#(I saw what my Dad got my mom and it’s HUGE. I think it’ll be funny and sweet I can’t wait to see her reaction 😂)

[whereismyhat5678]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE WHEREISMYHAT5678!

🎁🎄🎅

Hehehe thank you -w-

I drew a little something, I think the energy my getting back, but I made something small just in case 💗💗

If anyone wants to do something with it feel free, There’s A LOT of open space for it anyways- (I might do something with it with family but Idk 🤷‍♀️)

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas!!! 🎄💗‼️💥🎉

[elisysd]

Happy birthday

Cruel Summer Masterlist

Julia's first birthday

Lyanna was busy preparing the guest room for her mom and Fred as they were coming for the weekend to celebrate Julia’s birthday while carefully watching her playing with cubes in her baby park. She was now almost one. Time flied and it seemed like yesterday that Lyanna was announcing to Charles that he would be a dad. And now she was organizing her daughter first birthday party. Not many people were invited, just their families and close friends like Pierre and Kika, who were Julia’s godfather and godmother. It would be a nice little get together, at least if Charles was refraining himself to invite the whole town. He was so excited and happy to be there for her daughter’s birthday. It was something that he worried about a lot and when he got the race calendar for the year and saw that the weekend of the 16th of June was free for him, he was so happy.

As Lyanna was finishing up to adjust the last details to the room by putting dandelions in a vase on the bedside tables when she heard the door slam. Julia looked up from her toys immediately, wondering where the big noise was coming from. Lyanna left her on her own for an instant to see what Charles was up to and was astonished to see him struggling with a big box, trying to make it fit in the rather large entrance.

“What the hell are you doing? What is this?” she asked him.

“I was in town to get the groceries you wanted and I passed by in front of this event store that has so many things for birthday party and…”

“Please Charles don’t tell me you went over the top. We agreed on something simple, just a lunch outside.”

“Love, it’s not every day our baby is turning one.” He sheepishly looked at her.

“You are going to give me this excuse every year, I know you.”

“Aren’t you at least a bit curious to know what I bought?”

“I’m scared.”

He rolled his eyes at her and put the box on the floor. It was a huge inflatable castle. Lyanna raised an eyebrow at him.

“Come on. It’ll be fun! She is going to love it!”

“I don’t think she will care Charles. And it’s not like she could use it alone. Maybe if she was older and had friends to play with her it would have been a good idea, but right now…”

“You’re such a buzzkill. I’ll play with her! And I’m sure Arthur will love it too. And we can always call Max to come with Kat and Ethan so Julia has a friend to be with her.”

Lyanna sighed. The last few times Kat came with Ethan to keep Lyanna company and watch their husbands racing, it didn’t go particularly well. Ethan was ignoring Julia most of the time or on the rare occasions he was up to play with her toys, especially the cars, Julia was refusing to give them to him resulting in angry cries from both sides. Lyanna and Kat then agreed to stop trying to force a friendship between their kids and would wait until they were both a little older.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea Charles… Ethan and Julia are not getting along very well for now. And if we could avoid to see her crying on her birthday, it would be nice.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I want to see my princess happy, smiling and laughing. Nothing else. Speaking of, where is she?”

“Upstairs, in her baby park. I was about to put her in bed for her nap before you arrive.”

“I’m going to take care of her.”

“And you leave me with the groceries?”

Charles gave her a sorry smile before running to the stairs and to his daughter. As soon as she saw Charles, her big eyes brightened and she showed him the red car she was playing with.

“It’s a beautiful car, my princess. But playtime is over, it’s naptime now. So daddy is going to put your PJs, can you help me to choose?”

As he was taking her in his arms, he buried his nose in her brown hair. They smelled like lavender. Like her mum. This thought made him smile. He laid Julia on the changing table before taking out a few of her PJs.

“So? Jungle one? Princess one? Or Ferrari one, princess? I have a personal favorite, but I don’t want your mummy to think that I’m obsessed with it.”

He wiggled the bright red PJs in front of her daughter, making her laugh and holding out her arms to take the fabric.

“Well, if mummy says something I’ll tell her that you insisted on it!”

He finished to changer her, tickled her a little before putting her in her crib. He kissed her nose and her cheeks before closing the curtains and leaving the room. Julia’s room had stars on the ceiling that shone when the room was plunged in darkness. That way she was never really in the dark. Charles looked at her bed for a brief instant before closing the door and joining his wife in the kitchen.

“My mom and Fred will be arriving soon, can you help me cleaning a little the terrace so we can eat dinner outside later?”

Charles nodded and they spent the hour cleaning everything from the table to the chairs before dressing the table. He was about to go wake up Julia when knocks on the door were heard. Lyanna smiled, excited, and ran to the door. As soon as she saw her mom she took her in her arms, warmly hugging you. Fred was right behind and step aside to give a quick hug to Charles and patting his back.

“I would love to say long time no see, but we both know it would be lying. How are you doing?”

“Good, I was reading a few notes and I wanted to talk about something to you. It’s a concern I have with the car…”

“It’s out of the question! I don’t want to hear anything F1 related this weekend! It’s your daughter’s birthday Charles, leave your work aside. And that’s also applying to you Fred.” Scolded them Renée.

Fred put both of his hands in the air, not want to contradict his partner. Lyanna laughed a little seeing Charles looking at his shoes like a child.

“Where is my granddaughter by the way?”

“Asleep, I was about to wake her up.” Answered Charles.

“Do you mind if I go, I haven’t seen her in ages.”

The dinner was all about laughs and admiring how fast Julia was growing up. The little girl spent the evening between Renée and Fred that were helping in feeding her and keeping her entertained. Even though it has been a while since Fred and her mum had started dating, it was always a bit weird to Lyanna to see them together. She knew that it would always be the case, at least as long as Charles or Fred were at Ferrari together. She still had a hard time considering Fred as anything other than Charles’ boss, even if Fred as trying his best to make her forget it.

The next day it was Julia’s birthday. Lyanna had woken up at dawn to prepare everything and was surprised to already see Fred in the kitchen.

“Good morning! I hope you sleep well.” She greeted him.

“Perfect, Lyanna. The bedroom is amazing. Coffee?”

“Yes please! I’m going to need it!”

“Big day ahead. Don’t worry everything will be fine. If you need help with anything, you can ask me.”

“If you could keep Charles in check, it would help. I’m sacred he will go over the top for Julia. The way he loves her is really cute but he is spoiling her.”

“She is such a daddy’s girl.”

“Oh that she is.”

“She admires him so much. You can see it in her eyes, I struck me when you both came to Monaco GP. I wouldn’t be surprised if she turned out to follow her dad’s path.”

“You know what? I would not be surprised either…”

The morning was filled with sweet scents coming out of the kitchen as Lyanna and her mom was preparing everything for the lunch. In the backyard, Fred was helping Charles setting up the castle.

An hour later, the guests were starting to arrive with birthday presents. Arthur was the first one to spot the castle and run to it as Pascale was trying to tell him to be careful. Everything went well, Julia was taken care of by everyone, getting cuddles and kisses from her uncles and aunts. Arthur was playing with her in the castle, soon joined by Pierre. For a moment Lyanna was scared since the two men were not the most delicate ones, she knew but the warm hand of Charles on her thigh made her relax. As they were almost attacking the cake, she heard the doorbell. Surprised she looked at Charles who was suspiciously avoiding her gaze.

“What did you do, again?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

She sighed and got up to open the door. She was surprised to see Max, Kat and Ethan but also Mick Schumacher and his fiancée with their newborn, Romy who was a little over two months.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“Charles invited us for Julia’s birthday. He said that it would be nice for her to be around kids.” Explained Max.

“And don’t worry, Ethan is in a good mood today, it will be fine.” Kat reassured Lyanna.

“I’m not worried, it’s just that I would have liked to have a little heads up from my dear husband. That being said, Mick I’m so happy to see you, it’s been a while!”

“Yeah, parenting and all you know how it is. I don’t think we had the pleasure to introduce you to our little Romy.”

Lyanna looked at the little baby in Mick’s fiancée arms and smiled gently. She was cute with her little blond hair and big blue eyes. Finally, Lyanna showed them around and brought them in the backyard where laughs and talks could still be heard loudly. A few other chairs were pulled out by Charles and Lorenzo for the new guests and Lyanna made her way back to the kitchen to bring the cake.

In her godfather’s arms, Julia was intensely looking at Romy and the baby reciprocated her curious gaze. Julia smiled brightly at her and waved making Romy smiled as well. She then showed her the little cars she was playing with, inheriting little hands movements from the newborn.

“If someone and any doubts in regards of your fatherhood, one look at Julia can really convince them that she is your daughter. She looks exactly like you and seems to love cars.” Observed Mick.

“She doesn’t play with anything else other than the little cars. She has an obsession with them. It’s cute.” Said Charles.

“That reminds me, Ethan is exactly the same. We had to buy car plushies too because he didn’t want to sleep without cars around him.”

“Could it be something else with you guys as dads?” asked playfully Kika.

Soon enough, Lyanna was back with a strawberry cake that she put in the middle of the table, in front of Julia. Everyone stood up as Charles and Lyanna were making their way to their daughter to take her from Kika’s arms. As Lyanna was lighting up the candles, Charle was making his daughter bounce in his arms as he was giving her sweet kisses on her cheek to make her laugh. He could swear it was his favourite sounds in the whole wide world. As he was explaining to Julia how to blow the candles, everyone started to sing ‘happy birthday’ to the little girl. And when Julia was ready to try to blow the candles out and took a huge breath with Charles, Ethan beat her to it under the stunned gaze of the guests.

No one knew what to do or what to say. The silence was only broken by Julia’s screams and cries. Charles tried to calm down his daughter that was watching Ethan with daggers in her eyes. Max took his son in his arms and brought him away from the rest of the guests to scold him. As they were walking near a tree, Ethan looked at the little girl, a proud grin on his face.

Kat was profusely excusing her son’s behaviour to Lyanna who was only saying that it was not a big deal and that she could still lighting them up again. But still, Kat told her that they were going to leave to avoid further drama. Charles was feeling guilty. It was his fault. It was him who had invited Max and his family when Lyanna had told him it was not a good idea. He had ignored her and now because of his stupidity, his daughter was crying like he had never seen her cry before.

“Don’t worry Charles, they are just kids. It’s going to get better with time.” Tried to tell him his mother.

“I should have listened to Lya… I ruined my daughter’s birthday.”

“Serves you right. Always listen to your wife, she knows better!” said Artur, receiving a hard look from Pascale that made him shut up.

Max excused himself to Charles and tried to kiss Julia that had her head buried in her father’s neck. When the Verstappens finally left, the mood was not at partying anymore. Lyanna tried to lighten the candles again but Julia was not the smiley and happy girl she was before and it broke her heart. As she was walking back to kitchen pretending to have forgotten a knife for the cake, she let a few tears run down her cheeks. Charles, knowing his wife all too well, followed her and intercepted her to bring her in a corner of the room away from prying eyes.

“Love… I’m so sorry” he said as he was erasing her tears and taking her in his arms where she let the sobs come out of her throat.

“It’s a disaster Charles…”

“It’s entirely my fault.”

“You couldn’t know…”

“Hey, listen to me. We are going to walk back there with happy smiles and pretend that nothing happened, okay? We are going to eat this amazing cake that you baked and we are going to give Julia’s her presents. And it will be fine. And tomorrow, I’m taking you both on the yacht to spend the day as a family. Just us.”

“I just want to see my baby stop crying…”

“Me too, love, me too…”

When they came back, everyone was trying their best to forget about what had happened. Artur and Pierre were back in the castle with Julia to make her laugh and play with her and Lyanna was relieved to her the giggles of her daughter coming from it. They cut the cake and ate it while resuming the conversations. Lyanna and Charles were taking care of Julia as Carla was snapping a few pictures here and there to have happy memories of the day. Julia had been spoiled rotten for her birthday, especially by Charles and Pierre who had taken his duty has godfather very seriously. Despite the incident, it was a happy day and one Charles and Lyanna would never forget. On her side, Julia would never forget it too. But for a whole other reason. In her one year old little mind, the blond boy with the proud grin who had ruined her chance to blow her candles out would remain forever her enemy.

================

taglist: @zendayabelova @purplephantomwolf @ru-kru @dakotali @blueflorals @aundercover @ruleroftheuniverse @fangirlika @writerscurse @elijahmikaelsonbitch @leclerc13 @karmabyfernando @stargaryenx @pitlanebabe @boiohboii @reengard @shikshinkwon @smoooothoperator

[punk4ndisorderly]

light on

The one where Y/N is the daughter of a legendary Team USA coach and used to attend the development program with the boys. 8 years after they last saw each other in person, a reunion brings Jack and Y/N back into each other’s lives... and hearts.

if you keep the light on, i'll keep the light on

X XI - stranger things have happened XII

“What?”

“I’m getting married!”

A huge grin grew on Y/N's face. She stood up immediately, tackling River and hugging him tightly.

“Oh my god! Are you serious?”

“Yeah!” her older brother nodded.

Pulling him to her chest again, the doctor refused to let go for a little longer.

“I’m so happy for you! Congratulations! This is amazing!” she gushed, completely losing her cool.

“I know, I can’t believe it either but… Would you mind easing up on the hug? I don’t need to be nursing a broken rib when I walk down the aisle.”

Y/N released River, her eyebrow raising.

“Wait… The wedding’s in two weeks? How on Earth did you manage to pull that off?”

“I might have been secretly planning it since Christmas…” her brother disclosed, looking down at her feet coyly.

“What?” Y/N all but screeched, her eyes now looking like saucers. “You’ve been engaged since Christmas and you didn’t think to tell me about it?”

“Technically, I’ve been engaged since my birthday, but kind of procrastinated ninety-nine percent of the planning till around Christmas…”

“Why am I only being informed now?” she insisted, placing her small hands on her hips, a stern look on her face, as if she were talking to one of her subordinates.

“We wanted to organize everything before telling anyone about it. Plus, if people only knew we were getting married two weeks prior to the deed, there’d be less of a chance of someone blabbing to the wrong person and it ending up on the internet. You know how people love to gossip about Coach Y/L/N's family.”

“What if I had things planned for that day already?”

“Please, you mostly stay home alone painting and watching paranormal documentaries when Joey's at her father’s.” River quickly dismissed that possibility.

Y/N gasped in mock outrage, earning a pointed look from her brother.

“Fair enough…” she shrugged. He knew her too well.

“Okay, so now that you’re on board: David's mom insisted we had to get married on a Sunday because I am enough of a sinner already living with the man and all that, but I wanted to have a grandiose weekend, so we booked the main cabin for our closest friends to stay here. Starts Friday night and ends at dawn on Monday.”

“Right, and who are these friends?”

“You and some others. Mom and dad, David's parents, family and other guests will only be here for the actual day. Don’t worry, I’m inviting loverboy as well.” the eldest sibling winked, starting to head back to the trail.

Y/N scoffed, patting her sweaty forehead dry with her tank top.

“Do I know any other people?”

“The boys will be there, don't worry. Apart from them, I’m only inviting a few of my childhood friends, co-workers and immediate family. Keeping it low-key.”

“Knowing you, it’ll be the most over-the-top thing I’ll ever see in my life, but sure… I still can’t believe you waited until now to let me know you were getting married!”

“I’ve still got something to tell you…”

“Are you adopting?”

“No, god, no.”

“Are you that opposed to having children?”

“No, no. I mean, I want to, just not planning for them right now… I don’t feel the need to rush into anything...”

“Then what is it, Riv?”

“You’re going to be by my side at the altar.”

“You mean…”

“I want you to be my maid of honor.”

“Oh my god!” Y/N squealed, squeezing the life out of her brother. “I’d be honored, River!”

The pair hugged for a few seconds, laughing at how ridiculous they both looked with tears in their eyes, threatening to fall at any moment. During their walk back, the duo reminisced on their childhood and the long winding road that led them to that precise moment, to that exact location.

“One last thing…” her brother began, climbing into his car.

“Lord have mercy…”

“You have throw me a bachelor party. By the end of the day all guests will have been informed about the wedding, so I’ll text you the names and numbers of the people I want to have there. Oh, and it has to be next Friday.”

“Are you sure you want me to set up your bachelor party or do you plan on doing it all yourself?” the doctor chuckled.

“You know I’m a control freak, I can’t help it.”

“Relax.” Y/N patted his leg. “I got you.”

*

 “So now you’re in charge of planning her last hurrah?” Jack inquired, holding his phone to his ear with the help of his shoulder, putting the lasagna he was making in the oven.

“Yep.” Y/N confirmed, popping the ‘p’. “I just have a tiny problem with that: I have no idea how I’m going to do it. I mean, my idea of fun on a Friday night is staying in playing board games and watching scary movies or those really corny, completely unrealistic romcoms.”

The brunette man smiled at the mention of her calm evening plans, walking away from the kitchen and turning on the TV in his living room, zapping through the thousands of useless channels he paid for mostly for his friends’ enjoyment other than his.

“Oh sweet, innocent Y/N Y/L/N… There’s so much to do in New York on a Friday night… Bachelor parties practically plan themselves.”

“Easy for you to say, Mr. Superstar.” she quipped, biting hard on her bottom lip as she tried to hold up the mattress with just one hand to change the sheets on her bed. “I don’t really like crowded places, but I’ll make the sacrifice for River.”

“That’s very noble of you.” the Devils' player teased. “Hold on, Trev is here.” he said when he heard the doorbell ring.

Jack opened the door, signaling for Trevor to come in, stepping aside.

“I’m just going to finish my call, I’ll be right back.” he told his friend, entering the kitchen. “Hey, I’m back.”

“As I was saying, I’m completely out of ideas. I considered karaoke, but it’s such a typical thing for me to suggest.”

The Devils' player was mindlessly going through his unopened mail while she was speaking, randomly finding a flyer that caught his attention.

“What about a concert?”

“A concert?”

“Apparently, The Bucks are performing Friday at MSG.”

“Yes! That’s perfect!” Y/N jabbered, ecstatic. “River was obsessed with one of the band members back in the day.”

“Yeah?” the brunette man asked, drinking from his beer bottle.

“Yeah! Oh Gretz, if only you knew how much I love you right now!” she raved, speed-walking to her desk to check the availability of tickets.

Jack choked on his drink, coughing uncontrollably, making Trevor run to his rescue.

“Do you need me to do the Heimlich? Dude, I know it would technically involve me practically grinding against your ass, but your mom would kill me if I let you die and we’re bros, it doesn’t matter, okay?” he babbled, closing the distance between them. “It’ll be okay, hold on!”

“Z.” the hockey player said in between coughs. “I’m fine, it was just beer.”

“Oh, thank god. You know I was prepared to do it though, right?”

“I do, thanks man.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Just bring me food when you’re done, please. I’m starving.”

“Jack?” Y/N called from the other side of the line. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry, yeah. I’m here. So, what are you guys doing after the show?”

“Wait, we’re supposed to go out after the concert?” she panicked.

“It’s a bachelor party, Y/N. It’s heavily implied.”

“Fuck… Precisely the reason why I was probably better off without one… I’ll figure it out later. Let me know if you got any suggestions, though.”

“I will. Have a good day, Mess.”

“You too, babe.”

Jack hung up the phone, clearing his throat one more time. He couldn’t believe he had reacted the way he did to her words. They weren’t supposed to make him feel the way he did. He wasn’t supposed to picture what it would be like hearing them in another context. What the hell was going on with him?

