#also yes this is ABSOLUTELY a companion piece to the birthday piece i did for yuuri

[arom-antix]

Happy birthday to the man, the myth, the legend, trophy husband of Yuuri Katsuki, Viktor Nikiforov!

[forever-rogue]

Oblivious

A/N | This is just a little sweet fluff with Buckaroo. It’s also a late little happy birthday for @falcor-thee-luck-dragon! I hope you (and everyone else) enjoys!

Summary | You’d think Bucky wouldn’t be so oblivious but...he was. 

Pairing | Bucky x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 3.9k

Warnings | language

Masterlists | Bucky, Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

James Buchanan Barnes aka Bucky Barnes was a man of many talents and had a vast knowledge of a variety of things. Sometimes, however, things were so obvious and clear that they went right over his head. You could hit him in the face with a 2x4 and he wouldn’t know what happened oblivious. Like the fact that you, his girlfriend of almost a year, had the strange and peculiar ability to communicate with animals. You’d never hid it, nor explicitly told him about it, thinking it would be funny to see how long it would take him to catch on. 330 days (and counting) in and he hadn’t.

Bucky grabbed his phone, scrolling through his social media feeds quickly before pulling up Spotify and turning to his secret indulgence playlist - classical Italian Opera. Yeah. It was just a thing he had happened to really like for no particular reason. The only other living souls in his apartment with him were Archie, your black and white speckled mutt and Alpine, Bucky’s snow white cat. You were currently out of town for work and had asked Bucky if he minded watching Archie, to which he had of course said yes. It was no secret that Archie loved Bucky almost as much as you and vice versa - he was the goodest boy as Bucky had proclaimed. Plus, the cat and dog got along like they were old best friends. 

Trailing into the bathroom, he stripped off his t-shirt and pajama pants as Archie laid on the bed and offered him a dismissal look. Alpine was tucked into his side as she slept soundly, paying no attention to her owner. 

As he turned on the shower and let the water warm up, he finished stripping off his clothes before deciding to sing along with his music as best as he could. Bucky didn’t speak Italian. It showed. But he was passionate about giving it all as he got ready to take on the day. Archie groaned as Bucky hit a particularly high note, burying his face under the soft duvet. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“You ever gonna ask her the question?” Sam raised an eyebrow at Bucky as the two men walked alongside the creek. Bucky had decided that ice cream and a walk for Archie were called for, so he’d taken advantage of the nice weather and gone outside. Missing your company, despite you only having been gone for a few days, he’d called up Sam and convinced him to meet up. Not that it took much convincing; the men were as thick as thieves, no matter how much they denied it. Co-workers, partners - best friends. 

“Umm,” Bucky’s eyes widened as he almost choked on his ice cream, awkwardly coughing to cover up his nerves. Sam just snickered in response as he realized he already had his answer. After a moment he slowly nodded, “I have the ring...it’s been sitting in the sock drawer.”

“Sock drawer,” Sam snorted and shook his head as a flush of red colored Bucky’s neck and ears, “classic. When are you going to do it?”

“I don’t know,” Bucky sighed as he broke off a piece of waffle cone and handed it to Archie, who had been listening in very intently, “I want to...but what if it’s too soon. We technically don’t even live together yet-”

“Doesn’t she like to spend her time at yours? She’s practically moved in...most of the stuff at your place is hers anyway,” Sam reminded him as Bucky made a small, noncommittal sound. It was true - when you’d first met Bucky his place had been minimal and bare. Now, with your time and touch, it felt like a home; a home you had lovingly built with him. Sam bumped Bucky’s shoulder with his, “just get it all done in one swoop. She’ll say yes.”

Archie made a small sound, agreeing with Sam as he rubbed his snout against Bucky’s thigh. He visibly relaxed as he nodded, hoping that this would be enough to psych him up, “I’ll think about it-”

“No thinking about it,” Sam tutted gently, “you’re going to do it. You’ve been a fool - a straight up head over heels in love fool - since you’ve met her. You’re going to ask.”

“Sam…”

“How long have you had the ring?”

“Sam.”

“Bucky.”

“A few weeks after we started dating,” Bucky cast his glance at the ground as warmth flushed up in his cheeks. He’d expected Sam to burst out in laughter, but luckily the other man said nothing, but a smile stretched across his features, “it seems so silly but you know..I just felt like I knew.”

“Sometimes you do,” Sam agreed, putting his arm around his shoulder and pulling him for a quick hug, “you just gotta do it, Buck. She won’t say no.”

Archie barked in response, looking between the two men, wagging his tail excitedly. Sam offered him a few pets before nodding in response.

“She comes home in a few days,” he couldn’t wait to pick you up from the airport and have you jump into his arms while he finally got to hold you again, “I’ve got until then to pluck up the courage.”

“Just don’t lay it on her right away…” Sam snorted as he picked Bucky running up to you immediately pouring his heart out to you. Not a good idea, “give her a moment to be calm and breath.”

“Shut up,” Bucky huffed as he finished the rest of his ice cream, “I’ve got this!”

“We’re all counting on that!”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Bucky set the empty popcorn bowl back on the coffee table as he tried not to sniffle too loudly. His eyes were misty and burning with unshed tears as he watched whatever cheesy romance he had randomly selected. He pulled the soft blanket he was curled up in higher, savoring the fact that it still managed to have a faint bit of your smell on it. Alpine was curled up on the back of the couch, snoozing away while Archie was laying next to him, his head resting on Bucky’s thigh. He was on and off sleeping, but had peeped open an eye when he first heard Bucky sniffle. 

“They’re in love,” he whispered gently, unsure if he was speaking to himself or talking to his furry companions. He was scratching Archie’s ears as he watched the scenes play out on the screen, “but they can’t be together. Their families would never allow it.”

Archie huffed lightly as he burrowed further into Bucky’s touch. It was the first time he’d seen the man get so emotional over the movie. Bucky had feelings, plenty of them, of course, but there was something about the movie he’d picked, combined with how much he was missing you that caused him to just lose it. It was like the dam had burst and his emotions were out of control.

He sat back and watched the rest of the movie in silence, a few tears running down his cheeks as he watched the love story play out. By the end of the movie, Archie was fully in his lap and Alpine was resting on his chest, “he left everything behind for her, so they could start a new life together far away. They really were next to meant to be together. It’s beautiful.”

The furry little ones were absolutely  going to tell you about this. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Archie yawned and slowly stretched before hopping down from the couch and heading towards Bucky’s bedroom. He tried to nose the door open as he learned to do, but was stopped when he found that it was closed all the way. His head tilted in curiosity and whined softly as he tried to see if Bucky was awake so he would let him in. 

As soon as he did, the dog regretted it. All he could hear coming from inside was the soft sounds coming from Bucky. Soft moans and sounds and gentle whispers of your name. His eyes widened as the dog took off down the hall and ran back into the living room, flopping down on his dog bed and cuddling up to Alpine as he tried to empty his mind. All the poor dog had wanted to do was to sleep in the big soft bed - not be scarred for life. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Bucky!” as soon as you’d gotten cleared and walked through arrivals and gotten your single bag, you’d kept your eyes peeled for Bucky. It didn’t take long to find him, standing near the back, blue eyes scanning the arrivals with a hopeful little smile on his face. You almost dropped your bag as you ran over to him. As soon as you were in arm’s reach, you dropped everything to the ground, and Bucky effortlessly scooped you up in his arms. You threw your arms around his neck as he held you in a tight embrace, “James. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” he sighed in content, happy to have you in his arms once again. Everything about you set his soul on fire, as he held onto you as tightly as possible. After a moment, he slowly set you back down, but not before peppering your face in gentle kisses, “you’re so beautiful.”

“Bucky,” you reached up and gently touched his cheek, “you’re too much. I’m so glad to be home.”

“Not quite yet.”

“Sure I am,” you insisted quietly, “I’m here with you. You’re my home, Bucky.”

The small velvet box was practically burning a hole in his pocket as you looked at him like he was everything - your whole world (he was). Unable to form a proper sentence, he  grabbed your face and pulled you close to him, crashing his lips onto yours, kissing you like you weren’t in the middle of a crowded airport. He could feel you smiling against his lips, reluctantly breaking apart from you only once you were both breathless. 

“What was that for?” you asked shyly, feeling your face flush with warmth as he picked up your bags for you. You were watching him with pure adoration as he reached for your hand and laced your fingers together. 

“Nothing,” he shrugged softly, “jus’ missed you is all, pretty girl.”

“I missed you too, Bucky,” you promised, “I love you.”

“I love you more than all the moon and stars, pretty girl.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“What?” you asked as Archie came into the kitchen and sat down, watching you intently as you finished up the cookies you had been working. Bucky was busy with Sam that afternoon, so you’d decided to make a little sweet treat for both of you. You’d been home for a few days and fallen into an easy routine, having opted to stay with Bucky for the time being rather than going back to your own place, “you’ve got something to say, I can tell.”

Just missed you. I like when you’re home, you and Bucky. And Alpine. 

“I missed you too, buddy,” you promised, leaning over to his head a gentle pet, “did you have fun while I was gone?”

Yes. Bucky takes good care of me. I like Alpine too. She’s nice.

“I happen to like them a lot too,” you grinned at your friend, “I’m glad you do too. I think...I really love him, Archie. I think, no, I know - he’s the one.”

He thinks so too. He told Sam you’re the one - and us too. 

“Really?” you almost dropped the cookies you were plating up in surprise as you bit the inside of your cheek to keep from squealing in excitement, “you’re not messing with me, are you?”

It’s true. He’s got...well, you’ll see. He likes romance movies apparently. And singing opera.

“Oh?”

He was watching a movie. He ate two bowls of popcorn and cried. He let me and Alpine sit on him though so it was okay. He sings opera when he showers in the morning. He’s not good but he tries.

“Archie! Don’t be a meanie,” you chuckled as you tried to picture the scene. It would have been hilarious to see. You’d always known Bucky had a soft side, you just didn’t know how soft, “but I will remember that and use it to my advantage when I want to watch a cheesy movie.”

Please do. He gives good pets when he’s in that mood. He always gives good pets.

“He’s a good man,” you grinned as you reached over the counter for a good treat that you easily tossed to him, “I really love him.”

He really loves you. One night I...never mind.

“No, no,” you shook your head as you waggled another treat at him, “out with it! Or I’ll hide all of your treats!”

Fine. But you didn’t hear it from me - I wanted to sleep in the big bed one night and the door was closed and I heard him. He was...saying your name.

Your brows narrowed in confusion for a moment as you pulled another treat out and twirled it in your fingers for a moment. Then you hit you, what he had meant, “oh. Oh. That is...good to know, I suppose.”

Not for me. I just wanted to sleep, not...hear that.

“Sorry buddy,” you snorted as you handed him another treat, “that will stay between us. Besides...he still doesn’t know we can communicate. I wonder if he’ll ever put two and two together?”

You could just tell him.

“But where’s the fun in that?” you teased as the door opened and Bucky walked in, a giant grin on his face. You looked at Archie and shot him a wink before turning to Bucky, “hello, my love. You’re just in time! Cookies are done and cooled!”

“Oh, my sweet girl,” Bucky came over and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips before petting Archie, “I love you. Is someone here? I could have sworn you were talking to someone…”

“Nope,” you (half) lied, covering up with a brilliant smile, “just me and the dog and cat.”

“Oh,” he shrugged, thinking it was just his imagination, “what’s all this? Cookies -  whatever for?”

“Just because I love you,” you grinned as Archie groaned and laid down, “both of you!”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You stopped for a moment to catch your breath as you reached one of the peaks of the small mountain you and Bucky were hiking. It was a glorious day so you’d decided there was no better plan than to get out and enjoy nature. He had no problem at any point, even offering to piggy back you when you’d grown tired; you’d just defiantly stuck your tongue out at the super soldier and carried on. 

“This view is absolutely breathtaking,” you looked over the small cliff, admiring the tranquil expanse of the woods in front of you. Bucky was at your side, his eyes on you the entire time.

“Yeah,” he agreed with a grin, “it’s pretty amazin’.”

“Bucky,” you turned around and rolled your eyes at him as he pulled you in for a kiss, causing you to break into a fit of giggles, “I’m all gross and sweaty!”

“Don’t care,” he insisted as his hands found purchase on your waist and pulled you closer against him, his lips already ghosting over yours, “jus’ want you, baby.”

“Bucky,” his name was soft on your lips, but before anything else could happen, you were stopped by a small, almost nervous little voice from up above. 

Umm, hi! I don’t want to interrupt but…

You pulled back from Bucky for a moment before looking at the tree, where you found a small squirrel sitting on a branch and watching you both. Bucky was surprised for a moment but calmed when you gave his shoulder a squeeze and gently moved past him and towards your new friend.

“Hi,” you smiled at her and offered a smile, picking up an acorn and handing it over to her, “is everything alright?”

Oh yes. I just wanted to let you know there’s a big group of people coming. If you want some privacy you should go somewhere more secluded! They’re pretty loud, I don’t like big groups.

“Oh!” you giggled as you could only imagine the awkward scenario if you’d been caught, “thanks for the heads up! We’ll definitely get out of here. I’m sorry you have to deal with all the noise.”

It’s okay. I’m going back to my nest now! If you go down the hill, there’s a more private path that leads back down the mountain. There’s signs if you need them.

“Why thank you,” you grinned as you reached up and she let you pet her, “you’ve been very helpful. Maybe one day we’ll see each other again.“

No problem. I hope so too! Thank you for the acorn!

“Anytime,” you promised as she scurried away with her new treasure. You shook your head in amusement as you turned back around to Bucky, to find him watching you with wide eyes. He wasn’t quite sure what had just happened, almost wondering if he was hallucinating. Had you just gone mad and tried to speak to a squirrel? You laughed lightly at the shocked look on his features,  “oh.”

“What was...what was that?” he asked as you rejoined him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. His eyes were still scanning the branch the small squirrel had just occupied. 

“She was just warning us that there’s a group of hikers coming our way and we should find someplace more private,” you said as if it was no big deal. It didn’t help Bucky in the slightest.

“She? A warning...how….That was a squirrel!”

“I was wondering if you’d ever put two and two together,” you laughed, almost doubling over in laughter, “I...Bucky, I don’t know how or why but I can communicate with animals.”

“You can….how long?!”

“Ever since I’ve been a child?” you held up your hands in earnest, “its something I’ve always been able to do. I don’t advertise it, obviously because people generally think I’m crazy, but I would think you of all people understand. It’s just been...fun to wait and see if you’d ever figure it out.”

“All those times…” he ran a hand over his face in exasperation and disbelief as you watched him in amusement. He was a brilliant, smart man but sometimes he was so oblivious. You couldn’t love him anymore if you tried, “it wasn’t just...a one sided conversation. It all makes sense now. Wow, that’s amazing! What a wonderful thing to possess.”

“I’ve always liked it,” you agreed, “it’s different, you know? But special in its own way.”

“Wait…” he mused for a moment, “so all those times...oh. H-how much have Archie and Alpine told you? Have they always talked to you?”

“Yup,” you crossed your arms over your chest, as you watched his neck and ears turn red, “those two in particular are very animated and over the top. They’re the worst little gossip duo. Almost like you and Sammy.”

“Of course they are,” he groaned as you reached for his hand and pulled him towards. He gave you a sheepish grin as you pressed a light kiss to his knuckles, “they told you about the movie, huh?”

“Archie,” you confirmed, “but he did say you gave him the best pets.”

“Did he tell about...oh no,” this time his whole face was a brilliant crimson, “I-I…”

“Oh stop,” you teased, “I’m flattered and honored. It’s not like I don’t do the same when I’m not with you.”

“Really?” he perked up with pride as you just nodded in amusement, “well then. Wait - did he tell you about Sam?”

“He said you went on a walk with him but that was it,” you shrugged, “nothing really. I do know that he loves you and Alpine very much. And so do I, obviously.”

“Okay,” he relaxed slightly as you took his hand and started to lead him towards the more secluded path your little squirrel had told you about. The box in his pocket was once again burning a hole, “good.”

“Everything okay, Bub?” you asked as he just nodded, lips pursed as he fell into step behind you. Something was definitely off, but you weren’t going to push him on it. If anything, you knew he’d come around and speak his mind about what was going on. He usually always did. 

A silence, one neither tense nor uncomfortable, fell over the two of you as you walked down the quiet trail. It was beautiful - lush greenery and newly bloomed plants everywhere. At one point you stopped and pulled out your phone to take a few pictures of the natural beauty. Bucky had been so lost in his own thoughts, his heart practically pounding in his chest and consuming every part of him that he almost bowled into you and knocked you over. 

“James!” it was somewhere between a groan and laugh as he caught you in his arms in order to keep you from tumbling into a bunch of bushes. You were face to face with Bucky, looking at him intently as he steadied you,  “alright, something’s up. Come on - out with it. You know you can tell me anything.”

“I umm...marry me?” all the speeches he had gone over and planned wet out the window as he just stared at you with nervous eyes. You’d been so taken aback by his sudden question that you took a step back and gave him a curious expression. Bucky’s stomach was in absolute knots as he wondered if he’d just fucked everything up.

“W-what?” your voice was a small squeak, as you tried to see if he was just pulling your leg. But his gaze never wavered, “what did you just ask me?”

“I…” he stopped over a moment before reaching into his pocket with trembling hands and pulling out a small box. Your eyes widened in response as you realized that was not joking at all, further evidenced when he popped it open and showed you the ring inside. Your mouth dropped open when it all came together, “I thought the whole proposal would go a lot differently than this but umm...yeah. Will you marry me? That’s what I’m trying to ask...I’m glad Archie hadn’t spoiled that for you.”

“No,” you shook your head as you already felt tears pricking at your eyes, “he definitely didn’t. I thought he might have been holding something back, but I...I had no idea.”

“I know it hasn’t even been a year yet, but I feel like when you know someone 's the one..you know,” he admitted softly, “and I know you’re the one. The one I want to spend the rest of my life with, the one I want to call my wife...my everything.”

“James,” you looked between him and the ring a few more times before swallowing the lump in your throat, “gods, I am so in love with you. There was never a doubt in my mind that it was meant to be you. Yes, of course yes.”

“Really?!”

“Of course,” you beamed at him, “I love you, Bucky. You’re my forever.”

“Forever,” he breathed softly, “I like the sound of that.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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[scriibble-fics]

scriibble's fic list

Original Works

Shared

link: for sale on Amazon

Competition

link: for sale on Amazon

Corrupted

link: for sale on Amazon

Beachside Ménage Box Set

link: for sale on Amazon

Tempted By Her Boss

link: for sale on Amazon

Works in Progress

Eighteen Again

Rating: M Summary: After Hogwarts, things fell apart for Lily Evans and James Potter. Three years later, when she shows up in his life to work for the Order, James finds himself pushed back towards her in a situation that's not only dangerous for his life, but also his heart. [First Wizarding War; Second Chances AU] link: ff.net Ao3

Bought

Rating: M Summary: "I've given this this a lot of thought," he says, "And I want to buy you." [First Wizarding World AU featuring Slytherin!Marauders and Death Eater!James] link: ff.net Ao3

Completed Multi-Chapters

If You'd Like

Rating: M Summary: Lily had always driven James mad, but in all the best possible ways. Eventually, he came to realize that he drove her mad right back. A three-part collection of some of Lily and James' relationship "firsts." link: ff.net

Magic

Rating: M Summary: The first time Lily Evans and James Potter kiss, it's an accident. Admittedly, that accident is all her fault, but it's an accident just the same. link: ff.net Ao3

Voyeur

Rating: M Summary: As his seventh year begins and the First Wizarding World grows outside Hogwarts' castle walls, James Potter has one goal in mind: to finally win over Lily Evans. The only problem? Accidentally seeing her with someone else, of course—but it's not like that will stop him. [L/OC to L/J; Marauders seventh year/intro to the First Wizarding War] [Winner of JilyAwards 2020 Fav Smut/NSFW] link: ff.net Ao3

One-Shots

Eighty Days

Rating: M Summary: It took Lily Evans eighty days to come to terms with the fact that she fancied James Potter. Eighty long, miserable days. [sixth year] [set within Voyeur universe, but also stands alone] [rated M for inexplicit sexual scenes] link: ff.net

Hair

Rating: T Summary: By the time Horace Slughorn's annual Slug Club Christmas party rolls around, James Potter hasn't fancied Lily Evans for months, thank you very much. And yet it's her hair that finally undoes him. [written for Jilychallenge July 2021, and featuring matchmaker!Sirius, pining!Lily, and oblivious!James] link: ff.net Ao3

Happy Birthday Baby

Rating: M Summary: "I've been tasked with keeping you away from the common room." "For my party, I assume. You were a good choice—which is why the lads picked you, of course." A one-shot of James' birthday seventh year. PWP. [Companion piece to Eighteen Again, but can be read separately] link: ff.net

Meet the Parents

Rating: M Summary: "James! You can't—did you seriously just pull me away from your parents—who you asked me to come here and meet—so you could try to shag me?" "Yes. Obviously." A one-shot in which Lily meeting James' parents has absolutely nothing to do with actually meeting his parents. [Companion piece to Eighteen Again, but can be read separately] link: ff.net

Meet the Parents II

Rating: M Summary: "Oh, no. No, I'm not about to muck this up with your parents. I want them to like me, Evans, not to find me up here pounding you into your bed." A one-shot in which James meeting Lily's parents has very little to do with actually meeting her parents. [Companion piece to Eighteen Again and sequel-ish to Meet the Parents, but can be read separately] link: ff.net

Notes

Rating: M Summary: On an ordinary Tuesday in October of 1975, James Potter passes Lily Evans a note. She has no way of knowing it, of course, but it's the first note of thousands that will pass between them in the years to come. [companion-ish piece to Eighteen Again, but can be read separately; rated M for inexplicit sexual scenes] link: ff.net Ao3

[kemendin]

Fallout themed ‘get to know me’

Tagged by @jacksothereye, which just figures

First encounter with Fallout: It’s been vaguely on my radar for a while because of its popularity, mostly through cosplays I could place as Fallout but I knew absolutely nothing else. I knew it was post-apocalyptic and had guns and those are usually very much not my thing, so I was highly resistant to trying it. After hearing the above person gush about it for literal years I finally caved and told them they could get it for me for my birthday. That was... five months ago. I have over 500 hours in Fallout 4. Send help.

