#i think around this part of the game i sent 'OH' in all caps in discord and then said nothing for the entire rest of the cutscene lmao

[snow-system-wol]

Up at the top of the world :o

Menphina is not angry with Hermes, she wishes they had not had to fight to get to this point.

(This post got JUST long enough that I'm gonna compress it)

It's very interesting how the Meteia view this thought process as an awful one. To me, the idea that you know you tried your best is still a comfort.

Ahhh...and so the cause of it all is made 100% clear... [screams]

Yes, let's bring back the "beautiful" arc words on death one more time here.

Menphina and S'ria can understand where this reasoning came from -- Hermes clearly feels a degree of empathy for non-humanoid creatures that rivals or surpasses his empathy for his own species. The sense of unfairness he's felt his whole life is finally swinging around here -- "why should we be different?"

Menphina is more sympathetic to this than S'ria is, though. A choice made impossibly long ago, in a society with beliefs wholly unlike what he knows, leading to what is happening to his own home now? It isn't as though he finds the Ancients deserving of what they've accidentally cultivated, but this has nothing to do with the people suffering in S'ria's time now.

Ahh, this is really still the same ultimatum we're dealing with in the current now,,,,

[alotofpockets]

When your heart stops beating | Part 1 | Leah Williamson x Lioness!Reader

Where you go down on the pitch and go into cardiac arrest

Warnings: cardiac arrest, CPR, AED, possibly incorrect medical terms

A/n: Happy birthday @wosoamazing, this one is for you!

Read Part 2 here

Woso masterlist | Words: 2.1k

-----

“She does know this game day walk is meant to be relaxing, right?” Millie asks Leah, while the two of them watch you run around with Grace. Leah’s face lights up as you rush past and your giggles reach her ears. “I think she knows, but that she doesn’t care.” 

Where Leah was often found in a quiet corner of the room playing her sudoku’s, you were always running around and doing something active. Today on your game day walk, that consisted of playing tag with Grace. 

“I don’t know how you keep up with her.” Millie had known the both of you for a long time, and yet the question always lingered somewhere in the back of her mind. Leah Williamson was usually the quiet and composed one, especially since she became a part of the captain’s team. You, on the other hand, were always present and expressive. 

“I don’t have to keep up, cause at the end of the day, she always comes running back to me.” Leah said with a content smile. As if you heard Leah’s words, you came running towards her, “Hi baby.” You put your arms around her as you walked backwards for a few steps. “Hi love, did you win?” 

The smirk on your face instantly gave away the answer. “I did, ‘cause Gracie gave up when I was too fast for her.” Leah kissed your forehead, “That’s my girl. Hope you have enough energy left for the match.” You make your way around so you’re now walking next to Leah, “Oh yeah, don’t worry cap, you know I’ve got plenty more where this came from.” Leah rolls her eyes, she might be your captain, but she hated when you called her that.

You had been right though, you were running up and down the flank as if you hadn’t been running around all morning already. You went into halftime with a 1-1 score, knowing Leah was going to give her captain’s speech about being better on set pieces. There had been plenty of opportunities to have broken the tie with them, but hadn’t been able to get the ball in the back of the net from them yet. 

After halftime you're able to break free on the left hand side of the pitch, you manage to get the ball in the far corner where you are quickly surrounded by two defenders. You tried to get out with some fancy footwork, but they weren’t falling for your tricks. Instead you opted on getting the corner, so you kicked the ball against one of them to get it out of bounds. 

Alex ran up to take the corner, while you made your way to the box. You give each other a quick high five, “Let’s show Leah what we can do from set pieces.” Alex said before continuing on her way to the corner.

Once everyone was in position, Alex lifted her hands, and sent her cross in. The ball was coming right in front of the goal, you ran forward and jumped up into the air hoping to reach it. What you hadn’t seen was that the goalkeeper had taken a couple of steps forward and took a firm stand to punch the ball out of the way. Less than a second after you head the ball in the direction of the goal a pair of fists collide with your chest. A shot of pain goes through your whole body as you fall to the ground. The moment your head hits the ground, the world around you goes blank.

Alessia was the first one by your side, as she had stood ready at the back post. You weren’t moving, and you weren’t responding. Alessia looks up with a face full of worry, only to meet Leah’s panicked eyes. 

The medical team was quick by your side, and told the surrounding players to give them some space. Alessia stood up and pulled Leah away from the scene, “Come on, they need space to help her.”

“She isn’t breathing.” One medic said to the other. He went to check your pulse next, “Her pulse is weak. Let’s get her on some air and get her on a heart rate monitor.” The medic made quick work of getting the right equipment, while the players watched the scene unfold in horror, their faces pale with fear and concern. 

They put the oxygen mask on your face, and connect the electrodes to your chest. Your heartbeat was shown on the monitor, and like the medic said it was weak. The beeps sounding from the monitor started slowing down. “Heart rate is dropping. Prepare for CPR.”

Beth stood with her arm around a crying Leah. It was hard for the whole team to see you on the ground like this, but Beth knew that someone needed to be strong for Leah. The rest of the team stood grouped to the side, worriedly looking at their unconscious teammate.

Leah fell to her knees when they started doing CPR on you, Beth tried comforting her as best as she could while tears started forming in her eyes as well. An ambulance was driven onto the pitch, and the paramedics ran up to take over CPR. 

One of the paramedics took over compressions, while the other got the defibrillator ready. The paramedic halts the compressions for a moment as they cut off your shirt. “Hold compressions.” The lead paramedics says, and places the defibrillator paddles on your chest. 

The whole stadium was quiet as the paramedics got ready to shock your heart. “Charging.” The paramedic said, followed by a beep signalling that the defibrillator was ready to shock, “Clear!” 

Your body jolted from the shock, and the paramedics eyed the monitor hopefully. Still nothing. They started compressions again, while the machine recharged. 

“Come on, stay with me.” Leah cried out as the pedals were brought to your chest again. “Clear!” Another shock jolts through your body. “We’ve got her!” The paramedic says, his voice full of relief as the monitor shows a steady heartbeat.  

Your heart might be beating again, but you were still unconscious. “Alright, let’s get her to a hospital.” The stretcher was brought from the back of the ambulance, and you were moved onto it. 

Leah was taking off her armband and shoving it in Beth’s hands. “I have to go with her.” Beth understood, “Go, we’ve got this.” Leah runs over to the ambulance and gets into the back with you. Her eyes were focussed on the steady rhythm of your heart beat on the monitor, while she held your hand tightly. “Stay with me baby.” She whispered over and over again. Leah was definitively in shock, having just watched her girlfriend die and be brought back to life, but your fight wasn’t over yet, you still had to wake up.

Leah sat at your bedside, her hand clutched around yours. The doctor's had done many tests and scans, and had told her that all the tests came back negative and your scans were clear. They had to wait until you woke up to fully assess your memory and motor function. While the doctors were sounding hopeful, Leah still feared the worst.

Doctor's checked on you every 30 minutes. Leah never moved away, staying by your side, holding your hand. It was after the fourth check in that Leah suddenly felt you squeezed her hand. She shot up instantly, “Baby, I'm here.” 

You slowly open your eyes and take in your surroundings. A hospital? You’d have to ask someone what happened, but first you had a more urgent question, so you turn towards the voice. “Did it go in?”

Leah’s eyes filled up with tears. “Did what go in?” You frown, Leah wanted better set pieces and now she didn't know what you were referring to? “The corner, did I score?” Your girlfriend chuckles lightly, realising that this meant you remembered what happened before the accident. “Yes, you did.” Leah wipes the tears from her cheeks.

“Did we win?” You ask next, still having more important questions on your mind than the one relating to you being in a hospital bed. “I don’t know actually.” You’re about to take out the nasal cannula cause you didn’t like the feeling. “Baby, don't touch that, you gotta leave that in.” 

Leah pressed the help button on your bedside, like the nurse had urged her to do when you woke up. “What’s going on Lee?” She shakes her head, “Let’s wait for the doctor’s.” You didn’t understand why Leah didn’t just tell you what was going on, so you pushed more. “Why so serious, love? I just want to know why I can’t take these tubes off.” Leah really tried not being the one to break this to you, but she knew you wouldn’t drop it. 

“Because I watched you die.” You watch her in disbelief. “Your heart stopped on the pitch, they had to shock your heart back to life. You aren’t taking that off until a doctor tells you it’s okay.” The realisation of what had happened started dawning on you. “Copy that, cap.” She rolls her eyes, but steps closer to hug you. 

“Sorry to interrupt,” The nurse walked in. “I see someone is awake. How are you feeling?” You look between Leah and the nurse. “Leah, said I couldn’t take this oxygen thing off, because I died. Did I really die?” The nurse nods, “You did for a moment. Your heart stopped beating after your accident, but the medical team and the paramedics got you back. After that you were brought here, all your tests and scans looked good. The doctor just wants to do a couple tests before you can take the nasal cannula out, I will ask her to come down here soon, I promise.”

Sure enough the doctor showed up in your room within the next five minutes. She did some tests and you were able to take the tube away. “Alright, I want to keep you overnight, just to make sure. Some more tests in the morning, and if those are clear you can go home.”

You couldn’t wait to get home and no longer be in the gloomy hospital room. Lotte had come by with some dinner, and your bags from the stadium. Leah used the time Lotte was there to keep you company to quickly get changed out of her kit, and into the clothes she had packed this morning when she left home. 

After some dinner, Lotte took a picture of the both of you to send to the group chat with an update to the rest of the team. The admin team contacted you to ask if you consented to them using the picture in your injury update post, which you agreed to.

-----

Lionesses just posted

Lionesses: After some scary moments today, we are happy to share that Y/n is concious and doing well.

She will continue to be monitored, but should make a full recovery.

Sending all our love and well wishes towards you, Y/n!

-----

Leah stayed the night, there was no way she was going to leave your side any time soon. She spent the evening cuddled up with you on the hospital bed, watching a movie together. For you the accident was just what people told you had happened, otherwise it was just one big blank space and then waking up in the hospital. Of course it had been scary to hear that your heart stopped beating, but Leah had seen all that happen. She watched you die, and that visual wasn’t going to leave her head any time soon.

The next morning you successfully finished all the doctor’s tests, and were ready to go home. Lotte was there again to pick you up, since you had both gotten here in the back of the ambulance. 

The doctor’s had put you on bedrest, which you weren’t looking forward to, but you knew it was for your own safety. Leah had already let the staff know that she was taking the week off to be with you, which they fully understood. 

After Lotte dropped the two of you off at your house, Leah took you right to the bedroom where she told you to stay put. Five minutes later she came back with blankets, pillows, water bottles, and snacks. “We’re having a movie marathon, doctor’s orders.” You smiled at her fondly, usually you had too much energy to sit through a full movie, and you realised that Leah was going to take advantage of your bedrest situation. Not that you mattered one bit though, you were all for a night of cuddles with her.

-----

Continue reading part 2!

-----

💗 If you enjoyed this fic, please consider liking, commenting, and reblogging! You can also supporting me by leaving a tip 💗

[babydollmarauders]

MEDIA MANAGEMENT — JACK HUGHES (23-24 SZN PART 3)

notes: another short part, because it seems like these devils website streamed games are harder for me to write for? so sorry!

au masterlist

y/ndevils00

liked by nicohischier, ehaula, and 218,966 others

y/ndevils00 greetings and salutations! welcome to another preseason recap! as always, strap in and get ready!

just a reminder that as this is preseason, not all of satan’s favorite children played! tonight we had swiss cheese, swiss roll, uncle haulaback girl, uncle lizard again, best friend number 1, V², and ginger snap!

we started off the game by giving up a goal to the annoying orange’s 😐

BUT lizard man tied us up almost halfway through the 1st! POP OFF, UNCLE CURTSY!

captain whore was jailed tonight for being too cute, and ya know what? i think it’s fair! make him stay there!

not long after cap’s penalty, we got a goal from holtzy! giving us a 2-1 lead!

but then ham sammich also got a penalty for tripping!

we made it almost all the way through 3rd with our lead and i was really looking forward to going home! until one of those orange fucks tied up the game 🫠

i had a few choice words for that player… lindy didn’t like my words, i don’t think

however, about 2 and a half minutes into OT… HAULA THE BALLA GOT THE GAME WINNING GOAL WITH ASSISTS FROM BESTIE NUMBER 1 AND THE GIANT TEDDY BEAR!!

which means your devils are 4-0 in the preseason!! 3 games left!

p.s. this is my formal request to never have to be around gritty again. i thought adam fantilli was my biggest fear, but i’ve been proven wrong

tagged curtislazar95, nicohischier, holtz_10, dougieham, ehaula, dawson1417

Load more comments

curtislazar95 i always look forward to your praise, niece!

y/ndevils00 i’m so glad! can i babysit your children (my cousins) one day?

curtislazar95 quite literally never 💚🦎

y/ndevils00 eh, probably the right choice

jackhughes are you seriously afraid of a mascot, dove?

y/ndevils00 look at him! i think he would plan my murder and get away with it

grittynhl i would

y/ndevils00 OH MY JESUS FUCK GET HIM AWAY

lhughes_06 dawson sent him a video of you throwing your phone and now jack is currently doubled over on the floor, tears rolling down his face, as he laughs at this

y/ndevils00 @/jackhughes glad to know you find my FEAR amusing

ehaula i try, i try 🤗

y/ndevils00 you did better than dawson! (don’t tell dawson)

dawson1417 YOU KNOW I CAN SEE THIS, RIGHT??

y/ndevils00 @/dawson1417 no you can’t, this is a private conversation!

dawson1417 i can assure you, it is NOT

john.marino97 i’m loving this

dawson1417 @/john.marino97 shut up, you’ve been stealing my affection!

y/ndevils00 @/dawson1417 @/john.marino97 boys, boys, i love you both equally!

dawson1417 no you don’t

john.marino97 no you don’t

dougieham why does it look like you took that picture of me from on the ice?

y/ndevils00 i have my ways

dougieham were you ON THE ICE somehow?!

jackhughes are you kidding? she would’ve broken her neck

y/ndevils00 @/jackhughes okay and who’s fault is that? my boyfriend is a professional hockey player and you’ve never TAUGHT ME how to ice skate

jackhughes umm i TRIED to teach you! you fell on your face and then bribed luke to distract me so that you could get yourself hot cocoa and hide from me so you wouldn’t have to get on the ice again

y/ndevils00 @/jackhughes hmm that doesn’t sound like something i would do. nope, not at all

nicohischier i didn’t miss this

y/ndevils00 yes you did

nicohischier i missed you calling me “captain whore” and taking pictures of me in the penalty box?

y/ndevils00 well maybe if you didn’t get penalties, i wouldn’t be ABLE to take pictures of you in the naughty boy box

nicohischier oh wow, i never thought of that before 😐

y/ndevils00 i know, you’re welcome

dawson1417 i got that assist for you!

y/ndevils00 awww i appreciate that, merc-dawg!

y/ndevils00 a goal would’ve been nicer tho

dawson1417 i’m feeling very under appreciated right now

y/ndevils00 aww i’m sorry, i love you! (do better)

dawson1417 i love you too! (yes ma’am 😔)

grittynhl i’m coming for you

y/ndevils00 help me 🥲

[lynnuvo]

A Piece of Cake

(A/N: Making this instead of studying for my quizzes :3)

Characters: Y/N + AcademicML (Male Lead)

If sweet encouragement doesn't get you fired up to study, academic rivalry will. Regardless whether you're one to harbor envy or just want to get by, nothing irks you more than AcademicML shoving his perfect scores in your fast. He's been doing since you guys became friends after a school project last year.

You two seemed to click over a common interest, but the downside of getting to know each other was becoming an enemy for the highest rank in your grade level. If only you hadn't showed him your rank during a hangout with friends. His expression fell flat for only a second, but you were watching him. Of course you were going to notice.

Once everyone parted ways and went home, he suddenly began messaging you more often. You two still had fun conversations, but his bragging about academic successes made you question sometimes whether he actually hated you. You never had the gall to question him, though. Wouldn't that make it seem like you thought too highly of yourself?

A couple months later, things took a change at the start of midterm season. He pestered you a whole day for "non-date study dates."

"I just want to help you," he whined, not unlike when he got pouty about losing a board game. "It's okay if you don't want to, but I really wanna! I want to see how you study, too. I can help! I promise!"

"Are you sure you don't want to ask any of our other friends?"

"I only want you." He shook his head vigorously. "Not that like, I mean! Like studying buddies, you know? I feel like doing it with you would be more effective."

You told him you'd think about it, and you did that night. After some time, you messaged your acceptance to his request by inviting him over to your house. It could be fun! That morning, you prepared snacks and were quite surprised he brought some as well. He even included multiple of your favorite chips.

"How did you know?" you exclaimed, opening one immediately.

"You mentioned it a while ago."

True to his word, he provided a couple study tips on topics you didn't understand much. And he did take note about your studying method, though it wasn't as positive. His comments clearly favored his own, but you were having none of that. You knew how to study best for you. His methods were best for him. And his must have been working well since he didn't request for any help at all.

Which made it all the more shocking you beat his score on the same subject's exam by a whole 10 points.

It didn't sound like much on paper, but against one of the smartest people you knew? It was A LOT. When he messaged his score to you, you became so excited you could hardly remain still. Finally, you had had something to shove in his face. Oh, the taste of sweet revenge! It was unfortunate you two's exam times nor buildings matched or neared each other's, but thank the heavens technology existed.

That night, you messaged the news in all caps. He replied back in all caps, denying the fact even after you sent proof. He came around to congratulate you, though, and he joked that his presence while you studied paid off.

"It was only one day," you shot back.

His next message read, "One day of me helping though 😉"

When you two eventually exchange goodnights, it was way past midnight. Guess you had too much fun bickering with him to realize how late it was. Putting away your phone had minimal effect on your ability to fall asleep, however. You couldn't stop smiling, daydreaming about bragging to him in-person tomorrow. Maybe you could even get more congratulatory praise.

You didn't have to wait long, though, because when you left the house the next morning, you spotted him waiting at the sidewalk in front of your driveway with a box in hand.

"A cake," he stated, handing it to you while he took your bags (you didn't tell him to; the exchange happened so naturally). "for beating me, I guess."

[roostersup]

Isekai Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy Fanfic

Some AI art for my new story character (because while I feel I am a talented writer I am not an artist). She’s ended up in the Hogwarys Legacy game from a modern day time- which is why the baseball cap.

This story follow Jane Moore, a girl whose background we wont really get into- for the sake of my sanity. All we know is that she is American, a girl, loves playing Hogwarts Legacy, and now she gets placed into the game.

The first chapter I kind of speed through everything. I just want to set the stage for the rest of the story. Thing become a lot more detailed and enjoyable as the chapters go on.

Wattpad — Fanfic

Chapter 1

…….

…..The sorting ceremony! She had only taken every buzzfeed and pottermore quiz that had ever existed! Now she was going to live the real thing! Well as real as this was. Whatever, she was going to milk this for all that it was worth!

She followed after Black, feeling a little self conscious about all the eyes following her. She steeled herself from looking through the crowd to try to find Ominis- she was going to make their first encounter a memorable one. Instead she focused on the task ahead- what house was she going to be sorted into.

Now the whole deal with the storing is that you choose your destiny. Even in the game, if you get sorted into a house you can just choose whichever one you wanted anyway. Jane had played through them all and was now debating which one she should go with in this magical circumstance.

She thought that she might actually be a Ravenclaw, but she could go with the OG Gryfinndor for nostalgia- being in Harry Potter's house would be awesome. But the Hufflepuff common room was probably the best out of the four (in her opinion), but Slytherin would get her more time with her favorite character....

As she reached the stool where she would meet her fate, she decided to just let the hat do its things. It was kind of like she was getting the ultimate buzzfeed quiz. She froze before she made her way to the seat- staring in awe as the professor Weasley brought the scrubby hat towards her. It really looked like it was hundreds of years old- also it had been on literally a bunch of 11 year olds heads.... No no it was fine, this was all a dream- none of that stuff mattered.

She took her seat and tensed excitedly as the hat covered over her eyes.

"Ah yes- a bit older than the others, aren't you?"

Ah yes, the pre-set dialogue. At this point she might be able to copy exactly what the hat was going to say. Maybe this was going to be just like the game and all she was going to do was answer two questions before it placed her. She was feeling momentarily bummed until she heard what it had to say next.

"It seems your age isn't the only thing that is setting you apart though- now is it."

She froze- this was not part of the game. On top of that it didn't sound like the hat was asking, rather it was telling her that it knew.

"Do you know who I am?" she sent thought out, hoping that if it was somehow in her head it could also hear her thoughts.

"Oh I know and see much more than you could ever dream of. I see you've been given the chance to accomplish something great, and that all you need is already inside of you. I see that you question yourself and even who you can become. Well then if you cannot trust yourself, then allow me the chance to trust in this old hat."

She didn't say or think anything, instead she just nodded.

"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat called out its words to the entire hall.

As the mass of fabric was lifted off her, she brought her hands to her face to shield her eyes from what felt like blinding light. The room had erupted into cheers, the red table yelling out the loudest. Jane dropped down from her seat, and was literally pushed by Professor Weasley towards her seat at her new house table.

People around her patted her on the back and congratulated her, but it was all white noise. She stared dumbfounded at the space in front of her, and even the food she had dreamed about eating ever since watching the first Harry Potter film couldn't rouse her. She knew this was all some sort of dream, but man that hat triggered something inside of her that felt so... real...

[herogers]

You're on what?

Team Present fill for @stevetonygames Bingo square: Dating app | 685w

Again this was meant to be a drabble but I keep getting carriedAWAY anyway enjoy this funny lil fic

“Where’s your phone?” Tony asks, flopping down on the couch next to Steve.

Steve shrugs, sipping his drink “I don’t know, think I left it in the kitchen somewhere, why?”

Tony rolls his eyes “I still need those photos you haven’t sent me, can I just go get it?”

“Sure, you know the password.” 

Tony makes his way to the kitchen and finds Steve’s phone next to the coffee machine.

He puts in the passcode and searches Steve’s phone for the photos app, and as he swipes an unfamiliar icon catches his eye. His brow raises as it doesn’t look like your typical game app, not that cap ever bothers to download anything that wont aid him in work or art. Curiosity gets the best of him and he opens the app, his heart drops and confusion rises. “What the actual fuck?” he mutters, barely feeling his lips move in the shock that overtakes him. 

He sees a profile, a dating profile Steve’s dating profile. His eyes roar with fire as he scrolls through it.

He marches to the lounge and is met with a smile from Steve, 

“Wipe that smile off your face, Rogers. What the hell is this?” His voice frantic, frustration rushing so fast through him he barely notices Sam snickering on the other side of the couch. 

“Oh, did you know about this? You didn’t think to tell me?”

“Wow wow wow, hey, Tony what’s going on?” Steve says getting up from the couch.

He shoves the phone at Steve’s chest “Why don’t you tell me?”

Steve frowns, taking the phone. “You're the one who told me to get into social media,”

Tony looks at him bewildered “To look at art, communicate to share, not to fuck around!" He says, hands flying through the air as he rants. "It took you so long to even kiss me now- ha, now you're advertising yourself to any asshole within a ten mile radius? And you think that was my idea?"

"What? Tony I-"

"Okay, alright my fun's over now." They get interrupted by Sam who still has tears of laughter lingering in his eyes. 

"I set up the profile for him." He confesses with a grin.

Tony raises his eyebrow, still not amused. "What are you two the dudebros of the Avengers now?"

"Tony it's nothing like that at all, come on," Sam assures

"I'll admit I took this too far, but I did it to mess with cap, I thought eventually he'd pick up on what the app's about.. what I didn't count on though was you finding out, which just made it funnier, I'm sorry it just did." He starts laughing again.

Tony blushes his anger diffusing as it is quickly replaced by embarrassment.

 "Cap m'sorry man, it was a dating app I set you up on, I thought it'd be a harmless prank on you but getting you in trouble," he looks at Tony with a smirk "Wasn't part of the plan." 

Steve turns to glare at Sam "I'm getting you back for this."

"Understood." Sam pats Steve's shoulder. "I'll leave you both to it." He says before running off, hardly fighting that grin. Definitely going to tell Bucky all about his oh so hilarious prank.

Steve turns back to Tony and quirks his eyebrow up. "So, am I out of the dog house now?" 

At this point Tony's pink cheeks have turned red. "I uh.." He chuckles lightly, looking down. "Guess I jumped the gun a little there."

Steve smiles and steps towards him, wrapping his arms around his waist. "For the record, even though we haven't officially talked about it. I still consider myself yours Tony." 

That took the breath out of him.

"I have for a while." He murmurs. 

Tony bites his lip and looks up at him. “Really?” He asks quietly. 

Steve pulls his body closer and presses a tender kiss to his lips. “I’m all yours Tony, if you’ll have me.”

Tony grins and wraps his arms around his neck “Duh.” he whispers against his lips, kissing him again. “Now delete that fucking app.”

