#LOOK HOW HAPPY SHE IS I know she’s squealing internally oh my god

[eeblouissant]

Dorothy literally has two sides, no in between, oh my god 😭

[kquil]

SIRIUS BLACK | MUSIC LOVER

request. : Hi love! Could you do one with sirius where, reader and him is in his dorm and reader asks him to put on music on (record player probably cuz they don't have phone) and he gets really insecure, bc what if she doesn't like his music. Buuuut when he sees her tap her foot along to the drums he gets soo happy, and when she mumbles along to his favorite song (i feel like is probably like dancing queen or sum) he just know he's found the person he's going to marry and he's just so happy and cute. If not that's totally fine! Take care 😘😘—@valencia-rou

g. : fluff ; muggleborn reader ; secretly pining sirius ; sirius being dramatic again ; reader isn't having it ; they're besties ; sirius is an ABBA lover ; reader is an ABBA lover too ; record player is the secret matchmacker

length : 0.6k

You sigh heavily and slump back into Sirius’ bed, putting aside your unfinished essay. This attracts the attention of the marauder, who was propped up against the headboard and flicking through a muggle book. 

“No progress, huh?” there was a touch of amusement in Sirius’ tone that made you frown deeper and raise a hand to hit his shin. As soon as the resonating slap echoed through the dorm room, Sirius immediately shouts in mock pain and brings his shin up to clutch at ‘painfully’, “Ow! The pain! Ahh!” he hisses dramatically as you roll your eyes, a small smile tugging at your lips shyly from the display, “It hurts soooo much! Why would you do such a thing, Dollface?!”

“Stop playing Sirius…” he ignores your sass and continues his exaggerated but amusing spectacle. 

“I’ve never felt such agony before in my life!” he lifts the back of his hand to rest on his forehead, sweeping some of his hair to the side and swoons as he peaks an eye at you. In that brief moment, he sees your amused, disbelieving face and quickly formulates a plan, “this pain can only be calmed by a kis-”

“Music!” you gasp and stand from the bed as soon as you see the record player sitting atop a set of drawers beside a stack of books. It was a new addition to the room that Sirius had begged Remus to buy for him in the muggle world so it was fair that you were surprised to see it. Rushing to the record player, you see that there was a vinyl already inside and look up at Sirius with excitement. Lost in your elation, you miss the anxious look Sirius gives you, “Is this yours, Siri?”

“Uh, yeah,” 

His mind raced with insecurities as you examined the record player in an attempt to deduce its mechanics. You’re a muggleborn and probably had immaculate taste in muggle music compared to his limited knowledge. He wasn’t sure about how you’d react to his taste in artists and songs. 

“Can I have a listen?” you’re still admiring the record player and almost fail to notice how Sirius doesn’t answer right away. 

Turning to the marauder, you smile and tilt your head curiously, finally prompting him to answer, “go ahead…” he watches you turn to the record player again, “you just have to flip the switch on the right si—” 

ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ promptly begins to play, which makes Sirius wince. He was new to the group but he was quickly beginning to like them just as much as Queen. The grimace on his face wasn’t for distaste of the music, however, it was, rather, in anticipation for your judgement. 

“Oh my god! I love this song!” you squeal, jumping in place before you begin to sing along, swaying your hips and moving your shoulders to the beat. From your perfect citation of the lyrics, Sirius could very well argue that you love ABBA as much as he does, if not, more. Before he knew it, his worries were wiped away, long forgotten and you were pulling him up from the bed to dance together in the middle of the dorm. 

Sirius had no choice but to admit that you had never looked so lovely or cute. And to think that she couldn’t get any more perfect… he internally praises, grinning widely and happily dances with you

“Je vais l’épouser…” Sirius utters under his breath, still staring at you with an awestruck look on his face. 

“Hm? What was that Siri?” you ask, turning to look at him with an innocent tilt of your head, hips still moving to the music. 

“Nothing, Doll,” Sirius assures and kisses your forehead.

Translation : 

Je vais l’épouser — I’m going to marry her

navi.

a/n : sirius liking ABBA is canon in my book, sorry not sorry! what i am sorry for is the fact that it took me so long to write this adorable request! i'm so sorry, my love! i hope you liked it, it's short and sweet but so adorable!

taglist : @melinajenkins @aastonishment @until-i-found-you @corp0real @celestcies @lovelydoveval @inlovewithremusjohnlupin @calums-betch @futurecorps3 @hihihi1112 @simpingforthe80s @yrluvjane @neeezza101 @chaosofmanyfandoms @storyofaromance @loving-and-dreaming @somewereinthegalaxi @rosaleenablack @samanddeansannoyingsis @marina468 @rosalyn-s @seungtelevision

[selineram3421]

May I please request an Alastor x reader oneshot where Alastor is still in denial he is in love, and honestly both of them are. However, someone at the hotel sets up reader on a date with someone else, and Alastor pretends he's fine with it, but internally it has him wrecked as he realizes he might have missed his chance. How does he handle it? Does he sabotage? Follow them? Is the person actually a good-enough person that can be trusted on a date or is this another hedonistic sinner only looking to score? What if they try something?

I also wanna know. Gimme gimme gimme.

A Flame In Your Heart

Romantic: Alastor X Reader Oneshot

Warning! ⚠

⚠ blood, mentions of human trafficking, sexist remarks, burning, thoughts of murder ⚠

~

After looking for your phone for thirty minutes, Charlie finds it and hands it over, but you notice an odd notification from an app you've never had.

Unlocking your phone, you see what it is. A fucking dating app and a check mark to show you've matched with someone.

"Charlie!", you gasp in surprise, flames sparking in your hair. "What the hell!?"

The princess gives an awkward smile in response. "Well.. I thought you could have some fun tonight, you know?", she shrugs.

You look down at your hellphone, frowning at the picture of the "matched" demon.

"This is crossing a line.", your frown deepening, your hair now literally on fire. "How did you even unlock my phone?", you ask.

"Angel saw you type in your password.", she says, now looking like a kicked puppy and no doubt feeling guilty. "I'm sorry."

"Fucking hell-", you pinch the bridge of your nose and sigh. "Never do this again. I get that we're friends but this isn't ok."

And now the blonde is pouting with puppy eyes.

You groan and roll your eyes, patting your hair to extinguish the flames, pulling her into a hug. "No, I don't hate you and I will go on this stupid date to keep you happy."

She squeals in delight and hugs you back, but quickly repeats a couple of ow's when you tighten the hug.

"I mean it, don't do it again.", you say and let her out of your death grip. "I'm telling Vaggie.", you say before running to find the moth demon.

"Wait, no!", the pricess gasps and runs after you.

.

Usually when hanging out with Alastor, you'd leave your phone off or on do not disturb, but today it was out in your hand while on your stroll through the park.

Curious on why the device was out, the red dressed demon taps you on the shoulder. "What's the matter dear? You've been sighing all day at that thing."

You look at him a bit surprised and put away your phone. "It's nothing important, just some dumb date.", you say and look ahead.

Alastor however, stops dead in his tracks. "Date?"

Turning to look back at him, you raise a brow and stammer a bit. "Uh..y-yeah? Charlie set it up, but I-", you explain and then sigh. "I'm just going for her."

"May I see?", he asks and does a hand gesture as he thinks of what it could be. "The text or whatever its on."

"Pfft-sure.", you laugh and walk up to him, taking out your phone and unlocking it. "She made me a profile on a dating app."

I'm gonna have to delete that later.

Pulling up the match on the app, you show him the picture of the demon.

"I don't know why this demon even agreed. I mean they're a fish and I'm basically a ball of fire.", you say and looking at the picture again. "That's a disaster waiting to happen."

Alastor stares at the image for a long time before speaking. "What are the details?"

"Hm? Oh, just some dinner at a bar.", you answer while putting your phone away. "I think near a club or something."

"Would you like me to escort you?", he asks.

"As much as I would like that, Charlie wouldn't let me hear the end of it if my date runs after seeing you.", you laugh.

He likes your laugh very much, its refreshing.

"Well, I hope everything goes swell!"

.

Everything was not going swell.

God this demon was so full of themself. Yes, Alastor has quite the ego but its not the size of Hell.

You smiled and laughed at the jokes that were actually funny, pretending to be distracted when they told terrible ones. The food hasn't even arrived yet and you want to barf.

Someone save me from this. I want to leave.

"And I told that bitch that she was only good for cooking and cleaning! Hahaha!"

Great...a sexist asshole. Not like Hell is running out of those.

"I like your tattoos.", you say to get away from whatever story that was.

"Yeah? I got them after a gig. Had to transport some stock, women and kids."

Yeah, no. Fuck this shit.

You stand up and use the excuse that you need to use the bathroom.

.

Alastor was lying on the couch, thinking for a long while. The feeling in his chest was back.

He had felt odd around you after your third encounter. Not thinking much of it, he pushed the odd fluttering to the side.

However, the feeling just got worse over time and he began to notice everything about you.

Your laugh, your smile, the way your nose scrunches when a sneeze is coming up. When your hair starts to spark when you're angry, surprised, or flustered. How you dance like fire. When your face starts to steam when you are embarrassed, turning a lovely red. The way your eyes glow. Your lips looking inviting after you've had a drink. How soft your voice gets when you're tired. When you sing..

He was unmistakably in love with you.

At the moment he was wondering if he should sabotage the date, kill your date, or just let you go through with it.

Then his 1920's candlestick telephone began to ring. Bringing the phone over, Alastor picks up the receiver and puts it to his ear. "Hello, Alastor speaking!", he says into the mouth piece.

"Alastor?", your voice comes through.

He sits straight up, taking in your tone of voice.

"What's wrong?", he asks.

"Sorry to bother.", you say. "Could you..help me ditch my date?"

"Oh?", he says, trying not to let it slip how happy he is to do so.

"It's dumb, but this demon is so..", you sigh. "They are just down right awful. Would it be alright if I just spent the night hanging out with you?", you ask.

"Not to worry darling! I'll be over in a bit, just wait in front of the establishment and I'll see you soon!", he says, summoning his coat and putting on his shoes.

"Thanks Al. You're the best.", you tell him the address and hang up soon after.

After fixing himself up, Alastor walks out of his radio statiom, humming a few songs as he makes his way over to the bar.

I'm feeling lucky!

.

You walk out of the bathroom, putting your phone away, going over to your table.

"Hey, so sorry to do this but I just got an emergency call from a friend! I've got to go.", you rush out, having to sell the act.

"What?", the fish demon frowns. "No the fuck you don't."

"I don't have time to explain, thank you for tonight but-", you start picking up your things, only to be stopped by your date.

"What do they need you for? We're on a date!", they growl, yanking your arm away from your jacket.

"Hey! What the fuck-!", you shout, feeling your hair start to heat up. "Let go."

"No! We are on a date, your friend should know when not to bother you!", the demon's grip tightens.

"Ow! I said let go!", you heat up your hand and place it on their arm.

The fish demon yells in pain, shoving you away. "You fucking cunt!"

It gets eerily quiet when the door opens.

Static crackles loudly as the Radio Demon steps into the bar.

"ĆΔŘ€ ŦØ Ř€Ƥ€ΔŦ ŦĦΔŦ?"

.

So after Alastor basically repainted the walls with your date's blood, you both headed out to take a walk in the park.

"You're fine, yes? How's your arm?", he asks, taking a glance at your arm.

"I'm fine, its nothing to worry about.", you smile a little.

You felt terrible for ruining his peaceful night.

He probably thinks I'm pathetic..

With your thought beginning to spiral, you don't notice that you've begun to frown.

"None of that my dear!", he places a hand on your cheek, turning your head to face him. "You're never fully dressed without a smile!"

You blush, your hair staring to spark.

"O-oh! Yeah, you're right.", you say looking away to hide your face.

Alastor smiles when steam starts to rise from your head, putting an arm around your waist as you continue to walk. "Let's make this night memorable!"

With a snap of his fingers you both teleport to a gazebo with vines and fairy lights, a table for two sits in the middle with food and wine.

"Wha-", you say in shock, eyes glowing brightly. "How did you know I haven't eaten yet?", you ask.

"I had a hunch.", he winks and guides you over to a chair, pulling it out for you to sit.

Once sitting down, he pushes your seat in and goes over to sit in the chair across from you.

"Tonight we have~", he goes to explain the dishes set out on the table before opening the bottle. "And a bottle of red wine."

Dinner with Alastor is amazing. You actually get to enjoy dinner while talking and laughing. Your heart skips a few beats everytime he smiles at you.

Now both of you walk on a bridge, the red sky darkening as it gets late.

"Thank you Alastor.", you say, stopping in the middle of the bridge. "For making my night better."

"It was a pleasure.", he says with a soft smile. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Geez.

You blush and look to the side, sparks appearing in your hair.

His hand moves to hold your chin and tilts it up slightly. Your eyes go to look at him, seeing that he's leaning in and-

"Je suis amoureux de toi."

Alastor is kissing you.

A flame burns in your heart, making your chest glow.

This really is a memorable night.

~

I really liked this one!

~Seline, the person.

.

French Translation:

Je suis amoureux de toi. = I'm in love with you.

ML for Alastor🎙

[abiiors]

matty with the paddington onesie… happy sunday to ME! if you ever want to write more of that … 👉🏼😗👈🏼

Well, Anon, happy Sunday to you once again ❤️ Here's part 1

CAN YOU TELL I KNOW LIKE ONE THING ABOUT TAKING CARE OF A BABY???

(Oh my god why am I doing this to myself. This is not helping the baby fever 😭)

Onesie Pt 2

You round the corner and come to an abrupt halt as the words to Itsy Bitsy Spider echo around the house. 

Before even peeking in, you know what you’re going to walk in on. Still, you can’t help but tip-toe softly into the nursery and watch as Matty twirls a tiny little sleepy baby in his arms. From the look on her face, you can tell that she’s just woken up. Her tiny fists are bunched around his t-shirt and she gurgles and drools all over his shoulder. 

He finishes the song, slows his movements and hoists her in front of him.

‘Should we get changed for mummy?’ he asks her and when she babbles as babies often do he gives her a smile and says ‘Excellent!’

You have to press a fist to your mouth to stifle your laughter. As much as you want to hold her and cuddle her, you also want to watch this scene play out. So you stay partially hidden behind the doorframe. 

‘Hmm, let’s see,’ he muses. ‘Should we go for white or yellow today?’

He holds up two onesies in front of her and with absolute delight, you notice that the white one is the Paddington one you fell in love with. 

You realised your error as soon as she was born, she was still too tiny for the white onesie but now at four months old, it looks like she would fit into it perfectly. You can’t help but squeal internally when she makes grabby hands toward it. 

A similar look of delight crosses over his face as he sets the yellow one back. 

‘Aww, my clever little girl,’ he coos. 

You watch as he expertly gets her out of her soiled diaper. This time he doesn’t even wrinkle his nose at the smell of it. He simply starts humming another song and laughs when she kicks her feet up in the air. 

‘Alright, okay. I need you to not pee on daddy this time okay?’ 

This one almost makes you lose it. It’s the way he says it so nervously, yet pleading at the same time. You remember the incident perfectly and you remember almost falling on your bed in hysterics when Matty walked in with a soaked t-shirt and a look of pure agony on his face. 

‘Who’s my good girl, who’s my good girl,’ he keeps repeating while he puts her back into a fresh diaper and you wonder if it’s like an offering for her in exchange for not covering him in bodily fluids. Still, the smile on his face never leaves. 

Once everything is secured in place, she babbles some more. 

‘Who’s my pretty baby?’ he asks again and this time softly tickles her exposed belly. 

You are certain you’re about to melt into a puddle and you can’t help the tears that well up when lets out a small laugh. 

A laugh!

It’s barely even audible and it’s only just the start of one but both of you freeze in place. 

‘Did you just…’ he laughs breathlessly and immediately starts calling for you. 

Of course, it doesn’t take him long to spot you and you watch as his entire face splits into a grin. 

‘Did you hear that?’ he asks giddily, almost bouncing on his heels. ‘She laughed!’

You make your way to him, laugh along with him and smile tearfully. 

‘Oh my lovely girl,’ you caress her soft cheek. ‘Can you laugh again for me?’

Almost as if she’s responding to your touch, she lets out her small, quiet laugh again. She has no teeth yet and her entire face scrunches up from the effort of it but then she looks at you with her little twinkly eyes and you can’t help the little watery chuckle that escapes you. 

Matty lets you play with her as he picks up the Paddington onesie again. When he comes back with it, you step aside and lean against the wardrobe. 

Watching the love of your life become a father is something you could bask in for the rest of your life. For now, you’re just content to look at how adorable she looks in it. 

‘Should we give mummy a twirl?’ he asks once he’s done and gently picks her up in his arms again. 

You remember her fluttering and moving around in your belly just over six months ago and you remember how you fell in love with the onesie at first sight. But none of that compares to the sight of her in it and watching Matty swaying her side to side while he hums You Are My Sunshine. 

You walk up to them and let her hold your hair in her fist. Then you wrap your arms around them both. 

‘We made such a pretty baby.’

‘The prettiest baby,’ he coos. 

[narwhal-butterfly]

Okay so the Christmas before covid hit my aunt got me the Nimona graphic novel and I loved it I still love it and when I tell you I squealed when I saw Netflix was making a movie, I squealed like I squealed, I was/am very excited

(Not part of this movie but I love that this movie is how I learned that the author of Nimona, one of the creators of Steven Universe, and the creator of She-ra(all of which I love) is trans, well looks like I'm going to go cover up their deadname on my book when I go back to my mom's house lol)

So y'all are getting my live reactions

(spoilers under cut off)

I have only watched 4 minutes into this movie and just EEEEEEEEE like they gave Ballister the biggest sad cat eyes you ever did see and he and Ambrosius are so gay and aasssahhhhhhhhfggggggdybeufbeusl

Okay I hate all of the knight (except Ballister and Ambrosius)

"You think I'm her favorite?" Yes ofc you are, you sweet little sad cat man

Eeeeeeee Ballister and Ambrosius are so fucking cute(this is probably gonna be 90% of this post lol)(edit: I was wrong)

Awww they're all cheering for him ❤❤❤❤ "Let a new era of heros begin with you" awwwww

OH FUCK SAD CAT MAN JUST KILLED THE FUCKING QUEEN WTF WTF WTF

OH SHIT AMBROSUIS JUST FUCKING CUT HIS ARM OFF WTF

OH SHIT WTF IS HAPPENING IT WAS SO HAPPY AND GAY AND CUTE

EEEEE NIMONA MY BELOVED BABY

Ooooh cool robot arm

EEEE baby has found one of her gay dads YIPPIE

"Sick arm. Did it bleed a lot? Did they let you keep the old one?" I love her, she is so fucking weird/pos

"-Then we rise like a firy phoenix from the ashes ro overthrow the government!" YESSSS down with the government!!!!

"This guy looks extremely punchable." "You're right. He is actually punchable." father and gender-fluid child bonding<3

They took his arm >:(

Aww he's going sad little cat mode;-;

Oh no Ambrosius thinks Ballister really killed the Queen ;-;

Baby is shape-shifting and I love her

Ballister sliding in on his face well Nimona is doing all of these cool tricks is the best thing ever

Nimona making her dad breakfast tacos and being unintentionally loud in the kitchen is just adorable and really shows how much of a kid she actually is

She tried to clean up the house well he was asleep awww(well more accurately she tried to make the house more of an evil lair but it's still cute)

"You're a mo-" "what? Marsupial? Mariachi? 🤌Meatball?🤌" I love her

Uh oh baby's got ✨️trauma✨️

"Why are you helping me?" Oh okay then;-; "Because I'm bored." Bullshit "And everybody hates you too." Oh ;_;

"But I'm not a girl. I'm a shark. *teeth click(×2)*" same

Ballister is such a tired dad

Ballister is such a tired dad (but now at a train station)

"He hates freestyle jazz." Pffff but also Awww

Ambrosius hair smells like lavender, alrighty then, but why are you smelling his hair Todd? that's a little fruity/hj

Uh oh the Director knows Nimona

The cereal ad is adorable lmao

"I just think it'd be easier if you were a girl." "Easier to be a girl? You're hilarious." I mean she's not wrong

Ooooh we're getting her backstory!!!! Oh nvm lmao, I love her lol

"And now, you're a boy." " I am today." Mood

Nimona attacking the Squire well Ballister's trying not to get caught as some lady's trying to sell him a car is just beautiful

He is so her dad and I love it

She's so trans and I love her

"Who would protect Todd?" No one, Todd sucks

OH MY GODS, IT WAS THE DIRECTOR WHAT THE HELL????

"Arm-chopping is not a love language!" Nimona I get that you are trying to protect your dad from an unhealthy relationship but in this case it is

Ambrosius no! babyboy do not talk to The Director, she is literally the problem!!!!

"The man I love,-" oh ;-;

Oh my gods, he's jealous of Nimona, no sweetheart, she is not your replacement, she is your new child

Uh oh babyboy's having a breakdown internally

Nimona defending Ballister is so cute

Also the director calling Nimona a 'miscreant, whispering in his ear' as she whispers into Ambrosius' ear is just 😗🤌*chef's kiss*

"It doesn't matter. You shouldn't need proof. You know I'm not a murderer." why must you hurt me like this? I just wanted to watch a movie ;-;

The lovers are fighting and Ballister defending Nimona and that's adorable but also heartbreaking

Nooooo, not the babies(Ballister and Nimona)

Oh my gods she turned into the fucking dragon from the cereal ad

Oh sweetheart, you're not a monster ;-;

"I don't what's scarier the fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart... or that sometimes, I just wanna let 'em." oh sweetie :(

Her dad is taking her away to somewhere better I'm crying oh my gods ;-;

YESSSSS AMBROSIUS STAND UP FOR YOUR BOY

Ma'am I don't give a fuck about your nightmares

Oh my gods she just stabbed him what the fuck, you bitch

Thank the gods it was just Nimona acting lmao but yes show the kingdom!!!