“Talking to Y/N again, I see…” Trevor smirked, leaning against the doorframe.

“Friends usually tak to each other, right?” he grumbled, trying to play it cool, checking on the lasagna.

“Sure… What’s up with our lovely friend?”

“She’s in charge of planning River's bachelor party and I suggested she’d buy tickets for a concert.”

“Who’s performing?” his friend inquired, coming closer to him, attracted by the smell of food.

“The Bucks.” he shrugged.

“The Bucks? Oh, dude, we’ve got to go!” Trevor hooted, slapping Jack's arm enthusiastically.

“Didn’t know you were a fan.”

“Are you kidding me? Why do you think I tried growing my hair out back in middle school? I wanted to be a part of the band so bad. I used to have a huge poster of them looking down on my bed. All the action they witnessed…”

“You mean the action between you and your hand?”

“Just get the fucking tickets, Hughes. We’re going.”

*

“Wear the shorts, Y/N.” River sighed, giving her a stern look and motioning to the pair of golden high-waisted shorts she was holding up. “It’s my party, I define the dress code.”

“I’m going to freeze my ass off.” Y/N countered, tightening the silk robe against her body.

“What are you talking about? It’s June!”

“Fine! I’ll wear the damn shorts.” she grumbled, taking the garment from her brother's hands and reluctantly putting them on.

The hotel suite was hectic: ten people, including a very frantic River running around getting ready for a certainly memorable night out, talking to each other over the loud music one of River's college friends was adamant on blasting.

The soft curls she had managed to create on her heavy, strong hair, were framing her face perfectly, her only care now being what outfit her brother would be imposing on her. Y/N knew she could protest all she wanted, but she’d eventually give into River's wishes.

“Now, the black spaghetti strap top and… The pièce de resistance… The blazer to go with the shorts! I know you have never worn this purely out of spite, but –“

“It’s not out of spite, Riv. It just makes me look like a gold bar!”

“Precisely. It makes you look like a million dollars.” one of River's friends said from behind her. “You look hot, momma!” he added, winking at her.

“Yeah, yeah…” the young woman waved them off playfully. “Let’s just get this over with.” she chuckled, picking up a flute from the table and joining the rest of the group in toasting the groom-to-be. “To River Y/L/N, our favorite Groomzilla...”

“Watch it!” her brother cautioned, laughter erupting around the room.

“I hope you enjoy your last night of freedom…” the doctor winked. “Cheers!”

The group raised their glasses and downed the sparkly champagne before heading out.

“Ready or not, here we come.” she whispered to herself as she linked her arm with River's.

 *

“Dude, I’m literally so pumped right now! Feel my heartbeat, feel it!” Trevor shrieked.

Jack chuckled to himself, adjusting his cap before burying his hands in his pockets.

“I only came along so I could give you moral support when what’s-his-face fails yet again to acknowledge your existence. I really couldn’t care less about the band.”

“Well, that’s an extremely disrespectful way of referring yourself to one of the greatest American bands to ever grace the Earth, rock royalty if you must say, but okay.” his friend sneered, genuinely offended by his comment.

“Let’s just get inside and make the most out of the ungodly amount of money we paid for the VIP seats someone insisted we’d buy.” he declared, glaring at the curly-haired man beside him.

“Best seats in the house, you’re very welcome.”

The duo went through security calmly, stopping a few times on the way to their section to take pictures with people who recognized them, even though Jack kept his eyes down and the dad hat was buried in his head.

Their seats did have the best view, but he would never willingly admit that to his overly excited friend.

Seeds were the opening act. Trevor dramatically sang along to Poppy, the last song on their setlist, turning to Jack, who laughed loudly, covering his face with his large hands in an attempt to diminish the secondhand embarrassment he was feeling.

He looked around, smiling at how much everyone seemed to be having an amazing time.

The Bucks came on stage next, a shrilling sound next to him making him turn his attention back to his friend. Trevor jumped up and down, psyching himself up.

“Fuck, Z! You nearly made my eardrums pop!” the Devils' player scolded, like an annoyed father.

“Zip it, they’re playing Burnin’ Up!”

Jack sighed, asking himself why he had let his friend drag him to Madison Square Garden when he could have stayed at home, catching up on his favorite sitcom. He shifted on his feet, once again skimming through the large venue, his eyes setting on a particular person coming his way.

“Well if it isn’t the two… Stooges!” Rover cheered, a bottle of expensive champagne in her his and a grin on his face.

He rushed to him, giving him a warm hug and moving to Trevor by his side.

Jack waved to the rest of the party accompanying his former coach's eldest chile, his smile dropping slightly when he noticed Y/N wasn’t among them. The brunette man was too withdrawn in his thoughts to see she had approached the small group in the meantime, holding a large container filled to the brim with warm popcorn.

“Hey what did I m – Jack!”

He looked her up and down, his jaw nearly dropping at the sight of her outfit. The way the sparkly blazer subtly showed off her full breasts and her shorts let him get lost in the amazing pair of legs she had nearly made his knees buckle.

The Devils' player didn’t think she could look even better than the last time he had seen her, but apparently, subconsciously, her favorite thing to do was prove him wrong. Y/N's beauty continued to render him speechless.

“H-Hi!” he managed to stammer, leaning in for the usual kiss on the cheek, but being pulled in for a hug afterwards.

“What are you guys doing here?” she inquired.

“Z is a huge fan, didn’t you know?” Jack snickered, nodding towards their mutual friend.

Y/N averted her eyes to his side, where Trevor was chugging down the champagne River had offered him, while simultaneously performing his very own choreography od the song playing as it reached its final chorus.

“For you, baby!” the blond man shouted triumphantly.

“Well, can’t say that’s the strangest thing I’ve seen tonight.” the doctor confessed.
“I’m guessing the champagne isn’t helping?” Jack suggested, a teasing smile on his lips.

“That and the ten jello shots they just had to drink. It’s like dealing with nine drunk toddlers.” she snorted, seeing Trevor and River take turns at doing the robot dance, now to the sound of another song. “Popcorn?”

His sweet tooth had always been his Achilles heel.

“Thanks” he smiled, taking a handful of the sugary snack from the carton, watching the show their friends were putting on instead of the actual concert.

The grom-to-be waddled her way to the pair, grabbing Y/N by the waist, the bottle he earlier held no longer in her grasp.

“Y/N! Little sister! I just had a fantastic idea!” he chirped, a toothy grin adorning his doll-like features.

“Yeah?”

“They should totally come with us!” her older brothee screamed in her ear, pointing at the duo in front of them.

“I think we’ve got enough madness going on already.” she tried to dissuade him, nodding towards their group.

“Please?” River pouted, his pleading green eyes boring into hers.

Y/N pinched the bridge of her nose, thinking about the potential havoc that would be wrecked if they decided to add the dynamic duo to their entourage. At least Jack would be there to help her handle them all.

“Alright, they can come.” she consented, knowing full-well she’s too much of a softie to deny her brother anything. “But you better not get too rowdy!”

“You’re the best!” River chanted, smooching her forehead.

“Oh boy…” the doctor yelped, earning an amused chuckle from the man beside her. “You think this is funny, do you? It might be hilarious for now, but you do realize you’re stuck with me tonight, don’t you?”

“I think I can handle having you around for the night.” he winked, amazed at how smooth he suddenly sounded.

She stuck her tongue out in response, gathering around the bachelor party entourage, plus the two new additions, so they could leave the venue.

“But it’s not over yet, Junior!” River moaned.

“We have a commitment on the other side of town if I recall correctly, and we won’t make it on time if we stay until the concert is over. Bear with me.” Y/N all but begged while leading her brother outside, to the rented party bus he had insisted was a must-have.

Jack followed the pair, accompanied by Trevor, who couldn’t hold in his excitement over crashing a bachelor party.

The doctor had given the driver their itinerary in advance, leaving the two men completely clueless about their destination.

Getting off the large bus, the loud group of partygoers found themselves right in front of Rage, a well-known club in the Upper West Side.

“Shit, I love this place!” Trevor exclaimed, wrapping an arm around River and going inside.

“Now we’re talking!” Evan hooted, following them.

He stood outside, incredulous. He couldn’t actually believe the Universe had brought him to that place. And with Y/N, of all people.

“Are you coming?” he heard her ask as she came back outside with the sole purpose of finding him. “You have to. You know I can’t carry River and Trevor if it comes to it.”

“I am a mere babysitter to you, hu?” Jack feigned hurt, clutching his hands to his chest and moving to where she stood waiting.

“Well…” the doctor teased, grabbing his hand and lacing her fingers with his swiftly. “Come on, we have seats right next to the stage.”

It didn’t take him long to notice how her hand fit perfectly in his, and how warm it had turned upon the touch of her skin. Jack happily let her guide him through the Friday night crowd until they reached their table.

“Get ready to be amazed.” she shouted over the loud music, cheering as the performers walked by, one of them barely moving past them before turning on his heels and coming back.

“Jack!” the blonde queen gasped, pulling him up and hugging him to her chest. “Guys!” he called out, making the rest of the performers stop and look their way. “Jack is back!”

“Rowdy!�� they all howled in unison.

The brunette man's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as the entire entourage, except for Trevor, looked at him with quizzical expressions on their faces.

“Hey, guys! Nice to be back!” he flashed them a wide grin.

“We were starting to think you had ditched us for Maxim’s.”

“I would never.” he assured them, patting the bleach blonde in the back.

“Well, honey, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?”

“Yeah, of course! This is Y/N. You know Trevor… We’re on a bachelor party… And the groom-to-be - ”

“River Y/L/N! I’m such a huge fan! Your last collection was to die for!” the beautiful queen jested, fanning herself.

“Thank you!” Y/N's brother chirped, giving him a side hug. “I had been dying to watch your performance live!”

“I’m so happy you came, babe!” he smiled sweetly. “Oh, look at the time! Lovely to see you, Rowdy, but the show is about to start, so you know I better get my ass ready. Have fun, bachelors!” the former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant said, hurrying to get backstage.

Y/N was staring at Jack, utterly confused.

“I thought the Dreamgirls show was on Mondays.” he commented, sitting back down at their table.

“River called in a few favors.” she answered automatically, still stunned, shaking her head to snap out of it. “Are you a regular?”

The Devils' player took a deep breath, glaring at Trevor for laughing at her assumption.

“Luke, Alex and this goof held my twenty-seventh birthday party here. I had a bit too much to drink and invaded the stage.” he explained.

“You didn’t…”

“Oh, yes… I did. I performed. It was so good they made me an honorary member.”

“It wasn’t half as good as he thinks it was.” their blond friend smirked. “He was just too drunk to actually remember how it all went down.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Chad said I was drag queen material.” Jack huffed.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself it wasn’t out of pity for a drunk guy who interrupted his number.”

“Anyway, ever since that fateful night, we’ve been coming here for my birthday and other random celebrations and getting drunk with the queens after the show.”

“You guys are the weirdest group of grown men I’ve ever met.” Y/N chuckled, after blinking a couple of times. “And I don’t even mean it in a bad way!”

The doctor propped her elbow on his shoulder, picturing Jack singing and dancing along to show tunes, eighty’s songs and diva hits. It was a difficult idea to grasp, since he had always been so shy around her and she could only get him to let go of his inhibitions with a lot of persistence.

“I think it’s pretty cool how you have fun without worrying about what people might say. I’m just letting you know you’ll be up for karaoke with me the next time we go out.” she stated. “And that I resent not having been invited to your last two parties. They sound like they were epic.” the coach's daughter joked.

“You’re officially invited to my next one, then.”

“Deal.” Y/N shook the hand he held out for her, as the resident DJ announced Chad Michaels' entrance. “Oh my god, is that Cher?”

“He's good, isn’t he?” Jack smirked, whistling loudly as he leaned back on his chair.

“Extraordinary!”

The renowned Cher impersonator dance around the stage, singing the first verses of Believe before waltzing his way to their table, pointing directly at the Devils' player.

“No, not tonight.” he refused politely.

“Come on, show us what you’ve got! Rowdy! Rowdy! Rowdy!” the doctor chanted, making everyone else join her.

He held his hands up in the air in defeat, standing up and taking off his cap, handing it to Y/N, who promptly set it over her slightly disheveled hair, instantly hearing a round of applause as he took the stage.

It’s so sad that you’re leaving, it takes time to believe it. But after all is said and done, you’re going to be the lonely one, woah! Do you believe in life after love?

Y/N watched her former linemate dance around on stage, proud of the man he had grown-up to be. He didn’t make a move to deny the fun he had and the nights he had spent at a club where the patrons seemed to love him. He didn’t try to belittle the performers to assert his own masculinity and wicked sense of superiority like most of the men she had ever met would have. He was simply, unapologetically, having the time of his life.

Besides, he looked extremely handsome while doing it. His t-shirt showed off his biceps, the fabric clinging to his perfectly toned back and chest. Realizing where her thoughts were headed, the doctor forced herself to come back to reality, grinning and bobbing her head to the beat of a song from a faraway land.

Jack noticed her cheerfulness, holding his hand out for her to climb on stage. She gladly took it, joining the two experienced individuals, lip-syncing to the old hit. He twirled her around, never loosening his grip on her small hand or losing the adorable smile on his face and she found herself giggling. For the first time in a while she felt carefree, as light as a feather.

“I think I might let you keep my hat.” he said into her ear.

“Really?”

“Yeah. It looks better on you than it does on me anyway…”

Y/N scrunched up her nose the way she always did when she was flustered, beaming at him adoringly as he spun her around one last time.

“You know, this is pretty amazing. You’re pretty amazing.” she admitted, partly to herself.

I need time to move on, I need love to feel strong.

“Mess, listen, I…”

-

Did I completely make up band names and a club called Rage and another one called Maxim's? Yes.

[pastelavender88]

Right Person At Maybe The Wrong Time- Chapter 23

Summary: It’s Y/n’s time to meet Eddie’s family. How will it go? Will they accept her and Alex?

After going to Claudette’s funeral Eddie and I headed back home to get the kids ready to go to Texas. It was Eddie’s father’s retirement party and he wanted Alex and I to go with him to meet them. It was hard for Eddie and Chris to find their clothes since a lot of things were still boxed up from the move. Buck and I were explaining to him we could always take a later flight while he explained that he couldn't. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Buck asked. “I have to go. My mom made this huge deal about this party and he did work at the company for 40 years. Plus, when I told her Y/n and I moved in together, she insisted she met Alex and her now. Instead of next month like I suggested. And Chris is excited to see everyone, he misses them.” “40 years? That’s a long time. Uh, you said he was in oil, right?” “Petroleum engineer. Spent his whole life driving across the state. Living everywhere but under his own roof with his own family.” “As someone who comes from a screwed-up family..” Buck started. “My family isn’t screwed up. Just my dad, okay? Plan is to get in, get out without any drama.” “And what about when he starts to get in there and push your buttons?” “There’s a hotel 20 minutes away with a beautiful suite for me and my lady and a big pool. The kids will love it.” “Eddie. Just take a minute to breathe okay. We’re gonna go down there and have a wonderful time, I’m gonna get the family stamp of approval, and then when we get home I’ll reward you for putting up with them.” I said as I made my way over to him across the room. “I like the sound of that.” He gave me a kiss on the lips. “Ugh, I’m still here you guys.” “Yeah. Yeah. Chris! Alex! Are you guys ready?” Eddie asked as he made his way out of the room. “So, you’re going to meet his parents. Are you nervous?” “No. Should I be? I mean look how Eddie is behaving.” “Oh no. That’s just old family baggage. I think it’ll go great.” “Really?” “Oh yeah. After all, parents love you. Hell, my parents always liked you, even if they didn’t show it. Maybe even a little more than me.” I let out a loud laugh. “No but seriously. I’m happy for you guys. You deserve to be happy. The both of you do.” “Thanks Buck. Are you happy? With Taylor, I mean?” “Yeah. I think so.” Was he though? “Good to hear that. Who would have thought after all these years we’d be here.” “I always thought we would reach this point.” “What? Seeing other people while co-parenting?” “No. Having a kid together.” I met Buck’s eyes and I saw an emotion behind them that I couldn’t quite place. “You ready to go?” Eddie asked, breaking Buck and me from our trances. “Oh yeah. Let me grab my things.” “I’m gonna head home.” “Okay, bye Buck.” I went to the bedroom to grab my things, locked up the house, and I met Eddie in the car. We picked up Tia Pepe and headed to the airport. 

After a 4 hour flight, we all made our way to the rental car place and soon after both myself and the kids fell asleep. I was awoken by someone lightly shaking me. “Baby. We’re here.” Eddie said as my eyes focused on the house in front of me. “Oh my god, did I fall asleep?” “Yeah. I mean it was a long flight. Come on, let's go meet everyone.” I quickly got out of the car after checking how I looked and beginning to chew on a piece of gum. When I walked into the house I saw a quaint little house with a lot of family photos. I saw a young Eddie holding his little sister, Adriana. “Ahh yes. That’s when Eddie was going through that phase where no one could touch his little sister.” A man spoke from behind me. Eddie was in the back putting our things away and showing Alex and Christopher to their room. “I’m Ramon. Eddie’s father, and you must be Ana.” Sir, what! “Oh no I’m umm… My names Y/n, Y/n Y/l/n.” “Ramon. Please stop making a fool of yourself. I’m sorry. He never pays attention or listens when I talk, it seems. I’m Helena, Eddie’s mother. It’s so good to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you. The last time I saw Eddie this keen about a girl he ended up marrying her and having Christopher.” She said, trying to make up for the awkward moment that just happened. “Ah yes that’s right. They broke up. I’m sorry. This old memory of mine sometimes gets the better of me.” “It’s fine. I assure you.” “So how’d you and Edmundo meet?” “I was a nurse at the hospital he was in.” “Eddie was in the hospital?” Did Eddie not tell his parents about what happened? “Oh yeah. Just an incident during work. He's okay now.” “Oh thank god.” Just then Alex and Christopher came from the back rooms. “And you must be Alex. I’m Eddie’s mom. Nice to meet you.” “Nice to meet you too ma’am.” “Oh she has amazing manners. Now Christopher come give Grandma a squeeze so I can go finish cooking.” Christopher wrapped her in a hug. “If you’ll excuse me.” She went back to the kitchen. “Excuse me as well.” Ramon said as he walked into what I assumed was their bedroom. Well, I have no idea if that went well. Just then Eddie came from the back rooms as well. “I’ve unpacked our things and set the bedroom up. Did you meet everyone yet?” “I met your mom and dad. Your father called me Ana.” “Wow! He never listens.” “It’s fine. Really.” “I’m gonna go speak with my mom. You coming?” He said, extending his hand. We entered the kitchen and they embraced. We began to talk a little when Roman walked in. “It’s been too long. You should come visit more often.” “Pretty sure planes fly in both directions.” “Well now that your father retired, we’ll have time to visit more.” “And we’d love to have you.” I chimed in. “Yeah. I can’t believe it’s actually happening.” “Oh, did you show them the watch?” “Oh, It’s nothing.” “No, no show them. It was a nice gesture.” Ramon sighed and grabbed a watch box off of the counter. “Here, it’s…” He handed the box to me and I looked at the name on the box and opened it. “Oh this is nice.” I gave the box to Eddie. “Wow. ‘In recognition of your 40 years of service helping us reach new horizons for our company and for all of our stakeholders, the board thanks you. From our family to yours.’” As he read it aloud I heard sarcasm in his tone. “It’s not quite a silver star. But it- but it’s something…I guess.” “Ah, it’s, uh, nice. Congratulations, Dad.” “Feels strange. Being unemployed, it’s…No meeting to rush off to. No phone calls to juggle. No…no reason to get out of bed at 4:00 A.M. I-I…I don’t know what I’m gonna do with myself. “I bet.” He took a swig from his beer bottle. “Why live if you aren’t working?” He muttered. “Don’t worry Ramon. I’m sure you’ll find something to do during this time. My dad retired recently too. He’s taking up so many hobbies it drives us insane.  Me and my sister that is. When it was art he was sending us his work, when it was golf, it was tickets to his tournament, now it’s woodworking and both me and my sister are about this close to breaking his heart and telling him neither of us want the lopsided rocking chair. She has custody at the moment.” Everyone excluding Eddie chuckled at that. “Yeah. I’m sure I will.” “But I better not start suffering because of them.” Helena added. “You won't love. I assure you. So Eddie, how's being a dispatcher?” They began to make small talk and the night melted away.

