#claude is the definition of having food on your plate and looking over to see someone else about to eat what you consider better and taking

[togamey]

thinking about my good friend alois tracy on this day

[joe9cool]

So Good-Joel Farabee-1

A.N. I do not know or affiliate with anyone with The Flyers their families, and their friends. I only own my characters. This is for fanfiction and doesn't represent reality.Also you do not have permission to steal or post my stories elsewhere. Thank you

August 2022

“Aye Beezer!” Frosty shouted from over the music, waving his buddy over. Joel smiled as he made his way through the backyard of Sean Couturier's home. It was a small team barbecue before kicking off the new season. Despite his back injury, the alternative captain insisted he and his wife Laurence could host the annual team party. It felt weird without Claude and Ryanne hosting as the former Flyers captain was now in Ottawa. Sean had decided to step up since he was now Philly's longest lasting player, and there was no doubt that When the team was ready for a new Captain, he would be the obvious choice.

Joel has spent his off season in Philly following his neck surgery. It was a painful recovery so far, but he felt good. Good enough to attend the barbecue. 

After greeting Sean and Laurence, and dropping off his bottle of wine (His mom taught him to never come to someone’s house empty handed) He went over to the young core. “Let’s see the scar bro!” Joel laughed. “The Doc did a good job, so I don’t think you're gonna see anything exciting.”

“Are you attending camp?” He shrugged, obviously players didn’t like to miss any time, but he certainly was not going to rush anything and possibly hinder his progress.  “Hopefully, I feel good.”

When Owen offered him a beer Joel shook his head. “I'm on pills man. I can't.”

The redhead laughed. “Look at you being a responsible veteran.”

“It's only because of his surgery.” Joel rolled his eyes. “Yeah it had nothing to do with you being my roommate and having to take care of your ass Frosty.”

After some more mingling and shit talking with his team. Laurence announced that the food was ready. Joel had gotten Into a line that led to the kitchen. He had someone gotten behind someone he hadn't seen before. 

‘Was she a crasher?’ Joel thought as he was staring at the back of a woman, Whose long black hair was tied into a high ponytail. To some it may be a dumb thought, but to an athlete Who has seen Some crazy things… Anything was possible. 

Surely if she was a crasher, someone would have said something… surely. He looked around before taking In more features of the woman.

She was about his height in her wedge sandals, she was wearing a blue floral dress that showed off her curvy figure and he tried not to focus on her ass. 

However, his thoughts were now focused on the food as he entered the kitchen to see everything Laid Out on the massive island and counters. As with any get together that involved hockey players, there was a ton of food with all dietary restrictions in Mind. Right now guys were having their last minute cheat meals before camp.

As he was loading up his plate he had a better view of the woman who was now next to him in his peripherals. She was beautiful, definitely around his age and very polite as she kept handing him the serving spoon after every dish.

Well, almost every dish.

“Wait a Minute. No chicken parm? That's insane.” It slipped Out of Joel’s mouth before he could stop it. She looked up and her brown eyes caught him by surprise.

“Oh my god you seriously are like the millionth person giving me shit for this.”

His eyebrows raised, not expecting that response. “It's chicken parm!”

“I know! It was my pregame meal for years.” He was sure his eyebrows were off his face at this point. “Really?”

She laughed “yeah I played hockey in college and high school.”

“So are you on the management team for the Flyers?” 

She shook her head. “No, I'm a teacher's assistant at Temple University.”

“Sooo how do you know the team?”

“I'm so sorry Claire, But can you take Ella? She woke from her nap and I can't get her to settle. I'll fix your plate.” Laurence had Suddenly appeared with her toddler who was already reaching out at What he now knew as Claire.

“Of course! Ella, come here my girl.” Smiling, they traded a human and a plate as it seemed Claire was a natural with the toddler. Joel found himself staring at her as she walked away bouncing Ella. He didn't even realize he was holding up the line until Laurence began speaking with him. “Isn't Claire so nice?” 

He snapped out of the Trance he was in. “What?”

Laurence smiled down at Claire’s Plate. “My friend Claire, she is just the sweetest. You know she played ice hockey for Princeton?”

“Princeton?” He whistled. She was fucking smart. “I thought she worked for The Flyers. I wasn't sure how she knew the team.

“When Sean lived With Briere his Rookie season, she and her family were neighbors to them. When I visited Sean, Danny introduced us, and she's from Montreal and so we became close. She was my only friend when I lived in Philly, and she took care of me when Sean was in the bubble and it was only me and Ella. We made her godmother.”

Joel nodded, “she's very pretty.” He muttered but Laurence heard. “Yes, and just so kind.” They grabbed drinks and Joel found a spot outside and took a seat, not realizing Laurence was following.

“Claire! I put your stuff next to Joel.” He looked up and saw Claire in the corner playing with the now happy kid. “Okay thank you.” 

“Here let me take her. She can go by Sean. Go eat, you've helped me so much with all of The food And prep.” 

Claire Sat down next to Joel and dug into her plate. Joel made another comment before thinking…. “Wow, you're hungry.” She looked at him surprised. “Umm I'm sorry I Didn't mean it like that.. I just.. I remembered You played hockey and it's nice to not watch my eating around someone.”

Nice save moron.

She laughed. “I've always Been a fast eater.. Trust me you're fine.. but back to the chicken parm. I ate that shit every game for how many years… I can't do it.”

“Hmm… well Laurence told me you went to Princeton. That's an IVY league school. What did you major in?”

She took a sip of her wine cooler. “Clinical psychology. I'm actually graduating with my Masters in December. Then straight to the PhD. I'm trying to become a professor. I work as a TA at Temple University and I love it.

Across the yard, Laurence was watching them, smiling.

—---------------------------------------------

As the day flowed Into the night Joel found himself refusing to leave Claire's side, even as his teammates where hanging outside playing a game or Playing with Coots dog he was in the house, helping Claire help Laurence clean up. She laughed at all of his jokes and was able to throw some chirps At him. Turns out she had been a regular at Games and team events..

Why hadn't he noticed her before?

Well when he had come onto the team it was right before Covid, but even after she was right in front of him. This beautiful, smart woman who he enjoyed talking to.

She was four years older than him, but that didn't matter. She told him about being born in Canada and a bit about moving to Philly as a kid and the change. He told her about growing up in Cicero New York. They exchanged Hockey stories as they Grabbed desserts. The natural next step was To ask her out. He figured That would come at the end of the night.

“So your sister is a lawyer?” She nodded. “Yes, she's a year older than me. She and her husband eloped a few months ago. Imagine the total shock On my mother's Face.” 

He laughed. “Yeah I'm the baby of three Boys and if one of us did that. I don't think my parents would forgive me.” 

They were now back on the patio chairs, overlooking the backyard. It had become cooler out, so they were by a fire. However he noticed Claire was still shivering in her summer dress. “Here, take my sweater.” He unzipped his Grey hoodie and slipped it over her shoulders, his fingers feeling electrocuted by her bare skin. He didn't miss her shudder. “Thank you” She smiled.

—---------------------------------------------------------

“Aww you stupid fucker!” Owen groaned as his opponent knocked His bean bag off the board.

Frosty laughed. “That's what you get for earlier asshole.” Owen Looked over to Sean who was coming back with a bucket of beers for The guys. “kick Frost out right now.”

“It's about time he's doing good. We are destroying him and Laughts..”

“If I had Beezer, we'd be whooping your ass right now.” Morgan cracked open His beer. Instead I'm stuck with this clown” he gestured to Laughton, who took offense. “Hey man fuck you.”

“Where the hell is Beez anyway?” Morgan rolled his eyes. “Rizzing up Coots babysitter, Cindy.”

Sean rolled his eyes as he drank his beer. “Her name is Claire and she isn't our babysitter. She's a good friend.”

“Whatever. I saw them and Laurence talking earlier, but since then he wouldn't leave her side. If they leave together I have to put my headphones in.” 

The kid missed Scott and Sean sharing a look. “Are we doing another round?”

Scott emptied his glass. “Yeah let me get another drink, as he passed Sean to go to the bucket he spoke softly. “Does he know about Luke?”

Sean looked over at Joel and Claire by the fire laughing at something he was showing her on his phone. “I would think it would have come up. But I don't think Beez would be this interested if he knew.”

“aren't they engaged?” Scott asked, referring to Luke and Claire. Sean shook his head. “No. I know Claire wants to be after she gets her Masters. But Luke has been dragging his feet. It's been what, almost six years? They have a house together, and stable careers. But who knows.”

They were both looking in the direction of their teammate. “Well the kid looks infatuated and he's gonna get the carpet ripped up from under him if Luke shows up.”

“That's if he shows up. You know he's not comfortable being around us.”

“I don't know what she sees in Luke.” 

“no one does.”

“HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GRAB A FUCKING BEER?”

“I'm coming damn!”

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

“I need to go to more Phillies games.” Claire smiled as she was packing up leftovers In the kitchen. The party had died down, except a Few stragglers. Joel had never been more grateful Morgan insisted on driving separately.

This was his chance to ask her out

“Hey listen I love to”

“Claire Luke is by the door waiting for you, And he doesn't want to come in.” Chloe rolled her eyes. Claire Sighed while Joel was confused.

“Luke?”

Suddenly a man's voice was heard. “Claire, it's late and I have to work tomorrow. Let's go.”

“It's my boyfriend. I have to go. It was nice to actually speak with you Joel. I'll see you at the games this year.” She smiled and grabbed her bags before saying goodbye to whoever else was there.

Joel felt like he had just had his heart ripped out. He felt embarrassed and stupid. Here he was, thinking he found potentially a new friend or someone to date, and she had been playing him the entire time.

Well maybe not.. it probably wasn't serious.

“Hey Chloe.” He called Scott's wife. He walked over so the few people couldn't hear the conversation. “Luke is Claire's boyfriend?”

She nodded. “They aren't serious or anything?” He was holding his breath.

Chloe looked confused. “They've been together forever. They have a house and a dog. They are probably gonna get engaged soon.”

Now Joel felt like throwing up. “I gotta go.” as he rushed out of the door he called out to the Couturier's snarkily. “Thanks for the party and setting me up Laurence!” 

He didn't even hear Sean's reply as he stormed out to his car and sped off.

He took the long way back to his condo in the city, hoping that Morgan would be passed out by the time he got in.

No such luck as he opened the door and saw his roommate in the kitchen eating his leftovers. “Damn dude, Did you fuck Claire in the car or something?”

Joel wanted to whip his keys at Morgan's head. “Fuck off.” He muttered.

“Woah. Did She turn you down?”

“Worse, she has a fucking Boyfriend. A serious one, they live together and are probably gonna get married. Type shit.”

Morgan whistled. “Damn dude. She didn't mention anything? She must not have been thinking about him if she didn't once bring up anything. I mean hey, you still could have hit.”

Joel was quiet and Morgan's Jaw dropped. “Fuck dude. You actually liked her.”

“I was gonna ask her out. But it's whatever. It probably wouldn't have gone anywhere” He put his items in the fridge. “I mean she's older than me. Even if she was single… she'd be looking for marriage and shit… I'm 22. That's a long way off for me.”

Morgan nodded, knowing Joel was trying to convince himself. “I'm going to bed.”

As he laid in bed that night he couldn't stop thinking about her. 

A.N. Hey guys! New story! This is loosely based off of the song 'So Good' by Halsey. Hope you like it and don't be afraid to ask questions about the characters. I will have a Claire and Joel Canon tag.

[imagines-r-s]

sticking it - j. farabee

chapter 6

a/n: now you’ll all see why i said be excited for ch. 6 lmao. (also, with ch. 5 not showing up in the tags for a minute, some might not have seen it, so i’ll link it here) but anyways, this chapter was difficult to write bc i’m not used to writing anything but angst lmao. and huge shoutout to my baby gracie for helping me out with this chapter. please enjoy and i’d love to hear feedback

also, like i told an anon, this is in memory of bee’s hair :((  (he still looks good with the new hair, don’t get me wrong)

taglist: @butgilinsky @barbienoturbby @sunsetholland​ @lovenhlboys @sortagaysortahigh @hockey-racing-fubol @oopsiedoopsie23 @iwantahockeyhimbo @dreamsndior

warnings: (2) your mom jokes, jealous!joel?, once again simp nation for the both of them, swearing (it’s a problem ngl), idiocy 

sticking it masterlist

wc: 4.1k

(gif not mine)

When you told Marcus and Michelle that you had to be out for a month, they advised you to only come to the gym three times a week for two hours for the first two weeks and you’d figure out a plan for the two weeks after, that way you could take a much needed break out of the gym. The thing stressing you out the most was gym and they obviously realized it, so they were hopeful it would give you a chance to breathe. 

You planned to go to the gym Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 6-8am and then you would spend the rest of your day at home doing whatever you needed to do that day. The first Monday you spent those two hours doing ab workouts and helping the other girls around the gym, then you went home and stayed in your room for the rest of the day. You put your phone on do not disturb, so no one heard from you, which caused Kevin to come to your apartment to make sure you were okay. 

Tuesday played out the exact same way, early practice, then going home and staying in bed, and Kevin coming to make sure you were alright. Kevin even invited you to come out with him and some of the boys, which you politely declined saying they should have their time together. Wednesday, you simply stayed in bed, choosing to actually keep your phone on today, you were just tired and felt drained from everything going on right now that you couldn’t really muster up the energy to talk to anyone. 

Wednesday night, as you were rewatching Marvel movies, your phone started ringing with a call from Ryanne. Quickly answering it, “hey Ry.”

“Hey babes, how’re you doing?”

“I’ve been better, I’ve also been worse, so.”

“Me and Claude were wondering if you’d want to come over and hang out with us and Gav for some of the day, we’ll provide food and such, but we miss you, babe. So, we figured we’d ask while you have a chance.” 

In reality, Ryanne had heard from Claude that you wouldn’t be able to do extensive training for at least a month. She might not have known much about gymnastics, but she knew you well enough to know that you were always constantly training - she was well aware that if that ever got taken from Claude that he would be devastated if he was out for that long and with two weeks to prepare for a big game.

She had checked in to see how you were with Kevin one day after practice and when he mentioned everything that was going on, she was worried about you. She knew that she likely wouldn’t be able to help much, but she did know that there was one part of the equation she could help. Knowing that she already had a plan to have a send off party before the boys went on a roadie and also knowing that everyone on the team would be there, she somehow conveniently planned to invite you over a few hours before it started. 

“Oh, yeah, I’d love to, honestly. What time do you want me over?”

“Anytime after three is fine. I’ll see you then, hun. Oh, and wear something cute.”

“Why exactly?”

“Just do it,” Ryanne said, not having time to think of an excuse, “bye.”

As you were about to say something else, the ring that told you she had hung up rang out. 

…..

Joel wasn’t doing as good as he wanted to be recently and with an upcoming roadie, he knew he needed to spend more time on the ice before the game. Having asked a few of the guys to work with him during an unscheduled morning skate, he was able to work on what he needed to. 

“Wait, so she’s out how long?” Joel overheard Travis ask Kevin as he made his way into the locker room. 

“Like four weeks, but two weeks with the brace and basically no training, then two weeks with athletic tape on her knee and no hard landings. But she’ll only have two weeks before Championships, so she's not feeling too great about it. Plus, she has to use her brace and crutches again and she didn’t enjoy that the first time,” Kevin replied. 

“Is she going to be okay?” Joel hadn’t meant to ask his question aloud, but as soon as Kevin heard his voice a smile grew on his face. 

“Yeah, Lover Boy, she’ll be fine. She hasn’t really been up to do anything recently, but other than that I think she’ll be okay. She has to use her crutches again, which is honestly very entertaining,” Kevin stated before turning to leave the locker room, turning right as he got to the doorway, “random question, are you planning on going to G’s for the send off party tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Just wondering,” and with that Kevin was gone, leaving a confused Joel behind. 

Kevin knew that you had a lot on your plate right now and that you wouldn’t want to go to anyone about your problems. He also knew that the both you and Joel, were simply too stubborn to fix the problem going on between you on your own, hence why he had mentioned something to Ryanne. He knew that Ryanne would jump at the chance to be able to help you feel better and as soon as she mentioned the party set-up idea, he was in. The plan was then mentioned to most of the team, knowing that the help of many was needed in order to help the two idiots. 

….. 

After sending Kevin a quick text that you were leaving, you left your apartment and made your way to Ryanne and Claude’s house. Gently knocking on the door, you smiled when Ryanne opened the door, “awe, babe, I’m so happy you’re here, I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too. Not to be rude, but where is the tiny human?” you asked, looking past Ryanne to see Gavin walking towards you, “hi, bub. Oh my god, you’re getting so big.” 

“Well if you came around more often, you’d get to see him more,” Ryanne mumbled, watching you play with the boy in front of you. 

“I heard that,” you said, in a sing-song voice.

“You were supposed to,” she replied, mocking your tone, “anyways, Claude is on his way back from the store, so he’ll be here soon, but I haven’t talked to you in forever, how’s everything? How’s gym?”

“Oh, well. I’ve been better, this last meet definitely wasn’t all that great and not being able to train doesn’t really help my case either, but I’m making the most of it,” you said, shrugging. 

“And you’re actually having to listen to Adrian this time around?” she said, pointedly, causing you to chuckle. 

“Yeah, I have to actually listen to Adrian this time,” you smiled, “I hate that I have to actually wear my knee brace, though. And I have to use crutches. Can you believe that?”

“Considering it’s you, I’m more shocked that you’re actually using them.” 

“Ry, shh, let’s not call me out too much today,” you replied. 

It wasn’t too long before you heard the front door open, Claude walking in a few seconds later, “awe, it’s my favorite babysitter. Come on, babe, let’s leave while we can.”

“Haha, I almost forgot how funny you are, G,” you said, sarcastically. 

“I’m sure, I’m sure. You know what would be nice though?”

“What?”

“Helping me put the groceries up,” he said, smiling sweetly causing you to groan. 

“Are chores and babysitting all I’m good for to you?”

“Well,” he looked up to the ceiling, as if he were thinking for another answer,”hm, nothing comes to mind, y/n/n.”

“Oh, that was mean,” Ryanne said, playfully elbowing Claude. 

“Thank-”

“She’ll never babysit again if we’re mean to her,” Ryanne smirked. 

