so using this money to buy Xiaojun the gift will be really meaningful.

You were thirteen years old and your logic was a bit off, but your heart was in the right place. 

After months of saving, you finally had enough and couldn’t be happier. You had everything set and just needed to find the time to go out to the electronics store. You were so giddy that you nearly let the big surprise slip one day when you were over at his house. 

It was two days before his birthday and Xiaojun was just at your house yesterday, which meant that today, the two of you would go back to his. Xiaojun’s mother was already used to this and prepared pre-cut slices of fruit for the two of you before the front door even opened. The two of you bowed in thanks before greedily grabbing the plate of fruit before barreling to his room with a large slam of his bedroom door. 

You were laying on his bed munching on an apple slice in your hands and Xiaojun was at his desk on his rolling computer chair with an orange slice in his. Outside of his window, the hustle and bustle of a Guangdong afternoon can be heard, but the noise was far away for you and Xiaojun were in your own quiet little bubble. 

When he finished his orange slice, Xiaojun suddenly perked up. “Hey, you want to see something?” 

“Yeah, sure.” 

He stood up and walked over to his closet to grab a box. Inside, he pulled out two new PlayStation controllers, still in the factory wrapping and all, and your heart dropped. 

“My parents got this for my birthday. They gave it to me early cause I did really well on my exams and they knew my current controller sucks,” he explained. “Want to play that new game? It’ll be so nice to finally have a working ‘X’ button.” 

You felt nauseated and suddenly had to go. You were thirteen years old and you were a little dramatic. 

You never gave Xiaojun a proper explanation for leaving so suddenly that day, but you had bigger problems to deal with. What were you going to do now? Step one was now out the window, but at least you still had the money you saved up, so maybe you can still make this work. It would still be okay because you had one full day tomorrow to go out and shop for his gift. Except that when you returned home, your mom informed you that your extra tutoring classes would be doubled tomorrow because your teacher will be out of town and can’t teach for the next few days. Great.

So that’s how you found yourself here, at the local street market standing under the blazing sun in your tutoring school uniform. It was summer break and your parents signed you up for additional morning classes. By the time you were let off, you’d only have an hour to shop for a gift, until it was time to go to Xiaojun’s party. 

Originally, you thought one hour should be more than enough, but as you drifted from one stall to another, you realized no one had anything just right for Xiaojun and you already promised yourself you were going to get something perfect for him, and you didn't break your promises. By the time you found something perfect for him, you didn’t realize 55 minutes had passed. When you checked the time, your eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. You were definitely going to be late. You paid the stall lady and barely waited for change as you made a mad dash toward Xiaojun’s apartment.

When you arrived, Xiaojun’s mother greeted you warmly and let you in. “He was waiting for you. He refused to start without you.”

Xiaojun had a small party with only close friends and you were the last to arrive. You felt embarrassed initially, but that was soon forgotten when the party started. 

When it was time to open the presents, Xiaojun saved yours for last, in fact, he didn’t open it until all the guests left and it was only the two of you with his parents cleaning the aftermath of the party in the background. 

He carefully pulled apart the hastily wrapped box and you held your breath in anticipation. He held up the keychain in the air to show the leather strap next to a metal charm in the shape of a ship’s helm. Xiaojun said nothing for a whole minute and suddenly you started to doubt yourself. 

“Thank you,” he breathed. “I love it.” 

His smile made your breath hitch.

You were thirteen years old when your heart started to feel lopsided in ways it had never had before.

--

The paper sitting in front of you was due soon and yet it was still there on your desk, unfinished, as if it were mocking you. You felt annoyed, but you knew at the end of the day this was your fault and only you could fix this, but no matter how hard you grasped your pen, you could not urge words of ink to spill out and fill the page. You were not sure how long you stared at the page, but you knew you had to do something about it. 

You were seventeen years old and you were lost.

With an indignant huff, you grabbed the sheet of paper and marched all the way to Xiaojun’s apartment. Xiaojun’s parents were out, so it was Xiaojun himself who let you in. He was surprised to see you, but welcomed you warmly, glad to see you face.

“Hey,” he already started to make his way back to his room after shutting the front door, not even bothering to look back to see if you were going to follow because he knew you were. “What’s up?” 

Immediately after entering Xiaojun’s room, you plopped yourself face down onto his pillow while holding up the white sheet of paper in the air. “This is killing me,” you groaned.

Xiaojun chuckled before taking hold of the paper. His eyes widened when he read its content. “You haven’t filled it out yet?” 

This sheet of paper was going to determine your whole future. This sheet was going to be your priority list of which colleges you wanted to apply for and which major you were going to study, so your teacher could help narrow it down for you and give you some career counseling. 

“I don’t know what to put,” you whined. “Help me, Xiaojun.”

“Okay, okay, do you know what school or major you’re interested in?” 

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be here.” 

“Fair point. Uhm. What’s the best school you think you can get in?” 

“I don’t know, maybe some local university?” 

“Okay… and major?” 

“I don’t know, whatever department is easiest to get into I guess.” 

Xiaojun gave you a pointed look. “Come on, take this seriously.” 

You were seventeen years old and you were frustrated. 

“I don’t know, Xiaojun! I really don’t have any clue whatsoever and everyone around me is so disappointed because I have no direction, but trust me, I can guarantee you that I’m much more disappointed than everyone around me.” 

Xiaojun’s eyes softened and he moved to sit on his bed near your defeated figure. He rubbed your back gently and his tone was sincere. “I’m not disappointed in you. I could never be disappointed in you.”

You looked up at him before opening your arms wide open for a hug, which Xiaojun granted easily. The two of you laid there in easy comfort despite the impending unknown future that loomed overhead, casting a shadow of doubt in its wake. When you were with Xiaojun, none of that mattered. 

After a while, your head perked up from its place on top of Xiaojun’s arms as you looked at him. “Wait, what about you? Did you fill it out? What do you want to be?” 

Xiaojun laughed, “yeah, I did.” 

You waited expectantly, but he said nothing. You grew annoyed. “Well? What’d you put?”

Xiaojun looked at you. His eyes were soft and warm, but you could see some faint traces of hesitation, like a surface of still water had been disturbed. The pit of your stomach dropped and you felt your throat go dry with nervous tension.

“I want to be a singer.” 

You punched him lightly. “You scared me, cause you got all serious for a second.” You laughed out loud, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. “You’re for sure going to be the best singer in all of China, no, the whole world! And I’m going to be there every step of the way to support you, Xiaojun.” 

“Okay,” he smiled softly, but his tone was almost bittersweet as though he was trying to pull back. “That’s good to hear.” 

“Why are you acting so weird? This is not like you at all.” 

He said nothing at first, but then his words hit you. All the weight off your shoulder earlier returned tenfold. “I was casted. I’m flying to South Korea next week.”

Your heart was pounding as you tried to make sense of the words that left his mouth. You remembered the first time he confided you in absolute confidence about his dreams and aspirations. You remembered countless hours he put into singing and you remembered how often he would stream videos of singers he admired. You remembered all of it.

“I’m,” you started. “I’m so happy for you, Xiaojun. This is it, this is the start of your dream. I couldn’t be more proud of you, Xiaojun, I mean it.” 

The sincerity in your tone had Xiaojun choking on his words and he didn’t know what to say. All that left his mouth was, “what do you want to be?” 

“Me?” Your chest felt heavy. “I think I just want to be happy.”

“Yeah,” he hummed. “I want you to be happy too.” 

A week later, you saw Xiaojun off at the airport. He exchanged tearful goodbyes with his parents and suddenly he was standing in front of you. His eyes looked at you expectantly, as if waiting for something that you were not sure you were able to procure for him. You gave him the biggest hug you were able to muster and hoped all the unsaid things could be transferred through touch. The two of you stayed in each other’s arms until his flight was called. With a final wave, he was off, and when he turned around to walk toward his terminal, you saw a keychain with a metal charm and an old worn down leather strap hanging from one of the zippers of his carry-ons.

You were seventeen years old when you felt your heart swell with undeniable pride, yet break simultaneously. 

--

You missed Xiaojun.

You were twenty-one years old when you came to terms with your feelings for your best friend. It was not an earth-shattering, cosmic-altering, reality-bending epiphany, but rather a quiet revelation followed by unspoken acceptance.

You were currently sitting in economy class on a flight en route to Seoul, South Korea. You had still kept in contact with him throughout the years he was out there pursuing his dreams. You decided to enroll in the local university and you picked a major on a whim. Despite the circumstances, you had really come to terms with it and grew to like it. You were now working hard at developing a solid career from it and you felt proud of yourself. 

When text messages and video calls became few and far between for you and Xiaojun due to busy schedules and time zone differences, you knew he was something more than just a friend. Your heart fluttered whenever you heard his specially assigned notification tone. You felt giddy each time before you opened his message and you read each text at least three times before sending a reply. When you don’t hear from him on days on end due to his busy schedule, time passed by at an unbearable pace. 

Xiaojun made his debut and you were one of the first to pre-order his albums. You constantly gushed and raved about his singing and his dancing. You stayed up countless nights to let Xiaojun vent and de-stress over video call despite having to sacrifice precious hours of sleep. True to your word, you were there with Xiaojun every step of the way while he achieved his dreams, but he was also there for you when you figured out your path. He was there to listen and offer advice as you considered one career path over the other and which internship to take. The two of you were there for each other. 

