#and now i'm over here panicking over it coming out in just nine days

[saltpepperbeard]

WE'RE IN THE SINGLE DIGITS RANGE NOW, Y'ALL. NINE DAYS. HOW ARE WE FEELING 😀😀😀

[vivwritesfics]

(Oh My God) They Were Roommates

Chapter Nine - Cough Cough I'm Sick

Lando Norris and Y/N L/N were teammates. Tension had been between from the minute they started driving together and, when it only got worse, McLaren CEO Zac Brown decides there's only one solution: Have them live together.

1.3K

(idk who sorts out the media stuff so i just said marketing manager)

Series Masterlist

Here's the thing, it was exactly what it looked like. Max let out a laugh as he looked at the papaya drivers panicked. "Relax," he said quickly and walked out of the driver's room. "I'll meet you both outside."

Y/N and Lando looked at each other as Max shut the door. "Fuck," she whispered as she pulled her clothes back onto her body. She swapped Landos shirt for her own.

Wordlessly, Y/N left his drivers room. She pushed past Max and sped walked out of the track. She was so fucking stupid - this was why they had those rules in the first place!

And now that Max knew, what was going to happen?

She didn't sleep that night, anxiety overtaking her. For the first time of the grand prix weekend, Y/N checked her phone. She went onto her private account, went to the for you page (for the memes) and was immediately flooded with pictures of her in Landos hoodie. Fuck, that was right. She was wearing Landos hoodie.

She didn't know if Lando went to the club with Max, but she didn't care. She wrapped her arms around her pillow and tried to get some sleep.

***

They'd been home for two days and they hadn't slept together. It was unusual, but Lando couldn't blame her, especially after what had happened in Spain.

He missed her. Which, this time just a few months ago, would have felt impossible. But he really did miss her, everything about her.

She didn't entirely avoid him, but it felt like she didn't want him anymore. They hadn't properly spoken since the grand prix, almost like they weren't even friends anymore.

Lando kept himself busy. He gamed and streamed a lot, rarely giving himself time to think about the little hole in his heart.

It was an overreaction, Y/N knew. But she was terrified of the consequences that they'd inevitably get. So far, nothing had happened. But that didn't mean it wasn't coming.

The next week was the Canadian grand prix. For every grand prix since they began living together, Y/N and Lando had travelled together. One of them would usually drive to the grand prix, taking it in turns.

This time, though, Y/N travelled alone. She made her own way to the grand prix, over thinking and then sleeping on the flight.

Lando hadn't realised she'd left. He knocked on her bedroom and pushed it open. "Y/N?" He called, but she wasn't there, already on her way to Canada.

Obviously, Y/N arrived before him. She’d slept on the flight, sure, but she still made her way to her bedroom for a nap. Exhaustion gripped her as she got under the blankets and closed her eyes, still in her travelling clothes.

When Y/N woke up, there was insistent knocking on her hotel room door. “Fine, alright!” She shouted, her voice croaky. Her throat killed as she pulled open the door and came face to face with the McLaren marketing manager. “Hey,” Y/N said, rubbing at her eyes.

“You’re meant to be doing media things with Lando,” the marketing manager said quickly.

“Fuck,” she whispered under her breath and checked the time on her phone. Had she really been asleep for that long? “Okay, I’ll get dressed.”

She shut the door and got changed. What she would have loved to do was take a shower, but with the way the marketing manager was talking, she definitely didn’t have time.

As soon as she was dressed, Y/N followed the marketing manager down to the lobby of the hotel. Outside there was a car waiting for her. She climbed into the back seat and pressed her head against the cool window as they drove towards the track.

Somehow, she fell asleep in the car once again. She woke up to somebody shaking her shoulder, and was quick to follow them into the McLaren hospitality unit. Her had swam as she walked, but she ignored it; she had a job to do.

It was the first time she had seen Lando since she left their apartment. “Hey,” she said through a croaky voice as she sat in the seat beside him.

“Are you okay?” Asked Lando, his arm resting on the sofa behind her.

Y/N quickly moved it. She nodded her head and looked at the camera in front of them as a member of staff past her and Lando question cards.

***

She was sick. That was clear to anyone as she threw up into her bathroom. But to her, it was just stress. She’d had a taste of her first win and she wanted more. Th thought of trying to keep being consistent was making her so stressed that she was coming across sick.

She threw up before qualifying. How she made it all the way to Q3, she didn’t know, but she struggled to qualify in the top five. As soon as qualifying was done, Y/N rushed back to the hotel room while the team at McLaren took care of the media for her. She managed to avoid fans as she was driven back to the hotel.

As soon as she was in her room as she asleep on her bed, still wearing the McLaren shirts and shorts that she had left the circuit in. She didn’t even climb under the covers before falling asleep, her head just about on the pillow.

Again, she woke up to somebody knocking at her door. Again, she reluctantly stood up and pulled open the door.

Only this time, it was Lando on the other side of the door. “Shit,” he whispered as he looked at her. “You look…”

“Like shit,” Y/N answered for him.

“Are you okay?” Lando asked again and Y/N nodded, leaning her forehead against the wood of the door frame. But Lando clearly didn’t believe her. He stared at her, raising his eyebrows, waiting for her to take it back, to tell him that she was feeling as terrible as she looked.

Still, she couldn’t admit it. Lando tried to walk past her, to get into her room, but she stood in his way. “What do you want, Lando?”

“I want you to admit that you’re sick and let me take care of you.”

“I don’t want you to take care of me,” she said, somewhat stubbornly.

So, Lando grabbed a hold of her shoulders and forced his way into her room. He sat the door behind him and sat her on the bed. “Talk to me,” he said, kicking off his shoes and laying back against her pillows.

“About what?” She spat back, crossing her arms as she looked out of the window.

“About why you’re not talking to me.”

She visibly deflated. Fuck, she had missed him, but their last time had scared her enough to keep her away. No, he was just asking to get into her head before the race.

“Max hasn’t told anybody, you know,” he said, leaning forward and placing his large hand on her shoulder. “He’s not going to.”

Y/N twitched her head towards him, but she didn’t say anything.

“We could go back to the way we were, you know,” Lando continued. “I… I miss you and I want to go to how we were.”

She let out a sob and wiped beneath her eyes. She missed it too. Missed him. “I-“ but she couldn’t say more than that.

Wordlessly she crawled towards him. she laid down beside him, placing her head on his chest. “Lando, we can’t tonight,” she said.

“I know,” he responded with a nod. “You’re sick.”

“I’m not sick!” She insisted.

“You’re sick.”

Taglist (CLOSED): @biancathecool @hollie911 @topguncultleader @annispamz @carlossainzwho @spideybv28 @wherethefuckisthething @fangirl125reader @minkyungseokie @marialovesf1 @kitixie @i-wish-this-was-me @bborra @formula1mount @charlotte1697 @formulaal @eviethetheatrefreak @lordpercivalcharles @venisvendetta @marie0v @tbsloneely @laur20a23 @formulas-bitch @cmleitora @marvelavengers000 @gills-lounge @andydrysdalerogers @demipatterns @holy-macncheese-balls @jule239 @aexitizen-ln4 @landosgirlxoxo @allinestarr @starmanv @st0rmzi3 @random-human02 @nocoolusernamesavailable-blog @happymeal777 @ashy-kit @juniper-july19 @im-an-overthinker @haylenxx @kapsylia @prettiest-at-the-party @urfavnoirette @norassimpingzone @thehufflepuffavenger1 @taintet @amorydsmt @hi00000234567 @iamkaku @maxv33rstappen @noneofyourfbusinessworld @thatsusbitch @izzy-marvel @carqueensworld

[jeonsbabygirlsworld]

SUMMARY: In which you are about to give birth, but Jungkook won't stop panicking.

PAIRINGS: Husband Jungkook X Wife Reader

WORD COUNT: 1.4k

WARNINGS: Childbirth, Screaming, fluff, crying,SO MANY kisses. Dad kook >>>

A/N: Hello all I hope you all are doing good. I thought of releasing the first part as 600+ followers here :0. Also, I'm sry to say @ahgasegotarmy116 won't be collaborating on this series anymore and I'll try to post the drabbles from now. Thank you for the cutest banner @ahgasegotarmy116 and I hope you like the first part of series please like, comment and reblog. <3 ❤️

Sitting in front of the TV and watching your favorite show you start to feel a few cramps here and there. Being nine months pregnant can sometimes be concerning but you had called your doctor a few times to make sure that experiencing things like this was normal he said that you shouldn’t worry too much since they never lasted more than a minute or two. At this point, all they’ve really suggested is that you sit there and wait it out for a few more days until your baby girl decides it’s time to come out. 

Jungkook being the ever-doting yet mildly nervous husband is always ready to drop everything to help you. He massages your feet, helps you take a bath and even helps you shave if you want him to. Even after he’s had a long day at the office. He never complains, he just wants to make sure you and the baby are always okay. 

While he was in the kitchen grabbing you some snacks and making you your favorite chamomile tea you started to feel the baby start moving around but it seemed pretty normal, so you thought nothing of it. Soon though you started to feel a really rough contraction running through what felt like your whole body and leaving your back aching and you letting out a huge groan in response. 

“Shit are you okay? Jungkook asks, running up to you panicking and hands you a glass of water, trying to think of something that might help. You let out another groan in pain and he starts to realize that it might be time. “I think the baby is coming,” I say, trying to stay calm and ride the wave as the next contraction starts. 

I’ll go get your hospital bag and we’ll leave as soon as possible. I’m here okay don’t worry” he says in a hushed tone, doing his best to help me stay calm before he starts running all over the house and makes sure that we have everything that we need. He packs a bag for himself quickly throwing random things he thinks would be helpful and rushes back over and helps me walk out the door. 

“Okay let me help you stand up. One, two, three-” Jungkook says "it's okay I’m not helpless so please stop worrying so much. Let’s just make it there as soon as we can” he nods in acknowledgement and makes sure to help me nonetheless as he walks me over to the elevator that takes us down into the lobby so we can head outside to where our car is parked. He helps you sit down in the passenger seat and closes the door for you before opening the door to the backseat quickly and packing everything into the car as quickly and carefully as he can so we can get on the road. 

He runs back into the apartment to grab a few more things and while he’s gone you let out a few tears just thinking about the fact that the next time you come back here you’ll be bringing your beautiful baby girl home. 

He rushes back to the car a few minutes later with the last few things he had forgotten including your Favorite wool sweater and your warm winter coat. “We’ll be there in a few minutes love, don’t worry everything's gonna be okay” he says leaning over and giving you a quick kiss before sitting back and putting his seatbelt on. “Everything is gonna be okay,” he says more to himself starts the car pulls out of the parking lot and rushes to the hospital. 

Once you reach the hospital that you’ve been going to for all of these months you meet with the nurses take you back to your room and have your husband fill out the forms to check you in. He’s hesitant to leave you but they’re able to complete everything quickly and he runs to the room they’ve put you in immediately and helps you change into the hospital gown they’ve given you before helping you lay down. 

AFTER SOME TIME 

The doctors suggested taking an epidural to ease the pain and your a few cms away from getting dilated. Jungkook sat beside the hospital bed holding your hand and gave soft kisses on the back of your hand whispering I love you and you going to be okay. But deep down Jungkook was afraid and just prayed for a safe delivery. 

Yours and Jungkook's talking resounded in the hospital room when you feel a sharp contraction and you groan in pain clutching his hand Jungkook hurries up calling the doctor and they tell you are ready to push.

"JEON JUNGKOOK GET THIS BABY OUT OF ME RIGHT NOW " you scream your lungs out and grab onto his collar your mouth just some inches away as the doctor and your husband try calming you down. "Baby calm down and just push... we will soon have our baby girl in our arms" Jungkook said drying the sweat forming on your forehead. 

Jungkook tries not passing out and staying with you the entire time while he panics himself and helps you push while the doctor in between your leg tells you she can see the head and tells you to let out more pushes while hardly clutching on your husband's hand and squeezing the life outta him. 

Soon enough soft cry resounds in the room, and you have a breath and collapse on the hospital bed... tears leave your eyes staining your now red cheek "Daddy wants to cut the umbilical cord?" The doctor asks snapping Jungkook out of his thoughts to lost when he sees his baby the nurses hand him a pair of scissors and he cuts it.

Making some space Jungkook removes some of your hospital gowns to allow some skin-to-skin to contact the doctor happily lays down your baby girl while you coo to make her stop crying, Jungkook giggles looking at her and smooths his fingers on her face and bows down towards your forehead and leave a kiss "you did so good baby" Jungkook speaks in between chuckles. 

A few minutes pass by while your baby opens her eyes and coos out the softest voice you have ever heard and you lay a kiss on her cheek "Hi baby" You speak to and she smiles up as if she understands what you are saying "Jungkook here you wanna hold her?" you ask your voice a bit raspy from all the screaming to get this baby girl out, nodding he removes his black t-shirt so he can have skin to skin contact with her and sanitizes his hands, and you pass her to your husband.

"Hi baby, it's me your dad" Jungkook introduced himself while the baby just whined and cuddled herself in his embrace chuckling, after a few kisses and talking to her in a baby voice he handed the baby to the nurses so they could take the baby so they could clean her and get her wrapped in a baby cloth.

In the meantime, the nurses bring in a birth certificate and you both name her Na-Eun the name you both decided after the gender reveal party and get it written on the birth certificate.

Na-Eun arrives in a purple swaddling which makes her look like a sweet potato smiling at the nurse she hands her to you and Jungkook lands a kiss on your face and tells you he will leave for a few minutes and call your parents.

You smile and nod at him and shift a bit so you can keep your daughter beside you, looking closely you notice her soft features resembling Jungkook so much a mole under her lip and a mole on her neck make her more beautiful you tear up a bit. 

“Oh my god…...” A small gasp is imitated by your mom as she stands there with some gifts in her hand and a bouquet in another, chuckling at you she kisses your forehead “You did great baby…. oh and look at this cutie right here” she says softly her own eyes tearing up and your dad stands beside you kissing your cheek. 

Na- Eun is held by her grandmother and grandfather who wouldn’t stop sweet-talking to her and you just wish you could stay in this moment forever and you can’t wait to bring your baby bean home.

A/N: Thank you so much if you made it till the end ill soon post the second part which is them bringing their baby home and how the first night goes :)

MOODBOARD

In which you teach your daughter an important life lesson.

TAGLIST: @kimmingyuswifee @jungk97kwife @jksgirlhere @httpjeonlicious @bunnykoos @ohsweetmimosa @dragonflygurl4 @lovingkoalaface @snow-strawberry @jungkooks21 @jklvrs-world @aloverga @vsr4197 @skzthinker @kpop-nct @--xxchrissyxx- @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @olimpiiaa @cassies-cookies @angelbiaa09 @ravynn-12 @lovebtsforever24 @yuyupie @100butterfliesinthesky @tannies-luv

Italics couldn’t be tagged :(

[faeryarchives]

✧˚ · . happy birthday (malleus draconia x reader)

summary: from what malleus understood, birthdays are supposed to be celebrated merrily with family and friends. that is why the fae was so happy to receive your invitation for your special day, but why did he find you alone and crying under the night sky?

warnings: mild angst + slight ooc (its been a loooong time since i wrote for twst 😭)

note: i hope u guys will enjoy and if you ever experienced something like this i am so sorry 🫂 + i am late for malleus birthday so i wrote for twst en 2nd anniv instead hihi

recent fics: in sickness and in health & so what are we? & when your hopeless streamer gets a girlfriend (ace x reader)

for faes, time is a fleeting moment. having to watch others age and wither away, it was no surprise that malleus finds them so fragile and consistently succumb to age. and yet, malleus still discovers them to be fascinating - especially after he met you.