Name of my first fallout character: Cas, full name Caspian Serapis, whom I transplanted from Wildstar into Fallout. He’s my only character right now but he’s branched out into a courser AU now as S3-38.

Dumb way(s) I died in Fallout: I think my favourite was jumping into the vat of molten metal in Saugus Ironworks to see if it would kill me (it did).

What would I improve in Fallout 4?: Like J, I felt that aside from Nick, a lot of the companions fell flat in terms of interactions and exploring their own stories. You get little pieces but it feels sort of incidental and very rigid. Also would have liked multiple origin scenarios, not just cozy heterosexual domestic life with your spouse. Also more aliens yes I know I should play Fallout 3 for that

Tagging uhhhh whoever wants to do it, I don’t know. xD

[notveryglittery]

birthday prince (5)

summary: happy birthday, roman!!! words: 2,900 / ship: dlampts (deceit/logan/virgil/patton/roman/thomas/remy) author’s note: this is part five of my Giving The Gay Anything He Wants series for roman’s birthday (june 4)! all ships are written implied romantic but i’m not stopping you from interpreting it otherwise. check the end notes on ao3 for credit on these gifts (bc i don’t know where to put them in this post)! i hope you enjoy!!

part 1 (roceit) | part 2 (logince) | part 3 (prinxiety) part 4 (royality) | part 5 (dlampts) |  read on ao3

— — —

“Rise and shine, buttercup!”

Roman swatted at the air, as if that would send away the voice trying to wake him. “Five more minutes,” he grumbled, burying his face back into a pillow.

“You said that ten minutes ago, sugar,” drawled another.

If Roman really thought about it, he’d remember that, yes, he was guilty of this charge. That didn’t mean that he would admit to it, of course! Besides, even if he did, today was his day so he should have been able to do whatever he liked.

Oh.

Oh!

Energy shot through him as he jolted up. “It’s my birthday!”

Patton’s laugh was musical, the most beautiful sound Roman could ever ask to start his morning with. “I knew we’d get there eventually.”

“I dunno, I was sure it’d take him at least another half hour,” Remy teased, standing in the doorway.

"Good morning!" Roman exclaimed, swooping in for a kiss from Patton. He happily obliged, taking it also as an opportunity to comb a hand through Roman's tangled hair.

Were it not for Remy clearing his throat a moment later, the two might have lost track of time entirely. They pulled apart, only a little sheepish about it. Patton took Roman's hands in his and gave him a tug, urging him out of bed. Thankfully, now that Roman knew what was being celebrated, he followed easily, lips curled into a grin that seemed it'd never go away.

"What's on the agenda?" He asked eagerly, curious how early it actually was and how long it'd be before his first gift.

"Get yourself dolled up first, hon," Remy told him, tilting his tumbler in the direction of the closet.

"Remy!" Patton hissed, a hint of a scolding reminder in his tone, if Roman was hearing right.

Apparently, this was all it took for Remy to remember whatever Patton was trying to say. They swapped places faster than Roman thought possible, especially with his sleep addled brain not quite keeping up. Remy looped an arm through Roman's and began leading the way to the bathroom.

Patton waved at them as he left, "see you in a bit!"

"You're up to something," Roman accused without hesitation.

"Why I never," Remy said, pouting. "When have I ever been up to anything in my whole life?"

It was, again, thanks to Roman's still half-asleep state that he could level Remy with his best unimpressed look.

"Here I am, just trying to help you look your absolute best, and you're claiming me a criminal. That's just plain unfair."

Roman couldn't deny how wonderful that sounded, actually. Doing his own makeup and hair was a regular occasion, so much so that it almost got boring to do anymore. Remy, without a doubt, could be trusted to make sure Roman's winged eyeliner would be sharp enough to kill a man. Not that Roman would ever admit it, but Remy might have been even a better makeup artist than he was.

"Alright, alright," Roman yielded, "I supposed I'd be lucky to have someone of your talent dress me up today."

Remy looked equally smug and delighted at this. He shooed Roman along to take a shower, ducking back out of the bathroom to, presumably, pick an outfit for Roman for the day. The prince used the hair and body care products that he liked to save for special occasions, singing (of course) various Disney love songs as he did. With what must've been some sort of sixth sense, Remy was on him again as soon as he was wrapped up in a bathrobe and towling his hair dry. He got to work without wasting a moment, making sure that Roman's luxurious locks were fluffy and styled just right. The swoop to his bangs had never been so perfect, if he was being honest! The makeup look was bold, reds and golds and glitter; thankfully, Remy reassured him he'd used all waterproof brands so that Roman could cry all he liked without issue.

They returned back to the bedroom, where Remy had the outfit displayed on a mannequin. It shouldn't have been a shock that he'd picked some of Roman's favorite pieces but he was pleasantly surprised all the same.

"I really do just know you that well, I guess," Remy said, nonchalantly.

Roman, lightning quick, pressed a kiss to his cheek, leaving behind a lipstick print. "You do and I love you so much for it!"

While Remy blushed and stammered at the sudden affection, Roman darted ahead and began to get dressed. Remy didn't need to turn away to give Roman his privacy, all things considered, but he did anyway, fiddling with the jewelry on Roman's vanity. It took some deliberating, but he decided finally that, above all else, the rainbow jewel encrusted crown was a must for today's ensemble.

"How do I look?"

"Babe, I don't even need to—" Remy's words died on his tongue as he faced Roman. Sure, there had been no doubt that Roman would look handsome as hell, but the beaming smile and light in his eyes and bouncy excited posture… He looked so happy and radiant and— "Wow."

"Stop," Roman said, giggling.

Remy took the crown and approached. He gave Roman a half-bow, smirking up at him. "May I have the honor, your majesty?"

“Stop!" Roman repeated, squeaking.

"Never," Remy promised, standing and reaching up to nestle the accessory on Roman's head. Each strand of hair still fell perfectly into place. "Now then," he said, taking Roman's arm in his, "shall we begin the festivities?"

Getting downstairs took no time at all, though Remy did dart ahead and down the steps first, so that he could loudly announce Roman proper. Patton and Thomas cheered for him as he descended, which added only more to the warm blush that he had a feeling might be a permanent addition today to his makeup. The pair ooh'd and ahh'd over Roman's look, showering him in compliments and praise. If this was just the beginning, then he sincerely was unsure whether he'd make it out of the celebrations alive.

They gathered at the dining room table, where Virgil and Deceit were laying the finishing touches on breakfast. The spread looked delectable, every one of Roman's favorite foods, and all of it hot and freshly cooked. Logan joined them last, carrying a plate with a single biscuit on it. There was a lit candle, too, and they'd all started singing before Roman could even catch up. He blew the little fire out and made a wish - though they'd nearly all already come true at this point, anyway.

"We're breaking a record today of how many times we can sing happy birthday," Thomas said with a wink, "fair warning."

Breakfast was full of fun and light chatter. They talked about the rest of their plans (at least, the ones they weren't keeping secret) and reminisced on old milestones. Roman felt full and happy, content to just sit and listen to his loved ones talk and joke around him. He was never left out of the conversation, though, always pulled back into a topic or started one anew with. He was listened to, unequivocally, and the attention was pleasant.

Soon, the food was finished, and the group moved to the kitchen. Patton and Deceit worked together on dishes while Logan presented what would be the first of birthday treats. They were muffins with Crofter's jelly in the middle, a flavor that Roman didn't recognize.

"Roman's Razzleberry," Logan explained, looking mixed on his feelings regarding the name. "It took some experimenting, but this combination of raspberry, strawberry, and dragonfruit came out the metaphorical winner."

"It's delicious!" Roman exclaimed, taking another from the tray. "My own jam! Thank you, dearest."

They gathered in the living room next, where the furniture had been rearranged to give them space for various activities. They did start with a movie, to let their meal settle, all huddled together on the couches. Roman was squished between Virgil and Thomas, the former playing absentmindedly with Roman's fingers while Thomas trailed his hand up and down Roman's arm, leaving tingles along the way. He might have dozed off a little, warm and cozy as he was.

The short nap energized him for their next game. Charades was one of his favorites as it gave him an opportunity to really practice his acting skills. What better way to hone one's craft than by not being able to use all the normal necessary components? Playing a part without any speaking lines and having to hope he'd do well enough that his companions could guess… It was a challenge he always looked forward to!

Virgil popped out and back in shortly with snacks for them all, the apparent second birthday treat: popcorn and candies and chips and soda, all easy and quick but not any less appreciated. They split into teams of two, leaving one to be their referee, and then each round, swapping out so that they all could have a turn to play. Roman ended up the winner, to absolutely no one’s surprise, though Deceit did come in a close second.

Lunchtime had rolled around and this time, they took to each making sandwiches for themselves. Patton and Remy surprised them (well, surprised Roman) with the third and fourth birthday treats: heart shaped cookies with exquisite frosting doodles and red velvet cake pops, respectively. They were sweet and delicious and baked perfectly and Roman only resisted eating more than he could count because he knew he had to save room still for whatever Thomas and Deceit had made. After they were finished and the dishes were washed, Patton led the way back upstairs. They stopped in front of his room.

“Would it be okay if we took a trip down Memory Lane?” He asked, holding Roman’s hands. “I was thinking we could visit some birthdays past!”

Roman looked to the others, nearly overwhelmed with how much affection and love he had for them all. “Whatever you have planned, I’m all in.”

“Nap time,” Remy and Virgil chorused.

Deceit rolled his eyes while Logan stifled a laugh.

“Shh,” Thomas hushed, giving them pats on the head. It was an amusing sight, to say the least, as Remy had a couple of inches on him and Virgil’s hunched over form was shorter than them both.

Memory Lane was as warm and fuzzy as Roman remembered it. He didn’t come through here often, usually only when he and Remy needed something for a Dream, but the consistent feeling it carried of being embraced by Mom or Dad was nice. The memories they visited were nice, too: old visions of time spent with friends, trips to amusement parks, parties that ran late into the night. While they all had their moments, Roman couldn’t help but feel that his birthday today was the absolute very best of them all. By the time they exited, he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt quite so relaxed. Logan and Virgil, on the other hand, looked like they were a little tired from the adventure. He took to their sides, planting himself between them, and grabbing each of their hands. Their quiet, grateful smiles were enough to give him pleasant shivers down his spine.

“Kitchen’s off limits,” Deceit announced as they all arrived back downstairs. “None may enter.”

“Except me!” Thomas piped up.

“Except you,” Deceit agreed, giving him a not-so-secret smitten smile.

Before Roman could ask why, they’d both disappeared. His attention was quickly stolen by Remy anyway, who was dragging him down onto the couch for his and Virgil’s aforementioned nap time. Patton giggled, making sure that they had enough blankets and pillows to be comfy.

“You sleep well, okay? We’ll wake you up in a little bit!” Patton said, taking Roman’s crown for him so that it wouldn’t get in the way, and setting it carefully on the coffee table.

If Roman wanted to ask Logan and Patton to join their cuddling, he didn’t get a chance to. Remy was carding a hand through his hair, draining him of his energy with each gentle scrape of nails against his scalp. He would have declared Remy a cheater for using his powers like this, but Virgil was falling victim to it as well and having his emo nightmare curled up with him was too pleasant to allow any upset feelings, regardless of how joking or serious they were.

Roman did, in fact, nap well, especially thanks to Remy’s presence.

When he woke, his limbs were only a little stiff, but he was overall very warm and relaxed. Virgil was gone but Remy had his face tucked into the crook of Roman’s neck. His sunglasses had been removed and Roman decided it might be worth dealing with the possible attitude of rousing Remy before he was well and ready if it meant getting to see his pretty eyes.

“Pstt,” he whispered, cupping Remy’s hand in his cheek. “My sweet dreamcatcher, it’s time to wake up.”

Remy grumbled, leaning into Roman’s hold. “Sweetie, I know you aren’t trying to coax me out of slumber right now.”

“Why I never,” he teased, echoing Remy’s earlier faux offended tone.

It took a moment longer, but Roman was blessed with getting to watch Remy blink away the lingering sleep. He thought this might be the best present of them all, seeing the swirling and shimmering shades of brown in Remy’s eyes, never one color at a time. It didn’t last long, what with Remy letting his eyelids slip back closed, but that was because he was leaning in to kiss Roman, and that sort of made it worth it.

“I should’ve known better than to leave you two alone,” Virgil groused suddenly, startling them apart.

“You’re just jealous I got to kiss the most handsome prince in the world before you did,” Remy said cheekily, reaching over to grab his sunglasses from the table and sliding them back on.

Roman couldn’t have prepared even if he wanted to. Virgil moved so quickly, thanks largely in part to those flight reflexes, swooping in and capturing Roman’s lips with his own. The kiss was fierce and passionate and even as Virgil pulled away, Roman followed after him. He sighed, disappointed for it to have ended so quickly. Virgil stuck his tongue out at Remy and then shot away as Remy lunged for him. They chased each other around the living room, laughing and throwing playful insults back and forth. Roman watched fondly from the couch, warm still in their nest of blankets.

Hands pressed down on his shoulders, massaging the post-nap aches away. Roman looked up, finding Logan above him. Logan smiled, bending slightly to give him a kiss on the forehead.

“Troublemakers, the both of them,” he said, only pretending to be disappointed.

“You’re one to talk,” Roman pointed out. “I’ve seen what you and Deceit get up to.”

“Shh,” Logan hurried to interrupt. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”

“Dinner’s ready!” Patton called suddenly from the kitchen.

Roman’s stomach growled, surprising him; he wondered how long they’d slept for. Logan came around to the front of the couch and helped Roman up. Virgil and Remy had already darted away to try and steal bits of food.

“Has your birthday been so far satisfactory?” Logan asked, taking a moment to return Roman’s crown to his head. It was a testament to Remy’s hard work that his hair still looked flawless.

“It’s been perfect,” Roman answered enthusiastically.

Dinner consisted, once more, of Roman’s favorite foods. The cupcakes were courtesy of Thomas, another birthday treat, and while he seemed embarrassed about the messy frosting, Roman thought it overwhelmingly endearing; he especially liked the edible glitter and fondant stars. As they were nearing the end of their meal, Deceit procured the final birthday treat: champagne glasses for them all, filled with bubbly cider. There was another happy birthday song as Patton brought the cake out to the dining room. Roman had definitely started crying by now, as it all came together just how much they’d done for him today.

“A toast,” Deceit began, holding up his glass. The others followed. “To our favorite author, poet, artist, actor.”

“To the prince of our dreams,” Remy chimed in.

“And our hearts!” Patton added.

“To the best Creativity I could ask for,” Thomas continued.

“To the greatest hero,” Virgil suggested.

“To a wise and clever leader, one whom we can always trust to take care of us,” Logan rounded out.

Roman wiped frantically at his eyes, uncertain whether his makeup was smudge proof as well, but not caring one bit. “Thank you,” he said, voice wobbly and thick with tears. “I love you guys more than I can say.”

Deceit, from his seat beside him, used his free hand to take one of Roman’s. He pressed a kiss to his knuckles and then held that hand to his cheek. “How unfortunate for your wellbeing,” he threatened sweetly, “because I think that we can say plenty.”

And they did, praising him on anything to everything: from his appearance to his creations, his traits and what made him tick, and the cute faces he made without realizing, and every tiny simple little thing they adored about him. It was, to say the least, the best way to end what had been the best day.

[vampiresuns]

Such You and I

✴︎♈︎ SUCH YOU AND I ♈︎✴︎

2.8k words. In which Valerius worries about Anatole and finds it impossible to be the Consul in front of him. When it comes to him, he will always be his uncle. He will always be Valeriy. Set as a companion piece to ‘Creature Comfort’.

This mentions Jamil, Alec and Leon, who belong to @apprenticealec​.

“Clean water sources, especially if we can get a way to pool the infected water back so we can study it are a priority, the chain supply for the flooded district completely broke, and you need to speak to the Guild of Merchants about it. A new group of nurses has been taken to the Lazaret this morning, and according to three different accounts we should get more court magicians to see whether or not this disease has a magical origin. Did I miss anything, Consul?”

Valerius watched Anatole as he made a sprint outside of the room, considering having him stopped. He was about to but decided against it. Bringing Anatole by force back would only make whatever had gotten into him worse, though he knew his nephew enough to have a couple of ideas about what it could be. 

Foolish boy, he thought, yet kept his assessments to himself despite a couple of tries from Lucio to rouse a reply out of him. He would rather keep his nephew away from his former hate-fuck’s mouth, thanks very much.

He had no choice but to continue this horrid meeting on his own.

His anger towards Aelius was measured: it was about leaving a meeting in such a manner and allowing his feelings to get the best of him, leaving him alone in an useless, frustrating position. How dare he leave him when he knew he had begun to hate his job so much, the fallout of it becoming too big for the satisfactions it brought too quickly. Valerius didn’t mind being ignored, he needn’t people agreeing with him to assert himself; he hated being embarrassed and being played a fool in a Court where he was the only adept Courtier. 

He was responsible for almost every office and he was already about to go postal about it, no need for his nephew to leave a meeting in such an unbecoming fashion. 

So yes, as the Consul he was furious, but as an uncle, not as Valerius of the Cassano of Vesuvia but as Valeriy Radošević, brother of Vlad, son (sort of) of Florentino and Mircea, he was worried sick.

‘Lilu’ had stellar Court records. Of course, there were a couple of incidents here and there, but overall no one else of the younger Court members did as well as Anatole. He had checked, being the Consul allowed him some leeway in demanding certain papers to be delivered to his desk.

Anatole staying was less of a matter of proving himself (his notes and his record keeping were impeccable, and if something were to be missing, he knew his nephew would know how to make up for it), and more of a matter of strategy. Lucio, whether anyone wanted it or not, was going to die. Perhaps the Plague would take all of before it took him, but he couldn’t outlast it. If he died, Satrinava would become the Countess and in that case, Valerius planned to book his office and leave in the hands of Anatole because no ambition of his was big enough to stand having that woman as her boss. 

Incompetent goodie-two shoes. Lucio should’ve never been the Count, he didn’t have any sort of political capacity and whatever old man Spada was on when he appointed him as his successor proved to be a stronger drug than those Valerius was aware existed. But Nadia, a Prakran, former war enemy of Vesuvia taking the position was suspicious. What were her territorial ambitions? What was the true position of her desires for the City? She couldn’t both be Lucio’s wife and someone who pretended to care about Vesuvians. 

It didn’t even work as a publicity stunt, and Valerius knew all about caring for publicity. But she was good, and he couldn’t stand her, so the sooner Anatole took his duties from him when Lucio finally left this world with a pile of unsolved bullshit for them to deal with, the better. 

Anatole was supposed to be there to prove himself a worthy Consul to Satrinava, in case she took over and decided bringing someone from outside was better than having a Cassano for a Consul. A friendly reminder of how inadvisable that was, so to speak: the County was Vesuvia’s head, but the Consulship was its neck, and the head turned wherever the neck wanted it to. 

Even through his machinations, Valeriy-The-Uncle came through. Anatole was grieving. They all were. Anatole grieved Paris, his maternal aunt, who had died from a blood disease unrelated to the Plague. He grieved the death of Vesuvians, he grieved the death of Anzano and was worried about Amparo who hadn’t caught the plague while tending to them by a miracle. Anatole had too many duties which weren’t his responsibility, like Valerius himself, and yet shouldered them with more excellence than he himself did. He tended to keep longer hours and he still grieved.

There was also Alec, Jamil’s protegée and Anatole’s friend, who had died under Dr. Devorak’s care — while that had been her own decision, it had made Anatole and the Doctor stand on weird ground, all of the sudden. He grieved that too.

Valerius was sorry for it. He didn’t pity his nephew, he wasn’t stupid. Anatole was never to be the subject of anyone’s pity and if anyone ever did have the gall to have such an inferior feeling towards him, then they’d have to have some words about it with Valerius. Instead, he was sad about Anatole. His little pest was never meant to be a creature of hardship, yet the world cared little for that. His little pest deserved to be happy, more than most. 

And his little pest had run directly into a plague ridden City at the mere mention of his friends’ sadness, and Valerius suspected it was so he didn’t have to deal with his own.

That, or Anatole was running back to Leon. If he was, Anatole was more of a fool than Valerius ever thought his nephew capable of being. Granted, he didn’t always understand his choices in partners, and he suspected neither did Anatole about his own. Though meaning no offence to Jamil’s friend — for once — he truly did think Anatole could do better than Leon. 

He could, for example, find someone who was willing to stay for him, withstand his shitstorm of a job with him, not out of selfish interest but out of love for Anatole. He deserved someone who thought the sun rose and set with him, and the moon shone to illuminate him only. Call him a sap, an old romantic, but Valerius believed it, and he didn’t believe Leon was capable of it. 

After the meeting he settled in the library, giving notice to his office to please let him know if his nephew came back. He picked a book at random and paid absolutely no attention as he waited, looking out of one of the windows instead. He supposed it was a bit hypocritical of him to judge Leon for that, when he knew Jamil was in town and he couldn’t even get up his own buttocks to see his friend. 

“But it’s different,” he muttered to himself. 

Was it? He was going to stand by thinking it was, and it wasn’t like it didn’t put him to shame. He was well aware he should be there for Jamil, or at least to try and reach out; however their history was different, more complex, more difficult. Leon wasn’t the reason Anatole had dramatically declared at the age of 21 he would never marry, pretending he didn’t wish for romantic partnership. Anatole wasn’t out there refusing such connection because he thought deep down, he was doomed to repeat terrible relationship patterns. 

