#after this picnic we took her to the pet shop to pick out a new toy! she chose a ball you can fill with little treats

[calamitys-child]

💖💖💖

[ID: A large and very fluffy dog with a black and white splotchy pattern lying in the grass. A fallen log blocks off the top of the frame. It's a bright sunny day and the dog has her mouth open in a big happy grin]

[loousir]

(Vampire Story) Chapter Two

Masterlist | Prev. Part | Next Part

All characters depicted are 18+

Warnings: Mention of the v-card word, mention of crazy ex and reader being bi, reader being watched

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The day went on with little incident and otherwise nothing happening. Minimal assignments, everyone was just getting used to the atmosphere of the new highschool year. Lunch for Kai was a different story.

---Kai's P.O.V.---

Kai sighed as he walked out to one of the courtyards that he was told held the cherry tree Darian mentioned. He looked around for a moment and observed the area, spotting the blonde who had invited him. Darian had seemed to find Kai as well, waving him over.

Kai took the spot next to Darian who was looking around for someone. "So, Kai, what brings you to this school?" He asked, looking up to him after. Kai shrugs, not wanting to say the real reason why he was here. "My parents moved here recently and this is the closest place to my house." That was a flat out lie but he seemed to buy it.

"You know, there aren't many guys like us here. Why wouldn't your parents move to a, oh, I dunno, a not human territory?" Kai shrugged. "No clue, they never tell me whats going on in their life anyways." That was true, Kai is always left in the dark when it comes to why he's sent to do things but once he saw you, he knew why they sent him to this school.

"Look, I don't really wanna talk about my family." He said, pushing his hair back slightly. Darian raises his hands a bit as to say he wouldn't press anymore after the aggressive response. "Anyways, I saw you staring at (Y/n) in the gym this mornings." Kai looks over to him with a skeptical glare.

"He's a virgin."

Kai raises his brows slightly. "What?" Darian rolls his eyes. "Probably in the way you're thinking but not what I meant. He's not marked and has never been drank from. And as far as I'm concerned, he's single." Kai "ohs" softly before seeing you walking along side Andy. You looked over and saw him too, offering a small wave and a smile. Kai returned the gesture.

Good to know he's available.

Darian seems distracted as Kai kept his eyes on you. You and Andy had sat down under one of the weeping willows to eat lunch together. "Darian, are there any other vampires in this town?" Kai asked, looking over to the blonde. Darian nods and locks eyes with Kai. "There's a few. Be careful about them, they aren't exactly here to play nice." He pauses and texts something on his phone.

"And be careful with (Y/n). Im pretty sure he's got some eyes on him that aren't yours." Kai nods and thanks Darian for the warnings. Lunch had passed pretty quickly, Kai asking Darian for more "need to know" information. But of course, things had to be cut short as the bell rang, saying lunch was over.

---(Y/n)'s P.O.V.---

You sighed and fiddled with your pencil slightly while sitting in class. You knew this teacher would be no fun but damn. This was just not it. Kai was sitting in the seat next to you which was the window seat. Both of you were fortunate enough to sit in the back of the class. The teacher was mumbling on about something when you heard something fall. You looked down then looked under your chair by your foot to see a mechanical pencil that wasn't yours.

Right as you went to pick it up, another hand collided with yours, making you glance up. Kai was in very close proximity. "Sorry," he whispered to you, grabbing the pencil. You shook your head and when you both sat back up, the teacher was looking at you and Kai. A couple other students were looking too.

"Sorry Mr. Wells, Kai dropped his pencil."

Kai nodded and held it up as "proof" while you did the classic "Im the teachers pet" routine. Mr. Wells gave a slightly skeptical nod before going back to what he was doing. Kai smirked and looked over to you, catching you looking at him. He winked before turning back to his paper.

You blushed softly before doing the same. Andy was one of the students who had watched it unfold but was the only one who noticed the aftermath. You were ever grateful this was the last class of the day.

The final bell rang and you packed up, waiting for most of the students to clear out before standing. Kai and Andy seemed to have done the same. "Are we still going to that Cafe?" Kai asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he stood. You nodded and stood up as well, looking over to Andy who was waiting by the door for the both of you.

"Let's get going."

---------------------------

The three of you had made it to the Cafe pretty quickly thanks to Andy. It was a small, family run place that always gave off fall vibes, even in the middle of summer. You placed your orders before talking about the surrounding shops and neighbourhoods. Kai listens intently as you speak, thankful you're telling him about the area.

The moment that you had paused to thank the waitress, Kai took the chance to change the subject. "(Y/n), can I ask you about yourself? Like what you do for fun for example." You were in the middle of taking a drink but nodded none the less. "Yeah, uhm," You pause for a moment and think. "Well..." You listed off a few of the things you liked to do in your free time. One of which was going on picnics.

Kai smiles and watched you as you talk. Andy simple sat quietly and played on his phone, not really interested in making a new friend. "Oh and, Andy is my best friend. I see him as a brother." Andy looks up at the mention of his name and looks between you and Kai.

"What?" You roll your eyes. "If you weren't anti-social for once you would know what I was saying." Andy's lips press into a straight line. He breathes in to say something before stopping himself, knowing you would have comeback for whatever it was. "Whatever. I'll warm up to him..." He mumbled out. You looked to Kai with a smile and a shrug.

Kai smiled a little more as well and takes a sip from his own drink. "Do you think I could know a bit about you?" You asked as he set his cup down. "Sure. But where to start..." You said to start at the same place as you, with likes and dislikes.

"I enjoy reading, and stargazing. I can't think of much else I enjoy doing off the top of my head but..." You smiled and shook your head. "No worries, I'm sure we'll learn more as we talk." Kai nods and Andy looks to the both of you. "Hey uh, I gotta get home soon. Do you want a ride back to your place?" He asked, looking between you and Kai again.

"Please. Is it alright if we cut it short today?" You asked looking up to Kai. He nodded, "I don't mind. There are plenty of other days we can talk." You smiled and stood up, going to wait in line to pay the bill. Andy looks up to Kai. "Hey, uhm, I should warn you about his crazy ex. She's kinda freaky so you might run into her. If a chick with heavy eye make-up and a blonde streak tries to confront you, that would be her." He spoke only loud enough for Kai to hear but he nodded and took the warning seriously. "Thank you for telling me, Andy." He nods and looks to you making your way back over to the table.

"Lets get going."

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1301 (sorry these have been so short, also not proof read)

[strawberryspence]

Vienna

Angst | Spencer Reid x FEM! BAU! Female

Summary: Spencer meets the love of his life while Reader continues to the search for her love for life.

Word Count: 2,1k.

Warnings: angst, no happy ending, reference to having sex, lots of sentimental stuff, rossi has a part in this he was the only old OLD member

Writer’s Note: Hello! I am sad, so this happened... I wanted to clear up that I used the song Vienna in this, tho the meaning of the song is more of a “slow down, you have a whole life ahead of you.” I took the song and made it the direct opposite which for me is “find yourself and never stop until you find it. vienna (your destined destination) waits for you.” I didn’t edit this and I wrote it in one sitting so I am sorry for the mistakes. This is basically me venting out my emotions and I am not entirely sure if this made sense.

Spencer knew that you would change his life the moment you stepped foot in the BAU conference room.

You were a new agent with a fiery passion for the job. You were a Psychology Professor before quitting and took up Criminology and after that you ended up in the BAU. You were eager to learn, always on the go and was always energetic to do any job Hotch gives you. You had a heart of gold and would do absolutely anything for anyone in the team and Spencer was in no doubt completely in love with you.

It took Spencer a year and a month to finally ask you out. By this time, you were already close. It wasn’t hard to be friends with you, you radiate warmth and brightness and you were always so kind to everyone. He honestly felt embarrassed and weak. You were this amazing, strong person but Spencer... he was only Spencer.

“W-would you like to get dinner? Or... L-like coffee?” Spencer fidgets with his fingers, staring at his stained converse as it lines up to your black ankle boots. The contrast was jarring, it shows the two opposite spectrums of your personalities. When he looks up, your face was hard to read and it makes his heart beat harder against his chest.

“Like... a date?” Spencer watches as you chew on your inner cheek, something you do when you’re nervous or anxious.

“Yes... But if you don’t want to it’s okay! You can forget what I sai—“ Spencer raises his hand as a sign of goodbye, as the other grips his satchel. He turns halfway before you hold his catch his arms, stopping him from leaving.

“No! I want dinner! I mean, coffee! Whatever it is!” He looks back at you, a smile now forming in your face, and no matter how many times Spencer have seen it, it still catches he’s breathe.

“Really?” A grin starts forming in his face as he watches a shade of pink color your cheeks, “Yes. Tell me when and where. I’ll be there.”

The date was perfect. Spencer picks you up with a bouquet of daisies in his hands. You pick one of the daisies, clipping it in your hair for the rest of the night making it hard for Spencer to look away from you for the rest of the night. He reserved a table for two in a small, quaint cafe. Even with the nerves Spencer had, the date went smoothly. You talked, he talked and it was just like any other day but this time it was a date.

That date leads to another one, and another one, and another one, until you both finally made it clear that you two were dating.

It leads to numerous adventures.

To museums where Spencer becomes your own tour guide, where he teaches you everything he can teach you, where he watches you become one of the beautiful art pieces and where he realizes that he can take something so beautiful and surreal home.

To libraries where Spencer opens a book, any genre, and reads it you as you both take a journey to another world together, where you watch him read books that he probably already have memorized in the back of his head and where you realized that the world is so much bigger than you thought. More than anything it makes you itch for that world.

To movie nights which more often than so ends up with you on his lap, making out like you were both craving for something only the other can give. If it does, you both end up in bed, tangled in each other as both of you catch your breathe as you make love to one another. If it doesn’t, you both watch a movie chosen by the other and just sit in comfortable silence, cuddled into each others warm body.

To coffee shops where you both try as many different kinds of pastries, making a list of which one has the best pastries. The little corner shop down the street near the library is where Spencer learns that you liked croissants but only if they had chocolate in them. In the cafe down on 5th near the pet store, you learned that Spencer liked his blueberry muffin with cream cheese. The expensive, posh coffee shop in the high end street is where you were both kicked out for laughing way too much when you both realize that a muffin costs ten dollars each.

It leads to numerous sleepovers on Spencer’s double bed. Waking up to a new day with you was the best thing in the morning. Waking up tangled with your limbs all around him, waking up to you making him his favorite coffee and pancakes in bed, waking up to your naked body pressed unto him as you dream of him some place else.

It leads to home cooked dinners with silly dance numbers in the middle, warm hugs after hard cases and silent whispers of It’s okay’s, picnics in the park with packed sandwiches and it leads to five hundred, eighty one, forever treasured I love you’s.

One date leads you to numerous adventures and dates with Spencer.

But it was also a year and a month into the relationship when Emily video calls you both for a job offer in Interpol. She says, it would be a breathe of fresh air for the both of you. A new adventure. Together.

Spencer was set in his ways. Virginia was the closest thing he’ll ever have to a home and that’s because of the BAU. They were family. Penelope and JJ are the sisters he never had. Will, Henry and Michael was his extended family. Derek is his best friend and he loved being near him and Hank. Hotch and Rossi was the closest thing he’ll get to some kind of a father figure and he didn’t want to lose that in his life. He has long set his roots in this place, his home and he immediately shakes his head and declines.

He looks over you when the silence was to deafening to ignore and it doesn’t take a profiler to see the hesitation in your face. There was a spark in your eyes, the same one he saw when you first came to the BAU, the spark of excitement. You look at him and you see the way his eyes shines with sadness as he realizes that this was what you wanted. You shake your head at Emily and declines.

Emily smiles as she says her goodbye before reassuring both of you that there will always be a position open for the both of you in her team if ever anyone changes their mind.

That one video call leads to exactly six fights about the job opportunity. Spencer knew that you wanted to go and the selfish part of him wanted to hold unto you. So he did, he held, and he held, and he held until he couldn’t anymore.

Spencer stays late at the BAU one night. The two of you haven’t been the same since the job offer. You have left earlier to go home as he stares at the place he has called his home. Can he leave this? Was his love for you enough to leave everything he has known half his life?

“What’s keeping you here?” Spencer snaps out of the thought, looking up from his paper work to Rossi leaning over the railing right across his office.

“Nothing.” He looks back down, but he can see Rossi giving him a soft smile, “News flies fast around here.”

Spencer snaps back his head, “What?” Rossi nods, “We all know.” He continues to chew on his lip.

“I don’t know what to do.” Rossi walks down the stairs, walking closer to Spencer, “You remember Y/N’s first few weeks?” Spencer nods, the memory of your first week still vivid in his mind.

“You remember how before she was in the BAU she was a psychology professor? When she came on her first day,” Rossi smiles, reminiscing as he continues, “Remember how eager she was to do everything? There was this spark in her eyes and she was just passionate about the job and to learn?” Spencer nods again.

“Kid, in my life, I have met two kinds of people. The Mover and The Homebody. The Mover is the one who moves, they never get enough of the high that life can give, they go around looking for more adventures to learn and to help them grow,” Rossi looks down at him, a sad smile on his face, “Then there is the Homebody. Its not a bad thing to stay in one place. They are the ones who set roots in one place and grows in that place, they get comfortable and make that place in their life their home.”

“Are you saying I am a homebody? And Y/N is a mover?” Rossi forces a smile, giving his shoulder a pat.

“If you’re so smart then tell me, why are you still so afraid.” Rossi sings before giving him one last smile as he turns his back, not giving Spencer the chance to ask what he meant.

Spencer later learns from Penelope that it was a song written by Billy Joel. He asks Penelope if he can hear it by himself in her bat cave and she immediately agrees, leaving him alone with a song someone wrote in 1977 that perfectly fits and embodies you. As the final beats hit his ears, Spencer lets go of you.

The next twenty one days comes in a swift. Spencer stands in the airport as the team says their teary goodbyes to you. The team leaves to give the two of you space and privacy to say your goodbye.

“Spencer... I am sorry.” Spencer gives a smile. It wasn’t fake, there was no bad blood. He wanted to let you go, to go find the best version of yourself.

“This is what you need in your life to grow. I am happy for you.” Your eyes sparkle in tears as your heart softens.

“I’ll be back, if you are still in the same place as we are today, can we pick up were we left?” Spencer nods, as he opens his satchel and reaches in for a box.

You open it and inside is the same daisy you pinned in your hair on your first date, but it was dried and framed. You look up at him with questions in your eyes, “I stole it from you after our first date. I kept it for future purposes but it’s more suiting to give it to you right now.”

“Last call for passengers of flight 582 bound for London. Again, last call for passengers of flight 582 bound for London.” You both look at each other as the announcement rings through your ears

“I love you.” You whisper. Spencer gathers up all the courage he has and pulls you into one last kiss. His hands stays on the curve of your neck as he pulls you closer to him and as you snake your arms around his arms.

Spencer kisses you with fervour and fear. This was the last he’ll kiss you and if he had to tattoo it in the back of his mind he will. He will remember the distinct taste of your peach lip balm, the way your lips moves against him and how your hand presses hard on his back to pull him closer. Spencer pulls away when a voice in his head screams at him to not let you go. He had to let you go now before he change his mind, screams and beg you to stay with him. His heart breaks a little more as he sees tears flowing down your cheeks.

You pull him into one last hug and it sinks in, his holding you for the last time. He tries to memorize how your hands wrap around his neck and how you perfectly fit between his arms. Your body vibrates as you sob against him.

You pull away from him with tear stained cheeks and barely catching your breathe, you smile through it as you wave at him, “Goodbye Spencer.” You sobbed as you start backing away from him. You see him clench his hand as tears start filling his eyes.

“I can’t wait to meet who you’re going to be. Good luck, Y/N.” Spencer raises his hand to wave at you as the inches between the two of you grow bigger.

“Thank you. I love you.” You bid him goodbye before turning your back on him and running to your gate number. Spencer smiles through his tears as you give your ticket to the airport staff. You look back at Spencer and give him one last smile before boarding the airplane.

“Vienna waits for you, my love.”

-

taglist (if you want to be added, please message me 🥰): @all-tings-diego @shemarmooresfedora @averyhotchner @samuel-de-champagne-problems @bingereid @sweetandsunny @reidsbookclub @spencerreid-187

[dovenymph]

little lune

authors note: inspired by @soulmemesarc birthday prompts!🥳🎂 also this is unedited sorry for any typos

" no no no! breakfast in bed for the birthday girl/boy/angel! lie down, let me take care of this... "

" so there's this tradition. a law, really. i have to kiss you as many times as your age. so prepare yourself, babe. "

find my masterlist here

word count: 1.9k

you and harrison really didn’t have much in common.

this, you discovered, on your first date. he’d seen you at his neighborhood coffee shop on multiple occasions and prayed each day that you couldn’t see the infatuation building in his eyes, hoping one day soon, he’d’ve built up the courage to finally talk to you.

and you both thank god that that day had come and you spent nearly the entire day tucked away in the corner of the cafe talking about everything and anything.

he loved dogs, liked to consider himself a dog dad, even though the blue-grey staffy he showed you just over one million pictures of, technically belonged to his best friend. you on the other hand, grew up with cats curled up at your feet.

harrison could stay out all night, and did most weekends! very used to having to scrub last nights remnants off his body in the mornings and piecing together the events through blurry instagram stories. whereas, you were much more lowkey. always down for a good time, but couldn’t really stand the feeling of other people’s sweat on you while packed in a crowded club

despite this, the two of you fit together like puzzle pieces. like he was the sun, and you were the moon.

when harrison first brought up the comparison, you laughed and teased him for being such a cliche but when he smiled down and replied with “just for you, my little lune”

your face burned under his palms as he spoke the pet name so adoringly and with so much kindness in his eyes. and in that moment, you both knew that your differences in opinion were trivial and the only thing that mattered was you both bonded over your growing affection.

your face burned under his palms as he spoke the pet name so adoringly and with so much kindness in his eyes. and in that moment, you both knew that your differences in opinion were trivial and the only thing that mattered was you both bonded over your growing affection.

there was one thing you both had in common though and that was sleep.

there was one thing you both had in common though and that was sleep.

you could sleep for hours each, harrison very proudly bragging that his record was 18 hours straight.

whenever you went over to his house, he immediately locked the two of you in his room, receiving many suggestive comments from his roommates about the nature of your activities, but in reality he just locked his arms around you and took you to dreamland with him as the two of you slept the day away.

so it was no surprise that that was the position you both were in right now, the morning of your birthday slipping away like a handful of sand through open fingertips.

soon enough though, the ring of your phone had gone off too many times for you to ignore and you had to wake up and face the multitude of happy birthday calls you were receiving, without a doubt waking your boyfriend in the process.

“mmm, tell them to fuck off” he muttered as your cousin wished you a happy birthday, the phone being passed around to all your relatives.

“can’t babe, m’family’s callin’”

“b-but… we haven’t had a birthday snuggle yet”

the softness in his tone (his teddy bear persona being reserved for your eyes only) practically melted you “almost over, m’love”

five minutes later, the last of your cousins and aunts and uncles had wished you a happy birthday and you hung up, the multiple conversations taking away any last shreds of slumber.

you looked over at haz who had his face smushed into the pillow, his soft, blond hair swept into his face, looking as delicate as ever. his hands involuntarily twitching at the comforter as they called out for yours to intertwine with.

with a smile you cautiously slipped off the bed, but he still awoke anyways, poking his head up like a child. “where ya going?”

“to start the kettle, go back to sleep.”

“no no no!” he whined “breakfast in bed for the birthday girl. lie down, let me take care of this.” he dragged himself out of bed, placed a tender and loving kiss to your forehead before shoving you to the mattress and throwing the covers over your entire body, leaving you nothing but a giggling white sheet.

his heart soared in his chest at the sound as he made his way to your kitchen. he’d only been over your place a few times, your relationship still relatively new. so he tried his best to quietly turn on the kettle and then locate your pots and pans to get started on a birthday breakfast for you.

as he was flipping the pancakes, he started thinking about making a little smile with the strawberries and that brought a little smile to his face.

he barely recognized himself when he was around you. he was so lovesick, so head over heels for you. unlike he’d ever been with any of his previous girlfriends.

your relationship wasn’t in the early stages per-say, he openly called you his girlfriend, and you your boyfriend, but he still felt the need to impress you, he still felt nerves creep in his stomach before every date. the honeymoon stage, as some liked to call it. the comfortability was just around the corner, he was sure of it. but until then, he liked to keep you on your toes.

placing the meal on a tray and walking back to your bedroom, he thought to later tonight and bit his lip. he had planned something for you, something grand. it was a little much for your first birthday spent together, but he only realized that after everything was payed for; but you deserved it. you deserved all the magnificent things life had to offer, and he would fall to his knees in order to be the one to give them to you. so he hoped you would like it.

“happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday my darling, happy birthday to you” he sung as you looked up at him from under the covers.

“thank you, lovie. it looks great.” you smiled and he carefully placed the tray on your lap, crawling up next to you.

“anything for you, lune.” he spoke with a kiss to your lips.

that was how the morning progressed, bites of pancake shared here and there, syrup flavored kisses peppered in between.