“Oh, wow, I see how it is, don’t worry,” you said, the three of you laughing. 

As the three of you were setting out groceries - you mostly sitting on the kitchen island, taking things out of the bag - the three of you caught up. Claude talking about his hopes for these next few games, Ryanne talking about how Gavin was doing - not missing the few times Gav ran through the kitchen -, and you talking about whatever you could. 

“Ok, so we haven’t brought this up yet, but I was just wondering if you had any idea what’s going on with Beezer? I know you guys had gotten closer recently and he’s just not himself, so I’m asking if you know anything,” Claude asked, closing the fridge before turning back to you. Both him and Ryanne had a pretty good idea of what happened, but if they were missing something, they wanted to know. 

“Oh, um, well, about that one,” you sighed, gathering your thoughts, “me and him kinda haven’t talked since I told him I only wanted to be friends.” 

“Ok, but from the looks of it, it looked like both of you wanted to be more than friends?” 

“Yeah, but, there’s a lot more to it, you know.”

“No, actually, I’m a tad bit lost, y/n/n.”

“Look, I can’t have any distractions right now and I was worried about it affecting gymnastics, so I told him I only want to be friends.”

“That’s dumb,” Claude replied, quickly.

“Thank you, many people have mentioned that.”

“He has no place to talk in a situation like this,” Ryanne finally spoke up, causing you to look between the pair confused, “when his life was just hockey, hockey, and hockey, nothing could fill those spots. So, when our relationship was first starting he did the same thing to me that you’re doing to Bee.”

“This was supposed to be a philosophical moment and you messed it up,” Claude replied. 

“I didn’t mess it up, you’re just mad because you basically called yourself dumb. But pushing him away isn’t a smart option and it just hurts both of you in the process,” Ryanne said before walking back to where Gavin was. 

“Look, I know you said you didn’t want distractions, but this seems to be having a worse effect on you than you hoped. From the looks of it, when you started pushing him away, it affected your performance. Just pointing that out for you.”

“Yeah, I know. You didn’t have to point it out, you know.”

“Yeah, but you would have continued to ignore the obvious fact that you were just scared of a relationship in general,” he shrugged.

“I don’t even know how to talk to him about it or at least how to start the conversation.”

“Well, lucky for you,” he looked down to check his watch, “the guys are all coming over in like 10 minutes, so you’ll see him then.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, it’s a send off party for the roadie this weekend, why do you think we got so many groceries?” and with that he left you in the kitchen by yourself. 

…..

Joel sat in the backseat of Kevin’s car, Nolan in the passenger seat, as they made their way to G’s house. By the time they got there, most of the guys had already gotten there, seeing a few familiar cars in the driveway, but one stood out in particular. He knew that it was yours from some of the times he had seen you driving, “what’s y/n/n doing here?”

Nolan and Kevin both chuckled at that, “she came over here earlier to watch Gavin, I think,” Kevin said. 

“Oh, cool,” Joel replied, attempting to sound nonchalant as possible 

“Don’t try to act like you’re not freaking out. You aren’t slick, dude,” Nolan added, shaking his head, “you two better talk, too. Because everyone is tired of the two of you being idiots and not talking shit out.” 

“We’re not idiots.”

“You are,” the other two said in unison. Joel didn’t try to argue as he followed the pair inside their captain’s house. 

As soon as he entered the house, he took note that almost all the team was here, most of the team was outside, but he immediately found you sitting on one of the barstools with Gavin sitting on your lap as you talked with Ryanne. “Go talk to her,” Nolan whispered, causing him to jump. 

“God, Pat. What the fuck?” Joel said turning around. 

“I said what I said. You’ll have to talk at some point, might as well just do it. Plus, she’s on crutches, so like, if she wants to run away it will take her a while.”

“Um, that’s- I mean, that’s valid, but-”

“At some point today, you should talk to her. I obviously can’t make you and it’s up to you, but I think it would help fix things,” Nolan said, shrugging.

“Yeah, I know, I know. I plan on it.” 

You and Ryanne had stayed inside with Gav since the boys were grilling outside, so when Nolan, Kevin, and Joel walked in, you were one of the first people to notice. Kevin made his way over to you almost as soon as he came in, “so, you enjoying the party?”

“Considering I didn’t know it was happening, sure I’m having a great time, Kev.”

“Well, I guess it’s a surprise party then,” you quickly shot him a glare, “surprise.” 

As you heard the back door open, you looked up to see Joel already looking at you, shooting you a quick smile as he followed his teammate to go outside. “I swear, if all you guys do tonight is spare glances at each other and don’t talk, I’m going to lose it,” Ryanne said from beside you. 

“I think everyone will, to be honest,” Kevin added, “well, I’m going outside. If you need any help, just let me know.” 

The boys had a few different plans in place to get the two of you to talk; conveniently sending Joel in to help while you were inside, telling Joel to go help out inside, asking Joel to get Gavin, and as a last resort, make Joel jealous. 

When everyone had been done eating, Claude asked some of the younger guys to help him clean up and bring out the cooler with drinks that was still inside. Joel had somehow conveniently avoided going inside while helping and when he did, he went straight to the kitchen and right back out. He wasn’t wanting to avoid you all night, but he didn’t know what to do. Shortly after, Claude had asked Joel to go in and get Gavin, somehow right as you had left Gavin with Ryanne, which also ruined that plan. 

Ryanne knew that it would be suspicious if they kept trying those same plans. So instead, she basically forced you to go outside with her. She helped you get outside, Kevin shooting up from his chair to help you get down the stairs of the deck, “you don’t have to help me out, Kev.”

“Knowing you, you would trip and break something. You’re already hurt enough,” he said, causing you to roll your eyes. As Kevin looked up, he didn’t miss the way Joel lit up as he saw you, “hey, your boy is looking over here.”

Looking up, your eyes once again met his, to which you sent him a light smile, “yeah, he’s been watching me since I stepped out here.”

“y/n/n, you would only know that if you were looking at him, too.”

“Yeah, I never said that I wasn’t though.” 

“You know, it’s obvious the two of you aren’t mad at each other or anything like that. So, why the fuck haven’t you talked yet?”

“Oh, um. Words are hard,” you said, walking away towards Travis and Nolan on your crutches. 

“You’re literally on crutches, you aren’t moving that fast.”

“You know who else isn’t moving that fast?”

“y/n. I swear, if this is another your-”

“Your mom,” you yelled back to him. 

“What is up with you and making your mom jokes?” Nolan asked as you got closer to them. 

“They’re funny?” 

“y/n/n just has the sense of humor of a middle school boy, that’s why her and Beezer got along so well,” Travis added, helping you move your crutches so you could sit down at the table they were at, “how are the crutches?”

“How’s your mom?” you laughed, causing the two of them to groan, “nah, they’re not fun. In any way shape or form.”

As you were talking to Nolan and Teeks, Kevin and Ryanne realized that none of the plans they had tried were working. Both of them knew that the only plan that would probably work was to make Joel jealous, so Kevin texted Carter, Morgan, Nolan, and Teeks to let them know that was the plan that they were going with. 

“y/n looks really good today,” Carter said, causing Joel to spit out his drink. 

“Better watch yourself, Hartsy,” Joel replied, shooting a glare towards his friend. 

“I was just being honest, she really does. There’s nothing going on between you guys anymore, right?” Carter watched as Joel visibly tensed at the mention of what was happening between the two of you, knowing that the plan was working he continued, “I mean, if nothings going on between you two, then she’s single, right?”

“Well, I mean-” Joel stuttered out, “we haven’t talked in a while, but that doesn’t mean-”

“I’ll be right back, okay?” Carter said, making his way over to the table you were at, causing Nolan and TK to chuckle as they saw Joel’s face drop, “hey, y/n/n.”

“Hey, Hartsy, it’s been a minute. How is everything?” you smiled. You kept talking to the group around you for a while, not noticing the way Joel was becoming visibly angry. He didn’t want to seem jealous, but he assumed that Carter had been flirting with you this whole time, so he made the executive decision to talk to you now. 

Since your back was facing him, you didn’t see him coming, but the three boys around you did, only trying to hide their smiles since the plan was actually working. “Hey y/n, can we talk?” he asked. 

You turned around to finally face the boy you had been avoiding, “yeah, hold on a sec.” As you continued some of your conversation, Joel was getting more and more irritated, mostly because Carter was sending looks his way that he couldn’t exactly read. Joel, being the impatient person he was, pulled the chair you were sitting at away from the table, pulling you up to stand before lifting you up over his shoulder, “Bee, what the fuck?”

He simply ignored you as he carried you up the stairs and back inside his captain’s house. You tried pushing yourself off as he made his way up the stairs, but it was deemed useless when he just tightened his grip, “Farabee, I swear to god. I will hurt you.”

Eventually, he opened the door to the guest bathroom and gently set you down on the counter before locking the door, “what the fuck was that for? If you want to talk, you could have just waited a second. But no, you had to be all dramatic about it,” you said, rolling your eyes. 

“Are you done?” Joel asked, crossing his arms and leaning back against the door.  

“I mean, yeah. Are you?” 

“Yeah, but I’m tired of us ignoring each other and I miss you, so we need to figure stuff out.”

“Awe, you miss me? That’s cute,” you smiled. 

“y/n/n, I swear, now is not the time for that one.”

“Ok, sorry. I’ll be serious now,” you said, crossing your arms to mock him. 

“I just want to know what happened at the lake?” 

“Oh, we’re going straight to the point, alright,” you sighed, “look, what I said at the lake wasn’t true. I got this idea in my head that if you were in my life, you were a distraction from what I wanted.”

“How’d that work out for you?” he said, smirking. 

“Oh, no, see that’s what we’re not going to do. No need for the attitude. Anyways, I had this idea that if anything happened between us, that I would mess it up and it would mess everything in my life up. So, pushing you away was the safest option.”

Joel took a moment to gather his thoughts before pushing himself off the door and made his way closer to you, ending up standing between your legs with his hands on either side of you, “look, I’m saying this and I mean it. I understand where you’re coming from with the fear of distractions thing, but I want you to know that I would never intentionally keep you from your goals and dreams. I’m just extra support, you know.”

“Yeah, I realized that after you ran from the lake house. We could have had this figured out by now, if you had stayed,” you said, sarcastically. Rolling your eyes for added dramatic effect. 

“Oh, shut up. You have no place to talk, babe,” he said, smiling when he heard you giggle, “what was that for?”

“I kinda missed you calling me babe, I guess. Kinda crazy, dude.”

“Awe, so you did miss me?”

“I never said I didn’t,” you said, quietly reaching up to wrap your arms around his neck. You saw the way that his eyes went from your eyes to your lips, “I also missed this,” and with that you pulled him closer until your lips met in a long awaited kiss. 

As the two of you broke away, your foreheads were still together, “hey, Bee?”

“Yeah?”

“You know who else I missed? Your mom,” you laughed. 

“Way to ruin the moment, babe,” he smiled, “That was funny though, so I respect it.”

“Dude, I’m so funny sometimes.”

“Looks aren’t everything, babe,” he said, laughing at the gasp you responded with. 

“Oh, that was rude. I’ll get you back one day though,” you watched as he went to leave the bathroom, “hey, Bee. I’m not supposed to walk without crutches, hate to break it to you.”

Rolling his eyes, he made his way back to you, turning around right in front of you, “here.” You leaned a little bit forward, wrapping your arms around his neck once again as he readjusted his grip on the back of your legs, so he could give you a piggyback ride on the way back outside. 

“You know, they didn’t tell me there was a party,” you spoke as he made his way back towards the door. 

“Oh, they said it was teammates only and then I saw your car,” he replied, pausing a moment as the two of you realized what had happened at the same time, “so, this was-”

“Yep.” 

“And Hartsy saying he was going to ask you out was part of it?”

“Hartsy said he was going to do that,” you started cackling. “Wait, were you jealous of him?” you asked laughing even harder. 

“It’s not funny.”

“Oh, yeah. I know, it’s hilarious.” 

“I will drop you right now,” he said, as he opened the door for outside, “and you’ll stuck right here, Ms. ‘I can’t walk down stairs right now’.”

“That’s a low blow,” you said, as the two of you made your way back to the table you were at. 

“Oops, sorry, babe,” he set you down close to your chair, but sat down before you could.

“Oh, so now you steal my chair, too?”

“Oh, shut up, you’re fine,” he said, pulling you to sit in his lap, “there you go.”

“So, I see the two of you made up?” Nolan asked, pointing at the two of you. 

“We also made out, in case you were wondering,” Joel replied, earning an elbow to the stomach, “ow, that hurt.”

“Sucks to suck, babe,” you replied, causing the smile on his face to grow even more. 

When Kevin and Ryanne watched the two of you walk back outside, they were happy to see that the plan worked. Ryanne simply laughed and shook her head as she heard the exchange between the two of you, “they are so in love and I don’t even think they realize it.”

“Ryanne, that is a big word, that I’m not prepared for. So, please, let’s not do that today,” Kevin replied, earning a laugh from Ryanne, “they’re happy though, that’s all that matters to me.”

[mommymooze]

In the Boughs of the Goddess

TW: Battle, blood, injury, collapsed lung

The Golden Deer are fighting for their lives. You are teamed with Ignatz for this fight. You like working with him, he is attentive and great at keeping enemies from sneaking up from behind. Of course, just as you think this you see 3 fighters sneaking up on him! Placing yourself between him and the enemies with lances and swords is your job. You attack with your blade, quickly taking out one, then the other of the enemy. As you engage with the lance fighter, a fourth enemy approaching you from the back screams as Ignatz fires an arrow into their neck. Just a second too late however as his lance goes through your chest and peeks through the top of your chest. You finish the guy in front of you as Ignatz panics a little bit.

“Tell me what to do, I will do whatever you tell me to!” The green haired archer babbles.

“I can’t move with this spear in me. I’m going to lay down face first, put your foot on my back and pull it out!” You order him as you loosen and drop your front of your breast plate, the back stuck to you by the spear.

“Okay. I can do this.” He tries to reassure himself as he watches you lie face down, the lance standing straight up in front of him.

“Foot.” You say waiting for his foot on your back. Finally it is there. “PULL!!”

A sickening sound, ‘Slork’ comes from you as the lance is pulled free. You roll on your back leaving the back panel of your chest plate behind.

“Poison?” You ask him.

“No.” Ignatz says as he studies the tip of the spear. He throws it to the side.

You look around, the battle is still going on. You spy a large evergreen with huge branches hanging out from around its base. “Ignatz, help me get under that evergreen, we won’t be so visible hiding there.”

“Sure thing.” He says, trying to help you stand. The more you move, the harder your heart pumps and the more blood seems to come from your wound. Breathing is very painful, the exertion is making you cough, and you hide the blood you are coughing up from your friend. The large wide evergreen gives you perfect cover.

“See if you can peek through the branches, is anyone near that can help?” You ask.

Ignatz weaves through the branches. He can move a limb here and there and still keep undercover. “I can’t see anyone on our side nearby.” He says after sitting next to you. There are several enemies close. Be quiet.”

You try to breathe quietly, but there is a crackling sound every time you breathe in. You want to cough so badly but you know that it would attract enemies. The pain is barely tolerable. You roll on your side, the injury is towards Ignatz who gasps.

“You’re bleeding pretty bad.” He is on his knees whispering to you.

“You’ve learned a basic heal, right? Byleth made us all learn.”

He looks at you concerned. “It’s been quite a while.” He frowns.

You grab his shirt and pull him closer. You whisper the steps to him, manipulating your fingers as he nods along. He finally sits up straight. You listen to him quietly whisper the incantation of the spell, the warmth of his touch on your back is proof the healing spell is working. Perhaps it will slow the blood enough that you will live until help comes. You reach for a handkerchief in a pocket, waving at him to get it. You tell him to wad it up and shove it in the hole. Anything to help stop the flow of blood.

You ask him to crawl to the front of you and have his bow ready, the sounds of movement through the woods is coming closer. He can use your body as a shield if anyone investigates your hiding place.

Ignatz brushes your hair out of your face. He can hear the crackling every time you breathe. You’re also making wheezing sounds. It sounds so painful he wants to cry for you.

Someone out there is yelling orders and a person runs past the tree. Your right hand grips tighter on the handle of your sword. It is then quiet for a few minutes.

Ignatz relaxes a bit. “I should go look.”

“No! I can’t back you up. Worst thing we can do is get up too early.”

You are gasping for every breath, so hard to breathe, the pain is coming back. Ignatz is up on his elbow, peeking out the tree as best he can from there.

His face is illuminated by the light peeking in through the tree branches, giving him an ethereal glow. “You look like an angel.” You whisper to him, closing your eyes. “Thank you for healing me.” You cough, and it shakes you as you keep coughing and coughing, blood definitely coming out of your mouth, dripping down your chin.

“No, you’re going to make it!” He declares as he stands up inside the tree checking for enemies. He then leaves the cover of the branches and looks skyward for Claude or anyone on a flying beast.

Ignatz spies someone on a wyvern, luckily it’s Claude. He gives their leader the signal for needing help and Claude acknowledges. The young man quickly checks around him, no signs or sounds of fighting nearby, he knows he needs to get you out in the open for rescue.

He helps pull you out from under the tree, lying you on the grass in the late afternoon sun.

You cough again, it crackles very loudly inside and outside of you.

Ignatz kneels over you, “Anything I can do?”

“No.” You begin, interrupted by a cough. “I need to *wheeze* confess something. *cough*. I might’ve snuck into the room that you paint in and *cough hack *saw your work. It’s so beautiful. *coughcoughcough* The way you paint a meadow I can almost smell the flowers and feel the gentle breeze.” You have a huge coughing fit, glad to confess your sin against him.

“I’m, I’m not mad.” He blushes. “J-just embarrassed.”

“When we get out of this I want to pay you *cough* to paint a picture...of me.*hackcoughbleed* I’m not that beautiful, but if you painted me I know I could be. In the m-morning s-sun, *coughbleedhack* in a yellow dress surrounded by trees and flowers. Feeding a fawn. *coughcracklehacklecough* When the war is over it can remind me of being in the Golden Deer, but especially of you. You are so amazing and talented. *cough gurgle*”

The sounds of a horse approaching redirects Ignatz’ attention. Leonie and Marianne arrive. Marianne finds that your punctured lung has collapsed and you have lost a lot of blood. She heals and cleans the wound dressing it quickly before they put you on the back of Dorte, returning you to camp.