It didn’t matter most people in his family had had good, healthy relationships. His parents, his actual parents, Florentino’s Cousin and Mircea’s brother, had been a dumpster fire waiting for an explosion to befall on them, and he was their son. What if nature won over nurture? He didn’t want to find out. Anatole wasn’t like him in that regard… or was he? Was he like himself and his father who feared good things would elude them and therefore found a way to cope about it? Could it be that Anatole’s way to cope was hope? Was it trying no matter the stakes? Was pulling himself up with an inner strength and clarity Valerius had seldom seen in anyone?

Anatole couldn’t be that way. If the Gods, whomever those were, had to spare someone of that, it would have to be his nephew, right?

Two hours passed and Valerius decided to put the book he had picked up where he had found it. After confirming Aelius had not come back to the Palace, he retired to his home, deciding to walk the way between the Palace and the Palazzo, with Anatole still on his mind. His brother and his sister-in-law would not be happy when Valerius returned on his own with no idea of what it had been of Anatole but a highly probable guess.

Still, a highly probably guess was the same of no guess at all when it came to worried parents. 

“What do you think of it?” He asked them as they waited. 

His brother’s eyes furrowed in concentration in the same way Anatole’s did. “I think,” Vlad said, “he’s old enough to know what he’s doing, Valeriy.” 

“So you’re not worried?”

Vlad snorted. “Oh, I’m worried sick, alright. There’s an epidemic outside, but I also know that Anatole never does things without a reason, even when he’s being impulsive.” 

“Now, I wouldn’t call him impulsive. Foolish, perhaps.”

“Hey!” Louisa said, throwing a dressing pillow to Valerius. She was the only one who could ever get away with such an act. “My son is not a fool.”

“Running after Leon is a foolish reason.”

“Wasn’t Leon the musician, friend of your friend?”

“He is. You met him for Anatole’s last birthday.”

“The one Nemesi said he didn’t know Toly liked them older, wicked sense of humour, wore a very pretty dress?” 

“That one, yes.” 

Vlad and Louisa looked at each other, the former grimacing, the latter sighing. Louisa spoke first. “Val, darling, go to bed, I think this is one of those matters Anatole will have to sort out on his own. Don’t be too hard on him, he’s going through a lot. I am worried about him, but I’m more worried about him having a nervous episode than anything else. And if you’re worried about his safety, do remember Anatole has your temper and a wonderful proclivity to make people trapped into situations with him that they will later regret.”

“I can’t understand how you can be so resigned.” 

Louisa shrugged. “I’ve been in dangerous situations per my own choosing, and I was exiled for it, and you know this. I am worried but I also trust my son’s capacities. Let’s just say I understand Anatole in a way you two could never do, just like there are certain things about him you two understand in a way I’ll never be able to, as well.

“I will never be able to understand his particular brand of intensity, as much as I love it, respect it, cherish it and find it enlightening, and you will never be able to understand what it’s like to risk your life for that which you love in the same way I will.” 

“Two words, Lulu, dearling, Balkovian and war.” 

“I think she’s right Valeriy.”

“Of course you side with your wife.”

“Idiot,” Vlad said as he kicked his brother’s foot, “Balkovia is different, and you weren’t there in the war anyway, your duties as the Consul called you too son, and in my case, it’s not love for the place, per se, which made me stay. I am proud of how everything turned out all things considered, and I am really fucking done with the Federation every day of my life nonetheless, and I don’t want to do anything with its politics. I do my job for the people I think are less terrible than the other, and that’s it. You know how Anatole feels about this City. My son could fucking bleed himself dry for it if no one stopped him, and you know it.”

“This City isn’t worth it. Don’t give me that look, Consul Cassano my ass. It isn’t… and neither is Leon.”

“Is Jamil?”

“Vladislav, I am warning you.”

“What I’m saying, you temperamental idiot, is that we measure what we love in different ways that don’t always make sense for the people who don’t love them.” 

“How is that supposed to be soothing? How is that supposed to not worry me? Anatole deserves better.” 

Vlad stood up, looking down at his brother with exasperation, using every inch over him that he had in his advantage. “Maybe he does, but I don’t know Leon. I do know how it feels to be judged by people higher and mightier than you solely because of an accident of circumstance — and so should you Valeriy. That you act like it doesn’t mean Jamil’s mother—“ 

“Say one more word, Vladislav, I dare you.” 

“Oh, do you?” 

“That is enough!” Louisa’s voice rang through the parlour. “We’ve never micromanaged our son, we’re not about to start now. Vlad, we should go to bed, your brother can do as he pleases. Or at least, we should wait for Anatole somewhere where he won’t find you too arguing about him, because if you make my son feel guilty I won’t speak to either of you for a week.” 

Both of them dropped it. One was married to Louisa, the other had known her for years and was one of the few people who got to see the full extent of who Valerius was. His sister in law had been nothing but supportive throughout all his time knowing her, many times being a comforting presence with her witty commentary about what to do with politicians and Courtiers Valerius didn’t like. Fighting with her was tempting because right now he would fight with anyone, but it was a stupid move. 

The truth was Louisa was right — not that he would admit it right now. The only physical place Valerius had ever been happy in was the Radošević Vineyard in one of the Balkovian peninsulas. His relationship with Vesuvia was complicated at best, obligatory at worst and when it came to musicians who brought with them their adventures of the world and easy laugh, and very warm feelings maybe they weren’t so different, after all. 

Anatole arrived well into the night, still crying. Trying to make the least fuss possible, he tried to get to his bedroom through the Consul’s home office and then the library. Valeriy never used that office anyway, so there was no reason for him to be there, or anyone at all. Yet, because his luck couldn’t get any worse, he was there, sitting on the desk, skimming over a book he closed shut with unnecessary force when Anatole made it through the door. Of course his uncle was angry with him.

“Listen—”

“What on earth were you thinking?”

“I wasn’t, Valeriy.”

“You clearly weren’t. You left me stranded in a meeting, which you left running, after talking back at me as if I were what.”

“You’re not going to tell me off for snapping at the Count?”

“Ostentatious of you to assume I care what happens to him.”

They both held each other’s gaze. Anatole’s eyes were puffy, his nose was red with cold. It was so obvious his nephew had cried all the way back from City Centre. Valerius sighed, he found it really, really hard to be the Consul when Anatole would always be his nephew. 

“But more importantly,” he said, his voice softer as he left the book aside and came down from the desk, “you worried me sick. Aelius what was that?”

The dam broke. Anatole’s lip trembled as he tried to speak but instead of words, tears and crying overtook him. He cried with silent sobs, trying not to make a sound at all, as if it would all go away if he was quiet enough. It reminded him of himself, it reminded him of his older brother. Perhaps he had been correct and they weren’t so different after all. 

“Oh, come here, just don’t stain my shirt.”

“I come from outside.”

“I don’t care.”

“Valeriy—”

“I said I didn’t care.”

Anatole gave in and hugged his uncle, who was well aware his nephew was passing his mid-twenties, but crying in his arms it was like Anatole was 10 again and asking why did he have to be so weird. 

“My foolish, wonderful nephew.” 

“I know, I’m an idiot.”

“No, no you’re not, and in any case, you’re not a fool much different than myself… How was—” no, he couldn’t ask about him. Instead, he sighed into his nephew’s hair. “Why don’t we go let your parents know you’re home alright?”

“Alright,” Anatole sniffled. “Were my notes okay for the meeting?”

“They were spectacular, they always are,” Valerius was’t lying. “Now, no more work, let’s go find my brother and your mother.”

[unsettledink]

A while back I made up a list of fics I had ideas for/wanted to write, mostly to try and drum up bids for Marvel Trumps Hate.

Since then I have, of course, had approximately five million new ideas and keeping track of them has gotten a bit out of hand, so i thought I’d try and put them all in one place that I could come back to and also update more easily. Also possibly some sort of... accountability thing? Like if I put them out into the universe I’m more likely to actually write them? Well I can dream.

There’s going to be a couple of these, divided up by pairings. Feel free to ignore, it’s mostly housekeeping!

(This one’s just for starker and polystarker ideas.)

I’m kind of grouping these because it got long. (Smut, smut + feels, fluff, oh no the sads)

* for new ideas (ARG)

Just the smut! (Ok some feels):

Continuation of Hang Up – so what does happen the next morning after that phone call? (Sex. Probably more phone sex.)

*Pocket Change sequel – Why yes, Peter, you can work out some sort of retroactive deal to 'pay' for the suits...

Peter is dumb online – Peter decides to auction off his virginity online. Of course Tony finds out immediately. Of course Tony buys it to keep Peter from getting hurt. Of course Tony decides to meet up and teach Peter a lesson about being safe – wait. That might have been a mistake. (It’s not.)

Actually, Peter doesn’t like it rough – miscommunication piled on top of miscommunication because they’re both idiots who are desperate for each other, until a tipping point is reached. Happy ending! Fluffy ending!

Gag reflex training – pretty much what it sounds like. Tony having a lot of fun with Peter; messy, noisy, hopefully hot.

Experienced Peter – Peter hasn’t been waiting around for Tony to be the first, and he’s had time to figure out some of his preferences. Like topping almost exclusively, among other things. Hey I kind of wrote this!

Civil War pick me up – after the airport, Tony goes to check on Peter and is in desperate need of something nice. Peter really, really wants to be that something nice. Could be underage, could be not.

Continuation of Gift Wrapped – (Peter/Tony/Pepper) there’s a lot more sex happening for Tony’s birthday than I had time to write for kinktober.

But you want me to be safe, don’t you? - Peter’s hit with sex pollen, but it can be taken care of without outside help. Peter would still really like it if Tony would help. Or would at least keep an eye on him. Or at least stay in hearing range! He won’t be able to resist if Peter’s noisy and saying his name while he gets off, right???

Armor Kink - I mean, basically what it says on the tin. Peter’s been having fantasies about the armor forever. Tony is absolutely willing to help him with that.

ABO forced presentation – Peter doesn’t know what he’ll end up being, and that’s bad for Reasons. He convinces Tony try forcing a presentation (not noncon type forcing) and things get weird. Playing around with the idea of how non-binary might go in ABO. Possible Tony/Peter/Pepper endship. More than likely somewhat underage.

Avengers orgy – Peter’s finally old enough to join in the tradition! While he’s having fun with everyone, Peter and Tony keep gravitating to each other, winding up with things getting a little too emotional when Tony finally gets his chance. Potential for Tony/Peter/Rhodey endship.

The spider bite did what?!? - Peter starts having really weird cravings when he’s around Tony. Weird as in blood, and Tony is going to help him figure this out. Even when it turns into a craving for sex (and bloodplay). Even when it turns into terrifying (for Peter) egg/medical kink.

*Hooker D/S AU Brat!Peter – Tony orders 'the brattiest sub you have' and gets Peter. Who is incredibly so, and Tony is actually delighted by this. And Peter is a little taken aback that someone likes this rather than considering him a bad sub.

*Flaunt follow up – more Peter/Tony/Rhodey D/S AU? Yup!

*No, I'm saving YOU – villains of the week catch them and plan on gangbanging Peter – until Tony offers to be willing if they leave Peter alone. At some point Peter comes around and tries to bargain for them to use him instead of Tony. Tony is not happy about this, but boy, the villains are!

*Peter/Harley/Tony - Tony’s so glad Peter’s over that crush and happy with Harley. Really. Totally. Meanwhile, Peter & Harley are doing their best to get Tony into bed with them and growing increasingly frustrated with Tony’s (intentional) obliviousness.

*

Smut! Oh wait, where did all these feelings come from?:

Toybox – slightly darker Peter decides if Tony won’t fuck him, the least Tony can do is pay for Peter’s toys, and watch while Peter enjoys them. No touching allowed since Tony doesn’t want him, after all. Which is a rule that gets harder and harder to keep in place; feelings, so many feelings everywhere.

Pain kink Peter – what it says on the tin, lol. “Oh Mr. Stark, maybe you should supervise this slightly dangerous sex thing I like.” I think we can guess where it heads from there.

Baby's first D/S (dom version) – established T/P, Tony's subby but hasn't brought it up. Peter is like, 'but what if I was into the idea of doming?' and they start messing around with it. Peter is Very Earnest and learning all these new things, and Tony is surprised to find, after a while, Peter's doing pretty good on his own.

Call boy Peter – what it sounds like! It’s an accident that Tony gets him; good thing Peter was blindfolded! Bad thing that Peter’s senses are enhanced and he knows from the start who it is. Good thing that Peter’s not going to say anything so he can keep this reliable customer?

Evil Ex D/S verse – Peter’s pretty insecure about being a good sub for Tony and it’s not helped at all when one of Tony’s ex subs tells him he’ll never be able to take what Tony wants to dish out. Well, Peter’s going to prove him wrong! Tony really doesn’t understand why Peter is making himself miserable for something Tony doesn’t even want, and things almost break before they get fixed.

*Besties and Omegas and Peter's – Rhodey and Tony (both omegas) end up in an awkward situation when Peter has something like an enhanced rut around them. Slightly complicated dynamics but happy ending for everyone.

*Outraged owned Peter – some sort of slave type au where Obie buys Peter for Tony as a companion, considering Peter to be a distraction and possible spy. Tony does not want a sex slave and rejects him, and Peter is furious – he is not just for sex, he is literally worth his weight in gold, and how DARE Tony not want him!

*Very dark Peter - Peter’s decided he really likes having Tony completely wrapped around his little finger. To the point of getting Tony to give him/do things that are pretty far from acceptable, and then Peter figures out he likes showing off his hold over Tony even more. Oops.

*

Fluff! (Crap there’s not much):

Follow up to Seiche – mostly fluffy 5 times +1 where the emotion sensing bond causes (minor) problems

Fluffy D/S verse – all the fluff! All the outside POV! Everyone assumes that obviously Tony is a dom; after all, that’s how he’s always presented himself. Everyone is wroooooong. Tony’s never been happier.

Nail polish – little bit of Tony finding it incredibly appealing when Peter wears nail polish

*Lingerie shorts – several vignettes of them getting each other and wearing different interesting pieces of lingerie

*

Oh No + all the feelings, heavy on the bad ones:

Soulmark AU – Tony finds out first and isn’t going to do anything due to the age difference. Peter finds out and thinks that’s bullshit + horribly hurt that he’s being rejected. Things are forced when Peter gets hit with a drug that messes with that bond and they both have to figure out how things are going to go. Possible bittersweet ending.

Screw soulmates, actually - Post CW and Tony dealing with soulmate rejection (that’s a WHOLE other fic). Peter’s become convinced Tony’s a blank like him, and then doesn’t understand why Tony’s soulmate wouldn’t want him. Peter does! They get their happy ever after without being fated for each other, and Peter gets a chance to tells Tony’s soulmate what a dick they are. All the satisfaction!

*Blanks are Bad – soulmark au where blanks are regarded extremely poorly, and Tony is exposed as one. Lots of dealing with the ugly fallout, and Peter coming to Tony and confessing he's a blank too and has been so scared.

Untenable – sequel to Indefensible and … horrible. The ABO underage incest continues, Tony hates himself, Peter is distressingly happy. Mpreg makes everything ten times worse; endgame makes everything 100 times worse. Going beyond that would be spoilery, but uh. Everything becomes 1000 times worse by the end! Yay! Yikes.

*Made For It follow ups (aka the... happy version of Indefensible??) - we want to actually see the sex scene they talk about doing, right? Right. And possibly some mpreg? We shall see.

ABO accidental bonding – the worst abo version, heads up. Underage Peter, omegas are treated very poorly, Peter and Tony don’t know each other beforehand and don’t do great getting to know each other afterwards. Biology continues to fuck Peter over, and Tony really doesn’t get how desperately Peter wants Tony to like him. Mountains and mountains of angst and sad before the happy ending.

Copy - After IW, Tony makes a Peter clone/android/whatever. Unfortunately, it just makes things worse because it’s just enough off to make it super obvious it’s not Peter. And fake!Peter knows it too. He’s just enough like real Peter to fall in love with Tony too, and he can’t figure out how to make Tony care about him instead of real, dead Peter. Not that it matters when he snap is reversed (Tony lives) and fake!Peter isn’t needed or wanted anymore. (Will probably have a sequel where real Peter finds out about all this, probably happy ending for everyone.)

Nothing sticks around - years after the blip, Peter discovers Tony, alive - only Tony has none of his memories. Tony doesn’t want anything to do with these people Peter tries to reintroduce him to; he trusts Peter and wants to stay with him. And does, for quite some time, things turning into a relationship, and even if Peter feels guilty about it, he’s happy. Right up until Tony suddenly remembers everything … except what’s been going on the last few years with Peter. Undecided if there’s a happy ending or not.

I hate time travel - once Tony figures out time travel, he decides he needs to find out if this works by hopping forward and seeing if Peter is back. And then maybe he should hop forward a little more just to check on him. Keeps doing this, about once a year, and while Peter is so glad to see him, it’s destroying Peter to basically go through Tony ‘dying’ over and over. Pretty soon it’s fucking up Tony too, after he accidentally shows up when Peter’s in the middle of sex. Very bittersweet ending to maintain the timeline.

Fuck you, Beck - Beck goes about getting the glasses in the worst ways, and Peter finds out a little too late - way too late when it comes to sleeping with him. Not that he’s going to ever tell anyone about that. Not even Tony, when Tony comes back. Not even Tony, when it turns out Tony is interested. Okay, maybe he’ll have to tell Tony when Peter’s reactions to sex become a problem. Happy ending but lots of ouch on the way.

Sequel to Dormant - so what exactly does Tony notice the morning after? And what exactly does Peter do about it? (Spoiler: A lot more than Peter thought he would, and nothing good.)

Don’t punish people like that – as much Tony/Obie as Tony/Peter, maybe pre-Tony/Peter. Obie decided to deal with Tony’s wild streak by punishing him in an especially awful, painful, dehumanizing, sexual way. Tony’s managed to handle how awful that was by pretending it was helpful (nope!). When Peter will not stop misbehaving, the last resort Tony can think of is what was done to him. It helped, right? (He can’t bring himself to in the end, which sets off a cascading failure of repressed trauma, woot!)

*That's rape, Tony – Tony getting drugged, gangbanged, and recorded, and then having part of it released that looks consensual. Tony doesn't remember enough to say it wasn't, and with his history, people don't question it. It goes over very poorly and he's handling all the parts of it very poorly, and Peter is the one to finally put the pieces together.

Sex Pollen Non-Con – Tony’s hit with some sort of fuck or die stuff; only problem is that he 100% refuses to let Peter do anything, and there’s no one else. Peter, convinced that Tony’s going to die, stops giving Tony a choice. What’s that, the trauma Tony was hoping to spare him is replaced with way worse trauma from basically raping Tony? WHOOPS. (Probably happy ending!)

Secondhand verse – following after this, things growing steadily worse, hotter, and more complex between Peter, Beck, and Tony. Bad decisions all around! Unexpected feelings all around! General unhappiness at having feelings that can be hurt all around! Probably a series of fics.

12:00 - follow up to 11:59, Tony and Peter finally getting it on and Beck being an ass in the background. Also the prequel that’s primarily Peter/Quentin, and possibly a sequel where Tony decides that maybe it wasn’t the worst thing in the world, watching Beck fuck Peter - and Peter liked it, right? Everyone’s down for a totally uncomplicated round two, right? Or three, or four...

(And feel free to talk to me about anything here, I love an excuse to ramble. Also, if something grabs your attention, have fun writing it - the more the merrier!)

[johannstutt413]

(requested by calligomiles)

It was snowing as Mousse and her kitties walked home after a day of baking; she was the primary baker for a ‘cat cafe,’ as some of the Operators liked to call it, staffed primarily by Felines and, most importantly, a safe place for Operators to enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy the snuggly company of one of Mousse’s little friends. Most of Rhodes Island knew about it to some degree, and more than half stopped by at least once every couple of weeks, but there were some customers who stayed for at least thirty minutes just about every day.

That was how Mousse met Skadi, actually, not that she thought of things that way any more. The self-assured Abyss Hunter had found the cafe as a sort of substitute for human contact, as the cats gave her some of the opportunities for affection she missed from her homeland...but, eventually, it wasn’t quite enough, so one day, after learning where her friends lived, she visited them, which meant spending time with Mousse as well. Now...well, neither of them would call it a dating relationship, but Skadi did live on the Feline’s couch, helped take care of the kitties who didn’t follow their leader to work on a given day, and used her greater height and strength to make herself useful around the house. There was that one night they both had some sherry to celebrate Mousse’s birthday and woke up the next morning cuddling, but (as nice as that had been) there hadn’t been a reprise yet, so...they were housemates.

Still, Mousse had to wonder how long the equilibrium would hold, because she swore she could already see the start of the cracks in Skadi’s tough-girl act.

“Skadi! I’m home!” The Feline opened the door, and the cat swarm she brought with her flooded into the house to find their siblings. “Skadi? She’s usually downstairs...How strange. Periwinkle!”

“Meow.” A Prussian Blue emerged from a crawlspace, walking into the foyer and planting themselves in the center.

She kneeled down to pet him, and also to ask him a question. “Do you know where Skadi is? This isn’t normal for her.”

“Meow, meow meow.” After three passes of her left hand - the exact price for a question answered - Periwinkle turned to look at the staircase, then tapped his front left paw twice. “Meow.”

“But why would she be in my room?...Hmm. Thank you, Perry. She has fed everyone, though, right? Never mind, I know the answer to that already.”

The cat looked back at her. “Meoooow.”

“You know I’ll just count the cans.” Mousse gave him one last grazing stroke before climbing up the stairs, along with a small entourage; a cursory glance told her these were some of the ones who like Skadi the most. “You’re all worried as well?”

“Meow.”

She nodded. “I see. We’ll see what’s happened...Skadi?” She knocked on the door three times. “Skadi, are you awake?”

“...Hmm? Mousse?”

“I came home, but you weren’t downstairs, so I asked Perry where you were. Is everything okay?”