Due to the very nature of growing up and what that entailed, both of you were very busy and the timing was always slightly off. When you were free, he had to go on tour, but when he was free, you had to go out of town for your internship. As such, you were twenty-one years old and had not had a chance to see your best friend in person for nearly four years since he left for South Korea.

But this year, for the winter holidays, it was going to be different. You were going to make time to go see him no matter what. You were firm on the requested days off and you booked the flight weeks in advance. Xiaojun was kept in the loop of your meticulous holiday planning at all times to ensure that he could free up his schedules at just the right time to see you. 

The two of you never actually expressed your changing feelings for one another, but perhaps you didn’t need to. You had known each other practically your whole lives and what is a relationship if not the constant changing and finetuning of the little details? 

You weren’t blind to the consistent ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ texts you received from Xiaojun each day without fail, nor was he blind to your constant fretting if he had eaten yet and how he should always be taking care of himself. It was the little things that sung of true love. 

When the two of you had the chance to video call, his eyes would light up with a smile to match and you feel your soul ache in the most tender of ways. The two you lingered longer than necessary when it came to ‘goodbyes,’ but it was to be expected. 

You smiled to yourself thinking about him as you looked outside the plane window. Your flight was landing soon and you felt your anxiety gnaw at your joints while your hesitancy took a bite of your lungs. When you landed, you felt as though the ligaments in your body rusted over and each breath of air you took never seemed like enough to flow through your system. You took a few more deep breaths to center yourself before getting up to leave the plane. 

You managed to calm yourself down a substantial amount, but you felt it lurk back behind you as a sudden chill traveled up your spine during the taxi ride to Xiaojun’s dorm. It threatened to seize you by the throat, but then you realized, this was Xiaojun you were coming to see. 

The same Xiaojun who cried easily and had a pirate phase through most of his childhood. The same Xiaojun who took long bites in between food and would lose in arm wrestling matches. The same whose voice could reach unknown heights with a dedication and devotion to match. The same Xiaojun who was your best friend since childhood. The same Xiaojun whom you loved.

And with that, whatever haunted you dissipated and you found yourself at the steps of his dorm. You watched as your breath came out in chilly wisps as you knocked on the door. The sound of padded footsteps ambling along hardwood floors were heard and suddenly you were face to Xiaojun after a whole four years without him. 

The two of you took each other in. Video calling did not do Xiaojun justice. He really matured into his features over the years and you couldn’t help, but stare. 

Xiaojun broke the silence first. “Hey, you.” 

“Hey, you yourself,” you breathed.

“Come on, don’t just stand there,” Xiaojun ushered as he helped you grab your luggage. “It’s cold outside.” 

You followed him as he led you to his room. You looked around with curiosity as you passed by. The WayV dorm was cozy, but surprisingly empty, not that you minded. When you got to his door, Xiaojun saw the look on your face and knew exactly what you were thinking.

“Everyone’s out right now,” he explained. “I can formally introduce you to them when they get back.”

You nodded and watched as Xiaojun placed his hand on the door knob, before stopping in hesitation. He looked at you in earnest. “Promise me you won’t laugh, okay?” 

“Nothing can phase me, Xiaojun. I practically lived at your house and vice versa, or did a few years abroad make you forget that already?” You teased.

He gave you a look, but opened the door for you nonetheless. You expected a messy room with random socks strewn on the floor and the desk chair stacked high with a pile of clothes, but what greeted you nearly took your breath away.

The floor was spotless and fairy lights lined the walls and occasionally looped around the floor. There was a small Christmas tree in the corner dimpled with various ornaments of various sheen and sparkles. Xiaojun led you to the center of the room where the various colored fairy lights crossed one another’s path. A mistletoe tied on the fanlight hung overhead. 

“It’s beautiful,” you whispered.

Xiaojun smiled as he drew you in closer. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I really wanted it to be something special. Merry Christmas.” 

You started to tear up as you moved to meet Xiaojun in the middle, “I love you, Xiaojun.” 

You were twenty-one years old when you kissed your best friend. His lips were soft and his tongue sweet. He tasted vaguely of vanilla lip balm and peppermint bark, he tasted like the love of your life. 

When you pull back from the kiss, the adoration in his eyes made you greedy for another, so you dove back in, but not before Xiaojun can let out a quick laugh and a reaffirmation. 

“I love you, too.” 

The two of you kissed and kissed again, under the mistletoe. 

You were twenty-one years old and you were happy.

masterlist.

[dragonmartellstark]

AU: Elia Martell and Rhaella Targaryen, the sun and the dragon (1 /?)

At the end of the War of the Usurper, Elia with the help of Jaime Lannister managed to make peace with Robert Baratheon despite the fact that he killed her husband, Rhaegar Targaryen. Robert and Eddard Stark demanded the release of Lyanna Stark, Eddard's sister and Robert's fiancée, something that Elia accepted. In order to win the favor of the Starks, she agreed to return the remains of Rickard Stark and Brandon Stark, Ned's father and brother, in addition to paying funerals out of respect.

Elia returned Lyanna to her family, but what everyone did not expect was that the young woman had become pregnant with Rhaegar and this provoked the wrath of Robert Baratheon, but the princess of Dorne offered her that the little one live in Winterfell and that his mother could visiting him, something that Robert did not like, but in the end he agreed that his friend Ned raised him and that his beloved Lyanna visit his son, if he wanted to have her.

In the year 284 a. C., little Aegon was crowned Aegon VI Targaryen and Elia Martell was named as his regent, despite the gossip about the princess. That same year, Rhaella Targaryen widow of Aerys II returned from dragonstone with her children, Viserys and Daenerys, this was a great joy for Elia and her children, since mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were very appreciated and Rhaella loved her. grandchildren of her.

Elia Martell: Elia was regent for her son Aegon VI for 14 years, at that time his regency was described as peaceful and surrounded himself with advisers who were mostly Dornish, his main adviser was his brother Doran who gave him ideas about new reforms such as accepting that a young widow remarried and allowing an illegitimate child to have the right to inheritance in the event that his legitimate siblings do not have children.

In the year 298 a. C., his son Aegon was declared of legal age, Elia moved away from political life, focused on charitable acts helping various orphanages and instilling some Dornish customs in the court, being compared to the former queen, Mariah Martell. In 309 a. C., she ordered to rebuild the castle of Summer Refuge and placed in a room the portraits of the victims of the fire as a sign of respect. Elia lived for a time in the castle receiving the visit of her children, grandchildren and her brothers, leading a quiet and full life.

Elia passed away in 313 a. C. her, she at 56 years old she was the victim of her poor health and she was cremated, her ashes were buried next to those of Queen Rhaella Targaryen.

Rhaella Targaryen: Rhaella was sheltered in Dragonstone with her young son, Viserys, and her baby in her womb. She became a widowed queen when her brother-husband, Aerys II died at the hands of Jaime Lannister, but her eldest son, Rhaegar also passed away and this news broke the queen who was in her last months of gestation, but she tried to reassure herself by the good of your baby. In the year 284 a. C., Rhaella went into labor and gave birth to a girl, Daenerys, and was warned that another delivery of her could kill her. That same year, Rhaella's grandson was crowned Aegon VI Targaryen and the widow set off for King's Landing with her children to meet her beloved daughter-in-law, Elia, and her beloved grandchildren.

Rhaella remained by her family's side leading a quiet life and she spent her days taking care of her children, riding horses and having lively talks with a small social circle that she began to create. She mourned her husband for a whole year, but she was reunited with her old love, Bonifer Hasty and she obtained Elia's permission to marry hers, despite the fact that this marriage was morganatic. The queen and her new husband settled in rooms in the red fortress, and it is known that the marriage was solid and harmonious with Bonifer being a good stepfather for Viserys and Daenerys.

Rhaella Targaryen passed away in 305 a. C., at 60 years of age due to cardiac complications being a great pain for her entire family. She was cremated and her ashes rest alongside those of Rhaegar and Elia Martell.

Aegon VI Targaryen: He was king of the Seven Kingdoms and the sixth of his name, he was crowned with two years of age and his regent was his mother, Elia Martell. Aegon grew up alongside his sister, Rhaenys, and his paternal uncles, Viserys and Daenerys, receiving classes from Rhaella and Elia.

At first Aegon would marry his older sister, Rhaenys, but his grandmother convinced Elia that it was not a good idea, since Rhaella thought that so much incest practiced by several Targaryen generations could cause infertility or stillborn babies to the king, which is why he sought several maidens to be the next queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Many lords of different houses offered their daughters as wives, but it was not until 298 a. C., when Aegon came of age and organized a dance to meet the candidates to be his wife.

All the maidens of the Seven Kingdoms were introduced and Aegon danced with some of them, but he chose Shireen Baratheon, daughter of Stannis Baratheon and niece of Robert Baratheon. Although the Lord of Storm's End had two daughters, Aegon decided on Shireen, appearing to him to be a very beautiful and sweet girl, this was well liked by Elia and Rhaella in a way to appease the tensions between the Baratheon and the Targaryens.