You awaken with the dawn, pillows stuffed in front of and behind you, keeping you from lying on the healing wound and helping with breathing. You cough, alerting a healer that is nearby who runs over, rubbing your back until you are done. Taking your hand away you find little blood. That is a good sign.

Marianne soon comes to see how you are doing. She performs additional healing spells and you feel the pressure in your chest lessen. She advises that you are going to be out of it for a while, you need to strengthen your lungs. You can speak, but not much above a whisper, anything louder hurts too much. The bandage on the front of your chest is itching, a good sign that the healing magic is working. Byleth pokes his head around the corner and Marianne nods at him.

The former Professor comes to the side of the bed and sits in the chair. “You made it. We are all very happy.” You see a tiny bit of a smile on his face.

Reaching out you grab his hand and squeeze it. “Ignatz did a great job protecting me and helping me.”

“I will thank him again. Take care, you have several visitors waiting.” He says as he stands to leave. “Nice flowers. Your favorites, as I recall.” He notes as he brushes his finger against a yellow rose on the table next to you as he leaves.

After a pause, Ignatz steps hesitantly into the room. “Hi.” He says as he walks closer to you, as if he is approaching a wounded animal.

You smile widely at his presence. “Oh! Good to see you again.” You whisper.

“You’re looking much better now.” He smiles gently and nods.

You reach out your hand to take his in yours. It is warm. You place his palm on your cheek. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” You hope it sounds as heartfelt as you feel.

“You’re welcome. You would have done the same for me, the same for anyone. We’re all here together and need to help each other.” He smiles, brushing his hand on your cheek, then putting some loose strands of your hair back behind your ear.

“Did you give me the flowers? They’re beautiful.” You smile.

Ignatz blushes. “Maybe.” He says, looking away for a moment. “I should probably let the others come see you. I’ll be back later, okay?” He smiles as he stands.

You smile back. “I would really like it if you have time, please do visit me.”

He awkwardly bows, then nearly sprints from the room.

Claude marches in next. He smiles genuinely as he announces how happy he is now that one of his best swordsmen is on the mend. He asks for your version of the battle that day, filling you in on what you’ve missed as well as giving you information on the last war council meeting. He pats your head and wishes you well as he sends Raphael into the room.

“Hey! You’re looking great!” The boisterous brawler announces as he enters.

“Hey! I’m feeling pretty good.” You whisper back.

Suddenly Raphael’s shoulders drop a bit and he sits down. He whispers as softly as he can (which is not very soft but he’s trying) “I hope they’re treating you good in here. Let me know if I can bring you food or something.” He smiles widely.

“I’ll let you know. It is great to see you. Did you get hurt? I don’t see anyone else in here so I hope everyone is good.” You whisper, starting to feel tired.

“Aww, we’re great. You’ve been out for four days. Ignatz was in here every day until the kicked him out so he would sleep in his own bed. I’ve been keeping him eating regularly, can’t let your body suffer just because you’re worried. But I bet he’s back to himself now that you’re doing good.” The smile on his face is enough to cheer anyone, and it works very well on you.

“I’m glad you’re there to take care of him. I’ll be out and sparring with you as soon as Marianne says I can.” You answer, reaching out and squeezing his hand.

The rest of the Golden Deer filter in throughout the morning, all wanting to make sure they can see you alive and kicking after being out of commission for so many days. You doze between visits. The healers let you have some broth for lunch, then make you take an afternoon nap that you don’t argue about at all. Dinner is light and soft foods.

Once it is dark, Ignatz comes for another visit. You talk together for a while about what is going on, what everyone is doing. Then he finally pulls out his sketchbook. He wants to show you a drawing that came to him.

“It isn’t finished, this is just the raw base of it, but I wanted to know what you thought.” He shyly turns the page then hands the book to you.

There is a figure that resembles his image of the goddess. From the chest up, she is in her glorious, beautiful form. She has a peaceful look on her face. Then the dress flows out from her, becoming the boughs of an evergreen tree, opening up to provide sanctuary, her hands pull the front open like a curtain. There on the ground at her feet are two figures lying face to face huddled closely together.

“Oh. This is beautiful. I understand your thoughts completely about this work. I love the progression and change as she becomes the tree. I wish I had better words to describe it.” You smile back at him as a tear falls from your eye as you sigh.

“Thank you. I felt it really captured the moment.” He says softly as you hand his book back to him.

You talk a little longer then say good night.

After a few days you are finally released from the infirmary. Leonie helps you out for a few days, walking takes your breath away fairly quickly and you have to make frequent stops. She helps carrying things for you or just making sure you’re not overworking yourself. Finally you are strong enough to be on your own.

After dining with the rest of the Deer, Ignatz says he is headed off to do some painting. You ask if you can join him and he says yes.

He asks how you are feeling and your recovery progress. Marianne said that you can work on sword forms, but once you feel winded you have to sit and rest until your body completely calms and your breathing is normal. You’ve promised to follow her instructions to the letter.

Ignatz sets up his easel, getting his paints ready and the both of you become quiet. You bring a book to read with you and you settle yourself on the soft grass of the hill. Occasionally one of you will say something, but mostly just enjoy the time being quiet in each other’s company. Once the sun starts to set, you ask him to sit next to you so you can watch it together. Your shoulders brush up against each other occasionally making one of you blush. You sneak peeks at each other, somehow never quite getting caught by the other.

You can’t take this anymore, so you place your hand on top of his. When he doesn’t take his away, you weave your fingers through his as the last light of the sun flees from the horizon.

You sit there for a few minutes longer, until a bit of a breeze reminds you it’s going to get cold quickly now that the sun’s warmth is no longer there.

“We should get back while we have a little light.” You quietly murmer.

Ignatz packs up his things, you take the easel, which is fairly lightweight, so he can better hold his still wet painting. You walk side by side to the storage room turned painting workshop for him. He places the painting on a stand as you put the tripod on the wall next to another one, you start to turn but then notice it was not secure, so you turn back and rearrange it. You didn’t see Ignatz step up behind you to see if you needed help.

You turn around, bumping into his chest with yours. “Oh” you gasp.

“Oops.” he smiles.

The two of you stand there for a moment chest to chest, then you both lean in towards each other until your lips gently touch. You reach around his shoulders to gently pull him closer, his hands gripping you tightly at your waist.

Your face turns pink as you smile widely and look away.

“You’re so beautiful.” he whispers, his hand reaching under your chin to gently pull your lips back into his.

Pulling back to get a fresh breath of air, you whisper into his lips, “I find you handsome as well, my angel.”

[jbbuckybarnes]

Furball Mania

Pairing: Bucky x Reader Prompts: “I may have accidentally sort of adopted five cats” & „Oh, are you ticklish?“ Warnings: fluff, kittens, kitten dad Bucky, pregnancy talk, IVF being oversimplified, Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service being misgendered cause I don’t care. A/N: This is for @hopingforbarnes​‘ writing challenge. Congrats again!

He couldn‘t just leave them there. The poor little souls. Put into a small box and left to starve in the outskirts of New York City. He didn‘t have the heart to leave them there. Five little furballs, two white, two black and a grey one. „Poor little babies.“ He mumbled, before picking up the box and picking each one up to check for injuries. A little meow of protest was emitting from the tiny body he had just picked up. The baby viciously tried to bite his flesh hand and made him chuckle. „I see, you‘re healthy, little guy.“ He put the white kitten back with the others and picked up the box that had a little „For Free“ standing on it. You weren‘t at home right now. The perfect opportunity to get them checked and maybe adopted out. Well, maybe he already had grown fond of them, maybe he wanted to keep them all. But he knew you were well read on how to care for kittens and had your opinions on shelters in the area. Under the sound of his motorbike and tiny meows he made his way to your shared apartment.

After counting them again he carried the box up the stairs, opened the door and set the box down on the countertop of the kitchen isle. „Um.“ He looked around for more fitting things to put them in. His eyes fell onto the cabinet holding your swimming pool stuff. He got out the little kids pool and three of your throw blankets and created a little makeshift playpen. Under more protesting meows he put the five little furballs into their new space and opened the laptop while sitting down next to them. „Kittens need warmth.“ He muttered and got up to get the little space heater you had for when he wasn‘t at home. „They need to be taught grooming. The best way to to do that is with a toothbrush.“ He read quietly and got up again. He picked up the grey one and started brushing over its fur, getting tiny little purrs vibrating his metal hand. „What do I give you to eat and how do you know if you‘re a boy or a girl?“ He muttered and got a tiny meow back, as if the tiny thing said, „You got this.“ „Hey Friday?“ His phone lit up, „How do I know how old a kitten is?“ The AI explained the little details for guessing a kittens age and he determined that the babies must be around 5 to 6 weeks. „Oh, I know from your new mommy that you can eat wet food now.“ He said to a black kitten he held up to his face. He got up...again, filled a shallow plate with water, put it into the playpen and went to the neighbor. „Oh, hello young man.“ Miss Blume was a cute old lady in her 70s, „What can I do for you?“ „I just found some little kittens abandoned on the street and since you have a cat I wanted to ask if I could borrow a bit of wet food until I can go out and buy it for them.“ He scratched his back. He might be 100+ but he still felt like a little boy in front of the elderly. „Of course, one second.“ She vanished for a bit before coming back with a few little cans of wet food and handed them over. „Thank you, Miss Blume. You are a lifesaver.“ He smiled at her. „No problem, just knock if you need anything else.“ She smiled before closing the door. He‘d have to buy the lady some new cat food and flowers, but at least he could try and feed the kittens now. Coming back into the living room he saw two of them walking around the rug and picked them both up again. „No breaking out of the baby prison, okay?“ He looked at both of them and got one meow back. The following hour was spent feeding them carefully, laughing at their ridiculous faces full of food stains and then cleaning said food from their faces. „Friday? How can I determine what sex these kitten have?“ He yelled over to the phone and got an in-depth explanation. And she also gave an explanation on how to help them pee and poo if they still needed it, while she was at it. A sigh left him, but he was a dad now, wasn‘t he. He would have to train them to go potty. Another sigh before he started determining their gender. The grey kitten was a girl, he decided to name her Shadow. The black kittens were a boy and a girl, he named them Jiji and Void. The white kittens also were a girl and a boy, those two got the names Alpine & Cloud. „Shadow, Jiji, Void, Alpine and Cloud.“ He mumbled and looked at them proudly. Until he heard a key outside of the apartment door and panicked. „Please be nice kitties and don‘t be chaotic.“ He pleaded before picking up two of them.

Your footsteps got louder until you stood in the door with a raised eyebrow. “I may have accidentally sort of adopted five cats,“ he immediately commented and made you laugh. You put down your bag and threw the shoes away before sitting down in front of him, seeing his apologizing smile. „Already fed them?“ He nodded with a super proud smile. One of the white kittens tried to walk towards you in a wobbly manner and lots of meows. „Hello, who are you, baby?“ You cooed. „That‘s Alpine, well, could also be Cloud.“ He mumbled and you grinned at him. „I need all the names!“ You giggled excited. „That‘s Shadow, she‘s a shy girl. This is Jiji, a girl. Obviously named her after your favorite movie cat. And that one is Void, a good boy. Alpine is a girl and Cloud is a boy.“ He smiled a little nervous. „I love them.“ You smiled at them and grabbed the toothbrush laying around to groom little Cloud. „Cloud because Claude. I get it. Idiot.“ You rolled your eyes and saw him get a paw on the nose with a big grin. „Do you like your new mommy, Alpine?“ he cooed and your heart melted like ice cream in the sun. A little meow came back at him and you heard the tiny purr. He looked so happy and at ease. How could you not keep them? Hours of sitting with the kittens and a pee incident later you laid on the rug with him. He got a light pinch into his side from you and giggled, „Oh, you‘re ticklish? Since when is that a thing?“ You grinned and attacked him. „S-Stop.“ He grabbed you closer, still giggling. Your face was right there, right above him, a sight he‘ll never grow tired of. „If we had babies they would each have one cat.“ You contemplated and saw the sparkle in his eyes. „Do you...want babies?“ He angled his head all cute and innocent. „I don‘t know. It‘s definitely something I‘m thinking about.“ You smiled down at him and he mirrored it. „How many?“ „I always thought one, but now that I think of it...we could handle three.“ „As a bigger sibling. You don‘t handle three children, you minimize chaos.“ His nose crinkled with a big smile. „I‘m sure we could have three at once if we IVF it and I‘m healthy enough.“ You continued spitballing. „You sound pretty serious about it.“ He bit his lip to hold back all the happiness threatening to burst from him. „I mean, you took very good care of these fur babies. I‘m sure you‘d be equally as good with human babies.“ You leaned down for a kiss. „And we could move into a big house and live the suburban life.“ He was all warm inside. „And have cute nurseries.“ „Maybe some goats if the property is big enough.“ „You and your goats.“ „Hey, they are lovely animals!“ „We can have all the babies you want, darling.“ His hands wandered down your sides. „Well, let‘s research the hell out of it tomorrow.“ You leaned down for a kiss before attacking him with tickles again.

A/N: If you want to look at cute kittens and help them out, check out @kittenxlady on Instagram.

[dougiewonderland]

Confessions (Nolan Patrick)