 Later, in our bedroom, I was thinking about how Eddie acted towards Roman. “What?” I realized I had been staring at Eddie for the last 5 minutes or so. “I mean I know I’m good looking but that was a long time to stare. “Ha ha. Very funny. I was just thinking.” “Thinking about what?” “How you treated your father tonight.” There seemed to be a pause between us, like neither one of us wanted to move. “Look, I’m sorry, okay. I shouldn’t have behaved like that…” “Eddie. I’m not saying you're wrong in behaving the way you did, I don't know the whole story. I just want some insight on why.” “Because, growing up I was always forced to be the ‘man’ of the house because he was always on the road working. He was never here and when he was my life was miserable. He’s the reason I don’t like to show my emotions. I was taught showing emotion meant you were weak, and you could never be weak.” “Oh, Eddie.”  I gestured for him to join me in the bed. As he sat down I went to straddle his lap. “Showing emotion doesn’t make you weak. Showing emotion makes you human. Nothing about you is weak. Absolutely nothing.” “I know that now.” As my lips found their way on his and the kiss started to heat up, Eddie stopped me.  “You know as much as I would love to do this right now, it’s kind of weird doing this in my parent’s home.” “Oh please. you’ve never had sex in this house before?” I said as I enunciated each word with a kiss trailing down his neck. “No I haven’t actually. Too much going on. The house was always packed.” “Well it’s not now. So you should really enjoy yourself Mr. Diaz.” My hands that were messaging his broad shoulders were making their way down his abs. “I think you’ll like what’s going to happen.” Right before my hands reached under the elastic of his sweatpants the door to his room swung open. “Oh my! I’m so sorry!” Helena called from the door. I quickly got off of Eddie’s lap and cowered under the covers. “Mom! Why don’t you ever knock?!” “Sorry! Old habits die hard I guess. I’m gonna leave you two alone. I just wanted to say good night.” “Good night mom.” Eddie said. “Good night, Mrs.Diaz.” I called from under the covers. Still dying from embarrassment. “Good night dear.” Soon I heard the door shut. “I’m never showing my face again.” “Like I said, there's too much going on.” Eddie called. He pulled the covers a little to where we could make eye contact. “Still wanna get hot and heavy?” He teased me. “No! Never again.” I finally came from under the covers. “And I mean never.” “Woah now. Let’s not get too hasty.” I huffed and turned away from him. Ready to call it a night.

The next day at the party Eddie and I were talking to Aunt Pepe and Abuela when Eddie’s parents came over talking about something. “What’s going on?” Eddie asked. “Your father’s nervous about giving a speech.” “Oh.” Everyone exclaimed. “I’m sure it’ll be amazing Ramon.” I said. “Oh, por favor. Ramon, you never met a microphone you didn’t love. I’m surprised you’re not singing as well.” “Yeah.” Helena remarked. “Yeah, come on, Aunt Pepa’s right. I’m sure there’s a story you could tell.” “Actually, I was gonna tell one about you. You know the-the day I came home and found that the entire side of my truck had been scraped off, including the side mirror and the front bumper.” “Yes, when Adriana was born.” “I’ve never heard about this.” I said turning to Eddie. “Me neither.” Aunt Pepe said. “When Adriana was born, and, uh, Ramon was off on business, I told Eddie that my water broke. And he jumped up, he ran out of the room, I thought, of course, he’s going to call someone to drive us to the hospital. And then I hear a loud crash, right? From the garage.” “Oh my god!” “I walk in there and there’s Eddie behind the wheel of Ramon’s prized pickup. Barely seeing over the steering wheel, with the whole side of the turck, like, just completely torn to shreds. Everyone else was laughing but I could tell Eddie was uncomfortable so I wrapped my arms around him and rubbed his back. “He was trying to drive me to the hospital.” “Why am I not surprised?” his abuela said. “Eddie to the rescue, my little hero.” “Didn’t have much of a choice.” “You had many choices. But you were just a kid, I-I forgave you for that.” “No, actually you didn’t. You-you grounded me.” “Eddie, baby let's not do this here.” I said as I tried to calm him down. He seemed to release some of the tense he was holding until his mother began to speak. “Edmundo, it's just a story. Okay?” “Yeah. Except he’s missing the whole part where he tore me a new one for ruining his truck. Kind of like the time when he yelled at me for setting off the smoke alarms when making eggs for the girls at 12.” “Honey. I’m sure there’s another time you can discuss this. Let’s not ruin the party for the others, okay?” I whispered to where only he could hear me. I kissed his chin as he wrapped his arm around my waist. “Edmundo, must you do this now.” Ramon asked. “I’m sure there’s a better story you can tell up there.” He moved his hand from where it was resting on my waist. He somewhat created a distance between the two of us. “Oh why don’t you tell them about the time you pulled your ten year old son aside and told him it was time to step up? Be the man of the house? Why don’t you tell them about that time? Then we can all understand why you were never around.” When he said those words I knew all hell was going to break loose. “I was providing for the family.” “Providing? Providing what-money?” “How about we take a breath?” I said as I tried to defuse the situation. “Exactly! I had to do what I had to do!” Ramon yelled as he ignored what I said. A family needs more than money. Look, I never had a childhood.” I saw Ramon begin to rub the area above his arm a lot. “A dad who took care of me. No, you were gone. The only thing you provided…” “Alright, Eddie. Stop.” I said. Just then, Ramon began to collapse. Everyone was yelling his name while Eddie grabbed him. “Dad? Dad. Okay just breathe.” “Oh my god, Ramon.” “Just breathe.” I quickly stood beside Eddie ready to help in any way I can. “Is he having a heart attack?” Helena asked. Ramon was reaching for something in his suit jacket and Eddie reached in to grab them. Just then he took out what looked to be a small pill bottle. “No it’s not a heart attack.” He opened the bottle and gave him the contents inside of it. “Under the tongue, you know the drill.” “The drill? What are those pills?” Helena questioned. “Nitroglycerin.” Eddie stated. “Can you explain to me what that is?” “It helps open up his blood vessels, settles the circulation.” I said. “Just like the doctor said, right dad?” Eddie asked. “What doctor? Ramon what the hell is going on?” “I’m guessing you went to go see a cardiologist. Probably on one of your business trips. How many stents do you have in your arteries?” Ramon put up 3 fingers. “What? When!” Helena exclaimed. “Three years ago. I…I went to Doctor Fernandez. He’s the best cardiologist in Dallas.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” Helena asked. “Pride. He didn’t want us to think he was weak.” Eddie said. “How about I take dad in the kitchen and monitor his heart rate. Just to be safe.” He turned to me. “I’ll be right back baby.” He gave me a quick peck. “Come on dad.” “We’ll talk about this later Ramon.” Helena said as they walked away. As I was about to walk away and find Chris and Alex Helena turned to me. “Can we talk Y/n?” “Yeah sure.” Helena and I sat down while Abuela and Pepe went somewhere else to talk amongst themselves. “I just want to say thank you.” “For what? I didn’t necessarily help defuse the situation.” “Not that. For making my son happy. At some moments you helped Eddie calm down. You give him a sense of peace I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. Even earlier he was so relaxed and at ease. I’ve never seen him like this, not even with shannon.” When she said that I realized the weight of me and Eddie’s relationship. “He was always guarded even as a young boy and being around you, i dont think I’ve ever seen him happier. For whatever it’s worth. I can’t wait to have you in this family.” She wrapped me in a tight embrace. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have a party to host.” As she left I decided to stay there. My whole relationship with Eddie was playing through my head. It started off with him being a patient, then the best friend to my daughter’s father, then the secret lover, and now we’re a family and we live together. Even through our ups and downs, Eddie was always the one for me.

  Later on, Eddie came back out and found me. The kids and us sat down for dinner and then after that it was time to dance. Eddie and I had been dancing for a while when I started to feel sick. “You okay?” “Yeah. Umm…I’m just feeling a little nauseous.” “Have you been drinking? That could be it? Tio Miguel gets a little heavy handed with the tequila.” I let out a loud laugh. “No it’s not that. I haven’t had any drinks.” “Do you think it’s something serious?” “No. Maybe just too much food and a little too much spinning.” “Yeah. You haven’t been going easy on the tamales.” I playfully slapped his arm. “No, I'm serious. It’s like you’ve been shoving them back there.” “Well excuse me for enjoying myself.” “Yourself or the food.” “Okay I’m gonna hit you for real now.” “Aww baby I’m kidding. I think it’s cute.” “You better mister.” I said as I stretched to connect our lips. “Come on lovebirds. Shake those hips Jesus gave you.” Abuela said as he made her way to the center of the dance floor. “Oop you don’t have to tell me twice.” I said, beginning to follow her. “You think they know how to twerk?” “Oh you better not.” Eddie said as he jokingly started to chase me.

[lostbbygorl]

FATE AND HATE: EREN YEAGER X READER (PART 6):

tags: @tiffanyy-21, @cafesho

SYNOPSIS: The vacation treats Y/N and Elijah greatly and Y/N makes a surprising decision once she’s back. Elijah is torn when Vinnie reveals a possibility of him changing schools. Eren finally starts getting his way.

A/N: This chapter was so fun to write and it’s just as pivotal to the story as the 4th part! Also, spot the cameos!

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

Armin picked up his ringing phone instead of the black pawn on his chess board. Of course it was Eren.

“ Reiner, can you give me a second?” He said before rushing to his room, not caring for the taller blond’s response. Reiner was sitting opposite Armin, and he shook his head with a sigh.

“ It’s probably about fucking Y/N again” Annie said as she flipped a page of her sports magazine, blue eyes focused on the new boxing match report, uncaring of Eren’s relationship drama. Bertholdt said nothing as he typed away on his phone. It was a peaceful Sunday afternoon, and Annie had invited her two best friends over to her shared home with her beloved husband, Armin. Annie was never one to show emotions, she was always so relaxed about everything. But the constant onslaught of phone calls from Eren distracted her husband, and it was getting irritating.

“ This is all so HBO drama-esque. Like, seriously? He gets a green light from a new school and sees this kid who looks like him and it’s his son he hasn’t seen ever and suddenly he’s in his ex’s life again and there’s banter and heartbreak and whatnot” Reiner chuckled.

“ To be honest, I’m more surprised about the fact that Eren Yeager became a chemistry teacher of all the other professions out there. I mean, seriously? Eren Yeager teaching middle school kids about the properties of osmium or whatever the fuck” Bertholdt said.

“ Well hello again, Min” Annie turned to look at her husband, noticing the familiar expression of annoyance on his rosy features.

“ What now?” Reiner asked, patting the spot beside him on the black rug, silently letting him know the chess game was wrapped up.

“ He got into this huge fight with her and now Y/N’s out of the city so he’s even more cranky. Also something about how Y/N was actually right but how it’s hurting him. Typical shit” Armin said as he sat beside his friend.

“ So. What do you guys think is gonna happen? The ship sails or the ship sinks?” Bertholdt asked.

“ Sinks” Armin and Reiner said in unison.

“ It’ll sail. Mark my words” Annie flipped a page again.

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

Y/N’s mood was lifted as soon as she saw her cheerful mother open the doors hastily and welcome her inside the two storey building with open arms. It was like an electric shock went through her body as soon as she got a whiff of her familiar orchid and jasmine scented perfume. Mrs. L/N smelled like better days, and that she was.

“ Mom” Y/N didn’t want to break the embrace she was in. She hadn’t felt warmth like this in ages.

“ My baby’s back in town” Mrs. L/N giddily said, rocking her daughter back and forth as if she were a child. Y/N looked exactly how her mother did when she was younger, from her forehead to her nose to her envied hair, everything. And she inherited her spirit too.

“ Elijah, my other baby” Mrs. L/N cooed as she skiddled over to her grandson and hugged him just as tightly.

“ Where’s my dad?” Y/N looked around the great house, every inch of it covered in a different memory.

“ Your dad’s gone to buy you your favorite Victoria sponge. From that bakery you always dragged us to when you were little. That man will never stop spoiling you” Mrs. L/N pinched her cheek.

Y/N’s eyes wandered everywhere. It was so good to be back home. She remembered running up and down those stairs, whether to rush into her room crying or to lead a gang of giggling girls for a slumber party. She remembered studying algebra on the glass coffee table in the living room with her father, testing his patience as he yelled directions from the sofa. She remembered the laughter at the dining table every morning, noon and night. And then she remembered the day she came in walking with the stance of a lost ghost, soaking in icy rain, a hand on her belly. The pregnancy test slipped out of her jacket’s pocket and she collapsed on the floor in front of her anxious parents, answering every question they had with just a faraway look and a shivering, wet finger pointing at the fallen object.

But then everything changed, and it was all perfect when Elijah came along. He spent the first 5 years of his life in this house, doted on by his mother who worked harder than the devil himself, and his two grandparents who couldn’t go two seconds without kissing his cheek.

“ Y/N!” Came a bellow from behind her, bringing her back to earth.

“ DAD!” She ran to hug her father, who put the box of Victoria sponge on the table before taking his daughter in his arms.

“ So you do remember your dad’s alive” He playfully tweaked her nose.

“ Grandpa!”

“ Elijah!” Mr. L/N twirled him in the air a few inches off the ground as Mrs. L/N angrily ordered him to put the boy down. Yes, it was good to be back.

Dinner ended with Elijah helping his grandma clean up in the kitchen and Mr. L/N trying to force another piece of cake down his daughter’s throat to which she laughingly denied again. 

 And then came the moment Y/N wished she prepared more for.

“ Sweetheart, you must be tired, why don’t you go to your room and try dozing off, hmm?” Y/N sweetly asked Elijah with a firm look in her eye. It was a look Elijah deciphered all too well.

“ Yeah, goodnight guys”.

Y/N waited for Elijah’s footsteps to get quieter and eventually vanish before she turned to her parents, her face grim. 

“ Y/N, is everything okay?” Mrs. L/N asked, noticing the shift in energy.

“ Yes. Well, no. I came all the way here not only for a break, but because I need to tell you two something. Something that happened and couldn’t be said properly over the phone. Far too important for that” Y/N played with her fingers as she began her speech nervously.

“ Go on,” Mr. L/N said, watching Y/N with curiosity and concern.

“ Let’s start from the top, okay? Elijah got a new chemistry teacher one day, and he came home sulking. He wouldn’t tell me why he was so upset after school. I asked him if it was his friends or if it was a subject but he just brushed it off. Till one day he came back really happy. And that’s when he told me that his new chemistry teacher was a bully and that he targeted Eli all the time for basically nothing. Nobody’s ever done that to him before. And so I sent the new teacher a mail so that we could have a meeting together. My heart nearly stopped when I saw his email address and when Eli told me his name, and I’m surprised it didn’t actually stop the day I met him” Y/N’s voice began cracking now and she tried composing herself.

“ It’s okay, honey, keep going,” Mrs. L/N said, getting up from her chair to sit beside Y/N.

“ Where is this heading?” Mr. L/N asked, his concern growing.

With a deep breath, she continued.

“ Mom, dad. It was Eren. He’s back in our lives and he’s Elijah’s chemistry teacher now. He attacked Elijah because he also had a hunch I was who my name suggested I was, and he hoped his hunch was right, which it was. He played me again. He knew I wouldn’t sit and counsel my son if Eli ever told me and so he got his way again. Ever since the meeting we had we keep running into each other and he won’t stop pursuing me” Y/N finished, her heart racing. The living room went so quiet one could hear a mouse tiptoe.

Mr. L/N suddenly stood up, his demeanor reminiscent of the calmness that passed before a storm. Mrs. L/N stood up too, knowing that what would follow wouldn’t be pleasant.

“ F/N, whatever it is you’re gonna do, don’t. I don’t want a single thing in this house damaged” She said strictly.

“ CURSE THAT BOY!” Mr. L/N screamed at the top of his lungs, his face blood red and his eyes the size of two trays. He kicked his chair so hard the wooden leg his foot landed on wobbled before the whole thing fell on the ground.

“ DAD, STOP!”

“ F/N, CONTROL YOURSELF!” Mrs. L/N stormed over to her husband’s side. If this conversation happened a few days ago, Y/N might have cried. But now, she accepted it. She accepted that Eren was a part of her life that’d never leave, at least not for long.

Fuming, Mr. L/N sat down on the carpet.

“Things have been so crazy at home lately you can’t even imagine. I really need this break. I don’t wanna talk about Eren right now. I’ll figure out what to do about him once I’m back at home”.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“IT’S BEEN GODDAMN TWO DAYS WHERE THE HELL COULD SHE BE?” Eren scrunched up the paper cup in his hand into a ball, the last drop of Fanta smearing into his knuckles.

“ You know, Ren, I rarely say this but seriously, take a chill pill” Jean crossed his arms.

“ Armin said the same thing yesterday”

“ How does that man deal with you?”

“ Shut up” Eren grumbled, frowning at the ceiling.

Jean sighed before sitting beside Eren on the bed, hugging one of his legs as he thought of what to say.

“ Okay, let’s get this straight. You guys had a big fight and she told you to get out of her house and so you stormed out of it, right?” Jean asked, watching him nod from peripheral vision.

“ Okay. And then you were consumed by guilt for yelling at her and you kept calling her but she didn’t pick up. Most probably because her phone is off. And you’re positive that she didn’t block your number?”

“ Surprisingly, no she didn’t” Eren sat up now.

“ You went back to her house yesterday and she wasn’t there, neither was Elijah? And you went back today in the morning and she wasn’t there either?”

“ Gone”

“ And you asked another one of the teachers at school where Elijah is and she let you know that Elijah and Y/N let his homeroom teacher know that he’ll be back in three weeks because of some family matter?”

“ Yeah”

“ Alright, then you’ll see her in three weeks,” Jean shrugged.

“ What if she’s moving away from this city because I came back?”

“ Then you’ll never see her again,” Jean deadpanned.

“ You’re a fucking asshole, you know that?” Eren slapped his shoulder.

“ OW!” Jean slapped him back. Soon, the two men began wrestling each other on the bed. Jean’s mattress squeaked like a cornered mouse at every tough hit it took from the two towering, muscular men rough housing on it, not even caring they might break it. There was a mess of ferociously thrashing legs and strong arms in the air as well as a string of curses, and finally, tired laughter, exhausted sighs, and soft panting.

