#and she's smiling in her sleep and holding onto her kiddo

[the-dumpster-fire-of-anxiety]

Ben i want you to imagine little 3 or 4 y/o draven and a younger kon and draven is asleep on top of kon (also asleep) and nothing hurts and they're gonna wake up from their nap and nothing will be wrong

[rafesgreasycurtainbangs]

rafe x pouge!reader trying to have sex but their kid keeps interrupting

❛ GETTING DISTRACTED DURING SEX ❜

pogue¡mom¡reader . . . dad¡rafe cameron

You’re pressed tight against Rafe in the quiet of your bedroom, the heat of his bare chest under your hands sending a thrill through your body.

His lips are on your neck, hot and deliberate, his stubble grazing your skin in a way that makes you bite back a gasp. Your fingers trace the hard lines of his shoulders, nails digging in just enough as you tug at the waistband of his boxers, the air heavy with the desperate edge of a moment you’ve been chasing all day.

The kids—your six-year-old twins, Ellie and Max, and the two-year-old, Luca—are finally asleep after an exhausting evening of tantrums, bedtime stories, and one spilled cup of milk.

This is your first chance to be alone, and the need for each other is palpable, crackling in the dim glow of the bedside lamp.

“Missed you so fuckin’ much,” Rafe murmurs, voice low and rough, vibrating against your skin as his hands slide under your tank top, fingers grazing the curve of your waist, possessive yet careful.

You arch into him, breath hitching, your lips brushing his jaw as you feel him, hard and ready, pressing against you through the thin fabric.

“Ten minutes,” you whisper, half-laughing, half-desperate, your hands fumbling to push your shorts down. “That’s all we’ve got before someone wakes up.” His chuckle is dark, promising, as he helps you, his fingers quick and eager, the heat between you spiking fast.

You’re just starting to lose yourself in him, your body melting under his touch, when a small, plaintive voice cuts through the haze. “Mommy!” It’s Ellie, her footsteps pattering down the hall, the bedroom door creaking open before you can even react.

You freeze, Rafe’s hands stilling on your hips, both of you holding your breath as your daughter stands there, clutching her stuffed bunny, eyes bleary with sleep.

Rafe’s head drops to your shoulder, a frustrated sigh escaping him as you pull back, heart still racing. “Ellie, baby, what’s up?” you ask, sliding off the bed and kneeling in front of her, smoothing her messy hair. Your skin’s still flushed, your body screaming for Rafe, but you force a calm smile.

“Bad dream,” she mumbles, lip trembling. “Monsters again.” You glance back at Rafe, who’s sitting up now, running a hand through his hair, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

“No monsters, kiddo,” he says, voice softer but with that familiar edge. “We checked, remember?” He swings his legs over the bed, tugging on a t-shirt, and you shoot him an apologetic look as you guide Ellie toward the door.

“Let’s get you back to bed,” you say, taking her hand, your body still buzzing with unspent desire. You mouth sorry to Rafe, who just smirks, leaning back on his elbows like he’s already plotting how to pick up where you left off.

It takes longer than you’d like—Ellie needs a story, then a hug, then a promise to leave the hall light on.

When you finally slip back into the bedroom, closing the door with a soft click, Rafe’s waiting, sprawled across the bed, eyes locking onto you with that same hungry glint.

“She good?” he asks, voice low, already reaching for you as you climb onto the bed, your heart kicking up again.

“Yeah,” you whisper, straddling his lap, your hands finding his chest, the heat of him reigniting that ache inside you. “Where were we?”

You lean down, kissing him, slow and deep, his hands sliding up your thighs, pulling you closer until you can feel him again, the tension snapping back into place like no time has passed.

You’re just about to tug his boxers down, your fingers grazing the waistband, when the baby monitor crackles to life.

Luca’s wail pierces the air, sharp and insistent, and you both go still, the moment shattering. Rafe lets out a low, incredulous laugh, his head dropping back against the pillow. “You’re shittin’ me,” he mutters, scrubbing a hand over his face.

You can’t help but giggle, even as your body protests, the interruption almost absurd. “My turn,” you say, starting to slide off him, but Rafe catches your wrist, pulling you back.

“Nah, I got it,” he says, rolling out of bed, adjusting himself with a grimace. “Kid’s got my timing, I swear.” He grabs a pair of sweatpants, glancing back at you. “Stay right there. We ain’t done.”

You flop back against the pillows, half-laughing, half-sighing, your body still thrumming with need. The house is quiet again, save for Rafe’s low, soothing voice through the monitor, calming Luca with a murmured,

“Easy, buddy, you’re good.” You close your eyes, trying to hold onto the spark, but the weight of the day tugs at you, the constant interruptions a reminder of your life now.

When Rafe finally slips back into the room, closing the door softly, you’re propped up on your elbows, watching him. He looks tired but determined, his eyes glinting with that relentless drive you’ve always loved.

“Luca’s down,” he says, crawling over you, his lips hovering over yours. “Now, where were we?”

You smile, pulling him down, your kiss hungry, desperate, his hands less patient now, tugging your tank top over your head as you fumble with his sweatpants. The need is sharper, more urgent, and you’re just about to give in completely, his weight pinning you to the mattress, when—

“Mommy, I need water!” Max this time, his voice muffled but insistent from the hallway, followed by the unmistakable thud of his little feet.

Rafe freezes, a low laugh rumbling in his chest as he presses his forehead to your collarbone. “We’re cursed,” he mutters, and you laugh, the sound bubbling up despite the frustration coursing through you.

“I’ll go,” you say, still giggling, pushing at his chest. “Get him water before he wakes Ellie.” You slip out from under him, grabbing a robe and tying it around yourself, your body still tingling, your heart pounding from the nearness of him.

As you head down the hall, glass in hand for Max, you hear Rafe flop back onto the bed with a dramatic groan. You settle Max quickly, his sleepy request for “just one sip” turning into a negotiation about leaving the cup on his nightstand.

When you finally return, Rafe’s waiting, propped against the headboard, one arm behind his head, his eyes tracking you like a predator. The air shifts, heavy with intent, as you let the robe fall, climbing onto the bed.

“No more interruptions,” he says, voice low, almost a growl, as he pulls you onto his lap, his hands gripping your hips. “Lock the fucking door.” You laugh, reaching for the lock, your body already responding to his touch, the promise of what’s coming hanging in the air like a storm about to break.

𓂅 taglist ― @littlelamy @dollyfiles @drewstarkeyswife0 @icaqttt @urcoolgf @camercns

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©RAFESGREASYCURTAINBANGS ꪆৎ est. 2025

[alotofpockets]

Terminal tantrums | Steph Catley x Reader

5k celebration prompt: “They get their stubbornness from you.”

Woso masterlist | Words: 1.5k

-----

Usually the flight from London to Australia was the toughest with your three year old, but you had been lucky this time around. With an early flight out, you and Steph had managed to get her onto the airplane while sleeping, and once she woke up on the flight, she had been happy to watch a movie in your lap.

However, for today’s flight that same luck did not seem to be on your side. While the flight was going to be a lot shorter, it would be after she had her nap at the hotel, meaning that your girl would be wide awake and full of energy.

“No shoes.” She said when Steph sat down to put her shoes on. “Bubba, we need shoes to go to the airport.” Your wife tried again. “No!” She yelled back with tears threatening to fall down her cheeks, and a shaking bottom lip. You really didn’t have time for a tantrum so Steph decided to give in temporarily. “Okay Bubba, no shoes on the bus, but when we get to the airport you will wear your shoes.”

You came walking back into the room after dropping off your bags downstairs and looked at the shoes in Steph’s hands, the shoes she was going to put on your daughter while you took the bags downstairs. “Don’t ask.” Steph said with a slightly frustrated sigh. 

With a light chuckle, you say, “She gets her stubbornness from you.” Steph gives you a look that screams, stop talking now or I'm going to be upset. You try to hide your smile as you lean in to kiss her cheek.

When you got onto the bus with the rest of the team, your daughter quickly found her way to Alanna’s lap. “Hey kiddo! Sitting with me today?” The defender said with a smile, your daughter responded by nodding her head eagerly. She loved her fellow Aussies a lot, she had grown up with most of them by her side at every Matilda’s camp, and you were just so lucky to have so many amazing aunties for your daughter.

The bus ride to the airport went smoothly, Alanna seemed to be enough of a distraction for your daughter to enjoy the trip without anything needed from you or Steph. When the driver parked the bus, you walked up to Alanna’s seat with your daughter’s shoes in hand. Her eyes widened when she saw what you were holding. “It’s shoe time, Bubs.” She shook her head so quickly that her hair was moving all over the place. Before you could say anything Alanna spoke up. “Look, I’m wearing shoes too, don’t you want to match Auntie Lani?”

That seemed to do the trick, as she nearly ripped the shoes out of your hands as she stood up on Alanna’s lap. You mouthed a ‘thank you’ to her and walked back to grab the rest of your stuff. 

“How did you get her to do that so quickly?” Steph asked in disbelieve when you were back so soon. “I wish I could take the credit, but it was all Lani.” Either way, you were glad that it worked and that she would be wearing her shoes now.

By the time you had arrived at your gate, your daughter had enough of all the waiting around. She pulled her hand out of your grip and ran off towards the window, while you put your bag down on one of the chairs. “Not so fast!” You called after her. Her legs might be little, but your girl could sprint just as well as her mum. 

“Mama plane!” She yelled out as she pointed to the plane that was stationed to the gate next to yours. You smiled at her enthusiasm despite having been on more planes than she could count up to, “Yeah! We’re going on one that looks like that too. Are you excited?” She nodded, “Yes!” 

Patience was not your daughter’s strong suit. She had sat at the window looking out over the moving airplanes for maybe five minutes, when she decided that she was over it. “Hi Bubs.” You said as she jumped onto your lap and hugged you tight. “Mama, where Harper?” You brushed some hair out of her face. “Harper is a little sick, remember? She stayed at the hotel with her mommy.” Your daughter pouted, “But I want to play.” 

Steph stepped towards the both of you and said, “Did I hear someone would like to play?” Your daughter’s face lit up, “Me! Me!” She picked her up from your lap and placed her down on the ground. “You better start running then because… tag you’re it!” Steph poked her finger to your daughter’s shoulder and started jogging off, your daughter running after her giggling.

You watch them run around with each other giggling, and then your daughter runs right to you. Thinking she was done playing tag, you open your arms for a hug, but at the last second you see the mischief in her eyes. She pokes your leg and runs off, “You're it!” She yells. 

There is no choice but to start running with them. A few of the girls joined in as well, much to the delight of your little girl. She had the biggest smile on her face as she was running around the gate with her moms and aunties.

Just as you were all sitting back down again to catch your breaths, it was announced over the intercom that your flight would be delayed. Nothing you weren't used to by now, so you got out some snacks to make waiting feel less long.

“No, me no want.” Your daughter said with crossed arms. “Bubs, after all that you have to eat something.” With her arms still crossed she counters. “Me eat candy and ice cream only.” 

“But big girls that want to be strong need to eat food like this. Just like Mommy and me, and all your aunties.” She seemed to be slightly more open to the snack now. Just one final push, you thought. “How about you go find one of your aunties to share your snack with?” 

That seemed to do the trick. Well at least make her take it from you. She walked around, trying to find the auntie she wanted to share it with. Finally she stopped in front of Caitlin with the bag held out in front of her. “Me share.”

Caitlin chuckled, “Alright munchkin, come here.” She picked her up and put her down on her lap. They shared the snacks, Caitlin secretly giving your daughter more than herself. But she was content for a bit again, and even kept sitting in Caitlin's lap for a while after the snacks were done.

Waiting for a three year old was never easy, so eventually she slipped off Caitlin's lap as well. “We go now.” She said as she grabbed her bag from the bench and walked over to the bridge.

“We can't yet, Bubs.” You say as you walk after her. “Yes, plane now.” She tries to walk further, but you grab her by her hand to hold her back. “I wish we could, but the plane is not ready yet.”

“Plane is there, me go on it.” She said, stomping her feet on the ground. “We can't. We have to wait a bit longer.” Your daughter shook her head. “No, now!”

“Come on, we're gonna sit and wait until it's ready. It's very important for the plane to be all good, so it's safe for us to fly.” You pick her up from the ground. While you lift her she starts screaming, crying, and kicking her legs. You hold her tight to your body, hoping to reduce the kicking. “It's okay, Bubs, the plane will be ready soon. Mama promises.” 

The crying didn't stop for a while, you wanted to fix it for her, but you knew only getting on the plane would do that right now and you didn't have control over that. You wish you could explain it in a way that she would be able to understand, so that it wouldn’t be that frustrating for her, but you knew that in her mind the plane was there and she wouldn’t be able to grasp that they needed some time to work on it.

When the plane was finally ready and they announced the first boarding call, the girls were quick to let your family be the first to board the plane.

“Bubba, the plane is ready!” Steph says while she grabs your passports and tickets. “Are you ready?” She nods eagerly, her cheeks still stained with tears. Steph wipes the tears away, and presses a kiss to her forehead. “Alright, come on.” 

Steph gives your daughter her own ticket so she can show it to the employee to board. With your bags, you follow Steph and your daughter onto the plane.

-----

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[norrisleclercf1]

Dad!lewis coming home from race week to spend time with his kids

Idk I’m just in a dad!lewis mood

A/N: Dad!Lewis is adorable

It was oddly a little too quiet in the Hamilton household and with twins, it was never good especially when it came to Ivy and Kai. Your little terrors you wouldn't trade the world for, but still with it being quiet at 8am, you knew something was up.

Sitting up, you listen for the twins, who at 6 were old enough to get up and come bother you to get up and start your morning routine. But, it was a little different, as Lewis, was currently away for a race with Ferrari. It was still weird to say that honestly, it's been 2 years and you still couldn't wrap your head around having to wear the glorious red.

Climbing out of bed you move gently, listening for any sounds of the kids, but none alert you, which just makes your alarm bells go off. Stepping through the house you stop, hearing the TV on low, Kai, your genius little boy had turned on the TV, again. "Kai," You whisper but stop being greeted by the sight of your babies and their father curled up on the couch.

Lewis was still wearing his team kit, and the kids wearing their pj's and stuffies next to them. "Lewis," You whisper, gently kneeling and rubbing the back of your hand against his cheek. Lewis snorts, and slowly wakes up and smiles, his arms tightening on his babies. "Hi, lovely," You smile at his accent, thick from sleep as Ivy rests her head on his chest tugging on her little bunny that Nico gave her when she was born.

"What are you doing on the couch?" You whisper and Lewis chuckles and cranes his head to look at the time and sighs. "I came home late, and the kiddos heard me. I was taking my shoes off on the couch when they crept out. "I didn't want to wake you, and they got so excited they couldn't go back to sleep. So, I turned on a Disney movie and I guess we all just passed out," He smiles, it was a moment he'll remember forever.

"I'll start on breakfast," Lewis shakes his head no, and pulls you onto the couch, you're careful not to fall on Kai who was tucked close into his father's side. You move him carefully as he cuddles into you and Lewis holds his family close. Sighing you place your head on his chest as he closes his eyes again.

"I love you," He whispers, kissing your temple gently as you smile letting the morning sun rest on you like a cat. "I love you too, Kai was happy you got a podium," You whisper and he practically glows hearing that. "And Ivy?" He whispers and you giggle, "Sad that Max wasn't there," Lewis shakes his head not knowing where his daughter's love for Max came from.

"Yes, but she was still happy you did well," Lewis chuckles and kisses your cheek, "And you?" He smirks, "Careful Hamilton," you say sternly that makes him pout. "Whatever, get you later," He pats your bum gently and you both go still as the kids move around before calming down. "If you wake them, I'll kill you," Lewis has to bite down his laugh and nods his head. "Yeah trust me, they've been sleeping for 10 hours, I'm terrified."