Warnings: fem!reader -- I usually try and keep the things I write as neutral as possible, but I have this image of an older male reporter asking about a "lovely lady" so I figured I'd stick with it since it was in my head. Sorry if you're masc or nb!

~~~

You watched from home as post-game interviews started after Philly won 5-1, your best friend Nolan being responsible for two of those goals. Nolan was the third interview aired, and you could see the pride and happiness in his eyes and body language. He might not be one to smile a lot, but you can read his emotions from other queues he gives off. And you're proud of him--he did a wonderful job on the ice tonight, and you were excited to spend the night eating takeout and watching your favourite show with him as was your post-game tradition.

You were filling out your online takeout order when his interview came on, and as you rushed to finish your order so you could pay attention to Nolan on your TV, you almost missed one of the questions a reporter asked him which took him by absolute surprise. Most questions were about how he played or how he felt when he scored, not about you.

"So we noticed you with a lovely lady on Carter Hart's Instagram story yesterday. Is there a chance the fans will get to meet this new girlfriend of yours soon?" a reporter asked. You knew they meant you. You had gone to a small barbecue Nolan hosted yesterday to commemorate the start of the season and the end of the warm weather, and you knew what story the reporter was referencing. It was you, Nolan, TK, and Carter standing and joking around. You can't say you weren't hopeful--to the untrained eye the look Nolan is giving you looks like one of love and adoration. But you knew better--it's just the look he gives to you, one of his best friends.

Nolan just looks at the reporter like they have 3 heads, before snapping out of it and clearing the air, "That's Y/N, fans have seen her before. She's just one of my best friends and a close friend of the team." As he backs away from the mic to give Claude the chance to step in, the reporter insists there's more.

"But the way you're looking at her, it's easy to assume there's something else." Nolan looks at Claude who just took his spot at the mic, Claude thankfully stepping in and saying that Nolan explained your relationship and that's all there is to it.

Nolan mouths a thank you to him before heading off to the locker room to change and head to your place. He knows you were watching the interviews. He knows you're going to bring it up because you're not one to shy away from awkward situations like this. He just hopes he doesn't blow his cover and crack the lid open on just how much he does have feelings for you.

You frown a little hearing his response. You had hoped, just a little, that maybe you were right and that he was actually looking at you with the same kind of feelings you had for him. But you knew from the beginning of your feelings for him growing that you weren't his type and that he would forever be just a friend, just your best friend. And you were okay with that, he was an amazing best friend and it wasn't something you were willing to give up for the sake of your feelings.

---

You heard Nolan's special knock on your door just as you're getting plates out for your takeout that had arrived a few minutes earlier. You open the door for him, a smile on your face as you see him standing there with a few drinks and snacks from the convenience store three doors down.

"You know you can just come in. I leave the door unlocked for you," you say as he heads in and places everything down on the coffee table.

"But then you wouldn't know if it was me or a stranger breaking in," he comments back when heading over to you and the takeout in the kitchen, half-serious and half-joking. You nudge him with your elbow before grabbing your food and heading for your couch, Nolan close behind.

"Congrats on the win tonight, you did amazing," you beam at him before digging into your food.

"Thanks. Let's just hope this luck continues all season," he replies between bites.

"It's not just luck, it's also skill. Which you have a lot of. You'll do great."

"You're too sweet. I could be the worst player in the league and you'd still tell me I'm the best," he jokes at you, a soft smile gracing his features from just enjoying being around you.

"You know that's not true. I'd still say you're good, but not the best. That honour goes to TK no matter how good or bad you are," you retort, prompting a shallow glare from the man next to you. He knows you're saying it as a joke to irritate him, but with how much you've been using TK as your way of teasing him, he can't help but think you might have a thing for his friend.

"He likes you too, you know," Nolan mutters, not realizing he said it aloud.

"Who? TK? And why did you say 'too?'" you ask, confused by the entire statement.

"Yeah, Teeks. He's liked you for a while but wouldn't say anything because of how close we are."

"Oh... well that's...unfortunate..." you trail off. TK is the only one in the team circle who knows you like Nolan, and that's only thanks to your tired inebriated self spilling it one night during a post-win celebration with the team. You didn't even remember saying it, but TK coming up to you the next time he saw you and teasing you with 'Soooo, Patty huh?' while nudging you incessantly with his elbow let you know you slipped up hard.

"Why is it unfortunate?" Nolan asks, snapping you out of thought.

"Because I don't like him back that way. And he knows who I like. I feel terrible now," you confess with an exasperated sigh.

"He'll get over it, he said it was just a small crush. But wait--you don't like him? Then why-" Nolan stops, not wanting you to know how much your teasing got to him.

"Why what?"

"Why do you always use him to compare me to?"

"Because he's your best friend and the person you're closest to in the league. If you were closer to Claude or Hartsy I'd use them, but you and TK are joined at the hip so I use him. It hammers in the tease better when you use someone close to the person.

"But you know I don't mean it, right? Yeah, he's a great player, but so are you. You're my favourite player, always have been always will be. I don't actually think he's better than you. You're both amazing and have your strengths on and off the ice," you continue when you notice the look of hurt in his eyes. Thankfully, your reassurance helps ease him a bit, but you can still see something there, something you can't quite read.

"I know, I know. I know you're joking when you say it, I guess you just used him so much recently that I jumped to the conclusion that you liked him. And to be honest, I was a little insulted that you didn't tell your best friend--me--you liked him. And now I'm insulted you haven't told me who you like and even TK knows," Nolan jokes.

You turn away from Nolan with a blush on your cheeks, hoping he doesn't notice. "It's not that easy. It only came out when I was drinking with you guys last season, otherwise no one would know," you say, trying to put as much authority in your voice as you can despite how flustered you feel.

---

As the night goes on and you finish your food, you and Nolan progressively get closer on the couch and start cuddling, as is normal. But you can't focus on the show as you notice how rigid and uncomfortable Nolan feels, like he doesn't want you laying on his shoulder. You move away to give him space, causing him to pause the show.

"Is everything ok?" he asks, a concerned look on his face.

"What's going on? Do you not want me to lay on you? I can move back to my spot if you don't want me near you," you say defeatedly.

Nolan pulls you back to him and wraps his arm around you, rubbing your arm lightly. "That's not it at all. I'm sorry, it's just... the interview today got to me a little bit and you haven't said anything about it. Normally when something awkward like that happens, you make a joke about it and we move on but you haven't said anything and...I'm sorry it's stupid I shouldn't be so nervous," Nolan carries on.

"I didn't say anything because you kind of said all there was to say during the interview, plus the conversation about TK made it kind of awkward to say anything about it or joke about it anyway," you answer him, looking down at your lap to avoid looking at him. He made it clear you're just a friend and you don't want to have this conversation. You already avoided it once today, you're hoping you can avoid it again.

"Awkward how?" Nolan asks, looking at you intensely.

"A reporter shipped you with me and you shipped me with TK. It's just been an awkward situation altogether. How did you feel getting asked that?"

"It was definitely surprising, especially because you're on my Instagram already."

"You know, my friend from work made a comment about how you're looking at me in Hart's story, too. I laughed it off because she's always been shipping us. It's how you've always looked at me," you say, either hoping for him to change the subject because he's uncomfortable or for him to say what you've wanted him to say for almost two years now.

Nolan just looks at his lap, an extra dusting of red appearing on his cheeks and neck. After sitting there in silence for what feels like hours, he manages to speak barely above a mumble. "You know, I'm glad Claude was at the mic and answered that second comment for me. If I was there, I would've frozen like a deer in headlights and would've given way too much away."

"What do you mean 'give too much away...?'" you ask cautiously.

"I... your friend and the reporter, they're not entirely wrong." Nolan confesses. Your eyes snap up to look at him. He notices and immediately starts backpedaling. "I mean-- no wait-- that's not-- fuck."

"No, what do you mean?" you press. 'Well at least this will answer all your questions fair and square,' you think to yourself, knowing you were already in deep.

"I... what do you think I mean," Nolan mutters, thinking he just messed everything up.

"I'm not sure what I think you mean, but I know what I'm hoping you mean," you confess, causing Nolan to look up at you curiously. "I'm hoping you mean the same thing as why I couldn't just tell you, my best friend I tell everything to, who I like."

A light enters Nolan's eyes for the first time since this conversation started and he leans in closer to you. All he can muster is a small "I-" as he alternates his look between your eyes and your lips.

You were never one to be as bold as you were about to be. But you two were here, and there was no turning back, and he was leaning in, and he was looking at your lips, and you just couldn't hold back anymore. So you filled in the remaining space between your lips and kissed him with all the passion of your feelings for him over the last two years.

You didn't expect him to reciprocate. Or to take your face in his hands and pull you closer. But he did, and at this point in time everything felt perfect.

[golden-deer-dear]

What We Deserve, Claude x Byleth Fluff

Summary: Claude and Byleth are intent on breaking down the walls between Almyra and Fódlan, and they're starting with their wedding.

A series of snapshots of their wedding day.

Notes:  My entry for the @claudlethweek prompt, which was traditions. Hope you guys enjoy!

Read on AO3.

What We Deserve

"I want to spend the night with my wife!" Claude whined as he draped himself over a fainting couch. He had spent most of the day running from Lorenz, but his friend had finally caught up with him and dragged Claude into a large chamber covered in maps and tapestries depicting battles fought long ago. Claude guessed this was the room in which Holst usually held his war councils, and was cleared out just for this special occasion. (Ever since Byleth and Claude had asked Holst to take over the Locket for the ceremony, Holst had taken his duty as host very seriously.)

"She is not your wife until tomorrow," Lorenz pointed out while pouring himself a glass of wine. He completely ignored the melodramatic pout Claude shot his way, refusing even to look at the newly crowned Almyran king sprawled out over a plush couch like a spoiled child. 

“Well, spending all night in prayer to the goddess doesn’t sound like much fun either,” Claude said, continuing to sulk.

Lorenz and Sylvain both laughed, making Claude feel like he was missing out on the joke. Even Felix was fighting back a smile when he looked up at them all. “Technically what we’re supposed to be doing,” Sylvain said as he popped the cork out of another bottle of wine. “Not that anyone ever really does that.” He poured a much too generous amount of wine into a goblet and handed it to Claude. “Drink up, buddy.”

Claude’s pout fell away, replaced by a much more interested gleam in his eyes. “So this is what you do instead?” he asked as he took the offered cup. “Get drunk and eat too much?”

Raphael laughed, already piling a ridiculous amount of food onto his plate. “It’s a celebration! What better way to tell the goddess you’re thankful for all the good things in your life than by actually showing her?”

Claude raised his cup in a salute. “Well said, Raph.”

“Yeah!” Raphael cheered through a mouth full of food. “Besides, we’ve got a ton of food! It’d be a shame to let it go to waste! And there’ll be more tomorrow too!”

“Yes,” Lorenz drawled, staring at the large man with a bit of endearment, but mostly disgust. “We’ll be attending feasts for the next week, what with how you and the Professor have agreed to honor each culture of your respective cultures.”

“You don’t think we deserve it after all this?” Claude asked lightly, taking a sip of wine.

Lorenz sighed a bit melodramatically, his shoulders slumping to add to the act. “I suppose we do.”

“We’re really happy for you, Claude,” Ignatz added, looking like he wasn’t sure where he should be at the moment. “You and the Professor have done so much for us, we wish you the best.”

“Well said,” Sylvain agreed, raising his glass. “While I am saddened that it will not be me waiting for our beloved Professor before the altar tomorrow, I could not have lost to a better man.”

“Careful now,” Claude said as he leaned back into the couch, raising his cup to his lips to hide the grimace of annoyance that crossed his face. “Keep talking like that, and those words might find their way back to Ingrid.”

Sylvain blanched, while Felix outright laughed. “Ah well, to you and the Professor!” Sylvain managed to finish before tipping his glass back. Despite the nature of the first part of the toast, the other men in the room drank as well, Lorenz shaking his head at their first Blue Lion transfer. 

“You got all that?”

Claude turned to look as Cyril opened the door to the large chamber the men had taken over. Someone, Claude suspected was Ashe, walked through with a tray ladden so high with food there was no way he could see over it. “Ah, yes, thank you, Cyril.” Yep, definitely Ashe. 

“Here, let me help ya!” Without waiting for an answer, and despite Ashe’s previous assurance, Raphael swept the tray out of Ashe’s hands, leaving the poor boy blinking in shocked confusion, before depositing it on the table with the rest of the food they had already acquired. 

Claude’s mouth watered as the scent of onion and saffron floated on the air. “That smells amazing.”

“I hope it tastes good,” Ashe said nervously. “I got the recipe from one of the women that came with your mother.”

Claude looked at the tray, smiling widely at the sight. “Are they cakes?” Lorenz asked.

“A rice cake,” Claude clarified. “It’s got chicken and yogurt in it too. One of my favorites when I was a kid. I haven’t had it in....a really long time.”

“My mom used to make those,” Cyril said softly, his eyes lighting up with happy memories. 

The Fódlan born nobles looked at the cakes suspiciously. Ignatz, Raphael, and Cyril were quick to dig in. Claude launched off the couch toward the tray. “Hey! Save some for me!” 

And so, Claude spent the night before his wedding feasting and drinking with some of his closest friends. When Sylvain challenged him to a game of chess, Claude showed him no mercy. The only thing that would have made it better was if Byleth had been allowed to join them.

/

Spring was well under way, but this far up in the mountains there was still a nip in the air. Byleth enjoyed it, content as a light wind blew around them. Holst had cleared out an outdoor section of the keep for her and ‘her ladies’ (as he had taken to calling them). He and Seteth were around somewhere, patrolling to keep unwanted visitors away from the small bridal party. (Although, Flayn had proven to be the most terrifying option to run into. Her disarming smiles made whomever she aimed them at feel as if they had disappointed the goddess herself.)

“All right, so we have options,” Hilda said, uncharacteristically serious. She set a large box in front of Byleth, who simply stared back at her. 

Leonie snorted from her position next to Odette, helping Claude’s mother check over some substance called henna. Hilda ignored her and opened the box, revealing golden jewelry. Byleth leaned forward to study them, seeing that all contained little details that were Hilda’s signature trademarks.

“Did you make all of these for me?”

Hilda flushed lightly. “I just brought a selection of my latest designs,” she said too quickly. “I figured we would let you choose first, and then the rest of us could choose something so we matched.” 

“That was sweet of you,” Marianne said in her soft voice, making Hilda flush even deeper. Byleth shared a look with Leonie, and they quickly moved to hide their laughter. 

“Ooooh, these are so pretty!” Annette squealed, leaning over Byleth’s shoulder to get a better look. 

“Oh, this necklace is beautiful.” Dorothea joined them, pulling out a rose shaped pendant made of tiny rubies and emeralds. 

“It is,” Byleth agreed. “But I think that would look better on Leonie than on me.”

“Me?” Leonie almost shrieked. Odette clicked her tongue when the other woman almost spilled the henna in her shock. “I don’t really do jewelry, so I’m good.”

“But Lorenz would certainly like it,” Hilda pointed out, her turn to look smug as Leonie went bright red. 

Odette was silent as she joined them, setting up her bowls and brushes in front of Byleth. She took Byleth’s hand in her own and began to work as the girls continued to talk. “Do not choose a necklace for yourself,” she instructed. “I brought something for you to wear as well.”

Hilda latched onto those words and immediately focused her attention on Claude’s mother. “I would love to see it!”

Odette smiled, still focused on Byleth’s hands as she began to apply the henna, but said, “Mercedes, please bring over the box in my belongings inlaid with the golden sun.”

“Oh, certainly.” It did not take Mercedes long to find the specified box and bring it over to the group. When Odette nodded, she opened it, all of the women gathered around gasping at the beauty of the choker laying on black velvet. Mercedes took it from the box and placed it around Byleth’s neck. The large emerald resting against her throat caught the noonday light, reminding her of her fiance's eyes.

“We are bringing the wine!” Petra’s loud announcement broke through the silence that had settled over the group, and everyone relaxed back into their easy chatting as she and Ingrid poured everyone a glass. 

“Petra! You should braid the Professor’s hair!” Dorothea suggested happily.

“Yes! That would be amazing!” Hilda agreed readily.

Petra smiled at Byleth hesitantly. “That would be wonderful,” Byleth said, answering Petra’s unspoken question. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

Petra shook her head and took a place behind Byleth. “I do not be minding.”

“Oooh, you’re going to be so pretty!” Annette squealed again. Byleth was finding out that wedding apparently made the younger woman a bit giddy. 

“Claude’s going to cry when he sees you,” Hilda said with a smirk. 

“All right, I finished it.”

Byleth turned to Lysithea. The young woman had gone off earlier that morning, and no one had been able to find her since. Now it seemed she had returned, brandishing...a flower crown? She blushed at Byleth’s questioning look. “I know you are dressing in Almyran tradition, and Claude is doing the same with Fódlan fashions, but this isn’t exactly something for Claude.”

Seeing that Byleth was still confused, Mercedes continued the explanation. “The youngest member of the bridal party makes a crown of lilies for the bride to wear. It is supposed to represent her devotion to the goddess.”

Byleth raised her eyebrows, and turned back to Lysithea. “It doesn’t have to mean that. I mean, you practically are the goddess, but I just thought…” The young woman trailed off, uncharacteristically unsure of herself.

“I like it,” Byleth said simply. “Petra, can we integrate it into your design?”

“Yes, of course.”

For the first time in a long time, Byleth felt truly relaxed. Her former students...no, her friends, chatted around her, helping her choose the finishing touches for her outfit tomorrow. Tomorrow. Byleth smiled softly and touched the emerald at her throat, thinking of just what all this was for. Tomorrow she would marry Claude.

Odette noticed, squeezing Byleth’s hand gently. “You really love my son, don’t you?” Her question went unheard by the others. Dorothea had roped them into helping her convince Ingrid to wear makeup for the ceremony. 

Byleth’s smile grew wider, unable to hide her happiness. “Yes.”

“Good. He needs a woman like you.”

/

Byleth frowned in concern, until she heard the noise again. With a sigh, she went to the window and waited. “That took you longer than usual,” Byleth said as Claude dragged himself into the room. He rolled gracelessly, crashing onto the floor. A moment later he held something up, giving a triumphant cry.

“Yeah, well I was carrying something.” Claude indicated the covered tray in his hands. “I brought you some food.”

“Are you drunk?” Byleth asked, watching as Claude got himself to his feet.

He held his fingers very close together in front of his face. “A little bit.”

Byleth laughed softly and shook her head. “Claude, you know we’re not supposed to see each other until the ceremony.”

“I know!” Claude whined like a wounded puppy. “But to be fair, it’s too dark in here for me to actually see you. And Ashe made tahchin, and I really wanted you to try it.”

“You’ll have to feed it to me,” Byleth said. There was the hint of a tease in her voice, one which Claude would usually catch onto easily, but this time it seemed to fly right over his head. “Your mother will kill me if I mess up her work.” She wiggled her fingers at him, but it really was too dark for him to make out the details of her henna. 