Oh my gods they're playing Monopoly I love them she is so his kid and he is so her dad

He sees to her reaction to him being freaked out about her breathing fire and then calls it 'metal' I just- I- eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhh ;-;

Awwww they're dancing and she's a shark for some reason lol

Aww they're watching scary movies

Oh no baby's having a nightmare :(

"You're safe." Awww "we're home." AWWWWW ;-;/pos

Aww Ballister and Ambrosius are going on a nachos date

Awww Ambrosius believes him

Nimona did not set him up sir, the Director is lying to you, Nimona is a sweet and innocent baby who has done no wrong, well actually she's done a lot of wrong but I don't care she's a sweet innocent baby

Ambrosius ily but do not make him choose between you and his child

Uh oh, what's Todd doing?

Sir, no that is your child, stop yelling at her please;-;

Oh fuck it's Todd

Oh my gods are we getting Nimona's backstory? oh my gods we're getting baby's backstory

Awww her and Gloreth were friends <333

Awwwww she had a crush on Gloreth

Uh oh the other people are scared of her

Oh nooo, oh baby ;-;

Uh ooh

UH OH, baby went Godzilla mode

Oh no she's hurt :(

Anndddd Ambrosius is finally getting how fuck this is

Oh baby :(

"I don't what scarier the fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart... or that sometimes, I just wanna let 'em." Oh honey noo :(( ;-;

Oh thanks the gods, her dad stopped her

"I see you, Nimona. And you're not alone." Ooooooh eeeeeeeehh ;-;

YEESSSS BABY'S SAVING THE CITY!!!!

OH FUCK IS SHE OKAY?

OH FUCK HER DAD'S MAKING THE SAD LITTLE CAT EYES AGAIN

Oh, okay, I'm crying now

Oh I'm not okay

Oh my gods, oh my gods oh my gods, she's (maybe(hopefully)) okay

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH SHE'S OKAY!!!! THANK FUCK

[xoxochb]

<3 could we pls get a “love story” themed nico x Eros son (the one from the othe req you published which btw was awesome)? (Like Eros son asking out Nico for the first time or idk whatever you feel like. I love that song though I get it’s kind of a basic fav) thanks so much and happy pride! 🏳️‍🌈

˗ˋ it’s a love story baby just say yes ˊ˗

warnings: reader stays in hermes cabin, silena’s alive because therapy isn’t free

pairing: nico di angelo x son of eros

summary: basically a fic version of these headcannons

A/N: I love love story, grew up loving it, and will forever and always love it 💛💛

you paced the floors of hermes cabin

you’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell the son of hades you wanted to go on a date with him

but it was kind of hard when your father hated him, and nico felt the same way about him

maybe eros doesn’t have to know…

no- that won’t work, he’ll find out, you know he will

you don’t like your father anyways, who cares what he thinks?

“you only live once” that’s what they say isn’t it?

you could always ask the aphrodite cabin…

that’s the best idea yet!

you rush to cabin ten, running through the doors, you realize how insane you look when all of aphrodite’s offsprings are looking at you like you have five heads

“sorry” you mutter, walking over to your best friends bed, taking a seat there, “silena, I need your help”

“yeah? with what?” she fixes her seating position, implying she’s eager to help

“well,” you sigh “I want to ask nico on a date but my dad hates him and he hates my dad, and I’m afraid of what my dad will do if he knows that I’m on a date with him”

“you’ve surely got a dilemma” she blows a raspberry

“can you help me? do you have any advice?” you ask

“your dad doesn’t control you, he’s not even present in your life, so I say that if you love nico, then you deserve to be with him” she gives you a reassuring smile

you blush, “how should I do it?”

“do what? ask him out?” she inquires

“yeah, I’m not good with this stuff”

she thinks for a moment, “have you ever thought about just asking him?”

“well it crossed my mind, but I want to do something thoughtful, I really like him” oh gods, why won’t this blush leave your face?

“so cute!” she squeals “speak from the heart, thats the most thoughtful thing you could do”

“very wise” you laugh

“my specialty” she hits your shoulder “now go get your boyfriend”

“he’s not my boyfriend” you stand up

“yet”

- 📜 -

this is fine right? all you have to do is ask him on a date, the worst he can do is say no and never talk to you again

that’s not helping

think positive!

shouldn’t you be god at this? your dad is literally cupid

unfortunately for you, you were not blessed with his romantic abilities

“y/n? are you alright?”

you swear your soul left your body for a quick second upon hearing that voice

you know that voice

it’s your one and only crush

“yes! of course I am” you reassure.

he takes a seat next to you, and you think for a second

should you ask him now?

no- he just sat down, you want him in your presence for a little while longer incase he says no and thing get awkward

but if he says yes then he won’t leave

too many decisions!

you let mouth make this one for you

“how would you like to go on a date sometime?”

oh my gods! did you really just say that?

you thank your dad for your natural flirty and extroverted personality or you would have been toast

“a date?” nico looks like you just told him he was about to be publicly executed

“yes! a date!” you’re internally screaming over your word choice

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea” he says

“why not?” you ask

“because I know that you don’t actually want to. you flirt with everyone and you’re just doing the same with me”

you take back your earlier statement

you hate your dad for your flirty personality

“but this is different, I don’t like those other guys I flirt with” you pray that this will change his mind

“so why do you flirt with other people if you only like me?”

oh no

It shouldn’t be that hard to think of a response!

but why do you flirt with other people?

you’ve only been in love with nico since you got to camp…

“it’s just in my nature I guess” you shrug “but I promise I don’t like anyone else, I only like you, those other guys don’t mean anything to me”

he sighs “your dad isn’t exactly by best friend either”

“who cares what my dad thinks?”

you curse yourself for saying such a thing

you hope your dad never finds out you said that

“I do” he points to himself

“well I don’t, I’ve never even met him before, so why should he care who I’m dating?” you give him a begging look “just one date, and if you don’t feel comfortable then we won’t go on another and you never have to see me again”

he thinks for a second, “I’ll go on a date with you” he holds up his pointer finger “under one condition”

“anything”

oh gods you sound like a helpless, lovestruck idiot

“we can go on more after”

you smile so widely your cheeks start to hurt

if you knew it would’ve been this easy you would’ve asked sooner!

but you could care about anything right now because your long-time crush just said he wants to go on not one- but multiple dates with you!!

[redqueenphoenix]

State Championship (TWD Fanfiction Part 10)

State Championship Part 10

(A TWD Fan Fiction)

I do not own any of the rights to The Walking Dead, nor do I own any of the characters mentioned from here on in, other than Victoria Hawkins. Some situations have been changed and some people may have been switched in this alternate universe. 

All characters in this fan fiction are over the age of 21 years old.

Coach Negan Smith X Female OC

Word Count: 1285

~*~

Part 10

Victoria spent the next few days crying on and off as she packed her stuff. She stepped away from her laptop after scoping out colleges in Atlanta Georgia since she was going back there. She was happy that one of the colleges accepted her in the middle of the school year. Her start date for the new college was next week so she had to get on the road soon. 

She had run into Negan and Lucille once when she went to get boxes and totes from a store and saw how happy they really were. She internally hated what Negan had done, but she couldn’t bring herself to hate him as a person. 

Finally being fully packed she took her stuff to her car, jamming it into the small four door vehicle as she swore. It was a chore doing this by herself, but she didn’t want to leave anything. Once she jammed her last bag of clothes and her laptop into her car, she turned to the office and took her key to them. Knowing that they would do a walk through and give her the deposit back. 

Once the inspection of her apartment had finished she got into her car and looked down at her phone. She felt the need to message Negan goodbye, but then changed her mind. 

Starting her car she began her two hour drive to her mother’s house in Atlanta. The same damn way that the bus took her a handful of months ago. She turned her radio up as she made her way to the highway to leave town. 

Victoria sighed as she hit a stoplight on her way out of town. She rolled her eyes as she looked out her window. There Negan was helping Lucille into a doctor's office, more specifically a cancer doctor. His eyes locked with hers as she pulled forward as the light changed. Taking a shaky breath, she cut through the intersection and made her way out of town.

Her mind wandered as she drove down the freeway towards her mothers. She knew her sister, Erika would be happy to see her, but she didn’t know how her step brother Draven would take the news of her coming back. 

Draven was her father’s first child from his first marriage and he really didn’t like his new step mother. Before she moved he did show some hostility towards her due to siding with her mother, but she hoped he had grown out of that. Or at least stopped being a dick about everything.

Time seemed to slip by her quickly as she saw the city of Atlanta come into view. She sighed as she took an exit to swing her into the city from the freeway. The buildings whipped by as her phone chimed. Ignoring it she pulled onto the main street of the town, heading to her mother’s house with no other thought on her mind. 

Her mother’s house sat on a quiet block not far from the college that accepted her. Smiling, she pulled into the drive, feeling as if she could start over if the hole in her heart would heal. 

Victoria pulled her keys from the car, grabbing up her phone and purse. Taking a deep breath she got out of the car and started for the door. Raising her hand, she knocked on the door and waited. 

A few moments later the door opened. A shorter, blonde girl with green eyes opened the door and let out a squeal of excitement. “Oh my god, Tori!” She flung her arms around her. “No one told me you were coming!”

“Hey, Erika.” She smiled as she wrapped her arms around her little sister. “I thought mom would have told you I was coming home.”

Erika pulled back and arched an eyebrow, “you’re staying?”

“Yeah.” She chuckled as they entered the house. 

Erika closed the door and gave her sister a puzzled look, “I thought you were seeing someone there? At least that’s what mom said.”

“We broke up.” Victoria bit her lip as she sat her purse down.

“Oh, damn. I’m sorry, sis.” She looked up the set of stairs off the side of the living room. “Hey, Mom! Victoria’s here.”

She heard her mother scramble to get to the stairs and come down, “Vicky! I wasn’t expecting you for another day or so.”

“I couldn't stand being there any longer. Plus I start the new college next week.” She took a breath, shoving her cell phone into her pocket after seeing the notification of who messaged her. “I wanted some time to catch up with the family before I move to the campus.”

“So, you're taking the dorm we talked about?” Her mother asked as she moved from the living room to the kitchen. 

“Yeah, it would be easier, plus with the whole family being here it would give us all a little more space.” Victoria followed her mother.

“Don’t worry about it. Draven is threatening to move out.” She shook her head as she put some coffee on.

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Are you two still at each other?”

“When aren’t they?” Erika chimed in as she grabbed a soda from the fridge.

“What’s his deal now? And shouldn’t he have his own place? He’s, what, seven years older than me?” Victoria asked as she shook her head.

Erika laughed as she popped the can open, “he sure doesn’t act like it.”

“Erika!” Their mom exclaimed, “he’s just having a hard time finding his place in this world.” She pulled down a pair of coffee cups and poured them some coffee. “I cleaned out the spare room if you wanna store some of your things there until you go to college.”

“Thanks mom.” She smiled as she took the coffee from her. “I should start bringing my stuff in before someone pilfers my car.”

She smiled over her coffee cup, “that sounds like a good idea. Erika, how about you help your sister?”

Erika sat her soda down and walked to the door with Victoria. “So what happened with this guy?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Victoria shrugged as she stepped out of the house and went to her car. Grabbing a few of her bags and heading back inside with her sister. 

“Must have been messy.” She looked over to Victoria as she carried her bags up the stairs, “I’m sorry. Men are dicks.”

Victoria laughed and rolled her eyes, “he wasn’t. It was just not the right time.” She followed her sister into the spare room with a laugh, “so, mom calls my old room the spare room?”

“Yeah.” Erika chuckled as she dropped her bags on the bed. “She hasn't let too many people in here since you left.” She turned to head back out to get more of her sister's things.

Victoria took the time to pull her phone out and see what the message said. 

“I saw you leaving town. Be safe out there, doll. Love, Negan.”

Victoria shook her head as she jammed her phone back into her pocket. She smiled a bit knowing that he did still have love for her, but she knew it wouldn’t work out. Not now at least.

~*~

Part 11

[psychewritesbs]

When Opposites Attract, part 1... maybe perhaps

The devil finds work for idle hands... and what with only having one client at the moment and finally reaching Gundam Seed’s episode 23, what is it with episode 23 being my fave in JJK and GS? well...

It’s time to brainrot about one of my favorite relational dynamics in animanga...

So.... basically don’t mind me while I ramble about asucaga... one of my og OTPs.

Also, if anybody does read this and is wondering...

Yes, I did watch episode 23 three times... and counting. I had to do research and take screencaps ok?!

Yes, I squealed internally several times... probably still am.

Yes, we’re going to ignore the extensive amounts of plot armor that is just as thick as Gundanium Alloy.

And yes, I loved every. single. fucking. minute of Athrun and Cagalli’s interaction.

This isn’t mental gymnastics... this is nit picking... obsessing about what it means for two characters to come together and how that changes them. 

In the end, shipping is at its core about seeing a relational dynamic (ship) in fiction and being inspired by it. And one of my favorite things about Gundam Seed was seeing how two separate wholes came together in the way that Athrun and Cagalli came together.

Athrun as Yin--the passive principle

Athrun, is both “not just another Quiet and Aloof Deuteragonist-kun”, and at the same time “your typical expression of his trope”. 

Dark hair, green eyes, introverted, kind, superior intelligence... the whole 9 yards.

Athrun is his trope to a T. And yet, there’s also something ethereal and dreamy about him.

In melodrama, characters are typically clichéd stereotypes. But I have to say that the characters in Gundam Seed are fleshed out beyond their character trope.

What makes the characters in Gundam Seed unique are the details in the way their individual personalities are expressed. 

For Athrun, he looks to me like he’s very much written as an expression of water sign traits--he is a Scorpio by birth after all. He is ethereal, dreamy, mysterious, highly emotional and yet simultaneously emotionally closed off to most people or aloof. 

And yet, despite his Introverted and introspective personality as defined by his water sign, Athrun navigates his world with cold logic. To me, his ease and interest in mechanical objects like the Haros and Torii speak to his mastery of logic and mechanics.

Athrun is also a kid whose mother’s death scarred him and who has let his father control his fate. From what I remember, he’s also been a soldier most of his life. So at the core of his character arc there is a need to tap into his (most irrational) emotions, and to learn to think for himself in a way that takes into consideration not just logic, but also what his heart wants.

Another aspect that defines Athrun is how his personality has also been shaped by the war because of what he has seen and the horrors he has probably lived through. Something that is hinted at in episode 23.

Finally, Athrun is an elite soldier and he knows that about himself. Up to episode 23 in Gundam Seed, he had used his genetically engineered superior abilities to fight for Zaft’s sake. 

Zaft no Tameni.

But that’s only because he had not stopped to think like the opposing camp.

Cagalli as Yang--the active principle

And then there’s Cagalli.

Oh God. Where do I even start with Cagalli?

Stereotypically, Cagalli is first and foremost a tomboy. She is rough around the edges, strong-willed and edgy. Unlike the other females in the series, Cagalli is perfectly happy as someone who prefers guns over make up.

She also appears to be more outgoing, boisterous and extroverted than Athrun. 

But I think that one of the things that define Cagalli even more than the “tomboy” trope is the fact that she is, literally, a Princess. However, Cagalli is not your average Disney Princess waiting to be rescued. Instead she uses her power, privilege and influence for the benefit of causes she believes in, hence earning herself the title “Goddess of Victory”.

As a Princess, however, she’s also entitled, bossy, and unaware of her privilege to a certain extent.

Like this little girl basically forced herself onto a military ship even though the captain was totally against it. Total #Gundanium Alloy moment.

One of the things I love about Cagalli is that she has this overconfidence about herself that is also very Princess-like. How to explain... I headcanon Cagalli probably lived a very sheltered life as a Princess, and so she doesn’t truly understand the despair of a war-thorn world and how that shapes people. This only makes her choice to fight for those in less privileged positions than hers all the more impressive. 

But unlike Athrun and real soldiers who have seen the horrors of war, even if Cagalli has seen terrible things, Cagalli has a body guard with her at all times whose job is to risk his life to protect her. She is sheltered.

Also, as a side note, he doesn’t do a very good job of it lol. I would fire him if I was Cagalli’s dad. But I get the sense the bodyguard guy kind of gave up on trying to convince Cagalli not to get into crazy situations because Cagalli is going to do what Cagalli wants to do because she’s a fucking Princess.

Other than that, I think it’s very important to Cagalli’s character that she’s free to be herself and choose her own destiny. In the end, Cagalli chooses to fight for what she thinks is right and chooses what causes she espouses.

And I think this is where Cagalli and Athrun meet in the middle--fighting for what they believe is right.

Fighting for what is right--two opposing perspectives

One of the things that I loved about episode 23 the most is that this is when the idea “that conflict is the result of a lack of communication” gets presented--this is when the two opposing sides finally decide to sit down and talk.

These two kids met each other under #Gundam Alloy type circumstances that plot armor is thick but wtv because I love asucaga and I am glad they met and kept blaming each other until they both came to the realization that this blaming game was taking them nowhere. 

Just back and forth...

Well I did this because you did that.

Well I did that because you did this.

Two opposing perspectives at war with each other.

Theirs is a conversation about opposing versions of the “truth” and how when the two opposites come together a new truth can be unveiled if both parties are able and willing to meet in the middle.

Literally. Athrun and Cagalli introduce into GS the idea that senseless war is simply the result of two opposing sides unwilling to listen to the other and meet in the middle. 

Athrun and Cagalli represent the movement in this new direction for the plot where characters start to question more openly what it is they fight for.

But before Athrun and Cagalli get to this point where they get to explore their opposing perspectives, chemistry had already worked its magic. Without this chemistry, there would be no impetus that would bind two opposites together.

Let’s ship it!

Mwahaha. Ok, time to ship it.

When Athrun and Cagalli first encounter each other its under the threat of attack. Cagalli is pointing a gun at him and all he has is a knife. 

The moment that changes everything is when Athrun turns the tables on her and discovers that Cagalli is a girl.

I think in this scene there is a combination of Athrun’s reluctance to get a civilian involved in a war conflict and his own humanity taking precedence over how she is physically weak compared to him, not just for being a woman, but also because she’s a Natural.

In the end, Athrun is shown to be a very kind and considerate person time and time again and this is an example of it.

Also Cagalli getting annoyed because she gets confused for a boy is so funny.

It is after this moment when the walls start come down for both of them. 

On the one hand, I imagine Athrun realized just how defenseless Cagalli is despite her bravado, hardly a threat; while on the other hand, Cagalli realized this Zaft soldier is just as human as she is.

And I just adore this moment so much because despite the large amounts of Gundanium Alloy present in Gundam Seed, this moment and the way Athrun and Cagalli relate to one another is so... real?

Athrun telling Cagalli to tone it down with her Princess attitude is so... amazing? Up until now no one has really stood up to her and she typically gets what she wants--again, as an example, she boarded the Archangel against the Captain’s wishes.

And then... the crabs happen.

With crab #1 we have a moment of comic relief that invited them to relax, to lay down their defenses once and for all so that they could see the human in front of them more clearly.

It’s really lovely to be able to see how they are both more at ease around each other because of this seemingly insignificant moment.

I have to wonder what is going through Athrun’s mind as he sees Cagalli continue to do as she pleases, completely at ease with herself even though they are “enemies” and she should be weary of him.

This is one of those moments where the writers showed both Athrun’s and Cagalli’s personalities beautifully. 

On the one hand you have Athrun as he looks on from a distance in typical Scorpio fashion. His introspective nature speaking a thousand words without saying a single one of them. What we do know is that he is so moved by what he sees to the point that he removes the ties around her hands and feet--a completely irrational choice.

Symbolically, Athrun gives Cagalli back her freedom because even if she’s tied down, Cagalli’s will is untamable, something Athrun notices about her.

As for Cagalli, she is just enjoying herself. She too is at ease with Athrun around and is able to be her usual carefree self. Another thing about Cagalli I didn’t mention earlier is that she’s a Taurus. So there’s a sense of her sensuality being expressed in this moment as she enjoys the feeling of rain washing over her.

Then, with crab #2 we have a glimpse at a couple more details. 

For one, I think its easy to think of Athrun as Quiet and Aloof Deuteragonist-kun, but his mischievous and playful side shines through in this brief interaction when he teases Cagalli (thanks to this article for pointing out this fun detail).

As for Cagalli, it shows how care free and oblivious she is about the feminine beauty and sensuality that lies beneath the surface--which Athrun clearly very much liked.

Even though I feel like it’s more realistic for a teenager to continue to stare, I like what this scene says about Athrun being a respectful young man.

Then, when they move into the cave the issue of “ease” comes up. Cagalli taunts Athrun, telling him that she could take his gun from him and that he should be warier of her and take her more seriously.

Athrun, however, is highly aware that he’s an elite soldier with superior physical abilities and is completely unphased by her threat.

I think, if anything, Athrun is also aware that he’d be saddened if the situation escalated in such a way to where he would have to hurt her.

Athrun then falls asleep, showing once again how at ease he feels around her.

But this is Cagalli we’re talking about and if she had another middle name it would be “impulsive”. So she goes for the gun and then after an emotional exchange throws it on the ground in a bit of a temper tantrum.