The wedding took place on the first day of the year 299 a. C., Aegon was 17 years old and Shireen 10 years old, the marriage was not consummated until the year 304 a. C.. The marriage was happy and Shireen bore him five sons and two daughters, ensuring the descendants of the Targaryen-Baratheon.

Aegon's reign was peaceful highlighting the alliances between different houses with which the Targaryens were at odds. He married several of his sons and daughters to different members of royal houses, notably the Martells, the Lannisters, the Tyrells and the Arryns. Aegon reigned for 51 years, considered one of the kings that reigned the most in the Seven Kingdoms, being the second after Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Aegon was called "The Little King" and later "The Peacemaker", being remembered as a good king who brought peace to the kingdom after the reign of terror of his grandfather, Aerys II.

Aegon passed away in 335 a. C., at 53 years of age, victim of puerperal fever due to a hunting accident where he cut his hand and the wound was not well treated.

Rhaenys Targaryen: she was the sister of King Aegon VI and at first her fiancée, but her grandmother Rhaella convinced her mother, Elia Martell, not to do more incestuous practices because she had many difficulties to have healthy children. So Rhaenys became a highly sought-after girl because if her brother died without issue she could be the new queen along with her husband.

The princess had many suitors, but her mother decided that she would marry the heir of Winterfell, Robb Stark as a way to appease the tensions between the Starks, Baratheon and the Targaryens after Robert's Rebellion. This marriage was well seen by Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully who accepted the engagement and in receiving the princess. In 297 a. C., Rhaenys said goodbye to her family and left for the North, where her fiancée, her political family and the Stark entourage were waiting for her. That same year the case couple, the princess was 17 years old and her fiancé 14 years old, but they liked each other at first sight.

Life in the north was somewhat tumultuous for Rhaenys, as she loved to ride, dance and practice with the sword, being frowned upon by her mother-in-law, Catelyn Stark, and her sister-in-law Sansa, but she soon gained the sympathy of her father-in-law, Ned. and his brothers-in-law Arya, Bran and Rickon Stark. It is unknown how her relationship was with her half-brother Jon Stark hers when they met, but it is believed that they both had a good relationship and could even be friends.

In the year 299 a. C., Rhaenys became pregnant for the first time and this was a great joy for everyone, but the princess was pressured by her mother-in-law who criticized her for anything she did in her condition and especially when she attended her brother's wedding, Aegon with Shireen Baratheon. This burdened Rhaenys so much that she gave birth to her first child, Eddard prematurely. The next five years Rhaenys had three more children, Elia, Rhaena and Alaric Stark with them she traveled to King's Landing to visit her brother and her mother.

Rhaenys was influential in the northern court doing various tournaments and dances, in addition to organizing banquets for the vassals and their children in a way to thank her for her great effort. The princess was called "The Winter Sun" and was loved by all, but she was also the envy of some women, especially Sansa Stark and her friend, Jeyne Poole, who criticized her in her social circle for her Dornish appearance and her style of typical life of a gentleman.

In the year 304 a. C., Eddard Stark passed away due to heart problems and Rhaenys along with Robb became lords of Winterfell, being acclaimed by all. Rhaenys focused on charity, court, hunting, and her children whom she adored. As Mistress of Winterfell she was good and much loved by all, Domeric Bolton admitted that she was just as beautiful as Catelyn Tully, but Rhaenys shone like the sun.

The years passed and it is known that the couple was very happy, Robb was always faithful to his wife and he was never known for any conquest despite being highly sought after by some ladies. In the year 335 a. C., King Aegon VI died and the death of her brother was a great pain for Rhaenys since she was very close to him, losing the two people she loved the most, her mother and her brother. A year later Rhaenys became seriously ill after falling into a pool of frozen water in the cold and was in bed for several months until the first day of 337 a. C., Princess Rhaenys passed away at 57 years of age and was buried in the crypts of Invernalia where she later would be accompanied by her husband, Robb Stark.

AU: Elia Martell y Rhaella Targaryen, el sol y el dragón (1/?)

A finales de la Guerra del Usurpador, Elia con la ayuda de Jaime Lannister logró hacer la paz con Robert Baratheon pese a que este mato a su esposo, Rhaegar Targaryen. Robert y Eddard Stark exigía la liberación de, Lyanna Stark hermana de Eddard y prometida de Robert, algo que Elia acepto. Para ganarse el favor de los Stark acepto regresar los restos de Rickard Stark y Brandon Stark, el padre y el hermano de Ned, además de pagar funerales en señal de respeto.

Elia devolvió a Lyanna con su familia, pero lo que todos no esperaban era que la joven había quedado embarazada de Rhaegar y esto provoco la ira de Robert Baratheon, pero la princesa de Dorne le ofreció que el pequeño viviera en Invernalia y que su madre pudiera visitarlo, algo que no le agradaba a Robert, pero al final accedió que su amigo Ned lo criara y que su amada Lyanna visitara a su hijo, si quería tenerla.

En el año 284 d. C., el pequeño Aegon fue coronado como Aegon VI Targaryen y Elia Martell fue nombrada como su regente, pesé a las habladurías sobre la princesa. Ese mismo año, Rhaella Targaryen viuda de Aerys II volvió desde rocadragón junto a sus hijos, Viserys y Daenerys, esto fue una gran alegría para Elia y sus hijos, ya que suegra y nuera se apreciaban mucho y Rhaella amaba a sus nietos.

Elia Martell: Elia fue regente de su hijo Aegon VI por 14 años, en esos tiempos su regencia fue descrita como pacifica y se rodeo de consejeros que en su mayoría eran dornienses, su consejero principal fue su hermano Doran quien le dio ideas sobre nuevas reformas como aceptar que una viuda joven volviera a contraer matrimonio y permitir que un hijo ilegitimo tenga derecho a herencia en caso de que sus hermanos legítimos no tengan descendencia.

En el año 298 d. C., su hijo Aegon fue declarado mayor de edad, Elia se alejo de la vida política, se centro en los actos benéficos ayudando a varios orfanatos e inculcando algunas costumbres dornienses a la corte, siendo comparada con la antigua reina, Mariah Martell. En el 309 d. C., mando a reconstruir el castillo de Refugio Estival y coloco en una habitación los retratos de las victimas del incendio como señal de respeto. Elia vivió por un tiempo en el castillo recibiendo la visita de sus hijos, nietos y sus hermanos, llevando una vida tranquila y plena.

Elia falleció en el año 313 d. C., a los 56 años victima de su pésima salud y fue incinerada, sus cenizas fueron enterradas junto a las de la reina Rhaella Targaryen.

Rhaella Targaryen: Rhaella estaba resguardada en Rocadragón junto a su hijo pequeño, Viserys y el bebé en su vientre. Ella se convirtió en reina viuda al morir su hermano-esposo, Aerys II a manos de Jaime Lannister, pero su hijo mayor, Rhaegar también falleció y esta noticia rompió a la reina que estaba en sus últimos meses de gestación, pero trato de tranquilizarse por el bien de su bebé. En el año 284 d. C., Rhaella se puso de parto y dio a luz a una niña, Daenerys y se le advirtió que otro parto mas podría matarla. Ese mismo año, el nieto de Rhaella fue coronado como Aegon VI Targaryen y la viuda partió hacia Desembarco del Rey junto a sus hijos reencontrándose con su querida nuera, Elia y sus adorados nietos.

Rhaella permaneció al lado de su familia llevando una vida tranquila y paso sus días cuidando a sus hijos, cabalgando y teniendo charlas animadas con un pequeño circulo social que empezó a crear. Estuvo un año entero de luto por su marido, pero volvió a reencontrarse con su antiguo amor, Bonifer Hasty y obtuvo el permiso de Elia para casarse con el, pesé a que este matrimonio era morganático. La reina y su nuevo marido se instalaron en unas habitaciones de la fortaleza roja, y se sabe que el matrimonio fue solido y armonioso siendo Bonifer un buen padrastro para Viserys y Daenerys.

Rhaella Targaryen falleció en el año 305 d. C., a los 60 años de edad por complicaciones cardiacas siendo un gran dolor para toda su familia. Fue incinerada y sus cenizas descansan junto a las de Rhaegar y Elia Martell.

Aegon VI Targaryen: Fue rey de los Siete Reinos y el sexto de su nombre, fue coronado con dos años de edad y su regente fue su madre, Elia Martell. Aegon creció junto a su hermana, Rhaenys y sus tíos paternos, Viserys y Daenerys, recibiendo clases por parte de Rhaella y Elia.

En un principio Aegon se casaría con su hermana mayor, Rhaenys, pero su abuela convenció a Elia que no era buena idea, ya que Rhaella pensaba que tanto incesto practicado por varias generaciones Targaryen podrían causarles infertilidad o bebés mortinatos al rey por lo que se busco varias doncellas para ser la siguiente reina de los Siete Reinos. Muchos señores de distintas casas ofrecieron a sus hijas como esposas, pero no fue hasta el 298 d. C., cuando Aegon cumplió la mayoría de edad y organizo un baile para conocer a las candidatas a ser su esposa. 