“ God, I think I need a break from this city. Like a few weeks off at some coastal town. Liquor and seafood and sleep” Eren said thoughtfully.

Jean hummed in response, scrolling through the notifications on his phone, his eyes lighting up at a particular username.

“ Whatcha lookin at?” Eren sat up and peered over Jean’s shoulder, his ear brushing against Jean’s caramel brown mullet.

“ It’s Kiara. She wants a third date!” Jean excitedly told Eren.

“Up high! You’re finally getting hoes, Jean” Eren laughed and high fived his friend.

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

Vinnie ignored his parents calling his name. He wouldn’t unlock his door, and he certainly wouldn’t pretend that he was happy with the news they had just told him. And he certainly wasn’t happy about what he’d have to tell his friends.

Vinnie watched his face contort in sorrow. Lips still red from the dragon fruit from his desert earlier, hair more tousled than usual, and hazel brown eyes struggling to hold back tears. With twitching lips, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Hello?” Elijah's voice.

“ Eli?”

“What’s up?”

" I might have to go back to England”.

BEEP!

Call ended. Vinnie opened his window to stare at the evening sky outside. A dark blue painting of stars and buildings. How ugly the things we find comfort in can be if the heart isn’t in them.

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

Y/N pressed her head to the wooden door of Elijah’s room, a plate of cold lasagna in her hands.

“ Elijah, sweetie, eat first and then we can have a chat about this. Come on, honey, it’s not a confirmed fact, it’s a maybe. Don’t starve yourself” Y/N tried to persuade her son.

“ Go away!” Came Elijah’s strict answer. Y/N sighed.

“ Appetite basically non existent?” Mrs. L/N pouted. Y/N’s silence was the loudest answer they could get.

“ Your mom and I were talking, and we won’t force you to do anything, but we think it’d be a good idea if you try and uhm” Mr. L/N cut himself off and scratched his head.

“ If you-” Again, he cleared his throat.

“ Oh, good heavens, darling, spit it out” Mrs. L/N impatiently nudged his shoulder.

“ If you try and start something again with Elijah’s father” Mr. L/N said through gritted teeth, not making eye contact with the women standing with him in the hallway.

Y/N set the plate of lasagna on the floor and walked up to her parents, searching her mother’s eyes for confirmation.

“ Let’s talk in the living room” Mrs. L/N made her way downstairs, and Y/N and Mr. L/N followed her to the sofa.

“ Mom, you cannot be serious”

“ Oh but I am”

“ You know how much he hurt me”

“ I’m well aware”

“ You cursed him every night you visited me at the Oxford dorms”

“ And every night since”

“ Then what possessed you to suggest that”

“ Because Elijah is a growing boy” Mrs. L/N cried.

Y/N scoffed.

“ Yes, and I’ve had all the hand in him growing and always will. Elijah’s doing just fine, and so am I” Y/N argued.

“ Y/N, I will not excuse his actions, and I will not invalidate your hurt, but for the sake of my grandson and for you, I must encourage you to at least try to get along with him. Maybe co parent, I don’t know, but to keep him in your life. Elijah needs a father, and from what I’ve heard, it seems Eren is finally ready to be a father. In fact, I think he’s finally ready to be a committed enough partner” Mrs. L/N stated gently and carefully, not wishing to agitate her daughter any further.

“ I can’t believe you right now” Y/N began getting haughty.

“ Your mom isn’t wrong. Eren isn’t a stalker. This is all fate. It’s all chance, and it’s a chance that you’d be stupid to let slip” Mr. L/N gravely chimed in.

Y/N sat still, digesting the conversation.

“ I just can’t forgive him. I see him try to win me back and to be good to Elijah and I’d be lying if I said it’s not sweet but is it really enough? After all he’s done and everything in the middle and the blood, sweat and tears I’ve shed for more than ten years in between. Can this sudden change of mind really be what justifies him coming back and playing the active parent?” Y/N lamented.

“ Well, we can’t force you to do anything. But do consider what we’ve said”

“ Come on, there’s gotta be better men out there”

“ I’m sure there are, darling, but how long will you wait till you find one? Till Elijah moves out for college? You can co parent and have a lover, you know. But that’s not what we’re here to discuss”

“ You’re right, mom”.

Mr. L/N got up and paced the living room.

“ I want a meeting with him,” He declared.

“ With Eren?”

“ With Eren”.

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

Y/N carefully closed the door so as to not wake Elijah up.

Hastily, she clicked the unsaved number and put the phone to her ears.

“ Hello? Y/N?” Eren’s confused voice came from the other end.

“ Eren, I think we should give dating a shot again”.

[ibroughtyoumybullets]

you got into mcr as an ADULT?

ok wait i think this is from the other night when i let the one direction beast out of her cage but i love telling this story so im answering it late. sorry i don’t look at my inbox enough.

yes!! kind of. <- short answer.

long answer: so i was starting to get into rock music when i was about … 12? my first Band That Was Mine was paramore but after the farro brothers left the band in 2010 i was in search of something else to love. i got into atl (eugh) and the Maine (the loves of my life listen to the maine NOW) and fall out boy (don’t listen to them that much anymore but they were important to my musical development) and that old Ryan Ross and Dallon Weekes project that fell off (weird that they never released anything after v&v? anyhow) and several other bands that were accessible to my little 12 year old brain.

and then one day when i was listening to camisado on YouTube i was looking for other songs that made me Feel The Same and this song by this band called my chemical romance called Mama popped up in the yt recommended sidebar. so I listened to it and was like “wait why is this music scary. this song makes me scared. am i even allowed to listen to this it has the word mama and hell in it am I gonna get in trouble” and got nervous and stopped listening. but i would go back to it every so often and it led me to teenagers which I would listen to when I wanted to feel cool and wttbp which was wholly inaccessible to my 12 year old brain but i still thought was cool anyhow.

and then, later, maybe a couple months later? i was on YouTube watching the what makes you beautiful music video over and over again and this song called NaNaNa came up in recommended. and the music video BLEW MY LITTLE BRAIN AWAY. IT WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAD EVER SEEN BEFORE. the colors and cars and the outfits and the GUITARS and the guns and the lyrics … fucking altered the fabric of my life. so I watched the sing music video and it did the same to me and i was motherfucking INTRUIGED. so I did some googling and saw they had started to release new music. i didn’t really understand the a/b side singles format but I thought maybe this was just a different way bands released albums. so I waited patiently for each single drop - and it wasn’t quite like their other music but it still really interested me.

this, notably, was around the time i started attending concerts. the first real concert I attended was an Ed sheeran show at the house of blues when he was touring his first album and was mostly only known by one direction fans in the US. and I was like … oh this is the coolest thing in the world and I wanna do it all the time. I had tickets to a concert for the Maine in June of that year, 3 days after the time I would see one direction live. So my 13 year old brain was like YES since I am now grown (lol) and a concert goer I will wait until mcr announces a tour for their new music and go and it’ll be great.

and then they broke up. lol.

and i was like. SAD. well there are other bands. and just kind of moved on. there were boy bands to blog about. it wasn’t a huge loss to me. they hadn’t Gotten me yet.

but during the time they were broken up, particularly as I got older, I could never quite listen to them. i would try to occasionally but it just made me sad because I knew I could really love this band and they weren’t around for me to love them and I didn’t feel like setting myself up to love a band I would never see.

but in spring of 2019 I was a sophomore in college, deeply, deeply depressed, and holed up in my room 22 stories up going crazy with insomnia. and my mom texted me and was like “hey me and dad have started watching this show, the umbrella academy. its based off a comic book that was written by Gerard way? Who was in a band? I think you would like it” so I started milking tua dry for hyperfixation serotonin and was watching cast interviews, etc, and then I watched one with Gerard in it. and I was like. oh. it’s you it’s the band guy. maybe I’ll listen to some of your music as a treat.

so I started listening to danger days a lot. i think I needed the color in my life. and i really enjoyed it, especially since I was older and had a better understanding of myself and music. but it still made me sad, you know? i really liked this band but they clearly weren’t ever going to exist again - I mean Gerard clearly had his own stuff going on, and this was before Twitter introduced Topics so I would get Frank’s tweets about his touring in my recommended Twitter feed. the band was dead. so I’d listen to danger days and absorb whatever hope I could from it and walk away better but still sad.

this continued throughout the summer and into the fall.

this is the funniest part of this story: mid October 2019 I was in a parking lot with my friends smoking weed and listening to music. somebody gave me the aux and I put on DD and we had a discussion about our younger and more emo days and i said “I hope you guys know if they ever got back together I would drag you to see them” and they were all like yeah that’s fair.

and then, on Halloween 2019, I was on a train on my way out to visit a friend in college so we could party (I had dropped out LOL) and I was sitting on the train waiting for it to leave the station. i had a whole playlist ready and was getting into the drunk and slutty mood. I opened Twitter one last time before I turned my signal off so I could conserve battery and somebody had tweeted that mcr had gotten back together and I was like. ok not funny. but then I saw another tweet about it. and another. so I cautiously opened the MCR Twitter page and saw it was real. i could not fucking believe it. so i through my playlist out of the window and listened to black parade front to back for the first time in my life, cried a little, had everything change for me.

and then there were days and days where I would listen to all of their albums and tried my best to eat their music alive. I started stalking the MCR tag on tumblr, started following a couple people from mcrblr on my old blog, and began letting myself Love them.

and then there was the shrine and an offering and a summoning and the insanity of accepting I would be able to see them live with my own little eyes. the day tickets dropped I literally left work on my half hour break, went home, fought Ticketmaster, and got tickets for me and my friends. I’d never been so excited.

and there was a plague and several years and in the interim they have become My Band. I’m never going to love another band like this and I don’t want to. im so happy to be here and I’m so happy it happened now, when I’m older and have a better handle on myself and have the ability to chase them around.

so yeah. this was long but so was my journey to them. if I’m weird about my chemical romance it’s just because I had to wait a decade for them and it feels very much like fate to me.

[sugarlove-01]

The Cruelty Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

Your POV:

Tuesday, June 14th

9:15 in the Morning

“Hey, dad. Can we get a dog? Well, can we get a puppy?” I asked, as I sat in kitchen, playing with my hair.

            My father listening to the radio, with his newspaper on the counter. His loose black and green tie around his neck, giving me the notice that he was getting ready for work. His black shiny shoes, and his glasses hung on his jacket. He shook his head with a smile to my sudden question.

“A dog, sweety? What for?” he chuckled, rinsing a few pans in the sink. Looking totally oblivious.

“What do you mean what for? For… I don’t know.”

“Just for fun? For companionship? To spend a lot of money for a slobbering beast?”

“No, it’s the first option. For fun! It’ll be my first pet ever! And plus we have this new house and all. It‘ll be a huge new start for us.”

“I don’t know. What kind of dog? Retriever?”

“Don’t know, yet. Um, yesterday I saw a flier. There’s a shelter, and there’s a lot up for adoption.”

“Still not sure,” was his reply.

“What happens of I ask mom?”

“I’m pretty sure you’ll hear the same thing, sweetheart.”

            Right then my mother came in with a flower pot in her hands. Of course she was planting a garden already. It symbolized that this was a new start, and we had to plant the roots around it. Claiming this place as ours, a new home. We did this every time we moved, if we had a backyard. My mother had a green thumb. Anything she’d put in the ground, it would grow. And anything my father touched seemed to…do the opposite. And she teased him for that.

“Guess what, hon? Our baby girl wants a puppy…” my father chuckled, shaking his head.

“Oh! I think a dog in this family would be nice!” my mother beamed, putting the flower pot at the window.

“What? I thought you were going to be on my side. We don‘t need a dog! We didn‘t have a dog last time.”

“You don’t want a puppy? I think a puppy is a great idea!” exclaimed my mom dusting off the flower pot.

“Great! How bout me and mom go to the shelter today? They‘re giving them up for adoption!” I smiled.

“We don’t even have the supplies to take care of a dog. And do you know how much work a puppy is…?” my father put the dishes away.

“That’s ok. Remember me and mom can shop?” I teased him,” And anyway, you know I can take care of a dog!”

“Yea, we can both go downtown and look for a doggy bed, food, toys, brushes and washing supplies. A leash and a collar.”

“Yea! And the vote’s 2 to 1, so we win…! Ha!” I smiled. Mom stood beside me with her purse in hand. 

            My dad sighed, and smiled. Maybe he agreed or not.

“Ok, ok…go get a puppy, sweety…”

            So my mother and I went downtown, and it was perfectly sunny. Many people wore shorts and sunglasses, carrying plastic bags and beach balls. It was a perfect day to be at the beach, as some people carried blue coolers. Sometimes my mom asked me what I was going to name the puppy, and nothing came up yet. She was thinking Sergeant Fuzzy Boots.

            My mother made a list of supplies needed for a puppy. I wrote some things down myself. I pushed the shopping cart in the little market, as she gathered squeaky toys. She looked at the price tags, while I was thinking about a few names. Human names and pet names. We limited ourselves to a price range, to save money for a doggy bed and maybe a collar.

            We went further down the aisle and came to the leashes. They were differently colored, which made it the more fun to pick out. Made of rope or chains, of different sizes. My mother thought it would be nice that I’d choose the color, so I picked up a purple leash. Looked like the perfect size. It also looked like a leash the puppy couldn’t chew through.

            My mother and I soon separated. She went to go get the food, while I went to go get the clippers and brushes and the bowl. By the time I got everything, my arms were full. Then we met up again. I pushed the shopping cart to the cashier, with my mother who picked up a few magazines and a Pepsi. The toys were paid and done for. As well for the leash.

“Ok, the only thing we’re missing is…the collar. But we have the full body leash, that‘ll be ok for now. But I still want the collar.”

“Yea, mom, I looked everywhere in the market. I didn’t see any and I asked an employee and he said they ran out.”

“Oh, well, I’m sure we can wait on the collar…”

“Or, I can go to the carnival or the Boardwalk and try and look for a collar tonight. There’s a lot of shops there.”

“I don’t want you to go alone. Is Tom working tonight?”

“Yea, he told me he’s working tonight. He said I could come over and chat for awhile. And then he’s off near 8:00...”

“Ok, you can go. Just as long as Tom’s there... Alrighty then! Ready to go the shelter, now?”

“Yes!”

“So what time is it? What time are we getting our first puppy?”

“Ok…it’s 12:35 on June 14th…! My first puppy!” I smiled.

            The shelter was old, and smelled like soap and fur. The woman at the desk was happy that we came in. She said that not enough people come in anymore, even though there was great puppies and dogs here. So, she took us inside.

            The dogs yelped and barked. Pawing the cage doors, running in circles, with their tongues out. My mother marveled at this little Chihuahua with huge black eyes, a disproportionaly large head, and its little paws and tiny tail.

            For a long time we walked around the shelter. Even looking at cats. The woman talked to us about adoption and we asked her questions about vets and health that we needed to watch out for. So we walked and walked and walked.

            Every once in awhile, my mother would look at little white puppies that almost crawled all over her. The woman dressed in green and black worker clothes opened cages to let loose the puppies and kitties. My mother loved them all.

            She cooed at them, while I looked at this other puppy with white puffy fur and big black eyes. But I continued to walk. Finally after walking a small round, I came to a small peculiar puppy. It was black and brown, with black eyes.

            The woman told me that they found this puppy in their garbage right outside their door, and took him in. Apparently the poor thing almost starved to death. But it was ok now. My mom took a look at it, and kept hugging it to death.

            The woman said that they couldn’t truly identify it’s breed, but the puppy was a total sweetheart. Its teeth were fine and had no tics or fleas. The little angel puppy had its wash just yesterday, and so I agreed. I had chosen my puppy.

            So my mother put the puppy in my arms, started the engine and drove back home. We wanted to show my dad the good news. If he saw it as good news. But we both knew he wanted a puppy in the house too. He just denied it.

            Soon I wanted to go to Tom’s work and show him my little furry surprise. Maybe he could help me figure out a name for my new baby. He would be surprised, and it was good because he wasn’t allergic to animals or anything. It would be fun.

“Aww! Would you look at this thing!? It keeps trying to lick you and all! Like its trying to suck up or something,” I said, as the puppy licked my chin.

“I know! …Gah! I can’t help myself! I just want to hug it until I scream!” My mother hugged my puppy.

            It was a rather large puppy, but really young. It looked like a retriever and a husky. But it had soft fur, floppy ears, and really large paws. Then my dad came in. He actually looked surprised to see the cute little thing in my arms.

“Isn’t it cute dad!?” I squealed.

“Yes. Yes. Yes… It makes you wanna vomit from all the cuteness…” he joked, and laughed.

“Oh, don’t be like that. You know you love it!” my mom said, hitting his arm.

“What time is it?“ I asked.

“It’s…5:30. Why?” my mom looked at her watch.

“I’m going over to Tom’s place! He’s working, so it’s a perfect opportunity! And I want to walk this little guy!”

“Ok… Just be careful. Tell Tom we said hello…”

“I will…!”

            So unlocking the chain to my bike, I began to peddle off. I held the leash as I held onto the bike handle. I passed Tom’s house and went down the street. My puppy at my side. We went to the Boardwalk. But this time, it felt different. Since I had my puppy with me, I didn’t feel so alone anymore. So I found Tom’s hotdog stand, and he still had no customers. His red and white worker clothes made him look like a dork. I smiled as I came up.

“Hello Tom!”

“Oh! ’Ey! How are you? Hey…you‘re lookin’ bright today. What‘s up?”

“You’ll never guess what I got!”

“A car?” he smiled.

“No…!”

“A life!?” he joked.

“No…!” I laughed.

“A job?”

“No…!”

“I don’t know…! Tell me.”

“Look down at my feet…!” I smiled.

            Tom leaned over the counter and looked at my shoes. But then he saw the leash in my hand, and saw the little puppy that sniffed at the ground for something. At first, he froze.

“Oh wow! Hey little guy! What’s its name?”

“Well that’s the reason I came down here. I was wondering if you could help me figure out a name for it.”

“Ok! That’s cool. And is it a boy or girl?”

“It’s a boy.”

“Ok, I get a break in about an hour. How bout we talk about it then?”

“Alright, cool. I’ll be back. I need to go look for a collar for it anyway…”

            Tom smiled and I went my own way. I looked at my watch, and it was 6:30. I had enough time to kill before 8:00. I walked and looked around, and then found a shop for collars. They had spiked collars, leather collars, light-up collars, and collars that had little charms on it.

David’s POV:

Tuesday, June 14th

6:15 in the Evening

“Where the hell did ‘ey go? Huh? Run off already? Where’s the little Laddie?”

“I don‘t know. I don‘t know... Look, man, everyone’s out tonight.”

“Ah! Whatever. Anyway, where’s the fire tonight boys?”

“Whose hungry!?”

            The boys were all out of the cave. Star and Laddie went their own way. They always separate from them, right when the sun goes down. Shit, maybe it’s because their embarrassed. Or they hate them.

“Who knows where ‘ey go! Alright? Let’s just leave it!”

            Paul shoved Dwayne.

“Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Get outta the way, dude!”

“Whoa man! Watch it! Hahahaha! Hey!” Marko shoved Paul.

“Gonna bring you down, son!”

“Shut up! All of you! Star and Laddie are gone. So what!”