[stillstuckin2000spunkrock]

Catching Feelings First (Haruka Nanase x female! Reader)

AN: I apologize if Haru seems a little ooc. He’s somewhat difficult to write for being he’s very blatant and straight to the point. He really only shows emotion when he’s arguing with Rin💀So it was kind of hard to make it seem believable. I know this one seems a little cringe but I’m not the greatest at confessions and do better at scenarios. Granted, this was really fun to write and I hope you enjoy! <3

~Haru and Y/n had been friends for as long as each of them could remember. Y/n was practically part of the gang in middle school! She got in through Makoto, an attractive young boy whom she had moved in next door to one winters day when Y/n was about 10. Y/n remembered it like it was yesterday..

“I heard there’s a young boy about your age that lives down the street Y/n. Why don’t you go make friends with him?”     

Y/n’s mother said, shuffling through the moving boxes. Y/n just sighed, having no intention of becoming friends with someone her mother had picked out. Her mom gave her one of those looks that said “Just do this one thing”. So Y/n reluctantly pulled on her parka and boots and headed out the door. “Ah ah ah, where do you think you’re going young lady?” Y/n turned around confused, just to  see her mom put a orange knit cap on her head. “There. Now you won’t catch a cold in this weather.” Y/n’s mother said, giving Y/n a quick pat on the head. “Now go play, and have fun!” Her mom said, gently guiding her out the door. Y/n dragged her feet a little and began her journey down the street. It was cold, and the frosty chill bit at her rosy cheeks. After about 5 minutes of stumbling through the cold, Y/n realized she had no clue which house it was or where exactly to go. Frustrated, 

Y/n squatted down on the empty sidewalk to collect her thoughts. Should she go back? Just as Y/n was about to call it quits and waddle back home, she heard a voice. “Hey, are you okay?” Y/n looked up to see a boy about her age. He had fuzzy brown hair and emerald green eyes. He too was bundled up for the winter season, his button nose red. “This must be the boy mom told me about!” Y/n thought, a rush of success and accomplishment surging through her. “Umm yeah, I’m okay!” Y/n laughed nervously. “You must be the daughter from the new family that just moved in!” The boy said, extending a hand out to Y/n. “Yeah. My mom actually sent me out to find you.” Y/n said, taking his hand and brushing herself off. “Well then this must be luck! I’m Makoto Tachibana.” The boy said with a smile, holding his hand out for Y/n to shake. “I’m Y/n L/n, nice to meet you!” The girl said, her face lighting up..

Throughout the next few weeks Makoto and Y/n grew to be friends. They would play outside in the snow, stay inside and watch movies, build pillow forts, and play all kinds of games. That was until school started back up after winter break.. 

Y/n would have to go to a new school with Makoto being the only person she knew, and she knew she wasn’t Makoto’s only friend because he had mentioned others before. That’s how she met Haru on her very first day of school at Iwatobi.

“Y/n! You ready for school? Makoto will be here soon to walk with you!” Y/n’s mom yelled up the stairs to her daughter. “Coming!” Y/n shouted back, grabbing her backpack and running down the stairs. “Be careful!” Her mother scolded. “Mhm, yep!“ Y/n said, in such a rush to get her shoes on that she paid no mind to her mothers words. Y/n’s mom rolled her eyes and cracked a smile at how excited her daughter was for school. Just then a knock was heard on the door. Y/n’s mother opened the door to see a smiling Makoto. “Oh hi Makoto, Y/n is-“ Y/n’s mother was cut off by Y/n saying “Okay I’m ready, let’s go Mako!” She said, grabbing her friend by the hand and pulling him out the door. “Bye Mrs L/n!” Makoto shouted over his shoulder as you dragged him along. 

“Y/n you realize you don’t even know the path to school right? You don’t even know where to go!” Makoto laughed, stopping Y/n in her little parade down the sidewalk. “Oh right.. Oops” Y/n said, shrugging her shoulders and moving on. “C’mon I wanna meet all your friends!” Y/n prodded, moving Makoto along. “Y/n!” Makoto laughed, “Just follow me.” 

After a few more minutes of walking and Y/n practically bubbling over with energy, the two had finally reached the school. “Look there’s Haru!” Makoto exclaimed, running over to a small boy standing by himself. Y/n eagerly trailed along, excited to meet a new friend. “This is Haru. Haru this is Y/n, my new neighbor I told you about.” Makoto introduced. Y/n didn’t know why but she felt her cheeks grow warm at this. She extended her hand out to the small boy across from her, a smile on her face. The boy just looked at her through his pitch black bangs and piercing blue eyes, his face not showing any emotion. He stiffly stuck out his hand and gently shook hers with a slight nod of the head. “Well he’s gonna be fun..” Y/n thought, rolling her eyes a little in her head. “C’mon guys let’s get going so we’re not late!” Makoto said, leading the way to class.

The morning passed by in a flurry of excitement. Y/n enjoyed her classes and made a few friends along the way. Soon lunch rolled around and Y/n and Haru ended up beating Makoto to the table so it was just the two of them. “Sooo what’s in your lunch?” Y/n asked, sliding up beside Haru. “Mackerel. You?” The boy replied, unloading his bento. “Oh um..” Y/n dug around in her book bag, scrounging around for her lunch sack. “What is it?” Haru asked, peering down at the girl. “I uhh can’t find my lunch.” ” Y/n giggled nervously, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. “Oh.” Haru said, nodding his head a little. After a moment upon sitting there in silence he says “You can have a piece of my mackerel.” Y/n could feel her stomach growling but didn’t want to deprive Haru of his lunch. “Oh thanks but I’m good.” She said. Haru just stared at her for a moment, clearly catching on to her bullshit. “Fine.” Y/n gave in. Haru took his napkin and placed a bit of Mackerel on it and slid it over to the girl. “Thanks Haru.” Y/n said, giving him a small smile. Haru nodded in response. Just then Makoto came over carrying his lunch tray. “Hey guys! Sorry I’m late the lunch line was-“ He broke off. “Wow Haru sharing his mackerel! That’s a first. You must really be special!” Makoto teased, taking a seat across from you and Haru. “Shut up..” Haru mumbled, rolling his eyes at his friend. 

The 3 friend’s relationship only grew stronger from that day on. Haru was now included in Makoto and Y/n’s antics. The 3 were inseparable and always did things together.. That was until sophomore year of high school..

Oh don’t get me wrong, the gang was still all friends. But things were different now. There group was expanded to include Nagisa, and Rei, along as drama with their old friend Rin Matsuoka. On top of that each person was being faced with the inevitable doom of deciding what path they wanted to take in life for their careers. A lot of unmentioned stress was brewing in the group. But that wasn’t the only thing brewing.. Over the past few years Y/n had become best friends with Haru and Makoto, but something seemed different when she was around Haru. She felt something. Something she didn’t feel with Makoto… But Y/n wasn’t sure what it was she truly felt and how it would effect their friendship.

“And that’s how I met Haru! I still can’t believe you still eat mackerel to this day, not gonna lie to you Haru it’s pretty gross.”

 Y/n teased, giggling at Haru’s annoyed expression. The gang was at lunch one day and Nagisa had asked how exactly 

Y/n had met Haru. “Wow! So Haru can actually share his mackerel!” Nagisa laughed, causing Haru to look even more irritated. “Well it was that or she starved!” Haru said, frustratedly. Breaking his silence from the past conversation. “And I’m still thankful for it.” Y/n reassured, giving Haru a quick pat on the shoulder. Haru just rolled his eyes, used to your antics by now. Rei cleared his throat awkwardly “Well-“ He began before quickly being cut off by the lunch bell. “Of course..” He muttered beneath his breath, not to pleased to be cut off. Everyone started to pack their lunches back up and head on their different ways to their next class. “Y/n, wait up!” Makoto called, jogging over to Y/n. “You still coming over tonight? Sorry Ren and Ran keep wanting me to make sure you’re coming over” Makoto laughed, sheepishly. “You bet I am! Your mom makes the best home cooked meals around.” You said, a smile across your face. “Great. See you at 5”Makoto said, giving you a smile and a small wave before heading off to his own classes. Y/n had gotten to know Ren and Ran throughout the years. She could still remember when they were brought home from the hospital. Her and Makoto just wouldn’t put them down. Always wanting to coddle them, play with them, feed them, and read them stories. The twins had grown up viewing Y/n as a sibling of their own.

LATER THAT NIGHT AT MAKOTO’S HOUSE-

“Ha! Beat you again! Read the score and weep, Mako!” Y/n boasted, tossing your controller in victory. “It’s not my fault you’re this good at Mario Kart.” Makoto pouted. She always found a way to beat Makoto in whatever game they played, it had been like that since they were kids. “Mhm, bitches gonna bitch..” Y/n shrugged, still reveling in her victory. “I hate you sometimes..” Makoto chuckled, leaning back on the couch. Just then Ren and Ran walked into the living room. “Hey! Don’t say those things about 

Y/n!” Ran yelled, running up to Y/n’s lap on the couch. “Yeah! Makoto don’t be mean!” Ren pouted, going up to Makoto. Makoto couldn’t help but chuckle. “Makoto didn’t mean it guys. He was just messing around.” Y/n explained, giving each twin a smile and a headpat. Then upon remembering that they were both still impressionable young kids she added “But it still isn’t a nice thing to say, regardless.” Y/n said, giving Makoto a playful glare. “Sorry Y/n.” Makoto apologized, trying to hide his grin. “Now why don’t you guys go help mom with dinner.” Makoto said, gently moving the twins out of the room despite their protests. “They’re so cute!” Y/n laughed, shaking her head at the twins antics. “They’re a handful.” Makoto replied, sitting back down on the couch. “Wanna go another round?” Y/n asked, giving Makoto a sly look that said “I’m totally gonna beat your ass again”. Makoto laughed “Nah I’m done getting beat today. I think you could even give Haru a run for his money on Mario Kart.” Y/n wasn’t shocked in the slightest that Haru was pretty good at the game. “Im not surprised. Just the way he gets into everything he does. The way his ocean eyes focus and show such passion and how its always all or nothing with him. Like c’mon, you’ve seen the way he swims and how passionate he is.” Y/n rambled. That feeling of desire and excitement that she felt when talking about Haru came back, and she was helpless to stop it. There was just something about him..

“Heh. You sure do talk about him a lot.” Makoto grinned, giving Y/n the look. “What? No, not like that!” Y/n scrambled for words. “I mean I don’t know..” She slowed. “Every time I think about him I get these feelings. But me and Haru have been friends for so long.. I don’t want it to be weird.. And yeah I like him, but it’s Haru. He dosent do romance..” Y/n trailed off, a look of defeat in her eyes. 

Now finished with her spiel Y/n took a deep breath and grabbed her gaming controller, ready to move past the subject. “He likes you, y’know.” Makoto said, breaking the silence softly. 

3 DAYS EARLIER AT MAKOTO’S HOUSE-

“Ugh!” Haru exclaimed, throwing his control down in frustration. “Woah, what’s up?” Makoto asked, raising his eyebrows at Haru’s outburst. “It’s nothing.” Haru said rather coldly. “It’s obviously not nothing. Tell me.” Makoto said, pausing the boy’s game. Haru sighed, slightly annoyed yet relieved at the same time. “I just don’t understand it.” Haru said. “Understand what..?” Makoto asked, even more confused. “It’s Y/n. Whenever I’m around her I just.. feel different.. It’s like she’s fucking with my head. I get this weird feeling in my chest and it distracts me from swimming.” Haru ranted, the frustration in his voice growing. “Well you know what I think?” Makoto said after a moment. “What?” Haru said, rather flatly. “I think you have a crush on Y/n-“ Makoto said, gently elbowing Haru with a grin on his face. “What?! That’s preposterous! We’re just friends and I have more important things to focus on then silly crushes.” Haru fumed, however the tips of his ears turning red with blush. “C’mon let’s go another round.” Haru muttered, resuming the game and ending the conversation.Makoto knew that Haru was denying his feelings because that’s just how Haru works, but he knew his friend, and he knew when he was smitten. It was the way he always would stare at Y/n when she spoke, the look of passion and sparkle in his eyes. Or the way he seemed to have a soft spot only for her, or how she could always push him to do a fun activity that the gang couldn’t. Makoyo knew better to pry however, so he dropped the subject and continued on with the video game.

“He what..? You’re just saying that to make me feel better.” She scoffed nervously, wondering what gamer her friend could be playing at. “No I’m not. He came over a few days ago and stuff happened. Look it’s not my place to say, he’ll tell you when he’s ready. But trust me, I know Haru, and I know he likes you. Even Nagisa keeps asking me if you and him are secretly an item.” Makoto chuckled, giving Y/n a pat on the back. “Thanks Mako. Um I’m not sure what else to say?” Y/n giggled, giddy with this newfound discovery. “How about I beat your ass again at Mario Kart?” She suggested, wiggling her eyebrows at Makoto. “Fineeee.. You’re on!” He laughed, loading up a new round.

The next few days at school were rather awkward for Y/n and Haru. Each lost in their own thoughts, yet internally focused on one another. Haru was having trouble coming to terms with his newfound feelings, whereas Y/n wasn’t sure how to act around Haru from learning new information from Makoto. At lunch the two would just engage in conversations with their other friends, yet ignore one another even though they were seated elbow to elbow. And every time they did make eye contact, one would always look away before the other. Each teen sporting matching flushed cheeks. 

Makoto caught on to the tension between the two and came up with a plan. Now Makoto wasn’t a master in the art of deceiving, so he came up with a simple plan that would result in minimal damage. He planned on inviting Haru and Y/n to the pool Tuesday night, but having something “come up” so he couldn’t attend, thus leaving the two alone together. It was you’re basic and cliche matchmaker plot but hey, work smarter not harder. Makoto shared his plan with both Rei and Nagisa who eagerly agreed to help in anyway they could.

The next day Makoto set his plan in motion. He texted the group chat that consisted of himself, Y/n, and Haru and made plans for them all to meet up at the pool later that afternoon. Thankfully, both Haru and Y/n were free and could attend. 

LATER THAT AFTERNOON-

Y/n sat on the bench outside the swimming area, her phone in hand, wondering when on Earth Makoto would show up. She wasn’t surprised Haru was late though, but Makoto? Never. Just then Y/n looked up at the echo of footsteps. Somehow even Haru had beat Makoto! “Hey Haru, do you know if Mako is coming?” Y/n asked, walking over to greet Haru. “No. I expected him to be here already.” Haru stated simply, placing his swim bag on the floor. Y/n couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Haru’s broad chest and abs from all his hard work at swimming. “Y/n?” Haru asked, Y/n snapped out of her trance and looked up at Haru, she clearly missed what he was saying. “Um sorry, what?” Y/n blurted, scrambling to advert her gaze. “Your phone went off.” Haru said, completely missing what just happened. “Oh!” Y/n said, she peered at her phone. It was a message from Makoto saying how he couldn’t make it because his mom was going to be home late from work and he had to watch Ran And Rem. Y/n was no Sherlock Holmes,  but she knew Makoto was up to something. “It’s uh Makoto. He said he can’t make it tonight, he’s gotta watch the twins.” Y/n said, relating the message to Haru. Haru nodded and turned back to the pool. With a spring of the diving board he dove into the pool. When Haru emerged from the water he noticed Y/n wasn’t swimming but was instead sitting on the edge of the pool with her toes in the water. “Aren’t you coming in?” Haru asked, his voice carrying through the pool room. “I’m tired so I think I’m just gonna sit here for a bit.” Y/n said, giving Haru a smile. Haru nodded and dove back under the waters surface.

Time had passed by and Y/n still sat there, pondering what to do next. It was obvious Makoto had arranged this whole ordeal to get her and Haru to confess to one another, but the question was: Could she really go through with it? After all, what if it ruined their friendship? Y/n jumped slightly as Haru popped up in the water beside her. She watched as he hauled himself onto the floor beside her. “Enjoy your swim, fishtail?” She teased, flicking a stray strand of hair out of his eyes. Haru gently batted her hand away, adverting his gaze so the small blush on his face wouldn’t be noticed. Y/n realized that it was now or never. She couldn’t just deny her feelings for Haru anymore. She thought for a moment before speaking. “Hey Haru..?” Y/n asked softly. “Yeah?” Haru asked, tuning to look at Y/n. “Um I’ve been thinking lately about something Makoto said to me..” Y/n said, starting to lose her confidence. “Makoto?” Haru questioned, a note of hostility in his voice. He was then reminded with the memory of a few days ago when Makoto mentioned something about his newfound feelings for Y/n. He was pulled out of his thoughts just as Y/n said “..I like you Haru. And I know it sounds cliche but-“ Y/n was cut off as Haru stood up and started to leave. “Haru what the fuck?!” Y/n shouted, confused why Haru would respond like this. “I know Makoto put you up to this!” Haru yelled back. Y/n ran up to catch up with Haru before he reached the buildings doors. “Wait, what about Makoto?” She said, trying to reach Haru. Haru suddenly turned on his heel and faced Y/n. “I don’t need you following me right now, so just leave me alone!” He shouted, a flare in his aqua eyes. Y/n froze. She never had Haru speak to her like that. I mean sure, she knew Haru was prone to outbursts of emotion but she never had him approach her in that way. She did nothing but watched as Haru stormed out, leaving her and her confession behind..

AT MAKOTO’S HOUSE LATER THAT SAME NIGHT-

Makoto jolted as the door to his room slammed open. “Why would you tell her!?” Haru shouted, taking this fight over to Makoto. “What..?” Makoto said, slightly confused on why his best friend just busted into his room yelling accusations. Then he realized, clearly his plan didn’t go well.. according to plan. “I dont need you butting into my buisness!” Haru said, frustrated. “Haru, stop yelling and let me explain.” Makoto said, shutting his bedroom door so that way his siblings wouldn’t wake up. Haru huffed, but knew he was being a little irrational. Makoto sat back down on the bed and began to explain. “I only said that you liked Y/n because Y/n likes you! That’s why I said anything! Because I know that neither of you would ever confess your feeling without a little push, because that’s just how you two are. I was honestly just trying to help Haru.” Makoto said, looking over at Haru to see his reaction. “How would you know she likes me?” Haru asked, the icy demeanor in his eyes not matching his bored tone. “She talks about you.” Makoto chuckled upon recalling Y/n’s love struck puppy dog ramble. Haru just kind of froze for a moment. The reality of the situation crashing down on him. The girl he liked finally confessed to him, and what does he do? Get mad and goes around blaming everyone! He let out a frustrated groan. “I take it things didn’t go to hot..?” Makoto asked, scratching his head. “I totally fucked things up and got upset with her.” Haru grumbled, upset by his previous actions. “I’m sorry Haru..” Makoto said, hanging his head bashfully. “Don’t. It’s my mess, I have to fix it.” Haru said, grabbing his bag and leaving. “See you tomorrow at practice?” Haru asked, still facing the door and away from Makoto. “You bet.” Makoto said, a grin on his face.

Y/n sat in her room on her bed, in a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top, reveling in her sadness. She had just confessed to her crush and it had definitely taken the worst turn possible. If that’s not depressing I don’t know what is. But it wasn’t the fact that Haru reacted poorly that distracted her, it was how things would be after this. Clearly this would just cause an even bigger riff between her and Haru. She was jostled out of her thoughts when she heard the doorbell downstairs ring. Her mother was out of town for a few days, leaving Y/n the only one home to answer the door. She sighed and threw off her blanket, making her way down the stairs to the front door. It was oddly late for a visitor. To Y/n’s surprise on the other side of the door was Haru. “Haru what are you doing it’s late?” Y/n asked, letting him in. “I need to talk to you about earlier.” Haru said, getting straight to the point like always. “Look it’s fine if you don’t feel the same-“ Y/n began, nervously laughing. Haru cut her off swiftly “Y/n I like you. I have liked you. I just didn’t know how to deal with these feelings. And to be honest, it didn’t even cross my mind until Makoto told me.. I’m not good at talking and I don’t know if I’ll be any good at a relationship but-“ Now it was Haru’s turn to be cut off as Y/n crashed her lips onto his. As if realizing maybe she moved to soon she broke away blushing. Only for Haru to pull her back in without hesitation. She felt him slowly pull her closer to him by her waist, her hands intertwined in his raven locks. They slowly made their way to the couch, their lips still dancing. Haru gently sat Y/n back on the couch, hovering above her. “Will you be my girlfriend?” He asked breathlessly. Y/b giggled and nodded her head, pulling Haru onto the couch beside her and wrapping her arms around him in an embrace. “You know Nagisa is never going to let us hear the end of it.” Y/n said, breaking the peaceful silence. Haru just gave a small chuckle and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

[seanpultz]

Mike and the Bots go to The Haunted Mansion

As Mike Nelson, Crow T. Robot, and Tom Servo approached the towering façade of Gracey Mansion, the eerie resemblance to the Joel Rathbone mansion sent a shiver down Mike's spine. "Wow, guys," Mike said, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and skepticism, "this place looks like it was plucked straight out of a gothic novel. Or maybe it's just the ghost of a movie set we once riffed on."

Crow T. Robot, ever the optimist, quipped, "Oh boy, I hope it's got all the haunted bells and whistles! Maybe we can finally get a break from watching bad movies and just experience one live!" His gleeful robotic chuckle echoed through the quiet evening air, bouncing off the mansion's ivy-covered walls.

Tom Servo, arms folded and a knowing smile playing on his lips, replied in his signature nasal tone, "The Gothic Revival Pointed-style villa designed by the illustrious A.J. Davis. It's quite the architectural gem, isn't it? Too bad it's not haunted by the spirits of good taste and film criticism."

The trio exchanged glances, the anticipation of what lay ahead palpable. They had no idea that their visit to Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion would soon take an unexpected turn, blurring the lines between the world of cinematic cheese and their own reality in a way that would leave them questioning whether they were still part of the audience or if they had become the stars of their very own horror story.

"Well, well, well," Mike began, eyeing the toppled birdbath with a smirk, "it looks like someone forgot to water the petunias. Or perhaps it's a ghostly game of lawn darts?" Crow retorted, while Tom Servo took a more solemn approach, remarking, "The macabre whimsy of a once-thriving garden, now a silent testament to the passage of time and the neglect of human vanity."

As they reached the gate adorned with the unsettling busts of the Gracey family, their grim expressions seemingly frozen in the act of bequeathing a lethal inheritance, Mike quipped, "Looks like a family reunion went really south here." Crow snickered, "I bet they had some killer dinner parties." The embossed musical instruments on the crypt began to play a mournful tune, sending an eerie melody through the air. "It's like 'The Sound of Music' went to a funeral," Tom Servo mused.

Water bubbled and spurted from the crypt of Captain Culpepper Clyne, the ghostly notes of "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" echoing around them. Crow leaned in, whispering, "I don't think 'Davy Jones's Locker' was just a metaphor for him." Tom nodded sagely, "The eternal symphony of the sea, forever trapped in this watery grave."

Their gaze shifted to the tomb of Prudence Pock, where mysterious words began to appear, as if written by an invisible hand. "The bubble, the bubble," Mike read aloud, raising an eyebrow, "It's not exactly Shakespeare, but I guess it's haunting in its own…fluffy way?" The words grew clearer: "Roses are red, Violets are blue, Beware the mansion's secret, It's coming for you."

With a dramatic flourish, Tom announced, "A poetic warning from the grave! How utterly…expected." They shared a nervous chuckle before pushing open the heavy doors of the servant's entrance, stepping into the shadowy embrace of the mansion. The door creaked shut behind them, sealing them into the unknown depths of the Haunted Mansion.

"This place has the charm of a mausoleum with a home makeover," Mike quipped as they stepped into the foyer, the chilling melody of "Grim Grinning Ghosts" wafting through the air. The pipe organ's mournful tune seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the mansion, setting an unsettling mood.

Crow T. Robot's eyes lit up with excitement as he took in the macabre decor. "Wow, they really went all out on the ambiance. It's like someone threw a 'Dracula's Ball' and forgot to invite the actual guests!"

Tom Servo cast a critical eye on the portrait above the fireplace. "The visage of the master of the house, no doubt. A tragic soul, forever captured in a moment of… questionable fashion choices," he commented, gesturing to the young man's ruffled collar and stern expression.

Suddenly a voice boomed out from the darkness: "When hinges creak in doorless chambers. When strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker when the air is deathly still… That is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight."

"Oh, for the love of…it's the 'Picture of Dorian Gray' meets 'Night at the Museum'!" Mike exclaimed as the portrait morphed before their eyes, the handsome visage decaying into a ghastly visage. Crow's antennae quivered with excitement. "Looks like someone's been skipping their spa days!"

Tom Servo's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "The existential dread of one's own mortality reflected in the decay of one's image. How… utterly 'haunting'."

The wall beside the portrait slid open, revealing an octagonal chamber bathed in a flickering glow. The four paintings stared back at them, seemingly alive with the candlelight dancing in the eyes of their gargoyle sentinels. "Well, if this isn't an invitation to a masquerade ball for the afterlife, I don't know what is," Mike said, leading the way into the room with a mock bow.

The three friends stepped into the chamber, the air thick with mystery and the faint scent of dust and decay. Each painting held a story of its own, the subjects' expressions hinting at secrets long buried with the mansion's past inhabitants. Crow couldn't resist poking at the man in the bowler hat with his antennae. "I bet he's got some snappy comebacks," he murmured, earning a stern look from Tom.

