#future because she needs to go to college and get a career first. But if they survive Vecna - then sure many some of the dream can be

[asapeveryday]

We Have Now

Pairing: Nika Mühl x Reader

Warnings: lil bit of angst, suggestive content

Summary: The season is over, the seniors have graduated and the summer has begun. The future holds a lot of uncertainty, but your feelings for Nika have never been uncertain. Is it too late for you?

A/n: I just can’t resist summer themed fics. Also I’m ngl this is NOTT my best work so I’m sorry for that… enjoy anyways.

“Holy shit!”

Through the window of your bedroom you can see the sunset has turned outside an entrancing mix of tropical colours. Pink, purple, orange and yellow mix in the clouds and paint the world around you for a moment, and you know you need to see it up close.

You rush down the stairs and past the living room, where the rest of the team is sleeping on the couch with a movie on in the background.

It had been a long day for everyone, the team had planned to spend a couple days of July at an airbnb in Rhode Island back in February, and the plan thankfully took off.

The day had been filled with a long car ride, various TikToks, loud music, unpacking, swimming and barbecuing. Everyone was exhausted.

When you rush out to the deck you’re encapsulated by the scenery. Sunsets were beautiful, but even better by the beach. The white sand and deep ocean water against the rich setting sky was something out of a book.

After taking about a hundred photos and videos, you put your phone away and just stood in astonishment.

Playing basketball with these girls at Uconn was one of the biggest blessings you’d ever received in your life, and you were going to miss them so much. You often found yourself swimming in old memories at night, memories of locker room conversations, late night drives, shared playlists, loud Friday night parties, shared looks, useless yearning and post game tears.

You’d already gone through your sad feelings at graduation though, and the draft had brought some more light to the situation. You had no regrets whatsoever about your college career, except for maybe one thing. And that thing was on the beach right now.

Nika was laying on the sand, just far enough from the ocean to avoid getting hit by the high tide. She didn’t say anything when you laid down beside her, the both of you just stared at the darkening sky as the sound of waves filled the silence.

“Remember how different things were when we first met?” You finally say after some time.

Nika quietly laughs. “How could I forget?”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Gosh, I thought you were so weird.”

“You were weirder.” She grumbles.

“You just thought all Americans were weird.”

“Because you guys are! I never saw so many overly confident basketball players who were so bad till’ I came here.”

The two of you laugh together for a moment, then it’s quiet again.

Your hand is excruciatingly close to hers, but neither of you move closer.

“Everything’s so different now.” Nika mumbles, almost to herself.

You turn your head to face her. Nika’s side profile is strong, prominent nose, perfect lips, sharp eyebrows and expressive eyes. Her cheeks are pink from being out in the sun. You have the urge to make them pinker, but you shake the thought away.

“Yeah. Everything is different…but that’s a good thing”

Nika nods solemnly, but you can tell she’s thinking hard.

“Niks, don’t worry too much okay? Things work out if they’re meant to.”

She brings a hand to her face, covering her eyes and muffling her voice, which slightly wavers when she says. “What if I don’t make it?”

With this you give in and take her hand, squeezing it tight for a moment.

“Baby they’re lucky to have you. One day with you and they’ll know you’re needed on that team. Everyone else knows it for sure.”

“Says who?” Her eyebrows furrow. “I can’t just assume this’ll work out. What if it doesn’t? What the fuck do I do then? All my work will have been for nothing.”

“If Seattle doesn’t see you as an asset to their team, then I assure you there’ll be another team just waiting for you. Everyone here knows how valuable you are as a player, and the internet wouldn’t let anyone forget.”

She isn’t very convinced, but she turns her head to meet your gaze. Her eyes remind you of a puppies eyes. “Thank you.” She says, sincere and slightly embarrassed. Her hand is still in yours and your noses are almost touching. You wonder if she’d ever talk to you again if you kissed her.

At the thought of that, your stomach sinks. You sit up suddenly, hand breaking from hers. You don’t see how her face drops when you do it.

“I-“ you start, but hesitate. You didn’t want to regret anything like this again. You wanted her to know every thought in your head, even if it had a chance of going sour. “I’m really gonna miss you Nika. More than anyone else, I think.” You finally manage to get out.

She sits up now too, her brown hair blowing in the salty wind, her almost hazel eyes glinting from the reflection of the water, or perhaps something else, something like hope.

“More than anyone else?” She questions you.

“Yeah.” You say, turning to meet her stare. “I’ve always liked you more than the others.”

“Hm.” She says, as if she was expecting more.

The silence is eating at you, you just want to scream out how badly you want her. You know it’s too late, when this trip is over everyone splits. You to your hometown, Aaliyah to Washington, Nika to Seattle, Paige and the others to Connecticut. Still, you didn’t want to live with this in you forever.

“I had a massive crush on you during freshman year.” You utter as confidently as possible.

Nika’s lips part in surprise “You- you did?”

“Yeah. Major.” You scoff. Those days were almost pathetic in hindsight, obvious to everyone but Nika and yourself.

You watch as Nika draws swirls in the sand with her finger. You can practically hear the gears turning in her head.

“And…when did this crush fade away?” She finally asks you.

You let a beat pass before sucking it up and saying. “It didn’t.”

Nika’s eyes really widen now. You hold her gaze as best as you can. “I never stopped liking you. It just got stronger overtime, actually.”

You almost recoil when she scowls at you.

“Fuck you.”

“What?”

“Fuck!” She rubs her face, exasperated. “You- urgh, I wish you told me. I wish you told me way, way earlier.”

You don’t say anything.

“I wish I knew. Don’t you get it?” She whines, almost pleadingly. “God, if you’d told me way earlier we could’ve…maybe we would’ve..” she trails off.

Finding out that Nika Mühl, your best friend and longest love, also loved you should’ve been the best moment of your life. Instead it had you thinking of everything that could’ve been.

“I was scared.” You mutter. “I was so, so scared, I don’t know why. I wish I’d just told you, but you know me. I never take chances. I pass the ball, I don’t make the shot. I just…I wouldn’t have been able to take it if you didn’t feel the same. So I never did anything.”

She’s close to you now, hand on your knee, face flushed.

“What are we gonna do?”

You stare at her face, eyes darting from her eyes, then lips, the her eyes again.

Her eyes are beautiful. Honey brown, golden in the sun but piercing now at dusk, eyelashes long and fluttering as she tries to make sense of this situation.

You’ve wanted her more than you’ve wanted that ring at the end of the National Tournament every single year. The thought of you wasting time that could’ve been spent pressed next to her, skin to skin and soul to soul? It was sickening to you.

Still, here she was. Eyes begging you for something you’ve dreamed of. The sky now staining the beach a violent pink.

When your mouth meets hers it’s everything you’ve fantasized about. Her lips are full and soft, fitting perfectly against your own. You can feel her lashes tickle your face as you tilt your head just right, her arms get goosebumps when you fiddle with her hair.

Pulling away from her, you can’t help but melt at the satisfied smile on her face.

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long.” Nika says. “I just wish it could’ve happened earlier.”

“I’m tired of wishing.” You say, putting a hand on her face gently. “We can’t change anything now. It’s over. But we have today.”

She drinks in the feeling of being this close to you. “We have now.” Nika whispers.

Your kisses are sweet and chaste at first, but it’s getting colder out and you need her warmth. She changes the pace, clashing into you with a sense of urgency now. When her mouth slightly opens and you feel her tongue against yours you know it’s over for you. She can have whatever she wants.

Nika finds herself straddling you now, and you’re suddenly hyper aware of everything that’s happening.

After four years of thinking of her before bed, before letting your hands take care of yourself night after night to the thought of her, here she was in all her glory. Body toned and breathing hard, hair sprawled against her tan skin, fingers untying her bikini top.

She leans into you, but instead of kissing you she puts her mouth to your ear. You can feel her smirk against your skin.

“How much of the past four years do you wanna bet I can make up for in one night?

[harfanfare]

Hey! I really love your "how to win the heart of." Can you do one for Vil? If not that's totally fine I'm just curious.

How to win the heart of Vil Schoenheit?

Be a fan.

You like to think that the oldest memory you can recall is how you became Vil’s fan.

Until then, the recitals your school took you on were boring. Only in fifth grade, the teachers realise that, hm, maybe ancient plays might be a bit too much for those little brains, and in a spark of determination to change something, your class was taken to watch a staged version of a fairy tale, played by youngsters for youngsters.

The memory of Vil, the villain of the story, entering the scene is much more vivid. Even as a child, he was inarguably elegant and strikingly beautiful, it left you agape and your curious heart beating loudly in your chest.

“It’s better than having a completely fictional crush,” your classmate said after you confessed how much endeared you were by Vil and his acting. You listened as you typed a password to a newly-created Magicam account, solely for following him there. “There is a chance that you and him will be together.”

“A big chance?”

“Uh, like this?” She tries to show how big your chance is with her fingers. She wants to leave a gap between her fingers, but ultimately, they touch, and she puts her hands down. “I mean, we are almost the same age, so maybe you can go to the same high school as him? In a very long future…”

“I am not delusional…”

Nonetheless, the thought did make you hope.

After you reached the age of sixteen, the invitation came. For a whole year — since you saw Vil’s post on his new college choice — you’ve been pondering whether you’ve possessed enough magic talent to get into Night Raven College, the school of chosen. In good dreams, the Magic Mirror deemed your soul to be solely fit for Pomefiore. In nightmares, you were doomed to… well, any other dorm, if you were a student at NRC at all.

And maybe dreams really come true because the future you’ve anticipating has turned into a reality.

“Alright, is everyone from Pomefiore here?” Your heart stops when you hear that wonderful voice, this time not from your phone nor from 100 meters away from the speakers. You turn around, and there he is, Vil Schoenheit in all his glory stands and guides the students to the hall of mirrors. He looks like a portrait, and even if you saw his face thousands of times, the glint in his eyes redeems you speechless. “Congratulations, everyone. We will hold the welcoming introductions at our dorm. Follow me!”

Yes, Vil Schoenheit is your idol. And in the first seconds of meeting him, you were ready to follow him to the end of the world.

‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

2. Get rejected. Have your heart broken.

“I apologize,” Vil says slowly, and you notice how his voice is a little monotonous. Just a bit, as if he had repeated these words countless times like the lines before a recital. “And while I wholeheartedly appreciate your feelings, [Name], I want to focus on my studies and career. It’s a bad time for me to think about dating. Nonetheless, thank you for being brave and sincere enough to tell me all of this.”

You nod. The pain in your chest gives you goosebumps. It makes your head spin so fast your legs feel unstable as if there is some shift in gravity. You bow with curtsy because every Pomefiore student should be able to do so elegantly even on a space station. “Thank you for listening to my confession.”

“Of course,” he says and looks down at the letter he got from you. It’s neat, somehow cute with how carefully his name is written on it. He holds it gently so as to not crinkle the delicate paper. “I will read the contents tonight.”

“Thank you. No need to write a response,” you force a little chuckle and excuse yourself. You will be overthinking how could you say something like that after you get over your stupid letter and even dumber confession.

Vil doesn’t say anything as you walk a little too fast to keep the step elegant. He sighs at this view and mindfully tucks your letter amid the pages of the book. Now’s the time for history class. He shouldn’t get distracted—

—and soon enough, you’re out of his mind.

That is until he reads your letter.

It's a beautifully crafted confession, put into elegant lettering and a pale pink envelope. It's sealed with red wax in the shape of a perfect heart; if you haven't used magic, it must've taken several evenings to get the precision you wanted.

You’re his fan. He knows it even if you hadn’t pointed it out; the well-tailored sentences betrayed your utter attention on him in the last several years. You’re his fan, but you don’t cheapen yourself. He is the idol you admire and love, but you don’t degrade yourself to a servant or a worshiper. And that is, unexpectedly, uncommon.

The letter is—also—a challenge to yourself. “If you were to reciprocate those feelings, I will prove myself worthy to stand by your side,” it reads.

He likes that letter. Once he finishes it, he skims over the text one last time and puts it between many other letters he has gotten. Between them, another envelope seems unremarkable, yet the words there…

Unforgotten.

He sighs. Maybe he will pay more attention to you from now on.

‏‏‎ ‎

3. Don’t remember all the etiquette rules.

“You wrote in your letter that I've inspired you to learn. Go on, then. Show me how motivated you are.”

So, now Vil bullies you over your letter.

He can’t be satisfied with your scarce etiquette knowledge—he wouldn’t be content if it was decent, as it would be a dishonour to Pomefiore—but amusement crinkles in his eyes at your utter confusion over the numerous forks, knives, spoons and glasses. They’ve been spread out in several rows and columns varying from the oyster forks to champagne flute.

You hesitate. Maybe you could point out which one is the butter knife or sugar spoon, but you never cared enough to discover which fickle knife is a fish knife. Should you be looking for the one with grooves or an extremely thin one? Would it hurt to use a normal knife to eat the salmon?

Oftentimes you’re thankful there is no awkward silence between you and Vil after your confession, but you can’t shake off the impression he’s been harder on you.

“On second thought, maybe I wasn't motivated enough to learn all the names of cutlery,” you say, not daring to try your luck in labelling each piece.

To your surprise, Vil smiles and uses a teasing tone that leaves you stunned and wide-eyed. “Is that so?”

You take a breath and huff, lowering your eyes. “Yes. The power of—,” unrequired, you bite your tongue on that bitter word, “—love ends here.”

Vil cracks another delighted smile. You start suspecting that someone drugged him with a smiling potion, as you should have received a severe scolding by now. You don’t have anything against the change, so the mention of Vil’s (relative) laid-backness goes unmentioned.

“I will have you seated next to me on tomorrow's dinner, so don't even think of slacking off,” he says, putting a hand on your lower back and gently pushing you towards the next table where the heavy textbooks look so very uninviting. “I won't have any student under my wing not know the basic etiquette. Especially if it’s my fan.”

‏‏‎ ‎

4. Have opinions and the courage to voice them.

Because standing for your own makes you flourish in your own colours and not blend into the monotony of the mainstream. Seek truth, good, and beauty and you will bestow the brilliance upon yourself.

‏‏‎

5. Try to have a healthy lifestyle.

You’ve never imagined Vil barging into your room with a tray of food. Why would he? But here you are, sitting in front of an aesthetically pleasing breakfast, mouth-watering pancakes with cream and a bit of honey, and the deep green shake in question that suits the colour palette but probably tastes awfully, like all good stuff packed with vitamins.

“You should never starve yourself if you want to live healthy.”

It’s hard to swallow anything as your dorm leader glares at you, but Vil refuses to leave you before he sees you eating the stuff he brought. You wondered if he prepared the breakfast himself. Probably not.

“No? I thought that keeping a diet is good.”

“If you are dieting you eat,” Vil hisses and sinks a little more into the couch. He brings a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose as if he suddenly got struck with a headache. “Oh, heavens. What am I going to do with you?”

“Maybe—”

“Quiet,” it apparently was a rhetorical question. Maybe Vil would be mad at any answer from you as he considers you a fool. He waits until you take another bite of the pancake. “A dinner break will be in two hours, and I expect you to be there.”

“I think I will still be full by that time,” you admit, glancing at a pancake and a half. “These pancakes are savoury but so very filling.”

“Savor them as much as you like,” Vil says somewhat proudly. …Maybe he did make those pancakes? No. He wouldn’t bother this much. The satisfied note in his voice makes you ponder nonetheless. “But you have no excuse for yourself not to sit with us on the meals. Also—”

His gaze grows unexpectedly impish as his eye catches something.

“I will reeducate you on the topic of a healthy lifestyle,” he glances at the bowl of bland lettuce you prepared for yourself. He smiles, either in amusement or light pity. “It should have a little more… spice.”

‏‏‎ ‎

6. Take an interest in high culture.

“It feels like the hellish lessons of Heartslabyul…”

“The Queens’ 810 rules?” Vil’s smile is lopsided and his eyes render into a knowing look once they meet your gaze. “They are nothing compared to a number of customs in etiquette.”

You take a turn. The classes for today might have ended, but if hearing all that useful stuff meant you would walk with Vil back to Pomefiore, you could bear another few minutes of a lecture. You know that everything he tells you about, he already mastered. He wouldn’t teach you anything half-heartily.

“The etiquette of speaking, the dress code, the knowledge of dinner manners (well, you’ve mastered some part of it already, with the cutlery lessons), the control of body language, the indication of voice, the honorifics, the art of writing letters and emails… You don’t want me to list all of the things I expect from you?”

You would like to, because Vil’s voice is beautiful, but the student part of you takes over control and shakes your head. Just like Riddle, who has a reputation for demanding impossible care and inquiring rules, your dorm leader is not much better — maybe even worse, because while Heartslabyul has to oblige the absurd in chosen hours or circumstances, you are on your toes in every moment.

“So much to master in just four years in the NRC…”

“It’s a lot,” Vil says, and he’s the only person you would doubt if he speaks the truth in that matter. Especially if through your walk his strides seemed perfectly calculated and hand gestures finely planned. “But if you put a mind and heart into it, you will learn all of this in no time.”

You hum. It’s hard to think of having any more motivation than from where you were a zealous Vil fan.

You ask (ponder) and he delivers.

“Actually, I have an offer: if you’ll learn it all in ahead of time, I will teach you a dating etiquette.”

…

What?

“…Dating etiquette?!” You shriek so loudly, that several students turn their heads. You cover your mouth as if it would do something, and ignoring Vil’s delighted gaze, and lower your voice to a whisper. “There is such a thing?”

“Of course. Who should invite who on the first date and where, what gifts can you give and what can you accept, and how to behave with your loved one, like,” he pauses a little, and you almost know he bites the sides of his cheeks to contain himself from smiling, “How to kiss someone in particular situations.”

You want to die. How else should you react? How can he tease you so much when he rejects you? (Not like you were expecting much at the time, yet…)

“There is no kissing etiquette. You tease me…”

“Just a little,” Vil laughs, and you slowly relax. “But take my proposal seriously. If I can give you another motivation to engage in your studies, then I will by all means do so.”

‏‏‎ ‎

7. Get an access to his private Magicam account.

“Do you have Magicam? If you want to, you can add me.”

Vil asks the question. He should have chastised you for mindlessly scrolling through social media because you can probably put your mind and hands to better use. The casual tone surprises you, but the inquiry gets you defensive as if it questioned you being Vil’s fan.

“I’ve already been following you for years,” you declare and pull up your phone.