.・゜゜・　　・゜゜・．

haz’s wet chest was pressed against your back in the bath. the room scented vanilla and filled to the brim with bubbles and candlelight.

“what do you want to do later today, haz?”

“anything you like sweetness, you’re the birthday girl.”

“hmm, nothing planned big guy?” you teased, and he splashed a little water on your exposed torso.

“of course i do… but, it’s still your day, you can do whatever you want.” he replied, pressing kisses to your neck.

“whatever i want?”

“mmhmm, have whatever, do whatever… have me do whatever you want… to you” he spoke, voice deep and kisses hard.

your heart rate picked up, sure he could sense it as he pressed his tongue to your pressure point, gasping you consented with “i like the sound of that”

.・゜゜・　　・゜゜・．

“haz… can you at least slow down???”

“sorry! sorry! it’s not my fault i swear!” he retorted, swerving in and out of his lane.

“yeah well i can’t exactly tell now can i?” you snapped, feeling around the blindfold he insisted you wore

“hey! don’t mess with it! we’re almost there!” harrison looked over at you and worried his bottom lip in nervousness. the location was only down the road and every possibility was running through his head. did he invite enough of your friends? sure you got along with his housemates and coworkers, but he didn’t want you to feel awkward at your own party. was it too much, would you feel too pressured?

he turned into the parking lot and took a deep breath, you were here now, so it was now or never. “can i take it off now?”

“yes, sweetness.”

you yanked it off and immediately looked around, face contorting in confusion.

“cmon, it’s around the corner.” he grabbed your hand and started to make his way.

“i- i hope you like it. if you don’t that’s fine, we can do something else. i swear! no pressure really, this, this is really just an idea. but i thought it seemed fun, so i, yeah, again, i just hope you like it.” he rambled, about to add on another reassurance that you could leave whenever you wanted when your gasp interrupted him.

“woah…” you took in the field before you. fair games, food trucks, rides and even a ferris wheel covered the entire ground. your friends already enjoying the festivities.

“haz this… this is amazing…” your head snapped towards his as you thew yourself into his arms. “th-thank you so much, oh my god!”

harrison knew that if you weren’t anchoring him in that moment, he would’ve floated to heaven. you were so sweet and happy, he was more than elated.

“it’s all for you, babe. let’s go enjoy, yeah?” he said, pride running through his veins at the good job he did.

you found your friends, all giving you bear hugs and dragging you away from harrison to go on rides. he didn’t mind, he got to spend all day with you, and you were too good not to share.

he sat at one of the picnic benches as tom brought over two slices of pizza. “mate, i gotta say, this is fucking awesome”

harrison beamed at him at the compliment. “yeah i know!”

tom laughed and shook his head, “wanna call you a smug div, but honestly, y’should be proud of yourself.”

harrison felt his cheeks warm at his friends words. “thanks mate, i- i’m just glad she likes it.”

tom let out a *whapush* noise, “so whipped.” and harrison just rolled his eyes, but bit back any denials. he was whipped for you. not only did the thousands in pounds he spent for tonight prove it, but the way his heart danced in his chest at the mere though of you, did too.

“yeah, i guess i am” he smirked, meeting tom in a fist bump and beelined towards you.

you felt his arms wrap around your waist from behind as you spoke to your friend, her eyes lighting up at the scene.

“mind if i steal her for a moment?” he asked, giving your friend his best puppy eyes, to which she giggled and shook her head, sending you a wink on her way.

“y’alright, birthday girl?” he muttered, head buried in your neck.

“more than alright. thank you again haz, i really, i really don’t know how i can make this up to you.”

he spun you around in his arms and gave you a passionate kiss, trying to convey all his love through it, hopefully telling you that you didn’t have to make anything up to him, that he’d buy you the earth if it’d make you smile.”

when he pulled away, you stared up at him like he was a figure from your dreams and he thinks you understood him.

“cmon, let’s go on the ferris wheel!”

“lead the way, lune.”

.・゜゜・　　・゜゜・．

the night sky surrounded you both as you at at the top of the ferris wheel, looking down at the city.

“so…,” harrison began. you hummed in response and he squeezed your clasped hands together.

“so there's this tradition. a law, really. i have to kiss you as many times as your age. so prepare yourself, babe.”

you laughed and scooted impossibly closer to him, “oh yeah?”

“mmhmm! now remember, i don’t make the laws, only enforce them.”

he began to count upwards from one and kiss your lips. some soft and light, others held out and leaving you a little breathless.

“so many kisses tonight, i love it”

“well there’s more where that came from.” he said, “now where was i? oh right, 16…”

[heecyon]

Enhypen Little Angels Series: A Small Friend

warnings: grammar mistakes (as always lol)

this was supposed to be posted two weeks ago. I'm sorry for the delay

word count: 1,612

Lee Heeseung:

The small family entered the pet shop, making the bell in the door go'ding' as they passed by. The cashier greeted them as Seojoon ran to see all the pets in the place.

“Papa! Look how adorable they are!” Joonie exclaimed and then Heeseung went to his side to check out all the things his kid was so excited about.

“Do you like this one, Joonie?” Heeseung pointed out a small yorkie terrier in front of him.

“Or what about this one?” Mina pointed out a small Maltese puppy.

The couple noticed that their son wouldn't respond to their questions. “Joonie?”

They got closed to their son who was happily seeing a beautiful dark brown coat ferret.

“Mommy, Papa... He's really cute.” He said putting his hand inside the environment the ferret was in and passed his hand through it's soft hair.

“How do you know it's a he?”

“I can tell.” Seojoon was hypnotized by the small ferret, it was like he had found a new friend.

Heeseung went to the cashier and asked for all the procedures to adopt the small cutie.

“What are you going to name him buddy?” Heeseung played with Joon's hair.

“Kirby!”

They both looked at him at him cutely.

“Kirby? Where did you get that name?” Mina laughed a little.

“I dunno? I just thought it was cute.”

Park Jongseong

The sound of the front door opening and closing caught the attention of both Bella and Mila. The little girl ran to the the living room seeing her father putting his backpack down on the floor.

“Papa!” She ran to hug Jay with a wide smile, then he carried her in his hip.

“Hi baby! Did you miss me? How was school?” He said kissing Mila's cheeks.

“It was good, mommy and I baked brownies after school and they are delicious!” She said kissing two of her fingers which made Jay laugh.

“I'm pretty sure you were a good cook today, so I brought you a gift.” With his free hand he grabbed a small gift box with a white covering and a gold coloured ribbon.

“Hi love, what's that?”

Jay placed Mila down ontu the floor, and then grabbed a bouquet of peonies handing it to Bella, making her smile.

“Tell me we didn't forget an special occasion?”

“Nope, I'm just spoiling my princess and my queen. Do you want to open your gift, angel?” Mills nodded excitedly opening her gift just to find a cute baby pomeranian in the box inside the box.

She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. She looked at her father with happiness and took the puppy in her hands.

“Papa he's adorable! Thank you!” Mills embraced the puppy in a delicate way.

“What are you going to name him?” Jay said as he saw the glow in his daughter's face.

“I'll call him... Prince!” She gave the puppy a kiss on his head.

“Why Prince?”

“Because if you are a king, mommy is a queen and I'm a beautiful princess, then his a handsome prince.” Bella and Jay smiled widely.

Shim Jaeyun

“There are so many puppies!”

Jacob exclaimed as the newborn puppies layed close to Layla, getting comforted by her fur.

“Can we keep them all?” He looked at Jake with his cute puppy eyes and pouted cutely to convince his father.

Jake got on his knees and played with his son's hair.

“Well, we promised Beomgyu and Yeonjun to give them some puppies, we also promised your mommy's sister to give her a puppy too, so we can only keep one.”

“Aw!”

“Don't be sad kiddo, they are all going to have a beautiful home with a loving family.” Jake kept playing with Jacob's hair.

“But I want to keep them all for myself.” The little boy pouted, and a few tears threatened to spill down his cheeks.

Jake looked at Layla and her puppies and smiled before looking down at his son who was a sad mess.

“What if you pick one puppy now and name them? Wouldn't you like that?”

“Yeah, I like that...” Jacob putted his knees on the floor and looked at all the puppies, before choosing one.

A little female puppy with a darker fur than the others.

“I'll call her Hazel, and know she'll be my best friend.”

“If Jin Ae could hear you right now... she would be hella mad at you.”

Park Sunghoon

Jin Ae was playing on the backyard, making a small picnic with her dolls, she had a pink dress on and a tiara on top of her head. She served some “tea” in one of her dolls cup, before she saw across her vision something around the flowers that her mother cultivated.

“Is there a dragon around here? You can come out, I don't bite.” She got up and ran to the flowers, and to her surprise she found the most precious bunny she had ever seen in her whole three years of life.

“Gosh, you are so cute. I'm going to call you Gyeoul.” She ran back inside her house withthe biggest smile in her face.

She grabbed on of dolls dresses and put in on the bunny.

“You are mine, you are all mine.” She said just as Sunghoon was walking down the stairs, he frowned at the sudden sight. Why was his daughter hugging a bunny dressed as a princess?

“Jin Ae? What are you doing with a rabbit inside the house? And why is it dressed like a princess combined with a pop star?”

“I found him daddy, he's name is Gyeoul. And his all mine!” Well, that was questionable. But her cute little puppy eyes were manipulating him somehow, she looked so happy with the bunny, Sunghoon didn't want to destroy his daughter's happiness.

“You know that you have to ask for permission to have a pet, but... If you are happy with him...” She squealed and jumped around Sunghoon like the cute little human being she was.

“Thank you daddy.”

“No problem darling. How could I say no to you and your cuteness?”

Kim Sunoo

What was going on today on the Kim's household? Well... The twins had gotten their first pets.

Hotteok and Keikeu, a pair of hamsters.

“Appa, I think we lost Keikeu!” Young-Jae entered the couples room, where Aera was fast asleep from a hard day of work and Sunoo was drying his hair.

“No way! Those hamsters haven't even been here for three hours!”

The twins were organised, but at the same time they could be very forgetful and clumsy, so it kinda made sense that they lost one of the hamsters.

“We're sorry appa, we should have been more careful.” Young-hee said with teary eyes, also making her brother spill a few tears.

“Oh, no, no! My babies, please don't cry! I don't like seeing you cry. We'll find Keikeu together, so don't worry.” He dried Young-Jae's tears and then patted Young-hee's back to calm them down.

“Appa, isn't that Keikeu?” Young-hee got up and reached the hamster, before giving it a small hug.

Sunoo could only sigh relief... But

“Appa, I can't find Hotteok!”

Holy Fu-

Yang Jungwon

Let's say that Seung-hye found a siamese kitten in the park without a collar. It was a stray kitten.

She had her favourite blue backpack with her, so she grabbed the cat quickly without Jungwon noticing it.

“Seung-hye, it's getting late, we have to go.”

The girl grabbed her dad's hand as they both followed to the car.

Jungwon buckled Seung-hye's car seat, and then he finally drove home. They were both humming to some music on the radio, when all of the sudden.

“Meow!”

Did he just heard a cat inside the car?

“Meow!

Yep, he definitely did!

“Seung-hye? Did I hear a cat just meow?” Jungwon frowned, looking a the little one with the mirror.

“No”

Hm... Suspicious. Way to suspicious!

“Can you pass me your backpack, please?” He said grabbing the backpack from the backseat.

“No! There's rocks in there!”

“Yang Seung-hye.” He repeated with his voice sounding lower that usual.

“Ok. There's a cat in there, but he was all lonely and he couldn't be alone.”

When they got home, Jungwon continued to grab the backpack, while Seung-hye kept following around, begging him to not take him away from her.

“Appa, please don't take Holang away from me, we have to stay together!”

Good news! They kept the cat in the end.

Nishimura Riki

There was a sneeze, after sneeze, after sneeze. Maybe baby Hinata was allergic to fur, but they never truly realized it. She was always playing around with Bisco, and now that they got a new dog, she just started having allergies out of nowhere.

“Do you think we have to take her to the hospital?” Niki asked Mei, he was really worried after all, Hinata never had an allergic reaction before.

“Noooo, I don't like hospitals.” She protested, as any child, she did not like hospitals at all, they were really scary for her to be around.

Even though her parent told her not to, she kept playing with her new pet Coco, for her she was the representation of cuteness and happiness all at once.

“Hinata, I told you not to play with-” Niki noticed a few feathers on Hinata's pig tails. That was it, she was allergic to feather, not the dog.

“Wait baby, please don't move.” He said pulling out some feather and hairs at the same time.

“Ouch, you are ruining my hairstyle, silly!”

After that Hinata wasn't going to let Niki touch her hair ever again. And Coco got all the cuddles of the world that night.

[angryinternetduck]

noodle <3

2.2k on harry’s new puppy. the before and after of a clean break . goes from kinda angsty to fluffy (literally) to more angst, and then wraps up with fluffy fluff fluff. 

Harry’s house felt empty. 

It was empty, really, but it felt about a million more times empty than it ever had. 

He couldn’t bear it. 

He woke up in the morning and turned over to kiss you awake. He brushed his teeth and stared at the spot where your toothbrush went. He got changed and remembered where he’d gone with you while wearing that shirt; how you’d complimented those pants and teasingly mocked those socks. He made coffee and ignored the gaping hole where your mug used to go. 

He was driving to the studio one morning, thinking about all of this - what song you’d have put on if you were in the car with him, how your hand would feel in his, what joke he’d say to hear your laugh - when he saw a pet adoption center. 

All at once, the solution became clear. 

A dog, he thought. I need a dog. 

So he turned off the road, kind of in a daze, and walked inside. Barking, chirping, and soft music greeted him. He flipped his sunglasses up. The lady at the counter’s eyes widened, and then she smiled. “Hi!” she said brightly. “Can I help you?” 

“Er… yes,” Harry said. He rocked back on his heels. “I’d like a dog, please.” 

She smiled more. Harry saw her nametag. It said Holly. “Okay!” she said, coming around from behind the counter. “Follow me.” Harry put his hands in his pockets and followed her a few steps back into the shop, and then around a corner. 

Dogs of every size, shape, and color lined the wall, separated by short, colorful barriers. The barking increased as the dogs noticed Harry and Holly. Harry felt a smile on his face as he looked around at all of them, up on hind legs, tongues lolling out of mouths. 

“Here we are,” Holly said over the noise. She crouched down next to one, rubbing the dog’s ear. With her other hand, she pointed to a card attached to the barrier. “These have all their information,” she said. 

Harry nodded, and started walking around. He kept his hands in his pockets and walked around the room. He scanned the cards, only stopping when he saw an anomaly. One dog, a puppy, by the look of it, was quiet. It wasn’t barking, wasn’t on its hind legs excitedly jumping up to greet Harry. 

There wasn’t a card attached, either, so Harry turned around to look at Holly. She was preoccupied with another dog, petting him and laughing as he flopped over onto his back. “Hey, erm - this one have a card,” Harry said. 

She looked up and then stepped over the barrier to walk over to him. “Oh, yeah, this little guy,” she said. “We just found him a few days ago. No collar, no chip or anything. We waited a little while for somebody to come and - you know, claim him, but it never happened.” She knelt down and scratched him behind the ear. “We don’t even know his name.” 

“He’s quiet,” Harry said. 

He was cute, too; golden and fluffy, and Harry thought he looked like a goldendoodle. 

Holly looked up and smiled at him. “Yeah.” 

“Can I - er, can I get him? Have him?” 

“Sure!” Holly said. She got a collar and a leash from the wall behind Harry and clipped it onto the dog. “Wanna walk him up?” she asked, holding the leash out to Harry. He smiled and took it from her, and she opened the barrier to let him through. 

The dog walked next to Harry, sniffing the floor and the walls and occasionally Harry’s pant leg as they headed back to the front desk. He sat down and watched Harry with big brown eyes as Harry filled out paperwork, and then trotted behind them as Holly showed Harry toys and dog food and beds everything Harry needed. 

Soon enough, Harry was staring at the dog, sat peacefully on the passenger seat, looking out the window curiously. After a few seconds, the dog looked back at Harry, and Harry smiled because it almost looked like he was smiling, too. 

“Right, then,” Harry said, patting the top of his head. “You need a name.” Harry twisted his keys in the ignition and started off towards home. “Marley,” Harry said, glancing over at the puppy. 

No reaction. 

“Alright,” Harry hummed. “How about… Bob.” 

Still nothing. 

Harry smiled. “So this’ll be a challenge, hm?” he asked. The dog lay down in the seat and sighed heavily, looking up at him. Harry laughed and rubbed his fluffy head. He suggested names the entire way home, but nothing seemed to stick. 

When they got home, the puppy wandered around, sniffing every corner and inspecting each piece of furniture. Harry watched him, partially endeared but also sort of worried about puppy proofing his entire house. 

He wasn’t too worried about it, though, because after a while, the puppy came over and sat down next to him, tail thumping on the floor behind him and tongue hanging out of his mouth. Harry grinned and crouched down to pet him, then looked at his phone. 

“What do you say to some food, buddy?” Harry asked. “‘s almost noon…” 

He just licked Harry’s hand. 

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Harry said, laughing as he stood up and the puppy followed him into the kitchen, where Harry looked at the refrigerator and pantry. Nothing seemed very interesting, but Harry eventually grabbed a pack of ramen and started boiling some water. 

While it heated up, Harry set up the puppy’s bed and toys, then got distracted playing fetch with the puppy, who got adorably excited, and Harry heard him bark for the first time. When the water boiled, Harry put in the noodles and then read the back of the dog food bag while he stirred and added the seasoning. 

After it cooked and Harry poured a bowl of soup for himself, he measured out some dog food and put it in the bowl he’d picked out with Holly. The puppy had at it, and Harry smiled, satisfied, and then went and ate himself. 

Once the puppy finished, though, he padded over to Harry and laid his head on Harry’s lap. Harry laughed and pet him. Suddenly, he looked up at his bowl of ramen, and then back down at the puppy, whose fur was long and golden brown and a bit curly. 

“Hey,” Harry said, a slow grin growing on his lips. “Hey, how ‘bout Noodle, hm?” 

The puppy yipped and thumped his tail. 

“Noodle?” 

Another bark, and he jumped a little bit, placing his two front paws on the edge of Harry’s chair. Harry laughed and rubbed his ears and said, “Noodle it is, then!” The puppy, Noodle, barked and bounced, and his ears flopped. 

Harry looked at his noodles, wondering if dogs could have ramen, but then decided against it and went and grabbed a bag of treats from the things he’d gotten at the pet store. Noodle followed him, trotting along and then happily taking the treat. 

“Good boy,” Harry cooed, “good boy, Noodle.” 

Noodle barked again and covered Harry’s hands in licks, and Harry grinned. 

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” he said. 

***

The next time Harry took an unexpected detour, he was a bit less inspired, a lot more desperate, and horribly miserable. This time, he was heading to a double date. Mitch and Sarah, and Harry and somebody else, somebody Sarah thought he’d be good with. 

Somebody who was not you. 

How, Harry thought dully, could he be good with anyone who was not you? 

It was raining. All Harry was thinking about was that time he’d danced with you in the rain, that time you’d gone to the park together and it had rained during your picnic and you’d danced together. In the rain. 

Together. 

The rain was miserable. Harry was miserable. The date would be miserable. 

And it was even worse, because the directions Mitch gave him took him straight past your place. He felt nauseous as he started up the street. He couldn’t go on the date. He couldn’t go and pretend that he was okay, that he was over you. 

Before he knew what he was doing, he was parked in front of your place. 

He stared at the rain, coming down in sheets over his windshield. He wondered how many times he’d kissed you in that exact spot. How many times he’d walked you back home, how many times he’d stayed over, how many mornings he’d spent avoiding paps as he walked back to his car. How much he’d pay to have one of those nights, one of those mornings, just one more time. 

He picked up his phone and dialled Mitch’s number. 

“I can’t make it,” Harry said flatly. 

“What?” 

“I - I’m not coming,” Harry said. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Tired,” Harry whispered. 

“Harry, I don’t -” 

“I can’t make it,” Harry said again. “I’ll see you later. Apologize for me.” 

“What? Harry, you can’t -” 

Harry did. He hung up and stared at the rain again. 

It was raining. It was raining so hard, so, so hard, and Harry didn’t have an umbrella. He didn’t have the energy to run, either, so he trudged up to your place in the rain. He was soaked. He was trembling, chattering, soaked to the bone. 

You were on the phone when you opened the door. 

“Speak of the devil,” you said. 

***

Now, Harry’s watching you play with Noodle. 

He doesn’t think he’s ever been happier. 

“I’m gonna steal him,” you giggle, rubbing his fluffy belly. 

Harry says, “You could try,” and kneels down next to you. 

It’s been a little more than a week since he appeared on your doorstep. He’d been texting with you the entire time, just trying to find a time when neither of you were busy. That time had been today, and you’d come over as soon as you could.

“Think you like him more than me,” Harry says, and you grin at him, and Harry’s heart flutters, and you say, “You’re right.” Harry groans and buries his face in Noodle’s fur. “I’d be jealous but I’d like him more, too,” he mumbles, and you laugh as you stand up. 