"Do remember, Crow," Tom admonished, "We are in the presence of art. Or at least, the ghostly remnants of it. Let us proceed with the respect and dignity this place seems to have so little of."

The pretty young lady with the parasol began to twirl, her spectral gown billowing around her, while the old woman with the rose took a dramatic sniff, the petals falling away to reveal a skeletal hand. The bearded gentleman's document fluttered open, revealing it to be a will, the ink fading and reappearing in a spooky dance.

Mike couldn't help but chuckle. "So, this is what happens when you don't leave your fortune to your pets. They throw a never-ending party and haunt the place."

Tom, ever the intellectual, leaned in closer to the paintings. "These are not mere decorations, but a silent narrative of the mansion's past. The art of storytelling in a most… unconventional form."

"Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion." The voice boomed out. "I am your host, your Ghost Host. Our tour begins here in this gallery. Here, where you see paintings of some of our guests as they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state. Kindly step all the way in please, and make room for everyone. There’s no turning back now."

Mike, Crow, and Tom exchanged wide-eyed glances as the walls of the portrait chamber stretched upwards, the paintings elongating into a ghastly tableau. "Well, this is definitely a new twist on 'hanging out,'" Mike quipped, trying to keep the tension at bay. The bearded man's dignity was replaced by a pair of frilly boxer shorts and a precarious perch on a keg of dynamite, the lady's poise gave way to a wobbly tightrope act over a hungry alligator, and George's headstone became an unexpected centerpiece for the old woman's grim fate.

"Oh, I get it," Crow exclaimed, his antennae drooping slightly, "It's like 'The Twilight Zone' meets 'America's Got Talent' gone horribly wrong!"

Tom Servo, ever the skeptic, observed, "Or perhaps it's a commentary on the fragility of human existence and the folly of vanity. But with more alligators."

"Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis." The Ghost Host said ominously. "Is this haunted room actually stretching? Or is it your imagination — hmm? And consider this dismaying observation, This chamber has no windows and no doors… which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out!" The Ghost Host unleashed a bone chilling laugh which reverberated throughout the room. Our heroes had all eyes glued to the celling. "Of course, there’s always my way."

Mike, Crow, and Tom screamed in unison as the room plunged into darkness, the flash of lightning casting a grim silhouette of the Ghost Host's skeletal form swinging from the rafters. Their hearts raced in the brief moment of terror before the room went silent, save for the distant echo of bones shattering. As the lights flickered back on, they blinked, their eyes stinging from the sudden brightness. The skeletal corpse had vanished, replaced by a wall that now stood open, revealing a hidden passage.

"Well, that was… unexpected," Mike said, trying to catch his breath. Crow, ever the comedian, added, "I guess he had to leave for his next gig. Must be tough being a ghost with a full schedule."

Tom, visibly shaken but trying to maintain his composure, managed, "The fleeting nature of existence, a poignant reminder that we are but transient visitors in this mortal coil. And apparently, some of us are more transient than others."

The trio stepped through the open wall into the unknown, their nervous laughter fading into the depths of the mansion as they faced the next chapter of their eerie adventure. The air grew colder, the walls seemingly closing in, and the whispers of long-departed souls grew louder. Little did they know, the Haunted Mansion had much more in store for them than just a spooky ride through the afterlife's greatest hits.

"Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you prematurely," The Ghost Host said apologetically with a slight touch of mirth. "The real chills come later. Now, as they say, “look alive,” and we’ll continue our little tour. And let’s all stay together, please."

"And now, a carriage approaches to carry you into the boundless realm of the supernatural." The Ghost Host said. "Once on board, remain safely seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And watch your children, please."

Mike, Crow, and Tom took a collective deep breath as they climbed into the Doom Buggy, the leather seats cool against their skin. The cart lurched forward, the sudden movement causing them to grip the bars tightly. "Well, this is definitely a step up from the usual movie theater seats," Mike quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Crow peered over the side, his antennae twitching. "I hope they don't serve popcorn on this ride. I'd hate to get it in my circuits." Tom Servo adjusted his bow tie, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Ah, the boundless realm of the supernatural. Perhaps we'll find some ghosts with better taste in cinema."

"Do not pull down on the safety bar, please." The Ghost Host continued. "I will lower it for you. And heed this warning: the spirits will materialize only if you remain quietly seated at all times."

The safety bar is lowered keeping them in place.

The Doom Buggy glided into the dimly lit stairwell, the floating candelabra casting dancing shadows on the walls as it passed overhead. Mike, Crow, and Tom couldn't help but feel a mix of wonder and trepidation as they descended into the abyss. "This is definitely not your average escalator ride," Mike muttered, his knuckles white on the safety bar.

As they reached the bottom, the candelabra hovered eerily in the dark, its candles flickering in time with the thunderous booms outside. The trio passed under it, their gaze drawn to the windows on their left. With each flash of lightning, the sheer curtains billowed, revealing the tumultuous nightscape.

The paintings on the right, however, were what truly captured their attention. The woman in black sheer transformed into an anthropomorphic tiger, snarling at their passing, while the serene sloop became a ghost ship in the throes of a tempestuous sea. The knight's portrait morphed into a skeletal rider on a bony steed, and the peaceful Greek scene gave way to the chilling visage of Medusa, her stone-cold gaze seemingly following them as they rolled by.

"Wow, talk about an art gallery gone wild," Crow exclaimed, his antennae standing on end. "I think I saw 'The Lion King' in there!"

"The fickle nature of reality, painted with the strokes of the unseen hand," Tom Servo mused, his voice quavering slightly. "It's as if the very fabric of the universe is being… rewritten."

"Oh yes, and no flash pictures, please." The Ghost Host continued. "We spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights."

Mike shot him a look. "Let's just stick to the 'no flash photos' rule, okay? I don't think our camera's got a 'ghost mode'."

Mike, Crow, and Tom's eyes scanning the vast library, filled with the silent whispers of countless ghostly tomes. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and the unmistakable aura of the supernatural. "So, we're in the 'haunted Kindle' section, I take it?" Mike quipped, his voice echoing through the hushed chamber.

Crow's antennae twitched with excitement as he watched the books fly through the air. "Look at 'em go! It's like they're having their own little book club meeting!"

Tom Servo, his gaze lingering on the rocking chair, spoke in a hushed tone, "The invisible hand of inspiration, perhaps seeking a muse amidst the literary afterlife."

The marble busts, their stern expressions seemingly scrutinizing the new visitors, added an eerie presence to the room. "Well, I hope they don't judge us by our book covers," Mike said, casting a sideways glance at the busts.

“Our library is well stocked with priceless first editions, only ghost stories, of course, and marble busts of the greatest ghost writers the literary world has ever known." Boasted The Ghost Host.

Leaving the library's enigmatic whispers behind, Mike, Crow, and Tom entered the grand Music Room. The opulent space was bathed in the flickering glow of candelabras, casting dramatic shadows across the gleaming piano. A haunting melody filled the air, the unseen keys dancing to the tune of "Grim Grinning Ghosts." The ghostly pianist's shadow played across the floor, a silent symphony of supernatural skill.

"Well, I'll be," Mike said in amazement, "It's like 'Phantom of the Opera' decided to throw a surprise concert!"

Crow leaned in, his antennae twitching to the rhythm. "Maybe he's just practicing for 'America's Got Ghosts.'"

Tom Servo nodded thoughtfully. "The timeless appeal of Rachmaninoff, even in the afterlife. It seems talent truly is… eternal."

The storm outside grew louder, the thunder seemingly in time with the piano's crescendos. The chandeliers swayed precariously, adding to the room's unsettling allure.

"They have all retired here, to the Haunted Mansion." Continued The Ghost Host. "Actually, we have 999 happy haunts here. But there’s room for 1,000. Any volunteers?"

The Ghost Host's voice grew fainter as Mike, Crow, and Tom rolled into the heart of the mansion: the grand stairwell. The trio gazed up at the M.C. Escher-inspired chaos of stairs that defied gravity and logic, twisting and turning in impossible configurations. "Well, if we get lost, we're just going to have to think 'outside the box'—or staircase," Mike quipped, his voice echoing in the vast space.

Crow's antennae quivered with excitement as he took in the sight. "This place makes my circuits go haywire! It's like someone spilled a bag of pretzels and said, 'Hey, let's build a staircase!' "

Tom Servo, ever the connoisseur of the bizarre, mused, "An architectural conundrum worthy of the surrealists. It's as if we've stumbled into a painting that's decided to escape the confines of the canvas."

Their eyes followed the glowing ectoplasmic footprints that danced along the stairs, a silent ballet of the afterlife. The spectral orchestra played on, the music swirling around them as if they were in the eye of a storm of the supernatural. The footprints grew more chaotic, leading them into the very heart of the mansion's mystery.

The staircase ahead split into multiple paths, each one leading to a different fate. "Looks like we've got some 'Choose Your Own Adventure' action going on here," Mike said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "I hope we don't end up in the 'You've Died of Fright' chapter."

"Don't worry, Mike," Crow chirped, "We've survived worse movie plots than this!"

Tom Servo leaned back in his Doom Buggy, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Indeed, the unpredictability of this place is quite… engaging. It's like a macabre dance of existential dread and whimsy."

"Well, if you should decide to join us, final arrangements may be made at the end of the tour." The Ghost Host continued. "A charming "ghostess" will be on hand to take your application."

Mike squinted into the inky darkness, the wallpaper's pattern of glowing eyes seemingly coming to life before them. "Well, I guess 'haunted' is their way of saying 'move-in ready' around here," he quipped, trying to keep his voice steady.

Crow's antennae swiveled in all directions, taking in the eerie sight. "I think the homeowners' association is a bit… lax on their decorating rules."

Tom Servo, his voice a mix of intrigue and wariness, commented, "The walls that watch, a delightful blend of claustrophobia and paranoia. How utterly… homey."

"We find it delightfully unlivable here in this ghostly retreat." The Ghost Host said. "Every room has wall-to-wall creeps, and hot and cold running chills."

The Doom Buggy glided through the corridor of never-ending doors, each one seemingly more inviting and yet more forbidding than the last. The candelabra hovered in the center, casting a flickering glow down the hallway. To their left, a Suit of Armor shifted almost imperceptibly, its empty visor seemingly watching their every move. On the right, the "face" chair twitched and leered, its upholstery contorting into a disturbing smile. "Well, this is definitely not the hotel corridor I'd choose for my next vacation," Mike murmured, his grip tightening on the safety bar.

Crow, his antennae spinning like a pinwheel, quipped, "I don't know, it's got that 'Eyes Wide Shut' vibe. Maybe we'll get invited to a fancy ghost party."

Tom Servo, his eyes scanning the unsettling furnishings, said with a shiver, "The art of subtlety in the realm of the macabre. It's like they're trying to make us feel at home in a nightmare."

"Shhh, listen!" The Ghost Host hissed, and the trio's laughter died away as they strained their ears to catch the mournful keening. The Doom Buggy rolled past an alcove, the conservatory's glass walls shrouded in mist and decay. Inside, the plants had overtaken the space, their tendrils twisting in a silent, unearthly ballet. The raven on the withered wreath cawed ominously, its eyes gleaming in the candlelight. In the center of the room, a coffin, a grim centerpiece to the macabre bouquet, rocked gently as skeletal hands clawed at the lid. "Let me out! Let me outta here!" the muffled cries echoed through the chamber.

Mike, Crow, and Tom's expressions shifted from amusement to horror as they stared at the desperate spectacle. "I think someone's in need of a really good chiropractor," Mike managed to say, his voice shaking slightly.

Crow's antennae drooped. "Or maybe just a decent escape plan."

Tom Servo, his eyes wide with a mix of fascination and horror, whispered, "The desperate struggle against the eternal sleep, a poignant reminder of our own mortality."

The Doom Buggy lurched backward down the ominous corridor, the eerie sounds of the mansion's inhabitants reaching a crescendo. The doors groaned and twisted as if alive, their knobs rattling like the teeth of the damned. "Is this the 'haunted Hotel California?' Mike yelled over the cacophony, "Because I'd really like to check out!"

Crow's antennae spun in all directions, trying to pinpoint the sources of the horrors. "It's like a 'Choose Your Own Nightmare' book come to life!"

Tom Servo's gaze was transfixed on the grandfather clock ahead, its hands spinning madly. "The relentless march of time, forever in reverse in this twisted purgatory," he exclaimed.

As the clock struck 13, the shadow of a clawed hand swept over its face, and the trio felt a sudden, unexplained chill.

Mike, Crow, and Tom stared in amazement as they entered the shadowy Séance Circle. The dimly lit room held a table surrounded by chairs, each one occupied by a spectral figure, and the eerie glow of the crystal ball in the center pulsed with an otherworldly light. "Madame Leota's the headliner, I see," Mike murmured, his voice barely audible over the low murmur of the chanting spirits.

Crow leaned over the side of the Doom Buggy, antennae quivering. "Madame Leota's got the whole 'Stevie Nicks at a séance' vibe going on," he quipped, trying to break the tension.

Tom Servo, eyes glued to the floating crystal ball, said in a hushed tone, "The arcane ritual of communication with the deceased, a blend of theater and… well, more theater."

Leota says the following: "Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they’re at! Rap on a table — it’s time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond…Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, awaken the spirits with your tambourine! Creepies and crawlies, toads in a pond, let there be music from regions beyond! Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint, by ringing a bell!"

Suddenly The Ghost Host spoke: "The happy haunts have received your sympathetic vibrations and are beginning to materialize. They’re assembling for a swinging wake, and they’ll be expecting me… I’ll see you all a little later."

Mike, Crow, and Tom gazed over the balcony, their eyes wide with astonishment at the spectral soiree unfolding below. The ballroom was a whirlwind of ghostly gaiety, a cacophony of laughter and clinking glasses, a stark contrast to the mansion's previously somber air. "Looks like someone forgot to tell these guys the party's been over for a couple of centuries," Mike said, his voice tinged with awe.

Crow's antennae shot up. "It's like 'Casper' went full 'Caddyshack' down there!"

Tom Servo nodded, his eyes glinting with a mix of wonder and disbelief. "The dance of the damned, a masquerade of the macabre. It appears the afterlife knows how to throw a shindig."

The birthday bash grew more frenzied, the orange-haired ghost's cheeks puffing out as she blew out the candles, sending her dinner guests into a brief oblivion before they reappeared, unbothered by the interruption. The old woman in the rocking chair rocked in a silent, perpetual rhythm, seemingly unfazed by the chaos around her. The duelists' pistols flashed in the dim light, a silent ballet of spite and spectral showmanship. The chandeliers swayed with the ghosts' gleeful acrobatics, casting eerie shadows across the floor.

The pipe organ's haunting melody grew louder as the tiny spirits emerged from the organ pipes, joining the grand ballroom's merriment. The storm outside raged on, casting the occasional flash of lightning through the windows, illuminating the cloaked figures that danced with the wind.

Leaving the Grand Hall, Mike, Crow, and Tom found themselves in a dusty attic, the air thick with the scent of forgotten memories and a hint of…something more sinister. The beating heart grew louder, thumping in sync with the eerie rendition of "The Wedding March" that seemed to emanate from the very walls. Among the cobwebs and discarded furniture, they spotted the five portraits of the bride, Constance, each with a different, vanishing groom. "Looks like she's had more 'until death do us part' moments than anyone should," Mike murmured, his voice barely audible over the sinister melody.

Crow's antennae quivered with curiosity. "I guess she's a fan of 'try before you buy' when it comes to marriage?"

Tom Servo's eyes widened as he took in the scene. "The tragic narrative of a woman forever bound to a cycle of matrimonial despair. A cautionary tale, indeed."

The invisible pianist's shadow played with an unsettling fervor, the keys moving of their own accord. The room grew colder, the atmosphere thick with malice. Suddenly, the ghostly figure of Constance herself materialized before them, her eyes gleaming with madness as she recited the twisted vows, "In sickness and in wealth," cackling as the spectral hatchet appeared and disappeared in her ghostly grip.

"I think she forgot 'in happiness and in health,'" Crow quipped nervously.

"This is definitely not the kind of encore we were expecting," Mike said, his eyes darting around the room for an exit.

"Perhaps it's a reminder that some ties are not easily severed," Tom mused, his voice shaking slightly.

Mike, Crow, and Tom gaped as their Doom Buggy descends the stairs backwards, the world around them seemingly flipped upside down. "Well, I guess 'going out through the gift shop' is a bit too conventional for this place," Mike says, trying to keep his wits about him.

Crow's antennae twitch in every direction, trying to follow the flurry of ghostly activity. "It's like the 'It's a Small World' ride after dark!" he exclaims.

Tom Servo, ever the critic, muses, "The juxtaposition of the mundane with the macabre. It's like a tea party thrown by Tim Burton and Edgar Allan Poe."

Their cart glides into the graveyard, the lively spirits creating an eerie symphony with their instruments. The Caretaker and his petrified pooch are frozen in shock, a testament to the spooky shindig unfolding before them. "I think they forgot to water the lawn, too," Mike quips, trying to ignore the unsettling sight.

The Singing Busts, a quintet of spectral entertainers, belt out a tune, their faces illuminated by the flickering lanterns. "I guess we've got front-row seats for 'Phantom of the Opera' auditions," Crow says, his antennae bobbing to the beat.

Tom nods solemnly, "The unity of the afterlife in song and dance. A… festive reminder of our own mortal coil's fleeting nature."

The trio's eyes widen as the Mummy reaches out, his bandaged hand flailing wildly, while the Beheaded Knight and his companions serenade the night. The mood shifts as the cart approaches the Mausoleum, the raven's caw echoing ominously. "Looks like we're about to get a taste of 'The Raven's' greatest hits," Mike says, trying to hide his apprehension.

The Doom Buggy stops before the Mausoleum's entrance, the raven staring down at them with beady eyes. "I think it's trying to tell us something," Crow whispers.

"Yeah, probably 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here,'" Mike replies, swallowing hard.

Tom Servo, with a dramatic flair, intones, "The grim guardian of the tomb, an avian harbinger of the unknown. Let us proceed with the grace of the damned."

Then a familiar voice is heard, "Ah, there you are!" It was The Ghost Host. "And just in time… there’s a little matter I forgot to mention."

"Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts!"

Mike, Crow, and Tom stared in disbelief as the Hitchhiking Ghosts – a Traveler, a Skeleton, and a Prisoner – emerged from the shadows, their spectral forms grinning mischievously. "Well, I didn't see that in the brochure," Mike muttered, his grip on the safety bar tightening.

"Looks like we've got some unexpected company," Crow quipped nervously, his antennae drooping slightly.

Tom Servo, his voice steady despite the shock, said, "The ultimate twist in the narrative of the Haunted Mansion. We've gone from spectators to… participants."

The Ghost Host's laugh echoed through the graveyard as their Doom Buggy passed by a wall of mirrors. In the reflection, the three friends saw themselves, now with their new spectral passengers in tow. "They've chosen you to fill our quota! And they'll haunt you until you return!"

The trio exchanged horrified glances as the Hitchhikers waved merrily, their images multiplying in the mirrors, an endless line of grinning ghosts. "So, we're like… ghost Uber drivers now?" Mike asked, trying to keep the panic from his voice.

Crow's antennae shot up. "I don't think they tip in ectoplasm."

Tom Servo, his composure barely intact, announced, "Our role has shifted from mere observers to active participants in the dance of the damned. How utterly… 'haunted'."

Their cart jolted forward, the Hitchhikers' laughter trailing behind them as they were drawn back into the mansion's embrace. The journey was far from over, and the true nature of their involvement in the Haunted Mansion's twisted tale had only just begun to unfold.

As they exited the Doom Buggy, Mike, Crow, and Tom couldn't shake the feeling of unease that clung to them like the cobwebs of the mansion's attic. The Ghostess's words echoed in their minds, a morbid reminder of the fine line between humor and horror they had been treading all evening. The Ghost Host's parting jest about a ghostly souvenir had them glancing over their shoulders. "Well, if we do get a ghost, it's going to have to go through my Wi-Fi password first," Mike quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Crow's antennae twitched nervously. "I hope it's not the kind that likes to watch us sleep." Tom Servo, ever the philosopher, added, "The concept of 'haunting' as an afterlife's form of social media, a persistent presence in the lives of the living."

They stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of their laughter a stark contrast to the mansion's solemn silence. Yet, as they walked away, the glowing eyes of Little Leota watched them from her perch atop the crypt, a knowing smile playing across her ghostly lips. "Hurry back," she whispered, her voice carried on the wind. "We've been dying to have you." The trio quickened their pace, the laughter fading into the night as the Haunted Mansion's secrets remained as enigmatic as ever, the door to the afterlife ever so slightly ajar.

[reigningqueenofwords]

Sam's Gym

Pairing: past Steve x Tony, Clint x Nat

Part 4 of Housemates

It had been a few days since that, and Bucky got out of the shower to hear Steve working in the back. He made himself a cup of coffee once he was dried off and dressed, and looked out the window to the back. Just to see a shirtless Steve working. His mouth went dry and he groaned. He set his coffee down and pulled out his phone. Nat what the hell. 

….what? She replied. 

He took a picture of Steve from where he stood. Is this revenge for something? You’re trying to kill me, right? He sent her. Because DAMN IT.  

Oh I forgot to mention he was hot, didn’t I? She sent him as if it was nothing. Sorry. I’ve heard he’s good in bed, too. ;) 

Bucky now had an image in his mind that made him want to shower all over again. God damn it, Nat! He sent her, sighing. 

Go offer him something to drink! You have game! She encouraged him. When you get him, I’ll tell you that thing he likes! 

You’re an ass lol  He hung his head. How would you know?! 

College. Shots. 

He just got out of a relationship. He sent with a sigh. 

Which means he’d be really really good in bed. :) She pointed out. All that tension built up… 

Bucky looked over as Steve walked in, wiping off his forehead. “Oh, hi, Buck. Just came to get some water.” He smiled. “Hope I didn’t bother you.” 

“Not at all. Was going to ask if you needed something.” Bucky’s cheeks had a light tint. “Hope you put sunscreen?” He asked lamely. “Don’t need you getting a sunburn.” He added. 

Steve chuckled as he walked over to the fridge. “Yeah, I did.” He assured him. “Thanks for looking out for me, though. Wanna come out and I can tell you what my plans are? You can tell me if you want me to change anything?” He looked over before taking the cap off his water and drinking some.

Bucky stared at his throat and couldn’t help but drag his eyes down his chest and torso. “S-Sure.” He nodded, licking his lips. Chill, Barnes! 

Steve smiled and followed him outside. He excitedly told him about the plans, motioning around. “What do you think?”

Bucky had been staring at his back and swallowed. “Sounds great.” He agreed. “Can’t wait to see it.

Steve beamed. “Great. Thanks, Buck.” He looked excited as he turned to look at him. Bucky was quick to look up to meet his gaze. He didn’t want Steve to know he was staring. That would be embarrassing. Steve likely didn’t look at him the same way. They stayed staring at each other for a moment. 

“I better let you get back to work. I’ll make something refreshing for lunch.” Bucky promised. “I’ll bring it out if you’re still out here.” 

Steve squeezed his shoulder. “Appreciate it.” He said happily. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time. It was a good feeling. He hoped Bucky felt even close to the same.  

Steve looked between two plants, deciding to FaceTime Bucky from the store. He wanted it to be what he liked too. He didn’t want to pick something to find out Bucky didn’t like it. When Bucky picked up, he grinned. “Hi, Buck. I was looking for a front yard plant. Which do you like?” He hit the button to turn the camera to the plants. “any one of these four.”

Bucky looked at them. “Second one?” 

“Hey, whose this?” A face smooshed against his. 

“Scott.” Bucky groaned, pushing him gently. 

“Oh, I didn’t know you had a new boy toy!” Scott grinned. “He’s hot!” 

Steve blushed brightly. “H-Hello.” He swallowed. “I’m Steve. Buck’s housemate.”

“Scott.” Scott waved. “I’m Bucky’s favorite coworker.”

“I think that’s being reconsidered now.” Bucky sighed. “So. Yeah, the second plant is my pick.” He tried to get back on topic. 

Steve smiled nervously. “Thanks. I’ll get a couple for our yard.” He told Bucky. “Want me to grab something for dinner tonight?” He asked before loading the plants onto his cart. 

“You should come out for drinks!” Scott said. 

“What? Scott, no. I don’t even go for drinks.” Bucky sent him a look before smiling at Steve. “Sure, you pick.” He agreed. “See you at the house.” He replied before hanging up before Scott could say anything else. 

Steve let out a breath and rubbed at his warm face. New boy toy? Did he have an old boy toy? He shook his head, knowing he had no room to be jealous. He paid for the plants and headed out to find something to eat. He decided on tacos, getting extra just in case. What was Bucky’s type? Did he still like Sam? He let out a breath at the thought. It stayed on his mind all the way home. He couldn’t think of a way to find out that wasn’t awkward. He worked outside a bit to prepare for the plants before heading inside to shower. He would finish up getting those planted the next morning.

