#and the lady behind me went ‘isn’t he a cutie?’

[heavenbarnes]

PLEASE STAND BY: She’s not heavy, she’s my lover

Wanda Maximoff x female reader

Warning/Contains: spoilers for “WandaVision”, aspects of mind-control meaning reader isn’t truly consenting, parts of this don’t make sense and are designed to make you feel strange, cheating, pregnancy, fingering, riding,

Word Count: 2.2k

it’s the 70s now and we’re a lot more liberal w our love, we’re also starting to form some kind of idea as to what might be going on hmm...enjoy x

MASTERLIST

Things just were positively brighter these days, and you couldn’t put your finger on why. Each morning the sun shone a little stronger through the curtains, the birds chirped just that bit louder, your morning coffee just a bit sweeter.

Picking the fluff off your husband’s blazer, you moved to adjust his tie slightly, admiring the way the red stood out on his chest. “You really are so handsome.”

James’ cheeks pulled up in a smile, dipping in to press a kiss to your cheek as you beamed for him. “I’ve got to be, to keep up with my gorgeous wife!”

You giggled, a cherry sweet girlish lilt that made your eyes twinkle. Enjoying those last few moments before he left for work, you lent further into his woolen sweater as you felt the firm hold of his prosthetic hand.

“Do you really have to leave-”

“Oop, sorry, Wanda calling!” 

Both your heads turned up, looking to the front door to find your lovely little neighbor and her bright eyes. That sadness of seeing James’ off seemed to fade as you saw your friend, she seemed to replace the warmth that would’ve followed him out the door.

“Great timing, you can keep the missus company whilst I’m earning us money!” He gave you another kiss, before heading off to wherever he spent his time during the days.

Welcoming Wanda into your home, you couldn’t help but notice the thick woolen coat she had wrapped over her front. She looked like a cutie, you couldn’t doubt that, she actually looked like Paddington Bear. But the sun was beaming out there.

Narrowing your eyes you stepped around the couch towards her. “Whattya’ stashing, toots?”

“I’m only telling you cause I love you, and I know you love me, and you-”

“Spill the beans, chick.”

Rather than come out with it, she instead...well...came out with it. She flipped the sides of the coat back off her front and you were met with the round bump of her belly. Your eyes flew wide and mouth dropped a tad.

“Baby!” You cried, hands flying up around your head. “You’re having a baby!”

-

“Run me through what we have so far.”

“Approximately a week ago, Agent 19 entered the energy field surrounding the town of Westview, accompanied by Bucky Barnes. Since then, they have been cast as characters in a TV show created and seemingly controlled by Wanda Maximoff.”

“They went in with a mission, to find Maximoff and stop her, have they even made any progress?”

“From the looks of things, they’ve abandoned mission, whether they realize it or not.”

“So what are they doing in there?”

“Bucky spends most of his time ‘working’, Agent 19 isn’t normally seen without Wanda at her side. They spend a lot of time talking, sometimes dancing, not a whole lot else.”

“So she’s got her right there, but isn’t even doing the one thing we sent her in there for?”

“Sir, I don’t think she has a choice.”

-

Wanda’s hips rolled against yours as she sat perched in your lap, soft lips moving gently against your own as her hands found their way under your shirt. “You sure I don’t look too round?”

Giggling into her mouth, your hands came to grasp her breasts, resting their weight in your hands as she sighed for you. “I think you look positively radiant, like a stone cold fox.”

Pulling back gently, she caught you as you winked for her, still kneading the sensitive flesh in your fingers. Bracing her hands on your knees, she arched her back and pushed her chest further into your touch.

“I didn’t know you and Vision were trying for a baby, and I feel like I only saw you yester-”

‘I know, I know, it all happened so quickly.” She hurried you, shutting you up completely by lifting her shirt over her head and flinging it onto your bedroom floor.

It worked a treat, your mouth falling agape at the sight of her pert chest bared to you in all her glory. You immediately closed your lips around one of her nipples, the hard bud fitting nicely against your tongue as you sucked it further into your mouth.

Those sounds, those beautiful sounds that only she could make, they nearly drove you doggone wild. She felt apart to wonderfully in your hands, she fit so nicely against you making you truly believe that your souls were always meant to cross paths.

Your mind told you, looking at her glowing and luscious and so incredibly perfect, that there was never any other woman but her. It was in the way that it didn’t feel like you existed, until she was thinking about you. Like your day started when she needed you and ended once she’d fallen asleep.

The needy roll of her bare hips drew your eyes down to where she was leaving a wet patch on your flares, you drew your fingers down over the ridge of her belly and underneath where she was softest.

“Please, let me ride your fingers, I need it.”

A wild grin sparked in your eyes as you smiled up at her, more than willing to make her wish your command. Running two of your fingers along where she was parted, you collected the candy-sweet wetness that was pooling in her.

Bringing it up to her clit, you circled around it as her head tipped back with a wanton moan escaping her chest and parting the thick air that’d gathered around you. Slow and easy, you sunk those two fingers into her as she continued to roll her hips for you.

“You always feel better than I ever imagined,” Wanda cried out, fingers gripping your shoulders as she bounced against you. “All I could’ve hoped for.”

You let the kindness and passion of her words wash over you as you kept working your fingers inside her, stretching them out slightly and pulling forward with every motion of her hips. 

Moving your thumb around, you pressed it to her clit and slowly rolled it around as she continued to buck in your fingers. She looked monumental above you, the bedroom light glowing around her like an aura she exuded. Her long hair brushed down her back as she swayed into you.

She looked like your entire world, and at that moment, she was.

You felt her gripping your digits, hugging tight and sweet as she got herself off against you. Never before had you been so pleased to be a vessel for someone’s pleasure, you’d lay there flat on the bed and let her grind against you for hours if it made her happy and wet.

“Yes, I’m so close,” The whine that whistled through her teeth shocked you to the core. “You’re gonna’ make me lose it.”

And as if that was your plan, you sped up the roll of your thumb and the movement of your fingers until her nails were digging into the flesh of your shoulders and pulling your flush between her breasts.

Lips pursing and teeth nipping gently at the taught skin, you left kisses in your wake as she rode through the highs of pleasure centered between her thighs. Hand wrapped around your wrist, she drew your own hand from below and placed the two soaked fingers between your lips.

You smiled, humming in content as you tasted the most unforgettable sweetness, like something from dream state. “You’re everything, pretty girl.”

-

Spying it draped across the back of the couch as you greeted your husband, James’ eyes followed it as he hung his blazer on the coat rack. “Wanda leave that here?”

“Hmm, yes,” You picked it up and draped it over your arm. “I better go return it.”

“I’ll come with you, been meaning to ask Vision if I can borrow his hedge trimmer.”

Hand in hand you bridged the short gap down to their home, knocking a couple times on the door before you heard a soft “come in” from just inside. Slowly pushing open the door, your eyes immediately fixed on the two beautiful bundles in the living room.

“Twins!” You beamed, keeping your voice hushed as James’ followed you inside.

“Aren’t they sweet.” Wanda cast the most enamored gaze upon them, like life had never been better.

“Just the bees knees!”

Whilst your husband had gone to find the man of the house, you turned to the young lady who had also obviously come to offer best wishes to the new parents. “Hi there, I’m one of Wanda’s friends.”

Rather than return your smile, the girl went stark faced, eyes wide and brow just slightly furrowed. A tinge of confusion crossed your features, shrugging your shoulders in an attempt to get her to speak.

Shaking her head, a smile started to work up on her face. “I’m Geraldine, also one of Wanda’s friends.”

“Nice to meet you!”

“It- It sure is.”

She was odd, maybe she was shy? Nevertheless, you turned back to Wanda and placed a hand on her arm. “Let me find my husband and get out of your hair, leave you to enjoy your gorgeous babies.”

Geraldine followed you across the lounge room as you called out for James. She caught one of your wrists in her hand, making you twist your head back towards her. Expecting her to say something, you stood in wait with a signature kind smile across your lips.

Strange girl didn’t say a word, she just looked at you again with those worrisome eyes that you couldn’t quite place. “Sorry Geraldine, is there something I can-”

“She’s just new here, looking to make more friends, aren’t you?” Wanda filled you in from her place by her twins.

Nodding in understanding, you felt James’ presence as he came up behind you, hand on your arm to turn you away from the new guest. Reluctantly, she released your grip as you moved by, causing you to shoot your man a slightly perplexed glance.

He just shrugged his shoulders, closing the front door behind you both as you walked back up to your home. Herb was outside, using his own hedge trimmer as you both waved to him. He waved back, shouting a quick “hello” as the blade of his hedge trimmer started to slowly descend through the concrete wall.

Looping your arm through James’ prosthetic elbow you motioned towards the sight. “Pretty powerful motor, better be careful with that one of Vision’s.”

As you served your better-half his plate of meatloaf, he greatly accepted it, cutlery poised in his hands as he waited for you to sit with your own. Making a cheers with your wine glasses, you both took your bites of dinner before crossing knives and forks across your plates.

“That lass at the Vision’s place today was an oddball.” James’ remarked, leaning back in his chair.

“Hmm, I just think she was shy, though I wish she’d told me whatever she was thinking.”

James’ scrunched his nose slightly but nodded in agreement, nonetheless. You thought back to the young lady, how she’d seemingly looked frightened, they way she’d grabbed you. Letting it tick over in your mind, you saw the same kind of look on your husband’s face that you felt you were making.

“My love,” He started, pushing some broccoli around his plate. “Why do we never eat more than one bite of our dinner.”

Your eyes dropped from his to the plate in front of you, pushed slightly up the table and signaled as finished. Gently lifting your head, you let your eyes flicker around your dining room. To the window sills that never got dusty, the clock that never struck 12, the lightbulbs you’d never replaced.

“Where do you go in a day, when you go to work, what do you do?”

James’ smile faltered, eyes seeming to nearly well as it became harder for you to cheek the apples of your cheeks up. “I leave our front door and I- I feel like I wake up as I come back through it.”

Nodding in understanding, you felt the tear before you even knew it’d slipped onto your cheek. Bucky lent across the table and wiped it with his right thumb, the feel of his skin against yours grounding you for a moment.

“We haven’t got long, this means she’s thinking of us, she’ll know that we’re-”

“Hey, hey, I know,” He cooed, getting out of his seat and rounding the table to crouch beside you. “We’ll find our moment, but you just have to be strong, we cant show our fear-”

As you served your better-half his plate of meatloaf, he greatly accepted it, cutlery poised in his hands as he waited for you to sit with your own. Making a cheers with your wine glasses, you both took your bites of dinner before crossing knives and forks across your plates.

“Darling!” James sighed as he pushed his plate up the table. “Your meatloaf is my favorite!”

-

“God! They always get so close, I know they must be trying so hard.”

The television broadcast wavered slightly, seemingly weakening for a moment but still producing the bright technicolor.

“They’re two of the strongest and smartest we have, Wanda must be doing a number on them to reduce them to this.”

The electrical whirring of the old-fashioned set still sounded in the background as they got the same message.

“PLEASE STAND BY.”

[dizzydennis]

Sonic x Rouge Cover Story (Part 2)

Translator note: Thank you for checking out Part 2 of Rouge’s cover story. I have no idea why it was separated like this, but it’s fine in the end. I am not fluent in Japanese and I am still learning how to be a better translator. Please note that there will likely be mistakes in my work here, but I hope you enjoy the story. Also, I am busy with work and didn’t have the luxury of working on my laptop for this one. While riding a Shinkansen, I typed this out on my phone. If there are any mistakes, please forgive me.

Within the center of Eggman Land, there is a deep vertical hole deep in the ground that goes over 100 meters down.

This was the site of the “Gaia Temple.”

The temple, which once stood for the "healing" of this planet, was tucked into the underground of Eggman Land, but emerged during a big battle and is now sleeping deep in the depths of the planet.

At the bottom of this hole was a figure that landed silently. After looking around carefully, this person said in an overly satisfied tone:

"Huh. It seems that all those robots that gathered together to get Sonic. All for little ol’ me! ♪"

This person was Rouge the Bat. When she looked at the radar she was carrying she could see Sonic was a ways off; just as planned.

"Everybody should get a friendly little hedgehog friend!~"

It seemed certain that she pushed the enemy towards Sonic and to drive them as far away as possible. Then, on the contrary, Sonic was heading for this very spot.

Soon after reaching the deepest part of the tall rock spires of the temple, Rouge found a stone that was dimly shining through the darkness, picked it up, and gracefully pressed it against her cheek.

“I finally found you! And you’re just such a cutie!”

"... Who are you talking to and what are you saying?"

When asked from behind, Rouge looked blankly forward with the stone still on her cheek.

"Oh ...? Did you abandon your work? That’s pretty naughty, Sonic."

Rouge's expression, as she slowly looked back and asked, returned to her usual graceful smile.

“Well, I know you’re the worst kind of lady and I couldn't help it," Sonic answered with an obnoxious grin.

Knowing the location of the Chaos Emerald with the energy detector, Sonic noticed Rouge's plan to use him to allow her a chance to take the gem and so… he quickly showed up here.

The communicator that was informing her of his position would still be spinning on rotation.

"So, what are ya going to do with that Chaos Emerald?"

Rouge smiled and returned without any fear.

"Well, I was thinking that I’d bring it home … What do you say to that?"

Rouge continued, shifting her gaze from the ring on Sonic’s left hand to the Chaos Emerald.

“You’ll soon realize the value of a better gem when one comes around.”

With that said, she slammed a smoke bomb, that she took out from in-between her breasts, on the ground.

<< BANG! >> >>

The area was covered with white smoke.

"Hey! What about our deal earlier!?"

When Sonic shook off the smoke, Rouge had already grabbed on to a large escape balloon and was rising into the sky.

"... Well that takes care of that! My investigation has already ended ♪ You were very useful for the time being, so I will share my intel as promised. Eggman Land’s power restarted because of that seven-colored shooting star ... and the Chaos Emerald accidentally fell here. "

The setup was a little crazy, but Rouge got the Chaos Emerald anyway. She began talking to earn time to escape.

“Well look at that, the Gaia Temple that was previously here was also a power spot for the Chaos Emeralds, right? Perhaps because of that, it seems the underground temple responded to all that Chaos Energy and began to spread energy around the area.”

Sonic didn’t seem to move at all.

"Well, I gave it some thought... If I were to come down here then I might happen upon a Chaos Emerald myself.”

So that was it. Sonic began to speak back.

"OK, but the Chaos Emeralds don’t really belong to anyone. They’ve just been used by some of us when the world was really in a pinch.”

It didn’t matter to Rouge as she let out a soft, “But…"

"But what?"

“But… isn’t it just great to be able to dig in and steal it?”

The next moment Sonic grinned as he dashed towards Rouge.

"!?"

Sonic used the slopes of the rock pillars to spin dash into the sky. As he crossed by Rouge, he grabbed the Chaos Emerald right from her hand.”

"Oh! You thief!"

With a wink, Sonic fell to the bottom of the vertical hole with a huge smile across his face. Rouge was at a loss for words and swooped down to catch up to him!

<< RUMBLE ...! >> >>

Suddenly, all the lights in Eggman Land shut off and the planet shook violently.

A plethora of dazzling streaks of light rose from the very bottom of the vertical hole. The lights shot out in countless directions, and the entire place was engulfed with light once Sonic landed.

The five Chaos Emeralds that Sonic had in his possession started to shine brightly as if they were responding to the lights below.

"What is this......!?"

A glow returned to the darkened and drained Chaos Emeralds.

Maybe it's because five Chaos Emeralds were gathered in the same place where the Gaia Temple used to be. Perhaps it was because Sonic has a deep connection with the temple. Either way, some slumbering power had “found” the Chaos Emerald.

Rouge, who was watching this from the sky, was completely awestruck at such a beautiful scene.

Moreover, the darkness that has spread across the entire temple was washed out as huge particles of light seemed to cut out through the engravings along the side of the large hole. They became even more gorgeous as they shined in seven bright colors.

It looked like a fancy jewel placed on top of high quality black velvet fabric.

"...!"

Rouge glanced at its beauty with longing eyes as she let out a sigh.

For the realist that Rouge was: gems that are unobtainable are truly worthless. However, the hint of "better jewels" still being out there made Rouge happy.

... She could hear Sonic calling from far below her feet.

"Hey! Are you going to come back for it?”

Sonic was shouting with the Chaos Emerald in his hand. It was if he wasn’t going to put up a fight at all.

Of course, she wasn’t going to give up on this real jewel. Right now, no matter what went down in Eggman Land, people’s hearts don’t change. Rouge squinted her eyes and made a confident smile. She pretended to give up and assessed her chances for a surprise attack.

“Well… I lost. I don’t need a sneaky hedgehog’s emerald anyway! Besides—”

<< Crack ...! >> >>

As Rouge flew, the circumference of the hole began cracking apart as the planet shook again.

<< RUMBLE ...! >> >>

"What!? What’s happening this time!?”

A vertical hole that was originally struck in an unnatural shape ... I couldn't stand the torrent of light. The vertical hole couldn’t withstand the barrage of light. The buildings and attractions of Eggman Land fell as if they were caught in an avalanche. The whole thin collapsed.

...... Now’s the time to strike!

If Rouge could get off a surprise move now, she could possibly get all five of Sonic’s emeralds! However, Sonic was able to avoid a giant Eggman statue that had collapsed and fallen in. Sonic slipped back and fell into the smoke.

Sonic would be fine in a situation like this. Rouge, however, concentrated all of her cunning towards an overhead surprise attack once the smoke settled.

But then ...

"I'm sorry to have kept a lady waiting, but I can’t give much more of an apology, right? By the way, what were you trying to tell me earlier?"

Rouge was hearing Sonic's cocky voice from the communicator.

Rouge dropped her head in sadness. Sonic had already escaped. Also, his communicator must was very far away from where he was ... Rouge realized that it was impossible to catch up with him.

Really, this guy does every single thing he wants to, doesn’t he?

"It's so annoying. I now have nothing!"

Saying that, Rouge got rid of her communicator and let her escape balloon go too. She then angrily flew into the sky.

Sonic, on the other hand, almost instantly returned to his usual demeanor with a cheeky expression. Before running off, he left a last message on his communicator despite the fact that nobody would hear it.

"Well, Rouge. Did you enjoy yourself today?"

The night was soon erased by a wave of light. Morning had come to Eggman Land, the place for hopes and desire.

The amusement park, which welcomed two guests during its bustling night of resurrection had collapsed and fallen completely silent. Now, it seemed nothing more than a set of ruins. Casting a dark shadow onto the new morning.

With that in mind, Rouge, who ended up going home empty-handed, was flying in the sky with horrid thoughts in her mind. However, she suddenly went silent when she thought about the jewel of light she saw.

Even so, it was overwhelming. That unrealistic beauty it had... What if Rouge could just know how valuable it was?

"... Well, you’ll just have to find it for yourself then!"

"Motivation" is the "ideal jewel". Maybe there was some value in this, depending on how you think about it.

Let's leave things as they are. Rouge was in a good mood as these thoughts raced through her mind. She then flew off into the sunrise.