Harry looks up to see you looking at Noodle’s box of toys and then smiles when your eyes light up as you see the bag of treats. “Can I?” you ask excitedly, holding it up, and Harry shrugs. “Sure,” he says, and he has to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling more. 

You sit down, laughing as Noodle jumps up, tail thumping when he notices the treats in your hands. Harry sits back, watching as you feed him a few. “Have you tried training him at all?” you ask, and Harry says, “Nope.” He pauses, then adds, “I was waiting for you.” 

“Oh, sure,” you reply, grinning as you hold a treat with one hand and lift one of Noodle’s paws with the other. “So fluffy!” you exclaim, watching Noodle drop his paw obliviously and then giving up and giving him the treat anyway. 

“You’ll make him fat,” Harry scolds playfully, reaching forward to grab the bag out of your hands. You yelp and dart away, holding it out of Harry’s reach. Harry scoffs, lunging after it again, and suddenly he’s falling - 

“Jesus,” you gasp through giggles, “don’t want you on top of me like this -” 

Harry laughs, propping himself up so he’s hovering over you. “Sure about that?” he says lowly, nipping at your ear, but you just laugh more, slapping lightly at his arm. “You’re ridiculous!” 

Harry pulls back, unable to keep the smile off his face as he catches your eyes, gets lost in them for a minute, for two… You bite your lip, sliding your hand to the back of his neck and gently tugging him down so his lips meet yours. 

“Missed you,” you whisper. 

“Missed you, too.” 

It feels like just seconds before Harry hears shuffling and licking through his blissful daze. He looks up, confused, and then sees Noodle steadily making his way through the bag of treats that had skidded, open, across the floor during your scuffle. 

“Shit,” Harry hisses, scrambling up. 

You groan, trying to pull him back. “Come back,” you whine, but Harry grabs the now almost empty bag of treats with a huff before looking back at you. He holds it up, and you sigh heavily. 

“Shoulda just let him have it,” you say. 

“‘s not healthy,” Harry says back, and he ruffles Noodle’s fur before carefully placing the bag on a table higher than Noodle can reach. “It’s not healthy to leave me alone, either,” you complain, and Harry laughs. “Please.” 

With a dramatic groan, you get up to sit over where Harry is. You situate yourself next to him, and Harry smiles at how perfectly you fit together. You rest your head on his shoulder and sigh happily. “Guess we’re parents now,” you say, looking at Noodle. 

Harry kisses your temple, smiling more. “Guess so,” he says. 

***

hope you liked it!!!!! if you did, a reblog and some feedback would be much appreciated 💜 thanks for reading!!!!!!! 

masterlist | ask

[gottawriteanegoortwo]

Mermay - Dilliam - Getting To Know You

William and Damien want to get to know each other, but these things take time. There are more important matters that need to be addressed first.

Read the first part here!

Word Count: 2,159

--

Sure enough, early the next day William hobbled down the steps to the shore. He kept his balance with one hand, and gripped a flask with the other. Unlike the previous day, he wore more layers to keep warm. It made the chilly morning more bearable as the pair sat on the picnic bench. Even so, Damien's high energy and energetic gesturing as he told William the story of when he first met his extended merfamily was infectious. William kept the hot flask in both hands as he sat forward to take in everything and encourage Damien with more questions.

At one point, Damien seemed to snap out of the moment and throw William a concerned look.

"I'm sorry… this, this isn't too much, is it? I don't get to talk about my experiences too much -" He was cut off when he felt a warm hand on his.

"Keep talking. I want to hear everything." William's smile was so wide, it could be seen either side of his bushy moustache. He gave Damien's another reassuring squeeze before lifting his hand away; and Damien had to rapidly suppress the instinct to snatch the hand back. It was such a simple thing, yet Damien felt comfortable enough to keep going.

As it turned out, it was very easy to talk to William. He knew nothing about the world of the ocean, except a small selection of fish names… and even that wasn't right:

("Oh yeah! An orca! That's the one with a horn, right?"

"No. It's the large whale that is black with white markings."

"... Then what am I thinking of?"

"Either a unicornfish or a narwhal, I'd imagine.")

However, as William would later argue, it was because he was normally assigned to tasks on land and was better acquainted with recognising animals, something that Damien was not too confident on:

("But what about that big cat with the hair? You know, the one that has the hair all around its head like this!"

"... Damien, that's what I've been telling you about. Male lions have manes, see?"

"... I knew that.")

Back and forth the conversation went, and Damien could feel a pang of disappointment when Mark came down to accompany them when he returned from rehearsals. Then, to make matters worse, William got a call from Celine regarding something that needed to be reassembled ASAP, so he had to scramble back up.

"Hey… Damien?" Mark broke the silence that had descended on the rocky coast. "I know you were told William was staying for a day or two, but if he gets the all-clear to take off the boot at his appointment tomorrow he has offered to stay longer to help us with odd jobs around the house. Would you be okay with that?"

"Why are you asking me? I don't live here." Damien made quite a considerable effort to give a calm response, and he could only hope that Mark couldn't see through the flimsy act. "It doesn't really affect me what happens up there."

"Well… I wasn’t sure if you were going to continue on your travels soon. If you need to keep on track of your itinerary, don't let our possible change of plan mess with that." Mark's response had Damien cursing his sister. Did both Celine and her partner know about his plight? But Damien knew Mark. If that was the case, there would be obvious teasing. Maybe it was genuine concern on the actor's part. 

"It's alright. I'm not under any time restriction, remember?" One key difference between humans and merfolk was how humans were obsessed with time and schedules, whereas merfolk were more flexible and carefree. "I don't mind staying a little longer. It's nice to be with family again. I'd be a fool to hurry off too fast and miss out on this." Mark's face lit up as he turned to pick up a bag Damien hadn't noticed originally. It was passed to him without any hesitation.

"Speaking of being with family - here. I had this commissioned for you. Consider it a 'new home' gift from both myself and Celine." The merman gingerly opened the present, surprised when he pulled out a small stacked stone ornament on a waterproof pedestal, complete with aqua blue natural sea glass for decoration. "I know you enjoy travelling the seas. Just know that we want this to be your home as much as it is ours when you are in the area. I might only be your brother-in-law to be, but you are still family, and this can be your home if you want it to be. There’s nothing too hard for us to do to make this your home. Just say the word - I have a credit card." Mark reached forward to ruffle Damien's hair, earning himself a dramatically offended hiss in response.

When Mark left, Damien took the decoration in his hands. It was beautiful, and he was enamoured by it… But it made something in his stomach twist. A home… such a concept was different between a merfolk and a human. If they wanted this to be his 'home', were they going to make some sort of enclosure and expect him to ‘settle down’? Celine wouldn't, he knew she never would. Even so, there was the worry if she felt sorry that he would never have a 'home' in the way a human can.

He put the gift into the chest to keep it safe and slipped into the water. He needed time to think about this.

--

"You sure you want to help out? I was kidding about working you to the bone." Celine accompanied William back to the car after his appointment the next day. The crutch and boot were gleefully returned as he was given the all-clear. Now all that was needed was to simply not break it again any time soon.

"Of course! You expect Mark to move things around for you? Or are you planning on killing your fiancé by letting him try his hand at wiring a new light in one of the empty rooms?" He threw Celine an accusatory glare when she laughed at the suggestion. Thankfully, the conversation returned to the matter at hand as they spent the drive to the hardware store deciding what needed to be done in the seafront cottage. 

"Can I ask you a favour?" Celine had stopped in the middle of the 'outdoor' section during their shopping expedition. William screeched the shopping cart to a halt so he could reverse and see what caught her attention. "I want to make the rock pool a place Damien feels comfortable to call home. The positioning of the rocks means it's sheltered from the tides, but I don't know how safe it will be from winter storms. I don't suppose there's anything you can do about that?" William's eyes went from Celine to see what inspired her to request such a job. It was a rock waterfall, an ornament for a garden. The colour of the rocks matched the ones by the sea.

"I'm not sure, only because I've not seen much of it. It'd depend on if the 'pool' is shallow or not. I could try and add some extra support to those rocks that frame the water, maybe check what supports are normally put along beaches to protect coastal towns?" Celine nodded as William spoke, fetching several LED lamps and dropping them into the cart.

"We should ask Damien when we return. I didn't want to bring it up too soon after we moved in because I know he's not one for staying in one place for too long. I suppose it's the mer instincts at play." When she noticed William's confusion, Celine continued, "When we grow up, we normally want to settle down in a house of our own, right? Merfolk might have nesting grounds or communities of their own, but they tend to travel since they can cover large distances in a short amount of time. It's why Damien would often disappear for months at a time." She sighed as she shoved her hands into her pockets. "I wanted a house by the sea so Damien would have a place he could call home too and feel he can stay longer. I can't protect him if he's forever travelling."

"Protect him?"

"You've heard the stories, right? Where people have exotic 'pets' that are categorised as 'mythical'? Having a merman as beautiful as Damien is one thing, but one with fluency in English and an awareness of human behaviours would be a valuable asset to American collectors… Or worse." Even if her hands were hidden, William knew her fists were tightly clenched in anger at the thought of something bad happening. "I don't want anyone to hurt him. Even if he travels the seas and has plenty of connections, he's still my little brother."

"Hey," William braved putting a hand on Celine's shoulder, "It's okay. He'll be okay. We can go back and see how he feels about rubber duck decorations." He pulled back to lift the item in question. They were tiny LED lights on a string, but each light was encased in a small model that resembled a toy rubber duck. "If we got a few of these and draped them around the rocks, it'd really look like home. And look! They're half-price. It's meant to be, Celine." Though still worried for her brother, the distraction worked as Celine finally cracked a smile and lightly shoved William. "What? Oh! You're right. That's far too ambitious. Just the one will do." That was that as it was innocently dropped in, followed by an actual rubber duck toy.

"Trust me. I might not be an outside landscaper-person, but I know we'll be able to make the rock pool the most spiffing place this side of the seven seas!"

-

To William's credit, he had only gathered a handful of impulse purchases that he paid for himself, including a pair of small hanging mirror shaped like a crescent moon and a star as a belated housewarming present ("Mark is the star 'cause he an actor, and you're the moon 'cause of your magic stuff."). Everything else was relevant to the required home improvement jobs that William would be working on over the next few weeks. Once they had brought everything inside, it was then the turn of Mark to bring William out of the house and make the drive to William's family home. William could grab his tools and show his elderly parents that his leg had fully healed. His mother insisted they take a loaf of homemade bread and some cupcakes with them once she had smothered William in hugs and kisses and made him promise to come by while he was in the area.

Meanwhile, the twins sat on one of the large rocks, gazing out over the sea. Damien rested his head on Celine's shoulder as she told him about how her job was going and some of the ideas for the home renovation now that William was staying and ready to work. Damien held her phone, idly scrolling through the photos as she explained what was going on, until he realised the next few photos were of the area they were in.

"- some sort of way to make this place a little safer in the storms. Do you think you could have a think and see what can be done?"

"I'll think about it." Damien returned the phone to Celine as he sat up straight. "Whatever happens will happen, I suppose."

"But this is your home. Whatever happens here is your choice first and foremost."

"Yeah, sure."

"Damien. I'm serious." She reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, only for him to pull away. The fins on his collarbones flared briefly in agitation.

"This is your home, Celine. You don't need to pretend that I have a say in any of this, or that you'd even listen to what I'd want anyway. I don't need your pity because I can't go buy a house like you can."

"That's not what this about-"

"Isn't it? Don't think I never heard those conversations you had with Mom and Dad about wishing I could 'settle down'. I'd bet you even want to build me some sort of little enclosure to make up for that fact."

"Damien, stop that!" But it was too late. He had slipped into the water. Confused and frustrated, but wanting to avoid further argument, Celine stormed back up to the house.

Mark and William had decided to cut into the bread when the back door opened. Their argument on what would best accompany their snacks was abruptly cut off as Celine marched past them and down the corridor, before a door slammed shut. A silent nod was swapped between the men. Something happened between the twins. Food could wait. They needed to get to the bottom of this. ---

(I normally don’t stick these notes on the bottom, but I’m planning on spreading out this story over the month. It’s currently 20 pages on g.oogle docs total, so there definitely will be more. However, I will be putting the next part up tomorrow since 1. I’m not mean to leave it on a cliffhanger for several days and 2. It was waaay too long to put everything as one chapter)

[official-weasley]

The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley: Pt. 3, Ch. 1

PART 3: THE YEAR OF QUIDDITCH & MAGICAL CREATURES Chapter 1 - Bill the Prefect

Nova

A few days after I returned from my aunt from Scotland, I received a letter from Charlie. Pip looked so pleased to see me as I decided to leave him at home since I knew my aunt has plenty of owls I could borrow. I was a little afraid that Pip would be angry with me for that but he looked rather cheerful.

“What are you up to, my little feather friend?” I petted his soft head and took the scroll he had tied around his foot.

Dear Nova,

After the last owl your mum sent to mine, Pip decided to stay with us and I can't wait to tell you how funny it was when he tried to befriend Errol but apparently, she is just as awkward at social interactions as she is with delivering letters.

Pip was a very good boy and he kept me company in my room. Ginny wanted him in her room, of course, she said that it's not fair that I get to keep him since she misses you more and that I have you for the entire school year.

I am sending him back now, as your mum wrote in the previous letter that you might be back soon. She and my mum also made arrangements for the picnic next week since your dad has a few days off.

Oh, and Bill and Ginny wanted to let you know that they are saying hello.

Can't wait to see you next week!

Love, Charlie

I folded the parchment and looked at Pip who hooted proudly. He was spending time at the Burrow, while I was at my aunt's.

“Lucky bloke.” I showed him my tongue and he seemed even more amused now.

I gave him some food and rushed down the stairs to tell my mum about the picnic.

“Mum! Mum!”

“In the living room, sweetheart!” I heard her say.

“Mum, Charlie wrote to me and we are invited to a picnic at the Weasley's next week!” I sat next to her on the sofa.

“I know already, darling. Molly sent me an owl yesterday morning.” I frowned. Why was I the last one to know everything?

“Are you excited to see Charlie?” She winked at me.

I couldn't believe her! After 2 years she still didn't give me a break! I never replied to her mocking comments anymore and I acted as if it didn't phase me at all at this point. I was hoping she would stop but if you'd saw her face right now, you would know that she is still amused about her little joke.

“So, how many days did dad get off work?” I changed the topic. She rolled her eyes, giving up on her silly question.

“He is getting 3 days. So I was thinking we could go to the ZOO one day and then spend the other two days at the Weasley's.” She brushed my hair with her fingers.

“I miss him so much! I wish he could stay for longer.” I bowed my head.

I haven't seen my dad since the beginning of the Summer. He came home a day after I arrived from Hogwarts, which was such a surprise and my mum was so happy that she kept it from me. We spent a couple of days together which was not enough, since I needed an entire day just to tell him about my Second Year at Hogwarts.

Then we had to leave to visit our dull relatives in America and since the trip cost me my quality time with dad I liked them even less now.

The last time I saw him was when we went to Greece for a little vacation. Turns out my dad had to look at a temple there that was covered with suspicious runes and I was allowed to look at them with him!

Not only was it going to be a good story for my Ancient Runes class that I am taking this year, but it was also one of the best times I had with my dad in a while. Being with him is always so much fun and it makes mum happy as well and just being a family is something that I've missed so much last Summer.

—

Needless to say, just by seeing dad more often is was the best Summer ever. When we returned home and he had to go back to work, I decided to accept my aunt's invitation and visit her and her little Abraxan family in Scotland.

It turned out that I arrived just in time as one of her Abraxan's was due to have her baby. Sending pictures of the baby and Angel made Charlie jealous again which was a very nice amusement for me.

Angel was now all grown up and when I was packing my things to go to Scotland, I couldn't help but wonder if he was going to remember me at all. Much to my surprise, he was waiting for me when I arrived and my aunt told me that he has been more playful and cheerful ever since my arrival announcement.

My aunt and I trained him for a couple of days and we were trying to prepare him for his first flight with a human. I couldn't believe my aunt was going to let me do this! Of course, she made me swear not to tell my parents as they would have her head. I, on the other hand, couldn't wait for the moment to arrive and even though I was quite nervous, I was confident that my relationship with Angel was strong enough for us to see the grasslands from above the clouds together.

It seemed that I was the only one nervous because when I took Angel out that day and told him we were going to fly, he kneeled and offered me a seat immediately.

And let me tell you that flying on Angel was the best thing I have ever experienced. I was wondering if this is how Muggles feel when they fly with a plane. It was so liberating and the view was breathtaking. Not to mention how good it felt to know that an Abraxan trusts me so much and Angel was very careful not to make any sudden movements or fly too quickly for me to fall off him.

The very next morning I decided to make Charlie even more jealous and sent him a message with Pip telling him all about my flying session. I assumed he was very mad at me when the owl he sent back was Errol and not Pip and the message was short and to the point, saying only that he is happy for me. No hello and no goodbye.

—

The message Pip brought me this morning and reading about how excited he was for the picnic made me think that perhaps he finally forgave me for rubbing it in his face about my amazing adventure with Angel.

—

I came back from my daydreaming as I felt my mum brushing my hair with her fingertips.

“I know you miss your dad, sweetheart. I miss him too. He is just so busy at work, if you're going to be a Curse Breaker, you'll see how it is.” She smiled at me.

“You know I don't want to be a Curse Breaker, mum.” I frowned at her. As if I don't talk about animals 24 hours a day.

“Well, you know your dad and I will support you no matter what you decide to do.”

I started packing the very next day as I couldn't convince my mum to buy all my books in advance for my Third Year so that I could read them. One of these years she will have to let me do it. Perhaps in my O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. year!

I sent my answer back to Charlie with Pip and ordered him to just stay there. I knew Charlie was going to take good care of him.

I was drawing as much as my hands possibly let me for the next week. I couldn't believe how busy I was in my Second Year, I hardly drew at all at school. And I wanted to get as much out of it as possible since we would have 2 new subjects this year, I knew I was going to have even less time and it kept the time going, as I couldn't wait to go to the Burrow again.

I also took the time to write back to Penny, Tonks, and Tulip as I was neglecting their letters when I was at my aunt's.

Penny wrote to me several times. She was having a pretty good Summer despite the fact that they didn't take their annual Muggle vacation. She said that she was having a surprisingly good time with her relatives and what came as an even bigger surprise was the fact that her dad, who was a Muggle, had a nice time too, despite the relatives being all Magic folk.

Tonks wrote to me twice. Once for advice on which prank should she perform next on her parents and the second one to scold us all as apparently she also wrote to Tulip, Penny and Charlie and Tulip and I agreed on the same prank but Penny and Charlie said that she should pick the other one. She said that we didn't help her at all and what good is she keeping us as friends. Of course, I knew she was joking and it was funny to see that her Summer didn't change at all from that of last year.

A few days before my dad came home for us to go to the Burrow, Tonks wrote to me again. It was a short letter but I don't know if I have ever gasped so much at the news.

Wotcher Nova,

I hope you are having a nice Summer. I just wanted to tell you that perhaps my parents aren't the worst. Today at breakfast, my mum didn't call me by the name we don't mention but called me Dora instead.

I have to say it does have a better ring to it. What do you think?

Miss you loads,

Tonks

Dora? Not bad! She didn't mind it as much as Nymphadora and she said something nice about her parents for a change. If Penny was here she would have tears in her eyes and she would say that Tonks is finally growing up.

The last one I had to reply to was Tulip. She couldn't stop talking about all the items she was going to buy in Hogsmeade this year. Apparently, business was doing rather well for her mum's coffee shop and she said that she learned that if she smiles more to the customers, they think she's cute and she gets a bigger tip.

I guess she started using her charm on the guests because I know that the list of prank items she wants to get from Zonko's cost a fortune.

—

The day to see the Weasley family again has finally arrived. My dad came home yesterday and we spent it in the living room discussing my Third Year and my dad gave me a really old book about translating ancient runes. He said that it might come in handy in class and I couldn't wait to read the whole thing before the start of school on 1st September and I knew Bill would like to go through it after I am done.

I was all packed and ran down the stairs to the living room where my parents were already waiting with the bag of Floo Powder.

“I think you should go first, pumpkin.” My dad winked at me and handed me the bag of Floo.

I put my hand inside and took out a handful of powder and stepped into our fireplace.

“Now, careful with the pronunciation, pumpkin.” He always said that, no matter how many times I traveled with Floo Powder. It might get annoying to some but since I don't get to see my dad so often I knew it meant a lot to him to be the one to do some parenting.

“The Burrow!” I spoke clearly and the last thing I saw before appearing in Weasley's living room was my dad's proud face.

“Nova!” One of the twins helped me dust myself off.

“Welcome back!” Said the other one.

I knew they were only 8 years old but I'm sure they were a head taller than the last time I saw them.

I gave them a hug and they rushed out to where I presumed the rest of the Weasley kids were playing Quidditch.

“Nova, dear. How are you? Welcome back!” Molly, like always greeted me with extended arms and a big smile on her face. A second later my mum appeared in the fireplace.

“Ah, Olivia. So good to see you.” Molly hugged my mum.

“Arthur will be home any second now and the boys and Ginny are playing Quidditch outside.” Molly winked at me because she must've seen that I would rather not be there when the adults do their catching up.