“I can do that.” Claude crashed into a chair, pulling Byleth into his lap. He removed the cover of the tray and picked up some of the food, trying to aim for Byleth’s mouth. He missed completely, smashing it against her cheek.

“Claude!” Byleth laughed, trying to brush the rice from her cheek.

Claude joined in her laughter, burying his face against her shoulder. He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of her. Byleth could feel him relax against her back. “Stars, I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Claude,” Byleth answered back, brushing Claude’s unruly hair back out of his face. She kissed his forehead, content to simply snuggle against the man she had chosen as her own. They fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

Lorenz waking them up with a shriek about decorum was rather amusing. And honestly, Byleth could not think of a more perfect way to start off her wedding day.

/

Byleth’s breath caught in her throat as she peeked around the corner, managing to catch a glimpse of  Claude. He was so handsome she felt she needed to remind herself how to pull air into her lungs.

She watched as he adjusted the sleeve of his tunic, its light gold color matching her dress. The surcoat he wore over it was a soft green, a few shades darker than Byleth’s eyes, and a darker gold. It was emblazoned with the Crest of Flames on the left side, right above his heart, and the Crest of Riegan on the right. The surcoat draped a few inches below his knees, almost meeting his polished black boots. There was only an inch or so of the tight black leggings he worn on beneath, and Byleth felt herself flush slightly upon thinking of seeing him in just those leggings later. 

Seteth said something to him, which Claude responded to with a laugh and that charming smile of his. His gloved hands rested on his belt, both inlaid with gems mapping out constellations in the night sky. His gloves showed ones from Fódlan, while the belt depicted those seen in Almyra. 

Claude bent his head forward, that troublesome lock of hair falling forward into his face. He brushed it back, only for it to fall forward immediately. But then the music started, and Claude did not seem very interested in his hair any longer.

“Are you ready?” Alios asked her as the other members of the wedding party began to line up.

Byleth took his offered hand and nodded. Alois immediately began to tear up. “I wish your father could see you. He would be so proud,” Alois said, his voice quivering.

“I wish he was here too.” Byleth breathed deeply, her chest aching for a moment as she thought of Jeralt. “But, I know he would not have entrusted this task to anyone else besides you.”

Alois was full on openly weeping now. Byleth patted his hand and watched as Hilda linked arms with Marianne. Petra and Dorothea did the same, as did Sylvain and Ingrid, Felix and Annette, Ashe and Mercedes, Raphael and Ignatz, Lysithea and Cyril, and finally Lorenz and Leonie. 

They entered the room before her, lining up on their respective sides. Claude had claimed Petra and Hilda to stand behind him, while Byleth had insisted that Raphael join her. Lorenz and Marianne looked very proud as they took their places as man and maid of honor. 

And then all eyes turned back, eager for a sight of her. 

/

Claude’s jaw dropped as Byleth was led into the room. They were separated by a crowd of well wishers, but his entire world shrank to her. She was always beautiful, but right now she simply stole his breath away.

Her dress was a light gold, decorated with tiny diamonds that made her gleam when she moved. He had never before seen her in Almyran fashion, but there was something about the short sleeved top and flared skirts that suited her. As Alois escorted her down the aisle toward him, those skirts, upon which were embroidered golden wyverns, the very symbol of Almyran royalty, flared around Byleth. 

She held her head high, her eyes shining with joy as she looked at him, just as unable to tear her eyes away from him. Her hair was pulled back and braided, no doubt Petra’s work with how elegant the design. The red veil was sheer enough that Claude could see every detail beneath. Someone had woven together a crown of white Fódlan lilies and set it upon her head as well.

As she drew closer, Claude could hear the tinkling of her jewelry. Bracelets of gold hung from her wrists, and it sounded like she wore some on her ankles as well, hidden by the layers of skirts. There was a choker around her neck made of heavy gold and emeralds, the very one he knew his mother wore on her wedding day.

With tears on his cheeks, Alois guided Byleth’s hand to Claude’s. His heart skipped a beat as he held her lightly, pulling her closer to him. He could clearly see the whirls of henna on her arms now. There were stars woven into the designs on her fingers, while he noticed a sun and crescent moon on the back of her hands, rotating around a mandala. 

“You look like you stepped out of my dreams,” Claude whispered to her, blinking rapidly at the sudden urge to cry. He chuckled to himself. Only Byleth would have him weeping with joy. 

Byleth blushed, but held his gaze. “Putting that golden tongue to use a little early,” she teased. 

Seteth cleared his throat, reminding Claude that there were other people besides the two of them in the world. The ceremony began, but Claude went through it in a daze. He said his vows, promising himself to Byleth, and intertwined their fingers when their hands were bound together with a thick piece of forest green silk. It was with wide smiles on their faces that they tore off chunks of bread to feed to one another, and worked as a team to take a drink from a goblet full of sweet wine. 

They were finally allowed to exchange rings. Byleth sighed softly in relief as Claude’s ring was once more placed on her hand, holding it close to her chest and gracing him with the sweetest smile. Claude was grateful that he had been allowed to slide the ring on her first, because he needed Byleth to take his hand for him, guiding her mother’s resized ring onto his finger. 

And then Seteth officially declared them husband and wife. He did not even get the entirety of his sentence out before Claude was sweeping Byleth into a kiss so passionate it was right out of a romance novel. 

The room erupted into cheers around them, but Claude simply held Byleth tight, never wanting to let her go ever again.

/

“Are you ready?”

Byleth looked at Claude’s offered hand uncertainly. Their guests were fed, and their friends had given their speeches. Even Felix had offered a few words of encouragement. But now there was dancing. Dancing in the middle of a crowd was fine, but they would be no other couples this time. All eyes would be on them.

Claude, seeing her hesitation, offered her a gentle smile as well, one she had only ever seen when he looked at her. “Do you trust me?”

Byleth slid her hand in his and allowed Claude to pull her from her seat. “Of course I do.”

“Then trust I won’t lead you wrong, my love.”

He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close. There was a brief moment, a breath of time, where the world stood still as she stared into Claude’s eyes, and everything else fell away. The music started, and Byleth no longer cared that anyone was watching them. 

The dance steps were a Fódlan waltz, but done to an Almyran tune. It meant that she and Claude were probably dancing the fastest waltz in history. They were practically flying across the dance floor, and Byleth laughed as Claude spun her around. 

By the time the song was over, Byleth did not want to stop.

/

There was one tradition Claude was not having anything to do with. It happened to be the one tradition both Fódlan and Almyra shared. When it came time for the bride and groom to leave the festivities, Claude insisted upon escorting Byleth himself by himself. 

Usually there would be a whole host of their closest friends following behind, who would help the couple out of their finery. It was intended as a blessing to their union, but there was a darkness that settled over him when Claude thought of anyone else getting to see Byleth like that.

Their bed would be more than blessed. He did not need help in that area.

So Claude shooed them all away with gentle but firm insistence, all of them laughing knowingly as he told them to go back to the party. Byleth slid her hand in his and leaned against his side, content as they began the journey to the chambers prepared for them.

“I didn’t want them to see you like that either,” she said softly.

And yet again, Byleth managed to make his brain forget how to work. Claude stopped in mid step to stare down at her. Byleth looked back at him questioningly, concern creeping into her eyes. Claude bent down to pick her up, throwing Byleth over his shoulder. She let out a small gasp of surprise, before it turned into that melodious laughter he loved so much.

“Claude, what are you doing?”

“I’m about to show my lovely wife the time of her life.”

Claude carried Byleth all the way to their rooms like that, his wandering hands caressing her bottom. He did not set her down until they reached their bed, and Byleth was quick to pull him down to join her.

/

Byleth woke to sunlight streaming in through the windows. Claude’s warmth was a comfort beside her. It was not the first time she had woken up next to him, most definitely not the first time they had spent the night in each other’s arms, but something about waking up as his wife made her heart swell. He had entrusted her long ago with his dreams, but now he had told the entire world.

She reached out, gently brushing back that unruly bit of hair she loved to play with. Claude frowned and muttered something inaudible, attempting to bury his face in the pillow. Byleth chuckled softly, Claude’s eyes opening slightly at the noise. “I must have really worn you out last night,” she teased.

Claude’s frown deepened, and Byleth could see the start of a scheme forming in those emerald eyes. “Is that what you think?”

“Certainly seems that way.” Byleth rolled onto her back and stretched, feeling his eyes on her the entire time. She moved to slide out of the bed, but Claude’s arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back. 

“I might have to take it as an insult then that you’re so energetic this morning then,” he murmured, sitting up to place a trail of kisses down her back.

“Well the answer to that is obvious.” Byleth sighed contentedly and leaned back in her husband’s embrace, enjoying the way his hands explored her. He had already mapped every inch of her body, but he never seemed content. He always seemed to need to redraw those maps, committing the feel of her to memory. 

“Oh? Are you going to share this hidden knowledge with me?” Claude laid her back down, leaning over her as he began to work his way down her body. She shivered in anticipation as his lips journeyed across her stomach.

“I’m happy,” Byleth said simply.

Claude paused, fully positioned between her legs. Byleth caught the deep blush on his cheeks before he dove down, using her thighs to hide his embarrassment. “You know,” Claude murmured against her skin, “sometimes I wonder if you know what you do to me.”

“I do.” Byleth reached down, gently running her fingers through his hair. Claude laid his cheek against her leg and stared back up at her. If anyone saw that look in his eyes, they would have no doubt of his love for her, but Byleth preferred that look to be something for her alone. “But you’re just as aware when you do the same to me. And you enjoy it either way.”

Claude smirked and dipped his head back between her thighs, but not before leaving her with, “And I shall for the rest of our lives.”

[kumeko]

A/N: Happy Birthday Claude! This was written for the Master Tactician Claude zine, which focused on Claude and his pranks. I love him, Edel’s, and Dimi’s could-have-been friendship, however little it was shown in the game, and couldn’t resist here.

Summary: With the Battle of Eagle and Lion coming up, the Golden Deer needed to know Edelgard’s and Dimitri’s weaknesses. Luckily, Hilda and Claude knew just how to find it.

…

…

…

…

Scanning the monastery’s garden, Claude smiled as he spotted Hilda seated near the gazebo. Or, to be more accurate, he smiled as soon as he saw the tea set spread on the small round table in front of her. Even from here, he could see the sun reflecting off the silver teapot. It was a beautiful set. It also most certainly wasn’t hers. Clasping his hands behind his head, he casually strolled over to her. “So which poor sap did you scam this time?”

 Hilda didn’t bother to look at him when she answered, her attention instead on a plate full of perfectly formed scones. She replied, indignant, “How rude. I don’t scam.”

 “Right.” Claude chuckled. The second they’d met, he had known that he’d found a friend for life. There were so few people who were clever with their words and actions, fewer still who were also up for some innocent mischief. Pulling out the second chair, he plopped down across from her. The metal was warmed from the sun, the weather finally picking up after all that cold. Leaning back in his seat, he raised a brow. “Who’s the poor sucker you borrowed this from?”

 Delicately, she picked up a scone and admired it. “A very gallant Ferdinand set this up for me.” She took a small bite, smiling brightly. “Lorenz generously provided the tea and snacks. I hardly expected this when they led me here. They’re both so very kind, don’t you agree?”

“Oh definitely. I’ll send them a thank you note later.” Claude snorted, amused. He wondered when the rest of the academy would wise up to Hilda’s ways; part of him was certain the answer would be ��never’.  Which was perfectly fine with him, it made information gathering so much easier. Pouring tea into his cup, he breathed in the aroma. “Rose petal again?”

 “Lorenz has access to the best roses,” Hilda explained, taking a sip herself and moaning slightly. “I always pick my targets carefully.”

 “Targets?” Claude teased, setting down his cup. The flavour was far too delicate for his tastes. He preferred stronger blends but then again, he wasn’t the one setting the table.

 “Friends,” Hilda corrected without missing a beat. She smiled brightly. “Friends always help one another, don’t they?”

 “If this is how you treat your friends, I’d hate to see your enemies.” Claude grinned back. Closing his eyes, he sighed. The sun really was warm against his skin. “I guess the weather really is changing now.”

 “Yeah.” Hilda agreed, sipping her tea once more. Her fingers curled carefully around the cup’s handle, her elegant posture one of practiced ease. “I hate having tea when it’s hot out. At least we’re no longer in that musty room of yours.”

 “Musty?” Claude glared at her, feeling put out. “I actually clean it, you know.”

 “Oh sure, once a month?” Hilda shook her head disparagingly. “It’s always a mess.”

 “A carefully organized mess.” Claude crossed his arms defensively. “You never know who might be looking.”

 “Someone could have looked and you’ll never know, it’s so darned messy.” Hilda shrugged, unrepentant. “I’m glad we’re no longer meeting there.”

 Claude clicked his tongue but there was no point in arguing about it anymore. They had this same disagreement every week. “Well, I’ll miss the privacy, but I suppose it’s easier to keep an eye on everyone here.” He glanced around the semi-empty garden, a few stray students strolling through it as they travelled from one part of the monastery or the other. What he really missed was the safety from eavesdroppers, but now that the weather had picked up, it would be strange if he and Hilda didn’t meet outdoors.  

 “I don’t think you need any help in that.” She circled the lip of her cup with a finger. “That reminds me, though, the Battle of Eagle and Lion is coming up now.”

 “It is that time of year,” he murmured, trying not to smile as they went straight to business. “It’s going to be a tough battle this year.”

 “Dimitri’s pretty strong and Edelgard knows how to strategize. It really can go anyway.” Hilda set down her cup and leaned closer. Her eyes sparkled, an eager expression crossing her face, and she asked, “What are we going to do about that?”

 “Welll…” With an identical smile, he leaned closer as well. “That is a good question. It’ll be a lot easier to answer if I know what their weaknesses are.”

 “Weaknesses…” Hilda frowned. “Edelgard seems like she has none.”

 Claude nodded solemnly. “That’s true, she does seem perfect. Still, everyone has one, you just need to find it.”

 “Even you?” Hilda looked at him curiously, and despite how casual her words were, he could feel her probing. “What are yours?”

 “Tell me yours and I’ll share,” he counter offered, side-stepping her query with practiced ease. When she didn’t reply, he added, “You know, I’ve always wondered what Edelgard looks like when she’s surprised.”

 Hilda gave him a look but accepted the misdirect. Clasping her hands together, she hummed. “Yeah, I can’t imagine anything surprising her. Dimitri seems a little easier to rile up and shock, but he also gets over it so fast.”

 “You know, he’s starting to figure out when I’m teasing him!” Claude scowled, his cheeks puffing slightly at the memory. “He used to fall so easily!”

 “Maybe you’re just getting bad at it.” She always knew how to press his buttons. Ignoring the dirty look he sent her, she pulled out a small cloth bag. Just where she’d hid it, Claude had no idea. “That reminds me, though, I picked up something from Lorenz just now.”

 “At the tea party?” So, that was her motive behind it. And here he thought she wanted to set things up for him. He took the bag from her and pressed it softly. There was something grainy inside. “Tea?” he guessed.

 “A very sour one,” Hilda confirmed, lacing her fingers together and resting her chin on it. She pouted slightly. “I can still taste it now. It’s horrible.”

 “I wonder if their highnesses have tried it yet.” Claude carefully pocketed the bag. While his tone was light, his mind was already whirling with possibilities. “I imagine their reaction would be immediate.”

 “Oh definitely. It’s hard to not react when you’ve tasted it.” Hilda lowered her eyes, her lips twisting slightly as she sighed. “Unfortunately, Dedue and Hubert make their tea and there’s no way you can sneak it past them.”

 “That’s true.” Claude paused dramatically. “But I happen to have a meeting with them today. It’s house head only, and, as luck would have it, I am hosting.”

 “Ohhh?” Hilda looked surprised. She was faking it, of course, and Claude didn’t know what to feel about the fact that he could read her so easily now. Or that maybe she could read him too. “Then perhaps you could use it.”

 Claude shrugged nonchalantly. “Perhaps.”

 -x-

 For this knowledge-gathering task (which is what he’d call it if he were caught), Claude had everything on his side. The setting was the Golden Deer classroom, giving him a homefield advantage. As the one hosting it, he had control over the food and snacks, giving him ample time to prepare. Better yet, he didn’t have to worry about Hubert or Dedue alerting their house heads. Sure, Hilda wouldn’t be around either to witness this spectacular moment, but it was a much-needed sacrifice.

 The only part he had to figure out was who to trick. He couldn’t get both of them at the same time—if only one cup tasted off, he could call it a strange accident. If it were two, they’d know immediately it was him. The only other option was giving all three of them the bad tea. Claude was willing to do many things for a prank, but self-destruct was not one of them.

 Of the two, he ended up picking Edelgard. As Hilda had said, the emperor was impeccable.

 Today, he’d finally see what made her tick.

 When Dimitri and Edelgard entered the classroom, Claude smiled and gestured at the long table near the front. “I’ve already set things up for us.”

 As usual, Edelgard looked apprehensive. The emperor didn’t know how to trust. Which, to be perfectly fair, was the right attitude for this situation, but still. She really needed to learn to loosen up. “It’s rare for you to be so well-prepared.”

 “Well, Ferdinand and Lorenz helped a bit.” It was only a half-lie; he’d borrowed most of the spread from Hilda. “I can’t always look bad around you.”

 Edelgard scrutinized him. He smiled easily under her intense stare. Giving up, she sighed, “See to it that you’re like this in our future meetings. It’s a waste of time otherwise.”

 “You wound me, I am always prepared for out meetings.” Claude clutched his chest dramatically as he set down three tea-filled cups. Dimitri liked sitting on the edge, for easy escapes. Edelgard liked having her back against the wall, to be able to see everything in the room. And Claude was willing to adapt to whatever the situation would call for. “Let me just grab some paper.”

 As he crossed over to the professor’s desk, picking up the materials he’d prepared, he listened to the sound of chairs scraping, of cloth rustling as his two companions sat down. All according to the plan.

 “This looks good,” Dimitri murmured. There was a soft clink as a cup was lifted. “I don’t recognize the scent though.”

 “It’s something from Lorenz,” Claude explained, turning around with a wide smile. “It’s a…” His expression froze at the sight before him. Dimitri was sitting where Claude should have. All in all, that wasn’t a bad thing, it didn’t really matter if they switched places. No, what made it worse was that perched where Dimitri should have been, was Edelgard.

 She looked up at him, her eyes sharp. “Something wrong?”

 Part of him wondered if she knew, if someone had been lurking about those bushes earlier. He couldn’t ask, of course, that would give the game away, but the answer would haunt him. “N-nothing.” Claude forced a smile as he slowly walked toward his doom. “As I was saying, Lorenz got some new samples and I wanted to give them a try.”

 “He is a big tea drinker,” Edelgard mused, picking up a scone. “He and Ferdinand are often entertaining one another.”

 “The tea-lovers club,” he joked, standing behind his seat now. There was no way around it, was there? He couldn’t even mention how odd it was that they’d all swapped places, because that’d bring attention to the matter. Steeling himself, he sat down on his chair. “Anyone from your house willing to join, Dimitri?”

 Dimitri picked up one of the small cookies and shook his head. “No one is as enthusiastic as those two, though Annette has a thing for sweets.”