The Abyss Hunter simply replied, “Can I talk to you without our kitties watching?”

“Um...One moment.” The Feline looked at the cloud around her feet. “Please allow the two of us to have some privacy.”

“Meow.” They collectively dispersed, standing around the door but making it clear they only did so to prevent eavesdroppers from slipping by.

Mousse smiled at her loyal companions before opening the door to her room...and quickly closing it behind her. “Um...”

“I um...I missed you.” Skadi was lying on the Feline’s bed, staring at the ceiling, wearing a cat-ear headband and her pajamas.

“Okay.” That didn’t explain much at all. “How long have you had that headband?”

The Abyss Hunter shrugged. “A while...I made a mistake, Mousse.”

“A mistake?”

“I started to care about you.” She sighed. “Which ultimately means I have doomed you to some terrible fate.”

The Feline blinked several times in rapid succession. “By...caring about me?”

“Everyone I hold dear has met a bitter end, and I told myself I wouldn’t care about another person ever again...then I met you and your stupid, wonderful kitties, and I don’t want to spend another moment of my life away from you, so I...I think I need to leave.”

“Leave? Why?” Mousse, she realized in an instant, couldn’t imagine life without her. “How would leaving me- us help?”

Skadi...hadn’t thought of that. “I...I assume the longer I stay, it will get worse.”

“Skadi, the only thing that you could do to make my life worse is walk out of it. You do so much for me by taking care of our kitties, and helping around the house, and...and...and I don’t want you to gooo...” The Feline was tearing up at this point.

Wordlessly, after a brief internal debate, the Abyss Hunter got up from the bed to hug Mousse. “Shhhh...You want me to stay?”

“Mmhmm.” She returned the hug. “I-I want you to never leave.”

“Never?”

She buried her head in Skadi’s chest. “Never...Oh, um, sorry, I-”

“I don’t mind.” One of her hands settled on the back of Mousse’s head and gently pushed her closer. “I don’t mind at all.”

“...I don’t, either.” The Feline sighed contentedly.

After standing there for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other’s company, they carried on with their evening, some of the burdens on their shoulders lightened. Mousse cooked dinner, Skadi fed the cats, they ate at the dining room table as usual, and after watching some TV together, the Feline bade the Abyss Hunter good night and went back up to her room to sleep...except she couldn’t. She wasn’t the sort of person who had trouble sleeping - having to live in a garden for six months will do that to a person - so she didn’t really know what to do about it.

Until there was a knock on her door. “Mousse? Are you still awake?”

“Yes. One moment.” The Feline got up and answered the door, a few cats taking this as an invitation. “I can’t seem to fall asleep.”

“Neither can I. It’s too cold on the couch...Cold and lonely.”

The pieces clicked together in her head. “Um, do you want to...try sleeping together, then?”

“I do.” Absolutely zero hesitation. She reached for Mousse’s hand. “Let’s go.”

“Go? Where?”

Skadi was about to say, “the couch,” but then she looked behind the Feline to the bed and felt rather silly. “...To sleep.”

“This way, then.” She smiled to herself, shaking her head. Sometimes the Abyss Hunter seemed like an absolute airhead. “Now...hmm. How do we split the bed?”

“Split?” Skadi lifted Mousse off her feet, rolled onto the bed, and loosened her grip once they were lying together, the Abyss Hunter’s arms still around the Feline and eyes looking into hers almost expectantly.

She returned the stare, entirely sure where this was headed but hesitant nonetheless. Still, she pulled herself close enough to rest against the ex-mercenary. “You were right; this is better.”

“Mmhmm.” Honestly, the Abyss Hunter could already feel herself falling asleep. Before she did, though, she needed Mousse to know. “Mousse?”

“Mmyes?” She purred.

Skadi kissed her forehead. “I love you.”

“You do?...” Mousse returned the favor, landing on her bedfellow’s lips instead. “I love you, too...but, um, you’re squeezing me a little too tightly.”

“Sorry.”

[purplesurveys]

1221

Are you mad at your best friend right now? I have absolutely no reason to be angry with Angela now and certainly not since our last petty childhood fight in like, 2009.

Do you know anybody with a pet snake? I used to know somebody, but she’s since gone off the radar and idek if her pet snake would still be alive at this point.

Do you buy your underwear in a pack or seperately? I can go either way.

Have you ever made fun of anybody and later became their friend? OMG yesss this was the entire background of my friendship with Sofie. Though I wouldn’t say I made fun of her...I just found her really annoying at first, and quite ditzy, too. Then something just clicked and worked out along the way and we ended up being best friends for quite some time until we went our separate ways shortly after college life started.

Is the lamp on in the room you're in? Yes; it’s one of my favorite pieces in my room.

Do you have a pair of shoes that you can only wear with one or two outfits? Nah, not really. I mostly own sneakers, which can go with most things casual.

Is there any drink that you absolutely MUST drink cold? Most drinks, honestly; but mainly, I like my coffee and water cold.

Did you sleep in past noon today? I don’t think I’ve ever done that. The latest I’ve woken up is probably a little over 10.

Did your grandma ever tell you about her love life? Neither of them have.

Have you ever painted anybody's nails aside from your own? Possibly, but I no longer recall it.

Anything exciting happening in the month of September? I don’t think so. There are couple of birthdays in the family, but we don’t have plans for those days yet.

Who is your last missed call from? Some media or blogger I ignored because I don’t take calls.

When was the last time you ate Frosted Flakes? I can’t remember...I don’t really eat cereal.

Did you ever NOT want a substitute in a certain class? Yeah, for classes I hated, like math.

Do you ever donate to the less fortunate? Not regularly. When a homeless person or street child knocks on my car while waiting in traffic I do try to give them some money and/or snack, if I have one in my bag.

Did you buy an American flag after 9/11 to put on your car/house/ whatever? I was barely conscious in 2001. I am also not American.

Do you know any songs that are older than you are? ...Many?

Are there framed pictures of you anywhere in your house? Yeah we have some framed photos going up the staircase. I also have my Prep graduation portrait up in my room.

Compared to other people of your age would you be considered 'NORMAL'? Ugh.

Honestly, do you have any Hilary Duff on your MP3 player? I don’t have an MP3 player but I don’t think I ever had Hilary Duff on any of my music players.

Who is worst in your family about calling people back? Probably Nina as she hates making calls to begin with.

Do you like peanut M&M's? Nah, I hate nuts in my chocolate.

When was the last time you had an ice cream sandwich? Safe to say well over a year ago. It’s not my snack of choice haha I never understood why I had to bite into my ice cream.

When was the last time you ate jelly beans? August 2019.

When was the last time you had hot chocolate? Around a month ago, I’d say? My mom fixes me a mug of hot choco every once in a while.

Have you ever caught a friend cheating on their bf/gf? I haven’t.

What was the last song stuck in your head? I think it had been Rain by BTS.

Do you enjoy doing math? If I know how the math works and have the formulas memorized, I can definitely find it fun. Math had actually been pretty manageable for me in school, at least right until we reached trig and calc which were just bleck.

Do you think your mom has secrets she’s never told you? Oh without a doubt. I’m 200% sure everyone in the family has secrets we never share; we’re not open with each other.

Do you own anything you don’t want your parents to know about? Yes.

Do you pose in your pictures or just smile? I will pose if I’m comfortable but most of the time I just smile.

Are there any colors you will NOT wear? I avoid orange as much as possible.

Do you use scented soap in the shower? Nah, just a normal-scented one.

Did you ever want to be a fashion designer? That was never part of my plans, no. 

Who was the last person you danced with? Enjoyable? Angela and Hans. I was drunk, so yes I had fun lol.

Do you like convertibles? I don’t really care for them, or for cars in general.

Have you ever yelled at the television? So many times, usually when a favorite singer or band is performing OR when I’m watching a really intense sports game - usually basketball or wrestling.

How many songs on your MP3 player are about sex? -

Do you like water parks? I think they are nasty for the most part.

Dark or light colored jeans? Light.

Can you take apart a computer and name all the parts? Nope.

Can you take apart a car and name all the parts? Even more so no.

Would your friends describe you as nerdy? I don’t think they would.

How many different colors are you wearing right now? Five.

Have you ever purchased a lotto ticket? Nope.

--

Are you double-jointed anywhere? I am not.

What is the longest amount of time you've spent playing Monopoly? You know, I’ve never even understood the rules of Monopoly...I’ve never bothered to play a round of it. Board games are usually too complicated for me lol.

Have you ever witnessed a tornado first-hand? Not a tornado, no. But I’ve experienced countless hurricanes and floods.

Did you play in the sand box as a kid? It was my favorite part of the playground and I was always exclusively found in a sandbox. I liked the texture (still do) + no one was ever there, so as a shy kid it worked out perfectly for me.

How about on the monkey bars? I tried it every now and then but I wasn’t a very active kid, so my arms would feel strained fairly quickly. It was never the first thing I’d run to whenever I got to go to the playground.

Have you ever made an alarm go off? I don’t think so.

Have you ever colored your eyebrows? Nope.

Did you ever own a pop-up book? Many of them, as a kid.

Have you ever honked at a biker? Yes but only whenever they swerve a little bit and are about to hit my car.

Have you ever taken another person's prescribed medication? No?

Have you ever played golf (not miniature golf)? No, I’ve played neither version. The sport doesn’t interest me.

Do you use gel in your hair? Only for formal events where I can’t afford to show up with my hair all frizzy.

Do you own a garden gnome? We don’t.

Are any of the rooms in your house painted blue? Nope, they’re all white. My parents’ room used to be green (came with the house), but it looked gross so it didn’t take long before they hired someone to paint the walls white.

Do you kick off your shoes as soon as you walk in the door? Yes. Actually, since the start of COVID, we’ve taken to removing our shoes even before we enter. We have a mat right by the front door where we can properly take off our shoes and head inside already barefoot.

Have you ever judged a book by its cover? Sometimes, but I don’t let it linger.

What is the most effective device at the gym? I don’t go to the gym.

Can you drive a stick shift? Hahahaha no, and I’m not so sure I’m ever willing to learn.

Have you ever picked on a substitute teacher? That’s mean and no, I haven’t.

How good are you at giving directions? Terrible. As much as possible I don’t do it and just refer the person asking to my nearest friend/companion.

When was the last time you looked out the window nearest you? Just a few minutes ago, actually. I put an arm out to check if it’s chilly outside since it rained all day today.

Have you ever got dressed with the windows open? Never. I make sure to pull down my blinds every time.

Have you ever given a foot massage? No.

Do public restrooms freak you out? They don’t freak me out per se but like I rarely go into them and use them, even before Covid. The idea of sharing a toilet with strangers is super gross lol and many of them don’t even put away their trash properly.

Have you ever taken a shower outside? I may have, but nothing sticks out.

Have you ever been to a junkyard? I don’t think so.

What do you think of Brad Pitt? I don’t really have an opinion...I loved his episode on Friends, but that’s it.

Have you ever watched the History Channel willingly? Yes, a few times.

Have you ever used pennies to pay for something that cost over 50 cents? I don’t speak US currency, but yeah there’ve been around 1-2 times I had to pay for something worth P50 with just coins. It’s always been embarrassing lol so I try to avoid it and be prepared with paper bills as much as I can.

If a place makes you pay for delivery - do you still tip the driver? Yes.

Without the aid of a cell phone - do you know your parents numbers by heart? Just my mom’s. Since my dad is always in and out of the country (at least until the pandemic), I’ve never gotten to memorize his number.

Can you name 10 former presidents? Arroyo, Macapagal, Aquino, another Aquino, Estrada, Ramos, Magsaysay, Quirino, Quezon, Roxas.

But if we’re talking about US presidents...Obama, Trump, Clinton, Roosevelt, another Roosevelt I believe, Nixon, Reagan, Carter, Lincoln, Washington. I hope I got them right hahaha.

Have you ever bought a gift for a teacher? Just as a kid.

Is your bedroom carpeted? Nope.

Right now, what color is your tongue? Pink.

When was the last time you had a Tootsie Pop? Years ago. I don’t have it a lot.

If you could get the cell phone of your choice - what would it be? iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Who is your favorite super hero? I don’t have any.

How about your favorite villain? I don’t really have any, either.

Do you know anybody who works at a bank? Possibly, but I can’t place a name right now.

What do you usually order from your favorite fast food place? That would be KFC, and I usually order either their Zinger or Twister. FUCK now I want to get KFC :((

Do you hand out candy to kids on Halloween? No, because none of them ever reach this part of the village. We never have to prepare any candy lol.

What perfume/cologne do you wear the most? Heat Rush.

Can you name all 7 dwarfs? I always miss out on one or two.

Does the early bird really catch the worm? Idk what this expression is.

[lemondropsssss]

chapter five! part one part two part three part four. the full story is on ao3 here 

.

After the anger burns off. After the stink of shame surrounds him. After he realizes that there will truly be no coming back from this; that neither Yennefer or Jaskier will ever forgive him. After he says quite possibly the cruelest and stupidest things he could have thought to say. When he is at what he believes is his lowest point. That’s when he finds what remains of Jaskier’s lute. And finds that he can be dragged so much lower. The pride of Kaer Morhen, the great White Wolf, Geralt of Rivia, is brought to his fucking knees by the shattered remnants of an Elven lute.

Jaskier loves this lute. He is protective to the extreme. He almost started a brawl once because some loud mouthed drunk spilled half his ale over the instrument and then when he claimed it wasn’t even Elven Jaskier had decked him and Geralt had to bodily drag him out of that particular tavern before the man's friends rallied.

The once-fond memory drags over Geralt like sharp rock, and he drops to his knees by the pieces. If the lute went off the side of the mountain, what happened to the man? Jaskier wouldn’t willingly let someone toss it. Was he hurt? Bleeding out somewhere and he’ll never know? He looks around the area but sees no bright flash of red leather to indicate a bard fell here.

Geralt snatches the biggest shard of lute and scents it, but all he gets from it is sweat, linseed oil, and salt. Wait. He sniffs another piece. Tears, and then the acrid scent of despair. Everything slides into place and Geralt very much wishes he could go back to thinking Jaskier was dead somewhere because even that was better than knowing this; that he had hurt Jaskier to the point of such pain and rage as to destroy a lute the man had once called the symbol of our lasting friendship Geralt- don’t make that face, I know we’re friends now, you said so last week when you thought I was delirious from the flu. That he can hear Jaskier’s voice so clearly in his head is a twin comfort and pain that burrows deep into his chest. Jaskier won’t forgive this one, won’t let Geralt come back after the shit he’s just pulled and Geralt doesn’t blame him. He must resign himself to this, to his memories of the bard instead of the warm breathing man by his side.

He allows himself a scant minute to sit in that; in his shame, and regret, and anger before taking a deep breath and righting himself. He shoves down those feelings until they’re just a gray wash of the blaze they had been. Feeling nominally more himself he goes to leave, tucking a small piece of the fine lacquered wood into his pocket before he can think better of the action.

The light is just beginning to fade when he finally makes it back down to the camp where Roach is waiting for him. She is displeased at having been left for so long, and shows it by ramming him hard in the chest. Twice. He lets her.

A month later sees Geralt in some shitty backwater tavern when he finds Jaskier’s knife. He’s searching through his packs trying to find some damned potion ingredient when his hand falls on the familiar sheath. It’s not the first item of Jaskier’s he’s found in his bags. First there was the half filled notebook with the soft vellum pages that Geralt had absolutely not run gentle fingers over. Then the heavy winter cloak Jaskier had always insisted go in Geralt’s pack since there is precious little space on my back, Geralt, and precious more on Roach’s, it’s not even as if you have to carry it yourself you oversized child and Geralt had certainly not spent the evening breathing in the ever slowly fading smell of Jaskier.

They had spent time apart, gone years without seeing one another, but Geralt knows this time is different. And every possession he finds in his bags is another small, tiny, incremental piece of Jaskier he is allowed to have. But the knife, oh that knife. Geralt remembers Jaskier’s twenty-fifth birthday well. They had gotten spectacularly drunk at a tavern in Novigrad and when Jaskier looked at him with his bright eyes and wide smile it had taken all Geralt’s strength not to drag the bard into his lap and kiss him senseless in front of everyone. When they finally stumbled back to their room Geralt had pressed the knife into Jaskier’s hand with a promise to teach him to use it. Jaskier made a joke about sheathing things and Geralt had shoved him towards his bed with a muttered curse and a firm order to get some sleep.

The memory of how Jaskier had looked that night drops him farther down the pit of shame and regret in him that seems to grow ever more each passing day. Jaskier always seemed so much younger when he was asleep, which was what always stopped Geralt before he could start anything; the reminder of how young his companion really was. Splayed out on his stomach, miles of soft skin on display. He had discarded  his shirt and doublet with great difficulty; drunk Jaskier cannot work a button to save his life, much to Geralt’s eternal amusement. He glowed in the warm light from the hearth and Geralt had to physically stop himself from kissing him for the second time that night. Jaskier’s mouth dropped open, he let out soft beginnings of a snore, and his hand curled tighter around the knife clutched to his chest. The knife that Geralt gave him to keep him safe. The knife that was a promise of the only kind Geralt could give. The knife that said I will protect you to my dying breath and both of them knew it.

And now the knife was here. In his hand. In a shitty backwater tavern in the middle of nowhere and not safely tucked into his bard’s boot. It had only been in his bag that day because the pommel had come loose and Jaskier had decided Geralt’s packs were somehow safer than his own until they could get to a metalsmith. Holding the blade now, it occurs to him that this really does mean the end of their friendship. The other items he was able to pass off- Jaskier was in a rush, of course he wouldn’t remember the extra inkpot tucked into Geralt’s potions bag. But the knife. Leaving it could only mean one thing; Jaskier was done. Their friendship was over, he would get no second chance. That moment on the mountain, that was his last moment with Jaskier, and he would have to reconcile himself with that someday. Not this day, though.

Geralt is alone after that, and he pretends he likes it that way. He avoids cities and large towns when he can. If a bard starts singing he leaves the room- especially if it’s that damned song. When he hears of Nilfguaard’s threat he makes his way towards Cintra, hoping to take the child to safety. It does not go as planned. Meeting his Child Surprise in a forest and then immediately being asked about his ex was not part of any plan. But the only thing to do is move forward, so he does.

They stay at the farm for another night before they head off with a small bag of provisions from the farmer’s wife. Geralt worries about Cirilla’s ability to keep up, but she’s surprisingly agile for a princess, and they make good time. He’s taking them towards Kaer Morhen because he has no idea where else he could take Cirilla where she would be safe, but also because he has no idea how to raise a child and Vesemir has at the very least some amount of experience in that area.

She’s quiet at first, but he can see her starting to relax around him. She starts asking questions on day two, and he makes an effort to be more verbal for her. Talking isn’t his skillset, and he can practically hear Jaskier in his head saying Use your words, dear Witcher, we don’t all communicate solely in grunts and well timed curses . As she warms up to him she begins to talk more, and like another young human he knew, once she starts she doesn’t stop. She asks about him, and Yennefer, and did he know her parents, and when did he meet Mousesack, and did he really meet a Selkie like in the song? Geralt makes an effort to add details to the stories for her and when he does he can hear Jaskier in his ear, Adjectives, my good fellow, describing words! It’s what makes a story come alive. She isn’t always satisfied, and it isn’t long before a story of his comes under some criticism.

“So, if I’m following, Jaskier was a loyal friend for over twenty years and then you shouted terrible things at him because... Yennefer dumped you when she learned you bound your destinies together without her consent? And now neither of them are going to speak to you again?” They’re camping somewhere in Temeria when Ciri finally bullies the whole story out of Geralt. She’s across the fire from him with her chin resting on her tucked up knees, and he can see her nose crinkling like it does when she thinks he’s being stupid, which is often.

“Yes, essentially.” His voice sounds rough even to his ears, and he clears his throat before starting again. “But also no. It was more complicated than that. It wasn’t as simple as Yennefer dumping me, we weren’t really- She was- she is... more to me. Than just that.” He finishes lamely, coming to the sudden realization that he truly does not know what Yennefer is to him. Assuming he ever convinces her to speak to him again, which doesn’t seem particularly likely this decade. Important, yes. A friend, he’d hope, even if he knows the less-than-slim chances of that. Not an antagonist, surely; Yenn would never give him the satisfaction of her attention, even if it was to turn him into a toad or something equally unseemly.

“You love them both."

It is not a question, and for a long moment Geralt considers ignoring it and telling Ciri to get some sleep. What kind of answer is he supposed to give her? Green eyes meet gold across the fire and Geralt is held fast by her stare. He finds himself wanting to be open with her; wanting to be different for this wide-smiling, bright, curious young woman who isn’t afraid of him. So he considers carefully before answering her.

“Yes. In a,” He pauses, letting out a puff of a harsh air between his front teeth before continuing, “In different ways, I loved them then. And in different ways I love them now.”

“That sounds complicated, Geralt.” She pauses before shaking her head to steel herself and pushing on. “Yennefer was in my dreams again. I think the dreams are telling us to find her. They told me to find you, and now they’re telling me we have to find her.” Her voice has an edge of command running through it, and it’s a tone he knows she must have learned at her grandmother’s knee. “And I think you need to apologize to her. And Jaskier. Especially Jaskier. He was your best friend, and best friends don’t hate you forever just because you yelled at them, that isn’t how it being best friends works.”

Geralt blinks, and it strikes him then that while she’d called Jaskier his best friend, he’d never actually said it himself. He’d said he was a bard, a traveling companion, but not a friend. He meets her gaze and finds she’s been watching him with her chin raised, ready to fight back if needs must. She looks the princess she is, for all her dirty clothes, tangled hair, and battered cloak. They do need to find Yennefer, she’s right, but Geralt isn’t so amenable to the second idea.

“We’ll start our search tomorrow, then. Time to rest, Cirilla.” She groans a complaint, but tucks herself into her bedroll laid beside his own with little fuss. He stays awake awhile longer to watch her sleep, and the persistent warm feeling in his chest only grows.