[fear-is-truth]

slow down ── dilf! peter maximoff x f! reader

⟡ NSFW || MINORS DNI 18+

⟡ TAGS: sexual content ・ fem!reader ・dilf!peter ・ unprotected p in v・ english is not my first language so bear with me・not proofread ・word count: 1,831

⟡ SYNOPSIS: domestic life with peter

a/n: i just finished my assignment for criminal law & wrote this fic with the aid of monster energy. kindly ignore the atrocious writing lol

“Hey kiddo! Bedtime!” Peter called down the hallway. He waited, silence.

“You’re not in bed yet! I’m gonna have to tickle ya to sleep if ya don’t get moving!”

Still nothing—except the faint sound of a stifled giggle. Peter’s lips twitched into a smile.

Game on.

He leisurely made his way down the hall, towards the living room, passing Luna’s bedroom door without sparing a glance.

“Huh, that’s weird,” he wondered out loud, playing it up.

“Where’s my kid? I swear I had one, like, five minutes ago.”

Peter exaggerated his search, peeking behind the curtains and glancing under the furniture. More giggles, and he nearly broke character with his own grin. He then made a big show of scratching his head in faux puzzlement.

“Nope, no kid here. Oh well,” he sighed dramatically. “Hmm, could’ve sworn I heard something. Maybe it’s a mouse. Or a cookie thief…”

At that, Luna couldn’t hold it in any longer. She popped out from behind the armchair.

“Noooo! Daddy, I’m here!” she squealed, bursting into laughter. Peter spun around, feigning surprise. “There you are! Thought I’d have to call the FBI or somethin’!”

Squealing with delight, the five-year-old bolted down the hallway as fast as her little legs could carry her. Peter was on her in an instant, zooming past you with a playful wink before scooping her up into his arms, spinning her through the air.

“You’re getting too fast for me, kiddo,” he grunted, as he carried her towards her bedroom, the little girl squirming in his grasp and laughing hysterically.

You leaned against the doorway, amused by the back-and-forth that had become so routine.

“Peter, you’re supposed to be calming her down, not winding her up.”

“I’m working on it,” he called back, depositing his daughter onto her bed and tucking the blanket around her.

“Fine, but when she’s bouncing off the walls at midnight, you’re the one getting up with her.”

Peter shot you a smirk, showing that he knew exactly what he was doing. He reached down and ruffled Luna’s hair, earning another giggle from her,

“Alright, peanut. Let’s make a deal. One more story—only one—Deal?”

Luna’s eyes lit up, and she bounced in her bed. “Deal!”

“Peter,” you reminded him, stepping into the room with a raised eyebrow, “you said ‘one more story’ three stories ago. She’s going to be up all night at this rate.”

Your husband grinned innocently.

“C’mon, what’s one more story? Just gotta make sure she’s really tired.”

He turned toward the bookshelf, fingers dancing over the colorful spines.

“Which one are we reading tonight? Something super long, I bet.”

She giggled, pointing at a well-worn book. “That one, Daddy!”

He picked it up, settling onto the edge of the bed as Luna snuggled under the blankets. “Alright, one loooong story, but then it’s off to dreamland. Yeah?”

•••

After Luna was sound asleep in her bed, and you’ve done your playful striptease, it was time for you to free Peter from his jeans. In the process of removing his belt, your fingers accidentally brushed the strain in his crotch.

“Mghmm… careful there babe.”

He inhaled sharply, and you indulged in the temptation, gently rubbing him through the denim with your left hand while unbuckling his belt and pulling down the zipper with your right.

His body pressed against yours, and you felt the soft push as the back of your legs met the edge of the mattress. With a smirk, Peter wrapped his arms around your waist, lifting you effortlessly. You let out a delighted squeal, soft giggles filling the space between kisses as your fingers clung to his shoulders for support. Instinctively, you wrapped your legs around his waist as he carried you to the bed, feeling the heat of his cock press against your abdomen.

“Please, Peter. I want you, so bad.”

And that was all your husband needed to hear. He laid you gently on the mattress before crawling forward, positioning himself to settle between your legs. Breathlessly, you gripped his shoulders and lifted your hips slightly, moving in sync with him as he lined himself up. Peter began to slowly ease himself into you, groaning into your shoulder, warm puffs of his breath tickling your skin.

He paused for a moment for you to adjust, before pushing further until he was fully sheathed inside you. The delicious stretch of your pussy was nothing short of glorious.

“Oh god… Nghmm — Peter,”

You whined, tightening your grip and leaving crescent-shaped marks on his skin as he started moving. He slowed down mid-thrust to mumble against your cheek,

“Love you too baby,”

Peter rested his chin on your shoulder, placing hot kisses along the column of your throat as he moved, He shifted his hips to find a better angle, and you gasped when you felt his tip nudge against your cervix. Your spine arched and your heels dug into his back as he thrust into with such force that your body slid a few inches towards the headboard, the sheets creasing around you.

“A-ahhh— fuck–”

A strained moan tumbled from his lips when he sheathed himself to the hilt. You can tell by the vein popping on Peter’s neck that he wanted to lower his head, but he was fighting every instinct to keep his eyes focused on you, chocolate irises fixated as you both begin to ascend towards the precipice.

The sight of him, biting his lips and brows furrowed in such concentration made the hot coil in your belly tighten. Supporting his weight on one elbow, Peter slipped his other hand down between your legs, and his fingers—those magical fingers started working your clit almost frantically.

“Please— ohmygod, Peter,”

you babbled, clenching your quivering thighs and throwing your head back when he bottomed out once again. His tip was pressed snugly against your cervix, and you swore you could feel him poke into your stomach, but that did nothing but stir your body into overdrive. You heels dug into his backside, anchoring him as the familiar warmth of his come spurted into your womb. Instinctively, the walls of your pussy clamped tightly around his cock, milking him dry.

“C’mon, baby,” Peter mumbled as he leaned down to give you a quick peck on the mouth, “wan’ you to cum for me, yeah? Cum all over my cock.”

The few seconds between you seemed to stretch into eternity before the coil finally snapped, waves of intense, white-hot pleasure alight your bloodstream as your pussy convulsed around his cock. You placed your palms to either side of his face, his eyes trying desperately to find a part of you to focus on.

•••

Moonlight streamed in through the window, bathing a silvery glow over your bedroom as you lay tangled up in each other, legs intertwined beneath the sheets. Peter smirked lazily as he traced a finger along your arm.

“Y’know, I think ‘m finally starting to get the hang of this whole ‘normal life’ thing. Not as fast-paced as I’m used to, but it’s not so bad,”

You laughed softly, nestling your head against his bare chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

“You? Normal life? That’s a stretch.”

“Hey, I can be normal,” he defended with a grin, though the glint in his eyes said he didn’t really mind being anything but. “I did the dishes tonight. That counts, right?”

You rolled your eyes but smiled, letting your hand rest on his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin. “You stuffed them into the dishwasher in like a nanosecond. Doesn’t really count when you’re cheating with super speed.”

Peter chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “Alright, alright. But I still nailed bedtime. Got Luna to bed without any major disasters—except maybe that story where I gave the dragon a Brooklyn accent. She seemed into it.”

“She loved it,” you agreed, smiling at the memory of their earlier antics.

“You’re good with her, Peter. You’re her hero.”

“Yeah, well, she’s pretty awesome,” he shifted slightly, turning to look down at you, his silver hair tousled against the pillow.

“She’s got you to thank for that.”

You met his gaze, fingers idly tracing patterns on his chest.

“Pretty sure she gets most of that from you. The attitude, the energy. The ‘never staying still for more than a second’ thing.”

He smirked, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Gotta keep things interesting, right?”

You let out a soft hum of agreement, your lips brushing against his collarbone as you spoke. “Interesting is one way to put it.”

There was a beat of comfortable silence between you, and Peter’s arm wrapped more firmly around your waist, pulling you closer until there was no space between your bodies, just the warmth of his skin against yours. He broke the silence with a quieter, more thoughtful tone. “You ever think about how we got here?”

“Where? In bed?”

“No, seriously,” Peter said, fingers brushing through your hair absentmindedly. “Like, the whole thing. You, me, Luna. I used to think I’d never have something like this. Y’know, slow life, family stuff. Thought I’d always be the guy on the outside, just speedin’ through life.”

You shifted slightly to look up at him, your chin resting on his chest. “What changed?”

He shrugged, his smile softening. “You. You changed everything. Made me realise I didn’t have to run away from it all the time. That maybe I could actually slow down long enough to be a part of something.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you leaned up to kiss him softly, the gesture full of the affection you felt for him. He kissed you back with the same tenderness, his hand cupping your face gently as he deepened it, the kiss slow and sweet like molasses. When you finally pulled back, Peter’s thumb brushed across your cheek, eyes locked on yours in that concentrated, yet familiar way. “I don’t say it enough, but I’m lucky to have you. You and Luna. You guys are my world.”

You smiled, warmth spreading through you at the sincerity. “We’re lucky to have you too, Peter. Even if you’re still kind of a goof.”

He grinned, silver hair falling into his eyes as he tilted his head. “Gotta keep you guys on your toes somehow.”

You laughed softly, settling back against his chest, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lull you into a peaceful quiet. His arms wrapped around you protectively, his thumb continuing to brush absentmindedly against your skin. For a while, neither of you spoke, just content to be together. But as you felt your eyes growing heavier, Peter’s voice broke the silence one last time, soft and almost sleepy. “Hey, babe,” he mumbled, pressing a lazy kiss to your temple.

“Thanks for making me slow down.”

You smiled against his chest, “Thanks for sticking around.”

He chuckled, his grip tightening around you. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

 fear-is-truth 2024 — all rights reserved. do not modify, repost, translate, or plagiarise my content.

[connorsui]

You know, something that I was thinking about while I was walking my way towards my car was how the lads' men would treat you on mothers day with their kids?

Like think about it? — the morning hasn't even started yet, and they are already up and ready for the day before you could even crack a centimeter of your eyelids. and that's not because they didn't bother to wake you up on such an important day…

But because they promised their kiddo, they would serve you breakfast in bed

Like Xavier?... Now you cannot tell me Xavier wouldn't guide his toddler on how to properly stir the pancake batter from the bowl– like this man is patient, gently guiding their tiny hands with his own– he would soften and tender his voice as his baby tells him how much they want their momma to love it – that I even bet you by the time you wake up to the smell of pancakes and fruit on a tray …Xavier is already standing by your bedside with your child proudly presenting their new creation.

“Papa, is this enough?” they ask, holding up a slightly uneven cup of flour. Xavier glances at it, his blue eyes soft with patience.

“A little more,” he murmurs, placing his hand over theirs to guide the pour. “Careful, not too much.”

They continue working together in silence, Xavier focused on making sure everything is perfect, while the child chatters excitedly about surprising you.

“I bet Mama’s going to love this!” they exclaim, cheeks dusted with flour. Xavier’s lips twitch into a small smile, his voice steady as ever.

“She’ll love it because you made it for her.”

Sylus: now we know this man can cook ..and if he could ..he would prepare an entire cuisine that would rival Michelin star restaurants…he can make it basic ..but we all know he won't..it ain't gonna be some cereal with milk and maybe an orange on the side..NAH ..he gonna be wide awake in the morning with your toddler bouncing all over him in the kitchen eager to help at all costs to give you what you deserve – like he would task your baby to give your favorite drink in the morning in a glass cup as he whisks eggs and butter together.

“Daddy, I think I made a mess,” she says, eyes wide with innocence.

Sylus smirks, wiping a streak of flour off her nose with his thumb. “It’s not a mess. It’s art,” he declares, glancing at the bowl of slightly lumpy batter.

She giggles again, bouncing on her toes. “Mommy likes art …right?”

“Yes, she does," Sylus says, his red eyes gleaming with amusement as he pulls the tray together. “But maybe next time, we’ll leave the drinks to me, alright?”

Zayne: …now zayne tho …zayne is a different story ..he always lets his actions speak louder than his words and this is no different like he doesn't need to tell you how much he appreciates you but the gentle way he guides your toddler as they cut fruit says everyyyythingggg — like he would let them take the lead and offering quiet encouragement as your baby carefully cuts another strawberry in half

They frown, concentrating hard as they carefully slice the strawberries, while Zayne watches quietly, offering the occasional word of encouragement. “You’re doing great,” he says, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he slices the melons beside them.

“Is Mama still sleeping?” they ask, their voice soft with excitement.

Zayne nods, his green eyes glowing with quiet pride. “She’ll be surprised when she sees what we’ve made.”

As they finish assembling the fruit salad, Zayne picks up the tray, balancing it carefully with one hand while resting the other on his child’s shoulder. “Ready?” he asks, and they nod eagerly.

When they walk into the room, your child bounces onto the bed, proudly holding up a forkful of fruit. “Mama, look! I helped!”

Zayne sits beside you, his voice low and warm as he says, “Happy Mother’s Day, love. We wanted to make this day special for you.”

Rafayel: …oh my lord ..rafayel ..listen you walk into that kitchen and it's gonna be mess …ur toddler still gonna be smiling in the corner all proud of themselves saying how much they love you and prepared you sum scramble eggs with toast— only for it to be burnt and half baked. Flour is everywhere…the fruits they planned to put together that your toddler suggested they should make a smiley face with the eggs as eyes?? …all over the place. But it doesn't mean the morning went to waste!? – the whole scenery is adorable and filled with affection that you bet Rafayel is still going to say it was made with love.

You wake up to the unmistakable sound of chaos coming from the kitchen. There’s laughter, the clatter of dishes, and... the smell of something burning? You sit up, rubbing your eyes, just as Rafayel strides into the room, a lazy grin on his face and your toddler trailing behind him, still beaming.

“Mama! We made you breakfast!” your toddler shouts, bouncing on their toes with excitement.

Rafayel raises an eyebrow, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. “Yeah, ‘breakfast’ might be a generous word for it.”

Consui random thoughts

[tinylilacbun]

Littlesister!reader who keeps begging jj to get her a bunny!! But his brother always says no to her until one day him and john b offers to reader a stuffed plushie bunny and she treats it like a real bunny :(( omg

Another Version Of A Pet

Pairing: brother!jj maybank x toddler!sister!reader

Warnings: just fluff

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ♡ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

"Pweaseeee!" You were pulling on JJ's shirt, giving him your best puppy eyes.

You have been asking and begging him to get you a pet bunny for days now, promising to always behave and take care of it yourself but JJ of course knows better than that from experience.

"You remember bubbles the fish?" He asks and you tilt your head confused.

"You mean the one you said swam away?" You furrow your brows and JJ mentally curses at him himself for bringing it up.

"Yeah...right. Nevermind. Kiddo, listen, you're too young to take such responsibility. A bunny is a lot of work." He tries to reason with you, hell he just manages to take care of you and doesn't have the heart to tell you another lie should another animal...die from neglect.

"M'gonna take care of it! I promise!" You whine.

He sighs, running a hand through his messy hair. "I'm sorry. But it's not up for discussion."

You frown sadly, detangling your hands from his shirt. "Otay...m'gonna go play outside." You mumble, your head hanging low as you walk outside, not acknowledging John b who just came back after running some errands.

"Hey, Maybank junior. You wanna- oh okay." He cuts himself off as you just walk past him and towards the hammock.

He turns to JJ with a raise of his eyebrow. "What's up with her?"

They both look in your direction, seeing you swaying in the hammock, watching you throw your small teddy in the air and catching it again. They look back at each other, smirking when the get the same idea.

"The same thing that's been goin' on for days. She wants a pet bunny and won't stop asking." He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You remember her fish?"

John B hisses, remembering the day they had to flush him down the toilet.