Todas las doncellas de los Siete Reinos fueron presentadas y Aegon bailo con alguna de ellas, pero se decanto por Shireen Baratheon, hija de Stannis Baratheon y sobrina de Robert Baratheon. Pesé a que el Señor de Bastión de Tormenta tenia dos hijas, Aegon se decidió por Shireen pareciéndole una niña muy hermosa y dulce, esto fue bien visto por Elia y Rhaella en una forma de apaciguar las tenciones entre los Baratheon y los Targaryen.

La boda se celebró el primer día del año 299 d. C., Aegon tenia 17 años y Shireen 10 años, el matrimonio no fue consumado hasta el año 304 d. C.. El matrimonio fue feliz y Shireen le dio cinco hijos y dos hijas, asegurando la descendencia de los Targaryen-Baratheon.

El reinado de Aegon fue pacifico destacando las alianzas entre diferentes casas con las que los Targaryen estuvo enemistados. Caso a varios de sus hijos e hijas con diferentes miembros de casas reales destacándose los Martell, los Lannister, los Tyrell y los Arryn. Aegon reino por 51 años, considerado como uno de los reyes que mas reino en los Siete Reinos, siendo el segundo después de Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Aegon fue llamado “El pequeño rey” y mas adelante “El pacificador”, siendo recordado como un buen rey que trajo paz al reino después del reinado de terror de su abuelo, Aerys II.

Aegon falleció el 335 d. C., a los 53 años de edad victima de fiebres puerperales debido a un accidente de caza donde se corto una mano y no fue bien tratada la herida.

Rhaenys Targaryen: Fue la hermana del rey Aegon VI y en un principio su prometida, pero su abuela Rhaella convenció a su madre, Elia Martell de no hacer mas practicas incestuosas debido a que ella tuvo muchas dificultades para tener hijos sanos. Así que Rhaenys se convirtió en una muchacha muy pretendida ya que si su hermano fallecía sin descendencia ella podría ser la nueva reina junto a su marido.

La princesa tuvo muchos pretendientes, pero su madre decidió que se casaría con el heredero de Invernalia, Robb Stark como una forma de apaciguar las tenciones entre los Stark, Baratheon y los Targaryen después de la Rebelión de Robert. Este matrimonio fue bien visto por Eddard Stark y Catelyn Tully quien acepto el compromiso y en recibir a la princesa. En el 297 d. C., Rhaenys se despidió de su familia y partió hacia el Norte, ahí la esperaban su prometido, su familia política y la comitiva de los Stark. Ese mismo año la pareja de caso, la princesa tenia 17 años y su prometido 14 años, pero ellos se gustaron a primera vista.

La vida en el norte fue algo tumultuosa para Rhaenys, debido a que ella adoraba cabalgar, bailar y practicar con la espada siendo esto mal visto por su suegra, Catelyn Stark y su cuñada Sansa, pero pronto se gano la simpatía de su suegro, Ned y de sus cuñados Arya, Bran y Rickon Stark. Se desconoce como fue su relación con su medio-hermano Jon Stark cuando se conocieron, pero se cree que ambos tuvieron un buen trato y pudieron hasta ser amigos.

En el año 299 d. C., Rhaenys se quedo embarazada por primera vez y esto fue una gran alegría para todos, pero la princesa se vio presionada por su suegra quien la criticaba por cualquier cosa que hacia en su estado y sobre todo cuando asistió al casamiento de su hermano, Aegon con Shireen Baratheon. Esto agobio mucho a Rhaenys que dio a luz a su primer hijo, Eddard de manera prematura. Los siguientes cinco años Rhaenys tuvo tres hijos mas, Elia, Rhaena y Alaric Stark con ellos viajo a Desembarco del rey para visitar a su hermano y su madre.

Rhaenys fue influyente en la corte norteña haciendo varios torneos y bailes, además de organizar banquetes para los vasallos y los hijos de estos en forma de agradecer su gran esfuerzo. La princesa fue llamada “El sol del Invierno” y fue querida por todos, pero también fue la envidia de algunas mujeres en especial de Sansa Stark y su amiga, Jeyne Poole quienes la criticaban en su circulo social por su aspecto dorniense y su estilo de vida típico de un caballero.

En el año 304 d. C., falleció Eddard Stark por problemas de corazón y Rhaenys junto a Robb se convirtieron en señores de Invernalia, siendo aclamados por todos. Rhaenys se centro en los actos de caridad, en la corte, la caza y en sus hijos a los cuales adoraba. Como Señora de Invernalia fue buena y muy querida por todos, Domeric Bolton admitió que ella era igual de hermosa que Catelyn Tully, pero Rhaenys brillaba como el sol.

Los años pasaron y se sabe que la pareja fue muy feliz, Robb siempre fue fiel a su esposa y nunca se le conoció alguna conquista pese a ser muy pretendido por algunas damas. En el año 335 d. C., falleció el rey Aegon VI y la muerte de su hermano fue un gran dolor para Rhaenys ya que estaba muy unida a el perdiendo a las dos personas que mas quiso, su madre y a su hermano. Un año después Rhaenys enfermo gravemente tras caerse a un estanque de agua helada en pleno frío y estuvo en cama por varios meses hasta que el primer día del año 337 d. C., la princesa Rhaenys falleció a los 57 años de edad y fue enterrada en las criptas de Invernalia donde mas adelante seria acompañada por su marido, Robb Stark.

[atlafan]

Take it Slow - Part Eighty-Seven

a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.

Warnings: Fluff and Smut.

Masterpost (all previous parts can be found in the masterpost)

You were thankful it was the weekend so you didn’t have to miss work because your fever did not break over night. Harry did have a photoshoot, but he called Mariah and she was able to cover for him. You told him over and over to just go and that you’d just be sleeping it off, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“It’s not like I have the flu, I’m not even throwing up.”

“But your forehead is hotter than shit, so I’m not leavin’. These people know Mariah, s’not a big deal.”

“But you won’t get paid for it, and-“

“Y/N.” He snaps. “M’takin’ care of yeh.”

“I don’t want you to get sick too.” You pout.

“I’ll be fine, I don’t really get sick.” He shrugs. “Now, I want you to drink your tea and relax. It’s rainin’ a bit today so you’re not even missin’ out on any nice weather.”

“M’so cold.” You shiver.

“Let me get some more blankets, hold on.”

He goes into the guest room and grabs the comforter. He throws it over you and helps you get cozier.

“Thank you, I’m sorry.”

“Babe.” He chuckles. “Don’t be sorry.” He strokes your head. “Alright, so you ate your toast so that’s good…got fresh tea…took some Tylenol…I’m gonna leave yeh be, do some work up in the loft. My phone’s with me, just text me or call if you need anything, okay?”

“Okay, thank you.”

He kisses your hairline and heads out of the bedroom. Buster sits up in the loft with Harry, although he won’t stop whining.

“Buster, I know mummy’s home and you wanna see her, but she doesn’t feel good.” He strokes the top of his head. “Isn’t daddy enough?” Buster yips and licks Harry’s hand. He chuckles and strokes him one more times. “Should we go check on her? Been and hour and she hasn’t called f’me.”

Harry and Buster go down the stairs and head to the bedroom. He opens the door slowly and sees you passed out, and curled up with your baby blankets snuggled to your face. Harry thinks it’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen, and if you didn’t look so terrible he definitely would’ve taken your picture. He smiles and leaves the room.

“She’s just fine, Buster. Let’s take you out for a walky.”

When Harry gets back from taking Buster out, he hears things coming from the kitchen. He pushes the door open and crosses his arms when he sees you out of bed.

“What are you doin’?” You jump and turn to look at him.

“I got hungry.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” You shrug. “Y/N.” He sighs. “Let me make yeh lunch. If you had just waited you would have seen I was going to bring you some soup.”

“Stop treating me like a baby. I know how to take care of myself.” You pout. “I needed to get up and stretch anyways.” You grab the pot you were looking for and put it on the stove.

Harry sighs and walks over to you. Before you know it, you’re being scooped up, and carried off to your bedroom. You don’t even fight him, it felt nice to be snuggled a little. He sets you back down on the bed.

“I’ll make your soup.”

“Will you come cuddle after I eat? Need cuddles, Harry.”

He smiles and nods before leaving the room. He cracks open the can of sodium filled noodle soup he knew you were craving and pours it into the pot. After five minutes it’s just hot enough and he pours it into the bowl. Harry has Buster lay in his dog bed while he goes back into the bedroom.

“Here yeh go darlin’.” You take the soup from.

“Thank you.”

“I just need to finish some things up, and then I’ll come lay with you for a bit, okay?”

“Okay.”

After an hour, Harry finished up on the photos he was editing. He couldn’t just not work while he was home. You perk up when you see him come in again. He gets on the bed and crawls towards you. He wraps his arm around you and you snuggle into his chest.

“Needed cuddles, hm?”

“Mhm, it’s the best medicine.”

You were cute when you were sick, and he couldn’t stand it. He smiles as he rests his chin on your head. He swipes the back of his hand across your forehead.

“You’re still really warm, Y/N…”

“I know.”

“You eat all your soup?”

“Yup.”

He was trying to think of what else he could do for you. But when he feels you nestle in further to him, he knew he was doing exactly what you needed. You just wanted to be held and caressed by him. Your stomach started to feel weird though.