And of course, because of the Gundanium Alloy, the gun fires when it hits the ground and the bullet barely hurts Athrun. The writers just really wanted a shirtless Athrun.

I love Athrun’s reaction in all of this because he’s not afraid to tell Cagalli to drop the Princess attitude. Seriously, who throws a loaded gun like that?

But... the best part in all of this is that Cagalli wants to meets him in the middle. 

And despite his reluctance, for the first time the audience gets to see Athrun take his armor completely off and open up. Both in the figurative way and in the fanservicey way.

This isn’t just physical proximity, but rather Athrun allowing someone else to not only meet him in the middle in his pain, but also to tend to that pain. 

And as they say their respective goodbyes and exchange names, so do they acknowledge each other’s humanity despite being in opposite camps.

I love them your honor...

[be-with-me-so-happily]

To Make A Girl Blush

*header created by @hstylesicons

ONE SHOT

Summary: Harry Styles is performing at the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, where y/n works as a studio assistant. She tries to keep her cool while being around her celebrity crush, but he isn't making it easy on her.

A/N: I'm obsessed with his Wet Dreams cover and couldn't get this little story out of my head. Sorry, I'm a major tease...

>> Warnings: 18+ only - Flirting, male self-pleasure

~~~~~

"He's so hot. I don't know how I'm going to keep my cool."

"He's probably used to having that effect on women." You chuckle.

"How are you not freaking out? You're like, the biggest Harry Styles fan I know."

"Oh I'm internally squealing. Trust me. I'm just super aware that he's Harry Styles. Like, the Harry Styles."

"Yeah, Y/N, that's the point. Harry Styles is going to be here!"

Harry is coming to the BBC Radio 1 studio to do a live lounge performance. You and Christine are station assistants, so you get to help him and his band with whatever they may need.

"And I'm just… me. I'm trying really hard not to want to throw myself at him." You laugh.

"I can feel the sweat coming already." Christine jokes. You both fan yourselves.

"Geez, look at us, how old are we?"

"Fourteen." Christine giggles. "I think today we are going back to being fourteen year old fangirls."

"Oh god, please, no."

~~~~~

The morning was full of prep work, which involved lots of running around. You and Christine will basically be at their beck and call, which definitely isn't a downside to your job today.

Your boss instructs you to meet the singer as soon as he arrives to his dressing room, to immediately check if he is in need of anything.

You knock on the door with his name boldly printed on a taped up piece of paper.

"Come in."

"Hi, Mr. Styles. I'm Y/N. I'm an assistant here, so if you or your crew need anything, just let me know."

"Alright." You see him try to subtly look you up and down.

Don't activate your inner fangirl in front of him

"Umm... a bottle of room temperature water would be nice, actually."

You are slightly confused. "Room temperature?"

He nods. "It's actually better for your vocal chords than cold or hot water." He strokes down his gorgeous neck, as if to demonstrate how the water flows down his throat.

"Okay, I'll go grab that now. Anything else before I go, Mr. Styles?"

"Umm… yeah, please just call me Harry." He grins widely, showing off those deep dimples that everyone is obsessed with.

"Sure. I'll be right back with that water... Harry." You nod and notice a small smirk on his face before you turn around and exit the room.

Once out the door, a loud exhale leaves your lips, as if you hadn't taken an actual breath that entire interaction.

Christine shuffles up to you. "Oh man! I'm so jealous! What's he like?"

You roll your eyes. "I don't know. Like every other famous singer that comes in here…"

"Really?" She asks, looking a little disappointed.

"No, are you kidding? He's beautiful! But we didn't really talk much so I don't have much to tell you."

She puts her hands on her hips and frowns.

"Y/N, I don't think you're appreciating this enough. You were in the same room as Harry Styles!" She scolds, still with a smile on her face.

You definitely appreciate the sight of him

"Geez, do you want to take his room temperature water to him?" You offer.

She grins and nods her head. You hand her the water and head off to see if anyone in the band needs something.

You find them all in one of the bigger rooms, sitting around on couches, doing some vocal warmups.

"Hi there! Sounds great." You chuckle. "I'm Y/N, an assistant here. Do any of you need anything? I'm happy to help! And don't be shy about asking."

You bring them some water as well, and chat with them for a few minutes before you head back out to hunt for Christine.

You find her, beaming with joy, as she rushes over to you and grabs your shoulders.

"Thank you for that Y/N! He is so nice, and so sexy. He let me take a selfie with him and everything!" She squeals.

"How old are you again?" You joke.

"I'm fourteen. Apparently today I'm fourteen." She jokes back, skipping off to do whatever is next on her list.

You decide to do the rounds again, and check in on Harry.

"Hi, uh, Harry. Just wanted to check back in with you."

He quickly turns around, apparently caught guard, and that's when you realize he is wearing a pair of flared blue pants... and nothing else.

That's just plain rude

"I'm sorry, I'll come back." You cover your eyes, and then turn around to walk out.

"Y/N!" He laughs. "S'alright. I could use your help. You mind?"

"Oh! Um, no, not at all."

"I just accidentally knocked two of my rings off the table, and I can't see 'em anywhere." He states, searching the ground with his eyes. "I'm going to sound like a diva, but I just put my pants on and I don't want to wrinkle them."

Well, just take them off… oh god, just stop

"Okay. Where should I look?"

He has one hand on his hip, and the other one up to his lip, still looking at the ground. He points under the table. "Maybe there?"

You get down on your hands and knees to look, and quickly find them laying near where he had pointed. As you stand and stretch out your hand to give them back, he slides his body closer to you so you are only about one foot apart from each other. You think you see him start to bite his lower lip before correcting himself, and his hand is lingering on yours a little longer than would be normal as he takes his rings back.

"Thank you so much." He utters, winking when you meet his gaze.

What a flirt, but who could resist those gorgeous eyes? And that toned, tattooed chest…

You clear your throat, as you snap your eyes up from his chest. Your cheeks get red with embarrassment, and you are really hoping he can't see that.

He smirks slightly. You feel yourself getting more flustered, so you finally take a step back.

"So, uh, I'll head out, unless you need anything else?"

He smirks again, and this time you know for sure that he looks you up and down.

"Not unless you want to help me finish getting dressed…" He chuckles.

How many girls would say yes? All of them

You chuckle and walk out the door, commenting before you're out of view. "I'll be somewhere out here if you need me."

He flirts with everyone right? Not a womanizer, but a big flirt… right?

~~~~~

Everyone is set up in the studio and ready to go. You and Christine go around to each band member, checking in one more time with everyone before they start. Christine, of course, checks in with Harry. He smiles politely and shakes his head, assuring her that he doesn't need anything. He looks at you and smiles when you fully meet his gaze. You smile back and look down, trying not to blush again.

Calm down, he's been with super models, he's just being a big flirt, or at least you want him to be

You and Christine get off the set and stand right across from Harry.

The introduction plays and the band starts the opening chords for 'As It Was'. You are watching Harry Styles play his new songs right in front of you and your skin is itching with excitement.

You sing along. The song is so catchy, how could you not? He dances around a little and you find yourself matching his movements.

Thank god his eyes are closed, or you'd be completely embarrassed

The song ends and you subtly make sure everyone has what they need.

'Late Night Talking' is the next song and once again you find yourself unable to hold back from dancing. This time Harry does open his eyes a bit more, especially during the second chorus, and he dances more after looking at you.

He's a performer, has nothing to do with you

The more he sings, the more flustered you feel. The more he looks at you and smirks, the more heated you get.

Might need a cold shower later

Once again, you double check that everyone is comfortable, as Harry talks to the radio dj.

They change it up and start to play 'Boyfriends'. The mood turns emotional. You've definitely had your share of bad breakups, and you realize there's a couple tears trickling down your cheek. Just as you wipe them away he quickly glances in your direction, and you turn your head away.

The song finishes and he motions to you for some water. Luckily, you brought a few bottles with you and place one down by his mic.

"You alright, love?" He whispers.

You look up at him, a little surprised he noticed your reaction to the song, and that he cares.

"It's a really good song." You quickly reply. He smiles as you stand back up to meet his gaze. You're a couple feet away and unintentionally look at his lips, down to his neck, admiring his upper body in his tight T-shirt, and making your way down to view the flared blue pants you saw earlier.

Your eyes shoot back up as you realize that you literally just checked out Harry Styles right in front of him. You feel like you could just die of embarrassment right then and there.

He giggles under his breath and you clear your throat to ask, "need anything else?" He shakes his head, smiling widely and showing off those deep dimples.

You feel sensation between your legs and you quickly head back to the spot you were standing, opening a bottle of water for yourself and gulping about half of it down.

The DJ announces that he will be covering a song by Wet Leg called 'Wet Dream'. You almost squeal, knowing and loving this song too.

Ironic song considering what you're feeling at the moment.

This time, you don't care if Harry sees you dancing around, and he definitely does.

is no one else around you

He opens his eyes to see you and starts moving around, touching his body and putting his hands up.

If only he knew what was going on in your head right now…

You continue to sing the lyrics and dance around. He squints his eyes open again, singing the next line.

baby, do you want to come home with me

You gulp down some more water.

You almost lose it completely when he starts the second verse and seems really into singing the next line of the song.

what makes you think you're good enough to think about me when you're touching yourself…

Well, you don't feel you are good enough, but you are definitely heating up enough to want to.

Absolutely going to take a cold shower later

The heat is just rising in your body as he sings about blushing. He ever so slightly moans with the lyrics and bounces up and down as he sings about it being enough.

You're getting so uneasy at this point that you think you may have to leave the room. Thankfully the song ends shortly after, but not before you see him look straight at you while singing the last two words.

let's begin

As soon as it all ends, Harry thanks everyone and actually excuses himself quickly. You're a little relieved, being able to calm yourself down and breathe now that he's out of the room. You check in with the band to see what they need. You help them tidy up a little and carry some of their stuff to the big room they had been in.

You decide to check on Harry too and make your way to his dressing room. As you get to the door, you grab the handle and you hear him say your name, so you open the door.

"Oh my god! I'm so, so sorry!" You exclaim, covering your eyes from the sight of him sitting in the chair, pants unzipped, pumping his hand up and down his length.

"Shit!" He blurts out, covering himself up with a pillow, then proceeds to laugh. "Thought I locked the door."

"I should've knocked. I'm so embarrassed!" You state.

"You're the embarrassed one? I was saying your name while touching myself, and you just saw it."

"Wait, what??" You ask, jaw dropping in disbelief.

"M'sorry." He smirks as he bites his lower lip. He is squirming under that pillow, probably still aroused and needing some relief. "I just couldn't stop watching you dancing to the Wet Leg song, and, well…" he looks down at the pillow covering himself.

"I… uh…" you stutter.

"Could you shut the door, love?" He begs.

You do, locking it and keeping yourself in the room. He laughs.

"So you want to stay?"

You blink a few times, realizing that he was probably asking you to leave.

"I'm sorry." You frown, feeling so stupid.

"S'alright." He smirks, yet again. "Could… umm… could use some help here…"

"I'm pretty sure there's twenty hot girls around here that you could call on." You blurt out.

"Maybe, but…" He frowns. "I'm in this predicament because of you…"

You lick your lips and then bite your bottom one.

What do you do? What do you do?... Go for it!

Confidence surprisingly kicks in, so you walk over to where he is sitting and kneel down.

"Well, it is my job to get you anything you need." You giggle.

"Yes, please, I definitely need this."