            The hell with them, then. Paul and Marko were laughing their heads off, seeming to run eachother over. Poking at eachother. Dwayne was spinning around on his bike, spitting sand.

“Where’s the action man! Hey, David! David!”

“Shut up! Go separate ways! Go find her!”

            Paul and Marko laughed, tipping their heads. David lowered his head, looking angry.

“Hahahaha! ’Ey, let her go, man! Let’s just go hang out!”

“What the hell, I said go find her. On foot!”

“Whoa… Hit a nerve? A’right. A’right. We’re goin. Chill out…”

“Let’s go boys… and if you do find her, just bring her back.”

            They waved and left. They pushed and shoved past people. Their wild suitable ways were normal as usual. They’d snicker at people and feel power over people. Like a couple of gods walking around peasants. Marko was already flirting with some chick infront of her boyfriend.

“Hey there sweety…!” Paul smiled.

“Hey back off man,” her boyfriend said.

“Naw, you back off! Get off me, man!” Paul shoved the man’s hands off his shirt.

“Get off, man! Get off!”

“What did you expect man? Your girlfriends hot!“ Paul laughed.

            David shoved between his brothers, and the girl pleaded to her boyfriend that they would just go somewhere else. David smacked Paul across the head and pushed Marko back.

“Shut up guys! Go to the damn carnival and look!” David yanked them back and forth.

“Ya heard David, guys! Look! Don’t want another embarrassing scene.”

“We’re just foolin’ David! Just foolin’ around, man!”

            Paul raised his hands up in defense.

“I don’t care. Go!”

            The boys finally went. Going separate ways and looking for Star and Laddie. David went to check the concert, but she wasn’t there. He tried the Boardwalk, and she wasn’t there. There was something about that woman that David purely hated. He wanted to fly over and look for her. Maybe tell her who’s in charge here, and slap her in the face and make sure that it burns.

“Where the hell are you?” David muttered to himself.

            The air was smoky, and he caught onto her scent for a minute. But then it was gone. David wanted to make sure that Star wasn’t doing anything stupid. He only looked for her because she had Laddie with her. It was for the sake of Paul, Dwayne, and Marko. They missed the little guy.

“Where the hell is she!?” David growled at himself.

            All night he looked, and she was nowhere to be found. Max is gonna have a bitch-fit when he finds out. So the boys gave up. It was so early in the evening. They would have all night to have fun. They didn’t want to waste their time looking for her.

            But he was no mood to be with the rest of the boys. While he was separated from the boys now, he wanted to go look for her. That girl. He hoped that she was out and about. But first David had to check the hotdog stand. And she was there. But the first thing that caught his eye was the leash in her hand.

            David looked down and saw a puppy. That was definitely new. It was black and brown and sniffed at the ground. He looked at people and looked so excited. His tail wagged, with its ears perking up at every sound, his tongue hanging out.

            David knew that the little mutt would be trouble in the future. It seemed she bought her own security alarm for her house. David had no idea why on earth she would get a puppy, but…whatever she wanted.

            David kept his distance, and listened to their conversation. She hadn’t named the animal yet, and needed Tom’s help. In an hour, he would be on break and they would talk more. David saw how Tom smiled at her, and his grey eyes gleamed. But the girl seemed to be totally unaware that her neighbor liked her. Then she left the hotdog stand and walked towards the shops along the Boardwalk. Right when she left him, David followed right behind her.

            He was right behind her. As she walked, her hair brushed along his face, tickling him almost. And then…once more he traced a finger down her green jacket. He put a cigarette behind his ear, and put away the lighter in his pocket. The things he bought from the gas station. His finger stayed on her back for awhile, then he withdrew. All the while he did, she never noticed at all. The puppy looked at him, and seemed to be scared of him. The little mutt growled at him.

            She went inside the shop and looked at the collars all on display. It was for the little mongrel. David followed her in. She looked at the collars and the price tags. Her little animal scratched at everything and sniffed, but still looked at him with those eyes. The little mutt knew that he was dangerous, and began to snarl. The girl tried to hush the poor thing, and carried it instead. Rock and roll music played in the speakers. But it didn’t cover up the dogs growls.

            David would kick it if he had the chance. Just to make it shut the hell up. There was 4 aisles in the whole shop, and she was in the 2nd aisle. While David walked in the 3rd aisle, looking at her through the small openings in the shelves. Sometimes, she’d stop look at something, and walk. Sometimes, she’d face him entirely and he would look at her face. David walked more. His thoughts, unclean. And his intentions, evil. And she wouldn’t know.

[hurdenbeavy]

Soooo guess who is back. And with a new obsession! Woot woot! PJO is something I’m diving headfirst into and while it’ll take me a bit to catch up to since I’m broke and gotta buy the books one by one per paycheck, I figured I could still have some fun.

This is in a world where Luke had a friend back at camp. One who was so torn up about him dying that she visited her mother and brokered a deal to get him back. A simple thing cause Luke deserves a bit of happiness too. Even if he’s not a huge figure in this. Might write more later. Also! Sorry for the shitty formatting. I’m doing this all on mobile from my notepad.

(UPDATE: This is a mini series now. Hope you enjoy the ride cause I am! Not sure how links work but I’ll try and figure that out. Might have to wait until I get back to my laptop in September though. Also, we got a title now!)

————————————————————————

Legacy of Spring

Part 1

“Mya? Is that you?” Moving closer and grin widening, the man laughed. “No way. I never thought I’d see you again. But here you are.”

“Mom! I got the cookies!” Running around the corner, a kid froze seeing his mother held up in an uncomfortable situation. “Mom?”

Tilting her head, the brunette looked warily at the blond. “I’m sorry. I really think you have the wrong person. Let’s go, Ethan. We’ve got everything we need.” Moving on, she took her son’s wrist and led him to the self check out, quickly speeding through so they could hurry home.

The inquisitive little boy knew something had obviously spooked his mother and he wasn’t down for that. He promised his dad that he’d protect her and it felt like failing him when someone made her unsettled. “Mom, who was that?”

Meeting his eyes in the rear view mirror, the woman smiled fondly at her son. “That was someone your dad and I used to know. We’d go to summer camp together. But I don’t want you to talk to him or anyone you ever see him with. Okay? Just come find me if they try bothering you. Understand?”

Ethan nodded slowly, smiling easily to appease his mother. “Of course mom.” Turning to watch outside the window, he got lost in thought.

It was sitting on the swings at the schoolhouse that Ethan saw them next. A week after the supermarket incident there were three standing on the other side of the yard. Just watching him. Though unnerved, the boy beamed when he recognized the form of a familiar black dog. “Cerby!” With a wide grin, he ran across the yard and embraced the dog.

The pale figure watched in shock and contemplation as this random kid got friendly with his father’s guardian. Turning and meeting the pointed and upset expressions of his companions he nodded slowly. Crouching down, he addressed the kid. “Hey brat. Didn’t your mom ever tell you to not run up to strangers?”

The blond scrunched his nose in distaste as he peered up at the adult. “And didn’t your dad ever teach you to mind your business? I know Cerby and I know he’d protect me from anything. Right, Cerby?”

Barking in agreement, the hound licked the boy. Turning he seemed to glare at the trio in warning. Preparing to release another bark, his attention shifted and a whine escaped him. Nudging the boy, he led him a short ways away.

Turning just down the corner came an angry brunette. “Heroes of Olympus my ass. I don’t care who you are or what you want. But you will leave my son alone. Ethan, we’re going home.” Picking her son up, she spared a sizzling glare to the trio.

“Mya, wait!” Grabbing her wrist, he pleaded. “I don’t care about anything else. Just… you’re safe. Right? Happy?” When there was no response, he read the answer from her expression.

Two weeks later, Ethan was playing in the high field of flowers laughing as he and Cerberus took turns chasing one another. From a bit away sat his parents, Mya laid down, resting her head in her husband’s lap as he braided her hair gently.

The wind seemed to still as a crack in the earth tore open and from its flaming depths, a couple seated in a chair of petals rose up. With childish glee, the boy screamed and ran towards the duo. At the same time however both child and parents recognized the appearance of a third figure. From behind the chair came the same pale figure that was at his school.

“Mother!” Storming across the field, the woman scooped up her child and held him close as her husband came to join them. “You promised.”

“Oh darling…” Turning to glare at Hades, the goddess sighed. “Trust me. It wasn’t my idea. But your father is right. It’s time for a family reunion. So will you do the introductions or will I?”

Seeing the standstill his family was at, the blond pursed his lips, a baby sneer on his face as he looked over the stranger. “Considering you obviously weren’t taught manners, I’ll do it. I’m Ethan Charles Castellan, son of Mya and Luke Castellan. And you are?”

A smirk tugged at the man’s lips as he approached closer now. “I’m Nico di Angelo, son of Maria di Angelo and Hades. I guess that makes you my nephew, brat.”

[coochiecowgirl]

My mom rarely took my cat to the vet when he was a baby. I remember one time in high school I got back from a trip and he had gotten into a fight and was beat up pretty bad. There was a spot on his leg that was just an open wound and oozing green gunk. She never took him to be seen. He’s 16 years old now and whenever I visit I notice certain things about him I get worried about his health. And I’m sure it’s nothing bc over the summer he was acting like he was hurt and I begged my mom to take him in and apparently he was just fine. But I still worry that he has tumors or cancer and is in pain. And I know my mom won’t spend the money to do any tests. A few years back he was having problems peeing and my mom thought she could treat it “naturally” somehow, but guess what that didn’t work and she ended up with a huge vet bill to take care of his crystallized bladder, and she only took him in after my sister came down to watch him and noticed that he was really fucked up. I just worry that my cat is slowly dying and my mom will do nothing about it. Because historically she lets things go way too far until it’s a huge fucking deal (or it gets better in its own) and that terrifies me.

I think that’s why I always panic and want to see a doctor about the smallest things. I don’t want to be like my mom and just wait to see if something gets better. I worry that it won’t and I’ll somehow be more fucked.

She didn’t take me to see a dentist for years and when my dad started giving me the child support money, instead of giving it to my mom, I went to the dentist and I had so many cavities that needed filling. And they treated me as if it was my fault I hadn’t seen a dentist in over 5 years even though I was only 16.

My mom had a mole on her arm that started to look worse and worse and I told her a few times that she should see a doctor about it (I was in high school, so again, around 16 or 17). One day I saw a bandaid on her arm and I asked what happened. She said she had seen a doctor and they cut it off. That was a lie and she had tried to cut it off herself. Years later she was dating a doctor and he told her to get the mole checked out. Turns out she had melanoma. It was caught early and just a small patch of skin needed to be removed. She believed this man saved her life. She still doesn’t wear sunscreen.

More recently, her dad died. His doctor in the 90’s had checked his prostate and noticed it was enlarged, but my grandpa didn’t get any further tests done. As he got older and my mom started taking him to appointments (she also lived right next door to him) it was always brought up but my mom let her dad decide to not get it checked out. It was assumed he had prostate cancer though. He had to be taken to the ER because of bladder issues and he died there a few days later. Because no tests had been done on his prostate there’s no way to tell if the cancer is what actually killed him. But things had been going south for my grandpa’s health for a while and my mom, who was taking care of him, didn’t really do anything to help. And maybe she could have done more, but I also know her dad was fiercely independent and very stubborn, so she probably thought it was best to let him have his way. But man, if I was in that situation, I’d be doing a hell of a lot more to make sure my parent was getting all the help they needed.

I’m just always worried that secretly something worse is always happening. Like somehow my cat has been living with cancer and by the time symptoms really show it’ll be too late. Or somehow I’ve been living with cancer and by the time I get something checked out it’ll be too late. And so far, everything seems fine. For me and my cat. But I still worry. A lot.

[vixfruitmartinez]

Michael Afton x nb!reader

Prompt/Summary: You decided to go to the Frazbear Pizzeria everyone was talking about with your boyfriend, Michael. Something lurks in the shadows.. and you didn’t know it was coming for you.

TW: Angst, Gore, Foul Language, Manipulation

nb as in non-binary, or you can think of it as gender neutral!

Thank you for all the hearts(?) in my previous story! Enjoy!

Michael seemed excited when I said yes to going on a date with him. Can’t blame him, I have been busy with my schoolwork and he really wanted me to check out his Dads pizzeria. Due to my schoolwork we only have gotten out on dates every few weeks.

I remember my mom calling me downstairs because I had someone calling me. As I made my way downstairs I could hear my mom talking to someone, so I paused to listen.

“I’m so glad you’re dating them. Ever since you two got together they have been so cheerful around the house. I heard from their therapist that they might not need to take the appointments anymore.”

She hummed and laughed a bit over the phone, I could hear someone talking over the phone. Most likely Michael. I walked up to my mom, “Hey mom, what’s up?” She turned around and used her hand to cover the speaker part of the phone.

“Michael wants to chat with you!” She handed my the phone before sitting down on the couch in the living room.

“Hello?” I said.

“Babe! Hey, you free today?” He asked, excited.

“Actually, I am. What plans do you have?” I chuckled. Seeing Michael this excited is so rare.

“I was thinking we can check out my dads freakish animatronics!”

“I’m up for it, what time you going to pick me up?”

“I’ll pick you up in 2 hours, yeah?”

“Is your little brother going to come?” I twirled the phone line with my finger.

“Nah, he’s a big wuss when it comes to the animatronics. Besides, it’ll be just you and me.”

Hearing that his little brother didn’t wanna come since he was terrified of the animatronics made me frown. But also glad to spend alone time with Michael. I didn’t mind them, the animal . The commercials I saw always made me think they were cool. I always had a soft spot for Michaels little siblings. Maybe Michaels dad can teach me how to make them so Michaels little brother won’t be scared of them.

“Alright well, I’m going to go now to get ready. I’ll be waiting then. Love you, Michael.”

“Love you too baby.”

I hung up the phone and started walking upstairs until my mom called me.

“What did you two talk about?” She had a smirk on her lips.

“Just a date Plan, nothing too exciting.” I walked up the steps.

“Wear protection sweetheart.” My mom commented.

I rolled my eyes and entered my room.

———

Michael waited outside my door, a huge grin plastered on his face. “Come on! I can’t wait for you to see these huge animatronics! They are weirder up close!” He reached out for my hand.

I grabbed his hand, chuckling. “Alright, alright. You’re making me want to see them now.” We started walking off, the restaurant wasn’t to far and walking with Michael made me feel relaxed. 

I found myself staring at him. He wore a tanktop (like usual) and shorts with his tennis shoes. I loved how he did his hair, it was smoothed back and then curved at the ends. He always ran his hands through it when he laughed or talked to me. I wonder how he gets it so poofy?

Michael rambled on about how he’s excited and wanting to see my reaction, “The pizza there is okay, you wanna get the cake instead? Maybe we can leave and order at a different place!”

“I’m sure the pizza is okay,” I layed my head on his shoulder. “besides it’ll be fun just to see the animatronics, right?”

He ran his hand through his hair, “Yeah, you’re right. Baby, I can’t wait to see you’re reaction! Trust me! So worth it!” He lifted his hand up, making a thumbs up at me.

I laughed, “You’re so hyper, I love it.”

———

The smell of pizza, cake, sweaty kids and metal hit my face like a bat once the glass doors opened. We walked inside being greeted by a tall man who looked like Michael, but alot more older and taller.

“Hey dad..” Michael greeted, some annoyance in his throat. This was his dad? Wow!

“Hey son, who’s this?” He looked over at me, sticking his hand out.

I shook his hand, “I’m Y/n, Michaels partner.” He shook my hand back, “I’m William Afton, Michaels father. You can call me Mr.Afton.” He grinned at me.

He let my hand go, “Well I’ll let you two enjoy yourselves.” He walked to a random door that read, “Staff only” and walked inside.

“Sorry, I didn’t want you to meet my dad at his job..” Michael rubbed the back of his neck. I smiled at him. “Don’t worry, he seems cool.” I reassured him. He smiled, “Come on! Let me show you Fredbear and Springbonnie!”

I smiled back and he led me to a big area filled with booths, tables and a stage in the middle with one moving animatronic. He was a yellow bear, singing lullaby’s.

“Seems like Springbonnie is walking around.” Michael said. He turned towards me and then pointed at the bear, “That’s Fredbear, he’s weird ain’t he?”

“It’s cool that it moves on its own!” I grinned from astonishment. We sat down at a booth and ordered a medium pepperoni pizza from a waiter.

“Hey I’m going to take a leak.” Michael got up. I nodded at him and grabbed a second slice, biting into it. He walked off, leaving me alone.

I stared at Fredbear as he sang The Itsy Bitsy Spider. Some of the kids sang along with him, while other stayed back in fear.

I heard some stomping and turned towards the sound, “Hey miss. Why are you alone?”

It was the tall rabbit, must be Springbonnie. “Oh, I’m not alone. My boyfriend went to the bathroom.” I smiled softly at the rabbit.

“Why don’t you come with me for some cake?” He tilted his head, the ears bounced down with his head. “Mm.. what flavor of cake?” I put my pizza down.

“Oh.. I have all kinds with me, chocolate.. vanilla.. red velvet.. strawberry.. any kind you would like.” He moved his hands while he talked.

“Sure, can I take a slice for my boyfriend?” I smiled. He nodded, “Follow me, Miss.” He began walking off.

I got up and followed him, he walked slow, looking around every now and then.

He led me to the far back of the restaurant, it had gotten dark quickly. “Can we be back here, Mr.Bonnie?” I asked.

“Of course. Don’t worry your pretty little head, this is where we keep our cakes for guest.” He took out a key and opened a door, letting me walk inside first.

“Thank you.” I nodded my head as I stepped inside. I looked around my surroundings, it smelled like metal. I heard the door shut and a lock turn.

I turned my head back, “Mr.Bonnie?” I called out. I could make out bodies on the floor. That’s when it hit me.

‘Im going to be killed.’ I felt my jaw open in shock, tears straining my eyes. The sound of something falling was heard. I felt a hand cover my mouth and something cold touch my neck.

“Please..” I said into the hand.

“You’re so, so stupid.” The accented voice said. It sounded familiar.

Looking behind me I saw, him. “Mr.Afton—“ I felt his grip cover my mouth harder as the blade stabbed into my throat.

I yelled into his palm as I started scratching at his arm and hands. He started laughing, pulling up my shirt and playing with my flesh with his knife.

I felt myself crying and gasping for air. He shoved the knife in my stomach, I yelled with all my might. I’m desperate. Desperate for someone to hear me.

My vision became foggy, my limbs grew loose as they dropped to the my sides I felt myself being thrown on the ground. I heard a chuckle and a faint,

“You’re so stubborn. Following a stranger to the end of a building? You deserved to die.” He walked over to me before kicking my head and then laughing like a lunatic.

I don’t want to die.

Everything was white, then turned to black.

[a-simple-gaywitch]

Ohana

Spencer Reid x Reader

Summary: Spencer’s in love with his new neighbor- and her son that’s just like him

Word Count: 3234

Warnings: Typical CM stuff (Amplification specifically), Single Parent!Reader, slight angst

“Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.” -Lilo and Stitch

~

Spencer remembered the day you moved in. He remembered you lugging boxes up five flights of stairs by yourself. When he saw you struggling with a heavy box, trying to find your key, he decided to be bold and help. 

“You look like you could use some assistance,” he said. “I’m, uh, I’m Dr. Spencer Reid, I live right across the hall.”

“Dr. (Y/N) (L/N),” you said.