When Bucky got home, he beamed at Steve. “Hey. Mind if I shower before dinner? I have some ice cream in the freezer for after.” 

Steve shook his head. “No, of course not.” He told him. “I’ll start warming up the take out.” 

“Thanks.” Bucky took his hair down and shimmied out of his shirt on his way out. 

He watched his housemate for a moment before tearing his eyes away. He focused on getting the plates ready and set up outside. On his way, he heard Bucky’s phone ding with a notification and happened to see that it was from Sam. He didn’t even know they exchanged numbers yet. Swallowing, he moved away, not wanting to pry. His feelings were all over the place. He couldn’t lie to himself and say he didn’t find Bucky attractive. But was that it? Just lust? It was confusing, but clearly Sam and Bucky liked each other.

“What did that taco do to you, Steve?” Bucky chuckled. “You’re glaring at it so bad.” He teased. “Did it insult you?” 

Steve shook his head and automatically smiled. “Just zoned out.” He told him. “And your phone went off.”

“Oh, cool thanks.” Bucky went to grab it and typed quickly once he swiped. He smiled as he did. 

Steve bit his cheek. It’s not like you’re ready for another relationship. He told himself. He focused on finishing getting dinner in the table. He noticed Bucky attempting to take a selfie. Biting his lip, he pretended not to see.  

“Do you think I need to cut my hair?” Bucky asked. 

Blinking, he looked at him. “No.” He answered easily. “Why?” 

He shrugged. “You don’t think it looks shaggy?” 

“Who told you it does?” Steve frowned, protective. He loves Bucky’s hair how it was. 

“No one.” Bucky set down his phone. “Not really anyway. The guys were joking around that they were happy I finally found someone because it looked like I sort of stopped trying.” He said it casually but had a sad tone. 

Steve raised an eyebrow. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.” 

Bucky nodded, tugging at his hair. “Let’s eat?” He motioned to the food. 

“Buck, if no one likes you for you that’s their problem. Okay?” Steve looked at him. “I think your hair is perfect in you, and you should only cut it if you want to.” 

Bucky blushed slightly. “Thanks.” He said softly.  He’d never cut his hair now. 

Steve smiled. “You’re welcome.” He sat down to start eating. “What kind of ice cream did you get?” He asked, curious. 

“That vanilla bean you like.” Bucky smiled. “I know it’s your favorite.”

Steve’s heart raced. Dammit Buck. Did he know what he was doing to Steve? “Then I’m making you breakfast tomorrow, deal?” He grinned. “That french toast you like with bacon.” 

“You don’t have to.” Bucky grinned. “But I won’t turn down your cooking down.” 

Steve grinned. “It’s settled then.” He said happily. “And after breakfast I’ll be planting the plants you helped pick out today.”

“Well don’t you know how to make a guy feel special.” Bucky chuckled. There was a slight tint to his cheeks. Cool it, Barnes.  

Steve laughed. “I try.” He grinned. “Maybe this up coming weekend I’ll have Thor come over? Nat wanted to come over for dinner one night, so have Thor, Clint, and Nat over?” He suggested. “Since you know Clint and Nat already.” 

“Alright.” Bucky nodded. “I think I’ll do good. I did with Sam.” He noted. “What’s Thor like?” 

He thought. “Very outgoing and loud. Sweet but intense.” He told him. “He doesn’t do anything mildly. Most of the time he’s very happy. Nat once called him an overgrown puppy.” 

“Ah, that sounds nice. I like nice people.” Bucky smiled. 

“Makes sense. You’re really nice.” Steve complimented before getting up to get a drink. “Getting a water, do you want anything?”

“One of the juice pouches?” He smiled. “The berry one?” 

Steve nodded and got them each their drink. Sitting back down, he handed Bucky his drink. “How was work today?”

“Decent overall. Had a few projects going. You?” He sipped once he got it open.  

“Pretty easy. Only had a couple lawns today.” Steve shrugged. “I used to do bigger yards for Tony’s colleagues but I don’t anymore.” He said as if it was nothing. “I think they didn’t want to make things ‘weird’ when we broke up. Now a couple guys I work with do them.”

Bucky nodded. “Can I ask why you broke up?” Steve had never mentioned, and he didn’t know if it was a sore spot. 

Steve licked his lips after taking a drink of his water. “We just realized that we want different things overall. We were together three years, so while it was a mutual thing...it still hurt us both.”

“Oh, wow. Three years.” Bucky noted. “I’m sorry.” He said softly. 

“Thanks.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m hoping one day we can get back to maybe being friends. We’ve been friends since college.”

Bucky chewed on his cheek. “That’s a long time. Hard to lose a friend like that.” He noted. “So, what were the different things, if I can ask.” 

“I just wanted more seriousness.” He sighed. “I wanted to move forward. He was happy with how things were.”

“Ah.” Bucky nodded. “More commitment?” He asked, making Steve nod. “Hopefully one day you find the person that wants that.”

“Hopefully. When my heart is ready.” He chuckled sadly. Who knew when that would be. He was feeling something towards Bucky, but felt he wasn’t ready… and that Bucky liked Sam. “Have you gone to Sam’s gym?” He asked, glancing at him. 

Bucky shook his head. “Was thinking about heading there this week, though. Did you wanna come?” 

“Maybe a different time? I’m sure Sam likes the one on one time with you.” He noted. “Sound good?” Honestly, he didn’t want to be there to see them flirt. Sam was a very good flirt. 

“Oh. If that’s what works best for you.” Bucky had hoped they could train together. Steve looked like he knew what he was doing. “I probably will just get a tour for now.” He shrugged, finishing off his food. “See if it’s my kind of gym.”

“Do you like to train?” He asked. “You seem really fit, so I was guessing you do.” 

Bucky blushed. “Me? Fit? I just work out in the garage a few days a week. You’re fit.” He pointed at Steve’s arm. “Really fit.” 

Steve smirked slightly. “You could take me, Buck.” He chuckled. “Easily.” He enjoyed the shy look that crossed his face. It was cute. 

He shook his head with a smile and focused on his food. “Where do you want to have dessert?” He asked, changing the subject. His mind had begun wandering… thinking about Steve’s body in other ways. Maybe training apart would be better, if not he might stare. Which would make things very awkward. 

“Living room? We can watch a movie?” Steve suggested. 

“Cool.” He took the plates to the kitchen to throw before getting some bowls out for the ice cream. “Whipped cream?” He called out to ask Steve.  

“Sure!” Steve called back. “Sprinkles?” He asked.

“You got it!” He happily put Steve’s favorite colored sprinkles on and put chocolate ones on his own before going to get comfortable. “What’re we watching?”

“I went through your playlist by accident. I haven’t seen some of these, so maybe a sci-fi?” Steve smiled his way. “If that’s okay?” 

Bucky nodded. “Of course.” He could get used to movie nights with Steve. The two focused on the screen as they relaxed. 

[slimthicksonnett]

Big Bad Bruin (Tierna Davidson) 1

(re-upload wow hello first fic i ever wrote)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Prompt: R is called back to USWNT for the 2019 January training camp after a year off for healing an injury. R is a forward but is basically a little Naeher with her aggression and stoic behavior, that is until she meets someone who makes her stutter.

Anon requested Tierna with no specifics so I just kind of .. went with it? 

Word Count: 4700ish (I seriously don’t know WHY it is so long, sorry..)

Readers POV:

A year ago, an ankle injury kept me off the field and out of the January USWNT camp and the 2018 Shebelieves Cup. This year however, they’d have to physically pull me off the field if they wanted to keep me from playing. 

“Little Naeher!” A familiar voice shouted, sprinting over to me. As soon as I felt the hands on my shoulders and the weight thrown against me, I knew it was the USWNTs personal flying squirrel who was the first person to spot me.  

“Hey Kels.” I chuckled, unwrapping the defender from my body. 

“Y/N, you can’t just let me hug you once?” Kelley pouted in response from being removed from me, crossing her arms.

“I might let you hug me but flying squirrel tackling me is another story. Now stop pouting, when you look like that it’s hard to believe that Mallory is the baby and not you.” I just chuckled now as Kelley narrowed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at me.

“Actually Tierna is the baby now, Mal has got a few month’s on her. It’s nice to have you back kiddo.” The newest person to spot my appearance was Alyssa who gave me a signature side hug and ruffled my hair. Immediately my hand went up to flatten out my hair and I gave the keeper a little side glare, causing a rare full laugh from her. Hair taken care of, my attention switched to Naeher’s words.

“I forgot about Davidson.” I muttered, thinking about the young defender who had made her first cap after my ankle injury.

“Oh yeah, you get to play with T for the first time ever. She’s a peach!”

“A peach, O’hara? That is the most Georgia thing I’ve ever heard you say. Now come on, it’s time to get on the field! Oh and hey Y/N, glad you’re back.” Carli ushered us forward, clearly itching to start the 11v11 game we’d been working towards all practice. I inclined my head towards her in thanks before jogging onto the pitch. Kelley grinned wide as a Cheshire cat when captain tossed her the penny and I smirked in return, playing against Kelley was sure to be one hell of a way to get back in the swing of the USWNT.

—-Third Person—- 

Y/N was electric on the field and Tierna couldn’t keep her eyes off of her. Even paired with the vets, the twenty two year old was a powerful force. Her ball control and speed was clearly a force to be reckoned with, playing some sort of zipper game with Christen as they raced around the field. Tierna held her breath watching as the forward engaged with Kelley, the two small girls locked in a tense battle for the ball as their teammates gave them a large breadth.

“Conflicted on who to cheer for over there, Baby T?” Tierna nearly jumped out of her skin when Moe popped up beside her. The jump and the startled look on the Stanford players face sent Moe into a fit of laughter, earning a light slap from the younger girl. 

“You scared the heck out of me! Also, yes actually. I mean I almost always cheer for Kelley because wel-”

“She’s your role model? Yes, we know.” Moe cut her off, waving a hand dismissively. 

“Yes, exactly. Seeing Y/N out there against her though, she’s incredible.” Tiernas focus was completely back on the field, watching as AD tentatively went to Kelley’s aid.

“Oh definitely, I think we all forget that you two have never played together.” Moe was of course referencing the recent soccer year where Tierna had made her first cap while Y/N was out on an ankle injury, thus keeping the two girls from playing together.

“Is she always so aggressive?” Tierna asked, watching as Y/N found her way out of the trap the two defenders had placed her in. With a quick move around Kelley, the forward was back on her feet and moving quickly towards Naeher. The two players’ facial expressions seemed to mirror one another as the young girl slid past Becky, managing to get the ball to Press who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. 

“Absolutely, it’s scary to be on the other side of for sure. We don’t call her little Naeher for nothing, their mannerism is one and the same.” Moe informed Tierna who was, of course, still entranced by the game. When the ball managed to slip past Naeher’s glove, even Tierna found herself on her feet cheering. The stop in play led to a water break and the water break led to substitutions.  

That is how Tierna found herself in her current situation. The Stanford player had taken Kelley’s place at center back and was now staring at the side of Y/N’s head as she stood reading the field. From here, Tierna could see the depth of concentration in the forwards eyes and it chilled her to the bone. 

When a strong kick from Carli sent the ball flying past Julie, both of the girls kicked into gear. Tierna quickly darted forward, her chest nearly colliding with Y/N’s shoulder as she raced towards the ball. Seeing the opportunity, Tierna burst upward. Sadly, Y/N saw the opening and the small girl threw herself into the air. Moments later, the ball was forgotten about and both girls had fallen to the grass. The girls heights had played against them as smaller Y/N’s forehead collided with the side of 5’10 Tierna’s jaw. 

“Holy shit, are you kiddin-” Y/N had pulled herself to her feet, cursing internally and a little externally. She was about five seconds from chewing her teammate out for the misplaced header until her eyes locked with a pair of unfamiliar, shockingly stormy eyes. Still on the ground, Tierna blinked up at the older player, her mouth hanging open as if she had something to say but with nothing coming out.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry. That was so sloppy on my part, you had a clean jump.” The apology, and the curse word, came tumbling out of Y/N’s mouth before she could stop it. Underneath her the freckled defender blushed a bright red, at the apology or the position she wasn’t sure. Before she could accept the forward’s extended hand, a loud gasp was heard and a wide eyed Julie came storming across the field.

“Uh-oh…” Tierna whispered as a wide eyed Y/N was brought face to face with the blonde midfielder.  

“I know you did not just hurt the baby and then CURSE at her!” Julie’s hand was wrapped tight around the collar of Y/N’s royal blue practice jersey, putting the two girls’ chest nearly touching. However this didn’t last for long as the girl seemed to regain the composure she had lost after colliding with Tierna. Bringing a strong hand up, Y/N removed Julie’s fist from her jersey but she didn’t step away. In fact, Tierna gulped from her spot on the ground as Y/N stepped even closer to Julie so that their noses were almost touching.

“Firstly, I didn’t curse at her, I cursed in general. Secondly, she’s twenty, Julie Beth, I think she can handle me saying fuck.” Julie’s eyes were wide as saucers as her friend and teammate stared her down, not blinking once. Seeing the aggressive energy Moe had mentioned earlier first hand sent chills through Tierna’s body. There was something about watching the older girl treat her as something other than the team’s baby that made her heart feel like it was going to beat out of her chest. The sounds of cleats on the ground separated Julie and Y/N, the former almost shaking like a leaf. 

“Damn Y/N/N, you’re back for barely two hours and you hurt one teammate and accidentally scare the fu- heck, scare the heck out of the other.” Dunny laughed, slinging an arm around Julie’s shoulder who had now calmed down and was pouting. Crystal’s words made Y/N spin on her heels though, her bright eyes focusing on Tierna who was still in the grass.

“You’re not hurt are you? I didn’t hurt you right?” Her eyes continued to scan Tierna up and down, eyes raking over her body and making Tierna blush even brighter. 

“N-no, I’m uh, I’m fine. Just gonna have a little bruise.” Y/N had reached her hand out again and this time Tierna took it, clumsily stumbling to her feet and making Y/N giggle a little as she tried to find her footing. The interaction was not missed by the teammates closest to them as Lindsey immediately turned to Rose with wide eyes. 

“Did Y/N/N just giggle? Did I hear that right?” Lindsey whispered and Rose nodded her head up and down so quickly that she looked like a bobble head. Naeher also noticed it from the goal and threw her ‘mini me’ a confused look. Y/N, realizing her slip up, coughed and looked at the ground as she shuffled her feet, fighting a blush.

“See, she’s fine. Can we please get back to the game? I really wanna get back to beating Julie’s ass.” Her spunk and sass was back as quickly as it left and with wide eyes, Julie broke into a grin as the girls set back out onto the field. Tierna jogged to her spot, shaking her head to try and clear the thought of the muscular forward standing over her out of her head.

————

That night, the girls were settled in Kelley and Sonnett’s room. Why was it that Jill decided it was a good idea to room Frat Daddy and Frat Daddy Jr. together? The team may never know. However, it certainly made a good spot to do team bonding.

Ashlyn and Ali had launched into a Krashlyn level argument about dog names, receiving input from Rose of course since dogs were the topic of conversation. Lindsey and Mal were telling some sort of very animated story to the rest of the team who were all watching in either interest or confusion. And, as per usual, Y/N was late.

“Guys?” Tierna finally asked after Mal had finished her tangent, gaining the attention of her teammates.

“What’s up kiddo?” Kelley asked, throwing her arm around the shoulder of the team’s baby.

“Why isn’t Y/N here?” Rose suddenly wasn’t focused on the topic of dogs, Lindsey stopped telling her story, and Alyssa’s attention strayed from her phone.

“Oh, you can always count on her to be late.” Alex laughed from the other side of Kelley and the rest of the team laughed or agreed. Tobin explained that that’s why they hadn’t actually started team bonding yet because well, it wasn’t bonding if the whole team wasn’t there.

“Why are you so worried about her being late?” Mal asked in typical nosey Mal fashion. Tierna’s eyes went wide and her face flushed as she opened and closed her mouth.

“Nothing, no reason, just wondering.” The words stumbled out of her mouth and she knew full and well that none of her teammates believed her. 

“Wait a minute, baby T, you don’t have a cr-”

“NO!” Immediately, Tierna cut off Casey, not letting the woman finish her sentence. Most of the team awe’d and Tierna mentally cursed herself for even asking in the first place. 

“Awww baby Stanford has a crush on our big bad Bruin.” Kelley cooed, pinching at Tierna’s cheek who slapped her hand away. The slap wasn’t playful though, it connected with a solid whack and the team grew dead silent. Kelley stared at her hand in shock and Tierna started to stutter out an apology when the hotel door opened.

“I know y’all are used to me being late so what’s up los- why are y’all silent?” Y/N looked around the hotel room in confusion, all eyes still on Tierna.

“Tierna?” Y/N questioned gently, very confused by the situation she had walked into. Suddenly, Tierna was on her feet and brushing past Y/N, heading out the door. She watched the tall girl flee the room, face bright red. The gentle expression Y/N had watched Tierna with was gone now as she turned on her teammates with fire in her eyes.

“What the hell did y’all do.” She hissed, her eyes scanning the guilty faces. Ultimately, they landed on Kelley who couldn’t even meet her eyes. 

“We were just joking with her Y/N, she wa-” 

“No, I don’t care. Clearly Tierna didn’t think whatever you were talking about was funny. Did you all not see how hurt she looked?”  Stalking over to Rose, she held out her hand which Rose timidly placed her hotel room key into. Turning on her heels, Y/N headed out of the room to go talk to the team’s youngest player.

When the door slammed behind her, the team let out a collective breath that most of them hadn’t even noticed they were holding.

“Holy shit.” Casey said, eyes locked on the door. Most of the girls muttered something similar or some form of agreement. 

“I have never seen her get so defensive.” Kelley said, gaining her teammates attention. “I mean, we’ve all seen her get angry before because it happens all the time like on the field today but that, that was defensive.”

“Lyssa, what was that?” Mal directed the teams attention towards Y/N’s self declared mentor who was staring off deep in thought as she often was.

“I don’t know.” Naeher admitted, clearly still partially stuck in thought. “I mean the only time I’ve ever seen her get this defensive was over Fleming that one time when Pugh said something about Canad-”

“Wait.” Mallory cut off Naeher, a terrible thing to do in most situations but tonight was proving not to be a normal night for the USWNT. “Fleming. Like, Jessie Flemming? That was who she got defensive over?” 

“Yeah, why?” Alyssa questioned, tilting her head to the side like a puppy. Matter of fact, most of the team looked like that at the moment. 

“Oh shit!” Jane gasped, connecting the dots. The team turned towards the bleach blonde goalie who was sitting with her hand slapped over her mouth. “That’s who she was talking about after that friendly with Canada.” 

“What? She was talking about a girl?” Pinoe was now intrigued, confused as to why their assumedly straight teammate was talking about Flemming.

“Oh my god, do we have to spell it out for you? I thought the gays were supposed to be able to sense each other or something.” Mal was met with a pillow to the face from Kelley and a few pointed looks from some of her teammates.

“I’m just saying,” Jane started, ignoring Mal’s comment, “that the last person that Y/N got defensive over was Jessie Flemming, aka the Canadian player that she had a huge crush on.

“A crush on?!” Kelley screeched, nearly flying from the couch. Krashlyn were both staring wide eyed, Preath both had their jaws nearly on the floor, and Pinoe was a combination of everyone else.

“Y/N is gay?” Ali finally asked. The younger girls were looking at the vets like they were idiots seeing how the forwards sexuality wasn’t something she hid.

“Wait, bro, no, wait.” Sonnet was the one connecting the dots now, which of course meant everyone else must have been really slow for Emily to beat them to the punch. “She got defensive over Flemming because she had a crush on her and now she just got crazy defensive over Baby T.”

“Holy shit, Y/N has a thing for Tierna.”

——

After a brief moment of trying to find the right room, Y/N raised her fist and knocked on Tierna’s hotel room door. 

“Go away Kelley, I don’t want to talk about it.” The reply was muffled but clear and made Y/N’s face drop a little. She wasn’t sure whether to be amused that Tierna thought that it would be Kelley of all people coming to check on her or upset that she didn’t think it would be her. Though, it is probably fair she didn’t think it would be her as the two girls had only met officially for the first time today. Of course, Y/N knew Tierna. A player like her was hard to forget and after the UCLA loss to Stanford, Tierna’s face was burned into her memory. However, she wasn’t sure she was complaining. 

Knocking once more, she put in the key card and unlocked the door. Pushing it open slowly, she stepped into the room while narrowly dodging a pillow thrown at her head.

“Kels, I said I don’t want to talk about it or her or any- oh shit.” Tierna’s eyes went wide when she saw Y/N standing infront of her and not the other little defender she had been expecting. The older girl on the other hand let out a full laugh.

“I’m sorry.” Tierna muttered, suddenly very interested in picking at her fingernails.

“No, no, it’s fine. I just, I don’t think that was a very Baby T appropriate word.” Y/N giggled and Tierna felt all the blood rush to her face. The older girls laugh was light and airy and it certainly didn’t help an embarrassed Tiernas beating heart. 

“God, please don’t tell Julie.” Tierna buried her face in her hands as Y/N made her way into the room. 

“I won’t, she’d probably say it’s my fault for being a bad influence.” When Tierna risked a glance up, there was a mischievous sparkle in Y/Ns eye that paired too well with the smirk on her face. “Can I sit?” She asked, motioning to the bed beside Tierna and she simply nodded in response, still not really trusting her voice. 

“So,” Y/N started, flopping down onto the bed beside Tierna, laying on her back and staring at the white ceiling. “What’s wrong?” Tierna sighed and flopped backwards too, mimicking the other girl’s position.

“Nothing, the girls were just bullying me.” She admitted, staring off into the distance. 

“About?” Panic set in for Tierna when Y/N asked the question. How was she supposed to even respond to that?

“Um, nothing important.” It was a blatant lie and clearly Y/N thought so too as she rolled to her side and propped her head up on her hand, staring at the side of Tierna’s face.

“I think you’re lying.” 

“You do?”

“I do. You mentioned a ‘her’ when I walked into the room so something tells me that there is something or well, someone, very important taking up space in that big ol brain of yours.” Y/N said, reaching out and lightly flicking the side of the defenders head. Tierna furrowed her eyebrows and turned onto her side so she was facing Y/N now as well. 

“Big ol brain, huh?” 

“Don’t change the subject, tell me about this mysterious her.” Y/N was dead set on finding out about this mystery girl in Tierna’s life because frankly she was worried that this girl was going to ruin any chance she had with the forward before she even got to try.

“You’re not letting this go are you?” Tierna pouted and Y/N flashed her a signature smirk.

“Nope.”

“Um, fine.” Tierna racked her brain, trying to think of how to say what she wanted to say without exposing herself. “I mean, she isn’t really anyone to me.” 

“She isn’t? So like, no girlfriend problems or anything?” The younger girl flushed bright red at the word girlfriend. By no means did she hide her sexuality but she certainly didn’t expect to be somewhat called out on it. 

“Um, no, not girlfriend problems. I don’t have a girlfriend.” Something about her admitting that made Y/N smile, though she tried to conceal it for the sake of the other girl.

“So, a crush?” 

“I guess you could call it that.” Tierna admitted. Y/N furrowed her brows a little but unlike when she had furrowed them and yelled at Julie earlier, there was no anger on her face, just confusion. The look was enough to somehow prompt more words to come fumbling out of the klutzy girls mouth.

“I mean I don’t know if I can call it a crush? It’s just, I don’t know her super well. We only met recently but she seems super cool and she is just like, gorgeous I guess.” Y/N smiled and nodded her head in understanding as Tierna explained the situation.

“I get that, I’ve been there before actually.” The admittance seemed to get Tiernas interest but Y/N didn’t want to be the topic of conversation at the moment. 

“Really?” 

“Yes really, with an old teammate actually but we don’t need to talk about me right now. What is this crush of yours like? Does she play soccer or did you meet her at Stanford or what? Would I know her?” Y/N fired off questions and Tierna looked for a path out, desperately needing a way to navigate this war path. However her mind was stuck on what Y/N had said about the crush she had on an old teammate. An old teammate meaning someone she played soccer with. Meaning a woman. Oh thank god.

“Um, yeah you’d know her so that’s why I would rather not say who it is but yeah she plays soccer.” Tierna figured there was no harm in admitting a little bit and she could watch as the gears in the other girls head seemed to visibly turn as she tried to figure out who it was. 

“Who does she play for?” 

“Um…” Not being able to find an answer she stuttered and Tierna could see her make the connection.

“Oh my God, it’s a teammate!” Y/N exclaimed, her eyes lightning up. She prayed that outwardly she was putting on a good show but internally she was cursing the idea of Tierna thinking about one of the other girls. Was it Mal? Sonnett? 

“Yeah but like please don’t freak out over it, it’s not a big deal and I’m not going to do anything about it and-” Reaching out and putting a finger to Tierna’s lips, she effectively shushed her rambling. Once again the freckles that covered her face were now placed onto a bright red background and as Y/N pulled away her finger she tried to ignore the softness she felt against it.