“I'll definitely get all the jewels I want anyway! All jewels in the world are my mine to keep! ♪”

[straynstay]

Changbin - Hybrid AU! (part II)

part I

here you are again buying a ticket for the circus

you barely slept after last night, the thrills of being a volunteer to a fire act still keeping the adrenaline running through your body

and, of course, him 

Spear B

you were excited to see what kind of fiery tricks he would pull off tonight since he promised you something special

as soon as you entered the tent, you sat on the second row in front of the stage

this time you wouldn’t hide yourself

kids and parents filled the place once more and you felt nervous

nervous to see his reaction once he spots you in the crowd

and nervous to see him again

you can’t deny that he bursted your heart’s doors and took a place in it in less than 24h

he was really impressive and mysterious, someone you’d like to know better

hopefully tonight you’ll be able to talk more

the lights suddenly went out and that same circus song began playing

funny how yesterday you were terrified of it, but now it made you excited because you know he is coming

the attractions were the same as the day before, nothing much changed except for the audience’s reactions

the kids were more hyped than yesterday, and you can’t deny you’re too

especially when the ringmaster appeared to announce the special act of the night

you can feel your own heartbeats resonating in your chest and your hands starting to get clammy

“ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages! You’ve laughed with our clowns, you’ve been thrilled by our acrobats, you were amazed by our jugglers…” the ringmaster spoke

“but now it’s time!” drum rolls filled the arena, just like it did yesterday

“it’s time to be mesmerized by our main attraction of the night!” the spotlight moved around the arena

oh lord… it’s now… he’s coming...

“brace yourselves because it's gonna get hot in here! Make some noise for Spear B!” the kids screamed their lungs out and you held your breath once he got on stage

he was so different, holy shit!

he had an undercut and his hair was styled to show his forehead

his right eyebrow had an X on it, which was quite charming, and he was wearing a tight red shirt

goddamn, you weren’t ready for this!

Spear B bowed to the crowd and as soon as he lift his head, the entire stage caught on fire

you were taken aback by the sudden heat, and the flames were so tall that you couldn’t even see him anymore

a hype song began playing and you saw some balls on fire moving in circular motion above all the flames

Spear B walked to the front of the stage, and you saw that he was juggling the balls amid the fire

the kids screamed, but you couldn’t do anything except to be mesmerized again by him

Spear B threw one ball at a time so high it almost reached the peak of the tent

when they all started to descend, he somehow created with his own mouth a thin stream of fire aimed directly at them and blew them up one by one like tiny fireworks

you smiled seeing his amazing pyrotechnic performance

you still had no idea how he did it, but it was absolutely extraordinary to witness it

he snapped his fingers and immediately the sleeves of his red shirt caught on fire

the flames quickly reached his shoulders, but with a strong clap of his hands he put out all the flames, including the ones that were still burning on the stage

the trick not only made his sleeves burn completely, but it also revealed the huge muscular arms you had no idea he had

geez… you’re twice as hot now

the lights suddenly went out and the song stopped

you held your breath once again, not knowing what to expect next

after about twenty seconds, a sudden brightness illuminated the arena, making your eyes shut involuntary

once you opened them again, you saw the same wooden target from yesterday, the same one that you were bound to while he threw spears on fire at you

but this time the edges of the target were lit up in flames

“and for Spear B’s last act, he had chosen a brave soul to come up on stage and be his victim” the ringmaster’s voice echoed through the arena

you smiled in the middle of all that hot craziness once his eyes found yours for the first time that night

he only motioned his head towards the stage and you already knew what to do

so you followed the staff and got up on stage once again with him

“ready?” he smiled and you felt your legs shaking seeing him so confident and so good looking and so, so close to you

you swear you felt heat radiating from his body

“yes” you answered trying to remain cool 

“yesterday you promised an unforgettable performance, so I’m counting on it” you provoked him

“don’t worry, Spear B never disappoints” he winked and you wish you could just grab him right here and now

but the staff came in and placed you safely on the wooden apparatus in the same Vitruvian Man position with your arms and legs wide open

you could feel the heat from the flames surrounding the target tingling your skin, and it made your heart beat faster

this was already different from the day before

you saw him picking up four spears and putting one on his right hand while the others he kept on his left hand

he turned his back to you and a staff came behind him while the crowd cheered loudly

you couldn’t quite see what they were doing, but as soon as he turned around again you regretted coming tonight

he was blindfolded

WHAT?!

“are you kidding me?” you asked almost screaming

“this isn’t even my final form” he mocked smiling, and it hurt to see that his smile was even more prettier with his eyes covered

the spear on his right hand caught on fire out of nowhere and you felt your stomach trying to get out of your body through your throat

but to make it even worse, you felt yourself moving

the staff was spinning the wooden circle with you attached on it

FREAKING HELL!!!!

you could only scream, even though you weren’t spinning too fast

the fact that you’re stuck with a blindfolded guy aiming a flaming spear in your direction made your life flash before your eyes

you led a beautiful, yet monotone life so far, but with no regrets

except for tonight

you shouldn’t have come back here

you’re so dead

you closed your eyes when the crowd began cheering

a loud thud was heard and your heart felt like it dropped to your belly

one down, three to go

Lord have mercy!

you pleaded silently, praying to the universe to allow this to finish soon

another thud and loud screams, but you were sure no one was screaming louder than you right now

you felt your consciousness slowly slipping away, this was taking too long for your liking

two more loud thud and the wooden target finally halted its movement

but you didn’t have enough courage to open your eyes

“give it up for Spear B!” the ringmaster shouted while the staff untied you from that wheel of hell

your legs were wobbling, but you were able to keep yourself straight with the help of the spears stuck on the target

when you slowly opened your eyes, you saw Spear B with his arms open in front of the crowd receiving his well deserved applauses

he took a few steps back, and out of the blue huge flames engulfed the stage again, just like he did in the beginning of his act

you shut your eyes quickly, afraid of the sudden fire so close to you

you also felt remarkably hot with drops of sweat running down your spine

“scared?” Spear B’s voice was soft near your ears

you opened your eyes and almost lost control of yourself

he was right in your face, protecting you with his body while the flames were still burning hot behind him and the circus song played loudly

it was overwhelming standing so close to him, especially with his huge arms next to your head and his taunting lips within your reach

“was this unforgettable enough for you or should I try again tomorrow?” Spear B gave you a smirk and you didn’t even know how to react, you felt like putty right now

“I’m sweating” was all you could say, and it made him laugh wholeheartedly

the flames on the stage disappeared once he snapped his fingers and could breath a little better now

“you still haven’t answered me” Spear B raised an eyebrow

“are you out of your mind?” you asked feeling all the rush of adrenaline hitting you at once

“YOU TIED ME UP, SPUN ME AROUND AND THREW SPEARS BLINDFOLDED ALL WHILE THIS THING CAUGHT ON FIRE” you screamed staring at him

you took a couple of deep breaths, using your back of your hand to wipe the sweat from your face

“so… I guess this is a yes?” you gave him an angry look, but his expression caught you off guard

he looked a little nervous, and even though you wanted to kick him for doing this without any heads up, you couldn’t actually blame him

you’re the one who accepted going on stage, and you’re the one that was expecting a mind-blowing performance from him

he delivered it, you can’t deny it, so you really didn’t have to be so mean to him

“I was just trying to impress you, I’m sorry” he apologized with his head down and your heart shattered like it was made of glass

“don’t apologize, you were great” you smiled a bit seeing his lifting his head to look at you

“you think so? I scared you” he placed his hands behind his back, and although his arms flexed lusciously, the fear in his gaze was all you could focus on

he asked you if you were scared, but now you know he’s the scared one

“you didn’t scare me, you just took me by surprise, that’s all” you gave him a comforting smile and he nodded, seeming to regain his confidence back

“may I know your name or should I just call you Spear B?”

“my name’s Changbin, but you can call me cutie if you want to”

“Changbin is fine” you laughed

“Then I’ll call you cutie” he winked, making you blush a little

“this is my first time visiting your city, can you show me around?” Changbin asked

“is this your smooth way to ask me on a date?” you teased

“it was just my way of asking you out, I know it wasn’t smooth at all” he placed his right hand behind his neck and let out an awkward laugh

“it wasn’t, but I liked it” you replied “this is a small town, but I can show you some fun places”

“I’ll get changed real quick and be back, you can wait me outside” Changbin said cheerfully and ran backstage

you laughed at the situation and got off the stage

you didn’t even noticed everyone was gone because Changbin fogged your mind with his presence

you went outside and sighed in relief after breathing the fresh night breeze

there were still some children with their parents taking pictures and chatting with the hybrid performers, and you thought of Changbin

he was able to play with fire so easily, but was he also a hybrid?

there were no records of hybrids that can control fire, so what was he?

“psst” you turned your head to see Changbin’s head peeking from a small spot near the tent and you smiled walking towards him

“shall we?” Changbin put on a black cap matching the rest of his black outfit

he was just in regular loose clothes, but he looked so good it was unfair

the two of you began walking away from the tent, bodies so close that your hands were slightly rubbing together

after a small silence, you decided to speak

“I’m sorry if this sounds rude, but I need to ask… what are you?”

“I’m a hybrid” Changbin told you

“yeah, I figured that out” you replied “but I still don’t know what kind of hybrid you are”

“can’t you tell?” he opened his arms so you could take a better look at him

damn, he was fine

“no, I mean.. you look like a normal human being”

“no, I look like a hot human being” yeah, you couldn’t deny it

“and how are hot human beings created?” you asked raising your eyebrow

“crossbreeding with fire-breathing dragons, cutie” he winked

“what?!” you laughed aloud in the middle of the street, he was totally messing with you

“c’mon, please, I need to know, I’m dying of curiosity”

“I’m serious” he said laughing as well

“ah, stop it” you lightly pushed him to the side and continued walking

“why do you think I can control fire?”

“dragons are mythical creatures, they don’t exist” you stated

“tell science that”

“then how? how are you possible?” you pointed at him

“my grandpa was an experiment, his lab was trying to create legendary hybrids for selected people to own”

“the scientists somehow managed to encode a fire ability into a lizard-like gene and ta-da! my grandpa was created”

to say you were in shock was an understatement, but he continued explaining anyways

“my grandpa was the only one who survived, his brothers and sisters all had weird mutations and faced horrible deaths”

“but he didn’t show any signs of being a hybrid, he wasn’t immune to fire, he couldn’t control it, he didn’t have scales, he just looked like a normal boy”

“and that’s why the scientists tried to kill him, cause he was flawed and reminded them of their failure, but luckily he managed to escape and found refuge in the circus”

“he was just a regular juggler until puberty came, then black scales grew on his torso, arms, and neck, fire could not harm him and he could not only control fire but produce it as well”

“then my grandpa knew the lab had succeeded creating a dragon hybrid, but they never knew”

“he became the main attraction of the circus and everyone everywhere came to see him. Some people even tried to buy him, but the circus is a huge family and we don’t sell our own”

“he made a lot of money and the circus was thriving, those were happy days as they tell me”

“my grandpa met my grandma, they had my mom, but she didn’t had the dragon gene”

“my grandpa was disappointed that he couldn't pass on his abilities, until baby Changbin was born” you laughed of the way he said this

“I mean, I didn’t come out of my mom’s womb spitting fire, but I was never burnt, so my grandpa thought that I must be special like him, and he was right, but we only found it when I hit puberty as well”

“yeah, I’m a man now, you can tell that, right?” he wiggled his eyebrows making you laugh again

“my grandpa taught me all the tricks he knew and here I am, trying my best to build my legacy as a legendary hybrid too”

wow… you’d never guess this is his family’s story

“is your grandpa alive?” you asked

“yeah, and he’s still performing” he smiled proudly “he’s with the main circus in another town, this circus is actually a side one, he says I need to practice in front of people and there’s no better way to practice if not in front of someone special”

“you didn’t practice in front of me, you practiced with me” you laughed

“but I did alright, didn’t I?”

“yeah, you did” you gave him a fond smile

“here we are” you smiled seeing the bright neon plaque of the only ice cream parlour in your town

you both got inside, and since the owner knew you too well, he promptly began preparing your order

“this is really small, but I swear they have amazing flavors” you said “but if you want to stick to the traditional ones, they have it too”

“here you go” the owner handed you the single scoop of chocolate ice cream with melted chocolate on top and your mouth watered

“thank you, can you put it in the tab, please?”

“I can pay” Changbin reached for his back pocket, but you stopped him

“it’s okay, I have an open tab here, I’m a regular” you explained

“you won’t have anything?” you asked already tasting your ice cream

“no, I’m cool” Changbin quickly replied “can we…?” he pointed outside and you nodded, even though you thought his behavior was a bit odd

you both resumed walking and you began sharing with him some funny stories about the ice cream place 

“I’ve never had ice cream” Changbin confessed unexpectedly and you stopped on your tracks

“why not?!” you were confused

“it’s too cold, I can’t eat it”

“really?”

“yeah, it hurts if I drink, eat or stand too close to something extremely cold” Changbin sounded a bit disappointed

now it made sense why he was so eager to leave the ice cream parlour, he wasn’t feeling well

“so you have no idea what is like to have ice cream? seriously?” he nodded

you had to show him somehow what ice cream tastes like, so you got closer to him, holding his neck tightly and pressing your cold lips on his

Changbin let out a bit of smoke through his nostrils, making you laugh and breaking the sweet kiss

“I was just regulating my body temperature” his cheeks were reddened

“I’ll take that as a compliment” you smiled

he licked his lips and smiled too

“chocolate ice cream is really good, by the way” Changbin said “but now I wonder what strawberry ice cream tastes like”

“why don’t we find out?” you smiled even more, intertwining your fingers with Changbin’s, pulling him back to the ice cream shop

thankfully, there were many flavors for you to show him tonight

[thefallennightmare]

Hard to Love [21/21]

Pairings: Chris Evans x Reader

Words: 1621

Warnings: this story will have mentions of abuse, mental and physical so please read at your own risk. Some swearing, angst, and a good amount of fluff. Maybe some smut if I'm feeling frisky.

Summary: After moving to a new town all on her own, Reader would do anything for a stable job and income. Even if that means housekeeping for one of Boston's eligible bachelors. What she didn't expect was finding herself falling in love with him and finding him out about the past that she was running from.

A/N: I cannot believe the ending is here. I also cannot thank you enough for all the love that you guys have gave this series. I really do appreciate it and love seeing all the comments! Your words of encouragement are what kept me going for this story. I’m so so sad it’s done. 

Lets finish this story with a happy ending! 

Tags: @kelbabyblue @patzammit @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss @jennmurawski13 @divadinag @cosmicbreathe @thevelvetseries @capstopavenger @chris-butt @denisemarieangelina @im-a-stranger-thing @jennamarieee623 @introvertedmouse @lharrietg @thejemersoninferno  @breezykpop @instantbasementtimetravel @rodgersteves @michaelscotfield-blog1 @40srogcrs @wonderingshawn @bellaireland1981 @katelyneannxo @lady-x-red @sare-bare93-blog @annmariek8​ @raabrakha​ @stxvercgersslut​

ONE YEAR LATER

“Where’s my cutie pie?!” I shouted, entering the home. 

Four feet trotted down the long hallway from the kitchen to the living room where I stood, hanging up my jacket and bag. Bending at the knees, I allowed all of the kisses and whines of happiness, scratching the furry ears. 

“How’s Dodger doing today?” I cooed. 

He followed me into the kitchen as I searched the fridge for something to ease my stomach. Munching on a piece of cheese, I checked my phone and saw a new message from Chris. 

I’ll be home in a few hours. I’m sorry baby, I didn’t think these interviews would take so long. 

Don’t be sorry! I’ll wait up for you xx. 

The last year, I had grown incredibly; putting everything that happened to me in the past, locking it away. The scars still remained on my body but I never let it affect me. Chris would always make sure he showed extra love to them, telling me that he loved the way I look. 

The first time Chris had to leave for work was a couple of months after everything and it was hard to get adjusted to sleeping in the bed alone but Dodger was the best replacement, keeping me safe every night. Chris tried to turn down movie roles but I quickly shot that down. I wouldn’t let him lose out on a possible great job because I missed him. 

I ended up seeing the live video he posted when I was missing and the amount of outpouring coming from his friends and fans also helped me heal. There were a good amount of people who at first weren’t happy that Chris was in a loving relationship but eventually, when he kept posting pictures of us on Instagram, they got used to it. 

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I saw a new message appear from Chris. 

Our weekend starts in less that two hours. I can’t wait to be alone with you. 

I smiled fondly at the message. 

The past couple weeks were filled with either him working almost every day or me continuing my schooling. We had his family and friends over a few times last week as well so we were practically begging the Gods above for some alone time. 

Which is why this weekend we had zero plans, just the two of us in our home. 

And Dodger. 

“OH COME ON!” Chris yelled at the T.V. 

A giggle erupted from my throat from my spot on the couch, my feet placed in his lap, as we watched the football game. 

Our weekend together was coming to an end, school for me and another press conference for Chris’ upcoming movie tomorrow, meant that reality was about twelve hours away. We spent the weekend in multiple different rooms of the house, our moans vibrating off the walls. 

I’ve had sex more in this weekend than I had in my entire adult life. 

Now, we were exhausted, so we decided to spend the rest of our Sunday in our lazy clothes on the couch; Chris wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweats and I ended up stealing his shirt and a pair of his boxers. 

Even though his eyes were transfixed on the game, he still made an effort to show me attention by rubbing the soles of my feet. I couldn’t stop myself from staring at this man in front of me. He let his beard grow this weekend, too lazy to shave it, which I didn’t complain one bit. The red marks on my thighs from earlier were an indication of that. His hair was short because he decided that he needed to buzz it last night; he was sick of it getting in his face. 

I marveled at the way the muscle in his jaw tightened when I rubbed my feet into his lap, purposely pressing into his soft cock. 

“If you keep that up, I’ll miss the last half of the game,” he threatened in a low voice. 

“But I’m horny!” I whined, lifting my shirt up and over my head. “Please?” 

I pinched my hard nipple between my fingers, hoping that would be enough to get him on top of me. 

It was. 

I yelped when Chris pulled my ankle towards him, his body on top of mine in seconds. His gold chain was dangling in front of my face as I looked up to him, our chest rising with heavy breaths. 

“So naughty,” he muttered against the crook of my neck. 

“Enough small talk and fuck me already, Evans,” I purred into his ear, fingernails digging into his bare back.

I couldn’t help but gnaw nervously on my bottom lip, tasting a bit of blood, while I paced the floor of our bedroom. Chris was out running errands but with the text I sent him, I knew that he would be on his way home asap. 

Can you come home please? I have to talk to you. 

My hands shook with nerves, feeling my cardigan being weighed down with the pressure that was in the pocket. I couldn’t help but worry about what Chris’ reaction would be. We never talked about this and I didn’t know if this would be what broke our relationship. 

“Y/N?” 

Hearing his voice, I made my way down the stairs and into the living room where he sat with Dodger on the couch. 

“Hey, everything alright?” He asked. 

I nodded and sat across from him. “Yeah, I think so.” 

He knew in the way my knee bounced and sucked in my bottom lip that whatever I had to talk to him about made me nervous as hell. Placing a hand on my knee, he gave me a warm smile. 

“Tell me,” he begged gently. 

Words were so foreign to me, not knowing exactly how to say it, so instead I handed him what was in my pocket. 

“I know we haven’t talked about it much but I couldn't not tell you. I mean you deserve to know. If you’re angry I understand. I’m confused too on how this happened,” I rambled. 

Chris didn’t hear a word I had spouted, his eyes trained hard on the stick in his hand with the two solid pink lines. 

“You’re pregnant?” His mouth twitched. 

I nodded and handed him my phone that held an email from the doctors office, confirming the pregnancy. Yesterday morning while Chris was out with his mom, I secretly had an appointment. 

“The doctor says I’m about six weeks,” I spoke softly. 

I was unsure of what his reaction would be, his gaze still stuck on the pregnancy test in his hand. 

Dodger knew something was different, sniffing the test in Chris’ hand. 

Finally after what felt like forever, Chris looked into my eyes and his mouth curved into a smile. 

“We’re having a baby?” 