Before you get to his profile, Vil sighs.

“Not the promotional account,” he says. “Mine.”

You frown. Many times you’ve seen Vil posting the photos on the “promotional account” with his personal thoughts. Maybe because you've been blinded by the elegance and harmony of every post, the idea that he would operate the Magicam profile solely for business purposes has never occurred to you.

“You have another account?” You ask, flabbergasted.

Vil rolls his eyes at the surprise in your tone and sits next to you. Your phone beeps as you get a notification about a new user following you. In a heartbeat, you follow the account back. You almost gape at the pictures there; they are beautiful, elegant, and all in Vil’s manner, but he looks like… a common student. Not ethereally, not otherworldly, but still enchantingly.

“It’s a private profile, so I ask you for discretion. I would like to keep this one for my close friends and family,” Vil says, and you hastily nod, your heartbeat sounding like a drumbeat in your ears. Having access to his personal account felt… personal, ironically.

I would like to keep this one for my close friends — he said that, didn’t he? Does he consider you a close friend?

That’s more than you ever imagined.

And yet you dare to dream for more.

You pull your phone close to your chest. “I feel honoured.”

Vil smiles at the statement. “Of course. As you should.”

‏‏‎ ‎

8. Let yourself be pampered.

“Don’t move,” Vil asks for impossible because you want to bolt as he leans to you once again and only the glare he staggers you with as you push away the urge to close your eyes. You hope the foundation is thick enough to cover a blush that creeps on your face. “You will ruin my work.”

You give up and glance down, earning another heavy sigh from your superior.

“Maybe I should finish the eye makeup myself?” You offer. “I am unused to anyone doing my makeup, so it’s hard not to flinch.”

Your good intentions get ruined as the question aggravates Vil even more because he frowns at you. Staying put and keeping quiet about that whole ordeal would seem like a lovely idea, you question whether your heart could manage another hour in this setup.

“Don’t be absurd,” he says. “We need to handle your sensitivity to the touch or you will struggle in the future if you decide to be a model.”

“I am not—”

“Stop.”

“I—”

“Silence. Be quiet, potato,” he presses his finger to your lips to seal them shut. You feel something sticky, and as his finger traces your lips, you realize it’s the lip gloss, and it’s a very good-smelling one like a strawberry; you didn’t expect something so sweet-tasting to be in Vil’s liked products. “You are under my care now. It also brings me satisfaction to see my skills used on someone.”

“Vil—”

“Shut up,” it’s hard to get offended at him, as he uses such a gentle tone. He takes a good look at your lips and as he glances up at you, probably to see if the colours of the whole makeup are consistent, your mouth goes dry. “Before I tell you to do so, don’t speak. You will mess up with the lip gloss and it’s… difficult to apply one on you.”

What? It’s difficult to apply the lipgloss on you?

Alright**,** you nod, pondering if the lip makeup is really that difficult. Do you have an unusual shape of lips (it’s probably not that?), or is this balm so hard to spread? You sit still, as Vil moves closer to you.

Yeah, except for the touch you need a way to ignore the beating of your heart.

‏‏‎ ‎

9. Move on from your heartbreak.

“Would you like to go out with me today?”

A kind smile convinced you to agree, although you barely recognize the name of the boy standing in front of you. His voice was hopeful, and you were reminded of the time you bore the same expectant expression.

You had no heart to let it fall, not right now, not so quickly, so you paint a delighted smile over your face. “Thank you. I would love to.”

…

You should’ve done this a long time ago.

For the sake of your friendship with Vil, you decide to stop hoping that the man of your dreams might change his mind after getting to know you better. He found a friend in you, and you would hate to disappoint him with your longing for him.

So, you should distract yourself from him and fall in love with someone else.

Today’s date will be a perfect opportunity.

You dress quite stylishly, not enough to steal all the attention, but enough to impress your date. You put more effort into the makeup this evening and spend some time picking the most fitting jewellery. The perfume you picked is subtle but alluring and chic, an excellent concoction, but you could’ve expected nothing less from Vil’s recommendation.

…It feels kind of wrong to use everything he taught you to prepare for a date, but you would’ve used this knowledge one day either way, no? It’s not like he is your first… and last love.

“I heard a boy from Scarabia have confessed to you,” the familiar voice you love but don’t want to hear like now spooks you. Vil leans on your door frame, and you wonder how much he has stayed here.

“I just agreed on a date,” you say, standing up and adjusting the folds of your outfit. You look him in the eye. “How do I look?”

Vil snorts, and his lips stretch into a mean, devilish smile. “Are you expecting an approving comment from me?”

Asking the fashion icon to rate your outfit might’ve been a wrong move. You shake your head.

“Nevermind. He’ll have to deal with however I am if he doesn’t want me to be late,” after glancing the last time into the mirror and receiving a smile from your reflection, you pick up your phone. “Well then. I shall get going.”

Vil is still, as if he hasn’t been blocking the exit or as if he wanted to keep you here. You would have loved for him to stop you here. It’s hard to stop the disappointment from flooding over your composure when Vil moves away.

“Alright. Your look is satisfactory so that Scarabia boy better be grateful for being able to go out with you,” he says something ambiguous again, and you feel bad for your date who will have to deal with such a lovesick fool as you. “Enjoy your date.”

The pang of pain pierces your heart. You smile slowly and leave the room.

The heartbreak better goes away as soon as possible, or you’ll go crazy if the thought of dating anyone else hurts that much.

‏‏‎ ‎

10. Look kissable.

“You’re late.”

Maybe you are, but you haven’t been expecting Vil waiting for you. He sits on a sofa, a book is in his hand and the tea that was served in front of him looks cold. You can guess he’s been sitting here for a while.

“How did it go?”

“It went well, I think,” you say. The date went well. Yet, you couldn’t have enjoyed it. The throbbing pain in your heart strained each of your smiles, and it surged when the Scarabian student started to be flirty. You felt as if you were cheating. “He is a kind guy. He has some hobbies and is quite charismatic, so… He’s alright.”

Vil hums. “Will you settle on ‘alright’?”

You stare at him wide-eyed, but he doesn’t look bothered at all. He didn’t lift his gaze from his book, and his tone was nonchalant, so he almost seemed not interested. He was. He is because Vil never asks the question to whose answers he doesn’t want to hear.

“Pardon?”

He spares you a glance.

“I thought your resolution was stronger. What happened to the person who confessed to me and was so willing to determine their worth to me?”

“Are you jealous?”

“I am furious,” he lifts from the sofa, the book forgotten. The air around suddenly grows warmer, and the shiver you didn’t mind that much runs down your spine. Vil’s strides are slower than usual, creating an imposing image of himself before he stands just before you. “If you want to set the bar so low, go on. But let me give you a taste of ambition.”

He twists his head so his eyes meet directly yours. He doesn’t touch you — not yet — but you can feel a warm breath on your cheek, and the scent of his light perfume envelops you. You have the urge to move away and cling to him at the same time. They balance, and you stay still.

A taste…

Vil puts a hand on your cheek. The gesture is much softer and more benevolent than when he was putting makeup on you. His eyes lock with yours, your heart stops, and then they drop to your lips. He moves a thumb over them.

And he kisses you.

In your dreams, you had him kiss your hand, the top of your head. The corner of your mouth. In your boldest wishes, you wanted him to kiss you like that, so lovingly, with so much care. It makes you want to push away for more air, but it makes you worry Vil will disappear if you break the kiss, as all the dreams shatter upon the morning.

He moves away, not breathless, yet not unaffected either. His cheeks burn slowly into a red shade, and his eyes look somehow glassy. “I told you, I will give you just a taste.”

How disappointing.

Before you can say something, he pushes a letter between your fingers. Its envelope matches the one you gave him several months ago. “Read it. I want an answer by midnight.”

The big clock on the wall shows you have over three hours. So much time, and you already know the answer. “You will wait this long?”

“I am giving you a chance and hope,” he says with a subtle smile. The blush on his face makes him more beautiful than you’ve ever seen him. “It’s my duty of your idol to do so.”

[waltzingwithspirit]

PICK A CARD: HOW WILL YOU MEET YOUR FUTURE SPOUSE?

Top Left: 111 ; Top Right: 222; Bottom: 333

Disclaimer:

Take what resonates and leave the rest.

The disclaimer in pinned post applies here too.

No one is allowed to copy my work under any circumstances.

DM for personal readings.

🥀111🥀

You could meet your partner through a woman, (be it a mother, friend) an expressive and creative woman. She could be a  neighbour, married women or someone who has light within them and the ability to spread light, a woman in love with life, could paint or do arts and crafts, could like sewing too. You guys could meet in some class/workshop you both are taking. One of you may not want to be here. You could meet at an art exhibition, museums, while shopping etc. Another possible location is at the park, where you run or jog. Either or both of you are into fitness, if not you will be at the time you meet them and will be taking care of yourself. Definitely at a public place, could be party where they are your friend’s friends, there is dancing, food and things fun, people will be taking among themselves. Happy positive energy, one of you likes to talk. Yes, I am seeing you’ll meet them when you are satisfied and fulfilled with how your life is going, could be 9 months from now. You could also meet them in march or May next year. You are confident, vibing, and they will show up suddenly when you least expect it. First meeting, they’ll notice you for a while before approaching you, they come across flirty, graceful, and put their best foot forward. Definitely a pleasant meeting. The meeting could end up being open-ended, like you may not have set a time to meet again, no one’s asked anyone out on a date, simply exchanged numbers/social media’s. You two might also end up going at the same bakery and meet again. They do have an offer for you but it will take some time before things become official. Don’t be disheartened, this is your future spouse so you guys definitely do end up together. 

Comment ‘111’ to claim.

🌸222🌸

In class, a learning institution, could have meet in school, colleges, coaching centres, any hobby classes you take etc, but you are definitely here to learn and practice. These could be online workshops/certificate classes as well. It took you blood sweat and tears to pay for this course, it is something you have wanted to do for a long time, you know you are good, naturally talented. I am getting Annabeth from Percy Jackson, those vibes. You could meet at a martial arts academy, or even the gym. He is the new guy. Again, someone struggled to get where they are today(at the point you meet them). I am getting the same messages again, learning centre, through teachers too. You might be in the same group/team for projects, paired up together every time. You both will learn together, grow together. You will learn giving people benefit of the doubt, and becoming soft, not always having your guard up. You will be passionate about what you are doing, love is not even on your mind and you’d rather just focus on something else but it will creep up on you slowly, like the sea touches the shore take a step back before merging again, during the course of time the lines will get blurry, from I had dinner with them because practice ran late to ‘Hey, you want to get dinner together?’ With no compulsion of any situation. Slowly you will reach out to them, it will morph into a friendship with a small crush to your partner for life, it’s a slow burn but it’s worth it. 

Comment ‘222’ to claim.

🌻333🌻

It will take a way for your union. Right now you need to develop into your authentic self, become more of yourself and express that. You feel unfulfilled and incomplete, you think finding a partner will solve all things, some of you are up and down the curve, on one day you literally can’t live without your soulmate and are dying for them to magically appear in your life to who cares? I just want to focus on me, my career, and money. There is  loneliness in your heart. I hear that your future spouse is not currently decided which is a good thing, the more you evolve, the more evolved person you will attract as your future spouse. You could meet them during grocery shopping, buy plants, getting your salary, when you are living the life you want to life like in an apartment with many plants, some art, mainly white with pops of color all around. I am seeing Europe for some of you. You could meet them after a life changing decision you took, it could be pack up your bags and move across the world. You will not be staying where you are right now that’s for sure. You are taking a chance on life and loving it. After this everything will start to get better, feel better. You are buying flowers for no reason and getting your chai/coffee, dressing up everyday. Everything is so colourful suddenly, that’s when you meet them. This is a new person, no toxic exes here. You literally are living your best life, laughing, hanging out with friends, genuine happiness, good bed time, someone who can’t wait to wake up to their new life, that is when you’ll know your future spouse is ready to come into your life and they ARE MATCHING YOUR ENERGY.  

Comment ‘333’ to claim.

-

EL TAROT

[leonw4nter]

Hockeyplayer!RE2R!Leon drabbles

Hockeyplayer!Leon who started out in high school and got the position of starting goalie. Around senior year, right before college, he made sure to do a lot better so recruits could take an interest in him and offer him a sports scholarship. Besides practicing his skills on the ice, he made sure that he did twice as well in terms of academics; he avoided going to parties and studied as much as he could, nose-deep in a text book or his notes.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who is so shy, usually stays quiet and keeps to himself in the locker rooms before a game. He occasionally butts in with a corny ass joke but he only tells Chris, the team captain who is also someone he’s grown close with. Chris encourages him to have a life outside of academics but Leon politely refuses, repeating that he has a scholarship to vie for.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who graduated at the top of his class and got accepted into his dream university, taking up aerospace engineering. Between classes and hockey, he’s having a slightly hard time juggling all his activities but he’s holding up well for someone taking a course that would make anyone want to rip their hair out. Because of his scholarship quotas he doesn’t have time for parties or to visit Chris, which he feels guilty for but Chris is understanding about it.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who was one of the Dean’s listers one time, which felt rewarding after several nights of zero sleep and a concerning reliance on Snickers and energy drinks to stay awake. He decides to take a breather for a bit and comes along with Chris to a party, where he meets hockey recruits (for some reason) )and they take interest in his abilities. He leaves that party signed under them, his future stable under a nice hockey career and a promising team. Chris teased that he’d be the nerd of the group, being the only engineering student in a room full of guys who took up sports courses but he feels relieved when Chris tells him that he’s signed up with them too (though he’s still going to be the only nerd).

Hockeyplayer!Leon who now doesn’t feel that anxious about his future outside of college but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t slack off though, still studying hard and smart. A lot of girls take interest in them and he does find them attractive but his gut tells him that they’re not the one, so he doesn’t mind. He feels a little sad with his lack of romantic experience but Chris tells him that it’ll come in its own time.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who is absolutely adored by the entire team– they come to him for help regarding math and he goes to them to proof-read his papers.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who just finished up practice with his team, sweaty and pink-faced, blond hair sticking to his forehead with strands sticking together. He takes his gear off, now only in his jersey and skates while he sits at the bleachers and hydrates. The other guys are talking but he’s keeping to himself, taking this opportunity to catch his breath and do a quick recall of everything but he hears a yelp, a feminine yelp. He looks around and sees one of the ice skaters in the rink skate over to the side, she probably tripped.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who doesn’t hesitate to get up and apologize, asking if she’s okay. She turns around and he’s met with the most beautiful woman ever, stopping him in his tracks; she had soft curves with some muscle, her hair tied into a ponytail. All of a sudden, he goes shy and forgets basic communication.

“Sorry for uh– the ice,” he apologizes. You turn around and the first thing your gaze falls on is a pair of irises that are a hue of a midwinter sky. “I’m apologizing on behalf of my team. Do you, um… need any help…?,” he shyly asks. He swears that his hummingbird heart is beating so strong and loud, the pretty skater in front of him might hear it.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who accepted it when he left the rink, acknowledging that he’ll never see you again– but that doesn’t mean he was kind of sad. He was disappointed that his low confidence and shyness got the better of him and prevented him from asking for your number, or name at least. All self-loathing goes out the window when he sees you again and you actually approach him. His cheeks and the tips of his ears turn rosy when you ask for his number, giving it to you though he has the urge to kick himself for stuttering so many times.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who soon sees you for more than your physical attractiveness; you aren't just beautiful, you make the space around you beautiful too, you affect others and bring their beauty out of them. And you do it with ease. Having a bit of muscle goes a long long way in sexual attraction. Yet she was beautiful from her heart and soul.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who gets teased about his crush, the entire team giving him knowing looks whenever you sit next to him and talk about whatever. He’s still shy but he notices himself stuttering less, much more comfortable than he previously was. His attraction is evident to everyone but you and he doesn’t want to confess because he thinks you won’t feel the same way.

“C’mon, Leon. Confess already! I’m so tired of seeing this tension fizzle out into nothing! She’s clearly into you!”

“She’s just nice, Carlos. She’s nice to everyone and that doesn’t mean she likes me, y’know.”

“She’s the nicest when it comes to you!”

“What if she feels bad for me…”

“Why would she feel bad for you? You’re awesome, man!”

“I’m quiet, a nerd, and I don’t talk much. She probably thought I’m a loner or something…”

“Not with this negative self-talk, Leon! I need you to man up and do something about this crush. I’ll help you– Chris too.”

Hockeyplayer!Leon who invited you to meals as his way of flirting, with the help of Carlos and Chris. He swears his eyes nearly popped out of his pretty head every time you agree to go on these little meal runs with him. With plenty of pep talk and encouragement from the guys, he gets you a small bouquet of flowers for the first time. His clumsy ass didn’t notice those itchy ass caterpillars crawling into his hand so for the whole time, he had to hide the redness and irritation on the back of his hand but he’s thankful you’re not the one who got an allergic reaction.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who tried to make a move and kiss you but chickened out midway for many, many times. He lies awake in his bed at night, staring into the ceiling as he recalls all the times he messed up before groaning and screaming into his pillow. You’re in his head more often than he’d like but he doesn’t mind.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who you asked out to be your plus one to your coach’s birthday celebration. He ran up to Chris and Carlos, jumping and giggling, which confused them. He ran back to his room and took his phone, showing them the text that you sent.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Y/N

“My coach is having a birthday party this Saturday and I got invited. We can bring plus ones soo… can you be my plus one? Dw it’s fine if you got practice on Saturday and can’t come along :)))”

“Sure. I actually don’t have practice this Saturday so I’m totally free :)) What’s the dress code?”

“Smart semi-formal or business casual. Alsoo what time r you gon pick me up?? Or do you want me to be the one to pick u up-”

“I’ll pick you up an hour before the party starts, I’ll just come over to your place. Is that good?”

“YEEAHHHHH :)))) TYSMMMM”

“No problem ;) See you there”

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

“Smooth bro, real smooth,” Carlos compliments. Chris is busy jumping around for Leon, pulling him in for a bone-crushing hug.

“Let us take you out on some shopping, little bro. I’m going to make sure you look dapper, fine, handsome, sexy, drippy.” Chris beams.