"are you a visitor? that's surprising. i am (name), the housewarden of the ramshackle dorm. sorry if you want to visit. our place is a little rundown right now, but how can i help you?" 

the peculiar house warden of the ramshackle dorm who never seems to be afraid while being in his presence and even asks him to be his friend. having someone other than his found family in diasomnia, he never thought he would get to learn new things after living for so long.

"oh yeah, i remember now. mal, can you come the day after tomorrow?"

"hmm? i can come here every day if you want, treasure. but why the specific date?" he watched as you became silent momentarily as if hesitating to say something before giving him your usual smile, sending butterflies raging again in his stomach. 

"nothing, i just want to celebrate my birthday with you."

imagine how he was on cloud nine after you invited him on your special day! from what malleus understood, birthdays are supposed to be celebrated merrily with family and friends. and he is very determined to make his gift the best you can get. and a determined malleus draconia won't stop finding a way to make you the happiest one on that day.

"do you think they would like this?" 

"having to receive a gift from you, my liege, is already a blessing!" sebek sobbed with tears comically running down his face, mumbling how he envied you for having the chance to receive a gift from the malleus draconia.

"oh malleus, i am sure little bat would love it." lilia chuckled, seeing the fae panicking over his present, even after spending two whole days and nights to find the perfect one to give you. 

silver, who was watching it all unfold, had a somber expression before sighing deeply. "father is right. i noticed how (name) looked like they were in low spirits earlier, i'm sure it will cheer them up." that seemed to stop malleus in his tracks; you were sad on your special day?

"silver, can you explain more about that?"

"it seems like they were having a bad day; when i greeted them a happy birthday, they looked happy for a moment before walking away looking glum."

that seemed to dampen the mood in the room, not knowing what to say. one look at his watch, lilia couldn't help but gasp in horror. 

"if you spend more time here, you will miss the opportunity to make little bat happy on their special day."

"that would be horrible. i must leave immediately!" in an instant, the dragon fae disappeared, leaving traces of green fireflies in his wake. seeing how rushed he went out, lilia couldn't help but let out a loving sigh.

"ah, young love!"

the fae appeared in his usual spot at the massive tree by your dorm, expecting to hear cheers and singing of happy birthday for you because, according to lilia, birthday celebrations are usually loud. but to his surprise, he was met with silence and a seemingly empty building.

"...oh? has the party not started yet? or is it finished?" 

malleus looks around to find any signs of you or your friends - a pout forming on his lips, feeling sad that he might have missed your birthday celebration. that is, until he passed by the field you two always walked by during your night trips. that is when he finally found you, facing the flower field while curling yourself into a ball. from where he was standing, he could see your figure shake, followed by the sound of your voice

'(name)...?'

"i just want to feel special just one time..." he watches as you try wiping the tears rolling continuously down your face but to no avail, echoes of your cries being carried away by the wind. malleus knew he should do something but couldn't bring himself to move from his spot.

because it is the first time he has ever seen you cry. 

"... i already knew i wasn't worth anyone's time," you mumbled and sighed deeply. "i am an adult now. i shouldn't feel this way. but why..." you didn't even get the chance to finish as your voice cracked at the end, lips trembling in an attempt to stop the sobs from coming out, but it was as if your body had another plan and let it all out. 

"why am i so easy to forget? haven't i done enough to be loved?" looking at the flower field ahead of you, despite the tears blurring your vision, you couldn't help but laugh. "am i that so isolated that i am talking to flowers now?"

the wind picked up for a moment before someone put their blazer around you, followed by a voice you knew all too well. "they are a wonderful companion too."

"m-mal! how long have you been standing there?" in a panic, you start to wipe your face with your sleeve and avoid eye contact with the fae, covering your face with your hands as you nervously laugh. before you could speak, cold yet gentle hands found their way to your hands. this caused you to turn your head to look straight at malleus, who was looking at you with his face filled with worry, his eyes reflecting the turmoil of his thoughts.

"give me names." you blink at the sudden statement, confused.

"what?"

"give me the names of those who made you sad today. how dare they make you cry?!" the harsh wind stirred up the fallen leaves, clouds covering the starry night as malleus frowned, his hands getting tighter and tighter as the moments passed by. one closer look at your features and he could tell you've been crying for a while now, making him angrier. 

you were silent for a moment, shadows covering your eyes after, before wrapping your arms around him, burying your head into his chest. malleus was confused. the world stopped moving around him - his heightened hearing focused on your breathing and the sound of... laughter?

"... (name)?" hesitantly, he raised his arms before slowly wrapping them around you, hearing a hum of approval. the two of you stayed in each other's arms for a minute before you broke the hug and malleus could see you looking at him.

"thank you for coming. sorry if you had to see me that way." you turn to look over your dorm and shake your head disappointedly. "i thought you would also forget my birthday. i didn't expect you to come." playing with your hands nervously and taking a deep breath, you glanced him in the eye and gave him a strained smile.

"no one remembered my birthday until sebek and silver greeted me. i thought grim, and the others were acting like they didn't know; maybe they were going to surprise me, that's all!" malleus stayed silent, watching as you tried holding back your tears while telling your story. 

"i would never expect their genuine shock after hearing it." remembering the look on your friends' faces was enough for you to feel the raw emotions over again. "it might sound petty, but i just expected better, you know?" you sniffled. 

"whenever someone in the group celebrates their birthday, they remember every detail and all; the effort is there and everything. but when it comes to me, all effort disappears." you turn to malleus, and everything breaks down.

"all i ask is to feel special just this once. for people to see me as me - not the magicless human or the one who came from another world. is it hard for anyone to see me as their friend?" feeling the strength in your legs disappearing, you would almost fall to the ground if not for malleus catching you at the last minute.

the dragon fae held your hand in his, grasping it as your hand was made of glass. "didn't you invite them like you've done with me?" even though he was angry at your friends, malleus held back the voices in his head as he remembered about you talking about them so proudly.

"i did. but there were so many activities and exams for us first years this week."

"but being busy shouldn't be an excuse." he stopped before going on after finding you listening to him. "human friendship still confuses me, but the fact that they are not exerting the same effort they have to others - aren't you being... what do they call? taken for granted?" judging from the look on your face, he knew he had hit a sore spot.

"..."

"but that doesn't mean you should see yourself as someone lacking. you are worth so much love, my treasure." he runs his hand over your cheek before grabbing his gift and handing it to you. "i know how you treasure them, and how much they adore you too. maybe they are not still used to it but never think of yourself as the problem." you opened the box and stood unblinking, trying to process what you just received before staring back at malleus, demanding an explanation.

"i don't think i deserve this." inside the box was a beautiful emerald necklace. the enchanting green emerald reminds you the same way you would get lost in Malleus' eyes.

"nonsense. this is my gift to you, something that holds my magic to protect you whenever i am not around. without you, i don't think i would ever learn the joys of being friends with you as well as falling in love." he then wrapped the necklace around your neck, feeling satisfied with how it looked on you. he knelt down and took your hand in his, giving a kiss on the back of yours before staring back at you.

"happy birthday, my treasure. sorry i am late with my greetings. i was looking for the perfect gift-" without wasting another moment, you crouched down. you shared another hug with the fae, burying your head into his shoulder. he could still feel your body shaking not from sadness but joy. his hands wrapped around your back and gave you small rubs, attempting to soothe you.

"you silly dragon, just your presence is enough for me."

"is that so?" he hummed, letting your body relax into his.

"...thank you mal."

"anything for you, dear."

bonus!

heartslabyul, savannaclaw, octavinelle, scarabia, pomefior and ignihyde gang hiding in the bush to surprise you but ended up hearing everything you just said:...

silver looking at the big group, sighing: you guys messed up big time

lilia: hush they are about to kis-

sebek: WAKA - SAMAAAAAAAA

grim: NOOOOO MY HENCHHUMAN I AM SO SORRYYYYYY IT WAS ACE AND DEUCE'S IDEA!

[crispywaffles2]

Hi I have a request! How about macaque and wukong (separate) acting over protective after if finding out their (female) s/o is pregnant? And how would they act throughout the whole pregnancy?

Please and thank you!

Hi! Of course I can, thank you so much for requesting! I'm not really versed in this particular field of romance or the struggles that it comes with, so I apologize if a lot of these seem out of character or unbearably tropey!

Overprotective Macaque & Wukong with a Pregnant!S/O

Macaque:

The moment it's revealed that you're pregnant he's tweaking out

He doesn't know how to be a dad what the heck

But he also can't deny that he is kind of excited at the prospect of being able to take care of your child!

Or children?

Oh my gosh what if it's twins-

He's seen mortal babies and toddlers walking about in the streets with their parents, and he's well aware of how.. tiny... and stupid... and vulnerable they are

He never much cared for it, thinking that mortal children were weak for not immediately coming into the world with powers or some sense of right and wrong

But it's different with his child! He can't let the tiny, stupid, vulnerable kid in your stomach get hurt!

Rest assured that he's rearranging furniture to make it easier for you to maneuver around

He insists on going out with you everywhere, and if you were to ever voice that you were getting tired of it, then he'd eventually relent...

Maybe send a clone or two to watch you in the shadows without your knowledge, but other than that he'll leave you alone!

He will glare at anyone who's eyes linger on your growing belly bump for too long, giving them a silent warning not to come to close

He'll throw down his cape over a small puddle, gesturing for you to safely cross. He says it's a joke, but really he wants to look like a gentleman in front of you

Despite his overprotective nature, he will not fulfill your cravings without question

"A what?? Why on Earth would our baby need to eat that?? They probably don't even like it!"

Other than your strange food requests, he's happy, eager even to help fulfill anything else

Worried about the stretch marks forming in your stomach? He'll tell you about how they remind him of battle scars and shows off his scars to you to make you feel better

"See? We're both warriors."

In pain from bad cramps? He's secretly panicking and making bad jokes while tending to you because he's nervous.

Stays by your side all the time just in case you start feeling pain. He wants to be there for you

Secretly reads books and looks up videos for first time dads when he thinks no one is looking

He's a warrior! A master of the shadows!

Sly, cunning, teasing, playful, sure!

But a father?

He couldn't even picture himself holding a baby

When the delivery finally happens he is such a Karen

Might as well hire him as a doctor, considering how he practically tried to deliver the baby himself

Eventually though he composes himself and stands in the corner fidgeting nervously

He's never been one to cry, not even in his brotherhood days, but the tears that welled up in his eyes when he held your child couldn't be helped

Instinctively starts trying to groom the baby

It's all over now. You're not pregnant, and the baby is finally here

He's still pretty protective of you, and his child even moreso

All that he could think as he looked into the eyes of your writhing, still slightly damp, baby was those nine months of making frankly disgusting foods were worth it

Wukong:

Absolutely flips when the bomb is dropped that you're pregnant

He genuinely doesn't know what to do

He's not sure if he should be excited that he's going to be a dad or worried that he's going to be a dad

We all know Wukong is protective of those he loves and carries a guilty conscience about including them in his messes

He knows that pretending he knows what he's doing won't get him out of every situation. He knows how many messes he pulls people into. He knows that his lingering 'do now ask questions later' mentality can put those he loves in danger

And now he has a baby too??

It takes a bit, but he eventually starts to warm up to the idea

He's the monkey king! And he'll teach his child to be better than him. Stronger, smarter! Well, not that much stronger because then he wouldn't really hold the crown the one of the strongest beings and he would not be able to handle that

Still though, he'll raise this baby and change his ways doing so

He's cartwheeling all over the place after a while just from pure excitement

Trust and believe this man is NOT reading any baby books or watching any videos. He doesn't need some mortal telling him how to raise his kid. He's the Great Sage

Whether that's a good or bad thing is up to interpretation

He'll rant to his monkeys about all of the things he'll teach the child, and he does it with so much excitement that even they get pumped up

Will try to speculate it's gender and appearance with you

"Maybe it'll have your pretty eyes and my handsome jawline! Or maybe it'll have your hair and a little tail like it's dad!"

Makes little baby toys out of sticks and leafs

He is actually super overprotective of you, but tries to pretend he's just being casual

"Where are you going? Not that I care or anything... You're trying to go to the store?? Babe, you should totally just.. stay here with me. I can make one of my clones do the shopping."

Will furiously stammer and insist that he's not worried about you if you ask

He knows you can handle yourself! It's just... You're all pregnant and vulnerable and round and he's such a worrywart about you!

He thinks that if anything even gently bumps your tummy the baby won't grow or something, so he's constantly paranoid

Rearranges furniture so it's easier for you to get around

He even cleans up just to lighten your load a bit! He must really love you!

He's actually super eager about people looking at your belly bump in public and will absolutely go off on a tangent about how his beautiful partner is about to have a beautiful baby and it's going to be beautiful

But if someone gets a little too close to you he will not hesitate to push them down or maybe accidentally give them a broken wrist if they reach out to touch your stomach

Is confused about why everyone isn't literally bowing to you while you're walking the streets

Genuinely got upset when you two were walking through a crowd and he had to hold you because people wouldn't just part for the pregnant woman walking through

"What?? Ten dollars for this? You do know my partner is pregnant right? This should be free for her! Everyday is a struggle for her! You'd have no idea what she's been through and you're charging her ten dollars-"

He's an absolute Karen

Suggests putting a pillow over your stomach

"That way you won't bump into anything and our child can be cozy!"

Because Wukong is an absolute hazard in the kitchen, he's concocted a crazy amount of different foods

He has no problem fulfilling your strange food requests and even eats them with you

"Oh my goodness! I love crab cakes with syrup!! I'll make some for both of us bud."

Has like three different emergency plans for when you're in pain

The moment you lurch forward or let out a groan he's on it

With a snap of his fingers his monkeys are all marching over to help you sit down in a single file line

He sits there and soothes you as best as he can while his monkeys scamper around trying to get anything you request

When it's finally time Wukong is genuinely confused, thinking that it's just contractions or something, but you keep yelling at him and saying "IT'S TIME!!"

Time for what?? Lunch or...?

Thinking the baby is talking to him through you, he hoists you up on his somersault cloud and zips off

When the doctor gives him a strange look and tells him you're just about to have your baby he freaks out

He tries to help in any way he can, holding your hand, breathing with you

Offers to help with the delivery of the baby

"Oh, looks like it's a bit stuck. Need a little help there bud?"

Losing his mind in the corner of the room but trying to play it cool for you and the doctors.

"Why is it slimy?" Are quite literally the first words that come out of his mouth when the baby is delivered

When he finally has his child in his arms he's all over it

Kisses, cooing, holding, hugging or even just staring at it

He may not know much about being a father, but he will try his best to teach his child not to go down the path he did because he already loves it to the moon and back

[wifetomegatron]

You said it was more convenient to post requests here, so here it is again:

I loved the "meeting the family" storyline very much. Can we get a First Contact fic of you trying to hide your relationship from your family (since theyre robo/phobic or youre embarrassed) but one day your family spots you getting out of a car they don't recognize and you have to explain that your bf wasn't in the car... he WAS the car.

