#i thought a road trip by definition had to be a day of travel to see sights along the road instead of to a specific destination

[whereianonymouslypostfics]

Reunion 

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x reader

Word count: ~4.3k

Summary: You and Wanda attend your high school reunion.

A/N: This was fun to write. Wanda gets kinda mad. It’s so cute. Part one of the  jealous Wanda series. 

Warnings: jealousy😈, thoughts of violence, fluff

Going to your 15-year high school reunion sounded unappealing anyway you thought about it. You hadn’t really liked high school because of how stressful it was, and how mean people could be. You didn’t remember it fondly and when the phone call came one day, and the emailed invitation the next, Wanda found you in the kitchen scowling at your computer.

After a long discussion, Wanda had convinced you to at least give it a shot. She’d promised to take time off to go with you, and given that it was almost all the way across the country, it would be a three-day trip. The appeal of spending time away with your wife was much higher than that of going to your high school reunion, but you decided to worry about this later. You’d left Boone with Yelena, and Fletcher would get a couple of visits a day from Steve while you were gone, so they would barely miss your absence.

Right now, as you sit beside Wanda as she drives you through an unfamiliar part of the airport, you’re very confused. You look to your wife who takes off her sunglasses with a sigh before turning down a road that leads dangerously close to the runways.

“Uh, Wands.”

You’re supposed to catch your flight soon, but Wanda had driven you both somewhere that doesn’t seem anywhere close to the terminal. She smiles at you before realizing that you look a little worried, but she doesn’t have to wonder about it long as you voice your concerns hesitantly.

“Why are we here? Don’t we have to catch our flight soon?”

Wanda simply smiles at you as she turns down one last road and pulls into a small garage. You’re too focused on the plane that you drive by and you’re staring at it with an impressed look as Wanda explains what’s happening. You’d told her about your reservations about this trip, and she’d wanted to make everything as stress free as possible for you both. For this reason, she’d dealt with organizing your travel and your hotel room. You were just along for the ride until the reunion.

“We’re here, detka. This is our ride.”

Your head whips back around toward your wife as your jaw drops in bewilderment. You must have heard her wrong because Wanda definitely wasn’t saying what you thought she was. You followed her lead and got out of the car before peeking out of the garage at the damn jet that was not twenty feet from you.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Wanda smirks as she opens the trunk and grabs your bags before handing you your backpack with a smile. She reaches out to push your chin up to close your still gaping mouth, and she can’t help but chuckle under her breath.

“This is one of my planes.”

Wanda walks toward the jet where you now see someone is coming out to meet her. He looks like a pilot, but you can’t even comprehend this right now as you chase after your wife. You had so many questions, but the first one that you asked was arguably the most relevant.

“What do you mean you have a jet?”

Wanda smiles before she grabs your hand so you can meet the pilot and then the small three-person crew that will be with you on this flight. They offer to take your luggage, and you’re too stunned to protest as you follow Wanda up the stairs into the plane you’ll apparently be taking to Miami.

“It’s not just mine, or ours rather, but I made sure we could use it so we can enjoy the trip.”

Wanda leaves out the little detail of her not being able to fly commercially like you. She’s a known criminal and she’s pretty sure that if she stepped into the airport with the intent to ride on a passenger plane, they’d refuse if not arrest her for simply trying. Seeing your wide eyes and the awe in your expression, she realizes that this was a good choice. She doesn’t think you’ll mind this surprise as you take in the small yet somehow spacious interior that looks more comfortable than anything you’ve ever sat on.

“Oh my God.”

There are sets of four seats that are divided into two groups on each side of the plane. The leather recliners are paired with tables that have drinks already set up. There are also two televisions on each side with charging stations beneath, and you can’t stop yourself from sitting down in the nearest chair. You turn to your wife with a stunned expression that you’ll probably wear for the entire trip.

“This is amazing, Wanda. Were you ever going to tell me about this?”

Wanda just shrugs as she takes off her coat and sits down beside you with a smile. She just wanted you to enjoy your weekend, and as she says this you can’t help but kiss her. She’s so sweet and you can’t wait to go on this trip with her. It’s been too long since you’ve had quality time alone and although reuniting with the high school mean girls wasn’t something you were excited about; you at least were going to enjoy the ride.

The 4-hour flight seems to fly by and when you and Wanda leave the plane you almost wish it had been longer. You and Wanda arrive to the hotel that she’d booked and you are once again surprised by Wanda’s choice. It’s very reminiscent of the one you two stayed in during your honeymoon, and you’re already recalling how much fun that was as you and your wife step into the elevator.

“So? How’s the trip so far?”

Your wide smile is enough of an answer for Wanda, but she doesn’t complain about you offering you a verbal response as well. You are the only ones in the elevator so you don’t resist the urge to kiss your wife appreciatively. You sneak a hand in her hair, careful not to knock off her sunglasses on her head as you deepen the kiss with a sigh.