Finding Yennefer, as it turns out, is much easier than Geralt anticipated. They’re in a larger town than Geralt would like, but needs must. Ciri’s cloak is more hole than fabric at this point, and her boots were made for palace life, not tramping around in the muck and the wilds. They’re low on coin, as Geralt’s been hesitant to take contracts when it could draw unwanted attention. Luckily Jaskier never described Eskel or Lambert in song, and it’s fairly easy to convince anyone who recognizes him that all Witchers have white hair and he isn’t the one from the song. He finds them a quiet corner of a quiet pub, tucking Ciri between him and the back wall and mostly hiding her from view. They’re almost done with their supper of stew and brown bread when the door blows open and with it the comforting, or possibly heart wrenching, smell of lilac and gooseberries.

Geralt’s gaze snaps up, and meets her familiar violet eyes above the crowd. He sees her see him, sees the immediate frown his presence produces. He leans back, and watches that frown turn to a genuine look of surprise at the presence of Cirilla. Cirilla, who noticed Geralt grow still, who follows his gaze to the beautiful woman sliding into the seat opposite them.

“You’re Yennefer,” She says before Geralt can even open his mouth, and maybe that’s a good thing. “You’re in my dreams. We’ve been looking for you, so Geralt can apologize.” He takes that back, letting Ciri speak was a terrible decision.

“Apologize? Well, that hardly sounds like our White Wolf.” She meets his eye, and the corner of Yennefer’s mouth ticks up in a sharp smile. Her attention shifts back to Ciri, and her expression softens almost immediately. “What do your dreams tell you, little lion cub?”

“That we had to find you. That us being together was important. All of us.” At that she looks up at Geralt with a frown. “Including Jaskier. That all four of us were tied somehow, and for what has to happen next, we need to be together.”

Yennefer is quiet for a long time. She watches Ciri with a calculating gaze that the teenager returns solemnly. “What has to happen next?” She asks eventually, leaning back in her chair.

“I don’t know. They aren’t- it’s not a conversation, I can’t ask questions. It’s like,” She pauses, and Geralt can see her biting at her inner lip while she thinks, “It’s like feelings, and some of them I know what they are, and some I don’t. Like the feeling to find Geralt, or you and Jaskier. I just know that’s what we need to do. But I don’t know what we’re supposed to do now that we’ve found you, and I don’t know what happens next.”

Violet eyes meet green across the table and Geralt watches something pass between them, but he isn’t quite sure what. Finally Yennefer nods, and the air around them relaxes. The rest of the night passes quickly, and it’s too soon that Ciri begins to slump against his shoulder, eyelids drooping. He shakes her awake softly and sends her up the stairs to their room.  

Yennefer watches him carefully from across the table even as he orders them both something strong to drink. She says nothing as a bottle and cups are brought, pouring herself a drink and downing all of it in one go.

“You’re not forgiven, Geralt.” Her voice is worn, and suddenly can Geralt see just how exhausted she really is. “And I have no interest in restarting any kind of relationship with you.”

“I know. And I’m not asking to be, Yen. I don’t-” He breaks off with a huff, trying to say the right words and feeling like an utter failure. “ Fuck , I’m not good at this.” He takes a deep breath before trying again. “I didn’t want you to be hurt, and in trying to help I just made it all worse. I didn’t intend to bind you, or trap you, or trick you, though I understand that what I intended and what happened are different. I’m sorry, Yennefer. I want you in my life, even if we’re not together, you... you are important to me, and I value your friendship.” The words feel foreign even to his ear, and he feels strangely exposed for all they’re tucked into the back corner of an inn with a majority of patrons either asleep upstairs or under the bar.

Yennefer is watching him with a calculating gaze, and he finds himself dropping his head under the heat of it. “That girl is good for you. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that many words in one go. Or one week.” She lets out a huff of sad laughter, shaking her head and taking a drink. “This doesn’t mean I forgive you, or that we’re friends again. That girl has power, Geralt, real power. I can practically smell the chaos coming off her, and if I can so can someone else. You need to get her somewhere safe, and fast.”

“Hm. We’re heading North, into Kaedwen.” No one’s around to hear, but he still doesn’t like saying their destination aloud. “You’re welcome to travel with us.  

She’s shaking her head. “I have business to finish before I can disappear in the mountains all winter. You should travel first to Oxenfurt, then East to Kaedewen. If you take the Dezernov road you’ll-”

“Wait, stop, why would I go to Oxenfurt?”

“Because that’s where Jaskier is.” Yennefer says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Your Child Surprise is right, Geralt, it’s important we’re together. All of us , your ridiculously enamoured companion included. Why isn’t he with you, anyway? I thought you two were tied at the waist.”

“I haven’t seen him since the dragon hunt” Geralt finally manages, barely above a growl. “And we’re not going looking for him. He’s better off far away from this mess.”

“What happened between you two, lovers quarrel?” She’s teasing, but it stings, and he pours them both another cup before downing his in one go.

“Fuck off, Yenn.”

“Tell me what happened, Geralt.” Her tone brokers no argument and he desperately wants to avoid starting one, so he tells her what happened on the mountain and the terrible things he said. When he’s finished she does not look happy, and it’s a long time before she says anything.

“You’re going to find him.” She holds up a hand before he can protest. “He’s in her dreams, which means he’s important somehow. And since you’ve obviously forgotten this, let me remind you that Nilfguaard is looking for anyone with information about the two of you and that absolutely includes the man known as ‘the White Wolf’s bard’. They will hurt him for information, and he will give it.” He starts to defend Jaskier before she interrupts. “I don’t care how loyal a friend he is, I’ve seen how far they’re willing to go to get to her. It will not end well for our flamboyant friend.”

The thought hadn’t even occurred to him, and thinking of it now makes him physically ill. Of course Jaskier would be a target, the whole damn continent knows of their connection. Even now Geralt is still dragging him into danger.

“I can’t Yenn. He won’t come, you know he won’t. He’s better away from me.”

“Are you fucking stupid? They will break him, Geralt. Into a million pieces, and if you ever get him back he will be a shell of what he was. Like it or not, he isn’t safe by himself.” He can hear the edge in her voice, the exhaustion and resignation and fear , and not for the first time that night Geralt wonders just what had happened since he last saw her. “And you’re selling him short if you don’t think he’ll forgive you.”

“I told you what I said, Yenn, he won’t-”

“He’s known you for over two decades, I guarantee you’ve had stupider and crueler arguments. The only difference this time is that you need to be the one who apologizes first.” She’s right, because Yennefer is almost always right, but he says nothing. They finish their drink in silence, but it’s not a tense quiet. When they’re done they make their way up to the room Ciri’s sleeping soundly in. Geralt gives Yennefer the second bed, laying out his pallet on the floor between the beds and the door. He watches as she falls asleep, and something deep inside him settles for the first time in over a year. In the morning they make plans to meet again in Yspaden in a few months' time, and then make the perilous trek to Kaer Morhen together. Yennefer gives Ciri a tight hug goodbye and Geralt realizes that somehow without him noticing the two had developed a fierce bond, and he’s glad to feel like there’s someone else to help care for her. He is graced with a short nod and an almost smile from the sorceress, which is more than he was expecting. When he’s packing up their room he finds a full coin purse and a note left on her bed. It’s written on parchment in her familiar script, just six words: Find Professor Julian Pancratz, Oxenfurt University.

[saiilorstars]

Falling in Temptation

Previous chapters || Sequel to Stars Dance

Fandom: Doctor Who

Pairing: 11th Doctor x Female OC

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

Ch. 10: Reality

Chapter summary: Two Doctors would usually mean things would get solved quicker, but not this time. The gangers and humans are raging war against each other and now it's a race to find the TARDIS and escape with their lives. On the side, Avalon is determined to get the only piece of honesty she can get right now and it can only come from the Doctor.

Fairy Tale Memoirs (Companion story)

As soon as the ganger Doctor said spoken his first words to the group, he erupted into massive shouts of pain. "What's happening?" His words, his shouts, were all mixed up as if he was living through different moments. "I wonder if we'll get back. Yes, one day... Aaagh! I've reversed the polarity of the neutron flow!"

"What is he doing?" the Sapling cocked his head each time the ganger turned.

The Doctor tried helping the ganger but there was really nothing he could do at the moment, "'The Flesh is struggling to cope with our past regenerations. Hold on!"

"Don't you have like a billion of those?" Amy called in, making the Doctor momentarily pause to glare at her.

"No!"

"Would you like a jelly-baby?" the ganger Doctor questioned in his 4th incarnation's voice, "Why? Why!?"

"Why do they keep saying that?" Avalon suddenly asked, getting the glances of everyone, "I mean...that's what ganger Jennifer said too, remember Amy?" the second ginger had to agree with a nod, "What does it mean?"

"'Why' what?" the Doctor finally asked his ganger self, taking in Avalon's words and having to agree as well.

"Hello. I'm the Doctor," the ganger replied instead, using his 10th's self's voice, "No, let it go, we've moved on!"

"Oh!" Avalon snapped her fingers, suddenly beaming. "That's the one that went to New Earth!"

"Ava, not the time!" went the Doctor, but she mimicked his voice instead of agreeing.

"I'm never gonna meet him so I'll take what I can get!"

The Doctor's face might as well have stayed in a glare because it seemed like Avalon and Amy were taking turns making unnecessary comments.

"I've reversed the jelly-baby of the neutron flow. Would you like a..." the ganger grabbed the Doctor by the lapels, "Doctor...Doctor... I'm... I'm the... I can't."

"No, listen, hold on. Hold on!" the Doctor tried reassuring the ganger but was shoved away.

"No-o-o-o! Aaaagh!" the ganger showed his flesh-state face to the others.

"Doctor, we need you. Get over here," Amy called to the Doctor, taking cautious steps towards him with Avalon.

The ganger slowly stopped moving until he came to a complete stop. His hands fell from his head and came to adjust the bowtie around his neck. "Hello," he gave a wave with his hand.

"Hi!" the Sapling returned the gesture with a beam on his face.

"Cybermats," the Doctor crossed his arms and faced his ganger self. They really did look identical - it was really weird.

The ganger seemed to catch on and sighed, "Do we have time for this?"

"We make time. I'd like more proof that you're me. Cybermats?"

"Created by the kill by feeding off brainwaves."

Amy gave up trying to get the Doctor's attention and ran back to the door with the other factory workers. Avalon was a bit more awed by the situation but was nonetheless scared as well, so she hurried to the door.

"Don't you have guns somewhere?" was the first thing she asked the factory workers.

"Yeah, big guns would be good right now," Buzzer sucked some breath and nodded.

Jimmy was leaning against the door, a last resort to keep it shut against the gangers, "Why would we have guns? We're a factory. We mine."

"Get back!" Amy yelled as they heard a hissing sound along and saw smoke coming through the door.

"We are completely done for," Avalon declared as they all stepped back. She rolled her eyes at the conversation she was hearing from behind, "Are you two done yet?" she spun around to where the Doctors were, even Amy doing the same, "There's two of you yet still nothing gets done!"

"First of all," the Doctor headed for them and wagged a finger at Avalon. "Shut up!"

"Second of all," his ganger followed in suit with the same finger pointed at Avalon, "...still, shut up."

Avalon raised her eyebrows. Did they seriously think that because there were two of them they could win against her? Absolutely not. She folded her arms across her chest and smirked. "Two of you and you still can't come up with good comebacks. Truly sad. How many brains you got again?"

"Enough with the games," Amy sighed, "There's a problem that needs solving!"

"Breathe," was the Doctors' reply for her.

"What?"

"We have to get you off this island," the ganger Doctor looked at the not-so-well barricaded door.

"And the gangers too."

"Um, Doctor, I'm all for life, but the gangers are trying to kill us," Avalon pointed to the door where the acid could be clearly seen. She barred the Sapling from getting closer.

"They're scared, Ava, that's all," the Doctor assured.

"We're trapped in here," Amy also reminded.

"I don't think so. The Flesh Bowl is fed by cabling from above."

"But where are the earthing conduits?" the ganger Doctor asked.

"All this piping must go down into a tunnel or a shaft or something, yes? With us?" the Doctor headed for a large panel at the other end of the room, "Yowza!" he cheered as he removed the paneling to find a grate. "An escape rout."

Amy glanced at Avalon, mouthing 'Yowza' questioningly at her. Avalon made a face and shrugged, never understanding the Doctor most of the time.

"You know, I'm starting to get a sense of just how impressive it is to hang out with me," the Doctor smugly looked around the room.

"Do we tend to say "Yowza"?" his ganger genuinely wondered.

"Nope!" the Sapling turned around to answer. "Although you did used to say 'Allons-y' for some reason."

Avalon laughed and shot the two Doctors a look. "You did what!? Who did that?"

"I'd rather not answer," the Doctor turned his head away, intending on taking that secret to the grave. It was unfortunate that the Sapling did not agree.

"His last incarnation!"

"Sapling!" the Doctor frowned, feeling completely betrayed by the child.

"Ah, see, that's the one we need to meet!" Avalon sighed in true content, which did make the Doctor be a little less upset. It was better to have her laughing, even if it was at him, than to have her crying.

Just as the entire group managed to get inside, the gangers broke through the door. As they reached the grate, they saw the group at the grate where the Doctor sonicked the locks.

~ 0 ~

The group hurried down the tunnels after getting out of the grate. There was acid everywhere and it was making it difficult to get across without being touched.

"The army will send a recon team," Buzzer said to them.

"We need to contact the mainland," Cleaves reminded him.

"What about Rory and Jen? They are both out there," Amy stressed as she looked around in case they were somewhere nearby. Unfortunately, they weren't that lucky.

"This is a like a labyrinth," Avalon sighed, already having given up looking around their immediate areas. She held the Sapling's hand in hers, tightly, but she wasn't sure who was more afraid at this point.

"I bet you lot have got a computer map," the Doctor looked at Cleaves questioningly.

"If we can get power running, we can scan for them," the woman agreed but couldn't say more as they all started violently coughing.

"Doctor, you said earlier to breathe," Amy covered her mouth.

"Very important, Pond. Breathe," he stood by his statement.

"Yeah, I'm struggling to."

"Acid interacting with the stone," the Doctor managed to explain.

"Creating an asphyxiant miasma," his ganger finished thankfully.

"In English?" Avalon raised am eyebrow.

"Chokey gas. Extra heavy. If we can get above it..."

"The evac tower," Cleaves resolved and started leading the way, "This way!"

They entered a room full of machinery which was they assumed was the control room. As the Doctors got straight to work, the humans took a moment to end their cough.

"Ohh! I think I coughed so hard, I pulled a muscle or something," Amy remarked as she struggled to stand straight.

A bell chimed in the distance which made Jimmy sober up rather quick, "It's midnight. It's Adam's birthday. My son's five. Happy birthday, bud."

"Best present for him would be getting home," Avalon sighed and put a hand on her back as she stood correctly, "How we doing over there?" she called to the working aliens.

"Trying to get the power back," the original Doctor replied, "There's always some power floating around."

"Sticking to the wires, like bits of lint," the ganger Doctor popped up from behind the console.

Amy frowned, "Can you stop finishing each other's..."

"Sentences?" the Doctor finished, "No probs."

"Yes," the ganger nodded and both ducked down behind the console again.

"Confused as hell," Avalon commented with a resigned sigh, "You - well, one of you - said that the TARDIS was stuck in acid, so won't she be damaged?"

One of the Doctors stood up again, but neither Avalon nor Amy (nor the Sapling for that matter) knew who was who. "Nah. She's a tough old thing. Tough, old, sexy."

"No," the other Doctor stood up, "Tough, dependable, sexy."

"Come on. OK, how can...how can you both be real?" Amy felt like her head would spin if they continued to do that. She glanced at Avalon and saw the latte was more or less feeling the same. Only the Sapling seemed to be enjoying the situation.

"Well, because...we are. I'm the Doctor," went one of the pair.

"So am I," went the other, "We contain the knowledge of over 900 years of experience. We both wear the same bowtie, which is cool."

"Because bowties are..."

"And always will be."

"Stop it!" Avalon cut in with exasperation, "You weren't linked up to the Flesh so how did that work, exactly?"

"It must've been after I examined it," the original Doctor answered, "Thus, a new, genuine Doctor was created."

"Ta-da!" the ganger exclaimed.

"You mean I could've had a ganger too!?" the Sapling gasped at the idea as he recalled how close he'd been to the Flesh as well.

"No," Avalon shot him a look.

"Quite right," the Doctor agreed. "You were behind me, Sapling. I think it's better like that, though. Who knows what kind of ganger you would've gotten."

"It would've been cool," the Sapling mumbled, quite disappointed.

"But one of you was here first," Amy's pointed finger moved from one alien to the other.

"After the Flesh scanned me, I had an accident with a puddle of acid. Now new shoes, a situation which did not confront me learned self here."

"That satisfy you, Pond?" the ganger raised an eyebrow, "Ava?"

"Don't call me Pond, please," Amy said quietly as she moved around. She stepped beside Avalon when both Doctors looked at her. They were examining her as if she were some new experiment. "What?"

"Interesting," the ganger Doctor said, "You definitely feel more affection for him than me."

"No, I..." Amy could see why they would think that and felt uncomfortable having to explain. It should be obvious that she wasn't doing it to be mean. It was just natural. "Look, you're fine and everything, but he is the Doctor. No offence. Being almost the Doctor is pretty damn impressive."

"Being almost the Doctor's like being no Doctor at all," the ganger snapped.

"Don't overreact," Amy frowned.

"Well you are being rude," Avalon mumbled to her and received an elbow jabbed on her side, "Ow!"

"And what about you?" the ganger looked at the pained ginger.

"What about me?" she rubbed her side and glared at Amy.

"Do you think I'm real?"

"Being real is not the problem I have with you," blurted Avalon who then quickly covered her mouth, "Sorry."

"Ava," even the original Doctor was mildly surprised.

"Wha...she's the one who said you weren't real," Avalon pointed at Amy in a quick attempt to distract him.

"Yeah, thanks Avalon," Amy muttered, shooting her a glare.

"Oh shut up, you dug your own hole," Avalon snapped then sighed, dropping her hand from her side. "Look, I didn't mean for it to come out like that..."

"What were you trying to say, then?" the ganger was still snappy, which only made her frown.

"Listen, if you're really the same then you know exactly what my problem is. And just so we're clear, it's with both of you."

"Sounds like Father is in trouble," the Sapling announced. Avalon nodded her head, humming in agreement.

"I'm going to pull the 'I literally just came to life' card right now," the ganger Doctor happily said as it did free him of any problems. And even more, it made Avalon chuckle.

The Doctor watched with a frown as his ganger practically yanked Avalon's hand, bringing her far too close to him. What did he think he was doing? Avalon was smiling like she wasn't angry with them two seconds ago.

"Well, I guess I can't be that mad with you," Avalon bobbed her head while she pretended to think. "But you can't use that line all the time."

"I'll come up with better ones," the ganger promised her then winked. Avalon might have blushed.

The original Doctor wasn't very pleased with the interaction and did the only thing he could do, "Communication a go-go!" he slammed his hand on the console repeatedly to break them up, succeeding easily.

"Can it find Rory?" Avalon quickly forgot the situation as she and Amy ran for the computer screen, though the ganger Doctor shot his original a look for his obvious attempt. The Doctor ducked his head with the controls. He needed to work, after all.

Cleaves was already maneuvering the screen by the time the gingers got to her, "There's no sign of him anywhere."

"Come on, baby, show yourself," Amy insisted.

~ 0 ~

After a while of checking the scans for Rory and Jennifer, Cleaves decided to activate a transmission for the mainland, "St John's calling. Emergency Alpha. St John's calling the mainland. Are you receiving me, Captain? Come in'," but there wasn't an answer back, "We'll never get a signal through this storm. St John's calling the mainland. Come in, this is urgent."

"'We're just about reading you, St John's. How are you doing? We've had all kinds of trouble here'."

"'Request immediate evacuation. We're under attack. The storm's affected our gangers. They're running amok."

"'Your gangers?'"

"Yes, our gangers are attacking us. We need you to take us off the island immediately and wipe them out."

The two Doctors looked at each other with concern, that wasn't part of the plan and Cleaves knew it.

"'Copy that, St John's. Shuttle's dispatched. Hang on'."

"You'll need to airlift us off the roof of the evac tower. And Captain, any further transmission sent by me must come with the following code word. I'm typing it, in case they're listening in.'

'"Got it. We'll swing in, get you out and decommission the Flesh'.

"We've got to get out of here," Buzzer said immediately after the transmission had been cut off.

"But we can't leave without Rory nor Jennifer," Avalon reminded him.

"We're not leaving without them," Amy firmly said.

"I want 'em found too, but it's about casualties, innit?" he raised an eyebrow at the two gingers, "Can't be helped."

"Well you're going to have to cope because we're not going anywhere without them," Avalon declared.

"What are you doing?" Amy had noticed the Doctor sitting in one of the chairs at the console typing away. She moved closer and observed the screen.

"Making a phone call," the Doctor answered distractedly.

"Who to?"

"No-one yet. It's on delay."

"Right, not getting it. Why exactly are you making a phone call?"

"Because, Amy, I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams. The wheels are in motion. Done."

"I dream of getting out of here," Avalon sighed, "And as quick as possible."

"Will be taken care of," the Doctor pointed at her assuredly.

The Sapling had noticed Amy staring at something across the room. He came to stand beside her and tried to catch whatever it was she was looking at, but he couldn't find anything. He then realized that Amy hadn't even noticed he was standing right there. "Aunt Amy?" he tapped her arm and watched her jump in place. "What's wrong? What were you looking at?"

Amy rubbed her eyes and gazed at the wall she'd been staring at. Nope, no eye-patch woman there. Why did she keep seeing that woman? Was it some effect from the TARDIS?

"Amy?" the Doctor called now once he saw how pale she was. "What happened?"