~~~~~

Taglist: @watermelonsugacry @tw1nflamebruis3 @slut4lilyrose @pinktakeaway @hopefulwastelandcreation @tenaciousperfectionunknown @his-only-angel-1989 @queenmadi2 @runway-to-my-aid @theekyliepage @be-yourss

~~~~~

You can send some extra support here if you feel inclined -Bee xx

[mcubrunette]

Fly Baby

Pairing: Ikaris x Reader, Dad!Ikaris

Summary: Ikaris takes his daughter flying for the first time, giving you a mild heart attack in the process.

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: None, just fluff

A/N: This combines both the fairy and dilf vibes that Ikaris simultaneously exudes IMO

It was a gorgeous September afternoon, the sun shining down. The warmest it might be before the cooler fall temperatures arrive in the coming weeks.

A red and white picnic blanket laid out across the grass, half a football field away from our home. Out in the open land our English countryside acreage offered, miles from the nearest main roads.

Secluded, in our own peace of heaven.

“Love! Look at this” I heard my husband call out to me.

I turned my head upwards and couldn’t hold back my instincts, “OH MY GOD, IKARIS!”

I was up on my feet immediately, running over to where I thought my husband was simply dancing through the meadow with our three year old daughter, Penelope.

Where they occasionally stopped so she could pick the wildflowers and attempt to stick them in her father’s hair.

It was to my utmost surprise to find him floating above the air, holding Penelope up under her belly, so she could assume a position as if she was soaring through the air.

Just like her father, I internally grumbled to myself.

“Ikaris, what on earth do you think you’re doing with our daughter right now!” I shout up at him, hands on my hips to assume the typical disappointed mom look.

Ikaris smiled down at me, “look Love, she loves it! She’s like a mini me!”

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, “yeah because the curly brown hair and blue eyes sure wasn’t cutting it”.

Before Ikaris could get out a rebuttal, the little girl interrupted him, tearing his gaze back to his princess.

“Mummy look! I’m like a fairy! I can see everything from up here” Penelope squealed out, the biggest of smiles on her face.

I couldn’t deny how my heart fluttered seeing my baby so happy. And even more so knowing it was my beautiful husband eliciting that smile and those giggles.

I reminded myself what brought me to my feet in the first place.

“Ikaris, I thought I told you I wanted a helmet on her the first time you flew with her,” I reminded him of our previous conversations, with a pointed look in his direction.

He looked back down toward me, “Love look, I am completely secure in holding her, and I’m only a few feet off the ground. There is nothing to worry about” he attempted to assure me.

Before I could reply he cheekily added, “you should know how sturdy my hands are, how good my finger reflexes are” he finished with a wink.

I exhaled, “you should know by now Ikaris, it’s my job as her mother to worry about my baby’s safety at all times” I told him, a frown now appearing on my face.

That caused him to pause his movements.

Ikaris lowered himself back down to the ground. Lowering our daughter from above his head, to his hip.

He looked down at his princess and he whispered, “can you go to the blanket for a minute Lovie, while I talk to mummy?”

Penelope, with the determination she gets from her father, looked up at him to plead, “but I want to fly more daddy! Pretty please!”

She ended with that look she knows is the key to melting her fathers heart. Big blue eyes peering up at him, and the slightest wobble to her lip. The key to getting anything she wanted from him.

Ikaris' heart tugged at him to give in to her wishes, but he knew he needed to assure his wife first.

“How about we just take a little break for some snacks! I think mummy packed some of those candies you like so much, why don’t you go try and find one in the basket?” He attempted to persuade Penelope.

His suggestion was luckily well received by the little girl, eager for a sweet. She was quickly clambering out of her fathers arms to be set on the ground so she could run past her mother to the blanket.

Ikaris slowly walked up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her to pull her in close. He leaned down to press a couple of kisses in the crook of her neck, before standing back up to catch her gaze.

He brought one of his hands up to cup her cheek as he said, “you know I would never do anything to intentionally endanger our daughter, or any of our children for that matter”.

I sighed, “I know that Ikaris”, I paused to take a breath, “it just took me by surprise is all. But also, I do think she should be wearing a helmet, which you agreed to” I finished pointing a finger at him to remind him of his promise.

It was his turn to sigh now, and nod his head in acknowledgement, “okay yes Love, you’re right”.

I’m always right I wanted to add

He continued, “I did promise I would do that and I also should have asked if you were comfortable with me flying with her for the first time. For that, I do apologize, my love”.

He had apologized and acknowledged his error, and I knew he had the best of intentions with our daughter all along. He just wanted to see her be happy.

I of course couldn’t remain upset with him after that.

“Okay,” I conceded, “you can carry on with your flying then.. with a helmet” I added.

“With a helmet of course Love, safety first” he nodded with a wink in confirmation.

Just then our moment between us was interrupted by the sound of our youngest letting out a loud cry, followed by Penelope calling out to me, “mummy! Peter is awake and won’t stop crying”.

Ikaris grabbed my hand in his and we proceeded over to the blanket.

“Did you find the sweets lovie?” He asked his daughter, walking over to her, while I proceeded over to the bassinet to pick up our four month old son, Peter.

“Yes daddy, I did!” She jumped up towards him and he caught her in his arms.

I looked over at them as Peter settled down his crying now that he rested in his mothers arms.

Ikaris let out a laugh looking down at Penelope, “Are you sure you actually ate any of it? There is chocolate all over your face lovie” he pointed out as he tried to wipe it off her cheek with his thumb.

Giggles erupted from the little girl as she attempted to assure her dad she did in fact eat some of it, while her father also now tickled at her belly to elicit more of that glorious sound.

I looked down at Peter, who was also enthralled looking over at his sister and father due to the noise of the laughter they both emitted, but still too young to understand so his face remained impassive yet slightly confused.

Just then, Ikaris appeared beside me, leaning down to give me a kiss before leaning out foreheads together and saying, “thank you for giving me this life, Love. I am eternally grateful”.

And before I could even reply, Penelope was tugging at her father to go back to their flying.

With a quick kiss to my forehead, and one down to Peter’s with a quick whisper of “I love you little man”, he was off running hand in hand with Penelope.

“We gotta go to the garage first to grab your helmet lovie,” he informed his daughter. To which she nodded an okay, before they continued on their way, now racing each other towards the garage.

As I looked on at them holding our now sleepy son, I couldn’t help but whisper to myself , “I’m eternally grateful too”.

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

Drop at ❤️ if you want more Ikaris content

[silverdelirium]

So it's like this Fluffy fic where we lose our virginity to Draco

GODDESS | D.M

summary: soft!draco taking your virginity

warnings: corruption kink?, loss of v card, soft sex.

———

you didn’t know if it was the way he was running his hands down your hair all the way to your back or just the thought of being so close to him that had gotten you like this.

and it seemed like a scratch you couldn’t seem to reach no matter how much you squirmed in an attempt to get rid of it. draco, your boyfriend of 2 months now, took notice of it, growing concerned that you might be hurt.

“baby, you alright?” he piped in a soft yet concerned tone.

“i don’t know- my stomach is feeling weird.”

draco shot up at that, cursing himself internally for not doing anything sooner. you squealed at the sudden movement, since you were laying on his chest, he brought you up with him.

he turned you by your waist so you were straddling him. his eyes searching your face and body for any type of bigger pain. “what does it feel like, love? tell me. i’ll get someone to bring you something” he soothed, trying his best to keep you happy.

“i-” you cut yourself off with a sigh, looking down at his hands that were settled innocently on your thighs, your breath hitching. “it feels all fluttery and tingly right here.” you mumbled, rubbing your lower belly.

oh, thought draco. his dick perked up at this in his trousers. he gave a mere chuckle and said, “darling... i can relieve that. but i have a question to ask first.”

you beamed and nodded at him to continue.

“has somebody ever touched you here before?” he asked before cupping your clothed cunt. the material soaked. you gasped at this, the feeling unfamiliar, you weren’t even aware that you were... wet. you obviously knew what happened when someone gets aroused, but it had never crossed your mind fully. too caught up in schoolwork and the people around you, you never got some time to give yourself some time. draco knew this and made it his mission to help you relax in your own thoughts when you started dating.

“i- no.” you admitted shyly. face heating up by the second. “baby, look at me.” he demanded, tone still soft, he let go of your sex and brought his hands to your cheeks instead, making you look at him. “is this okay with you? will you let me help you feel good?”

you wanted this. of course you did, but... what if you didn’t meet his expectations? you never did this before and according to what you’ve heard it could’ve made you bleed, people say it hurt! you didn’t want that for draco or yourself for that matter.

“i just- what if i’m not exactly what you expect me to be draco? what if it doesn’t feel good?”

“are you asking if it won’t feel good for me or for you? because i assure you that the sight of you alone could bring me more pleasure than anything in the world” he replied, tone now a bit harsher, almost offended that you thought of yourself that way. yes, draco had done things before but they didn’t mean shit to him. he could go his entire life without any sexual relief if it meant you were pleased.

“both” you muttered, head dropping down in embarrassment.

“sweetheart, if you really want to do this, let’s do it. i’ll be with you every second of it and if you’re not ready then i could wait a lifetime for you.” said draco, once again grabbing your face and bringing it up to his eyes. heart swelling at the mere sight of you.

you looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity in them. so you gave it no more thought and nodded with a small smile. making him smile back at you and delivering a sweet kiss on your forehead before traveling down to your lips.

and as you continuously made out, he flipped you both over and laid you down on the soft pillows of his bed. disconnecting his lips from yours to kiss down your heck, sucking gently enough to leave hues of a light purple on your neck.

he tugged at your sweatshirt and broke contact with your neck. “y/n, are you completely sure?” he asked, needing to hear you say that you were okay with this.

you nodded, desperate to get on with it. “i want words my love” he demanded, yet the soft tone not breaking and gave your waist a reassuring squeeze. “yes draco” you whispered in a breathy tone. draco gave you a small smile and kissed your forehead as he lifted your shirt up, chucking it behind him once it was completely off, he sat down on his knees and took off his shirt too, as to give you some type of calm.

he swallowed hard and tried not to immediately dive in between your breasts but instead leaned down and kissed you passionately while he took of your skirt. you finished kicking it off your feet and broke the kiss for a moment to take a breath. and at the same time you saw draco look down at his girl in only your underwear. you gave herself a pat in the back for choosing a nice set for today. his eyes were blacked out with lust, pupils dilated more than ever. you was shaped like a greek goddess in draco’s eyes and he was willing to fight anyone who thought otherwise.

“sweet merlin” he breathed out. his trousers straining now more than ever. but he knew how to control himself, for you.

he lifted his gaze up to his girlfriend’s gaze and saw how her expression was more flushed than usual around him. he leaned back down to pepper kisses on her chest, reaching behind her back which she slightly arched, giving him the consent to unclasp her bra. and he did with a few fumblings here and there.

draco pulled back a little to get a good view of her bare breasts and jesus-

she truly was a goddess.

“baby you are so damn gorgeous, i’m the luckiest man alive” he mumbled, massaging gently her tits and giving the nipples experimental kisses, which were rewarded by sweet whimpers and heavy breaths of y/n.

“can- can i take them off pretty girl?” he asked, hands at the waistband of her panties. “yes, take them off please”

he got them down slowly, throwing the soaked material at the sight. and draco was sure he could’ve easily just came right then and there, but this was about y/n, not him.

“my god, baby” he grunted as she spread her legs lightly, craving those praises. he could now fully see her naked body, pretty tits, gorgeous figure and dripping pussy, all for himself.

he caught her lips with his as his hands went from playing with her soft breasts to travel down to her heat. her breath hitched as he got closer, yet managed to continue to make out with him, his tongue lovingly exploring her mouth.

and as he finally reached the place she needed him the most, he pulled away from the kiss and leaned down to suck on her nipples, making her release a soft moan as she ran his hair in her hands. his hands found her clit easily and drew gentle figure eights on it, her legs spreading wider and a firm moan passed her lips, making him almost pop out of the coffins of his pants.

“shit dray- just like that” she moaned out as his pointer finger continued playing a bit faster with her clit and his middle went lower to tease at her entrance, his fingers now covered in her juices. he slowly inserted his middle finger inside her, grunting lowly at the tightness.

“ah! yes draco fuck!” she cried out when he started to move it inside and out repeatedly, increasing the speed by the second, his pointer finger now joining the middle one slowly as his thumb took over the stimulation on her clit. “i- dray my stomach-”

he detached his mouth from her tits and looked up at her. she looked absolutely flawless, mouth agape and pretty sounds escaping it, eyes slightly hazed and brows furrowed.

“cum sweetheart, let it go for me” he rasped out. and she came without hesitation, all over his fingers, drenching them on her arousal.

y/n was brought back to reality from the state of bliss to the feeling of her boyfriend peppering kisses on her cheek, trailing down to her collarbone. “how was that my love?” he asked, voice laced with adoration. “i-it was good”

“you did a great job baby”

“dray i- i want to go all the way please” she admitted, tone slightly laced with nervousness. “are you sure princess, you know i can wait.” he said, moving to press a kiss on her forehead while massaging her side with his other hand.

“i’m- i’m sure draco please” she pleaded, moving to grip the hem of his pants, doe eyes staring up at him.

“your wish is my command” he smirked, tossing his pants off.

he positioned himself on top of her again, his hands on either side of her face, her legs were tightly closed, the anxiousness of not being enough for him slowly coming back.

“can you spread this pretty legs for me baby?” he questioned, one of his hands coming down to massage her thighs. “i- draco.” she said, voice slightly shaky.

draco took notice of this and removed his arms from beside her, instead sitting up on his knees, grabbing hers and placing a kiss on them. “what’s wrong baby, do you want me to stop?” his tone full of concern.

“what do i do if it hurts?” she asked, fumbling with the bed sheets under her with a cute frown on her face, not meeting his eyes. “baby i’ll be gentle. i’ll never hurt you you know that.” he stated.

she took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts together. “you know what. yes, let’s do it, just be gentle please”.

“of course my love” he said before reaching for her hands and interlacing them together and once again bringing them to the side of her head.

y/n spread her legs wide enough for him to fit in, his painfully erect cock now in line with her opening, twitching slightly.

draco reached in between them and took his cock, pushing it inside her tight cunt slightly, she gasped at the stretch. he looked up and she gave a reassuring nod, draco pushed in more and watched as her back slightly arched. once he was further inside she released a small whimper, the first tear falling, yet she brought him down by his neck, smashing their lips together.

“move” she mumbled out between kisses, but he heard her clearly, moving in and out slowly, she gasped at this and bucked her hips up. the pleasure increasing every time he moved. subsiding the pain.

he then found a rythm and started to thrust into her gently, yet enough to pleasure them both immensely.

“dray-” she moaned out. “that’s right baby, say my name.” he grunted, eyes greadily watching her face contorting into pleasure. she moaned louder when he reached for her clit, amplifying the pleasure, her legs slightly shaking. “fuck yes, just like that!” she whimpered, back arching when she felt that bubbling sensation close again.

he gave a moan of his when her walls clenched around him. with the sight of before imprinted in his mind and the feeling of now, he wasn’t gonna hold much longer. “shit- are you close my pretty girl? gonna cum on my cock?” he asked seductively. she gave a weak mhm, not trusting her mouth to give a coherent answer. “then cum baby, wanna see you fall apart for me” he rasped out.

she came for the second time that night with a loud cry of his name. him following behind as he quickly pulled out. still stimulating her clit to ride out her high. he quickly came on her stomach at the mere sight of y/n cumming.

once they both climbed down from their high, he landed beside her, breathing heavily. but quickly recollecting himself and reaching for y/n, carrying her to the bathroom as he peppered kisses on her head.

he sat her down on the toilet so he could fill up the bath.

he sat her down on the tub, him behind her.

“you did amazing baby” he murmured in her ear as she collected the bubbles. her face heated up as she mumbled a thanks.

“once we clean you up we can go eat whatever you want and then cuddle for the whole day, hm?”

“yeah” she chuckled, face still heated up as he massaged her scalp with some shampoo, pressing kisses in her shoulder every now and then.

“my goddess” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his cheek against her head.

———

🏷: @spencervera @methblinds @marrymetheonott @adrianscumslut @wh0re4blaise @turn-to-page-394-please @fredshufflepuff @malfoysbiitch @saggyb1lls @helleli @harrystellastyles @metaraxia @daddybutmakeitagirl (message me if i missed you)

taglist can be found on here!

[purple-babygirl]

Bestie bestie, thoughts- daddy! Bucky and little reader cooking together is making my heart melt fr💖 ugh! Like imagine her getting him like a chef hat 🥺 one of those white floppy ones 😭😭 or like they both get matching aprons. Ugh.

Pairing: Chubby!Pâtissier!Daddy!Bucky Barnes x little!f!reader

Word count: 1,404

Warnings: ddlg dynamics, it's all fluff.

A/N: I don't know what you did but i was looking up matching aprons after i saw your ask and boom 💥 pastry chef Bucky thots 💥 attacked me and for that I thank you:"💜💜💜 So here we are. I'm sorry if I took too long and made you feel like I was ignoring your ask, I definitely wasn't💜💜💜 It was just really cute it got my mind going so thank you so very much🥺💜💜 Please enjoy xx.

Pie credit.

heavenly sweet

“Daddy.” She turned around, giving Bucky her back, and he could only smile bigger when he saw the way she was bouncing on her ankles in excitement.

Bucky bow-tied her apron for her, lightly patting her back, “there you go, lil chef,” before pawing at her sides until she giggled.

“Thank you, daddy.” She beamed, letting Bucky help her up on the kitchen counter.

It was a special day for her today. She and Daddy were wearing their matching aprons for the first time, and Bucky was showing her how to make one of her favourites, blueberry pie.

Bucky didn’t get the chance to tell her yet, but the matching aprons gesture had him even crazier in love with her. The way she closely watched his reaction as he'd opened his gift and the way she was over the moon when he’d showed his content with it would forever be engraved in his mind next to all of the other precious memories starring her beautiful eyes.

“Okay, so we have our flour over there,” Bucky pointed to the half-full bag, “eggs and butter too,” he checked, walking closer to her, “and my sugar right here.” Bucky planted his hands on the counter, trapping her between them as he dropped his head to kiss, kitten-lick, and nibble on her jaw.

“Dada!” She squeal-giggled, her hands on Bucky’s round belly as he stood over her.

“Look at you, bonbon! You look like a real chef already! You doing the baking today? Hmm?” Bucky joked, peppering kisses on her face, his hands holding her waist.

“No, jus’ helping daddy,” she giggled more, hiding her face in Bucky’s chest, making him chuckle.

“The best help daddy could get, bonbon.” He kissed the top of her head with a satisfied smile.

~

There was nothing she loved more than watching Daddy work. With his hair pulled back into a small bun, his apron around his full torso, different smudges covering it, and his forearms having the littlest smear of flour on them, Bucky looked like art to her. The way he went about everything he was doing to make her feel included and the way he stole kiss after kiss from her when she was focused. Not to forget how sweet his kisses always were. It was all so perfect. She cherished every moment she got to spend with him, each one better than the last as Daddy made her the best treats that ever existed.

“Now, what do we do, bonbon?” Bucky quizzed playfully, wiping a hand down his apron so he could put the hair that escaped the bun back behind his ear.

“We put in our blueberries!” She replied, her hands eagerly reaching for the bowl of macerated fruit.

“Oh my god,” Bucky looked at her, faking shock and shaking his head.

“Did I say something wrong, daddy?” her voice went small so fast, immediately searching her mind, trying to remember if something went in before the berries.

“I might wanna slow down with teaching you or else next thing I know you’ll be taking over daddy’s bakery, bonbon!” Bucky chuckled, teasingly pecking her cheek.

She laughed with him when he tapped her nose, internally sighing in relief.

He was such a charmer and she was head over heels for him, “’m so proud of you, bonbon.” Bucky kissed her forehead.

“Daddy, can I put them in?” she patted her eyelashes, her hands in place on Bucky’s tummy and he couldn’t help but peck her lips.

“You sure can, lil chef," he said and she grinned at the name he'd started to use, wanting to earn it.

“Here, lemme help you, baby.” Bucky smiled, taking the bowl and holding it for her while she used a spatula to scoop the contents out and into their pie pan.

She was so happy they were doing this together. She was always at her most peaceful state of mind when Bucky would take her to the kitchen with him. Watching him work so passionately was her little self’s own version of bliss. Bucky had the softest aura about him. He was the kindest, most beautiful and most loving Daddy she could’ve ever dreamed of having, and her little heart vowed to appreciate every second with him, every second of him.

“Wait, dada, leave some. Wanna taste.” She stopped Bucky’s hand from slopping the bowl further so the rest of the fruits would fall out.

Bucky, of course, listened to her at once, giving her the bowl to hold on her apron-covered lap as he grabbed her a spoon.

She loved having a taste of the leftovers. Sometimes Bucky would catch her licking cake dough off the bowl in the bakery kitchen and no matter how many times he’d tell her it wasn’t healthy, because the eggs in the batter were raw, she’d still be licking that dough the second he’d turn his back. Bucky loved her too much to be stern with her, so he’d just make sure he was always there, moving the bowl to the sink after being done with it and laughing at her cute pout when she’d see it fill with water as Daddy rinsed it.

Bucky shook the pan to evenly distribute the berries on the surface, adoringly grinning at her attempts to catch a berry that wouldn’t roll and slide off the spoon. She eventually managed to scoop some, moaning when she slid the spoon in her mouth. Bucky’s food always tasted so good she was in love.

“Good, baby?” Bucky licked his lips, wiping his palms on his apron again.

“So good, dada.” She nodded, indulging herself with another spoon of pie filling.

“Give daddy a taste, bonbon,” he asked lowly and she held her spoon up for him, trying not to spill.

Bucky smiled gently, taking the spoon and bowl from her and setting them aside.

She didn’t have time to be confused before he was kissing her, his tongue sliding in to taste hers. Her eyes closed as a surprised moan got out only to be swallowed by Bucky.

She tasted like her with a hint of blueberries, so sweet; so delicious. Bucky’s hands cradled her face as he deepened the kiss, not able to get enough of her flavor, her soft lips or the tiny sounds leaving them. Her smaller hands settled on his chubby tummy, before sliding to his sides to hold him close, slightly clutching his apron.

Their mouths parted, the need for oxygen kind of forcing Bucky away though he still gave her lips a couple of short kisses as he tried to take his breath, his forehead resting on hers.

“So good indeed,” Bucky chuckled breathlessly and her face felt hot, her nose shyly nuzzling Daddy’s cheek to hide.

“Hey, look at me,” Bucky’s voice was so velvety and soft as his fingers brought her face back to his, “I love you, bonbon,” Bucky said, his blue eyes enchanting hers and she could only see, hear, smell and feel him.

Bucky was gorgeous. His tall frame towering over hers, making her feel safe. His pink lips wearing a tender smile that was only designed for her. His cologne surrounding her and filling her chest with warmth. His belly soft and full under her palms. His hair a little out of place as a few strands had slipped out of the bun and refused to stay behind his ear. He was flawless and he was her Daddy.

“I love you, daddy,” she returned with a timid smile.

Her hand went up to slide Bucky’s soft hair back behind his ear, stealing his heart all over again when she cupped his cheek and pressed a tiny kiss to his lips.

With her hand still holding the side of his face and her face tilted upwards, she then started telling Daddy what they had to do next, talking about covering the filling using the remaining pie dough and such, wanting Bucky to be proud of her. And he was, though he wasn’t hearing a word she was saying, he was the proudest.

As he watched her lips move and her hands gesture, Bucky could only think he’d gone to heaven because that must’ve been the only correct name for what he was experiencing in her angelic presence.

Of all the sweet things he's ever tasted, she was his one, true addiction and Bucky was gladly hooked.

~~

Tags: @harrysthiccthighss, @tinystudentfirepurse, @lavendercitizen

[johnnysnostril]

nct 127

when you’re on your period