“Sorry, you were rambling. Why won’t you do anything about it?” She questioned, not understanding why the gorgeous girl in front of her wouldn’t go after the person she liked without a reason. “I mean unless she’s straight or lik- Wait! Shit, she isn’t married or something is she? I mean I wont judge but babe that’s a whole other situation…” Y/N trailed off as she saw Tierna’s eyes grow wide and the blush that had been on her cheeks consumed her entire face and neck.

“No! No. God, no. She isn’t married. I don’t even think she’s in a relationship but I don’t really know.” Y/N breathed a sigh of relief and for the first time, Tierna laughed, and when Y/N heard it she decided she had found her new favorite sound.

“Then why not do anything about it?”  

“I don’t think she’d like me back.” Tierna had turned her focus to her fingernails at this point, picking at her cuticles to the point that they would almost certainly bleed later.

“Then she’s stupid.” With three words, Y/N effectively captured Tierna’s entire attention.

“What did you say?” She asked, now looking up with big bright eyes at the other girl.

“I said if she doesn’t like you back, then she’s stupid.” Being met with silence, Y/N decided to continue. “I mean come on, you’re a fucking superstar. You have the prettiest freckles and your eyes are so stunning they even rival Christens. Looks aside, if she’s a soccer player then I don’t know how she isn’t falling for you simply because of your skills.” The spheil was much more emotional than Y/N normally got and she glanced down at the younger girl who was staring at her with watery eyes.

“Hey, no. Don’t do that! No crying, come here.” Turning onto her back, she scooted up against the headboard and pulled Tierna into her chest. The defender tensed at the sudden touch but she didn’t pull away. Matter of fact, she nuzzled her head into the crook of the other girl’s neck and tried to blink away her tears.

“That was, that was really nice.” Tierna whispered. Above her, Y/N smiled. With precise movements she pulled the hair tie out of Tiernas hair and let her brown waves fall out to frame her face. Gently, Y/N began to run her fingers through the girls hair slowly.

“It’s just the truth Tierna, you’re an amazing person and an incredible player.” Her voice was at hardly a whisper now, not wanting to be loud right in the girls ear.

“You’ve hardly seen my play.” Tierna mumbled into Y/N’s neck and the older girl shivered at the vibrations it sent up her body, an action that didn’t go unnoticed by a slightly shocked Tierna. 

“That’s actually not true. I’ve actually played against you before.” Lifting her head up slightly in surprise, the Stanford player looked up into the other girls eyes.

“There’s no way, I would have remembered that.” There was no way that Tierna could ever have forgotten a face like Y/N’s.

“I was a little different back then. It was the D1 Women’s Soccer Championship in 2017, it would’ve been your sophomore year. You little fuckers beat us by one goal and Kelley and Christen will never let me live it down. I’m not surprised you don’t remember, I know that was a crazy year for you.” Tierna was immediately running through memories of that game, lots of which were blurred due to the results of the afterparties with her teammates on campus. Until it hit her, the same way she had hit Y/N.

“Oh my God, I remember. I hit you with the slide tackle that cost you that first goal right before you came back and assisted Fleming on her goal. I completely forgot that you even play for UCLA!” Y/N’s eyes lit up that Tierna remembered the slide tackle and her assist.

“That’s right, I even have a little scar somewhere that proves that it was absolutely not a clean tackle no matter what that damn ref said or the people that named you the Pac-12 defender of the year.” She grumbled the last part but of course Tierna heard she was laying on her chest. They were quiet for a moment and then they both erupted into laughter. 

“So see, I do know that you’re an amazing player. And I’m starting to learn that you’re a pretty amazing person too, any girl would be lucky to have you.” Y/N said softly, continuing to curl pieces of Tiernas hair around her fingers as she brushed through it gently.

“Any girl?”

“Any girl.” 

And so they laid like that, only moving so that they could pull the blankets up over them at one point when Y/N started to get goosebumps and Tierna insisted she cover up. What Tierna didn’t realize was that the girls goosebumps weren’t caused by the cold. In the silence, both girls’ eyelids grew heavy and they started to drift slowly off the sleep. Before they could get there though, the young Stanford player whispered softly.

“Y/N?”

“Yes, Tierna?”

“I don’t see why you act so tough with the other girls.”

“I have a reputation to keep, love.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think you’re some big bad Bruin like they do.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope,” The younger girl cuddled in closer and Y/N smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “I just think you’re a big ol baby bear.” Tierna yawned.

“Maybe I am.” What Y/N didn’t add after that was - for you.

With that, the girls fell fast asleep, completely forgetting their teammates who were still sitting anxiously rooms away.

----

Y'all remember in 2020 when Tierna was healthy and living her best life and I wrote this? Yeah me too. Missing that!!!!!

[not-really-a-guest]

Full Hearts (Can’t Lose)

“Every year LAFD and LAPD have a flag football game.” Bobby explains. “The past few years we’ve been either on shift or coming right off of it, but this year the A shift is free. Firefighters from every house sign up, and it’s a nice Saturday afternoon.” 

In which Maddie reveals a hidden talent of Buck’s and Eddie decides he will spend the rest of his life cheering his boyfriend on. 

aka 3,500 words on Eddie Diaz being absolutely in love with Buck and admiring the way he looks in athletic wear. Timeline: somewhere in the future where everyone is back at the 118 where they belong and ~happy~ 

Eddie always enjoyed hosting, but since Buck officially moved in and the house officially became their home, he looked for any reason to have their friends over. It wasn’t because he had something to prove about how his life turned out– he saved that unhealthy emotion for visits from his parents – it was because he truly loved filling his small home with the people who mean most to him.

“Oh Buck, that looks wonderful.” Athena comments as Buck sets down a large tray of homemade jalepeno poppers next to her crab dip.

“Chris helped me stuff them all,” He answers with pride. “Did you know there are 70,000 acres of land in Mexico solely devoted to growing jalepenos?” Eddie heard the statistic already but still sends Buck a smile over the table.

“And if you made poppers out of them all, I still would want more.” Chimney starts to pile a few on the plate.

“Is anyone besides Bobby actually here to watch the game? Because I could stand by this food table all day.” Hen scoops some of Athena’s crab dip onto her plate as Bobby approaches.

“I am here for both. Speaking of football-“

“No way Cap, I saw the email this morning and as always my answer is N.O.” Chimney shakes his head.

“What are you trying to get out of?” Maddie hands Jee to Buck who starts blowing loud raspberries at the two-year-old. It doesn’t matter how many times Eddie sees Buck with his niece, he doesn’t ever think the warm feeling will go away.

“I’m not trying to get out of anything, I am trying to avoid an injury on scale with The Rebar Incident.” Chimney grumbles. Maddie raises one eyebrow, a talent her brother often tried to imitate but could never quite get.

“Every year LAFD and LAPD have a charity flag football game.” Bobby explains. “The past few years we’ve been either on shift or coming right off of it, but this year the A shift is free. Firefighters from every house sign up, and it’s a nice Saturday afternoon.”

“You’re leaving out the part where we got called to the scene two years ago because it got ugly.” Hen points out.

“Didn’t someone break an ankle last year?” Eddie asks. “I thought they were canceling it?”

“There is a bit of a rivalry.” Bobby concedes and Athena simply chuckles.

“And that’s coming from the man married to a cop.” Chim points out.  “The email sent out was pretty much ‘send us your best and nothing less.’”

“Well then it’s obvious who you send.” Maddie laughs. When no one answers she looks around confused.

Buck has stopped his noises at Jee-Yun and is trying to catch Maddie’s attention. His eyes are wide, and he gives a slight shake of the head.

“Maddie- “

“Buck was the best running back our high school ever had. Two time All-American and set at least four school records- “

“Mad- “

“He led the team to back-to-back state championships, the first time our school even made it since the seventies!” Maddie is bubbling over with pride, but Buck looks like he’s waiting for the ground to swallow him whole. Eddie shifts a few steps so he’s closer to him. “Watching him play…it was amazing.”

“Yeah, well you were my cheering squad of one.” Buck mutters and Eddie brings a hand to his back and gives a reassuring rub.

“Damn Buckley, I thought we knew all of your secrets. Eddie did you know about this?”

“Buck is talented at a lot of things.” Eddie replies and he heads Chimney mutter a faint ‘gross’.

“It’s not like you to hold out on us.” Hen is kind about it, but the sentence still makes Buck fidget.

“It was a long time ago. Played in college for a year and we all know how that turned out.”

“Their loss was the 118’s gain.” Bobby had long ago mastered the art of reassuring Buck without patronizing him. “You don’t have to play.” A flurry of emotions flits across Buck’s face, but eventually he slaps on a smile, the one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

It’s the only smile of his Eddie doesn’t like.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll do it. Count me in.”

-

Later, after everyone cleaned up and headed home, Eddie decides to ask Buck about it. They are folding up the extra chairs to put back in the shed and Eddie catches Buck’s gaze. Buck winces, like he knows what he is about to say.

“So. Football.” Buck groans. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No…yes.” Buck leans against the dining room table and runs a hand through his hair. “I was really good Eds. I know people say that a lot about things they did when they were younger, but I actually was a good player. I forged my parents’ signature for signups when I was twelve and I just…I guess I was a natural.”

He sinks down in to one of their regular chairs and Eddie sits next to him.

“And I would play so hard every week, just hoping they would come. But they never did. I had Maddie and I kept telling myself it was good enough. But I’d see the other parents there, or the guy’s girlfriends wearing their away jerseys and cheering them on…it’s stupid.” He looks away and Eddie reaches up to catch his face and turn it towards him.

“Hey, it’s not stupid. They should have been there. Even if you warmed the damn bench the whole time…they should have been there.”

He thinks of before they were dating, how Buck would always find someone to cover for part of Eddie’s shift when Christopher had a school concert or a science fair. How Buck would always say ‘so-and-so is looking for extra hours to pick up’. How it wasn’t until Chimney let it slip that Buck was one repaying the shifts other people would cover for Eddie.

How when Eddie confronted him about it, Buck just shrugged and said ‘you’re his parent. I know you always want to be there for him, so if I could give you the chance tom why wouldn’t I?”

“I guess I never talk about it because I don’t like thinking about how lost I was back then.” Buck leans further into Eddie’s touch and Eddie brings their foreheads to rest against each other.

“Bobby would understand if you change your mind,” but he knows Buck well enough to know once he commits to something, he doesn’t back down.

“I know. But it’s okay, it’s not that big of deal.” Buck closes his eyes and lets out a breath. It tickles the top of Eddie’s lips. “It’s just a game, right?”

“What’s just a game?” Christopher walks in and Eddie pulls his head back, but reaches down to hold Buck’s hand.

“Football. Buck is going to play for the LAFD team next month against the police officers.” Christopher grins at Buck.

“Awesome! We’re going to go, right dad?” He looks back at Eddie like there’s only one answer and Buck looks like he’s trying to hide a smile.  

“Of course we are.”

-

Eddie is pretty sure when Buck asked Christopher to help him train, this was not what he had in mind.

“I wanna see two more, Buckley!” Christopher blows his neon green whistle and Buck groans, starting another round of up-downs. In hindsight, watching Remember the Titans with Christopher the previous night was a terrible idea. Eddie should have gotten suspicious when Christopher started to write things down during the training camp scene, but he was far too distracted with Buck’s head in his lap.

“And…done.” Buck is panting and has his hands on his knees. Eddie gives him a water bottle and he spills nearly half of it on himself. He looks good in his black athletic shorts and a gray tank top, which was starting to soak through with sweat.

The screech of Christopher’s whistle kills any more inappropriate thoughts.

“How many feet are in a mile?”

“Chris!” Buck lets out an exasperated laugh. Christopher is fighting a laugh as well and Eddie bites his bottom lip to keep from joining in.

“How many, Buckley?”

“Five thousand…five thousand…” Buck scrunches up his face.

“Five thousand, two hundred and eighty feet! And you’re going to run every one of them!” Christopher is nearly doubled over in laughter and Eddie starts to chuckle. Buck rolls his eyes but doesn’t stop smiling as he jogs out of the yard.

When Buck is halfway down the block, Christopher turns to Eddie with a serious expression.

“Dad, we need to make signs.”

“Signs?”

“For the game. For Buck, to cheer him on. It can be a surprise.”

“I’m in.” Eddie smiles. He really does have the best kid. “We can hide them in the laundry room, he’ll never find them.”

“Can I go get a snack?” Eddie nods and Christopher heads back into the house. A few minutes later, Buck appears in the yard. When he doesn’t see Christopher, he lets out a sigh of relief.

“How can a plastic whistle go to someone’s head like that?” He drinks another water and Eddie smirks.

“Almost like you and a clipboard?”

Buck sticks his tongue out at Eddie, startling a laugh out of him and when Christopher comes back outside, whistle in hand, Buck pretends to hide behind the lawn furniture until all three are laughing uncontrollably.

-

Eddie pulls the garlic bread from the oven when it’s the perfect shade of golden, feeling oddly proud of himself. Even Bobby burns garlic bread sometimes. He lifts the lid on the meatballs and decides they can simmer for a few more minutes. Buck and Christopher had gone on an Italian cooking spree the month before and the freezer was full of homemade meatballs and baked pasta dishes. It certainly made weeknight meals easier.

“How’s the homework going?” Eddie walks out to the dining room table.

“I just have to finish this vocab sheet. Can it wait until after dinner?”

“Of course. Better go wash up, Buck will be home soon.” As if summoned, the front door opens. Eddie hears the sound of Buck throwing his keys in the bowl on the table, the thud of two shoes hitting the shoe basket. He and Buck meet halfway and his strong arms wrap around Eddie, pulling him close.

“It smells good in here,” Buck murmurs. His tight black workout shirt is clinging to him in all the right ways but Eddie knows better than to start something while Christopher is still awake. 

“Definitely better than you smell.” Eddie pulls back and Buck makes a face. “How was practice?”

“Really good! You’re looking at the starting running back.” He grins and Eddie presses a quick kiss to his lips.

“Never doubted it.” They move to the kitchen, Eddie to check on the food and Buck to grab another water. “Anyone we know on the team?”

“Dylan Green from the 101, Nikki Cole from the 122. And your old buddy Bosko from the 136.” Eddie winces.

“I don’t know if you would call us buddies.”

“Fine, your old bad influence then.” Buck says teasingly. Christopher comes into the kitchen and lights up at the sight of Buck.

“Buck! How did it go?”

“It went great! Everyone could tell I had the best training coach.” Christopher beams.

“Was everyone nice?” It’s a question he picked up from years of Eddie asking him the same thing after every school event. Buck looks down at him and smiles that soft, special smile.

“They were. I think we’ve got a good shot at winning.”

-

The game day is bright and sunny and Buck and Christopher are both buzzing with energy throughout breakfast. When Buck is getting changed, Eddie helps Christopher sneak the signs into the trunk of the Jeep.

They arrive to the field early and Buck heads over to the rest of the team to practice while Eddie and Christopher claim a section of the bleachers. Bobby, Athena, May and Harry arrive after with Maddie, Chim and Jee-Yun right behind them. Once Hen and Karen arrive with Denny and complete the group, Buck jogs over to them.

“What are you all doing here?” His eyes are bright.

“Cheering you on,” Christopher answers and as if on cue, they all hold up their colorful signs saying things like “Go Buck!” and “Buck is #1!”

Buck looks dumbfounded for a moment before breaking into the biggest smile Eddie had ever seen. Eddie climbs down so he can put his arm around Buck. He leans in close to whisper:

“I didn’t even ask them; everyone just showed up.” Buck nods and Eddie can tell he’s fighting a lump in his throat.

Buck takes a deep breath and smiles again.

“Athena, are you even allowed to be in this section?”

“I might work for LAPD, but you’ll never find me rooting against my Buck.” She shouts and there are cheers from their section of the stands.

One of his teammates calls Buck’s name and he smiles at Eddie.

“I better go over.” He gives Eddie a kiss on the cheek and walks a few feet before Eddie remembers something.

“Hey Buck!” Buck turns around. “I know it’s not an away jersey…” Buck’s expression turns to confusion but Eddie smiles and slowly unzips his sweatshirt. He turns around as he takes it off, revealing an LAFD shirt that’s a little big on him with BUCKLEY across the back.

He glances over his shoulder and something warm pools in his stomach at the way Buck’s expression has turned hungry.

“Go get ‘em.” Eddie winks because he can, and he makes his way towards the bleachers thinking about all the ways he can get that look on Buck’s face in the bedroom that night.

—

Buck was damn good at football.

And look, Eddie knows his boyfriend is not the most graceful person at the best of times, but on the field? He moves like it’s a dance, effortlessly zig zagging through the LAPD players and dodging all attempts to rip the flag off his belt. He scores one, then two, then a third touchdown and by the fourth quarter there have been multiple “Let’s Go Buckley!” cheers from their rowdy section of the stands.

As Buck dives in front of a player to get an interception, Chimney let out a whoop and slaps Eddie on the back.

“Oh he is never going to get out of a parking ticket again! LAPD number one enemy!”

After every touchdown, Buck looks to the stands and points at Christopher, who was going crazy with excitement. His gaze always would then move to Eddie- who never put his sweatshirt back on- and after the third touchdown, Eddie blows Buck a kiss.

Eddie had long ago given up trying to be cool when it came to how much he loved Evan Buckley. After spending so much time trying to hide his feelings, when they finally got together it was like something snapped.

Eddie was finally allowed to show the world just how happy this man made him and damnit he was going to make up for lost time.

So he blows Buck a kiss and Buck’s face lights up like a Christmas tree and Eddie is going to spend every day of the rest of his life making sure Buck knows how loved he is.

LAPD comes back the fourth quarter with a vengeance and with a few minutes left in the game, the score is tied.

Maddie had moved next to Eddie and was clutching his right arm.

“He’s got a lot of ground to cover, but he’s so fast...” Maddie starts, and Eddie can barely hear her over Denny asking Hen if he can sign up for football and if Buck can be his coach.

“He can do it.” Christopher says from where he’s standing in front of them. “We trained for this.” Eddie reaches down to ruffle his hair.

The whistle blows and the clock begins to count down.

The quarterback catches the snap, fakes throwing it to Bosko, then sends it soaring to Buck, who has already covered twenty yards and is approaching the endzone. He narrowly avoids two LAPD players and catches the ball, tucking it into his side and taking off in a sprint.

A player Eddie recognizes as Officer Williams comes at Buck and dives in, his hands nearly wrapping around the flag tired around Buck’s waist to pull it off and end the play, but Buck’s next stride doesn’t go forward: it goes up.

Buck leaps over Williams’ dive, clearing him by mere inches. He lands and spikes the ball down in the endzone and looks up at the crowd with a wild grin.

The roar is deafening and Buck’s LAFD teammates swarm him, jumping in victory.

Maddie’s eyes fill with happy tears and Eddie wraps her in his arms, giving her a loud kiss on the cheek.

“Go get him!” She lets out a watery laugh and Eddie helps Christopher down the bleachers and onto the field.

“Buck!” Christopher calls when they get closer and Buck immediately snaps his head to them. He jogs over, hoisting Christopher on to his shoulders in one easy swoop. Christopher cheers and Buck finally turns his gaze to Eddie.

Buck is covered in dirt and grass stains and sweat, and he is so beautiful that Eddie’s heart could burst.

“Great game baby,” Eddie grins, taking a step closer. Buck grabs the back of Eddie’s head, bringing them together for a long kiss.

-

The celebrations back at the house last well into the night. Harry, Denny and Christopher keep analyzing Buck’s best plays and Maddie can’t stop hugging her brother. They all cheer and dance and Bobby makes a toast that makes everyone emotional and through it all, Eddie keeps the Buckley shirt on and an arm around his boyfriend.

When they finally settle Christopher down enough that he could get ready for bed, Buck collapses onto the couch and pulls Eddie practically on top of him.

“It meant so much,” Buck nuzzles the side of Eddie’s face. “To look up in the stands and see you.”

“I’ll always show up for you, Buck.” Eddie turns so he can kiss Buck properly until the sound of a throat cleaning breaks them apart.

“I was gone for like two minutes.” Christopher rolls his eyes.

“Sorry buddy, you need anything before bed?” Buck asks, still keeping Eddie pressed to his side. It had been hard for them both last month when Christopher declared himself too old to be tucked into bed, but he always came out to give them a hug and kiss before going back to his room. After he was done, he pulls back and looks between the two of them.

“When you two finally get married, what’s our last name going to be?”

Buck’s eyes grow wide and he sputters something incomprehensible. Eddie tilts his head at his son.

“What do you mean finally?”

“It’s obvious you guys are going to.” Christopher says simply. “Anyway, I like Buckley-Diaz.” Buck’s expression changes to part nervous, part hopeful. He glances at Eddie.

There isn’t a single feeling of panic when Eddie replies:

“I like Buckley-Diaz too.”

“What about you Buck?” Christopher gives him an expectant look and a slow smile spreads across Buck’s face.

“Buckley-Diaz.” Something shifts in Eddie when he hears Buck say it and he sees matching gold rings and Buck in a suit and a promise for forever. “It sounds perfect.”

Buck looks at Eddie, silently asking if it was okay, if he’s allowed to desperately want this. Eddie nods and runs a hand through Buck’s hair, stopping to rub at that spot on the back of his neck that always makes Buck melt.

“It’s a lot to fit on a football jersey though.” Christopher sighs. Buck starts to laugh and Eddie joins in and they pull Christopher on top of them on the couch and are a mess of limbs and laughter and if this is what the rest of Eddie’s life is going to look like, he thinks he might be the luckiest guy on earth.

[bokettochild]

request: sometimes time likes to be alone underwater. with his iron boots and zora helmet, it's easy to just take a stroll at the bottom of a deep enough lake, away from the rest of the world. he did not expect, however, to find legend relaxing inside a small hole in the stone. Mer Legend.

Oh boy! I was vibing with this one for a while, I just wanted to make it perfect!

I'm pretty happy with what I made too, but man is it long!

(I hope this makes you happy, anon!)

When he and Malon have kids, he hopes they don't have this many.

Nayru knows he loves his boys, but they can get a bit much sometimes. They can get loud and overwhelming, and as a man who’s used to traveling primarily alone, with maybe a fairy trailing behind him or his trusted mount, it’s a bit overwhelming. He’s not used to being around people so much, Malon and Talon are his only consistent company and even then, the work they share means that often times it’s only him and his thoughts as he mucks, mends and tends things around the ranch.

Sometimes, when the boys get especially rowdy and playful, it’s just nice to get a moment of quiet to himself. Between Sky and Twilight he knows that nothing overly chaotic will go down, and he trusts the boys to keep each other in check.

So, when they come to the Pup’s Hyrule, their battle in this world over and most of their number restless as they wait for the next portal to arrive and whisk them away, Time allows his boys their space, and with a quick exchange with the only two he can trust to not burn something down (at least while the younger ones can still see them) he heads off into the forest to get a little space to himself.

Of course, he can’t really go far, not if he needs to hurry back, but he doesn’t really need to. His destination is Lake Hylia, which is only a short distance from their camp, maybe ten or fifteen minutes, and, when he gets there, he allows himself to actually breathe for once.

Wild, Warriors and Wind had been locked in a game of cards when last he left, the champion soundly beating the other two both at cribbage while Wars bemoans his poor luck, and Twilight and Sky were discussing wood carving with Hyrule, with the occasional comment from the smithy, who is only too happy to throw in something related every so often as he looks up from his book. That leaves himself and Legend, and he’s long since learned that the vet was one to disappear for his own space when possible.

He’s not overly worried. Legend has items and experience that far outmatch most of their group, and if he runs into trouble Time has little doubt that he’ll be able to get himself out of it to at least gather reinforcements, if not handle the issue by himself.

A deep breath of relief escapes him as the eldest of the heroes pulls a few items from his own bag. The boots are a familiar if not welcome weight as he slips out of his armor and dons the tunic and cap of the Zora, his breath bubbling softly as he steps into the lake before him with a contented sigh.

The cool water floods over the top of him, tugging at his hair and bubbling in his lungs, but it’s doesn’t burn the way that it should. He breathes easily beneath the rippling surface of Lake Hylia, the Zora tunic granting him freedom beneath the waves.

There is little sound beneath, only the muffled noise from above the surface, the flow of the water and-

Time’s ears prick forwards as a single blue eye turns to search the space around him.

Someone is singing.

It’s a haunting sort of melody, one that draws you in and makes you dazed, and Time finds himself stumbling over his own feet as he searches for the source. It is not a Cursed song, nor anything powerful from what he can recall, in fact, it’s almost familiar. It sounds similar to something he hears hummed about their camp at night while the boys take watch. He’d never been able to place which of the young heroes hummed the lilting melody, but he’s let it carry him off to sleep many a time before. Only this song, the one that twines about his head and whispers in his ears and makes his feet trek closer and closer to its source, this song is different, it’s haunted and Broken, and it is sung in a Voice.

Not a voice like most of those above the surface have, but a Voice like a fairy or spirit might have. One that pulls at your very soul and sings in your mind, un-hampered by wind or waves, able to carry across miles to be heard by those that it Sings too.

Heavy feet trod faster.