The smile he had was a giant one, where you could almost count all of his teeth as he smiled down towards Dodger, showing him the sonogram on my phone as if Dodger could tell what he was looking at. 

The joy in his voice brought tears to my eyes. 

“You’re happy?” I asked. 

His hands snaked around my waist, pulling me into his lap. “I’m fucking ecstatic.” 

Our lips met in a rushed kiss, his hand finding its place on my stomach. His forehead rested against mine and his eyes shone with so much love that my heart leaped into my throat, knowing that his reaction was the complete opposite of what I was prepared for. 

“Stay here,” He mumbled against my lips in another kiss. 

I waited patiently as he rummaged for something in the desk of his office and he returned, hand behind his back. 

“I was saving this for when we went away next month but I don’t think I can wait.” He spoke before handing me a small box. 

A small velvet box. 

I gasped, watching him get down on one knee, and pried open the box. Inside was a gorgeous oval cut diamond on a plain gold band. The sunlight from outside had caught the ring in a warm glow of light. 

“This isn’t the most romantic idea of a proposal but I don’t want to wait any longer to ask you this. I first met you in this room when you came to work for me and in that moment I knew I wanted you; I needed you in my life. Y/N, you know I love you so fucking much. You have changed my life in so many ways and now we’re having a baby. You’re having my baby and somehow I love you even more. Y/N, will you marry me?” The tears welled in his eyes and he blew out a shaky breath. 

“Fuck yes!” I cried, hormones causing my eyes to pour tears down my cheeks. 

After he slid the ring on my finger, he picked me up with ease as he walked us towards our bedroom so we could celebrate the rest of our lives. 

I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in two years since I first drove up to this house, nervous about what the job was that I had an interview for. I never imagined that I would face my past again, not letting it define who I was anymore. And I definitely never thought I would find someone who would love me with his whole entire heart and soul, knowing how hard to love I was. But he did; Chris vowed to me that night in hushed moans that he loved me then and forever. 

Along with the baby I was growing in my stomach; our baby. 

AND FIN!

[unknownunidentified101]

𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 債権回収者

❝ I’m not the bad guy cutie ❞

You were a part of the qixing, your job was to always bring up laws and more, currently, you were running an errand and dropped by a jeweller in your free time while having a stroll in the streets of Liyue

You kept walking until you saw a familiar shop and went inside

you smiled and greeted the owner

“ ah [y/n]! i haven’t seen you in so long, how have you been, how’s work?” the shop owners waved

You smiled, “ i’m been great” you said but as you were about to continue your sentence they seemed to beat you to it

“ oh that reminds me i need to give something to you, wait here!” Xingxi said before going in a room to get something

You nodded and looked around and decided to browse around the items

Everything was fine before you heard loud noises coming from the room, they seemed to be gasps of horror

Being the curious type you went to investigate until someone exited the room, his appearance was tall, his hair was a ginger colour and he seemed to have armoured entities heading to the exit behind him

You stared in shock as the tall boy or rather man looked at you with his cold gaze

He stopped and smiled, “ what a lovely day isn’t it?” he said as he winked to you and left

You were beyond shocked

What the hell just happened? before you could think further you ran to see Xingxi on the ground in the room the commotion seemed to be in

“ What Happened!?!” you asked as she was on the ground sulking

“ they took everything...” she said through tears

“everything...my family worked for...we’re not even in DEBT!” she cried

“ they took everything the fatui...” she cried

You comforted her, “ don’t worry i will bring it back” you said determined

Xiangxi looked at you with an unsure face

“but...the fatui are strong and...and”

Before she can continue you silenced her, “ you said your not in debt no? so they messed with the wrong person, wait here” you said as you stood up

“ please be safe!” she shouted as you began to run

___

Several hours passed as you looked for the group, you knew it was impossible to spot them since they were already gone but you had to try

After you were about to give up, you saw a familiar orange-haired boy who caught your eye

only this time he seemed to be alone and you took it as your opportunity

You followed him when he exited the restaurant

It was late at night and it was not as crowded so you could follow the man easily

As soon as you reached the man in an abandoned field he seemed to clap

“ see you made it!” he yelled as he turns around

“ well, seemed i was late” you said rolling your eyes

“i felt someone was spying on me, anyway why are you here?” he smiled and rested his chin on his hand remaining calm

“ you collected debt off the wrong person” you said

“ how do you know that? you can believe what you can believe, you can leave now” he yawned

“ i’m not leaving” you said as you walked closer to the man

“ oh so you intend to fight me? good. i could always use a bit of exercise “ he chuckled, “ though, this is not the ideal place but its big enough” he seemed to smile

You kept your stance

____

After an intense battle, the man was still full of energy, but it didn’t hide the fact he was bleeding as well as you

“ haha! i've never seen someone as strong as you! this is so exciting” he exclaimed as he wipes his mouth from any blood

He then sighs and drops the weapon, “ alright good game!” he said with his hands in the air in defeat

You took that as your chance and ran up to him and pointed your blade to his neck

“heh...you don’t give up don’t you? your something girlie” he chuckled

You seemed to point the blade closer

“ wow okay okay! i see your pretty strong” he smiled

“ my name is Childe, what’s yours?” he asked in a life or death situation

You remained silence and kept your position

“ i see..the quiet type...your pretty cute-”

Before he could finish you knocked him over and he fell on the ground making him pout

“ i see...go on stab me!” he said with thrill in his tone

You were deeply disgusted by his behaviour but something in you stopped you from even killing him

You tried with your strength but your body wouldn’t allow it and after defeat, you sighed

“ you picked the wrong person to collect debt” you said once more

“ aw, you only talk to me about that? well you know people can be liars like i said, you are a well known Qixing who seemed to believe the citizens and never the bad guy, which in this case, i’m not the bad guy cutie” ‘ Childe ‘ said

You look at him and draw your blade back

“ your talkative” you rolled your eyes as you turned around

The man seemed to be right, the lady at the jewellery store had rumours of being in debt, you needed to confirm it

“ well if she seems to not be lying which is a 1% chance, you know where to meet me girlie, i’ll be here if you need me!” Childe went behind you which trailed to being in front of you and he seemed to wink at you

You scoffed and kept walking away

“ see you girlie!”

___

you were humiliated, he was indeed correct, you wasted your time for no reason

“so...girlie, since i’m correct how about you make it up to me!” Childe appeared out of nowhere after you were admitted wrong

“ why should i?” you said clearly annoyed

“ c’mon, your cute so how about a date hmm?” Childe said looking you up and down

“as if, we only just met” you rolled your eyes

“please?”

“ no”

BONUS ENDING

“ a date with me please?!” Childe pleaded

“ for the thousandth time, NO!” You said

“ c’mon, one date” Childe said as he sat next to you

You rolled your eyes, he had been at this for weeks

“ ugh fine...but one date! then you shut up and stop annoying me! i’m already busy as it is!” You said

Childe smiled, “ good, one more thing...” he trailed

You looked at him and he takes of his mask hat and placed it on your face and kissed the mask’s nose that could be your lips

Without time to react he parted

“thank you girlie, meet here at 5 okay?” Childe said as he stood up, happy

Your face was flushed by now, what were these feelings

Surely you hadn’t fallen for the fatui harbinger

+ one more thing

[hereformcdonaldshonestly]

Hey, love! I hope you are having a wonderful day! 💞 May I request HCs for Todoroki, Midoriya, Bakugou, and Kirishima w/ a S/O who protects them from a Cougar? -It’s popular for the boys to protect their S/O’s from Perverts. What happens if the contrary occurs-?

Of course! I’m sorry that I haven’t been posting lately, I’ve been sleeping a whole bunch to hopefully get caught up on my (supposed to be normal) sleep schedule! I’m sorry if this isn’t great 😅

S/O Protecting Their Boys from Creeps

Fluff 💖

Shoto Todoroki-

Whenever it came to dating Shoto, you were pretty easy going. You didn’t mind if friends of the same or opposite gender, or that he went to parties, but flirting was a big no no for you. Before you ask, here’s what happened.

You were Todoroki were on a mini date, nothing too big but it was something you both enjoyed. You two decided to stop by this little cafe to grab some coffee and tea for some much needed energy, this was one of the first breaks you’ve gotten in a while. So why not spend it with the love of your life? Whenever you got there, it was some kids, a man working on his computer, and an older woman up front ordering. You got in line with your boyfriend, him holding your hand while you wait. “Can I pay for his drink, the one who is behind me?” The older woman asks the young cafe bartender, “uh I’m not sure since-“ she gets cut off when the woman tells her to go ahead. Whenever she turned around, she looked Shoto up and down.

You immediately got angry, first off she’s old enough to be his mother, and second you can already tell she’s going to cause trouble. “You’re such a fine young man, say how old are you?” She asks Todoroki, lightly grabbing his shirt collar. You felt your face get red and immediately grabbed her hand so it wasn’t touching his shirt anymore. “What do you think-?” She begins, you quickly cut her off. “No, first off that’s creepy! You’re too old to be hitting on someone his age!” You say, furious. “Second, you have no respect and it’s obvious!” The woman stands there dumbfounded, she brings her hand down and away from you and Shoto. She grabbed her coffee and left, you took a deep, frustrated, breath, and looked at Shoto. His face was a slight shade of red, after getting your drinks you start to head off. Before doing so, he grabbed you in for a hug, feeling more protected than he has in a while.

Midoriya Izuku-

When it came to yours and Deku’s relationship, you were the one who would step in for him. You even stood up to Bakugou in middle school for him! Deku was always appreciative for it, he knew how much you loved him.

So whenever you seen anyone flirt with him, or talk to him and he gets uncomfortable, you automatically step in. ”(y/n), come on! We’ll be late!” Izuku says, pulling your hand. You both went out for lunch, you needed to get back before the lunch period ended, but you sat there finishing up an page in a book. “Hold on, let me get to a stopping place.” You say, not lifting your eyes from the book. You can hear him sigh and walk away near the counter, probably ordering another tea to take.

“Hi, one mango tea to take to go please! And make sure to add in the boba!” He says with a bright smile on his face, he was always so sweet, you loved him so much. “Of course honey.” The worker says, which caught your attention but you didn’t think much of it. Whenever he grabbed the drink, you hear him say “miss?” You look up to see him. “Are you sure you meant to put your number on here?” He asks, she laughs and nods. “You have to call me some time sweetie! You’re just too cute!” She says, you stood up, immediately forgetting about your place in the book. “I uh, I’m dating someone.” He says hesitantly, not knowing what to really say honestly. You walk over there, hugging him and looking at her. “Hi, sorry, I’m that someone. You just have the wrong person, come on Izuku.” You say, leading him out and him kind of shocked. You had to explain the whole situation to him when you two got back, “wait really?” He asks, you nod. He hugs you tightly, “thank you (y/n).”

Katsuki Bakugou-

Whenever it came down to it, you were just as protective, possibly even more, as Bakugou. You wanted to make sure nothing ever happened to him, and when something did you blamed yourself. Anytime someone gave him hugs, or even remotely try to flirt with him, you had a few choices of words that you used.

You both were downtown, around in the shopping center, dragging him around to shop for clothes. You were holding his hand, you never though he would be the kind of person to like PDA but whenever he came to you, he loved showing you off. “Oh! We can also look down the street, there is a wonderful ramen place!” You exclaim, you were so excited to get some free time with him. He gives a small smile, looking around at the ridiculously expensive clothes. A older woman comes up to you two, looking at Bakugou mainly. “Hey cutie, say have you ever thought about modeling?” She asks, you were confused. Who was she?

Bakugou shook his head no, starting to walk away. She grabbed his hand, trying to get him to stay in one spot. “Oi! When I said no-!” He starts, you stop him. “You know what? It’s fucking weird to hit on young guys!” You yell at her, everyone looking at the three of you. “You’re a grown ass lady! You’re old enough to be my mother or possibly even grandmother, when he said no, he meant no!” Everything was dead silent, you grab Katsuki’s and pull him away. Whenever you two made it back to the dorms, you were still silent. Mainly in shock since you didn’t realize you could do that. After a while, you hear Bakugou chuckle. You look at him confused, he says “Babe, you realize you were about to punch her right? I’ve never seen that out of you!” He laughs while saying that, you roll your eyes. Then it sets in, that you were ready to fight for him. You start laughing with him, you two spent the whole night talking about that.

Ejirou Kirishima-

Ejirou was usually more protective of you, but you did have your moments. Anytime you could tell he felt uncomfortable, you would automatically step in and try to make sure it was all okay. He never told you to stand up for him, but when you did, he appreciated it so much.

There you two were, on a date to the aquarium! It was pretty amazing about how Kiri got fascinated and focused on all of the different type of fish, plus you always had a interest in them too! Whenever you were walking around, holding onto your boyfriend’s hand, you hear him talking about how colorful a fish is. “Look at this one (y/n)!” He says, pointing to a brightly colored blue fish. You laugh and smile, leaning your head on his shoulder. There’s a woman that approaches him, not seeing you. “Aren’t they beautiful?” She asks, Kiri nods. “You know what else is just amazing?” Kiri looks at her, slightly confused. “You, you are just so handsome!” She exclaims, you raise your head up and look at her. “Uh, thank you?” He says slightly confused, “you know, I love when men work out! All those muscles.” She grazes over his arm, you could feel him trying to move his arm away from her.

You took a step back from him and looked at her, “you know it’s kind of creepy when you do that right?” You ask, catching the woman’s attention. “And honestly, especially when he’s still young, that’s even more creepy.” You say bluntly, with a glare that could kill. “Before I call security, I suggest you leave.” You say, pointing to a security guard, that was slowly walking over there. Her eyes got wide and walked away quickly, you turned to Kirishima, his eyes wide. “I- Woah, I didn’t know you could do that.” He says, looking into your eyes. Without saying anything, you grabbed him and hugged tightly. “I’m not letting anyone get you, especially that creep.”

I hope I did okay with this one! I wasn’t sure on what to do, so I gave it my best shot. Also, I will try to hey a schedule going soon! It’s been hectic here lately 😳

I hope you have a great day! :)

[mortimer-writes-sometimes]

Hmm a sansby prompt? If you want something slightly more angst filled, maybe have Grillby be the knight in shining armor after someone won’t take no for an answer from Sans? Or maybe just some cute fluff, like cuddling while watching a movie :3

As I like to say in these situations- why not both?

Keep You Safe

Word count: 2667 Summary: When someone won’t take no for an answer, Grillby steps in. Warnings: Sexual assault SERIOUSLY, MIND THE WARNINGS

Sans always hated it when there weren’t any available seats at the bar. It was great that Grillby’s was getting good business these days, but it also meant he’d have to wait a bit to talk to his favorite fire monster, and he couldn’t even watch him while he worked very well. The skeleton caught Grillby’s eye as he came in and gave him a little wave and a wink before making his way towards one of the booths closest to the bar. Grillby gave him a nod and got back to mixing the line of drinks he was working on. Sans couldn’t help but notice that Grillby looked nervous. The skeleton frowned a bit and kept a careful eye on him, praying that a stool at the bar would open up soon so he could help. He was watching the bartender so intently that he barely noticed when another monster came and sat next to him in the booth.

“Well hi there,” the monster said with a toothy grin. Like, really toothy. Because she was a shark monster. She was probably wearing more makeup than clothes, and the look she gave Sans was positively predatory. The skeleton could already see where this was going.

“Lemme stop you right there.” Sans scooted sideways in the booth, putting a bit more distance between himself and the stranger. God, this lady reeked of perfume. “I appreciate it, but I’m not really looking for any’body’ to hand out with right now, heh.”

Sans knew he was hilarious, but he still thought she laughed too hard at that. Instead of backing off, she inched closer to him. “C’mon, cutie, don’t be that way! Besides, you didn’t need to look. I found you first~!”

“Unfortunately,” Sans grumbled. He moved over again, finding his shoulder against the wall. “Really, lady, not interested tonight.”

“You know, you’re really hot, for a guy with no skin.” The shark monster moved in closer, turning towards Sans and putting one hand on the wall next to his head. “Don’t be so cold. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink?”

With the shark monster leaning over him, it occurred to Sans just how bad this was. He’d teleport out, but he couldn’t focus on a location with this monster’s damn perfume giving him a headache. He was well and truly trapped, hidden by unsuspecting crowds of monsters and a secluded booth. “Answer’s no,” he tried, “Back off.”

She laughed at him again, suddenly slipping a hand under Sans’s shirt. He slapped it away, but she just grabbed his wrist and pinned it to the table, moving in again to rub his ribcage. “You really are just bones and magic, aren’t you? There are so many places I could get inside you, hehe~. Come on skeleton, let me show you some real fun~.”

Sans froze as her hand started to wander downward. This couldn’t be happening. Fuck, no, fuck fuck fuck fuck-

WHOOSH! BANG!

The monster over Sans went still as the bar went silent, eyes wide. There was a dark char mark on the wall above the booth’s table. A few inches to the left, and it would have hit her square in the back. She withdrew her hand and looked behind her, eyes widening further as she paled.

Grillby was standing in front of the booth, and he looked pissed. His fire was burning higher and hotter than Sans had ever seen, the heat radiating off him as his entire body crackled. The glare he fixed the shark monster was murderous, and to make things more frightening, he’d summoned an arc of fireballs over his head, ready for a fight. “Get. Your hands. Off him,” he snarled darkly. His usually warm voice had taken on a dark, steely edge that Sans had never heard from him before. In that moment, the skeleton was fully convinced that Grillby was capable of killing.

The shark monster was quick to comply, scrambling away from Sans and stumbling over themselves as they hastily stood from the booth. “Right! I’ll- um- I’ll be g-going the- ah!”

Grillby grabbed her by her neck, dragging her forward. The shark monster cried out as her moist skin steamed, drying out and threatening to blister. The fire monster paid that no mind. “Oh? And where do you think you’re going?” he asked threateningly. “We’re not done here. I think you and I need to have a little c h a t.” He raised his hand, the fireballs moving in closer. The monster whimpered at their heat, struggling as the grip on her neck tightened.

Ding! You’re blue now!

The shark monster was suddenly pulled down, out of Grillby’s grasp. As soon as she was free, she made a break for the door, terrified. The bartender moved like he was going to pursue her, but a wall of blue bones appeared in front of him, making him stop. Grillby stepped back, glancing towards the booth.

Sans had his hand up, both pupils gone and shaken. “H-hey, Grillbz? Why don’t we just calm down a sec? I’m okay, see? Nothin’ happened, s’all good.”

The fire monster paused, looking back at the door. After a moment, his gaze dropped and the fireballs he summoned disappeared in wisps of smoke. His hands were shaking. He turned back to the booth and walked towards Sans.

“Did she hurt you?” Grillby mumbled, hesitating by the table. All at once, the calm, caring Grillby that Sans knew had come back, eyes full of fearful concern. “I’m so sorry, Sans, I-i didn’t see her come in. I should’ve been keeping a better eye out, I know this booth can be secluded and-”

Sans’s pupils slowly lit up again as he relaxed. “Nah, Grillbz, I’m fine,” he reassured. He let out a shaky sigh as he finally relaxed. “Not gonna lie, that was pretty intense. Never thought I’d ever get to see you so ‘fired’ u- whoa!”

Grillby suddenly pulled Sans out of his seat, wrapping his arms around him and burying his face in Sans’s hoodie. The monster was shaking all over. He was angry, but when he’d seen Sans cornered, he’d been so scared. The skeleton had insisted he wasn’t hurt, but Grillby found himself summoning small flames of green magic anyway, letting them dance over Sans as they checked for any injury.