 “Just like Lysithea then.” Claude tapped a pen against his paper, a wry smirk making its way across his face. “And Felix really hates sweets, right? What if they—”

 “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Edelgard cut in immediately, her jaw tightening slightly as she looked at him.

 Claude puffed his cheeks, protesting, “Hey, I didn’t even finish my sentence.”

 “I know what you’re thinking and no. Especially not with the battle so close; tensions between houses are high enough as it is.” Edelgard took a bite from her scone. Somehow, it didn’t crumble and Claude wondered if she’d made a deal with a devil. There had to be a supernatural reason for her constantly immaculate state.

 “Felix gets riled up very easily,” Dimitri agreed, his tone pensive. “However, I think the intermingling is a good idea. After the battle, maybe, to help ease any lingering feelings? It could help unite our houses.”

 “Diplomatic as ever. Something like this tea party?” Claude cupped his cheek with a hand, leaning into it. “I didn’t realize you were so fond of us. Or is it just me?”

 “What…” Dimitri spluttered, dropping the cookie as he flushed a bright red. “I don’t…”

 “Am I wrong?” Claude teased further, watching as Dimitri ran through several shades of red.

 Edelgard gave him an indecipherable look before turning to Claude. “Enough with the jokes.” Glancing at his cup, she raised her brow and asked, “Is the tea not to your liking? You haven’t sipped it.”

 Crap. Claude strained to smile, picking up the cup as they both looked at him curiously. “No, not at all, I was just waiting for it to cool a little.” He lifted it to his lips, silently swearing as they watched. Did they not have anything better to do? Maybe they had overheard. Bracing himself, he took a sip.

 Immediately, a taste sourer than lemons hit his tongue and it took all of his strength to not gag at the taste. When Hilda said it’d be a showstopper, she hadn’t been kidding. Not even Edelgard would have been able to ignore this, and it was his lack of preparations that led to this waste. Forcing it down with a swallow, he coughed. “That…was something, huh?”

 “Are you okay?” Dimitri asked, half out of his seat with concern. “You look unwell.”

 “Perhaps a visit to Manuela,” Edelgard suggested, her brow knit as she glanced at her tea. “I thought the taste was quite pleasant.”

 “It’s nothing,” he managed, wincing. Just what was this tea made of and who had made it?

 “Let’s call off the meeting.” Edelgard stood up now, worry etched across her face as she reached over for his tea. “We can do this another time. It could be serious.”

 “It’s just not to my taste, that’s all.” He waved off their concern, forcing his smile back in place. Claude batted off Edelgard’s hand before she could take the evidence. “Though, I didn’t realize you both cared for me so much. I’m touched, I really am.”

 Dimitri opened his mouth to argue before closing it and shaking his head. He sat down with an irritated shake of his head.

 “If you can talk like that, you’re fine.” Edelgard scowled, returning to her seat. “Now that your theatrics are over, we should get back to actual important issues, like the upcoming battle.”

 “How cold! Still, you can act like that, but I know the truth. You care,” Claude sang, discreetly pushing his teacup away from him. Well, it wasn’t a perfect cover up, but it worked out well enough. Besides, it might not be a weakness, exactly, but Edelgard had been concerned about him. On some level, he mattered to her. There was bound to be some way or another he could use that, even if only to further his own dream.

 But, wow, he could still taste it. Maybe he could get another batch from Lorenz later (or rather, have Hilda get it again). It was way too good an item to not prank at least one person with.

[bae-leth]

advice box time!

On free days, Byleth slept in. 

Often, he slept too in, if there was such a thing; one notable incident consisted of him sleeping nearly an entire day, and the healers believed he had gone into a coma.

Thus, he made it his life’s work never to have free days, and to keep himself in a perpetual rhythm of healthy stress.

Manuela often asked him to tea, and he would often politely decline; but if he had no classes to teach, he would ask her to tea. Of course she would accept, and he would be squirming in his seat for a good five hours. That was the way he preferred it.

If the other professors were busy, Byleth sorted through the advice box. The students often came to him in the form of papers and quills for their pressing questions, if they were too nervous to approach him directly. Of all the academy’s faculty, Byleth was the most honest and trustworthy, according to the students he had helped—thus, students from every house had come to him for aid.

Today was a free day, and Byleth was exhausted. He woke at his usual time (before the sky abandoned its dark blue cloak and donned a paler color) and got dressed, got undressed and took a cold shower when he forgot to take one before, and got dressed again. He picked up his books and his papers and left his living quarters. Then, he returned to his living quarters and made his bed before leaving once more.

Byleth hadn’t checked the advice box in quite a while, so he wasn’t wholly surprised to see the wooden bin on his desk nearly bursting with slips of parchment. 

The young teacher arranged his belongings neatly and then sat down to work, picking up the box and placing it in front of him.

The first slip had neat, legible handwriting with an air of dignity to their lines and curves. Byleth recognized the scrawl as belonging to Edelgard.

“Hello, Teacher,

I hope I am not interrupting your busy schedule. If I am, please do not hesitate to place this note aside and attend to more important matters.

Sincerely, Edelgard von Hresvelg.”

  It seemed Edelgard had forgotten to mention her problem in its entirety. In her pursuit for perfection, she often left out many an important element in her work.

Byleth fished out another note, the handwriting on which most definitely belonged to Hilda. It was loopy and the dots of her “i”s were large and distracting.

  “Dear Professor:

Father is asking me what I want for my birthday. He offered either a snow white horse or a silver necklace with a pretty butterfly charm. My dilemma: I want both!! What should I do??? Please help!

From Hilda.”

  Byleth folded and tore a similarly-shaped slip of paper from a sheet he had lying around and dipped the tip of his jay tail quill—according to Ignatz, blue jays represented truthfulness—into his inkwell. Then, he started to write.

  “Hilda,

A horse isn’t something you can buy while roaming a marketplace with pocket money. A horse is a living creature, and even more importantly, a companion. It will breathe the same air and run the same plains as you, and it will require much care and company to earn its trust. A horse is a magnificent thing that will surely benefit you in the future as well as the present, but it is also a challenge.

Recently, your marks in the stables have been quite low. If you are unprepared to care for the pegasi and the horses at the monastery, I believe you may be unprepared to care for a horse of your own.

However, while a necklace’s beauty is eternal, its glamour is short-lived. And I have seen you often in the halls with a new piece of jewelry every day…but it may just turn out to be the safest option. Ask your father for the necklace, or propose another potential gift.

Signed, Professor Byleth.”

  Byleth, pleased with his work, folded up his response before the ink could dry and had to write it all over again.

The next slip he picked up was illegible, so he tossed it.

The one after, however, belonged to Edelgard again.

  “Hello, Teacher!

Please forgive my previous note. I seem to have omitted my reason for asking your assistance. I am growing worried for Linhardt; he seems to be sleeping more and more, and I’m afraid his marks may suffer. I’ve employed Caspar to keep an eye out for him, but I still am unsure of how he will fare in the approaching exams. Will you please suggest to me how I ought to help him?

Sincerely, Edelgard von Hresvelg.”

  Byleth folded and ripped a new piece of paper.

  “Edelgard,

Thank you for your concern over Linhardt and his studies. However, I believe it should be him who is contacting me and asking for help. His ability to fall asleep anywhere and at any time is quite impressive, but he is doing surprisingly well in his courses. There is no need to worry for him academically.

As for what you can do, you can suggest that he should talk to me, if my teaching is contributing to his sleepiness.

Signed, Professor Byleth.”

  Byleth waited until the ink was dried before he folded up his response and placed it on his desk, to be distributed to the students later in the day.

He unfolded another slip.

  “Hi, Teacher,

I want to cook something for Professor Jeritza, but he won’t talk to me! I tried asking everyone if they knew his favorite food, and Sylvain said salt fish, but I think he was joking around. Do you know?

- Annette.”

  “Annette,

I do believe his favorite food is in fact salt fish.

Signed, Professor Byleth.”

  “Good day morning, Professor Byleth,

I’m having trouble with the history lesson about the church construction of the Church of Seiros. Can I please get some help? after lunch someday?

Thank you,

Bernadeta Bernadetta von Varley.”

  “Bernadetta,

Of course. Feel free to come whenever you’d like.

Signed, Professor Byleth.”

  “Hey, Teach!

I keep tryna get Dimitri and Edelgard to have tea with me, but they keep saying no. They used to come with me all the time! But not anymore! What’s up with them?

Claude”

  “Claude,

Exams are in less than two days.

Signed, Professor Byleth.”

  The advice box kept Byleth busy until sunset. He leaned his head back to stretch his neck, and he heard a soft knock on the door from across the deserted lecture hall.

“Come in,” he called.

In came Annette, holding a small plate of food in her hands. Byleth suddenly remembered that he hadn’t eaten the entire day. 

“Hi, Teacher! I, um, I made pudding for dessert today. I didn’t see you in the dining hall, so I looked around the monastery for you! Here.” Annette hurried over, her gray blue eyes excited as she placed her creation on Byleth’s desk. On the little white plate sat a small portion of chocolate pudding, which wobbled this way and that whenever Annette shifted the plate’s position.

“Oh, thank you, Annette, that’s very nice of you.” Byleth smiled at the student, whose cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and he picked up the note she had for her. “I have something to give you as well.”

Annette gasped and took it eagerly. “Thank you, Teacher!”

“Of course.” The orange-haired young woman danced off between the rows of tables, humming as she read the note. She stopped at the door, then turned back.

“…It is?”

Byleth nodded.

Annette blinked, her expression one of bewilderment, then disappeared behind the heavy door and out into the hall beyond it.

Byleth gladly ate the pudding, then fell asleep at his desk.

 ((the ending is lazy bhdfhsd thabk you for reading))

----------

notes from bae:

AHHH you were so fast!! and I love this so much??? the attention to detail in the letters, from Hilda’s dilemma over which gift to get, to all the crossings out in Bernie’s piece.... I LOVE IT ALLL

[trrriple-rrr]

Today we say goodbye to Martyn. Time flew with him. I hope you enjoyed the story of him and his Christmas Romance. Tomorrow I will post the link to the place where you can find all parts of the story at once and then it will be Claude Becker’s turn to lead us to the holidays in the next 8 days...

*

Chris Marshall Advent (01.-08.12.)

*

09.12.* 10.12. * 11.12. * 12.12. * 13.12. *14.12. * 15.12.

***

16.12.

***

You feel awful when you hear the knock on your apartment door the next morning. You look worse when you see yourself in the mirror. With dark bags under your eyes, looking pale, weak and unhappy.

Your friend is standing in front of you, holding up a bag filled with groceries. “Breakfast.” She smiles and walks straight into your kitchen.

You watch her and sit down at the table while she starts to do her magic. Soon your apartment is filled with delicious smells.

“Did you get some sleep?” She asks and gives you a once over. “You did not. Did a lot of thinking, hm? I did too.” She shrugs.

You just look at her and wait what she has to say. “I just…I can’t help but think you were a bit harsh to him. Yes, he acted like an arsehole!” She adds quickly when she sees the betrayed look in your eyes. “Yes, he should have told you that he got your messages right away when he saw you instead of acting creepy… but…” She shrugs again and starts to load some eggs, bacon and toast onto two plates.

You are still waiting what she wanted to say in his defence but she decided to feed you first and you really felt hungry now.

“It’s just…he changed so much. In my life. Being with him. He listened. He made me cook again, for fun…for him.”

“And that’s definitely a good thing he did.” She says quietly and carefully and watches you eat.

“I…I also got you a newspaper.” She puts it down next to your plate. “I…I think you should read it.”

She smiles and gets up to load your dish washer.

You frown at the large headline and shake your head. You never read the newspaper and only check the news online. Didn’t everyone?

There is nothing on the front page you want to read right now, reading about politics would only make you feel sick all over again.

You turn the page. Once. Twice.

There!

Next to an article about a successful photography exhibition that opened last night you can suddenly see your name.

“A Message for You.” Is the subtitle.

Your stomach clenches and your heart beats faster. “An article by Martyn Fleming.” You whisper.

“Yes! He wrote an article about you!” Your colleague can’t help but gasp.

But you almost can’t hear her as your eyes are already flying over every word he has written.

It is an apology letter to you. In the only way he knows how to write it. Exposing his own intimate thoughts and feelings like he made you feel exposed.

“I met you. And for the first time I felt connected to someone in this way. Love is difficult, it’s messy, it drives you crazy and makes you do incredibly stupid things. It’s laughing in a bar and dancing in the middle of the park, it’s watching a ballet and sitting in a small kitchen eating amazing food. I know that now. Only because of you. Because you put your heart into my hands. Where, instead of being safe, I held it too tightly. Hurt it, with the need to hold you close, achieving the opposite of what I wanted: I lost you. And maybe I will never see you, my heart, again. Or maybe, just maybe, you will give love another chance. Tonight, at the same time, the same place where I fell in love with you.”

You swallow hard and clear your throat. It’s not that easy. He can’t just write this and expect you to forgive him and to give him a second chance....

You rub your eyes and wrap your arms around yourself.

It would be easier to stay mad at him if you did not miss him that much. You heard his voice when you read the article as if he read the words to you. You saw his fingers flying over the keyboard of his laptop. You saw him scratch his neck thinking about finding the right words. You saw his red rimmed eyes when he looked at you the last time.

My heart.

You press your own palm over your heart. It belonged to someone else and it shattered into so many pieces when you lost him. Then it got put together again by Martyn. Who has a shattered heart himself. Who dared to trust again. To love again. You felt his heartbeat under your palms. Strong and skipping a beat when you touched him.

My heart.

You look at your friend and she gives you a slight nod. “No matter what you decide to do…I’ll support you.”

You smile at her and take a deep breath. “Thank you. For everything.”

Then you get up to help her clean the kitchen. You don’t have to make a decision right now after all…

But time keeps ticking and you keep checking your watch. The same time and place where he fell in love with you?

You bite your lip and find yourself thinking about it every minute of the day.

When the sun is going down you put on your green coat and all your courage. You’re putting your heart on the line here after all.

It’s beating quicker and quicker the closer you come to the opera house. You walk up the steps and look around.

But he’s not there.

You check your watch and decide to walk to the subway station.

But he’s not there.

Is he playing with you again?

You really want to find him now. To slap him more than to kiss him though.

The park is lit up with Christmas lights but he’s not there.

The bar is your next stop. And you can’t see him anywhere.

You curse and stop a taxi.

He has to be at the next place!

The taxi stops in front of the food truck where he invited you to dinner.

Your fingers are trembling when you walk along the path leading up to it. You don’t know what you’ll do if he isn’t there. And you don’t know what to do if he’s there.

One step after the other.

Look around.

Many people are walking around.

But there is one lonely person sitting on the low wall off to the side. His elbows on his knees. His face hidden in his hands, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

He looks up when he hears someone approaching. As soon as he sees you he sits up straight.

You look at him. See the spark in his eyes, the tiny feathery thing called hope growing in his heart.

You just look at him and throw your hands up in exasperation: “How am I supposed to know when and where you fell in love with me?!?”

He lets out a sudden noise, caught between a laugh and sob, and then he’s just right there. In front of you. His heart in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He says and holds your gaze.

You want to reply that he can’t ever hurt you again but then the words won’t come out of your mouth. You know he can’t promise you that. But his gaze tells you that he will try his best not to do it again.

So you nod and take his hand. “What do you think about getting a new phone for Christmas?”

He starts to smile and holds on tightly as he leans down to kiss you.

Again and again.

*

The cute banner was made by the cute @once-upon-a-mystrade

[paranoid-fighter]

Original Fiction: Chapter 5 - “Not a date.”

Taadaa

Author’s Notes: I gave this just a quick edit, but I wanted to get it posted. Why? Because the story’s picking up. Also, I hope you enjoy it; feedback is greatly appreciated!

Word Count: 2550-ish

All characters and settings are original creations and belong to me.

Geoff didn't know much about Detective Elizabeth Hart past what he knew from rumors. She was said to be a no-nonsense woman and was known for having little patience for frivolities or idle chatter. It didn't make much sense to pair her with Jean-Claude - logically, at least. On paper, her working with Jean-Claude made sense; she would be able to see through the vampire's antics, but in application, he was still surprised that they had managed to work together for even a week, let alone years.

If her notes were anything to go by, it was clear she didn't much care for Jean-Claude at the start of their partnership but, as the years went by, she had grown fond of the centuries-old vampire.

The first several pages of the well-worn ledger were dedicated to the elf. She had started with a very dry description - height, weight, hair color, the usual run-down - before her tone changed. The following pages spanned several years, evident by the date next to each note; she had come to discuss his love for red wine, about how he'd always have her favorite chocolates waiting for her, his mannerisms and so on and so forth. It was amusing to read about Jean-Claude from her perspective, even if it wasn't helpful.

He flipped through her notes until he found a page simply entitled "ghouls."

With a deep breath, he leaned back in his chair as he began to read...

The first attack happened on the second day of October. The body had been found by one of Jean-Claude's vampires. It had been floating in the river, mostly eaten, and she hadn't been able to determine who the body belonged to. The teeth, fingerprints and feet were either missing, rotten or mangled. Elizabeth had tried a DNA test, but it yielded no results. She wrote that the body was probably one of the homeless men that filled the city, but her attempts to identify him with the other homeless in the area proved unfruitful.

The second attack happened a week before Halloween. Another gnawed body had been found in a back alley in the industrial district. The wounds appeared to be a combination of human and canine, she noted, but this time the victim's teeth were definitely removed by force, as evident by the saliva and bloody vice grips they found nearby. Much like the first victim, she couldn't identify this woman, no matter what she tried.

Detective Hart had contacted a necromancer, in hopes they could raise the woman's spirit for a short while. The necromancer had said that unless she could be provided some of the bones or flesh of the victim, she wouldn't be able to find her spirit. At the very bottom of the page, Elizabeth scrawled the words "useless corpsefucker."  

He hid his smirk as he turned the page, only to frown as he read about the next attack.

It happened on Halloween and had resulted in the death and consumption of four people. This time, though, weapons were used. She indicated that their throats appeared to have been slit, but it was hard to tell because of the bites. The only clear indication that weapons had been present were from the defensive wounds on the arms of the man that had appeared to die last. These four bodies were also mostly consumed, with only humanoid bites covering their flesh.

Of the four, only Diane Kirkpatrick had been identified.

Unfortunately, Diane Kirkpatrick was also identified as being a ghoul, as noted in her autopsy report.

Geoff's brow furrowed as he read and reread Elizabeth's notes. She had said it wasn't uncommon for ghouls to turn on one another when food was scarce, but how scarce could the food be when there were multiple bodies that were eaten? What's more, she was a relatively 'recent' ghoul. The useless corpsefucker had said that Diane Kirkpatrick must have been turned within a week of being found truly dead, covered in bites and lying in a heap with the other three corpses - two humans and a half-elf, all of whom were down-and-out on their luck.