A few days later, after JJ mowed a lot of lawns or fixed cars he finally had enough money for a bunny plushie. He couldn't stand to see you so upset so he hopes that at least the plushie will make you a bit happier.

He got out of the store, plastic bag in hand as he jumps into the Twinkie with John B behind the wheel. "And?"

JJ pulls out the white stuffed bunny with a smile. "I just hope she likes it..." He mumbles and John B pats his shoulder.

"I have a good feeling, bro."

You are sitting in the living room of the Chateau watching a movie with Kie and Pope. They were asked by JJ to look out for you until he comes back from the 'doctor' as he told you.

As the screen door opens you just gave the boys a quick glance before focusing back on the tv. JJ moves to stand directly in front of it, holding the bag behind his back.

"I have a surprise for you, squirt." He grins and now you were paying attention to him, sitting up.

"Me?" You point at yourself. "What is it?"

He just tosses the bag onto your lap, watching in anticipation as you look into it. His smile widens when you gasp, quickly pulling out the bunny and holding it out to admire it.

"Is a bunny!" You squeal and all the pogues smile at your excitement. You jump off the couch and run over to hug JJ's legs tightly, the bunny clutched in your hand. "Fank you..."

Throughout the next week JJ notices how you treat your stuffed animal like an actual bunny, taking it with you everywhere, feeding it, letting it 'hop' around outside, and instead of a crate it would sleep on a pillow beside the bed you're both sharing at the Chateau.

"Not for that, kiddo." He rubs your back, glad that you're beyond happy and grateful for the gift he worked his ass off for. He would do anything for you.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ♡ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Taglist

For everything:

@my-river-lilly @pauntedblacknails @fanfictioniseverything @devilslilbabysblog @buckymydarlingangel @hallecarey1 @daybreakwinter @loveshineslikethesky @wandaslittlewhore @vase-of-lilies @white-wolf1940 @simpingbutch @mischiefsemimanaged @alina02 @teddybearsgrr @doozywoozy @angelbabydoll28 @glxwingrxse @lilymurphy03 @veryvaughnny @lokigirlszendaya @youngstarfishdinosaur @little--baby--bear @minideathgoddess @rach2602 @aagn360 @gh0stgurl @flourishandblotts-inc @fluffyblanketgecko @lovelyy-moonlight @yoruse @kissforvoid

For JJ:

@chiaraanatra

[woso-dreamzzz]

Melting Pot IV

McFoord x Child!Reader

Ruesha Littlejohn x Child!Reader

woso-dreamzzz Kids x Child!Reader (Kiddo)

Summary: Sports day with a bunch of hyper competitive people

"Ouch!"

Caitlin sighs, massaging her temples as she comes down the stairs.

It had already been a loaded morning, crammed full of everything and nothing at the same time.

"Stop it!"

She'd only been upstairs for a moment, separating Gremlin's kitten from your own.

They were two vastly different cats.

Gremlin's Spicy was angry, a walking ball of fuzz that leapt first and asked questions later. He was liable to throwing up hairballs while making eye contact and bringing in dead rats from the railroad tracks.

Your Baby was the opposite, a demure little lady who groomed herself all the time and took naps on your blanket. She craved affection and wound herself around ankles whenever anyone even so much as looked at her.

Two vastly different cats like their vastly different owners.

"Hey!" Katie snaps as Caitlin turns the corner," Gremlin, knock it off! Leave your sister alone!"

A very clear bite mark is on your wrist as you sob, curled up on Katie's lap as she struggles to get your sister's shoes on her feet.

"I've got her," Caitlin says, nudging her girlfriend away," Go and put Kiddo in the car."

Usually, a Saturday morning meant a chill day.

Sleeping until noon and having some brunch. Most of the time pancakes, sometimes waffles if Katie could be bothered to get out the waffle maker.

But today was Sports Day at the school so you were all up bright and early to make it there in time.

Caitlin already knew how this was going to go though.

Gremlin would get hyper competitive and most likely push someone over in her haste to win and you would linger at the back of your pack of peers with no hint of athletic ability in you.

Your little sister was much younger than you so she was separated with the other nursery age girls while you were included in your class.

"That wasn't very nice," Caitlin says as she slips the leash straps over Gremlin's shoulders," You know your sister is sensitive. Why did you bite her?"

Gremlin shrugs. "Dunno."

"Well, I think you should apologise."

"Dragons not say sorry!"

"And dragons don't exist," Caitlin replies, hoisting Gremlin up onto her hip," Maybe you should think about that."

You've stopped crying by the time you're all in the car, a few fingers in your mouth and the other hand out for Katie to hold during the drive, Gremlin's ring of teeth marks displayed so obviously.

"Sorry," Your sister mumbles to you, kicking the seat in front of her.

"For?" Katie prompts.

"Bitin' you."

You mumble your thanks through your fingers just as Caitlin pulls up in front of the school.

She can see a few of the parents she knows well heading into the gates.

Life working at the fire station tended to bond people.

Leah is corralling Bean inside while Jordan (who used to work at the fire station but left after one too many near death scares) crosses the street with their Bug. Lia, their constantly exasperated admin person, is crossing the street with her Guppy as well, joining up with the two of them with a smile.

"Alright," Katie says, turning to look back at her two daughters," Remember what I said about today?"

"It doesn't matter if we don't win because you'll still love us the same," You recite through a mouthful of your fingers and Katie smiles.

"That's exactly right."

You hold Mammy's hand as you all cross the road.

Mammy holds Caitlin's hand. You hold Mammy's. Your little sister holds yours.

She raises your wrist up to her mouth and you tense but all she does is give you a little kiss on the bite mark.

"Sorry," She says again.

"It's okay."

Gremlin smiles at you and you smile back,

"Hey," Katie says, swinging your joined arms," Ma's over there."

It wasn't your week with Rue but she's still come to your sports day and the only hint of athletic ability you possess is put into running over to her.

"Ma!" You cry and she hoists you into her arms instantly.

"Look at you! Looking good, kiddo!" Rue says, bouncing you up and down as you lean into her, breathing in her familiar smell. "You ready for today?"

Your stomach suddenly starts swirling a little.

You know Katie's views on your sports day performance. You don't know Rue's.

"I won't be very good," You say softly, barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to be good," Rue says decisively," Listen, I've got permission from your Mammy that after this is over, we can go to that fancy bakery you like and get some cakes before I take you back to her. Would that be nice?"

"And we can get cupcakes?"

"As many cupcakes as you like!"

Like you thought, you don't do overwhelmingly well at sports day.

You lag behind in the races and in the big jumping. You do fairly well at throwing the beanbags into the hula hoops but that's about it.

Sports day finishes with the sporty girls winning like everyone thought and a big barbecue to celebrate.

Your little sister eats a lot, Caitlin gets you cotton candy and your mothers even end up being civil.

"Caitlin," You say as your eyes rove around the school field," Why are the mummies and big sisters stretching?"

"Huh?"

Caitlin has a piece of beef hanging out of her mouth.

You point.

Over on the far end by the fence, Alexia and Jenni are stretching their legs. Leah is a few feet away doing the same. Alessia is jumping up and down a few times, warming up her muscles.

Even Katie is doing the same, chatting away to one of Bear's mummies.

"Well that's for the parent race."

"Parent race?"

"Uh-huh." Caitlin takes a wet napkin to Gremlin's face. "So the mummies can all race each other to see who's the best."

"But why?"

"Because adults can be competitive too. They get bragging rights."

That sounds...

Well it doesn't exactly sound weird.

Mammy and Caitlin work at the fire station together and you know all the firefighters there are super competitive with each other.

You didn't know that other adults were competitive too.

"Be careful, Magda," You hear one of Princesse's mummies say," You're not as fit as you used to be."

"Please," Princesse's other mummy scoffs," I'm not letting anyone beat me."

"If you pull a muscle, you get no sympathy from me."

You turn back to Caitlin in alarm. "Is Mammy going to hurt herself?"

"No...Probably not...Hopefully not."

That doesn't fill you with much confidence as Katie takes her place on the starting line.

It's carnage the moment the start is called as adults shove each other and get their legs tangled and fall to the ground in heaps.

Katie goes crashing into the ground in a heap with Leah, Steph and Lucy. Alexia and Jenni collide with each other and Irene. Mapi somehow trips over herself.

Against all odds, it seems, Duckie's mummy Jessie comes first.

Squish's mummy Frida is second and Conejita's mummy Caro ends up in third.

"Get off!" Katie says, shoving the pile of people off of her as you, Caitlin and Gremlin approach.

You crouch next to her.

"It's okay, Mammy," You say," You didn't have to win. I still love you the same."

[chaotic-toasters]

wHy wOulD yOu dO tHiS iN tHe LiViNg rOoM?

Caitlin Foord x Teen!Reader (Platonic)

TW: Alludes (mentions of?) to smut, no actual graphic descriptions or anything

Minors DNI just to be safe

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

"-No, of course not," you scoffed to your former teammate as you walked onto the driveway. "That's summin' Kyra would do, not me."

Jen smiled. "Well, you might do it if you're sleep deprived. You're nearly as crazy as Kyra when you don't get your rest."

You climbed the steps, pulling your key out of your pocket. "I take offense to that, Beats. No one likes being compared to Kyra, ever. Don't tell her I said tha-aUGH!"

You didn't know what you were expecting when you opened the door, but it was not your sister engaging in... sexual activities with your third captain.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" your hands flew up to cover your eyes as you stumbled about, hitting your back on the doorframe and falling over as Jen sat on the other end of the line, confused. "CAITLIN!"

The frantic rustling of clothing sounded out. "I-"

"wHy wOuLd yOu dO tHiS iN tHe LiViNg rOoM?" You shrieked, voice pitch rapidly changing as you shot to your feet. "YoUr liTtLe siStEr lIvEs wItH yOU!"

Caitlin's Aussie accent was thick with embarrassment. "Y/N, you said you wouldn't be home 'till tomorrow!"

You screamed, blindly sprinting out of the house, phone forgotten on the floor with your hands clawing at your eyes. You didn't even know where you were going, but you from the aggressive honking of cars, you'd crossed the street at least twice. Thankfully for you, your feet had brought you to a familiar house in St. Albans.

"KIM! KIM! KIIIIIM!" you sobbed, desperately banging on the wooden door as the earlier image lingered in your mind. "KIIII-HIII-HIM!"

Your captain yanked the door open, clad in old Arsenal sweats and a jumper. "What happened, Y/N? Are you alright?"

"Caitlin and and and Katie THEYAUAHAUHAUHLBLUHUUHUH!" You babbled, hands rubbing frantically at your eyes like someone had pepper-sprayed you in the face. "AUAHAABUHHUH!"

"Caitlin and Katie what, sweetheart?" Kim pulled you inside worriedly, moving you into a sitting position on the floor and joining you after closing the door. "I can't understand you."

"THEY WERE HAVING SE- SEH—"

Kim gently pried your hands from your eyes as you launched your face into her shoulder, lips pressed into a thin line. "Did you knock, kiddo?"

"THEY WERE IN THE LIVING ROOM!" you cried hysterically, shaking your head as you tried to shake the ghost image. "I DON'T 'WIKE IT!"

The Scot choked on her spit. "What?!"

As you screamed bloody murder into her shoulder, Kim reached for her phone, dialing your national team captain's number. "Steph? Can you and Leah go to Caitlin's flat? She and Katie need a stern talkin' to."

"Why?" you could hear the defender ask.

"They were doing it in the living room. Y/n's in bits."

"Put Y/N on the phone."

Kim obliged, holding the phone to your ear.

"Hey, kiddo—"

"THEY WERE DOING—THEY WERE— THEY AUHHAUGHH—" you cried again, struggling to free your hands from Kim's firm grasp. "I STILL SEE IT, I STILL SEE ITTT!"

Steph sighed. "We're on our way."

"Thanks, Steph, I'll talk to you later. Bye," Kim hung up the phone, wrapping you up in a tight hug as you squirmed. "It's okay, Y/N, it's okay."

You dug your face deeper into her shoulder with a whine. "I don't wanna go back there, Kimmy. I don't wanna."

She murmured her agreement. "You can stay in the spare room tonight, kiddo. I'll have Steph and Leah pick up some of your stuff, and we'll figure out the rest tomorrow."

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

"Hey, Y/N, how's it‐ why are your eyes so red?" Cloe questioned as she sat next to you in her own cubby, concerned. "Have you been crying?"

"Maybe," you answered hoarsely. "I don't know."

Steph whispered something into the Canadian's ear, your teammates eyes filling with surprise and pity. "Oof, sorry, kid."

"Me too, Cloe," you mumbled miserably. "Me too."

The last of the gunners filed into the changing room, your sister one of them. "Y/N, could you step outside so we ca—"

You screamed at the top of your lungs, jolting away and diving into Cloe's arms. "NO!"

"Give her time, Cait," Steph advised, directing her away from you. "You might've scarred her for life."

You sniffled in Cloe's comforting hold. "Why did you have to be the naked one?"

Katie shrugged apologetically. "She is a pillow princess."

You shrieked. "EWWW!"

What am I doing

[hysteria-things]

PHOTO ALBUM (part two)

read part one here

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: soft!dom chris x reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: when you and chris finally have alone time, you guys want to make the most of it.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: SMUT, fluff, swearing, p in v, sleepy sex, a little praising

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 715

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: the second part for @whoreforchrissturniolo request😜

marylou opens the front door and smiles wide, you and chris walking into his childhood home and placing the car seats on the ottoman. “how are you doing, sweetie?” she greets with a hug, chris unbuckling the twins so braeden and lydia can stretch.

“i’m doing good.” you reply. “just tired.”

“tell me about it,” she says lowly, chris coming to your side. his mother talks to the babies, taking both of them out of the seats and holding them in her arms. she is a pro.

“thank you again, mom. i’m sorry we keep coming over like this, especially when dad’s at work.”

she scoffs, refusing to take her eyes off of her grandchildren. “don’t be silly. go get rest; i got this.”

occasionally, you and chris would come over to his parent's house in the morning to have them watch the kiddos while you guys get some extra sleep. it helps tremendously, since the amount of sleep you guys get is about four hours.

because of the eye bags, it does look like you guys got punched in the face.

once you plop onto chris’s bed, you get under the covers and snuggle instantly, eyes already half closed. “your mom is a lifesaver.” you mumble.

he giggles, facing toward you and taking your hand to peck it. a peck leads to him kissing up your arm, then neck, then to him on top of you with your arms wrapped around his neck. your lips move in sync. it’s slow, but it’s full of need.

ever since the kids were born, you guys have not had time to have sex, which is understandable. right now, you guys are exhausted, but you can’t stop now.

he pulls away, groaning when you reach your hand into his pants and pump his base. “fuck.” he whispers, feeling him getting harder under your touch.

you hum when he pushes your hand away, untying both his and your bottoms before pulling them down. he goes in and kisses you again, this time inserting his tongue into your mouth.

soft moans and pants leave your mouths, keeping in the back of your heads to not be so loud. you guys are supposed to be asleep, after all.

gasping, you grab onto chris’s arms. you haven’t felt him in a very long time, so adjusting to the size again will be difficult. he leans to your ear, nibbling on your earlobe. “you’re taking it so well, baby. just a little more, okay?”

you whine, chris taking one of your hands and interlocking his fingers with it above your head. once he thrusts softly into you, your eyes flutter closed. you throw your head back, taking in what you haven’t felt in almost a year.

“damn,” he grunts, leaving kisses on your neck and collarbone. he missed this.

“you feel so good.” you whimper, gripping tighter onto his hand that’s holding yours. he moans in response, licking his lips to focus on how well you wrap around him.

you open your eyes, his already staring back at yours. your noses graze each other, mouths open wide with heavy pants escaping them. because it’s been forever, your orgasm already started to build.

his cock moves deep inside you, a high-pitched moan louder than the others falling past your lips before you cover them with your palm. clenching hard, chris’s hips jut. “you’re squeezing so fucking tight. is someone close? hm?”