Sans huffed fondly, the last of the tension leaving his bones as he returned the embrace. Grillby’s natural scent of smoke was much better than sickeningly sweet perfume. “I’m okay, Grillby, I promise. Maybe we should go somewhere quiet to chill for a sec?”

“Agreed,” Grillby mumbled into his jacket. He pulled back slightly, then suddenly picked Sans up.

Sans squeaked, then laughed. “I can walk, y’know.”

“I know,” was all Grillby said as he carried Sans back into the kitchen, bringing him to the small table in the back corner. Instead of setting him down, Grillby sat in one of the chairs and kept Sans in his lap, never releasing him from that warm, protective embrace. Safe and secluded, he let his guard down a bit, one hand coming up to cup Sans’s cheekbones. “I’m sorry. That- that was unlike me. I just…”

“Hey, I get it.” Sans brought his hand up to cover Grillby’s. “You don’t need to be apologizing. I should be thanking you. If you hadn’t come over she probably would’ve… she…” The full reality of what had nearly happened started to sink in and Sans started trembling. “She probably would’ve… fuck, what the fuck…” Tears started to fill Sans’s eyes as the last of the adrenaline drained from him. “Holy shit, I almost got raped. I almost got raped. What the fuck?”

Grillby pulled Sans close again, rubbing his back soothingly as the skeleton gripped his shirt. “I’ve got you, breathe,” he mumbled gently. There was the breakdown he’d been anticipating. “It’s okay if you need to cry, I’ve got you. We’re alone. You’re safe now.”

That was exactly what Sans needed to hear. He sobbed quietly into Grillby’s shirt, trembling as he tried to process what exactly just happened. What nearly happened. What could have happened, if Grillby hadn’t swooped in and put the fear of whatever God might be out there into that scummy pervert. He slowly became aware that Grillby was humming, the low vibrations soothing in Sans’s skull. The skeleton sniffled and wiped at his eyes. Deep breaths. He was safe. Deep breaths.

“I’m going to close early,” Grillby mumbled gently. “Will you be alright if I leave you here a moment?”

Sans nodded. “Yeah, I-i think I’m good. I’m just gonna go home.”

“No.” Grillby pulled away, meeting Sans’s eyes. “You are in no condition to be using your shortcuts, and I’m not going to let you walk in case that- ...in case it isn’t safe, this time of night. Go ahead and text Papyrus. You’re going to be staying with me this evening. I-if that’s alright,” he amended quickly. The last thing he wanted to do to Sans was force him into something, especially after what had transpired that evening.

Sans didn’t feel forced at all, though. He gave Grillby a weak smile. “That… that sounds nice. Yeah. I wouldn’t mind that. You go close up, I’ll text Papyrus.”

Relief filled the bartender and he stood, careful not to drop Sans as he transferred the skeleton to the chair. “I’ll be right back,” he assured as he straightened up. With that, he walked back out to his restaurant to herd customers out.

Sans had never seen the inside of Grillby’s apartment before. He knew the bartender lived in an apartment above the restaurant, and that the stairs lead directly into the kitchen, but that was about it. It was a little smaller than Sans had anticipated. Most of the space was taken up by the living room, with a cozy-looking couch piled with pillows and a bookshelf that looked ready to collapse under the sheer number of books that had been stacked on it. A small kitchenette was tucked into the corner of the apartment, and it looked like there was only one bedroom and a bathroom down the short hallway. It took Sans no time at all to make himself comfortable on the couch, kicking off his pink slippers and nesting into the cushy throw pillows.

Grillby gave the skeleton a fond smile, taking the comforter off the back of the couch and draping it over Sans’s shoulders. “Would you like me to turn on the television? I don’t have much in the way of movies, but my niece brought me a copy of a human show that I find to be fairly interesting. I mostly watch for the music.”

“Heh, so long as there are jokes in it, I’m down,” Sans replied with a shrug. He would probably fall asleep part of the way through it, but some background noise wouldn’t hurt.

Grillby kneeled next to the television and pulled out a small booklet, flipping through it to find the first disk. “Here we are,” he mumbled to himself as he found the one he wanted, getting everything set up before taking the remote and sitting on the opposite end of the couch. The disk loaded and a colorful title lit up the screen.

Sans tilted his head, mildly interested. “‘Steven Universe’, huh? No offense, but I never pegged you as a guy that’d be into cartoons.”

“It’s an occasional indulgence,” Grillby mumbled with a shrug. Was he blushing?

Sans snickered. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Grillbz. If you like it then it must be a good show. Let’s see what it’s about.”

Grillby smiled a bit, then hit play, relaxing back into the pillows. “I think you’ll like this one. Humans have such interesting concepts of magic…”

Four episodes later, Sans was hooked, watching the screen intently. He had to get himself one of those novelty backpacks. As he watched the protagonists fight evil breakfast foods, he turned to tell Grillby a joke, only to find himself meeting the bartender’s eyes. Grillby blushed and quickly looked back at the screen, but it was too late. He was caught staring.

Sans just chuckled. “Uh, can I help you with somethin’?”

“Sorry,” Grillby huffed, adjusting his glasses. At some point he’d undone his tie, letting it hang loose around his neck. He’d slipped off his shoes and pulled his knees up, hugging a pillow as he sat curled up on the couch. There was something about seeing Grillby this way that made Sans’s soul feel light. It just felt so… domestic, sitting there and watching one of the bartender’s favorite shows together. Grillby cleared his throat, breaking Sans from his thoughts as he continued. “I’m… still worried about you. Are you certain you’re alright?”

“Yeah,” Sans replied automatically, but that didn’t seem to reassure the fire monster at all.

“Sans,” Grillby sighed, reaching for the remote and pausing the show, “Please, be honest with me. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Sans took a deep breath and thought about it. After a long moment, he finally answered. “Okay, maybe not,” Sans admitted, “But I’m doing better. This,” he said as he gestured around himself, “Is helping. Like, a lot. I think this is exactly what I needed.”

Grillby nodded a bit, satisfied. “Well, is there anything more I can do for you?”

“I’m good.” Sans shrugged a bit, then took another look at Grillby. The bartender was great at reading Sans, but sometimes he forgot how good Sans had gotten at reading him in return. Grillby was tense, shoulders hitched up slightly as he hugged the pillow like it was going to run away. “Is there something I can do for you?” Sans asked, voice gentling as he did. “That scared the soul out of you, too, didn’t it?”

Grillby looked away again, feeling guilty. “I’m not the one that got harassed, Sans.”

“Nah, just the one who watched his best friend get sexually assaulted,” Sans pointed out. “We were both ‘rattled’, heh. Lemme help you out, too. Somethin’ I can do for ya?”

“Well,” Grillby mumbled, “Can I… is it alright if I hold you again?”

That hadn’t been what Sans was expecting, but he was more than up for it. “Sure. You’re gonna have to let that pillow breathe first, though.”

Grillby chuckled and let the pillow drop to the floor, lowering his knees and shifting so he was reclining at an angle before opening his arms to Sans. Sans crawled over and settled himself in the bartender’s lap, arms wrapped around his torso and head resting on his chest. Grillby pressed play on the remote, starting the show again before letting his arms fall gently over Sans’s back as he held him close. Sans felt the warmth envelope him and sighed, content. “Hey, Grillbz?”

“Hm?” Grillby looked down at him with a tilt of his head. Sans’s soul melted a bit under the gently, caring gaze. God, this monster was going to be the death of him.

“Thank you,” Sans mumbled.

Grillby gave him a small smile, bringing one hand up to briefly cup the back of Sans’s skull. “You’re welcome. So long as I’m here, I’m going to keep you safe. You mean the world to me, Sans.”

And oh, if that didn’t make Sans feel like the luckiest monster alive.

They settled into a comfortable silence, watching the cartoon play on. As the night wore on, Sans found himself starting to doze in Grillby’s arms, yawning as he fought to keep his eye sockets open. “Hey, Grillbz?” he mumbled, “Maybe we should…” He trailed off as he looked up, smiling. Grillby’s head rested against the back of the couch, the fire monster fast asleep. Sans levitated the remote to himself, determined not to wake Grillby as he turned the TV off before cuddling closer and closing his eyes. Who needed beds, anyway?

Grillby was the warmest pillow he could ask for.

I hope you enjoyed this one! If you did like it, why not reblog/leave a comment to let me know your favorite part? As always, thank you for reading!

[funnyexel]

100 Years of Age

Logan x Reader (Oneshot)

A/n : I’ve recently have had an OBSESSION with Logan from the X-men franchise. Thus, this short fanfic. Usually my fanfics would end in a little spice (kiss, smut...etc.) but this time it’ll be a fluff ending. Please bare with me, this is my first fluff story so if it sucks that's the reason. Also, sorry if the title doesn’t really make sense. I tried to make it nostalgic in a way. Enjoy my lovely’s <3 Masterlist Mega List

“How could you?” Hot tears glided down your face. “How could you!?” There your parents stood before you as you got yanked away in chains. “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!?!” Your last words as the truck doors closed. You were being taken and it was all their fault. Full on balling on the truck floor, the soldiers watched. A 14- year old getting taken away with their parents consent...that’s got to be a first. 

The truck was a one-way ticket to hell but how could you have known? They gave you away to some unknown cause to save their own asses. You spent years there, being tested on.

“She has the right DNA. We’ll be one step closer to evolution.”

The first few months were horrible. Being tested on for the Elemental Project, being alone in a foreign area, resenting your parents and being a child in all. On a certain dreadful day, an experiment worked on you. That day was your 15th birthday. They did four major experiments and preps over and over and over again. At this point, you weren’t upset anymore. Your parents are living their lives now. They may or may not be regretting their decision but its out of your hands. You’ve come to terms with this, after months of denying it.

“how are you feeling?” She quietly walks into your cell, trying not to disturb you as you were watching tv. You were sitting against the wall, hands in your lap as your eyes staying glued to the tv. “fine.” Your voice strained and quiet. She hums to your word. You’ve become a woman of little words, only speaking when comfortable and necessary. This woman was nice to you. You welcomed her into your small bubble...sometimes.

She placed a glass of water in front of you, without looking the water arose out the glass and separated itself into these words. “Today is my 15th birthday.” They subsided back into the glass, which you proceeded to pick up and drink out of. She and others were amazed, astonished. This isn’t the end. They still had much to do. You may not have mastered the first element but you’ve grasped it and that’s all they needed to know, before starting the next tests.

The tests were excruciating and brutal. The elements were manifesting backwards. Water, Earth, Air and Fire. Each element took an amount of lives. They told you to control it...they told you to fix yourself. But you could not. You did not control the elements. They only took a liking to you and allowed you to have them, nothing more nothing less. 

But they don’t understand, their thoughts clouded by war and hate. You got put into war before as a ‘learning activity’. Yes. A fantastic idea to put a 20-year old in The American Civil War.

You were cold. Very cold. They made you clothes to fit the elements but the clothes were not very war worthy attire. “She’ll burn her clothes off, if she wears that.” The woman says to the general in charge. “I better see something, Ms. Bailey.” The general says before glancing at you then taking his leave. She turns to you with a little smile. “Be mindful of people around you.” You nod your head to her. You weren’t scared given you were put into a war. You were just..just...you didn’t know. You didn’t know what the feeling was called but you were feeling it.

“Bring her here!” Ms. Bailey and you follow the soldier. “You can’t come on the field.” He stated to her. She gave you one final look before turning away. He motioned you to follow. The sounds of gun shots flooded your ears and the smell of gun powder filled your nose. “Stay close.” He said, not ever laying a finger on you. It was almost nightfall, they knew this’ll be the best time for you to come out. You stayed with him and two other men. 

They were conversing a few feet away, also keeping an eye on you. A young boy was coughing, around the age of 16. You crouched in front of him and rested a hand on his shoulder. Doing a faint hand motion you cleared the air he was breathing. “T-thank you.” You smiled to him but the smile faded as the soldier called out to you. “Come, we’ve got the ‘go’ from the general.” The field was painted in blood and bodies. 

“Can’t handle it?” One of the other soldiers teased. You scoffed at him, the sound barely being audible. “We need you to take an enemy and bring them back here.” The soldier says to you, motioning the two men not to follow you out. You sighed and nodded at him. Walking to the middle of the battlefield, you dipped down to the ground. Your fingertips lightly touching it. “I will not control you.” The ground began to rumble as big chunks of dirt and rock get pulled out. Carefully, you aimed each one at their big guns and incoming soldiers. 

With ease you walked to their men. Their guns were inefficient, due to you setting the gun powder in the guns ablaze. Finally, you found someone that looked like they knew a lot, motioning your hand to the sky. Particles of water parted from the clouds and engulfed the victims body, knocking them out momentarily and carrying them with you. You quickly got escorted back to the base.

“Great, we have the enemy. HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET INFORMATION FROM A DEAD MAN!?!” You flinched at the yelling general. There the man laid on a nursing bed, dripping wet. A gust of wind passes by to dry him then you put your hand over his mouth. Taking the liquid out his lungs. An array of coughs alerted one of the nurses. “alive.” You spoke, looking the general in the eyes. Ms. Bailey took you to the tent for a rest. “You did good today.” She smiled handing you sleeping clothes. You took the clothes and changed, now sitting on the floor, no movement what so ever. 

You often did this when the elements were uneasy and they were always uneasy. “Sorry, no visitors.” You look over your shoulder and see one of the men you were on the field with. Getting to your feet, you walk and stand next to Bailey. She nods to you and walks further into the tent, keeping a watchful eye. “Hi, I’m Logan.” He sticks a hand out for you to shake. You hide your hands behind your back, denying his request. He retracts his hand at your reaction. “y/n” You whisper to him. “Okay, that’s all, she needs to rest.” Bailey closes the tent as you wave goodbye to him. 

Those memories became distant, vivid as you went back to the dreadful place. Time passed very slowly there. You never knew why but it did and it was awful. “This is ground breaking! Absolutely ground breaking! Now that we’ve got her to adapt to all the elements we’ll be able to make an army.” That day felt different. Stumped on the why but it felt different. Later on you found out why. You’ll never ever forget it. It was your most happiest day you’ve lived. The freedom. The life that filled your soul and the genuine happiness that accompanied your aura. But nature had different plans for you. 

Nature had weird ways of caring for you. It liked you. It had better plans for you. Plans that would not involve this era in anyway what so ever. You were hesitant at first but your character is familiar to its weird ways. Thus, leading you to comply. “wait. everyone quiet.” Voices were creeping into your hearing, slowly becoming louder. “She’s waking up.” Your eyelids flutter open. It felt as if you were worked to the bone, took an elevating nap then woke up refreshed. You were in a cocoon like capsule, made by water and other bits of nature. The cocoon discarded itself, evaporated and moving itself into the ongoing water cycle. 

Your body slumped a bit, a little surprised squeak as you stood straight. Seeing people in weird gear and other gadgets around the room. Eyes big and observing everything. “Hi.” You looked at the man before you. Your eyes instinctively trailing to the flat screen. It’s a television. ‘How the world has evolved.’ You thought looking back to the man, mouth open but no words flow out. So you decide to respond with a small wave. Your calmness got interrupted as you saw a gadget that resembled a gun. “the war is still present?” You speak in a low tone and sigh. “The war?” He shakes his head. 

“How old is she?” Someone utters in the background. You shrug to their question. “1863?” You look the man in the eyes. Pure shock fills his soul. “It’s the 2000’s.” You feel a force pull you out the establishment. Into a forest. ‘The 2000’s? What would you want me to do in the 2000’s?’ You question in your head as you run. To no destination in particular but to get away from those people. You ended up in a bar. It was one of the things you could recognize...everything was so different. As soon as you stepped foot into the bar, all eyes were on you. Stares full of disgust, lust and confusion. 

You walked to the counter and stood at the end of the tall table. “Miss, are you lost?” You nod to the nicely dressed lady. She converses with her peers as you look over to the television. ‘Mutant Rights? Mutant? What’s a Mutant?’ This is so new. It was a lot happening at once. A high pitched whistle, stung your ear. “Hey, cutie.” Looking to him unbothered, you point to him and a gust of wind pushes him away. Not enough to knock him down or anything serious like that but enough to get him out your personal space. He looks at you like he’s seen a ghost. “m-m-m-m-m-m” 

He kept stuttering, you cock your head to the side in amazement but puzzlement. “Yeah, she’s a mutant. Run along, boy.” The woman exclaims and pulls you into a back room. “You seem like a wonderful girl but men will take advantage of you.” She says handing you a soft fabric. “what’s this?” You ask, opening the folded clothing. “A hoodie? Have you not- you know what never mind.” She leaves the room. Pulling the fabric over your head. “A hoodie.” You fiddle with the cup like piece. “I’m a mutant?” You look at the full length mirror. ‘I see why she said I’ll be taken advantage of.’ 

You dust off the skin tight shorts and knock out rocks out your minimalistic flat shoes. “where do mutants go?” You walk out the door and ask the girl. She finishes serving someone a drink before answering. “here.” She hands you a pamphlet. ‘Xavier Institute’ You study the interestingly folded paper then look to her. “thank you.” You smile and walk out the bar. ‘Now to find this Institute.’ At those words many images and places flood your mind, until one image matched the pamphlet. You could hear children giggling and happily cheering. The images fade away and you know exactly where you’re going. 

Putting the paper in the hoodie pocket, you begin to walk in the direction of the school. “ouch.” A small pebble hit you in the leg. Sighing, you stand still. The ground beneath you begins to rumble, carving a circle large enough for you to stand on. It slowly ripped itself out the ground bringing you in the air. Putting your hands out, you began to get your balance as you fixed your stance. It seemed like your seeing the world in a different light. The trees were so vibrant and beautiful as you were gliding on the rock. The sun was rising, its the most beautiful thing you’ve seen in your life. You couldn’t help but smile. 

In no time, the school came into your view. The rock pile that was holding you up, broke apart into little rocks as you were lowered to the ground. Walking through the gates, you looked around for others. It didn’t seem like anyone was out yet, but lights were on in the inside. Placing two knocks on the door, you stood and waited for someone to answer. A woman with white hair answers the door. Before she could let out a simple question, you stop her with your own. “what year is it?” Her face scrunches up with confusion at your odd question. “2006? Come inside.” 

She pats you on the shoulder as a welcoming jester. You hesitate before stepping into the abnormally big school. “logan?” You lock eyes with the recognizable man. “Do you know each other?” The white haired woman asks you. Breaking away from the eye contact, you frantically shake your head and back into the door. Logan kept looking at you, in confusion. “I- um. I might be at the w-wrong place.” Mist begins to fill the space you occupied, giving you a chance to leave. Time running short as footsteps echo behind you. Having no time to run off the property, you run into the woods that’s to the left of the school. 

“I-I...I don’t want to go back.” You cried out as they grabbed you from behind, roughly sitting you down. “You know me?” He asked. You responded with a hum, still being a little shaken up. “you and I met at war. it was only once.” You looked up to him. “Why’d you run?” He asked as you got up to your feet. “when I escaped my project. there had been many more trying to recreate it. I thought it was still going on.” He lead the way back to the school. “I was apart of a solo weapon x program. It- it wasn’t #1 priority but it was still important.” They brought you into an office and began to ask questions, which you answered. 

“So how old are you exactly?” Storm asks. “I don’t know.” Logan asked a few questions here and there but he stayed quiet most the time. Storm gave you an vacant room after the long introduction. You got familiar with the room before going out to the yard, you observed some students and meditated. It seemed like everything was calm. It was odd non-the-less but very nice. “Hello.” A child no older than 11 greets you. “hello.” You give a small smile to him. “What’s your name?” He asks, you look up to a small group of students a good ways away. “Y/n.” You say looking back to him. 