Either with Rodimus, Chromedome (and Rewind), or... IDK, your choice really

sorry for the long wait, dear ! this made me think out of the box and experiment a little so I hope you enjoy it <3 thank you for being my first official request !

rodimus meets your uptight parents. first contact au. sfw (only few suggestive themes -ish).

" I commanded a ship. I went on a quest — well, that was before Earth. But, I mean, that's impressive, right? "

" Babe."

" I killed a sparkeater. I have Drift to testify, and Magnus, and two hundred others —"

" Roddy."

" I also carried the Matrix !"

" Rodimus, please !" You huffed, placing a hand flat against the dashboard: the metal underneath was stiff with tension. Your lover slowed down for the red light, rubber crunching against the pavement. Outside, the weather was clear — sunny without a cloud, and people poured out into the streets, crossing the zebra and laughing in the distance. It made you even more miserable. Sensing this, Rodimus took it upon himself to give the seatbelt across your body a small, reassuring squeeze.

He cleared his intake, static over the radio.

" I'm only nervous because you're nervous. And you're never this nervous."

" Sorry, “ You felt guilty already, “ I didn't mean to interrupt your little crisis but I’m sure you'll talk yourself to death before the anxiety can kill you ."

" Do you blame me for being nervous?"

A cold, heavy feeling dropped into the pit of your stomach. And the silence was back again, an unusual and uwelcomed guest in the home you and Rodimus have built. The reason that you were out today was that your parents had called — rousing you from what could have been the perfect start to a lazy Sunday, courtesy of Rodimus and his very, very talented mouth — to remind you about the brunch appointment you were supposed to attend an hour ago.

Panicked and already out of your boyfriend's arms, Rodimus couldn't quite understand how this was scary enough to make you spring out of his embrace and into a pair of pants — he emphasized how disappointed he was at how you were already dressed this early in the morning, on a weekend, no less.

Until you looked at him dead in the optics and whispered, “ They want to meet you too.”

That was enough to make him run for the garage.

You had warned him about your parents earlier in your relationship — at least, attempted.

" It's my parents," You had explained then, albeit the memory was fuzzy due to alcohol. All you remembered was that it was hard to stop Rodimus from doing anything when he was tipsy and flirty and running his servos all over your body.

“I’m sure they’ll like me,” He had smirked, pushing the topic aside and already sinking on his knees, “ Everyone likes me.”

That felt like ages ago. You’ve been delaying the subject, and today it has come back to finally bite you in the ass. Now, thanks to traffic and terrible skills at reading the GPS, you were two hours late to meet your parents and might as well be on death row.

“It won’t be so bad, right?”

You winced.

It took a while for you to explain to him that ‘picky’ was just an easy way of explaining to strangers that they were painfully traditional. Having been raised in a very small upper-crust bubble within an even smaller community, their obsession with keeping the family closed off was almost archaic: your father actually has a spreadsheet as a criteria board for what counts as a ‘compatible’ match. It was Eurystheus and Hercules all over again, except you wished the challenge was slaying a nine-headed hydra. It was something Rodimus could come out of alive.

Because no one has ever lived up to the insurmountable, one hundred and thirty-five-long list of requirements that would make someone worthy to be dating his only child. What was once a fun little fact you always used as an icebreaker at parties became an actual threat to the one person who's made you the happiest in a long time — and he's not even a person. He's an —

" — aliens, I’m guessing, never made it on his list, so I'm sure I'd be in the clear. Right?"

" Hold that thought, I think I see them," You peered over the driver’s seat and out the window as Rodimus pulled up to the sidewalk. It was adjacent to a terrace filled with tables, already crowded with people. Live jazz was playing behind the curtain of conversations, and you spot your father through the glass doors, checking his watch before crossing his arms. He didn’t seem too happy, leaning forward to whisper something inaudible to your mother’s ear.

Rodimus seemed to notice this.

" Uh, just go inside. I'll...catch up with my holoform."

From time to time again, you suggested that Rodimus get tinted windows. And if he had, for a second, thought about its practicality instead of calling you rude for assuming that you implied he could get them installed by the local car dealer, then maybe your father wouldn’t have spotted you.

“He’s coming this way,” You squeaked, combing your hair and quickly trying to make yourself look decent.

“Oh. Frag.”

A cluster of lights formed next to you, pixelating themselves to create a holographic image of what your boyfriend claims to be his persona if he were human. You weren't sure how to tell him that your father would immediately recognize Michael J Fox from Back to the Future. So you placed a firm hand across the dashboard to make him stop, shaking your head and confirming: this was it.

This was the moment you finally decided to fight for the person — not a person, he'd correct you — that made you feel alive. Feel loved. And you have to fight for that, even if it comes in the form of standing up to your up-tight, silver spoon, helicopter parents in the middle of the sidewalk and attracting the attention of over twenty people and a handful of Instagram influencers trying to peacefully take a picture of their bed of smoked salmon and caviar, then so be it.

" You better have a good explanation for this."

You sucked in a deep breath, trying to keep your chin up in defiance as you duel your father in a stare-down.

" It's time for me...to make my own decisions. And that includes who I decide to love. And be with. And date."

" Does he come with the tardiness?" He bit back.

" Oh, give them a chance to speak !" Coming at your defense was your mother, wringing her hands with worry and yet already peaking to admire the vehicle behind you, " Does he… come with the car, perhaps?"

You swallowed, the metal beneath your arm humming in distress,"You can say that."

Your father almost looked impressed. Almost. Suddenly you can't even hear the background music anymore, as if even the musicians had placed down their instruments, and are now rapt in attention at this showdown.

" What does he do?"

" He was a captain," The car roughly inched forward, “Is still, a captain. He’s just not on duty…at the moment.”

There was a murmur of appreciation from the nosy spectators.

"Where is he from ?"

" He's from... far away."

" Oh, lovey. I do love to travel," Your mother smiled, stiff and on the edge of exploding like a poorly timed confetti canon.

" Yes, but I don't think it's...that beautiful at this time of the year."

You lost your voice, suddenly compressed, as if you were a bottle of coke inside a sixty-second tikTok reel, ready to be crushed under the weight of an industrial metal press machine. You can tell Dad's already trying to work out what year Rodimus was manufactured in — vintage you'd joke, but it doesn't seem appropriate to condense lightyears into a punchline. Plus he wouldn't approve of the age gap.

" Let's see him. Tell the boy to step out of the car."

You steeled yourself as the sound of metal gears grinding and transforming flooded the area. The Earth lightly shook beneath you as Rodimus stood at full height, seemingly erasing any other noise from a five-mile radius like a black hole.

Someone dropped their teacup, the ceramic shattering in the distance.

“ Hi. Rodimus, here.”

It was safe to say that your mother only started to warm up to Rodimus in the waiting room of the hospital, when she had the chance to talk to the mech as you all waited for your father's discharge from Emergency — thankfully, Rodimus was quick enough to scoop him up as he fainted, so no traumatic head injury that had a one in five thousand chance of taking out the stick up his ass.

Surprisingly, your mother was already somewhat impressed: The former title of one-year Prime, his paint job, his humor.

Baby steps, you smiled to yourself and watched your mother drape an arm across Rodimus as she laughed at his joke. Baby steps.

[ravenwitch45]

Hi darling! How are you? How have you been? Sorry for bothering, I wanted to request a fluff poly-relationship for Lucifer Magne & Lillith Magne(Hazbin Hotel) x pregnant!female!Reader going through the pregnancy and after the pregnancy. how would the two of them behave while she is pregnant and after the pregnancy when the reader gives birth?

Tysm! Have a lovely day/night!!

Oh lord I will try with this one, mind you I have never been pregnant or really can be so I'm going to be going after what I heard and read, this is too fluffy to pass up in all honesty. Here goes nothing!

Lucifer and Lilith with a pregnant Female SO

The announcement is of course where it begins, and having two SOs means two different reactions. Lilith is ecstatic, already loving her one kid, and is excited to have another, promising to help with your pregnacy as she's already gone through one.

Lucifer, the grand king of Hell, nearly faints when you two tell him :I See they were under the impression you were infertile, not from anything it was just something you had from birth and come to accept, so even if Luci got a little sloppy with the protection, another child he never planned to have.

But seems you got lucky, as all the ways of magic and tech returned the same result, you were indeed pregnant, so after confiming the two almost reapeated the reactions

If it's not clear by now, these two are polar opposites with this scenario, Lilith is excited and comforting, Lucifer is panicking with preparing for the new addition. The both of you try to calm him down but he;s just very highstrung about the whole thing.

Don't get me wrong, he's happy that your pregnant, it's just it's not something he has great control over, which stresses him out. He hates how he can't help with it much so he get's the best stuff money can buy to try. Not to mention when the child actually comes, and then annuncing it to all of hell, he's pratically paralyzed with all the legal stuff he knows he'll have to do.

Though sometimes he does let up, pushing it all back so he can actually spend time with his two queens, and the baby quickly coming.

No matter if it's with panicking King, or the Queen who couldn't be calmer. It's nine months of being coddled and spoiled by them and every staff member the palace has.

Admittedly everyone would be smothering if it wasn't for Lililth who recites a story where she killed an intruder while eight months pregnant with Charlie whenever anyone tries to stop you from doing something, even when your clearly fine.

Speaking of Charlie, she's even more excited upon finding out then her mother. She asks a ton of questions, like what your going to name them, if you have the nursery planned out (She'll help if you don't). She's just very excited about having a sibling in the future. But she doesn't really help with Lucifer panicking about the workload he has XP

While Lililth has been calm the entire pregnency, even she can't help but panic on delivery day. Of course you have the best doctors Hell has to offer, and even healers if you really need it. Hell or Highwater, you are having this baby and surviving.

Luckily it does go well. And you deliver a healthy baby. Now they really run rampant with their emotions. Crying tears of joy and hugging you and their new child as tight as they can without hurting either of you.

In terms of the aftermath. Your still spoiled a ton by them, as well as the new baby being spoiled to. Regardless of what sex they have, they raise them the same. Of course they do it differently but not on something as insignificant as assigned sex. It's just their own general parenting styles.

Lililth is all loving and supportive, excited to see how the new kid turns out, and letting them find their own way. And Lucifer, while he is loving, you both catch him trying to push his views on them, trying to avoid this one starting a hotel which stands against the entire idea of Hell. But he just get's a slap on the wrist for that, and he stops eventually.

Over all, there very happy to have you, and the new baby. Despite all the differences in styles and reactions. On that they can agree on.

[thatdeadaquarius]

I have recently come to the conclusion that if my Genshin Impact account was self aware, my Bennet would be slightly even more unlucky than a regular Bennet. This is due to my birthday and since its coming up I've been brainrotting for the past few days. Let me explain:

Bennet's birthday is February 29th, aka Leap Year. This means Benny only has a real birthday once every four years, which is bad enough. But according to canonical game lore, when he doesn't have his actual birthday, he celebrates it on the 28th.

My birthday is February 28th.

Now, I'd like to think that in your typical SAGAU the creator's birthday is a BIG DEAL. I'm talking festivals, parades, feasts, gifts exchanged between friends and family as well as gifts offered to the creator! The whole nine yards! An entire world partying from sunrise to moonset.

So with this in mind, Bennet's birthday would either be celebrated the day after the biggest holiday party in Teyvat (meaning everyone who attends would be all partied out) or during my birthday (meaning that everyone would be focused on ME instead of Bennet, which is just unfair! He can't even take pride in being born the same day as the creator b/c he was born the day after!!!!).

Anyway, if I was isekai'd to Genshin and worshipped as a god, I would simply give Bennet his own holiday. Poor kiddo deserves a win and if it takes me telling my acolytes quote, "Everyone will to celebrate Bennet's holiday. No exceptions, no excuses. And if his holiday party doesn't end up a success, I will destroy all of Teyvat and then myself. :3c" then so be it. That last statement is a joke, but watching everyone try their absolute hardest to give my adopted little brother the best birthday possible would be worth the fear of the vague threat of the world's destruction in the eyes of my worshipers me thinks.

If you add to this brainrot, please feel free to ignore that last part if everyone panicking over the possibility of apocalyptic destruction makes you uncomfortable. Likewise, don't rush this out by my birthday if you don't have time. I'm also in college and have multiple assignments due both before and after my birthday so I know this upcoming week will be hellish in terms of academics. So don't push yourself, okay?

So yeah. Thanks for reading! Hope you have a nice day!

JOKES ON YOU IM DOIN THIS FIRST BC ITS NEAR UR BIRTH WHEN I SAW THIS - HAHAHA (also timezones r wack so hope i timed it good enough for u lmao)

HOPE ALL UR ASSIGNMENTS VANISH / R SUPER EASY AND TAKE NO TIME AT ALL TO DO SO U HAVE MORE FREE TIME TO READ MY BIRTHDAY GIFT TO YOU ANON <3

Have a pretty miku hatsune gif <3

YEAH SO U ENTERED UR BDAY INTO GENSHIN U KNOW THAT RIGHT??

WELL SINCE THAT WAS THE BASICS OF THE GAME/AT THE START-

TEYVAT HAS KNOWN YOUR BIRTHDAY AS LONG AS LIFE HAS LIVED ON TEYVET LOL

◇

So if it's your birthday and you have been isekaied to Teyvat in time for it,

or been there for that long bc how does one un-isekai themselves?? anyway

and its like,, pandemonium.

bc idealistically u surprise these bitches around/close to ur birthday, so everyone's gettin in that festival mood and then BAM- itd be like if the spirits/demons showed up irl for Halloween randomly one year, like- ???!!!

so everyone's just

"well we usually have a lot of fun/praise the highest being anyway, hoping they'll hear us thru whatever barrier's between us (coughstupidcomputercough), but now... we've got to go harder than any century before guys, they're actually here, nobody panic, this isn't a drill- somebody fucking grab the champagne- "

◇

So for a second, imagine the sweetest anyone has ever been to you.

now imagine another person does something just as sweet for you, now add another, now add another, now add-

yeah i hope u got a hoddie so u can go to sweatertown when u get too embarassed/shy, bc the compliments??

"I really like your voice btw, this may sound strange but it was always so comforting pulling those all nighter for another akademiya project, and just hearing you joking around or humming, what felt like only for me or to keep me company ;) " - Lisa

"I hope you don't mind me doing this, as I wasn't trying to invade you privacy when I came upon this knowledge, but I thought it would make a useful gift. I know you were frustrated when you came here that there wasn't as much cosmetics so I used alchemy to aid your cause, this is some color changing nail polish-"

-Albedo has gotten u ur exact foundation shade, concealer, a skin clearing serum that works 100x better than any skincare routine u had going/or not lol, and if you dont really wear makeup or do skin care, he has a backup of all ur fav perfumes/colognes that u wish u had in ur old world (he heard u ranting abt wanting those scents/stuff u liked like cherries or sandalwood etc.)