Amy didn't know if she would sound crazy but she had to get it off her chest. She'd been carrying the secret with her for a while now and for some reason, she felt like now it was getting worse. She kept seeing the woman by the hour. "I can't take it anymore!" she exclaimed. "It's her! I keep seeing her!"

"What is she talking about?" Avalon inched behind the Doctor. Like the Sapling, Avalon gazed at the wall but found nothing.

"There's a woman I keep seeing, a woman with an eye-patch, and she has this habit of sliding walls open and staring at me," Amy frantically explained and missed the reactions of both Doctors.

"Is that like a movie?" the Sapling glanced at his Mother for the answer.

"Not one I've seen," the ginger promptly responded. She checked to see what the Doctor thought but noticed how unsurprised he was. "Doctor?"

"It's nothing," the original tried to wave off.

"Yeah, judging by Amy's face it doesn't look like it's 'nothing'," Avalon tilted her head, "What are-"

"It's a time memory. Like a mirage," he cut her off, "It's nothing to worry about."

"Liar," Avalon whispered then looked at the ganger beside her, ready to question him too.

However, he had his eyes closed and looked like he was in some type of pain, "It's in my head..." he hurried out the room.

"Hey, hold on!" Avalon called after him.

"Don't let him go," Cleaves warned.

"Leave it to me," Amy hurried out the room, hoping to fix some the things she'd said to him.

Unfortunately, that didn't seem the case for when she returned to the room, it was in a hurried run and heavy breath, "Keep him away from me!" she ordered and ran over to where the other Doctor was.

"Amy?" Avalon frowned at the attitude of her friend, "What's wrong?"

"Did you sense it?" the ganger Doctor came into the room and questioned his other self.

"Briefly. Not as strong as you."

"Sensed what?" Avalon walked over to Amy and hoped to calm her.

"Is there pictures we're missing?" the Sapling looked between the two Doctors, just as puzzled as everyone else.

"Not quite," went one of the Doctors.

"Amy, I'm sorry," the ganger Doctor apologized honestly.

"No, you keep away!" Amy snapped, pulling Avalon closer. Rory would definitely not want Avalon to be around the ganger who had radical, horrific emotions, "We can't trust you!"

"It would appear I can connect to the Flesh," the Doctor wasn't particularly paying attention to her at the moment.

"Well, you are Flesh," the ginger continued to say.

"I'm beginning to understand what it needs."

"What you want. You are it."

"Amy," Avalon put a hand on Amy's arm, disliking the tone and attitude she was taking with the ganger. If he was connected to the Flesh, then he didn't exactly have a choice in what he saw.

"It's much more powerful than we thought," the Doctor continued on without notice, "The Flesh can grow, correct?"

Cleaves was another that wasn't very interested in the topic, "Its cells can divide."

"Well, now it wants to do that at will. It wants revenge," the Doctor approached her, "It's in pain, angry. It wants revenge."

"Hm, thing got a mind of its own now? Where did I hear that one...?" Avalon sarcastically looked around, "...mm, oh right," she crossed her arms as she finally stepped around Amy, "Me."

"Mother was right," the Sapling agreed with a nod of his head.

"Doctor, I told you that we couldn't trust him," Amy went up to the Doctor herself. "I was right. He can't be the Doctor. He can't ever be, he's just a copy."

"That's not very nice," the Sapling pointed.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to go with the Sapling this time," Avalon folded her arms.

"Be quiet, Avalon," Amy snapped, nearly sounding like a mother and looking like it when she pulled Avalon back with her.

"Hey!"

"Doctor, it might be best if you stayed over there for now, hmm?" Cleaves resolved as she stepped towards the ganger, prompting the other Doctor to move up as well.

"Hold on a minute. Hold your horses," he cut in between the woman and the ganger, "I thought I'd explained this. I'm him, he's me."

"Doctor, we have no issue with you. But when it comes to your ganger..." Cleaves looked around to the other people for their opinions, though their faces were more than clear, except for one person of course.

"I think you're all overreacting a bit," Avalon tried to input but no one listened.

"Be quiet!" snapped Amy again, though this time Avalon sent her a deep glare.

"Tell me to shut up one more time, I dare you," she gritted her teeth. It was completely outrageous that they forced the ganger Doctor on a barrel like he was some criminal.

Amy would not take the dare; she'd seen the fights Avalon had in the past and she wasn't interested in getting a black eye in the midst of all the trouble. "I just think it would be safer," she said, though her tone was still strained.

"Safer? They're the same!" Avalon gestured to the ganger and then to Doctor. "Down to the same stupid bow-tie! No two people can make that same mistake!"

The Sapling covered his mouth to giggle when both Doctors gave Avalon the same deadpanning look.

Amy, though, wouldn't listen as she shook her head. "You're too blinded by them."

A new type of anger flourished across Avalon's face when Amy made that accusation. Making that accusation basically told Avalon that Amy believed she couldn't separate reality from her stories, from the all the stories she'd heard about the Doctor. It was an outright offence, honestly. "I am not blinded, Amelia Pond! I'm not seven! I'm not a child!"

"Avalon," the ganger Doctor stepped in when her face began to match the shade of her hair. He grabbed her arm and gently pulled her away from the mini-stare down she was having with Amy. "It's fine, really."

"No, it's not," Avalon continued shooting Amy glares. "I hate when they say that. Like...like I'm too engulfed in my stories to realize that I'm in the real world." She turned to him, expression akin to a beg. "I know I have my stories and I love them but I'm not blinded by them. I know you're real and that you have flaws and...this is the real world. It's not my fairy tale world."

"I know that," he assured her with a soft smile. "You don't have to prove it to me."

"...just like you don't have to prove to anyone that you're real," she said and shot the others another glare. "You're a ganger but you're the Doctor. I know you are."

"And that counts for a lot, trust me," he rubbed her arms comfortingly. "My Ava."

She smiled back but when he moved to sit on the barrel the others ordered him to, she yanked him to his side. "Absolutely not. They can all suck it." She stuck her tongue out at anyone who saw.

From his spot, the original Doctor struggled hard not to laugh right there and then. That's my Ava.

After a couple minutes, the group got word from the mainland they were trying to land when the signal was cut off.

"I can't find Rory. I'm going out there," Amy had had enough of waiting around.

"We could use the sonic to track him," the Doctor offered as he pulled out his screwdriver, "Humans and gangers give off slightly different signals. The sonic can tell the difference."

"Oh, so the sonic knows gangers are different, so the other Doctor is different."

The Doctor rolled his eyes, "He is the Doctor."

"Not to me," Amy assured, "I can tell."

"Sure you're not prejudiced?"

"Nice try, but I know, OK? We've been through too much. You're my Doctor. End of."

"Amy, instead of making things worse come over here," Avalon was with Buzzer in front of the visual screens, "We've got Rory and Jennifer," everyone quickly gathered to see the screen.

"They're heading for the thermostatic room," Cleaves seemed confused and with great reason.

"Let's go get them," Amy declared but saw the screwdriver being tossed over to the Doctor on the barrel, "Hang on!"

"We can't let him go," Cleaves moved over to the Doctor, "Are you crazy?"

"Am I crazy, Doctor?" the Doctor turned to his other self.

"Well, you did once plumb your brain into the core of an entire planet just to halt its orbit and win a bet."

"I remember that!" the Sapling laughed as he watched the images in his head.

Avalon was not amused in the least. "That's not being crazy, that's being utterly stupid. And that's coming from me. Mels used to dare me to do the stupidest things."

"Enough!" Amy snapped. "Now he's not going-" she pointed to the ganger, "-I am!"

"Do you know, I want him to go," the Doctor stepped closer to her, serious, "And I'm rather adamant."

"Well, then, he'll need company, right, boss? It's fine. I'll handle it," Buzzer offered and stepped forwards.

"Thank you, Buzzer. It'll be all right. I'll find him," the ganger waved and left with Buzzer to follow.

"I can't explain it to you now, but I need you to trust him," the Doctor looked at Amy and even Avalon, "Can you do that for me?"

"Course," Avalon nodded but Amy seemed to have more trouble accepting it.

"What if you're wrong?" were her final words.

~ 0 ~

"These temperature gauges are rising," Cleaves read from the screen. They'd been monitoring the visuals for a while and was growing concerned, "Jennifer and Rory must have shut off the underground cooling vents."

"Why do that? They'll kill us," Dickens frowned.

"There's a million gallons of boiling acid under our feet..." Cleaves slowly looked down at the floor.

"And now it's heating up the whole island," the Doctor understood, "How long till it blows?" his answer was the explosion that rocked them entirely.

"Gangers or no gangers, we need to get the hell out of here," Dickens urgently said.

"Shuttle! We need evac," Cleaves started a transmission again, "Where are you? Can you hear me? Can you...?" she stopped when she felt a jab at her forehead.

"Cleaves? Cleaves, sit down," the Doctor helped her away the console and sat her on a chair.

"I'm fine," Cleaves assured as she put a hand on her forehead, I'm waiting for results, so let it go."

The Doctor had used the sonic on her and got results instantaneous, "It's a very deep parietal clot."

"Inoperable?"

"On Earth, yes."

"Well, seeing as Earth is all that's on... offer...hm," Cleaves slumped in her chair, "I'm no healthy spring chicken, and you're no weatherman. Right?"

Another quake struck and shook the room, "Something just cracked. I heard it," Avalon frantically looked around for anything that was breaking.

"Yeah, we can't stay here, let's go," the Doctor agreed and headed for the doors.

Cleaves moved to the console again and did another transmission, "Cleaves to Shuttle. We need to move, and we can't be collected from the evac tower."

'Give us the codeword'.

"The codeword is..." but her voice was cut off with another quake that struck that console and cut off the transmission.

"Cleaves? Cleaves, it's dead, it's dead," the Doctor called to them, "We need to get out of here. We need to get back downstairs and get those vents back on, come on."

They ran into a new room where the Doctor and Cleaves hurried to change the settings on the machine, "It's a chemical chain reaction now. I can't stop it. This place is going to blow sky high," the Doctor sighed.

"Exactly how long have we got?" Cleaves asked.

"An hour? Five seconds? Er, somewhere in between."

The klaxon sounded along with a series of explosions, "Out!" the Doctor ordered and ran out the room with the group.

They ran a couple feet until they found Rory on a turn. Amy was the first to hug him as she was the closest one.

"All right?" Rory pulled back and studied her followed by Avalon.

"Us? What about you?" Avalon hugged him, "Don't you dare do that again!"

"Yeah, aunt Amy and Mother were very worried," the Sapling informed as if Rory hadn't already known that.

"There's a way out. Jennifer found it. A secret tunnel under the crypt," Rory pulled away and looked at the group.

"From the crypt? It's not on the schematics," Cleaves shook her head.

"It runs right out of the monastery. Maybe even under the TARDIS, Doctor. Follow me."

As everyone ran after Rory, the Doctor seemed slightly hesitant to do so.

"We can't leave without Buzzer," Jimmy said as they entered the new room.

"I'll go back for him," Cleaves called.

Rory was with the Doctor and was looking nervous for some reason, "Doctor, look...I'd better tell you, I haven't been quite straight with you..." but ganger Jennifer pulled him out the room before he could finish and locked the group inside.

"Rory!" the Doctor pounded on the door, "Rory Pond, Roranicus Pondicus!"

"Rory! What the hell are you playing at?" Avalon shouted but caught sight of Jennifer on the other side and knew it had to be that woman's fault.

"Rory, there is no time. This factory's about to explode!" Amy called frantically.

"I'm sorry!" Rory was able to say before he was dragged away by the Jennifer.

"Can we hurt her?" the Sapling made a deep scowl appear on his face. They were just trying to get home and that woman was about to kill them off.

With no other alternatives, the Doctor hurried back to the acid with the sonic, "This is going to overheat and fill the room with acid, just as a point of interest."

"Please, stop talking," Avalon sighed, she'd rather not hear about their looming death.

Dicken started lowering the cap over the vat as an effort against it. Jimmy moved closer to the vat and shook his head, "It'll never hold her.'

"If you have a better plan, I'm all ears," the Doctor pointed, "In fact, if you have a better plan, I'll take you to a planet where everyone is all ears."

"I've also seen that one!" the Sapling tapped the side of his head. "Can I go there afterwards?"

Even through the now shut cap, the acid was far stronger. Cleaves observed it from a distance, "The acid's eating through."

"This is it, huh? This is where we're going to die," Avalon shuddered a breath as she stared at the weak vat with soon-to-be overflowing acid. She felt her breathing pick up. That was new. She never really considered that one of their trips might be the last one.

The Doctor came over to her and hugged her. He didn't care if she would push him away; he needed for her know that he wouldn't leave her side. "No, it's not," he quietly said.

"Oh you don't have to lie," Avalon sighed. She allowed him to hug her for a few seconds, letting herself enjoy his hold just for a bit.

Jimmy had moved to keep the vat's lid down but some of the acid managed to splash on his chest, knocking him to the floor. At that moment, ganger Jimmy ran into the room and went straight for his other self. The Doctor had gone to check the original but found bad results, "There's nothing we can do. The acid's reached his heart."

"Hang in there, mate," ganger Jimmy sighed.

"I'm quite handsome from this angle," Jimmy managed to humor.

"I'm...sorry. I'm the fake. Adam deserves his real dad."

"Shut up," Jimmy playfully rolled his eyes.

"What do you want me to do? Anything, just say."

"The way things are, mate... it's up to you now," Jimmy pulled on the cord around his neck and gave it to his ganger, "Be a dad. You remember how."

A stunned ganger Jimmy held up a wedding band in his hand.

"Jimmy Wicks...you're a dad," the Doctor clapped him on the shoulder.

"Right then, everyone, it's time to go!" ganger Cleaves called to the group and ran out the room first.

The Doctor stood by the door as everyone ran out but noticed Avalon staring at the corner of the room. "Ava! Let's go!"

"Amy said that woman appeared there again," she pointed at the wall. "How can that be? There's nothing there."

"Avalon, it doesn't matter!" the Doctor ran back to bring her out of the room. "We have to go!"

"But it does!" Avalon snapped, yanking her arm out of his hold after they'd gotten into the corridor. "Because you know what it means and don't want to tell us! And when you do that, it means something's happening."

"No, it's not," the Doctor tried his best to smile like nothing was going on around them, like neither of them were in danger. "You know me, I've got so many things in my head that I don't even know what's going on half the time."

"Nice try," Avalon rolled her eyes. "You know what's going on, more than you're letting on. But I shouldn't be surprised. It's what you do. Keep everything to yourself."

"This...isn't about Amy anymore, is it?"

Avalon once again rolled her eyes and when she attempted to leave, the Doctor grabbed her arm. "Look if you're not going to tell me anything, then just leave me alone."

"Now a wait minute, 10 minutes ago you were dandy with the other Doctor but now I'm the one you're mad at?"

"Are you seriously telling me that you're jealous?" Avalon didn't know whether to laugh or scream in frustration. "Why are you like this?" she air-strangled him instead.

"Like what?" the Doctor frowned.

Avalon groaned, her hands dangerously close to actually strangling him by the neck. "I hate you, you know that!? Do you enjoy being self-righteous with me? Especially with me?"

"I would never-"

"-then why don't you just tell me the truth already?"

"What truth?"

"I'm going to kill you, after," Avalon muttered and stepped towards him. She grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket and pulled him close to her so he would definitely listen to her words. "If I'm really going to die here, then I refuse to go without hearing you tell me the truth about us."

The Doctor's eyes widened. "Oh..."

"Yeah, 'oh'," Avalon could be pretty scary when she wanted to, and of course she'd choose to be the scariest when she wanted a confession from him about their feelings. She sure knew how to pick them.

"I don't think this is really the time. I mean, we have got some killer acid and actual killers after us-"

"-I don't bloody care," Avalon snapped. "I deserve for somebody to tell me the truth for once in my life." Her face suddenly softened, as did the grip of her hands on his jacket. She tilted her head slightly, eyes glimmering with tears. "And I would really like for that 'somebody' to be you."

"Ava...I can't..."

"Why not?" she asked through gritted teeth. "And don't tell me it's because there's nothing. Fantasy Fest. That's all the proof I need. You were about to kiss me and don't deny it."

"I stopped for a reason..."

"Because you nearly got caught."

"No, because...it was the right thing to do," the Doctor put his hands over hers and gently pulled them off his jacket. "Because I can't do that to you. You have me falling in temptation, Ava. Being who I am, it's a dangerous thing."

"And I told you plenty of times that I like dangerous. Literally. I love the adrenaline," Avalon said with the most honest smirk on her face. She raised her head as if daring him to challenge her.

He honest to God loved that look on her. He could kiss her to death right now. He brought one of his hands to touch her face, very soon grazing her lips. "My Ava. You have no idea what goes through my head whenever you're around me."

"I would if you just told me," Avalon whispered.

"Thing is, Avalon, I've done this before and it never ended well," the Doctor's gaze lowered a bit.

Avalon could see the pain etching across his face, as if it were still raw because it happened yesterday. She didn't have to hear each individual story to know that the Doctor blamed himself for every ending. "You're 909, I believe you."

"I don't want you to be the next one. Because sometimes it's not the fact that they've left me, it's how they ended up leaving. You won't be the next one, not on my watch."

Avalon's eyes watered up. "Can you just say it, though? Say it once, please."

But the Doctor wasn't brave enough. If he said it out loud, then it would finally become real. And when it became real, the pain that came with it would also be real. He couldn't do it. "I can't...I'm sorry..."

The ground suddenly rumbled underneath them, nearly knocking them both to the wall. The Doctor grabbed ahold of Avalon's arm - even if she wanted to murder him for his inability to speak the truth - and searched the hallway for a good route.

"We have to go!"

"I hate you!" Avalon didn't hesitate to start and he would be smart enough to know that this wasn't the end of their conversation. Just because they were about to die was no excuse! Not for them!

~ 0 ~

The rest of the group had entered a new room after being chased down by ganger Jennifer (who was now the only one bent on war). They'd met up with Rory and the other Doctor again and were now trying to keep Jennifer away from them. As Dicken came to shut the door that would keep Jennifer out, he crashed into a running Avalon and Doctor.

"Where the hell have you two been?" called Rory from the end of the room, frankly offended they'd left them to their luck.

"Yeah, ganger Jennifer is still after us!" the Sapling waved his arms frantically. Of course then he dropped them when he noticed how angry his mother looked. "Why are you upset, Mother?"

"Ask your father," Avalon shoved the Doctor with her to the side.

A scream carried down the hallway and made everyone look out to see Dickens shut the door with himself on the other side. Jennifer had killed him and was making her way towards the group now. Ganger Dickens shut the door in front of them with the help of ganger Cleaves and the Doctor that had come in with Avalon.

There was a creaking sound from the ceiling and the other Doctor looked up to see a familiar blue square coming through. "Here she comes!" The TARDIS fell down and added an extra rumble to the ground. "Oh, she does like to make an entrance! Move!" he ordered as he went up to the doors and opened them up for the group, "Go, go, go, go!"

Ganger Dickens left the door and ran into the TARDIS. Cleaves was going to do the same but looked back at her ganger, "Get on board! Go!" the ganger shooed he off.

"I'm not leaving," Cleaves tried to argue but the loud bang Jennifer gave on the other side of the door cut her off.

"Go!" the ganger yelled at her and so went Cleaves into the TARDIS.

"Sapling!" the Doctor called from the TARDIS. "GO!" The Sapling nodded his head quickly and made a dash for the blue box.

"Now's our chance," Amy hurried to the TARDIS and looked back at the others, specifically the Doctor at the door.

"I have to stay. Hold this door closed. Give you time to dematerialize."

"What are you doing?" Avalon frowned, "What happens if you stay here?"

"Well, this place is just about to explode. But I can stop her."

"Both of you can survive this, OK?" Amy looked between the two aliens.

"Or perhaps you think I should stay instead... Mr Smith?"

"No, of course not. But look, this man, I've flown with him, you know? And you are amazing and yeah, I misjudged you, but you're not him. I'm sorry."

"Amy, we swapped shoes. I'm the Doctor," the Doctor by the TARDIS informed.

"And I'm...the Flesh," the Doctor at the door said rather nervously as he looked at Avalon.

"You're what now?" her eyes widened.

"I, uh, I...probably should've mentioned that before-"

"-right, because telling the truth is so easy for you clearly," she rolled her eyes.

"No, hold on!" Amy shook her head fervently as if that would make things more clear. "How's this even possible!?"

"Well, they switched places, didn't they?" Rory wasn't that surprised the Doctor would pull something like that. In fact, they should've just seen it coming.

"Well I'm not the original, I haven't been all along," the ganger Doctor shrugged, not able to explain much further.

"I don't know which one of you to kill right now," Avalon looked between both aliens, though the reactions from each were different. The one at the door looked heavily frightened while the one at the TARDIS was trying to understand what was going on.

"Ava? What happened?" the Doctor, the real one, asked her.

"Is there a way you both can survive?" Amy's hair kept flinging from side to side as she asked the two Doctors.

"Yeah, so I can kill both of them," mumbled Avalon.

"You okay?" Rory touched Avalon's arm, the only one who wouldn't die at the moment. She shook her head in response. "What happened?"

"Nothing!" she quickly exclaimed, shooting the ganger a sharp look, "Nothing happened," though her face was upset and sad, "Just, um, just tell us, is there a way of survival for you?" she genuinely wondered.

"Get to safety, Ava," was the answer of the ganger, a soft smile on his face.

"Well we can't just let him die!" Amy exclaimed, frantically shaking as no one seemed very worried about that detail.

"It's fine, Pond," the ganger Doctor smiled just like his other version would. "We got what we needed from this place, didn't we?" he shared a knowing look with the other Doctor, both nodding in agreement.

"What?" Avalon caught on and frowned even deeper. "Oh! I am so done with you two!"