“Here, let me hold the box for you.”

“Careful, it’s heavy,” you said, shifting it into his arms. 

Spencer was jostled for a moment from the weight of the box, which was labeled (Y/N)’s Books. “So, MD or PhD?” he asked you as you searched for the right key. 

“PhD, I’m too squeamish to be in the medical field,” you said with a laugh. It was the most beautiful sound Spencer had ever heard. “What about you?”

“What? Oh,” Spencer shook his head, focusing back on the conversation. “PhDs.”

You stopped sorting through your keys and turned to face Spencer. “Plural? Holy shit, are you a genius or something?”

Spencer let out a small laugh before saying, “Yeah, technically. But I don’t think intelligence can be accurately quantified.”

You finally found the right key and sighed as you heard the lock click. “Um, you can set the box with the others by the bookshelf.”

Spencer turned to see a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, much like his own, with boxes upon boxes of books in front of it. Some were labeled Academics, some had the same label as the one he was currently holding, and some had Oliver’s Books scrawled across the top.

“So, uh, where are you moving from?” he asked you, following the maze of boxes to your kitchen.

You offered him a bottle of water. “Erie, Pennsylvania. I got a job at Georgetown as an Associate Professor in the history department.”

“Oh, I guest lecture there every once in a while. In the criminology department. Uh, what’s your concentration?” Spencer took a sip from the water bottle. 

“Medieval and Renaissance history,” you said. “I get to teach fun classes like Medieval Weaponry and Warfare.”

“Well, maybe I can sit in on that class someday.”

You smiled at him and that was when Spencer knew, you’d worked your way into his heart and you were never leaving.

~

Spencer remembered the first time he met Oliver. It was 53 hours, 27 minutes, and 15 seconds since the day he met you. He was coming home from an exhausting case when he saw you trying to balance paper shopping bags in your arms while opening your door. A small boy, no older than 6, stood behind you with oversized headphones and a mobile gaming system. He had a huge backpack on his shoulders.

“Ollie, take the keys. Ollie. Oliver.”

“You need some help?” Spencer asked, setting his go-bag in front of his door.

“Spencer, hi! Um, some help would be great.” Spencer took the bags from your arms so you could open the door. “Oh, uh, this is Oliver, my son.”

“Your-your son?” Spencer asked. If you had a son, it was likely you had a partner. 

“Yep, he’s my boy.” You tapped his shoulder and gestured for him to say hi. The boy gave a small wave before going back to his game.

Spencer cleared his throat. “So, uh, where’s-where’s his father?”

“California. At least, that’s where he went when he left us.” Your hand was resting on top of your son’s head. He looked just like you. “Here, can you just set the bags on the counter?” you asked after opening the door. Oliver started down the hallway when you grabbed the loop of his backpack. “Not so fast. You know the rules. Homework first, then you can play your game again.”

Oliver groaned and handed you his game. You set it on the counter next to the bags of groceries. 

“So, you’re raising him alone?” Spencer asked you. 

You nodded and started unpacking the bags. “Yeah. You know, it’s been hard, but I can’t imagine life without my Ollie. He’s my heart and soul.”

~

Spencer and you became friends quite quickly. He told you about his job as a profiler, and you told him about working at the university. He would come over after cases and watch movies with you and Oliver. He’d help you put groceries away and he’d help you with simple tasks. 

He also picked up on Oliver’s eccentricities. He reminded Spencer of his younger self. He didn’t talk much about kids at school and he breezed through schoolwork. His interests seemed heightened beyond what could be considered normal for a kid his age. One day, Spencer decided to ask about it as inconspicuously as he could. 

The two of you were playing a game of chess when he brought it up.

“So, Oliver seems to be doing pretty well in school. What grade did you say he was in, second?”

“Yeah, the school bumped him up a grade. They wanted me to move him up to fourth, but I know how important it is to have friends your own age. And he already struggles to make friends.”

“He does? Why?”

You sighed, moving your knight. “Check. He was diagnosed as autistic when he was three. He doesn’t quite get social cues so it’s hard for him.”

Spencer moved his bishop and took your knight. “I’m sure his dad leaving didn’t help.”

“Well, he, uh, he never actually met his dad. Leo left me when I was four months pregnant.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

You waved him off. “It’s fine. It was almost seven years ago. I moved on, and I learned to balance motherhood with college. I completed my undergrad when he was only a few months old and I worked on graduate school when he was a high-energy toddler. It just proved to me that I can do anything. Checkmate.”

~

Spencer was enjoying a rare day off on a Tuesday when his phone started ringing. He groaned, thinking it was Hotch with an urgent case. But when he saw your name on the caller ID, his face lit up. 

“(Y/N), hey!” he said. “What’s going on?”

“Ollie’s school just called me. He’s sick but I have classes and meetings all day so I can’t go get him and-”

“Are you asking if I can go get him?” Spencer said, cutting off your rambling.

“Yes! Could you, please? I’d be so so grateful.”

Spencer smiled, grabbing the spare key you gave him. “Of course.”

“Oh, thank you so much. There’s a spare car seat in the coat closet. I’ll call the school and let them know you’ll be picking him up. Thank you so much, Spencer.”

When Spencer got to the school, he was fidgety. He’d never spent time alone with your son before. And he wasn’t even sure if the kid liked him. 

He walked into the front office and said, “Hi, my name is Spencer Reid, I’m here to pick up Oliver (L/N)?”

“Oh, (Y/N) said you were coming to get him. If I could just see your ID?” the receptionist asked. Spencer nodded and pulled out his driver’s license. “Great, if you could just sign Oliver out on the clipboard here, you’ll be good to go.”

Spencer scribbled his signature on the clipboard and the receptionist got up to get Oliver from the back office. Oliver followed the receptionist, his backpack on his shoulders and a paper bag clutched in his hands. His face was pale and he was swaying slightly. 

“Hey, Ollie,” Spencer said.

“Hi, Spencer. Where’s my mom?”

“She got stuck at work, buddy. You’re gonna stay with me until she comes home, okay?”

Oliver nodded. “Okay.” He followed Spencer out of the school and climbed in the back of his car.

“Do you want me to put the window down?” Spencer offered, looking back at the boy in the mirror. When Oliver nodded, Spencer put his window down and pulled out of the parking lot.

After pulling into the parking garage, Spencer looked in the mirror again. Oliver was fast asleep, his head slumped against the door. Rather than waking the boy, Spencer unbuckled him and scooped him up in his arms. 

Oliver wrapped his little, sweaty arms around Spencer’s neck as he was carried inside. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was how much he cared for the boy, but Spencer pressed a small kiss to the side of his head. Spencer dug your spare key out of his pocket and unlocked the door, setting Ollie down on the couch.

After covering him with a blanket, Spencer dug around in your kitchen for some ginger ale and crackers. After setting them on the coffee table, he heard a small voice say, “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Spencer noticed Oliver watching him from the couch. He sat on the edge of the coffee table, handing Oliver the soda with a red bendy straw. “What do you mean, bud?”

“I know you like-like my mom. But you’re nice to me even when she’s not here. Matt didn’t do that. He called me names when Mom wasn’t around. He said I was weird.”

Spencer knew Matt was your ex from your time working at the Erie campus of Penn State. He was the first person you’d been with since Oliver’s father. And hearing how he treated Oliver didn’t sit right with Spencer.

Spencer sighed and looked at Oliver. “I’m nice to you because I like you, too. And I was a lot like you when I was your age.”

“You were?” Oliver handed the cup back to Spencer to set back on the table.

Spencer nodded. “People still think I’m weird. But being weird is good. How boring would the world be if everyone was normal?”

Oliver smiled. “It would be pretty boring,” he said.

“Get some rest, okay? It’ll help you feel better.”

You finally managed to sneak out of work and get home. When you opened the door, you saw Spencer sitting in the chair across from your sleeping son, reading a book. 

“Hey,” he said in a voice just above a whisper.

“Hey. How is he?”

“He has a low-grade fever and he hasn’t been able to keep anything in his stomach. I’ve been having him nibble on some crackers but even that doesn’t stay down.”

“Oh, my poor boy. Thank you for staying with him.”

“Of course. You know I’d do anything for you, for both of you.”

~

The team got back from a particularly rough case dealing with kids. Hotch gave them the weekend off to recuperate. 

“Anyone want to go grab a drink?” Derek offered to the group.

“Or five?” Emily added.

“What do you say, kid? You in?” Derek asked Spencer as the younger man packed up his bag. 

“Oh, no, sorry. I, uh, I have plans,” he said with a smile before slipping out of the office. The team watched him hurry out of the building before sharing glances with each other. 

“Spence has a girlfriend,” JJ realized. 

“Pretty boy has a girlfriend?”

“Think about it. When does Spencer ever have plans? And when was the last time he didn’t stay to do paperwork when we were given the time off?”

“And he upgraded his phone out of nowhere,” Emily chimed in. “He went from one that had only the bare essentials to a smartphone he texts on all the time.”

“We need to find out who this girl is,” Morgan decided. 

Spencer had been keeping you a secret from the team on purpose. Not because he was ashamed of you, or embarrassed, but because he knew the team saw him as the baby and they would be invasive if they ever found out. He didn’t want them to scare you away, he loved you too much to lose you. Though, he hadn’t said it out loud yet.

~

You and Spencer were walking down the street, Oliver asleep on Spencer’s back, snoring against his shoulder, his arms wrapped around Spencer’s neck.

“You have no idea how excited he is for you to see his science fair project,” you said. “It was all he could talk about all week.”

Spencer smiled and adjusted the boy on his back. “I think I’m just as excited to see his project, especially since he wouldn’t let me know anything about it.”

You reached the apartment complex and you dug your keys out of your bag. “Are you sure you can carry him up the stairs? I can wake him if you want me to.”

“No, it’s fine. I got him,” Spencer whispered, moving so that Oliver was clinging to his front rather than his back. He followed you up the stairs to your apartment. When you unlocked the door, he went straight to Oliver’s room and put the tired boy in his bed. He kissed Ollie’s forehead before flicking on his nightlight and leaving the room. 

“Oh, hey,” you said when Spencer came out of the room, “Is he still out?”

“Yeah. I think we might have put him in a coma.”

You laughed and kissed Spencer’s cheek. “Go get some sleep. I know you’re tired, too.”

“I’m not-”

“Spence, you nearly fell asleep at the movies tonight. Go.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll go. But not without a kiss goodnight.”

You gave Spencer a kiss before shooing him across the hall. When Spencer unlocked his door and flicked on the light, he saw his team sitting in his living room. 

“What the hell? What are you doing here? JJ, I gave you a key for emergencies!”

“This is an emergency!” Penelope said. “You have a girlfriend and you didn’t tell us!”

“Kid, please tell me she’s a single mother and you haven’t been keeping a family a secret from us for years,” said Morgan.

Spencer was still annoyed his friends broke into his apartment, but he couldn’t resist talking about you, especially when they’d already seen you. “Her name’s (Y/N), she moved in about a year ago with her son, Oliver. We’ve been dating for three months.”

“Spence, why didn’t you tell us?” JJ asked.

Spencer looked down at his shoes, his hands stuffed in his pockets. “I didn’t want you scaring her off. I love her. I love both of them. And you guys can be intimidating.”

~

“Spencer’s coming to the science fair tonight, right?” Oliver asked you as you got him ready for school. 

“That’s what he said,” you told him. “And you know Spencer likes to keep his promises.”

“I can’t wait to show him my mold project!”

“Okay, kiddo, we have to go. We don’t want to be late, do we?”

Meanwhile, Spencer was in the conference room at work, worrying about the latest case they’ve been presented. Someone was releasing a new strain of anthrax in public places around the DC area.

But under his stress over the case, he was worrying about you and Ollie. Maybe that’s why he worked so much harder on this one. 

He and Morgan were sent to the suspect’s house, and Spencer entered first. Looking around, he noticed his mistake. When Morgan made his way to the door, he slammed and locked the door. 

“Reid, what’s going on?”

“I’m sorry.”

Spencer was infected. He knew there was a large chance he would die, but he couldn’t stop working. He needed to find the antidote. HIs breathing was getting heavier and he felt sweat dripping down his face. He pulled out his phone and dialed. 

“Hey, Garcia?”

“Reid! Oh, my god, Derek told me what happened. How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

“That’s not important right now,” he said. “Um, can you- can you record a message for me? It’s for (Y/N) and Ollie.”

“Oh, uh, of course.” He heard her typing. “Okay. Go ahead.”

Spencer cleared the lump in his throat. “Uh, hi, (Y/N), it’s Spencer. Um, I-I wanted to let you know that, uh, I love you and…” he paused, taking a breath and blinking tears from his eyes, “and I’m so happy you let me into your life, into your family. And I want Ollie to know I love him, too. You- both of you- you’re my family.”

After that, things happened too fast. Spencer was being pulled out of the house and hosed down before being ushered to the waiting ambulance. He fell out of consciousness on the ride to the hospital. 

When he woke up in a hospital bed, Morgan was sitting by his side. 

“Are you eating Jell-O?” he asked, his voice cracking from being dry.

Morgan lit up with a smile. “Welcome back, kid.”

“Is there anymore Jell-O?”

Morgan chuckled. “You know, there’s some people here waiting for you.”

“What?”

Before Morgan could explain, you and Oliver burst into the room.

“Oh, my god, Spence!” You ran over and hugged him the best you could with the various medical equipment attached to him. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again,” you scolded. 

Oliver climbed onto the bed and curled up next to Spencer. “Yeah, don’t do that again,” he said. “How can I take you to Donuts with Dad if you’re dead?” He looked up at Spencer with his big doe-eyes and Spencer felt his heart break a little bit. 

“You-you want me to go to Donuts with Dad with you? Even though I missed your science fair?”

Ollie nodded. “I don’t care that you missed my science fair. I just care that you’re still here.” He looked up and Spencer and wrapped his arms around his torso. “I love you, Spencer.” He gave Spencer a light squeeze. 

Spencer smiled and ruffled his hair. “I love you too, Ollie.” He looked up at you. “And I love you, (Y/N).”

You smiled and gave Spencer a soft kiss. 

“Ewww!” Ollie squealed, making you both laugh. 

~

Spencer proposed to you about a year later. You’d both decided you didn’t want a huge wedding, just family and close friends. Rossi gave his backyard for you to use for the ceremony. It was simple and small, but it was special and wonderful. Spencer had flown Diana out, and you’d flown your parents out.

After the ceremony, Spencer announced that the both of you had a surprise for Ollie. He went inside Rossi’s house and returned with a manila envelope. He cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, in this envelope, I hold the most important document I have ever signed.” He opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. He cleared his throat. “This certificate certifies that Oliver B. (L/N) is the adopted child of Spencer W. Reid,” he read.

Oliver’s jaw dropped. “What? You’re- what?”

“Remember all those Saturdays Penelope watched you while Spencer and I went out? This is what we were doing,” you told him. 

Oliver ran over to you and Spencer and wrapped you in hugs. The rest of Spencer’s team and your parents joined in. In just two years, your family had gone from just you and your son to more people than you knew what to do with. And that was more than okay with you.

~

“They may not have my eyes, they may not have my smile, but they have all my heart.” -Anonymous

[folkreid]

first birthday

TYPE: fluff

WORD COUNT: 1.0K

"Spence!" I shout sitting in my bed with my daughter. Her first birthday was approaching and I have no idea what the theme should be.

"Yes love" he calls back. "Come to the room please".

He walks in and smiles at me and our daughter. "Hey Winter" he coos holding her and kissing her cheek. "Are you going to say hello to me now?" I joke. He smiles softly. "Hello my gorgeous wife"

He leans over to kiss me softly. His lips on mine. We stay like that until Winter starts to fuss. "She doesn't like the attention off of her" I laugh. "Just like her mom." he jokes. "Oh come here Winter, it's okay daddy has you" he cradled her. She laughs. "Daddy" she says. Winter can only speak a few words but she walks and she runs, she's very active.

"What should the theme be for her birthday?" I ask Spencer scooting back on the bed. "Hmm how about that show she likes, the one with the talking ponies" he suggest. "My Little Pony?"

"Yes! That!" he shouts. "Mmm maybe..." I say. I know what I want the theme to be but Spencer won't want it. And like Spencer can read my mind he speaks. "What do you want to do, I can tell you're holding back"

"Okay fine" I groan jokingly. "What if we have a pool party" I say fast. "A pool party?" he raised his eyebrows. I nod and put Winter on my lap.

"Cmon Spencer! It'll be cute! It can be summer themed or beach themed." I beg hoping he'll give in. "You do realize we named our child Winter right?"

I giggle looking down at winter.

"It'll be ironic!" I smile. He shakes his head. "I don't want a bunch of people in my pool" he argues.

I roll my lip and give puppy dog eyes. "Please. You don't even go swimming anyways so we might as well put the pool to use"

"Winter can't even swim" he says crossing his arms.

"And the only reason I got a house with a pool is because you begged me too" he goes to hold my hand but I snap it away.

"I know but Winter really wants a pool party" I frown.

I grab her and pick her up. "Please daddy let me have a pool party" I mock her voice. Spencer smiles and grabs Winter from me. "She did not say that" he giggles. "Yes she did you just saw her say it" I lay on my stomach facing Spencer and Winter.

"Okay fine." he finally gives in. I jump up in excitement. I grab my baby. "You hear that Winter? Daddy's letting us have a pool party!"

She laughs softly. "Thank you Spence" I get up and kiss him on the lips.

"You're welcome but no beer at the party. Your friends are drunks and I don't want anyone suing us" he says in a serious tone.

I roll my eyes. "They'll control themselves."

——-

It's the day of Winters birthday and everyone's here! We even got Spencer's mom to come.

JJ walks in with Will and her two boys. "Hey guys thank you so much for coming" I smile. I give JJ and Will a hug before directing the boys to the pool.

"I hope you don't mind, I brought fruit salad" she smiles. "Oh not at all thank you so much"

Just then Winter and Spencer come running out of the room. "Sorry we took long, she did not like the hat." Spencer kisses my temple.

I look over to Winter who was wearing a bathing suit with a duck on it. JJ smiles. "This is for you Winter" she gives her a bag.

"Say thank you" Spencer reminds her. "Thank you" she mumbles. JJ and Will smile before going to check on the boys. Next Penelope comes in with a huge present bag. "Luke is down the hall and Emily is also coming up." she puts down the present and goes to Winter.

"Winter i've missed you" she says grabbing the young girl and kisses her cheeks. Luke then comes up with Emily. "Hey guys" Luke comes in hugs Spencer and I so does Emily.

Finally everyone's here and we all go out back to the pool. I put Winter in her little floaty so she can go in the pool. I keep her away from the deep side. Obviously. Penny and Luke stay with me and we talk. Winter starts fussing. "What's wrong" I pick her up. "You want daddy?" she nods.

I pick her up and tell Penelope that i'll be back. I go into the house where Spencer was talking to JJ. "Spence..." I walk in with Winter. "She really wants you to go in the pool."

I know he can't resist her.

He looks into her eyes and gives in. He follows us to the pool. "Y/n if you splash me I'll never talk to you again" he sits on the step. Winter laughs at her dad and tries to paddle to him in her floaty. I grab her and give her to Spencer. "I love you daddy" she says. "I love you too Winter." he kisses her head. Winter hardly talks sometimes, shes shy but she's been talking a lot today.