“It’s perfect, Wands. Thank you for this.”

Wanda’s hands squeeze your hips before she buries her face in your hair. She turns so she can kiss your neck before leading you off the elevator as soon as you reach your floor. The top floor.

“Of course, detka. I want you to enjoy this weekend, and not stress about the mean girls. I promise I’ll beat them up if they look at you wrong.”

You laugh as you follow Wanda into your room that resembles the rest of the hotel in its extravagance. You see your bags in the room already so you just hurry over to the king size bed and fall face first on it with a sigh. This weekend is proving to be unpredictable, but luckily, it’s in a good way so far. Hopefully this will continue to be the case as the reunion rolls around, but you have no real way of knowing.

Wanda comes to lie down beside you, and you adjust so you’re more comfortable and able to put an arm around her. You know that regardless of what happens tomorrow, you’ll have Wanda by your side and you couldn’t be more grateful for this. You appreciated your wife’s support and despite the fact that you would not let her beat up anyone for you, it was nice to hear that she would be in your corner. You hadn’t seen any of these people in nearly 15 years and you were nervous to say the least.

You hadn’t been popular in high school, but despite keeping to yourself you knew that you’d be recognized. You had no idea how people would remember you but you hadn’t been out of the closet then yet, so maybe some of them would be surprised to learn Wanda was your wife. You weren’t ashamed of anything, but you’d rather talk about how much you loved being a vet and maybe see some people’s puppy pictures. However, you were going to take what you could get, and not worry too much about it. You’d prefer anything to having to talk about Wanda’s less than legal career because that could definitely get dicey.

“Thank you, Wands.”

The rest of the day is mostly spent in bed ordering ridiculously expensive room service. You didn’t want to go out much before the reunion and Wanda understood. You were anxious and you’d rather just hang out, and luckily for her you were in the mood for sitcoms and cuddling. Her two favorite things. It wasn’t until you fell asleep that night that Wanda considered how tomorrow would go for you two.

She wasn’t too worried about being recognized because anyone that knew her there would have a secret of their own to keep. She supposed she was mostly wondering how meeting your former classmates would go. You’d never told her much about your time in high school, but from what she’d gathered you were more studious than social. You mentioned friends occasionally, but you didn’t really keep in touch with them anymore. You only talked to vet school friends every now and then, but never high school.

She wonders if you really wanted to go to this or if you felt guilted into it. Wanda sighs as she lies down next to you to finally go to sleep. It’s nearly midnight and she’s just been watching you sleep for the past hour. She supposes she should try to get some rest. Tomorrow will surely be exhausting with how much you’re going to have to socialize.

This is what you’re thinking about as you and Wanda arrive at the venue where the reunion is being held. You try not to cringe as you see the large banner that says ‘Welcome back class’. You’re regretting your decision to come here, but you choose to focus on the food you’ll hopefully get to eat and your beautiful wife that’s accompanying you. She’s wearing a dress that should make you jealous, but instead you’re proud to show her off to your former classmates. The dress isn’t overly revealing, but the black accentuates her assets and is complemented well with her bright red hair.

“Are you ready for this, my love?”

Wanda smiles as she takes your hand and leads you into the building. You come up on a table quickly and see it’s full of sticker name tags that you’re going to have to stick to your shirt. You smile at the unfamiliar woman sitting behind it. She’s blonde and you definitely could buy that she used to be a cheerleader, but you can’t be sure. You’re certainly not going to ask.

“Hi there, welcome! Let me try and guess?”

You don’t get to respond and you just watch as the blonde looks at the names in front of her curiously. You are actually surprised when she guesses right and you accept it with a small smile before Wanda’s handed a blank tag to fill out with her name.

“I remember you, Y/n. You dated my friend!”

You’re a little confused by this and when Wanda stops in the middle of writing her name you realize she is too. You don’t get to ask ‘Hannah’ for clarification before two other couples come in behind you and force you to move on. You just shake your head as you hold Wanda’s hand and whisper under your breath.

“I have no idea who she was talking about.”

Wanda just laughs at this as she follows you through the hall to the ballroom. The sound of a room full of people chatting makes you tense a little, but Wanda squeezes your hand and offers you a reassuring smile. You take a deep breath before kissing her cheek and leading her the rest of the way to the open doors.

“Let’s do this.”

You were optimistic to say the least about how this day was going to go. You’d believed that it would be fine and you could just mingle with your old friends and try to kill time. This had worked out for the first half hour, but then the group you’d been talking to decide to venture off to talk to others. You’re fine with this and after bidding them goodbye you look to Wanda with a smile.