◇

bc even if ur not the type to feel that way when ppl do things like that for u, i promise u will be by the end of your birthday week.

everyone in teyvat wants your first in person birthday to be perfect,

ESPECIALLY the allogenes, or the playable characters

doesn't even matter if your FTP and dont have a single character outside of the beginners,

(they all had access to things like your voice, your actions, your social media, yae miko may or may not have personally printed off enough copies of a book full of any selfies/pics with you in it to reach every corner of teyvat ahem, she means what- nothing at all my beautiful god-)

anyway that is to say, your birthday month is generally really bountiful, both in festivals and teyvat itself, regardless if its dead winter or scorching summer

◇

but for the sake of ANON'S BIRTHDAY-

You have now been forcibly converted into a Pisces - gasp - from this moment on,

ik tragic im an aquarius 😔,

Bc this is anon's Teyvat rn and we're just living in it

(genshincharactersaboutyoubelike-)

◇

You don't know which authority figure to thank first for helping organize your week so you can go to a different city's festival for you every day of your bday week, it must have been hell to make 💀

(rip ningguang alhaitham jean and ayaka/ayato yall will be missed 💧🙏)

U kind of worked ur way backwards actually from game release country's dates, like Sumeru, Inazuma, Liyue, Mondstadt

Bc when they asked if u had a preference u whole heartedly spoke up in front of a room full of arguably the most influential and powerful people on the continent, in the world really- well besides you-

"Mondstadt would be a great festival to have on my actual birthday! After all one of my best boys Bennett, also has his birthday that day too!" :)

...

.....somewhere in the Wolvendom wilds Bennett shivers with a bolt of anxiety,

Razor is confused and asks if he's ok, he gives a shaky thumbs up,

"yeah i just... got the scariest feeling.. like something bad's gonna happen on my birthday this week... haha probably nothing!... probably..."

◇

So everyone's been pretty chill and happy for Benny to be so favored/spoiled by you, esp since ur sharing ur bday (most ppl think ur a saint bc of this)

But for some pretentious assholes, who think traditions should be adhered to, they kinda dont even like the stuff ur changing-

"Oh well, if you don't just celebrate Benett's birthday with mine, and really anyone else who's bday is also mine, I'll just ruin your country ;) "

...

Some ppl get ur joking, like alhaitham would never believe u,

But these poor old fools, coughsagescough,

R just like-

"...an eldritch god is angry with us."

Needless to say u get ur way,

And poor Benny is just like, shaking in the corner, he can't tell if this is more unlucky or the luckiest he's been lol

(He's also one of the allogenes who did not rlly get ur joke lmao,,, also Itto💀)

◇

If your somehow not overhwhlemed by gifts and acts of service on ur birthday,

Benny is.

Benny is for you.

Lol, he's like gonna make himself sick bc he cant just say "No thanks" to all the ppl giving you food, but end up giving him some too by proxy

He cant even count how many candies and baked goods are weighing down his pockets

Oh did i mention you've just like, linked arms with the little guy and dragged him wherever Mond's citizens r dragging you for the birthday festivities :)

◇

While he was mostly just in shock all day, Benny does take the time to tear up and thank you for sharing your birthday*

(*both of your birthdays, u correct him all day)

Jean, Barabra, Diluc, Kaeya, Amber, Traveler, Razor Sucrose Fischl and Klee (and Varka + older adventurers/his dads)

are all super happy to finally see the poor kid get the biggest break ever for his birthday finally

Esp after they saw the last few... yknow... non-existant ones... bc he only has a bday every 4 years lol

◇

Nearly starts sobbing publicly when u give him a present for his bday too :')

And after you all do a big toast for an evening bday dinner, u hug him and he actually cries a little, and he squeezes u back super hard

"I always thought I was too unlucky to get a birthday like this, but I guess if even a god like you hasn't given up on me, I shouldn't give up on me either, thank you for the best birthday I've ever had Your Majesty!"

:')

♡

(Tho Klee did sneakily give u and him some of her best and brightest bombs as a bday gift, so he did get a little singed but he barely noticed lmao)

♡

I hope my ass writing/ideas was a decent bday gift anon! :0

I love Pisces sm, i hope ur bday was/will be incredible anon!! :) <33

Safe Travels,

💀♒️

♡the beloveds♡

@karmawonders / @0rah-s / @randomnatics / @glxssynarvi / @nexylaza / @genshin-impacts-me / @wholesomey-artist

[carpehistoryandthepens]

Legacy (what is a legacy?) Part 13

It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see I wrote some notes at the beginning of a song someone will sing for me

Hamilton, the world was wide enough. LMM.

one, two, three, four, Five, six seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve,

Summary: Mike is 13. Born May 2009. Sid didn’t know he had a son. All Mike had was hope and a prayer for his and his half-sister’s safety.

(Sid is a dad of a teen he didn’t know about AU) Sidgeno.

Warnings: (for the total story) post-child abuse (all off-screen but it affects things and is spoken about often), learning how to parent, panic attacks, anxiety, based on last season, OCs?, realization about sexuality. Post breakups. Desperate lack of in-depth research for CPS in both PA/CA, melodrama?, kidfic, angst, slowburn, playing fast and loose with the law for drama/storytelling purposes.

-

Sid observed as Mike set Marisol down on the oversized couch in the living room that Geno had been sleeping on for the first few days of his and Nikita's stay at Sid's. Anna had left that morning. Of course, she wasn't here anymore. Geno would be moving into the spare guest room that night. 

Sid was incredibly reluctant to make too much noise as they got home; he didn't want to wake Marisol. Neither of them wanted that. 

Mike hadn't said a word since they got into the car.

Sid wished he could shower – he wished Mike could take a shower. But after the afternoon, getting the post-practice grime off wasn't the primary concern. 

Geno had peeled off to pick up Nikita from school once he was sure that Sid wouldn't freak out on the kids or the kids wouldn't freak out on him. Geno asked if Sid wanted them to return immediately or go out and about for a few hours. As Nikita liked to nap immediately after school – just like his father and the pregame naps – Sid said to come home. He barely noticed that he used the word' home.' Geno hadn't even looked surprised. 

Mike had merely shrugged when asked if he had an opinion, saying nothing, barely taking his attention away from Marisol.  

When they entered the living room, Mike ensured that Marisol was asleep and comfortable, tucking her into the throw blanket Geno had been sleeping in. She didn't even move. Before he turned to face Sid, his shoulders rose and fell, a deep, bracing breath. He stood in front of the loveseat right next to the couch. Protecting Marisol.

Mike reminded Sid of men in front of a firing squad. He may have been standing before the smaller couch, but his back was straight, and his shoulders were tight. 

Sid had to calm some of this down. But he didn't know how. He was at a loss on how to even start this. Treat it like a nervous rookie before they go to the game for the first time? Or like a press interview? Sid didn't know. 

"Please don't make us leave," Mike said, breaking the silent tension; his quiet voice sounded so young, But he also sounded and looked all for the world like he was bracing himself for being hit. Firm and unbending, even though he was begging to stay, he expected to get hit for even asking. "It doesn't happen often." 

Sid took a very even breath, one like he took before he went for shootouts. Calming, not panicked. Mike was braver than Sid. So far, every action Mike took has always held true. 

Mike flinched but otherwise stayed blank. 

"To be honest, Mike, my concern is that it happens at all," Sid said, sitting on the couch next to where Mike was standing. 

The couch was significantly more oversized than the loveseat Marisol was asleep on. That loveseat was built to fit at least one hockey player; this coach was big enough to hold them both and Geno. 

Mike did not move, still staring ahead like he was facing a judge. A person that it now occurred to Sid that he might have to meet, at some point, talk to over this whole parental care situation. If Mike wanted to be there, then he should be. 

"That was very scary, and I'm just worried about her, eh?" Sid said. "Will she be alright? Do we talk to a doctor?" he was at a loss of what to even suggest to help, "Or… I don't know…" he floundered. "A therapist? I just want her to feel safe here." 

Mike stared at him with wide, wet eyes. "You won't send her away?" he breathed out, part statement, part question. 

Sid stared at him, aghast. That was never in the plans. Realizing what Mike was so fearful of made Sidney's heart hurt. "Never!" he said firmly. "As long as you both want it, you will have a home here." 

Mike closed his eyes in relief and sank into the seat beside him. Sid was not surprised to see the tears start to fall. It had been an emotionally exhausting day for them all. So many ups and downs.

Sid got the whole story after that. The words were falling out of Mike as fast as he could breathe. But they were just as devastating to Sidney. he rapidly understood why Mike was so protective of Marisol. His aunt and uncle had threatened to send her away nearly daily.  

Mike told Sid about how Marisol had been dealing with separation anxiety since before their parents died, but what the doctor described as "normal and expected" for her age got worse after the funeral. It was a car accident, and Mike had been watching Marisol when the cops showed up at their apartment. 

Sid suspected that Mike also had separation anxiety but did not voice it.

He talked about how they had no other family except for their aunt and husband, and it took two weeks to find them. The last time he saw his hockey coach, as they had stayed with him during that time, was when his aunt picked them up after the funeral. They couldn't stay with the man forever; he was moving to Colorado with his daughter. 

Sid tucked that into his brain to pass it on to Pat's office. That will help them find out more about Mike's background. 

Mike was nearly sobbing when he explained that there was not much of a funeral; no one had much money. 

When Mike told Sidney they moved in with their aunt and her husband, it struck Sid that he had never heard Mike call that man his uncle. Always, it was 'his aunt and her husband.' 

Apparently, the pair had only wanted to take Mike in. However, the California Service Worker assigned to their case pressured the couple to take them both. It was clear that they did not want Marisol. 

Their aunt had often threatened to send Marisol away. That made everything worse with her anxiety because then Mike feared losing her, and she could see that. It didn't help that he hated it when he had to be separated from her. 

And the husband… Sidney was about to fly to California to punch a man he had never met before over the way Mike was shaking and explaining everything happening. That man had lain hands on a kid. And made his son feel small, worthless, and selfish. 

While he explained to Sidney, Mike began to lean on him, and Sid wrapped his arms around Mike. Mike did not pull back.  

Sid, by nature, was very free with his casual affection with people he was close to, and he had been so cautious with Mike and Marisol. Neither of them seemed to like being touched. But Mike leaned into the hug, and Sid was so relieved. 

"Did they actually try to separate you two?" Sid asked, his voice low when Mike didn't seem like he could talk much more. "Just before you ran away?" 

Mike nodded, leaning more heavily onto Sid. 

Sid hated to ask, but he had to know. "Is that when they hit you?"

Mike shook his head, then paused and nodded again, burrowing his face into Sid's chest.  Sid took that to mean they hit him then, but it hadn't been the first time. 

"Is that when they hit Marisol?" Sid asked instead. 

"I had to protect my sister!" Mike gasped out. "I didn't know my aunt. Mama never talked about her or the rest of her family. Marisol was the only family I knew. But my aunt! She! She…” He took a deep, gasping breath. Sidney rubbed his back soothingly, letting Mike breathe and take his time. He muttered something indistinct in Spanish that Sid didn't understand. It was said half gasped and half sobbed, and with Sid's nonexistent Spanish, he had no hope of translating it. "Ese bastardo golpeó a Marisol. Le dio moretones. ¡La golpeó! No iba a permitir que eso sucediera. ¡Ella no hizo nada malo!" 

Some of the words sounded familiar to French, but not really. Sid wished he spoke more than Russian fluently but did not push Mike for a translation. It would come when he was ready to give it to Sid. 

"I came home from school one day, and I saw her hitting her. And I got in the way. I panicked. He hit me then. For getting in the way," Mike breathed once he was under more control.

Sid felt his shoulders tense, but he did not pull away from the teen. Mike needed the contact, and Sid wasn't going to do a damn thing to hurt Mike.

"I got them separated and pulled Marisol into our room. We stayed out of their way." Mike continued, "Esa noche…. That night, I overheard them talking. She said that it was time for Marisol to leave. Entré en pánico.." He pressed his face into Sid's shoulder, searching for words in English. "I panicked." 

Sid carefully didn't say a word. If he said anything, then it would be words that would get him thrown out of a game. He felt so useless, unable to do anything but hold Mike as he sobbed. If it was up to him, Sid would be hunting the bastards who hurt his kids. 

Eventually, Mike calmed down a little, his breath slowing and the sobs fading slightly, "I could hear them talking. I could hear them talking about dropping Marisol off at an orphanage or something. I wasn't about to let that happen."

"So, you ran away?" Sid confirmed, mind going over the last few weeks and what he knew about Mike and Marisol's journey to Pittsburgh. 

"Sí," Mike said, sniffing. "They were calling someone – could hear them on the phone – I don't know who, to take her in the morning. I could hear them talking." He repeated, "They called this person the 'la última opción.'" 

Well, that sounded like 'the ultimate option.' while that didn't seem quite right, it was close enough that Sid thought Mike made the right choice after hearing about them. Sid didn't know what to do if he moved off the couch. Something violent, most likely. However, Mike needed him to stay – his arms were tight around Sid's chest – and Sid would rather die than move before Mike did.

"But we didn't stay that long," Mike had pulled away enough to stare at Marisol, expression going distant. "We left that night. I took some money I had hidden and left the phone they had bought me. And packed everything I could into my hockey bag and Marisol's suitcase. I had been thinking about what Mama said about my birth father – you – and I had to try. It would be better." 

Sid didn't feel rage often. Yes, anger, but true and proper rage? Not often. He was feeling it now. Someday, he would make sure that these two would pay for the hurt and the trauma they had inflicted on his kids. 

He had to do something to reassure Mike that Sid wasn't mad at him. 

Because Sid also felt proud. So, Fucking proud. Mike was thirteen, and he did what he needed to do to protect his family. "You did the right thing," Sid said. 

Mike just tightened his grip around Sid's waist, pressing harder into Sid's Side. Sid hugged him back just as tightly. 

"I promise I won't let you two be separated again." Sid breathed into Mike's hair. "If you want to leave, that's fine. We can ensure you're safe, but as long as you both want to be here, I won't let anything separate you two." He swore that his kids would be happy. "You know?" 

Sid might be falling headfirst into parenting, but damn it, he would protect his kids. He won't change them; he will let them grow as needed. The sadness he felt at not being there as Mike grew up was one Sid might never get over, but for Mike, Sid would try to be there as Mike needed now. 

"I know," Mike said. "I believe you." 

[the-berf]

The Beef wasn't exactly in the best location in the city. Sure, there was decent footfall but there was also a turf war and they were on the clash line. In a way it was inevitable that someone would take one look and decide it was the kind of place that could be robbed.

"Hand over your money and nobody gets hurt."

Richie almost laughed until he looked up and saw a gun pointed at him. Palms up to placate, he raised his eyebrows.

"Well fuck me, you're serious. You sure you want to do this?" The safety clicked off and Richie cleared his throat. "Sure. I hope you like disappointment. Let me just-" a hand slowly lowered to the till. "-get you all...uh...fifty three dollars and, heh, sixty-nine cents."

The robber stared at him, incredulous. "That seriously all you got?"

"Post-covid, most people pay card, you know?"

"Don't shit me. Where's your safe?"

Of course Carmy had to stick his stupid nose into things in that very moment. He took in the scene with almost amusement until the gun was levelled at him. Then his face shuttered off, blank and tight.