“Oh no.” You say to yourself. “Harry, I think I’m going to-“ You clasp your hand over your mouth and you practically jump off the bed.

You just make it to the toilet. All of the soup you had came up. Harry rushes in as you flush the toilet. Your hair was already up, so he didn’t need to hold it back for you. He grabs a rag and runs it under the cold water to press to your forehead. When he’s done you stand up and brush your teeth.

“Guess it’s a stomach bug, great.” You groan.

“Soup was probably too heavy on your stomach, I’ll stick to toast and tea.” He rubs your back and helps you back into bed. He drags a bucket over just in case you won’t be able to make it to the bathroom next time.

It seems like every hour you had to throw up. You threw up until nothing but bile was left. You had started crying because the heaving was killing your stomach. Harry hated seeing you like this, and so did Buster.

“Here, I ran down to the corner store and got you some Gatorade.” He says handing it to you, but you shake your head. “I know you don’t wanna keep pukin’, but this’ll give you some strength back, I promise.”

You take slow sips of the Gatorade as you sit on the bathroom floor. Harry sits down next to you and tries to soothe you.

“I never get sick like this. Colds here and there, but I don’t get this at all. I get a flu shot every year.”

“S’not the flu, it’s a little bug…” He looks over at the tub. “Hey, why don’t I run you a nice, hot bath, hm? I’ll put some bubbles in it too. You can just sit and relax. Would you like that?”

You nod and he gets up to turn the water in the tub on. You were able to keep the Gatorade down for now, but you weren’t going to hold your breath. You watch Harry put the bubble bath into the water. He helps you up and you get all your clothes off. You sigh when you sink into the warm water. He goes into the bedroom to grab his glasses and a book, and sits on the floor next to the tub, leaning back against it. Buster comes trotting in and lays next to Harry.

You reach a hand out to play with Harry’s hair and he moans softly, closing his eyes to enjoy it. You can your arm around him as he reads, and you feel your eyes get droopy. When he hears your soft snores he turns to look at you.

“Babe?” He nudges you.

“Mm…”

“Can’t have yeh fallin’ asleep in there, c’mon.”

He wraps a towel around you and lifts you out. He puts one of his t-shirts on you and gets you into bed. He grabs the thermometer and sticks it in your ear.

“Hm, temp’s finally goin’ down. Maybe you just needed to throw it all up.”

“Maybe. Now I just feel tired.”

“Throwin’ up all day can do that.” He strokes your cheek. “Want some more toast?”

“I never want to eat toast again.”

“I’ll get some crackers then. See if we can keep that down.”

//

You didn’t remember falling asleep, but you must have passed out after you took more NyQuil. You felt weak from throwing up all day yesterday, but all in all you were feeling better. You didn’t have a temperature anymore, but Harry still wouldn’t let you do much. At least he let you out of the bedroom today.

“I just wanna go out on the balcony, it’s so nice out.”

“Alright.” He follows you outside and you both sit down. Buster sits between the two of you.

“He’s gotten so big, I can’t believe it.” You sigh.

“Don’t think he’ll be gettin’ much bigger at least.”

“Any word on how Eliza May is doing?”

“Oh sure, she’s great, so is El. They’re all just tired.” He takes his phone out. “Lou sent along some pictures yesterday.” You take his phone from him and look through them.

“She’s so tiny!” You squeal. “So precious.” You hand his phone back to him.

“So, you’re really feelin’ better?”

“Mhm, much. I can’t thank you enough for being so good to me yesterday.” You reach your hand out to hold his. He happily takes it.

“Don’t need to thank me, it’s all just part of it.” He shrugs.

“Part of what?”

“This.” He gestures between the two of you. “Like, it’s just what you do when you love someone. You’d do the same for me.”

“In a heart beat, doll.” You squeeze his hand.

//

It was officially September. Sarah and Niall’s trip to Ireland went really well, and while he was out there, he asked her to move in with him. She of course said yes, and was so excited. Her and Rachel sobbed on each other for nostalgic purposes, it was an end to era. But Rachel could afford her apartment on her own, and she was sort of used to living by herself anyways. It was a really easy move. All Sarah needed to bring with her was clothes and some other small things.

Labor Day Weekend was rolling around and you all were trying to figure out what you wanted to do. Seth was having party at his apartment, and it would be nice to be outside instead of stuffed into someone’s apartment.

“You’d like his place, he has a pool and a small yard out back.” You explain. “It’ll be more chill than the fourth.”

“Alright, yeah, let’s go.” Harry says.

“Are you sure? We can find something else to do…”

“No, I think it’ll be fun. Besides, Niall, Mariah, and Isaac will all be there.” You smile at him and get ready for bed. You turn over and he taps your shoulder. “Excuse me?”

“Yes?”

You hadn’t had sex since you had gotten sick, just wanting to make sure you wouldn’t pass anything along to him. He looks at you with his bedroom eyes and it send a surge through you. You roll onto your back.

“Is the store still closed, or can I come in?” You burst our laughing and pull him onto you, opening your legs up.

He dips his head down and kisses you, sinking his teeth into your bottom lip.

“Mm, before we get started, you can’t leave any visible marks on me.”

“Why the fuck not?” Oh great, aggressive Harry.

“It’s one thing with our close friends, but…I don’t know…I don’t want Isaac seeing, or any random person that also might be there.”

“Or Seth.”

“Harry.” You roll your eyes, and he snatches your cheeks between his thumb and forefinger so you’ll look at him.

“You’ve been so good about not doin’ that.” He makes a tsk tsk noise.

“Doing what?”

He smirks at you and shakes his head.

“I’ll take my rings off, but hand’s goin’ right around that little throat of yours.” He sits up and takes his rings off, setting them down on the night table. Your heart was beating really fast. “That alright with you?”

“Do I have a choice?” You smirk.

“Course you do.” His features soften. “M’not gonna force you to let me choke you.” He chuckles.

“You’re doing a lot of talking, and not a whole lot of choking.”

His mouth falls open and you start giggling. He lifts your shirt off and kisses down your stomach, and down to your center. He looks up at you while he makes light licks up towards your clit. You grip the blankets, and then his tongue is plunging inside you. His thumb rubs circles on your clit, and one of your hands tugs at his hair. He groans against you, and your hips buck up towards him. He lets you grind against his face, not something he always lets you do since he likes being in control of your orgasm. He looks up at you and is elated. Your head was thrown back and you were biting your bottom lip, just going to town on his tongue.

You gasp when he pinches your clit, and then rubs it furiously.

“Oh my god, oh my god, fuck! Harry!” Music to his ears. You come all over his tongue and he laps it up.

He gives you a minute to catch your breath before spreading your legs back apart. He thrusts into you and you grab at his biceps to keep yourself steady. You don’t stay like that long though. He grabs your legs and throws them over his shoulders. Your back arches from feeling him so deep.

Not that you didn’t always enjoy sex with Harry, but you were really feeling it tonight. You wanted to feel more. You reach for one of his hands. He thinks you just want to lace your fingers together, but you pull his hand towards your throat. He drops one of your legs so he can lean in easier. He gets a really good grip on you and your eyes roll into the back of your head.

You were going to come again, any second really. He he was hitting your g-spot, and everything just felt amazing. He feels you tighten around him and you gasp as you release. He lets go of your throat to help you get some air. You reach up and grab his face to bring towards yours. You slot your mouth over his and his thrusts become quick and sloppy.

“Fuck, Harry.” You wrap your legs around his waist, and his come shoots inside you.

He collapses on top of you, and you hold him close to your chest. You kiss his hairline over and over and he whimpers as he pulls out.

“You could’ve stayed inside longer.” You say softly.

“I know, but I really need to wee.”

You laugh as he gets up and shuffles into the bathroom. You use it next and then you both get settled. He rolls over so you can spoon him, and you nestle in close to his back. He holds the hand that’s draped over his side and presses it to his stomach.

“Love you baby.” You coo.

“Love you too.”

//

The next day around 11AM, you, Harry, Niall, and Sarah all drive together to Seth’s. Rachel and Mariah would be meeting you there. It was hotter than a mother fucker out, so you knew you’d be swimming. You had a white tank top on with some jean shorts, a cute on piece on underneath.

Plenty of Seth’s friends were already there, and so was Isaac. They both smile when they see the group of you show up. Rachel and Mariah had already arrived as well. Seth comes over to greet you all.

“Hey!” He hugs you, maybe a little too long for Harry’s liking, but then lets you go. He shakes Harry’s hand.

“I made that taco dip you like so much.” You smile and take it from Harry.

“You’re the best! Wanna bring it inside for me? You can just stick it on the table. I’m trying to keep the food out of the sun.”

“Good idea.”

You and Sarah go into the apartment together to set all the food you brought down.

“Grab a chair guys, plenty of places to sit. Obviously not as big as my parent’s place, but it works. Feel free to jump in the pool too.” He smiles and walks away.

Harry and Niall find a place to sit. You and Sarah walk back out with drinks for all four of you. You kiss Harry’s cheek and then go to say hit to Rachel and Mariah.

“You look cute.” Rachel pats your bum and you giggle.