This was all a little anticlimactic if you were being honest. Given who you were, you’d feared that something dramatic and uncomfortable would happen to you. However, you and Wanda had chatted and actually had a decent time catching up with your old acquaintances. You’d introduced your wife and told everyone that she was in sales. Something boring-sounding but potentially lucrative, yet not specific enough for anyone to try and look her up.

“Thank you for coming with me to this.”

You say this a little while later when the two of you are alone with your snacks. You’re sipping on your drink when Wanda takes one of your hands with a smile. She’s glad that she came here with you. She can tell that you’re less on edge and you’re almost enjoying yourself when someone new comes up to you.

Wanda hadn’t seen the other redhead here as she’d glanced around casually while you talked to your friends. She was pretty and Wanda hates this fact as soon as she realizes who she is or rather was to you.

“Dr. Y/L/N. Look at you all grown up! You somehow look even better than the last time I saw you.”

The urge to crawl into a hole and die overwhelms you as you force yourself to swallow what you’re chewing before you turn toward the familiar voice. You were torn between horror that you’re running into her, and shame at the fact that you’d forgotten about her existence up until this moment. As you turn around to face her you have to stop yourself from doing anything other than smiling.

She looks as good as you remember, albeit briefly forgot, and you meet her blue eyes before looking away to her shirt to remind yourself of her name.

“Jessica. Hi. I didn’t expect to see you here!”

It wasn’t exactly a lie given that you’d forgotten a majority of high school due to the sheer amount of stress it had caused you. Your tactic had been to repress whatever you didn’t want to remember which ended up being most of it. This happened to include your brief, trivial fling with the redhead in front of you.

She’s smiling at you still as she leans in for a hug that you feel obligated to give. You try to keep it short and you bounce uncomfortably on the balls of your feet as you watch Jessica shrug as she looks around the room.

“Of course! How else am I supposed to catch up with everyone. I knew for sure it would be the only way I’d ever see you again.”

Wanda notices that your smile is a little pained, and she doubts this could indicate anything good. She doesn’t have much time to consider this further before you’re reaching out for her and looking between her and the redhead who’s still staring at you.

“Jessica, this is Wanda, my wife. Wanda, Jessica was one of my friends.”

It would have been too lucky for this introduction to go unchallenged. You could feel the color drain from your face when Jessica laughs as she reaches out to shake Wanda’s hand. You can tell she’s confused and you want to explain, but not here and now.

“Mostly friends, sometimes with benefits.”

Wanda’s eyes widen when the other redhead says this, and she can’t help but frown as she turns back to you. You hadn’t told her about any relationships you’d had, other than that short stent with the guy you went to prom with. You take a deep breath before releasing an uncomfortable laugh that seems to spur Jessica on. You take a moment to look at her, and you see that she doesn’t have a ring on her finger. This could mean many things, but unfortunately for you it means that she feels free to flirt with you. Despite the fact that you’re wearing a wedding band and your wife is holding your hand, she’s bolder than you’d feared.

“It’s so good to see you! I hate that we lost touch.”

You run a hand through your hair yanking a good bit of it out as you use work as an excuse. It’s a valid one considering how busy you’d been, but you also hadn’t said a word to Jessica in person or otherwise since graduating high school. She couldn’t have forgotten this.

“Yeah, school was just crazy and now work is crazy.”

You talk a little bit about work when she mentions that she’d read that you were a vet. You ask what she does in return and you listen to her marketing spiel before realizing that Wanda’s near frozen beside you. She’s watching Jessica carefully as she speaks to and continues to ogle you. She’s amazed by this woman’s boldness; her blatant disregard for her presence as she looks at you like she’s imagining you naked.

“I bet you’re amazing at that. You were always so passionate.”

When she reaches out to touch your arm Wanda considers smacking her hand away. She looks to you as you let her do it for only a split second before stepping away. You tug at the hem of your shirt needlessly before covering your discomfort with a cough.

“Ahah thanks, um. If you’ll excuse me.”

You run off before either redhead can stop you and they just frown in unison before turning their attention back to each other. They’re sizing each other up and it’s fairly obvious to any onlooker as Jessica’s frown deepens before speaking up.

“So how long have you and Y/n been married?”

Wanda doesn’t need to think about this at all and she tells Jessica the truth. She has to remind herself to take comfort in the fact that she’d been with you for years, and you’d never once mentioned her.

“For 5 years, but we’ve been together since before she started vet school.”

Jessica nods before she looks toward the doorway that you’d disappeared through before grinning at your behavior. You’d always been a skittish thing until she got you alone, and it was then that you’d find your confidence. She remembers the time she spent with you fondly, and despite wanting to rehash some of that, she has a feeling this won’t happen since Wanda’s here.

“She did always have a thing for redheads.”