if you’re anything like me- your period cramps can be hell and hurt like a motherfucker. 🥺 so, i thought it would be cute to write little stories of how the boys would react when you’ve just started your period. ❤️ to all my girls suffering right now, this ones for you. ✨

in no specific order 🤍

“baby?” haechan yelled as he made his way inside my apartment. i moved my lips to groan but nothing came out. “where are you?” he sang in a happy tone.

i pushed my palms into my pelvis and rolled on my side. “i brought you some goodies, my love.” he whispered as he entered my bedroom. the room was dark and silent- just the way i liked it when my time of the month started.

“aww- my poor baby.” haechan whined. “don’t worry, i’ll take care of you.” a small smile appeared on my lips as he kissed my forehead. taking a seat on the side of the bed, he turned my table lamp on- shielding my eyes with his other hand. “just close your eyes, babe.” i did as i was instructed.

haechan shuffled through the shopping bag, popping seals and opening a few bottles. “what is that?” i mumbled. “i got some pain meds for you.. i just wasn’t sure which ones to get, so i got a couple.” he whispered. “also-“ as i opened my eyes, he reached back into the bag- pulling out a heating pad. “i’m sure this will help a lot.” breathing a laugh, i reached out for him. “baby- you didn’t have to do all of this.” haechan shook his head and leaned down to hug me. “i know i didn’t have to, but i wanted to.” he swiftly kissed my forehead and laughed a bit. “now here.” he said plugging in the heating pad. i pushed back my blanket as he wrapped the pad around my tummy. “how’s that feel?” haechan rubbed my thigh and titled his head. i nodded and shut my eyes. “a little better.” he smiled before dumping two small advil’s into his palm. “can you sit up so you can take these?”

sitting up, i threw the gel pills in my mouth and swallowed it down with some water. “thank you.” i whispered. as haechan turned off the light, he climbed in bed next to me and cuddled me into his chest. “you’re very welcome, my love.” haechan ran his fingers through my hair softly, and started to sing in a low tone. i breathed in his scent, feeling more at home than i ever had before. “i love you-“ he whispered as i drifted off to sleep.

“babe.. babe… wake up.” i heard johnny’s voice whisper to me. as i slowly opened my eyes, i noticed johnny standing next to my side of the bed. “baby- you gotta get up.” he continued. “what’s wrong?” i mumbled as i rubbed my eyes. as i started to turn over, johnny gently pushed his palm into my lower back. “wait- don’t move yet.” i furrowed my brows, staying in my position. “what are you doing?” i groaned as i looked over towards the clock. “it’s 3:45am.” i whined. hurrying over to the bed, johnny came back with extra clothes and a towel- setting them on the mattress. he gently picked me up, bridal style, and carried me to the bathroom. “you started your period, baby.” he said in a gentle tone. i instantly panicked as we reached the bathroom. “put me down.” i demanded.

as my feet reached the floor, i felt the shooting pain through my hips and back- along with my pelvis area. as johnny flipped the light switch on, he began to run a bath for me. i covered my face, crying from embarrassment. “baby.” johnny groaned. “don’t cry- it’s okay.” he pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head. “i’m so embarrassed.” i mumbled. “don’t be.” he laughed. “there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, okay?” johnny stepped back and gently cupped my cheeks, kissing my lips. “it’s alright. let’s get you out of these clothes.” as he undressed me, he folded up my stained underwear and shorts, then helped me into the bubble bath. i watched as he removed the sheets and took them to the laundry room, along with my clothes.

washing my body, i finished my bath and let the water out, cleaning myself off completely. johnny made his way back in with a towel and wrapped it around me as i stepped out. leading me back out to the bedroom, i noticed the new sheets and some medicine on my side of the table. “just in case.” he smiled.

johnny watched me as i redressed myself and took a pain pill. he patted the space next to him on the mattress and reached out for me. i cuddled into his chest and shut my eyes. “i’m sorry..” i whispered. “shhh- you don’t have to apologize. just get some rest, baby.” he whispered back. johnny rubbed his palm up and down my back, helping me drift off to sleep. “my baby..” he mumbled.

“babe!” i squealed as taeyong entered our apartment. his smile was bright as he shut the door behind him. running up to him, i forced him into a hug- wrapping my arms around his body. “my god, i missed you.” he mumbled into my neck. we stood there for a moment, holding each other before i let go. “i missed you too.”

as he turned to lock the door, i skipped back over to the couch.

“what were you-“ he started. “um…babe-“ he said cutting himself off. i turned around and smiled at him. “what?” i chuckled. the look on his face was serious as he took my hand and lead me to the bathroom. “shower with me.” he chuckled. i furrowed my brows. “why? do i stink?” i said folding my arms. he shook his head and embraced me. “of course not- you never do. just- shower with me.” he said repeating himself. i pulled back from him and watched as he started the shower, taking off his shirt. “but, why?” i said innocently. “we never really shower together..” i mumbled. “babe- just come on, please.” taeyong took my hand and smiled before kissing my fingers. i pouted. “you think i stink..” i said looking down. “honey, you don’t stink- for the last time.” he sighed before walking me over to the mirror and turning my body around. “you started your period, babe.” he said kissing my temple. i inhaled sharply as i looked back at myself in the mirror. i covered my behind with my hands and backed away from him. “oh my god..” i said embarrassed. taeyong shook his head and grabbed my hands. “you’re okay, babe.”

he started to undress me as i stood there, in shock.

as we entered the shower, taeyong let me stand under the water first- to rinse myself off. he started to wash my body, kissing my forehead as the water showered down on us. “i can’t believe you just saw that..” i groaned. he laughed and pulled me into his chest. “it doesn’t matter, honey. i don’t see you any differently.” he admitted. “yeah, but still.. you’re not supposed to see that.” i mentioned, feeling ashamed. “and why not?” he questioned. “because, what if you don’t love me anymore..” i whined as i began to cry. “oh, baby.” he chuckled. “i’ll always love you- just because you got a little blood on your pants, don’t mean i won’t love you anymore. stop it.” he said squeezing me into a hug. i cried on his chest and wrapped my arms around his bare body. “you’re so silly- i could never stop loving you.”

hanging up the phone, i squeezed my fingers into my right hip. “i hate this..” i mumbled to myself. as i dragged myself to the bed, i curled into a ball- hugging myself. i felt bad for canceling on yuta, but these cramps were just way too extreme to go to the amusement park today.

feeling my phone vibrate, i looked down- seeing yuta’s name across the screen.

“i’ll be there in 10 minutes, sweetheart.”

i smiled and internally replied to his text.

shortly after, i heard yuta open the front door. “where’s my princess?” he said happily. the sound of his voice almost made my cramps go away.

as he trotted into the bedroom, he had a big gift basket in his arms. i softly laughed as he sat down next to me, on the mattress. “what in the world is that?” i said giggled. yuta set the basket on the sheets and began to review everything. “my mom said most of these would help.” he started. “i’m not really sure what most of these are anyways- but, i know these are tampons.” he chuckled as he held the small purple box. i laughed and reached out for his hand. lacing our fingers together, i squeezed his fingers tightly. “your mom made this?” i asked. yuta nodded and reached in the basket with his free hand. “she also made homemade chocolate. it’s the best.” my lips quivered at how sweet yuta’s mother was. “i have to thank her.” i said sitting up.

“ah- you just relax right now.” yuta pushed me back and gently kissed my lips. “i’ll make you some tea and we can cuddle, okay?” he smiled, showing his pearly white teeth and i agreed. “you wait here- don’t move a muscle.” running off to the kitchen, yuta began working on the tea.

as i waited for him, i slowly went through the gift basket. there was all kinds of different tampons and pads- along with pain medicine and sweets. i chuckled and shut my eyes. “thanks mama nakamoto. you’re the best.” i whispered. returning to the bedroom, yuta handed me the tiny cup of tea before kissing my lips. i slowly sipped on the tea before laying against him as he climbed back into bed. “so, romantic comedy?” he said turning on the tv. i giggled and looked up at him. “you know me so well.”

clutching onto my stomach, i hunched over and shut my eyes. “ honey, are you okay? you’ve been in there for a while.” doyoung said as he knocked on the door. “yeah- yeah. i’m fine.” i grunted. “are you sure?” he jiggled the door knob. “why is the door locked?” he laughed. i stared down at my completely red stained panties that laid on the floor. how could i have started today? my tracker said i had a week left.

“babe?” he called out for me. i sighed and began to cry. “please.. just go away.” how could this happen? at my boyfriends house, of all places!

“what’s going on?” doyoung cried out in a worried tone. i sat on the toilet as blood continued to fall from my opening- down into the water. as he fiddled with the lock, he quickly twisted the knob, coming inside the bathroom. “doyoung!” i shouted at him as i threw the toilet paper roll in his direction. he caught it, looking over at me. his eyes darted to my panties that laid in front of my feet.

“oh, baby. did you start your period?” he said setting the roll on the counter. as he approached me, i hid my face into my palms. doyoung kneeled down next to me and rubbed my back. “it’s okay, sweetheart. tell me what you need and i’ll get it for you.” as he kissed my shoulder, he grabbed both my wrists. “are you hurting?” doyoung searched for my eyes.

i nodded as more tears fell down to my cheeks. he gently wiped my tears away and smiled angelically.

reaching over into the bottom cabinet, he pulled out a box of pads. my eyes grew in size.

“why do you have these?” i said almost laughing. he breathed a laugh and stood to his feet. “i mean- you’ve practically moved in, babe. i knew at some point that you’d need something. just in case of an emergency.” he paused for a second. “well, my mom brought them.” he said in an honest tone. “it was kind of a welcome home gift, if you will.” doyoung laughed and pushed my hair back- kissing my forehead. “i’ll grab you a pair of my boxers and some pain meds. stay put.”

he quickly zipped around the apartment, grabbing what was needed and made his way back to the bathroom. “here-“ doyoung said handing me a glass of water and two white oval pills. he set his boxers down on the counter as i swallowed down the meds. picking up my underwear, he folded them in half. “no!” i shouted as i reached out for the stained garment. “i’ll take care of it..” i mumbled. doyoung shook his head and took my hand. “baby- it’s okay.” his eyes locked with mine. “you’re already going through enough. the least i can do is wash your panties.” as he chuckled, he grabbed the glass of water out of my other hand. “let me take care of you.”

“are you okay?” jaehyun whispered in a worried tone. i nodded my head and squeezed his hand. “yes, i’m fine.” i lied. “babe, we can go home if you’re in too much pain.” i shook my head. “no- i promise i’m fine. this is the only time you’ll be free. i wanna take advantage of this.” i mumbled before looking back over at the movie screen. “now, shh.” i giggled. jae kept his eyes on me for a moment before looking back at the screen and sighing.

as the movie ended, jaehyun wrapped his arm around my waist while we walked out to the lobby. “still doing okay?” he said examining my steps. “mhm.” i grunted.

i actually felt like my pelvis was going to drop right to the floor. “babe- you’re a terrible liar.” he laughed. “i can tell you’re hurting just by the way you’re walking.” i huffed and looked up at him as we exited the movie theater. “i’m sorry- i just didn’t wanna ruin the date.” reaching his car, he opened the passenger side door for me. “babe, the way you feel is more important than a movie date.” before getting in the vehicle, jae kissed my forehead and helped me into my seatbelt.

pulling into our driveway, he helped me out of the car. “straight to the tub, little missy.” he demanded. “why?” i asked as we entered the house. jaehyun laughed and hung his car keys on the key holder. “do you have to question everything?” he said before folding his arms and approaching me. i nodded. “only when you’re being bossy.” i giggled. my smile faded as i felt a sharp pain in my stomach. i slightly hunched over and jae took my hand. “come on- no more standing for awhile.”

i climbed into the hot water, sinking down to the bottom slowly. “how’s the water?” jaehyun asked. “it’s fine-“ the bubbles attached to my sink as i rested into the water. i shut my eyes as jaehyun watched from outside the tub. he sat and leaned against the bathroom wall. “i really hate that i can’t do anything to help with the pain.” he whispered. i opened my eyes and looked over at him. “i promise i’m okay.” i laughed a little. “there is one thing you can do-“ i said reaching my hand out for his. jae smiled and took my hand. “and what’s that?” his dimples showed on his cheeks and he tilted his head. “join me.” i said smiling innocently.

without hesitation, jaehyun stood up and started to undress and i watched with glistening eyes. scooting up to make room, i tucked my knees into my chest as he climbed in behind me. positioning me in between his legs, he pulled me back to rest against him. jaehyun wrapped his arms around me and i placed my hands on top of his. he caressed my tummy with his thumb and kissed my temple. “can i do anything else? massage your hips? anything?” he asked. i shook my head and smiled. “no- just this. this- is perfect.” i mumbled.

changing into a new pair of panties, i climbed back on the bed. “taeil..” i whispered and tapped his shoulder. “babe..” i mumbled. his eyes slightly opened as he turned over to look at me. “what’s wrong, baby?” he groaned in a sleepy tone. “umm.. i, uh-“ i started. the words wouldnt come out. i was too embarrassed. as i sat on my heels, looking down at him, i played with my fingers. “what is it? is everything okay?” taeil had completely turned his body to face me. his eyes were halfway open as he reached up and rested his palm on my cheek. “i kinda just.. started my period.” i whispered. “and-“ as i slowly pulled back the blanket, i pointed to the red stain. “i accidentally got it on the sheets.” i said ashamed. “aw, baby. are you okay?” taeil sat up and turned on the small lamp that rested on his night stand. he completely ignored the fact that i just stained his sheets with my blood. “uh, yes- i’m fine. but your sheets.” i huffed. “forget the sheets, i’ll just wash them. how are you feeling?”

“embarrassed..” i said getting off the bed and walking over to my night bag. searching for some pain meds, i rummaged through the duffle bag. “why, baby? it’s not a big deal.” he chuckled, standing to his feet. as he approached me from behind, i groaned- giving up the search. “what are you looking for?” taeil said as he rubbed my back. i ran my fingers through my hair, feeling my emotional pull taking place. “pain pills.. these cramps are kicking my ass.” i said almost in tears. “i bled through my favorite pair of undies and onto your sheets. i’m so annoyed.”

taeil immediately pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head. i wrapped my arms around him and pouted. “i’ll go grab some medicine for you. we can wash your underwear with the sheets. it’s going to be okay babe.” he whispered softly. “what else do you need?”

“taeil, it’s 2am. you’re not going to the store just for some pain pills. i’ll be okay..” pulling out of the hug, he looked disappointed with my reply. “i said what else do you need, babe?” he cupped my chin and looked right into my eyes. “i’ll change the sheets then you can lay back down. i shouldn’t be gone that long.” without giving me time to protest, taeil quickly ripped the sheets off the bed- replacing them with new ones. i stood in the center of the room as i watched him pull his sweatshirt over his head and step into some sweatpants. “if you don’t tell me the specifics, i’ll just grab everything.” he laughed. “tampons- just tampons.” i replied quickly as i hugged myself.

after slipping on his shoes, he grabbed his car keys and wallet- making his way over to me. “you don’t have to be so stubborn, babygirl.” taeil smiled and gently kissed my lips. “i’ll be back. why don’t you lay down.” he said nodding in the direction of the bed. i sighed and wrapped my arms around him to give him a hug. “thank you..” i mumbled into his chest. he chuckled and hugged back. “you don’t have to thank me baby- this is my job. i’m supposed to take care of you.”

“shit-“ i said staring down at my stained underwear. i folded them up and shoved them in my backpack. “ commando it is.” i rolled my eyes and sighed as i exited the bathroom stall. after washing my hands, i turned to look at my backside in the mirror. “no!” i groaned. i had actually leaked through the back of my pants as well. “how didnt i notice that?” i said to myself in an annoyed tone. “ugh!”

sneaking out of the girls bathroom, i stayed close to the wall, looking for jungwoo out towards the cafeteria. spotting each other at the same time, i waved him over in a quick manner. jungwoo jogged over to me and smile, letting his backpack hang off one shoulder. “you okay?” he said kissing my cheek. i shook my head and looked up at him as i clutched my backpack to my chest.

“i bled through.” i whispered. he laughed and leaned his ear down to my lips. “what?” i huffed and cupped his ear as i whispered again. “i bled through my pants, babe.” as i pulled back, jungwoo was already removing his hoodie. tossing his backpack on the ground, he grabbed my waist- tying the sweatshirt around my hips.

“let’s get you home.” as we walked through the crowd of high schoolers, i felt like everyone knew about my little accident. reaching the parking lot, jungwoo opened the car door for me. “but i don’t wanna stain your hoodie.” i whined. “nevermind that. just get in.” his eyes were soft as he looked down at me. i pouted and did as i was told.

reaching my house, i quickly hurried inside with jungwoo behind me. “you don’t have to stay.” i said making my way to the laundry room. “what? why wouldn’t i?” he asked surprised. i quickly tossed my underwear into the washer and slammed the lid down as jungwoo stood in the doorway. “you don’t have to be embarrassed, babe. it’s okay.” he laughed. i ignored his comment and walked past him, running upstairs into my bedroom. of course, he followed behind me- but in a slow manner. pulling out a clean pair of underwear and pants, i slid them on my body and kicked the dirty pants under the bed. as jungwoo entered the room, he pulled me into a gentle hug. “relax.” he started. “you don’t have to hide anything from me.”

“do you need anything?” he whispered. i shook my head. “no-no. i’m fine.” i answered back. “baby, let me help you.” jungwoo took my hand and lead me over to the bed- laying me down, then sat next to me. “i know you must be cramping. do you need anything for the pain?” he asked. waving my white flag, i sank into the sheets and wrapped myself up in my blanket. i nodded to answer his question, feeling slightly helpless. “where’s your pain pills? i’ll go grab them.” i pointed over to the bathroom. “inside the medicine cabinet.” i mumbled. jungwoo smiled down at me as he pushed my hair out of my face. “do you need anything else? tea? a hot towel?”

in this moment, i was falling more in love with him. once again, i shook my head. he slowly got up and made his way to the bathroom, searching for the medicine. “i love you.” i mumbled.

gently rocking myself side to side, i squeezed my eyes shut. i pushed my palms into my pelvis area to try and massage myself but it wasn’t working. “dude! how’d that even happen?” mark shouted at his video game. i cuddled myself into his blanket as i laid on his bed. i should really say something. maybe he could just take me home for the night. “shit- i almost died, dude.” he laughed.

a sharp stabbing feeling ran through my body and i groaned a little too loud. mark quickly looked back to check on me before turning back to his game. “babe- you okay?” his fingers clicked against his controller quickly. i couldn’t move my mouth to speak. in all honesty, i was holding my breath- thinking the pain would subsided if i wasn’t breathing. “babe.” mark called out for me again. i was silent. “no, not you- you idiot.” he said laughing into his mic that was attached to his headphones.

covering my face with the blanket, i was almost ready to cry. “ouuuch.” i mumbled, squeezing onto my stomach. “what’s going on over there?” mark voiced. “what are you doing?” thinking he was talking to his friends on the game, i ignored him once again. “hellooooo.” he stretched out. i pouted underneath the blanket and tucked my knees into my chest. “yikes- i gotta go. i think i’m in trouble.” mark laughed. as he said his goodbyes, i heard him set the controller down and shut off his gaming system. “baby-“ he groaned. “what’s wrong?”

mark climbed into bed with me, tossing the blanket off my head. “why are you hiding?” he wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. “ouuuuuuch!” i whined. mark quickly pulled his arms back and sat up. “i’m sorry- i didn’t think i was squeezing that hard.” we were silent for a moment before mark placed his hand on my thigh. “are you mad at me, babe?” he asked. i shook my head. “then what’s wrong?” he chuckled.

“i’m cramping..” i mumbled. mark slightly hovered over me and he kissed my temple. “babygirl, why didn’t you say something? what can i do?” he softly began to massage my hips, being very gentle. “i don’t know..” i mumbled. “i have some advil- i can grab it for you.” i nodded and mark quickly darted for the medicine. as he made his way back over to me, he handed me a glass of water- along with the pill. he watched me take the pill before i handed the glass of water back to him.

closing the blinds, he made sure that the room was dark and comfortable. mark climbed into his bed with me and cuddle me against his chest. he ran his long fingers through my hair and massaged my scalp. “i’m sorry baby, i wish i could do more.” he whispered. i wrapped my arms around him and took in his scent. “i feel a little better already.” i replied.

[hockeywhy]

caught in the middle (1); m. barzal

SYNOPSIS: For the sake of your friend’s wedding with Tito, you and Mat agree to maintain the facade of still being the happy couple everyone sees you as. But the act comes with its consequences, one more taxing than the other. WARNINGS: language. WORD COUNT: 11.2k A/N: I am so excited for this because it contains some of the tropes I enjoy seeing in fics, and I was dying to also put out some new content as opposed to only reposting my old writing. I wish I wrote this when I was still decent at doing the thing, but I hope that this is still an enjoyable read that makes you look forward to the next part! Title is based off Alexander 23′s Caught in the Middle which is such a good song and I really recommend. Sections in italics represent flashbacks. 

PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4

“We’re getting married!” 

You gasped, bringing both hands to cover the lower half of your face as your jaw dropped at the announcement. It shouldn’t be so surprising – you would’ve bet even your most prized possession that this was bound to happen at some point eventually – but knowing this was actually now a sure thing sent a thrill through you. It didn’t take long for the shock to wear off and in place of it, your expression mirrored that of your best friend’s: the wide grin, the bright eyes and of course, the giggles of sheer excitement as soon as the news sunk in. Elise was glowing and next to her, Tito embodied the idea of what the world’s proudest man would look like. 

“Oh my god!” you gasped, and Elise burst into laughter, not hesitating to jump out of her seat at the same time you did so that the two of you could embrace. Among your squeals and giggles, you could faintly make out the sound of hands being clapped, then caught sight of Mat and Tito hugging. Over Elise’s shoulder and over Tito’s, you and Mat exchanged smiles and you couldn’t help the chuckle that left your mouth as soon as he winked at you. “Congratulations!” you said as soon as you broke apart, though the two of you still held hands. Immediately, your gaze fell down to her hand where a ring now rested, and you couldn’t help but wonder how you hadn’t taken notice of it earlier. “Just—when? How? Where? Who else knows?” 

“We don’t have a date or venue set yet, but we wanted you and Mat to be the first to know,” Elise informed you as soon as you took your seats again.

“We have a favour to ask from both of you,” Tito supplied. As soon as he said it, you felt Mat’s hand wrap around your own and the two of you exchanged a brief look during which he squeezed your hand gently, before diverting your attentions back to the soon-to-be newlyweds. 

Newlyweds. The immensity of the word sent a discrete shiver down your spine. 

“I can’t imagine asking this of anyone else: I want you to be my best man,” Tito directed at Mat.

“You shouldn’t even think of asking this of anyone else,” Mat responded immediately, and the two shook hands on it. You couldn’t help but think that if they weren’t as comfortable as they were now, they’d probably hug again, do their typical pats on the back or fist bump as they usually did, but Elise’s head now rested on Tito’s shoulder and Mat’s hand was so warm, so firm atop your own. 

“Be my maid of honour, please?” Elise asked. “I can’t think of anyone more suitable than you and Mat as best man and maid of honour. We’ll return the favour of course,” she added playfully. 

“I’ll hold you to that,” you warned without hesitating because after all, you had no reason to – and you knew Mat would agree with you. 

Although the two of you hadn’t touched on the subject yet, there was an unvoiced knowledge shared between you that eventually, this would also be you. Eventually, Mat would ask you and your heart would grow and your soul would warm, and you would say yes. Yes, yes, yes. 

As you all settled down to hear a replay of how Tito popped the question and Elise accepted the ring, Mat’s thumb began caressing the back of your hand. Though the gesture wasn’t a novelty, you couldn’t help but take notice of the way your heart fluttered each time he seemed to linger more on your ring finger. It wasn’t difficult to imagine a ring wrapped around it but neither of you were in a rush: you simply waited for the right time to take your relationship to a point in which it would become a forever thing, fully confident it wasn’t a question of ‘if’ but rather, ‘when’.

*

This was anything but the right time. 

You frown as you cast a glance down at the phone resting on your lap, eyes narrowing a little at the name which brought the display to life for the second time in the space of less than a minute. You click the side button twice, silencing the vibrations of it and from your side, your colleague leans in to whisper to you. 

“You can take it if it’s urgent. I’ll fill you in afterwards.”

“Thanks,” you whisper back. “I think it can wait until the meeting wraps up though.” 

Luke gives you a well, if you’re sure look as he leaned back in his chair and you flash him a grateful smile. 

Still, it is difficult for you to settle comfortably in your seat again and much to your chagrin, you find yourself crossing and uncrossing your legs as if the call had sent some sort of signal to your entire body kickstarting jitteriness you can honestly do without. Not long after you find some comfort and energy to draw yourself back to the present, your phone buzzes again – only once this time, indicating a message. 