“y-yes.” you exhale. “i need to cum so bad. i-i miss cumming around your cock.”

those words cause a groan, his hips moving slightly faster to also get to his climax. “sh-shit.” he stammers. “that’s right. cum around my dick like the good girl you are. there we go.”

legs trembling, you continue to moan as your release smears down his shaft. multiple grunts and ruts of the pelvis later, the feeling of chris’ cum oozing inside of you has you thanking god that you recently got back on birth control. you love the babies, but you certainly don’t need another one at the moment.

he lays at your side, arms wrapping around your waist and nuzzling deep into your back. you were tired before, but that got you guys falling asleep in seconds, enjoying the peace while listening to each other’s heartbeats.

𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭!

@bunbunbl0gs @lexisecretaccx @thy-mission @angelic-sturniolos111 @sophssturn @mattsneezing @janiellasblog @blahbel668 @meg-sturniolo @mattslolita @sturnbaby @imwetforyourmom @tillies33ssss @sturnifyed @mayhem-72 @ripmattitude @p1xieswrld @alorsxsturn @txssvx @sttzee @multiluvr @delilahprentiss @matthewsspecial @sturnolio-luvs @sturniolho @suga-daddy-69 @tworosesblackthorn @luckistar-posts @gnxosblog @junnniiieee07 @sturnioloslurps @tylerthecreatorsrealwife @flowerxbunnie @imaslut4kehlani @sturniolosandmoree @hertvgirl @whoreforchrissturniolo @sturniolotriplettoplover @stars4matt @freshsturns @loverrsposts @sturnlcvr @elliesturniolo1 @tpvmz @user283926392 @lalalands86 @sukiipjs @sturniologirl813 @leahrab @chrissturniolosslut @h3arts4harry @sturnioloblogs @creamoncreamoncream2 @luv4kozume @ivyyyyyysposts @mirxcle1 @iluvm4ttsturni0l0 @catalina-island @mbsbaby @mattsdollie @pinkfarts @slut4mattsturn @thesturniolos @vickeyzloserz @nononopenono1 @bitchydragonparadise @gdsvhtwa @hrt-attack @bellasfavbisexual @dwntwn-strnlo @venusbabysblog @meerkatzthings @crazychrisl0v3r @maggieflms @strtuniolo @mutualsafe @riasturns @sturniolowhore @antpile00 @ashley9282828 @stingerayyy2 @sturnsjtop

[unholyhelbig]

Part two of mafia nat???

Title: The Oversight [Part 2/7]

Ship: Female!Reader x Natasha Romanoff

Wordcount: 3079

Warnings: Hostage situation, brusing, mentions of child abuse, horrible grammar, and Quiznos

[a/n: Thank you all for the great response to the first chapter! I'm making this a thing, for sure!] Let me know if you're interested in being added to the taglist for this story!

[ Part one | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven ]

Main Masterlist | Read my stuff on AO3 | Leave Requests

“The usual, sweet girl.” You set the plate of pancakes down in front of Veronica. A happy face was painted against the golden surface with whipped cream, with cherries and two slices of bacon divided perfectly for hair. Your daughter never seemed to grow tired of the meal and would swallow down a glass of milk with just a bit of strawberry syrup.

Despite having completed the maze on the back of the kid’s menu at least a dozen times, she remained infatuated, kicking her feet back and forth as the orange crayon made its way through the boldened lines.

You tentatively moved a lock of brunette hair from her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. “Eat your food, kiddo. Big day tomorrow.”

Veronica nodded and started to fork down the smiling face. She didn’t speak much, a few words here and there, and that worried you enough to take the day off from work. You had found a speech therapist right outside of the city that accepted your HMO plan with enough fervor that you made the soonest appointment you could.

While you worked hard to shield Veronica from the life that you were determined to break away from, you were distressed. Kids were smart, they didn’t’ get enough credit. You were sure that she noticed the only meals she ate was at this diner and at school. The way that you were here all the time, dressed in the same uniform stained with ketchup and coffee. The way you fell asleep on the second-hand sofa for a few hours at a time.

“She your kid?”

While your back was turned, mind rushing with intrepid thoughts, someone had sidled up against the counter with an empty white mug, its mouth flipped to the ceiling. The blonde looked innocent enough, if not in despite need of the coffee she was asking for. Her accent was thick. Russian or Ukrainian, nothing you could fully place. 

“She is a very good artist.” She tapped her finger against the orange drawing of a sunset in the corner of the placemat. “A lot of talent in this one.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the compliment, picking up the coffee pot. The blonde nodded and smiled back as you poured her a cup. “She gets it from her father.”

While you weren’t entirely sure that was true, you did know that the talent wasn’t from you. You never had the artistic eye. Veronica, on the other hand, was a quiet force to be recon with when it came to art. Even at a young age, you knew whole-heartedly that she had a future in it if she stuck with it.

“That so?” The woman took a long sip of her coffee, not flinching at the heat. “She should keep going. It’s important to have something to hold onto.”

The memory flickered in our mind as you drifted in and out of consciousness. It could have been a day, or a week, and your heart ached just as fiercely for your daughter as it always had. She would be in safe hands for now, you were sure. Your sitter knew about your devoted love, your resilience to make sure that Ronnie was okay. You were all she had, and being tied to a chair until your muscles felt like jelly was not a good sign.

You weren’t sure what had pulled you out of a fitful sleep for a few moments, but there was a light squeeze on your shoulder. Your head shot back and collided with something. There was a soft grunt, and your inhale burned your lungs. When you blinked awake, there wasn’t complete darkness. A less harsh light had been turned on.

The blonde from the diner was standing in front of you, robbing a tender spot on the center of her nose. “Ouch, that really hurt!”

“Sorry, I-“ you frowned, snapping your mouth shut. You weren’t going to apologize. You were the one that had been kidnapped, not the other way around. “What’s happening?”

Natasha had left you without another word, and you hated the way you missed her presence. You’d drifted off in the quiet and considered it a better punishment than Clints vicious blows to the face. The girl in front of you held a bottle of water up as a peace offering.

She cracked open the top, and even if you weren’t quite sure if something was in it, you didn’t care at the moment. She guided it to your lips, and a few drops dripped over your chin. It cooled the burning in your throat.

“Thank you,” this time you meant it. Natasha had made it clear that there was no good cop, but this was starting to look like your reprieve. You tested your luck. “If they’re going to kill me, why hold me?”

“They are not going to kill you. Natasha is a cautious woman. She did not get to where she was without crossing a few lines. You claim that you’re not on drugs and my sister wants to make sure that is truthful. Can you blame her?”

From a technical standpoint- no, you couldn’t. You searched for some type of resemblance in the woman and came up with nothing but a slight similarity in the slope of her nose. She smiled, crossing her legs, and sitting back against the chair.  

“Let’s play twenty questions.”

You lifted an eyebrow, and it sent a shooting pain to your temple. “If I get one wrong, do you shoot me?”

She laughed, “No wrong answers. Can you believe that I want to get to know you? I’ll go first. My name is Yelena, and my favorite color is green. Forest green if you would like to get specific, which I would.”

“Dark red.” You said “I’m y/n.”

“Oh, I know. How long have you lived in the city?”

You rolled your shoulders back again. They were stiff. You’ve never been this uncomfortable in your life, and not just socially. There was a cool calmness about Yelena that put you at ease. Though, she was one of your kidnappers, and most-likely a member of the secret underground organization that had inexplicitly frequented the diner.

“My whole life. Not this part of town, though. East lower with my mom and my dad until my mom died and my dad got himself killed when I was seventeen.”

“Foster care?”

“For a year until I was old enough to be out on my own. I’m not going to let my daughter end up the same way. That was the hardest year of my life and if she loses me then… Her father isn’t around, but I’m afraid that going into the system would be best case scenario.”

“She’s six?” Yelena asked.

“And a half, but yes.”

“Non-verbal?”

You nodded again. This felt like a shitty game of twenty questions. Yelena already knew all the answers and you could still taste blood and the aching in your jaw. She tapped her fingers against her knee, uncrossing them and leaning forward.

The ceiling still stretched above you. There were rafters that you could barely make out in the darkness. You blinked so you wouldn’t cry. Still, when you spoke next, your words came out pinched and you couldn’t help but feel weak.

“The world is a horrible place, and the odds are already stacked against her, you know?” You sniffed to keep snot that you couldn’t wipe away from dripping onto your shirt already soiled with blood. “She’s a good kid. She’s funny, and smart, and I want her to have a life where she thinks everything is okay, even if there’s a possibility that it never is. Ronnie doesn’t need to know that. She doesn’t need to know.”

Yelena swallowed hard and nodded. She stood and closed the distance between you. Her hand was warm against you skin as she tentatively wiped away the moisture on your cheek. She gave you the rest of the water. “Okay. Drink.”

You were foolish to trust her. There was something in the water that was tasteless but rendered you unconscious all the same. You blinked awake, not sure how much time had passed. Your mind was swimming relentlessly, being forced in and out of lucidity had done nothing for your resolve.

Sunlight, something you thought you would never see again, flitted through an open window. A cooling summer breeze accompanied the sight. You’d been freed somewhere along the way, and your gratitude wasn’t lost on you.

Dark purple bruises encircled both of your wrists. Your whole body ached, and you let out a low moan at the sudden blinking movement. “Oh… fuck.”

“That’s a beautiful sound.”

Your back was pushed up against a dark oak bedframe, heels shoving you back. There was a lightheadedness swirling around you. A nice bedspread was underneath you, and the room itself was dripping in riches.

It was large with floor to ceiling windows, the walls slathered in deep maroon paint. There was a wall of bookshelves filled with expertly bound books. Two chairs and a small cocktail table was set up in a beam of sunlight.

Natasha held a crystal glass of unidentified alcohol in her hand. The ice floated within the deep brown liquid as if it were afraid to make a sound. She wore a suit, one that hugged her sides. Her lips were painted red to match the walls and she tapped her nail against the glass, observing you.

Her words sent a pang directly to your core, and that embarrassed you more than your exhaustion. Blood flooded into your cheeks and the very corner of Natasha’s lip twitched in response. She set her glass down on the table.

You recoiled as she rose and transplanted herself on the corner of the bed. She was gentle with her movements as if you were an animal that she was afraid to startle. Natasha had a tight hold on her operations. She was nothing more than a myth. Simply the boss.

Somehow, she scared you more now than she did before. When you were tied to the chair, you were certain that you were going to die. But now, in this royal-style room, you were filled with questions about why she let you live.

“I don’t make mistakes, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the people who work for me.” She was glaring at the design etched into the duvet, gold embroidery. Her perfectly manicured fingers thumbed the flower. “You were profiled, and you were profiled wrong. I don’t go after single mothers, especially ones that don’t keep certain… habits.”

There was a sinking feeling that you weren’t meant to speak. This was the delicate moment during a hostage situation where the robber has a gun pointed at your head, the finger on the trigger and a burlap sack of money in the opposite hand. Your words would do nothing but loosen the safety.

“This is being dealt with, believe me.” Natasha looked up at you, her eyes fierce, a beautiful fern color that bounded off the darkness of the walls. “But you must understand, y/n, I am not known for my kindness, and I am certainly not known for my mercy. You still took the money, and you still owe me.”   

You drew in a breath, opening your mouth to protest, but Natasha held up her hand and you snapped your jaw shut. There was a bit of amusement in her stare that you didn’t have the mental capacity to dissect.

“Yelena said that you know how to fight. Or, at the very least, take a hit. So, I’m not asking. I’m telling you that work for me until your debt is paid off.”

Natasha had gotten impossibly close to you. That same deep scent of mint filled your lungs. It wasn’t comforting, but it didn’t’ unsettle you anymore, and neither did her warmth. You winched when she reached up and grabbed your face, squeezing softer than Clint had, her nails still dug into soft bruising.

She whispered her words, breath hot on your lips. “You belong to me now, and I don’t always play nice.”

Natasha ‘not playing nice’ looked a lot like having a driver drop you off in front of your apartment without your shoes. The sidewalk was cold despite the hot day, and as you stared up at your unit, you swore that the curtains flickered. You blinked and squeezed the bridge of your nose immediately regretting it the second you felt the shooting pain reach your eardrums.

They had taken your keys, presumably to make copies, and the sweatpants that you were given were much too big around your waist. You had sinched them with a shoestring, just counting yourself lucky that they’d provided a change of clothes in the first place. Even the shirt was stained and had a logo on it for a defunct Quiznos in queens.

Your body threatened to give out as you took the stairs two at a time up to your apartment. You still didn’t’ have a grasp on how much time had passed, but it was evening when you left work, and the sun felt like a mid-day assault on your senses.

Frantically, you knocked on your neighbor’s door, wiping your sweaty palms against your pants. Natasha’s pants. More than likely- Clints pants. It took a few moments for the door to swing open, but when it did, you were flooded with relief.

Darcy had an eyebrow lifted at you. “Holy shit,”

You didn’t let her get another word in edgewise before you engulfed her in a hug. She let out a breath at the impact and after a few seconds, pulled you in closer. Darcy was a friend, someone you trusted enough to watch your daughter. There was a soft spot in your heart for her. You didn’t let go when she backed the two of you into the living room and let the door fall shut behind you.

“I was three seconds from calling the police, y/n.” she pulled back, squeezing your shoulders. “What happened to you?”

You were instructed on what to say, word for word. You’d repeated it twice to Natasha and once to the driver. Lying to Darcy, someone who was the equivalent of a lie detector. Her eyes were hard, her voice hushed.

“I got jumped by a couple of guys on the way out of the restaurant. I was stranded on the other side of town, no phone. I tried to get here as soon as possible but I got a little banged up. I’m okay, a little shaken, but okay.” You frowned, “What day is it?”

Your eyes searched the room for a clock, for anything that would give you indication, but Darcy, while one of the sweetest people you had ever met, was a bit scatter-brained. You trusted her with your daughter, and with your own life, but there were spare computer parts strung out across her coffee table, on the couch, and the television stand.

“Y/n, you’ve been gone for two days.” She lifted your chin with a curled finger, making a hissing noise as she sucked in a breath “Oh they got you good. You’re sure you don’t want to press charges?”

“More trouble than it’s worth.” You shrugged your shoulders. “I would love an icepack, though. If it’s not too much trouble.”

“I’ve got frozen peas and corn, dealers’ choice. Ronnie finally fell asleep; I kept telling her that nothing was wrong but she’s too preceptive for her own good sometimes.”

It was a bad move, but you gave Darcy a thankful squeeze on the shoulder and moved down the hall to the guest room.  It was the cleanest place in the house, reserved for visitors. Darcy still had zoomed in photos of computer chips. They were like little mazes without an escape, her personality shining through.

Veronica was laying on top of the duvet, curled up in a blanket that was typically strewn across the base of the bed. She wasn’t asleep, her tempered gray eyes flicking to the door and then lighting up when she realized that it was you. You leaned against the doorframe, warmth flooding you.

You wrapped her in a bone-crunching hug, squeezing her into you as if you never wanted to let her go. She smelled like Darcy’s shampoo, a light floral concoction that comforted you. Ronnie’s hand squeezing the fabric of your borrowed shirt.

“Hi, baby” you pulled back slightly, enough room for you to give her a kiss on the forehead, pushing back ringlets of curly hair. “I missed you.”

Her nose scrunched up and her little fingers ghosted so softly over the pulsing bruises on your face. You never wanted her to see you like this, for anyone to see you like this, but at the moment you didn’t care. Having her in your arms was enough to erase all of that doubt.