“Thanks! These shorts suit me, hm?”

“Yeah, they look comfy too.”

“They are! Got them through StitchFix believe it or not.”

Harry looks over to see Isaac and Seth sharing a wicker love-seat. Seth has his arm around Isaac’s shoulders. Everyone seems really chill. Rachel and Mariah pull up chairs so they can sit with you all, and you plop down in Harry’s lap. He wasn’t expecting it, but he was happy about it.

“I don’t know how you two can sit like that, it’s way too fucking hot.” Sarah laughs.

“Didn’t you know, we need to be touching at all times.” You say sarcastically and everyone laughs. You turn to look at him. “You’re not too hot like this are you? I’ll move-“

“Nope, wantcha right here.”

“Y/N, when does Nannie come into town?” Rachel asks.

“Oh! Not for a couple of weeks. Did you all want to come over for New Year’s dinner too? My family will be there of course, but I know with school starting it’s not easy for you guys to zip home.”

“Are you making brisket?” Sarah asks.

“What the fuck else would I make?” You chuckle. “Of course!”

“Then I’m there.”

“Will your mum make that dump cake?” Niall asks.

“Obviously.”

“Then I’m there too.”

“Yay!”

The only person that knew about the full plans of that weekend was Niall. Harry had even barely told Louis. He was desperately trying to keep everything under wraps.

//

After a few drinks, you were ready to go for a swim. You were sweating way too much for it to be comfortable anymore. You get off Harry and take your tank top off.

“Ow, ow!” Sarah says and you flip her off.

“Oh, shut up. Are you gonna swim with me?”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

You flip your hair over and throw it up into a bun, next you take your shorts off.

“I can’t remember the last time you wore a one-piece, it’s cute, but I’m surprised.” Rachel says.

The three of you walk over to the pool.

“I sort of needed to. I had marks on my hips, and I have a really fresh one right here.” You tap near your left ribs. “He listened to me last night, but attacked me this morning in the shower.” You sigh. “Oh well.”

They both giggle at you and you all step into the pool. You all sigh with relief. Isaac comes into the water with you all.

“Hey Isaac.” You say.

“Hi girls, mind if I join you?”

“Not at all!” Sarah says.

“It was just getting way too hot.”

“Agreed.” You say. “So, you looked real cozy with Seth.” You smirk.

“We’ve been very cozy.” He winks at you. “It’s only been a few weeks, but I really see this turning into something.” He says quietly. “He’s like a really good cook.”

“I know.” You and Sarah say at the same time, and both burst out laughing.

“Oh that’s right, you slept with him too.” He laughs.

“Only for a semester. Y/N got that D for an entire school year.”

You splash at her and look over to the boys to make sure they didn’t hear.

“Can you maybe not? He’s in a good mood, and I don’t need him getting all…dominant.”

“You do know how toxic that sounds right?” Sarah asks.

“Yeah, Y/N…since when are you afraid of Harry?” Rachel asks.

“I’m not afraid of him, I just don’t want to cause any unnecessary drama. No one needs to be reminded that I used to fuck our party host.”

“Why not, it’s fun to talk about.” Seth says as he sits at the edge of the pool. He pulls Isaac to stand between his legs, facing away from him. Isaac leans back to rest his forearms on Seth’s thighs. “Ohhh, that’s right, your boyfriend might get a little jealous, my bad.” He smirks.

“Leave Harry alone.” Isaac pouts up at Seth. “He means well, he’s a mooshball at heart.”

“It’s true…he’s very sensitive.” You look over at him again. He was laughing over something with Niall and Sarah. “So can we cool it with all that?”

Everyone agrees and shrugs it off. The conversation goes back to something lighter. Seth says something that makes everyone burst into laughter, especially you. You felt like you couldn’t breathe, and had tears streaming down your cheeks. It made everyone else laugh even harder.

“On that note, I’m gonna fire the grill up.” He stands up.

“Do you need help?” Isaac asks looking up at him. Seth crouches in front of him and shakes his head no. He kisses him quick on the lips, stands up, and walks towards the grill. Isaac turns back to you three. “God, he’s so hot.” You all giggle.

“So, how often does that happen?” You ask.

“Plenty often.” He smiles. “He’s a really good kisser. Never dated a guy with a lip piercing before, it’s cool.”

“Dated, so you’re dating?” Rachel asks with a smile.

“I guess so…I mean I’d say we’re seeing each other, right?”

“Oh for sure.” Sarah says. “I mean, he openly kissed you at his party. If that’s not a signal that he’s taken, I don’t know what is.”

Niall, Harry, and Mariah all come towards the pool and get in. You feel giddy when you see Harry sort of sweaty with his shirt off. You wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him.

“It’s not your birthday anymore, so that’ll be enough of that.” Sarah says.

“Jesus, Seth can kiss Isaac, but I can’t kiss Harry?” You ask, letting go of him.

“Kiss? Yes. Tongue fuck? No.” She chuckles.

“My tongue wasn’t even leaving my mouth!” You laugh.

“I can vouch for her, it was a closed mouth kiss, Sarah. But I’d be happy to-“

“Nope!” She dives under the water and swims away. Niall follows her.

The rest of you laugh.

“Does she seriously have a problem with PDA? I don’t wanna make her uncomfortable?” Harry asks you.

“No, I just think that anytime she sees us go at it she remember that time you sucked on my neck so hard my skin popped when you let go and it freaked her out.”

“Ohhhhh.” He looks at Isaac. “So, you’re havin’ fun?”

“Mhm, lots.”

“He’s treatin’ yeh nice and all that?”

“Yes, Dad, he treats me real nice.”

“Oi, I’m just makin’ sure, don’t get your knickers twisted.”

“You know what I think the problem here is?” Mariah starts. “Isaac’s fullest attention used to be yours, and now it’s not and I think you’re a little jealous.” She smiles.

“Me?!”

“God, who else?”

“M’just lookin’ out for my friend.” He crosses his arms.

“But there’s nothing for you to look out for.” Isaac says. “Although, I haven’t minded the extra attention from you.”

“What do you mean there’s nothing to look out for?”

“I mean, he’s genuinely a really nice guy.”

“It’s true, Harry.” Rachel says. “I’ve known Seth a long time, and never have I ever seen him hurt someone he’s dated. If things didn’t work out, it was usually because of the other person, not him. God, Y/N, do you remember when he found out Mel cheated on him?”

“That was not good, not good at all. It was a miracle we got him to stop crying.”

“What stupid bitch would cheat on him? To give up a dick like that?”

Our jaw drops and you start laughing, so does Rachel.

“What are you admitting to, exactly?” You ask him, giggling.”

“Shut up.” He pouts. “Answer the question.”

“He wouldn’t have sex with her. It was our freshman year, and he hadn’t had sex in general, and she didn’t feel like being patient. She was a stupid bitch.” You explain.

“Did you beat her up?” Harry jokes.

“No, but I should have!”

“I would’ve paid money to see that. She knew better than to come around us again.” Rachel says.

Eventually you all get some food, and the day goes on. Harry notices various point of you and Seth chatting and laughing. He’s shocked when he’s not even a little bothered. For the first time in his entire life, he felt safe and secure.

Later on, Harry finds himself in the kitchen making some drinks when Seth walks in.

“Hey, man, having fun?” Seth asks him with a smile.

“Yeah, thanks again for havin’ us.” Harry smiles back. “Things seem to be going well with you and Isaac.”

“Yeah! He’s really great. Thanks again for being so cool about Y/N wanting to set us up.”

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t super comfortable with it at first…given your history.” He rubs the back of his neck. “But you seem to make my friend happy, so…” He takes a sip of his drink. “And you do throw a pretty good party.” He smiles.

“Thanks.” He grabs a fresh bowl of chips to bring outside. “I do really like Isaac, I’m not going to do anything to hurt him. I just wanted you to hear that from me.”

“I appreciate that.”

//

Later that night, Seth gets a fire started. You had all changed into somewhat warmer clothes. You were sitting in Harry’s lap, feeding him a s’more. Some of the chocolate gets on his chin and you suck it off discretely. He feeds you one, and you both giggle, trying not to make a mess.

Harry was really proud of you. You stuck to drinking seltzer water all day. You made it look like an actual drink so no one would say anything to you. You had started to level out from your meds, and things were getting better for you mentally.

“Went on a drink run.” Sarah says, handing you a cup.

“Thanks.” You smile. You sip on it without thinking and cough it up when you taste the vodka.

“What’s wrong? You’ve been drinking vodka tonic’s all day…” She frowns.

“I…uh…” You get off of Harry, and walk towards the house. “I have to go to the bathroom, excuse me.” Sarah looks at Harry.

“She’s…not really able to drink alcohol right now, but she doesn’t really want everyone knowin’ why, and it’s not what you think.” He smirks. “So get that thought out of your mind right now.”

“Well, if she’s not pregnant, why wouldn’t she be drinking?”

“Does she need a reason? Can’t a person just decide not to drink?” He sighs. “I’m gonna make sure she’s alright.”

Harry goes into the house and finds you in the bathroom. He closes the door behind him.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I genuinely needed to pee. What did you say to her?”