I’m waiting for you in the lobby.

Fuck, you curse inwardly, locking the phone in frustration. As quietly as you can, you gather your notebook and work tablet then lean in towards Luke who met you halfway. “Have to run but let me know if I miss anything important.”

“At the current rate, I wouldn’t count much on it but will do anyway,” he states as quietly as he can and the two of you exchange sly, conspiratorial smiles before you excuse yourself quickly and very quietly while making a swift exit. 

Internally, a string of curses follow without a break in between, and you have to physically bite down on your lip out of sheer fear one might unconsciously slip out. If anyone would be in your shoes, though, they wouldn’t blame you for it. You are the type of person to stick closely to any plans and agreements made, so the fact that he just chose to turn up so unexpectedly doesn’t sit right with you. Not anymore, that is. Besides, you had both agreed to do this after your workday ended as opposed to midday and definitely not in this place. Now, you have to brace yourself for coping with a foul mood on top of whatever else the rest of the day would throw at you. 

“You’ve got a visitor,” Rachel announces quietly in a sing-song voice from behind the reception desk as you approach. She doesn’t bother masking the giddiness in her tone and you struggle to work up as genuine of a smile as you can when she nods her head towards the waiting area.

“Thanks, Rach.”

“Bet he must be so happy your redeployment to the Baltimore offices was cut short so quickly,” she coos. 

“Sure is. We’re still on for tonight?” you ask quickly in an attempt to drive attention away from the subject before she can try to lead into it too far for your own comfort at the moment. 

Rachel’s smile falters a little, her expression somewhat quizzical. “Don’t you want to postpone so you could spend some time with him? You only just got back yesterday, after all.” 

You swallow uncomfortably before shrugging. “We’ve got plenty of time to do that. So tonight, okay? I’ll catch you later.” 

“Your call. See you then, Y/N!”

You only had just a split second to brace yourself for what is ahead of you, so you draw in a breath then slowly exhale it as discreetly as you can while cutting your way across the lobby. Since agreeing to this meeting, you prepared yourself as best as you could, imagining every single scenario and devising the appropriate plan for it: from the way you presented yourself to what you said, you had a mental plan for everything including a few backups just in case. The only thing you hadn’t factored in, apparently, was how little was under your control and you hated that. Each step you take made you feel less and less prepared for what is ahead, and the thought rattles you. If you were swift enough on your feet, you could just about make a quick turn and dip into the hallway leading to the visitor restrooms. All you need is just a few more seconds. A little alone time for you to run over your lines in your head. 

Except—

Mat looks up at the same time you take a step sideways, ready to bolt towards temporary safety. His eyebrows rise a little as if surprised by the sight of you, but you refuse to appear outwardly deflated by the turn of events. Instead, you square your shoulders, tip your head back a little and arch an eyebrow. You can do this. You note he is dressed casually, and his hair is pushed back underneath a black cap. 

Unless there was a change in schedule, Thursdays were scrimmage days. 

Your jaw clenches ever so slightly as you recall that with so much ease. Then again, you basically built up a collection of information that was practically helpful or useful to exactly no one over the course of the past few years. It’ll probably take just as much or maybe more to replace that with something different, so you try cutting yourself some slack whenever you are willing to.

“I thought we agreed on five thirty,” you state coolly, pitching your voice at just the right tone to also express surprise.

Mat pushes up from the armchair, returning whatever magazine he’d picked up back on the nearby glass table. “Sorry, I tried calling earlier this morning to ask if we can reschedule but it went straight to voicemail.” 

Oh. You mentally curse yourself for not charging your phone as soon as you made it home from the airport the previous night or bothering to check the voicemail message you’d been notified of once it did begin charging earlier this morning at your desk.

“They rescheduled the viewing of the new arena for this evening, and I was in the area, so I thought I’ll drop by just in case,” Mat continues, throwing a cursory glance around the place though to you, it seemed more like a way of having a break from the eye contact. You don’t complain; you welcome that. 

You open your mouth, ready to berate his poor timing but even you could admit you carry some fault here too. Only a little. You bite down lightly on the tip of your tongue, before nodding towards the seats though you didn’t wait for Mat; you sit, deciding he could make up his own mind if he wanted to follow or not. 

“How was Baltimore?” he asks after a few moments of awkward silence while settling in the same armchair he previously occupied. 

“Mat,” you say, hoping it comes across as more of a warning than a plea. You can’t deal with small talk and a part of you thinks that’d make the entire deal even more difficult to go through with. He presses his lips together into a thin line and you take that as your sign to continue. “Elise told me she’d like us to be at the venue a day in advance of the rehearsal dinner if we can. I’ve already arranged my leave for that, so it’s not a problem for me. I’m planning on making my way there sometime tomorrow afternoon.” 

“We can go together then. I can pick you up after work.” 

“There’s no need—”

“Y/N.” The sharpness of his tone catches you off guard and you can swear Mat was equally surprised by that, though only for the briefest of moments. He slides forward a little in the seat almost as if he is more than ready to leave but Mat has  never been one to back down so easily and you doubt any of that changed during the course of the past three months or so. “You were the one who insisted we go through with this and I’m trying. I really am, but you’re not giving me anything to work with. So please. Let’s just put everything to the side, do what we need to do and then it’s done.” 

Done. Like it is a task, like it is something you needed to cross off a to-do list, scrunch it up then trash it.  

The finality of the word is so heavy that it feels as if it had managed to knock out all the air in your lungs. You and Mat were running headfirst towards a fork in the road, and deep down you knew that was truly it. If until now the two of you have been dancing around each other, playing pretend as if you were kids living in a world of fantasy, you know that eventually, you have to let light shine on the truth: whatever lay ahead, you and Mat could no longer walk the same paths. It is just a matter of admitting it not only to yourselves, but also to the people you were lying to. 

Lying for, you prefer. 

Defeated, you slump in your own seat a little, legs crossing and fingers tapping lightly against the back of your notebook. “Be at my place by two. I’ll have everything that I need ready the night before so we won’t need to wait around.” A pause, and then, “how’s Tito?” 

Mat lifts a shoulder in a casual shrug. “Excited. Nervous. It’s the only thing he talks about in the locker, outside of it, on ice and off ice. How’s Elise?” 

“Same deal with her. I never knew there were so many shades of blue before, but I’ve been proven wrong before.”

A pause follows that could easily be attributed to the group of people rushing into the building and allowing noise from the street outside to filter in while the doors were kept open, but you can tell there is more to it than that if you are to go by the shift in Mat’s expression. His expression changes and you find you can’t quite read into it or guess what could be going on through his head. You try not to focus much on the little voice inside your mind that was bothered by it but find it takes a considerable amount of effort to do so. Force of habit, you conclude. 

“You don’t say,” Mat finally responds. There is a hint of accusation in his tone. Or regret. Maybe both.

Your lips press together firmly, a light frown forming on your face but chose to let that slide. Not only is the lobby of your workplace the least suitable place to have an argument about the two of you, but you find that even those short moments of seeing Mat face to face months after you called it quits appears to take a toll on you. You feel tired, worn out and willing to be the first one to back down for once. 

It is cruel irony that a big red neon EXIT sign is visible from the corner of your eye.

You release a quiet, long sigh then stand up from the seat. “Well, I guess we’re done here? I do have another meeting to prepare for, so…” You trail off, already backing away a few steps.

Mat opens his mouth as if ready to say something else but promptly presses his lips together, deciding against it. He gives a swift nod of his head then stands up. It’s then you notice the two Styrofoam cups in front of him and the neon EXIT sign imprinted in your mind starts flashing temptingly at you. Mat is a step ahead. He holds out one of the cups towards you and you are ready to tell him off for it, but he cut in.

“Thought I wouldn’t drop by empty handed.” When you don’t make a move to accept it, his eyes briefly peek behind you. “Rachel’s all eyes this way, by the way,” he informs you and a brief glance over your shoulder confirms Mat hasn’t been lying.

As soon as you turn to look towards the reception desk, Rachel grins, waves quickly at you then turns back to her computer screen. Begrudgingly, you accept the cup of coffee and force a tight smile. 

“See you soon,” you say by way of greeting and didn’t wait to hear a response from Mat. 

It isn’t until you scan your pass to cross the security barriers and make a turn out of sight that you take a sip from the drink and almost immediately wish you didn’t. It’s your order to a T. The two of you even brought a coffee machine that would let you replicate it on days when you didn’t feel like leaving the comforts of your apartment, especially days when Mat didn’t need to get up early for practices or scrimmages or evening games. It stayed with Mat when you left and the memory left a bitter taste in your mouth, despite the gentle sweetness of the beverage. 

Without thinking twice, you throw the cup in the nearest trash can. 

*

As soon as your order is set on the table, you ignore the basket of fries and reach straight for your glass to take a long sip from the straw, letting out a content sigh as soon as you felt satiated enough.

“Long day,” you state in response to Rachel’s raised eyebrows but she seems to accept that by raising her own glass. You clink yours against hers, take a smaller sip then set it back down on the table. “What time do you think you’ll make it over to the hotel?” 

“Well, I was thinking of trying to get there by midday on the day of the rehearsal dinner but it’s starting to look more like late afternoon. I’m…” She trails off, and you can just about pick up on her hesitation and the way her gaze shifts over to the side momentarily as if avoiding something or considering whether to continue that. You move in your seat, peeling your back away from the plush backrest to lean in a little closer.

“You’re…” you trail off, voice peaking just a little into a question in an attempt to prompt her to continue.

Rachel takes a deep breath in, shoulders visibly drooping and when she looked back at you, she did so with a look that could only reflect…shame? Embarrassment? 

“Luke and I are sort of thinking of coming along together.” At the sight of your widened eyes, she quickly adds, “just as friends! We’re still working out through a few things and we’re taking it slow. As in, much, much slower than the first time around.”

“No way! That’s… Rach, that’s so good. I’m happy for you both, seriously.” 

You find that you truly believed that, though it wasn’t a surprise to you. You had introduced Rachel to Luke while she visited you in Baltimore and at the time, he worked with you there also. Initially, you didn’t think much of it - you simply invited her to come along to a few after work drinks and the two kicked it off easily that night. Very easily apparently, because as the night started coming to an end, Rachel prompted you to go ahead without her. Ready to say you weren’t going to leave her own her own, you shortly found out exactly why: you watched with plenty of amusement and fascination as she and Luke climbed into a taxi together and whizzed off to his place, undoubtedly. That was pretty much their start and continuation. Her visits to Baltimore were more frequent and though you were seeing her often enough, it definitely wasn’t as much as Luke saw of her. And you were fine with that. They fit almost perfectly and it only took a few more meetings for them to label themselves as a couple. 

Things began crumbling as soon as Luke had moved to the New York office just a few weeks before your own return. While he seemed fine with the idea of Rachel working in the same place, that wasn’t also her take on things.

“It’s weird,” she told you through the phone. “It just… It’s so weird. I’d be seeing him at my place or his and in the office? No thanks. That’s way too much for me, you know?” 

It made sense, of course, and though you rooted for them, you didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t comfortable with. Yet, there was a tremble to her voice, a sort of uncertainty that made you think otherwise. It wasn’t that Rachel didn’t have any feelings for him - maybe she was simply shocked to see him walk through those glass doors one morning to pick up his brand new ID and claim what would soon become his permanent desk across from yours. 

“Thanks,” she tells you, pulling you back into the present. “But like I said, slow and easy does it. We’ve been talking more and that makes a huge difference.” 

“For sure. If communication isn’t the backbone of a relationship, I don’t know what is,” you agree and wasn’t that ironic? You’re hardly in the position of giving any relationship advice at all or saying what is good for one and what isn’t. Not anymore. Not when your own had fallen apart. 

Rachel grins. “You’d know. You and Mat have been together for… how long now?” 

You should’ve seen it coming a mile away. You swallow uncomfortably, take another sip of your drink and take a few fries just to buy yourself a little more time. “Maybe four years? Don’t really keep track of that anymore,” you said as casually as you could muster, lifting your shoulders in a shrug. 

“I think I’d stop doing that eventually too at the rate you two are going. Honestly, I would’ve bet anything you would’ve been the first to tie the knot. Actually, thinking about it,” she says, clicking her fingers in recollection, “Elise said the same thing to me the other day when we caught up on the phone. She went—“

You don’t really register her words. There is a low ringing in your ears and an uncomfortable draft sweeps in the locale as the entrance door somewhere behind you is being kept open, no doubt a large group making their way in; it sends shivers down your body, but really, you are pretty sure you can’t only attribute them to a brief gust of wind. After all, your sweater is keeping you sufficiently cosy and warm. In front of you, Rachel continues praising your relationship with Mat, talking about how anyone took a look at you both and would say, whatever they have going, I want it too and you are trying so, so hard to block out as much as you can of it. You can stop her, of course; distract her with whatever random topic and you know she’d go with it but your jaw is locked in place, teeth clenched uncomfortably. You blame that and the way your nails dig into the palms of your hands on the sting behind your eyes and the sudden heaviness weighting down on your chest. 

It isn’t so much the pain of your relationship ending that was rendering you in a state of daze, but the shame of what you and Mat agreed to do: pretend the two of you were still the happy couple Elise, Tito and everyone else thought of you as just to not spoil whatever luck they thought you’d be passing on to them by being their main witnesses. And then, once the event passes and they would return to New York from the honeymoon you and Mat would soon gift to them on their wedding day, you’d tell them the truth. Or part of it anyway. Definitely no mentions that the two of you were childish enough to play pretend; just a simple, clean break timed just perfectly with your request to be permanently redeployed elsewhere. Preferably, as far from New York City as possible so that you no longer have to walk the streets you once both did or yearn to once again visit that perfect pie place the two of you once dubbed your own.

“We’re not together anymore.”

The words stumble out of your mouth in a desperate now or never manner. Despite the anxiousness that came with the act, you find relief in it also. It feels freeing to be able to admit the truth to someone that isn’t only yourself though perhaps you should’ve thought of this more carefully: the idea of now needing to come fully clean to Rachel is somewhat daunting, mostly because of what she might say in response to the front you and Mat are trying to uphold. But for the first time in what feels like too long, you no longer feel like a fraud; like a person lying to everyone around them.

“Wait.” Rachel frowns, and it was obvious she doesn’t quite know what to do with that information or how to best process it. Her head tilts a little, palm idly rubbing against the side of her neck so you take the initiative to come across as unbothered by this as possible by leaning into the seat, legs crossing as you fiddled with the drink’s straw. “What? I’m confused. Didn’t Mat just drop by earlier? You two seemed okay. He was…fine when he came in. We didn’t talk much, sure, but he was all smiley and just…normal.” 

You laugh quietly and shortly. “It’s been a while now. Maybe two or three weeks before I left for Baltimore, I think. It’d be pretty worrying if he was still hung up about it. After all, we both agreed on it. And this,” you add, a little more disheartened and embarrassed. “This…thing we’re doing. We promised Tito and Elise we’ll be there for them on their big day and we will. But they had this… I guess, idea of us being an ideal couple. Whatever that is,” you continue more quietly and with a roll of your eyes. “He wanted to tell Tito, but I didn’t want to spoil Elise’s day, you know? So he agreed. Took some convincing because it feels so… Gosh, it sounds so stupid, doesn’t it? Pretending we’re still together just to spread some fake cheer around.” 

“Oh, honey…” Rachel whispers and you read the sympathy in her voice. Not that she makes it particularly difficult to take note of. “But… I thought everything was okay. Actually, way more than okay. Perfect, even. What…uh—“ She trailed off awkwardly, but you could easily fill in that gap.

What happened?

You bring the beverage to your mouth, this time drinking from the glass directly as opposed to using the straw. The mixer stings your throat this time around but the small ice cube you take into your mouth numbs it away pretty quickly. Slowly, you chew it to small pieces and speak only when you finish it.

“I thought long and hard about this the first few weeks after we called it quits,” you admit. “We always talked about what bothered us or if there was something on our mind, but at one point we just… We stopped wanting to compromise. When I was put forward for Baltimore, it was going to be a permanent thing. Mat was happy, sure, but I could tell he wasn’t being entirely honest with me, you know? When I called him out on it, he asked me well what about us? And I said we’d be fine. Baltimore isn’t a different continent. It’s not even a different timezone. He could come over when he had free time and if he didn’t, I’d always spend weekends in New York anyway. It’s Baltimore, Rach. Not fucking San Francisco or whatever. Eventually, he told me exactly what was on his mind: he couldn’t do long distance. Not even for a short period of time while I figured out if Baltimore is really what I wanted. Isn’t it a bit hypocritical, though?” You question, but it’s clear Rachel feels a bit awkward about giving her take on it right now, so you make it easier for her by responding to your own question. “I felt lonely too when he was on the road. I was worried he’d find someone different, someone much better while away. He never gave me a reason to doubt him, but a small part of me still thought what if. This happened right before he was on the road again, actually. We didn’t call, barely even texted those weeks and then when he returned, we decided it’d be best to break up. Didn’t take us a long discussion to get to that conclusion because at that point, it just… I don’t know. It felt like we didn’t have much to say to each other.”

Rachel presses her lips together, the frown still on her face and hesitantly, she asks, “who said it first?”

“I did,” you respond without hesitating. “He wanted a break while we work it all out but come on, Rach, a break? Look me in the eyes and tell me people really believe in breaks and they come back to each other as if nothing happened.” 

“I mean…” she trails off, pointing at herself by way of explanation. “Look at me and Luke, I guess.”

You shake your head. “Nope. Not the same thing, trust me. This was for the best, Rach. It’s much neater to call it quits. That way, neither of us will feel obliged to hold back if life puts something different ahead of us.” You pause for a moment, teeth biting into your lower lip. “They said they’ll always have me back there if I decide on it, so who knows. Once I wrap up the project their called me back for, I might just take them up on it. Not quite a promotion, but it’ll be a good sidestep and maybe a change of scenery is what I need.”

“And do you think it’s good? What the two of you are doing right now?” Rachel questions, not at all deterred by your weak attempt at trying to divert conversation to a more work related topic. “And I don’t mean it just for Elise and Tito’s wedding, but for you and Mat generally speaking. I mean… the two of you have been together for a pretty long time. Doesn’t it… Isn’t it odd?” 

“It’s not normal, that’s for sure,” you confirm. “But it’d be weirder for everyone if we were to tell them we’re no longer together given we’ve been asked to do what we need to do. Rach, promise me this stays between us, okay? Promise. I know how it sounds, I know how it’ll look but trust me on this, okay?” 

She fixes you with a sceptical stare, a look that holds yet more questions than certainty but eventually, she nods her head and relief washes over you at the gesture. “I’m sorry it happened, Y/N,” she offers, voice warm and sympathetic as she places a hand on the table palm up. “And I’m sorry you went through it alone.”

You smile softly and reach for it, returning the squeeze she gives you. There is comfort in the gesture, comfort in her words and you find yourself rooting for it, so grateful to have received it. “The worst part is over, but thank you, Rachel. “It means a lot.”

“Feel like carpooling with Luke and I?”

“I’m good,” you assure as you both relax back into your seats. “Elise wants us there the day before the rehearsal. I guess just to have some familiar faces around that aren’t just wedding planners, so Mat and I agreed to go together tomorrow. Promise I won’t lose my shit if our song plays on the radio,” you add jokingly and find yourself laughing along with Rachel. 

“What song’s that?” 

Too many, you think, although one in particular stands out to you. “Brett Young’s In Case You Didn’t Know.”

*

A tray containing an assortment of dishes is set on the table and shortly after, an ice cold pitch of sangria accompanies that. Eager to cool down, you reach for one of the empty glasses to pour yourself a drink but Mat’s quicker. He takes them both, filling your glass first before his own. You laugh to yourself and Mat grins at that, briefly looking towards you as he fills his glass. You’re about to take a sip, eager to both quench your thirst and cool down but Mat takes the initiative of initiating a toast by raising his glass a little, elbow resting on the table. 

“What’re we toasting for tonight?” You ask, imitating his pose by leaning forward a little. “To our first holiday together? To how perfect the weather’s been so far? To how I mastered paddle boarding way before you did?” 

Mat laughs, lowering his head as he did so but when he looked back up at you, he clinked his glass against yours and held it there. “To all of that. To one of the many, many holidays we’ll have together. To this moment right here, to us, to you.” He pauses and the strobe lights of the bar switch from dark blue to hot pink, and the way Mat stares at you in this moment makes your heart race inexplicably. “To how much I love you.” 

He takes your breath away. Draws it right out of your lungs and you feel heady. It’s the first summer with Mat, the first  I love you from him and it suddenly feels as if this bar is too small for the both of you. You love him, and he loves you too and the only thing you could imagine doing is jumping in his arms but there’s a table between you and sangria topped wine glasses in your hands, and he’s wearing a pristine white shirt that looks incredible against his tanned skinned and there’s a lot of people around (the majority significantly older than both your age and Mat’s combined) so you simply grin and carefully lean forward more, pressing a kiss to his mouth. 

“I love you,” you murmur against his lips and even if your voice is low compared to the loud, cheesy country music blasting through hidden stereos, you know Mat catches on to that. 

“I love you,” he says right back and before you pull away, he bumps his nose against yours gently, making you giggle.

You both take a sip of your drinks and you smack your lips together, content with the turn of the night. 

You and Mat had been dating for a few months, but this was the first time the two of you will spend back to back nights and days together without needing to rush somewhere. Of course, a part of you was anxious about it - while it was easy to spend a few hours together now and then, maybe even the odd night together, it was entirely different being together pretty much all the time. There were habits and quirks you each had that might get in the way, but your worries were soon put to rest. You and Mat had wonderful chemistry together, easily able to spend your time together but also still enjoy each other’s company while doing separate activities. You didn’t want to rush into things and you made no move to do so, but it was ever so easy to imagine what living with Mat would be like. And sure, you were well aware of the fact that it wouldn’t always be sunshine and rainbows; the two of you would eventually transition out of this honeymoon-type period of your relationship, but something told you life would Mat would never bore you. It’d never make you wish for anything different. 

“Give me a second,” Mat says and before you could ask him what he meant, he’s out of his seat and you follow him across the bar, a little confused. 

He makes his way past the bar, past the pool tables and stops in front of what is undoubtedly a jukebox. Curious, you arch an eyebrow and watch as he fiddles with finding the right amount of change before inserting the coins in the slot. It takes him a while before he finds whatever song it is he wants and it takes enough time for him to make it back to your table before the jukebox and sound system registers the request. You don’t recognise the first few notes at all, much less the accompanying guitar strings but you don’t have time to search your memory for a title. 