“It’s alright. I’m alright,” You assured, and she crunched her nose again. “Oh, you think I stink?”

You probably did. You’d been strapped to a chair for 48 hours, nearly vomiting up what little food you’d consumed the night of your abduction. You’d sweat through your clothes, and the borrowed ones weren’t much better in the scent department.

“Too bad, little one,” you poked at her sides, eliciting an infectious giggle. “You’re stuck with me, stink and all.”

You let yourself go slack against her, trapping her under one of your arms. Veronica playfully tried to shove you off and you let out a grunt at each attempt. Eventually her arms wrapped around yours and she settled into you.

Maybe some sleep wouldn’t do you bad. Your body was about to give out, and the only instructions you’d gotten from Natasha other than the white lie of your injuries, was to hang tight and heal until she contacted you, and she would contact you.

“I didn’t know which one you wanted, so I brought both.” Darcy said from the doorway. You mumbled into the pillow in response, nothing legible. “Oh, we’re cuddling, or is this a hostage situation?”

You winced internally at the words, but sighed contentedly when you felt the weight of the frozen vegetables against your shoulder blades. You melted into the pillows, the bed dipping down as Darcy laid on the other side of Ronnie, as you drifted off to sleep.

[Taglist🕷♡: @dumbasslesbi, @lostremind, @toocreativeforausername @autorasexy @eringranola @mikookaaaaaao @marvelwoman-simp @pacmanmiles @mostlymarvelsstuff]

[aspenmissing]

ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ

ᴠɪᴋᴛᴏʀ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ (ꜰᴇᴀᴛ. ᴊᴀʏᴄᴇ) || ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ || 6998 ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ || ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: ᴅᴏᴜʙᴛɪɴɢ ᴏɴᴇ'ꜱ ᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ

ʀᴇQᴜᴇꜱᴛ ᴀɴꜱᴡᴇʀ: @th3stup1dcat. ᴍʏ ᴅᴇᴀʀ ᴄᴀᴛ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ꜱᴏ ꜰᴜɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍꜰᴏʀᴛɪɢɴ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴡʀɪᴛᴇ (ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇʀ ꜱɪꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴀɴ ᴏʟᴅᴇʀ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ). ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴍᴀʏ ᴏʀ ᴍᴀʏ ɴᴏᴛ (ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ), ᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛꜱ :ᴅ <3 ᴀɴʏᴡᴀʏ, ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ

ᴘᴀʀᴛ 1 || ᴘᴀʀᴛ 2 || ᴘᴀʀᴛ 3

ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | ᴠɪᴋᴛᴏʀ | ᴇʟɪᴀꜱ | ᴀᴜʀᴇʟɪᴀ | ᴊᴀʏᴄᴇ

Elias had always been an energetic, curious child, and when his little sister Aurelia was born, he was overjoyed. He had been excited to be a big brother, ready to teach her everything he knew. He had spent weeks helping prepare her room, carefully selecting which of his old toys he thought she might like, and eagerly asking Viktor all sorts of questions about how babies worked. He had watched with wide, fascinated eyes when Aurelia first came home, unable to believe how tiny she was.

At first, everything was exciting. He loved sitting beside you as you rocked her to sleep, watching as Viktor hummed softly to her, his usually sharp and focused expression turning soft and full of warmth. Elias would proudly tell anyone who visited that he was a big brother now, and that it was his job to help keep Aurelia safe.

He loved showing her his toys, even if she was too little to play with them. He would sit beside her crib, explaining how each one worked, even if all she did was stare at him with wide, curious eyes. When she started to coo and babble, he would mimic her sounds, giggling when she responded. Viktor and you often watched with amusement as Elias took his self-assigned role as “big brother” very seriously, always eager to be involved in any way he could.

But as the months passed, something inside him started to feel different. He noticed how much time Mama and Tata spent with Aurelia—how they cooed over her, held her close, and soothed her when she cried. It wasn’t that they ignored him; they still read him bedtime stories, still let him help in the workshop, still hugged him tightly every night. But something was different, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that things had changed.

It started with small things. He would ask Viktor if they could work on a project together, and Viktor would say, "Later, Elias, I need to finish helping Mama with Aurelia." When he would run to you to show off a drawing he made, you would smile, tell him how wonderful it was—but then immediately turn back to the baby in your arms when she let out the smallest whimper. And sometimes, even when he wanted to crawl into bed between you both for extra cuddles, there was already a tiny bundle there, wrapped up safely in Viktor’s arms.

Elias tried not to let it bother him, but as time passed, the feeling of being left out grew heavier in his chest. He wasn’t sure how to explain it, but every time he saw you or Viktor holding Aurelia, he felt something squeeze inside him, like he was on the outside of something special.

=

One afternoon, when Viktor was in the workshop and you were rocking Aurelia to sleep, Elias found himself wandering over to Jayce’s place. He hadn't planned on going there, but his feet carried him anyway, his small hands balled into fists as he sniffled and tried his best not to cry.

His uncle was always happy to see him, greeting him with a grin and ruffling his hair before pulling him inside. “Hey there, kiddo,” Jayce said, crouching down to Elias’s level. “You look a little down. What’s up?”

Elias shuffled his feet, staring at the floor before finally mumbling, “Mama and Tata love Aurelia more than me.”

Jayce’s smile faded, and he gently lifted Elias onto the couch beside him. “Hey now, where’s this coming from?” he asked softly, his voice full of concern.

Elias hesitated before looking up at his uncle. “They always hold her, always talk to her, always take care of her. But I’m big now, so they don’t need me anymore.” His lower lip trembled, and he quickly rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, not wanting to cry.

Jayce let out a sigh, wrapping an arm around Elias’s shoulders. “Elias, that’s not true. Not even a little bit.” He paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Your Mama and Tata love you just as much as they always have. It’s just… babies need a lot of attention. Aurelia is tiny—she can’t do anything by herself yet. But that doesn’t mean they love you any less.”

Elias sniffled, leaning into Jayce’s side. “But it feels like they do.”

Jayce ruffled his hair again, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “I get it, kid. It’s hard when things change. But you know what? You’re still their little boy. You always will be. And I bet if you told them how you feel, they’d make sure you know just how important you are.”

Elias was quiet for a moment before finally nodding. “Okay.”

=

Later that night, when Viktor came to tuck him in, Elias hesitated before speaking up. “Tata?”

Viktor paused, tilting his head. “Ano, můj malý inženýr?” (Yes, my little engineer?)

Elias bit his lip, gathering his courage. “Do you and mama still love me?”

The question hit Viktor harder than any challenge he had faced in the lab. His heart clenched, and in an instant, he was gathering Elias into his arms. “Oh, Elias,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to his son’s hair. “Of course we love you. More than anything. That will never change.”

Elias clung to his father, burying his face in his shoulder. “It just feels like… you love Aurelia more.”

Viktor pulled back slightly, cupping Elias’s face in his hands. “Never. You and Aurelia are both our hearts, both our everything. But she is small, and she needs us more right now. That doesn’t mean we love you less.” He paused, his voice warm. “We love you just as much as before. Maybe even more, because now you’re a big brother too. And that’s a very important job.”

Elias sniffled but nodded slowly. “Really?”

Viktor smiled. “Really. And if you ever feel this way again, you tell me, alright?”

Elias nodded again, his tiny arms wrapping around Viktor’s neck in a tight hug. “Okay, Tata.”

When you came in and saw them like that, Viktor gave you a look that told you everything. You joined them, wrapping your son in your arms as well, reassuring him in soft, gentle words that he was always, always loved. You promised that even if Aurelia needed more care, it didn’t mean you had any less love for him. Love didn’t get divided—it only grew.

From that day on, things got a little easier. You and Viktor made sure to carve out special time just for Elias—working on small inventions together, reading stories before bed, and sneaking in extra hugs and cuddles. You let him help more with Aurelia, making him feel like an important part of the family. Slowly, Elias began to understand. His parents’ love hadn’t changed; it had only grown, just like their family had.

A few years passed, and soon, Aurelia was old enough to start school. Though she was eager to learn, the thought of being away from home—and away from her big brother—filled her with nervousness. At just three years old, she was still small, clinging to familiarity and routine. The idea of being in a place without Mama, Tata, or Elias made her stomach twist with unease.

The night before her first day, Aurelia refused to sleep, curled up beside Elias in his bed with her stuffed rabbit tucked under her chin. Her big brown eyes peeked up at him in the dim glow of his bedside lamp.

“Do I have to go?” she whispered, her voice tiny and unsure.

Elias, now eight years old, stretched out beside her, turning onto his side to face her. “Yeah, Lia. But it’s not bad. School is fun, I promise.”

Aurelia scrunched her nose. “What if it’s not?”

Elias reached over and lightly poked her cheek, making her giggle despite herself. “It will be. You’ll meet new friends, play games, and learn fun stuff. And when you come home, you can tell me all about it.”

She still didn’t look convinced. “But what if I miss you and Mama and Tata?”

Elias thought for a moment before sitting up. He reached over to his nightstand, grabbed something small, and pressed it into Aurelia’s little hands. “Here,” he said.

Aurelia uncurled her fingers, revealing a small, smooth stone—the same one Elias had found years ago in the park, the ‘treasure’ he had given to Tata to use in an invention.

“Tata let me keep it,” Elias explained. “It’s a good luck rock. So, if you ever feel scared or miss home, you can hold it and remember that I’m always here, okay?”

Aurelia ran her fingers over the stone, eyes wide with wonder. “You’re giving it to me?”

Elias nodded. “Just for school. You have to give it back when you’re big and brave.”

Aurelia grinned at that, clutching the stone close to her chest. “Okay.”

=

The next morning, Aurelia woke up early, excitement and nerves twisting in her little belly. She ate her breakfast in small bites, barely able to finish her toast. You and Viktor reassured her gently, helping her into her tiny backpack and tucking her hair behind her ears. Viktor kneeled beside her, adjusting the straps of her bag. “You are going to do amazing,moje malá hvězda.” (My Little Star)

Aurelia held onto her good luck rock tightly, nodding, but when it was finally time to leave, she hesitated, staring at the front door with big, uncertain eyes.

Elias, already dressed and ready for the day, grabbed her hand without hesitation. “Come on, Lia. I’ll take you.”

And so, the four of you walked together, with Elias leading Aurelia down the familiar streets, their small hands clasped tightly. You and Viktor followed just a few steps behind, watching them with soft smiles. The morning sun painted everything in a golden light, and the gentle breeze rustled the trees as Aurelia clutched Elias’s hand like a lifeline.

“She’s really growing up,” you murmured to Viktor, watching the way Aurelia’s little legs hurried to match Elias’s strides.

“They both are,” Viktor agreed, his gaze fond as he watched their children. “I'm just glad they aren't doing is alone”

Ahead of you, Elias was chatting animatedly, trying to distract Aurelia from her nerves. “You know, school has the best crayons. The big, fancy ones. And they have paint too! I bet you’ll get to make a picture to bring home.”

Aurelia perked up slightly. “Really?”

Elias nodded. “Yeah! And they have a snack time with juice. You like juice, right?”

Aurelia nodded, though she was still holding onto him tightly as they approached the nursery gates. The playground was full of other children, some laughing, some running around, but it felt big. Loud. Overwhelming.

Elias crouched beside her, his hand still holding hers. “See? It’s not so bad.”

Aurelia shook her head, her lip wobbling. “It’s too big. I wanna go home.”

Elias sighed dramatically, but his voice was patient. “Lia, you can’t go home yet. You haven’t even tried it. How about this—you go in, meet your teacher, and if you don’t like it, I’ll tell Mama and Tata you should be the first kid to quit school.”

Aurelia blinked at him, sniffling. “Really?”

Elias grinned. “No, but you can still try it.”

Aurelia clung tightly to Elias’s hand, her small fingers gripping onto him as though letting go would make the world too big to handle. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, his voice gentle. “It’s going to be okay, Lia. You’ll meet new friends, play fun games, and learn cool stuff. And guess what?”

She peeked up at him, eyes wide with uncertainty. “What?”

“If you ever feel scared, just think about how brave you already are,” Elias said confidently. “And if you ever get lost…” He bent down slightly so he was at her eye level, his expression serious but kind. “Then I’ll come find you. I promise.”

Aurelia sniffled, hesitating, but the warmth of Elias’s hand around hers made her feel just a little bit stronger.

She huffed but didn’t let go of him as a teacher approached them. “Aurelia?” the teacher greeted warmly, crouching slightly to her height. “Are you ready for your first day?”

Aurelia looked up at the teacher, then back at Elias, her fingers still gripping his hand like a lifeline. Slowly, she shook her head furiously, pressing herself against her brother’s side.

Elias sighed, but then he stood up straighter, taking her other hand so he was holding both. “Lia, remember your rock?”

Aurelia glanced down at the small stone in her palm.

“It means I’m always with you, right?” Elias reminded her. “Even when you’re in class.”

Aurelia looked at the rock, then up at him, then back at the teacher. She hesitated for another long moment before finally nodding, though she still held onto Elias for a few more seconds.

The teacher smiled. “Would you like to come inside and see the toys we have?”

Aurelia perked up slightly at the mention of toys, peeking around the teacher into the colourful classroom. There were books, puzzles, and building blocks, all waiting for her. Slowly, she let go of Elias’s hand, though she looked back at him one last time.

“You promise you’ll be here later?” she asked.

Elias gave her a thumbs-up. “I promise.”

With one last nervous glance, Aurelia took a deep breath, clutching the rock in her little fist as she followed the teacher inside.

You and Viktor watched as Elias lingered at the gate, waiting just a moment longer, his expression serious despite the pride in his eyes. He stayed until Aurelia disappeared into the building, then turned back to you both with a grin. “She’ll be fine, right?”

Viktor chuckled, ruffling Elias’s hair. “Of course, she will. She has you.”

And just as he had promised, when the school day ended, Elias was the first one standing outside the classroom door, waiting for his little sister with open arms and an encouraging smile. Because no matter what, he would always be there to hold her hand.

More years passed, and as Aurelia grew, so did her confidence. She became more independent, making friends easily and eagerly learning everything she could. But no matter how much she grew, one thing remained the same—Elias was always by her side.

By the time Elias was ten and Aurelia was five, their bond had only deepened. He walked her to school every morning, making sure she had her backpack, her lunch, and, on particularly nervous days, her good luck rock. He would help her with her homework in the afternoons, patiently explaining things while she doodled in the margins of her notebook.

On weekends, they spent hours in Viktor’s workshop, where Elias would tinker with gadgets while Aurelia watched with wide, fascinated eyes. As she got older, she began to help, eagerly holding tools for him or asking endless questions about how everything worked. Viktor often looked on with a knowing smile, watching as his children followed in his footsteps in their own way.

=

One evening, as they sat together on the floor of the workshop, Elias showed her how to put together a simple little wind-up toy. Aurelia, always eager to be like her Tata and big brother, listened carefully, her small hands mimicking his movements as she twisted tiny screws into place.

“You’re really good at this, Lia,” Elias praised as she completed the toy, watching it wobble forward on unsteady legs.

Aurelia beamed. “Maybe I’ll build something super big one day! Like a—like a robot!”

Elias chuckled. “You definitely will. And when you do, I’ll help.”

Aurelia looked up at him with admiration. “You’re the best at building stuff, Elias. One day, I wanna be as smart as you.”

Elias laughed, ruffling her hair. “You’re already smart, Lia. Maybe one day, you’ll be even smarter than me.”

Aurelia gasped dramatically. “No way.”

“Yes way,” Elias teased. “You’re gonna invent something amazing. I just know it.”

As they worked, Viktor sat at his own workbench, a soft smile on his face as he observed them. He adjusted his glasses, pausing his own project to watch as Aurelia carefully followed Elias’s instructions, her small fingers tightening a tiny screw with fierce concentration.