He’s under no spell, but he is a Link, and by now he has learned that all of their kind are blessed or cursed with courage and curiosity both, and to be without the latter is simply unthinkable for the young-at-heart hero. Something –the forest imp in him maybe- tells him to find the Voice, find the Singer.

He’s only made it part of the way across the lake, hasn’t even left the shoreline properly, when the song stops. Unease creeps over him as he looks around, alert and ready for trouble, only to see nothing but the peaceful stillness of the lake bottom around him.

There! His mind supplies as something pink flits in the corner of his vision, and he’s whipping around to come face to face with-

Long tangled hair drifts in the waves as glistening scales reflect the light pouring down through the waves. Too deep, too dark eyes stare at him in shock for a brief moment, and then-

The creature, the thing, is gone in an instant. Whipping away as it’s glimmer fades into the waves around him, speed no doubt granted by the brilliant tail of the thing sending it rocketing out of his grasp before he even has a chance to speak.

He tried to follow it. He does! But quite soon the adult part of his mind is reminding him how dangerous the thing could be, and that he still has his boys to return to back on the surface. It’s been exactly thirty-two minutes and thirteen seconds since he left them at their camp, and by now they usually would have sent someone to check and make sure that whatever member of their party had strayed off was alright.

Removing his boots is all it takes to float to the surface, despite the fact that he still holds the things in his hands, and it’s with no small amount of relief that he realizes that the bank of the lake is free of other heroes.

Time gathers his things together, wringing out his hair and clothes before returning to his normal gear and heading back to the camp.

Smiles and chuckles greet him as the young heroes tease.

“Go for a swim, Old Man?” Legend quirks a brow, staring up from his place by the fire.

Time doesn’t answer him, but he does shake his head violently enough to spray the younger heroes with water, earning shouts and shrieks from them as they try and shield themselves from the wet. “Seriously, Time?” Warriors moans, wiping lake water from his face. “What are you, a dog?”

Time smirks at the captain and, to everyone's surprise (which produces no small amount of delight for him), he barks.

“What sorts of people have you met in your adventures?” Sky asks a couple of days later, head cocked to the side as he watches his brothers. “You all talk about so many races, but I don’t think I've heard of most of them.”

“Well,” Wild smiles, there’s a glint in his gaze that isn’t quite mischief, but it’s a warning to be wary anyway, because they all know what a crack-pot their cook can be at times. “There’s Hylians, of course, and Sheikah, Yiga, Gerudo, Rito, Gorons, Zora and koroks! You’ve probably already met the Sheikah, since you mentioned knowing an Impa during your journey, and the Yiga are an offshoot of that group.”

Twilight blinks and stares, Warriors furrowing his brow as he two older heroes stare at the younger, but Wild seem entirely unaffected.

“Gerudo are a desert people. They’re really tall, and extremely strong! Most of their race have long red hair and slightly darker skin than the people around Hyrule. They are a society of all woman, with only one man being born to them every hundred years. They worship the goddess Din for the most part, and live out of an opulent city set in the desert where they specialize in the crafting of weapons and jewelry, and the farming of exotic plants.” The champion then proceeds to run down traits and knowledge about the other races, matter-of-factly, as if the details he is sharing are things that everyone from the surface knows.

“Wow.” Sky laughs as Wild finishes. “I had no idea.”

“There’s also the minish.” Four adds. “And the Wind Tribe, who are sky people, of course.”

Sky looks curious, but Four says nothing more, instead gesturing to the other heroes to share their thoughts, which they do.

“Terminans.” Time offers. “Very similar to Hylians.”

“Ordonians.” Twilight adds with a fond smile. No explanation is needed.

The others all nod along, but Legend rolls his eyes. “Humans, like, non-Hylian humans, Shifters,” The vet stares upwards with a light scowl as he ticks the races off of his fingers. “Technically they’re humans too, but Wild counted the Sheikah and Gerudo, so there’s also the Lorulians, Labrynninians, Holodrumese folks, Hytopians, Drablanders, Subrosians, Catalians-” Legend frowns. “I could swear there are more but I can’t really recall.”

Time, for whatever reason, he can’t really say why, cocks his head. “Any water people other than Zora?”

The vet snaps his fingers. “Mer-folk! Thank you, Time. I guess fae and animal folk count on that note.”

There’s a scoff and Warriors is leaning forwards with a smirk. “Fairies and animals, sure, but mer? Seriously, Legend? Have you even met a mer before?”

“Many times.” The veteran drawls, cocking a brow in the captain’s direction. “On multiple adventures. What about you, cap? Jealous you couldn’t snag one for your guild of brides?”

Warriors blusters about indignantly, earning laughter from the others as Legend smirks, but the man recovers quickly enough. “I do not have a guild of brides! That is- that is utterly disgusting!”

“Could have fooled me.” Legend teases, sipping some water from a flask.

“Give him a break.” Twilight snickers, shoving the vet playfully.

The unfortunate thing about Twilight’s shoves though is that the ranch hand doesn’t seem to know his own strength, and Legend is small enough that the light push is enough to send him scrabbling to not hit the ground. More laughter rings about their camp, but this time at the vet's expense, as Legend topples over into the dirt, spilling his drink and failing his arms as he goes.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Legend huffs, pulling himself back up and dusts off his clothes, scowling at the water spilled on him. “Great.”

“Oh, come on, you came back soaked to the skin earlier, what’s a bit of water going to hurt you, huh, vet?” Warriors ribs, smirking.

Legend shoots him a half-hearted glare.

“Legend,” Time starts slowly. “How would you describe the mer?”

The vet pauses, gaze resting maybe a moment too long as his hands as he brushes off the hem of his tunic. He’s already done so and there’s really no reason for him to do it again, but he does anyway. “What you’d expect.” He shrugs haltingly. “Hylian on top, fish beneath. Tail, long hair, that sort of thing.”

The old man hums. Legends ears twitch, nose shivering slightly as violet eyes flit over their group. “Care to expand on your sky people story, Four?”

“I’m good.” The smithy replies lazily.

Time would pass it off as a strange one-time thing, he would, but there are... other factors at play.

They’ve traveled to Four’s time, fighting off monsters and solving puzzles the same as they’ve always done. The boys are taking some downtime, playing hide and seek, and just like the last time, Time takes himself down to the river they’ve made camp ear and dons his Zora gear.

He isn’t expecting to see the creature, the mer, again, much less hear them singing -after all, this is a Hyrule far before his Pup’s- but there the creature is. It- or they- frolic in the water, chasing fish and singing softly. The tune is lighter than the last one he heard, a different song entirely, but there is no denying that it is the same mer.

Gold flecked, petal pink scales shimmer beneath the twisted lights that invade the water, hair of the same colors flowing in the current as long fingers, tipped with pointed claws, reach out to swipe at the fish swimming wildly away. They don’t catch anything, but Time hears it giggle anyways, the tune of its voice bubbling in merriment as it rolls like and otter and turns to explore some other part of the river bed.

The cursed curiosity of a hero niggles in Time’s mind. How is the same mer from before in this timeline, ages before Twilight would even be born? And why do they play and explore as if they’ve never seen this river bed before in their life?

Long claws pull through sand, and although their hair blocks their face from his view, he can still hear the warble of delight as the creature removes something sparkling and bright from the river bed. The mer floats in place, turning the item over in their hands curiously before whisking it out of sight and returning to their search.

A mer that likes treasure, huh? Why is he unsurprised?

His own soft laugh startles them, and for a half of a moment, golden ringed, violet eyes, wide and bright and full of shock, meet his own.

The mer is gone before he can make a move.

He asks Legend about it the next day. As they travel along the path towards the nearest town, Time falls back to ask the vet more about mer.

“Do mer like treasure?”

Legend starts, eyes wide as they meet his own, and something in the back of his mind is nagging him that the look in the vet’s eyes is somehow familiar. “What?”

“Do mer like treasure?” He repeats himself.

Legend stares at him, blinking slowly as they continue along the path, but eventually the vet shakes his head and answers. “Depends on the mer. They’re people too, Time, they can have varying interests and hobbies. There is no standard for mer. None.”

“Don’t they all swim at least?”

Legend’s gaze is flat. “There are disabled Hylians aren’t there? Not all Hylians can walk, and not Mer can swim. Some just choose not to because they don’t like it!”

Time frowns. How does the vet know so much about mer culture? “How do you know this?”

The vet shrugs, eyes darting away. “I’ve been a lot of places and met a lot of people. Mer are no exception.”

“I thought you hated swimming and the water?” Wind breaks in, falling back to join the two of them with an odd look on his face. He looks like a puppy and it’s killing Time not to ruffle the kid’s hair.

“Didn’t always.” Legend returns, smiling wryly down at the sailor. “But enough of that. The real question here is if you’ve ever met one, sailor.”

“A mer?” Wind furrows his brow, looking away with a soft sigh. “The water in my world isn’t safe for the people who lived in it. There’s hardly even any fish in most places. The Zora in my time had to adapt to the air instead in order to survive.”

Awkward silence falls over them, the vet looking guilty for a half a moment before he settles a hand on the kid’s shoulder. “The goddesses aren’t always fair, Maliit, it’s not your fault.

Time hums his agreement, heart aching for yet another young hero and a world that suffered for Time’s failure to have properly saved it.

He sees the mer again. Not just when he’s in the water himself, but when he’s keeping watch during the night or on occasion when he goes fishing with Twilight. The Pup says nothing about seeing gold and pink beneath the water, but Time finds himself watching it all the same.

It darts beneath the dock they’re fishing on one time, and when Twilight’s line gets a tug, the rancher pulls it up only to find the one of his boots dangling from the other end.

Time can’t help it, he laughs.

So, this mer is a prankster, huh?

He takes to seeking them out, trying to catch their attention or try to talk to them, but nothing works. The minute that gold and violet eyes meet his own, petal pink scales flick deftly in the waves and the mer is swimming away.

But Time isn’t dumb.

He knows that the same mer cannot reasonably exist across all of time, not with all the changes that come to the world with each hero. He knows that this being is somehow following them, and h’s got a rather good idea exactly how it’s happening.

It’s a long shot, but he knows for a fact that Legend is always gone from camp before he sees the creature, and enough times startling the vet when asking about mer has taught him that the expressions between the two are the same. All he knows on the mer’s face is shock, but the vet’s eyes glimmer the same shade of violet, even if they are different in size and shape, and the petal pink hair that the vet comes out of the forest with one evening after their group was separated is uncannily similar to the shade of the mer.

They’ve made camp again, and rather than climbing into the water when he catches a moment alone, Time settles on the shore, not in the mood to be in the water but in need of its calming song. The air has been tense the past few days, and Time welcomes a brief moment to relax, forcing himself not to think of the gaping wound in his Pup’s side or the ragged breath that wheezes between the rancher’s lips.

Twilight will be fine, he reminds himself. Hyrule and Warriors had worked together to tend the wound and while it would definitely leave a scar, the danger of losing their beloved friend and brother (and maybe son?) is not so high anymore.

He welcomes a free breath, away from the hurt gazes of his boys as they try and process that their beloved canine friend and the rancher are one and the same. A chance to think without having to stop those who were out of the know from bombarding those who were in it with questions.

He’s glad to be free of the questions himself.

Legend seems to be too, if the glint of pink beneath the waves is to be believed.

He doesn’t approach this time, doesn’t try entering the water to speak. He’s tired and he wants his spae, and he imagines Legend would like his own too. So, instead, he sits on the bank, feet trailing in the water and ocarina on his lips as he plays softly.

The tune is a sweet one, one he’d written himself that lilts and dips softly, very nearly perfect for a dance, but far more suited to a night by a fire or watching the sunset. And sunset it is, fading light stretching out across the water, glinting of the surface and reflecting off of gold and pink-

He stops, eye wide as he turns towards the flash in his vision.

Gold and violet stare back at him, framed in curling pink as Legend freeze half-way through pulling on his tunic again.

Gold fades just as the scales dissapear and leave the vet siting on the shore, tunic still bunched around his shoudlers and violet eyes wide with fear as he regards his leader.

“I won’t tell.” Time forces, turning away his gaze and returning his focus to the instrument in his hand. He doesn’t play, but he doesn’t look up either.

“It’s an item.” Legend forces, strained. His voice is still tainted with whatever power had shifted him between forms, and it’s sweeter and more melodious than normal. “I found it on my third adventure. Got cursed.”

“Like the rancher?” Time hums softly, not having to look up to know that Legend is shifting nervously, foot tapping madly at the ground beneath him.

“Yeah.” Legend huffs.

“Okay.” And he does look up them, calm and as open as he can make himself seem as he meets the vet’s gaze.

“Just okay?” One brow cocks as Legend crosses his arms.

“Just okay. It’s your secret, Legend. I can’t change what I’ve seen, but I won’t tell the others either.”

Legend nods, wary bit willing to accept the words, if only for now. “If you say so.”

They’re on their way back to camp, Legend carrying an armload of fish and Time carrying both of their bags when the vet stops and glares at him. “I don’t want to hear any jokes, alright? I get enough of those from Twilight and Sky.”

“They know?” The old man tilts his head in question.

Legend flushes, ducking his head and setting off again at a speed some might label a scurry. “No. Hurry up, these fish are gonna rot!”

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

Waves lap around his head and it’s all Time can do to break the surface, coughing and hacking as he struggles to remain above the water.

The portal had come at the worst time ever, and no one had been ready to be dropped into the center of the ocean.

Lightning crackles overhead as waves swirl and crash about him. The ocean rages and Time is again reminded how small Hylian’s are in the face of Mother Earth herself.

“Boys!” The shout rasps from his throat as he spins to look about, praying to every deity he knows that he’ll find the rest of them safe and sound, or at the very least together. Never mind that Twilight still can’t walk, much less swim. Never mind the smithy’s shattered arm and Wild’s fear of the water. He can’t panic about those right now, he has to find them!

“Over here!” Sky’s voice answers him. The Chosen Hero clings to the shivering form of the smithy, both are soaked and trembling, but they’re managing to stay above the waves.

“My Hyrule!” Wind calls out as Time strikes out towards them, and the sailor continues once he’s close enough to see that at least five of his boys are safe. “We’re near land,” Wind nods in a random direction and Time wonders briefly how the sailor even knows that. “It could be a challenge in these waves, but we can make it. Have you seen the others?”

Hyrule looks up at him hopefully, the water-logged traveler fighting madly to stay above the water but succeeding despite the waves. Time reminds himself to help the boy learn to swim more effectively later, and more importantly how to properly tread water, but for now he focuses on answering Wind. “You're the firsts. We’ll have to hope the others are alright, getting y’all to safety is my first concern.

“But Wild!” Hyrule splutters, choking on some water as Time swims over to give the traveler someone to cling to. Freezing fingers latch ahold of his armor as teeth chatter, the waves are neither kind nor warm and with their health as it is he’s certain someone is going to end up with a cold when this is all over. “And Twilight! A-and Legend and Wars! They’re out there somewhere!”

“We have to hope Legend and Warriors can elp the other two. We can’t do them any good if we’re fighting to stay above ourselves.” He tries to same calm, but his own mind and heart scream with the same message that Hyrule’s voice does, and its all he can do to push it down.

Thunder rolls overhead and waves beneath as they push off towards the shore, each of the older heroes aiding a younger one as Wind guides them all towrads the supposed island.

Time hs never been so relieved to see sand in his life, and as Hyrule pulls himself up the bach and Wind helps Sky to settle Four, Time can only pray that he’ll find his way back again. “I’m going to look for the otehrs. Wind, stay and help Sky.” The sailor looks as if he wants to hesitate, but he knows better than anyone how a small body can be lost to the waves much easier than an adult. “Make a fire, warm up as best you can. Keep an eyes out. I’ll come back if- when I find the others.”

He stops only to shed his armor and don his Zora gear, but a single dive beneath the water is enough to tell him that it’s for naught. Wind wasn’t joking about his water being toxic, and a single breath of the stuff leaves Time heaving as soon as he breaks the surface.

His chances of finding the boys have lowered considerably.

Nayru above, don’t let anyone have sunk beneath!

Time swims for all he is worth, pushing past weariness as he battles each and every wave. And he’s just beginning to lose hope when he catches sight of something silver reflecting in the water as lighting flashes above.

“Time!”

Blue whips around to meet its twins as Warriors comes to swim beside him. “Have you found any of the others?”

“Wind, Sky, Hyrule and Four.” he breathes back. “You?”

The captian looks rueful but nods to his side. “Legend.”

Time can’t help but start as Legend’s eyes peek above the surface. Golden and violet are glassy in the pale ace of the vet, but they’re there and that means that Legend is alive.

“I’ve officially met my first mer.” Warriors sighs, but there’s worry in the captains voice and face both.

“Split up.” Legend’s voice rasps, and there none of the melodic song that Time is used to hearing from this form of the vet.

Legend is pale, far too pale.

“What’s-”

“Wind’s world.” Warriors tells him. “Water here is toxic.”

The water is toxic. The water, which mer have to breath to stay alive, is toxic.

Time’s gaze shoots to the vet but there’s only a flick of gold and pink as he disappears beneath the waves. Warriors groans.  “He keeps doing that! I swear, I have no way of knowing if he’s even still there, but he still insists on disappearing like the little shit he is.”

Usually, Time would scold his brother for such a tone, but he knows that Warriors is just sacred. He’s terrified, and it leaks into his voice and his actions, and the only way that the soldier knows how to hide the fear is by biting back with venom, not dissimilar to the vet’s own actions.

They swim together, searching and calling out for the two missing heroes. Hope is beginning to fade and Time can feel a gnawing fear eating away at his heart as he thinks of the gaping wound in his Pup’s side and the likelihood that Twilight would even be able to swim with it.

His pup’s chances aren’t high.

“Look!” Warriors shouts over the storm, jerking him from his thoughts as his eyes follow the captain’s pointing hand.

Pink bobs on the surface, backed by bedraggled and soaked black fur as Legend hauls Twilight’s limp form through the water.

“Pup!”

He’s taking the lad from Legend as soon as they’re in reach, and Legend seems to sag in relief as the weight is removed from his shoulder. “Was with Wild. Bring him to-” The vet wheezes and ducks beneath the water for a moment, coming up with a pained expression on his face. “Bring to shore. I’ll get Wild.” He gives them no time to respond, tail flicking as he disappears beneath the waves again.

Time and Warriors exchange a glance and head back to shore, supporting the weight of the rancher between them.

Wind and Sky have managed to get a virtual bonfire going on the shore, and the sailor has laid what blankets and bed-rolls he’s found of their equipment in front of it, allowing their dampened things to ry as he and the other three heroes bundle together for warmth.

It’s with a cheer that they al; greet Time and Warriors as the two emerge from the ocean, and Time can’t help but smile a bit in relief at seeing them all safe again. Only a little longer and Legend will be back with Wild, and then he can rest easy knowing they’re all out of the storm.

Rain still patters against already soaked skin and cloth, but with the fire flickering before them Time can’t bring himself to care over much.

Hyrule’s fingers shiver as they slide over the wound in Twilight’s side, cleansing it from the poisonous water that has soaked into the bandages, and while Twilight grits his teeth and winces, he’s at least conscious enough to do so, and that alone brings some peace to the others.

Warriors informs the others of the whereabouts of their two missing brothers, and Time helps to settle Twilight on one of the warming bedrolls. It made still be wet, but it’s better than getting sand in the pup’s wound.

They wait in tense silence, bundled together to share heat as nervous gazes watch the shore. Wind hasn’t stopped muttering under his breath and Four isn’t doing much better with his half formed sentences and steady murmurs.

It’s only when Wild’s golden hair can be seen on the shore that they all release a breath of air.

Cornflower blue is wide and glazed, likely from shock, but it doesn’t stop the champion from reaching back into the waves to pull out his companion.

Legend is a mess.

The veteran gasps and splutters for breath once he’s free, skin a sickly shade of white and eyes just as glazes as Wild's own as the two clings to each other, and when the two stand together Legend is leaning heavily against the shaking champion, and it’s only through sheer luck that Time and Sky get there in time to catch them before the duo collapses back into the waves.

Wild curls against Time’s chest, fingers shaking and eyes blank as the man carries him back to the fire. Legend doesn’t even stir, lying limp in Sky’s hold as the Skyloftian bustles back to join the other heroes.

Nothing is said about the glistening tail that fades into legs once Legend is warmed and dried, and even if anyone had dared the stern gaze of the first of their number would have been enough to silence them.

Violet blinks hazy and distant beneath the warmed fabric of Sky’s sailcloth, but they are all safe. They are all safe and they are alive.

“Thanks to Legend.” Wild whispers when he comes back, head resting against Times collar bone. “Without him I would have never got Twi back to shore.”

“Three cheers for the vet.” Wars forces a smile, and while the cheers are heartfelt and thankful, they do nothing to lighten the mood.

Legend doesn’t even seem to hear them.

[leyyvi]

omg can you please expand more on the actor!levi with maybe y/n becoming like his fake partner or something, it would be very appreciated

YES BECAUSE I had fake dating trope on my mind while writing the other thing cnfbdbd

part one sorta?

--

So maybe it's kind of an unorthodox plan, pretending to date. But, with how much you and Levi have started to hang out--someone is bound to assume you're dating anyway, right?

You two are friends, nothing more than that. You're not looking for a relationship, and Levi doesn't have the time. It works out perfectly. And even though more questions are raised in the interviews, tweets being sent to him, and comments on his barely used Instagram, he simply uses the disclaimer, "She doesn't want her identity disclosed too much."

You were smart enough to private all of your social media, leaving little to no room for any investigations from those celebrity gossip outlets. There is one time though, where you two meet up for a quick lunch on your break. Levi arrived early at the small café you mentioned you wanted to try a while back. He sat in the outdoor patio for a good while waiting. Ten, twenty minutes pass and he wonders if you've bailed. If you decided the celebrity nonsense is too much to handle.

Til he hears a commotion at the entrance. That's when he finds a crowd of paparazzi nearly blocking the door, prohibiting you from stepping inside. Even with the baseball cap and sunglasses, they still recognized you and immediately took the opportunity to bombard you with questions.

Anger flares in Levi. Before he knows it he's shoving cameras out of your face, yelling in every direction about 'giving some fucking privacy' as his arm protectively wraps around your shoulder. A couple of people are knocked down, cameras broken, even more shouting. He leads you away to his car, gripping the shoulder that shakes under his fingertips.

It's not often you get scared of much, but you're visibly shaken up. "I'm sorry," he murmurs when he steps into the car. Hell drive to secluded place for now, and come back for your car later. "I'm so sorry I didn't think they'd ..."

A foolish hope for him, something only a naive child would've assumed. Someone who has little to no actual dating experience. He truly was an idiot for thinking these kinds of people would leave you alone. You're still silent, sitting in the passenger seat with your hands tugging at your pants gently. Your lanyard jingles with the car movements, the only response Levi recieves to his awkward apologies.

"You've never yelled in public like that," you murmur quietly from his right. "Your image might get ruined if you lash out."

You've seen him lose his temper before, whether it was over something Farlan teased him about, or the struggle to get his teams shit together during sports games. But he's never yelled and pushed people around, no matter how close the cameras came. It was easy for him to slip away.

But with you? His footsteps carried him faster than he could rationalize. And seeing your wide eyes through the oversized sunglasses, hearing the frightened stammers under the shouting of those people. It stirred something deep within his soul to...

Protect you.

Once he finds a mostly empty lot to park in, he speaks up again. "Fuck my image, couldn't give a shit of what those people think of me. What matters is your safety."

A choked laugh falls from your throat. "Levi, we're not actually dating. You don't have to pull the protective boyfriend act on me."

Oh. You're crying.

Levi's hands fall from from the steering wheel onto his lap. "I--so what? I can still care about your well being. I always have--"

He freezes up at the spill. You blink over at him, widened eyes in disbelief at what you might've heard.

"We've... we've always been friends so..." Levi tries to backtrack, instead focusing on thumbing away at a couple tears in the middle of your cheek. The engine of his car fills the silence between your stifled sniffles.

"In all the years we've been friends, I don't think I've ever heard you say that."

"Doesn't mean I don't think it." He tilts his head when you shift to face him, already feeling the warmth edging back into your next words.

"Maybe you should think out loud more," you suggest, "So your 'beloved' knows how you feel." The nickname holds a hint of sarcasm, but something else leaks into your voice too. Something he can't quite place. You bite your lip as you smile, and Levi's stomach flips thrice before his palm cups your entire cheek.

Instinct again. That happens a lot around you. His body moves, reacts before he can think properly. Your smile hardly lingers on your lightly sheened lips. Chapstick? Lip gloss? Or just the nervous flick of your tongue across them? He doesn't know, but he's staring for way too damn long.

You clear your throat, turning away slightly. His hand falls into the center console this time. His chest pounds at a million miles per hour. Maybe he should dial 911 in case he goes into cardiac arrest--

"Well, um. Either way, thanks for saving my ass. Sorry if the headlines reduce your noble act into some violent outburst."

"Don't be sorry about it, I'm not." Levi stares out at the passing traffic, then at the group of high school kids with oversized backpacks running about the parking lot. Horns blare periodically, playful shouting echoes down the street.