Mat stops by your side, holding a hand out to you. “Dance with me.” It’s more statement than question and under any circumstances, you may have felt a little awkward about doing this, but it’s the heat of the moment and your giddiness that pushes you to your feet, hand in Mat’s. 

The two of you are beaten to an emptier area in the establishment by two other much older couples that were closer to it anyway, and you find that gives you a bit more of a boost also. Mat pulls you to him, wrapping one arm around your waist while holding on to your free hand while you hold on to his shoulder with the other. Your fingers lightly clench and unclench the soft material of his shirt, lowering your head a little and you smile against the back of your hand. It’s so painfully cheesy and there’s nowhere near enough other people dancing along to the song but you love it much more than you thought you ever would. 

“Know what I’d invest all my money into?” He asks you suddenly.

You pull back a little, still swaying along with the song. “Cryptocurrency seems like a safe bet right now.” 

Mat laughs, that big hearty laugh of his that makes your smile wider and when it passes, he presses a chaste kiss on your forehead. “Well, I’m glad one of us has a good head on their shoulders, but no.” He shakes his head, then laughs again, shorter and quieter as if recalling your response. “A time machine. I want to stop time right here and right now so that we can be as we are for a little while longer.”

“Cheesy,” you joke, despite the warmth coursing across your entire body and the jelly-like feeling forming in your knees. “But perfectly understandable.”

“Eventually, we wouldn’t need it, but it’d be nice to have one for tonight.”

“Eventually? How so?” You question, then narrow your eyes a little, the gesture playful. “You plan on getting bored of me and breaking up?” 

“What!” He exclaims and pulls you in just that much closer. He lets go of your hand only so he could bring his to your chin, tipping your head back a little. “Never,” kiss, “say that,” kiss, “again.” The final kiss you share with him is a little longer and you take the liberty of bringing your hand to his chest, palm pressing against it to feel the thump of his heart against his ribcage momentarily. Then, slowly, you graze the tips of your nails along his exposed collarbone and peck his lips once more before pulling away. It’s then that the song’s name and artist comes to your mind, almost as an afterthought. From hidden speakers, Brett Young declares I couldn’t live life without you and Mat gives you a pointed stare. “Damn, he said it before I could.” 

“It’s the thought that counts,” you assure him. “Either way, I think I prefer hearing it from you, Barzal.” 

“I’m pretty sure I couldn’t live without you,” he recites and wraps his arms around you, pulling you into a hug. He sways you both in a more exaggerated manner that makes you cling to him more out of habit than necessity. You’ve known you’d trust Mat with anything, but each day, he seems to do something that makes that thought solidify more and more in your mind. The comfort and safety that brings wraps around you like a warm blanket.

Be it the hot weather, the somewhat stifling interior of the bar, the sips of sangria on an empty stomach, the euphoria of the moment or all things combined, you nod quickly. And from somewhere in the depths of your mind, the very bottom of your heart, you respond with, “I can get used to this day after day. So don’t let me go, baby.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he whispers, tone full of care and love and warmth. He gives you his promise without hesitation and you know it’s bound to stick.

*

Your phone buzzes once. 

I’m downstairs. Need help with your bags?

You push up from the comfort of your couch and make one last round of your apartment to make sure you had everything you definitely needed from where it was placed. 

I’m good. Will be down in a minute, you text back but don’t pocket your phone right away. Instead, you stare at the screen for a little while longer, half tempted to scroll through the thread of messages. They’d provide a stark timeline of when things started going wrong and you would probably be able to see exactly how things changed between the two of you from the moment you suggested a mere break wouldn’t do it. But doing that would be like breaking a streak you had going for sufficient time to earn a pat on your back. The journey of getting to a point where you were sufficiently okay with being in Mat’s presence without any other company was a long one and the last thing you needed was to recall how it once was. 

You and Mat started out as friends after Elise introduced the two of you just a short while before he started his professional career with the Islanders. She talked about how the two of them met in school and how great of a guy he was; real down to earth, funny and incredibly ambitious - traits she also assigned to you, and therefore thought the two of you would get along great. She wasn’t wrong about it. You knew a little about hockey, going to games every now and then mostly whenever Elise dragged you along but you found that Mat made the game more enjoyable. He explained it to you in a manner that didn’t make you feel belittled or as if it should be something you already knew of, and didn’t mind explaining some things more than once. On the other hand, you introduced him to your own hobbies and the little world you created for yourself in a city as big and busy as New York. You showed him the more lowkey but homely establishments, including your favourite pizza place that - unbeknown to you at the time - would become yours and his, and even took him to a few student bars where you regularly beat him at pool while he showed off at darts. Occasionally, it felt weird to watch him unwind in such…normal places and ways while on other days, he shone on ice and was easily one of the best rookies emerging from one of the country’s most well known sports leagues. Yet despite that, you found that athlete Mat wasn’t all that different from Mat the person.

He never put a front and his genuine manner was refreshing to you, particularly during a time when you were still a college student and a good portion of the guys around were textbook frat boys. Being around Mat was comfortable and safe. You didn’t feel the need to speak a certain way or be a different person, and retrospectively, the way you felt towards him developed almost organically. You felt yourself gravitating towards him and were pleasantly surprised by the moments when he’d seek you out first. A day off here and a day off there until eventually, you found yourself spending much of your free time with him and vice-versa. 

Falling in love with Mat was easy. Being without Mat was difficult. But, thankfully, not impossible apparently. 

Convinced you packed everything you needed, made your way out with a duffle bag on your shoulder and a suitcase at your heels. 

True to his word, Mat was parked in front of your place and as soon as you pushed open the building’s door, he looked up from his phone and made his way over to you. The last thing you needed was to make the journey any more awkward or difficult for the both of you, so you didn’t argue when he took the bags from you to stow them away in the trunk. 

“Are you going across the country?” You ask, peeking into the trunk while he plays Tetris with the bags. 

“What?” He questions, evidently distracted by the task at hand but straightens up when you delicately place a hand on his arm, pushing him to the side a little. 

“You’d think you’re going across the country for like, two or three weeks rather than a couple of days,” you repeat. “Maybe put that smaller bag sideways? That might let the bigger suitcase fit.” 

He follows your guidance and sure enough, that does the trick: the suitcases fit perfectly in the trunk and you grin to yourself, triumphant. 

Mat steps back, closing the trunk and brushes his hands together. “Thanks,” he says and you nod, heading towards your seat in the front. He follows you inside just as you click in your seatbelt. “I don’t think it’ll take us more than two or three hours to get there if traffic’s as good as it was when I checked it a little while earlier. Got everything?” 

“Everything important that is. Everything else, I’ll just worry about and pull my hair out when we get there,” you tell him and you can’t help feeling proud for being able to keep conversation light and as normal as you can. 

After all, you’ve known life before Mat and you’re rediscovering it after him too. 

Mat laughs ever so quiet, and from the corner of your eye, you catch him brushing his hand across his mouth though he’s a few seconds too slow in trying to mask his smile. 

“I think I’ll need to fill up soon, but let me know if there’s anywhere else you want to stop along the way,” he tells you while pulling out of the parking spot. 

You nod even if he probably might not see it and take the liberty to scroll through radio stations. Mat doesn’t seem to be against it, so you continue switching to them until, a little frustrating that nothing seems to work for you, you connect your phone to the car and play one of your playlists. A mix of upbeat pop and an assortment of viral tracks fill in the silence for a while, and the act of singing along in your head takes your mind away from how it almost feels as if you’re sitting on needles. It takes a conscious effort on your behalf to remind yourself to loosen your shoulders and stop fiddling too much with your hands, and you’re glad Mat seems to be plenty preoccupied with driving. Once upon a time, he would’ve immediately picked up on even the most mild of your discomforts and tried to do anything he could to alleviate them. You don’t know how much, if at all, Mat changed during the time you spent apart but you want to think that you no longer wear your heart on your sleeve as much and your emotions are much more guarded, especially in his presence. 

Apparently, though, there’s only so much he can take with silence filled in by music because once he’s off busier streets, he leans in his seat more comfortably and you can tell he very briefly turns his head towards you. “Think they’ll like their wedding gift?” 

You direct your gaze away from the flashing scenery outside to Mat. “Absolutely. Who wouldn’t like it? Trust me when I say Bali’s been a place Elise always wanted to visit and I can’t think of a better time than now,” you assure him.

“If they don’t, it’s on you,” he says and it takes you a beat longer to realise he’s just joking so you huff out a laugh, relaxing back in the seat. 

“If they don’t, they can give one of the tickets to me and I’ll happily go there.” You cast a glare out at the scenery ahead, eyes narrowing upwards towards the overcast sky. “I don’t think summer will ever come at this rate. I’m starting to hate it here.”

“Doubt Baltimore was any better,” Mat points out.

“Hardly,” you sigh. “Maybe I’ll ask them to send me to Miami instead. That’d be much better.” 

Mat clears his throat quickly, shifting a little. “So, are you planning on going back to Baltimore or... Why are you back?” You catch sight of the frown forming on his face, and he quickly shakes his head as if trying to rid the hint of accusation from his voice. “That sounded wrong, sorry. But just genuinely curious. I thought a permanent move was on the table?”

“It was. Still is, but they needed me back here to wrap up a project. It was a pretty bad move on their behalf to send me there before we had that wrapped up nice and neat, bow and all, but I guess…” You trail off, shrugging a shoulder. “Guess we’ll see what’s next after that. They do want me back there, though. It just depends how long it takes for things here to fall into place.” 

“Fair enough.” Another pause, another moment for him to press his lips together in silent deliberation. He did that often, and you wonder if that remains a habit still. “Was it a promotion? I forgot, sorry.” 

“All good,” you assure, brushing off the apology. “Not a promotion per se, but a sidestep with just a slightly bigger paycheck. The office there is a bit smaller than the New York one so maybe there’s a higher chance of getting promoted sooner, but I don’t want to jump the gun on that yet. How did things work out for you guys this season?” 

The Islanders had a good season, making the playoffs but fell just short of making the semi-finals, you knew that. After all, you hadn’t removed the Islanders game and news alerts from your phone and you put that on your laziness. You wouldn’t shy away from admitting to him you still followed the team’s progression, but you preferred not to. 

“Could’ve been better but there’s lots to learn from it,” Mat tells you and there’s a trace of excitement and determination in his voice. “Next season will be even better, I guarantee.” 

It’s a staple Mat response, one he always gave if he felt a game didn’t end in their favour or he didn’t do as much as he thought he should have. Sometimes, it took him some time to accept it. Usually, it came to him after pushing himself in training, after going that extra step in the gym, after re-watching highlights or coach videos and always - always, you’d assure him that it takes a team to move forward, not a single person. Always, he’d kiss you and tell you he loves you and always, you’d spend those moments wrapped up in each other’s arms, more often than not with Mat’s head resting against your chest and your leg slung around his hip. 

“Plenty of time to lift that cup, Barzal,” you assure him. “Sure, the sooner the better but there’s always a right time for everything.”

“I hope so,” he agrees pensively, and lingers on that thought. 

You let him to it, directing your attention back to the view outside and only now and then picking up your phone either to switch songs or browse through a few applications. A part of you feels almost obliged to try and push for conversation but you avoid doing so. The last thing you need is to make it painfully awkward for the two of you and you figure Mat could always do that himself if he feels like it. So, you let your mind wander to better things - to the upcoming rehearsal and the wedding itself, to how good Elise will look and how Tito will be so proud to watch her walk the aisle towards him. You imagine their reaction to the gift you and Mat contributed towards and smiled to yourself, knowing it was a perfect pick for them both. 

You don’t think about telling Elise you and Mat had lied to them. You don’t think about passing this hurdle - the final one before you two will become strangers to one another. You don’t think about how the next time you might both see each other again, you’ll both have such different lives that for a brief moment, the surprise of it will knock the air out of your lungs before you remember: that’s him without me, and this is me without him. And you won’t be the first or the last people to break up, but a part of you is certain what the two of you had was unique and could’ve been grand. So much grander.

You become more alert to your surroundings when he starts slowing the car and you notice you’re pulling up into a gas station. As much as space allows you, you stretch out a little and Mat stops right by one of the pumps.

“Want something for the road?” You ask him, unplugging your phone and taking your card from your bag. 

“Hold on, I’ll come with you,” Mat tells you and it doesn’t take long for the refill to happen before you both walk into the station’s store, beelining for the snack aisles even if you have only two hours or so until you reach your destination. 

“Oh gosh, those are going to be a nightmare to clean up if you spill any in the car,” you groan quietly as he browses through the variety of Nerds flavours. 

“But they’re so good though,” he shoots back and flashes a smile that is nothing short of sly when he picks up two boxes instead of one. 

“Yeah, until the flavour runs out literally two seconds after you put them in your mouth. I mean, enjoy that but I’m different,” you boast and pick up a bag of sour candy. 

“You just like obliterating your taste buds.” 

He’s not wrong. Sour candy and spicy foods are your guilty pleasures, and have been for the longest time. You don’t try to look into how easily he recalls that because, you tell yourself, there’s nothing to look into. It’s a mere fact that anyone who knows you would easily recite. 

“You’re wrong and you know it, but admitting that is difficult so it’s fine, Barzal. No hard feelings,” you throw back, snickering as you head over to the fridges for a bottle of cold water. Instinctively, you grab another for him and instinctively, he takes your candy and the water to pay for them but you still tag along with him in the queue. 

“No shot. I like some spice but to the point where I literally can’t taste anything else? Hey, remember that one time when you made something… Can’t remember what it was but it was so…” He purses his lips and you laugh because yes, yes you remember it so clearly. 

“So good you ended up crying over it?” You offer. 

“More like, I wasn’t crying but it was so fucking spicy, Y/N, holy.” 

“You survived though, didn’t you?”

“I only did because there isn’t a thing you do I don’t like,” he says and then, seems to catch himself but a second too late. “Didn’t like,” he corrects quietly but the damage is done. 

You swallow uncomfortably, directing your gaze away from him but don’t hesitate to nod towards the outside. “I’ll head over to the car. I’ll text Elise to tell her we’re close.” 

“Y/N—“ 

But you’re already taking steps towards the exit and out of ear shot, making a beeline for the car. Your heart thumps rapidly and uncomfortable in your chest and find that pressing a palm to your left side doesn’t make it any better. You know it’s an innocent mistake and there are some habits that die hard, but the way he phrased it triggered your fight or flight instinct instantaneously and despite yourself, you leaned towards the latter. You enter the car and take the time to compose yourself as much as you could. The last thing you need is to have a conversation with Mat about this because you didn’t want to have it - it shouldn’t happen for the sake of avoiding making the situation even more uncomfortable. It was an innocent slip up, no doubt, and you should’ve braced yourself to speak of Mat in present tense as opposed to past tense in the presence of others but it comes to you harder than imagined. 

It’s odd how you both once knew so much about each other, everything even, and now the two of you are reduced to dancing around all that and making conscious efforts to keep your conversations as short and banal as possible. 

You try and busy yourself with formulating a message to Ellie, one that’s long enough to try and make you seem as busy as possible by the time Mat returns to the car, but every line you wrote, every mini paragraph going into dull details about the trip and where you guys currently are seemed like an overthrow. So, you delete that also and simply text her an OTW just as Mat sets the sweets on the centre console and the bottles in the cup holders. 

He doesn’t start the engine immediately and your mood quickly switches to frustration. Sure, you hadn’t handled it in the best way possible but trying to have a conversation about it wouldn’t make it any better. Or at least, it’s just something you didn’t want to have to think about for the remainder of the journey. 

But he does just that, because that is what Mat always did: he talked with you.

“I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable,” he begins, “I didn’t mean for it to come out the way it did. It’s force of habit more than anything else.”

“It’s whatever, Mat, so just move past it. I did, simple as that,” you tell him neutrally. 

There’s something in that response he must have not liked because you pick up on his small huff and shortly after, the car starts and you’re both on the road again. This time, with silence between you and an atmosphere so heavy it makes you wish you weren’t speeding down an Interstate just so you could open the window and let some of the air in.

-

The hotel the wedding will be held at lies in front of you, sprawling and secluded and perfect for an event like this. Tito is already at the entrance and when he spots Mat’s car, he waves quickly while Mat quickly flashes the headlights before pulling into an available parking spot.

“There they are!” Tito says by way of greeting and you walk right into his outstretched arms, hugging him. “Can’t believe so much time passed since we last saw each other. What is it, two months? Three?” 

“Three,” you confirm once you pull away so that Mat could hug him also. “It’s good to see you too. Where’s Elise?” 

“She wanted to check on some small details and said she’ll meet up with you guys in a bit. So here I am, the welcoming committee,” Tito explained and when he and Mat stepped apart, he reached out to give you another short hug which you accepted. “So how was Baltimore? Don’t suppose you liked it all that much if you’re back so soon. This guy was happy about it,” Tito adds, nodding his head towards Mat who was already busy emptying the trunk. 

You press your lips together, displaying a small smile. “Baltimore wasn’t too bad but they missed me here, apparently. Can’t complete a damn thing without my two cents so here I am for now.”

Tito frowns, but the expression is very brief. “For now? We’ll need to talk more about that later so Barzy doesn’t mope around as much as he did back then.”

You throw a quick glance towards Mat but he’s looking away towards whatever interesting spot on the ground he found, pointedly ignoring you. “I’ll have a word with him about it later,” you tell Tito lightly and together, the three of you make your way inside, towards the reception. 

“I think Elise is in the room at the end of the corridor if you want to say hi,” Tito informs you and you jump at the opportunity. 

You follow the corridor, making a right turn and continuing along the dimly lit hallway leading to what the signs informed you to be Conference Room 1. The door is slightly ajar and you begin picking up on the buzz of activity coming from within and soon enough, you’re face to face with a spacey room boasting an array of flowers and various arrangements tastefully decorating tables and drooping down from the ceiling. No doubt, the effect will be lovely during the night when colourful neon lights can be turned on. You spot Elise easily: she’s in the midst of the room with what is undoubtedly the scrapbook of ideas she’d been carefully putting together since Tito asked her to marry him. Outwardly, she’s all smiles and laughter but you can imagine the amount of effort and planning putting all of this together and working with planners takes. 

When she spots you, she squeals in excitement, sets her book down and dashes across the room to engulf you in a hug, making you stumble a few steps back. 

You burst into laughter and wrap your arms around her, squeezing her with just enough force to try and communicate how much you missed her but not so that it was uncomfortable. 

“I missed you! You’re here!” She exclaims, stepping back to look at you in disbelief then hugging you again. “Oh my gosh, I’m so happy you’re here! Where’s Mat? Is he here too?”

“Of course he is,” you assure her with a laugh. “I missed you too.” You throw a curious glance towards the room over her shoulder, nodding your head towards it. “How’s it going? Need me to take over for a bit?” 

“Maybe later. Definitely later. Come on.” She wraps an arm around yours and leads the way out of the room, undoubtedly back to the reception area where you left Mat and Tito. “Please tell me Baltimore is off the table. FaceTime is fine, sure, but it’s not great, you know? I need the real deal next to me. Besides, I’m not sure if you heard, but Mat wasn’t Mat without you.”

“So I heard, but forget about us!” You said in a desperate attempt to try and steer attention away from the subject. “Tell me about how everything’s going. Are you still nervous about it? Because trust me, Elise - you have absolutely nothing to be nervous of. What I’ve heard of so far and what I’ve seen will make it the absolute best day, surely.”

“Of course I’m nervous,” she tells you and to demonstrate, she holds her free hand in front of you and sure enough, there’s just a slight tremble to it. “Please lend me some of those nerves of steel of yours, Y/N, I’d do anything to have even a small percentage of them right now.”

“Pft, as if. Those are all show, trust me.” 

“I’ll take even that. Oh, Mat!” She greets as soon as the two of you reach the reception area and Elise spots Mat.

Much like you and Tito, they hug and when she steps back, she immediately stands next to Tito who doesn’t hesitate to wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. They exchange a quick kiss and you smile at the happiness and bliss they’re clearly surrounded by. 

It’s the slight pressure on your lower back that makes you jolt a little on the spot and it’s then you realise Mat had gently placed his hand there to encourage you a little closer. It takes effort on your behalf to follow his guidance but you move towards him, though you wish you could physically wince at how undoubtedly stiff the two of you must look. Or hopefully, not greatly so because neither Tito nor Elise comment on it or shoot you any funny looks as the four of you engage in brief conversation, mainly surrounding the trip here and any other guests they expect to receive today. 

You don’t hang around much, though. Elise’s phone begins buzzing incessantly and she’s whisked away by the message received, but not before she fixes you with a pointed stare and demands the two of you have drinks later in the evening. Tito follows her also, even if he informs you and Mat that he feels as if he’s running around in the right places only because of Elise and the wedding planners, but you encourage him on by joking he could maybe turn a few candles on the tables this way or that for some extra oomph. 

“I can’t imagine how she does it,” you admit to Mat once the elevator doors slide shut soundlessly and the car begins moving upwards to your floor.

“Pretty sure it’s not that big of a deal to her, given what all this is leading to,” Mat tells you and you detect a hint of detachment in his voice. 

You don’t welcome it, of course you don’t, but you choose to not point that out to him. The last thing you want is an argument to break out the relatively okay mood the two of you have managed to hold, recent events that could be erased from memory aside. Instead, you simply stand back quietly, eyes glued on the red digital numbers aside until they come to a halt on the ninth floor where the elevator stops and you’re both left in a silent, dimly lit hallway. 

Mat has the key to the apartment Elise told you the two of you would be in and just before tapping in, he hands you your own copy of it. Up until this very moment, you hadn’t thought very much of the overnight arrangements. You were pretty sure you meant to ask Elise a bit more about them at some point but both your attention and hers were pulled in different directions and here you were, stepping into your place for the next couple of nights, Mat trailing a little behind you. 

You stop, arms folding across your chest and you feel Mat stop somewhere close behind you, looking into one room.

“I didn’t think this through,” you state neutrally. 

Ahead of you lay only one bed. 

[xhanisai]

Truth Or Dare?

AO3 / FFN

Summary:

Adrien gulped, completely frozen in his seat under the gaze of his demonic classmates, the almighty, notorious peer-pressure throwing a concert whilst his Lady continued to act like that the string on the floor was far more interesting than the fact that her newly discovered partner was currently in the hot seat. 'Now how do I answer this!?' He panicked internally, twiddling with his thumbs and praying to the Gods more reliable than Plagg that Marinette would suddenly come up with some brilliant, top-notch plan that would surely get them both out of this. Especially if she doesn't want him to whimper out: "Ya got me! It was Marinette when she kissed the evil out of me after I got shot by Dislocoeur, hahaha! Oh, do I need to mention that I have no recollection of it whatsoever and that I was decked up in my usual catsuit whilst she was in her polka-dotted onesie? A brilliant first kiss, amirite!? Not to mention that our second kiss was also wiped from my memory, cheers for that Alya and Nino!"