"Yo. Why you threatening my cousin?" The robber's hand wavered as Carmy approached and stood firmly in front of the counter, shielding Richie with his own body. "Are you seriously trying to rob us?"

"Get me to your safe. Now!"

Leaning in, arms crossed over his chest and cocky, Carmy was almost gleeful to reply, "No."

Richie half expected the gun to go off. Instead, the robber spun it and pistol whipped Carmy who staggered under the blow, trying to catch himself on the counter. Rather than rally, he sank down into a boneless heap as he lost consciousness.

"Shit." Richie peerer over the counter. "Cuz?" No response. "Carmen? Cousin? You good?" In the silence he looked up at the robber. "The fuck you do that for? Did you kill him?!"

The robber turned and ran, leaving Richie to vault over the counter as he rushed to Carmy's side. Thank fuck he was breathing.

"Can I get some hands here!" He yelled, trusting someone, anyone, to come help. Sure enough, Tina appeared a moment later and was sent running for ice. She returned with that and Syd in tow.

"Who's the first aider here?"

To Syd's question Tina pointed at Carmy. Of course it had to be him.

"Some jagoff pistol whipped him. Don't think that's covered in any course." Richie pressed the ice to where Carmy had been struck and he could have cried in relief that it seemed to help bring him round. That relief didn't last long though because the groan turned into a squirm then it was a matter of trying to help flip Carmy so he didn't choke on his own puke. Once he seemed done, eyes blinking against the lights, Richie leaned over him to get a good look.

"Cousin?"

"Fuck." Maybe Carmy was better than expected, if he responded in such a Carmy-like way. Except his eyes were looking around, squinting but his breath hitched. "Wha-? Why? Mikey's gonna kill me."

Heart squeezing, Richie was saved from having to try and reply by Syd butting in.

"Hey Carmy. How you doing?"

Blinking hard, Carmy obviously had trouble focusing. But that was probably the least of their worries when the next question out of his mouth was, "Who the fuck are you?"

"Oookay." Syd leaned back. "Is that weird? Because that's weird to me."

Only expletives crossed Richie's mind. They needed Carmy comfortable and out of the public eye in order to figure out what was going on. Nodding to himself, he came up with a plan on the fly.

"Syd, close up. Carmen, I'm going to take you to the office. Tina, call Nat then help Syd."

"No!" The protest was near panicked from Carmy and he groaned, hand going to his head which was probably pounding. "He can't see me. He'll kill me. Said I was banned."

There were only so many times Richie's heart could be ripped from his chest. He couldn't handle telling Carmy the truth about Mikey. Couldn't bear the idea of seeing him learn the truth again. So he lied. Lied to protect them both.

"It's his day off. He'll never know. Don't you worry."

Scooping Carmy up, he groaned. For all appearances, his cousin sure was compact. Thankfully the route to the office had been cleared and Richie deposited him on the couch. At the telling groan, he put the trashcan next to Carmy for good measure.

"Thanks. How's Tiff?"

Just when Richie thought things couldn't get worse, they did. He needed to stop being such an optimist about how much lower the bar could get. Bending the truth by omission, he cleared his throat.

"Good. She's good. You?"

The hollow laugh from Carmy was answer enough but he deigned to add words. "Banned from the family restaurant no matter what I achieve. Mikey won't pick up the phone anymore. Sugar keeps telling me to call Mom. I live for the moment service finishes so I can go for a smoke. So yeah, great."

Talking was good, right? Richie had a vague recollection of not letting people sleep if they hit their head. Or was it when they took certain drugs? He'd be fucked if he could remember.

Thankfully the office door clicked open and Nat stepped in. Richie wished he hadn't been watching Carmy. Emotions flashed over his face as Nat's appearance triggered memories. Disbelief, horror, grief, misery all followed in quick succession. At least he had the presence of mind to grab the trashcan to hurl into. Not that there was much to come up other than a bit more pepto.

"Oh Carm." Nat perched gingerly on the couch and rubbed his back.

All of a sudden, Richie felt like he was intruding. This was a moment between siblings and he was nothing more than an interloper.

Looking up, Carmy's eyes were large and watery. Whether from throwing up or the onslaught of emotions at remembering Mikey's death was neither here nor there. However, it gave Richie the perfect view of mismatched pupils and he cursed under his breath. They needed to get Carmy to hospital.

[duskwoodgirl4life]

Chapter 9

A few weeks had passed and the new shop was coming along really well, everything had now been gutted; it was like a blank canvas for Jake and MC to remodel. Jake explained what he had in mind and MC drew up the plans. Once they had finished they were ready to hand over to the workmen to start work.

It felt like a long six months but it was totally worth it, there were still some little jobs to finish but everything was looking amazing. While Jake was busy with the workmen MC was working on the new website adding a lot more stock and repair options for customers.

While trying to work MC had been feeling sick she just put it down tomsometbing she had eaten. As the days went on she was feeling more and more sick so she decided to go to the doctor's. She hadn't told Jake where she was going otherwise he would have wanted to go with her.

At the doctor's they asked her all kinds of questions, one being was she pregnant but MC just dismissed the idea. So to make sure she gave them a urine sample and it was sent off to be tested. It was a long couple of days wait when she got the results back MC was indeed pregnant.

MCs POV

How am I going to tell Jake that I'm pregnant? We haven't been together that long and now this is happening. We haven't even spoken about the future yet we haven't even talked about marriage. He's not going to want to be with me now, not when he's just opened up a new shop for the business.

I'm going to have to find myself somewhere to live, where do I even start. I've got nine months to get all this figured out what the hell am I going to do.

MC started to pace up and down with a panicked look on her face, Jake had just gotten back home when he saw what MC was doing. He put his stuff down and walked over to her putting his hand on her shoulder causing her to jump.

Jake: Hey, are you okay? You look worried

MC: Oh, erm yeah…

Jake: MC you're acting strange what's wrong?

MC: Okay, here goes Jake there is something I need to tell you, I'm pregnant

Jake:

MC: I know this is something we never talked about and you are probably not ready for all this. I get it I'll just figure out somewhere else to love you don't need to be in the baby's life

MC went to walk towards the bedroom when Jake grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. He kissed her softly on the lips and she moaned into his mouth as his hands cupped her face.

Jake: MC I am over the moon that you are pregnant, I'm sorry I didn't say anything my brain was thinking about how I get to be a dad and you a mum.

MC: You really mean that Jake?

Jake: of course, I love you MC your my world

MC: I love you to Jake

Jake: You know we should look for a new place to live

MC: You think so? What's wrong with the apartment?

Jake: Well for one it doesn't have a garden for our bundle of joy to play in

MC couldn't help but smile at all the things Jake was saying, she started to wonder just how lucky she had been. Finding Jake was the best day of her life. She loved him so much and now she gets to have his baby they both get to be parents.

A couple of weeks had passed and the shop was now open and was doing better than ever Jake was busier than ever. It seemed that people outside of duskwood would travel from Colville just to have Jake repair their computers, laptops, phones, anything tech Jake knew how to fix.

In-between answering customers requests on the website MC was looking for a new place to live. There weren't many options in duskwood and she was about to give up when she found the perfect place. It was a 3 bedroom house with a white picket fence with a medium sized front garden. At the back the back garden was massive, plenty of space for a baby to play.

MC went to check if Jake was with a customer before she showed him the house, he was just finishing up when MC came from the back of the shop.

Jake: Hey beautiful, someone looks happy

MC: I am very, specially with the man of my dreams

Jake: And who would that be?

MC: You of course silly, before we get distracted I've found a place for us.

MC showed Jake the place on her laptop Jake loves everything about it, Jake said they should call the estate agent and request a viewing. MC pulled her phone out and contacted the agent right away; she arranged for a viewing later today after the shop had closed.

After the shop had closed MC and Jake walked to the house it wasn't far from the shop. While walking they could hear someone shouting MCs name when they turned round it was Hannah.

Jake: don't worry MC I'll deal with her

MC: why doesn't she just get the message

Hannah: Oh hey, glad I caught you guys I just wanted to say no hard feelings after what happened

MC: What is it you don't get? Don't your ears work? Or are you really that stupid? Maybe it's just both leave us alone

Hannah: I just want to be friends with you both

MC: come on Jake we need to get going

MC grabbed Jake's hand and they both walked off leaving Hannah standing there shouting at them.

Hannah: fine if that's how you want to be I'm going to tell the others about this and they will all be on my side.

An hour later MC and Jake had finished viewing the house, it was everything they had wanted. The agent left them alone for a moment while they talked it over.

MC: Jake, as much as I love this house can we really afford it?

Jake: don't worry about that MC I've got more than enough money tucked away

MC: You have? Why have you never told me?

Jake; I'm sorry if I didn't, that wasn't my intention

MC: So how much do you have?

Jake: well with everything we did to the shop £5.3 million

MC: WHAT!! you have…..

Jake: It was money my grandparents left me when I was little. I just left it in the bank and let it work for me. I made a few investments and they paid off.

MC: wow! I can't believe it

Jake: I am sorry I never told you

MC: it's okay, I'm glad you told me now

After a few more minutes of talking the agent came back over and Jake made an offer on the house. The agent contacted the owner and they accepted the offer all MC and Jake needed to do was sign the paperwork. After everything was signed they were given a move in date. On the way back to the apartment they saw Cleo and Richy walking towards them.

Cleo: hey you two haven't seen you in ages how are you?

MC: Hey, we are both good. How's things with you?

Richy: can't complain the garage is doing so much better now thanks to you MC

MC: Don't mention it, i was happy to help with the revamp

Cleo: we spoke with Hannah awhile ago

Jake: I guess you are taking her side in all of this

Cleo: No, what she did was wrong I can't be on her side not after what she did to MC

Richy: Cleo is right, the way she's been acting is wrong I can't take her side either

MC: What about the others?

Cleo: you know what a sucker for baby's Jessy is, Lilly will always be on her side, Dan hates what she's done too.

Richy: He said he's going to stick by her tho for the baby's sake..

The four continued to talk. They told them about the baby and the new house, they were so happy for them they said if they needed any help on moving day to let them know. They arranged to meet up at the weeknd and catch up some more.

[h0rr0rsaxo]

I AM HERE TO COMMENCE ANGST VARRICK HOURS!

So Anni notices that Varrick had been acting weird all day, like he's just being more aggressive than usual, kinda jumpy and on edge, and he seems to be muttering to himself every once in a while.

Anni isn't sure what to think about it but she decides to take a walk and when she comes back, she can hear crashing and yelling coming from inside her cabin so she practically sprints up the stairs and yanks open the door to find Varrick in the middle of his room and its trashed. There's broken glass and papers everywhere, clothes are thrown across his room, there are pictures of her littered around his room, and there's even a hole in his wall from him punching it. Anni is obviously shocked and saddened to find Varrick just curled up into a ball, having bloody knuckles and he's just crying and muttering random things. So Anni slowly comes up to him and kneels down to ask whats going on but he just sandwiches her in a tight hug and sobs into her neck.

(The rest is up to you, i'm just looking for some good Angst and then a crumb of comfort! TYSM BTW!!! SEND ME MORE REQUESTS WHEN YOU ARE UP FOR IT!)

[ panicking. || simp party ]

Warnings; Varrick having a breakdown.

Tags; @insane-horror-movie-addict

A/N; Fuck Zalgo bru

Word count: 1,475

In the corner of her eye, Anni watched Varrick toss his knife angrily to the ground and stalk back into the garage. Anni shook her head and chewed on her thumbnail restlessly, her arms crossing as she let out an exasperated. She didn't know what the hell was going on with Varrick lately and it bothered her in wondering why her friend was acting the way he was. He was moody, more moody than usual, and he was taking to the bars almost every night. Anni knew that if she asked him outright that she wouldn't get an answer anywhere close to what she asked for.

Anni shook his head and got rid of the thoughts. Varrick was just acting like a whiney school girl going through a hell age of puberty. She needed to clear her head, to be completely honest, she wasn't at all in the mood for his antics.

Anni's hand gently combed through the growing brown strands that fell messily right over her shoulders. The tips of the hair were slightly jagged, but she never minded this. The wind blew against her, whisking against her skin and rustling the grass around her, she enjoyed the coolness if offered. Spring had begun now, it had come later than usual, the brisk and floral hints that had hinted in the air during summer no longer left any trace.

She stepped carefully over logs and through a thicket of bushes as she made way through the woodwork. Her eyes kept a lookout for what exactly she was looking for and finally, she stopped and stared at what stood before her. The white flowers bore their brightness into her eyes with their long, thin petals and yellow tint that airbrushed over the bud. They were living, breathing Georgian White Lilies and Anni had only seen them once in her lifetime. But never did she forget their beauty and the rarity that they held. Softly, she knelt down in the small bed of flowers and picked a couple of the large lilies from the dirt. Only nine were grown in the area and it was one of the rarest flowers.

Perhaps she would pick some for Varrick, so maybe he'd stop being such an ass.

— . — . —

Icy wind blowing from different directions.

Visible stars twinkling high in the night's sky,

competing to out-shine the full luminous moon. Towering trees swaying gently with the aid of the howling breeze. Huddled bushes gruffing as baby deers and innocent bunnies hastily mistake the flowering shrubs of daphnes as a safe haven. Anni had been outside longer than she'd expected, it surprised her.

She waltzed leisurely to her home, only to discover Varrick's body motionlessly lying on the bitter-cold ground, as the pupils of his eyes trembled. Anni's stunned orbs held a torturing stare-contest with the messed up cabin— shattered glass had been sprinkled all over the place, along with red droplets of blood that trailed all over the floor. The very same eyes that were once brimmed with endearing emotions such as love and care were now left being spiritless and dull— she recognized that look, Zalgo must have been haunting him again.

As she makes her way to Varrick, she notices a punctured hole into the wooden wall, and the bits of debris that were scattered alongside it. She managed to push past the piles of clothing that disorganized, and nearly tripped over his knocked down dresser— she constantly almost trips over things, and it shocked her how much mess he's caused in the short amount of time she had been gone. He trembled with sunken eyes and bruised fists, surrounded by pictures of her that were huddled incredibly close to his body.

"Varrick—?" She kneeled down, gently pushing a strand of hair out of his face, "What the hell is going on? Are you alright?" She felt several arrows piercing through her pounding heart - all carrying different emotions but in the same category of negativity.

Varrick's breathing was uneven, he had brought up his left arm and used it to cover his eyes limply before seemingly falling back into a feverish hallucinative state. Anni sighed a bit, observing the man as his chest moved up and down with his breathing, "Varrick? Hello—?" Anni looked down at him.

Anni pushed herself up higher on her knees, leaning over the man's body and reaching for the picture he had tossed aside as well as one of the strange papers that had slipped from him. The moment Anni's hand made contact with the picture she felt a hand grip her side, it startled her into trying to pull herself back to her original sitting position.

Anni wasn't able to, the hand gripped onto her clothes tightly and was then followed by swooping legs that kicked her knees out from under her. Varrick then used his momentum and his grip on her side to remove himself from under her before she hit the floor. In the blink of an eye, Varrick had flipped her under him and placed each knee beside her hips to pin her in place. One arm came down right beside Anni's head, whilst his other he used to swiftly lean down and press his forearm against her throat. Varrick panted slightly, even though he was clearly strong enough to pin her down it appeared like it took all of his strength.