"Then I won't be either," you mutter as your palm caresses the top of his hand. He glances at it out of the corner of his eye, not daring to look directly at you. But you keep your eyes glued forward too.

Are you feeling as hot as he is right now? Are your cheeks burning the same as his? Are you desperately trying to keep your voice even when you speak like him? The tightening of your fingers around him give Levi hope that maybe you are, too.

[the-bau-quinjet]

Please Don't

Summary: Hotch and Y/N have been pining for each other but everything changes after they go undercover for a case.

Warnings: Criminal Minds level violence, angst

Word Count: 2289

a/n: Thank you for this request!! I love a good Hotch moment. I hope you like it!

Masterlist

"Alright ladies! Here's the first round." Emily smiled as she set the four glasses down in front of you all.

Girl's night had just started. It being Penelope's turn to pick the nights events meant you, Emily, and JJ were in for a long night of bar hopping.

"Yes!!!" Penelope nearly screamed, grabbing her drink and taking a large gulp. "First question of the night goes to Y/N."

Your eyes widened as everyone turned to look at you. Whatever game Penelope was trying to play was clearly not going to go well for you.

"Oh, God. What is it?" You grimaced, eyes flitting between the three of them.

"When are you going to do something about your crush on Hotch?" Emily wasted no time in getting into the hard hitting questions.

"And don't even bother denying it! It's so painfully obvious." JJ added on, eyeing you skeptically.

"First of all, rude. Second of all, fine. I have a hopeless crush on our boss. Are you happy now?" You playfully glared, knowing there was no use in even trying to pretend.

"So? When are you going to do something about it?" Penelope was giddy, always one to celebrate new relationships.

"Uh, never." You deadpanned.

"Why not?" She whined in response.

"Pen, he's my boss for one. Plus it's highly unlikely he feels the same. I mean, how would I even bring that up?" You shook your head, trying to avoid the conversation.

"Y/N, Hotch is totally into you-" Emily's rant was cut off by the sounds of all of your phones buzzing.

You all shared a glance before confirming your suspicions.

"Another girl's night cut short." You shook your head. "Who needs a ride?"

The four of you quickly made your way out of the bar before piling into your car and heading to the Bureau.

-

"Damn ladies, looking good." Derek greeted you when you piled into the elevator together.

You hadn't thought about changing before coming in. None of you were wearing anything wildly inappropriate. Your outfit was just a bit more form fitting than a typical day in the field required.

"Thanks Derek." You rolled your eyes, stepping out of the elevator and immediately heading for the conference room.

Aaron's eyes were on you almost instantly. He always looked for you first when a new case came in.

"You ever gonna tell her?" Rossi asked from next to him.

"I have no idea what your talking about." Hotch kept his face neutral despite knowing there was no real point in denying it to Dave.

"I see the way you look at her. You know, I see the way she looks at you too. you deserve to be happy, Aaron." He replied easily, a smirk on his face as he took a seat in the conference room.

Hotch merely shook his head, trying to supress the smile forming at the idea of you returning his feelings.

He quickly moved on to debrief the team ultimately telling everyone to meet at the jet.

-

Three days later, another couple was dead, and you were no closer to catching the guy.

"Wait, there's a new pattern." Reid jumped up, pointing out the abduction sites on the map. "He's moving south, alternating between 11th and 14th Street. Each abduction happened at a different club on those streets. If he follows pattern the next abduction will be tonight at Cameo." He pointed out the next club on the map.

"So we'll stakeout the club, stop him before he gets another couple." Morgan suggested.

"We can't risk a takedown inside the club." Hotch ran a hand over his face.

"What if two of us go undercover? Pretend to be a couple and then we can stop him when he tries to abduct us." You suggested a new plan.

"That could work." Dave added on, sending you a nod. "You and Hotch fit his victimology."

"What d'ya say, Hotch?" Your heart was beating rapidly, but you refused to let it show. "Wanna go on a date?" You playfully nudged his side.

"It's our best plan." He nodded resolutely. "Go with Emily to get something to wear."

You smiled at him before turning to see a mischievous look on Emily's face. She whispered in your ear as you walked out of the room.

"Get ready. Hotch won't be able to keep his eyes off you tonight."

-

"Are you sure I should wear this?" You pulled the dress down a bit, trying to cover more of your thighs.

"Yes. You look amazing, and this is definitely going to catch the eye of our unsub." JJ complimented as she added a few finishing touches to your hair.

"It's just now dawning on me why we don't do undercover work." You flinched away from Emily as she attempted to add a third layer of mascara.

"Oh, hush. This was your idea. Everything will be fine. Better than fine if you're lucky." She winked, capping the mascara and throwing it back into your makeup bag.

"Em, this is work. I'm absolutely not making a move on Hotch while trying to lure an unsub to abduct us." You deadpanned.

"I'm not saying make a move! This is your opportunity to flirt a little and see how he responds." She shrugged casually.

You were about to provide another rebuttal when a knock sounded on the door to the bathroom.

"Y/N, you almost ready?" Derek called from the other side of the door.

"Coming out now!" You nearly ran out before Emily or JJ could try to convince you to flirt with Hotch again.

"Damn, L/N." Derek smiled when you exited the bathroom. "Looking good. You know who else might think so?"

"Can it, Derek. I'm in no mood." You swiftly walked past him. You could hear Hotch arguing with Rossi about something as you walked up to the conference room door.

"Dave, cool it will you?" Hotch rolled his eyes, not noticing you yet.

"I'm just saying Aaron-" He tried again.

"Well, don't." Hotch's playfulness rarely came out on cases, but you could see a glimpse of it in the way he bantered with Dave.

"Ready to go?" You asked from the doorway, putting your comm's device in your ear. You felt a blush creep up your cheeks at the way Aaron looked at you.

"Ready." He gave you a tight smile, diverting his eyes from your tight dress.

"We'll be right outside. All the exits covered." Dave reminded the two of you, nodding as you walked out the door.

-

"Here you go, one vodka cranberry." He winked when he passed the glass over, a subtle reminder about the lack of alcohol coursing through you.

"Thanks." You shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to do now. You'd been by the bar for about an hour, and nobody suspicious had caught your eye.

"Do you want to dance?" You surprised yourself by asking the question, watching as Hotch's eyes widened slightly. "I just, the other couples? Didn't witnesses say they were dancing?" You whispered the last part, obviously trying to limit anyone overhearing your conversation.

"Right. Of course." He looked nervous, but you chalked it up to not doing undercover often.

You lead him to the middle of the dance floor, trying to find the best view of the doors. It took a few minutes of awkward swaying, but the two of you found your rhythm.

"Behind you, there's a man watching us." Hotch whispered in your ear sending a shiver through your spine.

You nodded slightly in response before turning around. You pressed your back to his chest to cover the movement, eyes flitting around the room to observe anyone suspicious.

It didn't take long for you to spot the man Hotch was talking about. You moved your arms up around his neck, pulling his head closer to you so you could whisper to him.

"Got him. How do we get him outside?" You suppressed the urge to grind your hips against Hotch's. It was hard enough to deal with the feeling of his hands on your hips.

He spun you around, pressing your chests close together. Again, he moved his mouth close to your ear to whisper, "we just need to give him a show."

He pressed his lips to yours lightly, waiting for your response. You kissed him back with passion, relishing in the feeling of his lips moving against yours.

Your breath caught in your throat when he pressed a series of light kisses to your neck. You involuntarily tilted your head to the side, giving him more room to work.

"I think we've got his attention. Let's head out the back door." Hotch grabbed your hand, pulling you behind him toward the back of the club.

The cool night air sent a chill through your body, but you didn't have long before the man burst through the door behind you.

Hotch easily overpowered him, knocking the gun from his hands. He pulled handcuffs from his pocket, quickly securing his hands behind his back.

"Morgan, we got him out back." You spoke into your comms, turning slightly when movement in the shadows caught your eye.

"Y/N, get down!" Hotch jumped in front of you just as you heard a gun being fired. He fell into you, slumping against your body. Everything happened so quickly.

"FBI, drop your weapon!" Morgan yelled, running closer to the man in the shadows.

He quickly handcuffed the partner, leading him to a waiting officer while Emily collected the other unsub.

"Aaron?" You looked at him in your arms noticing the blood soaking through his light blue shirt. "I need a medic!" You called down the alley, watching in terror as two medics removed Aaron from your arms.

You were frozen in place as they put him on a gurney and pushed him into a waiting ambulance.

It wasn't until the ambulance was completely out of sight that you realized Reid was talking to you.

"Y/N? Are you okay?" He gestured to the blood on your dress and hands.

You nodded silently, pointing to where the ambulance just was.

"Let's get you to the hospital okay?" He spoke softly, not wanting to add to your distress. He grabbed a shock blanket from a paramedic before leading you to an SUV. Derek and Emily sat in the front, ready to drive as soon as you got in.

You don't remember the ride to the hospital. You don't remember JJ helping you wash the blood from your hands. You don't remember a nurse updating you on Hotch's surgery. You don't remember anything except the look in Aaron's eyes as he bled out in your arms.

"Aaron Hotchner?" The doctor called out into the waiting room. All six of you stood up, eyes fixed on the woman in scrubs. "His surgery was successful. I can take one of you to see him."

The whole team gestured to you, knowing how you felt and how much you needed to see that he was okay.

"Follow me." The doctor lead you down the winding hallways to a recovery room where Aaron was asleep. "He's still under anesthesia for now. It should wear off in a few hours."

You nodded as she left, still unable to form any words as you took in his pale appearance.

"Aaron." You whispered his name, eyes brimming with tears. You pulled the chair as close as you could next to his bed, both hands wrapped around one of his.

You must've fallen asleep because before you knew it, the hand in your grasp was squeezing you back.

"Aaron?" You lifted your head from the side of his bed, eyes focusing on his. "Oh, thank God." You felt the tears brimming again.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm okay." He murmured softly, moving his free hand to wipe your tears.

"No. You're an idiot who jumped in front of a bullet for me." You whispered back, voice breaking.

"I'd do it again." He took no time to craft his response, only causing more tears to fall down your cheeks.

"Aaron-"

"Y/N, I don't have anyone else in my life quite like you. I haven't in a long time." His eyes never left yours as he spoke. "You make me feel like I could be happy again. Like Jack could have two people to provide him unconditional love everyday in his life again. Like maybe, just maybe, I could love someone again. I would jump in front of countless bullets for you because I can't imagine my life without you in it."

"Please don't." You whispered, eyes still watery.

"What?" Hotch could feel his heart breaking at the thought of you not returning his affection.

"Please don't jump in front of anymore bullets for me. I don't think I could survive this feeling again." You took a deep, shuddering breath. "Watching them wheel you away on that gurney... it felt like my heart was being cut open. Aaron, there's not a day that goes by where you don't make me smile. Even if it's just the thought of you. I can't imagine my life without you either."

He continued to wipe tears from your face as you spoke.

"Would now be a good time to ask you out to dinner?" He smiled when you laughed.

"I think now is a great time for that." You smiled, leaning your head into his hand.

"Perfect. So, will you get dinner with me?" He nearly whispered.

"I'd love to." You pressed a soft kiss to his lips before setting back against your chair.

It didn't take long for him to fall back asleep. This time, when you leaned your head against his leg, your heart felt full.

Permanent taglist:

@averyhotchner

@jesuswasnotawhiteman

@strawberryspence

@sebastnstn

Criminal Minds taglist:

@mac99martin

@goldeng1rl8

@measure-in-pain

[13uswntimagines]

Cutie Pie (Christen x Reader)

Request: christen x reader one? Maybe where the reader has a child (1-2 years old) and the Team doesn't know. Reader and her child are at a game right behind the bench and the kid accidentally drops his paci down to the bench and the teammates there interact with them without knowing that it's christens girl? Reader also is really tall and fit and a tomboy!

“Alright half-pint, you ready for this?” You asked the little girl in your arms, bouncing her just a touch as you stepped through the stadium gates. 

“Yeah, Mama!!!” She cheered around her pacifier, staring around the stadium in awe and wiggling excitedly. 

You were happy that she loved coming to games so much, as they were kinda a big part of your life. You weren’t quite sure what you would do if she didn’t. She was your soul and a certain soccer player had your heart, and you were glad that you didn’t have to choose between the two. 

You smiled indulgently down at her and kissed her slightly chubby cheeks. “I’m glad baby,” 

She wiggled again, her little bounces getting more and more wild with every step you took in the stadium. You hadn’t really planned on having Riley, but now you couldn’t imagine your life without her and her wonder at everything around the two of you.

“Chris?” She asked as you passed a giant poster of the national team, pointing towards where your favorite forward’s blinding smile was blown up 100 times its normal size. 

You would be forever grateful for how amazing your girlfriend was with your daughter. 

She came into your life nearly a year and a half ago, and you had been extremely reluctant to introduce her to your 6 month old (You didn’t want either of them to get attached before you knew it would work out), but Christen took the role of parent very seriously. She treated your little girl like she was her own, and the two had an unbearable bond. You knew that even if things didn’t work out the way you wanted them to, Riley would always have a friend in the forward. 

“You bet. I’m sure she’s super excited to see you!” You said, glancing down at your ticket to and looking for the right section, navigating through the crowd without issue (something you were used to considering how private you and Chris were about your relationship, the only person on the team who knew about you was Tobin). 

“She score?” Riley questioned, her pacifier bobbing adorably in her mouth and her little eyebrows furrowing. 

“I’m sure she will, just for you kiddo,” You smiled, blowing a raspberry into the little girl's neck, and earning a giggle. “Now, do you think you can help me count the rows so we can get to our seats?” You asked as you passed under the sign with your section number and the pitch came into view. 

Riley nodded, puffing her little chest up. She may only be 2, but you and Christen had been working hard on her colors and numbers. She still needed help, but she was super smart for her age. 

“Alrighty then baby, let’s go,” 

*****

The team wasn’t usually this distracted. They were a group of highly competitive women who were at the top of their game, which meant that they could usually block out all of the noise from the stadium, even if it was just warmup. However, the cutest kid they had ever seen was sitting just behind the bench, being held by a very attractive lady. 

“Oh my gosh, have you seen the little girl?” Kelley asked, slinging an arm around Christen and Tobin’s shoulders, nodding towards the toddler in the stands. 

A gooey smile (something that didn’t go unnoticed by Tobin) broke across Christen’s face the second she saw her two favorite people. She noted how you had dressed the little one in the jersey she had gotten her for Christmas, a bold 23 visible every time she flashed her back towards the field. There was just something about having a part of herself visible (something tangible) on the girl she thought of as a daughter. “Yes, she’s absolutely adorable in that jersey,” 

She wiggled her fingers at the little girl who squealed excitedly and waved back. Her mom wrapped a protective arm around her belly to prevent her from accidentally wiggling under the guardrail. 

“Too bad it’s got Press’ number on it” Megan laughed, wrapping her arm around Christen’s other side, nudging the woman’s ribs. Christen rolled her eyes and shot the little girl another little wave, giggling when she bounced wildly in her mother’s arms (Christen might have also greatly appreciated the way the girl's reaction forced you to flex to prevent her from falling). 

“And her mom doesn’t look too bad either,” Ashlyn added, wiggling her eyebrows. 

The woman behind the little girl was tall, and the black ink that swirled up her arms only served to make her muscles more visible (Christen would call her drool-worthy after she finally told the team she was dating her). 

“You’re married, remember?” Ali grumbled, slapping her wife in the stomach. 

“Yeah, but If I wasn’t…” Ashlyn shrugged, cackling when Ali hit her harder. Christen frowned, suppressing a sneer. You were hers, even if the team didn’t know yet. 

Tobin smirked, gently grabbing her training outfit to prevent her from moving forward. “Come on, you can go flirt later. We have to get changed for the game,” She laughed towards Ashlyn, subtly pulling Christen towards the tunnel. 

The rest of the group laughed and followed after them. There would be plenty of time to say hi to the small child later after they had won. 

The forwards still sent another small wave towards the toddler clearly frowning now that her favorite person was walking away (she also may have winked your way just for kicks). 

*****

You could tell that Riley was having a blast. Her little hands wrapped around the bars of the railing so she could be as close to the action as possible. She waved to every player as they passed her (no matter how many times they did) and giggled exuberantly every time they waved back. 

It seemed that the team on the bench was far more interested in making your little girl laugh than watching the game (and you could only imagine how it would be when they finally realized that one of their teammates was basically her second mom). 

“Babe, you gotta stay a little away from the edge alright?” You said softly, tapping her shoulder when her little head went just a little too far through the bars. 

She definitely had your tendency to get in over her head. She ignored you, too enamored by Christen darting down the field, and shooting the ball. It sailed right past the goalie’s hands and before you could grab your little one she was leaping up and down, head still through the bars screaming “Goal!!” as loud as she could around the pacifier. But her enthusiasm caused the small object to fall out of her mouth.

“Uh oh,” Riley said, turning to you, her bottom lip trembling. 

You scooped her up, and she immediately nuzzled into your neck. “It’s ok babydoll,” you murmured into her hair, bouncing her and looking over the railing.

You leaned over the side, only to see one Kelley O’Hara holding your daughter's pacifier and rubbing her head. “Lose something?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow up at you. 

“Sorry, she got a little excited,” You said blushing a little bit. A little smirk graced Kelley’s lips you looked absolutely adorable with some red in your cheeks and paired with the backward cap it made you practically irresistible. 

“Don’t we all when Pressy scores a goal?” Megan winked up at you, wiggling her fingers at your little girl when she peeked up from your shoulder. 

“That’s fair, but she’s a very big fan,” You smiled, bouncing the little girl in your arms and blowing a raspberry just under her chin. 

“Well in that case, why don’t you two come down on the field? You know, so we can return this?” Ashlyn asked, grabbing the pacifier out of Kelley’s hand and jingling it a little. 

“What do you think babydoll?” You whispered into your daughter’s ear, as she was suddenly too shy to look at the soccer players who she had been interacting with not even minutes ago. 

“Wanna go,” she mumbled into your neck, just loud enough for the girls on the ground to hear. Kelley smiled wildly. “Well, little miss speaks after all!”

“Come to the stairs and we’ll get security to let you down. The games about to be over anyway,” Megan said, pointing towards where a little stairway was located. 

You nodded and headed in that direction, unaware of Christen’s furrowed eyebrows on the field. 

*****

“Oh my gosh, that kid is freaking adorable,” Alex said, trotting up beside Christen just as the final whistle blew. Christen turned towards where Alex was looking, awing at the sight before her. 

Riley was shyly standing behind you, clutching the back of your tank top so tightly that it was pulling down the collar (simultaneously showing off some of the swirling lines she knew spread across the skin of your shoulders). 

She would peek out to get a glance at one of the soccer players vying for her attention, and then tuck back into you the second she realized they were looking at her. 

“Isn’t she?” Christen smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. She might not be biologically related to your daughter, but she was 100% her other mom. She loved that little girl so much it hurt  (even when her pigtails were crooked- you were great at a lot of things but hair certainly wasn’t one). 

“Your gooey is showing,” Tobin said, nudging the forward. Christen opened her mouth to respond but was cut of by a very excited squeal. 

“Chris!!!” It yelled, just before a little body collided with the forward’s legs. She quickly bent down to lift the little girl up, throwing her in the air before allowing her to settle on her hip. “Missed you,”

“I missed you too babydoll,” Christen said into your daughter’s hair, holding her tight. She absolutely loved her job, but one major downside was that she couldn’t take you and Riley with her all of the time. At least she had Tobin to keep her up to date most of the time since you lived in Portland, but there was absolutely nothing like holding her two favorite people in person. 

“You better at hair and clothes,” Riley mumbled into her neck, pulling back just a bit to wave her hand around her head. You tried. You really did, but there was a reason you always kept your hair short. You weren’t into bows and frilly things, but your little girl absolutely loved them. So you did your best and were very grateful that Christen was so good with that kind of stuff. 

Christen threw her head back and laughed “I know baby,”. She rubbed Riley’s belly “Did you enjoy the game?” 

“Yeah, you score goal for me and mama,” Riley cheered and kicked her leg as if recreating the goal. Christen laughed again and began walking in your direction. “That’s right. I scored just for my favorite girls,” 

“Hey I scored too you know, and I want some baby bear hugs,” Tobin said, appearing over Christen’s shoulder. 

Riley wiggled wildly in Christen’s arms, practically throwing herself at her favorite aunt. “Aunt Toby!!” She yelled as Tobin dramatically spun her in circles. 

Christen watched the two with a wide smile, only looking away when she felt a presence beside her. 

“Hey superstar, you looked amazing out there,” your smile was evident in your voice as you wrapped your arms around Christen’s waist from behind, kissing her ear and resting your head on her shoulder. 

She signed happily and leaned back into you for a second, before spinning in your arms. “Hey darling,” she said, leaning up and placing a kiss on your lips. 

“Wait, you know Christen?” A voice appeared very close to you, and you reluctantly pulled away from your girlfriend to look at one Kelley o’hara’s wide eyes. 

“Well she’s my girlfriend, so yeah,” Christen shrugged, leaning up to kiss you again. 

You hear Kelley and several other team members sputter, but you were far too preoccupied to actually care. That was until a little voice joined the mix. 

You pulled away when you heard little feet approaching you, squatting down to catch your very excited little girl. You stood with her in your arms, unable to stop you smile when Christen wrapped her arms around the two of you. 

“Yes baby?” Christen asked, running a hand down your daughters back to try and settle her excited wiggiling just a little. 

“Mama, mommy, we go eat with aunt Toby?” Riley asked. And Christen’s sent her an indulgent smile blinking back tears (you were happy that Tobin was so accepting and great with your babygirl). Sure Christen might not have been biologically related to her, but Riley was 100% hers.

[lumosinlove]

Vaincre

part v

~

cw: homophobic encounter.

~

November

November shadows, 

shade November change

November spells sweet memory, 

the season blue remains

~

“Lo!” Finn called. “Guess who just got traded to the Rags.”

Cool dread spun its way into Logan’s chest at full force. He felt the point of one of his hips knock against the counter. “Quoi?”

“Marshy and Morgs!” Finn said, and the appeared around the corner into the kitchen, red hair a mess. “Like, together. Like us.”

“These were Harvard teammates, yeah?” Leo asked, spooning sugar into Logan’s coffee.

“Like us?” Logan said. “They’re dating?”

“Oh, no,” Finn laughed. “I just meant together, like, at the same time. Around the same time, I guess I should say.”

“Wow,” Logan nodded, which prompted Finn to imitate the way he said wow, drawing out the W’s. Logan smiled, lifting his cup to his mouth. “We could visit them over the next free weekend maybe.”

“Damn, that’d be a blast to the past.”

“What are they like?” Leo asked, leaning into Logan’s side.

“You’d love Will. Will Morgan, Morgs,” Logan said. “Really level-headed, probably the nicest person I know. Marshy…”

“Percy Marshall is one crazy motherfucker,” Finn said, and poured his own cup of coffee, black.

Logan leaned into mock-whisper to Leo. “And Finn gets insane when they’re together.”

Finn shot him a look, but continued. “Best way to say it. He’ll party until the sun, he’s crazy superstitious—worse than Cap and Loops combined—and he’s also,” Finn slid onto a stool. “One of the hardest working guys you’ll ever met. Probably the hardest working.” Finn’s smile was one Logan’s favorite one, made even more so by the fact that he got to see it directed at Leo. “Until I met you, that is, Nut.”

Leo let out a pleased laugh and let Logan brush a hand through his hair. “Well, they’re in our division now. I’ll get to meet them.”

“Oh, man, we’re in for a fucking treat when we play New York next,” Finn grinned. “Gonna hit the town hard.”

Leo snorted. “You guys might.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Finn pressed a kiss to Leo’s cheek. “I know everyone we need to know.”

“And I can finally tell you,” Logan began. “That the first time you dragged me around New York knowing ever person you saw, I loved you.”

Finn blushed a little and let Leo pull him to settle in the V of his legs from where he was leaning back against the counter. “Well, it’ll be nice to see them.”

Logan nodded, but part of his chest pulled. He cleared his throat. “Ouais. Also…”

When he paused, Leo tapped their socked toes together encouragingly.

Logan shrugged and looked down into his coffee. He thought of Finn’s quick breaths when they took the Cup back to Harvard. He thought of kissing him in their old room. He thought of everything before. Percy and Will were a part of all of that. Not directly, maybe, but Logan knew what seeing them again would do.

“Memories,” Finn said, and Leo nudged him.

“Don’t say it for him.”

“Oh, right, sorry.”

“Memories,” Logan agreed. “Good and bad.”

~

Remus missed the net three times in fifteen minutes, and only barely managed to keep himself from breaking his stick against the boards. He would be embarrassed afterwards if he had, but could it really be so much worse than the way that he felt now?

He accepted Thomas’ fist bump as he passed him going into the locker room and sat down heavily in his stall. The game had been close, but the Devils had won out in the end. He glanced at some of the assistant coaches, who were murmuring together. There was no guarantee it was about him, but it still felt as thought it was. Sirius was talking with Evgeni, Evgeni’s loud laugh warming up the room. Remus stripped out of his sweaty uniform quickly and was headed for the showers with a towel around his waist when someone slapped him on the back.