“Please don’t say ‘drippy’ ever again to describe how I’m going to look,” Leon sighed.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who arrives at your place 15 minutes before he’s supposed to with another bouquet of dainty flowers. Chris and Carlos asked the entire team for help to style him and they all came together visiting the shops for clothes. After several fittings and visits to many different stores, they all decided to dress him in a cream turtleneck that hugged his figure well and well-fitting navy blue trousers along with black dress shoes. They also decided to try out new hairstyles for him but none looked great so they all decided to settle on Leon’s default hairstyle. Leon felt handsome in his outfit but his insecurity was slowly seeping in but thanks to his teammates and friends, he managed to keep that feeling at bay.

Hockeyplayer!Leon whose jaw drops and world freezes when he sees you open up your door. Space and time halts in reverence for the heavenly beauty standing in front of him; whatever words were waiting at the bottom of his throat are now a jumble of letters, his mouth slightly agape with no words coming out.

“You look stunning,” he softly whispers. He doesn’t even notice the way his hands are clenched tightly around the bottom of the bouquet, his knuckles going pale.

“Very stunning.”

He ends up blushing even more when you compliment him, shimmery eyes glazing over his body and suddenly everything feels a lot more warm. His lip quivers when he puts on a smile for you when you decide to take a picture with him and you can’t stop gushing about how his clothes fit him, making a mental note to wear something like these more often before sending his thanks to the team group chat.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who has more fun than he thought he would, enjoying your company and good food. He feels some eyes on him, sizing him up and probably whispering about the plus one that a figure skater brought along but for once he doesn’t feel self-conscious because he doesn’t have attention to spare for them when you got all of it from him. When he sent you back home that day, he was so sure that he was going to kiss you but his nerves got the better of him again. Instead, he told you how much he had fun at the party and how you were good company to him before bidding you good night.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who looks good with your first kiss after you made the move and pulled him in for one on an outdoor ice skating rink as the first snowfall gently fluttered down, tiny snowflakes landing on your coats and hair. He is practically glowing with it and you swear you see your future in the twin pools of his sapphire lakes.

Hockeyplayer!Leon who was your boyfriend of three years, is now your fiancé. He got down on one knee and asked a question that would ultimately define both of your futures during the first snowfall inside your shared home. He couldn’t stop staring at the ring on your hand, proud that he managed to get it this far. Who would’ve known that someone as timid and nervous as him, who literally struggled to find the golden opportunity to kiss you would be able to do something as defining as this. He swears to stay by your side forever and in every universe and timeline; he’ll be a star in whatever constellation you’re in, the sun to your moon, he’ll be the boundless ocean that reflects the vast beauty of the sky.

NOTE - Hi guys sorry for the inactivity lately, I've been making Valentine's Special fics for diff versions of Leon and there's about 8 of them so I don't exactly have time to post. I decided to write drabbles of RE2R!Leon based on my first fic in here so yeah :) My mom and brother also found a 4-5 week old kitten that kinda looks like a rat and we're not sure of the kitten's gender so ig I'll just update on this too (if you're interested) 😭😭. I haven't come up with names yet but I'm planning to name the kitten after video game characters. My grades for the second quarter release tomorrow and I'm so scared rn bro like I literally did NAWT do that well during the first quarter so let's hope I somehow did better in the second 😭😭😭 Anyways, thanks for reading my fics coz I rlly appreciate ittt!!!!!!!! <3333333333

[heavyhitterheaux]

Ghost Part 1

AN: everyone ignore the fact that it took me almost a year to finish this lol

Synopsis: You're an OnlyFans model that gets pregnant by none other than Jack Harlow, who runs at the first sign of taking responsibility for his actions. But soon enough, his responsibilities get to be too much for him to ignore

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Reader

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

'I'm a good girl'

At least that’s what you told yourself 

But good girls didn't go to school by day and were a cam girl at night.

However, you were 

It was only for a little while

Just until you finished school

You needed a way to pay for it somehow

Besides the money was good and it kept a roof over your head

You admit that this wasn't your first choice in a career path obviously, but you had to do what you had to do in order to survive.

You had been in foster care since you were 9 because your parents and brother passed away in a car accident while you were the lone survivor

Your grandparents were older and they couldn't take care of you so that's when you went into the system 

Your aunt which was your mother's sister and your mother didn't get along and she said that there was no way in hell that she would take you and that you were someone else’s problem

I mean she did have five kids of her own to take care of, but to be that cold hearted to a nine year old?

You admit that you had survivor's guilt and would do anything to have all three of them here with you. But you knew that they would have wanted for you to have the best life that you could possibly have and that you were going to make sure of it. 

But if they were here, then maybe just maybe, your current life would be different.

You had dreams of becoming a preschool teacher since you were diagnosed at 15 with PCOS and you were told that your chances of getting pregnant were slim to none. It definitely hurt because since you didn’t have any immediate family left, that you wanted to have as many as you could. 

But you figured if you couldn’t have any of your own that you would teach them instead. If you could plant little seeds into their minds that will be able to set them up for greatness then you were all for it. 

You put on your newest lingerie set that was gifted to you by one if not your favorite supporter you would say who went by the name Mr.Missionary and was setting up your camera in order to get the perfect view.

One thing about you is that you never showed your face

Only thing they could see was from the neck down

You did that on purpose because the last thing you wanted was for someone to know what you looked like.

It wasn't the fact that you were embarrassed of what you did, but you wanted to remain as anonymous as possible so for the future, your career wouldn't be impacted. You could only imagine what would happen if someone found out what you had done in college when you were teaching their small children. It probably wouldn’t be good and the next thing that would probably happen is you being out of a job. 

You saw time and time again that happening to different people and that's one thing you did not want to deal with.

But, back to Mr. Missionary

He was a sweet talker and knew exactly what to say.

It all started with a message from him asking you if you were comfortable showing your face to him.

Since he had been supportive of you since day one, you figured why not. But also told him not to share any of the photos that you sent him to anyone else. 

So your jaw definitely dropped when you answered the incoming facetime call and was staring back at no one other than Jack Harlow.

The two of you would talk every week and you mentioned one time how you had never been off the east coast before and would love to go. Only Fans did pay well now that you had a lot of subscribers, but it hadn’t always been that way. However, you really only used the money for school and to make sure that you had a place to live. 

The semester had just ended and you weren't taking any classes during the summer so Jack offered to fly you out to L.A. to spend a week with him while he was recording new songs and you quickly said yes. 

This would happen periodically, him flying you out to different cities to meet him all summer long and soon you found yourself getting ready for the new semester to start.

You had about another year to go at Howard University in D.C. until you graduated with your degree in early childhood education while your friend Nadia was majoring in business administration.

The two of you met your freshman year and had been close ever since when you had to take a few prerequisite classes together.

She was from Louisville and was a big fan of Jack, but you didn't bother telling her what had happened between the two of you.

You signed an NDA anyway.

And since she had gone home for the summer, she had no reason for the thought to even cross her mind. 

But when you just so happened to go to your OB/GYN appointment you had gotten a huge surprise.

You were pregnant and apparently had been for three months.

Your period was irregular and you would often go for months without getting one so you thought nothing of it.

The first thing you did when you got back to your apartment was call Nadia and couldn’t help but to blurt it out.

"I'M PREGNANT!"

"Well first of all hello to you too and WHAT?!”

"I can't get pregnant! At least that's what I was told. They told me that when I was fifteen!"

"Well apparently you can. How far along are you?"

"Three months apparently and I had absolutely no idea. I wasn’t craving anything, no morning sickness, no nothing. None of the usual symptoms."

"Oh so when the semester ended, those legs were open for business, huh?"

"NADIA! BE SERIOUS PLEASE." You said while pacing around your bedroom. 

"Well, who's the father? Did you tell him?"

"Sooo, this is probably going to sound really bad." You muttered while pouring yourself something to drink.

You couldn’t see Nadia’s face, but you could just imagine how it looked. 

"I mean, how bad? You're an adult who can do what you want."

"Ummm…. He’s one of my supporters for my cam show."

"Y/N!!!! IS THAT WHY YOU WERE FLYING EVERYWHERE THIS SUMMER!? YOU WENT TO SEE HIM DIDN’T YOU? DO YOU KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN?"

"Um, maybe and well, I didn’t die."

"What do you mean maybe?! It's either yes or no! And you didn’t die, but now you came back pregnant!”

"Uh, then yes."

"You need to tell him NOW. It’s his responsibility as much as it is yours."

"I will and then I'll call you back." You said while sighing. 

You didn't have enough courage to call him, but you needed to. It was better to get it over with sooner rather than later. 

You knew he was busy and decided to text him first.

You- Hey, call me when you get a chance 

Jack- I will right before I go to sleep tonight. Hopefully I can get another private show 😉

You didn't even bother responding and just waited for your phone to ring while working on assignments you had to do for class instead. 

Another thing you had to worry about now was graduating on time since you were now pregnant and would be due at the start of the last semester before you graduated. 

It was around 11:52 pm when your phone finally rang indicating an incoming facetime call from Jack.

"Hey pretty girl. I'm sorry it took me so long to call you.”

"Hey. It's okay, I was just studying while I waited.”  You quietly said and Jack was immediately eyeing you knowing that something was wrong.

"You okay?" Jack curiously asked while looking at your solemn expression.

"No, not exactly." You quietly responded while starting to fidget as you closed your textbook that was in front of you.

It was now or never.

"What's going on?"

You took a deep sigh before the words left your mouth. Might as well get it over with.

"I'm pregnant." 

Jack immediately went quiet and pinched the bridge of his nose before he said anything.

"I thought you said that you couldn't get pregnant and I always wore protection every time just in case."

"I thought so too and obviously you didn't."

"How do you know it's mine?" You immediately rolled your eyes.

"Didn't I spend basically the entire summer with you?"

"Some of it, not all of it. I don't know what you were doing when you weren't with me." Your jaw had hit the floor. He had some nerve.

"Don't do that. Why would I lie?"

"I'm being honest. Don't get mad at me for telling the truth. And why would you lie? Because I’m a millionaire the last time I checked, that’s why. Sounds like you tried to trap me." 

"Look, I just want them taken care of. AND EXCUSE ME? TRAP YOU? ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?"

"I still don't see what that has to do with me and yes trap me, you heard me the first time."

"Seriously? How could you even say that? I have given you no reason to think that about me."

“Well people can surprise you, everyday. Until I get a paternity test, I'm not believing anything."

That was about three years ago and nothing has changed since then.

You were basically a single mother and Jack popped in occasionally when he wanted to. 

Which wasn't often. 

You were struggling living on your own with no support system in D.C. and Nadia had convinced you to move to Kentucky to be near her so she could help out as much as she could. Her business was finally taking off and she told you that you could find a teaching job at one of the elementary schools since they were hiring for preschool teachers.

When Jack found out that you had moved to Louisville he was not only convinced that you trapped him, but now you were stalking him too.

He had no idea that you were in this by yourself, literally. No help from family or anything.

You could count on one hand how many times Jack had seen Ace since birth and you came to the conclusion that you were probably going to be a single mother and stopped asking him for anything. The last time that he had talked to you was almost two months ago. During that three minute conversation he didn’t even ask how his son was and he only lived less than fifteen minutes away from you.

After the paternity test was done and Jack was proven to be the father, he had accidentally left the paper out on the table and no one other than his younger brother Clay found it. He had questioned Jack about it and because Clay was holding the obvious proof in his hands there was no possible way for him to back out of it. Clay then took it upon himself to reach out to you because he wanted to meet Ace. He met him when he was a month old and at that time Jack had only been to see him once. Because of how he acted, you knew early on not to put his last name on Ace’s birth certificate.  

After moving to Louisville, you met two of Nadia’s close friends, Blaire and Liv. Blaire was a baker who had her own bakery and would have breakfast waiting for you every day for you and Ace before you dropped him off at daycare and went to the school to teach while Liv taught kindergarten at the same school where you were. All four of you had become extremely close, but none of them knew who Ace’s father was. 

Because you signed an NDA, all you ever told them was that he really wasn’t a part of his life and that you were doing this all on your own and they accepted that as an explanation, but it was only a matter of time before they found out the truth. You knew that they would all look at him differently because they were such big fans of him. Plenty of times they had asked you to go to his concerts with him, but you steadily declined, but they never questioned why. 

All Jack did was send money to help with daycare and that’s when he actually remembered to do it. You got a discount since it was actually in the same school as where you taught, but it was still expensive. Especially on the salary that you got.

It was currently almost four in the afternoon and Jack was supposed to pick Ace up to spend time with him and you were hoping that they would be able to spend more time together. You knew that his career was demanding and he was at the height of it, but you just wanted Ace to have a relationship with him. He told you that he would be coming around 2 and that he would take Ace to the Louisville basketball game later with the rest of PG and spend the weekend with him. 

From what you knew, Urban was the only one who knew about Ace and was guessing that this would be his opportunity to tell them. You sighed as you looked at your baby waiting at the door with his little backpack on wanting to see the moment his dad was going to come through the door. 

After a while, he just sat down and sighed which made your heart break.

“Mommy, daddy not coming is he?” He quietly asked you and all you did was sigh.

“We just have to wait and see, bub. Maybe daddy got busy and got caught up with doing something.” One thing that you were tired of doing was making excuses for Jack.

“Does daddy love me?” He looked up at you with tears in his eyes and you quickly sat down next to him and slid him into your lap.

It took everything in you not to cry right then and there, but immediately pulled out your phone to call him.

“Of course he does. Here, baby. Let’s call him to see where he is.”

You didn’t know if you were trying to convince Ace or convince yourself.

You put the phone to Ace’s ear and Jack actually picked up on the third ring which you were surprised by.

“Hello?”

“DADDY! Where you at? Still coming to get me?”

“Oh, hey little man. Um, something came up, but I promise to get you another day.”

“But you promised you were coming today. You said that last time.”

“I know, bubs but I’ve just been so busy.”

Not wanting for the conversation to go on any further, Ace handed the phone to you with tears in his eyes, threw off his backpack and ran down the hallway into his room.

“Ace!” You called after him, but he continued down the hallway. 

“Are you…..? Are you serious right now?! You made him cry because all you do is fucking lie to him and to me!” You took a deep breath before letting him have it. 

“Y/N, please don’t fucking start.” You heard him say before sighing and you could hear cheering going on in the background indicating that he was already at the game.

“Oh, I’m going to fucking start because he has been excited for this all week! Why would you bail on your son like that? You did the same shit last time. You begged me to come and see him and when I told you what time would work best, what did you do? Not even bother to show up. Either you want to be in his life or you don’t and you need to make a decision. Tired of my child constantly being disappointed in his father.”

“Look, I’ll talk to you later.” Jack said and then hung up without another word leaving you fuming from your conversation. 

You simply got up while grabbing Ace’s backpack and made your way to his room. Once you opened the door, you found him laying down with his head resting on his hands just staring off into space.

“Ace….”

“Mommy, can we just go to the park?” He asked not even mentioning what Jack had done.

“Sure, baby. Whatever you want. I also think that it’s a perfect day for ice cream. What do you say?”

At the mention of ice cream, Ace immediately perked up and eagerly nodded his head.

“Can I get chocolate chip cookie dough?”

“Whatever my Ace wants, he gets.”

Upon hearing this, he immediately smiled and you were happy that you could take his mind off of what his father had promised him, at least for a little while. 

Two weeks had passed and you were rushing to get both of you out of the door and to Blaire’s bakery for breakfast so that the two of you would at least have something on your stomach for the busy day ahead.

You had sent a text last night to Jack asking him to send you money for daycare for the month of October, but he never responded leaving you frustrated because you literally now only had 24 hours to come up with the money otherwise you weren’t quite sure what you were going to do.

Your Only Fans was still active, but that was a last resort.

While driving to the bakery, Ace fell asleep in the backseat when you decided to call him.

“Yes, Y/N? What now? I’m busy.”

“Good morning to you too. Did you get my text last night?” You asked after rolling your eyes at how he greeted you.

“Didn’t I just give you money for daycare? Why do you need more already?”

“You see, Jackman….”

“Don’t call me that.”

“That’s your name isn’t it? Given to you by your parents?”

“Look, what do you want? I’m in the studio.”

“No need to be rude. I need more money for daycare. I have to pay it every month.”

“Why the fuck is it so expensive? Got damn a round trip to L.A. is cheaper.”

“I don’t know, but I already get a discount and I have to pay it by tomorrow so can you just send it to me?”

“1600 dollars?!? That’s the discounted price? You have got to be fucking kidding me. They act like you have six fucking kids. He’s one person.”

“Just… can you do it or not? I wouldn't ask you unless I absolutely had to.” You asked, hating that you even had to do so.

“Yeah, I’ll send it and you better be using it for daycare and not something else. Because if I find out you did, you better not ask me for it again. Anything else you want to bother me about?”

“Ace is in the car. Do you want to say good morning to him?”

“Not really. I’ll call him later. Bye.”

“I-....”

Jack hung up without another word and all you did was shake your head at him and how your three year old is more well mannered than he is.

Once you pulled up to the bakery, Blaire met you outside on the curb and immediately ran to your window with a bag of food as well as two drinks. A hot chocolate for Ace and her specially made coffee for you. You swore that she put jet fuel in it and as many times as you asked her for the recipe, she never told you. 

It literally allowed for you to stay energized throughout the day and didn't even want to know how much caffeine was in it.

She handed you yours, while she opened Ace’s door and handed him his.

“Thank you, Auntie Blaire.” He quietly said before taking it and you looked back at him to see that he was pouting and Blaire immediately asked him what was wrong before you could.

“Daddy didn’t say good morning to me when he talked to mommy.”

Oh.

So he was awake.

“I’m just sure he was really busy. You can try calling him later once you get home, yeah?” She said to try and get a smile at him, but all he did was nod his head.

So much for getting a good start to the day.

Ace had been upset the entire time he was in daycare even when you went to go and check on him and brought a cookie as a peace offering which he wasn't excited by and thought that making his latest favorite dinner might take his mind off of it. 

You never in a million years thought that Ace would love to help you cook, but here you were. He told you that he wanted to be a chef when he grew up, so you obviously set him up with everything that he might need.

He told you on the way home that he wanted to make chicken parm with noodles so you stopped by the store to grab the ingredients.

Ace was wearing his apron that you had gotten him as a gift for his birthday which said Chef Ace on it and standing on his step stool to add salt to the boiling water for the noodles while you were finishing cutting up the chicken and about to start making the breading for it.

He didn't bring up for the rest of the day what had happened with Jack earlier, but you had a feeling that it was coming and more than likely it would be around bedtime. But for now, you were simply going to focus on spending time with your little one.