Surprise wrapped within Anni's eyes as he stared up at her, pressed down against the floor, and felt the pressure of Varrick's weight against her throat as he used his arm to pin her further. "Varrick! Get off me, you idiot!" She was finally able to vocalize her thoughts, squirming under the glaring man.

"You won't get rid of me that easily, Zalgo." Varrick's voice seemed hazed with unknown emotions, almost as if his anger wasn't directed at Anni but someone else. He hadn't seemed to notice it was Anni he had been talking to. The hallucinations must have been getting bad.

Irritation grew within Anni, she felt the vein on her forehead throbbing slightly as she glared in annoyance at him. "You're the one sitting here like a sick child, now get off me, you idiot!" Anni reached up and pushed, about to grip onto his hair or collar to try and flip him off him. Before Anni's hand could come in contact with his clothing, Varrick seemed to take on a saddened expression and his eyes flickered about slightly. It was like he was trapped somewhere other than that room, he seemed slightly frightened of something. His strength slowly gave out, the arm he had placed behind her head collapsing and causing his body to fall over hers. "H-Hey!" Anni shouted, cheeks reddening slightly.

Varrick let out a pained mumble, his eyes had fluttered closed the moment he collapsed on top of her. "A–Anni? Oh my god.." Tears started to trickle from his eyes, as he mumbled into her skin, "You're alive. You're…alive. I was so worried— I-I thought…" Her look of annoyance quickly melted into worry once again, what was happening with him?

"I'm here, Varrick. I'm here." Anni reassured gently, threading her fingers in his hair to comfort his panicked state. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise." Suddenly, as if a dam had broken, he sobbed and hiccups. The sobs erupted from his body uncontrollably, as he pressed messy kisses alongside her skin in pure relief that she was okay— that she had been safe from Zalgo.

"He's bothering me again. He— won't stop. I'm afraid he's g—gonna—" He had been hyperventilating rapidly, he could barely breathe, "H—he might—"

"Deep breaths." Anni reminded him.

Varrick began to sob as he couldn't keep all his emotions in check. He had bottled up all his grief and did what he could to keep it locked up. He thought that he had come to terms with the thoughts that he wouldn't see any of his friends again, and the beloved woman that he had by his side. Her brown eyes, her amazing smile, and that warm kiss that always lit his fire flooded his mind uncontrollably. All because of Zalgo.

Anni grabbed him into a hug from behind, tightly keeping her arms wrapped around his chest. Varrick felt a few tears roll down his cheek, "I don't want you to die... I don't wanna be in this world without you."

"I'm alive, Varrick." Anni said calmly and quietly from underneath him, "Don't let the thought of what could have been let you think otherwise. Nothing is going to happen. I can handle myself." He had to stop thinking about his obvious thoughts and start thinking more practical thoughts. He knew that Anni was strong, she had been through a lot, and he knew she could take care of her own when it came down to it.

[kaladinstormsblessed]

feeling grumpy for a variety of different reasons:

june is a nightmare month emotionally. once again, my father's birthday, father's day, and my parent's anniversary are within eighteen days of each other. it's tough emotionally! i am still very much not healed from the event! which is normal but is rather exhausting. add in my mom's brain tumors and it is a terrible cocktail of emotions.

it's so fucking hot. yes i am in greece, no it isn't supposed to be this hot this early.

the summertime sadness (my reverse sad) is hitting! yeehaw 🤠

i am feeling very worn down and over socialized. i like everyone here but it is very hard to just see the same nine or ten people over and over again, especially when three of them are people i have spent nine months living on top of and another three are elderly scholars and also there really isn't anywhere to escape or get away.

one of the guys here is at penn and for a while it had seemed like he was going to go back to philly next year, which i was really excited about bc i like him a lot and i was so looking forward to having a friend in the area (there was one other penn person in the program but i would describe us as friendly, not friends - i may still try and reach out to her when i'm back anyways). i knew he wanted to be in athens again and his situation recently changed very rapidly and he will be back at the school next year. i found out at dinner when one of the older scholars asked who would be back at the school next year and the two on fellowship responded immediately. there was a long pause and then he said he would also be back, after which he immediately turned to me and said "we need to talk about this" fully in front of god, charles williams, and nancy bookidis. and i responded with something like "ah yeah i sort of knew" bc. well. i had been talking about it recently with my roommate and she had strongly hinted that he had told her that there had been a change in his plans but she wouldn't tell me bc it was his and he would probably tell me anyways. regardless it was. kind of awkward and i felt a bit like i had been slapped in the face bc he told both of the other regulars before me even though i had been with him one on one since then. so there's the sadness of him not being around next year and the hurt of finding out the way i did (even though it wasn't really his fault) and the hurt of him not telling me (even though i don't think that was what he intended). i have responded a lot like a small child which is super shitty but i am struggling hard with feeling hurt and upset about it. also, we have still not talked about it. and to some extent, it doesn't matter bc now i know that he will be back in greece so what more is there to talk about but also. i sort of wish we had.

my roommate has mentioned that she and above guy have been having lots of good heart to hearts. and there's the usual possessiveness and fear that comes from feeling like my friends might like other people more than me and also feeling left out. once again, i don't think it's intentional but the small hurt child in my brain is feeling so so so panicked about maybe being abandoned and also what if they're talking about me.

[chronicparagon]

❝How far along are you? When did you find out?❞  (from akira)

Those questions reach Harmony but she doesn't answer him right away. She can barely even think clearly with the whirlwind of thoughts, worries, and fears. Everything happened so fast and now, the minutes drag on as dread weighs heavier on her. She felt strange the past few days but the intense episode of nausea prompted her to seek pregnancy tests at the convenience store closest to her apartment. She brought home three just in case any of them were inaccurate.

She took one test: Positive.

Second test: Positive.

Third test: Positive.

The same result always showed up and her heart dropped into her stomach each time.

The tests lay scattered in her bathroom with the door still wide open. One test lies on the edge of the sink. Two on the floor the makeup that also fell when she panicked.

Another frantic run out of her home brought her to the hospital where she got the news.

Hours passed with none of his texts read or answered. His calls went unanswered until just merely half an hour ago when she texted Akira. She just told him to come over right away, and it was urgent.

This brings them to now with Harmony sitting on the edge of her bed surrounded by used tissues. Her face is still swollen and her eyes are red from the crying. She didn't even bother to put on makeup today. How can she when everything came crashing down?

She lifts her head up to see Akira's face. Finally, she speaks. Her soft voice is hoarse from the screaming and tears, but she speaks for Akira deserves answers after breaking the news to him.

"I found out today. I felt sick...Took a few tests and they...Well, you can see for yourself." She answers with a slight tilt of her head toward the small bathroom some distance away from them. "I saw a doctor to confirm it...The doctor said I'm about nine weeks...That made sense to me since that was around the time we last saw each other. Back in Tokyo, remember?" She could never forget those encounters. They always leave her with her mind lost in bliss and her heart fluttering. But this time, something went wrong, and now, she s carrying a baby. His baby.

Her gaze lowers from Akira, afraid to see anger or disappointment on his face. "I'm sorry...I guess the condom was faulty...I didn't think..." She can't bring herself to continue. There is no sense in focusing on the past. What's done is done and now, she has to give Akira his options.

"Look...I...I know this is a lot, but I...Akira, I really want to keep it. I don't want to get rid of it!" Harmony adds as she shakes her head. "But I..." Harmony pauses to draw in a sharp breath. It's all she can do to stop herself from breaking down, but tears still form in her gray eyes. "I understand if...If you don't want to be in the baby's life. I..." A sob breaks up her words. She knows she must be strong! She must! But...it's so hard. The mere thought of Akira wanting nothing to do with her for this hurts.

Oh, it hurts so much.

But it wouldn't be fair to force him into fatherhood if he never wanted it. She will give him that choice. Harmony takes another breath, a feeble attempt to calm herself.

"Sorry! Sorry...I mean t-to say...I won't force you into this. I...I can...l-let you go." Another pause follows as she can barely bring herself to continue. Hands wring together with a wad of tissue caught in her palms. It's not the first one she used today and it won't be her last. But nevertheless, she presses on.

"I can go back to the US and stay with my relatives there...It will be like...l-like I was never here." Although her family will be unhappy with her condition, Harmony knows they would still support her and the baby. Regardless of what happens, the baby will become part of her tribe. The child would be closer to her relatives who would teach them about Lakota culture. But if she leaves Japan, her studies at her university will be on hold. She knows it will be hard, but she couldn't bear the thought of crossing paths with Akira again if he wants to break up. He deserves to live his life however he wants it to be. Harmony can't take that away from him.

She can't even bear the thought of what Akira's parents would think. They gave him hell for what he was wrongly accused of years ago. What would they do if they find out about this? Akira and Harmony are still in college! They're not even married! She's been in Japan long enough to know that many people here are not keen on that.

It wouldn't be fair for him or for her.

Her hand rises and rests over her heart. It does little to calm the rapid beating in her chest. "I love you, Akira...I want you to live your life however you want it...Even if it means not being with me and this baby...All I can say is...I...I'm sorry."

@scarlxtleaves

[calynashby]

Everywhere

Just a happy fanfic about them and their adorable family life

Setting: 1990: Behind The Mask Era- Totally loved this era for them and every era, mostly this one and all the pictures of them before and after.

John was pacing back and forth through the restroom, waiting on the results of Christine's pregnancy test they just bought as Christine stood there at the sink with her eyes closed.

John: Chrissy?

Christine: Yeah love? *Christine was breathing in and out, hearing the egg timer ticking.*

John: Just take a big breath and even breathing baby.

Christine: I'm taking even breaths love, but this is what we have been waiting for. Our little family is expanding, so let's just wait for the timer to go off.

John: We've been pretty busy lately, so I believe we are going to have our own little baby.

Christine: You were really great that night. *Christine said as she kissed his neck as the egg timer went off.

John: Let's check.

They both close their eyes as Christine opens hers first and checks it as she jumps in his arms.

John: We're going to have a baby penguin!

Christine: Yeah we are. *Christine says as both of the cry tears of joy as John hugs her while she kisses him passionately.*

Nine months later

The alarm clock blared out and indicated that is was time to get up as Christine groaned at the sheer loudness as she rolled over to see John, who held her all night, feeling their baby moving around.

Christine: John, honey. It's time to get up. We have an hour before we have to head to the studio. *John woke up to see her, smiling at him, her blonde hair shimmering in the sun coming in through the window and her blue eyes, shining bright.*

John: Good morning love, I need a strong cup of coffee. *He says, sitting up on his side of the bed*

Christine: Can you believe I'm about to have our baby? *She says, smiling at him*

John: I can't wait to have our baby penguin. *He said, caressing her stomach.*

Christine: You never know honey, today might be the day. I'm three days past my due date and I'm so ready to have our baby.

John: I am too but at the same time, I'm nervous for us both.

Christine: Don't be, you're going to be a wonderful daddy and we have experience, you know babysitting Mick and Jenny's girls.

John: You're going to be a great mum sweetheart, but to be honest, I'm nervous that something will happen and just all that information in the baby books just have me panicking already.

Christine: We'll be fine and don't worry darling.

John: I should be telling you this but let's just go to the studio and see what happens from there.

They had breakfast, took a shower, got dressed and headed to the studio.

Later on that morning

Christine had been powering through the photoshoot just fine for their new album. Standing up at her makeup table for change of hair and makeup, she was about to go back to get the rest of her photos done when a painful, rippling contraction made her grab onto her table and scream.

Christine: Aah! ah! whoo! *Christine bent over from the pain as she knew this was it, it was time to head to the hospital* John!

Mick happened to be walking by from getting his pictures developed for their album with a sandwich in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other as he heard Christine scream, running to her. Having been through this twice with his wife, Jenny, he knew exactly what to do.

Mick: Christine darling, is it time?

Christine: Yes! *Holding her stomach, from the unbearable contraction gripping her, breathing through her contraction* It's time!

Mick: I'm going to find John, you just stay here and don't go anywhere, okay?

Christine: Where the hell would I go, now go find my husband before I have my baby in this dressing room.

Mick took off to find John, not seeing him where the caterers had set up food for them or where the roadies were standing around, talking. He looked everywhere for John, but managed to find Lindsey who was talking to Curry Grant, of all people to talk to, about ways to improve the lighting in the studio and on the album photos.

Lindsey: You'd think with all this expensive equipment, they'd get the pictures right, but it's either too light or too dark.

Mick: Lindsey, have you seen John?

Lindsey: John who? *Mick didn't have time to listen to maybe what he thought was the stoned version of Lindsey or if he was just being this way for no reason.*

Mick: You know John, he's British, our bassist player, Christine's husband?

Lindsey: No, I haven't seen him but maybe he's outside. I need to go find Stevie anyway.

Mick: Listen, I need you to go sit with Christine while I get John.

Lindsey: Why?

Mick: Because Christine is in labor and we need someone to stay with her while I go get John, so we can head to the hospital.

Lindsey: Christine is mean, she told me to fuck off earlier when I told her she looked like she was ready to pop.

Mick: Just do what I say while I go search for him. Make sure you keep Christine in a calm, peaceful state. She's in a lot of pain and she needs all the peace she can get while I go find John. *He walks outside, trying to find John but with no luck.*

Mick looks everywhere for John as he was frustrated.

Mick: Where the hell could that Bristish bastard be? Like, your wife is in labor and I sent Lindsey, of all people to sit with her. Please don't let her have the baby just yet because Lindsey doesn't know a thing about birth or babies.

Mick keeps walking around to see if he can find John anywhere until he heard the faint sound of laughter upon the terrace, maybe he might be up there. You'd think Lindsey would try and attempt to send someone after John, but it was a one man mission to get John and tell him Christine was in labor and they need to head to the hospital before they end up having the baby here.

He walked up to the terrace but did not spot John anywhere, so he went back into the studio to see if he reappeared, but no luck, so he keeps on looking.

Back in Christine's dressing room

Lindsey had just walked in and seen Christine laying down on the couch, hands on her stomach, breathing in and out, trying to remain focused on not having her baby here at the recording studio and hoping Mick found John before her labor progresses.

Lindsey: Hey Christine, is there anything I can get for you?

Christine: Hey Lindsey and yes, ice chips would be nice and see if Mick found my sweet, loving husband. *Christine said, breathing through the last part of the contraction she was having, with a smile that Lindsey knew was sarcastic*

Lindsey: Sure, need an extra pillow or blanket?

Christine: No, I just need my husband and I need to get to the hospital before one of you have to deliver my baby. *Lindsey hoped Mick found John soon before he actually had to experience her giving birth.*

Lindsey: Let me go get those ice chips for you. Don't go anywhere, just stay there and keep breathing. *Lindsey kicked himself for saying that as he walked out as Stevie jumped on him.*

Stevie: God, I thought that would never end. I need you so bad baby, come with me to my dressing room. *She started kissing him, placing kisses on his lips, cheek and neck. Pulling him towards her dressing room.*

Lindsey: Angel, I would love nothing more than for you to have your way with me but right now, I can't.

Stevie: Why not? *Lindsey had to keep his mind on track*

Lindsey: Umm... Christine's in labor and I'm going to get her ice chips and see if I run into John along the way before I have to deliver their baby.