As I got outside, Ginny spotted me at once.

“Nova!” She squeaked and gave me a big hug. “Come quickly, the boys are just going to finish the game and you can join the next one!”

She was just adorable. Big eyes, long fiery hair, and cheeks almost as freckled as Charlie's.

I looked to the Orchard and saw Bill, Charlie, and what looked like the twins flying. Ron was waiting for his turn on the broom, having a rather sad look on his face and I wasn't even surprised that Percy wasn't there as he was probably in his room, reading.

I was excited to play Quidditch with the boys and get in as much practice as possible as I was planning to try out for the House Team this year. Charlie and I discussed it since we would be playing against one another as he got on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team in the last weeks before the end of last year and we decided we would be okay competing against each other as he was the Seeker and I was going to try out for the Chaser position.

Ginny and I got closer to the boys and just as we did, Charlie lowered his body closer to the broom, gained speed, stretched out his hand, and caught the Snitch. I heard the twins using a couple of swear words I am sure would put them in trouble if Molly heard them as they were walking towards us.

“Why did you catch the Snitch so fast, Charlie?” Bill asked and then saw me standing at the edge of the pitch with Ginny. He looked at Charlie and back at me and a smirk appeared on his face.

“Show off.” He said to Charlie, whose cheeks were now covered in a pink hue, and ruffled his hair.

“Hi, Nova!” Charlie gave me a tight hug that reminded me that of Molly's. After him, Bill hugged me as well and gave me his broom.

“If Charlie's going to show off in front of you, might as well play on the same team.”

The twins were already running back to the hoops.

“C'mon! George, you promised!” Ron ran after them.

“Want to play a game with us?” Charlie scratched the back of his head.

“I thought you'd never ask!” I replied, lifting Bill's broom.

We ran back to the pitch. Fred and George got so much better compared to last Summer as Charlie and I barely beat them and I don't know how the game would've ended if George wouldn't finally give in to Ron, who was sitting at the edge of the pitch looking miserable and allowed him to play with Fred for 10 minutes.

The sun was going down and Bill came to tell us that dinner was ready. We were sitting outside, as the evenings were still warm and there were too many of us to sit inside anyway. Bill, Percy, Ron, and Ginny helped set the table as we washed ourselves and put the brooms back where they belong.

I hurried inside to say hello to my dad who was in a heated debate about the Ministry with Arthur.

“There she is! My Quidditch player.” I sat on his lap and he hugged me tightly.

Molly soon called us all to the table and I couldn't imagine a more perfect scene. Molly was asking my mum what type of cauldron she has for potions and my dad and Arthur were reminiscing on their days at Hogwarts. Ron and Ginny were annoying Percy as he wanted to leave the table sooner and they didn't let him. Fred and George were whispering about something that sounded like fireworks or firecrackers or something to do with fire.

Meanwhile, Bill finally got the time to tell me that he was made a Prefect.

“Congratulations, Bill! Charlie, why didn't you tell me?” I poked his ribs with my finger.

“Because he likes to talk about himself in his letters to you, don't you Charlie?” Bill chuckled.

“Bug off, Bill.” Charlie frowned, crossed his hands on his chest, his face red as his hair.

“Just know that this year there won't be any rule-breaking! Not on my watch!” Bill joked and made a rather serious face that made both me and Charlie laugh.

It was a perfect night. Me, my best friend and our families together. I couldn't help but wish that we could do this more often.

After dinner, my mum was helping Molly clean the kitchen, Fred and George went to their room, Ron tried to convince Percy to play Wizard Chess with him, Ginny was playing with Pip while Bill, Charlie and I sat on the sofa and read.

I showed them the book my dad gave me and we were scrolling through it to see what to expect from the Ancient Runes class this year.

All of a sudden an owl burst through the open door that led to the garden, dropped a letter in my dad's lap, and flew out.

I frowned. I knew exactly what a golden-blue envelope meant. My dad had to go back to work. He sighed and opened the letter.

“When do you have to go?” My mum started reading the letter behind his shoulder. “Now.” My dad said and looked at me.

“Come here, pumpkin.” He waved with his hand and I followed him outside.

“I am so sorry I have to leave again.” His lips curved into a sad expression. “I know I promised you a couple of days before you go back to school.”

“It's okay dad. I understand.” I tried to act as though it wasn't breaking my heart that he had to go.

“It's not okay. You shouldn't be without your dad so much.” He hugged me. “I will try to get at least a couple of hours off for Christmas. Do you know if you'll be coming home this year?” He asked.

“I don't know. It really depends if mum will get time off and what my friends will have in plan.” I gave out a weak smile and bowed my head.

“Listen, I know I might not be around much but I hope you know how proud I am of you. You have good grades, you are trying out for Quidditch this year and I know I haven't met your girls, but Charlie seems like a really good friend.” He lifted my chin.

“He is.” I smiled. “He's my best friend.”

“I am happy to hear that. Molly and Arthur were amazing friends to me and your mum when we were in school. I am confident all of their children are great.” He hugged me again and placed something in my hand.

It was a small bag that seemed to be filled with coins.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I didn't have time to buy you any art supplies so when you'll go shopping for your books, buy yourself some.” He winked at me, gave me another tight hug, and accompanied me back inside.

He said goodbye to everyone and disapparated in the Garden. I watched the spot he disappeared at as if waiting for him to come back.

“Are you okay?” Charlie interrupted my stare.

“I'll be fine.” I smiled at him and he hugged me.

My dad was right, Weasley's were a great family. The best actually.

—

The next day my mum and I said goodbye to them and went back home. I was sad to leave Charlie so quickly but I knew it was almost time to go back to school and that cheered me up.

The next few weeks were busy. My mum and I went shopping for my new books, we visited Tulip in her mum's café and she even allowed me to go inside Quality Quidditch Supplies. She knew that she wouldn't hear the end of it if she wouldn't let me go.

I also told her about the money dad gave me and she took me to several shops where I got some new pencils, two new notebooks, and a new quill. I decided to save the rest of the money for sweets and Butterbeer for when we go to Hogsmeade this year.

I was happy how fast the days were flying. I helped my mum around the house most days, as she decided to redecorate the terrace and the living room, and one day we went up the attic and while we were cleaning she found an old album from her days at Hogwarts. I couldn't believe how young they were once and I almost didn't recognize my mum and Molly in the picture they took when they went to the Ball. Let's just say my dad and Arthur were two really lucky blokes!

When mum and I arrived at Platform 9 ¾ I spotted Charlie immediately. This time around Percy, the twins, Ron, and Ginny were with them. Apparently, they wanted to see the Hogwarts Express and go through the wall according to one of the twins.

Bill, Charlie, and I waved to our mums until the train took a turn and they disappeared out of sight. Bill told us to go find our friends as he was supposed to have a meeting with other Prefects and then chaperone the corridors.

We found the compartment Tulip and Penny were sitting in and as we sat down, Tonks joined us as well.

“Hi, Dora!” I greeted Tonks as she sat next to me.

“On the second thought, I think I will stick with not liking my parents.” She said after giving the sound of her new nickname a thought. We all laughed.

Penny told us just how proud her dad was when she told him she was going to take Muggle Studies this year and she said that he gave her three books about how electricity works. The only thing I knew about it was how to pronounce it. That didn't seem to be the case when it came to Tulip and Tonks as both had a puzzled look on their face when Penny was explaining how to pronounce it for the third time.

Tulip said that she couldn't wait to find Jae and that along with Tonks they would have to cause a lot of mischief this year because her mum didn't allow her to do anything but work in the shop all Summer.

“Not on my watch, Tulip.” Bill joined us in the compartment.

“Oh, right. We have a Prefect in the family now.” Giggled Tonks.

“Congratulations, Bill! They couldn't get a better person for the job!” Beamed Penny. Charlie and I exchanged looks and started giggling.

Bill then told us all about the meeting. Who the other Prefects were and what exactly were their responsibilities. I know I am not the one to talk, sneaking into the Forbidden Forest with Charlie last year wasn't exactly obeying the rules, but being a Prefect sounded like something I might want to put on my wish list.

Then he told us all about how nervous he is about their Career Advice Meeting, which all 5th Year students have to attend. He wasn't confident that he has the suitable grades to become a Curse Breaker and when he started thinking about other options, he couldn't think of any and started to panic.

We calmed him down, as we were sure he was overreacting when it comes to his grades just as much as Penny did every year and in the end came out on the top of our class.

After it seemed he calmed down a little, he said goodbye as it was his turn to keep watch on the corridors.

We started talking about our Elective Subjects and wondered how they would be and if we made the right choice. Penny was sad that she was the only one who picked subjects that none of us picked and she didn't want to be alone in class. We quickly reminded her that she taught half of our year Potions in both First and Second Year and that there is bound to be someone she knows.

Tulip and Tonks shared Divination. Charlie, Tonks, and I shared Care of Magical Creatures and as Tulip, Charlie, and I shared Ancient Runes I decided to show the book my dad got me to her and she said that she was rather excited about the subject now, if we were going to learn about what was in the book.

Charlie and I soon went into our little world of Quidditch and Care of Magical Creatures. We went through our list of Creatures we bet were in the Creature Reserve at school and then we talked about beating each other in Quidditch.

Before we realized we were close to school, Bill came into our compartment again to tell us to put on our robes and prepare to get off the train.

[writeblrfantasy]

as promised, here is some snowbaz fanfic (k words) this was a birthday gift for my best friend last year, who has a ferret which i became intimately familiar with over phone calls. this actually holds up, or so I think? anyway, enjoy!

snow's new ferret

This was all Baz’s bloody fault.

“Let’s go walking round London,” Baz had said, because it was Saturday, and neither of them had homework, and he was trying to be romantic and spend some quality time with Snow for once. “We might even find a place with sour cherry scones."

“None as good as Watford's,” Snow had said, but grinned and hurried to pull his shoes on, tripping over his own feet.

Look where romance got him, because now Baz was hovering behind Simon in a pet store of all places while he excitedly chatted on the phone to Bunce. Both of them were squeaking and squealing over the small brown ferret in Snow’s hand. Bunce sounded like she’d have given anything to see it.

“Ooh, Penny, can we keep him?” Snow asked for the millionth time. Baz rolled his eyes.

“Yes, yes, of course! I’ll…” Bunce’s voice faded out as Baz stared the ferret down. Its beady little black eyes, eyes of a demon. It was creepy, but also strangely cute.

Baz glared at it, but its gaze never wavered.

Before he knew it, Snow was off the phone and smiling at him. “We’re getting it,” he said stupidly.

“Yes, I have ears, Snow,” Baz retorted, but Snow was already wandering off to the pet shop owner.

***

“Cherry Scone?” Baz demanded. “You named it Cherry Scone?”

“She, not it, Baz,” Snow said instinctually. He was too distracted by the ferret cradled in his hands. It already had a full cage set up in Simon’s room, decorated with stickers and beads. It was gaudy, in Baz’s opinion, and entirely unnecessary.

But Simon grinned and lit up looking at it, so Baz was okay with it, he supposed.

That was until the fateful Wednesday evening.

Baz had just gotten through a tiring day of classes, and all he wanted was a drink, some food, and to kiss his boyfriend.

A blood bag and leftover pizza was guaranteed to be in Simon’s fridge, but he didn’t get his usual hello kiss by the door. Instead, the Simon opening the door was distracted and fretting.

He was moving away before Baz could even lean in. “What’s wrong?” Baz asked, setting his bag down on the couch.

“Cherry Scone’s disappeared,” Snow said, looking under the blanket on the couch, carelessly moving Baz’s bag away to look there. “Can’t find her anywhere.”

“Don’t you and Bunce have schedules for watching it?”

“Her, not it, Baz,” Simon muttered, shaking his curls out of his eyes to search under the couch. “And yes, but Penny’s out tonight.”

“Out? Where?”

“New bloke she met on flinder.” Snow checked under the tv stand, behind the tv itself, then disappeared into Bunce’s room.

“I sincerely hope you mean Tinder.” Baz went into the kitchen to get said blood bag and pizza. After a drink and a bite, Snow still wasn’t out, so Baz followed to check. He found Simon on her bed, head in his hands.

“Snow? What’s wrong?”

“I can’t find her anywhere.” Snow’s voice wavered, like he was actually crying. Baz’s heart ached. “She was just running around in my room, and me and Penny let her run round the flat after always checking the doors and windows are closed… I don’t know where she’s gone, Baz, she’s supposed to be in her cage by now, what if she-”

“Hey, hey, don’t go there. We’ll find her. We will. Come here.” Baz went to hold Simon close, and though he felt shame at feeling this way, there was nothing quite like the warmth of holding Simon in his arms.

Simon relaxed for a moment before tensing up again. “Can you help look? I know you’re not the most fond of her, but…” With the way Simon was looking at him, blue eyes wide and sad, how could Baz ever say no?

“Of course, Simon, of course.” Baz reluctantly let go and got up, leading the way into Simon’s room. He made a beeline for the cage, where, just like he’d guessed, Cherry Scone was safely sitting, the door still open. She stared up at him with those beady black eyes. Baz stared back, hesitantly lifting her out, at a distance in case she’d bite. She didn’t, but she did stare at him while he carried her to Simon.

“Was in her cage,” Baz said, handing her to him. Simon’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas.

“Oh, Baz, thank you!” He leaned forward and gave Baz the heated but chaste kiss he’d first wanted. Baz’s lips tingled, and he hoped for another one, he hoped Snow would put the ferret back in her cage and leave her there. Baz allowed himself to dream about a good snogging session on the couch, maybe with the pizza box open on the coffee table and the tv playing something insignificant in the background…

But Snow was already taking the damn thing to the living room, talking sweetly to her, promising some treats.

Over Snow’s shoulder, she watched Baz until Snow disappeared around the corner.

***

Normally, walks to the park were just that. Walks to the park.

They were often romantic. Baz and Snow had had more than one picnic date there, even with all the ants and bees. To see Snow, disaster that he was, get biscuit crumbs all over himself and still grin about it was more than enough.

Besides, there were a fair amount of plump birds in the park for Baz.

But of course, Baz should’ve known better than to think this park date would be like every other.

“I still can’t believe they make bloody leashes for those things.” Baz shook his head. Snow grinned, eyes sparkling as he looked down at the ferret, scuttling along on the ground.

You used to look at me that way, Baz thought, then berated himself for being so pathetic. At least Snow was still holding his hand and brushing shoulders with him, walking slowly and leisurely like they used to, and maybe if Baz turned his head he could steal a-

“Hey!” The warmth of Snow’s hand left his, and Baz opened his eyes from his daydream to watch Snow running after the ferret. She’d escaped his hold on the leash. Of course. It was bound to happen.

“Baz, c’mon, help!”

With a sigh of resignation, Baz jogged after him.

***

Baz should’ve known the words, “Love, could you watch Cherry Scone for the day? Penny’s visiting family and I have class, and you don’t, so…” would never end well.

But Simon had called him love, and he’d been looking at Baz with love in his eyes as he said it, and however could Baz resist that?

Now, he realized he probably should’ve tried much, much harder. He should’ve floundered up an excuse or something, “Oh, I need to go get kidnapped by numpties again, be back tomorrow, don’t forget to tell Fiona,” because this was utterly ridiculous.

How could Snow ever love something so determined to make life miserable? Baz’s mind helpfully placed himself in that spot, but he shoved the thought away, because Simon’s beloved ferret was currently terrorizing the kitchen.

“If you wind up in the actual cherry scones, I don’t think even Snow would forgive you,” Baz told it, reaching out and unsuccessfully grabbing it. It scrambled along the kitchen counter, jumping, looking like it was trying to climb the fridge. Baz cupped his hands and tried again, but it jumped, scratching him in the process. Baz swore.

“You really are a devil, aren’t you?” Baz snapped, running his finger under the tap. Where had the bloody thing gone?

A mighty clatter rang through the kitchen. Baz slowly turned around, dreading what he’d find.

The ferret had gotten into the jam jar. No, more like it had knocked the jam jar off the top of the fridge and landed next to the remains.

Baz swore again and bent to check it. It was fine, just covered in red, and the broken glass was far away. Thank god Simon wasn’t here; Baz shuddered at the thought of all that worrying. Though if it meant pulling Simon into his arms to console him…

“I have half a mind to just leave you here,” Baz said to it, grumbling as he picked it up. He took it to the bathroom, because Simon had told him it needed a bath sometime that day, so he wouldn’t question it. “But I love him too much for that.” He placed it in the bath, turning on the water. “If you make him happy, so be it. I can live with you.”

***

Yeah, that wasn’t going to last.

Baz was simply sick of it. The bloody ferret had all of Simon’s attention, and nearly all of his heart. At least, Baz hoped there was still space there reserved for him.

Either way, she was putting Baz out of a job. Whenever Simon got anxious or sad now, he’d hug the ferret instead of reaching out to Baz. She was always in his lap, always being fed treats while he stroked her fur, always looking up at Baz with those evil eyes.

Baz was tired of it all. He was practically invisible to Simon now, and Simon would just nod and make noises whenever Baz talked, told him about his day. As if he didn’t think Baz would notice.

Bunce found it all hilarious. Simon was oblivious as usual.

As annoying and humorous as it was that Simon had chosen a bloody ferret over Baz, in some ways it did genuinely hurt. He hated to feel that way, but he hated more that the only kisses he got from Simon these days were when he did something for the ferret.

It was all building up to one fateful evening at Snow’s flat. Penny was on another date with that bloke from Tinder--Baz couldn’t even remember his name, but Bunce seemed to like him well enough, and Simon apparently approved. Baz would still need to meet him, give him an effective talk, before he had his approval as well. Bunce deserved only the best.

It was the same old situation. Baz had memorized this dance they did. Knock, Snow opens the door, distractedly says hi, because the ferret is in his arms, wriggling to get away. He puts it over his shoulder with one hand on its back, Baz comes in, Snow shuts the door. Snow walks over to the couch with the ferret, Baz goes to the kitchen--except tonight he doesn’t.

Baz instead followed Snow to the couch, ignoring the surprised eyebrow raise Simon gives him. They were going to have this conversation like mature, civilized adults. Baz would explain what was bothering him, hope Simon would make a change, and that would be that.

“Baz? What’s wrong?” Simon asked, and it hurt that that was more attention than Simon usually paid him these days.

“Nothing, I--”

Damn his default deflections. “Actually, something. I- ever since you got the- the ferret, I can’t but feel like, I, uh…”

After a pause that was definitely too long, Simon gently prodded, “What?”

It didn’t help that he was still absently stroking its back. “That you pay more attention to it than me,” Baz blurted. His cheeks immediately bloomed red. “I--just--you don’t smile at me as much as you used to, you’re always tending to it--her, you only kiss me when I feed it or watch it for you or find it when it gets lost--”

“Baz--”

“You know what, it’s fine, forget I said anything, Snow, I--”

“Baz--”

“Really, I’m good--”

“Baz!”

Baz finally dared to look up. Simon's face was pinched. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. Penny did warn me, but I didn’t think it would…I don’t want to choose between the two of you,” Simon said softly, his eyes gentle and caring when he looked at Baz and goddammit Baz do not cry--

“Well you have been,” Baz snapped, because if he can’t cry, he’ll be angry. He felt himself go red, angry and defensive and hurt, and he cursed himself for drinking before this.

“I’m sorry,” Simon said again, shifting the ferret on his lap, and even that hurt Baz a little bit. “What would you like me to do?”

Baz floundered. He hadn’t honestly, expected to get this far. “Uh, make some time, like when I’m over, where you put the ferret away? It has to sleep sometime, surely.”

“Yeah, at night.”

“Well…can you put it in its cage when I’m here?”

After a breathless second, Simon smiled- at him this time, not the ferret- and said, “Yes.” He looked down at his lap one more time, smiling, and this time it didn’t hurt at all. Simon loved them both, and Baz knew that now for sure, even if he had always known it.

“Would you like to pet her before I put her away?” Simon asked, and Baz realized that he’d never really felt it. Yes, he’d picked it up to give it a bath and help it out of the jam mess--something he had still not told Simon about--but he hadn’t taken notice of the texture of its fur. He was usually too annoyed at it for that.

“Yeah, fine.” Baz scooted closer to Simon on the couch, feeling heat radiate off him, and as much as he wanted to just forget about the ferret and be close to his boyfriend, this would make Simon happy.

So he pet it. It looked up at him, quite distrusting, but slowly warming to him. At least tolerating him. “It’s--it’s quite soft.”

“She is.” Simon grinned, then finally, bless, got up to put her away.

The minute waiting for Simon to come back was the most agonizing of Baz’s life, like this was their first kiss and not their 1000th. Finally Simon sat back down, smiling, and leaned over, taking Baz’s hot cheeks in his hands to give him a long, sweet kiss. It left Baz’s insides warm, his lips burning, and all he wanted was more, more, more--

And Simon let him have more, he gave as good as he got, pushing closer to Baz, letting Baz lick into his mouth, giving one last long kiss before pulling away.

Baz was breathless. Simon was golden.

“Thank you,” Baz said, surprised to hear his own voice so low, panting the way he was. Simon smiled, his sun, his golden boy, and kissed Baz again.