“Ace, do you want to grab the Italian seasoning for mommy to use?”

“Yes!”

He promptly moved his step stool to be in front of the spice cabinet and climbed up when there was a knock on the door.

Ace had handed it to you and stepped down before going to get a sip of juice out of his sippy cup.

“Be right back, bubs. Remember don't touch anything without mommy being in here with you. We don't need you getting hurt.”

“Okay, promise.” He quickly answered before taking another swig of his juice as you went to answer the door to come face to face with Nadia,  Blaire, and Liv.

“Heyyy. Blaire told us baby daddy troubles this morning sooooo…. We brought wine and lemon cake that Blaire made for Ace.” Nadia said as she held up the wine and Liv held up the cake and all three of them were smiling back at you.

“You guys didn't….”

“Shut up and let us in. Yes we did and what is our little chef making tonight?” Liv asked as you moved to the side and let them in while closing the door behind you.

“Chicken parm and salad and Blaire’s cake can be added to that now.”

“HI AUNTIES!” You heard Ace as he ran full speed towards the four of you.

“Auntie’s baby!” Nadia exclaimed as she opened her arms to engulf him into a hug.

“Food should be about done in another thirty minutes.”

“Well until then, we have the wine to keep us occupied.”

After gushing over how good the meal was along with Blaire’s lemon cake, Nadia pulled out her phone and shoved it towards you.

“What am I looking at?” You asked her as Ace had climbed into your lap.

“Jack Harlow and his No Place Like Home concert. I thought I would get tickets for all of us to go.”

Ace then peered at her phone and got a confused look on his face.

“Oh, that's daddy!”

Silence.

Looks of shock.

Looks of disbelief.

Nadia, Liv, and Blaire knew how intelligent Ace was so they didn't think that this would be something that he would lie about all while trying to wrap their heads around it.

When no one said anything, Ace turned to look at you.

“Are we going to call him before I go to sleep?”

“Um, sure bubs. We’ll call him. Do you want to go and pick out a book for us to read tonight before we do?”

He eagerly nodded before hopping down off your lap and heading to his bookshelf in his bedroom.

All you did was sigh and wait for the interrogation to begin.

Nadia was first.

“Y/N!!!!! I…. WHAT!?”

“Do not say anything because the last thing I need is him finding out that other people know.”

“He is a literal ASSHOLE to you and Ace. The mother of his son and his actual son. All the shit that you’ve told us he’s done!?! Or hasn't done for that matter.” Liv exclaimed as she poured herself another glass of wine.

“So that's who was flying you out that summer?”

You simply nodded.

“Y/N…..”

“Look, I don't need the looks of pity. I’m fine, my son is fine and that's all that matters. We’re going to be okay with or without him.”

Blaire who had been quiet the entire time simply shook her head.

“I can always call my brothers to jump him.”

“NO, BLAIRE!”

“The offer still stands. Just say the word.” She replied while shrugging.

“I know how you three love his music so get the tickets and have fun. Me and Ace will be okay.”

“No. One band, one sound bitch. If you have beef with Jack Harlow, so do we.” Nadia said while crossing her arms. 

“Come to think of it… Ace does look an awful lot like him.”

“All I can do every day when we go out is pray that no one notices. I have to protect him and it’s sad that I actually have to do it from his father.”

It was around 7 PM when you had finished giving Ace a bath and had finished reading the book that he picked out earlier to him when he asked to call Jack.

“Can we call daddy now?” He asked looking up at you hopeful and all you did was give him a small smile.

“Of course we can.”

You grabbed your phone and attempted to call Jack on facetime while handing it to Ace.

All it did was continuously ring and you saw the pout on Ace’s face become more pronounced.

“Maybe, he’s just busy, bubs.” You quietly said before you took your phone back and the look of disappointment across his face broke your heart.

“He’s always busy, mommy.”

“But, at least you get to spend the day with him tomorrow! That’s something to be excited about. Do you have any idea about what you want to do?”

Jack had begged you to come and get him tomorrow to make up for not taking him to the basketball game with him and as much as you felt that he was going to go back on his word, but you were willing to give him another chance. But the chances were slowly running out.

“No, I’m just sleepy.”

“Okay, let’s get tucked in so we can sleep.”

Once you had gotten Ace settled, you went into your room and logged onto your banking app to see that Jack in fact did send you the money to pay for daycare and you let out a sigh of relief that you didn’t realize that you had been holding. 

Ten minutes later, you got a text from him.

Jack- I’ll come and get him tomorrow. Be there around nine. 

Hopefully this was a way for him to redeem himself for not showing up the other day and prayed that he would follow through. 

You were tired of seeing your child disappointed. 

The next morning after getting Ace ready, Clay came to get him and you would say that you were surprised that it wasn’t Jack, but that would be a lie. Ace was still excited to see Clay, so the last thing you wanted to do was upset him. You got to have a full day to yourself which you hadn’t had in a while.

Your time was spent going to the mall, seeing a movie, and even going to your favorite restaurant by yourself.

You made sure to soak this all in because you didn’t know the next time that you would be able to get another opportunity to do this and spend your time and money on yourself.

It was around 5 PM when Clay dropped off Ace who you could tell was still on a sugar high since he was running around the apartment and not able to keep still for three minutes when you got on the topic of Clay’s brother since you knew that it was inevitable. 

"Clay, I have given him chance after chance to do right by him and he literally disappoints me and him every time." 

"I know and I'm…."

"No. Do not apologize for him. If he could have just seen his face when he promised to come and get him to go to the game with all of you and to have a cooking date and he didn't show. Like my baby was bawling with tears running down his face and asked me does daddy even love me? Clay my heart can't take too much more of this. This has been going on for way longer than it should have. My son is my entire world and he deserves a father in his life that wants to be consistent and be there for him. I don't think Jack will ever get there." 

"So I guess I shouldn't tell you that he still hasn't told our parents about you or Ace?" Clay asked while scratching the back of his neck.

You then looked at Clay in disbelief as Ace came up on your left side and lifted his hands up to indicate he wanted to be picked up by you or his uncle and Clay quickly did. 

"Your brother is just full of surprises isn't he? You're more of a father to him than he is."

"Reality hasn't hit him yet."

"It doesn't take three years. It's just crazy how you were the only one who welcomed him with open arms, but then again you had already saw the DNA results so you had no choice but to believe me. I guess Jack never thought in his wildest dreams he would sleep with a cam girl and end up with a kid."

Just then your phone went off indicating a text from the man of the hour.

Jack- Y/N, I know you're mad at me but I promise to get him next time.

You- Don't even worry about it. Once again your little brother is stepping up and doing what you should have done. So much that he actually called him dad the other day. Think about that.

You saw Jack would start texting and then stop indicating that he didn't have a good comeback for that one.

How could he?

It had been a quick slip up a few weeks ago by Ace, but Clay simply brushed it off and thought nothing of it. You remembered him saying to Ace, ‘Well we do look alike, don’t we?’ And he quickly agreed.

And just then your phone went off indicating Jack was calling you.

"What?" You asked as you rolled your eyes.

"I'll be outside in 20 minutes and I want to see my son."

Once you hung up, Clay turned to you and asked you what he said.

“He said that he wants to see him, but my thing is that if you really did want to see him then you would have gotten him earlier. The last thing he better do when he comes in here is make a scene.”

Twenty minutes didn’t even pass before you heard knocking on the front door and you immediately rolled your eyes before getting up to answer it.

Once you did, Jack was clearly annoyed and was looking right past you to see where Ace was.

“Where’s my son?”

“Oh, so now he’s your son? Are there certain days of the week that you claim him or?”

“Y/N, I’m not doing this with you right now, where is Ace?”

“He’s with your brother in the kitchen if you must know and you better not go in there and make him upset.”

“Now, why would I make him upset?”

“I don’t know, you tell me. Since all he knows you’re good for is disappointing him.”

Jack didn’t even bother to respond as he walked past you to come face to face with Clay playing with Ace.

Once Ace saw him, he quickly ran to hide behind Clay.

“Bubs, it’s me, daddy. No reason to be scared.”

All Ace did was peek out behind Clay’s leg who was trying to also tell him that it was okay.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t come and get you today, but I promise that I will next time.”

This led to Ace shaking his head no and holding onto Clay’s leg tighter.

“Ace, what’s the matter?” Jack asked seeing as Ace had never acted this way towards him before.

“Daddy, you forgot about me….. Again.”

“I… I didn’t forget. Daddy’s just been really busy, but I’m here now.”

“Maybe if you actually showed up when you were supposed to this wouldn’t be happening.” Clay snapped at Jack as Ace quickly ran to you and you picked him up as he hid in the crook of your neck.

“Clay, I already get it enough from Y/N, I don’t need to hear it from you too.”

“Well obviously you do, because hearing it from one person obviously isn’t enough! Now, why is your kid calling me daddy? Oh, right. Because his real dad actually ignores him.” Clay said while raising his voice at his older brother.

“I DON’T IGNORE MY SON!”

“WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU ACTUALLY SPENT TIME WITH HIM? I’VE SEEN HIM MORE TIMES SINCE HE’S BEEN ALIVE THAN YOU HAVE!”

At their heated exchange, Ace began to cry and you knew that you needed to put a stop to this immediately.

“Okay, you two, we’re done. Jack, get out.”

“If I leave, I’m taking Ace with me.”

“You are not taking MY son anywhere. Can’t you see how upset you made him? And I told you once you step foot in here not to upset him and you did the exact opposite. Just leave. You've done enough.”

Jack had let out a frustrated sigh as he was contemplating his next move. He stepped towards you, but was immediately blocked by Clay stepping in front of you.

“Just do what she asked you to do and leave.”

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[starsandhughes]

Penalty Box Series— Luke’s Birthday Edition

22-23 Season/Summer Masterlist

yourusername

liked by lhughes_06, jackhughes, and 12,436 others

yourusername my baby brother isn’t so baby anymore 😭 happy 20th birthday, lukey moosey! you’ve accomplished so much in your 20 years on this floating rock we call home (your biggest accomplishment is naming me sissy obviously… definitely not your career…) and i can’t wait to see what life brings you next <3 you’re gonna pop off so hard this season! pls don’t get many penalties because my job is hard enough with tweedle dumbass and tweedle bumblefuck!

p.s. the first photo is of me at 6 and lukey moosey (or apparently “rusty” now) (but not to me) at 3 during the few months that he’s 3 years younger than jack and i! he instantly grew and became taller than me 0.2 seconds after this was taken, so i cherish it deeply🫶

happy birthday, baby boy precious pants❤️ i love you!

tagged lhughes_06

view all 173 comments

lhughes_06 thank you, little miss shorty sissy boo boo! i love you, too!

yourusername break your back so i can give you a forehead kiss!!

lhughes_06 i have a career i’d rather not ruin

yourusername i leave the love of my life to see you yet it’s like you don’t even love me anymore… somebody got grouchy in their 20s… i’m selling you on the black market

jackhughes @/yourusername they’ll just ship him back

yourusername @/jackhughes i’ll get a no return policy

jackhughes @/yourusername what if they just set him loose????

yourusername @/jackhughes that sounds like a future luke problem

lhughes_06 @_quinnhughes if sissy sells me on the black market will you buy me?

yourusername @_quinnhughes BEST FRIEND CONTRACT

_quinnhughes @/lhughes_06 learn boy scout tricks and pray

user7 don’t talk to me i’m so emo over luke turning 20😭 happy birthday!

trevorzegras @_quinnhughes dibs on tweedle bumblefuck (HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKEY BOY!! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW OWNERS!! @/lhughes_06)

lhughes_06 thank you! as a present can you convince your fiancée to not sell me?

trevorzegras @/lhughes_06 she’ll give me a penalty and stand guard outside the bathroom until it’s over

lhughes_06 that sounds like a future trevor problem

yourusername @/lhughes_06 maybe lindy will buy you

_quinnhughes i’m not so sure bumblefuck was meant for you

trevorzegras @/yourusername say it ain’t so

yourusername @/trevorzegras i will not go

_quinnhughes “suck it” -sissy about 8k times a day

njdevils happy birthday to our favorite hughes of the day!!

yourusername it’s normally me, right?

njdevils yes of course!

lhughes_06 thank you?

user21 i hope luke gets a good ass cake for his birthday

user14 what did you get him???

yourusername i painted a digital photo frame and uploaded pictures of us, the family, him and his friends, him and his various teams, etc and then as a joke i made a hockey card of myself!

lhughes_06 her stats: height: 5’1 / weight: none of your business / position: best hughes / hugs: not enough / love for me: way past the edge of the universe

user14 I’M SCREAMING THAT’S SO CUTE

user89 SOBS

jackhughes dear sissy, you’re not my favorite sister today, it’s @/lhughes_06

lhughes_06 i feel like bullying shouldn’t be allowed on my birthday

jackhughes @/lhughes_06 happy birthday!!! love you bro!

yourusername ig i’ll accept this

lhughes_06 maybe the black market isn’t a terrible idea…

yourusername @/lhughes_06 well now i don’t wanna

lhughes_06 @/yourusername and that’s what we call “reverse psychology”

jackhughes @/lhughes_06 wow! did you learn that in college before you dropped out?

lhughes_06 @/jackhughes i learned it from johnny

yourusername @/lhughes_06 fucking harvard…

_quinnhughes @/lhughes_06 need another $200 pool stick for your birthday?

lhughes_06 yeah maybe i’ll start winning again

yourusername @/lhughes_06 against who? cuz it will not be against me

_quinnhughes @/yourusername we get it you’re good at one thing

trevorzegras @_quinnhughes give her some credit! she’s good at a lot of things!

yourusername @/trevorzegras this is why i love you

trevorzegras @_quinnhughes like falling!

yourusername @/trevorzegras 10 minute misconduct. get in the bathtub.

lhughes_06 @/yourusername your clumsy percentage should’ve been on the hockey card

yourusername @/lhughes_06 istg i’ll take you out before you can make it to 21

umichhockey happy birthday @/lhughes_06! we miss you!

_alexturcotte they grow up so fast😭 happy birthday @/lhughes_06!

lhughes_06 thanks turc!!

yourusername damn right they grow up fast! i said he grew in 0.2 seconds!

_alexturcotte @/lhughes_06 FREAK

lhughes_06 @_alexturcotte @/yourusername THAT’S PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE

yourusername @/lhughes_06 have you ever heard of a hyperbole? or a joke?

dylanduke25 hyperbole: noun. “exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.”

dylanduke25 joke: noun. “a thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.”

yourusername @/dylanduke25 college is paying off for you, son! so proud of you!

_alexturcotte @/lhughes_06 this is what you get for being a dropout! things go right over your head!

lhughes_06 @_alexturcotte YOU’RE ALSO A COLLEGE DROPOUT AND @/yourusername YOU DIDN’T EVEN GO TO COLLEGE

yourusername @/lhughes_06 i am business woman whom’s business THREW YOU A BIRTHDAY PARTY

trevorzegras @/lhughes_06 fix it.

_quinnhughes @/lhughes_06 fix it.

lhughes_06 @/yourusername i love you and i’m proud of you and thank you for my party

yourusername @/lhughes_06 ……. i love you, too

user2 i need to be a fly on the wall at this birthday party😭

dylanduke25 @/lhughes_06 lookin’ like a snack in that last picture 🥵 wyd later?

lhughes_06 probably taking care of drunk sissy

yourusername @/lhughes_06 uno reverse and you KNOW IT

dylanduke25 @/yourusername are you implying that you, an adult, are encouraging the act of underage drinking?

yourusername @/dylanduke25 new jersey statute 2c:33-17 subsection a allows a person under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol inside a private property (a home) when a parent or guardian is present and gives said alcohol to said minor

dylanduke25 @/yourusername you don’t classify as a parent or guardian???

yourusername @/dylanduke25 i am your MOTHER and you will treat me with RESPECT

lhughes_06 @/dylanduke25 i’m getting white girl wasted tonight

dylanduke25 @/lhughes_06 MY BOYYYY

[kfedup]

Regretsy no more

Hey, y'all. It's the lurker here.

I've been in the funkiest of funkless funks for the past few months and over the past few weeks, I've been unpacking why. Seeing how much I'm isolating because of a constellation of health-related issues and generalized depression. Have been considering trying meds. But one thing keeps coming to the surface and I finally decided it's time to deal with it.

The one thing is the only thing in my life that I regret. That thing is never having finished my bachelor's degree.

I'm twice divorced, have lost several important friendships, and moved more times than I can count to places I didn't really want to live to maintain relationships I should have never entered in the first place, but I wouldn't trade any of those things. I don't feel regret about them. Why would I? I discovered who I am and who I am not because I experienced those things. Each of them allowed me to learn how to repair what's possible and how to let go of that which is complete.

I'm very good at this marketing copywriting work but I'm bored senseless. I want to challenge myself and taking online workshops is fine but it's just more interacting through a screen and lord love a duck, my spirit needs more. Plus, I am not using my gifts of communication, empathy, mirroring, and holding space for others in the way I know I am meant to use them. For two years I've felt like I'm wasting what's left of my life.

I am so afraid I will die full of this regret.

The cost has kept me from pulling the trigger on this dream for several years. I wish I started sooner, but clearly, I wasn't miserable enough yet. I'm well and truly stuck in the muck at the bottom of the lake about it now. There's nothing left to do but swim to the surface, so here I go.

Today I applied as a transfer student to the Psychology program at Kent State University to start classes this summer. It will probably take me 3 years to finish the 2 years I have left because I'm a single-income household and will have to work. I'm terrified I won't be able to manage both, but I hope I can rally.

I'm not sure if I'll continue on to get the Psych MA at KSU or go elsewhere to get an MA in Art Therapy after I finish the BA. I also want to get certified in Internal Family Systems therapy, so I'll be 63ish or older starting a new career as a therapist and I feel excited about my future for the first time in... well... I don't even know. A very long time.

I want a career that feels meaningful to me, helps people instead of businesses, and lets me use my gifts. One I can do until I'm dead because I'mma need to work until they're spreading my ashes.

I plan to take a class this summer to dip my toes in.

Holy shit, y'all. Lila will be a senior and I will be a junior on the same campus. She's so supportive and I've been crying happy-scared-overwhelmed-curious-excited tears all day.

Kelly's going back to college. Holy shit.

[greynatomy]

Right Person, Wrong Time

Trinity Rodman x Reader

This was so fun to write honestly. Thank you to @deynacastellonaswife for the request and prompt. I hope I wrote to your expectations.