The useless corpsefucker had also said that the fact Diane had been eaten showed that there was likely a pack of ghouls behind the attacks and that there probably were more attacks happening which had yet to be discovered. As noted by the necromancer - she had scribbled the woman's proper title over the crossed out insult - this kind of activity was unusual for ghouls. They typically operated alone, eating anyone and anything to feed their insatiable hunger, and that they didn't work together by choice.

The last note on the page was a single word: fuck.

He placed the journal down as he stared at the wall.

Within the first month, six bodies had been found. Six. Three women, three men, varying races... the only commonality they all had was that they all appeared to be homeless. Only one had appeared to truly fight back, while the other five appeared to have been either caught by surprise or were killed in their sleep. Even more worrisome was the fact the ghouls appeared to be coordinated in their attacks. Or, at the very least, they possessed enough sense to not outright cannibalize themselves. Still, though, how were they organizing themselves? Was there a central ghoul with more intelligence than the rest or was someone else pulling the strings? He was more inclined to think that there was a puppet master at work, but he couldn't rule out the thoery of an intelligent ghoul. He frowned as he knuckled his forehead; there were simply too many unknowns at this time.

He picked up the notebook after a moment and flipped back through Elizabeth's notes, all but frantically looking for the name of the necromancer. He had questions for the woman to answer...

Geoff's rumbling stomach disturbed the silent room.

Flushing, he looked over his shoulder at Griffith and felt a small wave of relief washing over him when he realized the half-elf hadn't reacted. He turned his gaze back to his new desk and frowned as he remembered his fully-packed lunchbox was sitting on the bottom shelf of his fridge. Geoff sighed and pushed himself away from the desk before standing. He stretched his arms over his head as the cracking of his elbows and spine jolted Griffith out of his work-enduced trance.

"Is it five already?" Griffith asked as he rubbed his tired eyes. "No, but it's lunch time, which is almost just as good." Geoff beamed. "I was going to head to the diner down the street for a sandwich - want to come along?" Griffith shook his head. "Not today, but I appreciate the offer." The half-elf gave him a small smile. "Maybe another time?" "Sure thing. Want me to bring you back anything?" Another shake of his head. "I'm fine; I brought lunch." Geoff nodded. "Back later, then. Have a good lunch." He gave the analyst a friendly smile before leaving the room. Once outside, his smile faded as he shoved his hands into his pocket and made a beeline for the diner...

Geoff sank down into his usual booth and gave Ester a smile as she grabbed an old mug and a pot of coffee before walking up to the table. "You're back sooner than expected," she said as she placed a mug of coffee in front of the officer. "Left my lunch at home," Geoff mumbled. "And here I was thinking you just wanted to see me again." She pulled out her order pad. "The usual, then?" "Yup. Do you have cho--" "Yes. We have chocolate cake. Do you want whipped cream with that cake?" Ester laughed at the boyish delight on Geoff's face. "Is the sky blue?" His smile grew. "As blue as your eyes," she scribbled down his name on the slip - Sal would know exactly what to make - and tucked it back into her apron. "I'll bring everything out when it's ready." He gave her a smile as she walked away. Once alone, he sank down into the seat and cradled the coffee mug between his calloused hands. He found himself wishing he had brought Elizabeth's ledger with him as he sipped his coffee; it would've been good to keep reading as he waited...

Geoff was pulled from his thoughts as Ester came back with his order. "That was fast," he watched as she balanced the tray on ohe hand. Ester began placing plates in front of the officer, starting with the cheesesteak. "Sal started making the cheesesteak as soon as he saw you. He didn't even need me to put the order in." She put the last plate on the table and stood back. Geoff stared at the plate; it was almost entirely covered with whipped cream. He picked up his spoon and cautiously poked the cream. "Is this my cake?" "Yep." He poked it again as he bit back a smile. "Why'd you drown it in whipped cream?" "I thought you'd like it; you seemed down when you walked in," Ester glanced over to the neighboring table. "Enjoy your lunch. I'll swing back soon to refill your coffee." "You're the best, Ester," he picked up an onion ring as he dropped a heaping spoonful of whipped cream into his coffee.

Halfway through the cheesesteak, Geoff's phone buzzed on his hip.

Shifting his sandwich to one hand, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and unlocked the screen with a few taps from his thumb. He found himself dreading reading the message, all but certain it'd be Jean-Claude bitching about something...

Instead, he found himself staring down at a message from Vincent. He dropped his lunch as he held his phone with both hands, all but quivering in anticipation as he read the text.

Landed this morning - just got home. Drinks tonight? My treat. 

Grinning ear-to-ear, he immediately typed out a reply and then stared at it. His grin lessened as he reread the embarassingly enthusiastic text. Vincent had only been gone for a month; there was no need for that many exclamation marks. With a sigh, he erased the message and tapped out a new one...

Three minutes later, he finally replied with: Sounds good. When and where?

His sandwich became a distant memory as he stared at the screen. He chewed on his bottom lip while he waited for the elf's reply. He didn't know where Vincent would want to go. There were a lot of different places they had gone to for drinks over the years and they had amassed a small collection of favorites. It was generally a toss-up between two places, though: a hole-in-the-wall craft brewery or an up-scale cocktail lounge with an impressive wine list. He didn't care much for wine, but Vincent liked it. If they went there, though, he'd actually have to wear something nice--

Five Birds at seven? Your favorite food truck is there tonight.

Geoff's grin came back in full force - they were going to the low-key brewery and he'd be able to get loaded tater tots for dinner.

But, more importantly, Vincent would be there.

Sounds great; see you tonight, he leaned over the table, propping his chin up on his hand as he stared down at his phone. He kept smiling as his mind wandered; Vincent was back in town, had suggested they go to Geoff's favorite bar and, what's more, Vincent even knew which of the many food trucks in the city was his favorite. Logically, he knew that Vincent had nothing to do with the truck being at Five Birds, but that didn't stop him from thinking--

"My, my, looks like someone just got some good news," Ester crooned as she refilled Geoff's coffee. The officer jumped as he dropped his phone, frantically scanning his surroundings before staring up at the waitress. "w-What?" "Not often I see you stop in the middle of eating to answer your phone. I figured it had to be something important and, if the smile on your face is anything to go by, you've just gotten a hot date lined up." "Date...? No, no. Not at all. Just meeting a friend for drinks." He shook his head as he slid his phone back into his pocket. "Not a date." "You sure about that?" "Completely. Not a date." Ester stared at him for a moment more before nodding. "Alright then. Have fun getting drinks on your not-date, then."  She placed the bill for his lunch on the table before leaving.

Geoff pulled out his wallet and placed a few bills down before turning his attention back to his half-eaten sandwich. He resumed eating, albeit slower than normal, as his thoughts began to race.

Was it actually a date? He was meeting Vincent tonight at a bar, but that's what they normally did. Did that make all their previous meetings dates, too? For that matter, what even was a date? Weren't dates supposed to be going to nice restaurants and giving flowers and wearing clothes that made him feel awkwardly out of place? Even if their casual meet-ups for drinks together at a bar were somehow classified as dates, that would imply that he and Vincent were dating. And they most certainly were not dating. They were simply two friends who liked spending time with each other. Which is what friendship was. Because, he nodded to himself, two friends could go out for drinks and it wouldn't be a date.

Besides, it was a date, that'd be gay. And he was not--

Geoff sighed; he couldn't even finish the thought.

He knew he was gay. He had known it for years, but he had yet to do anything with that knowledge. It wasn't for a lack of desire, though. He wanted nothing more than to explore and act on the urges he had buried for over a decade, but he kept sabotaging himself and he knew it. No matter what he tried, he found himself runing it in some way or another.

Maybe tonight would be different. His pulse quickened as he thought about seeing Vincent again, about seeing the smile that always made his days a little brighter. Maybe tonight he'd finally--

He took another bite of his sandwich, only to catch his lip instead. He ran his tongue over the bleeding skin and frowned. It was typical; he had been on the verge of making a revelation, only to subconsciously ruin the moment before any life-changing realizations could occur.

Like always.

With a heavy heart, he ate the last few bites of his sandwich before turning his attention to the cake, doing his level best to not think about anything that even reminded him of Vincent...

[elli-dawn-stories]

Voltage High- Chapter Three

Tagging: @lone-wolf155 If you wish to be tagged in future updates let me know.

__

Kayla took in a deep breath to try calm herself, occasionally glancing at Eisuke and her dinner plate. She wanted to try start a conversation but was uncertain how to do so. Kayla glanced at Sophia sitting at her right; she was already hitting it off with Leon- that is hitting him with a barrage of questions. Leon could hardly get a word out as Sophia fired out word after word; Leon was probably regretting his seating choice now.

(Hahah. I wonder where she gets all her confidence from. Though, maybe she just loves to talk…)

Kayla hoped Sophia may rub off on her so she can also talk more freely. For now she would have to overcome her current obstacle: initiating conversation with Eisuke.

“Is there something on my face?” Picking up on her glances, Eisuke stopped eating and looked at Kayla. “Oh, I see. You must be in awe by my good looks.” He said, looking smug.

“Ack.” Kayla jumped in her chair and her body tensed up. She was just thinking of what to say but because of that she was now put in an awkward position. “No, that’s not it.” Kayla shook her head. The smug look on Eisuke’s face quickly vanished as he was left shocked, thinking maybe his looks had no effect on her.

“I was just thinking of how I can talk to you.” Kayla laughed softly. “You seem so scary I wasn’t sure what to say. I’m sorry for staring.” She said, looking bashful as she shrugged her shoulders.

Eisuke was left in disbelief. Looked scary? That definitely was not what he was expecting to hear. Eisuke turned away, looking bothered by what she said. “Hmph. I can’t help I was born with a scary face.”

“What?” Kayla’s eyes widened. “No no no!” She vigorously shook her head and looked at Eisuke. “I didn’t mean your face looked scary. I meant you give off a scary aura. Like you have such a powerful presence it is intimidating.”

(Wait. Am I just making this worse? First I have trouble speaking and now I can’t shut up…)

Kayla inwardly sighed.

Eisuke suddenly snorted and with an amused look he turned to Kayla. “You are an interesting one. I think I can get used to living with you.” He laughed softly, “You are the lucky winner of the scholarship, correct?”

“Uh, yes.”

“Heh.” Eisuke chuckled as if it was amusing to him but then became serious. “You won’t have to worry while you are with anyone in this dorm but others at this college may not be so accepting of you.” It seemed to be he was warning Kayla. Just as she feared, there may be many hardships ahead.

“I thought that was a possibility.” Kayla said, her eyes falling to the table as her face sunk. Suddenly there was a hand on her shoulder. Kayla looked up to see Eisuke closer than before with a confident smile on his face. “Don’t worry. All of us staying at the dorm will readily tell off anyone who tries to hurt you.”

(Eisuke…Everyone…)

Kayla was touched. She didn’t know how to react towards such kindness. Eisuke may seem intimidating and rather cocky but beneath that he also had a kind heart. More than ever Kayla was excited at the prospect of getting to know everyone at the dorm. They all have been so accepting and treat her like their own. Here she wasn’t treated differently. This was what Kayla had desired for so long; people who accepted her for who she is.

Suddenly, clapping rang through the air.

“I would like to have everyone’s attention.” Huedhaut stood up at his seat. Everyone stopped talking amongst themselves and focused on him. “Jan, Baba, Louis and I will be working out a roster later tonight detailing who is on cooking duty each day of the week.”

“Oh la la. I can’t wait to show everyone my cooking skills.” Rubbing her hands together excitedly, Sophia smiled broadly as she spoke.

(And kill everyone…) Kayla thought to herself.

“We all have to cook?” Scorpio blurted out.

“Of course. We have to share the responsibility.” Hue replied.

Scorpio did not look too happy about that. “But I have never cooked before.” He mumbled.

“How often do you think we will get food poisoning over the next three years?” Joshua whispered to Wilfred, looking uneasy.

“Who knows. it is possible we will be more at the nurse’s office than in class.” Wilfred responded, not helping to ease Joshua’s worries at all; if anything they only made him worse.

After a short discussion about the meal plan and with dinner over, everyone was finally allowed to leave. Huedhaut, Jan, Baba and Louis returned to the kitchen to clean the dishes; it was decided those who made the meals will also clean the dishes afterwards.

Kayla and the others decided they would explore more of the dorm before returning to their rooms.

(There is the bathroom, and the laundry is next to it. What is behind this door.)

“I think the living room is in here.” Zyglavis said.

“I see. Let’s go check it out.” Kayla said and opened the door.

Everyone scrambled into the room together. It wasn’t much of a surprise to everyone else since they come from rich and powerful families but for Kayla she was in sheer awe at the size of the room. A huge tv stretched out on the far wall and there was many seats lined around and bean bags on the floor; there was no shortage of seats, at least.

Ichthys and Dui immediately ran up to one of the sofas. Ichthys threw himself down on one taking up the whole thing. Dui started to complain that he was being selfish and should make room for him to sit next to him. But Ichthys refused and seemed to be enjoying seeing Dui mad. But then Dui had an idea of his own and plonked himself right on top of Ichthys and now it was Ichthys who was begging Dui to get off him but Dui refused, he was enjoying himself too much hearing Ichthys whine. The tables turned fast.

(Pfft. What characters.)

Everyone in the room ignored the pair and focused on their own things. Claude and Wilfred were looking through bookshelfs stacked with books that lined another one of the walls. Soryu and Eisuke were busy checking out the huge tv and discussing on movie nights they can have in the future. In another corner, Ota, Joshua, Roberto and Edward were surrounding a pinball machine. Ota was currently playing, though Joshua tried to hurry him up because he wanted to have a turn. But when Ota finished his turn, Roberto quickly jumped in and poor Joshua was left standing in shock and started to get annoyed at Roberto but he just ignored him.

There was even a ping pong table. Scorpio and Zyglavis had grabbed some rackets and started to play. Though Scorpio looked like he was struggling and could hardly hit the ball as Zyglavis kept beating him over and over. Zyglavis wouldn’t even go easy on him even when he was struggling. Poor Scorpio. Even though he got annoyed at Zyglavis, Zyglavis was just having too much fun seeing Scorpio perform so terribly.

And lastly there was Leon and Karno. They were standing in front of a dart board. The pair found some darts and started to play against one another. Leon acted confident saying he would win, no sweat. But Karno quickly made him regret those words as he got one bullseye after another. Leon said he had to be cheating but Karno said that was impossible and he had just gotten lucky ten times in a row. Leon huffed and wondered how any one man could have such luck and suggested Karno gave him some.

Though, where was Aigo? Kayla wondered. She looked around until she saw someone sleeping on one of the bean bags. It was Aigo. He was sleeping like a baby. Kayla couldn’t help but smile at his serene sleeping face.

Kayla very much enjoyed watching everyone interact together. They all looked like so much fun. Kayla then remembered about Sophia. Where did she go? Kayla quickly looked around the room and saw Sophia sitting in a seat with a small table in front of it and on the other side another seat.

Kayla walked up to Sophia.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

Sophia looked up and smiled. “This is the perfect spot to arm wrestle, no?” She put her arm up on the table and made a serious face. “Someone come wrestle me!” She shouted and everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and looked at her.

“Wrestle?” Wilfred mumbled, cocking his head.

Everyone left what they had been doing (except Aigo who remained asleep) and walked up to Sophia and Kayla.

“You really want one of us to arm wrestle you?” Leon said, looking dumbfounded.

“Yes yes.” Sophia nodded, still looking serious. “Come. Wrestle me!” She flexed her tiny petite arm that was resting on the table, trying to coax one of the guys into wrestling her.

“I don’t know… We don’t want to hurt you.” Karno said, looking unsure.

“Don’t worry. Come come. Wrestle me!” Sophia said once more.

Soryu sighed and decided he would take her on.

“Good. Are you ready to begin?” Sophia said, smiling confidently as she looked at Soryu.

Seeing the confidence in her eyes, Soryu settled in more and got absorbed in the moment. “Yes.” He nodded, looking confident himself.

The fight was on. Soryu (and pretty much everyone) expected to beat Sophia almost immediately but was surprised that she was holding her ground.

(Haha, wow. Sophia is stronger than I thought. You go girl.) Kayla silently cheered her on, impressed.

Not even a minute had passed when… Sophia had utterly smashed Soryu in arm wrestling.

“Oh yeah, baby! I taste sweet victory tonight while you dine in the bitter taste of defeat.” Sophia stood up and cheered, her smile was so innocent looking but her words were anything but.

Soryu was left frozen in shock. What just happened? He thought. Not only was he frozen but so was everyone else. They were all looking at Sophia and wondering “just who is this girl?”

Sophia sat back down and put her arm back on the table but this time smiled sweetly. “Come come. I will fight someone else.” She looked at the others but not a single one of them moved.

“Aw. They are all scared. What a shame. I guess that’s it. No more bitterness for you all tonight.” Sophia smiled and stood up. “Thank you for fun.” She bowed to Soryu who was still having trouble processing what just happened.

“Kayla. It is time to be returning to our rooms. It is getting late and I need my beauty sleep.” Sophia said and started to walk to the door.

“Wow. Who would have thought her tiny arms held such muscle?” Joshua said as he watched her go.

All of them erupted into conversation about the monstrous strength Sophia wielded. Kayla couldn’t help but laugh as she also started to head to the door. Tonight would surely be something to remember. It was a wonderful start to three years together.

Kayla got ready for bed. Sophia fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow; she slept so peacefully it was hard to believe she overpowered Soryu just moments earlier.

(Hehe. This is all so much fun. I’m so glad I got the chance to come here and meet all these wonderful people… I really am lucky.)

As Kayla thought that she slowly drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow was Monday and the first day of classes began. Kayla would also receive the cooking schedule in the morning; she wondered who she would be paired with. Kayla hoped whoever it was she could work along with them to make meals everyone could enjoy.

[flauntpage]

Philadelphia Sports Fans Finally Have Something to be Thankful For

From my personal experience, there are two different types of Thanksgiving Day gatherings.

One family will sit around the table and actually engage each other, asking about the wife/kid/job/dog and sharing some thoughts about what they’re thankful for.

The other family will get their food and separate into different rooms. The men usually go watch a dreadful Detroit Lions game while the women sort of congregate in the sitting room. There’s awkward small talk with the in-law who, for the life of me, I can’t remember what they do for a living. Someone will eventually make an off-base political or religious comment. Everybody wraps it up and goes home to binge watch some television series and pass out on the couch.

Whichever scenario describes your family, at least the Philly sports discussion will be positive this Thanksgiving, for the first time in a long time.

Eagles

The Birds are 9-1 with a franchise quarterback and franchise head coach.

The defense is stellar, the skill guys are making pays, and the backup linebacker is a serviceable kicker.

I wrote about the underrated offensive line this week…

Let’s appreciate the Eagles’ “Angry” offensive line

…so give it a read, but only after finishing this story.

Sixers

They’re above .500 for the first time in a long time. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are superstars. Robert Covington got paid (and earned every dollar). The Wells Fargo Center is packed. The team is fun to watch.