“Look at what I can do, Y/n.” He says a bit excited. Pulling a weed from the ground, he holds it between his thumb and index finger, slowly it turns to a flower. “That’s very similar to what I can do.” You smile to the innocent boy. “Can I see?” He asks in a cutesy pure tone. “Sure.” You point to some moving rocks. They bonded together and came rolling to you. It was a medium sized ball of pebbles and rocks. Clasping your hands together then breaking them apart, water separated from the rocks. The rocks now rolling back to their places. The water splits into two and glides around, almost dancing with each other. 

Soon enough it came down to you. “Wow.” The boy says, studying the water. You then open your right palm, heat gathering in it and creating fire. Now you had fire in one hand and water in the other. The two elements began to fight with each other. Trying to put the other out. Finally, you put the fire out and disperse the water. A gust of wind swishes through is hair, roughing it up a bit. Standing up, you give him a smile. You see Logan in the corner of your eye. “bye, flower boy.” He gives you a smile and you approach Logan. “You didn’t answer my question properly earlier.” He slows and matches your pace. 

“I- I see. I had a failed attempt before. I thought I found refuge but I was horribly mistaken.” You looked away from him for a moment. “a distant memory is all it is now.” You give him a small friendly smile. “How can you not be upset?” He stops his actions and turns around to you. You stop too. “Upset? Why would I be upset?” He studies your answer for some time. “I’m not upset. How could I be? When all those people who experimented on me, are surely dead. While I am here, in a new era. Alive, well and hasn’t aged a day.” Your lips curve slightly but drop into a noticeable frown.

You wanted to open up a bit more to him but you felt you weren’t ready to talk about it. “You look upset.” His statement hinting at a tease. “Not upset. Just..sad.” Not picking up his light-hearted statement. You part ways as Logan gets called by Storm. Giving him a small wave, you go to your room. During the start of your months at the Institute, you did some strength training. “Colossus and Kitty, will spar with you.” It was soon clear to everyone that you are fairly powerful. Continuing your stay at the school with studying, you had to learn about the 21st century somehow. You found a new passion for reading while doing so. Romance books in particular.

“What romance book are you reading tonight?” You hide your smile as your head lifts from the book. “I’m actually reading a crime book.” He sits in a chair close to you. “What brings you here?” You bookmark your page and set the book down. He let out a heavy sigh. “Nightmares?” You whisper and he nods to you. He does a jester to you, returning the question. “visions of my parents.” You lean back, rubbing your forehead. “I need a cigar.” He exclaims under his breath. “do you ever think about it?” His eyes lock on yours. “do you ever just think about why we were chosen?” You try to maintain eye contact with him. “stupidity and..” He points to himself then you. “sacrifice.” 

You break your eye contact with him. “I’m sure it wasn’t stupidity in your case. At least you had a choice.” He stays silent wanting to hear more about you. Logan was very hesitant about letting people in since Jean. But he couldn’t help the fact that he wanted to learn more about you. You knew him in the past and besides that you were an interesting person to him. “My parents...they gave me to the program. They didn’t even know what it was, all they needed to know was that it was going to save themselves if they gave away their child.” He reached over to you, giving you a reassuring pat on the shoulder. 

“I don’t even remember much of my childhood. They told me it was garbage in my mind that I didn’t need.” You leaned into his touch slightly. “Some people say they want to forget their family. They don’t mean it. Do they?” A few tears escape your eyes. “because this feels like hell.” You quickly wipe the tears away. Logan walked with you to the sleeping quarters. You can’t stay up all night. The walk was silent but you two did walk pretty close together. “goodnight.” You smiled to him as you opened your door. “I’m sorry for dumping that all on you tonight. You don’t have to remember.” You nervously chuckle. He shakes his head.

“It’s..okay.” Hesitation in his voice. “If you need someone to talk too, I’ll- you can talk to me.” You can tell he struggled to find the right words but you appreciated it more than any other person would. Giving him a heartfelt smile. You gripped the door knob and looked over your shoulder. “Thank You, Logan.”

[nodameshield]

how are we doing? have the tears dried yet? I know mine haven’t :: 

let’s start light : research fellows count ! (also, lady, only ten years old? - I resent that).

Goh understands this?? he’s got a silly proud smile and it’s following Ash’s butchered storytelling??? love 

research fellows count ! 

perfectly attainable dream 

sure, go for it.  (look at both of their supportive lil smiles, we love best friends) 

we all know the scene that’s coming ahead, but I thought this was a beautiful demonstration of growth already on Goh’s side.

Listen before the sad part begins let us appreciate for a moment how Ash and Goh were smiling at EACH OTHER after the interview was over. cuties. 

behold : the last frame we have of baby Sobble. I’m going to miss you, bean. thank you for everything<3 (he was so proud of his good deed as well!! my very heart) 

just how fast the night changes, indeed.

Drizzle went through shock and pain at record speed and swiftly landed on anger - only to fall into ✨depression✨ just as quickly.

and then we just stayed there.

someone 

is 

(oh hey Cinderace ! good to see ya)

having  

a rough morning

 (I’m sorry, this scene was just fucking funny - the drama)

Cinderace’s proud big bro moment was just too sweet to leave out - let us not forget, he’s been a big bro since he was Raboot (and even as a temperamental Raboot, he was always gentle to Sobble). And now his baby bro has evolved as well. precious ! 

Goh handled this situation very maturely from the beginning. And here’s when the build up starts. He’s saying ‘hey, let me help you how I think you need to be helped” and he genuinely doesn’t mean any harm! naturally, his reaction is to help his Pokémon, in the way that has worked in the past.

but then he starts to understand maybe that’s not the best approach this time around.

and he’s ready to respect those new boundaries (of course, there’s no blame on Cinderace, either. Much like Goh, he - and everyone, really - was just trying to help in the way he thought was the best).

shoutout to the animation on this bit because Pikachu’s ears darting down was a delightful detail. Chloe’s expression and Grookey’s simmering down drove the point home as well.

ah, you coy little thing. Did you forget how your trainer almost left you behind because of how rebellious you were??? Because you made him feel as though you’d be better off without him?? (Cinderace has selective memory, you can’t change my mind, don’t be miss-leaded by the cuteness)

this build up was wonderful - we begin to hear all these reasons why, yeah? maybe he just wants to be alone.

maybe he’s still very afraid and careful of his surroundings, and his evolution made it worse? (he’d been popping up in random places in previous episodes, hiding, which was also great foreshadowing for this episode !) 

maybe he’s cocooning himself until he’s ready to evolve again? (which, considering his disappointment and how badly he wanted to be Inteleon already, is a very plausible reason)

but Prof. Cerise gets it right when he says ‘we can’t really know for sure’ (which ties greatly with Goh’s upcoming scene) - is it your Drizzle’s quirk? are they all like this? who cares? Isn’t wonderful how he’s a living creature? how he’s got nuances and a personality? shouldn’t that be enough of a reason to look after him, and try to help him right now?

my child, still thinking he’s got to do everything on his own.

and these two are just like ????? Goh ??? watchu talking about ???

can you imagine how MUCH this moment means to him?? he was ready to keep going alone (it’s what he knows) and even when Ash and Chloe prove him, time and time again, that he’s not alone, there’s still something in Goh coded to believe others won’t care as much/won’t be there when he needs them. and that’s why he insists: I’ve got this. I can do it alone.

and, sure, but you don’t have to. that’s the beauty of friendship.

you tell him, Chloe. (actually, without Chloe calling him out, he might have taken longer to figure out where Drizzle was. so...) // but also, it gives us a glimpse into the fact that, while Goh might have felt very lonely, Chloe has been observing and caring for him - in her way - for a long minute as well.

my very point above. 

HEY, LISTEN: he doesn’t know, either. he’s a child, words are hard, and you rotate along the four moods of childhood (happy, upset, scared, hungry (?)) and don’t ponder much on anything else because you are a child, there’s no emotional intelligence to speak of, no need for it, you’re being shaped by your environment and all the stimuli of the world being a new place. things like loneliness, confusion, anxiety... we can’t put those into words - hell, they’re fucking abstract and confusing even when we are adults.

and Goh’s stimuli and environment was, given what we know of his family life, a rather lonely one. Did his parents have a lot of spare time to take him to the park? I don’t think so. Was he good at going out there and asking other kids to play? ... probably not. 

Chloe doesn’t strike me as an extrovert, either, so even if she wanted to get close to Goh or invite him to hang out, perhaps she was too shy as well. Heck, perhaps Goh’s reaction would’ve been like the one above, he simply didn’t know. Maybe he didn’t want to ! and that’s perfectly fine as well.

am I forgiving the anipoke team for making Goh cry? no, never. but this was beautifully executed so I can grow to live with it.

“why are you depressed?” “you have nothing to be sad about!” “look at all the wonderful things you have!” “just be happy again!” - sound familiar? yeah, this was incredibly well done.

as adults, perhaps we see this and think ‘shit, how cool that they’re prodding on these topics, it’s important’ and it is !!! so important !! but if it’s this impactful as young-adults/grown-ups, imagine how impactful it must be as a child to see this and feel perceived. I’m honestly so proud of this moment, this whole episode. I’m grateful they took the time to look into this maturely. and even if children don’t do a full-fledged analysis on it, if they relate (like I know so many of us did) they won’t forget it. and that’s beautiful.

darling I’m blanking on your TW handle I’m so sorry - but someone in a tweet SO RIGHTFULLY pointed out that these are the words Goh would have needed to hear when he was younger. saying them to Drizzle it’s a full circle moment for him, he’s hearing them as well, and it’s helping both of them grow.

He’s not forcing himself as Drizzle’s trainer. Goh bears no entitlement here. He’s saying ‘Hey, if you’re comfortable, if you want to share , I’ll be here’ / as a kid, people did care for him, they kept wanting to know what was going on, but Goh couldn’t put that in words and people pestering him only made it worse, but if someone had said ‘hey, when you’re ready...’ then,,,,yeah,,,,maybe it would’ve been different. 

he’s offering that safety now to his Pokémon, something he didn’t have, but he grew to understand is what he (and now Drizzle) needed. If that doesn’t have you breaking down in a teary mess then you are stronger than I’ll ever be, because my glasses were cloudy by this point.

why, why, why. because you needed to hear all that as well, baby! so did a number of us. thank you.

I’ll say that, however it was that you connected with this moment, that’s yours to cherish. 

Personally, I too had a lonely childhood marked by parents who overworked, and I too spent a lot of time alone in kindergarten and through elementary school because it was hard to make friends (turns out i’m an extrovert, ha, talk about breaking out of your shell...) so, obviously there were easy common grounds for me in this episode.

but I LOVED to read the reactions and realize so many people still connected with it, one way or the other. So many of us felt seen and understood and acknowledged in emotions that are so hard to put into words !! 

so, again, if you identified with Goh or Drizzle or any of the topics in this episode, that’s very beautiful, and I hope the underlying message that you’re not alone gets through.

With Sobble, and now with Drizzle as well, Goh is very adamant to remind us that, however we are, that’s fine. there’s something that makes us special, regardless of other people’s opinions, or their ideas of how we *should be* // that’s the message I’m taking with me, at least.

 and i can’t wait to see how this story line evolves !! I have no doubts that, when the moment comes, Inteleon will be a wonderful addition to the team, but Drizzle is here now, and he’s plenty wonderful already x

Bonus: 

ha ha, yes. I watched this episode three times. And all three times I was a mess.

side note but a very important one: the animation, the voice acting, the dialog, the scenery of the starry night - the entire scene was so beautifully executed. so  carefully crafted. ugh, amazing. just perfect. so happy.

[comm-caribou]

✿ Person A getting nervous whenever Person B is physically close to them. (heart starting to race, hands starting to shake, etc.)

Juliette/Digger (honestly feel like all of these prompts would work for these two)

These all really do scream Juliette and Digger! I love it!

Hmmm… as much fun it is to make Juliette flustered by her silly ARF Sergeant, I think I’ll switch it up ☺️☺️

————

Another day, another planet in need of the Republic’s favorite errand boys to deliver supplies and resources.

While most of the 952nd didn’t mind being away from the fighting. They got to see new places, meet new people, and they weren’t being shot at on a regular basis.

Digger studied a rock in his hand a child gave him, rubbing his thumb over the flat side. Him and the rest of Tunnel squad finished the rest of the heavy lifting, and were relaxing in some grass by the AT-RTs, watching as the Commander and his officer posse, minus the General.

“Pop quiz,” Digger held the rock up to his squad.

“Rose quartz,” they all mumbled.

“Are my pop quizzes boring you?” Digger teased.

“Not really,” Zombie said. “Just tired.”

“And that was an easy one,” Calico bit into a cookie one of the nice, older ladies gave him.

“Rose quartz promotes love,” Hound stated. “Both in self and attracting it.”

Digger sighed, “I got to start quizzing you boys harder.”

“Boo.”

Hound jumped, “jeez! General!”

Digger turned back to his boys, seeing Juliette crotched down behind Hound smiling at his technician. He smiled as Juliette brushed his cheek, then got up.

Digger watched her, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. She had become close to his boys, but not him. He wished he knew the four of them were hanging out with her during their many visits to Coruscant, he would’ve been doing that more instead of going to 79’s looking for someone else’s lips kiss, while he pretended they were her’s.

She knelt down beside him, “hi, goofball.”

He smiled, hoping his dark skin hid the blush he was feeling heating up his face.

She held up a pink flower, “want a flower?“

“Sure,” he reached out, but she brushed it behind his ear smiling.

“Cutie,” she teased, then skipped off.

Mutt chuckled, “she gave you pink.”

“We got white,” Hound turned his head, so Digger could see a flower brushed behind his ear.

Mutt delicately sniffed his in his hand, “daisies.”

Calico smirked, looking to Digger, “I believe they’re her favorite.”

Digger turned to where she went, picking up a little local girl as they snuck up behind Hardwire talking to the leader. The leader stiffed back some laughter as a flower crown of white daisies dropped on his head.

Hardwire turned to them, trying his best to look mad. However, his smile and inability not laugh gave him away as Juliette passed the giggling child to Cooper.

“Stop staring,” Mutt whispered.

Smiling, he looked away playing with the rose quartz in his hand.

Juliette came back their way, and sat beside him and Zombie.

“Isn’t Cooper so cute with kids?” She giggled, “he looks so different when he’s around them.”

Digger kept his gaze adverted, focusing on the rock, “do you want kids, General?”

“Maybe,” she sighed dreamily, “someday, when I meet the right man.”

Digger lifted his gaze.

She’s beautiful, he smiled, she’ll have no problem finding a husband just by that alone. Once they fall for the rest of her, she’s set for life. Although, how could anyone not love her?

He held out his hand, “this will help with finding your loved one.”

He dropped the rose quartz in her hands.

If I’m lucky, it will lead you to me.

“Thank you,” she held up, “but we’ll be putting a lot of pressure on this poor rose quartz.”

“Nah,” he rubbed the back of his neck, “it’ll be easy for love to find you.”

****

Digger groaned into his pillow, practically screaming as he sat with just Tunnel squad in the barracks.

“It was cute, Sarge,” Hound assured.

“Very cute,” Mutt agreed.

“I don’t want to be cute,” Digger sat up, “I want her to find me desirable.”

“Cute is a good start,” Calico said from his bunk.

“I like cute,” Zombie offered.

Digger sighed, “I’m not sure you and Angel have the same taste in men.”

Calico snickered.

“Stop knowing everything!” Digger punched the bunk above him.

[channiebbang]

little cupid

synopsis: where a little boy helps his dad get a new girlfriend so he’s not lonely anymore. And because he doesn’t want to get bothered by his old man.

characters: Jaebeom, Bambam, Main Character

pairing: Dad!Jaebeom x badass/police officer!maincharacter

genre: fluff, comedy

word count: 3.5k

warnings: none apart from the kid being a cutie so you might get diabetes

author’s note: i had so much fun writing this heh let me know what you think about it and what you don’t like. enjoy! 💛

"What are you doing?"

The girl sprawled on the grass took a deep breath, kind of annoyed someone disturbed her. She brought a hand in front of her eyes, shielding them from the blinding sun as she opened one eye and looked at the voice above her.

A kid. It was a kid. He was leaned down with his hands resting on his knees. She sighed.

"What do you want kid?" She asked, voice monotone. She sat up slowly, knees bent and heels planted on the grass. She rested her hands behind her and leaned back.

"Why are you lying down? It's so sunny," the kid asked again and she turned her head to look at him.

He was an adorable kid, no doubt on that. But he had a blank stare, which is not that expected from a child. Y/n found that look all too familiar, a reminder of her childhood.

"How old are you?" She asked scoffing, not answering his question. The kid straightened up.

"Five," he said without hesitation. She nodded, eyebrows raised high on her forehead.

"You act older," she said throwing a look at him. He shrugged.

"You look old, so it's not a big deal. All the other kids are dumb," he deadpanned and she blinked at him, speechless.

"Yah, be kinder," she scolded. He muttered a sorry.

"Where are your parents anyway?" She asked looking around in hopes of seeing someone looking for a kid.

"I dunno, somewhere," she heard the boy say and she never thought she'd turn around that quick because she almost broke her neck.

"What do you mean somewhere, how did you get here? What kind of parents lets their child out of their sight," she grumbled the last part slowly rising to her feet and wiping the back of her thighs.

"I like your pants," the boy pointed at her black, high waisted cargo pants, she looked down at them and then back to him.

"Oh, thanks. I guess yours look nice too," she awkwardly said. The boy snorted.

"You think Spiderman shorts are nice?" He giggled and y/n thought that that was the first sign he gave in the last fifteen minutes that he's a child. He sure talked like a grown up.

"Sure, I always wanted to wear them when I was little, but I never could," she shrugged stretching her arms above her head, then adjusted the crop tank top she wore. The hot summer sun almost scorching her skin.

"Why?" The boy asked as he walked beside her when she started walking. She threw him a glance, contemplating if she should tell him off.

It's better if he's with me than some creep on the streets, she thought.

"Because I'm a girl," she said sighing. She never liked her childhood, sure there were good memories but she barely remembered anything and the bad memories were far more than the good ones.

"Jaebeom said that's a load of crap, he told me I could do whatever I wanted as long as I was happy," the boy said, eyes trained on the ground as he kicked a pebble. He had to run to catch up with her a couple of times so after the third time he just grasped her hand and walked beside her.

Y/n looked down at the sudden small fingers grasping her hand. She hated kids, she never liked them. This one though, she saw a lot of herself in him and she just couldn't bring herself to dislike him.

She took a deep breath and grasped his hand back, slowing down her pace a bit.

"First of all you shouldn't say those words and second, who's Jaebeom?" She asked as she pushed the door of the caffee shop open letting the boy walk in first.

They were greeted by a waiter that escorted them to a table by the window.

Y/n ordered two milkshakes for the both of them after making sure the boy wasn't allergic to anything.

"So, who's Jaebeom?" She asked again.

"My dad," the boy shrugged and Y/n stared at him for a moment.

"Why do you call him Jaebeom?" She asked, not knowing if the kid was gonna get offended.

She kept forgetting she was talking to a five year old, he talked and acted like a grown up. She wanted to know why.

"Well, that's his name," the boy said in an obvious tone.

"I meant why not call him dad," y/n rolled her eyes. The waiter brought their order and she thanked them, the little kid following in her steps.

"Is it okay if I stand on the seat? I can't reach the straw," the boy asked, his eyes wide as he spoke to y/n. She shrugged impressed by his manners.

"Go for it, just don't fall," she warned him, the boy nodded.

"I've known him for a short while, I don't want to call him dad," the boy spoke after taking a sip of his milkshake. A soft smile graced his lips as he tasted the sweet drink and y/n couldn't help but smile too.