Also haven’t wrote a fic with over 1,000 words in a long time so that felt nice.

If you like this, please let me know!

-grey

———

You were standing in the middle of your apartment, figuring out what you should take with you to London, and what you can get rid of. You didn’t realize how much stuff you had until it was all laid out in front of you.

You’ve received many offers from plenty NWSL teams and many abroad, but when Arsenal put in an offer, it was one you couldn’t refuse. You decided to not finish college and go straight into playing what you love. You’ve always been a fan of Arsenal, watching the likes of Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Alex Scott and so much more.

You know you wouldn’t stay in London permanently because you’d be homesick and missing your family. You’d also be missing your girlfriend of two years, not being ready for long distance at all.

You were so far into your own head that you barely heard someone ringing your doorbell and knocking on your door. Opening it, you smile at the sight of your girlfriend, but it quickly disappearing after seeing tears running down her face.

“Hey, hey. What’s wrong?” You try pulling her into your arms, but she pushes past you into your apartment. You close the door behind you and follow after her.

“I-I-I need to talk to you.”

“Okay. About what.”

“I don’t-I don’t really know how to say this, but I-I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” You try to reach out for her, only for her to pull away, hurt showing on your face.

“You’re going all the way to England and I’m staying here and I-I don’t want you to go.”

“I thought we talked about this Trin?”

“We did, but thinking about it more, I don’t want to hold you back, tie you down. You’ve always wanted to play for Arsenal.”

“You’re not tying me down babe.”

“My decision is final. Focus on your career, I’ll get drafted here and maybe we’ll still see each other sometime.”

“You won’t even talk to me while I’m there? I could be there for years. I can’t just not talk to you.”

“You’re an amazing player. You’ll do amazing there, so focus on that, don’t worry about me. Maybe we’ll come back together in the future, but now is not our time.”

“You’re sure about this?” Your bottom lip trembles, trapping it between your teeth to make it stop.

“I am.”

“You’re younger than me but so much wiser, I swear.” You can’t help but let out a small laugh, Trinity letting one out too.

“I love you and I can’t wait to see how you play with them.”

“Can I have one last kiss?”

She doesn’t reposed but grabs both sides of your head, smashing her lips to yours. You wrap your arms around her waist, holding tight, not wanting to let go.

‘Right person, wrong time’, you thought.

———

Here you are now, January 2023, in a similar situation three years before. Having packed all the essentials and must haves into boxes and suitcases and sent some off to be shipped to your new apartment.

After three years in London, playing for Arsenal, truly making a name for yourself, it was time to go back home. You’ve requested a transfer and your managers and teammates were very supportive of you.

You’ve already said your goodbyes to everyone, especially to Leah and Caitlin who’ve taken you under their wing, with lots of tears shed, you’re off to the airport for a long journey home.

———

Trinity Rodman, a star player for the Washington Spirit and the US Women’s National Team, got ready for practice like normal. But today was a little more exciting. Newly drafted and signed players are arriving for their first practice with the Spirit.

Arriving at the stadium, she went straight into the locker room to get her gear on, many of her teammates joining her. Gathering everything she needs, she heads to the field with everybody else. Their head coach, Mark, asks them all to gather around, to welcome all the new players.

“Now, we do have one more person, but she seems to be a lit—”

“—I’m here! I’m here! Sorry for being late!” You come running towards them, gear in your hands, shirt only halfway on.

Trinity froze. She hasn’t heard your voice in such a long time. She didn’t know if she should go up to you, but her body decided for her, not being able to move from her place, looking at the ground.

“Right. This is Y/n Y/ln. Wanna introduce yourself?” He gestures to you.

“Right. Uh, again, my names Y/n and I played in Arsenal and now I play here. I’m twenty-three and I’m a CM.”

“Well, good to have you here. Now let’s start practice.”

The whole practice, Trinity was distracted. She couldn’t get her foot on the ball properly, even missing some open shots. Her friends/teammates notice her distracted, but decided to talk to her after practice.

She found herself staring at you. Some times you would catch her eye, her turning away just as quickly. It was weird seeing you after all this time. It was extremely awkward too because she wanted to just be wrapped up in your arms like you did years ago.

Practice ended, Trinity rushes to the locker room grabbing her stuff and leaving, not bothering to use the showers there like she always does.

You, on the other hand, try to look for Trinity, rushing into the locker room to see if she’s still here. Unfortunately, you just missed her.

“What’s got you looking stressed?” Ashley asks you.

“Nothing. Nothing. Just probably still jet lagged or something.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need anything.”

Needing to cool down, you hop into the showers, taking a cold shower. You didn’t know what kind of reaction you could’ve gotten from Trinity after not seeing you for a long time, but it definitely wasn’t her ignoring you and practically running away from you. Quickly getting dressed, you look for Ashley.

“Hey, do you happen to know where Trinity lives?”

———

Trinity was not chilling on the couch, watching her favorite show when there was a knock on her door. She looks through the peephole, not expecting to see you standing outside. She didn’t know if she should open the door for you or not, opting to stay silent.

“Trin, come on, I know you’re there looking through the hole. Let me in, please.” You sounded so desperate for her to answer.

Giving in she opens the door, moving aside to let you in.

“What do you wanna talk about?” “Why are you ignoring me?” You both asked at the same time.

“You first.”

“Why are you ignoring me?”

“I wasn’t.”

“You practically ran away after practice. Couldn’t even catch up with you!”

“I-I didn’t know if I could still talk to you. You’ve been gone for years and it’s not the same anymore!”

“‘Cause you told me not to talk to you when I left. Said to focus on me when all I wanted was to tell you whenever some good, something great happened in my life, but you blocked me!”

“Because if I didn’t I would be calling you.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You we’re with me. If I hear your voice and you’re not near me I’m gonna cry and I’ve cried for so long already.” Her voice breaks, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

You close the space between you and wrapped your arms around her. She tries punching and punching you away, but you hold on tighter, not wanting to let go.

“I’m not leaving you ever again, you hear me?” You voice muffled into her hair.

She finally wraps her arms around your waist, holding tight as if you’d disappear.

“Don’t leave me again.”

You gently grab her face with both of your hands, looking into her eyes. “I’m with you. I’m staying. Wherever you go, I go. You’re it for me.”

She leans her face up to yours and kisses you passionately, missing the feeling of your lips on hers.

She pulls away, mumbling into your lips, “You’re it for me too.”

Now is our time

[lilislegacy]

you may have gotten a similar ask before, but I'm new to your blog, so i just wanted to ask: what do you envision Percy and annabeth's post-college life to be like? how many kids? girl/boy? names? (If they have kids at all?) their jobs? where do they live? what does their house look like? do they have pets? what are their relationships like with the other demigods? This might be a lot for one ask but you seem like you can literally dive right into percabeth's minds so I just thought I'd ask 😅

ok. you have just asked me a question that i instinctually want to answer with a 3,000 word essay. so i am going to keep this as short as possible (which is not short at all.) i’m also open minded, so my headcanons can be changed if i see a take i really love. but these are my own beliefs

i think they get married. definitely after college. i know some people think they don’t marry because of hera, but i can’t stand the thought of them not doing what they want because of a god. (i also have a hc that they kinda blackmail her lol. as in she goes to them needing help - a quest - and they say they’ll do it only if she swears on the styx to never interfere with or harm their marriage)

i think they both do a lot of things over the course of their careers. annabeth is an architect, but she does multiple things with that. she creates some big famous attractions, she designs a greek version of new rome, aka “new greece” or “new athens” or something, maybe she builds hideouts for demigods (suggestion from a previous asker), etc. and for percy, i think he definitely does something that involves helping marine animals. he can literally speak to them - something no one else can do. he also is very protective of all sea animals he encounters in the books. so he needs to be doing that. personally, i love the thought of him becoming an aquatic vet. but there are several other marine animal related jobs that he could do in replacement of/in addition to that. i also see him doing several things throughout this life, and i made a big post about my thoughts there. i’ll link it at the end of this post.

they definitely have kids. no doubt. they’ve been thinking about having kids together since they were 16. i love the thought of them having 3, maybe 4. i think their first is a boy with short blonde curly hair and sea green eyes. i also think he has a “p” name, since his dad is named percy and his paternal grandfathers are poseidon and paul. but i don’t have names for any of them. ive always imagined them having 2 boys close together and then a girl later on. but i don’t have exact ideas, you know?

i think they live in a few different places. they probably start off in new rome, then eventually in new athens/new greece, and then i think nyc again at some point, maybe when the kids are grown. but i think they always try and live on/near beaches or lakes, when possible. (for obvious reasons)

they do a lot of traveling throughout their lives. because annabeth loves it, and percy loves seeing her happy.

they definitely have a family dog (look in the linked post for my thoughts on that.) plus horses/pegusi will always be around their place.

i don’t have exact house details in mind.

and they keep in great contact with all their demigod friends. both roman and greek.

all i know for sure is that they remain best friends who are deeply in love. they’re always each others battle partner. and they do everything in their power to not only protect their kids, but to make sure their childhoods don’t contain the same darknesses that their own childhoods did. they’re amazing parents, and they’re gonna do great things. they’re both going to use their abilities to help so many people and creatures. and their lives will never be dull or “normal.” not even for a second. and they love it.

my thoughts on percy’s career: ⬇️

[sciderman]

Currently reading through the spiderpool blog and just finished the civil war era. That alternate timeline where Pete is an assassin, of course we know Ben is alive but what happens to that version Ben and May? I wonder if they know what he is doing and if they are still even apart of his life.

oh, anon. anon... it's a sad little tale,, it's a sad little story. i do imagine that this specific peter parker pursues his career of fame and fortune, and becomes vain and horrible. a real "talk to my agent!" kind of asshole.

and initially, he still cares for uncle ben and aunt may. they're the only two people in the world who loved him properly. but... but. fame goes to his head. the old cliché. he's making bank, and – there's less urgency for him to stay to support aunt may because uncle ben's still around, so, peter kind of goes his own way. very quickly he can afford his own apartment by doing tv deals and very quickly he's signed on for a movie deal. he is hot shit.

of course all of that fame and being so busy and being so secretive and spider-man's identity still being a secret to the public and to ben and may means that he ultimately grows distant from may and ben. he skips school to pursue fame, doesn't think he needs it. and i mean, the guy hates high school. it's a living hell for him. he's given an out - of course he'll take it. he doesn't graduate high school. doesn't get a college education. doesn't tell uncle ben and aunt may because obviously they wouldn't endorse him dropping out of school.

they wouldn't get it. they wouldn't understand. he becomes a mystery to them. they don't know where he goes, what's going on with him. he's barely home and then he, so very quietly, moves out with all the money he's made.

fame is fickle, though, and - spider-man doesn't capture peoples hearts for the long-term. spider-man doesn't inspire heroism in this world. he doesn't waste his effort on selfless deeds. he doesn't become a heroic figure. hence why wade doesn't join weapon x.

the spider-man of this turn of events doesn't amount to more than a quick cash-grab, and the people are over him so quickly. people who worked with him realise he's kind of a jerk, and isn't even pulling in money anymore. spider-man becomes a has-been before he even reaches his twenties.

so, this spider-man lives alone - can't face uncle ben and aunt may because he's quickly realising that yeah. he made the wrong choice. he dug his grave, and he has to lay in it. he's a drop-out, and he feels like peter parker is entirely worthless. he can barely look at himself in the mirror. at least as spider-man he has some power. some reputation. something. peter parker? peter parker disappeared off the face of the planet some years ago, and nobody knows who or where he is. peter parker is dead and neglected. there's no future for peter parker. so he builds a life with the skills that he has, as spider-man. he does what he's good at. becomes hired muscle. becomes hired muscle for anyone that can pay his rates. those are usually bad guys.

he falls deeper and deeper into that rabbit hole. and the further he falls, the harder it is for him to conceive he could ever come back to uncle ben and aunt may and have them welcome and accept him, with all the mistakes he's made.

unfortunately, in this particular timeline - as bex and i'd plotted it out for the alt!verse fic where wade winds up trapped with this sad, isolated peter parker - it still takes uncle ben dying to destroy peter's barricades and have him finally reach out to aunt may, in his way. first distantly offering her financial support before he, after months, eventually gains the courage to face her. and she can see the scars on his face.

i think it kind of universally takes uncle ben dying for peter to learn "great power great responsibility" - not as peter interprets or misinterprets it, but... the loss of uncle ben meaning peter recognising he has a responsibility to the people around him. he can't disappear from it. he can't isolate himself from it. when uncle ben passes, he finds out he has a responsibility to aunt may. that's kind of the whole thing, that's what great responsibility is. him filling uncle ben's shoes.

i think that's something i'm obsessed with - that peter knows that the loss of uncle ben means he needs to step up and fill ben's shoes, but he's still not entirely sure what it means. what he has to do to be able to fill that void that's left empty by ben's absence. what ben meant. what manhood means.

great responsibility is about manhood, and looking after the people you love. it's not - it's not about what you owe the world.

i think peter unfortunately has to learn that lesson the hard way, every time.

but, eventually, at some point, peter comes home.

[jungk0oksthighs]

Over The Odds | To The Future

Pairing - jungkook x reader

Genre - angst, smut, fluff, S2L, ceo!jungkook, sugardaddy!jungkook

Word count - 6k

You look forward to what the future holds

warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, family drama etc

FULL SERIES COLLECTION

Five Months Later

“I’m so proud of you.” Jungkook’s breath is hot against your ear with lips curved into a genuine smile, his voice deep enough to drown out the clicks and flashes of cameras. His strong arm rests on the bend of your waist, pulling you closer to him as you both pose for photographs.

This is your first red carpet event and the fact everybody is here to support you is somewhat overwhelming. The documentary ‘Privacy’ releases tonight, you’ve been working tirelessly to share your story and help others going through similar experiences through your company 4U. This night a celebration of your journey both professionally and personally, and as always your boyfriend is here being your number one supporter.

You’re wearing a backless halter-neck gold sequined dress with that hugs your curves, standing proudly beside Jungkook who wears an all-black suit with a gold diamond encrusted Rolex that threatens to peek out of his suit jacket at any moment.

Jimin, Yoongi and Taehyung are also here, along with your parents, ex co-workers and old friends of yours filling the event to max capacity. There are two guests here that you didn’t expect to see, their arrival caught you off guard when you first laid eyes on them. Jungkook’s parents. It’s no secret that Jungkook’s father isn’t exactly your biggest fan, initially believing that you were using his son for money and even told you to break up with him if you ‘really cared about him’. Of course your boyfriend didn’t know this and presumably invited them here.

Your parents look to be in deep conversation with Taehyung and Jungkook’s parents, Taehyung presumably helping with translation where needed while you and Jungkook pose for press photos on the red carpet.

“Y/N! Y/N over here!”

You’re smiling brightly for the cameras, even stealing a kiss from your man which will no doubt make the front page tomorrow morning. Jungkook kisses you back, lips curved into a wide grin when he whispers ‘I love you’ against your mouth.

After the programme screening people swarm you with congratulations and proud hugs, your mother is crying when she approaches you after you’re done talking to an old college friend. You’re standing in something akin to a ballroom for the launch party and first fund raiser of your company 4U, drinking in the muted pink decorations with a satisfied smile. You did it.

“I’m so proud of you sweetie!” Your mum beams when she pulls you into a tight bear hug, winning you to stumble back slightly from her force.

“Thank you.” You grin, kissing her cheek.

Everybody loved the documentary, they loved how raw and emotional your story was portrayed and respected your vulnerability – it’s been one of the most challenging, stressful yet unbelievably rewarding experiences of your life and sharing your experience has only positively influenced your career. Your new assistant Yuri said that there’s multiple investors interested in backing 4U, and that you should have enough funding to establish a five year plan for the company, your chest swells at the thought.

“I told myself I wouldn’t drink too much because of tomorrow…” Your mum admits with a slight slur of words, proving otherwise, “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“I’m sure.”

“But he’s your nephew—”

“Not tonight mum, don’t do this now.” You cut her off sternly, you knew this would happen and yet it doesn’t make it any easier, “I’ll meet him another day I promise.”

“…Okay,” She sighs in defeat, “If you change your mind though I’m sure Namjoon wouldn’t mind.”

You offer her a nod in acceptance, you know Namjoon would have no issue with you going to his apartment and meeting his child since he’s repeatedly asked you if you want to join the little get together he’s having tomorrow when he brings his son home from the hospital. Much to Ruth’s disappointment you strongly rejected her offer of adopting her baby and informed Joon of the fact he was an expectant father.

Namjoon didn’t take the news lightly, but his once anger and confusion has blossomed into paternal excitement. In a way you’re grateful that he’s willing to be a single dad and take on the responsibility of your nephew, who was born three days ago. His parents however have disowned him for being so reckless, stating that the birth of his son is nothing but a disappointment to them. It must be hard for him, you know that, but everybody needs to understand this is a difficult situation for you too. Even though you’ve known of this day for a long time now, it doesn’t make it any easier. You’re not ready to meet you nephew, fathered by your ex-boyfriend, and people need to respect that.

“It’ll be you and Jungkook having a baby next.” Your mother winks and you feign a laugh when your train of thought is disrupted.

“Not for a while, I’m not ready to be a mum just yet.”

“I can’t believe you’ve been together for a whole year now…” Her mind wanders to her first encounter with Jungkook in the hospital, back when things were much simpler.

“Give or take.” Your head bobs from side to side, “We don’t have a proper anniversary but it’s been around that now yeah.” You smile fondly, you and your boyfriend have been through a lot in your first year as a couple.

“His parents are nice.”

“Mmm, his mum’s very nice.” You purposely avoid talking about his father knowing his opinion of you, he’s talking to Jungkook across the room with his mother by their side. They keep glancing in your direction with smiles all round and you wonder what they could possibly be talking about.

“They came all the way here from Korea to celebrate your achievement, they must really like you…”

“I don’t know, maybe.” You shrug, silently telling her to shut the hell up with your wide eyes when the family make their way over to your conversation.

“Y/N! Congratulations it was very moving to watch.” Jungkook’s mother speaks up with a sweet voice akin to something that’s been dipped in honey, “And 4U sounds amazing, what you’re doing for other victims… It’s inspiring.”

“Thank you so much.” Your chest swells when she hugs you, eyes flickering to your boyfriend’s father who looks equally as lost in thought as Jungkook. You realise that’s where he gets his random zoning out from, “Thank you both for coming it’s really nice of you.”