Forget about bloody ferrets for now.

[pokeheadcannons97]

Due to now knowing rules, can I request bede with a s/o who has a (f) meowstic not liking the relationship, and constantly getting in the way? Please and thank you!

I’m so sorry this took so long!!!! I really loved this ask! Thank you!!!!! 

               Bede had been overjoyed to receive your invitation of a day together in Circhester. The weather forecasted clear skies with a chance of seeing the aurora in the later hours of the night. He had a full itinerary of the places where the two of you should head to, to full enjoy your rare uninterrupted day together.

               You had been busy with studies at your local college, completely swamped with schoolwork from the full sets of classes that you were currently taking. When you had a day off, he was busy with the onset of challengers at the gym. When he had a day off, you were occupied with homework and studying. Both of you had responsibilities that you couldn’t stray away from, so when the two of you both had a day off that lined up together, you decided to make the most of it.

               Bede had arrived at the meeting spot early, he glanced up at the park clock which read a quarter to ten. The snow piled on the top of it as it ticked away quietly in the rush of cars and people in downtown Circhester.

               He spotted a flower shoppe a few buildings down, an idea popping into his head.

—–

He handed the money to clerk as he told him which kinds of flowers to put into the bundle. Once picked and arranged he then chose a f/c ribbon to tie around in a large bow around the stems.

He carefully took the arrangement into his hands. “These look absolutely splendid, thank you.” He told the older shop owner who gave him a warm smile in return.

 “Anytime kiddo, it’s not everyday that I get to work on an arrangement for a gym leader.” He replied with a hearty chuckle, wiping the trimmings into a waste basket below. “Let alone for one that’s going on a date.”

 The blond blinked rapidly, his grasp on the flowers growing tighter.  “Who said anything about it being a date?”

The man let out another chuckle, louder this time. “Oh please son, I’ve been in this business for many years, I know what a fella that’s about to go on a date looks like. You may be a gym leader but you’re still a youngin. Your face is about as red as these roses over here.” He gestured to the big, uncut rose stems he was lining up on his worktable.

Bede was about to protest about how rude it was to assume things when the owner spoke up again. “If you want to have a good look at the aurora tonight, I’d suggest heading up towards the gym. With you being a gym leader, Melony should be able to let you two watch from the roof on top there.” He gave the young boy a wink. “Just a suggestion from an old geezer like me.”

The boy looked down at the bouquet in his hands, then back up to the shop owner. He gave a slight swallow as he tried to make the redness of his cheeks go down. “I’ll see about it, thank you for the advice.” He raised the flowers up a little. “And the arrangement, I’m sure they’ll love it.”

The man gave a light hum in approval. “Take care kiddo.”

Bede walked back to the meet up spot, his pink boots crunching the freshly fallen snow below. It was embarrassing to be so easily read by a stranger. He was usually so used to having the upper hand, to have control of the situation… except when it came to you. You made him a mess, and only you could. Why else would he get these flowers fo-?

“Beeeeeeedeeeee!!”

He looked up from his embarrassing thoughts to see you running from the station over towards him. Your hair was in all sorts of disarray as it stuck out in multiple places under your toboggin.

“You’re here early! If I would’ve known that, I’d catch the earlier train!” You told him while catching your breathe.

Bede gave a light chuckle, and genuine smile. He tucked the unruly strands back into place, fixing your scarf in the process. “Then there wouldn’t be a need for a meet up time, besides, I didn’t wait that long.” He placed the flowers out into your hands. “I used that time wisely though, no need to worry.”

You gave a loud gasp, your cheeks flooding with color. “Bedey! You shouldn’t have!” You marveled at the arrangement in your hands, smoothing a finger over the big bow. “These are gorgeous! And you even got my favorite!”

You leaned forward to give him a sweet kiss on his lips, your other hand that wasn’t holding the arrangement found it’s way to his cheek. “You’re the sweetest ever, thank you.”

Bede’s face flushed himself, but the smile remained on his lips, nonetheless. “I’m glad you like them.” He was about to lean in for another kiss when he felt something nudging in between the two of you.

He looked down and his face immediately fell. “Ah…hello Mochi.”

Mochi was your Meowstic, quite a docile natured female Meowstic usually. She had been your partner Pokemon since you were in middle school. The two of you went everywhere together, and she rarely left your side. Even for such intimate things as a date, much to Bede’s displeasure.

“Mochi! I thought you wanted to nap in your pokeball, silly girl!” You tutted at her, crouching down to your knees to give her head a firm pat, smoothing out the glossy fur.

Mochi leaned her head into your hand a mewed lovingly, her tail swishing back and forth. “Meeeeowwws~”

Bede also reached down to give her a pet, but she stopped him with one of her ears, and eyed him with distain.

“Alright alright, I know they give the best pets anyways.” Bede replied and retracted his hand. “So, do you wanna head out to that café?”

You gave him an excited nod. “Yes! I’m starving!” Your Meowstic purred in agreement, wrapping her tail around your leg. “Maybe they have some sweets that you’ll like Mochi.” You beamed at the psychic pokemon.

‘Wonderful…’ The gym leader though, stuffing a hand into his pocket, and smoothing his curls out with his other. ‘A plus one that absolutely loathes me.’

The day went by exactly as Bede had thought it would, after the new addition.

At the café while the two of you were eating your lunch, Mochi had levitated the spoon out of Bede’s mouth and plopped it down into his bowl of tomato bisque. Which in turn splattered rich red tomato stains all over his cardigan that he just had dry cleaned.

At the theatre, when he had grabbed your hand thinking it was yours, it was in fact Mochi’s who had taken your lap as her seat and swatted at him every time he even attempted to touch you. Eating all the popcorn that he had bought for the two of you. When he had leaned in for a kiss, he was met with a powerful scratch from a shadow claw.

During shopping at the local clothing shoppe, by some odd twist of fate the store was out of all outfits that Bede had taken a liking to, that were in his size. The store owner was even more so confused and repeatedly apologized to Bede and swearing up and down he would figure out why.

The clothes were found in the shoppe’s employees bathroom, tore to literal shreds. You two never went back. 

By the time night had fallen, Bede was beyond exhausted. At every turn and attempt that he had made to be close to you, Mochi had intervened.

She even hacked up a hairball while you two were holding hands on your walk by the water outside of town. Smirking towards Bede as you coddled her and were patting her back.

The two of you had arrived at the gym, snacks and drinks bought before hand to make it more of a leisurely picnic while watching the aurora on top of the gym at the shop owners’ suggestion.

Melony was more than happy to let the two of you use the roof of her gym for your date. Giving you a big warm hug in the process and fixing your hair back into place like a mother would do. She even suggested to use the gym challenge as a sort of couple’s activity.

While Bede insisted that was a bad idea, you were all up for it. Practically grabbing the tongs out of Melony’s hands in excitement.

Bede glanced towards Mochi who sneered at him with her arms crossed, tail swishing back and forth. He gave a sigh, his shoulder’s slumping in tandem. “Let’s do it…”

—-

The three of you cleared the first two levels with ease, you clapping your hands together in happiness and exclaimed loudly. “This was such a good idea! We haven’t even fell once!”

Meowstic mewed loudly with you, raising her hands in the air, sharing your excitement.

Bede watched in amusement and tugged his scarf closer to his body. It was rather easy to clear these levels with Meowstic’s superb sense of hearing. She had maneuvered the three of them through each hidden pitfall carefully. Not allowing any harm to come to you, or him.

Though he knew that if she had her way, he would be underneath the ice time after time.

You marched forward with her to begin the next level of the challenge, when you heard the whirring of machines all around you.

Mist, and thick fog began to emit from the fans up on the gym’s ceiling. It quickly settled down upon the three of you, and obscured the previously clear sight in front of you into a dense, icy haze.

You gave a slight shudder; the room grew even colder when those fans were turned on. “N-Now we can’t see?! This just keeps getting cooler and cooler!” you said eagerly and turned around to Bede. “Isn’t this the absolute best sweetie? We’re gonna clear this next one so quick, we’re gonna be faster than a Snorlax chasing lunch!”

Bede laughed at your childlike behavior, giving you a pat on the head before Mochi could swat him away. “We’d better hurry, but we gotta be extra careful, okay?” He reminded you and you nodded at him in response.

The three of you began to carefully trek the unsteady floor in front of you. Mochi had her ears up in full concentration, using her psychic power to help lead her away from the multiple traps that lay hidden underneath the ice. And all was going well up until the end.

With what seemed like a clear few steps away from the finish line, Mochi had gotten overly excited in wanting to beat Bede, she ran right over the final trap on the floor.

The ice began cracking under her small feet and she let out a small squeak as she fully expected to hit the lightly padded floor below.

…

But it never came.

The Pokemon cautiously opened one of her red eyes to peer at the pink cardigan that was previously stained by her with tomato bisque. The pokemon then fixed her gaze up to Bede who had managed to catch her in time to cushion the fall from above.

The gym leader groaned slightly, using on hand to prop himself and the Meowstic up. The other he used to rub his now slightly aching back. “Ugh…”

Mochi continued to stare, bewildered at Bede’s actions. The two of them didn’t get along, the pokemon didn’t agree with the relationship because she was highly critical of anyone that came close to her trainer. Let alone in intimate terms such as dating.

But if they didn’t get along, why did he save her?

Mochi mewed softly to Bede. “Murr?”

Violet eyes met with red ones and Bede offered Mochi a smile. “Hey, are you hurt?”

The pokemon shook her head and then nuzzled against his hand softly. “Meow…stic.”

The two of them looked up as they heard frantic footsteps.

“Bede! Mochi! Are you two alright?” You were on your hands and knees from above looking down with a concerned expression on your face.  

Bede gave a thumbs up and a smile, your Meowstic cheering loudly.

After helping Mochi and Bede up out of the hidden trap, you all found an alternative route to the finish line, and successfully finished the challenge.

Melony was waiting at the end to offer her congratulations, and the key to the roof as a “prize”.

You gave another cheer, wrapping your arms around Bede and pulling him into a kiss.

Bede kissed back happily and halfway expected to be interrupted. But he wasn’t.

After he pulled away from you, he peered down towards Mochi who was standing there quietly, looking away from the two of you with her paws together in front of her. Oddly quiet, and non-mischievous for once in her life.

The leader was confused at the Pokemon, but didn’t say anything as the three made their way up to the roof. As they arrived, the new gush of cold air hit everyone at once, causing a shiver to run through each of them simultaneously.

“Let’s get that blanket out yeah?” you suggested, wrapping your hands over your chilled arms.

When Bede had finished laying out the blanket on the cold roof’s floor, and another heavier blanket that quickly followed. You practically launched yourself under it’s cozy embrace and held it open for himself and Mochi to join into.

You dug into your backpack and pulled out several snacks and a thermos full of apple cider and poured your Meowstic some first. She in turn took a large sip and cooed appreciatively.

You then offered Bede a glass of his own, then settled in next to him. Mochi right in the middle of you two.

Once the three of you were comfortable it wasn’t long until a familiar streak of light made its way onto the sky, casting colors from pale blue to florescent pink all through the nighttime sky.

    You let out another gasp, while taking pictures with your rotom phone, totally entranced.

     Bede felt a small weight against his knee as Mochi settled herself next to him and licked at her paw to rub against her face to rid it of the sweet cider she had previously drank earlier. He wrapped a arm around you and petted your Meowstic’s fur softly, listening to her coos of delight.

    The day might not had gone as Bede originally planned, but it did end on a sweeter note. And that he was grateful for.

[somebodytolovesx]

Cornelia Street - Stanley Uris

Warnings - Fluff.

Description - The overwhelming feeling of passion and love and content that often times is impossible to push away.

The streets of New York were not gusty and near to as bustling as they usually were when Stanley Uris and Y/N Y/L/N were walking them. It was late into the afternoon and their footsteps were hitting the ground of the different streets they walked on with their hands in each other’s, their heads turned to the shop fronts and the brick buildings above them that towered over all of the city.

When they strolled past a quaint flower shop, they thought of seeing if there was anything they could get to add some more colour to their apartment, perhaps freesias because then they would match the carpet in the living room as Y/N had pointed out. It was where Stanley had brought a bouquet of roses, sunflowers and pansy’s on his second date with her, that had been when everything was so new and strange for him, he often compared when they had first started dating to a story with bits of it missing that would get filled in and make sense later on but oh boy was it terrifying for him and he knew it was for Y/N too. 

Stanley had stopped the both of them again when he saw the pet store three shops after the florists, which they had found nothing in that they were particularly sold on besides some sunflowers but they were dear for what they were, he lead Y/N by the hand to see if they sold any of those fish shaped, salmon flavoured treats that their cat liked - which was Y/N’s before they moved in together but Stanley Uris had found a great company within the feline named Berlioz. When he first went back to Y/N’s apartment on Cornelia Street, Berlioz cosied right up to him and made him feel at home, brushing his ginger and white tail along his legs to let him know that he wanted attention and allowing Stanley to be the one to feed him in the mornings before he went off to work.

The weather was complimentary to the short sleeved shirt that Stanley had buttoned up that morning and strung a breeze through the length of the below the knee sundress that Y/N had pulled over her head after their late- morning rendezvous. They hadn’t planned the full day in detail like they tended to do, only to go out for their walk and then go home to start dinner, maybe after dinner they would sit and watch the television but only if there was something that interested them on, although there had been a short conversation about getting in a taxi and driving out to sit by the lake until it got cold that they left up in the air to decide on at a later time.

“I can always order some online” Y/N responded to Stan’s comment about the pet store only having chicken flavoured treats. They had exited the pet shop and carried on walking with their hands locked together up the street. When her eyes caught wind of the green plated sign on the brick wall above them that read in thick, white letters ‘Parker’s street’, a fond memory whispered through her mind. She remembered the time when they were going for drinks just to get out of the apartment and it had been such a crisp autumn day, one of the coldest’s, that when they were walking down Parker’s street to the bar, Stanley had to wrap his jacket around Y/N’s shoulders to keep the chill of off her. That same night when they were drunk - which was a rare occurrence for Stanley Uris to be past the point of merry - in the backseat of a random New York taxi, she still had the jacket on from the hazardous walk back from the bar hours later after their arrival.

“It’s fine, we can always get her something from the lake” Stanley smiled and brought the back of her hand up to his lips.

“I’ve never seen you fish for the entire time I’ve known you” Y/N spoke.

“Fishing’s a boy’s sport” Stanley Uris had a smile that also could have doubled as a smirk that told her he knew he was playing cool and it made Y/N laugh.

They continued to make twists and turns and walks down different streets, even though for most of it they had known where they were pointed too as they had lived their for three years at that point - Y/N had lived there for longer on her own by four years but Stanley had learnt his way round for himself quickly and had been on holiday with his family in New York before, although he was young and had little recollection of the trips. When she though of it, time had moved fast and it hadn’t felt like she had lived with Stan for three years, it had startled her for the fact that she hadn’t paid much mind to it and took the days that they spent together as they came but she could say that equally for life in terms of the madness and traumas that it came with had slowed down, there was still the madness when they found themselves in a lovers tiff or when it had been a horrid day at work but never the trauma.

Y/N had learnt that moving in with someone, regardless of the amount of anticipation there was to be with them and as close to them as you could ever be, was intimidating and nerve-wracking, sometimes it was stressful and as if you’ve just been thrown into a complete different world. For Stanley Uris and Y/N Y/L/N, it had brought solidarity and wholeness to each other and they had grown closer, not that they really thought or talked about it because it wasn’t something either of them could pin-point or notice entirely but they had. The difference in living with each other and seeing each other everyday was a big one, a difference they had underestimated, it was something they needed to get used to but it hadn’t taken long and everything felt easier afterwords, it had made the apartment a home to the both of them like a hideaway from everything on the outside.

Though it had been towards the end of the third month that the first argument arose and it had not ended with going to bed afterwards and a sweet exchange of ‘I love yous’. Y/N had taken her purse from its hanger by the door and taken herself out without having changed out of her pyjamas after Stanley had come home from work in the worst mood she had ever known to be in, when she looked back at it she thought it was ridiculous that she had thought from just him having a bad day that Stanley was leading her on and maybe playing games with her as if they were still twenty years old then to turn out like others had. She had went up to the top of their apartment building which was not far from their own apartment and sat on the roof by herself for what felt like fifteen minutes in the cold until she heard footsteps ascending the rusted staircase and felt his warm hand on her back.

The sun tore through the clouds an hour or two after they had left their apartment and it had begun to shine on their necks and backs, the gust of wind that came with the city had departed and the weather was clear, pleasant and brought them the type of warmth that made you want to skip down the street, swinging your arms in joyfulness. It was when Stanley Uris and Y/N Y/L/N passed by a grocery store with the front of it splashed with greens and oranges and purples that Y/N had remembered what they spoke about earlier in the day about the car ride to the lake. She hadn’t known why right there and then had ignited that memory, it could have been the watermelons and tropical juice boxes sat in a straw-filled basket in the window that resonated with all things summertime or the unexplainable, funny way that the human brain had it’s way of bringing things back up again that she often relied on. 

“We should grab a taxi and do what we said we were going to do”.

It took Stanley Uris a second to grasp what she had suggested.

“Yeah, if you want. We can get some food and take it with us, we could set up a picnic down there, take bread for the ducks”.

“That’s an amazing idea. Do you remember when you were a kid and you’d pretend to be an animal?” She lead her and Stan into the grocery store.

“You still do that now with Berlioz” He joked. 

“But do you know what I mean?” Y/N raised her eyebrows as if she needed to know if he spent his childhood making cat noises or not.

“No” Stanley shook his head and laughed.

“That’s what we’re doing tonight” Y/N tilted her head and looked up at Stanley who looked at her and laughed.

She hummed a small part of a song that had played on the radio when she was getting herself showered that morning as she walked down the aisle of the grocery store. Stanley had continued to watch over her and took pride in how he was the only one to have that version of Y/N, it was her truest and honest self, she wasn’t like that in front of anyone else that he knew and it made him feel a sense of pride that she had that glow around him. Around her friends she was more contained, she still was comfortable and could act goofy but it was not even close to being the same, around her family she could be as the little girl they raised her to be and still be expressing herself but Stanley was the only person who she had those sporadic bursts of colour around and who also was there to see the lowest of Y/N’s lows.

The grocery store was a lot cooler than outside and had sent a shiver down their backs as they strolled down the rest of the first aisle that stocked the biscuits and pastry’s on it’s shelves, they picked up a plastic case of pecan pies and chocolate digestives that were bound to melt in their arms under the sun before they got out of the taxi, the next aisle that they walked up was the meats and sandwiches and from the shelves Y/N had picked up a pack of cocktail sausages and asked Stanley - who held the food from the previous aisle - if they wanted to get some ready made sandwiches to take. Stanley had told her that the ham and cheese ones and the chicken and chorizo ones would do them well.

There wasn’t anything more bought after that, they walked over to the tills and paid for their food. The woman who checked their stuff out had been around the age of sixty or seventy if Stanley Uris had to guess by the way her bright, cherry red lipstick had been applied around her thin lips, it was sweet to him in the sense that it had reminded him of his own grandmother very much so. He gave Y/N’s hand a loose squeeze then leaned in and lowered his head to press his lips to her temple before assisting the elderly woman to pack their bag before heading out to catch their taxi.

And when it finally arrived after what felt like twenty minutes in the sun with no shade but what was actually close to half of that, the seats of the taxi were so hot that Y/N had to flatten her sundress underneath to keep her legs and backside separate from the seat, the driver was a man whose eye’s looked between in the last years of being young and the early years of being old, also whom hadn’t spoken after he asked them where they wanted him to drive too.

The sunlight shone through the car window on Stanley’s side and onto his blue button up shirt, the golden-yellowy colour that it projected brushed through the curls of his hair and onto his pale skin, it had made his hazel eyes come to life and brighter too, his lips were pinker in the light. Y/N Y/L/N slipped into a daze as she looked from Stanley to out of her own window and felt the linger of his kisses on her temples and on the backs of her hands, her heart swelled and a grin spread onto her face that was too strong to push off. It still was wondrous when she could look at Stanley Uris after three years and feel her cheeks warm to a rosy colour and her stomach flutter with the world’s most sprightly butterflies. When the feeling stuck around and she felt delicate, tears formed behind her eyes and she’d put on the playlist made for her and Stanley and just sit there on their bed thinking about him.

Down at Fencgrass lake, there was only five other families, two groups of friends and a few couples lounging around on the grass or throwing bread into the water for the ducks or playing ball games too and throw.

Stanley Uris and Y/N Y/L/N found themselves a spot close to the edge of the water after they had paid the doe-eyed taxi driver. There was a breeze that wavered in and out of the air coming off the lake, it blew the curls gently from Stan’s forehead and the hair covering Y/N’s neck. They started tucking in and picking at what they wanted as soon as they found a soft part of the grass to sit down on, it was a small picnic but it was enough with the key elements of every summer, outdoor event; good weather, good company and good food.

Y/N awed at how blue the sky was and how it looked like the painting hung up in Stanley’s office at work, with the trees and all in the background, she gasped and had to cover her mouth to stop the laughter escaping when Stanley had pointed out the couple behind them sucking on each other’s necks and remarked that that was not in his office painting, she had turned round to notice that there was indeed a couple behind them doing that exact thing and swiftly turned back around.