"Fair enough," she spoke nodding.

"Isn't he going to worry that you're not with him?" She asked him after a short while, the boy shrugged his shoulders.

"I guess," he spoke nonchalantly.

"Where did you even leave him?" She asked curious about the boy's situation.

"Somewhere in the park. A lady screamed at me so I went off," he explained.

"Why did she scream at you?" Y/n asked. She took a tissue from the middle of the table and signaled the boy to lean forward. She wiped at the whipped cream speared on his cheek before he leaned back taking another sip of the drink.

"She's convinced I intentionally got Seongjae hurt," the boy said, a frown edged on his lips.

"Did you?" She asked calmly, the boy shook his head.

"No, I didn't! She's always trying to get me in trouble, and besides, Seongjae is my best friend, why would I hurt him," the boy pushed away the glass and sat back on his seat, his lips turned down in a sad frown.

Y/n leaned a bit closer, very interested in this crazy bitch of a woman. A sense of protectiveness washing up on her.

"Why is she always trying to get you into trouble?" She asked slowly, the boy looked up at her.

"She said it's my fault my mom is not with me, and kids without moms are the ones who turn into little punks up to no good," he whispered.

Y/n saw how he tried to not show he was hurt, how he shrugged his shoulders and tried to pretend it didn't bother him. But she was pissed.

"Are you done?" She asked pointing at the glass in front of him, changing the subject, the boy nodded.

"Thank you for the treat," he politely said, bowing his head. Y/n smiled and reached over to ruffle his hair.

"It's alright, kiddo," she spoke smiling warmly at him and he nodded smiling in return.

-

They were back at the park, walking in silence. They were looking for Jaebeom.

"This is where you were?" She asked when they stopped a couple of meters away from the playground. She looked around, not sure who she was looking for.

"Yup, right here," he confirmed looking around too, hand still clasped in Y/n's.

"What's your name? You didn't tell me," she asked after a while, looking down at him.

"Jongsu, what's yours?" The boy asked, a hand over his eyes as he looked up at her. She smile reaching in her back and pulling a baseball cap out. She crouched in front of him, and after tightening the belt so it would fit him, she pulled it down his eyes.

"Y/n," she simply told him. The boy reached up to adjust the cap to lay snug around his head.

"Thank you," he muttered, she nodded petting his head.

A shrill screech brought their attention to a woman in the distance hastily walking up to them.

Y/n, still crouched beside the boy, furrowed her brows.

"What's up with that pterodactyl?" She asked to nobody in particular. The small boy gasped, hand reaching out to grasp her crop top.

"That's the lady, Seongjae's mommy. I thought they would've left by now," he muttered, and y/n turned to look at him, an annoyed and tensed expression on his soft face.

The boy turned to her all of a sudden, eyes wide.

"You could tell her you're my mom!" He gasped and y/n's eyes widened the size of saucers.

"What? No!" She whisper yelled, Jongsu pouted, a sad look in his eyes.

"Why? Just for now, she's so mean," he protested, y/n sighed.

"That's not how it works, kiddo. I'll leave today, she's gonna meet you again and what happens when she asks about me again, hm?" She calmly spoke to him, trying to make him understand. He nodded, eyes casted down as she rose to her feet when the woman stopped in front of them. she held Jongsu's hand tightly.

-

On the other end of the playground a frantic looking Jaebeom stopped, checking again near the playground. It would be his fifth time. He had been running around the park for the last hour. Somewhere in the middle he had called Bambam, the thai friend was making rounds with his car, checking the surrounding area for his favorite, and only, nephew.

The silver haired man cursed his friend. How do you lose your damn son, JB. The guy already doesn't like you, dammit, he cursed again eyes shifting here and there.

Jaebeom ran both his hands through his freshly cut hair. His face was flushed by all the running he had done. He had been calling his son's name for so long.

His eyes stung, chest tightening, and damn he was always very concerned about not showing his weakness but, god, how could he lose his own fucking son.

The thought of the boy being somewhere, all alone, had him choke back a sob bubbling up his throat. A scoff leaving his lips as his eyes trained to the field, his back facing the playground.

He just got his son back, he was still trying to gain his trust and look what he did. He fucking lost him. How does a parent do that. He was useless.

He leaned down, hands pressed to his knees, he tried to breathe but he couldn't. A dry sob escaped his lips at the thought of not being able to see his son anymore. He knew he was hyperventilating but he just couldn't stop panicking.

He tried to calm himself down when he heard his phone ringing. He took deep breaths quickly picking up, in hopes Bambam found his boy. His voice quivered when he spoke.

"Bam, anything?" He spoke, gasping for air. And Bambam felt like shit hearing his friend's panicked voice.

"Not yet, I'm still looking, hyung. Don't worry we'll find him, he's a smart kid, he's probably asking for help to someone right now," Bambam tried to reassure his friend, ignoring his own bubble of panic rising. He didn't lie when he said Jongsu is smart, he really was. But he was still just a kid.

"Wha-what if it's someone bad, Bam? What if he asked help to the wrong person? What if- what if something, oh my god, Bam I'm the worst dad ever," another sob left him as he finally let the tears down. His shoulders shook.

Bambam felt his own eyes sting as he impatiently waited for the red light to turn green.

"Hyung, you have to calm down. I'm checking around again, I'll check on the east exit too, maybe he tried going back home, don't worry. Try checking the playground. You have to calm down for him," Bambam cleared his throat, deciding he had to be the one to calm his friend down. He heard Jaebeom take a couple of deep breaths.

"Okay, let me know as soon as you-" a distant shriek he recognized as Seongjae's mother, cut him off. He turned around, phone still pressed to his ear. He craned his neck trying to see on the other end of the playground.

Spiderman shorts caught his eyes as a small boy stood in front of the crazed woman, hand grasping another woman's hand.

"He's here, Bam he's here, oh my gosh," Jaebeom gasped, his voice letting out a relieved sigh as he smiled big.

Bambam let out a relieved sigh too, letting his head hit the headrest behind before quickly jolting up when he remembered he was driving.

"Okay, I'll reach over now, I almost swerved on the other lane," he hurriedly muttered hanging up.

Jaebeom pocketed his phone, quickly walking around the edge of the playground to reach the entrance.

On the other hand the two women were going off at each other.

Y/n tried to be civil at first, trying to explain how Jongsu didn't intentionally hurt Seongjae, even the other boy claiming he got hurt while playing by himself. The older woman wouldn't listen though, constantly trying to blame little Jongsu.

She was in the middle of saying something again when y/n interrupted her.

"Listen here, old hag. If you blame my kid, one more time, so help me god, I will shove that manicure nail up where the sun doesn't shine," y/n threatened in a low tone, eyes fierce and glaring.

Seongjae and Jongsu stared up at the two women.

"Your kid? Old hag? How dare you? This little rascal hurt my Seongie. It's because of the absence of a mother," she scoffed, throwing a nasty glare at the little boy, "he didn't get taught how to be civil," she continued, and

y/n rolled her eyes annoyed.

"And who are you, anyway?" The woman asked again with a nasty tone.

"You, nasty woman, are talking bad about my own kid and don't know who I am? Funny, bitch," y/n spat, not being able to keep the insult at bay. The boys and the woman gasped.

Jaebeom, now stood a couple of feet away, just listened in on the conversation. He knew Seongjae's mom had been bullying his kid. He had told the woman to let him be on multiple occasions. Jaebeom knew her kid and Jongsu were buddies and as much as he didn't like the woman he didn't want to harm the little boy's friendship.

"Woah Jongsu, your mom's a badass," Seongjae whispered at his friend, eyes wide in fascination. Jongsu on the other hand was beaming like never before.

"I know," the little boy giggled.

"How dare you? I'm going to call the police, calling me names, hurting my child. I'm going to report you," the older woman screeched and y/n rolled her eyes.

"Yeah? For what?" She taunted the woman.

"Child abuse! Your child hurt mine!" The woman screamed. Y/n nodded mockingly.

She reached in her back pocket and brought out what seemed to be a wallet. She opened it and shoved it to the woman in front of her.

"Go ahead, make your report, I'm listening," she mocked her, waving her police badge at the other's face. The woman gaped at her like a goldfish.

"I could arrest you right now for bullying a minor, and let me tell you that's so much worse than 'your child hurt my child'," she said again, pocketing her badge.

The older woman blabbed some incoherent words before grabbing her kids hand and quickly leaving. Seongjae waved at Jongsu behind his mom, and the boy waved back.

"I think she won't annoy you anytime soon," y/n muttered patting Jongsu's head, the boy nodded grinning.

"Thank you," he politely said and y/n gave him a thumbs up.

"So, where do we look for Jaebeom?" She asked the boy, looking around again.

"That's him," the boy said, she looked down at the boy to see him staring behind them so she turned around.

"Woah, he's hot," y/n muttered and the boy snorted watching his dad jog over.

"There's drool on your chin," Jongsu teased her, she quickly swiped at her chin before she mocked the little boy when she felt nothing.

"Jongsu! Never do that again!" The man fell to his knees in front of the boy and quickly wrapped his arms around his, squeezing him to his chest. His lips pressed to the boys hair.

"I was so worried, I'm so sorry," he kept saying, apologizing over and over again. He grasped the boys face in his hands before pressing a kiss to his forehead. Jongsu might've been a kid but he was too mature for his own good, so he didn't miss the glossiness in his father's eyes or the redness.

"I shouldn't have run," he admitted nodding, before pointing at the girl standing beside them.

"I was with her though," he said and Jaebeom turned to the girl. She raised a hand, waving.

"What's up," she nonchalantly said, Jaebeom nodded.

"Thank you for looking after him," he said sincerely and y/n nodded, an awkward smile on her lips.

"Well, he didn't really need my help, he's a smart kid. I'll see you around, kiddo," she pinched Jongsu's cheek soflty and the boy nodded smiling. A smile Jaebeom was seeing for the first time on his face.

When y/n turned away Jaebeom didn't miss a second before picking the boy up and squeezing him in his arms again.

"Gosh, I was so worried I even called uncle Bam, he should be here any moment," the man rambled while the boy stared at him like he just sprouted a third head.

"What are you doing?!" He softly yelled, Jaebeom looked at him confused, humming questioningly.

"Ask for her number, she's pretty!" The boy whisper yelled, Jaebeom turned to see the girl a couple of meters away.

"What?" He asked dumbly. The boy groaned and turned towards y/n, his hands cupping around his mouth.

"Y/n!" He called her as loudly as he could, they saw her flinch before turning around, brows furrowed as she tried to make up their faces. The boy gestured for her to go back and she slowly did, a curious expression on her face.

"What are you doing?" Jaebeom murmured in the boy's ear.

"Asking for her number because you're too much of a coward," the boy giggled at his father's offended expression. The man went to say something but stopped when the girl stood in front of them.

"What?" She asked.

"My dad wants your number," the boy said confidently and Jaebeom didn't know if he should panic or be proud.

Panic because his five year old was trying to pick up a girl for him and proud because it was the first time he had addressed him as his father.

"And why isn't your dad asking for it?" Y/n asked, a smug smile on her lips. Jaebeom looked at her and then back to his kid muttering a stop it to him.

"Because he's shy," Jongsu was having too much fun and it was clear as day on his face, y/n found this adorable.

Jaebeom on the other hand was embarassed.

"I'm so sorry, he's just a kid, he doesn't know what he's saying," he apologized, y/n nodded before holding out her palm, Jaebeom looked down at her hand, confused.

"She's asking for you phone, give it," Jongsu whispered in his ear and Jaebeom cleared his throat before reaching in his pocket, and after unlocking the device, he handed it over.

Y/n snorted at his awkwardness, far worse than hers, and she was awkward awkward.

She handed him back his phone.

"Well, I'll take my leave now," she smiled again, and Jongsu waved his hand after giving her a smile. Jaebeom smiled, lips sealed tight.

As soon as she was out of sight a disheveled Bambam stopped beside them, breathing heavily.

"Uncle Bam!" Jongsu screamed, throwing his arms around the man's neck, Bambam quickly wrapping his arms around the boy.

"Ayy what's up, champ. You gave us quite the scare," he tickled the boy in the tummy, Jongsu giggled resting his head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. On another note, I got Jaebommie a pretty girl's number," he blabbed to his favorite uncle as the duo and his father walked to Bambam's car.

Jaebeom smiled at the nickname his son called him, it was far better than being called Jaebeom-ssi.

"Did you now? How did that happen? Your dad hasn't got the charms to woo any girl," Bambam gasped snickering, the small boy giggling too.

"hEy!" Jaebeom called offended, his voice cracking, sending Bambam in a fit of laughter.

"It's because I'm cute," the boy cackled  loudly as Bambam seated him in the car seat, buckling him up before sitting behind the wheel. Jaebeom sat in the passenger seat. A smile on his lips as for the first time Jongsu seemed to have actually had some fun in the park.

He looked in the mirror to see his son's smiling face and thought back at the girl he was with. He had to thank her somehow, so that's what he kept thinking about while the boy excitedly told the two men about his time with the pretty girl y/n.

[moonlit-mizukage]

Chapter fifteen:  LETS DO ITTTTTT

Summary: Popular punk band, Skull crusher, had to find a new drummer due to the sudden disappearance of the last one. As band manager and lead singer, Semi Eita’s girlfriend, Y/l/n Y/n brings Kyotani, a rising internet drummer they found online into the picture. Everything was great at first, then Kuroo, the lead guitarist, started getting creepy messages and presents. Y/n is determined to find out who is trying to sabotage the band when things only take a turn for the absolute worst. Who could be the mysterious stalker really be? Is it their new band mate? Or could it be a close friend of one of the members?

TW: Swearing, mentions of threats

An: Maybe a post update about this earlier but my pc and my mobile tumblr and not working the best. I can’t get any messages on here right now and my desktop didn’t work till I installed a new internet browser. I will post Tendou’s chapter update in about an hour just so it’s spaced out a bit.

______________________________________________________________

Third Person POV

“Y/n... What happened?” He asked. 

“I- I don’t… I don’t know.” Y/n whispered barely audible.

“What are these?” He reached over and grabbed the vial that still was closed. “Is this where the blood came from?”

“Yeah it was in this one.” She passed Semi the empty one as he examined it. “It was inside the desk inside a box wrapped in this.” She passed him the photo. 

“What do you think this means?” He asked just above a whisper. 

“Let’s show the others maybe I don’t know.” Y/n said. 

The two walked from the room as Matsukawa was standing in the living room next to Akaashi whispering. 

“Hey guys,” Semi said, 

“HOLY SHIT? Y/N WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?” Kuroo and Kyotani rushed into the room. 

“There was blood in a vial…” Semi showed the vial and then the picture. 

“This is the weirdest part, he had an empty vial with Kuroo’s name on it.” Kuroo swallowed loudly. 

“Should we call the cops?” Akaashi asked. 

“Yeah let’s call them. Y/n let’s get you cleaned up.” He grabbed her hair as he took her into the washroom. 

Kuroo grabbed the photo from Akaashi as he took a closer look at it. 

“Isn’t this the picture we took at our last concert with Daichi?” Matsukawa looked over his shoulder. 

“Oh shit yeah from the after party.” 

“Who took this picture anyways? We are all in it.” Kuroo asked. 

“Wasn’t it Daichi’s Girlfriend Mai?” Matsukawa asked. 

“Why did none of us recognize her then at our concerts?” Kuroo asked.

“Something is different about her. Maybe her hair or maybe like her… face?” Matsukawa said. 

“Did any of you fucks take photos with her in?” Kyotani asked. 

“Well you see… No.” Matsukawa said with an awkward chuckle. 

“See, a fucking serial killer being excluded back story.” Kyotani said with a huff. 

“No she was weird and stayed away from us except for this photo. Actually Daichi didn't even formally introduce her to us ever.” Matsukawa replied. 

“Why the fuck not?” Kyotani asked. 

“Probably because they have some weird blood pact shit they didn’t want us to know about.” Semi said as he reentered the room. 

“What do you mean?” Akaashi asked. 

“The blood vial that spilled on Y/n was labeled with his and Mai’s name.” Semi said. 

“Holy Fuck.” Kyotani said. 

“Maybe we should leave.” Akaashi suggested. The others agreed as Matsukawa took off his shirt and passed it to Y/n.

“Why are you getting naked for my fiance?” Semi asked. 

“Well I am sure you don’t want her walking down the street in a blood covered shirt and your jacket is in the van so I figured since I go shirtless a lot it’s not suspicious.” Semi nodded his head in agreement as Matsukawa then grabbed Akaashi’s hand. “Now if anyone looks, they will be distracted by us cuties holding hands.” Y/n let out a small chuckle as she put the shirt on. 

Back in the van Semi gave Y/n his jacket like he said he would. Kuroo and Kyotani sat behind Y/n and semi. 

“So now where to?” Kuroo asked. 

“Asahi’s house!” Y/n shouted. A loud cheer could be heard from the back of the van. 

“LET'S DO ITTT!!!” Matsukawa was screaming. 

“We fucking should!” Kyotani now yelled. 

“Yeah please babe.” Y/n said giving him puppy dog eyes. 

“Okay okay what's the address?” He gave in to the loud noise. 

Y/n gave him the address as Semi sighed and got her to put it into the GPS. They started to drive the way to the house. 

“So what is our plan anyways? Semi asked. 

“We just walk up to the door and ask him if he is in love with Kuroo and if he knows Daichi’s whereabouts.” Y/n said. 

“This just screams bad idea.” Kuroo said. 

They pulled up into the driveway as they were stopped at a gate. Kyotani opened the door and stepped out. 

“What are you doing?” Y/n yelled out the window. 

“Fucking pushing the gate open?” Kyotani said as more of a rhetorical question. He shoved the gate open. As he walked back to the car. “I knew the rich fuckers just have fake fucking gates in this neighbourhood.” 

They drove down the driveway more and pulled up by the door. Y/n jumped from the van before Semi could put the van in full stop. Semi pulled his van off to the side as they all started to pile out.

She began ringing the doorbell aggressively. Matsukawa and Kyotani joined her at the door as the other three stood back a bit. Asahi pulled open the door. 

“Can I help you? This is private property.” He said. 

“Yes, we want to know what you want with Kuroo?” Y/n snapped at the man. 

“Who?” He asked, confused. 

“That punk Roaster looking dude right there!” Y/n said as she pointed to him. 

“I’m sorry what is this about?” He asked, confused. 

“Your creepy twitter fan account! The gig is up Asahi! The police gave us your Ip address.” Y/n said with a scowl on her face. 

“Oh I think you have me mistaken for someone else.” 

“We really don’t. It came from your phone.” Matsukawa said. 

“Maybe you mean my girlfriends old account. She said it was light humor someone took out of hand.” Asahi said. Matsukawa laughed as he pulled the twitter account up. 

“This is light humor to you?” He showed him the phone. 

“Why don’t you guys come inside to talk about this?” He asked them. 

The six ended up going inside as they sat around the living room with Asahi. The six began to explain what the twitter saw and just how they were missing Daichi. Asahi had known Daichi before he left but he stated the last time they spoke was when they were at that cafe together. He then went on about how his girlfriend was the one running the account. 

“So where is your girlfriend now?” Kuroo asked. 

Just as he asked, the front door was opened and Asahi called out to her to join them in the living room. 

“Hey baby, who’s here?” She walked into the room and came to a sudden stop. 

“What the fuck Yachi?” Y/n asked.