“We wouldn’t miss this!” His mum squeals, her excitement more obvious than your own, “We’ve waited so long for this day—”

“Eomma.” Jungkook warns her, shaking his head until his black hair dusts his forehead.

“Right, right.” She’s quick to stop talking after the pair have a brief exchange in Korean, leaving you confused nursing your now empty flute of champagne, “Sorry…”

Jungkook’s father looks amused, especially when your mum whispers something into his ear. The older man’s gaze locks with yours and for the first time since meeting him he offers you a genuine smile, “I was wrong about you Y/N, you don’t need my son to be successful and you’ve proven that tonight. I’m proud that you’re his girlfriend.”

His words take you visibly by surprise, you don’t know how to respond to that save for a warm expression and so Jungkook steps in with a strong arm draped round your waist, “Shall we get you another drink?”

Your mother is vibrating with something indescribable from the corner of your eye.

“Okay…” You squeeze his hand when he laces inked fingers with yours, “Thank you.” You look directly at Kook’s dad, realising that a proud man like him apologise must’ve been somewhat difficult before Jungkook tugs you along to a staircase.

“The bar is the other way.” You snort, stilling your movements.

“I know, but there’s a special bar up here for us.” He smirks, ushering you up the wide staircase until you’re inside the first room you can see.

From what you can gather this is some kind of study, the launch event tonight is being held at a manor house just outside of London and rumour has it it’s the favoured filming location for many historical TV shows like Bridgerton. Jungkook’s actually the person who recommended the place, because obviously he knows where to throw a grand party.

The room is decorated as beautifully as the rest of the building, but it’s the large French doors leading out to a balcony that catch your attention. There are candles all over the balcony, along with deep crimson rose petals that scatter the ground. As Kook leads you outside with his palm gently resting on the small of your back you clock a small table holding champagne on ice, with two empty flutes.

“What’s this for?” You’re smiling, eyes peering down at the party-goers downstairs including Jimin who notices you staring, raising his glass to you with a ginormous grin. Even your bestie was suited and booted for the occasion, everybody had gone above and beyond to make your night special it seems.

“Happy anniversary.” Jungkook spins you to face him, his hooded eyes are drunk in love when he passes you your drink.

“Jungkook…” You sigh, embarrassed, “We don’t have a proper anniversary we’ve been through this.”

“I know, but it just so happens that one year ago today that you signed the contract and agreed to be mine for the year.”

“So you brought me up here to break up with me now that my time’s up?” You playfully smack his chest, you know that’s not his intention but even now you still enjoy riling him up, “I’m hurt.”

“Mmm.” He agrees with a chuckle, gently gripping your jaw with his free hand to angle your face to his, “Behave yourself before I eat you out on this balcony for the whole world to see, just like I did on my office desk that day.”

“You wouldn’t.” You’re laughing now, teeth almost clinking with his when he swoops his handsome face down for a gentle kiss.

“What time is it?” He murmurs against your lips and you have to force yourself to ignore the lick of heat that’s growing down your spine.

“You’re the one wearing a watch, you tell me.”

At this he pulls away, riding up his sleeve just enough to glance at his Rolex, “Right on schedule, it’s 10:26.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve added us having sex up here into your calendar, because it’s not gonna happen.” You shiver, it’s a lot colder up here than the party downstairs. “Can I have your jacket please? I’m cold.”

“Of course-, okay…” He’s quick to rid himself of his black suit jacket, draping it over your shoulders before clearing his throat. “Y/N…” He inhales, adjusting his belt for a second.

“What is it?” You cock your head to one side when he moves next to you, you turn to him, your back no longer faces the balcony and nerves envelop your entire body when you catch a glimpse of him gnawing his lip, “Are you okay?”

“10:30PM, one year ago today… I realised I’d never find another woman like you. You’re different from anybody else, you’re not afraid to speak your mind and stand up for what you believe in… You’re ambitious, you’re beautiful, smart, funny.”

You’re flattered, your cheeks hurt from grinning at how much of a romantic this man can be, “How do you know it was 10:30? That’s very specific.”

“Because I made a note in my phone at 10:31, while you went to wash up in the bathroom. We’d just got home from my office.” He smiles fondly at the memory, digging his hands into his trouser pockets, “Here, read it for yourself.” His phone winds up in your hand and you glance down at the message.

One year ago today: Dear future Jungkook, do NOT fuck this up, she’s the one

When you’re finished reading you melt, but when you go to hand the device back to him you’re flustered as he’s no longer standing in front of you – rather kneeling, palms resting on his bent knee while he looks up at you with those big brown doe eyes you know so well.

“What are you doing…” You forget how to breathe, accidentally dropping his phone to your feet in a panic but he doesn’t seem to notice.

“I love you Y/N, and I never thought I’d love anyone. I didn’t want to be loved until I met you, I thought I was happy living like that but then you showed up and proved to me that I wasn’t happy at all, not really, there was always something missing. And that something is you.”

Tears prick your eyes when he nods, holding his hand out in front of you.

“Check the inside pocket.” He instructs, and you oblige.

Your manicured hands find what he’s referring to straight away, fingers gripping a small velvet box that he’d been carrying on him all night. It’s dusky pink and you silently chuckle at how it matches the theme of the party, whether that was intentional or not you’ll never know because the second you hand him the box you forget about everything else in the world.

“Jungkook...” Your voice is shaky, as are you legs when he opens the box and displays the most ethereal huge diamond ring, he checks his watch again before fixing his gaze to yours, his sharp features only amplified by the moonlight.

“10:30,” His smile is breath taking, his eyes filled with nothing but adoration, “Will you do me the greatest honour in the world and be mine forever… Y/N…Will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

You’re frantically nodding as tears cascade down your cheeks at an uncontrollable speed, unable to put into words how much you love this man and how happy you are in this moment. Expectantly you hold your left hand out, borderline sobbing when Jungkook stands up to slide the ring onto your finger. It fits perfectly, it’s weighty on your hand as you cup either side of his jaw and pull him into an emotional kiss, pressing your lips to his between sniffles. Fireworks startle you and win you to pull back from your new fiancé, the sky decorated with beautiful pinks and purples that makes your ring sparkle even more, if that were possible.

“10:31, I made sure they started right on the dot... It’s officially been one year.” Jungkook hums with a smirk, noticing your surprise. He bends to grab his phone and his drink that he’d apparently discarded on the ground, “SHE SAID YES!” He roars with pride, and you finally notice the sea of friends and family gathered on the ground peering up at the balcony.

Everybody screams, your vision is blurred by salty tears but you can still make out your best friend wink in the distance, along with Jungkook’s father shaking hands with your own dad, both your mothers wailing into the other’s shoulder as the squeeze each other tightly.

Everything is perfect.

--

The ring on your finger outweighs the dull hangover you’re experiencing from your launch party turned engagement last night. You’re still smiling even when you wake up, it all feels like a dream… Jungkook asked to you be his forever, you still can’t believe it.

You’re dancing around the apartment in a beige loungewear set after a quick shower, Jungkook text you to let you know he was dropping his parents off at the airport and he’d be back in an hour. Jungkook, your fiancé. Still smiling you make yourself a coffee, admiring your ring as you wait for your drink to cool down. It’s gorgeous, it’s perfect, it’s everything little girls fantasise about when they imagine getting engaged. It’s almost enough to distract you from the penthouse phone ringing, you barely manage to catch it in time.

“Hello?”

“Miss Y/N, there’s a man here to see you, shall I send him up?”

“Uh-, who is it?” You’re not expecting anybody today, not that you’re aware of.

“Dr Kim, he has a baby with him too Miss.”

“Oh.” Your good mood deflates, fuck, “Send them up.”

The freshly brewed coffee is forgotten about, you’re a nervous wreck when the reality of this situation truly dawns on you. Namjoon and your new nephew are on their way up to your apartment. It’s not that you don’t want to meet the baby, of course you do, you’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t care about him. His mother may be evil and his father may be your ex-boyfriend but he’s still your family. It’s not his fault how he was brought into this world after all.

Pretty soon the elevator dings and you catch sight of Namjoon carrying a small car seat into the apartment, he’s looking around, presumably filled with envy at the sheer size of the penthouse and lifestyle being with Jungkook has provided you with. You’re sitting on the sofa with a racing heart, watching him slowly make his way over to you.

Namjoon looks tired, there’s no trace of his familiar dimples today, he doesn’t look like a joyful new father at all – he looks almost disappointed, your chest tightens at the prospect of him not loving his own son enough to care. You’re upset, slightly shaky when he finally comes to a stop in front of you.

“I can’t do this,” He puts down the car seat which is facing away from you, “Y/N I can’t be a single dad he fucking hates me. He’s cried non-stop since I picked him up from the hospital he’s only just settled down in the car—”

“He’s a baby of course he’s going to cry.” You stop yourself from rolling your eyes, standing immediately to defend your nephew, “He probably misses his mum.”

Guilt hits you harder than a tonne of bricks, the poor boy has been torn away from his mother as though he’s nothing. Joon needs to get it together before he picks up on his emotions and gets even more upset. For a second you find yourself thinking about Ruth, about how she must be feeling right now… Her own son gone. Fuck, why do you have to care so much?

“I thought you were introducing him to everyone later, why are you here?”

“I need help Y/N, I need your help… I know I shouldn’t be asking for it but I don’t know what I’m doing and my parents don’t want to know—”

“Just sit down.” You gesture to the now vacant sofa, wanting nothing but for your ex to calm down, “When was his last feed?”

“Three hours ago, he had two ounces but kept crying and crying and… I’m in way over my head with him I can’t do this.”

As if on queue the baby starts to shriek, his slumber probably disturbed by Joon’s booming voice and frustration. You gulp, eyeing the doctor carefully as he physically begins to tear his hair out, slumping into a seated position. The sound of your nephews sobs snaps you out of a trance and you make your way to the car seat, bending down to take him out of it.

He’s beautiful. A tiny blue hat covers his dark hair, his fists are balled underneath the white scratch mittens he wears, matching his baby blue and white striped sleepsuit dressing his little body. Just like you imagined he has dimples like Namjoon, his eyes are squeezed shut but there’s no denying his features are almost identical to that of his fathers, except he’s so tiny.

“Shh, hey shh…” You coo, taking him out of the car seat.

The weight of your new nephew is barely noticeable in your arms, he’s the most delicately small baby you’ve ever seen. You’ve laid him on your chest, being sure to support his little head with your hand as you gently bounce him up and down. He smells like baby powder and lavender when he begins to calm down, gurgling into the crook of your neck.

“He’s…gorgeous Joon.” You hum, planting a chaste kiss to his cute knitted hat, “What’ve you called him?”

Namjoon sighs with the faintest smile ghosting his features, “Charles, or Charlie for short.”

“Charles.” You repeat, heart sinking a little. That was the name you and him had picked out if you were to ever have children, the same name your grandfather had, which funnily enough also happened to be Ruth’s grandfather too. It’s also your father’s name.

“Yeah…like your dad and—“

“I figured.” You cut him off, somewhat hurt. “Do you have nappies with you? He needs changing.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do, his bum feels a little heavy.” You continue to fall deeper and deeper in love with Charlie, especially when a sneeze equally as tiny as him escapes his nostrils. “Get me a nappy and I’ll do it, I need wipes and nappy cream too.”

“Got it, okay.” A dishevelled looking Joon rushes to the elevator and grabs the changing bag he brought with him, quickly handing you the items you’ve requested.

“If his last feed was three hours ago he’ll be a due another one, little man’s probably hungry.”

“O-okay, I have the formula but I don’t know how many scoops—”

“One scoop of formula to one ounce of boiled water, I’ll show you.”

Staying true to your word you change the newborn’s nappy, discarding the soiled one in the bin before making him a bottle, being sure to physically show Namjoon what he needs to do in the future in a detailed step-by-step process. A part of you can’t believe he doesn’t know already, but then again you realise he probably has nobody to show him these things. You’re feeding baby Charlie on the sofa when he dozes off in your arms, long dark eyelashes dust his chubby cheeks as he succumbs to slumber.

“You’re good at this...he hates me.” Joon sighs, you know he’s relieved that his son is sleeping and peaceful and truthfully so are you, the sound of his cries pulled on your heart strings a little too hard for your liking.

“He doesn’t hate you, you just need to be patient.” You’re sure to keep your voice down to not wake the baby.

“No he really does hate me…guess I deserve it after everything I’ve done.”

“Stop that.” You tut, shaking your head, “If you’ve come here for sympathy you’ve come to the wrong person, I’m not going to entertain your pity party. You’re a dad now Joon, a dad. This is your child and he’s your responsibility. It doesn’t matter how or why he was brought into the world, at the end of the day he’s here now and you need to care for him.”

“I-,” For once Namjoon looks to stunned to speak, brushing his hair back with slender fingers, “That’s-, that’s a really beautiful ring.”

“Oh, thank you.” You mumble, having completely forgotten about your engagement since he arrived.

It’s almost ironic how things have panned out. Namjoon could’ve been the father of your child, instead he’s the father of your nephew. He could’ve been the man to put a ring on your finger, at one time that was all you ever wanted but now you’re betrothed to another – Jungkook. The same man who broke Joon’s nose a few months ago. You’re chuckling mostly to yourself, if somebody had told you all those years ago this would be your life you would’ve lost it, defended your ex-boyfriend’s honour because you really believed he’d never cheat on you. Guess you were young and naïve. And you were wrong about a lot of things.

“I mean it though,” You begin, peeling your gaze away from Charlie to look at his father, “He’s depending on you, he needs you. I know it’s scary and new for you but you can’t show up here when you don’t know what he needs, you have to learn.”

“I know I do, guess I always thought if I had a baby you would be around-, and well like I said you’re good at this stuff… I trust you with him.”

“I’m happy to help he is my nephew after all…” You sigh lovingly when you look back down at innocent baby Charles in his peaceful sleep, “But that’s where it ends.”

“What are you saying?” Namjoon sounds hurt, unable to look away from the huge diamond on your finger.

“I’m a text message away if you need a break, or need any help…but I’m engaged Joon, I’m marrying Jungkook and I can’t have my ex-boyfriend showing up to our apartment every time he’s struggling. I-, I want...of course I want a relationship with Charlie…but that’s it. You’re my nephew’s dad and that’s all it is.”

“It should’ve been me marrying you yknow.” He’s shaking his head, jaw and fists tight.

You have to bite back a scoff for the sake of the baby in your arms, “Maybe you shouldn’t have slept with my sister then.”

“I-, Look I’m so so—”

“I don’t need an apology, I need you to step up and be a father to this little guy. He needs you, you’re the only parent he has. You’ve got this, okay? You’re gonna be a good dad just give it some time.”

“Thank you Y/N…and congratulations.” There’s a hint of bitterness to his tone, “Jungkook’s a really lucky guy.”

A mostly comfortable silence follows before curiosity gets the better of you and you find yourself asking something that’s been on your mind, “How is she? Did the birth go smoothly?”

“Ruth was…she was amazing, she lost a lot of blood but she did great. I think her treatments are really working, she seems different, there’s something new about her.”

“Mmm. Is she allowed to see him?” You don’t know if you believe that your sister is capable of change, you want to of course, for nobody’s sake except Charlie’s, but you’re still wary of the situation after everything she’s done. She might not be a good person but she’s still a mother, being away from her first born must be difficult for her.

“Not yet but the doctors are confident she’ll be able to stand trial for the burglary soon, once she’s served her sentence she’ll be able to come back. With regular therapy and medication and whatnot. I want her to be involved with Charles but only when she’s fit to do so”

“I see, yknow Kook’s gonna be home soon so I think you should get going, I know my parents are really looking forward to meeting this one this afternoon too.” You offer him a small smile, maybe you can be civil with Joon for the sake of your nephew, you already can’t imagine your life without him and he’s only four days old.

“Yeah of course, um-, thanks Y/N. For everything…” He awkwardly stands from the sofa when he prepares all of his son’s things, carefully taking him from your grip to place him back into the car seat.

When you see Namjoon out of the apartment you’re sure to take a photograph of your sleeping nephew bundled up with his little blankets. Your heart is so full of love for him already it’s almost sad to see him and his father leave. Boundaries, that’s all you need. You make a promise to yourself to always be there for Charles, but there will always be boundaries for your relationship with his dad. There has to be, but it can work.

Your coffee is completely cold when you return to the kitchen, you sigh, pouring it down the sink when your engagement ring catches your attention once again. It’s been a long year, hell in ways it’s been one of the worst years of your life, but you’re still here. Standing in the penthouse apartment you share with your fiancé, billionaire Jungkook as the tabloids like to call him. Not to mention the fact you’re an aunt now, to the sweetest baby boy you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Mrs Jeon to be, you smile, tracing your thumb over the big diamond.

--

It’s a few days later when you’re at Black Swan, the upscale nightclub in central London your fiancé owns. Fiancé. Nope, you’re still not used to saying it. Your group is sitting in a VIP booth, because of course you are. You’re wearing a little black dress, sitting on Jungkook’s denim-clad thighs. His crisp white shirt is tucked neatly into black jeans, all tied together with the LV belt you know all too well.

“I just want to say…” Jimin’s voice is loud enough for you to jump in place, “I’m so fucking happy for you guys, and if I’m not a brides...man or man of honour I will personally burn down your penthouse.”

“Duly noted.” You’re laughing, as are the others.

Jimin and Yoongi sit across from you, Taehyung next to you, all enjoying a bottle of beer to celebrate your engagement. At least that’s the excuse they used when Jimin asked Jungkook to arrange a private booth for the group. Your little dysfunctional family has only strengthened over time, each one of you making it your mission to find somebody for Taehyung who’s constantly complaining to Jungkook about how lonely he is.

“There’s a cute little red head over there, why don’t you buy her a drink?” You playfully kick Taehyung, he flinches slightly when your mostly bare foot grazes his leg.

“Not really my type.” He shrugs, eyeing the girl in question from a distance.

“Oh come on! You’re always moaning about being the only single friend…do something about it!” You kick him again, you’re definitely drunk, but not drunk enough to hide your surprise when he grips your stiletto clad foot and stops you from pulling it away.

“If you put this foot near me one more time I’m gonna put it in my mouth.” He warns you with raised brows, his feline eyes are wide when his fingernails dig into your skin, “Don’t think I won’t cause I will.”