"No Avalon, wait!" the ganger grabbed her arm and gently tugged her to his side. "You were right...about everything." She still shook her head, more ready to kill him before ganger Jennifer did. "Hey, I mean it," he tugged her arm again, forcing her to look at him. "You were absolutely right, but then again...when aren't you right?"

She wanted to roll her eyes again but he had that stupid grin she liked a lot. While she was lost in her thoughts - deciding whether to keep pretending to want to kill him or just leave - she didn't notice that the ganger Doctor had leaned to her side until he whispered something in her ear. When he drew away, she had her wide-eyed stare locked on him and she had a deep blush across her face.

"What he say?" Amy scrunched, wondering if it was some other secret the two aliens had kept from them.

Even the Doctor by the TARDIS was puzzled. "Ava?"

Avalon shared a small smile with his ganger. "You finally said it," she leaned closer to him, letting her nose rest against his cheek. "Thank you. And you know that I feel the same," she told him in a whisper. She pulled away and looked at the door he and Cleaves were desperately trying to keep locked, but ganger Jennifer was using all her monstrous strength to pound against it.

"You need to go," the ganger ordered her. "Please."

"But..."

"I'll be fine," he assured.

"You lie," she said sadly. He didn't say anything except give her another smile. She nodded, indicating she understood, but before she left she surprised him with a kiss on the cheek. She went right into the TARDIS without looking at anyone else, much less the other Doctor who couldn't be more confused in his life! What had that ganger of him said to her and why did she react like that? They were so close too...

Of course he soon turned an accusing look on his ganger, demanding questions with a silent glare.

"Oh shut up," went the ganger in return. "Maybe she's the one who can change things. Because if you don't, and I survive this, I'm coming back for her. You got that?"

"I'm interested," Amy remarked to Rory, both of them looking at each of the Doctors at the same time. "But I'm so confused at the same time."

"I'm not," Rory frowned. It was what he specifically wanted nothing of for the sake of Avalon. "Let's go!" he yanked his wife towards the TARDIS, leaving the two Doctors to work out whatever they needed to.

Avalon was inside with the Sapling but while the tree child was ecstatic to be safe inside the TARDIS, Avalon was lost in thoughts. Rory took a quick stride towards the woman, dreading what was going on through her head.

"Hey Ava," his voice, though gentle, managed to startle her, "Are you okay?"

"Uh...yeah, I think I am," Avalon answered but she still seemed like she was figuring it out. "I just..." she laughed humorlessly, "Why is he so...like that!?"

"Ava," Rory deeply sighed and brought a hand to her curly hair. "I really wish you hadn't..." he couldn't finish it out loud, for her sake, but she just smiled sadly.

"I couldn't help it Rory," she said with the tone of a child. She always did that whenever they had a serious talk. He was like the grown up because God knew she could never be an adult.

"Told you," Amy was smirking, completely the opposite of her husband.

"I don't get it," the Sapling suddenly said, his lips curled into a pout. "What's going on? What are we talking about?"

Avalon just laughed, wholeheartedly for the first time that day. "Oh Sapling, nothing. Nothing except your Mother is a true idiot."

~ 0 ~

After making sure the gangers were stable and dropping ganger Jimmy back to his son, the Doctor brought Cleaves and ganger Dickens back to the headquarters of their factory.

"You really want us to do this?" Cleaves sighed as they approached the conference room.

"Your company's telling the world that the situation is over. You need to get in there and tell them that the situation's only just begun," the Doctor pointed to the door, "Make them understand what they're doing to the Flesh. Make them stop. Dickens, remember, people are good. In their bones, truly good. Don't hate them, will you?"

"How can I hate them? I'm one of them now," he gestured to Cleaves beside her.

"Yeah, and just remember, people died. Don't let that be in vain. Make what you say in that room count."

"Ready? Side by side," Cleaves said as they'd stopped in front of the conference door.

"You got it, boss."

Together, the two co-workers entered the conference room. Amy moved closer to the Doctor and nudged him, "You okay?"

"I said breathe, Pond, remember? Well, breathe," the Doctor sighed as he knew what was coming next. He started making his way back for the TARDIS where Avalon had preferred to stay. Now, on top of a ganger Amy, he had to decipher what secret Avalon was refusing to tell him. And more importantly, what the hell his ganger had whispered in her ear.

"Why?" Amy called but couldn't say more when she doubled over in pain. "Ooh! Woah! Oh!"

"What's wrong with her?" Rory quickly tried checking her for any injury, but he didn't remember seeing anything earlier.

"Get her into the TARDIS," the Doctor ordered and entered the box.

"What's wrong with aunt Amy!?" the Sapling's cry pulled Avalon away from her journal. She looked up to see the Doctor and Rory helping Amy get into the TARDIS.

"Contractions," the Doctor bitterly answered as he went around the console, setting the TARDIS in motion.

"Excuse me?" Avalon hopped off her seat and hurried to help Rory.

"She's going into labor."

The Sapling gasped. "Aunt Amy's having a baby!? I thought it was Mother!"

"Would you stop saying that!?" snapped Avalon. This was no time to remind her that she needed to change diets.

"Doctor, what are you talking about!?" Amy asked in-between groans. She literally felt like she was being stabbed in her stomach. "Rory, I don't like this - OW!"

"You'll have to start explaining this to me, Doctor," Rory practically ordered. He could handle the secrets the Doctor kept from them when it wasn't about Amy. Something was happening to his wife and he wanted answers now.

"What, the birds and the bees? She's having a baby," the Doctor moved away from the console. The Sapling gasped again, in delight until someone would tell him it wasn't all that great when the person in labor didn't even know she was in labor. "I needed to see the Flesh in its early days. That's why I scanned it. That's why we were there in the first place. I was going to drop you off for fish and chips first, but things happened and there was stuff and shenanigans. Beautiful word, shenanigans."

"You're getting off topic," Avalon snapped. "Not to mention the fact I knew you were keeping something from us!"

"It hurts!" cried the second ginger.

"Breathe," the Doctor pointed at Amy, "I needed enough information to block the signal to the Flesh."

"What signal?" Amy didn't understand and quite frankly didn't have the head to decipher it with all the pain she was feeling.

"The signal to you."

"Doctor?"

"Stand away from her," the Doctor sternly looked at Avalon and Rory. He expected the simultaneous refusal from them, but it didn't mean he would be patient about it. Time was literally of the essence now. From here on out, they were at war.

"You need to start explaining now," Avalon's eyes narrowed on the Doctor, and with good reason.

"Given what we've learned, I'll be as humane as I can, but I need to do this and you two-" his voice suddenly rose in volume, "-need to STAND AWAY!"

Avalon flinched when he started yelling. She didn't say anything back, she didn't dare to. Instead, she looked at Rory and the two slowly backed away from Amy. Why were they leaving her!? Why was the Doctor shouting at them!? And why did her stomach hurt so much!?

"No, no, Doctor, I am frightened. I'm properly, properly scared!"

Even the Sapling had the good sense to be afraid now that he was looking at everyone. He slowly inched closer to Avalon who, once she felt him nearby, slowly took him into a hug.

"Don't be. Hold on. We're coming for you, I swear it," the Doctor stepped closer to Amy, putting a hand on her cheek. He felt terrible for taking this long to finally do something about her situation. "Whatever happens, however hard, however far, we will find you."

"I'm right here!" Amy clung to his arm, shaking him to get him to listen to her. But despite her insistence, she could see in his eyes that he'd already made up his decision about her.

"No, you're not. You haven't been here for a long, long time," he stepped back and held his sonic at her. The mere act froze Avalon and Rory in their respective spots. It looked like Amy was suddenly the enemy trespassing.

Amy whimpered in her spot, one hand still wrapped around her stomach. "No..."

With one click of the sonic, she turned into a Flesh puddle.

Rory gasped at the sight of what used to be his wife.

Avalon's eyes wide to the brim. Her grip around the Sapling tightened as if they were next on the list.

The Doctor slowly lowered his sonic but he couldn't look at Rory nor Avalon. What would he tell them? That he'd known for a while Amy wasn't really there with them but he didn't have the tools nor the knowledge to find her?

"Doctor," Rory suddenly spoke up. "Hey?" he had to call twice before the Time Lord would finally glance at him, but only then it was a slight glance. "I don't understand what just happened, nor what is happening but I bet my life that you knew about this."

"Rory-"

"-NO," Rory's voice sharpened quick, shutting the Doctor down in that moment, "You knew about it for God knows how long so right now, you owe me."

"Rory, stop," Avalon's voice was a frail whisper. She was truly afraid of what was coming next, but Rory was already thinking ahead and it included her.

"Avalon, be quiet," Rory snapped. It was so uncharacteristic of him but it was another testament of how furious he was. He walked straight up to the Doctor, and showcased his deepest glare. "You owe me and I'm gonna use that to save the other person I just know is in danger." The Doctor blinked at him, unsure of where Rory was taking this until Rory's eyes flickered to Avalon. "I've felt this for a while and nobody would listen to me, not even Amy."

"Rory, what are you talking about?" Avalon asked, about to walk towards them when the Sapling hugged her tighter. He was mighty afraid and the fact everyone looked so angry and upset didn't help ease his nerves.

"The letter, Avalon," the Doctor said, side-glancing her with sorrow eyes. Now it was Rory's turn to be confused. Neither he nor Amy had heard about the letter. "What did the letter say?"

Avalon's eyes would blink several times before she answered and when she did, she still wasn't sure what it had to do with their conversation. "Dear Avalon, I know this is strange and probably confusing but it is imperious that you listen to me. You must remain with the Doctor for your own safety. Bad things are coming, and they will be coming for you and all your friends." She swallowed hard, attempting to keep calm but her body was visibly shaking. "But it-it's not about me right now. It's about Amy-"

"-but they could be the same people that letter was talking about," the Doctor sighed. "I should have known from the start. I should have been more careful."

"Doctor, they got to Amy but we can still keep Avalon safe," Rory said, now more urgent since they finally figured out what he was trying to say.

"Yes, you're right," the Doctor nodded, turning towards Avalon. The woman took an instinctive step backwards, bringing the Sapling with her in the process. "Avalon, you might be next."

"No, stop it!" she snapped. "We need to focus on Amy and-"

"-you," Rory said. "I'm not losing you too."

"What...what are you going to do?" Avalon asked, her tone laced with a clear fear.

"Whatever it takes," the Doctor promised her.

[lia-jones]

Growing Stronger - Chapter Three - Happy Birthday, Andrea! (Victor’s POV)

Victor was having one of those days. Which was uncanny, because he never had one of “those” days. Ever. He was perfectly able to separate his personal life from his work, proficient in the art of putting emotions aside to deal with issues at hand. That was exactly what made him a good businessman. It was also what gave him his fame of being cold and aloof, although he didn’t mind. It worked, it gave him good results. However, for the life of him, he found himself unable to concentrate, his eyes constantly being drawn to his phone.

Annoyingly persistent, the question hammered in his mind: should he call her? After all, it was her birthday. They were practically business partners, it would be rude not to call. She knew he knew when her birthday was. Like the excellent administrator he was, Victor quickly drafted on a piece of paper a list of costs and benefits of said call. The benefits were obvious. Number one, it was a show of goodwill; number two, it would improve business relations; Number three, it was a polite gesture. He grudgingly added a fourth benefit, not because he would willingly admit it, but because it was a fact, and facts needed to be addressed, no matter how painful or embarrassing they were. Number four, he would love to hear her voice.

Victor sighed heavily as he read the fourth point of his benefit list. He was a fool. Moving on, he thought. The costs of calling Andrea to wish her a happy birthday. Number one, it would probably upset her. Judging by their last encounter, she wanted to have nothing to do with him. She even threatened to quit the study in case he was involved. He was clearly a persona non grata. Number two, he shouldn’t be wasting his time with such a thing. She would probably have gotten one of those automatic Happy Birthday messages from LFG, since she was a former employee. Maybe that’s all he had to do. He didn’t go around calling every business partner to wish them a Happy Birthday. It was simply ridiculous. Inefficient. Number three… Victor wished he didn’t have to write this down. Number three, he was probably forcing himself into her life, just like he did with the producer. Except this time she had made it perfectly clear she didn’t want him there. She slapped him and left. Because he was an idiot and said something very hurtful in the hope of winning an argument.

Victor gave up on the list and lowered his head, holding it between his hands. He had called Daniel all the ugly names he knew, and now those names could perfectly describe him. He told Andrea her infertility was a silver lining. What kind of an asshole says that to the woman he loves? Especially to Andrea, who went through so much, was capable to change her life for the better, to face her abuser with courage and integrity, how could he throw such a cheap blow? No wonder she didn’t want him in her life. She loved him like nobody did before, gave him unprecedented happiness, she lovingly tore down every single wall he built, and they connected in ways he never deemed possible. She showed him sometimes he could be his worst enemy, depriving himself of happiness for pride and... Well, mostly pride.

Victor had to make it up to her, he had to make sure everything in her life worked perfectly. He could no longer hold her, or kiss her, or tell her he loved her, but he could ensure she got everything she ever wanted. That was the real reason he was investing in her study. He knew that the moment LFG was involved and he put his plan in motion to diffuse all the gossip around her, no one could stop the momentum her study would have. Everybody would want to invest in it. She would be virtually unstoppable.

The sound of a knock on his door made Victor internally panic and quickly throw the list to the trash, effectively eliminating any evidence of his weakness. It was Goldman. Victor spoke before Goldman could, pretending to be focused on his work.

“Talk.” He said, dismissively. He watched Goldman shift his weight anxiously from one foot to the other. Victor did not have to fake his exasperation. “What is it?”

Goldman took a deep uneasy breath. Seeing he was nervous, Victor softened his expression.

“Take a seat. What do you need?”

Goldman relaxed when he heard Victor’s softer tone, and sat down.

“I don’t know if you have heard, Diane and I got engaged.” He started.

“Yes, I am aware.” Victor offered, giving him a small smile.

“Sir, first of all I have to say I am beyond grateful for all you have done for me over all of these years. If it weren’t for you, I would probably still be living on friends’ sofas, or maybe the street. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have a career, a dignified life, and I wouldn’t have met my future wife. I owe it all to you, Sir.”

Victor was not expecting this sudden expression of gratitude. Goldman had been a good companion over the years, enduring his hard temper, listening whenever Victor couldn’t hold it inside anymore and needed to confide, even if he only allowed himself a few very short outbursts. Victor had put all his trust in his assistant, and he had proven to be worthy. He was the one who should be grateful. Goldman continued.

“I know you will probably consider this a waste of your time, but I still have to ask. Will you be the best man at my wedding?”

Victor was thrown back by Goldman’s question. Andrea was absolutely right. The memory of both of them in his bed, enjoying post-coital bliss, came to his mind. “I found it.” He could hear her voice like she was there right there, in his arms, head on his chest.

“You found what?” Victor’s head raised from the pillow.

“My favorite place on Earth.” She smiled. Victor raised an eyebrow.

“My bed?”

“Your arms.”

Victor’s heart beat faster, and he couldn’t help but hold her really tight, butterflies running wild inside his stomach.

“They’re yours.” He lifted her chin and kissed her softly. “I’m yours.”

They stayed like that for a moment, face to face, noses touching, a smile on their faces. Victor felt relaxed, happy, noticing how perfectly Andrea fitted in his embrace.

“Goldman invited us to go on a double date.” Victor started.

“Yeah, Diane mentioned it too. I told her not to get her hopes up.” She said, pulling herself back down to lie her head on his chest.

“Why not?”

“You want to do it?” She seemed surprised. Did she think he would say no?

“Well, she’s a close friend of yours, right? The idea does not make me exactly euphoric, but if it’s something you’d like, I don’t mind.”

“Goldman is your friend too.” She retorted.

“Goldman is my employee. It’s different.”

“No, Goldman is your friend. He might be your best friend actually.” She lifted her head from his chest, making Victor resent the cold of her absence. She had this resolve in her eyes, that sweet expression she wore when she was trying to make a point. “Goldman has been working with you for what, seven years?”

“Eight. So what? I have employees working for me for longer than that.”

“Employee or not, the guy has taken your crap for eight years, and you know how hard you can get. He knows all your quirks, probably knows more about your personal life than even I do. He’s your go-to guy, and maybe you don’t care to admit it, your confidant?”

She wasn’t wrong. Goldman was all of those things. Except for confidant. Victor enjoyed his privacy.

“You may be right.” He said, furrowing his eyebrows. “Who knew you’d be so insightful?” Victor teased.

“Who thought I wouldn’t be?” The tone of her voice raised slightly, as she pretended to be offended. Victor played along.

“Well, everybody knows I’m the wise one in the relationship.” Victor jested, as he pulled her closer.

“Oh really? And when was that established? I was not informed of such an important conclusion.”

“We had a meeting.” Victor declared nonchalantly. “Didn’t you get the memo?”

“Clearly I didn’t. So, if you’re the wise one, what is my role, then?”

Victor stifled a laugh.

“The village idiot.”

“Good night, then.” She said shortly, motioning to move away from him, pretending to be upset. Victor hugged her waist, keeping her in place.

“Wait, don’t go.” He said, between laughs. “You don’t like your title?”

“I don’t know what a title is, I’m the village idiot.” She squinted at him, as she tried to free herself from his grip.

“Do you think I’m letting you escape that easily?” Victor pinned her arms against the mattress, kissing her. She was still pretending to be angry, as she didn’t kiss him back. “Kiss me.” He urged in a hush.

“I’m the village idiot, I don’t know how to kiss.”

“I’ll show you then. Follow my lead.” He was still playing along, but his mind was filled with desire. He wanted her again. His tongue glided on her lips, his teeth biting them, inviting them to join the kiss. Andrea blew a raspberry on his mouth. Maybe she wasn’t playing anymore. Was she offended with what he said?

“You’re angry?” He asked, suddenly worried, as he let go of her arms.

“And I’m the village idiot?” She said smiling, pulling him from a proper kiss. She could be so endearingly frustrating sometimes.

“Maybe I’m the idiot.” Victor spoke into her lips, before claiming what was his.

Victor cleared his throat, fearing he drifted away in his memory longer than he should.

“It will be my pleasure.” He answered Goldman, who in return looked at him like he had grown an extra head.

“R-Really?” He stuttered with surprise. “Thank you, Sir!”

“You have been working close to me for the last eight years. It’s about time you call me Victor.” Victor gave him a slight smile. “In fact, I would like to give you my wedding gift immediately. Pick a venue for the wedding, flowers, caterers, anything you need, and bill it to LFG. Your wedding will be my gift to you.”

Victor suppressed a smile when he saw the panic on Goldman’s face.

“Sir, it’s too much. I don’t know what to say…”

“It’s Victor.” He warned. “Don’t think too much of it, consider it a token of appreciation for all these years of loyalty. Now, let’s get back to work.” Victor declared, turning to his computer.

“Absolutely… Victor. Is there anything you need?”

Victor paused for a moment, pondering.

“Yes. Cancel all my meetings for the rest of the day. I’m going home. Call me if anything comes up.” He answered, gathering his belongings to leave.

The terrace was filled with fairy lights. Balloons saying “Happy Birthday” were tied to the rim of the balcony. On the center, a table with two seats, already set with colorful plates and some candles.

Victor was confident that she wouldn’t remember his birthday. He made sure of it, he didn’t care for birthday celebrations. When she told him that she couldn’t go to his place for dinner because she needed to work on her thesis, he saw nothing unusual. When she called him telling him she needed him, he practically flew to her apartment. Clearly, when it came to Andrea, Victor didn’t do all the thinking with his head.

She hugged him from behind. He took her hand and pulled her to his chest, making her face him, his arms around her.

“Surprise!” She said, beaming at him.

“I really have to watch my back with you, don’t I?” He playfully raised his eyebrow at her.

“Happy birthday, handsome.” She kissed him. To Victor, just that kiss alone was worth the whole hustle. He held her tighter and deepened the kiss, decided to prolong the warm feeling for as much as he could. Like it happened so many times with Andrea, he wished he could still stop time. She broke the kiss with a mile-wide smile.

“Wait, don’t go thanking me yet. I’m not done.”

She had a whole meal prepared for both of them. His favorite white wine, that Portuguese fish stew he tried in Portugal and absolutely loved. Victor ate with gusto, trying not to moan with each bite he took. It was delectable. Maybe he should let Andrea cook more often.

A chocolate raspberry cake came after, decorated with 34 lit candles. Despite his protests, Andrea sang him Happy Birthday and made him blow the candles and make a wish. Victor felt himself blush with all the attention. Well, he could just blame it on the wine.

Andrea went to her apartment with the dirty dishes, returning with a wrapped box.

“I do hope you like it. I saw it and thought it would bring out your eyes.”

Victor smiled as he opened his present carefully. He didn’t know what it was yet, but it was already on the list of his most prized possessions. It was a dark teal shirt. Very tasteful. He could already picture it with some of his suits. He pulled Andrea to his lap, kissing her.

“I take it you liked it?” She gave him a wide smile.

He loved it. He loved it all. He never enjoyed birthdays, apart from those he had spent with Mia. But this was different. He didn’t spend his time wondering if his feelings were reciprocated, he knew they were. Victor felt love and felt loved. That feeling alone was the best gift Andrea could give him.

Victor read the list he saved from the trash one last time. He went to his bedroom, and opened the drawer of the nightstand, retrieving the small box. He had bought it a while ago for this specific occasion. The box would go to its designated owner.

Victor wrote a small note and attached it to the box, putting it on the passenger’s front seat of his car, and drove to Andrea’s apartment. He would leave it in her mailbox and leave. It wouldn’t take him more than five minutes.

The box was too big to fit through the narrow slit of her mailbox. Victor stood there for a moment, contemplating on what to do. Leave it on her doormat? That’s when he heard someone call his name. He took a step back, startled.

He couldn’t recognize the voice in the dark at first. As the man approached, he saw who it was. A man is his late fifties, hazel eyes, blonde hair. That sincere, easy smile, the one Andrea usually wore. It was her father.