_____________________________________________________________

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[kateneedscoffee]

Between Us

Synopsis: Didn't know you like cats

Requested: No

Pairings: Phantom x PA!reader

Warnings: Army of cats, little bit of blackmail, and fluff

Author's note: SORRT IF THIS IS LATE AGAIN. NOT USED TO THE SCHEDULE YET.

Shoes clacking on the expensive flooring, following another set of footsteps behind you. “Sir is very lucky to have you join our team. He thinks you would be a great aspect to the ‘Ravens Inn’.” Smiling at the newly employee, he shyly looks down. “Ah, we’re here” knocking on the wooden door, “Sir, your 1:30 appointment is here.”

“Please send them in, (l/n). And you can go on your lunch break now.” reply Phantom on the other side. “Thank you, sir.” Turning to the man, “Oh, and I wish you the best of luck!” Bowing at the young man before leaving to go on your lunch break.

‘I heard this cute little cat café just opened up not long ago’ thinking to yourself. Humming to a random tune, mind drifting apart elsewhere. Not realizing that you have arrived at your destination. Pulling the door handle, going inside the little café. A few employees greeting you, sitting near the window. A server came up to you, asking what you would have. Giving her your order, writing down your order and went to giving it to the barista.

Looking out the window, sighing to yourself. ‘Everything so peaceful here’ thinking to yourself. A little nudge gathers your attention, turning your head to see a fluffy white cat begging for your attention. Lifting up your hand, so it can smell you.

“Why hello little one.” scratching under its chin, the cat was purring in content by being scratch. “You’re so cute!” scratching behind the ears and its neck. The cat purring louder. You didn’t notice a person sitting the opposite of you, too distracted by the cat.

“She’s a cutie, isn’t she?” the voice said. Still not noticing the person sitting in front of you. “Yes, she is. She kind of reminds me the neighborhood cat that goes to house to house. Demanding for pets, food, and water.” you said, giggling as the cat tries to play with your hands.

“Really? Do you know who the original owner was?” the voice asks in question. Shaking your head, “Sort of. There used be an old lady living down the street where I lived at. But she’s in a hospital right now due to her health problems. But she’s getting better.” smiling at a memory when she bakes sweets for you during the holidays. A customer walks in, and the white cat perks her ears up, seeking out the new victim to play with.

“Sorry, for the wait.” a female voice spoke up. Turning to the source you see the server carrying your order. “It’s fine, there’s no rush.” Giving her a smile. The lady turned to the gentleman, “Can I get you something, sir?” You turned to the man, noticing it was Phantom. Choking on air, the server asked if you’re okay. Not noticing Phantom looks like he won a prize. Saying that your fine, she took Phantom’s order and left. “So, this is where you left for your lunch break. It’s a cute little place here.”

“Yes, Sir.” giving out a monotone voice. “No need to be so formal, (y/n). I’m just here on a lunch break as you are.”

“You are?”

“Yes, I wanted to come here to see the place myself. One of my souls was mentioning this place and I had to checked it out myself.” Looking around the little café. “And I didn’t know that you were so fond of cats, (y/n).”

“I kind of grew up with cats, dogs, and other animals as a child. But I always wanted a cat, so I started saving up money to get myself a cat. Before I knew it, I was allergic to them. Of course, being a dramatic child I was, I cried myself to sleep. Then, a few years passed by and I was in an allergy treatment. So, I I’m able to tolerate cats fur and such.” Looking at the group of cats sleeping in a pile. “What about you, Phantom? I thought you would be like a snake kind of person.

“Well, cats are mysterious creatures, and they don’t really need much care due to my schedule. But snakes are beautiful, just like you.” Giving a small smirk in your direction. Using your arms to cover up your shy state.

Phantom gave a chuckle at your state before turning serious. “I am serious (y/n). You are beautiful, you shine most of my collection and I’m proud to have an assistant like you.”

Lifting up your arms to see him. You looked into his eyes to see if he was playing with you, but all you saw was…. love. “I-I-is this a confession?” being curious for his answer.

“Whatever you want, doll.”

“I-I like you too, Phantom.” Stammering at your words.

“Good, I thought I was the only one.”

Giving out a small laugh, and he too gave a smile. He grabbed your hand, using his thumb to caress your hand.

“I love you, doll”

“I love you too, Phantom”

As he was about to get up, a small horde of cats tackling him back to his seat. Trying not to make a sound as the army of cats wanting pets from him. He looked at you, “Please do not tell my brother about this. Let’s keep this between us, okay?”

“No promises.” Taking a few pictures to show to Mare later on.

@spooky-scary-lesbian

----------------------------------------------------------------------------The story is true. I did cry like a little bitch I am. I have 2 cats now and they are bitches sometimes.

[youngjusticestories]

I’m Peckish for a Little Action

Word Count: 1454

Its has been a while since you had seen Dick because you were on a undercover secret mission that was assigned to you. The mission required for you to not tell anyone about where you were going to disappear for the next 4 months of your life, and to take on a completely new identity.

For the mission assignment, you had to go undercover as a waitress at a local bar in Central City to try to find the gang leader of the Black Sharks. You have been doing this for 2 months straight and have been hating it.

You were currently serving some of the gang members at the bar, when suddenly you got called it to the back by your boss about whatever they wanted to talk to you about. The days felt so long working around that place, and the worst was when you had to serve the VIP clients.

"There you are, I have some amazing news for you today." Your boss said to you with a smug smirk on his disgusting face. "What do you mean you have amazing news for me?" He didn't reply to your question what so ever, and just motioned for you to follow him to the back room.

You reluctantly followed him through the back room that had a smell of alcohol and rotten food that roamed the whole entire building. When your bossed stopped right in front of the VIP room, you knew what exactly what was gonna happen in the next few minutes.

You didn't even know why you had agreed to this mission in the first place when it was assigned to you in the beginning. If you knew before hand that you were going to hate every second of your life until this terrible nightmare was over, you would have just ignored Batman when he gave it to you.

"You have some very important guest that are here to see you specifically so make sure that you do whatever they want you to do." Your boss then left you in front of the door, and turned away to go see if the customers needed anything.

You took a deep breath before putting your hand on the door nob and going into the room. When you scanned the room to see who you had to obey, you were shocked to see who was in there with the other clients.

Dick Grayson, also known as Nightwing was sitting on the red velvet chair wearing one of his tight muscle shirts that showed off his muscles very well and a black leather jacket. He had his favorite sunglasses on covering his beautiful blue eyes that you fell in love with.

He was just casually looking on his phone and sometimes joining into a conversation with a few of the gang members. He turned his face to see you standing in the doorway, and tilted his glasses down just enough for you to see his twinkling blue orbs.

You quickly closed the door behind you not wanting to get into any trouble even if you could knock out of them teeth out from there mouths. "You must be the lovely lady that will be serving us this evening I presume," a cold voice rang from one of the chairs in the room.

You knew that voice belonged to the one and only Marcus Alvarez, who was in fact the leader of the Black Sharks standing right front of your face. You gulped before nodding your head to answer his question about you.

You always got nervous about going on mission, even to this day because of how you thought of everything that could have gone wrong. It was a constant fear that were never able to overcome, but tried so hard to do no matter what the cost was.

"Well aren't you a cutie," one of the gang members called out at you. You brushed off his comment before taking all of there drink orders and went to go put them. You quietly made your way out of them, and sighed about was just happened.

Dick had been worrying about your safety non-stop since you had left for the mission assignment. When Batman offered him the chance to check up on you to see how things were going for you there, he couldn't be happier.

"Well isn't Dick Grayson what brings you here, is Gotham getting too boring for you?" Marcus curiously asked him because of how irregular someone like him would come to this place. Dick turned his body to face Marcus and replied, "I'm peckish for a little action, and Gotham couldn't do that for me."

Marcus gave him a small nod, but watched him very carefully. You came back into the room with there drinks, and gave each one of them there beverage. When you got to Dick he took off his glasses, and gave you a wink. you could feel the blush coming to your cheeks.

"Is there else I could get for you men?" You asked as politely as you could under all of the pressure on you at the moment. "Why don't you stay and keep us company for a little while cutie?" The gang member that cat called you earlier answered your question.

You didn't know what to do in this type of situation. Your mind was going back and forth about what your answer would be. If you said yes to his question you could keep your cover, but if you said no they would probably do something to that would leave you scarred for life.

You took a deep breath in and opened your mouth to give your answer, "I would love to keep all of you company this evening, but it looks like there is nowhere for me to sit." Marcus gave you a unpleasant look on his face.

"You could always sit on my lap if you like." You heard Dick's voice say with a mischief gleam in his sparkling blue eyes. You walked over to Dick with your heels clucking across the wooden floor, and settled yourself into his lap.

The gang member named Noah Cruz also known for his nickname Crusher throughout the gang that called you cutie gave Dick a anger glare. He has been looking at you since you had came to work at the bar, and made sure to call dibs on you. Noah was Marcus's right hand man in the group, and made sure to tell Marcus what he thought about Dick Grayson.

Dick wrapped his strong arms around you so that you would not fall off and leaned in to whisper something in your ear. "Calm down (Y/n) everything is gonna be ok." You felt his seductive voice down your back and shivered in response.

He softly kissed your earlobe before pulling your head to his broad chest. You nuzzled your face into him, and relaxed into his touch. Noah looked pissed about what happened between you and Dick. "So the famous Dick Grayson comes here, what is your purpose of being here?" Noah asked him annoyingly.

"I have some business in the city and I wanted drink in my free time so I came to the closest bar." Dick replied before taking a sip of his drink. Noah was furious at what he was seeing in front of his very own eyes.

Noah stood up from his chair and smashed his fist against the table and said, "This is bull shit Grayson." You got off of Dick's lap while he walked over to Noah and sat in his chair to see all of this unfold. "Don't you think that is a little rude to say to someone you had just met?" Dick asked playfully before throwing a punch at his face.

A full blow fight started in the room with everyone fighting one another. Marcus quickly realized who you both were and immediately jumped into action. Every single one of the Black Shark members were all knocked out by the time both of you were done with them.

"I think you enjoyed that a little to much Dick." You teased him. "Well didn't I say that I'm peckish for a little action." He replied with a playful smirk on his pretty face. You were about to say something to him, but got cut off by Dick's mouth on yours.

you definitely liked going on undercover missions more if this was always the end result you got when you had finished your job. At least you and Dick could be together again and no more men giving you disgusting lustful looks on the faces.

[shhhlikeme]

I HAVE A REQUEST!! i saw you were a new writer and decided to help start you off sort of🥺i’ve never requested anything before so please bear with me. maybe kageyama (literally love him) with a genius setter gf just like him👀 i literally have no plot but if you need one i can try and come up with one 😭😭

Kageyama x His Ultimate Setter Dream Girl ✨

———————————

A/N: Thank you sooo much for requesting and helping me start off!! I definitely do not need a plot it’s optional on your part so what you sent is perf! Kageyama is lowkey bae so I hope you like it!! This is your meeting and depending on if you like it I may do a part 2 of how they are when they actually date!

———————————

It all started when, during Nationals, Hinata convinced Kageyama to accompany him to the other side of the complex to watch the girls play

Hinata had a few friends that he promised to go and watch from back in middle school when they allowed him to practice with them. Plus he owed them a thank you

“Shōyōōōōō!!!!! Ouuuuuu are you guys going to watch the girls?! NICE! Can we come?!” Nishinoya pleaded standing up from where they were sitting in the bleachers. Tanaka was right beside him pleading too as always.

Before Hinata could agree Daichi who was sitting behind them—glowered at Yuu and Ryu and pulled them back down by their shirts.

“Absolutely not.” The captain said sternly. “These two knuckle-heads already got banned from the girls side of the complex.” He glared at the two second years who cowered immediately.

Kageyama shook his head at his upperclassmen. “I don’t even want to know......” he mutters under his breath before following a skipping Hinata.

Kageyama went despite the fact that he was a little bored by volleyball if he wasn’t watching future opponents

he could use the break and they had time to kill anyway so no harm no foul

SIKE. Prepare for a lot of harm and a smidge of foul. He didn’t expect to see you there

Kageyama and Hinata found a great spot on the above bleachers and Hinata pointed to the team you played on since he knew you.

“There! Number 14! That’s Y/N — she’s in our year can you believe—“

Kags’ jaw dropped

He definitely didn’t hear Hinata anymore once his eyes stopped on your numbered jersey

Listen... I know in most teenage boys minds they think something similar to ‘omg there’s a hot girl!! look at her hair look at her legs look at her rack’ but when Kags saw you he didn’t see any of that

Well, not immediately.....

Instead, he was completely captivated by your playing style.

Tobio couldn’t help but think that if Karasuno were crows then you must be a freaking unicorn. Your technique was outrageously unique that incorporated back sets so beautiful that made you seem unreal......much like a unicorn.

The way you played is like you are pulling off miracle sets time and time again... except you made them look easy

Your wrist motion was captivating

Your spiral-stops were perfectly executed

The setter plays you called were impeccable

“She’s better than me....” Kageyama whispered to no one in particular. He doesn’t even realize he said it. Hinata just gaps at him before nodding and adding a “Duh.”

Hinata honey don’t write your death wish this isn’t death note

Good thing Kags was too distracted by your playing

He was a goner okay. Watching you play was slightly short of erotic

The way you adjusted to each one of your spikers was unprecedented

The blocks you made were clearly highly calculated

Your setter dumps were even enough to make him whimper under his breath. Kageyama had to punch Hinata so he would stop asking why he just made that sound.

Kags’ mind was—as Hinata would say: KA-BLOOM 💥— or way out of his depth here

And to make matters worse.....when you finally stopped playing and joined your team to celebrate your victory, Kageyama’s “I’M A MALE” instincts finally kicked back in as he realized just how breathtakingly beautiful you are.

He was able to suppress it because he was captivated by your playing style but now that you weren’t playing--a tidal wave hit him with the ‘omg there’s a hot girl!! look at her hair look at her legs look at her rack’ thoughts......

To make matters EVEN worse x2 his eyes bugged out when he realized you were the co-captain.

“A-first year???? Captain????” His eyebrows met in the middle in disbelief.

Hinata beamed. “Yup! Y/N is rated the #1 setter in the country for high school girls. She taught me how to set. She’s awesome and such a people person they would be stupid not to make her captai—hey!”

Kageyama was up and out of his seat in an instant. He pulls Hinata out of the stands by his arm.

“You will introduce me. Now.” His mind: Goddess.

Hinata whined like a toddler until Kageyama let him go. Shōyō rubbed his arm while pouting, saying that all Kageyama had to do was ask nicely since he was going to say hi to you anyway.

Kageyama waits on the court for your team to collect their things. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you and he felt his heart start pounding

You were quite possibly the best setter he’s ever seen at a tournament. Oikawa would quake in his boots

Kageyama suddenly felt rage at the idea of ladies-man Oikawa taking any interest in you. Whoa, that was weird. He hasn’t even met you and he’s already feeling some type of way

Anyway, you tell your team to take their lunch as you walk off the court. You look around hoping to find your friend Hinata that you haven’t seen since middle school!

Out of the corner of your eye you spot a familiar orange ball jumping up in the air and waving his hands. He was yelling your name and people were shooting him dirty looks. Smiling, you held your bag closer to your shoulder and jogged over to your old friend “Hi Shōyō!”

You hugged him and listened to him go on a rant about how good you were and how much he thanks you for teaching him how to play until someone clears their throat rather loudly.

You look over and see a taller boy in the same uniform as Hinata looking pointedly annoyed with Hinata’s blabbing. He had dark hair, dark eyes, and frankly his entire demeanor was dark

But was he ever HOT AS HELL DAMN (you would opt for never seeing light again if that meant you could bask in his darkness)

You stared at him for a little until Hinata spoke

“Oh right. Y/N, this is my scary setter Kageyama. He really wanted to meet you—“

Kags turned red at Shōyō’s last words which took you back. This mean-looking totally attractive guy just blushed?! And he wanted to meet you? Why???

“Hi, I’m Y/N.” You put your hand out for Kageyama to take and he did, staring at you intently.

You would be lying if you didn’t feel butterflies. Neither of you said anything you just got lost in each others gaze.

“So! Kageyama here is in our year too. He’s the one I told you about that I played and he was so rude... otherwise known as the king of the—hey!”

Bumping him into next week with his hip, Kageyama pushed Hinata out of the way roughly.

So you know how every time Kags meets a great setter he creepily bombards them with a string of setter questions in order to get better ? It’s like automatic for him

Ya well there are no exceptions to that rule

He doesn’t care that you’re a girl— he doesn’t care that you’re the sexiest girl he’s ever met— the boy is a robot when it comes to the setter position and so he lets it loose just like he did when he spoke to Kenma for the first time after the first crow vs. cat game : speaking so fast that he sounded like he was speaking in tongues:

“HowLongHaveYouBeenASetter?WhoTaughtYouHowToBeASetter?WhatWouldYouCallYourStyle?HowDidYouSetter-DumpLikeYouDidInTheFirstSetLikeThatEvenThoughThose2BlockersWereInFrontOfYou?YouCanPass,SetAndSpikeSoWhyDidYouChooseSetting?HowAreYouNotTheTallestButYourJumpSetIsSoPrecise?WhatTypeOfTrainingRegimenDoYouDo?HowLongDidItTakeYouToBeTheBest?WhatDoINeedToDoToBecomeLikeYou? Will you please let me take you out on a date next weekend?!”

shocked, half because Kageyama is still shaking your hand while he speaks like he doesn’t know what sentence pauses are, the other half shocked because you think he just asked you out?!

“Umm......” Your mind tries to catch up with your body that just increased to an incredibly high degree.

Kageyama gives you a look of determination that makes you gulp. You recognize that look. You know that look. All setters know that look. It’s the look of determination when we tell ourselves that we will not lose this game. A shiver ran through you when you realized it was you that he was so determined to win. 

A game, huh?

Meanwhile, in Kageyama’s mind... though he realized that he asked every setter question under the sun like he always does — the asking you out part was so automatic that it hadn’t registered yet because he’s never had to worry about that before. That’s the only reason this cutie isn’t combusting damn

I know y’all were wondering

Kags is in setter mode and love mode he doesn’t know how to act

Finally, you release your hand from his just as your teammates call you over for food. As Captain, duty called.

Looking up at this sexy setter in front of you, you nod. “Uh, sure, Kageyama. I’ll tell you what - I’d love to go out with you. But just as a little pay back for being so mean to my friend Shōyō over there— back in middle school and now.... then I’ll only agree if you win your next game. Then and only then can you get my number from Hinata, okay? I gotta jet.” You give him a warm smile and a wink before jogging out of the gym to meet your team.

Kags, finally registering what you said........ he combusts. He can’t get over how hot you looked when you just winked at him and that he actually asked you out without meaning to.

You said you’d LOVE to go out with him!!!!!!

Well.....if he wins the next game. All because of her thinking you need to treat that stupid bug Hinata better.

Hinata sticks his tongue out at Kags as he rubs his side.

“That really hurt Kageyama. And what happened to you being a dumby or an asshole when it came to cute girls? Now you know how to ask them out??? Man I wish Y/N was smart enough to make the condition that you had to be nice to everyone for her to agree to go out with you because you don’t deserve a girlfriend as pretty as her— and I want to win too.” He starts walking back to the boys’ side of the gym.

“That was my first time ever asking a girl out for your information. And watch the way you talk about my future wife, boke. Just hit my sets and win this next game.”

smirking, Kageyama’s thoughts filled with mental images of you setting, you winking at him sexily and the way your smaller hand fit in his large one perfectly. He thought about how he would make your date next week one for the books.

He really wanted you.

Let’s just say how badly he wanted you was very apparent to Hinata due to the fact that in Karasuno’s next game in Nationals: Kags was the honorary ace. And they won.