“She is learning fast,” Viktor murmured to you, his voice tinged with quiet pride. “She has steady hands already.”

You chuckled, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed as you took in the sight of your children working side by side. “Well, she’s got the best teachers.”

Viktor glanced at you, a knowing smirk on his lips. “Yes. That she does.”

Aurelia sat up straight, holding up her finished wind-up toy triumphantly. “I did it!” she exclaimed, her excitement filling the room. She wound the tiny key, and the toy wobbled forward, its tiny legs clicking along the surface of the workbench.

Elias cheered. “Look at that! You made it all by yourself.”

Viktor nodded approvingly, walking over and placing a gentle hand on Aurelia’s head. “Very good, moje malá hvězda,” he praised, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You are a natural.”

Aurelia beamed up at him, her chest puffed out with pride. “One day, I’ll build something even better than you and Uncle Jayce, Tata!”

Viktor chuckled, crouching slightly so they were eye-level. “Then I will be the proudest father in the world,” he said warmly.

You smiled, stepping forward to brush a stray lock of hair from Aurelia’s face. “You’re already making amazing things, sweetheart. And who knows? Maybe one day, you and Elias will build something together that changes the world.”

Aurelia turned to Elias, her eyes shining. “Would we, Elias?”

Elias grinned, nudging her shoulder. “Of course we will. Teamwork, right?”

“Teamwork!” Aurelia echoed excitedly, giving him a high five.

As the evening stretched on, the four of you stayed in the workshop, the comforting hum of machinery filling the air. Viktor continued working on his own project, occasionally glancing over to offer guidance to the children. You sat nearby, watching with quiet contentment, knowing that these moments—these evenings of laughter, learning, and love—were the foundation of something special.

Time passes and their bond remained unbreakable. When Elias (11) entered secondary school, Aurelia (6) worried about walking to school without him. She tried to be brave, but the first morning without her big brother by her side felt strange. As she hesitated at the gate, she heard her name being called and turned to see Elias waiting across the street, giving her a thumbs-up.

“Go on, Lia,” he called. “You’ve got this.”

With a deep breath, she nodded, gripping her backpack straps tightly before stepping forward.

That evening, Elias met her at the gate to walk her home, just like always. “See? You survived,” he teased.

“Barely,” Aurelia huffed. “School’s hard without you.”

Elias grinned. “You’ll get used to it.”

Over time, Aurelia grew bolder. She made more friends, joined clubs, and started exploring her own interests. Yet, no matter how much changed, she always turned to Elias first. Whether it was excitement over a new discovery or frustration over a difficult lesson, he was the one she ran to.

=

One evening, Aurelia came home with tears in her eyes, her school bag hanging limply from her shoulder. Viktor and you exchanged worried glances as she stormed past, her little face scrunched in frustration, her cheeks red from holding back sobs. She didn’t stop to explain, didn’t utter a word—she simply stomped down the hall and straight into Elias’s room, shutting the door behind her with a soft thud.

Elias, who had been lying on his bed reading, looked up in surprise. He watched as Aurelia flopped onto his bed, burying her face in his pillow with a dramatic groan.

“Uh, Lia?” Elias asked, setting his book aside and scooting closer.

A muffled voice responded, “School is stupid.”

Elias smirked, though concern flickered in his eyes. “That’s a new one,” he said, nudging her side gently. “What happened?”

Aurelia peeked up at him, her lower lip trembling. “Some kids were being mean,” she admitted, her voice quiet. “They said I was weird because I like machines and fixing things instead of dolls.”

Elias’s playful demeanour shifted instantly. His brows furrowed, and a flicker of protectiveness surged through him. “Who said that?”

Aurelia shrugged, rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. “It doesn’t matter.”

Elias sighed, sitting cross-legged beside her. He thought for a moment, then gently poked her arm. “Lia, you know what I think?”

She sniffled, her voice still thick with emotion. “What?”

“I think they’re just jealous because you’re smarter than them,” Elias said, flashing her a grin. “They don’t get to build cool stuff like you do.”

Aurelia let out a tiny giggle, though her shoulders still sagged. “Maybe.”

“Definitely.” Elias nudged her again, this time more playfully. “Besides, you don’t need to be like everyone else. That’d be boring. You’re awesome just the way you are.”

Aurelia sat up, rubbing at her eyes again, but this time, there was a spark of hope behind them. “Really?”

“Really,” Elias said firmly. “And if anyone ever bothers you again, you tell me, okay?”

Aurelia hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

There was a pause, then she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Elias blinked in surprise before chuckling and hugging her back, ruffling her hair affectionately.

“Thanks, Elias,” she murmured into his shirt.

“Anytime, shorty,” Elias teased, though his voice was full of warmth.

=

That night, before bed, Aurelia snuck into his room again, like she used to when she was younger. She curled up beside him under the covers, her stuffed rabbit tucked under her arm.

“You’re the best big brother,” she mumbled sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elias smiled, reaching over to adjust her blanket so she wouldn’t get cold. “And you’re the best little sister.”

He watched as her breathing slowed, her face finally peaceful after the long, frustrating day. He knew there would be more days like this—days where the world didn’t understand her the way he did.

Years continued to pass, and as they grew, their bond never wavered. No matter what challenges life threw at them, Elias and Aurelia remained each other’s constant, each other’s safe place.

When Aurelia was seven and Elias was twelve, he helped her with her very first science project for school. She had wanted to build a miniature wind turbine, inspired by something she had read in one of Viktor’s books. They spent an entire week in the workshop, gathering scraps, assembling tiny blades, and wiring the little motor together. Viktor supervised, offering gentle guidance, while you ensured they didn’t completely turn the workshop into a disaster zone. Jayce had popped in halfway through, fascinated by the project, and ended up staying longer than he intended, giving them ideas and jokingly acting as their "assistant."

=

On the day of the presentation, the entire family insisted on coming to watch. Viktor adjusted his coat, making sure it was neatly in place before stepping inside the school with you. Jayce, ever the enthusiastic uncle, carried a small celebratory treat—a bag of her favourite sweets—tucked into his pocket for after the event. Elias walked beside Aurelia, proudly carrying her project while she bounced with excitement.

The school auditorium was packed with students and parents. Colourful trifold boards lined the tables, each showcasing a different science experiment. There were volcano models, solar system dioramas, and chemical reaction demonstrations, but nothing stood out to Elias more than the small table at the front where Aurelia’s wind turbine was placed.

Aurelia fidgeted with her sleeves, eyes darting toward her family as they took their seats near the back. Viktor gave her a small nod of encouragement, and you flashed her a reassuring smile. Jayce, unable to contain his excitement, gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up, making her giggle despite her nerves.

Elias crouched beside her before the presentation started. “You’re gonna do great,” he whispered. “Just pretend you’re explaining it to me at home.”

Aurelia took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”

When it was finally her turn, she walked up to the front with confidence, placing her hands on either side of her project. She cleared her throat and began explaining, her voice small at first but growing stronger as she got into the details. She spoke about wind energy, how it worked, and why it was important. Then, with a flourish, she turned on the tiny turbine, and to everyone’s amazement, the small motor kicked into action, the blades spinning gracefully as they harnessed the energy from a small handheld fan she had set up beside it.

The audience clapped, but no one was louder than Jayce, who let out a low whistle, nudging Viktor. “She’s got the brains, no doubt about it.”

Viktor, watching his daughter with an expression of pure pride, simply murmured, “She certainly does.”

Elias, still standing at the back, was grinning ear to ear. He could see the excitement in Aurelia’s face, the way she lit up when her project worked perfectly. He had seen that expression before—on Viktor when he completed an invention, on himself when he made something he was proud of. It was the look of someone who loved what they did, and it filled him with nothing but pride for his little sister.

The teacher walked up to the microphone, smiling. “And now, for our first-place winner in the science fair—Aurelia!”

Aurelia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in shock before turning to look at her family. You clapped proudly, tears pricking the corners of your eyes, while Viktor gave a full smile, his chest swelling with pride. Jayce practically jumped out of his seat, nudging Elias. “Go on, go get her, champ.”

Before Aurelia could even fully process the moment, Elias had already closed the distance between them. She turned and launched herself into his arms, her tiny frame wrapping around him as he spun her around.

“I did it!” she squealed, her laughter ringing through the room.

Elias laughed with her, holding her tightly. “Of course, you did! You’re a genius!”

Viktor approached next, placing a firm but warm hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him with wide, excited eyes. “We are very proud of you, Aurelia,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “You worked hard, and it shows.”

Aurelia beamed, practically bouncing on her heels. “Tata, Mama, Uncle Jayce, did you see? It worked! The motor, the blades, everything!” Her excitement was infectious, her eyes gleaming with pride as she looked at her family.

Viktor nodded, his expression warm and full of pride. “Perfectly engineered. Just like I expected,” he said, his voice carrying the slightest hint of emotion. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. “You have truly outdone yourself."

You stepped forward, unable to hold back your own excitement as you pulled her into a tight hug. “You were amazing, sweetheart,” you murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “We are so, so proud of you.”

Jayce, never one to miss a moment, ruffled her hair with a wide grin. “Not bad, kiddo. At this rate, you might end up running circles around all of us one day.”

Aurelia giggled, straightening her shoulders with mock confidence. “That’s the plan!” she declared, tilting her chin up proudly.

As they made their way out of the school, Aurelia clutched her trophy close, chattering excitedly about all the other projects she wanted to build in the future. Elias listened, nodding along, already making a mental list of materials they’d need for their next big idea.

=

That evening, the entire family celebrated with a special dinner. Aurelia sat between Elias and Viktor, proudly recounting every detail of her presentation. She had never felt prouder, never felt more supported, and as she leaned against Elias, basking in the warmth of her family’s love, she knew one thing for certain—no matter how much time passed, no matter how many projects she built, she would always have them by her side.

By the time Elias was sixteen and Aurelia was eleven, their childhood had started to shift into something new. Elias had begun his internship at the academy, working alongside some of the greatest minds in their field, and Aurelia couldn’t have been prouder. The day he got accepted, she had nearly tackled him with a hug, bouncing excitedly in place.

“One day, I’m gonna work there too!” she declared, determination blazing in her eyes.

Elias smirked, ruffling her hair. “Oh yeah? Gonna show me up?”

Aurelia grinned. “Obviously.”

Even as their schedules got busier, as Elias had more responsibilities and Aurelia grew more independent, they always found time for each other. Whether it was late-night talks on the rooftop, weekend tinkering sessions in the workshop, or impromptu races down the streets, they made sure to stay connected.

=

Some nights, after a long day of working at the academy, Elias would come home exhausted, throwing himself onto the couch with a dramatic groan. Aurelia, sitting cross-legged on the floor working on her latest blueprint, would glance up and smirk. “Rough day, genius?”

Elias cracked an eye open. “You have no idea.”

Aurelia scooted closer, pulling out a notepad and scribbling something down. “Did you get to work on anything cool?”

He let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. “Yeah, but it’s different now. I’m not just tinkering for fun anymore. It’s real work, real expectations. I don’t get to just build things because I want to—I have deadlines, requirements. It’s… a lot.”

Aurelia nodded thoughtfully. “Do you still like it?”

Elias sat up, looking over at her with a small smile. “Yeah. I do. It’s just… different from what I imagined.” He tapped her notepad. “What about you? What’s your latest invention?”

Aurelia grinned, turning the page around to reveal a rough sketch of a mechanical bird with tiny gears and wings that looked like they could actually move. “A flying automaton. But I want it to be able to follow commands, not just fly randomly.”

Elias raised an eyebrow, impressed. “That’s ambitious.”

“I know,” she said proudly. “That’s why I need you to help me figure out the mechanism.”

Elias chuckled. “So that’s why you’re being so nice.”

Aurelia gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “I’m always nice to you!”

Elias scoffed. “You stole my last piece of bread this morning.”

Aurelia shrugged. “Survival of the fittest.”

Even as they bickered like any siblings would, there was never any doubt about their bond. Whenever Elias had a particularly rough day, he knew he could count on Aurelia to lift his spirits. Likewise, whenever Aurelia doubted herself or struggled with her own projects, Elias was always the first to remind her just how capable she was.

=

One evening, after an especially challenging week, Elias found Aurelia sitting on the rooftop, her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared out at the city. He knew that look—she was frustrated about something.

He sat down beside her, nudging her gently with his shoulder. “Alright, spill it.”

Aurelia sighed, resting her chin on her knees. “It’s just… I feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be as good as you or Tata.”

Elias frowned, tilting his head. “What are you talking about? You’re incredible.”

Aurelia shook her head. “I keep messing things up. My projects don’t work the way I want them to. I don’t get things as fast as you do.”

Elias was quiet for a moment before he leaned back on his hands, staring up at the night sky. The stars flickered above them, stretching endlessly, the same way their ambitions did. “You know, when I first started at the academy, I thought the same thing.”

Aurelia turned her head toward him, surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Elias admitted. “I was surrounded by all these brilliant minds, and I felt like I was barely keeping up. Some days, I thought they had made a mistake letting me in. But then I realized something—failure is just part of the process. Every mistake teaches you something.”

Aurelia sighed, playing with a loose thread on her sleeve. “I know that, but it’s still frustrating.”

Elias chuckled. “Of course it is. But you’ll get there, Lia. You’re already amazing. And one day, I bet you’ll be better than all of us.”

Aurelia smirked, though there was warmth in her eyes. “You just don’t want to admit I’m gonna surpass you.”

Elias grinned. “I’ll admit it when you prove it.”

Aurelia’s frustration melted into laughter, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, finding comfort in the familiarity of it. “Thanks, Elias.”

“Anytime, shorty.”

=

Later that night, as they returned inside, Viktor caught sight of them from his workbench. He didn’t say anything at first, simply watching as Aurelia playfully nudged Elias before running ahead, laughing. Elias rolled his eyes but followed, their bond evident in every movement.

Viktor turned to you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “They remind me of us,” he murmured.

You chuckled, leaning against him. “They do, don’t they?”

“They push each other forward,” Viktor continued, glancing down at the blueprints spread across his desk, ones that Elias had worked on, ones that Aurelia had excitedly scribbled her own ideas onto. “It is a good thing.”

You nodded. “They’ll always have each other.”

No matter how much time passed, no matter how many responsibilities came their way, one thing remained certain—Elias and Aurelia would always be each other’s biggest supporters.

At sixteen, Aurelia reached a milestone that she had dreamed of for years—she had been accepted into the academy. It was a moment she had worked tirelessly for, countless nights spent hunched over blueprints, endless trial and error with her inventions, pushing herself to learn more, to be more. And now, all that effort had finally paid off.

The acceptance letter arrived in the afternoon, delivered directly to their home. When she saw the academy’s insignia on the envelope, her heart nearly stopped. Hands trembling, she tore it open, scanning the words as her breath hitched.

Congratulations, Aurelia. We are pleased to inform you...

She didn’t even finish reading before she let out a loud squeal, bolting from the room. “I GOT IN!” she shouted, nearly tripping over herself as she ran to find her family.

Viktor and you were in the study when she burst in, waving the letter wildly in the air. “I GOT IN!” she repeated, out of breath, eyes shining with disbelief and excitement.

Viktor stood up immediately, his cane barely keeping up as he moved toward her. “What?” he asked, his voice softer but full of urgency.

“The academy! They accepted me!” Aurelia beamed, thrusting the letter into his hands.

Viktor’s eyes scanned the words carefully, and for a moment, he simply stared. Then, slowly, a proud smile stretched across his face. “moje malá hvězda” (My little star) he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You did it.”

Tears pricked at your eyes as you pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh, sweetheart, we are so, so proud of you.”