“You’re so weird.” You throw your head back in a snort, Jungkook’s grip tightens round your middle, “I never took you for a foot guy yknow, all this time I’ve been checking out girls for you I’ve been looking at their asses…I’ll look at their toes next time.”

“Don’t encourage it baby he will really put it in his mouth.” Jungkook’s chest vibrates with laughter, Jimin and Yoongi look borderline mortified from across the table, “He loves that shit.”

“You can’t do that Tae, not right in front of her boyfriend.” Yoong’s concerned features warp to a fit of giggles, downing the rest of his beer.

“Fiancé.” You correct him with a pointed finger which earns you an eyeroll.

“I’m sorry how could I forget?” Yoongi displays a familiar gummy smile, “Wait, are you engaged Y/N? You should’ve said!”

“Now now children, let’s get some shots in!” Jimin claps excitedly, calling over a nearby shot girl, “Two each please! Any flavours.”

“Cash or credit--, oh hello Mr Jeon I didn’t see you there. What are you celebrating tonight?” She asks while Jimin steals every shot from her tray, messily sliding them onto the table.

“Ask Y/N she’ll tell you.” Yoongi winks, you’re about to tell her that you’re engaged when Tae’s thumb starts tracing small patterns on the inside of your foot, winning you to jump. Your knee hits the table with a bang and you hiss in pain.

“We’re engaged.” Jungkook states calmly, furrowing his brows when you grab your soon to be bruised knee, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine.” You turn, melting a little when the CEO’s lips meet your cheek in a small kiss.

“Ah well congratulations! Do you want me to bring over some champagne?” The nameless shot girl asks semi flirtatiously, but you’re too drunk to fully notice.

“Yes we do.” Jimin intercepts, he’s already done at least three shots by himself but the night is still young. He plans to get absolutely wasted, and he’s well on his way to completing that mission already.

You’re looking at Taehyung with eyes that scream dude what the fuck when he smirks, chuckling into his beer bottle, “Sorry I couldn’t help myself, you have very pretty feet.”

“Not while I’m here guys,” Jungkook jokingly slaps your thigh and shoves his best friend’s shoulder, “At least have your strange little foot affair in private please, you can do whatever you want to her feet when I’m not around.”

“He wishes, I’ll wear socks around you from now on Tae.” You fold over with laughter when Taehyung pretends to cry, clutching his chest with feigned heartbreak.

The champagne soon arrives at your table, of course Jimin is quick to open it with a loud pop and pour each of you a glass. He’s smiling at you, a warm, sentimental smile that holds thousands of memories and shared secrets between you both. Every person around this table holds a special place in your heart, one way or another they’ve supported you and been there for you in a time of need.

From Yoongi: who kept his eyes on the road during yours and Jungkook’s first ever night together even when the sounds coming from the backseat of his car were more than distracting. Taehyung: Who gave you legal advice when you desperately needed it, he proved to you he’s a great guy and an even greater friend the night you’d bumped into him in the supermarket and he defended your honour when somebody recognised you from the infamous sex tape. Jimin: Your best friend of almost sixteen years, who let you sleep beside him when you were too heartbroken to be alone during both breakups you’d had. He’s the first person you tell anything to because of how amazingly understanding and honest he is, you love him so much. To Jungkook: The billionaire who stole your heart with a stupid contract, who loved you from day one despite the fact he didn’t want to admit it to himself. Even when you were too broke to cut the labels off your dress because you had every intention of returning it to get your money back. He’s the love of you life, and your life with him has only just begun.

“To the future Mr and Mrs Jeon!” Jimin toasts with a wink sent your direction.

“No-, no…” You dramatically stop everybody from clinking their glasses together and stand from Kook’s thighs, much to his disappointment, “To you guys… I love you all so much.”

“Fine,” Jimin rolls his eyes and stands with you, followed by the three other men who also lift from their seats holding their glasses. “We love you too Y/N, and can’t wait to see what happens in your future.”

“To the future!” Taehyung wraps an arm round Jungkook’s shoulders, shaking him slightly.

“To the future.” Yoongi repeats, nudging Jimin with his elbow.

“To the future.” Jungkook’s voice is so quiet it’s barely audible, his eyes trained to your proud profile.

Your smile is bright enough to light up the entire club. You’ve got a wedding to plan, a business to run and a nephew to be loved and adored, exciting things are coming.

“To the future.”

x

SEQUEL PREVIEW

[zebraszegras]

"I’m pregnant"

First fic for this AU!!

Pairing: Luke Hughes x OC Sophie Winters

Word count: 1k words :)

Warnings: talk of pregnancy, mentions of morning sickness, slight angst, like one swear word, fluff at the end :) NOT PROOF READ

_______________________________________________

Sophie was finally able to get some time off from college to fly up to New jersey for three weeks. She had been missing Luke so much recently. It was a lot harder then she thought, being miles away from him for months on end, but they made it work. They were making sure not to take any of they're time for granted.

Unfortunately, during week two of her visit, Sophie had gotten sick with something. She was waking up to go puke and felt horrible. At first, the thought of being pregnant didn't even cross her mind, but then when she checked her period app and saw she was 6 days late, she started to panic. She was never late.

On the third day of week three of her trip, Sophie went down to the closest pharmacy while Luke was at practice and bought three different brands of pregnancy tests just to be sure. She was mentally freaking out, but was trying to convince herself it was nothing.

She was staring at the boxes on the counter, thinking deeply about what she would do if she was pregnant, but decided to just take them before she psyched herself out of it.

She took all three tests before leaving the bathroom and pacing around Luke's room for the 10 minutes it took all of them to tell. As soon as she heard the alarm, she ran back in and quickly gave herself a pep talk before flipping the tests.

Pregnant. Pregnant. Pregnant.

They all said pregnant. She was going to have a baby. She stared in shock for about 2 minutes before breaking out into sobs. What was she going to do? What was Luke going to think? How was this going to work?

Her mind was working miles per minute. She couldn't do this. She wasn't ready to be a mother. She knew she was going to keep the baby. This was her fault and she would never forgive herself in the future if she did get rid of it.

She checked the time, seeing Luke and Jack would be back in about half an hour. She quickly cleaned everything up, hiding the tests. She washed her face and went to lay in bed, thinking of ways to tell Luke about this.

She didn't get much time however, because she hears the front door open and Luke yells out "We're back!". The panic sets in again, but she quickly calms herself down and waits for Luke to walk in.

She moves on with her day, not mentioning anything until later that night, when they're both laying in Luke's bed together. She mentally yells at herself for keeping it in all day, before opening her mouth faster then her mind was working.

"I need to tell you something," she says quickly.

Luke's hand that was rubbing up and down her back stops at the tone of her voice, and he pulls back from her just enough to see her face.

"What's wrong?" He questions.

"Promise you won't get mad at me," she begs, "I hate when you're mad at me."

Luke frowns and sits up.

"I promise," he whispers. She can tell by his expressions that he's nervous. Here goes nothing.

"I'm pregnant." The band aid's been ripped.

Luke doesn't say anything. He just stares at her until she can't take it anymore.

"Lu? Please say something. Anything," her voice is shaky, and her eyes gloss over. He stands up to pace around his room.

"Are you being serious?" he finally speaks. She nods her head before dropping her eyes to her shaking hands.

"Sophie I can't- my career is just starting and you're fucking pregnant?"

A sob escapes her mouth. He's mad, he promised he wouldn't be mad.

"I'm sorry," sob. "I really am," Another sob. "I'm keeping it though. I would never forgive myself if I didn't," sob. "I won't hate you if you don't want it. I know how much your career means to you," and again, another sob escapes past her lips.

Luke's face softens at her words, and his heart breaks that she thinks he's leaving her when she needs him most, when she's carrying they're child. He crouches in front of her, placing his hands on her knees and rubs them lovingly.

"Soph, look at me," he whisper softly. When she looks up at him with her red and teary eyes, his first tear of the night falls from his eye. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"I promise you, I'm not leaving you okay? Nothing means more to me then you. I love you, and now I'm gonna love our baby," he tells her as more tears stream down his face.

"We're gonna be parents," she whispers with a small smile. "You're gonna be the best mother this world has ever seen baby," he says as he smiles through the tears.

Sophie lets out another sob before wrapping her arms around his neck, his going to her waist. They cry happy tears into each others shoulders. Luke whispers sweet nothings into her ear, things about how she's going to be an amazing mom, and how he couldn't imagine anyone else to be the mother to his child.

After a bit, Sophie pulls back to look at him with a small frown on her lips.

"Luke what are we gonna do? We live hours away from each other."

He moves his hands up to her face to wipe her tears, before kissing both her cheeks, then her forehead, and lastly her lips.

"We can talk about this later, ok baby? Why don't we lay down for tonight and talk more in the morning." Just the way he was talking was enough to make Sophie's heart squeeze in joy.

"Okay," she whispers. Luke stands up and picks Sophie up, laying down with her on his chest.

"I love you, future mom," he says with a kiss to her head.

"I love you, future dad," Sophie responds with a small smile. They were going to be just fine.

_______________________________________________

OKAY SO THAT WAS CRAZYYYYYYYYYY

what do we think? do we like? do we hate?

personally i love teehee

This is my first AU so im still learning how i want things to work, BUT

im loving this IM SO READY FOR THIS AUUUU

please send in your thoughts on this, and start sending in asks for blurbs and other fics and what not because I DONT KNOW WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

Anywayyyss that being said

thank you for reading and i love you all!

- Audree ♡

[organizeworkers]

Union Domino Effect Reaches New Jersey Bookstore

There was this desire to demand respect from our employers and see our work recognized as the labor that it is.”

One day in the summer of 2022, without announcement, explanation, or fanfare, a new notice appeared on the wall of the breakroom of Labyrinth Books in Princeton, New Jersey. Employees recognized it as the brand new union contract of Politics and Prose, D.C.’s first unionized bookstore, and it lit a fire.

“That was the initial call to action for all of us. After that a small group of people got together and started talking seriously about organizing,” recalls Sarah Kempf, one of Labyrinth Books’ organizers. They started by identifying their co-workers’ common complaints. “In this particular area of New Jersey, it’s just not a livable wage, and it’s a job that’s designed to be a long-term bookselling career.”

Though adequate pay was front of mind for Sarah and many of her coworkers, the notice on the wall sparked a drive within Labyrinth’s workers for a more intangible gain: the dignity they were owed. “Everything had been simmering under the surface for a while… There was this desire to demand respect from our employers and see our work recognized as the labor that it is.”

From grievances to action

The employee Discord server, already used as a space for workers to air their grievances, soon had a thread reserved for union discussion. The bar down the street had cheap drinks and lots of room, a perfect spot for organizers to commiserate with workers fresh off a difficult shift. Sarah remembers the invaluable solidarity built in these discussion zones. “You could stay there for an hour or however long you wanted but we would just sit around and talk. It was a great way to build community, to get people comfortable with colleagues that they don’t see or work with as much during the day. This played a huge role in our organizing. We created spaces both digitally and in person where people could come together and find community among their fellow workers.”

One of the organizers reached out to a contact at EWOC, and Sarah and other future members of the Labyrinth Books organizing committee (OC) wasted no time in attending trainings. “EWOC helped us set the foundation for the organizing committee,” Sarah says. “All of us who were on the OC did the EWOC foundational training together… It was a great way to see how other organizing campaigns were going, to get inspiration, to get questions answered. It was great to have a network of support from all around the country from people who were doing the same thing that we were.”

They contacted the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) not long afterwards. “We knew that we wanted the support of a larger union … when we reached out to them, they were very excited because they had just been organizing the Rutgers Barnes & Noble… They were great in giving us the training that we needed and preparing us for anything we might face in the battle,” Sarah recalls. “RWDSU really wanted to ensure that as many people were inoculated and prepared as they could possibly be and it really paid off for us.”

Community support — and a major win

“Turnover was the most difficult challenge that we dealt with,” Sarah says. Like many other retail enterprises in college towns, Labyrinth’s workforce was constantly shifting, posing a serious threat to organizing attempts. The union effort nearly dissolved at one point after a large number of staff quit, but Sarah and her colleagues persevered.

“It was very demoralizing at first. It felt almost impossible to pick up the pieces after so many people had left,” she says. “What we learned was just how important it is to build a sense of community, to be the colleagues who are there for the new people, to be the first face that they see so they feel comfortable coming to us with their problems… Forming the union gave people a reason to stick around.”

When it was finally time for the campaign to go public, organizers found themselves buoyed by the power of Princeton’s community. This support came most immediately in the form of advice from Princeton faculty and graduate students, but Sarah thinks it had the remarkable effect of pressuring the store’s owners to voluntarily recognize the union as well.

January 9 saw the publishing of a press release declaring the owners’ intention “to use this organizing moment as an occasion to listen to everyone, make positive changes, and form a united Labyrinth that can do all the work we do better together.” Sarah attributes this surprising development to their community organizing efforts: “I think a lot of that had to do with the community support and how much they saw that the workers so overwhelmingly supported the union and how many people from the outside supported it as well… The community has really rallied behind us.”

The single act of pasting another union’s contract to the wall of the breakroom, carried out unprompted by an individual worker who left the bookstore shortly thereafter, set off an incredible wave of community-building that connected the booksellers at Labyrinth Books with Princeton community members, union organizers across the country, and most importantly each other. Through tenacity, resilience, and the enduring power of solidarity, this plucky group of Princeton organizers has secured for their colleagues all of the benefits afforded a unionized workplace. 

Want to improve your workplace? Contact an EWOC organizer now!

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin—SFW Alphabet | Top Gun Maverick Headcanon

Link to my Top Gun Masterlist

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Jake is very affectionate when it comes to you—let’s be honest, physical touch is his love language. He’s always wanting to hold you, kiss you, run his fingers along your back or waist. The man is obsessed with you and he loves to show it off. Best believe that when y’all go out his hand is holding yours, pulling you to sit in his lap and always feeling his touch on you—it’s always his way of showing you’re off limits to other wondering eyes.

B = Best Friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

No sugarcoating it, you and Jake butt heads in the beginning. You could not stand his arrogance and egotistical nature, and the blonde made it his mission to get under your skin. It honestly posed as a challenge for Jake and found himself looking forward to your bickering and trading light insults. “Take a picture it lasts longer, Bagman.” *pulls out phone and snaps picture* “Wait—are you fucking serious—?” “You said to take a picture, baby cakes.” “Do not call me that, Ken doll.”

The friendship between you two would be a sudden thing brought on by either a close call in training or one of you taking the banter to far and leading to one (probably Jake) apologizing. It would be a truce sort a say, that eventually blossomed into mutual respect and soon turning to each other as someone to rely on.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Does he like to cuddle? Is that even a question?

Hangman will not let you go and will complain if he has to when you cuddle. It’s the thing he looks forward to most after coming home from work so why you deprive him of such. You barely even get the chance to greet him half the time cause he’s popping his happy self on top of you from your spot on the couch. “Play with my hair, darlin’, please?” “So demanding, Seresin.”

Jake also loves to be the big spoon and have you tucked under his arms with your head resting on his chest. He will run his fingers through your scalp which ignites a low moan from you. The sound has him smirking….and may lead to something more depending on how the mood is.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Never did Hangman believe he would ever settle down. Was it something he longed for? Yes, but his reputation and career made that desire difficult. There was a time he was fine with being a bachelor and living life on the edge when it came to romance, but then he met you and it all changed. Coming home from work and seeing you there waiting for him sparked all the need and want for stability and having a future with the person he loved. And that person was you.

okay so his cooking needs some work because he was so used to eating like a college student when it was just himself. Eventually Hangman got better and making meals and often called his mother for advice which she gladly gave. The first time he surprised you with a home cooked meal you literally jumped in his arms and had him nearly drop the plate he was about to hand to you. Luckily Hangman has great reflexes ;)

Cleaning, Jake is actually good at. The military drilled into him that everything must be clean and sharp so there is no way your home with Hangman is anything but spotless. His sock drawer is even organized by color and length. Now on occasion (like weekends or vacation) you two will slack on the chores, but come Sunday everything is in order and there is not a speck of dust in sight.

E = Ending (if they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

It would kill him to end things with you. Honest to God Jake would rather you end things because seeing you sad breaks his heart into pieces. Part of him would fear would see him how he’s always been perceived as when in reality it was far from it. There would not be someone else if you accused him (which would put another nail to the heart if you did) it would simply be because he felt you deserved better than him. “I’m not good for you—you deserve so much more than me—.” “You don’t get to decide that for me, Jake!”

F = Fiancé(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

It terrified him, but he was absolutely sure he wanted to marry you once he realized how much he loved you. Marriage, like children, would be something you two discussed early on to make sure you both were on the same page. Being in the military there is already that preconceived notion that he would haul you to the court house the second you said yes but Jake would want to go at your pace. If you were like ‘Let’s just do it—call the Squad and they can witness. We’ll have a traditional ceremony later,’ then yeah your ass would be in the car and on your way to the nearest courthouse. But if you wanted to be engaged for awhile and do the whole process of planning, then Jake would be there every step of the way. “I can’t wait to put a ring on that finger—no matter how long I have to wait. I’m yours forever, darlin’.”

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Honestly Jake was a lost cause when it came to feelings and handling it with others. There would be times where he would have no clue how to help you and it was because he had never experienced the sort of love and intimacy he has with you. In the beginning he would be hesitant and ask what you wanted from him, and soon it would grow to Jake knowing exactly how to be there for you without needing any sense of direction.

H = Hugs (do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

remember, physical touch is his love language and we’ve established this man is obsessed with you. So when it comes to hugs, Jake is all over you. If you come to visit him at work he’s sweeping you off your feet, if you’re crying and in need of comfort, he’s holding you tightly to let you release your emotions and often he hugs you just because he can. “Darlin’ come’re.” “What is it—oof!” *intense hugging activated* “That’s better.”

I = I love you (how fast do they say the L-word?)

surprisingly, Jake is the first to say he loves you. His reputation as a playboy and flirt had him fear you’d never see him on that feel despite having been involved for some time. But that didn’t stop himself from developing serious feelings for you. In fact, he was so obvious that the Dagger Squad were making bets on when he would finally get the balls to say it. “Bet you he’ll do it next time he gets plastered.” “Nah, Hangman would make it special—.” “This is Hangman we’re talking about, Bob.”