“I just said you weren’t drinkin’.” He shrugs. “I assured her it wasn’t because you were pregnant, so don’t worry about that rumor getting’ started.”

“Thanks.” You smile. “I just don’t want them knowing…not yet anyways. I don’t want them looking at me any different.”

“I know baby, you’ll tell them when you’re ready.”

He wraps his arms around you and kisses the top of your head.

A couple of hours later, and you’re all ready to head out. You give Seth a hug goodbye and thank him for a great time. You and Harry sit in the backseat of Niall’s car while him and Sarah sit up front.

“That was a lot of fun.” Niall says. “Feel like I never left the pool.”

“It was definitely nice to have a place to cool off today. I’m glad we didn’t decide to just have a party at our place.” Sarah says.

“Our place.” You giggle. “Love that for you guys.” Sarah turns around to you and gives you a beaming smile.

When you get home you say goodnight to your friends. You couldn’t wait to see Buster. He had spent the day with your mom. He yips at the two of you when you walk in and you rub his belly.

“My good boy.” You coo.

Harry wraps his arms around your waist and spins you around.

“What are you doing?” You laugh.

“Nothin’, just love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

He sets you down and you look at him. You cup his face and pull him down to you. You kiss him and lace your hands through his hair. His hands slide your butt and he gives you a squeeze. You sink further into the kiss.

“Hey, um, how tired are you?”

“Not very, why?”

“What if…I went and took a shower?” He rubs the back of his neck.

No matter how many times you two did this, Harry was always bashful when he asked for it. You thought it was cute. You bite your bottom lip and look up at him. You pull him back in to kiss you, sticking your tongue in his mouth, making him groan against you.

“I think that’s a great idea.”

[saxxxology]

a king’s duty

Sam likes a big family, and he’ll make sure it only keeps growing.

PAIRING: King!Alpha!Sam x Queen!Omega!Reader

WARNINGS: a/b/o dynamics, smut

NOTE: Do not save or repost my work without my consent. 

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Sam takes his kingly duties seriously. He’s ruled over his kingdom for well over a decade, ever since his father and predecessor gifted he and his brother their own sections of land. Nothing in life could be better; his citizens are happy and prospering, his servants are preparing a festival and banquet for the Easter holiday, and Sam himself is planning to ensure that the holiday bears an announcement to celebrate the day’s purpose.

You and Sam have made a decent family already, six pups over the last nine years of your marriage, but he wants more. A large family means more heirs to carry both his lineage and the throne, and you’re more than happy to give him all the children he wants.

He’s been gone on a hunt with the kingsguard for several days, tracking a herd of deer through the dense forests. When you hear the bellowing of the horns and the commotion coming from the town below, you race to your bedroom window and peer down into the streets. Sam’s on his towering steed, shaggy-haired and dirty from his travels. It’s late in the afternoon, and you know that he’ll be starving for a properly cooked meal. 

Sam loves it when you prepare his suppers. Within weeks of becoming his bride you’d arranged for your own private kitchens to keep regularly stocked with the finest meats and vegetables. Even though Sam is a well-liked king, there are still those from faraway kingdoms who despise his rule and the risk of accidentally eating a poisoned meal, albeit slim, is too much for you to gamble with. Your children also only eat from your kitchens, after an incident with rancid chicken and a weekend spent cleaning sick bowls and tending fevers and chills placed the wellbeing of your offspring in your hands alone. 

“Mother, mother!” Elizabeth, your firstborn, clutches your skirts, tugging frantically. She’s got her father’s coppery hair and hazel eyes, as do all your children—the only one to have your hair color is Anne, your one-year-old daughter. “Father’s home!”

“I know.” You set a cutting board on the counter and crouch to pull her into your arms. “Go fetch your siblings and greet your father. I’ll have supper ready soon.”

Giggling, Elizabeth races from the room, shouting for her brothers and sisters in the hallway. She’s a rowdy seven-year-old, much louder and more boisterous than the others, and you’ve noticed that her behavior is starting to rub off on your other growing children. Jonathan, at five and a half, is nearing her height and the two often have to be pulled apart during tussels in the hallways over dolls and other toys they’ve found. Katherine and Alexander, your only pair of twins, are more subdued, preferring to draw with bits of charcoal on the stone floors. Mariah is the youngest of the group, and she’s still discovering where she fits in, much less how to talk properly without getting frustrated. Anne is nearing one, and still sleeps heavily in her bassinet between feeds and cuddles from her parents. 

A decent pack with almost too many mouths to feed. 

Sam enters the kitchens just when you’ve dropped meat in an iron skillet. He’s got Mariah in his arms, Jonathan on his shoulders, and the other four trailing close behind, bouncing on their feet. His beard has grown thick, and you welcome his kiss with a slight grimace as the stubble grazes your skin. He looks tired, and you sigh happily at his warm, musky (if slightly smelly) scent.

“I missed you,” he hums, setting the children down and kneeling to welcome them all into his arms. “And how are my beautiful pups?”

“Your children have been quite the handful since you’ve been gone,” you reply, giving Elizabeth and Jonathan stern looks. “These two got into quite the tussle in the gardens yesterday.”

“Over what?” Sam raises his eyebrows.

“Snail shells,” Jonathan pipes up, “we were collecting them and Elizabeth stole mine!”

“I did not!” Elizabeth interjects. “I’m just better at collecting them so I got more.”

“Enough,” you tap your wooden spatula on the side of your skillet, “no more fighting while your father’s home, run along and wash up for supper.” You watch your children scamper off, shaking your head. “Those two… always a competition.”

Sam chuckles and presses another firm kiss to your cheek. “They get it from me.”

“Oh, I know they do,” you chuckle, wrinkling your nose. “Sam, you know I love you, but you do smell… please go and have a quick bath. There’s even some lavender soap for you.”

He sighs happily. “Of course, my love. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Your children come running back after you’ve finished preparing their dinner. As usual, you examine their little pink fingers for dirt (you have to send Alexander to the washbasin in the corner for a second cleaning) and allow them to take their places at the table. They squabble briefly for chunks of bread before quieting down, and you wonder with a shake of your head why you want so badly to add yet another child to your ever-growing pack.

When Sam returns, the food is lined on the table, and he serves himself before allowing the children to dig into their own plates. Anna’s woken from her nap, and you seek a brief respite from the chatter to feed her in the quiet of her nursery. She feeds heavily, suckling at your breast with enthusiasm as your sweet milk fills her little belly. Your milk production is slowing, a sign that you’re almost ready to receive another pup in your womb. 

The children are just finishing their supper when you return, and you allow each child a small square of chocolate from the market for their dessert before sending them off to their rooms to prepare for bed. Sam waits at the table as you spoon a helping of potatoes, meat, and drop a slice of bread onto a plate and meet him at the table. 

“How are you, my love?” he asks, gazing fondly at you. 

“I’m well,” you reply, “tired, but well.”

He squeezes your hand, giving a supportive smile. It’s often that you need reassurance that you’re a good mother, and Sam never fails to give you the encouragement you need. “You’ve done wonderfully in my absence, as always. Our pups are growing strong.”

You accept his praise with a flush of heat. “I can only do my best. Elizabeth is growing more outspoken by the day.”

“And your best is more than perfect.” Sam lifts your hand to his mouth, kissing your fingers. “Elizabeth is the eldest, and first in line. She’ll need to be outspoken when she takes the throne.”

You finish eating quickly and pile your dishes at the end of the table for the servants to clean. Sam helps you prepare warm milk and honey in small wooden cups and escorts you upstairs, to where your children are already tucked into their separate beds. After a drink, tuck in, and generous kisses from both you and Sam, they’re left to fall asleep. A quick check on Anna in her nursery proves that your babe is slumbering peacefully, and Sam pulls you into a deep, warm kiss over her bassinet.

Another day, another victory. 

In the safety of your private chambers, Sam helps you undress, pulling the ribbon from your bodice and lifting your dress up over your head and leaving you naked. His rumbling growl of arousal echoes in your ears as his hands skim over your sides, trailing around to cover the flat expanse of your belly. 

“I miss you being round,” he murmurs, “all big and swollen with our child…”

“I know you do.” You turn around stretching up on your toes to press your lips to his. His growing erection presses against your hip through his trousers, and he allows you to undress him slowly, teasing with soft skims of your fingers and warm kisses on his lips.

He lifts you onto the bed, kneeling forward until you can lie down with your head on one of the soft pillows. He kisses you hard, wedging his hips between your thighs. His weight is welcome on top of you, all warm and firm against your soft, pliant body. You’re already wet, and he uses that to his advantage.

“I’ve been thinking about this,” he whispers, “for days now… filling you up, giving you another pup….”

He groans when you reach between your legs and grip him firmly, guiding him to your entrance. He takes the lead when he feels himself slip into the soft crevice of your folds, and you stifle a gasp against his shoulder when he surges in in a quick, gratifying thrust. You’re tight, clenching wet and hot around his shaft like the night he’d taken you as his bride. 

“Let me relax,” you urge him, a palm against his shoulder as you fight the discomfort. It’s easier to take him during your heats; for an Alpha, he’s incredibly well-endowed, and you’re a smaller than average Omega. 

You’d made a joke after you’d mated for the first time that if his lordship came down to purely the size of his manhood he could rule the world. 