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[customdogblke]

via Custom Dog Blanket,

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Every family pet should have to be a little spoiled from time to time with a custom pet blanket. Whether you’re buying your own four-legged member of the family or somebody else’s family pet, you can’t fail with these present concepts for every pet character. Whether the family pet in your life is furry, scaly, feathered or wooly, you’re sure to discover a personalized present that has their name composed all over it.

For the family pet who tends to take up too much of your custom pet blanket at bedtime, provide their own custom dog blanket (or style one to share). Honor the memory of a cherished pet who has passed away with heartfelt custom-made pet memorials. If it’s a family pet enthusiast you’re buying, custom dog blankets are a gorgeous and sincere present.

Custom canvas, mousepads, and custom pet blankets bring a touch of house and furry cuteness to the workplace. Make sensational wall art and other decor utilizing your preferred animal photos. With these family pet gift concepts and more, it’s simple to reveal your favorite four-legged good friends (and their owners) just how much you enjoy them.

Whether you’re looking for the best present for a pet fan or merely want to beautify your life with some house design and accessories that look like your pet or feline, you’re in luck. We assembled some of the coolest custom pet blankets you can purchase that look just like your family pet.

So How Exactly Does It Work?

Simply send a photo and their illustrators handle everything else. When they’re finished you’ll get a masterpiece that’s unique and created by genuine illustrators.

STEP 1: Upload a picture of your animal

STEP 2: Review your illustration (they’ll send a message in one to two days)

STEP 3: When you agree they’ll ship your unique animal gift

Their most popular gift may be the Custom Pet Blanket which includes many reviews that are positive on the website. This is a keepsake that fits in any house – ideal for snuggling & cuddling perfectly! The custom dog blanket is durable & simple to clean and it’s got finished edges to avoid fraying.

Additionally, there are pet memorial blankets if you lost your beloved pet and would like something to keep in mind them by, or close friends blankets if you would like to celebrate the friendship that you have together with your furry pal.

Other best-sellers are the Custom Pet Canvas which is a full wrap-around print premium framed canvas. This can be a kind of quality you will be proud to hold on your own wall.

The Custom Pet Pillow makes a great companion to the custom dog blanket – your furry buddy illustration is printed on the pillow cover and includes a filling inside.

There is also a range of custom cat stickers however the most popular is the custom pet car decal – its created from durable outdoor vinyl so it’s sun resistant and 100 percent water-proof. So the stickers are great for vehicle bumpers like your vehicle, scooter, motorbike, or boat. Plus you need to use them as window stickers – exquisite for showing off your pet!

I loved that they emailed me the artwork so I could approve the artwork before they made my product. So when a change was had by me, they fixed it without any issues but still sent it out quickly – extremely swift turn around. Truthfully, the likeness is indeed good (and my dog blanket is way softer than I expected) that I’m hoping to get another custom dog blanket of my other furry pal too.

Also, it’s great to discover that all their custom dog blankets are printed & shipped in the USA (I love to understand that I’m buying from local businesses).

Very last thing – if you are still on the fence about purchasing from Furbaby Prints then not to worry almost all their custom dog blankets have a 100 percent guarantee, so you can rest assured that your expectations will be met. Their customer support is excellent – their employees communicated with to my satisfaction & responded to my questions within a day of asking.

Below are a few comments from happy buyers:

I am really pleased with this! Unfortunately my cam does not do it justice, the colours are so dynamic and they did a fantastic job with my dog. It’s extremely soft and will absolutely be utilized this winter season I have actually acquired 5 custom pet blankets over the last year as gifts.

This custom dog blanket seems like a huge hug (and snuggle) from him and I enjoy it so much!!! Thank you my experience was so so great! They caught him how i desired it exactly. somebody who assisted me choose the best picture likewise sent me a totally free mug with the same art on it! She felt truly bad that my fur child crossed the rainbow bridge so she she sent it totally free.

It is so soft! thank you. I shed tears of delight opening my bundle and seeing my gorgeous kids deal with. This item has brought me closure with my pets passing and offers me convenience. Thank you for the stunning piece to keep in mind my dog by. Bought it for my 23 years of age niece’s birthday.

Here are several questions & answers about custom pet blankets:

What is the best material for a custom pet blanket? Dog blankets targeted at comfort and softness are usually created from fleece, which provides warmth also, or velour, that is a plush material. pet blankets made for protection are made from microfiber, a durable synthetic material, and this can be quite thin.

Why do cats love soft pet blankets? Like human children, for cats, the feeling of being tightly wrapped in a warm & soft dog blanket provides a great sense of security. Like a set of armor around you, perfectly molded to your form.

At night should I cover my dog with a pet blanket? Yes, it’s okay to cover your pet with a dog blanket. The dog blanket is a source of warmth, comfort, and can add value to your dog’s life immediately. Just the same as humans, dogs don’t mind having something warm wrapped around their bodies during the night. … Utilizing a dog dog blanket to keep your pet warm is a no-brainer.

Why do dogs like custom pet blankets? There probably is a reason. Animals have a very strong sense of smell. So, if they curl up with among your pet blankets, they could also like this it has your smell on it actually. Another dog owner recalled having a puppy with separation anxiety.  

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[veshialles]

Idk if you're still taking them but how about every 10th question for Jess for the courier asks!!! I love Jess sm!!!!!!

Yes I absolutely am still taking them! Thank you!!

10: Where were they born/raised? When/why did they leave?

Jessica Haseya Barker (Jess for short) was born and raised in the town of Grosek (real world location: Grouse Creek, Utah) on September 15th 2255. She lived with her mother, Aster Barker, and they ran a repair shop together. Many travelers passed through Grosek to avoid the heavily irradiated ruins of what was once Salt Lake City. 

Jess left Grosek behind sometime in the summer of 2272, after her mother died of brain cancer in April of that year. It had been a deeply traumatic year for Jess, and she decided it had become far too painful to stay. I’m totally not projecting my own experiences and wishes over here or anything

20: Do they have a theme song?

Kind of?? I made an entire playlist that was supposed to be like, what I imagine the soundtrack would be like if her life was a Netflix series or something. I think the cover of “O Death” by Kate Mann suits her vibes best though idk why

30: Do they gamble? Where? Is their luck good?

Jess’ Luck stat is 8 (which I mean, seems reasonable given the entire premise of Courier Six as a character, right?). She’s gambled a little bit, specifically when she finally made it to The Tops Casino and wanted to blend into the crowd while she thought up how to approach and deal with Benny, but in general it’s not really her thing. 

40:  In conversation, are they kind? Gentle? Sarcastic? Rude? Do they speak warmly and openly with people, or are they more guarded? Do they talk a lot?

Jess tends to be quite talkative, often thinks out loud and talks to herself. She approaches conversations with warmth and kindness, especially when talking with children. ...and some robots. Also animals.

Maybe it’s just the vaguely-southern accent, but she’s often quite charming, so long as she isn’t making too much of a conscious effort at it. She’s very persuasive, which has helped her deescalate many situations that might have taken a violent turn otherwise. As well, Jess gets really flustered easily when conversations take on a flirty or sexual tone, and has a lot of difficulties expressing that side of herself to people whom she doesn’t explicitly trust.

She also has very little patience for bullies and no respect for most kinds of authority, which Jess gets very verbal about when she’s feeling good about her chances of coming out on top should things get heated and a fight breaks out. The rare times when she did bite her tongue was during her visit to Fortification Hill, afraid of what the Legion soldiers might do to her or her companions.

50: What’s their happiest memory?

Her happiest memory is her 16th birthday, when her mom revealed something she had been tinkering with; an old beaten up motorbike. It became the family pet project for months, and it was one of the last times that Jess remembers her mom being happy and healthy. 

Unfortunately, when Jess looks back on that memory now, it feels tainted somehow, likely coloured by the trauma Jess endured while taking care of her mother. The irrational outbursts of anger that sent Jess into panic attacks, the times when her mother blamed her for things and Jess would shout back nasty words only to immediately regret saying it a second later. She tries not to pay attention to that feeling, but it’s there.

It is a happy memory still, at its core, but.. they feel wrong to her. So instead she tries to focus on the future, creating new memories. But she still carries a reminder with her, just a small piece of the past; a gear that Jess pried off of the motorbike, worn around her neck.

---

 oof sorry this got really dark. I am still processing some things apparently. but thank you for the asks! I’ll send you some too when I get a chance!

[jjpmoans]

Broken - Part 5 [ Final ]

Summary:

Love, as crazy as it sounds, really blinds people. You can see people blindly falling in love, ignoring those who really love them, falling for someone whom, they have sworn they will never fall for. Love, for Jinyoung is to watch his girl happy, even if it means it’s not him. Even if means it’s not Jinyoung who get to whisper sweet things. It’s not Jinyoung who can hold her hands. It’s not Jinyoung who’ll be laying down with her on her bed, talking countless of things. It’s not him that she’ll wake up to. It’s not him, who has her heart.

Genre: angst / romance

Inspired song : Heartbreak Girl by 5 Seconds of Summer

Character : Park Jinyoung x female reader

Word counts : 3k+ words

[A/N]

So it has ended, another beautiful story which I admit, is my first fanfiction. I am grateful to whoever spends their time to read this. This fic reminds me that I am not only a smut writer, but also a normal writer. Thank you for reading Broken. I hope you love the ending. This has been edited and quite different from the first version. I hope you will give Broken more love. Thank you!

[Masterlist]

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 [Final] |

“Jinyoung, stop!” she shouts as the said boy stomps his feet in frustration. He takes a big stride towards the front door, his ears red from anger and jealousy. He is pissed off pretty bad. “Jinyoung!” she shouts again. “What!?” he replies angrily. He turns around to give a glare and continue walking angrily to the door. It’s not his fault, really. She just had to make him jealous and angry and he’s not good to hide his jealousy. He yanks the door open, making the wooden piece hits the wall with a loud thud. The people inside the house jump at the sudden loud sound. Jinyoung strides in, glaring at everyone he meet. “Hey- what happened?” Jaebum asks as he greets the younger only to be ignored and glared. “Did he just glared at me? Did he just- what am I? A wall?” Jaebum asks confusedly. “He is mad at me. Tell me again why he is my best friend? He should be my boyfriend with all those jealousy.” she states. Mark and Yugyeom give each other a look before rising their eyebrows to her. She’s impossibly stupid. “You know what? You are pretty dense for a pretty girl like you.” Youngjae says. “If that’s a compliment, thank you. I really need a compliment right now before I can deal with Park Jinyoung.” she sighs. “That is definitely not a compliment. Come on. Why haven’t you realised?” Youngjae throws his arm up, punching the air. “Jinyoung loves you!” She stops, staring at him like an idiot, trying to process the new information. “What do you mean by that?” she asks. Of course Jinyoung doesn’t love her like what he just said. They are friends. Jinyoung just loves her as a best friend. “Jinyoung loves me? Since when?” she asks no one in particular, mainly asking herself.  "Is that a joke? That is not funny at all. This is not the time to be funny, Choi Youngjae.“ "This is not the time to be stupid, honey.” Youngjae’s fast reply shuts her up, stunning her mind. She is stupid now? Why hasn’t she knew? She has been the closest to Jinyoung. Of course she should have known. But Jinyoung has never showed any hint of love towards her? “Jinyoung loves me?” she asks again. Jackson sighs and face palm. “No he does not. He is stupidly crushing on his own best friend since middle school and watched her switching and choosing boyfriends where he wasn’t in the list at all. No. He definitely doesn’t love you.” He rolls his eyes exaggeratedly. “He did what!?” So it is true. He loves her. Why hasn’t he said anything? What’s wrong with confessing to her? Is it that bad? Why? She knows Jinyoung dotes on her a lot but she never realises that he loves her; since middle school not to mention. Although she always hope that Jinyoung can be her boyfriend instead of her best friend but she couldn’t help to think that Jinyoung must have no feelings towards her, given she is always a crybaby and too much for him to handle. But obviously now, she’s wrong. Absolutely wrong. The six of them jump as loud sound comes from Jinyoung’s room, followed by another sound of something flying across the room. “If you finally understand it now, I think you can start calming him down and talk to him. Today is his birthday anyways.” Mark advises. Right. That was why they both went out for the date. To celebrate his birthday. Each year, she will ask him what he wants for a present. However this year, he just asked her to stay with him. So now she understands. Nodding to Mark, she heads to his room. Halfway there, another sound resonates through the house which causes Bambam who just come out of the kitchen flinches. “Damn. We should move out before Jinyoung hyung breaks everything.” he suggests. “And that would include me. I’m helpless.” he plops himself on Yugyeom and receive a loud slap instead. She knocks on the door timidly, slow enough for Jinyoung to hear. Or worst, he will probably not hear it at all. “Leave me alone. I’m don’t want to deal with you guys.” he shouts from inside. He’s angry and god knows how he has been doing. She brace herself, knocking again. She hear grunts, before she quickly stop him by her own voice. “It’s me.” she replies. “It’s me Jinyoung. Open the door.” She hear nothing other than silence so she drops her hand in disappointment, only to be surprised when the door opens slowly, creaking as it goes. She enters his room, all dark except for a few light rays that has escaped the blinds. Scanning, she found her heart drops at the situation in the room. The floor is messy, mixture of unrecognized objects which she is sure, one of those which has been thrown out of anger, the bathroom door is dent; which probably explains the extremely loud sound and the chair is lying on the other side of the room, upside down, which also explain why it flies across the room. Amidst the chaos, she realises how Jinyoung’s mood changes because of her. It has been a pattern, which she has just caught a few weeks ago. Jinyoung has a soft spot for her, which exceeds best friend’s limits. In his worst state, he will still worry about her. Because she is his’s priority. Because he loves her. So her eyes land on his figure, lying on his bed with an arm draped over his head. His chest is heaving up and down from the anger. “Jinyoung.” Attempting to cool him down, she reaches for him. She seats herself next to him, bending to get closer. “I hate myself.” He says. “I hate myself because I can’t contain this jealousy. I’m an idiot and I am a jerk. I raised my voice at you and I left you at the door. Leave me. You don’t have to deal with an idiot.” She had no idea how he can think to that extend. A dramatic ass he is. “Why should I leave you?” she asks softly. She crouches to let her head rest on his chest. She can hear his heart beating rapidly. So she put her hand on his chest, palming him to calm him down. It shall work. It always work. “I am a fool. Look at me. I am your best friend,” he sounds pained, the word best friend tastes so bitter to him. “But I was acting like your boyfriend. Getting angry for no reason.” he pulls her closer, shifting her position to half crushing on him. “But I swear I was so so mad. He was flirting with you in front of me! And you just let him. You just don’t try to tell him that you are not interested with him. My goodness. It irks me. I was really close to smack him.” he confesses. “God, I’m so idiot.” tightening his grip on her, he presses his lips on top of her head, inhaling her scent. “Why are you mad, Jinyoung?” She just want him to blurt it out. He has done a lot of the confession but never the main reason. “I am mad because he was flirting with you in front of me!” “And what’s wrong with that?” “Because you are my girl! I lo–” he halts, and she swears she can hear his heart skips a beat. “You what.” she tempts him to finish his sentence. To spill. To confess. To end this misery. “You what, Jinyoung?” she raises her face to his level, staring deep into his eyes where she knows, there she lives, in his heart. He makes no move, not even any noise escape his throat. She can see that he’s struggling to confess. Jinyoung, the man who has never run out of wise words, is struggling to confess. If he is struggling, then she’ll gladly help him. “You love me, Jinyoung?” “What?” feared, shocked, caught. Those three words can describe what exactly his reaction is. She knows why he is hesitant. Like her, he is afraid. Afraid of consequences. Every friendship can ends with relationship, but not every relationship ends with a friendship. That is the main reason of why they both act like two biggest idiot ever. Because they don’t want to lose this companion. Because like everyone else are afraid of, they were scared that their friendship will fall apart. “I like you Jinyoung.” Jinyoung’s eyes fly to read her, urging for some lies to appear. But of course there is none. “I like you. I really really do. You know, after that breakup?” she asks. “You were just so protective to me. You basically are there wherever I go.” “And before the breakup? I realise I were only happy when I were out with you. I laughed like a real one and I were myself.” she confesses. “Then after the breakup, I just have this feeling that I only realise after all this time.” She looks at him in the eye, “I think I love you Jinyoung.” If one can paint the surprised look on his face, she is willing to pay them a million dollar. Gone were his frowns and fears. The only thing left is a mixture of surprise and happiness. “You what?” “And you are so dumb. Why didn’t you tell me that you love me. Middle school? Hello Park Jinyoung?” she exclaims. “It’s already eight years. How long do you want to keep it a secret?” “Wait. Who told you that?” he doesn’t need to ask. It’s obviously his housemates. But which one? “Does that even matters?” she asks. “Yes. Because I should kick him in the ass for not keeping my secret.” he huffs. “So it’s true. You love me. Why didn’t you tell me?” He eyes her, lying in his arm, hair sprawled out and looking at him intensely. He loves her, every inch of her. Even when her eyebrows aren’t in a perfect shape like she always claim. Even when she has lots of scars to cover with foundation. Even when her hair is not colored like how other girls do. He loves her. All of her. “Because I don’t want to lose you.” he says honestly. “I don’t know what to do if I lose you. I love you so much. What if you decide to hate me if I tell you that I love you?” he whispers. He hates himself for being a coward. But no one will understand the fear of putting this friendship to an end. “You know I would never hate you Jinyoung.” she pushes his hair back, threading his locks between her fingers. “I can’t believe I am so blind. These years we were together, all you did were because you love me?” “I just don’t want anyone to hurt you. Believe me, I really want to strangle Jin. He deserves hell. Or maybe even hell won’t accept him.” He stares at her for a long time. No word can convey his feelings but from his look, he is ready to shower her with endless love throughout his life. His eyes, full of stars, is ready to bring her to see the beauty of hers through his lenses. So he moves. He moves closer, dropping small kisses on her forehead. On the bridge of her nose. On her lips. “I really really loves you.” he mumbles in between his small pecks. “I know.” He laughs, hugging her tighter, as he can’t let her go now. “What do you know? You were basically changing boyfriends in front of me. Do you know how jealous I was? Another boy come and go and I’m still not in your list.” he is happy. He is too happy. God, he is so happy. She hits his chest, feeling embarrassed. “Of course you are not in my list. You are on top of my list. You know what? I always want my boyfriend to be like you. Like how you always treat me.” “There’s no one like me.” he answers proudly, knowing there is no other man who can beat him for his love. “Yes. There’s no one like you. You always treat me like I am the most precious person in your life-” “You are.” “And you make me laugh effortlessly. You are always there Jinyoung.” she rubs her cheeks on his chest. His warmth makes her calm. She doesn’t want to lose him. Time passes, between the shared kisses and mindless laughter, she proposes his birthday present, right after she feel like Jinyoung can’t stop kissing her. He longs for her indeed. “Jinyoung.” He replies with a hum, threading her hairs while she looks at her, honey pouring from her eyes. “Do you want to be my boyfriend, Park Jinyoung?” His heart stops. His surrounding magnifies and the only thing he can hear is her breath and her words. ‘Do you want be my boyfriend, Park Jinyoung?’ is what she says. He never thought this day will come where he will actually hear that question. She asks him to be her boyfriend. Not anyone else. Him. Park Jinyoung. He breaths out slowly, joining their forehead together. His lung is burning with excitement and anxiety. As he opens his mouth to speak, a voice intrudes. “Say yes already! Oh god how long are you going to take!? I’m tired of waiting.” Jackson shouts from the door. “It’s already 25 minutes recording. I can handle another 10 minutes,” Youngjae says. Both of them lift their head to see the other six boys piling in front of Jinyoung’s room. Yugyeom and Bambam are already on the floor, Jaebum is leaning against the door frame with Youngjae next to him with a phone in his hand. Mark stands with his hands in his pocket while Jackson is basically hugging the door frame in excitement. There is always someone who breaks the moment. But sometimes it comes in a package of six annoying human. Jinyoung growls, standing up from the bed. He strides towards the door, pushing everyone out so he can have his privacy. How dare them interrupting his moment. The boys make a huge fuss, shouting and whining as Jinyoung pushes everyone. “You guys are useless,” he says as he peels Jackson from the door frame. “Useless? You owed me! If I didn’t tell her, you won’t even dream to have her!” Youngjae shouts. He shrieks and run away when Jinyoung’s hand reaches for him, an attempt to smack him for his work. “We’ll talk later,” he gives Youngjae a quick warning, together with a 'You’re dead’ gesture before closing the door after he manage to get everyone out. Sighing, he turns to see her lying on his bed, hugging the blanket to herself while watching him strides closer. He stops right before the bed, staring at her even longer. “You really look good in my bed.” She laughs, patting the space which is slowly losing its warmth –  his warmth. “Come here. I am cold and I need a good cuddle.” Scoffing, he climbs the bed, his hand finding itself around her waist, pulling her closer so he can press more kisses on her face. She snuggles into the crook of his neck, lips pressing to his jugular vein. She nips his vein, to his Adam apple, tracing his jar after. “Do you mean what you say?” “Hmm?” nips, leaving traces on his face, pressing quick kisses like how Jinyoung did. “Making me as your boyfriend.” His eyes to hers, demanding for her immediate answer. She knows he is still afraid. Scared that this is just a dream. A dream he won’t dare to wake up from. “Yes. I mean it.” He sighs as she kisses his neck again, hands gripping her side a little harder. “Say it.” he pleads. “Say that you love me.” “I love you, Jinyoung.” she whispers, right at his ear lobe, sending shivers down his spine. No doubt he is breathing fast, eager by her advances. “Thank you.” he closes the distance between them, kissing her breath out of her lung. “You’re my heartbreak girl.” She laughs into the kiss, nodding as she goes, “I am your heartbreak girl.”

____________________________________________

[Masterlist]

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 [Final] |

All rights reserved © jinyoungmoans

Posted on 11th October 2019, 3.15 am MYT