“We should do that” Stanley said with a tone that mocked the young couple.

“No, I really don’t think we should” Y/N shook her head.

They sat in the warm sun and enjoyed each other’s company, talking about the awful sleeping pattern Y/N had slipped into as of late and the horrible dreams she had been having due to her worries about a lot of the things in her life and the worry that always would sneak in late at night when she was tired enough as it was, some nights she couldn’t sleep until the next night because she was so worried about going back to work after her break and how much they were going to pay her after she returned, other nights what kept her up at night was the scarring of past traumas. Stanley listened and comically advised against staying up for the whole of the night to tire herself out for the next night, in his personal experience, it hadn’t work.

They sat there until the sun disappeared behind ash-grey clouds and stepped into a taxi back to Cornelia Street.

“I was looking at those sunflowers earlier, they’d look nice in the window” Stanley suggested as he sat on the black, leather seats.

“We can always get some during the week at that other place or I could order some online when I order Berlioz’ treats” Y/N rubbed her fingers over the top of his hand, resting her head against her headrest.

“We also need to get your mom something for her birthday”.

“We have time, three weeks of it”.

Y/N felt her heart swell again and her lips curve into a grin, her heart beat fastened.

That evening, when they unlocked the door to the apartment that they rented they greeted their feline and wondered into the kitchen. Their shoes were left at the door with their coats and the over the shoulder purse that Y/N had worn over her dress.

The time had just passed five-thirty and instead of cooking a dinner, Stanley and Y/N decided they would use what they had left from their picnic and if they were to get hungry later on they could do toast or pasta or something of the sorts. They stood in the kitchen dipping their hands into the packet of digestives, sandwiches and cocktail sausages, the pecan pies had been devoured at a quick record of time earlier that day at the lake.

Stanley stood opposite her with his hand on her waist. Until all of the food had been eaten and the empty packets had been thrown into the bin, they stayed there and discussed who they thought had killed the dad on the episode of ‘Snapped!’ that they had been watching the previous night and had gotten half-way through before getting too tired and going to bed. Stanley told her that he thought the daughter had done it due to the vengeance she may have wanted for her dad cheating on her mom, whom may he add she is very close with, Y/N had a strong feeling that it was a hit and run like the murders that had happened around the same town not too long before and pointed out that there was no evidence for it to be the daughter.

“Well, we’ll see whose the better detective after I’ve had a shower” Stanley said. She kissed his lips and then he couldn’t stop himself from kissing hers. One hand rested on her waist and the other pressed softly against her jaw and midway up her cheek. It was like it always had been, that feeling when they were so close together that it was like the first time and Y/N prayed that that always stayed between them like something sacred. She wanted to laugh at the image of her mother scolding Y/N for talking about Stanley like he was a religion like some love-sick thing the first time she told her mother about him.

She felt her heart beat fasten and pulled away. She looked into his eyes and thought of all of the things that came and passed through her mind at that moment about her and Stanley Uris.

“I hope I never loose you Stan” She admitted honestly.

“You don’t have to think about that” Stanley wrapped his arms around her and held her.

“I don’t think I could go through that” Y/N muttered. She knew that that was very much the truth as pathetic as it had sounded, she didn’t know if that happened if she could be in that city anymore or ever walk Cornelia Street again. She had experienced heartbreak time and time again and she also grew from them with time and patience but Y/N thought - a part of her knew - that if she was to lose Stanley that there was no possible way of mending that type of heartbreak even if she had all of the time in the world and the patience of a saint, it scared her the most when they argued and when he wasn’t with her and scared her even more if the thought settled for too long.

“I don’t wanna lose you” Y/N said in a way that a child would when they’re family had come to stay over then had to leave again to go back home, there was no loosing anyone when that happened but there was still an honest fear in it, a possibility. Y/N knew that she could say whatever around Stanley even if it was insane or dramatic or too honest and he wouldn’t walk out, she had learnt that and found comfort in it and she loved him for it.

“You’re fine, we’re good” Stanley Uris said.

[xiolaperry]

“Of Dogs and Cats” Chapter 2

Summary:  Another trio of vignettes featuring pets in Rumplestiltskin's life.

Notes:  Written during Camp NaNoWriMo April 2020. Special thanks to my fellow campers in the "Rumbelle Writers' Realm".

Read on AO3  ---  Read previous chapter here.

Rumplestiltskin approached the back door of his shop. His mind was reeling from the previous night’s encounter with Emma and the resulting flood of memories. But he was still observant enough to notice movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked around, but whatever he'd seen had disappeared.

Later that afternoon he glanced out the back window and saw it. A small black cat, lying in the sun. It was barely larger than a kitten, its ribs visible through its dull fur. His heart ached as he remembered Belle saving the mother cat and her kittens by bringing them into the Dark Castle.

He went into the refrigerator, looking for something to give it. He had to feed it, to save it. It was what Belle would have done.  She was gone, but he would do this for her memory.

He scraped tuna off of a half-finished sandwich onto a saucer and poured water into the matching teacup. Not the cup. That one was safe at his home. He could almost hear Belle laughing: the Dark One serving a stray cat on fine china dishes. He missed her laughter. He missed everything about her.   Feeling foolish, he opened the door, making as little noise as possible. The cat jumped and ran a short distance away. It turned to stare at him. “Here, kitty, kitty,” he called in a low voice. He put the water and tuna on the ground. “Little cat, look what I have for you.” The cat gazed at him with bleary gold eyes. One was nearly pasted shut. He knew it would never come while he stood there, so he closed the door. When he checked back in a few minutes, the cat had eaten the tuna and was lying in the sun again. Rumplestiltskin called Dove that evening and instructed him to purchase two cat dishes, wet and dry cat food, and cat treats. He delivered them the next day without comment, which was exactly how he liked it. And so started the routine: a can of food in the morning, dry food in the afternoon and always a bowl of fresh water. After a week he noticed the cat didn’t run as far when he opened the door. He set up a small table and chair not far from the bowls. He put out some treats, sat down and waited.  The little cat came and ate them while keeping a wary eye on this new development. No matter how crazy things started becoming in Storybrooke, he sat outside and had his tea every afternoon. The cat relaxed, coming closer each day. A few times it even came close enough for him to pet it. One day he sat down and the cat came running. It jumped on his lap, purring and butting its head against his hand for affection. It was difficult to speak around the lump in his throat. “Hello, little cat.” He stroked its black fur, no longer dull but glossy with health. Its bright gold eyes looked at him. Rumplestiltskin felt silly talking to a cat, but really, who else did he have to talk to? “I should give you a name. Names are important. I had cats once, back in my castle.  I could do magic then. You should have seen the treats I would conjure for them. I would sit in my kitchen and pet them, just like this. My caretaker had... gone, you see, and I was lonely. They were her cats, actually. I never even knew their names.  Why didn’t I ask her? She would have picked the perfect names. I would have given anything- well, I can’t name you. I won’t. The things I care for are always taken from me.” He placed the cat on the ground and returned to his shop, weary to his bones. Old. There was so much to do. There was magic to bring back to Storybrooke.

----

The jingle of the bell signaling the departure of the Charmings from his shop was a wonderful sound, second only to the one it made when it announced Belle's entrance.  When she walked in, picnic basket in hand and a smile on her face he almost forgot how to breathe. A smile. For him, the Dark One. Genuine smiles directed at him were rare things, precious. Then the Charmings had barged in, hurling accusations and interrupting their time together.

But Belle, his fearless scholar, had defended him. And now the “heroes” were gone. Rumplestiltskin was still tense. Belle would have questions. He needed to show her part of himself – pieces of truth, honesty of the heart. He wondered how large a piece of himself he would need to carve out.

Belle broke into his musings. “Rumple, I never pictured you as a dog person! Please tell me about your 'sheepdog or two'?”

He relaxed a bit. This piece he could give. It was still difficult. It had been years, centuries, since someone had been interested in him as a man, not as the Dark One. His instinct was deflection. Information was power. It could be used against you. Change was needed though, or he would lose her (again) forever. This would be good practice.

“You might have surmised from my hobby that I was a spinner in my previous life. What I spun was wool, into the finest yarn ever seen. And the best way to get good wool is to have your own sheep. And taking care of sheep is easier with a good sheepdog.”

“Were they just work animals or were they pets?” asked Belle, enthralled.

“I named my first dog Friend if that tells you anything.”

“That's so sweet, Rumple.”

“I was just a boy when I got him, and not very imaginative when it came to names. But he was my friend. I'm sure it is hard to believe, given my sunny disposition, but I didn't have many of those,” he said wryly. He continued in a more serious tone, “Having the unconditional love of a dog was a wonderful thing.”

He could have elaborated, explained. About the father who abandoned him. The villagers who shunned him. His aunties who loved him. It was the only good thing his father had ever done for him, and it wasn't even on purpose. Malcolm knew the women would jump at the opportunity to have a child, having no chance at one of their own. Luck was on his side, and they were loving and kind. No need to go into that now. Dogs. That was what honesty required today.

He continued, “My boy, Baelfire, had a limitless imagination. No plain name for his dog. He named him Sir Beric Dondarrion, Brave Hero of the Frontlands. He and that dog had many grand adventures. Slaying dragons, defeating ogres, saving damsels in distress. I looked forward to hearing his stories every night as I spun. Those were some of the happiest times of my life.”

Rumplestiltskin stopped. He didn't know what else to say. He couldn't bear to tell how the story of Bae's Sir Beric the Brave ended.

Hordor and his men taunting and threatening Bae. Bullies, all of them. The dog jumping to the boy's defense, growling and snapping. Hordor killing the dog without a thought, then laughing at his son's tears.

Killing Hordor was one of the most satisfying things Rumplestiltskin had done as the Dark One.

The silence was becoming awkward and he didn't know how to fill it. Belle saved him- she always saved him.

“Would you like to see what I brought for dessert?” she asked.

“Yes, I would,” he answered, grateful.

Belle chattered on, telling him in significant detail about the amazing cake whose ingredients came neatly packaged all in one box. He took a piece.

“Thank you,” he said. What he couldn't say was thank you for seeing I was trapped in my memories. Thank you for wanting to know me. And thank you for not forcing me to share more than I was ready for.              

----                                                                                                                                            Belle mentioned the reptile show in passing at breakfast. Rumple, busy making faces at a smiling Gideon, almost missed it.

“What did you say? Something about a reptile show?”

“I said I had to leave early to set up extra chairs. 'Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary' is coming, and we always have an excellent turn out for storytime when there's a special presentation.”

“What kind of reptiles?”

“I don't know, I think the reptile lady said something about an iguana, some snakes, a chameleon. Why? Are you considering attending today?”

This had been a source of mild disagreement between them. Rumplestiltskin had assured her he thought it was important that she have time away from Gideon, and working a few mornings at the library made her happy. Having Gideon with him at his shop was the highlight of his week. But the Dark One did not attend storytime. Besides, Belle took him to baby lap-sit storytimes on one of the days she didn't work. He hadn't budged. But now....

“Just curious, that's all,” he answered, striving for nonchalance.

Belle gave them each a kiss, and she left.

9:50 found him hesitating at the door of the library. He told himself he ridiculous. The chameleon had never existed. It was a figment of Mr. Gold's cursed memories. But he remembered it so vividly. He had loved that wee lizard. And now was his chance to see one and show it to Gideon.

The chatter between the mothers died down as soon as they saw him enter the room. He sat down in a chair in the front middle of the semicircle, figuring it would give him the best view. He placed the diaper bag on the seat to his left, and Gideon's blanket to his right to dissuade anyone from sitting next to him.

Belle was speaking to a woman wearing a “Forgotten Friend” shirt. She turned to see what had caused everyone to quiet down.

“Rumple!” she said, startled. “What are you doing here?”

“Gideon wanted to see the reptiles,” he answered, bouncing the smiling six-month-old on his lap.

The woman saved him from a further reply.

“Hello, my name is Miss Pam. If all the children would come sit on the floor in front of me, we can begin.”

Rumplestiltskin waited through the snakes, the anoles, the bearded dragons, the iguana, and others. Children raised their hands to volunteer to be helpers as she uncovered cages and presented each one.

There was only one cage left.

“Who would like to help present our last friend?” asked Miss Pam. “I'll give you a clue as to her identity- she can change colors.”

Rumplestiltskin stood little Gideon on his lap and raised the boy's hand. He could feel Belle's eyes boring into the back of his head at this out of character behavior. He would have to explain later.

Miss Pam smiled.  “How about this young man,” she said, pointing at Gideon.

He stood up, holding Gideon on one hip as Miss Pam uncovered the chameleon's cage. She talked for a few minutes about its diet, its ability to change colors and its natural habitat.

“Mr. Gold, this veiled chameleon is quite tame. Could I let her out? She’ll climb on you and the children can get a closer look.”

“Yes, I'd like that very much.”

Belle continued to stare at him, flabbergasted.

The chameleon climbed to his left shoulder. Rumplestiltskin couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face. From his right hip Gideon watched, wide-eyed.

He heard nothing else that was said until the presentation was over and Miss Pam put the lizard away. He thanked the woman and made his way with Gideon to the back of the library. Belle was waiting.

“Rumple-”

“I'm sure you have questions. I'll tell you everything. Tonight.”

“I look forward to it,” Belle said, taking his hand.

A week later,  he came home to a box wrapped in gold paper sitting on the kitchen table.

“Who's this for?” he asked.

“Gideon and I wanted to get you a surprise. Hurry, open it!” said Belle. Gideon babbled with excitement, pointing at the present.

He took his time removing the wrapping, folding it into a neat square. He lifted the lid and saw a box of crickets, mealworms, a container of calcium dust and a bottle filled with bright orange cubes.

“What’s all this?”

“Come see in your office,” she said, grabbing his hand and leading the way.

He stopped short in the doorway. Next to his desk was a large reptile habitat full of beautiful plants. And a chameleon. “I contacted the 'Forgotten Friend' and they were agreeable to placing her with us. With the understanding that she can attend the occasional show.”

He opened the door of the habitat, and the lizard climbed up to his shoulder again. Gideon clapped his hands, wiggling with excitement.

“Who's a bonnie wee lass?” he asked the chameleon in a low tone, stroking it with one finger just as he had as a boy. His curse memories and the present came together, and he felt at peace.

“What's her name?”

“She doesn't have one yet. I thought we could come up with a name together.”

“That would be perfect.”

[fallingstormphoenix]

A New Job for Stella

Storm carefully put the harness on over Stella’s head and clipped it under her belly. The Velcro patches on the side read “DO NOT PET” and the long patch on the back read “I don’t bite, but my handler DOES”. Storm straightened it out gently. “Is it comfortable?” Storm asked softly.

Stella nodded. “Yes ma’am.” She sat down and wagged her tail.

“Do you want your tutu?” Storm asked, offered her a soft pink fabric skirt. Sometimes Stella liked wearing it when they went out, it made her feel special.

She thought for a second and shook her head. “Next time?”

“Sure!” Storm smiled and stroked Stella’s head. Stella leaned into her hand with a happy sigh

“Ready to go?” Storm grabbed her wallet, keys and hoodie.

Stella hopped up and grabbed her leash from the counter. She offered it to Storm, whimpering softly.

Storm sighed and picked up the thin pink leash and clipped it to the harness. “I’m sorry...”

“It’s ok, I don’t mind.” Stella smiled up at her.

“I know you don’t, I just wish you didn’t have to wear it.” Storm said, “maybe once we get there I’ll take it off, if you can stay really close to me?”

Stella leaned against Storm’s leg and smiled wider.

Storm led her to the car and helped her into the passenger seat. Stella laid down with a peaceful sigh.

Storm started the car and they drove about 20 minutes to the coffee shop and went through the drivethrough. She got a latte and lemon pound cake, and of course Stella’s puppucino. Stella whined happily and wagged her tail in excitement as Storm put the cup brimming with whipped cream in the cup holder in front of her to enjoy. They paid and drove a little further to the city park were they found a picnic table that was a little bit away from the main walking path but still close enough that people could see them and they could see people.

There was safety in numbers just as much as there was risk.

Storm broke off pieces of the poundcake and offered them to Stella, who took them delicately from her hand. She felt safer hiding under the table and Storm let her leash drape over the bench freely so as not to restrict her.

A young woman came walking down the path, her dog, a chocolate Labrador, prancing happily at her side. He also wore a harness with big bold lettering. “SERVICE DOG” the patches stated. She looked around for a moment before noticing Storm and Stella, and came over to them. She extended her hand to Storm in greeting. “I’m Victoria.” She said with a smile. “This is Alexander.” She gestured to the dog who was now sitting at her side, wagging his tail, curious eyes focused on Stella.

Storm shook the woman’s hand. “Hi I’m Storm, this is Stella.” Stella peeked out from behind her legs, watching the other dog nervously.

Victoria crouched and waved to Stella. “Hello Stella!” She said cheerily. She looked up at Storm. “She was a rescue huh?” She asked, eyeing Stella’s lean figure and still sparse coat.

Storm put her hand on Stella’s head to comfort her. “Yes. She’s been making progress.”

“Oh good.” Victoria sat across from her, Alexander laid down under the bench with a soft groan. “Alex was a rescue too, but he’s been with me for a few years now and you could never tell.”

“He prefers that form?” Storm asked warily. “Even after so many years?”

“Oh yes.” She nodded. “He rarely shifts. Dog shifters are... different, than the rest of us.” She explained. “Theyve been bred for centuries to be tame loyal companions, which is why so many become pets. I tried for a long time to ‘fix’ Alexander, to help him be his own person, until I realized, he wasn’t made for that. He was made as a companion.”

Storm could feel her face getting hot and her hands starting to shake a little. Stella pressed her head against Storm’s leg, whimpering softly at her beloved master’s seething.

“We are all made for something, aren’t we after all?” Victoria said calmly, Alexander’s lead in her hand. “Sometimes we just had to accept what others were made for. What we were made for.”

Storm stood up. “Thank you for meeting me.” She said through tight teeth. “I need to go.” She walked away, fists clenching, Stella chasing after her.

Stella glanced back at Alex. He seemed so happy, so content, so pleased to be with his owner, working at her side tirelessly. The words on his vest stood out to her, “Service Dog” Maybe she could be that for Storm.

[filmfanatic82]

AO3 Link (HERE)

Prologue

“We never got it right

Playing and replaying old conversations

Overthinking every word and I hate it

'Cause it's not me ('cause it's not me)

And what's the point in hiding?

Everybody knows we got unfinished business

And I'll regret it if I didn't say

This isn't what it could be (isn't what it could be)”

-- Back to You

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Surprise.”

The simple word cuts through the silence, grabbing hold of Penelope’s full attention as she pushes open her dorm room door. It’s been a long day. Too long and chock-full of nothing but disappoint.

Penelope’s parents had sworn up and down that this birthday-- her 16th birthday-- would be different than the rest. That they wouldn’t let down like the previous ones. Nor like Christmas. Or the countless other holidays and pinnacle moments in her young life where her parents had been conveniently absent for.

No. This time it would be different. The notorious Victor and Raquel Park were set to arrive at Salvatore School promptly at nine o’clock to pick up their only daughter and whisk her away for a day-long celebration. One that would include lunch at her favorite French bistro restaurant followed by a shopping excursion or maybe a trip to the nearest spa for a lengthy deep tissue massage.

And Penelope believed it. She truly did. So much so that she scoffed at the idea of making any other plans whatsoever for the day. No matter how much Josie begged her to reconsider.  

But nine o’clock came and went.

And then, ten.

And then, eleven.

It wasn’t until almost one in the afternoon that Penelope’s parents had the decency to reach out and inform the school that due to unforeseen work obligations that they would not be coming to pick up their daughter after all and to send their regards. They didn’t even take the time to directly talk to her. No. Even that was too much of a hassle for them.

All Penelope got was a secondhand happy birthday from the school secretary and told that her parents would be in touch soon. That’s all she was worth… At least to the people that were supposed to unconditionally love her.

After that, Penelope couldn’t bring herself to return to the dorms. Nor anywhere else for that matter. She needed to be alone. Away from the prying eyes and endless questions.

So Penelope turned off her cell phone and wandered off into the woods, roaming aimlessly with nothing but sixteen years worth of unfulfilled promises to play on a never-ending loop in the depths of her mind. She walked around hidden by the comfort of the dense trees until well after the sun had set and the stars had made their appearance in the night sky. Penelope would’ve kept going forever if it would not been for the simple fact that the temperature had dropped so much so that she could see her breath with each step that she took.

It was late enough that Penelope was more than sure she would be able to slip back to the dorms and into her room completely unnoticed. And then curl up under her small mountain of covers, allowing her birthday to finally be done and over with.

“Pen?” Josie follows up as it finally starts to register with Penelope that scene before her isn’t a dream. No. It’s real. The one person in the entire world that she loves more than life itself has snuck into her dorm room and magically transformed it into an indoor fairy garden, complete with twinkling lights and an array of roses in every color imaginable. And in the center sits Josie on a picnic blanket surrounded by all of Penelope’s favorite treats.

“You did this?” Penelope manages to say as her mind still tries to process that someone would go to such great lengths for her.