It would probably be several months before he worked up the courage to say it and when he did you surprised him by throwing a smirk as you said, “Took you long enough,” before bringing him into a kiss.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

OH yes he does. His pride and ego will never have him verbally say it but you can tell by the way his eyes twitch or jaw clenches when he catches another person flirting with you. Of course Jake trusts you, but his thing is when you two have made it painfully obvious you’re together and someone still tries to fuck around and find out how far they can take it.

If someone is getting too close to you, he will simply slip in between and either look the person up and down, kiss you full on with a grab to your ass, or be like “try someone else, pal. This one’s mine.” Your obviously amused which he ignores half the time—cause again, that ego—because all you do is tease him. Thankfully there hasn’t been much escalation where a fight started, but there was once a weekend where both you and Jake were warned by Penny when y’all were on your third attempted bar fight because a bitch tried to throw her drink in your face and some creep sized up Jake when you rejected the dude’s advances.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Kisses are freaky with Hangman. Mans loves going to town with his tongue where it’s basically a one-v-one battle against who will be crowned the French kissing champion. The first time you kissed he kept it sweet and gentlemanly, but once y’all became official you best believe he was a man starved for your lips. “Babe, I’m trying to read.” “But you’re so addicting and I need at least five kisses before I’m satisfied.” “You’re a menace.”

other than your lips, Hangman’s favorite place to kiss you is your neck. Oh how he loves to hear your little whimpers and moans when he brushes his mouth over your sweet spot before gently nipping it between his teeth. Adding to that he likes to kiss the area just below your ear, loving how you shudder against him. For Jake, he loves when you kiss the top of his cheekbone. It’s often a sweet, non-sexual gesture to show your love for him. Whenever he has a hard day at work his favorite thing to do is crawl into your arms, vent about his frustration and feel you lay your lips on his cheekbone.

L = Little ones (how are they around children?)

Jake is great with children, which again would surprise those around him save for his family. He is an uncle to a bunch of nieces and nephews whom he looks forward to seeing every time he takes a trip home. The man is always present, listening to the kids when they tell ridiculous stories or want to play a game as simple as hopscotch.

With his job, having kids would be something you two talked about early in your relationship. As much as he would love a mini him/ mini you, or adopting a child to raise together, Jake would want it to be when his career is at a stable point and he could be there for his kids. If you were not interested in kids Jake would respect it and say, “hey, I’m happy as I am being an uncle to those little rascals,” but if you were, then the second he’s able to get something permanent then he would be on board whenever you are ready to take that step.

M = Morning (how are mornings spent with them?)

As a Naval aviator, Jake is out the door bright and early every morning save for weekends. His day often has him waking up at the ass crack of dawn and days where he has PT Jake will be up at practically 4am. Sometimes, depending on your job, you’ll catch him in the morning to share a quick cup of coffee or tea and a kiss goodbye before you go your separate ways. On weekends and when Jake has his day off, he may sleep in but will still be up early as his military career has instilled it in him to be an early riser. With that he normally will go for a run before retuning just as you’re waking up and the two of you will have breakfast together and discuss your plans for the day.

N = Night (how are nights spent with them?)

Usually Jake returns home at a reasonable time. On those days you two will spend time chilling, making out (maybe even more) and cooking dinner together before doing your nighttime routine. The times where his workday runs overtime, Jake would call you in advance and often pick up some takeout for the both of you. He’s often exhausted so after you eat the man is in the shower and then knocking out cold on the bed.

On weekends where you two can relish in some quality time, Jake will plan for you to take a night out on the town whether it be going to a movie, late walks on the beach, or meeting up with some friends at the bar. Jake wants to have you to himself at least one night and since Sunday is reserved for prepping for the upcoming week, Jake will reserve your Friday nights with your friends and Saturdays for yourselves. Sometimes you’ll meet up with the squad back to back if there is a special occasion like a birthday or banquet, but Jake prefers the nights where you two can have a night dedicated to loving each other like your the only people in the world.

[qqueenofhades]

hello, it's youngin anon once again. i need advice and i have no one to ask, so i figured i could ask you. it's a lot and long, so if you don't want to answer, feel free to ignore.

idk how familiar you are with immigrant child guilt, but it weighs on me immensely. my parents work very hard and i can see the way they struggle. i remember when i was young we didn't even have a bed! me and my siblings slept on cushions. i've seen the insane hours my dad has worked so as to afford me and my siblings a better and more comfortable life. both of my parents have put in a lot of work to give us good opportunities, starting with their immigration to the US.

in nigerian culture, education is extremely important, so as i grew up, my parents have always told me to focus on my education, telling me not to work and it did pay off bc i did end up as valedictorian. college, however is presenting a new set of problems.

my dad, who i am financially dependent on (and who is paying the tuition for the state uni where i'm enrolled) has made it abundantly clear that he thinks med school is the only valid career path. i told him that my roommate was studying comms and he said that she could become a lawyer or something, before looking me dead in the eyes and that wasn't an option for me. with him, it's med school or bust.

as long as i could remember, my parents have been telling me i was going to become a doctor. every time i asked my dad to get me something, he say, i'll do it and in the future, you'll become a doctor, right? and i would agree and that was that. i've answered to all the adults who asked me that i was was going to med school and they would all give me smiles of approval. if i mentioned any other career growing up i'd be ruthlessly shot down or gently persuaded about how much more security there was in medicine.

i was aware in high school that i didn't really want to be a doctor so i sort of set myself up, enrolling under my college's science school so as to cut off my own retreat path. i figured that if i was able to bear it during high school, i could bear it during college. but i can see my own behavior and i know that i don't really like STEM. not that it's a bad field! i just don't have any interest in it. i read the textbooks to learn enough to pass the test and that's it. i don't interact with my classmates or the professors or the material beyond what's needed to get an A. this is in sharp contrast to my history classes which i have been enthralled with. I took a world history class in the first semester enjoyed it immensely. last semester i took a war and violence in africa class and LOVED it. it made me want to become an African historian/Africanist. i talk to my professors, enjoy the readings, the assignments, all the new info i'm getting on the continent where my family originates. i go to my history classes and i want to be there. i want to learn.

i don't know if i could survive academia as a profession because i've seen you posting about the struggles from working in academia and there was a large strike at my school last semester because professors weren't earning enough. if it were a perfect world or if i had lots of money i would love to get my Ph.D focusing on West African history and be a history professor, but it's not, so. i've been thinking about law school as a happy compromise. i could go to law school with a undergrad history degree and if i went to law school i could also pursue JD/MA in History. i'm trying out some law classes next semester to see how i like them.

i'm now scared that if i were to transfer to a different school in my college my scholarship might be reduced. i'm also afraid that i would lose my parents' financial support if i chose to pursue a different career path and i have no actual work experience.

and i understand my parents' very valid concerns! both of them grew up poor in Nigeria and it was their STEM educations that afforded them better lives. they don't want me to experience that level of crushing poverty that heavily defined their youth. my mom tells me about her younger brother in Nigeria who struggles to get work with his masters. my dad tells me about co-workers' children who can't get jobs in their field of profession and have to work whatever jobs come their way. from what i've seen on the news, the future job market looks bad for the young people (around the world!). millennials are having problems and my generation isn't set to do much better.

is it fair to my parents to just disregard that and pursue work in the humanities? i want to do what i want, to just live my life, but it feels like it's not just my life. it would feel so selfish to just risk that all. whenever i talk to my parents about their journey in the US i feel like i should just suck it all up and go to med school. if my parents could suffer all of that, who i am to complain? do my struggles compare?

i feel like my sense of pragmatism and idealism are warring against each other. I don't like STEM, I'm good at it, good enough to get good grades in the classes, but it's not something i enjoy doing, but there's more job security. i love history and the humanities as a whole, but i might struggle with employment.

i'm semi-familiar with the path i would need to take to become a doctor. i would have to make it into med school (high GPA, experience in science research/labs, shadowing healthcare professionals, good recommendations, etc.), survive med school, survive residency (during which residents are worked like dogs), complete fellowships, and then i would be able to practice independently. and that would probably occupy the majority of my time. people have told me that med school is hard even for people that like medicine. for me who is just tolerating it, can i do it? and what about any future patients? is it fair to them?

my mom has always said that i could just get my second degree in whatever i wanted after i became a doctor, but i don't know if i would have the mental strength/energy/free time to go back to school after med school. i feel like if i grit my teeth and bared it for all my twenties i would lose the drive to do it my thirties. it feels like i've been putting off my living my life for my entire life. in middle school i thought about high school, in high school about college, and in college about post-graduate life. i'm tired of this constant look towards the future, but it's the only thing i know how to do. my brain is constantly asking "okay, and then what?"

if i go to med school and realize that i really can't do it, then i'll be trapped. it'll be too much debt to walk away from, too many years of my life dedicated towards that end goal of becoming a doctor. i feel like if i'm going to change my future plans, i should do it before sooner rather than later. 19 isn't too late to walk back but 26 might be.

but it's not like pursuing a career closer to what i want would be easier.

there's always this big fear in the background of, what if i fail? what if i risk it all to go to law school and i don't make it in? or i end up in a low-paying law job saddled with hundreds of thousands in student debt? or even if i make it to biglaw, i still end up burned out from all the hours that they work? wouldn't i still be miserable? i'm not super familiar with how law school works but i've done some lurking around @artielu's blog and law seems like something i should also go into in only if i'm sure.

(i'm not. i'm not sure of anything really.)

it feels like no matter what i'm going to be unhappy in the future. maybe everyone feels this way, maybe a certain level of unhappiness is normal in adult life. it just makes me feel so frustrated because i'm struggling so hard for what? idk. i'm also so desperately scared. i'm scared that one day i'll wake up in the my forties/fifties and realize that i hate my life. maybe i'll look back on this and lament how spoiled/whiny i was. idk. idk.

i'm not looking for an answer to this dilemma, i know this is a decision i'll have to make for myself, but i would appreciate any advice or even words of encouragement. thank you.

Welp. Okay, first of all, I am giving you a big virtual hug and sitting you down at your coffeeshop of choice. So imagine us talking there.

Second, thanks for pouring out your heart to me about this and your various other comments and chats over the years. I only know you as one of my favorite (shh) Tumblr anons on the internet, but I have always seen how thoughtful, smart, and hard-working you are, and I don't take it lightly that you trust me to listen to you and to give you good advice. (Or uh, let's hope, at least not bad advice? Jury's out.) Likewise, I'm absolutely sure that immigrant-child guilt is something to which a lot of my followers can very much relate, and would be happy to talk with you about. So if you are one of said followers and you'd like to encourage anon to reach out to you, please drop a note in the replies! I can't speak to this from personal experience, but I'd love to help connect you to others in your situation. Because yes, it IS absolutely a universal struggle for first- or second-gen immigrant kids: balancing cultural expectations of parents, American opportunities, feeling guilty if you do what you want, etc etc.

Third, and this is just me talking: if you absolutely feel this way, then no, I don't think you should go to medical school. I realize that this is far easier said than done, but if you continue to feel this strongly about it, then... you shouldn't be expected to do it, and that's just something that everyone in your family will have to come to terms with. After all, your parents came to America so you could be raised as an American, and there would be multiple pathways to success -- not whatever just they themselves had to do in order to get here in the first place. I'm afraid that you'll eventually have to bite the bullet and have an honest talk with your parents about this, but it may help if you present this as both your own success and THEIR success. After all, you're smart, talented, you have so many options, and you'll clearly succeed at whatever you choose to do. And that means THEY did their job right: they worked hard, they raised you right, they brought you to a place where there ISN'T just one narrow pathway to having a fulfilling and prestigious career. It doesn't mean they "failed" to make you a doctor. It means they succeeded in making YOU, and opening up so many more things for you to do.

Obviously: that's going to be hard either way, your parents are probably going to be upset, and that's very tough to deal with, especially if you're a close family unit and if you're financially dependent on them. You're the only one who can choose when to have the conversation and what might come of it, but it's still something that you do have the right to do. If you want to research other aid options or scholarship packages, or reach out to financial aid/admissions officers at other schools to see what it might take to transfer (that is, if you need to transfer), that's your right to do. You're an adult now and you have the right to take legal and personal responsibility for your own life. If you know what you want to do and how you want to do it: then again, isn't that why your parents came here? Isn't that what they were working to achieve?

Yes, academia is hard. No, there's no guarantee of getting a job. But there isn't the guarantee of getting a job in medicine either, especially if it's something you're forcing yourself to do and which (as you note) would impact negatively on you, your colleagues, and the patients you would be expected to serve. Especially post-Covid and in the American healthcare system: being a doctor/nurse/healthcare professional SUCKS! Even if you like it and feel called to do it, it still sucks, and the only people earning a lot of money from it are the senior/career/specialist types (as is the case in every field). Of course your parents have expectations and dreams for you, but they also don't get the right to control/dictate your entire adult life just by virtue of deciding to bring you into the world. After all, they did that, and that means embracing you as a person with your own choices. (And this goes for all people with controlling/bossy parents, regardless of immigrant or non-immigrant background). So again: this is what they wanted for you, and you've paid that off already.

I absolutely feel the "I spend all my time thinking/worrying about the future and being scared that I'll end up wasting my life" thing, which I think is common to a lot of high-achieving smart people (we are terminal overthinkers to a one). I can tell you now that life has a way of surprising you, and when you get a little older, you start becoming more comfortable with yourself, your accomplishments, your talents, and knowing what you're good at. So I don't think you will find that you've wasted anything. Likewise, when it comes to studying for advanced degrees in history: do you think it might help with your parents if you agreed to pursue a name-brand school? It's still not guaranteed, but trust me, going to a place like Harvard or Yale makes it tremendously easier to get a job or a future opportunity just by virtue of having that name on your CV and the people you will meet, and I have no doubt that you would be able to get in. As well, I don't really think your parents could argue with you going to an Ivy League, or think that you weren't applying yourself.

Likewise, if there is anything I can do to support you in this, please feel free to message me privately/off anon. I will write a letter of recommendation for you, I will see if I know a person who knows a person, I will help look at application materials, so forth and etc. I mean it: I WILL help you in the real world if I possibly can. I'm sure you have tons of other enthusiastic recommenders, but still. Also, I will say that despite the current (terrible) academic job market, I have seen quite a few openings for professors of African history/African studies/African-American literature and culture, and that's just in the US. There are also lots of opportunities around the world.

Anyway: I hope that's helpful to start with. I am giving you all the hugs. Please reach out to me again (especially via private message) if I can help with this in more tangible ways. And likewise, if any of my followers would like anon to reach out to them: please make a note in the replies. We can do this together.

<3

[mike-haters-dni]

GIMMIE THE FUTURE MIKE HCS I BEG

oh boy here we go time to dig through my adopted oc's lore

The first thing you notice about post-coming-of-age Mike is that he holds his face a lot more softly. The teenage angst has burned away and revealed the tender, affectionate (and sometimes vaguely sad) core it was protecting. Make no mistake, the judgy bitch will still come out if the situation calls for it, but he no longer approaches every social interaction assuming the other person is going to hate him. Turns out he can actually be pretty charismatic when he doesn't feel the need to be a dick in preemptive self-defense.

The low self-esteem never completely goes away but it does diminish to the point where he can occasionally believe people actually like him and maybe he deserves to be happy. He even gets to the place where he can accept most compliments, except if you specifically imply he is either kind or attractive, which he will reflexively scoff at. The two things he can never truly believe about himself 😔. El finds this endlessly frustrating ofc.

During high school, Mike is the first one to get a car (birthday present from his rich parents) so it becomes his job to carpool everyone to school, as well as drive El anywhere she wants to go at any time. idk anything about cars but its black and pretty nice (Karen is absolutely treating her kids after they almost died in a monster war) and Mike lowkey mostly agrees to favors because he likes driving it around so much.

Actually no one else but Lucas gets a car bc why go through the hassle when you can just barge into Wheeler residence at any time and guilt Mike into driving you. He does have a driving toll however, and that is maintaining full control of the stereo, which he uses to blast hair metal.

(El fucking hates hair metal but she's too nice to admit that to Mike, who eventually figures that out on his own after seeing her visibly tense up whenever he plays it. She never fully admits to hating it but she also doesn't really deny it when he says that she obviously does. This also applies to 90's Mike getting into grunge)

The only reason El graduates high school is because Mike absolutely insists that she can and acts as her personal (unrelenting) tutor for the last half of 12th grade (love her but she's really not good at school), despite her best efforts to persuade him to just let her give up because "Did you know that you can legally drop out of school at 18?" ("Yes, but having a GED is really important if you want any opportunities in life." "…See I don't even know what that is." ":/") Luckily, Mike is a talented and very passionate Explainer of Things and took all the classes she's in last year (he's in AP classes now obv) so it all works out, though after she passes her last final she makes him swear to never ask her another math problem again.

After high school he tries to go to college for writing but ends up mysteriously losing the ability to focus on anything or be creative, which causes him to not do any assignments so he starts avoiding going to class out of shame. He rationalizes this as him being tired of school and not needing to go to school for a creative endeavor anyway haha (true), and he ends up dropping out. (Unfortunately, this is just the start of the college/post-college plot line, which is the gang all getting hit full force with the ptsd induced by the Everything upon entering adulthood but uh we don't have to get into that here hehe)

After (attempting) college, Mike and El (who get married at 18 ofc) move to Chicago and Mike gets a boring job as an editor or something just as an attempt to get a career going, but soon quits that as well bc if you're keeping up with the lore you'll remember that El is getting paid restitution by the government so neither of them actually have to work and he really doesn't like working a boring job just to attempt getting a career going. He then spends the next few years working ("working" sometimes) on personal projects, the main one being a sci-fi novel and, eventually, dming at a local game shop, where he becomes a bit of a local geek celebrity for his excellent dming skills and being a generally cool guy. His original campaigns and one-shots are particularly popular, and people keep suggesting that he start distributing them or maybe even sending something to TSR? Hmmm... not something Mike ever thought about doing but he does have the easiest time and most fun coming up with dnd stuff...no way that could be a real career path could it...hmm.....

Seriously tho Mike is like a master dm. You can ask him any obscure question about anything in the game and he can answer instantly with perfect accuracy. And like any passionate gamer he has many Opinions about the editions and a whole set of house rules he runs his games by.

I wasn't originally going to have him and El have kids but then I imagined Mike telling interactive bedtime stories to his 5-year-old daughter and idk man I think that has to exist. Its not until they're like early 30's tho. Also her name is Ava.