———————————————————

I’m a new writer so please give me feedback! Thank you for suggesting 💜

[let-the-dream-begin]

In My Daughter’s Eyes Chapter 9: Affirmation

Chapter 8

Read on AO3

A friend of mine just made some incredible fanart for this story, and I am so in love with it! Please check it out for some adorableness!

November 25

Claire took a shaky breath, still gripping the steering wheel despite the fact that her car had been in park for about five minutes. She was parked in the Abernathy driveway, a store-bought apple pie (something she’d discovered that Americans eat on Thanksgiving) sitting in the passenger seat.

Thanksgiving had been this past Thursday, but both Claire and Joe had been working. Upon realizing that Claire had never celebrated Thanksgiving and had no intention of really doing so, he insisted that Claire come over on Sunday when he was off for her and Faith’s first Thanksgiving Dinner.

Claire had no idea why she felt so panicked; it was just Joe, after all. He had seen her at her absolute worst at the hospital, repeatedly. He knew the ins and outs of Faith’s condition because Faith seemed to be the only thing Claire could talk about other than actual hospital business. He had promised that his wife would be aware, that he would make his kids as well aware as possible. He’d texted her several times that he and Gail were so excited to have her, that their little Delia was dying to meet Faith.

Still, the devil on her shoulder was screaming that Faith wasn’t ready for this, that if she slowed the slightest bit of discomfort, Joe would never welcome them into his home again, and he’d look down on her as an incompetent parent for the rest of her life.

“Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?”

Faith’s sensory overload had been triggered at an Oxford event, a full-blown meltdown had ensued, and they’d had to leave twenty minutes after arriving.

“She can’t help it, Frank. It was too much for her. I should have known that she couldn’t handle such a big crowd.”

“You’re right,” he snarled, roughly loosening his tie and throwing it on the dresser. “You should have known.”

Claire shook her head to clear her mind, repeating the familiar mantra:

Joe is not Frank. His family is not the Oxford faculty.

Taking advantage of a sudden boost of confidence before it disappeared, Claire got out of the car and unbuckled Faith. She got halfway up the driveway before she realized she left the pie on the passenger seat, then ran back to get it. She stood on the porch and crouched down to straighten Faith’s brown and green dress and flatten a few wild curls, then stood up and straightened her own sweater, pulling it further down over her jeans.

“Ready, baby?” Claire said. “We can do it, yes?”

Faith gave Claire a thumbs up, and that was all she needed to ring the doorbell.

“Lady Jane!” Joe exclaimed as he opened the door. “You look lovely, my friend.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Claire smiled warmly.

“And this little cutie must be Faith.” He crouched down, eye level with her, as Claire had mentioned made her least anxious when meeting strangers. “Hi there, sweetie. I’m Joe, your mom’s friend. It’s great to meet you.” Faith shyly pressed Horsie into her face. “I like your horse, Faith. I’m glad you brought him. There’s plenty of food to go around.”

Claire chuckled as Joe stood to full height once more. “She okay?”

“Yes, I think she’s fine.”

“Great, come on in. Let me take that pie.” As they crossed the threshold, a beautiful black woman swooped in from the end of the hall, her purple sweater making her eyes glimmer.

“Oh, look at you!” she exclaimed. “It is so good to finally put a face to the name.” She gave Claire her hand. “Gail.”

“Claire. And this is Faith.”

She hid behind Horsie again as Gail crouched down. “Hello, little lady. It’s great to meet you. Your dress is very pretty.”

“Say thank you, baby. You know the sign.” Claire crouched down next to Faith and signed thank you. “Miss Gail said your dress is pretty. Say thank you?” She signed again, and Faith copied the best she could with one hand clutching Horsie. “Good girl, Faith. Very good.”

“You’re welcome,” Gail said warmly. “What’s the sign?” Claire’s smile got even wider, showing Gail the sign, and she repeated it to Faith. “You’re welcome, Faith.”

Faith hid her smile in Horsie, but Claire could see it.

“She likes you,” Claire said, standing up along with Gail.

“Well I like her, too.” Gail winked down at Faith. “Here, give me your coats, come in, have a drink, relax.”

A loud shriek suddenly rang through the house, and Faith dropped Horsie to cover her ears.

“Easy, little man,” Claire heard Joe’s voice, followed by:

“Gotta be quiet, Lenny,” a little girl said. “Mama said.”

Claire picked up Horsie and Faith and rocked her. “It’s alright, darling. It was just a little baby. It’s okay.”

“I’m so sorry,” Gail said as they entered the living room. “I swear he doesn’t usually do that.”

“It’s okay, she’s fine,” Claire assured her, despite the fact that Faith’s hands were still glued to her ears.

Joe was standing by the fireplace holding a toddler, three-year-old Lenny, and standing next to him was an adorable little girl in a blue dress.

“Hi, Miss Beauchamp,” the girl said politely. “I’m Dee-Dee.”

“Well hello, there,” Claire said, smiling again. “Your Dad has told me all about you, Dee-Dee. Please, call me Claire.”

Delia looked skeptically to each parent, waiting for their approval to address her informally.

“Okay. Hi, Claire.”

“Faith, lovie,” Claire coaxed, whispering into her temple. “There’s a little girl who’d like to meet you. Can you please move your hands now? It isn’t loud anymore, I promise.” Faith looked down at Delia. “I’m going to put you down now, okay?” Claire slowly lowered Faith to the floor, and she didn’t object.

“Hi, Faith,” Delia said. “My Daddy told me you’re real special. Wanna play?” Faith stared back at her. “I brought lots of dollies from my room that you can play with. Wanna see?”

“Can you show her the dolls, Dee-Dee?” Claire said gently, taking Faith’s hand.

“Uh-huh, follow me.” She led them to the corner of the living room, where the girl had obviously created a little arrangement of all her favorite dolls, surrounding a little dollhouse. “See? They’re pretty.”

“They’re very pretty,” Claire agreed. “Here darling.” Claire picked up one of the dolls and handed it to Faith. “See? Dee-Dee is going to share her dolls.” Faith took the doll in the hand that wasn’t holding Horsie. “Can you be a good girl with Dee-Dee, Faith?” Claire held up her thumb, and Faith copied. “There you go. Good girl.”

“Don’t worry, Claire. Daddy told me we gotta play quiet games,” Delia said seriously. “All my dollies are quiet, and I’m really quiet, too.”

“That’s very good, sweetheart. Thank you so much.”

Delia nodded, then sat down on the floor. “C’mon, Faith. Sit down and play.”

Claire slowly backed away from them, waiting for Faith to start whining for her to come back. She breathed a sigh of relief when she made it to the couch without Faith protesting. Gail was already waiting with a drink, and a plate of appetizers had been put on the coffee table.

“She’s so sweet,” Claire said as she accepted the drink from Gail. “Very thoughtful and sensitive. And she’s only six?”

“Yeah, she’s a good one,” Gail said, sitting down next to her. “Not like that one.” She gestured to Lenny, who Joe had to scoop up again to prevent from launching himself at the girls. “Troublemaker.”

Claire chuckled. “Drives her crazy, I bet.”

“Sure does. Doesn’t help that she bosses him around.” Gail took a pig-in-a-blanket into her fingers.

“Big sisters do that,” Joe piped in, sitting in an armchair with Lenny in his lap.

“So, Claire, tell me all about jolly-old-England. I’ve never been out of the States,” Gail said eagerly, popping the mini hotdog into her mouth.

Claire chuckled and took a sip of her drink. “Well, what do you want to know?”

——

The afternoon progressed without a hitch; Joe and Gail were always careful to remove Lenny from the room if it seemed like he was about to be loud, and they took turns keeping him occupied so he didn’t bombard Faith. Claire was overwhelmed. Never before had anyone taken such measures to be sure that her daughter was comfortable. Back in England, if Claire had merely suggested that they bring awareness to Faith’s special needs to anybody who invited them over, Frank immediately shut it down. He had truly made her feel like she was crazy, like there was really no need for her to worry at all. And then when things inevitably went wrong, it was her fault for not having the foresight to leave her home.

Delia was especially a marvel. She must have been the calmest six year old Claire had ever met. She was so gentle with Faith, and spoke so calmly. She didn’t seem bothered at all that Faith didn’t answer when she talked to her; she seemed more than happy to take the lead on whatever game they were playing. She just chattered away to her, and Faith seemed quite content.

She’s never had a friend.

Claire almost cried into her turkey to think about it.

The meal was quite delicious, a wide assortment of things that Joe assured her were “Thanksgiving foods.” Faith refused to eat the turkey no matter what Claire tried so, in the end, to avoid a meltdown, Claire removed the poultry from her plate and gave her extra carrots instead. Faith’s favorite, by far, was the sweet potatoes with marshmallows, something that Claire had reflexively wrinkled her nose at. Joe, however, insisted she try it at least once, and she had been proven wrong immediately.

The Abernathy Thanksgiving tradition was a board game in between dinner and dessert, and Delia decided on Candy Land. Faith sat in Claire’s lap while she played, letting her pick the cards and move the piece where Claire told her to. Lenny had free range of the living room while Faith was otherwise occupied. Claire found herself dizzy with glee for the entire game, thoroughly enjoying Joe and Gail’s competitive banter, as well as Delia’s constant insistence that she would win.

But it was Faith’s joy that took the cake.

She wasn’t just comfortable, she was happy. She was enjoying herself. She was humming, and stimming, and bouncing in Claire’s lap. How many years had Claire been terrified to take her out of the house, and now here she was, happy as ever…?

Joe had nearly won the game, but he purposely kept making silly mistakes so that Delia would win. Winner, of course, had to clean up the game, while Gail and Joe set out dessert in the dining room. Claire blushed with embarrassment to see that the pie she’d brought was the only store-bought item on the table.

“I almost put it in my own container and pretended I made it myself,” she said jokingly.

Joe laughed. “Doesn’t matter where it came from, Lady Jane. What matters is that you brought it.”

Claire almost burst into tears again.

Dessert was just as delicious and fun as dinner. Evidently, Claire’s apple pie paired quite nicely with Gail’s homemade pumpkin and chocolate pie. Everyone made sure to have at least one piece of each, Joe going in for a second of each. By the end of the night, Claire’s stomach hurt from laughter, and her cheeks were sore from smiling. Faith fell asleep on Claire’s lap, face nuzzled into her breast, and Lenny was down for the night upstairs. Delia was more than content to sit at the table and listen to grown-up conversation, though she was quite close to falling asleep on her hands.

Claire had mentioned Faith’s therapy at the hospital, but Joe was eager to hear more, and Gail was excited to hear about it at all. She regaled the story of Faith’s first interaction with the horse, and the first time she got on the horse. She told them all about Jamie, how he had this magic touch that settled Faith immediately, how he went above and beyond to make Faith happy.

The more Claire went on, the more Joe was getting this look on his face that Claire couldn’t put a name to. Then, as she continued, she realized that the look appeared every time she mentioned Jamie…which was actually quite often. She said his name again, and Joe looked at her again, cocking an eyebrow. She opened her mouth to say something in response, something snarky, but she lost her nerve the longer she thought about it.

Which was strange, because she was never one to lose her nerve.

She quickly turned the conversation back on Joe, and before long, Mister Jamie and his blue eyes were out of sight and out of mind.

“You know,” Claire said, everyone coming down from laughter over an anecdote of a particularly spirited patient they’d had this week. “I’m really, really grateful that you had us today. Your home is beautiful, the food was great, and you’re all just…wonderful.”

“Please, Claire, it was our pleasure,” Gail said. “You’re great company. Ever since Joe’s family moved we’ve missed having people over for Thanksgiving. And Dee-Dee loved playing with Faith.”

Delia shook herself awake enough to nod in response.

“Faith liked playing with her too.” Claire rubbed her back. “She was really great with her. You’ve both done a lovely job with her.”

“Well thanks,” Joe said. “You’ve done a great job with yours, Lady Jane.”

Claire smiled and leaned her cheek on the top of Faith’s head.

“Speaking of…” Gail said. “Looks like it’s past somebody’s bedtime.”

“Not tired, Mama.”

“Oh, yes you are. Come on, young lady.”

“I should get going, too,” Claire said reluctantly, standing up with Faith.

“Oh, are you sure?” Gail said. “You can put Faith down in the guest room and we can have some more drinks.”

“I appreciate that, truly. But I do have a six o’clock shift.”

“Ah, that’s right. Claire takes all the crappy shifts,” Joe said.

“Just so I can have weekends off,” Claire said. “I’d do anything they asked if it means I don’t have to work Saturday or Sunday, or Fridays past four for that matter.”

“Of course, of course,” Joe said.

“Well hold on, now, you’re not going anywhere without leftovers.” Gail shuffled into the kitchen. “Come on Dee, you wanna stay up, you’re gonna help Mama.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“It’s your food,” Claire objected, following her into the kitchen and shifting Faith’s weight around. “I don’t want to take it, please, we don’t need — ”

“Oh, stop being so damn polite.” Gail waved her off, shoveling potatoes into a Tupperware container. “No way we’d eat all this before it goes bad. This’ll feed you both for a week.”

Claire couldn’t help but smile. “I guess all those microwave dinners will have to sit in the freezer for another week.”

They all laughed at that.

Leftovers packed in containers and a paper bag, everyone shifted from the kitchen into the main hallway.

“Listen, Claire, let’s not wait for another holiday to do this again, alright?” Joe put a hand on the shoulder that Faith’s head was not laying on. “It was really great to have you. Both of you.”

Claire’s heart felt fit to burst, and she couldn’t stop the tears that rushed to her eyes.

“Thank you, Joe. Really. This means…a lot to us.”

“Us, too,” Gail said, Delia wrapped around her waist, half asleep.

“Goodnight, Lady Jane.”

“Goodnight Joe. Gail, Delia.”

“Goodnight, honey.”

Claire had to keep pausing in her buckling of Faith’s car seat to wipe tears from her eyes.

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, brushing frizzled little curls off of Faith’s forehead. “We’re doing it, lovie.”

This fresh start was truly the best thing that ever happened to them.

——

December 18

Claire was bouncing in her seat, almost exactly like she’d seen her daughter do countless times. She’d rearranged her entire schedule this week so that she could meet Gillian’s plane. She’d come straight here from work, with Faith still at home with Mrs. Lickett. As much as she’d love to have Faith greet her Auntie right away, she figured that would not be wise considering how things had gone the last time they were in an airport together.

She kept checking her phone, as if planes could actually adhere to their exact schedules. The plane was supposed to arrive in five minutes. Claire remembered quite vividly the day she’d said goodbye to Gillian back in Oxfordshire, the bone crushing hug and the tears they shed on each other. They hadn’t been apart more than a few days since the day they met, and no one else had been there for her as steadfastly when Frank left. That day, she wasn’t sure she could go on without her. Which was more than she could say for going on without her husband. She was quite sure she could do that.

So to see her in more or less five minutes after three months had her as giddy as Faith anticipating the opening notes to Frozen.

After an eternity of about fifteen minutes, the announcement that her flight landed sounded and Claire jumped out of her seat. Obviously it would be another ten minutes at least before the plane was lined up at the gate, but she just couldn't sit still anymore.

When people finally started pouring out of the bridge, and Claire caught sight of that strawberry-blonde head, she suddenly felt like a freshman in college again, waving like an idiot to get her attention across campus.

Her elfin face lit up immediately upon seeing her, and she shoved past about six people and started sprinting toward Claire. With a girlish squeal, the two women collided with a force that knocked the wind out of Claire.

“Oh my God!” Gillian exclaimed, squeezing the life out of Claire. “Jesus! Let me look at you!” She held Claire at arms length, and she squealed again. “My God, Claire, ye’ve gotten even hotter!”

Claire gave quite an unattractive guffaw and swatted her arm. “You look great too, Gi.”

Gillian promptly squealed again and pulled her in for another air-compressing hug.

After about five more minutes of fawning over one another, they proceeded arm-in-arm to baggage claim, then outside to Claire’s car.

“Hope ye didn’t pay too much fer parking,” Gillian said as she slung her suitcase into the trunk.

“Oh, you know, America,” Claire said, rolling her eyes. “It was robbery, of course.”

Gillian snorted before getting into the passenger seat. “It’s a lovely set o’ wheels. How long did it take ye to no’ drive on the wrong side o’ the road?”

Claire chuckled as she put the car in reverse to pull out of her spot. “Not as long as I thought. I do still have to consciously think about it.”

“I hope it isna too long to yer place, I’m starving. That shite on a platter they give ye on the plane just doesna cut it. No’ to mention I’m dying to see my wee niece.”

Claire beamed. “She is so excited to see you. I’ve been telling her every day for a week how many days until Auntie Gi. She was practically vibrating this morning when I told her today was the day.” They both shared a laugh at that. “And as for being hungry, I already placed a delivery order to arrive shortly after we get home.”

Gillian leaned her head back into the seat, sighing. “I could kiss ye.”

Claire scoffed affectionately, giving Gillian’s thigh a pat before turning her attention back to the road.

——

When they arrived at the apartment, Gillian was in awe at the sheer suburban-ness of the place. Together, they lugged the suitcase up the stairs, and Claire couldn't help but smile already before she even turned the lock.

As she’d expected, Faith was already right by the front door, having heard the car arrive, and promptly threw herself on Gillian’s legs.

“There she is!” Gillian cried, bending down to lift her and settle her on her hip. She gave an exaggerated grunt as she did. “Jesus, Faith, ye’ve gotten so big I can hardly lift ye anymore!”

Faith was squealing with giggles, stimming without restraint, humming loudly. She threw her arms around Gillian’s neck and squeezed tightly, causing everyone, including Mrs. Lickett, to laugh affectionately.

“Och, I missed ye so much, wee girl,” Gillian crooned as she stepped into the apartment, Claire following behind with the suitcase. “She really has gotten so big, how has it only been three months?”

“I know, I can’t believe how fast she’s growing.” Claire leaned against the couch, her heart full. “Oh, Gillian, this is Faith’s caretaker, Mrs. Lickett.” The older woman smiled warmly from the other side of the coffee table.

“Great to meet ye, I’ve heard so much,” Gillian said.

“So have I, about you,” Mrs. Lickett returned.

The woman gathered her things and left, Gillian coaxing the little girl in her arms to wave goodbye.

“Fifteen minutes until Italian food,” Claire sighed, plopping herself on the couch.

“Ah, New York Italian food,” Gillian said, sitting down beside her and putting Faith in her lap. “A delicacy.”

“Indeed. You were right about that.” Claire watched gleefully as Faith hummed and ran her fingers through Gillians straight, silky hair. It was quite a different texture from her mother’s untamable curls, so she was likely enjoying the sensation quite a bit.

Dinner arrived and was eaten with much celebration, including a bottle of wine that Claire had been saving for the occasion. Faith had vehemently insisted on being given some, which Claire had anticipated, and cleverly served her a little cup of grape juice. They clinked their glasses and cups together, making Faith smile wide as ever.

A comedy of manners ensued when they tried to get the air mattress blown up in the living room, especially with the obtrusive Christmas tree in the way. Several failed attempts later, it was blown up and fully made, just before Faith’s patience ran out in waiting for her movie. They sat cuddled under a blanket on the couch watching Beauty and the Beast, Faith laughing her head off at Gillian’s extremely poor attempts at singing along.

After Faith was in bed, Gillian and Claire spent hours cuddled under the blanket, passing the wine bottle back and forth, updating each other on anything and everything. They were up much later than Claire should have been, being that she had a shift at eight in the morning, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Sitting there, tipsy, with her best friend, whispering and giggling into the wee hours of the morning was the most uninhibited she’d felt in years.