Winter reaches her arms out trying to hug Spencer but her floaty prevents her from doing it. He pulls her out of it and holds her. Winter laughs before splashing Spencer.

Spencer has a disgusted look on his face. I sit next to Spencer and splash him. "You're lucky I love you" he kisses my head.

I smile and lie my head on his chest. I look over to Henry and Michael playing. "They get along so well" I say. "Yeah they do" Spencer says.

"What do you think about having another one." I say hesitantly, we haven't discussed having another kid. Also Winters only a year, maybe we should wait but I do want the kids close in age.

"I'd love to have another."

"We should have JJ babysit next week. We need some alone time" I whisper in his ear. He smiles and kisses my softly.

[georgiapeach305132]

Desperate Affairs *Ransom Talks to Sam*

Summary:  What was Ransom talking to Detective Wilson about?

Rating:  Explicit

Warnings: Explicit content, mentions of infidelity, mentions of spousal abuse, mentions of assault, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  1.2k

Previous

Sam leads Ransom out of the house, but Ransom’s blue eyes keep looking back into the house, not seeing you depart from the girls’ room.  When they get further away from the door, he can’t help but want to rip Andy apart.  Seeing him, pretending to be emotional.  Or maybe he is, but his tears aren’t because he hurt you, they’re because he got caught.  No doubt, he’s running through all the ways to make it go away.  Thinking of what he can say to you, for you not to leave him or press charges.

“You want to tell me what happened?”

“Don’t know what happened, just what I walked into,” he answers, still scowling at Andy.

“Start from the beginning.”

Ransom finally turns to look at Sam.  He’s not sure how you’re going to feel about his honesty, but he can’t let this go.  He knows there’s a big possibility that you will lie and cover it up for Andy.  He’s got you so entwined in keeping the image of the perfect family, you’ll make up any excuse to protect Andy.  “I heard her scream.”

“Scream how?” Sam asks, his gaze looking back at Andy.

“Like she was in pain.  When I came through the door, he had her pinned up against the wall, his fingers squeezing her cheeks.  And his daughter was right beside her screaming.”

“Why do you think he did that?”

“I don’t know,” Ransom’s voice raises.  “Why would any man do that?  You saw the dent.  He’s got anger issues.”

“If he did hurt her, it isn’t right, I’m just trying to figure out what started this.”

“When he stopped, I gave her Aster.  Told her to take them in the room and lock the door.  Then he came after me.  Shoved me up against the wall, and put his arm against my throat,” just to highlight that point he pulls down his shirt.  Red mark clearly visible.  “He even threated me.  It’s like he’s obsessed with his wife.  He’s controlling.”

“How are you a part of the equation?”

“Aster is my daughter.  Iris is Andy’s,” Sam nods.  Clearly realizing that there’s a lot more layers to this story.  “Look, we had an affair.  I’m a part of the problem, but he shouldn’t touch her.  The girls were there and they saw their mom scared.”

“I’m assuming she isn’t going to press charges.  Come by the station, let them take your statement, take pictures, and you can press charges.  You’re looking at simple assault, attempted battery, threat to commit a crime, and that’s the short list.”

Ransom looks back at Andy, seeing in that moment how cold and emotionless you are to him, when Lee leads you out for Andy to say goodbye.  And when Andy kisses Aster on the head last, turning his head to smirk at Ransom, he knows what he has to do.  “Okay, does it have to be tonight?  I’d like to know she’s okay, and her and the girls are settled.

“It’ll be best if it’s tonight for at least the pictures.  I’ll meet you there.  Do it myself.”

Ransom nods at him.  He knows you may never forgive him, but if it means that you and the girls are protected, he’ll do what he has to do.  “I’ll come by in the morning.  Maybe later tonight.  I just...she has to be okay.”

Sam gives Ransom a knowing glance, but ignores it.  He watches Ransom walk quickly over to you, taking Aster out of your arms, to help get her in the seats.  His hand briefly running down your cheek, and you slowly closing your eyes at the contact, looking sad when he walks away.  He knows there’s a lot that someone isn’t saying.  

Grabbing out his phone, and sparing a glance back at Ransom, he watches you walk back in with Lee, and only when you’re out of sight does he entertain the girls.  Hey man.  I need a huge favor.

You always need a damn favor.  Bucky responds to Sam’s text.

I’ve got a domestic dispute I’m relocating tonight.  She needs help.  There are two dads involved.  A husband and a man she had affair with.  

I think I know who you’re talking about.  What’s the favor?

I want her to call you.  Gonna persuade her.  Make time for her.

If she calls.  I will

Sam opens the driver side door, “If she’ll let me, I’ll help her out.  But that needs to get photographed sooner rather than later if you want a case against him.  He won’t be easy.  He’s loved by the department.”

“And none of them know how he really is.”

“A word of advice, don’t embellish anything.  Andy most likely will get out of the charges regardless,” Sam always got an odd feeling with Andy.  He always thought things seemed too calculated with him.  And then there were times he was a bit more carefree, and not as much on his game.

“Then what’s the point?”

“Documentation.  You gonna be prepared for her to get mad at you?  Not saying she will, but...women in bad situations aren’t always appreciative at first.”

Ransom’s eyes move from Sam to your form only giving Andy a quick glance before Lee leads you out the door.  His eyes never leave you.  There are so many things he wants to say to you, and no time.  Nothing could have prepared him to see that, and if he pursues charges on Andy, there may be some time you hate him, but if means you and the girls are safe.  That’s exactly what he’ll do.  

“The best thing for you ta do is ta go on home.  Don’t linger here,” Lee tells Ransom.

Ransom gives Andy one more look of disgust before back at Lee, “Wasn’t planning on it,” before getting in his car.

___________________________________________________________________

“I got to make this quick,” Ransom grouses to Sam as he pulls down his collar.

“Easy pretty boy.  Why are you in such a rush?”

“I have to take something to my grandfather’s.”

Sam rolls his eyes up at Ransom, nearly laughing.

“There’s nothing funny about this.  Did you get the pictures?”

“What do you have to take to his house?  Or are you just going to see a pretty face?”

Ransom rolls his eyes as Sam takes yet another picture.  Grunting Ransom lets go of his shirt, and doing up his buttons.  “It’s not like that.”

“Of course not.  Because she’s married,” Ransom shoots daggers over to Sam.  “Look, I’m just saying I’ve seen a few people in love before.  It’s the same look my buddy gives my sister.  The same look I give my wife.”

“I’m not in love.”

“Okay.  I guess you’re just a friend then.”

“We’re done?”

“You coming back tonight for the statement?  After you go to your grandfather’s that is,” Ransom contemplates this.  He doesn’t know what going to Harlan’s will entail.  Other than dropping something off.  He’ll allow you to control what he should do.  “I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you my card.  Even if it’s tomorrow.  I know it’s getting late.  He lives pretty far out.  And you’re dropping off a ‘package’.”

“Don’t do that,” Ransom knows what Sam is thinking.

“Do what?”

“Make it nasty.  I am, I’m dropping off something for Iris.”

Next

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[mrs-hollandstan]

More Than Perfect || Sam Holland

Warnings: mentions of nudity, mentions of childbirth and the complications afterwards, self-doubt, language?, babiessss, Sam just being a supportive cutie

Word Count: 1,720

Author’s Note: Hopefully you guys enjoy a little bit of dad!Sam. Lemme know :) Also, huge credit to @/marsbudge on Instagram for the picture on the right. She’s amazing in expressing her beauty and is the whole reason I created this piece. Moms/ women in general are fucking superheroes. 

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There was nothing like having a baby. You were told that once you had a little one, your life would change and you would never understand the absolute love you have for this tiny human you'd made. When you and Sam got pregnant with your daughter, he was infatuated with your naked body. The tummy and the thick thighs and the ever growing breasts. Not that you yourself particularly minded being nude around your fiancè or just in general, especially when it just so happened that in the worst weeks of your pregnancy you'd be in the middle of summer. 

When your belly popped towards the bottom, blossoming up the further you got in your pregnancy, Sam lost his mind. He loved the bump and when his hands wandered, it's often where they ended up. More than anything, Sam appreciated the changes your body went through, especially the stretch marks around your thighs, hips, and belly. The boy was obsessed. That's why his Instagram blew up with pictures of your belly, pictures from the baby shower, of the nursery, of her closet, her name board above the crib, and eventually her when she arrived in the beginning of August. 

Virginia Elizabeth was what you named her and Sam, just as much as when she was in your belly, was obsessed with her. She was constantly in his arms and he admired each one of her little features on the daily, dressing her, feeding her (if you couldn't of course), changing her, rocking her to sleep. He was an all around great father. 

Especially because of the pain and exhaustion he inevitably and guiltily felt he inflicted on you. Your bump remained for a few weeks, but what it left, Sam saw, made you slightly depressed. Your feet were still swollen, your breasts were huge but your belly was starting to sag, and the bleeding was ridiculous. You slept most of the time because of the constant milk production and late nights, but Sam didn't mind taking Virginia out into the living room and kitchen, especially if his brothers were over to see their baby girl. 

However, after about a month you'd gotten somewhat used to being a mom and feeding her late at night with Sam right there at your side, giddy smile on his face the entire time at the look of his girls. He loved introducing you as his girls and going to see family and friends with your bubbly little girl in his arms. But something that seemed to remain after all of it was the nudity in your house. 

Sam found that most times he came to find you napping, you were nude beneath the blanket. Not that he minded. Easy access to the skin of your back and belly and thighs. He actually loved the sight and hoped that when he went back to culinary school and eventually went to work as a chef in one of your local restaurants, you'd still be like that, something to look forward to when he climbed into bed with you. 

With a day off from work but not from school, Sam was off in the afternoon and back before the sun started to set, walking up the stoop with a smile on his face. Even a few hours spent away from his girls was torturous. Shouldering the door open, he drops his bag just inside, kicking his shoes off just beside it, 

"Babe?" He calls. There's no reply, a frown covering Sam's face as he walks towards the nursery. He pauses in the doorway of your bedroom when he sees you, smiling to himself. You stand just before your bed, nude with your little girl, only clad in a diaper, in your arms. Your eyes are closed as you sway from side to side, the little one whimpering softly. Walking into the room, Sam stands with his hands on his hips, 

"Look at you two." He says softly. You open your eyes slowly, glancing at him. His smile is so wide you don't know how it fits on his face. He takes a deep, breathless like breath, looking you over, "You two are so perfect." He mumbles before he walks forward again, coming to stand behind you. His hands rest over your hips, lips pressed to your temple, 

"You smell like biscuits." You murmur softly, not faltering in the swaying, even as you lean back against his chest. He chuckles softly, 

"Orange cardamom biscuits. They'd go good with your tea, I'll have to make them sometime for you." He explains softly. You nod, lips pressing against Virginia's cheek. Her little face is turned up towards the ceiling, mouth hanging open as she fights sleep. You sigh, 

"I uhh, I took a shower, put her in that little bouncy thing just outside the shower and she got fussy cause it was hot in the bathroom. So I took her out of her onesie and was holding her and I just... her skin on mine felt amazing. Like yours does. And I miss her. I miss..." Sam can see the tears in your eyes now, "I miss my baby bump and being in the hospital smelling that newborn smell and all that." You tell him. He nods, 

"Its the postpartum peach. You know it'll pass and you'll have so much fun with her when she's older. Plus... the older she gets, the closer we are to havin another one. More of that newborn smell." He reasons. The look you throw him over your shoulder makes him swallow, 

"Alright... yeah, still traumatized from her birth, got it but... you don't have to be so upset. She's still little and perfect... both my girls are, and for the next... what, year, that won't change. She'll get nice and chunky and when she changes, we'll so be ready for it. She'll get giggly and fun and you'll love it. I know you will babe." He reassures. You nod, 

"I know I just can't help it. It feels like someone else is controlling my life, my emotions. I'm sorry." 

"You don't have to apologize Y/N. Your body, your mind are going through a lot of changes. You're maturing and all that. I'm not upset about it. The crying, from you or her doesn't bother me. At least there's some need for me." He half jokes. You smile, looking down at your baby girl. He sighs, 

"I'm really likin this naked thing with you though." He mutters, kissing your shoulder as he molds your hips in his hands. You hum, 

"Sometimes I'm just too lazy to get dressed, other times it's just too hot." You reason. Sam nods, 

"I like it." 

"Oh yeah?" He nods when you glance up at him, "Maybe you should join the party then. I wanna stare at her and she likes daddy's chest." He doesn't even need you to finish the before he's stripping from the grease and oil stained shirt and pants, leaving them in a pile on the floor as you sit at the edge of the bed. You scoot to your side, letting Sam lay down before you before you lay Virginia over his chest. He mumbles incoherently down at her, kissing the top of her head as he strokes down her back. He purrs which makes her whimper, the motion further lulling her to sleep. He glances over at you when you prop your head up on your hand, 

"You're a great father Sam. You've always been an awkward little bean but... when it comes to V, you do amazing." He chuckles softly, 

"Thanks Y/N/N. You two... mean the world." He admits, rubbing up and down your baby's back softly. You sigh, brushing his unruly curls aside, 

"I'm just glad that I don't have to cook. The food you make is excellent and you like doing it and baby loves it too." He laughs again, 

"And that's all that matters is making you both happy." He murmurs. There's a silence that permeates between you for a moment before you stand, finding the thin robe you wear all the time if it genuinely is too hot to wear anything else, 

"What was this... thing you were saying about orange cardamom biscuits?" You ask with a cock of your eyebrow. He smiles wide, tip of his tongue caught between his teeth, 

"I'm starting to think ALL you use me for is food." 

"I feed your little girl from my own body like eight times a day. The LEAST you could do is make bomb fucking food Holland." He hums after a moment, eyes averted from yours and to the little girl laid across his chest. He glances back up, 

"Can we just... have a little longer of this moment? Just a pretty little family before I'm whisked away to slave over a stove." He jokes. After a moment of staring at each other, you sigh, trying to fight your smile before you near the bed again, sitting at his side, 

"Fine Samuel. But only because you're pretty." You lean in to kiss his nose, kissing your baby girl's head just below his chin, "And you too little miss. I just hope you at least get something from me for all the pain and suffering I went through getting you here." Sam reaches up to tuck hair behind your ear, 

"You're a great mumma already. I have no doubt that she'll be witty and perfectly perfect. With a mum like you she'll always know she can never disappoint us with whatever decision or life choice she makes. You'll make sure of it and that's what matters. Raising a decent fucking human being." He says with such passion in his eyes you think you'll faint. You stare at him for another moment before sighing, 

"I love you more than anything on this earth Samuel Holland. Our little family is just perfect right now." You tell him. Leaning up to kiss you, he sighs, 

"Love my girls in all of their beautiful nudity. Love skin to skin." He murmurs. You lay your head against his shoulder, watching your girl sleep. Of course pregnancy and motherhood was difficult, but your fiancè made it so much better and your baby girl was everything and more for the both of you.

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[boldlyvoid]

ain't it fun? | Part five

Summary: reader just needs an NA meeting before they have a meltdown, they end up with the best friend they could ever make.

Warnings: pregnancy, chronic illness, spencer's career chance - he's a high school teacher now, they have a 1-year-old, smut at the end but not graphic.

word count: 2.8k

a/n: I imagine this is in season 10, so they've been together at least 7 years-ish now, I just jumped well into the future because I wanted to! also, Cordelia's nickname is Edie and pronounced Ee-dee !!

P1 P2 P3 P4

“No.”

Spencer sighs, “are you going to like any of my suggestions?”

“When you give me a baby name that isn’t from some weird old male book character, then yes, I’ll take them into consideration,” she replies, hand on her stomach as she lays back against the pillows.

She was huge, 9 months pregnant and so, so close to the finish line. She was swollen and in pain and exhausted. Going off every single medication and recreational drugs to make a life was a commitment and a half, she was doing well but she was so ready to be done. To do a few more months of breastfeeding and then go back on her medications.

Spencer was terrific. He was googling and asking Penelope to research things, he had called doctors he knows and friends and did everything in his power to find a way to ease her pain even before they got pregnant. He’s taken the last 3 months off of work and he doesn’t know when he’ll go back. He has just been so, so incredible the whole time.

Naming a child was hard. You had to not only think about all the nicknames and what their initials spell, but you also had to think about how they’ll like it; if it’ll fit their personality and spirit. And most of all, is it going to get them bullied? There are some terrible kid names. Like Richard… how do you name a newborn Richard?

“I want something meaningful with a nice nickname and works with our names and her siblings,” she whispered towards him. “They need to all work together.”

“What are some of your favourites?” He asks, moving in closer and finding a way to cuddle in with her and her pregnancy pillow who has all but replaced him lately.

“I like earthy names, like Lennox, Juniper, Aspen, Elowen,” her voice is really soft, she bites her lip at the end as she thinks them over again. “And old things like Cordelia and Winnifred.”

“Which one sounds the best with Reid?”

“I like Cordelia Reid the most, and then we can call her Edie and I was thinking you can pick her middle name?” She’s been thinking about it for a while, but too afraid to know his opinions.

“Cordelia means core in Latin, which makes sense cause she already has my heart,” Spencer teased, he has made it very clear that their little girl is going to be spoiled, loved and a daddy's girl.

He took all his fears of being a bad dad and threw them out the window. He knew that just being there was all he wanted from his dad, and so that’s what he was going to do. He left the BAU for the time being, he was doing the odd lecture at the academy and answering calls for cases. They couldn’t just stop using his brain, there were some things too pressing to not ask the walking computer, but other than that, he was done.

He was looking into other jobs for when he finally decides to go back, he was unsure how long of a paternity leave he wanted. He was really content with just staying home all the time now, but he did miss going out and being useful during the days. The job he was most interested in, however, was a high school teacher.

A prep school in DC is looking into adding an Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology course to their curriculum, and they wanted Spencer. They thought he would be perfect for the seniors, he is fun and young and attentive, he can control a room and keep them entertained, and he’s probably the best teacher a kid could get.

It was going to make him a good dad too.

“I think Jade is a nice middle name,” he adds after thinking it over for a few minutes.

“Cordelia Jade Reid,” she says the full name for the first time and it just feels right, like they already know her.

—

She was very calm for a newborn baby.

She liked to just look around and blink, she licked her lips a lot and she was constantly breaking out of her swaddle. She was always happy to have cuddles with her dad and she pooped every night at exactly at 3 am, without fail. She didn’t cry a lot, but when she did it was still wonderful to hear.

They were so in love with her, she was absolutely perfect for them. She fit right into their sleeping schedule and their life, she ate like a pro, she slept most of the night and she was growing way too fast for their liking.

One day they’re crying over the fact they made a life in a tiny little hospital room, and the next thing they know she’s about to turn 1.

She’s sitting in bed with Y/N, she’s sitting in her lap with two handfuls of hair and a story to tell. She’s been babbling so much lately, she hears them talking all the time and she wants to join so badly. They indulge her, asking her to continue her thoughts and gasping at her gossip.

“No way, and what did you do next?!” She asked the little one sat in her lap.

Edie babbled on once more, smacking her tongue on the roof of her mouth as she pushed air past her vocal cords, humming and making the funniest sounds. She went on and on, she was so enthusiastic, like her father, as she waved her arms around to make her point.

“That is so fascinating, you are so cool, little Edie,” Y/N hyped her up, smiling at her as she leaned in close and pressed their noses together.