Before she could respond, heavy footsteps thundered down the hall. “What’s all the shouting—WAIT, DID YOU ACTUALLY GET IN?”

Jayce skidded into the room, eyes wide, looking between the letter in Viktor’s hands and Aurelia’s beaming face. “Of course I did!” she huffed, placing her hands on her hips. “Did you ever doubt me?”

Jayce let out a loud laugh, picking her up in a tight hug and spinning her around before setting her down. “You’re gonna be running that place in no time, kid!”

And then, before she could even turn, she was tackled into another hug—this one from a Elias.

“I knew it,” Elias murmured, arms wrapped tightly around her, his voice thick with emotion. “I knew you’d do it.”

Aurelia clung to him, squeezing back just as tightly. “I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

Elias pulled back just enough to smirk at her. “Well, yeah. Who else would have been your test subject for all those crazy inventions?”

Aurelia laughed, wiping at her eyes. “You love my inventions.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Elias teased before ruffling her hair. “But seriously, I’m so proud of you, Lia.”

=

That evening, the entire family celebrated. Viktor brought out a rare bottle of wine, something he had been saving for a special occasion, and Elias, now twenty-one, was finally allowed to share a proper toast. Aurelia, however, at only sixteen, was stuck with juice—at least, officially.

Jayce, ever the mischievous uncle, leaned over while Viktor and you were preoccupied, subtly sliding his glass toward Aurelia. “Go on, just a sip. A little celebratory drink never hurt anyone.”

Aurelia’s eyes widened with excitement, but she hesitated, glancing toward Viktor and you. “If Tata and Mama see—”

“They won’t,” Jayce assured her with a wink. “Just be cool about it.”

Elias, watching from across the table, snorted. “You’re the least subtle person in the world, Uncle Jayce. Tata and Mama absolutely see.”

Sure enough, Viktor had already turned his gaze toward them, one brow raised in silent warning. You, seated beside him, had your arms crossed, giving Jayce a knowing look. “Really, Jayce?” you said, exasperated but amused.

Jayce cleared his throat, pulling his glass back with an exaggerated innocence. “Right, right. Juice it is.”

Aurelia pouted but took it in stride, dramatically sighing as she lifted her glass of juice. “One day,” she muttered. “One day, I will get my moment.”

Viktor smirked, tapping the rim of his wine glass. “Not for another few years”

You reached over to ruffle Aurelia’s hair, laughing softly. “Enjoy your youth while you can, sweetheart.”

With that, the family finally made their proper toast. The house was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and warm congratulations, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.

=

Later, when the night had settled and the celebrations had quieted, Elias and Aurelia found themselves sitting on the rooftop, just like they always had. The sky was clear, the stars stretching endlessly above them, a familiar sight they had both grown up under. The cool night breeze carried the distant sounds of the city, but up there, it felt like they had their own world—just the two of them.

Aurelia sat with her knees tucked up to her chest, her acceptance letter still gripped in her hands. She stared at it for a long moment before letting out a soft breath. “It feels weird,” she admitted. “Actually being here, knowing it’s happening.”

Elias leaned back on his hands, glancing at her with an amused smile. “What, did you think they’d turn you down?”

She snorted. “No, I just… I don’t know. We used to talk about this like it was some far-off thing. Like ‘one day’ I’d get into the academy. And now ‘one day’ is today.”

Elias hummed thoughtfully, tilting his head back to look at the stars. “Yeah. We did a lot of dreaming up here, didn’t we?”

Aurelia smirked. “We still do.”

Elias chuckled, nudging her with his shoulder. “Guess that’s true.” He let the silence stretch between them for a moment before speaking again, this time quieter. “You know, you’re not the only one who’s realizing how fast time is moving.”

Aurelia turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I guess I didn’t really think about how much we’ve grown until today. I mean, you’re not that little kid anymore who needed me to walk her to school or fix her broken toys.” He smirked. “Now you’re fixing things better than me.”

Aurelia gave him a playful nudge. “I learned from the best.”

His smirk softened into something more thoughtful. “Yeah, but still. It’s weird, you know? Watching you go from that tiny, nervous kid who clung to my hand on her first day of school to… this.” He gestured to her acceptance letter. “You’re about to do something incredible, Lia.”

She looked down at the letter, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You always believed I would.”

“Of course I did.” Elias nudged her again. “You’re my little sister. I knew from the start that you’d be something amazing.”

Aurelia bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before she reached into her pocket. Slowly, she pulled out something small and smooth—the tiny, worn rock Elias had given her all those years ago on her first day of school. She turned it over in her palm before holding it out to him.

Elias blinked, looking at the rock, then at her. “Lia…”

She smiled, pressing it into his hand. “I think it’s time I give this back.”

Elias stared at it for a long moment before closing his fingers around it. “You sure?”

Aurelia nodded. “Yeah. I don’t need it anymore.” She grinned. “Besides, maybe you do. You know, in case you ever forget how great you are.”

Elias laughed, shaking his head, but there was something fond in his expression as he tucked the rock safely into his pocket. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget, shorty. But… thanks.”

Aurelia leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?”

Elias smiled, draping an arm around her shoulders. “Yeah. We have.”

And in that moment, under the vast expanse of the sky, it became clearer than ever—no matter where life took them, no matter how much changed, Elias and Aurelia would always be each other’s greatest supporters.

[leahsgirl]

homemade love | leah williamson x reader

why am i getting attached to a fake scenario i made up in my head i need help.

anyways happy valentine’s day & enjoy this blurb of pure fluff !

-

"do you want mamma to pour the flour or is wren doing it?" the blonde asked the nearly three year old next to her as she made sure to get the measurements right.

"wren do it!" taking the measuring cup that leah held out for her she dumped the contents in the bowl, being a little off target and some ending up on the counter instead. "good job beautiful."

leah had decided to surprise you, her fiancé, with breakfast in bed. it was valentines day after all and she loved to treat you in any way possible. she roped your daughter in of course, jumping at any opportunity to have the extra bonding time with her mini-me.

today was one of the rare instances where leah was actually awake before you considering it was often you having to pull the defender out of bed which was not an easy task could you just say.

"okay crack an egg into the mixture." she read from the cookbook open in front of her. "watch these skills kiddo." leah smirked as she took the egg and attempted to break it with one hand only for her to fail miserably and have the shell fall into the batter. wren giggled "silly mamma."

"shh don't tell anyone." she picked out the unwanted bits and booped her toddler's nose, leaving a flour mark on it.

eventually the pair finished the pancake mix after a quick flour fight and leah poured the mixture into the pan, flipping it with ease much to wrens amusement shown by her excited claps.

the skipper plated them up and let wren take control of the cream "okay! that's enough darlin." grabbing the bottle off of her after seeing what was practically a mountain of the whipped substance. finishing off the meal with a few strawberries and blueberries leah moved it all onto a tray.

"lets take this to mummy shall we?"

you stirred in your sleep as you felt a weight press onto your stomach. "mummy! mummy! wake up." the infant babbled as she continued to climb all over you.

"morning bubba." you gave her a weak smile while adjusting to the light coming through the window. "i made you bekfast!"

“oo did you now?”

"i'd say it was more a joint effort but i suppose she was the better chef." you looked up to see leah stood there with a goofy smile on her face holding a tray just above her waist.

"happy valentine's day baby." she placed the food down onto your lap, bending down and planting a sweet kiss on your lips.

"oh my, thank you guys." your heart swelled at the gesture - just picturing the behind the scenes you wished you were awake to see. "eat it?" wren who had now cuddled into your side looked up expectantly.

"hm i think wrenny should have first taste, considering she did make it after all." cutting a triangular piece out the stack you fed it to the young girl watching as her eyes lit up from the taste of sugar. "is it good?"

wren nodded vigorously and gave a thumbs up making both you and leah chuckle. you had to admit, they were good pancakes, almost too good considering leah's cooking history, she was by far not the designated chef of the family.

"wait hang on i forgot your present." leah suddenly realised as she dashed out of the room.

you look quizzically at your toddler "what's she got up her sleeve now?" only getting a shrug in return.

your fiancé now came back with her guitar she had been learning to play for a couple of months in her hand. "may i present to you ‘you are in love’ leah williamson version."

you couldn't help but laugh when you figured out what she was about to do. playing the chords to the song she began singing looking directly at you the whole time.

''cause you can hear it in the silence you can feel it on the way home you can see it with the lights out you are in love, true love you are in love'

you loved seeing leah like this; all cheesy and goofy, a complete 180 to how she was on the pitch. she may not be fully in tune but she did have a good voice that you could happily sit and listen to all day long.

wrapping the song up she took a bow as you and wren applauded her. "surprised it wasn't 'our song'." you say knowing how that was the older girl's favourite taylor song.

"thought i'd be a little spontaneous gorgeous." she winked as she now plonked herself on the bed so wren was in between the both of you.

"well i guess it's my turn now huh." rooting through your bedside table drawer. "i don't know if I'm going to beat the pancakes and serenades but here." you passed both wren and leah neatly wrapped gifts. "princess open yours first." you didn't have to tell wren twice before wrapping paper was flying everywhere revealing a baby doll wearing an arsenal shirt with the number 24 on it.

you looked at leah for any form of reaction but she clearly hadn't caught on yet simply sharing wrens excitement at the new toy "you can bring her to mummy and mamma's games."

"okay leah open yours." anticipation was bubbling inside the both of you.

the blondes mouth dropped open when she picked up the items at hand. "are ya serious?" doing a double take at the pregnancy scan photos and test she was holding in her hand. "it worked?"

nodding she rushed off the bed to your side, picking you up and twirling you around. "okay okay put me down! i don't want to start being sick before i have to."

she did as requested and held the scan right in front her face still in disbelief. "september 2024, twins.`' casually slipping it into conversation.

"fuck off." she said incredulously which earned her a glare off you, reminding her there is a child in the room.

"wren your going to be a big sister!" now shifting attention to her daughter - it being her turn to be picked up and bounced around.

"sister?" the little girl questioned. you pointed at your stomach "there's two babies in mummy's tummy." wren reached her small arms out to touch your belly "hello!"

"they can't talk yet love, they've gotta grow for a while in there, make sure they're strong and healthy just like you." the centre-back explained.

you smiled at the interaction. leah was such a good mum. you couldn't wait to make your family even bigger in a few months time. "good valentines day gift then?"

leah pulled you in to her side with her free arm. "the best. i love you." she pressed her lips onto yours, conveying every emotion possible. little laughs coming from the small body in the older girl's arms as she watched her grossly in love mothers.

"oh you find it funny when we kiss do you?" you quirked an eyebrow and watched as she nodded.

you pecked leah's mouth again..and again, hearing the giggles make a return.

"i think it's someone else's turn now." the defender smiled smugly and you quickly caught on, both bombarding your daughter with kisses on the face as she squealed happily.

god you loved your valentines.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Love That Burns ~ Ending 2 ~ Version 2 ~ Dad

LOVE THAT BURNS MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,840ish

Summary: Laura brings a guest over for dinner.

Notes: I hope you guys enjoy this! Please send in reactions!

Reminder: I DO NOT do taglists. Please don’t ask. Please follow and interact! I appreciate any reblogs, likes, comments, and asks!

“Baby?” Logan called as he entered your shared apartment, glad to be home after a long day of work. “Y/N?”

“In the bedroom!” You shouted.

Logan smirked as he made his way. He pushed the door open to see you folding laundry with your phone balanced between your cheek and ear. 

“Are you sure, kiddo? This is a big step,” you said to whoever you were talking to on the phone. 

Logan came over and wrapped his arms around you, pressing a kiss under your ear. “Who’s on the phone?” He whispered.

“Laura,” you whispered. “Oh, no, sorry. Lo just got home from work.” You paused to listen to Laura for a moment and laughed before glancing at Logan. “She says hello.”

Keeping one arm around you, Logan pulled the phone away from you and placed it against his own ear. “Hey, kid,” he greeted. “When are you coming over for a visit? Your mom has been missing you.”

“Actually, I was just talking to her about that,” Laura replied. “I’m coming over for dinner tomorrow and I’m bringing a friend.”

“A friend, huh? Does this friend have a name?”

“You’ll find out tomorrow.”

“Does your mom know who this is?”

“Yes, Logan.”

“And I’m not saying anything,” you comment, continuing to fold the laundry.

Logan huffed. “Fine,” he grumbled. “You two be that way.”

“See you tomorrow, Logan,” Laura said before hanging up.

Logan tossed the phone onto the bed before going back to holding you against him. “What are you both planning?”

“I promise it’s nothing bad,” you told him. “She just is bring a friend over.”

He scoffed. “A friend? Bet they’re sleeping together.”

“That’s none of our business.”

“I don’t like not knowing…” It was the truth, but especially when it came to you and Laura. Despite not being Laura’s father, he sure tried to be there for her like he was. He was careful not to step over any boundaries, but he wanted her to know he was there too. “I care for her too, ya know?”

You turned around and wrapped your arms around Logan’s neck. “I know you care. It’s one of the things I love about you.” You gave his lips a light peck, Logan chasing after your lips as you pulled away. “I need you home by four tomorrow to help with getting ready. Dinner’s at five.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He swiftly captured your lips with his. He pressed you close against him as he deepened the kiss.

When the two of you finally broke the kiss, you looked at him with a loving smile. One that Logan was sure could make him do anything you wanted. 

“How was your day, my love?” He wondered, always wanting to know that you were okay.

“It was a good day,” you replied. “I had lunch with Wade and Althea before Wade and I went to the store.”

“I’m sure he was helpful.”

“As helpful as a toddler.” The two of you laughed. “How was your day, babe?”

“Long,” Logan sighed, leaning into you more. “Glad to be home.”

“Hmm,” you hummed, getting an idea. You slowly moved your hands to Logan’s belt, undoing it. 

Logan smirked. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Rewarding you for your long day.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“What? You complaining?”