“Of course. It’s your birthday,” Josie replies with a warm smile. She gets up off the blanket and walks over to Penelope, never once taking her eyes off of the raven-haired girl. “Well, not all of it. MG and Hope helped out with the lights and the flowers. But the rest was all me… Do you like it?”

But Penelope doesn’t reply. She can’t. Her words are lost amongst the numerous thoughts swimming around in her heads. Instead, Penelope slowly enters her room as her eyes take in every last detail, committing it to her memory. She has no clue what will transpire next, but it doesn’t matter. Penelope already knows that this will be one of her most cherished memories for the rest of her life. The one that will get her through those moments when world too harsh and there seems to be no love left to be found.

“I know you said you didn’t want to do anything for your birthday, but I couldn’t let it pass by without--”

Penelope doesn’t let Josie finish her sentence. She surges forward and captures the brunette’s cherry red lips into a passionate kiss, pouring every last one of her feelings into it as she does. Josie takes a second to get over the shock and then naturally takes the lead, deepening the kiss as she threads her hands through Penelope’s wavy locks.

The two stumble their way towards the blanket, as their hands work feverishly to unbutton buttons and untie ties. Josie wraps her arms around Penelope and with an unforeseen inner grace, slowly lowers them down onto the ground, never once breaking their kiss. And Penelope willingly gives in to the girl that has managed to show her what it’s like to be loved, allowing her to be in control. To guide her through what will come next.

Although Penelope is known for her vast lexicon of sexual innuendos and more than suggestive smirks, the act itself is uncharted territory for her. The truth is she’s never been with anyone. Not that the opportunity hasn’t presented itself before. No. Penelope has more than once before found herself in the throws of a heavy petting make out session that could’ve easily turned into something more, but up until this very moment, she has always stopped. No one-- at least no one before Josie-- has made her feel safe enough to bare that piece of herself that she keeps tucked from the outside world. Hidden behind thick walls of snarky comebacks and a nonchalant facade.

“Pen?” Josie asks as she pulls out of a kiss and pauses for a moment, eyes searching over Penelope’s face beneath her. “Are you okay? We can stop if you want to. I know--”

“No,” Penelope cuts Josie off with a little too much urgency to her voice. Her body is moments away from total combustion, and she craves nothing but the touch of Josie strong yet gentle hands upon her. “I want this… I… I love you.”

The words cause an instantaneous smile to slide across Josie’s lips. “I love you too, Penelope Park.”

And with that, Penelope feels her heart burst open as a strange sensation floods every inch of her body. It’s love. Plain, simple, and yet addicting. And at that very moment, Penelope decides that it’s a feeling she never wants to go without again for the rest of her life.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Park! Wake up. We’ve gotta go in five. Caroline’s waiting for us.”

Penelope grumbles an incoherent response from the confines of her pillow and then rolls over, pulling the blanket up over her head in the process. She attempts to drift back to sleep, but it’s no use. The dream-- her favorite dream-- is long gone, safely tucked back away in the dark recesses of her memories.

God, Penelope loves that dream.

“Get up, Park,” Hope’s voice cuts through the silence once again, this time accompanied by a vigorous banging against her bedroom door.

“Fuck off,” Penelope fires back. She slowly sits up, running her hands through her short, messy bedhead, and then lets out a much-needed sigh. “It’s isn’t even eight yet.”

The bedroom door opens to reveal Hope Mikaelson, wide awake, and already dressed in her now trademark ripped jeans and worn out black leather motorcycle jacket. She shoots a playful smirk at Penelope accompanied by a slight shake of her head. “It’s 8:30.”

“Bullshit,” Penelope responds.

“Check your phone if you don’t believe me.” Hope makes her way into the room and takes a seat on the edge of Penelope’s bed. “I let you sleep an extra 30.”

“Thanks,” Penelope mumbles under her breath.

“You’re welcome.”

“I thought we weren’t meeting Caroline until this afternoon?”

“We were,” Hope responds as she unconsciously starts to twist her ornate silver thumb ring back and forth.

After six years of spending almost every moment together, Penelope knows every single one of Hope’s non-verbal tells. She’s long since memorized them like everything else about the auburn-haired girl that by all accounts is like a sister to her. An older, and sometimes annoying, sister who Penelope has come to love and admire more than words could ever express.

And how could she not?

Not at after everything they have been through together.

No. Hope Mikaelson is the one person in the entire world who Penelope can count on. Regardless of the situation or circumstances at hand. And the same goes in reserves. They are each other’s ride or die. Ever since that fateful day that she turned up on Penelope’s doorstep in Belgium and swore to her that they were going to find a way to stop the merge, even if they had to sacrifice everything to do so.

“But…”

“But Caroline called an hour ago and said she needed to see us right away,” Hope says with a lengthy exhale.  

“An hour ago? And you didn’t wake me?”

“You needed the sleep.”

“I’m okay.”

“Pen--”

“Seriously,” Penelope cuts Hope off. She doesn’t want to have this conversation. Not again. And not today. “I’m okay.”

Hope lets out a sigh. “Fine.”

“Did she say anything else? Anything about the talisman?” Penelope asks, quickly changing the subject.

“No. But I got the sense that it’s why she needs to see us. I mean, what else could it be about?”

“Fuck,” Penelope says in nothing more than a whisper as her teeth unconsciously sink into her bottom lip.

“Hey. It could be good news. Maybe she found it.”

“Or maybe…”

“Don’t,” Hope says with a sudden sternness to her voice. “You promised me, you wouldn’t do this.”

“I know. I just…” Penelope trails off as her fingers make their way towards a faint white scar that stretches across the entirety of her neck. There’s only one way someone gets a scar like that.

Hope notices the motion and instantly reaches out, placing her hand on top of Penelope’s. “Pen, it’s going to be different this time.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Neither do you,” Hope says with a warm smile. “But there’s only one way to find out.”

Hope gives Penelope’s hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance and then gets up off of the bed. She grabs hold of a nearby black t-shirt and tosses it at Penelope. “Now, get dressed.”

“Bossy much?”

“You know you like it,” Hope responds without missing a beat. “Oh and Park…”

“Yeah?”

“Happy birthday.”

With that, Hope leaves the room, and Penelope flops back down onto the bed. She lets out another deep sigh as her eyes stare up at the cracked ceiling, trying to fend off the thoughts of the impending news that is to come. Penelope wants so desperately to believe that Hope’s right. That Caroline has successfully tracked down the last piece of the puzzle, and they can finally attempt the spell. But the past six years have been filled with nothing but dead ends, failed attempts, and the inevitable disappointment and heartache.

And, to top it all off, they run out of options. This spell is it. The hail mail that if successful will give Penelope one chance and one chance only to right the wrongs of the past and maybe-- just maybe-- stop the person she loves from becoming…

“No,” Penelope says to herself, shutting down her train of thought. She won’t let herself go there. Not again.

Instead, Penelope rolls over and searches underneath her pillows. It takes a moment or two, but then a hint of a smile slides across her face as she pulls out a tattered yellow cardigan. It’s threadbare at best and long since lost the Salvatore School crest, but she loves it nonetheless. It’s all Penelope has left. A yellow cardigan and bittersweet memories.

Penelope curls up in the bed, clutching the yellow cardigan for dear life as she tries to hold on to the faint Hope that whatever comes next will bring her one step closer to saving Josie Saltzman.  

[dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt]

You can pick which ocs or all or none! Just some general questions: what's their daily routine? Dream job? Favorite baby names? Favorite animal? And comfort movie/movie genre?

ANON HELLO LOVE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKIN!! :D

This is gonna be for all of them, sooo…. under the cut bc I’m Considerate X’D

Daily Routine:

JuneWake up at 5AM because they crashed out on the couch and forgot to shut the blinds the whole way so Bright, stumble into bed till 10AM when their dog Taco wakes them up again. They feed him, have breakfast (usually leftovers.) Occasionally at this point they will go back to Hell for a while, check up on things (they are the Master of the Kennels after all, Dante’s happy to cover for them most of the time but they still have some Responsibilities.) On a normal day, though, they’ll probably just stay inside watching the worst Netflix has to offer (they love picking things apart/making fun at how bad it is.) In the evening, they always take Taco out for a walk (sometimes they do so in the morning as well.) Once it gets dark, they go out to the night’s bad diner/restaurant/fast food place and have fun terrifying the humans. Then they come home, have a shower/bath, do a face-mask, read one of the numerous shitty romance novels they have, and end up falling asleep on the couch most nights.

AugustWake up at 6AM or 12PM depending on whether or not she drank herself into unconsciousness the night before. Eat some healthy breakfast involving a lot of fruit (especially peaches, she loves peaches), and then she usually goes for a nice flight to stretch her wings for the day + wake up properly. After that, it’s work at home time (if she’s employed, sometimes she’s not.) Due to her ADHD, she suffers a lot from lack of focus and executive dysfunction, in order to combat that, she takes several long breaks throughout the day: to work out, to eat lunch, and to practice dance. When the sun sets, she eats dinner, goes for another flight, has a shower/bath, pampers herself a bit, and then practices her sword-play until 10PM, when she goes to bed or starts drinking till she passes out, depends. She has a few days a week dedicated to dancing, and goes to visit her siblings frequently - not to mention that her routine changes whenever she has a partner.

MyriadHonestly, they don’t have a routine. They’re so chaotic and they act almost entirely on their whims; if they want to do something, they will do it. The only consistent things in their life are hanging out with their many friends and doing their job, AKA. punishing the wicked in the most painful ways they can think up. So they could spend a day go-karting, a day assassinating someone for a lot of money, a day watching Disney films, a day spent in a club, a day fighting a unicorn while Mothman and a Jersey Devil watch and take bets, honestly who knows, my dude.

GingerShe never stays in one place too long and is travelling most of the time (she prefers driving to flying, and will hellgate her way onto a different continent instead of take a plane.) She’ll wake up either in the back of her car or in a cheap roadside motel and get on the road, stopping at any place that looks interesting (she’s especially fond of retro diners…. and yes, if there’s a jukebox, she will absolutely select a few What’s New Pussycat-s.) Might drop by to visit some friends, might flirt with a few girls as she goes. A life of adventure, rinse and repeat.

DanteDepends on where he is (eg. in Hell vs with Jesse and Vrox in their apartment), but the foundations stay the same: wake up early, take a shower, eat breakfast, warm up, work out, and then get down to business. Even if he wasn’t in Hell, he’ll go back there because managing the Kennels is his job, after all. He’ll check in on all the hounds, make sure everybody is accounted for and that nothing disastrous has happened (looking at you, Alric, we don’t eat people, do we?) He’ll check in on any new souls/hounds that have joined during the night and give them an explanation and welcome them into the pack. Then it’s time for lessons: aka, fight training. He normally teaches in big classes since it’s more efficient, but he occasionally does it one-on-one or two-on-one, etc. He also has an on-off mortal job teaching self defense when he feels like it. By the time it’s done, the day’s over. He might crash out straight away, or he’ll go back to earth and spend the night with Jesse and Vrox, or he’ll go and check up on June and spend time with them. Of course, he has days off, but this is his usual routine.

JesseWakes up at about 5:30AM, takes a minute to regret staying up till 3AM the night before, says good morning to boyfriend(s) within hearing range, puts his earbuds in to listen to music (alternatively talks to Dante if he’s there, because he’d always get up at the same time as him), then makes himself an absurdly big bowl of cereal and chows down. He has a job as a cashier in a 7-Eleven on weekdays so he normally goes to that, he also has an art class in the evenings every Tuesday. After his shift, he’ll go and check in on Vrox, who volunteers at an animal shelter, and they’ll normally go and get a late lunch. Then it’s normally home, or, if it’s a Tuesday, home by 10PM. He normally selects an album of choice and cranks the volume on the speakers, orders takeout for dinner, has a shower (using most of the hot water, rip Vrox), and dances (badly) with his boyfriend(s) until it’s time for bed. But… to put it delicately… not a lot of sleep happens right away. ahem. Also, if there is some kind of protest that he agrees with, he is most likely in on it holding a sign. He and Vrox have fighting lessons with Dante just like all the other hounds.

VroxUsually wakes up when Jesse does, but goes back to sleep because his shift starts at 9:30. He gets up, eats the leftover takeout if there is any leftover from Jesse’s bottomless pit of a stomach, and heads off. He’ll send a bunch of cute/funny photos and texts to Jesse throughout the day about the animals. Most of the time he schedules his therapy appointments for Tuesdays so while Jesse’s at art class he’s also doing something productive. He goes home afterward, has a quick shower in fear of the hot water running out because his asshole boyfriend always uses all of it, has dinner, enjoys the skull-shaking music blasting through the apartment, and goes to bed. He often loses control of his anger and needs to be locked up in a cage in Hell for a few days until he can change back from his hound form, but mostly his life is pretty uneventful.

BenHe’s a consistent little mouse man who tries to keep his head down and whose life has no surprises or excitement whatsoever. He wakes up at 7AM, has a shower, makes an instant coffee while he gets dressed, and goes to work, most often without any breakfast. He’s a teacher, so he’ll work the whole day, grab a sandwich from the little shop on the corner not far from the school when he has a moment, and then when the day’s over he’ll go home, heat up some canned soup or something and eat dinner while reading. He’ll go to bed, read for a few hours and most likely fall asleep while reading in the most uncomfortable position possible. Rinse and repeat. His only source of excitement is when Ginger shows up without warning and drags his boring ass out to do something fun for once.

EmalaLike her older brother, Emala is very dedicated to her work, which is in her case being a nurse at a children’s hospital. It takes up most of her time and she feels guilty any days she takes off, thinking that she should be there for the kids, and that as an angel she could do a better job of taking care of them and keeping them safe (not that she ever thinks this as insult toward human nurses, they are saints in her eyes and extremely talented.) She has a routine that runs super smoothly, get up early, drink some citrus tea, make her bed, say hello to her pet bird Sweet, have some breakfast, and go to work. When she gets home she lets Sweet out again, makes dinner, has a bath, occasionally does a face mask if she has the energy left or otherwise just moisturizes her skin, then crawls into bed, and admittedly cries most nights. Her job is incredibly taxing on her, she feels like she fails with every patient lost, and crying helps. She’s a big campaigner for unashamed crying. On her rare days off she either spends time with her siblings, goes for a wander around the city, or takes an Uber out into the countryside and finds somewhere nice for a picnic… but honestly most of the time she just chills out in her apartment with Sweet, reading, drinking tea and watching art tutorials because they are deeply calming to her.

MarsMars tends to spend a lot more time in Heaven than his siblings: he is the leader of his particular ‘family’ of angels, so he has more responsibilities than they do (it’s a running joke that he just boils with fond exasperation that they get to run around doing whatever they want while he has the ~REAL~ work.) Much like Dante with the pack, Mars make sure nothing disastrous is happening, that nobody in the family is breaking God’s rules, that they’re guarding the humans correctly, etc. When he is on earth, he enjoys travelling and doing whatever he wants whenever he wants. While he has no patience for work, he does greatly enjoy learning, so he often takes classes on subjects he is interested in. He has a lot of friends so he spends a lot of time at parties, mostly holding them himself since his homes have a lot of space. And if he has a partner at the time, he will be spending a lot of time with them… unfortunately. And he visits his baby sisters a lot, because Father knows he needs to look after them.

TacoBARK AT PIGEONS. A LOT. ANNOY THE MASTER. A LOT. EAT. A LOT. COMPLAIN ABOUT NOT HAVING ENOUGH FOOD. A LOT. BITE THE MASTER’S FEET. A LOT. WAG TAIL VERY A LOT. GO FOR A LOT WALK. MAKE NEW A LOT NEW FRIENDS. NAP. A LOT. FUN!! :D

Dream Jobs:

JuneThey landed their dream job already. Master of Hell’s Kennels. Very minimal work on their part since their second-in-command does most of it gladly. All they have to do is check on things every once in a while, other than that, they can kick back and relax. As you may be able to tell, June is a lazy little bugger - and proud of it, too!

AugustShe actually likes her current job quite a bit: graphic design. It’s calming for her, she gets to be creative, and since she can work from home, she can adjust it as needed for their mental health. She also tried being a ballet teacher… she liked it in theory, but she’s not the best teacher, unlike her eldest brother.

MyriadThey own several nightclubs, they also have a tendency of making certain people disappear while also mysteriously acquiring a large amount of cash around the same time. Generally if you pay them, they’ll do pretty much anything… just make sure you don’t try to sic them on a target who is a good person, that won’t end well for you since they always do their research. But they are the demon of punishment, and the work they were made for is by far their favourite job.

GingerShe’s had pretty much every job there is to have in her very long life, but none of them suit her. She prefers to be a free, unemployed bird with all her amassed money, only working when she absolutely has to. She’s no exactly picky though when it comes to it, so long as she’s not stuck behind a desk/generally unable to move around, she is an energetic gal.

DanteSoldier. But since June’s grounded him from fighting in any more wars since he almost got himself killed last time (and almost left THEM with the full responsibility of the pack, how dare he, it’s not at all like they actually care about him or anything it’s not at all like that) he’s fallen back to the next best thing: self defense training (and in the case of the pack, war training.) He likes the idea of helping people become stronger and more confidant, with the upside of maybe saving some lives. He also likes being the pack’s enforcer and June’s second-in-command. He enjoys looking after his new, big family, and he’s always been a natural leader.

JesseFamous artist. At least, that was his dream as a little kid. Now with the whole ‘living forever’ thing, he’s sort of given up. He doesn’t want to have to fake his own death or anything. He doesn’t really know what he wants anymore, and while that does make him feel sad and listless at times, he’s also pretty content with his life at the moment.

VroxHas never had any idea. He really like being around animals, though, maybe when he’s got his anger issues more under-control he’ll seek out actual work with them, like being a dog trainer.

BenBefore he fell, he was very reckless and irresponsible and never wanted to do anything work-related. After he fell, he realized what a jackass he’d been and also realized that A) he’d always loved kids, B) he has a fuck ton of knowledge due to how long he’d been alive, and C) wanted to become a teacher. He threw himself into the career and he loves it.

EmalaShe’s the angel of healing, it’s always been her thing. She flits from being a nurse to being a doctor every couple of centuries or so, and she prefers to work in children’s hospitals since she has a soft spot for kids, like her older brother.

MarsHas always been pretty happy with being the leader of his angelic family, even if he does complain about his little sisters getting off Scot-free while he got landed with it. He has absolutely no patience for mortal jobs, though, especially since his time on earth is his free time, he doesn’t want another job.

TacoIs very happy + content with his role as June’s therapy animal companion and protector (because a tiny black pug is absolutely terrifying and very fierce and absolutely nobody would mess with him.)

Favourite Baby Names:

Honestly part of the reason this took so long was because I was wracking my brains trying to think what they liked, but they wouldn’t talk to me about it. A lot of them have literally never thought about it, since demons are infertile (or rather, they think they are) and angels are forbidden from ever having children - and most of them don’t give a shit. But, that being said:

JuneThey were going to name their baby girl Lía.

AugustLikes the name River. She just think it’s pretty, not intended for any baby tho since the idea of piping-hot-mess-August with a baby is pretty laughable, even without God’s rule in place.

EmalaReally likes very common baby names, like Tom for a boy and Ava for a girl. Though she is proud of being an angel and her power and her ability to help others, sometimes she just wants a normal life with a normal family. She desperately wants children of her own, always has, though she tries not to dwell on it, because it makes her sad.

Favourite Animal:

JuneDogs. They hate dogs slightly less than they hate all other living creatures.

AugustShe likes cats. Like calls to like, I guess, since she practically is a cat in angel form.

MyriadSnakes. Hey, venomous buddies gotta stick together! (She actually has a very not venomous pet ball python named Albert.)

GingerHorses. Speed and power are kind of her thing.

DanteSharks 110%.

JesseActually loves cats and is devastated that cats no longer like him.

VroxLoves all animals but does have a soft spot for small ones like mice/hamsters/etc. They’re just… so small… if you want to see Vrox terrified, fascinated and borderline teary from love just dump a hamster in his hands.

BenThere’s a little spider that lives in the corner of his room next to his stack of philosophy books. He hasn’t named it, but they exist together in a companionable peace: if you asked him, he’d say it was his favourite animal.

EmalaLoves birds with her whole heart and is always salty that birds tend to like August more than they like her.

MarsLoves birds like Emala, particularly birds of prey. He has dabbled in falconry several times and greatly enjoys it.

TacoHIMSELF. ALSO. ANYTHING BUT PIGEONS. 

Favourite Movie Genre(s):

JuneAnything trashy and terrible, no matter what the genre. June is a connoisseur of shitty things and loves ripping things to shreds like the little vulture they are. They love bad horror movies for the bad special effects, bad romcoms for the terrible plots and forced chemistry (though they do kinda gag a bit at the romance because they are~ ~allergic~ to love.) Generally if you give them a terrible movie, they will be the world’s happiest little demon. Their absolute favourite ones, though, are slasher horror films and black comedies.

AugustShe loves romantic comedies, NEVER LET HER TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENTLY. She also likes dramas though.