“It’s decided,” Logan’s accent came from beside him. He wasn’t bothering with his towel, which was slung over his bare shoulder. The fleur-de-lis tattoo on his hip—and everything else—was on full display. “Me and Talker are taking you out tonight.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean exactly?”

Logan just smiled. “No boyfriends. No hockey. We have a day off tomorrow, so no pressure. Just some drinks.”

“And some pool, maybe,” Thomas said, coming up to Remus’ other side. “What do you say, Loops? Fun, eh?”

“Okay, one of you is butt-naked right now and the other is in a three-piece suit. I’m going to say yes and shower, all right?”

Thomas gave a whoop, and Remus couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face as he dropped his towel in the change room and turned on the hot water. He felt like a sling-shot lately, being catapulted one way, and then in the opposite direction. He guessed he should feel thankful that his friends could pick him up like that, and he did, but another part of him caved in beneath the sheer affection.

I’m letting you down.

He scrubbed his hands through his hair, and looked over his shoulder when he felt a gentle, quick kiss against the back of his neck.

“Bonsoir,” Sirius said with a soft smile, and went to the shower head beside him.

“Hi,” Remus smiled back. “Beautiful goal tonight.”

He watched the water lace over Sirius’ tan skin, darkening his hair further as he pushed it back, away from his face. “You’re beautiful.”

“Hey, Olli,” Finn called across the showers, making Olli look over at him. “You’re fucking beautiful, man.”

Olli just squeezed shampoo into his palm. “I know that, Harzy.”

Sirius’ laugh echoed through the showers, joined by others, and Remus let it warm around him like the steam.

“Apparently Tremz and Talkie are taking me out tonight,” he said to Sirius as they walked back into the locker room.

“Tremz,” Sirius called over to him. “Ouch.”

“Pas de capitaines,” Logan waved him off and went back to looking at whatever Leo was showing him on his phone. Sirius laughed and looked back to Remus.

“Sounds perfect,” he said. “Wake me up when you come in if I’m asleep.”

“And go to bed without a kiss?” Remus glanced down at the towel slung low across Sirius’ hips, then back up to his bright silver eyes. “I’d never.”

Sirius smiled and kissed him, but Remus felt the unspoken settling between them. Sirius had stopped bringing up wanting to help with Remus’ shortcomings on the ice. Remus knew he had brought that upon himself with refusals after refusals to talk about it, but now it felt more like a thing. An object. An ugly vase in the corner of the room.

Maybe he really did need to go out tonight.

Thomas settled in his stall beside Remus. “We’re gonna go to Red’s, yeah?”

Remus nodded as he pulled his gray t-shirt over his head. He held up his dark jeans. “I can wear this, right?”

“Fuck yeah, I’m not wearing this thing,” Thomas picked at the lapel of his suit. “Noelle already screen shotted the snapchat I sent her. Why keep it on now?”

Remus just laughed. “All right, Talkie. Lead the way.”

Red’s bar was shoved up against the side of a larger block of buildings in Gryffindor. Remus glanced up, one or two stars were poking through the increasingly cooling loud cover. Inside it was warm, though. Foggy in the way some rooms get when there are lots of happy people in them. Logan had chosen a long-sleeved, dark gray cotton shirt, so thin that Remus could see each ridge of his defined muscles and his necklace, too.

“What the fuck happens when that thing gets wet?” Remus snorted, plucking at it as they waited for their drinks at the bar.

“I’ll pretend we had a fight,” Thomas said. “Throw a drink on you, find out.”

Logan just eyed them suspiciously as they leaned against the bar. “You guys are strange.”

Thomas just flagged the bartender, stretching the white material of his thin knit sweater. He ordered a whiskey, Logan a rum and coke, and Remus opted for a lighter gin and tonic. They still had a game on barely 72 hours. Not that anyone was that much of a light weight, but he didn’t want any assumptions being made, any photographs taken that could put him in a worse light than he already was.

“I know what this is, you know,” he said after Logan and Thomas’ intense COD debate had gone on too long. They both looked over at him, the picture of innocence. Remus rolled his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Media’s a bitch,” Thomas said. “That’s all this is. Hockey’s hard. You can’t help that you live with Cap, who makes it all look like a piece of cake.”

Logan laughed. “I think Cap would disagree. He stinks after games, mon dieu.”

Remus and Thomas shared a look. “And you don’t?”

“Finn likes it,” Logan smirked. “Gets him going.”

“Are you sure its the stench and not the muscles?” Thomas raised an eyebrow.

Logan waved him off. “I’m not talking about this with you two. We’re here for Loops.”

Remus groaned. “Guys…it’s not…I mean every player goes through this, right?”

They both nodded.

“Sure,” Thomas said. “But it doesn’t help that some people—“

“Assholes,” Logan amended.

“Right. It doesn’t help that some assholes don’t think you deserve to be here.”

Remus tilted his glass towards him. “Yeah.”

“We just think…” Logan began uncertainly, tongue poking out to wet his full bottom lip. “Look, I love Cap. He’s like a brother. But he’s intense. For him…sometimes hockey solves hockey.”

Remus wavered. “Yes and no.”

“We just thought you might want some other ears,” Thomas offered a smile. “I mean we can’t offer a feel good night of lovin’ to make you feel better…”

Remus snorted. “Right. You know, Talkie, that’s exactly what Sirius calls it.”

Thomas cracked up, too. “But we can offer drinks. And, you know…”

Logan raised an eyebrow at him, amused. “Ears?”

“Right,” Thomas nodded. “Look at Tremzy over here, finishing my sentences.”

Remus let his smile die down a little. “I…thanks, guys. I mean, I love talking to Sirius, but I also…he is the Captain. He’s a representation of all of us. I feel a little…” Remus took a slow breath, not sure if he was even ready for the words to come out of his mouth. “I feel a little like I’m letting him, and you all, down sometimes.”

“Aw, Loops,” Thomas said, voice softened.

“I know,” Remus sighed. “It’s just…it creeps in sometimes.”

Remus watched Logan swallow. “I get it. If there’s anything I can understand it’s guilt.”

“Tremz,” Remus said comfortingly. “I guess I should listen to my own advice here, but it’s not your fault. I can be ears, too, you know.”

“Is this…” Thomas said quietly. “Carrot?”

They both stared at him. “Carrot?”

“Code names,” Thomas whispered, even though the tables were noisy and the bar was somewhat empty.

Logan laughed a little, and nodded.

Remus waited. Logan gathered thoughts slowly, carefully. Interrupting, he’d learned while talking with Leo, tended to scatter them. He was also happy that the spotlight wasn’t entirely on him anymore.

“I found him at Harvard,” Logan began, swallowing dryly despite the drink in his hand. “And I was a mess. And then we spent that year apart, and I was a mess. And then I found him again, in Gryffindor, and I was a mess. I fell in love with Leo and I was a mess.” He looked at them, eyes pleading, then back down at his drink. “I am so, so happy now. It worked out. I can’t believe my luck. I wake up so fucking happy every morning. Every little look at them, my life with them, is incredible.”

Remus and Thomas waited some more. Thomas sent Remus a half smile across him, then leaned his cheek on his fist.

Finally, Logan finished. “But I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t a mess without them.” He closed his eyes, exhaled a frustrated breath through his nose. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Thomas nodded. “Yeah, it really does. Tremz, I get it.” He tilted his glass, making his ice cubes stir the liquid inside. “You’re someone when you’re with who you love. But you gotta be your own someone, too.”

“Ouais,” Logan was already nodded. “Right, like…Re, you’re you, no matter what. Leo, he’s the same way. Finn, too.”

Remus sighed. “I’m not so sure right now. But I think what you’re saying makes sense. Tremz, you’re allowed to want that for yourself. It’s not a slight to the boys. At all.”

Logan laughed, still laced with frustration. He rubbed at his eyes. “But I don’t even know what I’m asking for.”

Remus smiled. “Hate to break it to you, but you’ve got a pretty level-headed duo in your corner. I mean, Finn’s Finn.”

Thomas snorted. “Might take him a second.”

Logan smiled and it was fond. “Yeah.”

“But Leo…” Remus snapped his fingers. “He’ll get it. They both will.”

Logan narrowed his eyes at the bar. “I’m not asking for space. I don’t want space. I don’t want anything to change I just want to stop feeling like I’ll crash and burn by myself.”

“Me too,” Remus admitted. “Maybe in a different way, but…me too.”

“I don’t know if I feel like I’m gonna crash,” Thomas said thoughtfully. “But hey, life’s tough sometimes.” He smiled and raised his glass. “Friends.”

They clinked their glasses together, laughing, the conversation turning to organizing a pick-up game in the park that weekend—if it didn’t snow. 

“Gotta use the big WC, gents,” Thomas said after a while, picking up his crutches. “Then pool?”

“Who the hell calls it that?” Remus snorted.

“Me,” Thomas called over his shoulder, politely excusing his way through the crowd with his charming smile and causing a few longing looks to follow him at his back.

Logan drained the last of his rum and coke. “You don’t feel like Cap’s putting pressure on you, do you?”

Remus looked at him, eyes widening for a moment. “God, no. No, he’s been nothing but supportive. It’s mostly me, I think. He even wants to talk about it. Sometimes I just…can’t.”

Logan nodded. “Good. No, good, I just thought I’d ask. When I first met him, he’d get like that with me sometimes. Wanting to run extra drills or talk through tape. I snapped at him for it a bit. This was before he was really who he is now.”

“Parents were lingering in him,” Remus nodded. “Yeah, I remember.”

A man came to lean against the bar beside Remus, then, and Remus shot him a smile that he hoped looked friendly rather than uneasy. The guy was really in his space. He shared a look with Logan, who’s shoulders were rounded a little in alert, green eyes narrowed in on the guy.

“You’re Lupin, eh?” the man said.

Remus sighed softly, looking down at his now watery drink. He should’ve known.

“Yep,” he replied, and looked at the man. He had two friends, hovering a little ways back.

“What’s going on this season, huh?”

The worst part was that the man was smiling, as if he thought this conversation was going to go well.

“I mean, I know you’re with the Captain and all,” the man said. “But, I mean…come on. Some of us care about how the team does.”

“Excuse me?” Remus replied.

The man tilted his head, looking mockingly regretful. “It’s not just about you.”

“Okay,” Remus said, keeping his voice flat.

“What he do to get you there?” the man asked, leaning in like they were friends. “I mean, like…some type of reward, or does he already give you those at home?”

Remus flushed. “I think we’re done talking.”

At least his friends had the decency to look a little nervous.

The man narrowed his eyes. “I’m just saying.”

“Fuck off, man,” Logan said in a low tone.

“What,” he sneered. “You got yourself a boyfriend, too, Tremblay?”

Logan was on his feet then, stools screeching back, taller than the man, stronger. Remus’ arm shot out against his chest, keeping him and his balled fists back. The man’s friend stepped forward, too.

“Whoa, Mike,” one of the friends said, hesitating. “That’s not why we…that’s not what this is.”

“Oh,” Thomas scoffed, announcing himself as he made his way back to them. He somehow made his crutches and boot look threatening. “Wrong type of harassment for you, my guy?”

The fans’ eyes went large. “Talker…”

Thomas just stared at them, and Remus watched him go from Thomas Walker with his friends to Thomas Walker on the ice, defensemen. Enforcer. “Only my friends call me that. Sit down at your own table or get out.”

Thomas shouldered through them, one crutch landing briefly on Mike’s shoe, who only just bit back a groan. Thomas was all bright, sharp grin as he sat down, leaning his crutches against the bar again. He waved the bartender over, then looked at Mike who was still standing there.

“Do I have say it again for you?” Logan snarled. “Trust me, you don’t want me to.”

Logan sat down slowly as the three men backed up and turned away. Remus pressed a thankful hand to his shoulder, also meant to calm him down a bit.

“Well, that was fun,” Thomas sighed. “Jesus. We take you out to forget about it and those three show up.”

“It’s fine,” Remus said, though his heart was pounding. “I’m surprised that was the first time it happened. Had a close call at the grocery store the other day.”

“Another round?” Logan asked. “Then pool?”

“Ouais,” Remus smiled, in his best impression of Sirius.

~

Most of November passed without change. Remus felt the stagnant ball of frustration in his stomach. He and Sirius cooked together, slowly mastering more and more recipes. Remus lived for the triumphant look on Sirius’ face when a dish came out just right. He went out with Logan and Thomas, with James and Sirius, Finn and Jackson and Kasey. He never felt more at home than when he was tucked against Sirius’ side at a team dinner, watching Logan toss food into Finn’s mouth from across the table, hollering when he caught it and then ruffling an embarrassed Leo’s hair, who was shushing them.

The weather had officially turned to Gryffindor winter, biting harsher and harsher with each night. It got to the point where Marlene started bugging them all about the Christmas video—for the fans, she kept insisting. Come on guys, it’ll be fun!

Evgeni seemed to be the only one who was truly game for it.

Remus wasn’t unhappy, but the media was growing more and more aggravated with him, the fans’ patience was running thin like ice, and now Arthur had started sending him glancing looks until, finally, he pulled Remus into his office as the boys were packing up.

The ball rolled around Remus’ ribs, fighting for space with his heart, and he sat in the leather chair across from Arthur’s desk.

Arthur took off his glasses, which was a bad sign. He didn’t say anything for a long time and Remus didn’t have the courage to make him.

“I know,” Remus finally said, and then his throat choked up. “I’m…”

“I don’t want any apologies,” Arthur said. “And, God, Lupin, I didn’t bring you in here to yell at your so get that look off your face.”

Remus blinked through the scarce relief and looked down at his hands.

“Media’s being real tough, I know,” Arthur sighed. “I know. I just want to make sure you’re all right.”

“I’m fine,” Remus said. “I’m just…it’s not connecting, I…I don’t know. Maybe I could put in more time one-on-one with one of the coaches. Or ground work with the trainers. I know we’re about to go on the road. Maybe tomorrow morning before practice.”

Arthur hesitated, then nodded. “If you’d like. But overworking yourself isn’t gonna help if that’s not the issue. Frankly, I don’t think skill is the issue. You’re a beautiful skater out there. You’re wicked fast and can misdirect hits like I’ve never seen. But…”

“No net,” Remus mumbled.

Arthur looked regretful. “No net.”

Remus nodded. “I’m working on it. I’m doing everything I can.”

“I don’t doubt that, Remus. Really. Don’t think I do. I’ll be seeing you at the Dumais Thanksgiving, yeah?” Arthur asked.

Remus nodded, spared a smile. “Of course.”

Arthur smiled back and rose. He clapped Remus on the back as he opened the door to his office again. “Good. Try and relax over the break, okay? I know it’s short, but sometimes its less work that pays off. It doesn’t always have to be more.” He looked up. “Ah, another young rascal I’ve had to say that to.”

Remus looked up to see Sirius’ smile, his dark hair curling against his neck, but otherwise tucked under a thick black winter hat. Every muscle in Remus’ body eased at the sight of him. He wanted to wrap himself up in Sirius, tuck himself inside of his winter coat and never leave.

“Cap,” Arthur gave him a nod. “See you for Turkey. Who you’ve got for the big game?”

Sirius just shrugged. “American football. Who cares?”

Arthur made a wounded noise—and another one came from Leo and Thomas down the hall as they were bundling up for the cold. Evgeni was holding Thomas’ crutches for him as Jackson helped him into his coat. Remus cracked up and took the warm palm Sirius held out. They walked down the hallway that smelled familiar and warm, under toned by the scent of carpet and cleaner that, had it been any stronger, would have been unpleasant, but it just added to the familiarity.

The garage door rattled shut behind them as Sirius unlocked their back door, letting them into their warm kitchen. Remus shook out of his coat, hanging it in the closet and rubbing his hands together. With his coat and bag, he tried to drop everything else at the door. This was his and Sirius’ space. This wasn’t a rink, or a locker room, or the press room. Theirs. The word was warmer than the heat Sirius had set to come on a half hour before they got home.

“I’m starving,” he said. “What do you feel like? I maybe want pasta.”

“I feel like you,” came the reply from behind him.

Remus’ smile was slow and he turned to see a glint in Sirius’ eye. “What is it, the cold weather? You’ve been all riled up after games lately.”

Sirius just grinned, hands squeezing Remus’ hips. “I love watching you out there.” He pressed a kiss to Remus’ cheek, his neck and his nose, between each phrase. “I love your face, I love your feet, I love your shoulders, and the way you bite the finger of your glove while you watch the game between shifts.” The kisses got considerably more heavy, lingering and accompanied by the the brush of a tongue and teeth. “I love the way you cradle a puck and the way you tape your stick. The way your hair sticks to your neck.”

Remus just smiled, eyes closed. “I’ve been playing like shit.”

“Nu-uh,” Sirius said, and Remus whined a little at the next nip, letting Sirius rock him back against the kitchen counter. “Slumps are normal. You play amazing. Just no points. Shit and slumps,” Sirius said, and Remus’ mouth went dry as he was lowering himself to his knees. “Shit and slumps are different.”

Remus let out a laugh. “Aren’t those the words to turn a guy on.”

Sirius just grinned and bit at his pants zipper. “I love you.”

“Better choice.”

Sirius carefully pulled Remus’ zipper down. “Can I? Here?”

Remus only reply was tugging Sirius��� hat free to get at his hair, the thick strands weaving between his fingers. He could already feel himself getting interested, pressing against the slip of his boxers by Sirius’ proximity alone.

“Sirius Black,” Remus sighed as Sirius nuzzled against him.  He stroked over his hair, overwhelmed with how much every part of Sirius meant to him. “I love you.”

Sirius took one of the hands Remus had in his hair by and kissed the inside of his wrist.

Remus let Sirius’ mouth fuzz his mind out, moaning softly at his hollowed out cheeks, laughing at the gentle nips to his hips and thighs. After, Sirius kissed him against the counter until both of their stomachs growled. Remus pressed his mouth against Sirius’ flushed hot cheek.

“I feel like a million bucks, thanks, baby.”

Sirius just smiled, tucking himself away.

It was true. Remus felt home. Settled. Almost as if he could forget the conversation today. Maybe even like he wanted to go down the the basement rink, just for fun, which he hadn’t felt like in a while.

“D’accord,” Remus sing-songed. “We have pasta or chicken or both.”

Sirius grinned. “Both.”

They were mostly quiet as they cooked, bumping hips, iPhone playing softly through their speakers. Remus watched the way Sirius kept his fingers carefully curled away from the knife, like Remus’ mom had taught him that summer. His tongue peaked out of the corner of his mouth, the same way it did when he was carrying a puck up the ice.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Sirius asked softly as Remus minced garlic.

Remus glanced over at him, then kept his eyes on his fingers, so close to the sharp blade. “Um. Coach says it’s not my fault. He says I’m playing well. It’s just…pointless.”

“C’est pas—”

“No, not like pointless, like, pointless. Like I’m not getting net.”

“Ah.”

They smiled at each other, Remus’ a little shakier.

“Yeah.”

I feel like I’m letting you down.

“I feel…” Remus began, and the words caught. “Um. I mean, it’ll get better. It has to.”

Sirius’ expression flickered, but he nodded. “Mhm.”

“Do you feel like a white sauce?” Remus asked, turning to the refrigerator. “Go well with the chicken.”

“Sure,” Sirius nodded. “Sounds perfect, mon loup.”

Remus took a long breath as he opened the refrigerator doors, maybe taking longer than necessary to find the half & half. He was angry at himself. He didn’t know why the words were sticking to the back of his throat. He didn’t want pity, he supposed. He didn’t want Sirius to feel like he had to comfort him. Remus closed his eyes.

He’d do better.

~

Leo and Finn had their shoulders pressed together, each with their own book in their hands, when Logan opened the apartment door.

“Got the cream,” Logan raised the shopping back, and Leo all but leapt from the cushions.

“Yeah you do,” Finn said without looking up.

“Thank you,” Leo slid on his socks in his rush to get to Logan. He pressed his palms to Logan’s cold cheeks, kissing him in a quick burst. “Thank you, thank you, I love you.”

Logan smiled as Leo scurried back into the kitchen to finish making his part of the the American Thanksgiving dinner Pascal was hosting.

“I can’t believe I ran out,” Leo said, stirring something on the stove.

“It’s fine, Le,” Logan said, shrugging out of his jacket and following him in. “Happy to get you whatever you need.”

Leo turned, a touched pout on his face, and Logan beat him to it this time with a slower kiss of his own. Leo tasted like the caramel he had had them all taste test earlier and Logan licked into his mouth eagerly.

“I love you, too,” Logan mumbled.

Leo’s expression softened in the way it always did when one of them said that. Maybe Logan wasn’t the only one who couldn’t believe his luck.

“Want to peel sweet potatoes?” Leo asked with a hopeful grin, and Logan laughed.

“Sure, soleil.”

Finn gasped from the couch, eyes on his book, glasses on his nose. “They kissed. I fucking knew they would.”

Leo gasped, too. “No. Harzy, spoilers, you’re faster than me.”

Logan looked between them. “Are you guys reading the same book again, like, next to each other?”

“Sorry,” Finn said, but he was gripping the book like another secret might spill out. “And yes.”

Leo pressed a peeler into his hands with another kiss, this one fast and skittering across his cheekbone.

“I love both of you,” Logan sighed as he picked up the first potato. “You’re weird.”

Finn closed his book without marking his place and heaved himself up with a groan, cracking his back. He came to sit at the bar counter across from where Logan was peeling.

“Thanks for the help, Harz,” Logan said.

“I don’t like it when my hands smell like potato.”

Leo laughed. “Sweetheart, how’d you ever survive on your own?”

“Take out,” Finn and Logan answered at the same time.

“And catering,” Finn added. “I think the NHL is used to boys who can’t cook. Marlene just slid the caterer’s card into my hand without a word.”

Leo just shook his head. “She tried the same thing on me. Honey, please.”

Logan and Finn shared a smile, both turning to gaze at Leo’s back.

“How much time do we have?” Leo asked.

“Like, two hours, babe, you’re good,” Finn said.

“Do I have time to ravish you in your glasses?” Logan asked.

Finn raised a teasing eyebrow. “Oh, these old things? You want to wear them?”

Logan dropped his peeler and walked around the counter. He spun Finn to face him on the stool and Finn’s feet hooked around his calves, holding him there. “Non.”

Finn smiled, leaning forward to nip at Logan’s bottom lip and pull.

“Tremblay, potatoes.”

Logan groaned and Finn gave his butt a firm slap as he pulled away. “Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

~

“Uh, hey dad,” Cole cleared his throat. “It’s me. I just um. I’m in Pascal Dumais’ house. Can you believe that? Uh, I just wanted to say…you know, happy Thanksgiving, and all that. Maybe you can come out to a game soon? Yeah…let me know, I can get you tickets. Okay. Okay, see you. Merry—or happy Thanksgiving. Yeah, okay. Bye.”

Cole sighed as he put his phone down and looked around the Dumais’ sitting room. It was tidy, with food laid out every table, ready for guests. Cole, after that phone call, already felt tired.

There was a knock on the doorframe and he turned to see Layla, smiling at him hesitantly. She held out a glass of a deep colored wine. “I thought maybe you’d want some.”

“Oh, I can’t, uh…” Cole began.

Layla snorted. “Me neither, but…” she glanced around the tall-ceilinged living room. “Who’s gonna tell? Dumo? Please.”

Cole laughed a little and took the thin stem from her fingers. “Thank you.”

Layla nodded, bending for a cheese and cracker. “That sounded a little tough. If you don’t mind me saying.”

Cole pocketed his phone. “It’s not really. Well…maybe now it is. But I don’t think of him that way, of this that way. He’s a good father.”

He sounded defensive even to himself and sighed. “When he decides to be.”

“He hard on you?” Layla asked. She took a seat on the couch and Cole glanced around before settling on the ottoman of one of the fat leather chairs. “About all this?”

“Hockey?” Cole said, then laughed. “No. No way, he doesn’t give a shit about ice hockey. My mom got me into hockey. My dad still hopes I’ll be, like, I don’t know…I don’t know what.”

Layla frowned. “It’s not like you could’ve been a money-bags doctor and chose to paint watercolors instead?”

Cole cracked a smile. “Yeah…Yeah, he sort of skipped around a lot before I actually started getting good.”

“Oh,” Layla said softly.

The doorbell rang. And then rang again and again, like someone was jamming their finger into it repeatedly.

“Tremzy!” he heard Katie shriek a moment later.

Warm voices filled the hall.

Cole rose and, after a moment, offered Layla a hand. She smiled, letting him pull her up. “It’s not as sob-story as it sounds.”

“I get it,” Layla nodded. “My older sister skipped altogether when I was little. Still don’t know why. I know it’s not the same but…”

“I’m sorry,” Cole said.

Layla just smiled, one of her bright ones, and wrapped her hand—gold rings and all—around his arm. “Come on. Shit’s about to get wild.”

“And delicious,” Cole said, turning towards the smells coming from the kitchen.

Layla laughed, and Cole wanted to hear that sound twenty more times.