Stevie: You get the ice chips and I'll sit with Christine to give her some company.

Lindsey: Okay, I have to go.

Stevie hurried to Christine's dressing room as she sat down to see Christine going through a contraction, she didn't know how to word it exactly but she definitely felt bad for her.

Christine: Where the fuck are you John?!

Stevie knew Christine was in immense pain right now, but watching her trying to keep from having her baby right there on the couch made her turn into a stone of not knowing what to say or do to make her feel better, but wanted to ease her pain if she could in any way.

Stevie: Need anything?

Christine: Do know how to time contractions? Because that's what John is supposed to do.

Stevie: Sure, let me get my notepad.

She sat beside Christine as Lindsey got her ice chips and hurried back into Christine's dressing room. He handed her the ice chips as Stevie waited to time the contractions. Stevie looked at her watch, it was almost lunch time but she was really worried about Christine.

Christine: Any luck on finding John?

Lindsey: No, but Mick is searching for him right now.

Christine: Go help Mick look for him, he might be smoking a cigarette or talking to Richard about a bass part.

Lindsey: Are sure you're okay?

Christine: Stevie is here with me, so I'll be fine. *Lindsey looks at Stevie, then at Christine*

Lindsey: Okay, just don't have the baby yet.

Christine: I can't make no promises.

Lindsey gets up and walks out, in search of John as he looked where he thought he would be but he wasn't where Christine thought he'd be. He was wondering where John could possibly be and why was it taking so long to find out where he was and what was taking Mick so long to find him too.

Mick was still looking around to see if John was still around here somewhere as he was getting a tad bit agitated.

About thirty minutes later, he heard the sound of the men's restroom sink turn on and hopefully John was in there.

John was just washing his hands when the bathroom door swung open and a disgruntled Mick came in as he was never so happy to see his bandmate.

John: You okay mate? You look beat.

Mick: You have no idea how long I have been looking for you mate. *He said, relieved*

John: Why, what's happening?

Mick: Christine's in labor. *Was all Mick had to say as John bolted out of the bathroom and ran as fast as he could to Christine's dressing room.*

John: Chrissy? Baby?

Christine: John! Oh my God, where have you been? Mick and Lindsey have been looking all over this place, looking for you, but I'm so happy you're here now. *John kisses her sweaty forehead* It's time!

John: Oh love, I was in the restroom. Why on earth didn't one of you call an ambulance? My wife is in labor!

Mick: Mate, I was looking for you and so is Lindsey to tell you that Christine was in labor. We did not want you to worry if you came back and found out that your wife was not here.

John: Oh love, I'm so sorry. Come on, let's get you to the hospital.

Christine: I'd like that.

John: How far apart are her contractions? *John looked at Stevie*

Stevie: Approximately, Thirty minutes apart from each other.

John: Chrissy, how long have you been in labor for?

Christine: Since early this morning, I guess but I thought it was just Braxton Hicks contractions like it has been but this album is so important to us and I didn't want us to lose any time working on it.

John: You mean to tell me that you've been in labor this whole time and didn't bother to tell me? You and our baby mean more to me than this album ever will.

Christine: I didn't know I was in labor until now because I felt these pains before and every time, we got sent home because they weren't real contractions and about the album, I just wanted to get it all over with, instead of pushing it back and having to delay it.

John: It's okay love, but next time just let me know you are in labor because like I said, you and our baby mean more to me than an album ever will. *John kisses her lips as Christine smiles*

Mick: Someone go find Lindsey and tell him we're on our way to the hospital. *Lindsey comes in and sees John and Christine, standing up as Christine tried to balance herself between John and Mick*

Lindsey: Good, you found him.

Christine: Let's go have this baby!

John: Load up boys!

They were off to the hospital as Christine had two contractions from the time they left the recording studio till they arrived at the hospital, getting Christine into a room and done all the procedures to get ready for them to deliver their child.

A couple hours later

John: You're doing so good baby. *Looking at her fetal monitor, seeing that she was having a contraction.*

Christine: John, I love you but you're getting on my nerves. *Breathing through a contraction*

John: We're about to have our baby.

Christine: It'll be a while before she gets here honey, why don't you go see everyone and keep them up to date.

John: I'm not leaving your side.

Christine: You're going to drive me and yourself crazy being in here. Go take a breather and by the time you get back, I'll probably be asleep because that shot they gave me is making me sleepy.

John: Chrissy, I'm staying right here with you. If something happens to you or our baby between now and the time I leave, I'll never forgive myself.

Christine: I'll be okay love, now go enjoy some time with the guys. I'm going to get some rest while I can.

John: Are you sure?

Christine: Yes darling, now go.

John: Alright, let me get you some more ice chips and I'll go keep Mick and them updated.

Christine: Alright, I love you John Graham McVie.

John: I love you too Christine Anne Perfect McVie.

Christine: Go before I have Mick or Lindsey deliver this baby with me.

John: Not a chance. This is my baby we created together. *Rubbing her stomach*

Christine: I was just kidding sweetheart. You know British women have a unique sense of humor.

John: Yeah and a fiery, hot temper.

Christine: If you don't let me sleep while I can, you're about to see that temper be put to use.

John: Okay, I'm going. Don't have the baby while I'm gone.

Christine: Yeah, that's not going to happen. *John kisses her as they laugh together as Christine drifts off to sleep as John held his hand on her stomach, feeling their baby move.*

John: *Talking to their baby* Hey there little one, our little penguin. I'm going to miss this feeling, miss feeling you move around and the way you kick when we talk to you, but we can't wait to have you here with us. You have no idea how long we've been waiting for you to be here and we love you more than you'll ever know. *He kissed her stomach for the last time and then, kissed her cheek, refilled her cup with ice chips and he walked out of her room*

John hated leaving Christine's side but he knew she was right. He walked out into the waiting room, seeing Mick talking to Jenny and Lindsey talking to Stevie as they all looked at him.

Mick: Hey mate, how's Christine?

John: She's fine. They gave her something to ease her contractions and that shot that puts you to sleep.

Jenny: I thought she decided against the epidural?

John: She had a change of mind.

Jenny: Well, I had a change of mind with the girls too. The shot was decided at the last minute because they didn't have the epidural back then but I wish they would have.

Mick: She nearly broke my hand.

Jenny: Well honey, when you're pushing a baby out of you and are in that much pain, you tend to have no choice.

John: I need to go back in there, but I'll keep you all updated. *John said as he walked back into Christine's room.

An hour later, Christine woke up as a contraction hit her as she sat up and her doctor walked in.

Doctor: How are we doing Christine?

Christine: Great, we're just ready to have our baby.

Their doctor started talking as they washed their hands to do the cervix examination.

Christine: I know I'm in labor for real this time, so help me God if you send me home.

Doctor: Let's check to see how dilated you are.

Nurse: Christine, has your water broke yet?

Christine: No, but I know I'm in labor.

Doctor: Then, I'll go in and break your water to progress your labor and see where your at.

Christine looks at John as he held her hand, waiting for their doctor to progress her labor.

Nurse: Would you like for a friend to be in the room with you during both labor and delivery?

John: I thought it would be easier for us and our baby if it was just us.

Nurse: A friend is welcome to be with you.

Christine: John, I want Jenny in here with us.

John: I'll go get her.

John kisses Christine's cheek and hurries to the waiting to get Jenny.

Mick: How's our songbird?

John: The doctor is about to break her water and she wants Jenny in the room with us.

Mick: Okay, does she need anything else?

John: Ice chips.

Mick: I'm on it.

[helloalycia]

⇇ chapter seven ⇇

story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad

⇉ chapter nine ⇉

author’s note: i’m not THAT cruel that i’d give you angst so soon, don’t worry. hope you enjoy this one ♥️

33 years old

With majority of my life going to utter crap quite quickly, it was hard to expect anything more.

But a year had passed since I'd been freed from Dreykov's control, no longer a weapon to be used by anyone, and everything was going great. Better than great, in fact.

For the first time, ever I think, I was truly enjoying life. I'd been promoted to an assistant manager at the stationary shop I worked at and though some may have believed that was boring, I loved it. Meeting the regulars, helping people find the right items for their various craft projects, chatting the day away... it was a dream. Such a massive change of pace to what I'd been used to. And I thought I'd get bored of it, missing the action I once had, but I honestly didn't.

The repetitious routine of waking up early, watering my plants, having breakfast, saying hi to my neighbour, doing a full day's work and coming home to unwind for the evening, only to do it all again the next day, was a dream. It was so easy for me to find joy in the little things – deciding whether to have a coffee or hot chocolate with my biscuit, trying out a new recipe, making plans with some friends from work – and I wasn't sure I ever wanted to give it up.

Everything I'd fantasised about whilst being in the Red Room and graduating as a Black Widow was finally true. Well, save for one little detail... but I tried not to dwell on that because that was impossible.

Yelena and Nat had visited once more in person since our Scotland trip, staying over for a week to get a glimpse into my new life. Yelena loved it, but I think she just loved trying new things. Nat didn't hate it, but I knew it wasn't for her... which hurt a little, since she was the one thing missing, technically speaking, but those were dreams from an old me. I was just grateful for our friendship now.

It was my turn to visit them in New York soon enough and I planned to stay for a week, excited for the break from work and mainly just looking forward to seeing them both again. Though, the first day I was arriving would also be the day I would finally meet Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye AKA Nat's best friend, the one who'd given her an out.

It was Nat's idea to invite him, since it was apparently long overdue for them to see each other again since she'd been on the run and he happened to be in town. She thought it would be nice for Yelena and I to meet him, too, like we had with Vision and Wanda, and I wasn't opposed to the idea... but I was a little nervous.

This was the man who had taken her in, given her another chance at life. The man who she only ever spoke highly of, looked up to, considered true family. It was a little intimidating to say the least, but I was also curious to know what he was like.

When I got to New York after a very long and tiresome journey, the first thing I did was sleep in the comfy hotel I'd booked. Yelena had offered to have me stay with her and Nat, but her flat only had one room and there wasn't much space since it was bought for only her and Nat occasionally stayed with her when she wasn't off freeing Widows.

After a well-needed nap, I got ready for the evening meal that I was pretending I wasn't nervous for and headed over to Yelena's. Sucking up a deep breath, I made sure I looked presentable a final time and knocked on the door.

"Someone took their time," Yelena said once she opened the door, and I instantly panicked.

"Oh my– am I late?" I asked, wondering if I'd got the time wrong.

She grinned, shaking her head. "Nah, I'm kidding. Come here!"

Before I could say anything, she pulled me forward and almost crushed the bouquet of flowers in my hand as she squeezed me into a hug.

"It's so good to see you, Y/L/N," she said exuberantly, before standing back to get a better look at me. Then her eyes fell to the bouquet and her smile widened, if possible. "Are those for me? You shouldn't have!"

I suppressed a laugh as she took the bouquet and studied them. "They're actually for you and your sister."

"For me, got it," she said jokingly, before putting an arm around my shoulder. "Come on. You're just on time. Nat wouldn't stop talking about you."

I felt my neck grow warm at the thought of Nat being just as excited to see me, and let Yelena lead me into her living room after kicking the door close behind us.

"By the way, you look very nice tonight," she complimented, looking me up and down. "Great choice with the boots. I love them!"

I laughed quietly, missing her vibrancy. "Thank you, Yelena. You look great, too. Did you get more ear piercings?"

She winked. "Don't you know it."

We stopped in her open-plan living room/kitchen, where Nat was finishing setting up some place settings on the dining table. She looked divine, I wasn't afraid to admit it for a change. It wasn't anything fancy, just an off-white blouse and black trousers – but she made it work. Especially with the bright red lipstick she wore. I was certain red lipstick was only ever made for her in this moment.

"Look who's here?" Yelena said, pulling me from my daydream and letting go of my shoulders.

Nat stopped what she was doing and looked up, an instant smile spreading across her lips when her eyes found mine. "Finally."

"It's not a quick trip, is it?" I teased, before moving toward to meet her halfway.

"It's not, but you still should've been quicker," she mumbled into my shoulder when she hugged me, making me weak in the knees admittedly. "How are you? How was the flight?"

"I'll be sure to fly the plane myself next time," I jested, making her shove me in the shoulder when we broke apart from our hug. She rolled her eyes playfully and I couldn't stop smiling. "The flight was good. I'm good, too. I did bring flowers, but–"

"But they're for me, not you," Yelena finished for me, and we both turned around to see her filling a vase in the kitchen sink. "Thanks again, Y/N!"

I smiled apologetically at Nat. "She kinda took them, sorry."

Nat shook her head, a smile ghosting her lips. "It's fine. I appreciate the thought."

Looking around at the table, I said, "Do you need any help setting up anything?"

Nat was already ushering me to the living room. "Don't worry about that. I'm pretty much done. Food is almost ready and Clint will be arriving soon."

"If you're sure..."

She smiled endearingly. "I'm sure, Y/N."

Yelena joined me in the living room soon enough, whilst Nat faffed about with the last few things to do, and we had a nice catch up whilst drinking some fancy cocktails she'd made for everyone. Eventually, a knock was heard and Clint had arrived.

"I got it," Nat called, already going to the door.

Yelena and I stood up, and I suddenly grew nervous, flattening my hands down my clothes subconsciously.

"Have you met him?" I asked quietly to Yelena, who I noticed also looked a little nervous.

"Once, yesterday," she answered as we heard Nat and Clint exchanging greetings in the hall. "He's nice enough."

I smiled awkwardly, panicking a little. "Very helpful, thanks."

She snickered before we both straightened up when Nat led Clint inside. I wasn't sure what I was expecting – probably a uniformed superhero holding a bow and arrow, since that was his thing – but he simply rolled up in casual dinner attire and a small smile on his face.

"Yelena, you already know Clint," Nat began the introductions.

"Barton," Yelena said with a nod and smile.

"Belova," he returned, just as awkwardly.

"This is Y/N, who I told you about," Nat said, motioning to me as she spoke to Clint, before looking to me with calming eyes. "Y/N, this is Clint."

He offered out his hand and nodded towards me. "Nice to finally meet you, Y/N."

I returned his handshake, noticing the strength in a simple grip. "You, too, Clint. It's great to meet some more of Nat's Avenger family."

He snorted as he pulled away. "Is that what she calls us?"

"Shut up...," Nat mumbled as she busied herself with getting Clint a drink.

"Not exactly, but it's what you are, isn't it?" I said jokingly.

He shrugged, accepting the beer from Nat. "I guess."

Not much of a talker, I noted.

As we all took a seat on the couch and chairs, Nat warmed up the conversation between us all, filling the gaps when nobody knew what to say and making us all feel comfortable with one another. It was the most I'd seen her try, not in a bad way, but she usually had such a cool, collected manner that this was foreign to witness. But it made me realise how much she wanted this all to work between us, for whatever reason, so naturally I did, too.

Clint was a pretty laid back guy and gave off peak dad energy, so it wasn't hard to talk to him. I did feel like, at the start, he was weighing me up and deciding whether I was friend or foe, probably a natural reaction of an Avenger. Plus he'd known Nat the longest, so no doubt he was cautious of who she kept in her life.

He must have approved soon enough, since he loosened up and lost the curious stare as time went on. Yelena and Nat left at one point, going to check on the food, and I was left alone with Clint.