Pairing - Adrinette Prompt - 'Truth or Dare?' ~(x)~ . . . Adrien was fucked. He was entirely, thoroughly, immensely fucked. And not in the literal way much to the teen's utter dismay and painful frustration. And certainly not anytime soon, judging by his princesse's stiff, flustered posture who was on the floor across him, along with the rest of their class sitting in a circle (sans Lila and Chloé, Dieu merci). Gremlin-like smirks were etched on their friends' mischievous faces and sinister cackles escaped their mouths like the Madhatter from Alice Au Pays Des Merveilles. Even timid ol' Sabrina wore a grin that would rival the Cheshire cat. But never mind that. What was the cherry on top was how both he and Marinette just found out each other's identities no more than ten minutes prior. The two idiots were desperately sprinting back to collège Françoise Dupont after their latest akuma battle without noticing the other, only to literally collide into one other and their transformation to wear off immediately, leaving them both with matching gaping expressions. If luck was on his side, the scenario would have carried on with Adrien whipping out 'suave move #9236' and channelling his inner 'Tamaki Suoh', helping his Lady to her feet with a smile so sexy and seductive (guaranteed to win her over of course) and then him proceeding to ask her out for a cup of coffee where they can talk! Then, he would have totally charmed her with another brilliant smile that would have surely fly kicked away whatever feelings she had for that 'other' boy (he named him M. Imbécile), caressing that soft, soft cheek of hers with his hand and surely they would have leaned in for a hot, passionate, true love's kiss (and he'd finally know what it's like to be properly smooched)! MAIS NON. NON. His five seconds of absolute happiness, of pure bliss after finding out that the two girls he bloody loved so damn much and practically worshipped, were one and the same- WAS INTERRUPTED. . The inconveniently timed Ladyblogger and her DJ boyfriend arrived at the scene, practically snatching both him and Marinette away and back to class, babbling about how Mme. Bustier was going to arrive late hence they were going to take advantage of it. By taking advantage, they meant avoiding all responsibilities by playing a specific game. A game that Adrien has learnt to now, unconditionally despise. . "We're not getting any younger here, Buttercup. Tell us, who was your first kiss? And don't even think about lying your way out, we can tell by your face that you definitely got some sort of action~" Alya's glasses flashed in such a devilish way, even Le Papillon would have found himself shitting his pants. "Of course, if you don't want to answer the truth...you can always pick dare," 'LIKE HELL I WILL!' The last person to have picked 'dare' was Rose and she was instructed to deliver a hearty smack to Kim's bum! The teen model pretty much vowed that the only booty his hands were allowed to touch was Marinette's, with consent obviously. And vice versa. And the person before Rose who chose 'dare' was Nino! He was dared to sneak outside, climb to the top of the building's rooftop and sing Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' from the top of his lungs, recording himself live on Instagram as proof. It was a miracle that he never got caught by the staff! Again, the feline hero very much preferred that any attempts of his serenading would only be heard by the ears of the love of his life. . Adrien gulped, completely frozen in his seat under the gaze of his demonic classmates, the almighty, notorious peer-pressure throwing a concert whilst his Lady continued to act like that the string on the floor was far more interesting than the fact that her newly discovered partner was currently in the hot seat. 'Now how do I answer this!?' He panicked internally, twiddling with his thumbs and praying to the Gods more reliable than Plagg that Marinette would suddenly come up with some brilliant, top-notch plan that would surely get them both out of this. Especially if she doesn't want him to whimper out: "Ya got me! It was Marinette when she kissed the evil out of me after I got shot by Dislocoeur, hahaha! Oh, do I need to mention that I have no recollection of it whatsoever and that I was decked up in my usual catsuit whilst she was in her polka-dotted onesie? A brilliant first kiss, amirite!? Not to mention that our second kiss was also wiped from my memory, cheers for that Alya and Nino!" Unfortunately, (once again) for him, not even his pleading kitty eyes were able to penetrate the wall of aloofness that Marinette held between them, leaving him completely on his own, ready to be torn apart by their friends' malevolent hands. He was the equivalent of a teeny tiny, illegally cute kitten, surrounded by a circle of hungry, deadly, carnivorous wolves, licking their chops! Yet, Marinette remained unphased, pretending to stare out into space and think about what her Maman and Papa would prepare for dinner as if Adrien's scrutinising gaze weren't like arrows all over her side. However, much to her disadvantage, Agreste is her partner and he knew her very, very well. The desperate cat was able to pinpoint the cold sweat that was growing on her forehead, knowing that his presence was starting to get to her and conscious of the fact that she cannot ignore him for long either. 'Come on Marinette, you can't resist me forever. Please help!' His lack of any sort of psychic powers didn't stop him from wishing that she could read his mind but dammit did he try. 'Don't you love your pauvre Chaton!? Aidez-moi s'il vous plaît, My Lady!!!' Just before he could resort to begging out loud, Alix Kubdel... ...snickered. Simply from that evil, ominous sound, both Adrien and Marinette paled on the spot at a speed faster than M. Césaire's panther could ever dream of running at. "Ever since we asked you that question, not once have you looked away from Marinette...now why is that~?" The short girl's insight caused the rest of the class to gasp cheekily and "Oooh~?" simultaneously, their ferocious appetite for juicy gossip now at full throttle much to both heroes' apprehension. "And you, Mari! You look like a kid who got caught stealing from the cookie jar. I think the two of you have something big to admit to the rest of us, hmm?" "...No-oooo...?" Dupain-Cheng refused to make eye contact with anyone, her lips stuck between what looked like a grimace and a fake smile, continuing her sentence which was just as truthful as Jagged Stone's claims of being in his mid-twenties. "I am still a lowly virgin maiden in the kissing department...heheh...heh..." Adrien on the other hand blinked owlishly as he finally came to a conclusion, his singular working brain cell grinding its gear through his thought process. Oh? Ohoh??? OHOHOOHOH??????? . "So that means I was your first kiss too?" . If there was a compilation labelled "Top Ten Ways That Adrien Mothafuckin' Stupid Agreste Fucked Up"... This would be number one. "...You didn't hear me say that out loud...right?" He gulped meekly, shrinking under the astonished looks that everyone gave him, his Lady's jaw dropping further than what he assumed was humanely possible. He. Was. Fucked. . The entire classroom erupted with utter chaos. Ranging from high pitched squeals from Alya, Rose, Mylène and Kim to "HOLY SHIT!" and "HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?" from Alix, Nino, Juleka and so on. Even Marinette was left burning brighter than a tomato, covering her face in embarrassment along with her iconic mantra: "THIS IS A DISASTER!!!" and shaking her head. Money was exchanged from secretive bets that were placed on the model and designer, naughty comments were thrown around left and right and even more! If one were to enter the room right now, they'd think that they've just stumbled across a hectic zoo. Never in his life did Adrien want the ground to swallow him up so badly or even run away at the speed of sound to an unknown island where he would live off of fruit and grow old all alone without ever getting married. Marinette probably- no, she definitely hates him now. Her refusal to come out of her 'Don't talk to me, I'm catastrophising' human ball and face him was more than enough evidence to prove that. Who was he kidding, thinking that he would be able to get such a wonderful, spectacular girl like her to fall for a hopeless, ridiculous nincompoop like him? His attempts in the past never worked out before and it certainly wouldn't have worked out now. Forget about pursuing a romantic relationship with her, he's one-hundred percent sure that he's absolutely tarnished what was left of their friendship! He can visualise his terrifying, depressing excuse of a future already. No more shy, cute greetings with a gorgeous smile in the mornings before class from Marinette. No more fun banter and warm hugs on their favourite patrol environments from Marinette. No more cheeky jokes and flirty teasing from Marinette. No more timid conversations and saying his name in the most softest way he's ever heard from Marinette. And, no more perfect "Bien joué!" fist bumps after an akuma battle from Marinette... How...how was he supposed to live without her? 'Shit, I can feel my eyes starting to water...' He took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling to force the traitorous tears away from daring to come out. The last thing Marinette needed was to deal with a dumb crybaby like him after he's just embarrassed her like that with his stupid, big mouth- "-But when did this happen, Marinette??? Girl, why didn't you tell me!?" Snapping out of his self-pity, Adrien tuned back into the pandemonium, wincing at how mortified Marinette still looked (albeit she was no longer in her cocoon of doom). She pursed her lips at Alya with that adorable pout of hers, unsure of how to answer with something that didn't sound like a terrible excuse. . Finally, a solid answer blared in Adrien's brain, the blonde teen adamant that he turned the situation around and salvaged what was left of the bond between him and his Princesse. For now, he can focus on the dreadful future after he got the current situation sorted. He would do anything to make Marinette feel good around him again. "It was during that time we were at le Musée Grévin when I invited Alya, Nino, Marinette and Manon to join me," He ignored the way that their classmates leaned closer with wide grins, focusing on sending a quiet apology to Marinette's direction with his pleading eyes alone. "I was being dumb and tried to play a prank on Marinette when the other three were away. I ended up tripping and Marinette tried to help me but I accidentally pulled her down with me and...we accidentally kissed..." Although the scenario wasn't fully true, Marinette did manage to land a light peck upon his lips during that incident and that's all it took for it to be branded in his memory. The sear of foreign warmth that left his lips in tingles, the subtle taste of strawberry gloss that left him hungry for more and the unadulterated softness that rivalled even the most expensive of silk. He hoped that his little white lie towards the end was enough to alleviate what was left of Marinette's embarrassment, deaf to their classmates' coos and brows furrowed to emphasise how sorry he was to the girl he loves. Although there was still a hint of pink on her cheeks, her expression was something that he wasn't able to decipher and that only made his heart race even faster than before. 'Please don't hate me, please don't hate me, please don't hate me-' "So how was the kiss, then?" Ivan waggled his eyebrows, both him and his girlfriend playfully winking at Marinette at her protesting stammers. "Oh? E-Erm...it was very quick and brief so I didn't get a chance to enjoy it-" His treacherous eyes decided to land on Marinette's lips midway, his mind screaming to stop digging a deeper hole for himself. He wasn't quick enough to flit his gaze away, the indication that he wanted to kiss her again so painfully obvious that even a blind person would have noticed. "-It was very soft and nice, however! I don't regret it-" Suddenly... . ...Marinette stood up. Adrien felt like his heart was going to bust out of his chest with the way it ricocheted against his ribcage, his emerald eyes wide with apprehension and his breath lodged in his throat as if a vice was clasped around his neck. Was she going to kill him? He certainly thought he deserved it. "Alya," The heroine in disguise began, the teen model unable to hide his flinch. "Dare me to kiss Adrien." 

She lifted her head to face her partner, her sapphire blues no longer hidden in the shadows of her fringe and sparkling with both amusement and...love? Her kissable lips were upturned into a confident smile with a gloss that was begging for him to taste and he was absolutely losing his mind. Was he dreaming? He must be dreaming. Yes. No way in the seven heavens would Marinette, THE Marinette, would want to kiss HIM, the embodiment of bad luck! Yet, the twinkling of her eyes and the warmth that radiated from her as she walked closer and closer towards him said otherwise. He didn't even hear Alya's excited declaration for Marinette's dare, solely focused on the way his Lady kneeled in front of him, smoothed her hands towards his cheeks and cupped them so gingerly. . "Pucker up, Buttercup," Marinette murmured against his lips with an endearing smirk, grazing her nose with his and rubbing his cheeks with her thumbs before sealing the kiss. . With all the romantic daydreams and boyish yearning he went through when it came to Marinette's lips, Adrien thought that he was well prepared for the real deal if the day were to ever come, disregarding his bad luck of course. However, he has been wrong before. He's absolutely, definitely, positively wrong now. The brief, shocked, brush of lips back in the wax museum was barely a taster. Barely a glimpse of the real thing. Not even close to a sample of the luxury. From the moment she pressed her lips against his, Adrien was hit with an outstanding overwhelm of fervour, tenderness and sweetness. His body instinctively shuddered as a pleasant fire seeped from her mouth to his and then coursed through the veins of the rest of his body, his hand that was clutching his precious good luck charm gift from Marinette then loosening its grip and automatically reaching for her cheek. His piano fingers dug into the locks of one of her ponytails, entangling them. 'If this really is a dream, then please, don't wake me up,' The sensation was slightly odd and just, indescribable at the same time. Yet, the more he tasted that strawberry gloss, the more her lips moved against his, the further he fell in love, addicted to the sugar that he's craved for so long. His red-tipped ears were oblivious to the class' whoops and cheers, his heart crashing against his chest louder than ever and the feel of hers doing just the same against him had him soaring. 'She never hated me all along, right? This isn't a kiss of hate at all,' But most importantly, the feeling of Marinette's pulse quickening from when his fingertips slid down to meet the side of her sensitive neck, cradling the back of it and the almost inaudible whimper she let out, was branded to his touch and memory like an imprint. 'So this is a real first kiss? Is this what Marinette felt when she kissed me to get rid of Kim's spell? How did she manage to keep her composure around me since then?' Just as Marinette pulled away, her eyes shimmering with wonderful emotions and her lips as beautifully rosy as her cheeks, Adrien couldn't resist and pulled her back in without a beat. As if to make up for all those missed opportunities, all the moments where he could have stolen her breath away and all those unsaid words that surely would have made them happy. They could talk about the reveal and their feelings afterwards in the safety of Marinette's humble balcony without any prying eyes. They could sort out their overwhelming emotions and bask through their memories over that cup of coffee that Adrien now has the confidence to ask her out on. But just for now, the two of them wanted to enjoy their present and make the most of it. 'Sweet, sweet, sweet, she's so sweet...' . . . ~(x)~ A/N: Ah shit it's six am. I'll edit this tomorrow.

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Into The Unknown, Part 9

First

Previous

It was kind of weird how quickly they got acclimated to civilian life.

Sure, Marinette often came out of the day with way too much energy, but they could burn off most of it by sparring. A ten to twenty minute session a day (excluding warm ups and cool downs, which added another thirty minutes or so) was enough to maintain their physiques and get rid of the uncomfortable energy that came with the sudden loss of constant danger in their lives.

(Not that this Gotham wasn’t dangerous, but it was… markedly less so. The Rogues Gallery didn’t exist in this world, what with Batman not existing, so the only thing that they really had to fear was mob activities and the occasional mugging. As long as they kept their noses clean and never stopped to tell a person the time, there was no reason for them to be scared.)

Other than that… it was almost too easy to get used to the new life that they lived.

Marinette woke up first in the mornings for work and would take care of Damian while she got ready. Tim had baby duty for the nine hours a day she was at work and commuting, so it was the least she could do.

And, really, he wasn’t all that difficult now that she was starting to get the hang of the whole baby thing.

Damian was trying to mimic her -- anticipatory socialization, she was pretty sure it was called (Or was it imprinting? Observational learning? Damn it, her psych major was not coming through for her right then). She found it cute and it was completely normal so she was perfectly fine encouraging it: she had gotten him mini versions of all of her makeup brushes.

One time, though, this backfired on her: he had dipped one of the cheap makeup brushes she’d gotten him into her makeup when she wasn’t looking and applied it to his face.

Marinette glanced down -- he had been quiet for too long, never a good thing -- and gasped. “Dami, you can’t whitewash yourself!”

Damian looked up at her, eyes wide with confusion.

She tried not to pout because he might take it wrong. Why must her best jokes always come to her when no one was around to hear?

“Don’t touch the powder stuff, please. It's not for babies, it's for grown ups.”

Damian frowned and looked down at his brush. She gently took it from him and worked at getting the makeup out.

When she gave it back to him he still seemed a little sad.

She sighed and gave him a short hug. “I’m not mad. I promise. It’s just… not your color!”

(The real reason was that makeup is very expensive, but kids don’t really understand money so she needed an excuse.)

Damian was still a little pouty. She didn’t know what to do. Damn. She supposed that served her right. She shouldn't have dared to think that she was getting the hang of having the whole ‘having a baby’ thing.

She sighed and looked down at him for a few moments, thinking. He was sitting in the high chair they kept him in when both of them were too busy to hold him. Usually he would be swinging his legs back and forth like a toddler -- probably because he was a toddler -- but now he was remarkably still, green eyes wide as he looked up at her.

She glanced at the time. Damian had woken her up early that morning, so she had extra time to get ready…

Marinette pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the internet.

… hm. Makeup could be toxic to babies. Good to know.

She grabbed one of her makeup wipes and scrubbed it from his face. She’d make sure to tell Tim so he could look out for any rashes the kid might get.

Then, she pulled out a comb and started brushing the tiny curls on Damian’s head. There wasn’t much, so it was mostly just dragging against his scalp, but the kid seemed pleased so she kept doing that for a few minutes.

At one point, he tried to take the comb from her. She allowed it, figuring he wanted to try and brush his own hair, but then he reached for her.

She leaned down to take him out of the chair, she was mostly done getting ready anyways, but instead he started trying to brush her hair.

… oh.

She felt, strangely, like crying. Her kid -- sorry, this kid -- was just so cute.

… but she didn’t want to mess up her hair...

He made a vague whining sound and she was weak.

She could always fix her hair on the train or something, she supposed.

She hesitantly leaned down so he could brush her hair. “Fuck it? I guess?”

“Fuck it,” Damian said, giving a short nod.

She groaned internally. “I’m actually going to have to stop swearing, aren’t I?”

“Fuck it!” Damian said again, louder this time.

Her lips twitched. “You’re so right, Dami. Who cares about a few little swears?”

“I do,” said Tim, who was apparently standing in the doorway.

She yelped. She probably would have flinched away if Damian hadn’t managed to make a giant knot in her hair in the few seconds that she had let him touch it.

She turned and sent Tim a weak smile. “You’re up early.”

He rolled his eyes. “Please stop teaching him swears.”

“I mean… it’s kind of funny, though.”

“It’s not.”

Marinette groaned overdramatically and turned to look at Damian. “He’s such a stick in the mud, amiright?”

“Sti-in-mu,” Damian said, nodding.

Tim huffed. “I’m starting to think he likes you better.”

“As he should,” Marinette said. She picked up the baby and nuzzled her nose against his. “Who’s a smart baby? You are!”

Damian giggled and tried to nuzzle her back.

~

Tim hummed as he went around the apartment, sweeping the floors. He and Marinette had come to a kind of unspoken agreement: he would do the cleaning, and she would do the cooking. It was only fair, since Tim’s standards for cleanliness were higher than hers and she was the only one out of the three people there that was physically capable of cooking an edible meal.

(Yes, he was aware that he was comparing his cooking skills to that of a baby. It was accurate, okay?)

Damian crawled along after him. He was trying to help, Tim was pretty sure, swatting the floor behind where Tim was cleaning...

Tim smiled. Maybe he should get the kid some fake cleaning supplies like Marinette had done with all of her makeup brushes. Would he like that? Only one way to find out, he supposed. He found the grocery list and wrote it down.

When he turned back to where he had left Damian -- which, he reminded himself, he shouldn’t be doing, because the kid was surprisingly fast when it came to trying to get himself killed -- and found the kid…

Holy shit.

He was walking.

Tim watched with a bright smile as Damian struggled to his feet and took a few steps towards him.

It didn’t last long. Damian had only really managed about three steps before he fell back to his knees and crawled the rest of the way. But…

Tim made a slightly embarrassing squealing noise in the back of his throat and leaned down, scooping the baby up in his arms and hugging him close. He couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off of his face.

“Look at you! Walking! Oh my god! Oh my god oh my god oh my god!”

Damian was blinked up at him in wide-eyed confusion.

Tim leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the top of the kid’s head and refused to pull back until he had calmed down a little.

He smiled down at his younger brother, who looked delighted at the attention but also very confused as to what was going on.

He looked around until he found Kaalki, who had been on his phone doing… horse things? God things? Who cares?

“Please tell me you took a video of that.”

“Nope. I did get a picture of you kissing his forehead, though.”

Tim huffed a little. “Delete that.”

“Too late. Already sent it to Marinette.”

Even this wasn’t enough to dampen his mood.

And Tim knew that the fact that Damian was walking had almost nothing to do with him, but he was proud, damn it. Or maybe the better way of saying it was that he was happy for the kid? He didn’t know, he had always been terrible with emotions. It was a good emotion, though, that much he was sure of.

He kissed Damian’s forehead again and smiled when the baby giggled at him and reached out, smushing his cheeks in his hands.

“Hello,” Tim struggled to say with the baby hands pressing in on his face.

“Nano,” Damian said.

“Close enough,” he said. “Want to watch some TV to celebrate?”

Damian nodded vigorously. Tim wondered, vaguely, if the kid understood what he was saying or if he just kind of gave answers when he knew that Marinette and Tim were asking him things.

Didn't matter. Tim would put on that one weird show with the talking cat that Damian liked and they could watch that until Marinette got home.

And, when she did, she practically ran over. She didn’t even take off her shoes, a sure sign that she was excited.

Damian looked away from the TV and smiled. “Mar-ree.”

Marinette’s mouth dropped open for a second… and then curled into a bright smile.

“You’re so… cute!” She cooed. “Yes! Hi! Good to see you, Dami!”

Tim pouted, slightly jealous.

She seemed to notice because she stuck her tongue out at him. “You got to see his first steps and I didn’t. I deserve this.”

He disagreed. The pout on his face remained until Damian saw and twisted around in his lap, leaning up and wrapping his arms around his neck in a kind of hug. Because it was kind of hard to stay sad when he was doing that.

He hugged the kid back for a few moments and then drew back, planting a kiss on his nose.

Marinette hesitated.

“Can I… have him for a few minutes? I want to see him walk.”

Tim considered this.

Then he smiled. “Only if I can take a video.”

“I would have made you do it, anyways,” she said.

Tim chuckled softly and handed the baby over so they could take the video.

~

She slipped into the apartment after a long day of work.

Tim was fluffing the pillows, apparently out of apartment to clean.

Damian looked up from the pillow he was hitting at the sound of the door clicking closed, and he seemed to light up. He grabbed Tim’s hand with one hand for his attention and pointed at her excitedly with the other.

“Nano! Yanzur! Mar-ree!”

“Yeah, that’s Mari,” Tim agreed.

Marinette flexed her feet now that they were out of the god-forsaken heels that she had been wearing.

“Hi, Dami. How was your day?” She asked.

Damian didn’t understand the question and certainly didn’t know enough words to respond, but he seemed sated by the acknowledgement of his existence. He slowly slid off of the couch and started his way over to her.

Marinette smiled faintly, amused. She looked over at Tim while she waited for him to get to her.

“So… he told you to look at me, that I get… but what is a ‘Nano’?”

“That’s what he’s calling me now, I think,” Tim said, slightly flushed.

She blinked. “That… isn’t even close to your name.”

“I know,” he said, shrugging helplessly.

Her lips twitched. “Maybe he’s calling you short.”

Tim threw the pillow he had been fluffing at her.

She let it hit her -- it was a pillow, it wasn’t like it would hurt -- and then stuck her tongue out at him. “Don’t blame me! I’m but an innocent bystander in this! He’s the one that did it!”

Damian tugged on the fabric of her shirt. She looked down, a grin still on her face. He made grabby hands and she obliged with ease, picking him up and nuzzling her nose against his.

Then, her eyes sparkled with mirth.

“Tell me, Dami, is Tim short?”

Damian looked between the two of them. Marinette was nodding and Tim was shaking his head vigorously.

“... shor!”

Marinette burst into a fit of giggles while Tim groaned.

“I hate you.”

Her amusement didn’t die down in the slightest. “Oh, if you hate me, then I guess I’m only making food for Dami and I. Hope you didn’t eat all the leftovers for lunch today...”

“Wait, Mari, let’s talk about this --.”

~~~~~

Next

@unoriginalmess @hammalammadamdam @astrynyx @laurcad123 @927roses-and-stuff