Cordelia laughed and it finally made Spencer giggle too, he had been watching from the doorway as his ‘wife’ and daughter talked in bed. They were best friends already, always talking and snuggling, learning or reading together. She was always happy when she was with one of them, she was needy and snuggly and very co-dependent but they didn’t mind, they preferred all the attention from her.

“Look who’s home,” Y/N whispered and Cordelia shot a glance towards the door, she smiled and screamed as she saw him.

“Hi Edie!” He waves at her with a smile, he takes his bag off and places it by the dresser followed by his blazer.

He gets into the bed and she instinctively reaches for a hug. He wraps her up and she snuggles right into his neck, with a fistful of his shirt, she just holds him there. She didn’t understand why he wasn’t home all day anymore, she missed him for lunch and at nap time but she loved the new routine of a snuggle when she woke up and he got home.

Spencer leans back against the pillows beside Y/N, turning his head to capture a kiss from her lips. They always just spend a quick second kissing when he gets home, even if it’s just a peck or a full-on passionate make-out, he always kisses her when he comes home. He smiles at the end of the kiss, pulling her into a hug too.

“I love Fridays,” he whispers, “Edie do you know what Fridays mean?”

She pulls away and sits up, she loves to listen to him. “Friday is the last day of the school week, which means I get to spend 2 whole days with my favourite people now.”

Edie smiled, almost like she understood what he meant, and then she was talking again, it was completely incomprehensible but they imagined she was telling him about her day.

“You forgot the part where we went to the park,” Y/N added.

Cordelia looked at her with wide eyes, “dada,” was the only word she said before babbling on again and they both stopped.

“Did she just?” Spencer was shocked and frozen still after asking.

Y/N sat up and looked right into Cordelia’s eyes, “who is that?” She pointed at Spencer.

“Dada!” She said it again and they were suddenly all squealing, even Cordelia was suddenly excited as she kept screaming dada over and over again.

“Can you say, mom? Or mama? Mummy?” Spencer tried his hardest to find an easy way for her to say it.

“Mumm,” she pushed her lips together to hum her M sound and Spencer was floored, he bounced her up and down a small amount as they cheered.

“Smartest girl in the world!” Spencer cheered her on before pulling her into another hug.

Y/N was crying softly, little tiny dreams that she didn’t even know she had were coming true every single day with them. She knew she wanted to be a mom when she was growing up, all those dreams died when her illness got worse and they all warned her that having kids would put her at risk of being moneyless and that working wasn’t an option to even support them. Let alone the threat of them taking them away just because of her autism or depression possibly being considered ‘too bad’ to care for them.

Spencer took all those fears and he kicked them out. Every day she got to experience the most precious gifts the world had to offer, her daughter was perfect and her husband was incredible. Together they were a perfect little family that ran on trust, love, and communication. Always talking, always hugging, always there for each other.

—

They crawl into bed much later than they expected to. Cordelia didn’t want to go to bed, she was trying her hardest to keep staying awake to spend time with them but eventually, sleep won. They finally placed her in her crib with her white noise and her complete darkness and closed her door for the next few hours of peace.

They both let out a deep sigh before rolling to face one another. “How was your day?” He asks, like always.

“Good,” she smiles, “I think having a kid and getting on her schedule was the best thing I’ve ever done actually, cause I’m sleeping on time, I’m eating when she does and I’m outside a lot more. She’s given me this purpose and it’s rewarding on my body.”

Spencer moves in so he can kiss her nose, “I love hearing that.”

“How was your class today?” She asks back, loving his little stories about all the 17 and 18-year-olds that were fascinated by him. As well as the kids who thought it was cool to try and pick on him before getting the shit verbally kicked out of them in front of the whole class.

It was interesting seeing him in a form of authority, he never really took charge at the BAU, she’s never seen him yell at his friends and he’s never really yelled at her either. He’s been incredibly calm, so to see him verbally tear someone apart by acknowledging their biggest flaws to make sense of why they feel the need to bully, it was pretty intense.

“They were a lot better today, they enjoyed the lesson and the kids that were giving me trouble skipped, I guess he really didn’t appreciate me calling him out that bad on Tuesday,” Spencer smirked, rolling his eyes like he cared.

“I still can’t believe that he thought it was okay to call you names in front of other students, where is the respect these days?”

“Well,” he’s about to do what he always does. He can never be truly mad at someone because he knows why everyone does what they do and that they can’t help it. “In his file, it says his parents are newly divorced, we get a list of all the kids information on the attendance like allergies and things, but also small info like life changes in case they act out.”

“Doesn’t mean he can call you the f slur,” she whispers, “all because you wore a purple shirt?”

“If I met his father I’d probably get an answer for that,” he adds, “if he’s afraid to show his emotions around his son, it’s probably why his son thinks colours are gay.”

It makes her laugh, “you look hot in purple too so I don’t see the problem?”

“Do I?” He teases, getting in even closer and pressing their bodies together.

She rolls her eyes before wrapping her arms around him and leaning forward for a quick kiss, “I think you look sexy all the time.”

He kisses her as a thank you, “I think the same about you.”

“Even when I haven’t showered in 2 days because she cries if she can’t see me and she cries if she gets wet?” Y/N laughed, annoyed but in love with their little monster at the same time.

“Always,” he reminds her. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she kisses him again after.

There are probably a million more things to share from the day, but they spend their time kissing instead. It’s been too long since they’ve just rolled around in the sheets making out like they did in the beginning. Before they ever had sex, before they had kids and a house and a love as strong as they do now.

A part of them missed the early days when everything was new and exciting, but she also loved the fact that they knew each other so well that they didn’t have to communicate anymore. They ran like 1 unit, always completing the other person's thoughts, needs and wants. They were so unbelievably happy.

She wants him badly and he wants her just as much, and he’s about to take her when she pulls back. “Nope, as much as I love her I can’t get pregnant again for at least another year.”

It makes him laugh as he pulls away and rolls over to look through his nightstand for a condom, “it wouldn’t be that bad?”

“You carry it then, seahorse it up,” she teased. “I like being back on my medicine, I need some time to be okay before I go through all that again.”

Once he’s all situated in the latex and back between her legs, he hovers over her, so close that their lips are touching ever so slightly. “I am fine if it’s just the three of us forever.”

“I’m not,” she smiles, “there will be 4 of us one day, just not today.”

With that, she’s pulling him into another kiss as he pushing inside. It’s a feeling she’s accustomed to but will never be used to, it’s a stretch that shouldn’t be as intoxicating as it is. She holds him closer as she plays with his tongue in her mouth.

He was so good at everything he did, especially the sex. He knew every single part of her body now and exactly how to push all her buttons the right way. She could live in the moment of his pumping in and out of her while his thumb circled her clit and his other hand groaned her breasts. Eventually, he kissed down her throat and she was a mess of breathy moans and low gasps.

Writing in the sheets, her legs wrap around him as she tried to pull him in even closer. It was impossible to get closer but he was still too far away, she wanted to absorb him and live in him forever. He was her safe place and she never wanted to be anywhere else.

As her orgasm bubbled, so did his. The both of them gasping and panting, she whined as she breached the edge and gripped his back, “Spence!”

“That’s it, sweetheart,” he whispered before fucking into her harder and faster, pushing her through it as he reached his own.

His movements on her clit never stopped and suddenly one felt like two and she wasn’t sure when the rush was going to stop and she didn’t care when it did. It was powerful, soothing and euphoric. A high she could live in for a while and return to it without problem as long as she had him.

He came with a small moan, trying to keep quiet as he muffled it into her neck, stilling his hips on his last thrust and dropping onto her more. Her hands were all over his back as she pressed kisses to his forehead, coming down but not wanting the love to stop there.

The love was never going to stop there for them. Their love was never-ending, and somehow as she held him there in her arms and felt his breath on his neck, she turned to see the baby monitor with their peaceful child sound asleep down the hall, she loved him even more now somehow.

Loving Spencer Reid was like falling down a bottomless pit. She never knew when she was going to reach the end, but she was content with falling.

smut taglist: @g0lden-cth @doctorspenceryeet @samuel-de-champagne-problems @reiding-recs @shemarmooresfedora @spencers-dria@reidsfish @manuosorioh @mochionly @jswessie187 @k-k0129 @calm-and-doctor @blanchardsbk

[stressedoutcanary]

Family Matters - Batfamily x Reader

Summary: A surprise birthday party and Batfamily being chaotic.

“That's it Dick just a little to the right...No the other right...No! Not there you goofus! Just...Just get down from the chandelier before it comes crashing down on the rest of us and For God's Sake let Duke handle the ribbons before you somehow strangle yourself with them”

Warnings ⚠️: Fluff, lots of it, angst because I can’t help myself, Reader has got some parental issues. Hurt/Comfort.

Word count: 2.4k

A/N: I wanted some good dad Bruce content so I did it myself. Also I might have been influenced by a post I made a while back about Bruce and his children. I haven't used reader's pronouns anywhere so it's kinda gender neutral.

I don’t know where I was going with this, my imagines are often like a train derailed from its track but I think it’s fine. So Enjoy ;)  

•°•°•°•°

"Focus (Y/S/N), don't jump in in blind, assessing what action your opponent is about to undertake and countering it out before they can complete that action, this is the key lesson for you today", Batman's commanding voice echoed in the enclosed area of the batcave as he observed you attempting to roundhouse kick the boy in front of you. It was rather rashly executed with the hope of knocking him down which, for obvious reasons, only ended up with your leg connecting with nothing but thin air.

'Damn he is fast when he actually tries.'

"Easy for you to say Old Man! You aren't the one dancing with Mister Duckboy, the teen wonder over here!", you exclaimed, panting as your chest heaved from the exertion.

"Duckboy?!", Tim looked near scandalized as you grinned in return, stealing a glance towards the giggling crowd gathered near the stairs.

Everyone was already in the cave, it was a rare occurrence, it happened only when the issues of upmost importance were being discussed. Today was one of those days; The planning of Alfred Pennyworth's surprise birthday party.

However things usually went a lot less violent, this day every year. The sparring session this year was the result of you messing up, real bad while on patrol last night and since you were around the same age as Tim, he was found to be the most appropriate partner for it. The only drawback was that he had a staff in his hands while your weapons were confiscated, because in Bruce's words 'you rely on them too much'. You were already tired and Tim had a huge advantage over you, if you wanted to win this match you had to be quick and efficient at the same time.

Distracting Tim by your comment allowed you to have an opening, gathering all your strength you went in for a forward strike. Unfortunately he was more than ready to take you on, he crouched down, narrowly missing your punch then proceeded to swipe your legs off of the ground with his bo staff making you fall butt first on the floor.

"Congratulations you've managed to hurt both my ass and my ego, Timbers", You said laying back on the ground, hands and legs spread out and instead of helping you up, Tim joined you on the floor sitting next to you. You gave him a look that was equivalent to 'next time I get the chance, I am going to push you off a roof'.

"Your skills need improvement", Bruce said in his monotonous tone as you grunted knowing that a full ass lecture was gonna follow, but before he could get another word out, Jason chimed in with a statement no one ever expected to hear from him,"You know (Y/N), he's not wrong in fact I think the old man's actually got a point."

Jaws dropped to floor, Tim looked like he just saw a ghost, Dick who was standing near Barbara pinched himself to see whether he was dreaming or not, Damian snapped his neck up from where he was sharpening his katana, even Titus and Ace perked their heads up at the sudden silence that settled over the place. Barbara, Cass, Duke and Steph looked equally shocked.

"Before you all get any ideas, what I'm trying to say is you better pay attention because B over here won't be able to save your ass, 'cause if you slack off the next thing you know you would be in a warehouse with a maniac, getting blown to bits", Jason looked at Bruce with accusing eyes.

'And here I thought he was finally going to say something sensible', you thought to yourself as he continued,

"Take it from someone who has had that experience, you guys remember right? The fact that I--"

"Died, we know!!", everyone groaned at the same time and Bruce looked like he had to physically restrain himself from faceplaming.

"Okay! Guys how about we go ahead and do the thing we all actually came here to do instead of... whatever this conversation was", you suggested, getting up and patting the dust off your clothes.

"Well then someone has got to ask the important question here", Barbara looked around as she worded her sentence,"who is going to be the one to keep Alfred busy while we get everything ready?"

Once again the cave went silent. For a whole bunch of detectives, you all were very, very scared of Alfred, including Bruce even though he will never admit it, lying to The old-butler-cum-grandpa and making random excuses for the whole 3 hours was a thought dreadful enough to make all of you exchange petrified glances at each other hoping someone would step forward to do the job.

"I'll do it", dick raised his hand.

"NO!", everyone snapped and Dick's head tilted with a pout.

"You are good at doing a lot of stuff boy wonder, hiding things from Alfred isn't one of them", Barbara comforted Dick as Damian stepped up next.

"*tt* Since none of you imbeciles have the courage or the ability to do it. I shall be the one to handle Pennyworth. Gordon, Cain and Titus, I will require your assistance", Damian spoke or rather commanded as he went up the stairs, followed by the group he chose.

"Don't mess this up for us, you gremlin!"

"Tim!", you lightly jabbed him in the side with your elbow.

"Ow! What?"

"Be nice", you narrowed your eyes and he understood you were being serious.

"Fine I'll try, but don't blame me if he starts something", Tim shrugged carelessly. You shook your head and let out an audible sigh as you followed everyone else up towards the manor.

•°•°

"That's it Dick just a little to the right...No the other right...No! Not there you goofus! Just...Just get down from the chandelier before it comes crashing down on the rest of us and For God's Sake let Duke handle the ribbons before you somehow strangle yourself with them", you eyed him worriedly.

"Oh come (Y/N) it'll be fine!", the cheerfulness in his voice made you cock an eyebrow at him from below. Duke slid in beside you.

"10 bucks says he will somehow fall within the next hour"

"Oh Duke you should know better, 20 says he'll fall within 30 minutes", you turned towards him with an evil smile.

"What are you both talking about down there?"

"NOTHING!", you both said in unison on which Dick gave you a confused look.

"Oh Hey look Steph needs my help with the cake so, see ya!", you quickly moved to the other side of the room checking in with Stephanie and Tim. She gave you a thumbs up to signal that everything was going according to plan and the place was almost ready. Everyone was laughing, bickering, having fun, it was all very rare and seeing it, a warm feeling spread throughout you.

You smiled to yourself for a moment but it faltered and a frown pulled up at your lips, a sorrowful thought crossed your mind, something you always kept buried deep down. Looking around and seeing as nobody needed your help at the moment you decided to slip out of the chaos, taking slow steps towards the patio to clear your head.

•°•°

Leaning against the railing you thought back to how you left your house this morning telling your mother that you are going to stay at your friend's place for a while and how she just waved her hand at that, not even questioning you anymore. Your mind was completely elsewhere, despite the awe-inspiring dense forest right in front of you, your eyes were lost in space.

You registered, a bit too late, the presence of someone standing beside you.

"It is a nice view, but something tells me that's not what brought to out here, away from everyone else"

"Careful there Brucie or people might think that you are actually capable of some emotions which happen include caring for people", you retorted back at him. It was always a sort of defense mechanism for you, whenever you felt exposed you countered it with snarky remark.

You closed your eyes hoping that Bruce would just walk away. But he didn't. He stayed there.

Bruce leaned on the railing beside you and waited. You took a deep breath, contemplating you next move carefully.

"...Look It's really silly so can we drop it?", you whispered wondering why in the world would Bruce of all people, care about your feelings.

"Talk to me (Y/N). I can tell when something is bothering you, I may not be your father, but you are my family.", unlike usual, his voice was gentle and genuine when he spoke to you.

"I am really not a fan of surprise birthdays", you stated, starting off vaguely.

"And why is that?"

"Because I...It's silly but this one time I spent a whole week working on a birthday gift for my mom, it was like a craft pop up box which had multiple photos of us together, I made that from scratch! everything in it I made that, I worked hard for it, I did it out of love but when I gave her that surprise gift you know what she said Bruce! She said that I wasted my time that she would've been much happier if I had focused on my studies, she never even once said that she liked it and I--", you looked at him with tears brimming in your eyes, threatening to spill.

"I don't know Bruce, it-it just makes me feel sad you know? every little thing reminds me that my mother doesn’t seem to love me anymore. There is this constant thought in my mind that no one cares about me, about what I do for them and I don’t know what to do with a thought like that."

"That's not true, look around you kiddo, you are surrounded by people who would do anything for you, who love you from the bottom of their hearts", Bruce finally looked at you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

"That's the thing! I am not an orphan!", you blurted out and Bruce looked more confused than ever.

"I'm aware"

"No! No you are not. I am not one of those kids you picked up from somewhere, I don't live here, Like I am sure you people aren't even sane, hell! you all make up the most dysfunctional family I have ever seen! I don’t belong here, you people have no reason to care about", Bruce gave you a sideways look, slightly chuckling at your sudden description of the people in the manor.

"But I still love everyone, my mom, you, every dumbass inside the manor right now, no matter much pain they cause me and I don't get why", this time when he looked at you, you didn't look like the vigilante who sucker punched The Riddler in the face last night, you looked like a scared little kid who is lost.

Bruce stood up straight and wrapped you in a hug. Something you never expected to happen in a million years. The shocked settled in after a bit and you wrapped your hands around him, burying your face in his chest.

"The people we love are still people at the end of the day. They act out, and sometimes they let us down, hurt us even, but that doesn't mean we stop loving them. For every bad memory, there will always be a good one that will get you through it. I promise you that (Y/N)", Bruce pulled away and gave you a warm smile. You couldn't help but smile back, your face matching his.

"Okay who are you and what have you done with Bruce Wayne? because I don't recognize this man who is full of emotions and on top of that, is giving free hugs right now", you broke into a grin, making Bruce's face go back to the stoic version.

"If you tell anyone, I will deny it"

"Sure you will"

Suddenly a clattering sound came from the hall, alerting you both. This, however, was followed by a 'I'm okay!' By the one Dick Grayson, which in turn was followed by Duke's 'Oh no!'

"Any idea what that was about?", Bruce inquired raising an eyebrow as you burst out laughing.

"That, you big softie, was the sound of me getting my 20 dollars, now let's get back before they destroy everything."

•°•°

You and Bruce entered back into the hall, everyone was gathered around waiting for Damian and his group to signal the beloved butler's arrival. You stood next to Tim as Jason moved towards the switches to turn off the lights.

"Okay I'll bite why are you covered in frosting before the party even started?"

"Steph", Tim replied, too tired to elaborate, leaving you giggling.

Barbara, Cass and Damian rushed through the door, looking close to terrified, with Titus tagging along.

"He is here, HIDE!", Damian said quickly closing the doors.

After a few moments, the door creaked open and Alfred's voice came through, "Master Damian, you and I will have words for what you did to-- Oh my", he was stuck to his position at the door, too shocked to say anything more after looking at the decorations and bunch gathered around an enormous cake.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALFRED!!", you all exclaimed with extreme excitement.

As the party went on you noticed that there was, in fact, a broken chandelier broomed to the side, later on there were a few not-at-all-safe stunts performed by the boys, some really bad puns made by Dick, all sorts of shenanigans by the others and cake, lots of cake. You looked around, everyone was busy doing something but now you knew Bruce was right:

You have one hell of a family, original, found or otherwise. And you love them all no matter what.

°•°•°•°•

Tags: @thesesickfics-justmakemesick