Logan pulled you closer, claiming your lips with a searing kiss. “Not at all, baby. Show me what you got.”

~~~

Logan came home from work the next day at lunch. The two of you teased each other as you worked together to clean the apartment and work on dinner. It was almost five and you were mixing a salad while Logan finished up setting the table. He looked over at you and smirked before coming up behind you. He slid his arms around you to hold you and buried his face in your neck.

You giggled. “Needy much?” 

“Can’t help myself, baby,” he mumbled against your skin. “You’re just so—“

Then, there was a knock at the door.

“Oh! She’s here!” You exclaimed. You turned your head and kissed his cheek. “Finish this, please Lo.” 

Then you hurried off to the door. Logan chuckled with a shake of his head as he finished putting together the salad. You threw open the door as fast as you could to see Laura. She stood on the other side, holding the hand of another young woman. 

“Mom,” Laura smiled as you, dropping the girl’s hand to hug you.

“Kiddo,” you greeted, eagerly hugging her back. “I’ve missed you so much!”

“I’ve missed you too, Mom.” Laura pulled away and took the girl’s hand again. 

“Come in you, two. Come in.” They stepped passed you, allowing you to shut the door. You turned around and examined the two. “Care to make introductions?”

“Oh, yeah, my bad. Mom, this is Cassie. Cassie, this is my mom.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, ma’am,” Cassie nervously greeted.

“Oh, please no formalities,” you waved her off. “Call me, Y/N. It’s so nice to meet you, Cassie.”

“You too.”

Logan came out of the kitchen to see Laura with her back turned to him, holding a girl’s hand. His teeth ground together, not because she was with another girl, but because Laura might be in a relationship and he didn’t know if you or him were ready for that yet. You caught his eye over Laura’s shoulder and shot him a smile. He came over and wrapped an arm around you, pulling you into his side.

“Now who do we have here?” Logan asked, studying the girl next to Laura.

“Cassie, this is Logan,” Laura introduced, “my dad.”

Logan’s breath immediately caught in his throat. Your eyes widened at the words that left Laura’s mouth.

“It’s nice to meet you, Logan,” Cassie said. “I’m a huge fan.”

“Uh,” Logan cleared his throat, his mind short circuiting, “yeah. I… I…”

“Why don’t you two go clean up and I’ll handle this?” You suggested. “We’ll just be a moment.” You pushed Logan towards the hallway. He stumbled down it.

“Sorry,” Laura whispered. “I didn’t think that would break him. I thought it would be the fact that I had a girlfriend.”

“A little warning next time you decide to drop two bombs, kiddo. You guys get eating. We’ll be back.”

You chased after Logan, who had found his way to your shared room and was sitting on the edge of the bed. You shut the door before walking over and dropping to your knees in front of him.

“She… she called me her dad…” Logan whispered, eyes focused on his hands. 

“She did,” you nodded.

“I’m not her father.”

“She knows that.”

“But I… But I would like to be… I consider her my kid in every sense. And I know I can’t replace her dad—your James—and I would never try… But I would be the best dad for her that I could be.”

Your hands fell to his knees. “You already are, Lo. You’re just what she needs.” You leaned up and kissed his forehead and then his nose. “We have to go out there. Our daughter is waiting for us with her girlfriend.”

“Our daughter,” Logan mumbled, seeing how it would roll of his tongue. “Our daughter has a girlfriend.”

You nodded. “She does. And they are both waiting at the table for us.”

“Well. Can’t let them wait any longer. Need to make sure that both of them understand that I will protect Laura at all costs.” You bit your lip, giving him a little smirk. “What?”

“Nothing,” you shrugged. “That was just… hot.”

“Yeah?” He teased, hands coming to your sides to pull you into him. 

“Yeah. I like when you get all protective.”

He pressed his lips to yours, savoring the moment between the two of you. 

“Mom!” Laura called. “Do you need any help?”

You pulled away from Logan. “No, sweetie!” You replied. “We’re coming!” You grabbed Logan’s hand and tugged. “Let’s go, big guy.”

~~~

Dinner went by with the four of you talking and laughing with ease. It was nice to get to know Cassie and to see the two of them together. After the food was gone, Logan leaned forward, hands clasped together. He was sitting across from Cassie and looked her in the eyes.

“Cassie, you seem like a nice girl, but I need to be very clear about something,” Logan started. “Laura is… well, she’s my daughter and I will protect her with everything I have. No matter who she chooses to date, I will be protective of her. She has been through enough heartbreak in her life. I need to know if it’s going to be the same here.”

“I’m not planning on breaking her heart, sir,” Cassie responded, not showing any signs of nervousness.

“Good. Now, you.” Logan looked over at Laura. “You need to make sure that you treat Cassie how you would want to be treated. Got it?”

“Yes, dad,” Laura whispered, in awe of the stance Logan was taking.

“Good. Now give me your plates and go sit on the couch. We can all—“

The door opened with a loud bang. “Little Wolf is over for dinner and none of you bothered to say anything!” Wade shouted. He looked at Laura and then to Cassie, doing that a few times. “Wait a second… Oh my gosh! Little Wolfie has a girlfriend!” He excitedly clapped as he skipped over. “Hi, I’m Uncle Deadpool.”

“Wade,” Logan said in a tone of warning.

“Wade,” you called over them all. “Why don’t I warm you up some food and you let the others move to the living room?”

“Right there with you, Buttercup!” He replied.

~~~

The five of you played a few games before Laura and Cassie decided it was time for them to go. 

“It was so nice to meet you,” you told Cassie, giving her a hug.

“You too,” she replied.

Then you moved over to Laura, hugging her tightly. “You know that I won’t hesitate to torch her if she hurts you, right?”

Laura laughed lightly. “Yes, mom,” she said. 

“I love you, sweetie.”

“Love you too, mom.” Laura pulled away and looked over at Logan. She stepped up to him and hugged him. Logan eagerly hugged back. “I love you, dad.”

Logan took a deep breath. Laura’s words filling a hole in his soul that he didn’t know needed to be filled. “I love you, too, kiddo.” He pressed a kiss to her head. “I’m here for you… whatever you need.”

“I know… thank you.”

The two were about to break the hug when Wade threw his arms around the two. “I just love our group hugs,” he said.

Logan and Laura shared a look and before Wade knew it, one of Laura’s feet blades were in his shin and Logan had three claws in Wade’s torso. You couldn’t help but laugh.

“Does this happen often?” Cassie asked you quietly.

“You’ll get used to it,” you replied. 

“Love you guys too,” Wade grunted in pain.

[andy-15-07]

Joel Miller x f!reader

You, Ellie and Joel were walking all the way to woods, took a break. Joel wants us to camp here. Ellie have her own tent. Look like you have to share with Joel on tent. Few moments later, in night time. It’s time for dinner. You have some supplement for foods in your bag, Joel help you out for everything. Frying the food then when the food is done. They are eating and talk a little. Joel look at you as you eat a little. After it’s done. Ellie gonna go back to her own tent to go to sleep. You going first just to go inside the tent. You gonna step to sleep, Joel turn around just a little talk to you. You turn to him as you in sleeping bag on tent with him. Joel wants to confess to you about his feelings. As he pinned you as you blushed, as you hold his cheek that you feel his feeling very strong and calm for this. As he lean a kiss to you passionately that he won’t forget. He will protect you and Ellie. Ellie literally peak a little bit back to sleep *fluffiness*

(Hope you will write it. Thanks and have a good day)

Campfire

Pairing: Joel Miller x female reader

Word Count: 999| Requests are open! (send requests, I will gladly answer them all)

Pedro Pascal Masterlist

The woods stretched far beyond what the eye could see, the towering trees casting long shadows as the sun began its descent. The three of you had been walking all day—Joel, Ellie, and you—through the overgrown wilderness, following an old path barely visible beneath layers of fallen leaves. When Joel finally called for a break, Ellie groaned in relief and threw her backpack down.

"Finally! Thought we were gonna walk ‘til my feet fell off," she muttered, flopping down onto a mossy patch of earth.

You chuckled, stretching your aching legs. "This seems like a good place to set up camp, doesn’t it?"

Joel, ever the cautious one, took a slow glance around before nodding. "Yeah. Looks clear. We’ll set up here."

Ellie wasted no time setting up her own tent, her movements practiced and efficient. Meanwhile, you rummaged through your backpack for the small bundle of supplies you had packed for dinner. As you pulled out a few cans and some seasonings, Joel stepped up beside you.

"Need help with that?" he asked, his deep voice low and rough.

You looked up at him and smiled. "Yeah. Could you get a fire going? I’ll start on dinner."

He nodded and got to work, gathering kindling while you prepped the food. Once the fire was crackling, Joel knelt beside you and helped cook, his hands steady as he held the frying pan over the flames. The sound of sizzling food filled the quiet clearing, and soon the rich, mouthwatering aroma spread through the air.

Ellie, of course, took notice immediately. "Damn, that smells good. What are we having?"

"Whatever we got," you replied with a smirk, stirring the contents of the pan. "Which, if I’m being honest, isn’t much. But it’ll do."

"Better than eating another stale granola bar," she mumbled, rubbing her stomach. "I swear I’m gonna turn into one if I keep eating ‘em."

Joel chuckled, shaking his head. "Eat up while it’s hot."

The three of you sat around the fire, plates in hand, eating in comfortable silence. Every now and then, you felt Joel’s gaze on you. It wasn’t the first time you’d caught him watching you, but tonight, something about it felt different. He wasn’t just observing—he was thinking, contemplating.

When dinner was finished, Ellie stretched her arms above her head with a yawn. "Alright, I’m tapping out. See you losers in the morning."

"Sleep tight, kiddo," Joel murmured as she trudged to her tent.

You, on the other hand, hesitated before standing. "I should turn in too. Long day tomorrow."

Joel gave a slow nod but said nothing, his eyes lingering on you as you made your way to the tent you were sharing. Crawling into your sleeping bag, you settled in, sighing at the warmth it provided against the chilly night air.

A few minutes passed before Joel entered. The tent was small, barely enough room for both of you, but somehow, it felt comforting to have him so close. He adjusted his sleeping bag, lying down with a tired groan.

For a while, silence stretched between you. Then, Joel cleared his throat. "You still awake?"

You turned your head toward him, your heart picking up just a little. "Yeah."

His voice was quieter now, softer. "I been thinkin’ ‘bout somethin’."

You propped yourself up on one elbow, watching him in the dim light. "What is it?"

Joel exhaled slowly, his fingers drumming lightly against his sleeping bag. Then, before you could react, he shifted, leaning over you, pinning you gently beneath him. Your breath hitched, heat rising to your cheeks as his intense brown eyes met yours.

"Joel—"

"Just listen," he murmured, his voice thick with something you couldn’t quite place—something deep and raw. "I know this world ain’t got room for things like this. Like us. But I can’t help it. I care about you, Y/N. More than I should."

Your pulse pounded in your ears. "Joel…"

"I ain’t good at this kinda thing," he admitted, shaking his head slightly. "But I need you to know—every time I look at you, every time you laugh or even just breathe near me, it feels like somethin’ I don’t deserve. But I’ll be damned if I let you go."

His words sent a rush of warmth through you, a feeling so strong it almost hurt. Slowly, you lifted a hand to his face, cupping his cheek. His stubble was rough under your fingers, but he leaned into your touch, closing his eyes for a brief moment, as if savoring it.

"Joel," you whispered, your heart aching. "You don’t have to say it if you’re not ready. But I feel it. I know."

He opened his eyes, something like relief flickering across his face. Then, before you could say anything else, he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a hesitant, almost desperate kiss. You melted into it, your hand slipping into his hair as he deepened the kiss, pouring every unspoken word, every bottled-up emotion into it.

When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours, his breathing uneven. "I’ll protect you, Y/N. You and Ellie. No matter what."

Your lips curled into a soft smile. "I know you will."

Outside the tent, there was a sudden rustle, followed by a very distinct, very familiar voice muttering, "Jesus Christ, finally."

Both you and Joel froze. Your eyes widened. "Ellie?!"

"I—uh—" There was a pause. "I was just checking to make sure you guys weren’t, y’know, dead. Or getting eaten by infected. But, uh… carry on."

Your face burned with embarrassment as you buried it in Joel’s shoulder. He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. "Go to sleep, Ellie."

"Yeah, yeah," she grumbled, her footsteps retreating to her own tent. "Just don’t be gross about it."

As silence settled once more, you and Joel exchanged amused glances. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you as you both finally let yourselves rest.

[megalomaniacz]

CRYBABY! - (E.W) PT4

pairing: mean/cruel ellie x sensitive/emotional reader.

synopsis: the song was one thing, but calling you up on stage?

a/n: none!

better keep your head down + give me a call if you ever get lonely

masterlist.

the paparazzi are everywhere, all snapping shots of you as you rush into the band’s car. ellie stops to talk with them, ignoring jesse and dina’s pleads for her to get in. the sounds of the excited fans and the paps priding questions ring in your ears.

“so that’s the girl that fucked up your face?”

“i wouldn’t say it’s fucked up. it’d take a lot to fuck this face up. i think i look pretty hot with a bloody nose anyway.”

“and the song you performed earlier today is about her? crybaby?”

“yes—“

“ellie, get in the fucking car.”

“—yes and i’m looking into getting it released soon.”

jesse hops out of the car, grabbing her by the arm and dragging her in. “shit, gotta go guys. it was amazing to see you all—“ is cut off by the door slamming. dina let’s out a heavy sigh and throws her head back.

“i should punch you too.” dina starts. it makes ellie chuckle and she looks over at you. “it’s enough for you to write the song and perform it, but to call her out and bring her up on stage afterwards? ellie, seriously, you’re fucking horrible.”

jesse interjects. “not to mention you doing that during one of our most important songs. you ruined the set i’ve been perfectly curating for months. for what? for fun?”

ellie doesn’t respond. she just stares at you. puffy eyes and pouty lips while you sniffle down your remains of sadness. it felt like this night couldn’t get any worse, and yet you knew when you got back to the hotel she’d somehow find a way to prove you wrong.

“if you wanna sleep in our room tonight it’s fine. i completely understand.” jesse whispers to you as he opens the trunk to grab the bags. you think about it for a moment before shaking your head. you don’t want dina and jesse to feel like they always have to babysit you around ellie. you can handle yourself. you proved that today when you socked her in the face.

“alright kiddo. let me know if you need anything, okay?” he smiles, leading everyone to the rooms.

when you and ellie make it to your room, you both say nothing to each other. you’re sure she’ll break the silence, though. she always does. maybe the silence is uncomfortable for her? or maybe she just likes to hear herself talk.

“you gonna eat something?” ellie chimes up as she sees you walking towards the bathroom. you just ignore her and wash yourself up. you can’t seem to pull your eyes away from your bruised knuckles, or the lingering drowsy feeling after you’d been crying. all you want to do is collapse into the couch and sleep.

when you’re all done, you grab a blanket from your bag and settle yourself onto the couch. then ellie comes over, sitting on your blanket.

“remember when i went to jail?”

you sigh. “get off my blanket. i’m tired i want to go to sleep.” you tug at it but she refuses to move. continuing what she’d previously been saying.

“jesse and dina were on a trip and i called you. you bailed me out.”

it was 4am when you got the call. eyes barely able to open wide enough to see your screen. when you answered your heart dropped. “jail? ellie what the fuck?” you frown. she laughs. “i know right. gotta put this in our next song.” even with her sarcasm and smart ass mouth you could hear how scared she was. and you couldn’t say no. why couldn’t you say no?

you shrug. “so? what does that have to do with anything?”

“remember when you said you never hated me?”

you nod but you were rethinking it all now. flexing your sore hand. looking down at your blanket that she’d decided to hold hostage. confusion written all over your face. you said you never hated her, but not that you’d never hate her.

“i didn’t write that song to be mean—“

you interrupt her with a chuckle. “then what the fuck was it for?”

she angrily gets up and rushes away. “fucking forget it.”

you stand up, throwing a couch pillow at her. “why are you such an asshole, williams? seriously. were you dropped on your head as a baby or something? why do you walk through life as if everybody has done something wrong to you? you’re the tragedy of the story? that’s just not the case.”

she grabs the pillow and rushes at you, hitting you over the head. “why don’t you hate me then, huh? if i’m so terrible why don’t you hate my fucking guts?”

an uncomfortable silence falls between you two. you, bewildered at her question, still finding it hard to believe she cares. failing to understand why it’s your opinion she cares so much about. her, anticipating your answer. on edge. wanting things to make sense. both of you staring at each other. breathing heavy. twisted faces.

you see the scared look in her eyes and you almost want to hold her. want to see her for what she truly is: scared. that’s why she’s always angry. because she’s scared. because she’s alone. because she didn’t mean to, but she’s run everyone away.

but her lip curls into an all knowing smirk. the kind that could only come from predicting your thoughts through your eyes. piercing into your soul to ping at the bit of empathy you had left in you. for her. for the girl who’s angry and scared and alone. the girl who called you onstage in front of a crowd of people to humiliate you.

the girl who embarrassed you at karaoke. turned a video of you drunk falling into a meme. pushes you off to the side so she can be in the middle of dina and jesse on the sidewalk. trips you if you aren’t paying attention. lies. fights. and fucks you over.

your face changes completely, and hers falls when she realizes.

“you’re pathetic. you’re sad and you’re sick. i can’t believe i trusted you. i can’t believe i had sex with you. fuck you.” you yell before storming off. leaving her there. all alone.

“so you’re starting a band?” you ask dina. she nods, smiling. “with jesse and a friend of ours. i can’t wait for you to see us perform. maybe you could come to one of our practices this weekend?”

“yeah, i’d love to meet your friend!”