"She talked very highly of you, you know," he said in a low voice. "I can see why."

I took that as a compliment and scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. "Thanks, I think."

He smiled with amusement, reading my mind. "It's a compliment."

"Right..." I crossed my legs and returned his smile. "Well, she did the same of you. After all, you're the person who set her free."

"I wouldn't say that..."

I lost my smile as I looked to him seriously, gratefully. "Thank you for doing that, Clint. For getting her out when you did."

He shook his head, eyes avoiding mine out of embarrassment – he wasn't one for compliments himself. "I was just doing my job."

"Still."

He pressed his lips together thoughtfully, before glancing at me with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't get everyone else out sooner. You, included."

I shook my head, not even thinking about that. That wasn't what I meant at all. "You don't need to apologise. None of that was your responsibility. I'm just– I'm glad Nat had someone looking out for her when I couldn't anymore. Not that she ever needed it."

He chuckled quietly in agreement. "You're not wrong there. She's always been fine on her own."

"Dinner is served!" Yelena called from the kitchen, and I exchanged smiles with Clint as the two of us stood up.

We approached the table and saw a lovely spread of roasted vegetables, roasted lamb, mashed potatoes and gravy.

"Bon appetite," Yelena said, before motioning for us to sit down. "This was a joint effort."

"I did most of the work," Nat mumbled as she pulled up a seat beside me.

I held back a laugh as I took my seat, opposite Clint and Yelena. "It looks great, both of you. Thank you for going through all this effort for us."

"I second that," Clint agreed, looking between both sisters with a smile. "Can't wait to try it."

Nat did the honours of serving everyone's food and we all dug in. It was delicious to say the least, and the first time I'd ever tried Nat's cooking. She must have had more time for it over the years than I'd imagined.

The dinner went well, quite nicely actually, and it felt great to be able to enjoy conversation about the randomest of things whilst having some good food and drinks. Being nervous to meet Clint felt so silly now. I should have anticipated my nervousness to see Nat again to be honest.

I tried not to think about how her arm would brush mine whenever she'd take a bite of her food, or the tug in my stomach whenever she laughed quietly to herself at something someone said, or the way her eyes intensely met mine whenever I spoke. I tried not to think about any of it, but God it was hard. I'd like to think it was because I hadn't seen her in a while, but I knew it wasn't that.

It was never that.

By the time we finished eating and were simply lost in talking, the conversation moved onto the likes of the Avengers and the atmosphere changed slightly.

"They don't track my whereabouts, hence why I'm able to see you," Clint was saying in response to Nat's question about how he managed to get away from the government's prying eyes. "In all honesty, I think they think we hate each other. You know, since you tried to kick my ass."

Nat smirked. "I don't think you're remembering that correctly. I'm pretty sure I did kick your ass."

"Debatable."

Nat rolled her eyes before losing her smile. "What about the others? You been in touch?"

"I haven't spoken to anyone since... yeah," Clint answered with a sigh, looking to Nat. "Stark checks in every now and then. Sometimes asks about you."

Nat had her arms crossed over her chest, nodding slightly as she was listening. But she didn't say anything.

"Would you all ever reunite?" I asked curiously, looking to Clint since he was more likely to answer. "You know, get the band back together, that sort of thing?"

Clint shrugged, a humourless smile on his face. "Half the band is on the run, so... I don't know."

"Maybe if everything blew over," Nat finally spoke, and everyone looked her way; she was still staring at her empty dinner plate. "For now, probably not."

I still didn't entirely understand the whole Avengers thing. It was important to Natalia though, clearly, so I tried to be as supportive as I could.

"I'm sure it will," I said gently, offering her a small smile when she glanced up.

Sensing the shift in mood, she sat up straight in her seat and uncrossed her arms. "Never mind that." Her eyes fell to Clint. "Barton. How is the family? Laura? The kids?"

Clint automatically smiled at the mention of his family. "They're doing good, yeah. Miss their Auntie Nat."

Nat closed her eyes briefly, a smile on her lips. "I miss them, too. Maybe I can visit soon."

"I'm sure they'd love that," Clint said.

"Okay, but is she actually a good auntie?" Yelena asked between sips of her drink, glancing at Clint beside her. "I really can't imagine it."

Nat rolled her eyes as Clint chuckled.

"Surprisingly, yes," he answered honestly. "She's a natural with the kids. You wouldn't think she'd be built for the homestead life, but she makes it work."

"Okay, you, stop telling them my life story," Nat settled, pointing to Clint, before glaring at her laughing sister, "and you, shut up." 

"What? I'm only saying it how it is!" Clint defended innocently as Yelena covered her mouth to stop laughing. "You're good at the traditional family thing, Romanoff. You ever think you're gonna take the plunge? Settle down?"

Nat rolled her eyes, though a humoured smirk was on her lips. "Me? Settle down? Who's going to want to settle down with a fugitive?"

Yelena, who had stopped laughing but was very close to starting up again, exchanged a knowing look with her sister. "I can think of some people."

Nat must have kicked her under the table since Yelena jumped, laughing all over again as Nat glared at her. I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering who those people were. The thought of someone settling down with Natalia, her being with someone... it made me feel sick. Jealous.

"I'm not sure," she answered Clint's initial question, looking to him. "I try not to think about it to be honest..."

I frowned to myself, looking down at my empty dinner plate. Being aware of how I was feeling was something I'd been working on the past year, and right now, I knew I didn't like the idea of Nat being with another person. Having a life with someone, being romantically involved with someone.

Someone that wasn't me.

"Sorry, I need to use the bathroom," I said suddenly, feeling uncomfortable the longer I sat there.

I ignored everyone's confused looks as I pushed my chair back and headed for the bathroom, needing a minute to clear my head and reign back my jealousy. It was so stupid to be jealous at a possible future Nat may or may not have. I had no right to be, but I couldn't help it.

Closing the door behind me once I reached the bathroom, I leaned against the sink and closed my eyes to release a deep breath. Maybe my feelings towards Nat were stronger than I'd realised...

I opened my eyes, startled, when I heard the door open.

"You–" I exhaled slowly, getting over my temporary fright. "You shouldn't be here."

Nat tilted her head like it was obvious, then closed the door behind her carefully. "How else was I going to make sure you were okay?" she asked, and for a split second, I saw the young blue-haired girl who had come to check on me back in the Red Room for the first time.

I licked my lips, chewing on the bottom one as I watched her quirk a brow with mild concern.

"Are you?" she asked softly.

It was always circles with her. I never knew where I stood, but then again, I never had. She'd always kept me close enough to want her, but far enough to never get her. Not unless she wanted to make the move. After all, what the golden child wants, the golden child gets.

For once, why couldn't I get what I wanted?

"Y/N–"

I stupidly took a leap of faith and stepped forward, pressing my lips to hers. My hand rested on her neck and I relaxed at the taste of peppermint, a taste I'd almost forgotten when it came to her. She seemed surprised, but then her hands rested on my waist and she squeezed gently, kissing me back.

When lack of oxygen became a problem, we reluctantly disconnected lips and I opened my eyes to be immediately submerged in seas of green. She was too close to make out any specific details, but I noticed the shade of pink dusting her cheeks and it warmed my heart, knowing I still had that effect on her.

"Sorry," I said breathlessly, but I don't think I was.

She shook her head. "I'm not."

I swallowed hard, my eyes drifting to her lips. Red lipstick was smudged slightly and I had no doubts where the remnants were. My hand moved up her neck, to her jaw, and my thumb traced the outline of her lips tenderly, just like I'd once done before. Same shape, same taste, same girl.

"I don't want you to settle down with someone," I admitted quietly, eyes rising to meet hers. "I want you. It's always been you, Natalia."

"There's nothing stopping either of us now," she said, eyes flickering between mine.

Had she wondered, too? What it could have been like if we'd gotten the future we'd dreamt up?

"Isn't there?" I asked, a small part of me expecting something to get in the way like it always had.

Her lips curved into a small smile that left me weak in the knees. "Not that I can think of."

She was right. And yet, I still worried.

"There's no rush," she assured me, sensing my reservations. "Only if you want to."

She didn't need to be explicit with her words, I knew she meant us. And I was still half in awe, wondering how I was lucky enough that she still wanted this after so long.

"Want to what?" I asked anyway, needing to hear her say it. "Actually be with you? After all this time? Isn't that crazy?"

Her thumb rubbed gently on my waist. "I don't think it is."

My heart was racing, thumping so loudly I prayed she couldn't hear it.

"Guys, are you coming back?!" Yelena called from inside, breaking our bubble momentarily. "We have dessert!"

After all this time, being with Natalia didn't seem like such an impossible thing anymore. And though I was terrified of what it could mean, I was learning to choose what I wanted and nobody else. And I wanted this.

"I don't think it is either," I muttered, swallowing down my nerves before kissing her once more.

"Guys!" Yelena called once more, and we had to break apart before she would decide to come and see what was happening for herself.

Nat tried not to laugh as we stepped back, then she raised her hand and swiped her thumb across my lips, it coming back with red lipstick.

"That's better," she said with sparkling eyes. "You should go in. I'll sort out my own lipstick and see you there."

I nodded, feeling like I was on cloud nine when she flashed me another smile. Heading back inside, I returned to my seat just in time for Yelena to set a chocolate cake in the centre of the table.

"Everything alright?" Clint asked with a quirked brow.

Trying very hard not to break out into a smile, I nodded. "Yeah. Just felt sick, but all good now. Nat is just washing her hands."

He nodded, seeming to believe me, and paid his attention back to Yelena as she served up a slice for everyone. Nat returned when Yelena had finished, and looked around.

"Sorry about that," she apologised with a smile. "What did I miss?"

Yelena pointed to the cake with her fork. "Cake."

"Chocolate," Clint added, making Nat roll her eyes playfully.

"It looks great, thank you," I said to Yelena gratefully, before glancing at Nat beside me. "Both of you."

Nat held my gaze a second longer than she should have, but enough to make me forget what I saying.

"Dig in!" Yelena ordered, and only then did I sigh upon realising the effect Nat still had on me.

She winked playfully, a teasing smirk on her lips, before digging into her food. I dug into my own, but not before feeling Nat's hand slip into mine under the table. She gave it a comforting squeeze and I realised, as I glanced around, that this was all I'd ever wanted. Enjoying a dinner with people I cared about, doing such a normal person thing and enjoying the evening.

Every bit of this moment was perfect, everything I'd fantasised about, including the stunning redhead sat beside me.

I'd finally fulfilled my dream. Completely.

————————

I was enjoying a lovely lie-in the morning after, sleeping off my exhaustion from the previous day, when a knock on my hotel door woke me up abruptly. I sat up at the noise, blinking as if there was an emergency.

Then I realised where I was, what was going on (kind of), and that someone was still knocking on the door. Who could that be? I was trying to–

Shit, it was Nat.

Still half asleep, I could vaguely remember what happened last night after Clint left. I'd helped Yelena and Nat clear up before Nat said she wanted to see me tomorrow morning, as in today, and I'd agreed. Though I'd definitely forgot to set an alarm and now I had to see her looking like shit. Great.

Trying to look slightly more presentable in the mirror and questioning why I had suddenly become that girl, I rushed over to answer the door, hoping I looked less tired.

"Hey," I said when I opened the door, seeing the beautiful smile on her face and the two cups of coffee in her hands.

"Good morning," she said, eyes looking me up and down before her smile turned into an amused smirk. "You totally forgot I was coming, didn't you?"

I scrunched my face up, giving in. "Maybe."

She chuckled as I stepped to the side to let her in. "Of course. Well, I brought you a coffee anyway. I assumed you were ready, but I'm happy to wait around. Thought we could go out for breakfast if you want?"

"Thank you," I said, closing the door and turning around to see her stifling a smile. "And I'd like that, yeah. I just need to..." I glanced down at my joggers and tee shirt. "Get ready."

"Take your time," she said, sitting on the couch and setting both coffees down.

"Is Yelena okay not being invited?" I asked, hoping it wouldn't bother her.

"Yeah, she's okay with it. She's happy for us to spend the day together."

I quirked a brow. "The day?"

Nat cleared her throat, avoiding my eyes with embarrassment. "I mean, if you want to obviously."

Smiling now, I took advantage of the upper hand. "Hmm, I'm not too sure. I kind of already had plans."

Knowing what I was doing, she shot me an unimpressed look. "You're really gonna do that when you've got a drool mark on your shirt?"

My eyes widened and I lost my smile, looking down to my shirt. I'd like to say she was kidding to annoy me, but there was indeed a small drool mark on my shirt. Covering it with both hands, I avoided her eyes.

"Don't look!" I exclaimed, before leaving to go and change asap.

I heard her laughter from the other room and was definitely awake now. She'd seen me look a mess many times – after all, we'd grown up together – but now that she liked me as more than a friend, I actually cared about how she saw me. And in my pyjamas with a stained shirt, eye buggers and messy hair wasn't the plan.

After spending some time getting ready and drinking off Nat's coffee to wake myself up some more, I was ready to go. It was risky with her being in New York, considering someone could recognise her as an Avenger which would get her found out, but she seemed to know the best ways to blend in and the best places to eat.

We ended up at a cute café that served some killer waffles and pancakes, and were sat at a corner booth away from prying eyes after ordering our breakfast.

She smiled at the waitress as she left with our order and I leaned back, watching her with a small smile. Would there ever be a time when she didn't look so mesmerising? It wasn't a regular beauty that you saw in magazines or on runways, it was a different kind. I just hadn't pinpointed it yet, even after all this time.

"So," I started, making her eyes flicker to mine across the table, "what happens now?"

We hadn't spoken much of what we were since last night, as there had always been something in the way and this was the first time we'd truly been alone. She seemed to know what I was referring to and, thankfully, didn't play dumb.

"Well, I was hoping that I could spend the week with you," she said in her sultry deep voice that always made me nervous.

"Obviously," I said, luckily without stuttering. That was my plan anyway, whether I'd kissed her or not.

"This can be whatever we want it to be," she continued, before motioning to me with her hand as she spoke, "but you're free to make your own choices and it's up to you what you want."

I didn't look away as I said, "I meant it when I said it's always been you, Nat."

At this, she pressed her lips together as she looked across at me, eyes softening. Her hand rested on the table between us, palm facing the ceiling, and I rested my hand in hers, squeezing it gently. We didn't let go.

"I really missed you when I left," she said faintly. "It's always been you, too, Y/N. I'm sorry I never showed you that."

My insides felt like they were melting at her words, both out of being touched by her statement and feeling bad that I'd made her feel bad for not showing it.

"You don't need to apologise," I assured her, thumb rubbing her skin gently. "It was a lot, all of it. Everything we went through... you didn't owe me a thing."

She grimaced slightly, as if disagreeing, but then said, "We don't have to talk about any of this now. I just want to spend time with you this week. Do everything we could have done together. Without having to be secretive. Without worrying about getting in trouble. Just us. Just like it used to be."

And as she watched me with determined eyes, jaw set firmly, lips pursed, I realised something. Startlingly beautiful, that's what she was.

"Just us," I repeated in agreement, before smiling. "I'd like that."

She mirrored my expression and my heart fluttered in my chest. This week was only all I'd been waiting for all my life.