Sure, the Markelle Fultz situation remains muddy, but at least it’s been nipped in the bud. The bench is banged up and needs to contribute more. Jahlil Okafor is stuck in basketball purgatory.

But the ceiling is high for this team as they’re already surpassing expectations in year number one of the post-process era.

Ben Simmons is a magician.

Just look at this move. http://pic.twitter.com/GKfbmmynv6

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 19, 2017

Phillies

I’m truly intrigued to see how Gabe Kapler does at the Phils’ helm. I’m not sure if the manager should be in better shape than the players, but maybe his discipline in the realm of health and fitness rubs off on the locker room. Do they respond well or are they totally turned off by it? No clue, but it feels like there’s no middle ground here.

Either way, there’s a corner being turned here. Kapler may or may not be the “guy,” but he’s certainly interesting. Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Altherr are worth the price of admission.There are definitely some things to build on, which wasn’t the case as recently as a year ago.

Flyers

They’re uh.. well.. there is some good young talent I guess.

Here’s the thing with the Flyers – who on this team “excites” you? Is it Claude Giroux? Jake Voracek? Wayne Simmonds? Who do you look forward to watching on the ice?

They just don’t have that Carson Wentz or Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid. There’s no flashy goal scorer or generational superstar. The goaltending is what it is.

They’re a faster team this year, and there’s less physicality and mucking and grinding and fighting and bullshitting, but you still need to have at least somewhat of an edge, and that’s something this squad lacks. There are some interesting pieces there, but they aren’t playing like a team, or a well-coached team for that matter.

Union

Well, we can be thankful that the 2017 season is over.

They started 0-4-4 this season, scraped back to the .500 mark, then fell below the playoff line when the cream of the Eastern Conference started rising to the top. They are a boring team with boring players and boring tactics.

So it’s on Sporting Director Earnie Stewart to nail this offseason and give Union fans something to look forward to in 2018. We already know that his hands are tied due to owner Jay Sugarman’s ridiculous frugality. I mean, think about it, our expansion lacrosse and eSports teams have better ownership than the Philadelphia Union.

The window of relevance closed this year when the Eagles and Sixers made strides. I’ve spoken in the past about how the Union had this opportunity to take advantage of the void in Philadelphia sports. Maybe they could rip off a few wins and generate some buzz. But they didn’t. They blew it. They were just as bad as every other team in town. They need to win this season, or else it’s time for Sugarman to cash out and get out.

Big 5 basketball

I didn’t go to school in Philly, so I know the Temple grad isn’t cheering for St. Joe’s or Villanova or La Salle or whatever.

But it’s fun for neutrals. Nova won a title last year. A couple of these teams are always in the NCAA tournament. It’s a shame that the parochial nature of Big 5 basketball fractures fandom to a point where the average “four for four” jabroni doesn’t really care. College hoops is some of the best competition in the country, and we’ve got a bunch of decent programs right here in town.

Temple football

Matt Rhule come home.

Shout outs

Some other things to be thankful for:

the reopening of the I-95 northbound on-ramp in Fishtown

beer selection at the Port Richmond IGA

no more registration stickers on your license plate

Taco Bell Doritos Locos Tacos (nacho cheese flavor only, not ranch)

the Hyundai “Sweet Caroline” commercial appears to be out of rotation

playoffs in college football

increased coverage of Premier League and Bundesliga

new Wu Tang album

Australian meat pies

NFL RedZone

the five year anniversary of the Mark Sanchez butt fumble

Turkeys

People, groups, or things that we shouldn’t be thankful for in 2017:

Lavar Ball

the “media member” who sits in press row but doesn’t actually do any work during the game

local TV stations who continually do out of market stories, because the point is to cover news in the PHILADELPHIA AREA, not send reporters to Florida and Spain

whoever keeps putting Ed Rendell on the Eagles post-game show

the Soda Tax

politicians

cheesesteak and Rocky mentions during national Eagles broadcasts

the Schuylkill Expressway

people who bring their dog to an off-leash dog park, then say, “watch out, my dog isn’t friendly with other dogs”

Skip Bayless

Will Cain

Nick Wright

Happy Thanksgiving.

Philadelphia Sports Fans Finally Have Something to be Thankful For published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv

[anoldwound]

This One Time, In the Desert... - Claude/Bennet [Heroes]

Title: This One Time, In the Desert… Characters/Pairings: Claude/Bennet Rating: R Receipient/Prompts:veetvoojagig/Getting drunk together, confessions, lurid fantasies. Warnings: Complete stupidity. And dirty talk. Word Count: 1565 Summary: “Things work when you hit them, Bennet. Everyone knows that. Kick your telly, cable comes back on. Slap the dashboard, sound on your radio is crystal clear. Hit your transmitter with a hammer, and all of a sudden you’re able to call the Company to come pick you up in the middle of the desert.” A/N: Written for Morally Grey November at brave_new_slash. Written at the last minute because I suck. Enjoy! “The transmitter isn’t working.” “Dammit, I know, rookie.” “You can stop calling me rookie, you know; we’ve been partners for almost four years now.” “You’re still a rookie. Especially when you state the blatantly obvious, you git.” “Am I a git or am I a rookie?” A smirk curled up his cheek. “You’re a hybrid. A rookie-git. Now bugger off and let me fix the bloody transmitter.” “Fine.” Bennet sat back and watched with amusement as Claude pulled a screwdriver out of the glove compartment and began lightly tapping the box. “Sure you know what you’re doing?” “Yes, I know what I’m doing. I thought I told you to bugger off?” Bennet put his hands up in surrender and didn’t say anything else, although he still had that smug smirk on his face. After several more minutes of useless tapping, Claude sighed heavily and turned the transmitter over in his hands. He scrutinized it closely and, after what seemed like careful deliberation and consideration, took out a hammer and promptly began beating the crap out of it. “CLAUDE! What’re you doing?” Bennet shot out of his seat and grabbed Claude’s arm before he could further destroy the transmitter. “I’m hitting it,” Claude said, sounding politely confused. “You’re breaking it!” Bennet held the transmitter in his hands. It was dented severely and had several wires poking out of the sides. “You did break it. Why did you start hitting it with a hammer?!” “Things work when you hit them, Bennet. Everyone knows that. Kick your telly, cable comes back on. Slap the dashboard, sound on your radio is crystal clear. Hit your transmitter with a hammer, and all of a sudden you’re able to call the Company to come pick you up in the middle of the desert.” Bennet stared at him wordlessly for a minute or so, then shook his head and tossed the wrecked transmitter into the backseat. “Now what?” Claude rubbed his neck and glanced towards the trunk. “Well, we got enough food to last us a couple days. They should send someone after us by tomorrow…or maybe the next day…definitely by next week, at the absolute latest…” “…Do we have any liquor?” “Yeah, reckon so.” “I think we’re gonna need it.” *** “If there’s something strange…in your neighborhood…who ya gonna call?!” “GHOSTBUSTERS!” Bennet wildly flung his arms and the bottle of rum went flying into the air. “Hahaha, woops!” “ROOKIE, YOU ARE RUINING THE SONG.” He laughed again. “M’sorry! Where was we…ah! I ain’t ‘fraid a no ghost! This is the part where Nakamura comes in, right?” “Nakamoora!” Claude slapped his knee and started laughing hysterically. “Moo! Like a cow. Nakamura is a cow; I knew it!” “Those’re, those must be the files they wouldn’t let us look at!” Claude collapsed onto the sand with laughter, hugging himself around the middle. “That must be it! Rookie, you could be on t’somethin’!” “There is a conspiracy to hide Nakamura’s true identity as a cow!” he cried triumphantly, and fell onto the sand next to Claude. “Should we expose the truth to the Company?” “No one would believe us, Bennet,” said Claude in between fits of convulsive laughter. “They’d put us in one of those rooms that they put people in.” “You mean the special people?” Bennet’s fingers climbed lazily over Claude’s chest. Claude suddenly stopped laughing. “Or some other people? Like maybe Nakamura’s political opponents?” “Since when does Nakamura have political opponents?” “His political opponents in Cow World. He’s the president of Cow World, you know.” Claude chortled, and Bennet’s hand rested on his stomach. “What’re you doin’, rookie?” Bennet blinked up at him innocently. “Nothin’.” “You’re doing somethin’.” “Am not.” “Are so.” “Am not.” “Are s - oh, bloody forget it.” He sighed and let Bennet keep his hand there. It wasn’t like he minded, really. They laid there in silence for a while, then Bennet said, “D’you ever think about stuff?” “Yeah. It’s a bad habit of mine. I should stop. Have any tips on how I could quit?” “No, I mean about stuff.” “What kind of stuff?” Bennet was really annoying when he was drunk. Even more annoying than he usually was. Not that he should be complaining; he was rather drunk himself. “Morally grey stuff.” “Goddammit, rookie, you and that catchphrase…you should put it on your license plate or somethin’. ‘MRLYGRY’.” “That’s a good plan, but it has too many letters. Anyway, what I meant was…was morally grey in a…” his voice went down to a whisper, “…in a sexual way.” Although he suddenly felt ridiculously hot for some reason, Claude shrugged it off and said, “Why the bloody hell’re you whisperin’, mate? Ain’t no one else around.” “It’s top secret informations. They could be hiding behind the sand grains, listening in on us with spy equipment.” Claude stared at him incredulously. “You’ve gone off the bloody deep end.” “I have not. And anyway, you didn’t answer my question.” His finger traced circles around Claude’s belly-button. Claude’s fists clenched. “I don’t see how that’s any of your damn business, rookie,” he said, biting his lip so hard his teeth were practically tearing through. “It was just a question.” “A…a fucking personal question, was what it was.” He held back a gasp as Bennet’s finger dipped a tad lower than was appropriate. “Well, since you won’t tell me yours, I’ll tell you mine.” Bennet cleared his throat. “I’ve always secretly wanted to do stuff with food.” “…Food?” “Yeah.” “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what with food?” “You know. I’ve wanted to get lewd with some food. Do I need to explain it more?” “Y-yes.” God, he was setting himself up. “Well…” Bennet’s hand was practically burning a hole through him as he splayed his fingers. “Sometimes, y’know, I’d imagine you and me getting rude with some food. I’m naked, you’re naked, and we’re standing in front of the fridge, and then you grab some whipped cream and I grab some pomegranates and you’d smear the whipped cream on me and then I’d eat the pomegranate and then you’d lick the whipped cream off of me and then I’d eat another pomegranate, and then I’d rub myself against you and - ” “O-kay, you can stop now. Sharing is not always caring.” He could feel himself getting hard and, try as he might, he could not get the thing to lie down. “What? You’re not into that sort of thing?” Bennet looked up at him sadly, with those damn puppy dog eyes. “I..er…” Bennet looked down at the vulnerable place, and a wide grin broke out across his face. “You are! You are into that sort of thing! I knew it. You wanna do it now?” “What - no I do not want to rub whipped cream on you and lick it off!” he lied. “Well, it doesn’t have to be whipped cream. We can improvise.” “I don’t want to - ” “How about some gravy sauce?” “No - ” “Maybe olive oil.” “Do not want - !” “Wine would be an excellent choice too, of course. Do we even have any liquorous substances left, though? I think we drank it all.” “Rookie, I don’t want to use food as a sex toy with you, okay?!” “Sex toy? I didn’t even think of that! You’re a genius, Claude. Do we have any zucchini?” Indescribably hard at this point, Claude groaned and quickly crawled away for some alone time. “Hey! Claude! Where’re you going? We don’t have any zucchini, but I think pickles’ll be just fine! Hello? Claude? You there? Hello? You’re not leaving me all alone in the desert, are you, Claude? What’re you doing behind that rock? Can I see?” “ROOKIE WOULD YOU GET OUT OF HERE????” “Why are you masturbating behind a rock?” “Why the bloody hell do you think? Now get out of here!” “Let me provide assistance!” Bennet cried heroically, and leaned his head down. “Oh - shite - ” Claude leaned his head against the rock and moaned. *** A little while later, the two of them lay panting and naked in the sand, various food products littered around them. “Great. Now what’re we supposed to eat?” Claude said, picking up an empty jar of pickles. “I can’t believe there were only two pickles left.” “I might’ve used a few,” said Bennet nonchalantly. He didn’t sound all that drunk anymore. “You used…?! Never mind. I don’t want to know. Christ, this sand itches like a bitch.” “It’s unfortunate, but it was the only spot where we could be alone.” Claude looked at him warily. “What do you mean?” “I planned this whole thing.” “You WHAT?!” “Yes. I broke the transmitter while you were at the rest stop, knowing that when it was time for us to check in it wouldn’t work, and you would get frustrated and destroy it. I packed some non-alcoholic drinks and put them in rum bottles so as to trick you into thinking I was getting drunk. I was entirely lucid this whole time.” Claude could not seem to speak. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Bennet smirked proudly. “You’re welcome.” Claude started to protest, but sighed and closed his mouth. There would be time to commit Bennet to a mental institution later. For now… “Claude, didn’t we just - oh, God…” He had plans of his own.

[flauntpage]

Your Monday Morning Roundup

The miracle at the Linc.

It hasn’t been a full 24 hours since the end of yesterday’s game and I���m still digesting what happened.

Tyler took over the Live Thread while I was at the game. Definitely worth the really long day (coming from Syracuse).

Jake Elliott became the hero on his record-setting game-winning kick. But there were plenty of other things that happened during the game, and we’ll have plenty of content on it later today. A neat stat I found from Reuben Frank: teams that score 24 points in the fourth quarter are now 90-9-1. The Giants are one of the nine.

Meanwhile, relive Elliott’s kick with Merrill’s call, Joel Embiid’s reaction, and from other fans inside the Linc. And a bonus, Ricky Ricardo’s call in Spanish. Sí señor. Speaking of the spanish play-by-play crew, they had to move to a different booth.

Let’s go!

But first, a word from our sponsors:

Legal. Check out Krasno, Krasno and Onwudinjo when you need a workers’ compensation or social security attorney.

Carson. You know what to do. Shop now.

Fresh. The best meal delivery service, without question. Sign up for Hello Fresh now and get $40 off your first two boxes.

Amazon. If you shop Amazon, support your favorite website and use our link.

  The Roundup:

More on the kick from Sheil Kapadia from the players themselves:

Kamu Grugier-Hill: “He hit that a couple times in practice so we have confidence in him for sure. Honestly, from my angle, it looked wide right, so I was like, ‘Ahhh!’ And then I saw it go through the thing, and I just lost it.”

Jalen Mills: “You see him banging long field goals at practice all the time. So for sure, we already knew that he had a strong leg. That’s why Coach Doug [Pederson] didn’t think twice about putting the field-goal unit out there. So as soon as he kicked it, you saw him get full extension, and he made it.”

There was probably a reason why the Bengals kept Elliot on their practice squad.

Trading Allen Barbre may have made things worse at left guard.

Some injury news: Darren Sproles is reportedly out indefinitely with a broken arm. But he could return in a couple weeks:

With the report from Ian Rapoport of a broken arm, coupled with video, it is likely an isolated ulna fracture. I doubt the accompanying radius bone is broken, so there is some inherent stability. The forearm did not need support as he walked off the field.

Commonly called a “nightstick” fracture, an isolated ulna fracture clearly shows up on X-rays. So the scheduled MRI is likely just precautionary. Do not be surprised if surgery is announced Monday.

It is conceivable that Sproles could be back before mid-October.

—

Breaking Sixers news as owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer are creating a new company for their sports and entertainment business. Scott O’Neil will be the CEO. Check out the logo here.

The Sixers made some rumbles on Friday, officially signing former Kansas State guard Jacob Pullen and are reportedly close to a deal with Kris Humphries.

Will we ever escape the continuous Sixers pattern of Embiid’s health and Jahlil Okafor being in the best shape of his life?

—

The Phillies lost two of three to the Atlanta Braves in their final road series of the season. They fell 7-2 on Friday and 4-2 on Saturday, before shutting out Atlanta 2-0 yesterday.

Rhys Hoskins has been quiet in the home run department. It’s because teams are starting to adjust to him:

“They’re staying outside,” Hoskins said. “Whatever the scouting reports say, that’s where the hole is now. The game is about making the adjustments I need to make, then they’ll try to find the next hole.

“That’s what’s beautiful about the game.”

Of the 13 pitches Hoskins saw Sunday, just two were on the inner half of the plate. He took both for balls. Hoskins was 0 for 3 with a walk. He is 5 for 33 (.152) with 12 strikeouts and six walks since his last homer, Sept. 14.

The team’s final homestand begins tonight against the Washington Nationals at 7:05. Aaron Nola takes to the mound against A.J. Cole.

—

The Flyers have reduced their training camp roster to 29 players with just over a week left until the start of the regular season.

They take on the New York Rangers tonight at MSG, where you’ll see Claude Giroux at left wing:

In each of the last two days at practice, the Flyers have once again featured team captain Claude Giroux at left wing on a line with Sean Couturier in the middle and Jakub Voracek on right wing. Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol indicated that, for the first time, the Flyers would have Giroux on left wing in a game situation for Monday’s game in New York.

“It’ll be fun, but I don’t know what to expect,” Giroux said. “Obviously, that’s something we’re looking at [trying] a little bit this year. The game is pretty much the same wherever you are. Offensively, you are kind of all over the place. But it’s just practice right now. After we do it in a game, I’ll be better able to answer those question [about comfort level on the wing].”

—

In other sports news, many teams took part in protesting the National Anthem yesterday by kneeling or staying in their locker room. Others, such as the Eagles, locked arms with teammates, coaches, front office personnel, and members of the military and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Dolphins safety Michael Thomas had some strong comments:

Dolphins safety Michael Thomas started breaking up when talking about Trump calling him "a son of a b!tch." http://pic.twitter.com/Z4wroPcvzW

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 24, 2017

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had some thoughts as well:

Brady on @realDonaldTrump comments – "I believe that love is the greatest thing we have, it overcomes a lot of things." http://pic.twitter.com/eZOvwN7kiE

— Chad Amaral (@chad_amaral) September 24, 2017

On the other end of the spectrum, NASCAR owners won’t tolerate anthem protests and had strong feelings if that happened to their drivers.

“Anybody that don’t stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got ’em where they’re at? The United States,” Petty said in comments reported by the AP.

Richard Childress, a former driver who owns Richard Childress Racing, said any protests from his team members would “get you a ride on a Greyhound bus.”

“Anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America,” Childress reportedly said.

Washington upset the Raiders last night. Dan Snyder and his armpits were happy:

Dan Snyder feeling himself, pit stains and all. #SundayNightFootball http://pic.twitter.com/ARsOki9TSW

— Peep (@PeepsBurgh) September 25, 2017

The Lions fell to the Falcons at home after Golden Tate’s touchdown was called down at the one. They also lost some food:

To make matters worse for the #lions. The food is on fire at Ford Field by the locker room. http://pic.twitter.com/aLFNDj4kc3

— Evan Jankens (@KINGoftheKC) September 24, 2017

I don’t think we’ll see Tony Romo leave the broadcast booth anytime soon.

In basketball news, Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls have agreed on a contract buyout.

In addition to the Cavs, the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder are contenders for Wade once his buyout becomes official, sources said. Wade also has a close relationship with Carmelo Anthony, who will officially become a member of the Thunder on Monday.

Wade, speaking to the AP on Sunday night, indicated that he might decide his next move quickly.

“I’m going to take tonight and some of tomorrow and speak to the teams or players that are on my list and go from there,” Wade said. “My decision is a pure basketball decision, and I’ll make the one that fits me best at this point in my career and with what I feel I have to offer a team that needs what I have to offer.”

—

In the news, a small plane crashed into a home in Whitpain Township.

Neighbors in Kensington called police to inform them a man may have been making Molotov cocktails.

A dam in Puerto Rico is falling apart thanks to Hurricane Maria.

Your Monday Morning Roundup published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv