#i meant to take a nap like an hour and a half ago but my brain went 'WRITE THIS OUT FIRST' and it got so long i haven't slept yet lol

[hedgehog-moss]

I meant to do some greenhouse cleaning and tidying today because my mum is coming to visit and I don't want to be judged. It involved finally bringing myself to say goodbye to my moribund basil plants (by turning them into pesto) among other things—but my plans were derailed when I took down one of the aquaponics towers and heard a big splash. I thought I'd disturbed a fish that was napping amid the plant roots in the water, but no.... I looked into the fish tank and saw a big frog indignantly swimming away.

I went to get a little dip net and spent a solid half hour trying to fish the frog out—she swam so fast! And was really determined to stay in the fish tank, even when I told her I would put her outside somewhere watery and nice where she could meet frog friends. But I did catch her in the end.

I'd never seen a completely black frog before! When I googled for more info, all I found were photos of the (amazing) African rain frog, which one website compared to an angry avocado.

Back to my tank squatter—she was delicately placed on the edge of the barrel that collects spring water in the pasture and invited to start a new life here, and she morosely sat for quite a while, mulling over her options.

I'm not even lying to you, frog: I found a beautiful toad in the pasture some time ago... I'm moving you from a place of existential alienation (lone frog in fish tank) to a hot spot of batracian life.

I tried to film the moment when the frog accepted her fate and gracefully jumped into the barrel but of course I started filming just a second too late and she refused to come back for a second take. In the meantime, every pasture dweller had noticed that something interesting was happening, and converged towards me. When they found my hands and pockets empty of snacks their reactions ranged from sharp betrayal to distant melancholy.

Pirlouit looked so sad in the rain staring at the horizon, pondering the inherent unfairness of life, I ended up letting him sniff the dip net, like, did you actually WANT to eat a frog?

I know, but this one was too large for you.

Poldine was the only one who didn't resent me for visiting them with a frog and no snacks; she was just happy for the opportunity to kiss someone's cheek.

When I went home and looked at my frog pictures I realised there was an apple floating in the barrel ! which I hadn't seen since I was too focused on the frog. The apple tree has shed nearly all of its fruit by now, it must be one of the last apples of the year... And since entering the pasture with a poor slimy excuse for a snack in my dip net had clearly made a dent in my approval ratings, I decided to go back and offer llamas & donkey the apple along with some vegetable peelings.

Pandolf was intrigued when I fished an apple out of the barrel; he sat down in front of me the way he does to signal that he is a good dog and possibly deserving of good things; but UNLIKE SOME he wasn't disappointed with me when he realised the thing I was holding wasn't meant for him because the world doesn't revolve around him.

.... approval ratings skyrocketing 📈

Look at Pirlouit in the background, startled and horrified as he realises he left the scene to soon!

Look at him leaving a cloud of dust behind him as he rushes towards us!

Don't worry Pirou, I saved you a whole half courgette <3 You can drop the tragic misunderstood persecuted look now.

[uniquedinosaurdreamland]

Ingrid Engen & Mapi León x Reader -Nap-

Hi everyone, this is my first post on here so I really hope you like it and give me some requests please 💛

Ingrid Engen & Mapi León x Reader -Nap-

🌼

It was very rare to be home before your girlfriends got back from training when you were called in for shifts. Being a paramedic in Barcelona meant that when you were on call it was for long hours though the whole night or the whole day. Growing up in London, England, you were immediately drawn to human anatomy and seeing the work paramedics drew you to the adrenaline filled job.

You first met Mapi and Ingrid about a year and a half ago when you were visiting your childhood best friend Keira Walsh when she first moved to Barcelona. Unlike the midfielder you knew Spanish very well from taking it in your GCSEs, and on a night out with Keira’s new teammates you had spent pretty much the whole time speaking to the couple who had taken an interest in hearing about you and what you do for work.

Fast forward about a year of dating the two women. You couldn’t be happier, going through long distance for the first couple of months until you secured a position as an EMT in the busy city and there was never a dull moment.

In the early morning you had left the house before either of your lovers were up, saying a quiet goodbye before leaving to start your predicted twelve hour shift. You drove around with your partner Gabe who had grown up in the city, no major calls starting out making it pretty easy. Though every single time the Q word came up what happened after would never be good.

“Quiet today.” Gabe said causing you to groan as not even a second later you were called to a car accident with multiple vehicles and injured people.

“Idiota.” You said as you turned the ambulance around to the place of the accident. Getting to the scene you were immediately pulled to work taking note of the multiple emergency personnel and blood and bodies scattered around the road with people trying to aid.

It took a long time to calm down the chaos, working on multiple patients that needed to get to the hospital quickly. You worked purely off adrenaline, split from Gabe as you worked on a five year old girl who had pain in her chest and a broken arm. It seemed like the driver of a truck had gone out of control going down a busy highway taking out a lot of cars on the way.

You were used to traumatic calls, you had time to think about everything later but in the moment you had to save the patients that were still alive. After a couple more hours and dropping off patients at the hospital you and Gabe were driving through the streets. The two of you didn’t talk as images flashed through your brain.

The memories of patients some it which you could save but others where people were to far gone to save.

“Podemos traernos del turno? No podemos continuar.” (Can we brought of the shift? We can't continue.) Gabe said to the emergency base knowing that both you and himself were not mentally okay to continue the shift.

Once you got back to the Ambulance base you said goodbye to Gabe and headed back to your apartment, you were called off five hours before your shift was to end and now had the whole apartment to yourself as your two girlfriends were still at training. You made sure to send a quick text to them both telling them what had happened and how you were going to shower and sleep once you got back, knowing they probably wouldn’t see it for another couple of hours.

Unlocking your front door, putting your bags down and heading straight to the shower to scrub the dried blood and sweat off your body from the day. After twenty minutes you were out and dressed in one of Ingrid’s shirts and a pair of Mapi’s old Barcelona shorts, climbing into bed under the covers and immediately falling asleep.

…

Mapi read your text once she pulled her phone out of bag after training, eyebrows furrowed as she read what had happened showing Ingrid who looked over her shoulder. The two quickly showered trying to get home to you as quick as they could, saying goodbye to their teammates before driving to their apartment.

The two women's eyes softened as they landed on your sleeping form snuggled into the covers. Ingrid grabbed your uniform that was on the bathroom floor, taking it to wash while Mapi walked over to your sleeping form. “Hola mi amor.” Mapi whispered, pressing a loving kiss to your forehead.

Mapi smiled gently as you cuddled into her side, still half asleep. Ingrid came in not long after immediately hoping on the other side of you and wrapping her arm around your waist. At this point you were just pretending to be asleep wanting to stay like this forever with your two favourite people.

“We know you're awake.” Ingrid whispered into your ear, causing shivers to run up your spine.

“Leave me be.” You muttered back burying your head further in Mapi’s side, the two women laughing lightly choosing to just let your rest. Mapi moved from her sitting position of the bed to move further down making sure to settle your head into a comfy position on her chest, taking her other lover's hand resting them over your waist.

Ingrid stayed awake scrolling through her phone as you and Mapi fell asleep once again, the warmth taking over. An hour and a half passed and soon dinner time was fast approaching and Ingrid needed to know what you guys wanted. “Min elsker tid til å stå opp.” (My loves time to get up.) Mapi woke up as soon as she heard Ingrid’s voice but like always you stayed asleep.

“Just leave her.” Mapi said, looking at Ingrid.

“I need to know what she wants for dinner.” Ingrid said, sending a pointed look to the defender.

“You know she’ll eat anything you make.” Mapi said as she manoeuvred herself from under you to enter the kitchen, pressing a sweet kiss to Ingrid’s cheek as they started to get dinner ready for the three of you.

Thirty minutes passed and you were brought from your nap by the feeling of being alone in bed, and you were right as you noticed that neither of your lovers were next to you and both sides were cold. Grabbing your phone from the bedside table you saw a message from Keira and others notifications from other apps, moving to respond to your best friend planning some breakfast plans for the two of you.

Walking out of the shared bedroom your senses were met with an amazing aroma of fresh food and your two beautiful girlfriends standing in the kitchen making the food (Mapi messing around more than helping). “Morning sleeping beauty.” Mapi teased, smiling brightly as she realised you had woken up from your nap.

“You're so funny.” You joked back, teasing her even more by dodging her kiss to land on your cheek instead of your lips.

“Oi.” Mapi yelled, grabbing both of your cheeks and pulling her lips to meet yours, giggling into the kiss as she poked at your sides.

You took your seat at one of the chairs at the kitchen island, each of you talking about your day. Not long later Ingrid had finished dinner asking you to set the table, quickly complying so you could eat the perfectly prepared meal. Eating in comfortable silence, with conversations flowing around every so often.

Since Ingrid cooked it was either Mapi or you cleaning up and of course it was decided by a simple game of rock, paper, scissors. “Suck on that loser.” You laughed as you showed scissors while Mapi had paper.

“No best of three-” Mapi tried to argue.

“Elskling.” Ingrid said looking up from her phone, knowing that Mapi had suggested whoever won first had to do the washing up, shutting your idea down of best of three. Mapi pouted as you pressed a light kiss on her cheek before moving to snuggle into your other girlfriend who was waiting with her arms open.

Ingrid was very used to her girlfriends' childish fights, always there to diffuse them, but secretly she loved seeing either you or Mapi’s pouts when you were told off. It took Mapi ten minutes to clean up so soon enough she was back in the living room jumping onto the couch taking you and Ingrid by surprise.

Ingrid had settled herself with her book with you tucked under her arm with your back resting against her side, Mapi slotted herself in between your legs resting her head on your stomach while also grabbing your hand to intertwine your fingers into her hair. Love Island was on so that was playing on the TV. Neither one of your girlfriends liked the show but couldn’t bring themselves to tell you to turn it off due to how much it made you laugh and just how much you enjoyed it.

Your giggles were heard through the room, Ingrid smiling to herself at how happy you were and Mapi finding comfort in your joy as your fingers continued to comb through her hair and glide over her tattoos. You would never grow tired of the warmth Mapi and Ingrid gave you and their ability to make any day 100% better. 

[beyondthesefourwalls]

Remember You Even When I Don't (3)

Summary: A training accident, the doctor had told him. A nasty one that led him here, laying in a hospital bed with a splitting headache and an inability to remember the woman sitting beside him. What he did know, though, was that you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and you felt important to him. That, as it turns out, would become an understatement.

Words: 4.7K

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw/Reader (no use of y/n, so can be read as unnamed oc)

Warnings: angst, hospitals, memory loss, language.

Notes: The response for this continues to blow me away. Thank you all so much! Hearing your thoughts about these two makes me so happy and is so encouraging to write a little bit faster. Please continue to comment and reblog, and my inbox is always open!

This was inspired by a one shot by the lovely @roosterforme and would not exist without her assistance. If you haven't read any of her stuff, please check out her masterlist - you won't be disappointed!

Part Two

_________

He dreamt of sparkling lights and cobblestone streets. When he roused consciousness, he thought he could smell pumpkin candles and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. 

He woke slowly, chasing after the smell and the visuals as they evaporated from his view. He blinked several times, adjusting to the fluorescent light and white walls of his hospital room. 

“Well well well, look who decided to wake up.” 

It took a moment for the words to register in his mind. He looked to his left, where he had grown accustomed to seeing you sitting, only you weren’t there this time. Instead, he saw someone he recognized very well, smirking at him like only she could. 

“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” he grunted out as he adjusted himself on the bed and raised it up so he wasn’t lying down as far, making it easier to look at her. 

“You look like shit,” she continued. 

Bradley snorted. “Thanks, Phoenix. Appreciate that.” 

The smirk on her face fell into a soft smile. She reached out and laid her hand on his, squeezing gently. “It’s good to see you, Rooster.” 

“Yeah, it’s good to see you too,” he nodded, and he meant it. “How…long has it been?” 

Like she usually did, Nat knew exactly what he meant, and he was grateful he didn’t have to explain. “For me? Five days. I hear it may be a little longer for you, though. Based on the date you told the doctor, it’s been six months since I was sent to Korea without you.” 

“Five days? So…” 

“I was in the air with you when you went down,” she confirmed. “We’ve been stationed here together for almost three years.” 

“Lucky you,” he murmured as he rolled this new information over in his head. Learning that he was stationed in San Diego, Fightertown of all places, as part of a permanent detachment at Top Gun was a lot for him. The last place he remembered was D.C. But learning he had been with Phoenix here the whole time, for three years, brought another question to his mind. He took a glance around the room, even though he knew they were alone. 

“We finally talked her into going home and taking a shower about an hour and a half ago. One of the guys might con her into taking a nap, too.” 

The coffee cup from the day prior flashed in his mind again. “We?” 

“Mhm,” She hummed, meeting his eyes again. “It’s not just you and me anymore, Bradshaw. We found ourselves a whole, big ass family here. Imagine that, huh?” 

He could always count on Nat to never beat around the bush with him. He never knew how much he appreciated it until now, when he had never felt so out of the loop before. 

“Anyone I know?” 

She barked out a laugh, her eyes shining with something that looked like mischief. “Oh, Rooster. I don’t know that you’d even believe me if I told you.” 

“That bad, huh?” 

She was still laughing when she leant forward, speaking like she was sharing a secret with him. Bradley supposed that in a way, she was. 

“What would you say if I told you Bagman has been here to visit you everyday?” 

Bradley’s face scrunched up in disbelief, “Good joke.” 

“I told you that you wouldn’t believe me,” she said, her voice very much taking on the I told you so tone that she was so good at. She picked her phone up from her lap, scrolling for a few seconds before handing it over to him. There was a picture displayed on the screen of a group of people all donning their traditional green flight suits with an F/A-18 in the background. And there, right in the middle with his signature smug grin, was Jake fucking Seresin, arm wrapped around Bradley’s own shoulders like it was completely normal to do so. 

“Well I’ll be damned.” 

“Tell me. What’s more shocking? Hangman being your best friend, or finding out you have a wife?” 

She was teasing him, Bradley knew, trying to ease some of the obvious tension in the room. He looked at the picture again, trying to place names with faces. He recognized Payback and Coyote, and Harvard and Yale, but the rest were unfamiliar to him. He studied it for another moment, but no memories came with it. There was a flash of disappointment when he handed her phone back to her. 

“Pretty even, I guess.” 

Despite his words, they both knew it wasn’t really even. He had known Hangman for a decade and the rivalry had never really been more than that. But you, on the other hand…you were something Bradley never anticipated or thought he’d have. He’s still in shock at your existence, still something more than perplexed at how you made him feel even if he knew little more than your name. 

“This is….a lot, Nat. I have a wife. A wife and a whole life I don’t remember.” It was the first time he had said it out loud. His voice cracked, and his eyes stung, but he knew she would never use it against him. “This is crazy.” 

Her face was sympathetic now and she reached back out to hold his hand again. “You’ll get through it, Bradley. I know you will. We’ll all help you. Especially her.” She said it with such certainty that he almost believed her. 

“Can you tell me about her?” he asked her tentatively, and Nat shrugged in response. 

“It’s not my place to tell you your entire love story with her,” she said. Bradley couldn’t hide his disappointment. 

“What I will tell you though,” she continued, and he perked up just the slightest bit, “is that you two are ridiculously happy. And you love one another more than I’ve seen two people be capable of loving one another, and my parents have been married for like 40 years. You, her, and Florence are the perfect little family and we all make fun of you for it on a regular basis but it’s just because we’re jealous.” 

Her words made him feel better, but then he replayed them in his head and felt panic course through his body. The heart monitor beeped a little faster. “Florence? Who is Florence? Nat, do I have a kid?” 

By the way she bursted out laughing, he assumed that no, he did not, or her sense of humor has seriously changed in the last four years that she would find his panic at the thought funny if it were true. 

“No,” she snorted, “not as far as I’m aware. Florence is your cat. You call her Florry, most of the time.” 

His sigh of relief was so deep that it hurt his still very broken ribs, but it was worth it. Waking up to a wife he didn’t remember was one thing. He didn’t know if he could handle forgetting a child on top of that. Hell, he could barely handle all of this as it was. 

“I don’t remember her,” he started, and despite him stating the obvious, Nat was quiet as he worked out his thoughts. “But I feel like I know her. That’s…that’s crazy, right?” 

“I don’t think so,” she shrugged, “You do know her. Better than anyone. Your mind may not remember her, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t.” 

Bradley considered her words for a moment, feeling like he got punched right in his broken ribs. 

“Yeah,” he croaked, “I feel like I do.” 

Phoenix smiled at him sadly, giving him a moment to breathe before she started talking again. She spoke about the last four years of his career. He was stationed in D.C. when he was sent on a six week deployment to Belgium, only to be pulled out of that halfway through for a special mission out of Top Gun. It led to all of those that were called back to form a new unit with this as their homebase. 

“The Dagger Squad?” he questioned with a snort. Natascha hit him gently in his arm, but he winced anyway just to mess with her as they’ve always done. “Ow.” 

“Jokes on you, asshole. You were the first one to say it and it stuck.” 

He groaned. “Of course I was.” 

She talks him through how he was promoted in 2020, nearly a year after being stationed here. Lieutenant Commander Bradley Bradshaw, she had teased. She had since been promoted as well, but he got it before the rest of them. He felt a certain level of satisfaction in that. They had done additional missions together, deploying for mostly short stints when necessary, and had taught a few Top Gun classes of their own. 

Their crew was close, like family. Some of them had been in the air with him when he went down days prior, while the others remained in the tower. They all searched for him and made sure he was found, unwilling and unable to leave him behind.

They had been here everyday since his accident, rotating out in shifts so that you were never alone, staying until the nurses kicked them out at the end of the night. Bob, one of the ones in the photo that Bradley didn’t recognize, had been down in the cafeteria getting you both food when he had woken up the previous morning. It warmed him, knowing you had people here for you when he had been unconscious. That there was someone making sure you ate and drank water and slept. It was important to him that you weren’t alone. 

Coyote and Hangman had been the ones to drive you home this evening. You had agreed only if Phoenix stayed in case he woke up, so that he wasn’t alone. 

“She thought you would appreciate seeing a face you recognized,” she explained, and the thought that you were that considerate nearly took his breath away. He did appreciate it, more than he thought. The two of them talked for a long time, but Bradley felt himself missing you. There was an ache in his chest that was getting harder to ignore. He found himself looking toward the door and at the clock near the window. The sun had gone down hours ago. When the nurse came in a little while ago to check on him, she had warned Nat that visiting hours were almost over. 

“Everything alright?” Nat asked him, noticing how his gaze was wandering and he was taking longer pauses between responding to her. “Pain okay?” 

There was an ever present ache in his head and his ribs hurt, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. It wasn’t what he was focused on right now. 

You were upset when you had left the room earlier. He still wanted to know who you were talking to and what the doctor had said to you and to just know you. He was starting to get anxious that you weren’t coming back. 

He didn’t like the thought. Your presence soothed something. Anytime you were in the room with him, he felt a little less outside of his own skin. You had said the day before that there was nowhere else you would be than beside him, so he had to believe you wouldn’t leave him alone tonight. 

“Fine,” he muttered, deciding to keep the thoughts to himself, too embarrassed to ask after where you were and when you were coming back. He suspected that Nat saw right through him, but gracefully, she moved on. Even when another thirty minutes had passed and the nurse came in again, informing the two of them that visiting hours were over and she was hugging him goodbye as gently as she could, he didn’t say anything. 

When the door closed behind her, he realized it was the first time he had been alone since he woke up in this bed the morning before. Being on his own had never bothered him before. He had always preferred solitude over anything else, yet this felt strangely empty. Lonely, even. Your face was there at the forefront of his mind. He found himself wondering what you were doing right now. If you had ended up taking that nap at home and if you were okay. His heart ached remembering the broken look in your eyes yesterday when he didn’t know who you were and how distraught you looked with the doctors and nurses earlier. 

He wished he would have had the thought to ask Phoenix for your phone number. He had no idea where his own cell phone was, but the old corded phone in the hospital room could certainly dial out if he needed to reach you. 

He wondered if this same sense of longing had happened so quickly the first time around, too. 

He wasn’t sure how much time passed as he thought about you, but his ears picked up on hurried footsteps making their way to his door. They barely paused before it was thrown open, but grabbed before it could hit off the wall. 

The tightness in his chest eased when he saw you. You paused in the doorway when you saw he was awake and looking at you. 

You looked more frazzled than he had ever seen you, not that that was a lot, but it still unsettled him. 

“Are you-” 

“I’m so sorry,” you blurted, making your way into the room after you gently closed the door, almost as to make up for your brash opening of it. The notion almost made him smile. “I went home to take a shower so you could talk to Nat and I ended up falling asleep. I didn’t mean to be gone for this long.” 

“It’s alright,” he assured you, but the frazzled look didn’t go away. Seeing it made him forget all about how distraught he almost was that you weren’t here. “Try and convince me differently all you want, but I bet an actual bed was a lot better than this chair. I’m glad you got some sleep.” 

You gave him a small smile and it made him feel something akin to pride to be the cause of it. 

The smile slipped after a moment. You twisted your ring on your finger, your eyes cautious. You looked small, and he didn’t like that. You cleared your throat before speaking. 

“Your doctor, he uh, he told me I should give you some space. That I might be overwhelming for you? But I didn’t want you to be alone. That’s why I had Nat come, but non-family members can’t stay overnight so…”

A flash of anger hit them then. He had known when you walked back into his hospital room when the doctor had requested your presence outside that he had said something to you. He should have known after he had made the comment about you leaving the room during his consultation that it was something to do with that. 

“He didn’t have a right to say that to you.”

“Bradley-“

“Just because I don’t remember you doesn’t mean you don’t exist,” he said, his voice firm, and he heard the breath you sucked in. 

His tone softened with his next words, “And even if I don’t understand it, I want you here. I mean…as long as you still want to be?”

It didn’t occur to him, before, that maybe this was too much for you. He was your husband who had been in the hospital for a week who woke up not remembering who you were. Maybe you needed some space. But you were nodding your head before he could overthink it too much. 

“I do. I told you, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But I want to do what’s going to be best for you more, okay? I know you don’t know me enough to trust me right now, but I need you to promise me that if it ever is too overwhelming for me to be here, you tell me, okay?” 

That was the thing. He did trust you. It was a feeling deeply rooted in his bones that he could trust you with anything. 

“I promise,” he said instead of telling you what he was really feeling. The emotions were too raw, too jumbled, and he hadn’t made sense of them yet. 

“Alright,” you nodded. You finally made your way from where you had been standing at the end of his hospital bed over to the chair beside it. A pressure lifted off of him when you sat down. 

Yes, he thought, that’s better. 

“How was your visit with Phoenix?” you asked, kicking your tennis shoes off and curling your legs up underneath you. You were in another pair of black leggings and another oversized pullover, UPENN displayed across the front of the dark gray material. Your hair was down again, and he decided he liked how the color looked against your skin as you pushed it out of your eyes. You raised your eyebrows at him and he realized he must have been staring. 

He cleared his throat, fighting off reddening cheeks. Damn. 

“It was good,” he admitted. “She caught me up a lot; told me about being stationed out here and the squad we’re on. She kinda laid out the last four years of my career for me.” 

“Congrats on your promotion,” you joked, and Bradley found himself letting out a surprised chuckle at your humor. 

“Did she say anything specific? About the mission you were called for that got you stationed here?” you asked. Bradley shook his head. 

“She didn’t go into many details. Why?” You let out a long, low breath, and Bradley felt his stomach knot. “Is there something else I should know about it?” 

“Yes,” you nodded, “and it may not be easy for you to hear, but..well, it’s important. Kind of a big part of the last three years of your life.” 

That could mean a lot of things. He tried to stamp down all the worst case scenarios that played around in his head and watched you fiddle with the phone in your hand. You paused, took a breath, and then handed it over to him. Your fingers brushed against his when you did and the spark it sent through him made him take a second to realize what it is he was looking at. His breath caught in his throat when he did. 

Staring back at him was the two of you. You were both smiling, clearly happy, with you tucked into his side like you belonged there. On his other side, he had his arm thrown around the neck of someone he hadn’t seen in years. At least that he could remember. He couldn’t pinpoint what he was feeling. A decades worth of anger and bitterness, he supposed, but the underlying hurt and regret that he always tried to not acknowledge were there too. If he focused hard enough, there was even the smallest flicker of hope. 

“I don’t understand,” he muttered, still staring at the picture. 

“You asked me earlier who Pete was, when you saw the name on my coffee cup,” you reminded him, “not many people call him that, but I do.”

You went on to tell him an abridged version of what sounded like a mission report. Mav was their mission leader and he was his wingman. He got shot down trying to save him, and Bradley disobeyed direct orders to go find him, where he was then shot down trying to save him. It ended fine. They clearly made it out, with some assistance, and had taken a lot of time to work through things. They had completely rebuilt their relationship in the last three years and by the looks of them in this picture, it was hard not to believe you when you said they were stronger than ever. 

“I know how badly he hurt you, and that hearing this might bring up those feelings,” you whispered, your voice sympathetic but not pitying, which was something he appreciated more than he could say, “but the two of you love each other so much. When the time came, you were ready to forgive him. It may be hard to believe, but I wouldn’t lie to you about this. I promise. He’s family. To both of us.”

“He’s been here?” Bradley brought himself to ask, and though he already knew the answer based on the sharpied evidence on a plastic coffee cup, the nod you gave him in response winded him. 

“Everyday,” you confirmed. 

Bradley nods slowly, processing your words. 

“I don’t…know that I’m ready to see him,” he finally said. 

“That’s okay,” you assured him immediately, “you don’t have to right now. But I didn’t want to keep it from you, okay? I don’t want to keep anything from you.” 

He looked away from the phone he had been staring at to meet your eyes, and he knew that you were being sincere. Your eyes were earnest, your expression open, and he was blown away that anyone so beautiful would look at him like that. He let out a breath that was shakier than he would want to admit before he handed your phone back to you. 

“Are you tired?” you asked him, and he shrugged his shoulders. He was, truthfully, but this was the longest conversation the two of you have had; he wasn’t ready for it to end. 

“Tell me something else,” he said instead. 

“What would you like to know?” you asked, clicking your phone off and setting it on the table near his bed. 

“You,” he said instantly, not needing any time to think and not second guessing his honesty, “I want to know you. Us.” 

Your smile was shy, and your cheeks bloomed again, drawing your bottom lip between your teeth as you nodded. His heart raced in his chest again. “Alright.” 

______

Listening to your voice had quickly become one of his favorite things. The two of you talked for a long time that night, and he grasped onto every detail you gave him. 

You were a few years younger than him. You worked in journalism, covering politics and policy, for the most part completely remote from your home here in San Diego. You grew up in Philadelphia (the Eagles sweatshirt was yours) and were the only child of only children. You weren’t overly close with your parents, but you didn’t seem bothered by it, either. You loved spicy food and sour beers, and things always got a little interesting when you indulged in too much white wine. You had adopted Florence, the adorable brown tabby that you proudly showed him pictures of, when you moved to DC all on your own, and Bradley was apparently the only man the cat tolerated. 

The two of you hosted board game nights or dinner parties on a regular basis, and it had surprisingly only ended in a physical fight between him and Hangman once in the last three years. 

The night nurse came in for her rounds and was surprised to see him still awake, but he refused additional pain medication when she offered it because he wasn’t ready for how they would inevitably put him to sleep. 

He wanted to know everything about you. 

“Tell me how we met?” He requested. 

Your smile was soft, like you liked how the memory made you feel. 

“We were both subjected to the ‘single guest with no date’ table at a wedding,” you revealed. Bradley wracked his brain and remembered a save the date he had sloppily stuck to his fridge in his DC apartment. He asked if that was the one you were referencing and your smile grew as you confirmed it. 

“We met in Philadelphia?” 

“We did,” you laughed, “which is incredibly ironic, considering we were both living in DC at the time.”

It sounded more like fate, but Bradley kept those thoughts to himself for now. 

“Did I ask you to dance?” he asked, almost certain of the answer considering where they ended up years later, but to his surprise, you shook your head. His eyes widened. “You’re kidding.” 

“I’m not,” you swore with a chuckle.

“I was at the same table with you and I didn’t even ask you to dance?”

You threw your head back with a full laugh, and Bradley was sure if they pulled the data from the monitor he was still hooked up to, it would show that his heart skipped a beat at the sight. 

“The rest of the people at the table were admittedly not that nice, and when we realized that we weren’t that bad, we ended up escaping and sitting outside at one of the cocktail hour tables for the majority of the night.”

He wished he could remember what you looked like that night. He wondered what color dress you wore, and if you had your hair up or down, when he was apparently not dancing with you.

“That seems like a crime,” you flushed at the words he mumbled mostly to himself. 

It was difficult for him to comprehend that he had someone in his life like you, but it wasn’t hard at all to see how he fell in love with you as quickly as he must have. You were beautiful outwardly, but he was seeing you were even more so inwardly, as well. You were funny and witty and kept him on his toes, and he was sure he hadn’t even scratched the surface of you yet. 

The more he learned, the more infatuated he became. 

It was nearing two in the morning when your yawning became more frequent amongst your conversation. Watching your face scrunch up every time it happened was adorable, and he wondered if you were as unwilling to go to sleep as he was. The bubble of storytelling you had found yourself in was warm and comforting, but he finally took pity when you started rubbing your eyes under your glasses. The urge to somehow take care of you was brewing inside of him. He wanted to be selfish, but he had kept you up long enough. 

“We should get some sleep,” he murmured. Your hair fell in your eyes when you nodded and he found himself wanting to tuck it behind your ear for you. 

“Are you in any pain?” you asked. You were worrying for him, despite how tired you obviously were. He had been shown more concern in the last 48 hours than he could remember getting in the last decade; his heart ached at the thought. 

“It’s not so bad right now.”

“I can get the nurse.” You were already rising to do so, and before he could stop himself, he reached out to grab your arm. You froze from your position half raised out of the chair. Your wide eyes flickered down to his hand before meeting his again. 

Bradley swallowed deeply, but didn’t let go. He couldn’t stop his thumb from gently rubbing your skin through the thick material of your sweatshirt. 

“I’m okay,” he whispered, “promise.”

The breath you let out was shaky, but you nodded. Without disconnecting from him, you pulled your chair just the slightest bit closer to his bed with your other hand, but you didn’t move to sit down yet. Instead, you took a step closer and leaned down to press a gentle kiss against his forehead. Your scent invaded his senses and he suddenly felt dizzy again for a completely different reason. You lingered for a moment and he reveled in it.

“Thank you,” he didn’t quite know what he was thanking you for, but he needed to say it. His voice was thick all of a sudden, feeling overwhelmed with the influx of emotions he was feeling. 

You just smiled at him, and he released the hold he had on your arm so you could settle back into the chair that had become your temporary residence for the last week. 

“Goodnight, Bradley.”

-------

Notes: Things are starting to pick up with these two! The next part is when we really get into the fun stuff, I think :)

Tagging those who asked or interacted. I think I caught everyone, but I'm very new to this so apologies if I missed you! Please let me know if you'd like to be added or taken off this list :)

Tag List: @roosterforme - @mak-32 - @hoyaharper - @wildxwidow - @gretagerwigsmuse - @bradshawburner - @iamaslytherin0 - @lilyevanswhore - @too-fangirl-to-fuction - @fav-fanficssss - @benhardysdrumstick - @fandomxpreferences - @acatwriteshere - @1234-angelika - @double-j - @cocoskween - @sunflowersteves - @teacupsandtopgun - @littlezee80 - @sometimesanalice - @je-suis-prest-rachel - @khaylin27 - @infamous-reindeer - @hotch-meeeeeuppppp - @sarahjoestewy-blog - @sunnysidesidra - @notroosterbradshaw - @yanna-banana - @inthestars-underthesun @avengersfan25 - @wkndwlff - @zbeez-outlet - @lt-spork - @indynerdgirl - @loveforaugust - @mssleepy876b

@kassieesworld - @luckylexie - @lovemesomevesey - @mizzzpink - @books-for-summer - @a-serene-place-to-be - @deviltsunoda - @tv-fanatic18 - @memoriesat30 - @melody-death - @imnotcreativeenoughforthisblog - @dabisblackprincess - @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy - @realdirectionx - @waywardhunter95 - @myownworstenemyyy - @sexualparkour - @sadpetalsstuff - @almostgenerallyalways - @hawsx3 - @nogoodchamberskid - @alilstressyandlotdepressy - @ebonyhogan24 - @14readwritedraw96 - @ccbb2222 - @taytaylala12 - @haideehaids - @alittlechaotics-blog - @starkleila

@shelbycillian - @mavrellover91 - @vici111 - @merishfit - @plaper1 - @lunamooncole - @eclecticfashionbookszipper - @pariahsparadise - @bunny-nonnie - @blackwidownat2814 - @huang-the-geek - @jpgliv - @topaz125 - @bluelicious - @loveyhoneydovey - @pisupsala - @nuvoleincielo - @littlemiss-n - @olivezeppelin - @jynxmirage - @shanimallina87 - @ouralcohol

[jsprnt]

your husband loves taking care of you, especially when you're 35 weeks pregnant.

virgil van dijk x pregnant!reader

original request: love your work, could you write a pregnant!reader and Virgil? X

A/N: thank you! this one was so fun to write <3

W/C: 1.640

you shift into another position, again. The soft couch and cushions doing wonders for your back, but still, you couldn’t sleep in your favorite position. Just flat on your stomach, your swollen baby bump not even allowing you to sleep well at night, or take a nap in the quiet hours before dinner time. you felt like you were about to pop, but you still had five weeks to go before your estimated due date.

you had the gender reveal party, which consisted of your and virgil’s closest family members and friends. you both were having a babygirl, the nursery was already cutely designed with a pretty crib and dresser. the baby shower your friends surprised you with was thrown already a couple weeks ago, and not to forget the sweet babymoon virgil and you had gone on. the pretty islands in greece had been a beautiful sights to share with your husband.

the sound of a car parking in the driveway has you halting for a moment. your eyes drift over to the clock on your living room wall. it was past five in the evening already, which meant your husband had returned from training.

you slowly, but carefully get up from your position on the couch, sitting up instead. compression socks alleviating some of the swelling of your legs and feet, your eyes dart to the gray coffee table, full of- everything you could need when being half-immobile. tissues, multiple empty cups, a plate of lazily cut up pickles, a half eaten box of cookies-

“there’s my beautiful wife!” you suddenly hear, swollen, drowsy eyes looking towards your surprisingly very enthusiastic husband. his hands seemingly full of familiar takeout bags as he closes the front door to your home.

virgil’s high energy, even after his intensive training, manages to put a small smile on your face. you hear him take his coat off and wash his hands. so, you stand up, walking- no waddling towards him in the kitchen.

“hi, missed you..” you mumble, feeling him wrap his arm around your back, softly rubbing up and down your sides. you sigh in delight, leaning against his tall and muscular frame, resting your head on his chest. soft sweater grazing your sensitive skin.

“me too, baby.” he mutters, kissing your forehead tenderly.

“I got your favorite takeout. you’re hungry, right?” he asks, thumb rubbing your hips.

your eyes light up, and you nod eagerly. your pregnancy cravings were all over the place. from wanting your usual takeout, to a weird obsession with pickles and chocolate, and the most difficult of all: an icy, crispy red bull. since it wasn’t pregnancy-safe, you definitely didn’t risk it, but your mouth just watered at the thought of taking a sip of the carbonated, sweet energy drink.

“then let’s eat some food. I’m starving...” he says, guiding you to the kitchen island. he’d switched out the bar stools, shortly after your second trimester had started, exchanging them for chairs with a backrest, just for your comfort and convenience.

you watch him grab the takeout, unpacking the dishes.

“you got me the vegetarian one right?” you ask, raising your brows. virgil turns, nodding as he transfers stir fry noodles into a dish and slides it in front of you.

ever since you got pregnant, you detested the smell of meat. virgil being the sweet man he is, did research with his own nutritionist to see how you could still get all the vitamins and nutrients you needed without having to eat meat.

“here baby, eat up.” he mutters, giving you a fork, before walking towards the fridge. he grabs two cans of sparkling iced tea, coming back to sit next to you as you both dig into your meal.

“how was training?” you mumble, chewing down your food, maybe a little too fast.

“good, we were in the gym the entire day- slow down baby, the food isn’t going anywhere..” he chuckles, reaching into the takeout bag and retrieving the napkins. wiping sauce off the corner of your mouth with one.

you both continue eating the delicious food, Virgil’s hand soothingly running down your back every now and then.

“I’m going to take a quick shower.” he says, cleaning off the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.

“can I join? can’t get my hair wet though..”

“sure baby, let’s go.” he quickly says, helping you off the chair and into the bathroom.

“my legs have been killing me..” you mutter, watching virgil take your compression socks off. you were glad you didn’t need them on your hands, though your fingers had gotten pretty swollen. prompting virgil to gift you a chain you could hang your wedding ring on, to wear as a necklace instead.

you allow him to guide you into the shower, his hand settling on the small of your back in support. virgil chuckles deeply as he watches your makeup melt off with the touch of the streaming warm water. he made sure to put on your shower cap beforehand.

“you wore makeup? where did you go today?” he asks, allowing you to reach up and take off his hair tie, dark curls falling to the side of his face.

“went for brunch with the girls. it was so good..” you answer, allowing virgil to run the soapy washcloth down your body, making sure to clean you up nicely. paying extra attention to scrub your legs, since you couldn’t reach down, you needed his help more often than not.

grabbing a fresh towel, he wraps you in it. allowing you to walk out of the bathroom and sit on your bed. waiting for him wash himself.

that’s what you loved about him, he always put you first. whether it was you eating first, getting dressed, falling asleep, or anything at this point in your pregnancy.

you quickly grab your undergarments and loungewear, going back to sit on your bed. towel wrapped snuggly against your body, as you take off your shower cap and wipe the extra moisture on the towel.

you look up to see virgil walk out of the bathroom, towel hanging on his hips. you lean back, admiring him, a small smirk forming on your lips.

“what?” he asks, smirk clearly on his face too as he walks up to you.

“oh, nothing, just admiring what’s mine..”

“really? let me admire what’s mine too then..”

he cups your face as you look up, his wet hair falling in front of his face as a single drop of water drips down onto your cheek. a low chuckle leaving his lips as he swipes it away with his thumb.

he helps you get dressed before the two of you get too distracted, not forgetting to rub bio-oil and lotion on your bump and body. the both of you snuggling up together on the couch. your head laying on his broad chest, tatted arm wrapped around your back.

You pause for a moment, feeling your daughter kick against your uterus. you feel virgil’s hand running against your clothed bump, you place your own hand next to his. feeling her kick was still the most out of body experience to the both you. you could’ve sworn you felt the outlines of her little feet as she kicked like didn’t want you to rest tonight.

“active today, isn’t she?” your husband asks, kissing your temple.

“just like her daddy..” you raise your bows, grinning. the consequences of having an athlete as your partner.

“she’ll definitely be as beautiful as her mommy..” he responds, causing your grin to grow into a bright smile.

“what do you want to watch, hm?” he asks, looking down at you, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

“love is blind, the new episode is out.”

he chuckles, his chest vibrating against your cheek as you watch him turn the tv on with the remote.

in the beginning of your relationship he wasn’t too keen on watching shows or movies like that, but the second there was some drama unfolding, he immediately got hooked and it became a thing you both did to wind down after busy days.

“wait- can you grab snacks?” you ask, looking up from his chest. you knew he couldn’t say no to you, because he looked like he had melted at the sight of your face already.

“your cravings are really going off the rails, aren’t they?” he asks, placing a kiss on your lips before slowly getting up.

“don’t see the problem!” you exclaim, looking over to see him open the kitchen cabinets and grab a bag of crisps and salty popcorn, transferring it into bowls before walking back over to you.

“here you go, for my hungry monster..” he teases, prompting you to roll your eyes playfully.

you both start watching the hour long episode, empty bowls on your lap by the end of it. though, you both don’t move from your spot on the couch, virgil’s hand soothing on your slightly aching, lower back.

“you okay?” he asks, your own hand resting on his bicep.

“back hurts a bit, baby’s getting heavy..” you mutter.

“I’m know, sorry love. do you need anything?” he asks, kissing your temple and rubbing your back more thoroughly. he had a tendency to ask what you wanted or needed, just to make sure he didn’t miss anything.

“just- can I ask you something?” you begin, holding back a grin. he’d done enough to make you feel comfortable already.

“yeah?”

“would you mind if I broke your fingers during delivery?” you chuckle, having a laugh. knowing he would probably let you squeeze the absolute life out of his hands.

“of course, during delivery you can squeeze and cuss me out all you want..” he smiles, brushing his thumb against your baby bump.

you did cuss him out, but breaking his fingers, almost…

[writingforstraykids]

He sounds like an asshole

Pairing: Chan x fem!reader

Word Count: 1290

Summary: Chan has trouble sleeping and searches for comfort in you as you're reading one of your favorite books once again.

Warnings/Tags: fluff, cuddles, mention of sleeping pills

A/N: I hope you like it😊~Moon🌙

You adjust the blanket covering your feet and glance out of the window as another thunder ripples through the air. The rain hammers against the window and paints its patterns down the glass. Your eyes follow a few drops before you pull yourself back to reality and check the time on your phone. Your boyfriend got home two hours ago, saying something about going to take a nap. Chan looked exhausted, and you know it's because of his busy schedule and clear lack of sleep over those past two weeks. Sometimes, you worry about him when he comes home like that, all pale and whiny, unable to keep his eyes open. You sigh softly and turn the page of your book, continuing to read. Only a few minutes later, you hear him opening the door to your shared bedroom and walking toward you. "You slept alright, love?" you ask, not looking up yet. Chan doesn't answer and stops in front of the sofa. You frown and slowly raise your eyes. The sleeves of his sweater cover his hands almost fully, and once you meet his eyes, your heart sinks. His own are full of tears, some making their way down his cheeks, and his full lips tremble as he exhales sharply. "Hey, what's wrong?" you ask worriedly and put your book aside, pulling your blanket back and patting the spot between your legs. 

"I can't sleep," he presses out, clearly frustrated, and messily wipes his cheeks with the sleeve of his sweater. You gently take his hand and pull him toward you. He lets you and sits down between your legs, resting his head on your chest with a soft sniffle. "I'm so tired, Y/N, but I can't fucking sleep." 

"Oh, Channie, angel," you say softly and wrap your arms around him, soothingly fondling his hair. "Did you take your pills?" 

"Yes," he nods and curls up in your comforting hold. "They're not working." 

"When did you take them?" you ask gently. 

"Half an hour ago," he answers, and you hum softly. 

"You know they need some time to work," you remind him lovingly. 

"I don't have time," he groans. "I should be able to work tomorrow and finish everything. I also need to meet with Min and Felix to discuss the new dance and Hannie needs help with-." 

"Chan," you stop him gently but firmly. "Maybe that's exactly the problem here. You worry too much about what needs to be done instead of letting yourself relax for a moment." 

"So it's my fault now?" he asks, sulking, and you fight the urge to roll your eyes. 

"That's not what I meant," you sigh softly and rub his back. "Is there something that might help you relax and support the pills working their magic?" 

Chan cuddles into you and sighs softly. "This helps a little," he says, and you chuckle. "Hey, I mean it," he pouts. 

"You're adorable," you smile and plant a soft kiss on top of his head. He looks up at you and chases your lips, humming softly as you give him what he wants. You can taste his tears on his lips and cup his face, thumbs wiping his cheeks. "You know what my mum used to make me when I couldn't sleep?" 

"Milk with honey?" he asks sweetly, and you gently bop his nose. 

"How does that sound?" you ask, brushing back his loose curls. 

"Lovely, but then you have to get up," he sighs and looks adorably helpless. "And I'll be alone."

You can't help but laugh at that. "Channie, come on," you protest, and he giggles softly, his beautiful dimples appearing. You cup his face and kiss his forehead. "I'll be right back, okay?" 

"Okay," he sighs dramatically with a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

You shake your head and get up, walking over to your kitchen space to prepare it for him. You watch him as he wraps your blanket around his shoulders and stares into the distance, trying to calm his thoughts. You're back with him only a little later, and he sits between your legs, leaning back against you as he sips his milk. You pick up your book again and rest your chin on his head, knowing it would help him feel like he didn't distract you. 

Chan smiles softly and rests his hand on your knee, his thumb painting mindless patterns on it. Having you there with him distracts him from the fact that he can't sleep and gives him some much-needed peace. He starts reading along but soon gives up since he can't follow the plot without knowing the characters or any of the previous scenes. "He sounds like an asshole," he comments after a moment, making you giggle. 

"You think so?" you ask, amused.

"You think so?" he echoes and turns a little to look at you. "You'd kick my ass if I talked to you like that." 

"That's a little violent, but you might have a point," you snort. 

"Of course I do," he snorts back and shakes his head. "I'd hate him." 

"Well, thank God you're not the protagonist," you chuckle. 

"Is she going to fall in love with him?" he asks disgusted. 

"People can change," you remind him. 

Chan grabs the book to look at the title and bites back a groan. "Again?" 

"Yes, again," you chuckle. "Just like you perform the same stuff over and over again and don't get bored." 

"That's something else every time, baby," he protests. 

"Maybe this is too?" you laugh. 

"I doubt that," he frowns and takes another sip of his milk. 

"I've never read this while your insomnia kicked in, and you sat between my legs drinking milk with honey before, though," you think out loud, and he turns to look at you. You can see how ridiculous he thinks you are and have to laugh. 

"You're so stupid sometimes, I love you," he giggles. 

"I love you too," you smirk. 

He huffs softly and sinks back against you, putting his empty mug aside. "Gosh, I really wanna sleep," he mutters softly. 

You shift on the sofa with him, and he gets comfortable on top of you, his legs intertwined with yours. His head rests on your chest, and you gently run your fingers through his hair. "I could read to you, you'll find it so boring it'll make you fall asleep," you suggest, and he giggles. 

"Fine, it's worth a try," he says, knowing that your angelic voice and not boredom will make him sleep if this would work. 

You start reading out loud and subconsciously play with his hair as you do, enjoying the comforting warmth his body spends. "I recall that your hands were on her, but her eyes were on me, Cardan returns."

"Asshole," Chan comments convinced, and makes you laugh. He smiles softly and listens to your voice, which slowly pulls him in. Your steady heartbeat beneath him helps him calm down, and feeling you breathe beneath him makes him adjust his own. He closes his eyes, focusing on you only, and slowly notices the pills kicking in as they should. Combined with the soothing movement of your hand in his hair and your presence, he finally relaxes. 

MASTERLISTS | PROMPT LIST | GUIDELINES

You smile to yourself as he grows heavier on you and snuggles up close, almost leaning into your touch. You lean down and lovingly kiss his head. "Night, Channie love." He only manages to mumble something back drowsily, and you know the pills are working now. You continue reading loudly for another while until you're sure he's deep asleep and put the book aside. You smile softly at him clinging to you in his sleep and soothingly rub his back, allowing yourself to rest as well.

do not repost, translate, or plagiarize my works in any way here or on other platforms. ©️writingforstraykids 2024 -

Taglist: (Please let me know if you want to be added to/removed from the taglist!)

@soullostinspaceandtime @brownieloved @rebecca-johnson-28 @euphoric-univers @hyunniebunni @mal-lunar-28 @malfoygalaxies

[noteriii]

Hewoo~! ♡´･ᴗ･`♡ I would like to request a touch starved gn!reader x Shxtou~ 🌸

The lack of Shxtou x reader is a crime! (ง'̀-'́)ง

I'm really touch starved, like... All the time!! (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞ So i would love some kisses and hugs from my beloved dog boy~ ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎

🍓🌸

as summer began to die down, a cool autumn breeze wafted through your open apartment window. you were restless these days, working hours upon hours by taking extra unwanted summer shifts that teenagers started to drop the closer it came to the school year. you worked at a small cafe in the city and, though you loved your job, there was nothing you craved more than to spend time with your boyfriend. unfortunately, as all odds seemed to be against you currently, your work shifts had overlapped and you had felt as if you never saw him anymore despite living under the same roof and sharing a bed at night. the lack of his presence left you feeling drained and lonely even if he was just in the other room.

today was a strange day, as you were not needed at work. this meant you could do nothing but stay home and be with your lover all day, right? wrong. your beloved purple haired partner had unintentionally scheduled a gaming marathon stream for the whole day you were free. it was no one’s fault, really, for the overlapped schedules and you were both adults who could figure things out along the way.

thats what led you to this situation. on a small, yet very comfy snorlax shaped bean bag chair with a thin blanket draped over your figure as your boyfriend continues his stream right in front of you. you were still in the same room, yes. occasionally the two of you would converse or the chat would ask about you as well, but you didn’t mind too much. you just wanted to spend time with your boyfriend by your side. as he gamed, you idly scroll through your phone, sending a few videos to his phone for him to watch later. this was enough, you thought. you were content with simply being at his side, warm and cozy doing your own thing.. yet your body craved his. not in a sexual way, not then at least. you craved his touch and the way his warm skin felt against yours. you missed the cuddles and the ghost kisses that would be littered all over your face. you missed your lover, who was mere inches away from you.

as shouto took a break from the stream, he glances down to you curled up in the bean bag chair. a small smile crawls onto his features as he sees you had fallen asleep while on your phone which was still displaying whatever you had last seen. excusing himself from the stream for a moment, he takes off his headset and approaches you, gently taking your phone to turn it off. before he could do so, he notices what you had been looking at last. it was the photo album you had been keeping of you two since you had started dating all those years ago. it warmed his heart, seeing how cute you looked asleep in the chair. although you looked comfy now, he knew how you’d be complaining about the back pain of the uncomfortable position you were in hours after your nap. so, shouto gently picks you up and carries you to bed. once in his arms, your sleeping figure practically melts into him, melding together like two marshmallows in a pit. he sets you down in bed, carefully tucking you in before making his way back to his gaming room until you stop him. “wait..” you say in a half asleep daze “come cuddle me..” you call out to your boyfriend who looks at you tenderly. “i’ve got a stream going on, baby.. you know this” he replies, his heart fighting between crawling into bed with you or going back to work.

in the end, he lost the battle of logic and ended up telling his audience that something had come up. you, however, had won your boyfriend’s attention for the rest of the day successfully.

—

super short, slightly sweet.

[lunar-wandering]

Chirp

i wrote half of this spicynoodles fic on my phone which is new for me lol

!!!SEASON 4 SPECIAL SPOILERS!!!

Summary: Of all the side effects of becoming a monkey, MK hadn't expected this one.

Now if only the other two monkeys he happened to know would actually help him.

Word Count: 2k

Read on Ao3

It was the pick up line, that drove MK over the edge.

The looks, he could handle. The banter, borderline teasing, he could handle, and give back in droves.

But Red Son, leaning over the table, making determined eye contact and whispering; "Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven?" was completely unprecedented.

Reasonably, MK should've expected it. They had been talking about MK's brief times in heaven, the Celestial Realm, after all, so the sudden turn into the jokey-line was well within the conversation's topic. Red Son had clearly meant it more as a joke than anything, if his laughter was any indication.

And yet, when MK opened his mouth to respond, the very first sound to leave his throat was a chirp.

He smacked a hand over his mouth, fast enough to almost hurt, his chair scraping against the floor as he quickly stood up. Red Son shot him an confused but amused expression as MK started to back away.

"Sorry, sorry, I-" MK bit his tongue, face burning, barely swallowing what he was certain was about to be another chirp before it could be vocalized. "I've gotta go."

He didn't even wait for Red Son to acknowledge his sentence, turning on his heel and running out of the building, magic golden lightning beginning to race up and down his body, causing him to move faster than he had planned- crossing five blocks in a matter of seconds. Skidding to a stop in an alley, he glanced behind him at the knocked over objects and cracked concrete that had been left in his wake and groaned, barely even aware of his tail appearing and beginning to swish.

This could not happen again. He'd already been having close calls, things he thought would eventually go away; having to stuff his tail under his shirt after he'd accidentally leaned a little too close to Red Son being the most common occurrence, but chirping??? After something as small as a pick up line? Yeah, no. No way. That was worse.

MK needed to figure out a way to stop this now.

Which, of course, meant that he'd need to get the help of another monkey.

Two hours of hesitant deliberation later found MK knocking on the door of the Monkey King's newly rebuilt house, rocking back and forth on his heels with barely contained anxiety. His tail was still out, he'd found about an hour ago that he couldn't get rid of it at the moment, he was simply too worked up to make it vanish like usual right now.

Which meant that, despite the carefully crafted easy-going smile on his face, his frantically swishing tail gave him away the instant Wukong opened the door and layed eyes on him.

"Alright kid, what happened?" Wukong shifted to cross his arms and lean against the side of his doorway, looking MK up and down as though he could figure out what was going on just through a glance. "You look about ready to crack at the seams."

"...Don't phrase it like that." Images of both the Lady Bone Demon and Azure Lion quite literally cracking at the seams flashed through MK's mind, and based on Wukong's sudden grimace, they flashed through his mind too. MK shook his head a little to shake the images away, Wukong going a step further to shake his whole body, like a slightly stronger than usual shiver. MK took the brief moment of emotional distraction to center himself, taking a deep breath in, his tail vanishing with a faint golden flash as he breathed out. "And it's not… really anything important, and you gotta promise you won't laugh, but…"

"But…?" Wukong prompted when MK didn't continue, tilting his head to the side as MK shifted nervously. "C'mon kid, I don't have all day. …Or, well, I do, I don't have much else going on, but you get the point."

"You really need to get some hobbies other than napping." MK muttered, letting out a sigh as he ignored his mentor's offended insistence that excuse you he did, in fact, have hobbies- "I… need your help with something. A monkey-something."

"If this is about the shedding I have a shampoo you can try-"

"No- that's not- I, it's, Monkey King, I chirped." MK put his head in his hands to avoid eye contact, not noticing his tail reappearing and starting to frantically swish once more. "Red Son used a pick up line on me, and I chirped. Chirped! Monkey King, you gotta know something that can, can, I don't know, stop me from doing that? Some kinda, anti-chirper? Is that a thing? Please tell me it's a thing-"

"Woah, woah, kid, slow down." Wukong held his hands out in a placating gesture, a nervous smile on his face. "Take a breath, calm down for a sec."

MK took a breath, and slowly sank down, sitting cross-legged on the porch, Wukong mirroring him.

"Okay. Okay. Now," Wukong said, "-could you run that by me again?"

MK groaned, shrinking in on himself, saying it once was bad enough-

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" Wukong hurriedly said, letting out a small laugh, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I'm sorry kid, but I've… never experienced anything like that, so I'm afraid I can't help."

"Seriously?" Doubt flooded MK's expression with the force of a tsunami. "But you're a monkey. You're seriously telling me you've never-"

"Nope!!!! Never!!!" The strained smile on Wukong's face got slightly wider, and he turned his head to the side as though doing so would cover it up. "You'd probably be better off asking one of the other lil monkeys around here for advice."

“But I don’t speak monkey-”

“Well then consider this practice!”

“-can’t you at least come help translate?”

“Nuh-uh!” Wukong stood up, turning and stepping back inside his house. “I’m sure the monkeys will be able to help you out some, good luck! Tell me if you, uh, make some progress!”

And with that, the Monkey King closed the door behind him, practically slamming it shut, leaving MK sitting on the front porch in utter disbelief. He stared at the door for a few minutes, unblinkingly, half expecting Wukong to eventually re-open it and step back through with a snack and an actual piece of advice. No such event occurred.

MK’s head fell back into his hands, as he rubbed at his face, blearily trying to snap some sense into himself. Okay. Alright. So clearly Monkey King wasn’t going to be of much help, this time around. And he obviously wasn’t going to actually try Wukong’s suggestion of talking to the lil monkeys- doing so might lead to an interesting game of charades, but overall won’t lead to any kind of progress on this issue. He also wanted to save Pigsy and the others as a last resort- he’d be most likely to get teased by them, after-all. They also, despite how much he cared about them, weren’t monkeys, which meant that they couldn’t help.

There was… really only one other monkey he knew of that he could go to.

MK had the sudden feeling he was going to regret this.

-

MK regretted this. So much.

The regret sank in fast, striking him in the chest instantly, as soon as he saw Macaque climbing in through the window.

The window.

This was Macaque’s dojo.

“Why.” MK asked, voice torn between amusement and broken despair, Macaque freezing at the sound. “Why are you climbing in through your own window? You have a door. A perfectly functioning door. I literally came in here through the door. Why are you coming in through the window?”

Macaque mumbled something that sounded like “It’s more dramatic that way”, before clearing his throat, setting his feet on the floor tiles and turning around.

“Why are you in my kitchen?” He shot back, tail twitching with barely concealed agitation. MK slowly slid lower in the chair he was sitting in, until his eyes were almost level with the table in front of him.

“I need… some advice.” He said, slowly, and Macaque scoffed.

“How many of your friends didn’t give you something reasonable that you decided to come to me?” He asked, “Cause I know that I cannot be your first choice when it comes to advice.”

“You’re not.” MK confirmed, “But you’re actually the second person I’ve come to.”

“Oh? And why’s that.”

“Cause it’s… a monkey issue.”

“Went to Wukong first then, huh? No wonder you’re here now, he sucks at advice.”

MK rolled his eyes, having expected the jab, he was talking with Macaque after all. Macaque pulled one of the chairs on the other side of the table free, sitting down.

“Alright then kid, what’s the issue?” He asked. MK would’ve sunk down lower if he wasn’t certain that doing so would end in him falling off of the chair.

“You gotta promise you won’t laugh at me.”

“Heh, okay then, promise.”

“I…” MK started, then paused, then started again. “I was with Red Son, and… he used a pick up line on me, and it wasn’t even that good of a pick up line, like, it was one of the most stereotypical ones ever, seriously, it’s the one that everyone knows, the standard, he could’ve done so much better now that I’m thinking about it-”

“Kid, you’re rambling.”

“Ah- right, sorry, I… Well, the point is, I… chirped. Like, as in, chirped, chirped. Monkey-chirped.” MK fidgeted his hands, looking down, avoiding eye-contact. “And I was… wondering, if, maybe, you had something that could, like, help… stop that from happening?”

Silence.

MK slowly looked up.

And just like that, Macaque burst into loud laughter.

“Hey!!” MK stood up, slamming his palms on the table. “You promised you wouldn’t laugh!!!”

“Sorry, sorry-” Macaque said, struggling to catch his breath, “I, I just wasn’t expecting that to be what’s got you all worked up.”

“Well, it is.” MK huffed, crossing his arms. “Soooo. Do you have something that can help me, or not?”

“Uhhh, sorry kid, but I’ve never experienced anything like that, so I’m afraid I can’t-”

“Oh come on!” MK yelled, interrupting Macaque and making him jump at the sudden volume. “That’s exactly what Monkey King said! There’s no way the both of you haven’t done this before, you’re monkeys!”

“Uh, well-” Macaque suddenly looked nervous, fiddling with the end of his scarf. “Look, I can’t help you, so you’ll just have to find someone else.”

“But I don’t know any other monkeys-”

“Then just ask one of your other friends then, I guess.” Macaque shrugged, before holding up his hand, snapping his fingers. “See ya around, kid.”

“Wha-” Before MK even had the chance to react, dark purple surrounded his vision, and in a blink, he was standing on the sidewalk outside of the building. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

MK would’ve kicked Macaque’s door in retaliation if he wasn’t certain that doing so would likely cause the entire building to collapse.

-

An hour later found MK sitting at a table in the Noodle Shop, having just finished retelling his… situation for the third time that day, steadfastly avoiding eye contact with the others.

And, after a brief pause, as he’d suspected, the room descended into pandemonium. It was fairly obvious that there was nothing that the others really could do about this scenario, so, as MK had guessed, they took the next best option;

Teasing him relentlessly.

MK’s head hit the table with a solid thunk as Pigsy made some comment about ‘his little boy growing up into a fine young monkey man’, which was exactly the point that Mei nudged MK’s side with a mischievous grin.

“If it makes you feel any better,” She said, as soon as MK had lifted his head slightly to look at her, “Red Boy has been texting me for like, the past 6 hours about how darn cute you are.”

She tilted her phone so that MK could see it, and began slowly scrolling down through the hundreds of messages, revealing that, yes, she was telling the truth, and every single message was in all caps to boot. And, based on the three notifications she got whilst scrolling, Red Son was still going. 

MK was so focused on reading the messages on screen that he didn’t even notice himself glitching into his monkey form- nor the inevitable chirp that escaped from his mouth.

[wooahaes]

strawberry cheesecake

pairing: non-idol?han x gn!reader [reader has a uterus/is menstruating]

word count: 1.0k~

warnings: menstruation tw. food tw. this was meant to be non-idol but honestly read it however you like, idc. reader gets kind of emotional bc have you ever had really good food when ur having a bad day? its healing. also this isnt proofread.

daisy’s notes: oh to have a cute boy and enjoy cheesecake w him and then take a lil nap while being comforted... han would understand me on the cheesecake part. he would. also this has been sitting in my drafts for three months. be free.

“Oh, hey! Sorry to bother you, but, uh... Why did Jisung tear ass out of here like... maybe ten minutes ago?”

You’d been half-asleep when Chris called you for the third time in five minutes. Work was tiring, you were exhausted and ache-y, and you had opted to collapse into bed for a quick nap before you made dinner and relaxed for a few hours. Of course, fifteen minutes after you laid down and barely five minutes after you fell asleep, your phone had started ringing. And of course, it was the Christopher Bang himself, calling about your boyfriend like you kept tabs on his every move.

“No clue. Bye, Chris--”

“I’m asking because he mentioned your name,” he said before you could hang up. “Did something happen? Like. He heard someone mention what time it is, said ‘oh, shit’ and then booked it out and said he’d be back in maybe an hour. I mean, we’re not busy or anything, but if you needed something--”

“What?” You squeezed your eyes shut. Fuck, you were still feeling a headache coming on. “Chris, I don’t know why he would--”

Immediately, you heard the sound of your front door being bust open and the sound of footsteps. Your bedroom door opened after a moment, and there stood Jisung with a plastic bag in one hand.

“Is that him?”

“That’s him,” you said. “I’ll, uh, I’ll text you later.”

Jisung quickly made his way over to you, setting the bag aside carefully as he sat down in front of you. “I didn’t forget!”

You stared at him. “Uh. Hi, baby--Everything okay?”

“This morning,” he opened the plastic bag, “you said you wanted cheesecake after you got off work. I was going to bring it by sooner, I just--I got caught up with the guys, and then--”

He pulled out two containers of cheesecake from one of your favorite cafes to frequent with him. The strawberries and whipped cream were packaged separate, and there was something cute about the way Jisung was careful to make sure they were still sealed as he set them on top of your slice--setting his own strawberries with yours.

“And then I had to order and wait and--and it didn’t take long, but I was supposed to come straight here, and...” He trailed off, looking up at you. “Do you feel okay? Did you eat? And take medicine?” He frowned. “Baby.” He set the containers aside as he began to look you over. “Is your head hurting? I know you sometimes get migraines--do I need to grab medicine?” he said, his voice a little softer now. “I promise I didn’t forget until now--”

You gently clasped a hand over his mouth, “Honey. It’s okay.” You said, “I forgot I even said that.” You couldn’t help but smile, pulling your hand away so that you could plant a tiny kiss against the corner of his mouth. “But it’s really sweet you brought me cheesecake.”

Jisung was blushing when you planted another tiny kiss against his lips, just soft and chaste as could be. “Do you want it now? I can put it in the fridge if you aren’t hungry.”

“What about you?” You said. “I thought you were hanging out with the guys.”

He reached for his phone, pulling it out--angling the screen just right so that you could catch a glimpse of missed calls and texts from his friends (which must have come before Chris decided to outright just call you instead). “I think I scared them.”

“Chris said all you said was my name and ‘oh, shit’ before you booked it out,” you said, “so they probably thought I was dying.”

He frowned at his phone for a moment before looking back up at you. “I can stay long enough to eat cheesecake with you,” he said. “I’ll text the group chat.”

Jisung had looked away from you, watching you break into your cheesecake. When you tried to return his small container of strawberry sauce to him, he pushed it back to you--insisting that you could have it today. He finally looked back to you a few moments later after sending a quick text, only to notice the way you were sitting there, fork still in your mouth and tearing up.

“Is it bad? I can go somewhere--”

You shook your head, fighting back tears. Jisung had ran to get you this cheesecake and was apologetic because he knew how bad your periods could get. Maybe it was the hormones, but something about the combination of a caring boyfriend going out of his way to make you happy and the sweetness of a slice of cheesecake was enough to make you want to cry. 

“Do you need medicine?” He asked a moment later, watching you. His hair fell into his eyes, and you watched the way he brushed it back. “Just tell me what you need, okay? Is today bad?”

Another shake of your head as you took another bite of cheesecake, rattling off something about how you just really loved him. He had smiled at you a moment later as your words fully sank in, and he shifted so that he could be sitting closer to you.

“I really love you, too,” he said with a soft chuckle.

Despite what he said earlier about staying long enough to eat with you, you managed to get Jisung to cuddle with you for what was meant to be a few minutes. He pulled you into his arms, already starting to curl up closer and closer to you.

“You said you’d go back,” you reminded him, yet still snuggling in. He was holding your heating pad in place, and the last thing you truly wanted was for him to leave you when your cramps had yet to die down. “Jisungie,” you whined, just to tease him. “Neglecting your friends for me...”

He planted a tiny peck into your neck. “I’ll go in a few minutes.”

(And yet he stayed right there with you, dozing off faster than you did... even with the numerous texts from most of his friends later on asking where he went. Chris merely texted you to make sure both of you rested well.)

taglist: @twancingyunhao​

[axofluff]

A Soldier's promise || Fem!Reader X Simon "Ghost" Riley

・❥・Masterlist

・❥・Tag's/warning: Angst, major character death, reader is pregnant with Ghost's child, trauma, slight comfort, mentions of antenatal depression, no mention of y/n in the military, comfort, grief. Depression and other serious topics.

・❥・Summary: Your pregnant with Ghosts child but Ghost has been deployed to an important mission. With you on maternity leave, you have no choice but to stay behind as your due to give birth, but will Ghost ever return?

・❥・A:N: I've had this idea for a WHILE. I cried whilst writing this, I explained it to @the-jarvy-party a while ago and they encouraged me to write it so, here you go!

I will not be paying for anyone's therapy after this

"I'll be back in no time love, I promise you. You take care of you both for me alright?" Simon pressed a light kiss to your forehead and rubbed your stomach, your little daughter growing rapidly inside.

"Stay safe...please." You were upset more than usual about Simons departure and no matter how hard Simon tried to put the mission off just so he could witness your beautiful baby into the world; Price just simply couldn't hold the mission back further then he could. antenatal depression was hitting you hard

"Always, darling...always for you." He murmurs, capturing your lips in a sweet and tender kiss. Stroking your cheek softly, his brown orbs gaze into yours and you try your best, memorizing every last detail of his face before he slips his mask down.

"To infinity..." Ghost turns to you one last time before he leaves.

"To the ends of the universe." You feel a tear drop from your face and with that, he was gone.

The house suddenly felt empty, despite signs of life blossoming in every corner. Trails of ghost could be seen in every corner. His "World's best soldier." cup still half full of coffee on the table. As much as it annoyed you that he always left it half full it was replaced with a sudden urge. You'd give for a million mugs of half full coffee if it meant for Ghost to remain home.

You were supposed to be used to Simon always leaving for a mission, but this time it felt completely different and you just couldn't figure out why.

You trusted him with your life. He'd always come back home to you, a little bruised but he came back home every single time he left that door. Yet somehow, a gnawing feeling was turning at your stomach.

: ̗̀➛

You and Ghost would call every chance he got, they were short and sweet but you cherished every time your phone would ring and the familure name of "My love." pop up.

To hear his voice was enough to keep you going, making each second that lead up to your point in pregnancy. Sometimes he'd send photos of him and the others. Always keeping you updated on their current status. He'd always remind you that you were strong and that you would make it through this. Simon would almost always ask you to move the phone so he could speak to your belly directly, saying how he can't wait to come home and meet the little angel you both worked so hard to have.

The nights were the worst. You'd often have frequent nightmares and you'd wake up in a cold sweat all alone in bed, expecting to be wrapped in his loving arms only to be greeted by the harsh silence of the night. Simon knew about these when he asked and he promised to have all the cuddles you could ever think of when he comes back.

: ̗̀➛

It was a Saturday night, you were packing things ready to give birth to your beloved daughter as you were only a week away now. You was expecting a phone call of from Ghost today since he promised you on Tuesday he'd call although the day was drawing to an end and you began to feel the anxiety creep in.

"He's probably just taking a nap...I'm sure he'll call in a few minuets...he's fine." You told yourself, folding a t-shirt into a suitcase.

The minuets turned into hours and the night turned into early morning. Your anxiety was almost like a volcano now waiting to erupt but you know for the safety of your little one, it was best not to worry.

So thinking nothing of it, you decided to go to bed. Maybe sleep will help ease your mind, praying you didn't have a nightmare tonight.

You decided to check your phone last time, hesitating to message him but you could never be sure if he would even read it. Sighing, you put it down and close your eyes. Trying to put your mind on other things.

You were suddenly jolted awake as your phone began to ring. You reach over and you see it's ghost, although it was 3:42 am. Ghost would never ring this late, you accept it and put your phone to your ear.

"Hey love! Is everything ok? You-"

"Y/n...baby....oh god..." You were interrupted by him, his voice sounded tired and you could hear faint coughing in the background as he was trying to hide his pain. A sudden worry shot you awake and you were on high alert.

"Simon...what's going on? Are you ok?" You blurted out. Sitting up straight.

"It's so good to hear your voice baby..."His voice was weak and you instantly knew he was hurt.

"SIMON?!-" You could hear Soap in the background, his voice rang alarm bells right through you.

"Are you hurt?!" You frantically try to keep it together, a sob almost breaking out.

"N...No no...just a little scratch." He was lying, knowing if he told you the truth you'd be devastated and he didn't want the last image of you crying,

"Then why do you sound...you're injured Simon don't lie to me." You say between gritted teeth, your chest suddenly feels heavy and you feel clammy. The reality of the situation becoming almost too much for you to handle.

"Shhh...shhh...I'll....I'll be okay love, how's....how's Lilly?" He grunts, knowing he doesn't have much time left. Lilly is what you decided to call your daughter.

"Simon don't you dare try to change the topic! Don't you dare." A cry breaks out and you feel your whole world closing in on you. Your heart racing in your chest, crushing you completely.

"The sky is so beautiful...it always reminds me of you, you know? They remind me the first time I looked into your eyes, my love...Your eyes shone so brightly compared to everyone else's...they reflect on your soul....a soul I am so glad I got to meet..." He wheezes, clearly in pain as he tried so hard to cling on for you.

"Don't talk like that, you are coming home and meeting your beautiful daughter we worked so hard for. 2 years we tried...2 whole years to create her...You are coming home to her...to me...to us." You angrily sob, trying so hard to cling onto any hope.

"I never did thank you...love...you changed me in a way I couldn't see...you....you saved me y/n...you saved me." His voice was getting weaker by the second and you could tell he didn't have long left. You wanted to scream at him, to tell him not to give up, to tell him to fight for you. However, it felt like your throat had been ripped out and you couldn't bring yourself to say anything.

"Please...please Simon....don't leave me." You begged, tears welling in your eyes.

"Oh..love I'm not leaving you...as long as I'm in your heart I will never leave you...I...I just need to rest for a little while...I'm sorry I couldn't make it to see our daughter grow up...to watch as you both grow and be the most amazing and strong women you both will be. You've done so well...my love. You are so strong...so strong. You always had a strength I could never have. I... I love you so much..." He was crying now, it was always rare for him to cry, at least around others. A knife stabbed in your heart as you hear him cry. Knowing there was nothing in your power to make this change.

"Simon... I can't do this without you... I don't want to be alone." You tried to plead. Your voice was shaking and you found it hard to form a sentence.

"Maybe in the next life my love... Please... For Lilly's sake... Stay strong for her. She needs you. Remind her every day she is loved. I know you're going to be an amazing mom. She'll love you endlessly... Promise me that you won't give up on her." He whispers, his voice getting quitter.

"I don't want to be on my own Simon... Please... There has to be something. Where's Soap? Gaz? Price?" Your mind races through any sort of possibility that he could pull through with this.

"Y/n, I need you to promise me that you won't give up on her... Please..." He begs now, his voice straining.

"I... I promise." You mutter and tears stream down your face. Your sobs and the distance sound of gunfire fill the air.

"Simon... Are you there? Simon..." No response.

"SIMON? DON'T YOU DARE!" You scream. No response.

"THIS BETTER NOT BE SOME SICK JOKE SOAP TOLD YOU TO DO!" No response.

You screamed, you sobbed, you yelled, you pleaded.

No response.

You didn't want to accept the fact he's gone. There was absolutely no reason on why he had. He promised you after all, he promised to always come back home to you.

Your throat began to swell and your eyes pricked with tears. You're mouth sobbing as it felt like someone shoved an ironing brand right down your throat. You clutched onto the bed sheets and the sudden wave of his scent caught you. You slept with one of his t-shirts every night. The smell of him was your comfort... Now it was a painful reminder that the person who gave you everything and more was in fact gone.

Tears stained the pillow as you couldn't keep it in anymore. Your whole body was shaking and your chest burnt in pain. You gasped for breath as you struggled. Your painful sobs echoed through the walls.

A sudden knock caused you to jolt awake.

"Y/n, is everything alright in there? I heard screaming." A familur Austrian accent spoke from the other side.It was Konig, he could hear your sobs from the other room.

"GO AWAY!" You scream, gasping for breath.

"Bitter... Let me help you..." His voice was calming, inviting. You just sob and you cling onto the shirt. Burrowing your face in it. You could smell the familure scent of wood pine, gun powder and his cologne he wore everytime. Your tears damperning the fabric as you sobbed hard into the t-shirt.

"I want to help you... Y/n please... Whatever it is..." Konig pleaded. Sounding sincere, you lift your head up slowly and you open the door. Konig suddenly looks down at you, his green eyes widening at your state.

"Oh no no... Come here..." He wraps you in his arms and you just sob into his chest. His warm hands pressingly softly onto your back

"He's gone Konig... He's gone..." Is all you can say between sobs. Konig rubs your back tenderly, his hands moving in circles as he holds you close. Your sobs muffled by konigs chest. Your lungs were on fire as the tears just wouldn't stop and everything became a haze around you.

"I am so sorry y/n, truly... I really am." Konig sighs, looking at you sympathetically. His fingers pressed along your spine gently.

"I can't... I can't do this without him Konig. He... He promised me..." You tighten your grip around him. Wishing it was him, wishing that the phone would call again and it would be Ghost's voice. Telling you it was just a stupid game.

"I'm going to need you to take deep breaths for me ok? Think of Lilly..." Konig 's voice was warm, his words was soft as he desperately tried to get you to calm down. Your tears flowed from your check to Konigs hoodie, his mask tucked neatly in. You sniffle and you know Konigs right, so you pull away and begin to take deep breaths. "There you go y/n, deep breathes." Konig whispers, tucking some of your hair which was now matted with tears away from your face. Your eyes bloodshot from the tears, You wipe your eyes and you sob softly, trying so hard to keep keep everything together. Your sobs slowly subsided to sniffles, having no energy anymore. You felt so weak, so fragile. It felt like ghost took a part of you, a part of you you'll never get back. You loved him endlessly, he was your home and your safety. He loved you the same, you truly had a connection that made you inseparable from each other. You was each other's light. Together, their was nothing you couldn't get through. : ̗̀➛ You were cradling your beautiful newborn, Lilly gurgled and was sucking on her thumb as she slept peacefully in your arms. She had Simons eyes. That beautiful brown haze that shared the same spark as his. Konig was there with you for the birth and he quickly adapted to helping you look after the little one. He was amazing, despite his size. Lilly took a shine to him. Konig helped with everything, to feeding Lilly to even waking up in the middle of the night to change her diaper to let you rest. Although you couldn't love another, you was always grateful for Konig's company. You'd often find yourself in his arms after waking up from a nightmare. His arms becoming your only comfort. Konig understood your boundaries and he respected you, Never pushing himself on you. The task force returned around a month later, instead of the roaring of cheers as they came back from the mission. The boys were silent. Soap especially. The base became silent. Everyone was hurting differently. Price gave you the warmest hug when he returned. Price was like a father to you and he saw how happy you made Simon. Prices eyes were usually warm and swelling with life, but his gaze was different. Even he was hurting. Even Gaz was a different person. His bubbly self was now hidden behind a layer of grieve. The task force was a family and on that day, they lost a brother. You tried so hard to carry on. Every night you had night terrors, imagining Simon laying there in the battlefield in different ways. You struggled so hard. Mundane tasks felt so hard to complete as you were just a shell of who you used to be. Lilly was the only reason you kept pushing through. You promised Simon you'd stay strong for her, so that's what you'll do. The task force did their best to help chip in with supporting you. Taking it in turns to babysit her when Price would force you to get out there and have some time away. Simons funeral was small, since Simon never had family other than the task force and you. They never found his body but you still held a ceremony for him. The days eventually turned into weeks which turned into months. After a while you returned back to your work, knowing Simon wouldn't want you to waste your life away at home. Lilly was growing quickly and before you had time to process everything she was 3 years old. The older she got the more of Simon you could see in her. Her small button brown eyes and her cheeky little smile that Simon always gave you. She saw Konig as her father and eventually you began to fall in love again. You and Konig cared for one another, he was there for when you couldn't pick yourself back up. You found your solace with him and you learnt to trust again. Knowing this is what Simon would have wanted for you and in time, you'll see him again sometime.

There were times where you'd still breakdown, often triggered by a song Simon showed you as you hear it over the radio. Sometimes it'll be from finding old polaroid photos that fell behind a drawer. Often you and Ghost pulling funny faces or sharing a tender kiss. Each with dates written on the back of when you took them.

Eventually, you slowly rebuilt yourself piece by piece. With Konig's support. You became the best mom for Lilly. Making sure she was always happy. It was hard but you had no other choice but to power through. The task force became your family, they gave you a second chance and with the help of everyone. You finally left the past as it was. Only the ghost of it remained.

[4ullbloom]

Sunbeam Baby (Joel Miller x reader)

Summary - Little drabble about coming home to Joel at golden hour. Reader is gender neutral and not described in any way.

W/C - 650ish

Warnings - None

A/N - My first time posting on here. I hope this drabble gives you daydream fuel. I thought about it months ago and decided it was time I immortalised this idea through text.

A bright, blue sky was once your ideal thing to look for during your day. Now, it was whichever sky allowed for the richest orange and brown tones to filter through the window in your bedroom. The bedroom you shared with a man who seemed to glow in the golden hour of an evening. Blue had never felt cold until you saw the sun reflected in his walnut brown irises. Blue to you is now simply the absence of brown. Had you asked your younger self what the best colour is, brown would certainly not be the first choice. It might have even been the last choice.

Your sunset shadow follows you up the stairs as you make your way to where you know you will find Joel. He likes to bask in the last dregs of sunlight before you come home. You find it endearing; he is a house cat in many ways (a sentiment he was less than thrilled to hear). You can’t help the thought from popping into your head every time his forehead is bumped against your shoulder moments of quiet affection, the way he stretches when he wakes up, the way he will call your name around the house until he finds you and most importantly the way you feel immensely guilty when you have to get up after he has fallen asleep with you on the couch.

Walking into the bedroom you see Joel lazing on the bed, a book on astronomy propped up loosely on his chest between his large hands.

You greet him softly but cannot resist the urge to pounce onto the bed next to him. Practically throwing yourself onto the soft duvet, left arm landing around Joel’s middle.

The poor man shoots upright with a grunt and the space book takes flight across the room. His panicked eyes wildly search his surroundings before meeting yours. They soften on realisation that he’s not under attack and its just you in the room. You can see the bleary-eyed tiredness in his face. Poor guy was having a nap which was ended by you basically sucker punching him to consciousness.

“Baby, I thought you were awake!” You quickly rub his chest in ways of an apology, feeling terrible for spooking him. He lets out a long groan as he settles back against his pillows.

He steadies your movement and looks down at you with a quirked brow.

“Baby?” He questions your choice of words.

You shrink under his gaze. Being the asshole he is, he lets you stew in discomfort for a few seconds before bringing your hand to his mouth. He places a gentle kiss on your palm. You hadn’t meant for the term of endearment to slip out. It wasn’t your usual style. You preferred to simply use his name or ‘Handsome’ if you were in a particularly good mood.

“Too damn old an stiff to be ‘Baby’.” He grumbles softly into your hand, lowering it back to his chest.

A wicked grin spreads across your face. His eyebrow quirks again. He knows that a smart-ass comment is coming his way.

“Okay Peepaw.” You coo and press a kiss to his whiskery cheek.

“On second thoughts, Baby will do just fine.” His voice rumbles, still holding some sleepiness in it.

Strong arms wrap around you and pull you into his embrace. Propped up by your forearms on his chest, your hands find their way to his jawline. Absentminded fingers caress the patchy beard they find there. Your eyes find his half-lidded ones. The last of the sun’s golden rays linger there still in the rich brown tones you’re so fond of. You lean into him to give a couple of easy kisses against his lips. When you lean back his eyes are closed once more. The sun warms his resting face and bathes him in all her golden glory until she has no more left to offer.

[st4rdom-if]

For both ST4RDOM and KMonarchs, do you have a specific habit/ritual you do before getting on stage/going on tour? Any sort of lucky charm to ward off nerves?

Q: Either group can answer this; do you have a specific habit or ritual you do before getting on stage? Any sort of lucky charm to ward off nerves?

PK: PRAY.

Everyone laughs, PK included.

PK: But seriously, praying and humming anything, whether it is a song or scale, really helps to warm up your vocal cords.

Alex: Although PK says that, he actually gets a bag of chips from the closest vending machine to eat exactly ten minutes before we go on.

PK: You weren't supposed to tell anyone that! And anyways, that's what you do too!

Alex: Actually, I also get some coffee.

PK: Surely that is a big difference.

There is a sudden silence that fills the room, so Luc comes in with his own answer.

Luc: I usually practice my dance with the others. Then I take a break and hope for the best.

Gavin: Remember the time we had a dance competition to see who is the best?

Luc: Didn't I win?

Mingyu: No, I did.

Jaehyun: What? I dance better than you!

Mingyu: You want to try me? Let's face off after this, then.

Jaehyun: Sure, whatever you say. For the question, though, I usually take a nap. A long one.

Interviewer: What? How long?

Jaehyun: I don't remember...

Luc: It was two and a half hours. You woke up three minutes before we got on stage.

Jaehyun: That long? I'm usually not a deep sleeper. When was this?

Luc: A few months ago.

Jaehyun: Oh...I don't remember that.

Nari: Well, you're not alone because I also take a nap. Even though it takes me a while to fall asleep and they are usually short, they freshen my brain.

Jaehyun and Nari nod, having reached the same conclusion. It is a nod of acknowledgment—of kinship.

Vi: In addition to Nari taking a nap, she also gets extremely worried like Sofie. I am usually calm even though I can feel my brain shutting down.

Sofie: I worry and overthink too much, but at the end of the day I am reminded that this is my passion.

Nari: You only realize that after one of our managers tell you to stop pacing around the room, though.

Somewhere, one of the KMonarchs laughs, although it is quickly snuffed (it was Mingyu). Another chuckles (Seungho).

Sofie: It still counts as something. But my necklace usually calms me down. All I have to do is rub the stone and it soothes me.

Her hands reaches up to stroke the soft pink stone laced around her neck.

Interviewer: Can you tell me the significance of it? Who did you get it from? And do you wear it all the time?

Sofie: It's really just a necklace, but my mother passed it down to me. It's a reminder of my mother and her love for me, so I wear it all the time.

Interviewer: That's a sweet sentiment.

Sofie's lips turn downward before fixing itself to a strained smile.

Sofie: It is my lucky charm.

Interviewer: Yes, of course it is. Speaking of luck, I think someone hasn't spoken yet. Care to go?

The interviewer looks at Seungho, who flinches from surprise when everyone turns to stare at him.

Seungho: Shouldn't that be my own business?

Interviewer: You don't have to share, then.

Seungho: Sorry, that came out wrong. I meant that this question can be personal, but for me I usually scroll through Instagram and practice.

Sofie: Oh yeah, same. Sometimes there is nothing better to do so I go through my photos and maybe take some of our group.

Vi: You have to send me those photos, eonni. I'm still waiting for them.

Vi then grins at the interviewer and camera, teeth showing a little too much. Something twinkles in her eye like a trick of light.

Vi: I think we should we move on then, since everyone went. Don't want this to stretch out too thin, right?

Interviewer: ...right, yes. Let's see what is next on our list...

[prettyhobii]

HIRAETH CH-5

MDNI

Prev

"I've missed you so much oh my god," Jennie squealed as she jumped into her older sisters embrace. "So so much."

Nari laughed and hugged her sister back. "I've missed you too Nini."

"We we're so worried when you didn't text us last night, was everything okay?" Rosé asked, coming back with three glasses of strawberry lemonade.

"Yes I'm okay, just had a hard night."

"Did you relapse?" Jennie's eyes widened as she gripped harshly on her sisters arm. Nari shook her head no.

"No nothing like that, please don't worry, trouble at work. I'm going to have to find a new job."

"That's okay, we can help you riri," smiled rosé comfortingly, "a restaurant near me has a now hiring sign outside, maybe you could apply there? I could put a good word in for you, I'm a regular there."

"Perhaps, I have the rest of the money for you guys, one hundred each, is that okay?"

"Riri we don't want your money, it's yours to keep."

"I don't care, you guys are taking it, and that's final."

"We both have jobs with good wages, even Felix is sorted out financially, riri I promise you we're okay," Jennie frowned, "times are tough for you right now, keep this money and get yourself something nice."

"You're taking it, and that's final. I have money don't worry."

Jennie and rosé frowned at each other, but ended up giving up on the conversation, and starting a new one.

"So your soulmates, what's happening?"

"I kissed one of them."

"OH MY GOD" Jennie screamed, rosé burst into fits of laughter at the elder and watched as Jennie threw herself onto her lap. 

"WHICH ONE?"

"His name is Hoseok, and he helped me out yesterday." Nari smiled thinking of Hobi and their kiss earlier. She felt stupid about it, but she couldn't get her mind off the topic.

"OH MY GOD SHES SMILING. SHE LOVES HIM." Jennie screamed once again, feeling the upmost happiness for her sister.

"I am not in love with him," Nari laughed, turning aside. "Maybe some day, but not just yet."

"So what's a bond like?" Jennie asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"It's hard to say, when I'm with him I feel warm, and safe," Nari mumbled, "remember when mum was alive?"

The two girls nodded.

"It was that feeling of safe, like nobody can hurt you anymore."

"Are you happy?" The blonde asked, eyebrows raised and an emotionless expression.

"With him, yes." Nari smiled to herself, "with the others, not just yet."

The next few hours went too quickly for Nari's liking.

She spent the rest of the night messaging with Hoseok, scrolling through some local news and napping throughout the day.

Anything to distract her from the overwhelming fear of Soomin walking through her doors. She was meant to be in work four hours ago. And now she was terrified of what would happen.

But to Nari's relief nothin happened throughout the night, no threatening text messages, no banging on doors. Absolutely nothing.

After messaging her siblings good night, she decided to message Hoseok one last time before heading off to bed herself.

Hobi

Nari

Hobi.. are you awake?

Hobi

Yes

Are you okay?

Nari

I'm sorry

I'm just scared

Hobi

Which is why I wanted you to stay with me

You're safe, I promise

I won't let anything happen to you remember?

Nari

Mhhm

I can't wait to see you tomorrow

Hobi

I'll be there before you know it

Just try get some sleep for me okay?

Nari

Okay

Goodnight

Hobi

Goodnight <3

The next morning, Nari woke up around noon ish, her phone constantly buzzing aloud with numerous messages.

Hobi

Hobi

Good morning angel

Angel?

Nari?

Are you there?

Are you okay?

Nari please respond

Nari

I'm so sorry I just woke up

Hobi

Oh thank fuck

I'll be coming over in about half an hour if that's okay?

Nari

Can't wait

Soomin

What the fuck have you done

Instead of panicking like she normally did in this situation, she simply ignored his message and got ready to see Hoseok.

The angered bond her and Yoongi created sure seemed to hit her when she woke up. Aching heart, headache, but she could stand it. It wasn't bad.

She put on her only clean outfit, some black leggings and a white tank top, showing off her arms and sculpting her waist.

She figured Hoseok would want something to drink when she got here, so she cut up a few slices of lemon and cucumber before filling up two pints of water.

It wasn't what she wanted to offer him, but it's all she has.

She sat down patiently, combing her hair through with her fingers, her brush broke last week, so she's had to use her fingers to untangle it.

Minutes later there was a knock at the door, and then a notification on her phone.

Hobi

Hobi

It's just me <3

Nari opened up the door to see a very handsome looking Hoseok, just wearing a white shirt and a pair of baggy jeans. But boy did it make him even hotter than Nari originally thought he was.

"Morning beautiful," Hoseok smiled.

"Please, come in." Nari wasn't ashamed of her apartment or how she lived, she didn't have a manor like they did, but she knew that Hoseok wouldn't judge her for how she lived.

Hoseok stepped inside, dropping his bag by the small kitchen counter, grabbing Nari by her waist, closing the door shut with his foot, before kissing her deeply.

Nari was shocked by the sudden affection, but didn't mind by any means, and kissed him back just as deeply.

She lead Hoseok over to her couch, where he crawled on top of her, continuing the kiss.

Neither of them wanted to go any further then just kissing for the time being, but they couldn't seem to control themselves, as the kids got more heated, so did they.

Hands in his hair, his hands all over her body, the two made out for quite a while, not even bothering to say a word, just long passionate kisses expressing their soul devotion to one another.

When they finally pulled away, instead of the awkward tension they were expecting, they both burst into giggles.

"You stuck to your promise then?" Nari hummed with a little laugh as she stroked back his hair. Hoseok smiled with a nod.

"It's felt like days since I've seen you, you haven't left my mind even for a second." He leaned down and kissed her nose.

Nari let out a comfortable sigh, her hands clasping behind his neck, pulling him to rest on her chest, their embrace too powerful to let go of.

"I've missed you," Nari hummed, as she stroked back his hair. "I've slept alone for years, but last night was the hardest night of my life, and I don't know why."

"We'll that's because of the bond," Hoseok spoke, his breath falling onto her chest. "Because the other day we slept so close together, immediately losing that touch made us hungry for more."

"I made you a drink," Nari smiled, "I know it's no noma, but it's all I can offer you right now."

"I'll take you there one day, to noma I mean."

"I'll hold you to that," Nari smiled, kissing his head. "You know, I've literally never been like this with anybody." She sighed. "Hobi?"

"Mhhm."

"I want to show you something, because I trust you and if we're going to continue like this, you'll find out eventually."

She moved Hobi up off her, immediately feeling colder then she did before, that could be because the heating doesn't work, or the bond, who knows.

Hoseok tilted his head as he sat next to his soulmate.

Nari slowly lifted up her shirt, just below he rib cage.

On her skin, there layed her soulmates, all bleached over, yet Hoseok's mark shone through. A small sunshine next to Nari's snowflake, along side a new, but dark coloured clover on the opposite side.

Faded scars scratched each mark, her stomach slightly discoloured from the amount of abuse she got when she was younger.

"I know it's disgusting, but it's-"

"It's not disgusting." Hoseok's eyes narrowed, "it's a part of you, and you're perfect." He gently placed his finger on the sides of her stomach, "but just tell me who did this to you angel."

Nari looked away from him, feeling his finger trace over each mark, "my father.. didn't like that I wasn't completely under his control." She took a breath, "he tried his best to get rid of them, I was meant to be getting married that year, to someone he approved of."

"What happened then?" Hoseok asked, as he traced his finger over his own mark, making it glow lighter, the butterflies affecting both of them.

"When my mother passed away the year before, I made a promise to her that I'd protect Jennie, Rosé and Felix. After all my father wouldn't," she smiled thinking of her siblings and how proud she was of them. How they managed to live a stable and somewhat normal life made her so incredibly happy. "Jennie was turning 16 two  years later, so I knew I had to get them out of there." She paused to regain her shaky breath, "that same year I took them out of the house, stole the money my mother left for us, and bought a train ticket from Jeju to Seoul."

She remembered the train ride like it was yesterday, thirteen year old Felix and Rosé, 14 year old Jennie and sixteen year old Nari. Four terrified runaways. With only one backpack each. God knows how they survived.

"I rented out an apartment for us to live in, until they all wanted to do separate things. Felix wanted to perform, Rosé wanted to find her soulmates, Jennie wanted to model, so I let them go."

Hoseok smiled at his soulmate, "that's selfless of you, I can't imagine how scared you were."

"I wasn't scared for myself, I've been through a lot of shit, I was worried for them." She looked down, "less scared for Felix, as he got casted for some agency pretty quickly, but Rosé and Jennie struggled for a while," she played with her fingers, "that's why I make sure they have money every week, I like knowing that they have something you know?"

Hoseok nodded, "my older sister is my rock, I don't know what I'd do without her. She had some trouble with Namjoon years ago, they didn't meet eye to eye, she can be quite.. protective." He chuckled, "but Jiwoo is lovely, I think you'd both get along."

Nari smiled, "I hope so."

"Hey," hoseok whispered.

Nari turned to look at him, before she knew it he quickly leant in and kissed her lips softly. "You're perfect. Past or not, you're mine and I'll protect you forever okay?"

Nari chuckled, "I'll hold you to that."

"You should let me meet your siblings huh, they seem like great people."

"Maybe I could make a group chat for you guys?"

"I'd like that," Hoseok smiled, "you know the other boys have been asking about you."

"Hmm, that's sweet of them."

Hoseok sighed and pulled Nari onto his lap, "you know what I think?" he rested his hands on her thighs.

"That we're moving too fast?"

Hoseok laughed, moving his left arm around her waist, pulling her closer, "well yes, but I don't care about that," he smiled, "I think you're the most gorgeous person I've ever laid eyes on."

"Not very fair to the others huh?"

"Im one hundred percent positive they agree."

Nari laughed, holding his cheek, leaning in and kissing him softly.

"I like this."

"Hmm?"

"Being with you, kissing you. You make me feel safe."

Hoseok's smile returned, "I'll keep you safe." He leaned forward to kiss Nari's lips.

"We're like two teenagers in a relationship for the first time." She laughed, "it's insane."

Hoseok kissed her again, "that's exactly what I want."

Hoseok laid down, pulling her further on top of him, "you want to go out for lunch? My treat?"

Nari sighed, "I could make us some noodles? It's cheaper."

"Okay, go get changed, we're off out for the day." He pecked her lips quickly and picked her up off of him.

"Hoseok," Nari's eyes narrowed, "No spending money."

Hoseok grinned, "okay.”

[masterwords]

rest

Summary: A virus sweeps through the Morgan-Hotchner household.

Pairing: Hotch/Morgan

Words: 2.4k

Warnings: illness, snot, fevers, meds...but soft and fluffy.

Notes: This is fluff. Just some sickfic fluff set in the Chicago semi-retirement years. How each member of the household deals with it when they get the cold that's going around. All because I wanted to write about Hotch and Clooney, old men napping together. Clooney is the goodest boy and ageless, really. I've had this in my WIP folder forever and it's one of those not getting any better or any more of a plot scenario so...I cleaned it up and now I give it to you. Making room for some new WIPs!

** The Chicago Times Masterlist **

**

The first sneeze of the season was always a benchmark.

In Spring, it let them know the pollen was on the move and that the trees were calling to the bees to do their thing. Derek would pull out the Claritin first, choosing not to even mess with the itchy eyes one moment. Hotch, on the other hand, would wait. His system was already inundated by pills of varying shapes and sizes, medications that ranged from benign to downright sinister, so a stuffy nose and some dry itchy eyes were not the end of the world.

Virginia hadn't ever treated him too badly, but he was convinced that Chicago meant him harm. Still, he persisted with a handkerchief stuffed into his pocket and saline drops for his dry eyes. He could wear his glasses now without fear of ridicule...it was almost expected of a man in his position. They may have clashed with his suit and tie, but they were the perfect accessory for his sweaters and khakis.

So, the first sneeze of Spring didn't worry him much.

The first sneeze of Autumn, however, set off the alarm bells. It was almost always Jack first with Derek hot on his heels. Hotch and Hank were sitting ducks, waiting for whatever germs the two of them brought home to fully culture inside their walls.

“Already?” Hotch asked, watching Derek rummage through the medicine cabinet for that damn box of DayQuil he knew was in there. “It's awfully early in the school year for this.”

“Tell that to my students. Jackson was puking in the trash can at football practice last night, Burkhardt was spitting loogies all over the damn field and where the fuck is my DayQuil?”

Hotch didn't even look up from the stack of papers he was grading. “Top shelf, right. Behind the contact solution.” His classes didn't start until 11, he really didn't even need to be up yet. Derek, on the other hand, should have been out the door a half hour ago and was certainly going to be late.

“It's not there.”

Hotch hummed. “Check under the sink, maybe you need to open a new package.”

Sick days were a menace at best. Everyone was grouchy, not a kind word in sight. Jack trudged around the house with kleenex shoved up his nose like walrus tusks and insisted on staying home while simultaneously refusing to actually rest. A nap was out of the question, which was a cause for more than one argument when Hotch demanded to know why he wouldn't nap when he was sick but he was nearly impossible to get out of bed in the mornings. Tensions ran high. To top it all off, his kleenex never quite seemed to make it to a trash can and Hotch found himself walking around picking up wads of the stuff from every surface of the whole house, scarcely wanting to imagine the state of the kid's room. That task he made Jack deal with on his own. He had his limits.

Derek was terrible at being sick. The minute he had a sniffle, he was grouchy. Angry at his body's betrayal. “Why do I workout so much, huh? Drinkin' those nasty green smoothies every damn day and for what? Huh?” Punctuate that with a cough or a sneeze and he was a mess. Hotch would only find it in him to smile, to press the back of his hand to Derek's fevered forehead and tell him to sleep it off.

“You always fight it off faster when you sleep,” Hotch said, guiding him toward the bed. “Take the day off.”

“I can't.” Cough, cough, wheeze. “We've got varsity tryouts today. I got some real boneheads thinkin' they're gonna make it and that damn assistant coach they gave me this year is a bleeding heart.” Sneeze. “He'll tell 'em all they got the job just to avoid the talk.”

Hotch had to smile at that. Derek had been complaining about his assistant coach since the summer, but he was a nepotism hire so Hotch understood and there wasn't anything he could do short of taking on twice the work himself so he could save himself the trouble on the back end. Unfortunately that meant going to work sick, pumping himself full of Sudafed and DayQuil at what he deemed to be safe intervals though Hotch had other opinions on the matter.

“Go lie down, I'll make you some tea. At least go in late. Take a half day.”

Thoughtfully, Derek considered the option. He was already late. Tryouts weren't until 4 anyway. “Yeah. Okay. Yeah...good idea.” He slept all day, right on through the tryouts, and didn't have enough energy to be upset about that when he finally did wake. Hotch stuffed him full of tea with honey, vitamins, extra water and a few more kisses right to the top of his head before leaving him to sleep.

He slept on the couch that night, his final attempt to stave off the germs. Clooney slept behind his knees, curled up in a ball there.

It only took a few days before Derek and Jack were on the mend, were carrying around the last of the dry coughs and stuffy sinuses. They would wake up in the morning and hack hack hack, then be fine by the time their showers were over.

Being the newest kid on the block, it only took a few days to take Hank the Tank down entirely. After that, Hotch knew it was only a matter of time before he followed suit. His immune system would fight the longest and crash the hardest. If you looked at most of the scattered pill bottles in their medicine cabinet, you would see plenty that read with simple, off-putting language like do not consume with alcohol, or may cause drowsiness, but then you would stumble on that token few that claimed that they might make it harder to fight off infections. He did a damn good job of not getting them in the first place, at least until now...until Hank. But he couldn't resist the little guy and his weepy eyes and snotty nose, his fevered skin and damp curls. Hank would hold his arms out and beg to be held by Hotch and Hotch alone, and what could he do but say yes and scoop him up? How do you tell a squishy little two-year-old no when all they want is a hug (and to rub their snot all over you)?

“You're toast,” Derek muttered, breezing through the room to try and find his slacks. The nice ones. He had meetings all morning with athletic scouts, setting up dates and times for them to come and check out his players. “You know that right?”

Hotch nodded and pressed his cheek into Hank's curls, closing his eyes. He was well aware that he was absolutely in for it. Didn't stop him from kissing Hank's forehead and humming little songs to him while the kid drooled all over his t-shirt.

Waking at 2am with the chills wasn't exactly out of place, except when he was buried beneath three blankets already. He pushed further beneath the covers and huddled there, basking in Derek's warmth, until he fell back asleep.

Waking at 7am dizzy, unable to focus his eyes...that one was a little more concerning. Swiping one hand over the nightstand, he found his glasses and that helped tremendously with one of the problems. It did nothing to ease the swaying dizzy feeling as he sat himself up, but at least he could see. “Derek?” he asked, pawing at the bed behind him until he touched the lump of blankets that he presumed was his lover. “Derek?”

“Mmmfff...” Derek grumbled, his face deep in a pillow. “Mmf?”

“I need your help, please.”

He'd gotten good at that, recently. Asking for help. One of the stipulations, agreed upon up front, like forging a treaty between warring villages. Derek wouldn't put up with him collapsing, excusing himself to do so, not again. No more avoidable scares. And Derek, to his credit, took every plea for help with alacrity. He never so much as batted an eyelash at it, he would drop everything to come and he always did so with a brightness that made Hotch feel at ease no matter what situation he found himself in.

This morning was no different. The minute he said the word help, Derek was sitting upright rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “What's up baby?”

“I need to use the bathroom,” Hotch started, a little sheepishly. “But I'm too dizzy to stand.”

“Hank the Tank's cooties got you, huh?”

“Looks like it.”

With Hotch settled against his side, hand possessive and firm against his hip, Derek walked them to the bathroom. He nudged Clooney's sleeping form out of the way and flipped on the light. The bathroom was always warmer than the bedroom, a fact that was not lost on Clooney and his old bones. By the time Hotch was leaning against the sink, staring into his pale and drawn features reflected back at him, he wasn't feeling quite so bad. The dizzy feeling had all but passed.

“Thank you,” he whispered, and Derek took that as his cue to leave him to his business. Clooney had taken up residence on the bed in the warmth they'd vacated, he noted with some sourness, when he exited the bathroom. Hotch wouldn't mind. He'd call in sick and spend the day in bed with the dog now that he was the only one sick in the house. Everyone else would leave, let them to their peace and quiet. Two old men who genuinely adored hearing the creaks of a settling foundation over loudly talking voices. The hum of a refrigerator over music. The whistle of wind through their sparsely treed yard over the television. They love their family, but in times like this, quiet was the best medicine. Hotch was willing to ask for help, but he still wanted to be by himself when he didn't feel well.

“You call in?” Derek asked, bringing Hotch tea in bed. Hotch nodded and shifted his hips, trying to get comfortable around the deeply settled ache in his joints. He was radiating heat. Derek had already taken his temperature once, not alarmingly high yet but he'd take it again when he came home from work...or maybe he'd send his mother over to check on him in a few hours. She would have Hank for the day anyway.

“Go to work, I'll be fine.”

Clooney was lying beside him, the length of his back firm against the length of Hotch's side. Pressed in heavy. Hotch let one hand rest on Clooney's chest, against his ribs, delighting in the gentle rise and fall of the sleeping animal's breath.

“Your nurse is sleeping on the job.”

“He does that.” Hotch didn't cough, and he didn't sneeze. The cold settled deep into his sinuses and his chest, but only made everything ache and feel tight. Like he was pulling in on himself and expanding to his limits all at the same time. His skin hurt and his eyebrows hurt and his head hurt. More or less, everything hurt. It made his ears get stuffy, for a few days his hearing would be shot.

But there was no snot, and he considered that a win.

There was a time in his life when he would have pushed through, gone to work, pretended he was okay. He'd moved through one of the worst cases of his life feeling as bad as this once upon a time. He'd come face to face with George Foyet, handed him his glasses and told him that they'd catch The Reaper...he'd hung up on the man in his own hotel room...all with a fever high enough to warrant medical attention, and he'd watched Derek hold up the bullet intended for his head while that fever broke and left him chilled to the bone and hoping no one could tell he was sweating it out. Of course, Derek knew, had confronted him after, a fact that later led to their current ask for help agreement. Well, one of many facts. His life was a list of such occasions, such learning experiences.

You can teach an old dog new tricks, he thought hazily, his eyes heavy and unfocused as Derek kissed him on the forehead and told him he'd see him later. Maybe, maybe not. He intended to sleep well into the next century, the way he felt right then. Tired didn't even begin to cover it, and he dozed off thinking of every word in every language he knew that could account for how tired he was. None came close. Probably, he thought as he lost his battle with conscious thought, there was a phrase in German that would perfectly sum it up. Something about being so tired your bones ached, that would do.

He wouldn't remember that when waking. A pity, too.

Fran delivered chicken soup to him, secret Morgan family recipe that she claimed could kick any virus' patootie, and kept an eye on him while she cleaned up their house. It didn't really need much, they kept things tidy, but they didn't get into all of the cracks and crevices. She could do that to keep herself occupied while she waited for Derek to return home. Hotch and Hank slept soundly, flanking Clooney, all afternoon and well into the evening without stirring. It was Hank that woke first, hungry and weepy. His cold was mostly gone but he was crying a lot more than usual, and exhausted.

Hotch only woke once to sit up, wonder at the fuzzy face of the clock, trying to reason out the numbers that blurred one into the other. Deciding it wasn't of any real importance because he didn't plan to do anything other than roll over, he adjusted himself to the other hip, curled around Clooney, and went back to sleep.

“You have a lovely family,” Fran said, pulling Derek in for a hug before leaving for the night. “I adore each of you very much. But if I get sick...”

“You're sending me the bill. Got it.”

She patted him on the cheek and smiled up at him. “Good boy. I love you dear.”

“Love you too, moms.”

[melanielocke]

Alastember - day 7 - one night in Alastair's life

I found this a very difficult assignment because it was a little vague so it took a while before I had a good idea (I wrote day 8, 9 and half of 10 before this one) but I like this one. It's set just before yesterday's piece, but you don't need to read that one to understand this or vice versa.

@alastair-appreciation-month

‘No bed! No bed!’

Rostam had been screaming and shouting for over half an hour now that he didn’t want to go to bed. Alastair had never known children could be so exhausting, had he been like this when he was two?

‘It’s time for bed, Rostam,’ Sona said, her posture betraying how tired she really was.

Rostam was almost two now and had grown into a tiny demon. Every day was like this, and it was a struggle to get him to do anything. Eat his food, go to bed, wear clothes. The answer was typically no.

‘I’ll take him,’ Alastair said to his mother. ‘You need rest.’

He knelt down in front of Rostam. ‘If you don’t go to bed, then Kamala and I won’t be able to take you to Hyde Park tomorrow,’ he said. ‘You’ll be too tired and you’ll need to nap all day.’

‘Not tired!’ Rostam protested. ‘No bed!’

‘You are tired though,’ Alastair said. ‘I can see your eyes falling shut. Like this. I can sing you a song if you like, or read you a bedtime story.’

That seemed to catch Rostam’s attention. ‘Song and story!’

‘Okay. Let’s go upstairs then, alright?’

This trick didn’t work every day, but Rostam was fond enough of Alastair’s songs that it usually had some effect at least. Just a week ago he’d had to take Rostam to the Silent Brothers for a health check and he’d had to sing the entire visit to get Rostam even remotely calm enough to allow Brother Zachariah to examine him. With any other Brother, it would have remained impossible. Alastair wasn’t sure whose idea it had been to put the entirety of Shadowhunter healthcare in the hands of creepy men with no eyes.

Alastair carried Rostam upstairs and changed him into pajamas, putting him in bed with his rabbit Francois before starting to sing a Persian ghazal he knew Rostam liked. Then he read him a story from a children’s storybook his mother had saved.

He returned downstairs with Rostam sound asleep and his mother sitting in the living room, two cups on tea in the table.

‘Alastair joon, can I speak with you?’ Sona said.

Alastair sat down on the couch opposite of his mother. ‘Of course.’

‘You are not Rostam’s father. I never meant for you to take on that responsibility after Elias died.’

‘I don’t mind taking care of him,’ Alastair said. ‘And you need the help.’

‘I want you to live your own life, azizam,’ Sona said. ‘I overheard you and Thomas speak about getting an apartment together the other week. And I think you should.’

‘But you and Rostam…’

‘We’ll manage. He’s not the first child I’ve raised, and I have Risa to help me,’ Sona said. ‘And I don’t want to hold you back from your own life. You have Thomas, and I think living together will make you happy.’

‘I’ll think on it,’ Alastair said.

‘I know you sleep better when Thomas is here,’ his mother added. ‘And you can still see Rostam. I want you to be an older brother he’ll look up, someone he has fun with. But you don’t have to put him to bed when he doesn’t want to or change his diapers or manage his temper tantrums. That is my responsibility. You’ll have to change plenty of diapers when you have children of your own.’

‘Thomas and I can’t have children,’ Alastair said, not sure how his mother was picturing him having children.

‘You could adopt. So many shadowhunter children become orphaned and you’d be an amazing father to one of them someday.’

‘Maybe,’ Alastair said. ‘I’ll start looking at apartments.’

‘There’s a new flat just a couple of streets away from here,’ Sona said. ‘It looks nice on the outside at least, you and Thomas should make inquiries.’

‘I will,’ Alastair said. Moving was something he found difficult, he guessed. After years of moving from place to place, moving felt more like running away. Even if it was the right choice for him, even if Thomas wanted nothing more than to get a place together. And it felt wrong to leave with Rostam still so young. But his mother was right, he wasn’t Rostam’s father.  

Taglist: @alastaircarstairsdefenselawyer @life-through-the-eyes-of @styxdrawings @justanormaldemon @ipromiseiwillwrite @a-dream-dirty-and-bruised @amchara @all-for-the-fanfiction @imsoftforthomastair @ddepressedbookworm @queenlilith43 @wagner-fell @cant-think-of-anything @laylax13s @tessherongraystairs @boredfangirl16 @artist-in-soul @broodyhawthorne

[actualbird]

bipolar posting

it feels like not-good, it feels like not-quite-bad because there are Worse Bads out there, it feels like not caring about it, it feels like not wanting to know more about it, it feels like the deliberate way i look away when other people are visibly experiencing emotion because that makes me feel a way i cant describe or understand but i do understand the envy of 'how can you do that how do you feel safe and okay just doing that', it feels like relief when i take a nap and my horrible memory comes in handy by making me forget what had made me so upset just hours earlier thank god thank god, it feels like bile in my stomach, it feels like bile in my throat, it feels like bile ive dry heaved into the toilet for the nth time this week because why does my brain think it has the right to be connected to the rest of my body doesnt it know i wanna be saving my sick leaves for an actual emergency not these bullshit overreactions it makes me go through a billion times a day, it feels like how this morning i got mad at my cat because it was 4am and i was sleep deprived and he bit me too hard and the shame of it hit me like truck, it feels like how i fed him and cried and pet him and murmured im sorry im sorry while he didnt seem particularly bothered anyway because my cat loves me unconditionally and i dont deserve it, it feels like how i want to be tried at court and found guilty even if my cat forgave me, it feels like getting deemed innocent by that figurative court and taking the punishment into my own hands scratching clawing at the skin of my body til welts and cuts appear, it feels like bursting into tears for no reason while ordering lunch takeout for my family a few weeks ago and my mom hugging me my mom who has the same thing i do and she told me not to let this ruin my day and i took that as an order and threw up in secret when i failed and cried later that day anyway, it feels like every single sigh ive heaved trying to calculate if i can afford going back to therapy and hating it because thats a failure too it means the last round of therapy didnt stick didnt work, it feels like what if there are just some people who arent meant to get better and what if im one of them, it feels like ending up on the wikipedia page for lobotomies and half of my brain experiencing the appropriate horror for the cruelty and malpractice of it all while the other half of my brain feeling something akin to wistfulness for it, it feels like wanting that back on the menu of medical procedures and also that itd be covered by my hmo but just for me please just get it out of my head thatll fix me or ruin me but at least i wont be this and that just sounds. so much better