Sam peppers your cheeks with gentle kisses and gently rocks his pelvis, urging your body to grow accustomed to his penetration. When you settle underneath him, heels digging into the backs of his thighs, he seals his lips over yours and gives a steady thrust. You clutch his arms, sighing through your nose at the hot, thick slide. He presses deeper, rocking his hips from side to side, and increases the intensity of his movements, making love firmly and passionately. Just the way you like. 

“Oh, God…” you tip your head back, baring your throat for him, and Sam latches on, grinding his hips heavily against yours as his teeth scrape over your sensitive skin and the faint traces of your claim mark at the base of your throat. He growls when you dig your nails into his ass, and he braces his palms on the mattress as he ruts heavily into you.

Sam watches your face contort in the candlelight, brows arching as your mouth stretches into a wide smile. He’s found your sweet spot, and he focuses his thrusts there, grunting and panting like an animal. 

“That’s my Omega,” he praises, kissing you deep and wet. “Oh, that’s it… I can feel you, honey love…”

He curls one hand into your hair, thrusting a little harder and faster as you begin to peak. Your body flushes hot, sweat making your skin slippery. You wrap your arms around his back, nails digging into his skin, and Sam swallows your cry of pleasure as you shudder and writhe underneath him with the force of your climax. Your thighs squeeze his waist, and he groans loudly, his knot beginning to swell. 

He shoves the girth of it into your cunt with a vicious thrust that has you squealing. Bursts of his seed fill your womb, warming your lower belly as his teeth scrape over your shoulder. He goes lax with a heavy sigh, shifting so that your knees ride higher on his ribcage.

“My beautiful Omega,” he whispers softly, trailing a thumb over your lips. “I love you so much.”

Your reply is stifled by a kiss that has you squirming underneath his weight. He rests his forehead on yours, steadying his breath with a long, slow sigh. “We’re going to have another pup,” you whisper.

“I know we are.” Sam growls possessively and carefully rolls you onto your side, keeping your hips level with his. “I’ll fill you with pups as long as you’ll have them.”

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[isthisthingeven0n]

down to earth : d.d

brief summary: your birthday is coming up in a few days, but with your new baby the last thing you want to do is celebrate. but with the help of natalie, she ensures that you and david make the most of your birthday

word count: 1.4k requested: yes by a sweet ass anon and i am loving daddy david ugh the fluff warnings: none that i’m aware of? but if there are any do let me know!

* masterlistin’ / masterlistin’ 2.0

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it isn’t me. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

It was your birthday in three days. Normally, this was something you spent weeks leading up to it counting down the days, waiting to celebrate with everyone. You loved your birthday because it was a chance to bring everyone together and that you got spoilt by those who love you- this was always an added bonus. 

Yet, this year it was the last thing on your mind. The thought of organising a party for everyone to attend with enough time to contemplate those who couldn’t make a certain date was exhausting. You could barely organise time with David to eat dinner as a family, let alone a birthday celebration. 

“David!” You yell through the house as your little girl bounces on your hip, gargling to herself as you wipe her mouth once more. “David!” You repeat, wandering from her bedroom as you stand at the top of the stairs.

Quickly moving through the kitchen, David slides across the wooden floorboards and stops at the bottom of the stairs. He smiles breathlessly at you both, seeing a heavy frown lining your lips.

“Everything okay?” He nervously questions, twirling his wedding ring around his finger as you let out a tired sigh. 

“No,” You admit. “Elsie has been sick again over our bedding.” 

Sighing to himself he nods before walking up the stairs toward you both. “Want me to clean it?” He mutters, watching as you shake your head. “Here,” He takes Elsie in his arms, smiling brightly to her. “Hi, baby!” He beams to his daughter as she giggles in his arms. 

“I’ll just clean it up.” You comment as you struggle to keep your eyes open as you walk back into your bedroom, yawning as you go. 

As David walks down the stairs with Elsie in his arms, his phone starts ringing. “Oh sh-” He looks down as his daughter furrows her brows together, just like her Mom. “Sugar.” He finishes, giving her a shy smile before setting her down in her high chair. 

Grabbing his phone he looks at the caller ID before picking it up. 

“Ugh, thank god you answered.” Natalie huffs loudly down the phone line.

“Hi to you too Nat.” David mumbles, looking over as Elsie stares aimlessly outside at the front garden. “What’s up?” 

On the other end, Natalie turns her head to see Zane nodding encouragingly. “Well, we were just wondering if you planned anything for Y/n’s birthday?” She asks and David shuts his eyes tightly, swearing under his breath. 

“I erm, I kinda forgot.” He admits, rubbing his eyes from tiredness and irritation. 

Natalie shakes her head to herself before reaching for her laptop. “You guys have a six month old baby,” She reminds him, knowing sometimes he forgets that he’s too hard on himself. “I doubt Y/n is even fussed about it.” 

“I think she’s forgotten too.” David lets out a dry laugh as you walk down the stairs with your arms full of washing, trailing across the floor behind you. 

“How about I sort out a cake and flowers for you, yeah?” Natalie suggests as she searches on her laptop at florists and bakeries within the area. “I doubt you’ll be awake long enough to party with us all.” She jokes and David nods along as he walks around the kitchen, standing on various toys as they squeak. 

“Yeah, we struggle past seven these days.” David yawns once again as you walk into the kitchen, forcing back your exhaustion as you smile brightly to your daughter who holds her hands up to you. 

“I’ll get it sorted, don’t you worry Dave.” Natalie tells him, smiling to herself as she can hear Elsie’s giggles in the background. “Say hi to the girls for me, yeah?” 

“I will, thanks Nat.” David hangs up shortly after, turning back to face you both as David rests his arms around your waist. “You smell like milk.” He tells you, feeling you laugh into him.

“You seriously know how to make a woman feel good, Dave.” You comment to him, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, you smell like mashed carrot and apple mixed with sick but I’m not complainin’” You add, turning to face him as you smile up at him. “Who was on the phone?” 

“Just Natalie, asking about your birthday.” He sings playfully, listening as you groan into his chest. 

“Are they planning a party or something?” You question quietly, not wanting to sound ungrateful if they are. 

David shakes his head. “Nah, they know we can’t, not just yet anyway.” He explains and you nod along. “We’re not as young as we once were.” He jokes, watching as you lift your head up.

“None of them have pushed a baby through their vagina yet.” You chuckle. “I’m sure they’d be tired if their baby kept them awake all night.” 

“I love you, you know that.” David speaks up, resting his hands on your cheeks. 

You nod, looking up at him. “Yeah, of course, you dummy.” You tell him as you lean in, kissing him softly. “And I love you too. Even if you forgot my birthday.” You whisper before turning around, lifting Elsie from her high chair and dancing through the house with her in your arms. 

*

Opening your eyes once more you roll over, seeing David absent from your side. 

Forcing yourself upright, you brush your hair back as you head down the stairs. “David?” You call out, wrapping your dressing gown tighter around yourself as the faint smell of coffee fills your nostrils. 

“I’m in the kitchen!” He yells back as the radio is turned up as you turn the corner, entering the kitchen with wide eyes. 

Displayed is a large vase of your favourite flowers along with a series of small wrapped presents. Elsie sits on the kitchen counter with a bow around her and a card in her grip. 

David turns away from the sink, revealing a plate of pancakes for you. “You did all this?” You question, rubbing your eyes in disbelief. 

“Well,” David shrugs his shoulders. “I had a bit of help.” 

You turn around as you see Natalie, Zane, Heath and Mariah appear from your living room holding balloons and a birthday cake. 

“You guys!” You stare at them all, covering your mouth as it falls open in surprise. “What is all this?” 

“Just because you both forgot doesn’t mean we did.” Mariah states, holding the cake out as Heath lights the candles. 

“You better make a wish baby!” Zane speaks up, smiling as Natalie chuckles whilst filming this all for David. 

Closing your eyes, you blow out the candles. 

Cheers form around you as you open your eyes, noticing David by your side with Elsie on his hip. “Happy birthday to Mommy, Elsie!” David uses his baby voice as Elsie giggles, making grabby hands to you once more. 

“Oh come to Momma.” You speak up, taking her from him as you kiss her little face, never tiring of her baby smell. “Thank you guys, this was just,” You chuckle, still struggling to form words. 

“You’re welcome, Y/n.” Natalie speaks up as you stutter over your own silences. “We’ll leave you three to enjoy the rest of the day.” She says as the other three wander to the front door, waving goodbye to you all. “Have a good day you guys.” Natalie calls out as she closes the door behind her, leaving the three of you alone once more.

“Did that actually happen or am I dreaming?” You think aloud, glancing up at David who is unable to wipe the smile from his face. 

“Yeah,” He mutters to you. “now, how about breakfast?” He suggests as you nod in response before sitting down at the counter with him and Elsie, looking forward to your perfectly relaxed birthday. 

“Oh no, Elsies popped her pants.” You comment and David rises to his feet. 

“I’ve got it, it’s your birthday after all.” David kisses your cheek as he takes Elsie upstairs, leaving you to eat breakfast.

“Huh,” You mutter to yourself. “wouldn’t mind it being my birthday more often.”