MyriadCan watch and enjoy anything, but prefers lighthearted things like comedies and particularly likes slapstick because they’re an actual 2 year old. They also enjoy thrillers and sci-fi.

GingerAbsolutely an action gal but will also go for a romance anytime.

DanteLikes Disney/Pixar movies and is kinda proud of it. Also finds westerns and action cool.

JesseHonestly loves art films and niche/indie films in general. He gets a bit annoyed that so many amazing movies are never shown to the wider public eye and is on a mission to find/watch them all. + Since he missed out on so much time between the time he died and now, he watches a wide range of movies from black-and-white to the present to try and catch up.

VroxLikes adventure/action/thriller movies, or generally movies where, quote “things actually happen.” no he doesn’t share Jesse’s more metaphorical and creative streak

BenHe, with a lot of shame, likes family movies. He’s so stressed and sad in day to day life, he doesn’t want to feel that while watching fictional media. Whenever he does actually get around to watching movies, he wants the feel-good stuff.

EmalaRomance, documentaries, drama, mystery, fantasy - Mala loves a wide range of movies. And while horror isn’t her favourite genre, she can watch any horror movie without flinching once; she’s rather unimpressed by them.

MarsDefinitely that guy who goes back to watch the old silent films a lot. He doesn’t like fast-paced stuff, prefers mysteries and dramas to anything else. He thinks comedy is a bit tasteless, and likes well-crafted movies that have deeper meanings.

TacoDog movies!! Movies with dogs!! Yes!!!!1!

[dassala]

The Way She Moves

Newly Remastered for #CSRomCom18 - Please note I am editing this as I go, so the version on AO3 does not necessarily match. I’m going to swap out those chapters when I’m done. If you like it, please reblog it! Reblogs help authors reach a broader audience!

–

Emma Swan is a lost girl, who made her way to Hollywood Boulevard on a quest to make something of herself. One fateful night on the job, she meets a handsome stranger in a fancy car. Giving directions leads to so much more.

A Pretty Woman AU - Rated E for Explicit - Chapter 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Ruby snapped her gum as she stood in the lobby of the Beverly Hills hotel, tapping a pointed toe on the floor. She glanced around, arms folded in front of her, long dark locks spilling over her scantily-clad shoulders. Emma had sent a text asking her to meet her there, but her friend was nowhere to be found. The looks Ruby was getting were a little uncomfortable for her taste. An older man gave her a once-over and his middle-aged wife tugged at his arm with a hiss under her breath.

“A hundred bucks, Grandpa,” Ruby smirked, uncrossing her arms to reveal her cleavage, “For one-fifty, the wife can watch.”

The woman turned beet red and pulled her husband from the lobby. The old man’s grin was one Ruby would cherish for a while. The elevator dinged and a very well-dressed Emma stepped out, her hair in a thick pleat down one shoulder. The blonde wore a pair of expensive, designer jeans with a pink tweed Chanel jacket.

“Ruby!” Emma ran toward her, flinging her arms around her roommate’s neck. “Oh I’m so glad to see you. How’s things?”

“Woah,” Ruby chuckled, hugging the other girl in return. “What…is this!? I’m afraid to hug you, I might wrinkle you.”

Emma blushed a little and shrugged. “Killian gave me some money for clothes, so I went shopping. I mean, when in Rome, right?”

“Do the Romans,” Ruby nodded and gave a wink.

Gesturing to a small table just inside the lobby, Emma headed that direction and took a seat. She snuck an envelope from the pocket of her jeans and placed it on the table. “Here’s the cash from my first night. I know the rent is due, so I wanted to make sure you had the money.”

“Thanks,” Ruby slid the envelope from the table into her raggedy purse. She looked back up at her friend, examining her features. The smile Emma had was much…brighter than Ruby had ever seen her wear. She appeared brilliant; full of energy and life. This was new for the previously-cynical girl she had met on the streets.

“You kissed him, didn’t you?” Ruby asked suddenly, her eyes focused on the blonde across the table.

Emma blanched. She stammered slightly, shaking her head and diverting her eyes. “Ruby, it…”

“Oh my God, Emma,” Ruby hissed, leaning forward and slamming a hand onto the table. “Did I teach you nothing? You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

“Shh,” Emma looked around, wringing her hands slightly, “people will stare.”

Ruby’s eyebrow raised. “You never had a problem with anyone staring, before.”

“Listen,” Emma sighed, “Things are different now, okay? I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m gonna take the money from Killian and I’m gonna go to college. I think I’d be kinda good at this businessy stuff he does.”

“People like us don’t go to college, Emma,” Ruby sighed. “Listen, you’ll change your mind when this gig is over. I’m sure we can get a nicer apartment with all the cash he’s giving you.”

“I’ll…I’ll stay with you in the apartment we have, but I’m serious. I’m going to get a legitimate job and I’m gonna go back to school,” Emma shrugged. She begged Ruby for understanding with her gaze. “Please, I need to do this.”

Ruby watched Emma closely for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, fine. You just gotta make the rent with this other job. Remember how much you made parking cars?”

“I can find something,” Emma nodded with a smile. She paused, thinking back to earlier in the conversation. “And…I’m not…I’m not in love with him. I can’t be. It won’t work out.”

“You never know, Cinderella,” Ruby winked before standing. “I gotta catch me a big fish. See you back at the corner in a few days, babe.”

Emma watched Ruby saunter from the lobby and frowned.

--

“Fantastic, thanks love,” Killian ended the call on his cell phone and sent off a couple of text messages just as Emma was re-entering the room. “Hey, there you are,” he grinned to her, tucking his phone into the pocket of his jeans.

Emma gave a half-smile. “Did you get everything done?” She took a seat on the sofa, adjusting her jacket, which she wore over a plain white t-shirt.

“Aye,” he grinned, moving to her side. He offered his hand. “I have a few surprises planned for you, if you’re ready to go.”

Glancing at his hand, Emma bit down on her lower lip before taking it and standing along with him. Killian leaned in, giving her a slow kiss, his free hand moving to press against her lower back. Emma hesitantly responded, remembering Ruby’s admonishment. She pulled back with a nervous grin and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Let’s go.”

The limousine ride was quiet as Emma gazed out of the window, admiring the sides of the city she had not yet seen. Killian held her hand, rubbing the back of it slowly with his thumb.

“How was your friend?” He asked finally, glancing toward her. He was dressed in a blue and green checked shirt and a pair of jeans. The look was definitely unorthodox for him, but she was totally into him being a bit more casual.

Somewhat distracted, Emma turned back to him and lifted an eyebrow. “Sorry, what?”

With a smirk, he nudged her with his shoulder. “I asked how your friend was. Ruby, I think you said?”

“Oh!” She blushed slightly and shook her head. “She’s fine. I gave her the rent money and she made a scene. Typical Ruby.”

“Made a scene?” He chuckled.

“She was…dressed like me, when I first came with you to hotel. So, she drew some attention. And seeing as how she loves attention, she made sure no one forgot their encounter with her,” Emma rolled her eyes and squeezed his hand in return.

Killian smiled. “You were charming,” he noted. Emma blushed and turned back to peer out of the window.

As the limo pulled up outside of the city, a huge man made his way toward the pair.

“Where in the heck are we?” Emma asked, looking out over rolling hills of pasture. “This is like the middle of nowhere.”

“Well,” Killian noted, clearing his throat, “I saw the way you looked at the horses when we were at the Polo match. I thought perhaps you’d like to ride one.”

Emma’s eyes widened and she grinned broadly. “Horseback riding! Oh my gosh, I think I’ve wanted to do that since I was a little girl,” she giggled excitedly and hopped out of the limousine the moment it came to a stop.

“Good mornin’,” the man said to them as he tipped his cowboy hat, revealing a mop of dark, curly hair, “my name is Anton. Welcome to Beanstalk Ranch.”

“Thank you for meeting us, Anton,” Killian responded, offering his hand. “Killian Jones.”

Emma offered her hand as well, the back of which Anton kissed with a wink. Emma laughed as she introduced herself. “Emma Swan.”

The large man placed his hat back atop his thick mane and gestured toward a barn off to the left. “Shall we? I believe we have a nice afternoon picked out for you.”

The trio made their way to the barn, where Anton introduced them to their rides for the day. Emma’s was a beautiful mare of a honey color with a mane like the snow. Killian’s brown bay stallion had a black mane and tail. Together, the pair appeared regal.

“What’s her name?” Emma asked, petting her mare’s mane as she sat nervously astride the beautiful creature.

Anton nodded from his own dapple mount. “That is Buttercup. And yours, sir, is the Captain.”

Emma grinned and pretended to doff a hat toward Killian. “Aye-aye, Captain,” she teased him.

“Oh, you’ll pay for that later, Princess Buttercup,” he winked at her and tugged slightly on the reins. “Are we free to roam, Anton?”

“Absolutely,” Anton grinned, nodding to the pair. “Stay within the fences, since my neighbors don’t seem to take kindly to strangers on their property. But other than that, you’ll be free to do as you please. My wife will have the picnic lunch ready in an hour.”

Emma tilted her head slightly at the thought of a romantic picnic lunch. He really was trying to impress her. She wondered why he continued to do so, when she was merely a plaything.

There was a warm breeze throughout the trees surrounding the ranch. Emma and Killian rode slowly side-by-side, admiring the view of the place.

“Gorgeous,” he said, shaking his head. “I think I’d like some property like this, someday.”

Emma laughed, “But would you ever take the time to enjoy it?”

With a shrug, Killian glanced back over to her. “I think I could be persuaded.”

Closing her eyes and sighing slightly, Emma gripped the reins on Buttercup a bit more tightly. “Killian, today is our last day together,” she opened her eyes and licked her lips. “I don’t know if it does any good to pretend that I’ll have any influence on your life after today.”

They had reached a hill, atop which a view of the city could be seen. Killian pulled the Captain to a halt and folded his hands onto the horn of his saddle. “That’s something I’d like to talk to you about,” he smiled slightly. “I’ve arranged for you to have a very nice apartment in town. All expenses paid. You’ll have a credit card in your name for which I will always fit the bill. You’ll have a car service at your disposal, and you should never need to work the streets again.”

Staring at him from her mount, Emma took in a deep breath. “Why? To be at your beck and call?”

Blinking slowly, Killian shook his head. “No, I…I don’t intend…”

“So when you pass through, you’ll leave a few hundreds next to the bed?” She frowned and clenched her jaw. “Killian, I don’t want to be your kept woman.”

Swallowing hard, Killian looked down at his hands. He nodded slowly. “Sure. I can…you don’t need to...” he sighed, “Emma what is it that you do want?”

Glancing out over the city, Emma smiled slightly. “I want a chance to be better. I think I want to go to school and get an actual career. I don’t want to do…this job anymore. I deserve more than this. I deserve the fairy tale, and that’s what I want.” She looked back to him. “Thank you for your offer. But I can do this alone.”

There was a flash of hurt in his gaze as Killian tugged slightly on the reigns of the Captain and turned his horse back toward the stables. “Well, shall we have lunch then, Love?”

Emma forced a smile and rode alongside him, back toward Anton’s lovely picnic lunch.

--

Anton was a jovial man. He told clean jokes with a broad grin and laughed so hard from his belly that tears streamed down his face. His wife Belinda had created a wonderful spread of wine country goods, with cheeses, meats, olives, fruit, and pickled vegetables. They all shared glasses of wine, Anton perhaps more than anyone else, and before they knew it, it was dark outside.

Lanterns were strung over the picnic table, and a cool breeze had come in through the pines. Killian sipped at his glass as a young boy wandered up to the party of four.

“Wendell!” Anton boomed, reaching out and scooping the toddler up into his arms. “Did you escape from Elizabeth? These are my friends, Killian and Emma.”

Wendell offered a shy smile, burying his face into his father’s massive shoulder.

“Sorry, he’s almost three, and still kinda clingy,” Belinda apologized, brushing crumbs from the tablecloth. She glanced up as a teenager called out for the boy, presumably his nanny.

“He’s here,” Anton smiled. He looked to Killian. “Do either of you have any little ones? Wendell is our first.”

“No,” Emma gave a slightly sad smile. “Not yet.”

Killian watched her, then shook his head in agreement. “Me either.”

“Well they’re a joy,” Belinda smiled. “I hope you’re so blessed, someday.”

A blush rose into Killian’s cheeks. He watched Anton sweep the boy out into the lawn, hoisting him up over his head and wiggling him around. The child giggled and clung to his father, squealing each time Anton pretended to drop him. He felt a pang deep inside and pulled his wine glass back to his lips, downing the contents.

--

The next morning, it was time to be off. Emma had taken a luxurious bath, made sure to do her hair just right, and dressed casually from the new wardrobe Killian had insisted she keep.

“Thank you,” Emma smiled to the bellhop as he took her final suitcase down to the lobby. She turned and grabbed her old handbag, inside which she had her old flip phone and the jewelry with which she came to the hotel. She had left a neat placement of jewelry Killian ‘borrowed’ on the dining room table. Looking around the room, she drew in a deep breath and smiled, remembering the whirlwind week that was behind her.

Once he returned, she’d say her goodbyes and head back to the crummy apartment near Hollywood Boulevard. It wasn’t much, but it was home. At least they wouldn’t have to worry about rent for a while, and she could get a decent start on her schooling.

--

At the office, Killian was sitting at the head of a long conference room table, rocking back and forth slowly in a comfortable leather chair, his fingertips tented.

“Hello?” Neal Cassidy asked, raising an eyebrow. “Earth to Mr. Jones.”

Blinking, Killian offered an embarrassed smile. “Sorry, daydreaming.”

“Hah! Since when do you daydream? Right, now, we have drawn up all of the paperwork for the acquisition.” Neal began handing out thick stacks of paper to the forlorn-looking Mr. Gold. His nephew August sat beside him, arms crossed defiantly across his chest.

“You don’t have to do this. We can hire lawyers,” August insisted one last time, desperate to allow his uncle to keep his company.

“Good luck with that, Buddy,” Neal snorted and picked up a glass of water, sipping from it. He glanced back down the table at Killian, who seemed to be ‘daydreaming’ again. He snapped his fingers at his client.

Killian waved him off with a frown, then stood as Mr. Gold grabbed the pen before him.

“Mr. Gold,” Killian began, tugging his suit jacket closed and buttoning it carefully. “That military contract of yours, what was the deal?”

Gold looked up, eyes narrowed, processing the thought. “I was under the impression that the contract was dead.”

With a shameful smirk, Killian shook his head. “Just buried,” he replied, “not dead.”

Neal glanced to his partner and stood as well. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Gold and his nephew glanced between one another. August looked down at the paperwork and then to Killian. “It was a two-billion-dollar deal for aircraft carriers. Extension available upon delivery of the first. Why?”

“Mm,” Killian nodded and gave a smile. “Neal, I think that sounds like…something we can get behind. I mean, sounds like a good investment to me.”

“Investment?” Neal sputtered and leaned forward, slamming his hands onto the table. “This is not about an investment. This is a hostile takeover, remember?”

Moving toward Mr. Gold, Killian offered up a hand. “I’d like to offer you an investment of ninety million, to start. How does that sound?”

“Is this some kind of joke?” August asked, standing behind his uncle.

Shaking his head, Killian left his hand hanging out to be shaken. “No, not at all. I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to buy and break up your company, Mr. Gold. I believe you have excellent opportunity ahead of you. Let’s make it so no one else can attempt a takeover while you work on your contract. I’ll have Senator Michaels pull it out of appropriations.”

Neal was nearly tearing his hair from his head. He moved to Killian’s side, grabbing his expensive jacket and giving it a firm tug. “No, no, that is NOT what we are here to do! We’re here to take over Gold Industries and sell it off in tiny chunks for a profit!”

“I’ve changed my mind, Neal. It’s time I got into some real business. This contract gives me an opportunity to do something…productive with my life,” Killian smiled brightly. “If you’d be so kind, could you draw up the contract for the investment procedures? If not, I can have another one of my attorneys see to it. I have another meeting today.”

Gold stood slowly and took Killian’s outstretched hand. He gripped it with a slowly-building smile. “We’re gonna make great big ships together, Mr. Jones.”

“Indeed we are!” He shook the man’s hand firmly and gave a wave to his dumbfounded attorney before grabbing his suitcase and leaving the office.

--

There was a chime as the elevator to the penthouse opened. Emma was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, a pen in-hand as she looked over a community college application. Glancing up, she smiled, expecting to see Killian.

Neal stomped into the room. “Where is he?” He asked furiously.

Blinking, Emma put the application aside and stood, adjusting her red leather jacket. “Sorry?”

“Where is Killian?” He looked toward the balcony and then the bedroom.

“Oh, um, he’s not here. He should be home any minute,” she said idly, moving toward the kitchen. “Can I get you a drink?”

Neal paused and chuckled, shaking his head. “Are you serious? ‘Home’? Do you think this is some sort of little love shack for you? This is a hotel room. It is not ‘home’, and you are not Killian’s ‘little woman’. You’re a hooker.”

Pausing in the kitchen, Emma tapped her fingernails on the marble island. She turned and shook her head. “You know, maybe you should wait in the lobby.”

Neal continued forward, a predatory look in his eyes. “A cheap hooker. You know, maybe if I do you, I won’t feel so bad about losing out on that deal your John just scuttled.”

Emma took a step backward. “Please leave.”

Lunging forward, Neal grabbed Emma by the wrists and pulled her to him. He turned, pinning her against the kitchen’s island, slamming the side of her face hard into the countertop. The marble was cold against her face, and the hardness made her cheekbone ache.

“Get off! No!” Emma screamed as he pawed her body, unbuckling his belt.

She reached furiously for anything to grab for defending herself. Nothing seemed within reach. Neal tugged at Emma’s jeans, pulling them toward the floor.

“Stop!” Emma cried, nails digging at the surface. Her cry was echoed by another voice as Killian darted into the room and grabbed Neal, throwing him backward.

Neal fell backward into the hard wooden back of the sofa as Emma scrambled to make herself decent once more. There was a small cut on the side of her eye, from which a trickle of blood was pouring down her cheek.

Killian grabbed Neal by the collar and dragged the man toward the elevator. He shoved him inside it. “You’re fired. You’d better be gone before the cops get here, you disgusting sack of shit.”

Leaning in, he pressed the button to the lobby and stepped back. Neal scrambled to his feet.

“You’re making a huge mistake, Jones! She’s a fucking whore, that’s all she is!” He shouted.

With a step forward, Killian stopped the doors and moved in, slugging Neal square in the jaw. The man slumped against the railing inside the elevator, groaning. The doors closed and the car made its way to the lobby.

He turned and rushed to Emma.

She was wiping her face with shaky hands, not noticing the blood until she glanced down at her fingertips. “Oh,” she whimpered and turned to look for a towel.

“Emma, shh,” he cooed, bringing a chair to her. He sat her down carefully. Fetching a cold, wet cloth, he knelt in front of her and reached up to touch the cut on her cheek. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

Sniffling slightly, Emma shook her head. “Not the first time that’s happened,” she muttered, wringing her hands. “Guys always know how to hurt you.”

“Not all guys hurt,” Killian said quietly, dabbing at the cut. He leaned forward and blew gently on it with a frown.

Reaching up to his hand, Emma guided Killian’s cloth away. “I should go.” She gave a sad smile and moved to stand up.

“Emma, please, I wish you’d reconsider…” Killian stood, stepping back from her. He bit down softly on his lip. “Just let me put you in a nice place, please.”

“I can’t be that for you, Killian,” Emma shook her head slowly.

“Then stay with me. Not because I’m paying you. Because you want to,” he stepped slightly forward, eyes focused on hers. “Please, Emma.”

Emma gazed back at him for a long, silent moment, then shook her head. “I need to do this for myself. But thank you.” She walked to the sofa and grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. She grabbed the notebook and application she had been working on earlier. Moving slowly, she pressed the button on the elevator. As she turned to get one last look at him, Emma felt a tear roll down her cheek. “Goodbye, Killian Jones.” The doors closed slowly, and her view of him disappeared.

--

In the lobby, Emma made her way across the grand marble-tiled floors toward a brass revolving door. It seemed as if Neal had left before she made her way down.

“Um, Miss Swan?” Came a familiar voice as she walked. Emma slowed to a stop and smiled.

“Archie,” She moved forward and reached out a hand.

Mr. Hopper grasped her hand in both of his. “I heard Mr. Jones is leaving, so I thought maybe you were going with him? Oh...oh my, are you alright?” He gestured to the cut next to her eye, his expression becoming concerned.

“Nah, I’ve got digs here in Hollywood,” Emma said cooly, brushing away his concern. “I’m cool. I’m going home.”

“Take care, Emma,” Archie smiled, nudging his glasses up on his nose after he released her hand. “You’re always welcome here.”

Stepping forward, Emma wrapped the man in a tight hug before stepping back and heading for the exit. She raised a hand for a cab.

“Ah,” Mr. Hopper interrupted again, “Charlie will take you wherever it is you need to go. On me.” He gestured to one of the hotel’s town cars. Emma blushed and nodded. She climbed into the back of the fancy car and settled into the warm leather seat as it was loaded with her belongings.

“Thanks, Archie,” she said with a smile as she waved through the open window. Mr. Hopper gave a wave as she left.