Wanda’s still scowling when you return from bringing the car around. You’d wanted to flee and you considered taking Wanda with you but she hadn’t followed you so you decided to just make it quick. You ran back into the building hoping to avoid any drama, but seeing your wife near glaring at Jessica’s smug expression, you realize you’re too late.

You walk back over to them quickly and reach out for your wife’s shoulder with a smile.

“Wands, are you ready to go?”

She doesn’t hurry to respond as she considers what you could have seen in this woman. Beyond her looks, Jessica is pretty intolerable and Wanda opens her mouth to say this when you cut her off. You’d seen the look in your wife’s eyes and you knew that things were about to get ugly if you didn’t get her out of here now.

“Jessica, sorry to run off but we have a flight to catch. It was nice seeing you.”

Two minutes later you and Wanda are sitting in a suffocating silence as you drive back to the hotel. You hadn’t bothered to say goodbye to anyone else because you were mostly worried about your wife. You’d made such a hasty exit that you wondered what rumors were spreading, but that thought is cut short by Wanda’s voice.

“Why didn’t you give me a heads up about her?”

Your grimace isn’t missed as Wanda turns to watch you come up with a response while trying to focus on driving. You hadn’t been able to think of an answer to this question that wasn’t more annoying than Jessica, but you didn’t have a lot of time or the courage to come up with a lie.

“I forgot about her, Wands.”

The responding scoff is probably paired with an eye roll you don’t see as Wanda crosses her arms in annoyance. She hadn’t thought that today would go like this. You’d given her no reason to believe that things would go so sideways, and that’s part of the problem and the reason why she’s ticked.

“Bullshit. You didn’t forget about her, Y/n.”

You open your mouth to protest but you realize you have no excuse so you just stay silent. Wanda seems to get more annoyed at this and she huffs in exasperation as you pull into the hotel parking lot.

“How could you? It sounded like you had a really nice time together.”

The sarcasm in Wanda’s voice makes you cringe in realization. You’d really fucked up and in more ways than one. Not only had you neglected to tell Wanda that you had a friend with benefits in high school, but you’d also just let her flirt with you right in front of your wife. You’d be mad too which is why you’re not surprised when Wanda gets out of the car and storms towards the elevator in silence.

“Wands, come on. I was just a kid it didn’t mean anything.”

She’s just angrily pressing the button for the elevator when you reach out for her only for her to jerk away. She watches the elevator crawl down to their level with an inaudible sigh. She really wishes that they’d just stayed in bed today.

“Well, you didn’t rush to tell her that did you? You just let her fucking flirt with you.”

The ride up to the room is made in silence, and you’re almost afraid that Wanda won’t let you go in as she practically storms out of the elevator.

“I’m sorry, it made me uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to risk her saying more.”

You realize too late that this is admitting to remembering something about your time with Jessica and Wanda zeroes in on this immediately. She opens the door to the room before turning to watch you sweat as she backs up.

“More about what, exactly? What more do you remember, detka? “

You’d like to lie down and cry right now because you’d almost been having fun. You’d been starting to think that it was a good thing that you’d come out here to see old friends, and then this bullshit happened. Sure, maybe you’d liked Jessica a little in high school, but that was 15 years ago. You’d moved on and had an amazing wife and you loved the life you shared with her.

“I remember that we had meaningless sex in the theater changing rooms. However, it’s not something that I’d ever want to think about because it wasn’t memorable.”

Wanda scowls at the confirmation that you’d had sex with the other redhead, and she can’t help but hate that she’d had you first. She knew it was irrational. You’d been in high school around the same time as her, but on completely different sides of the country. You would have never met her at that time.

“I also have it way better now because I’m married to my wonderful wife.”

Wanda sighs in frustration before she turns and walks over to the bed with a frown. She sits down on her side and crosses her arms and legs as she watches you follow her tentatively. She is mad at you for not telling her about this sooner, but unfortunately, she’s starting to forgive you for that. However, she’s still pissed that you hadn’t said anything to deter her from flirting with you, and she wants to remind you of this.

“I shouldn’t have had to watch her flirt with you.”

You’re nodding before Wanda’s even finished speaking, and you creep toward the bed as your wife continues. She’s shooting you a look that makes you want to agree to anything that comes out of her mouth. She’s furious and you don’t want to ruin the rest of your trip because of your stupidity. She watches as you kneel at the edge of the bed and just wait for any indication that you’re not welcome.

“You’re mine and you should have told her that.”

Again, you nod furiously in agreement as you do your best to placate your wife. You need her to know that she’s right, and that you will always be hers; never anyone else’s.

“I know, you’re right. I’m yours.”

Wanda’s eyes darken and she stares at you for the longest time before she lays back against the pillows behind her. She doesn’t want to fight with you about this. However, she’d love to teach you a lesson that will hopefully prevent you from doing something like this ever again. Her arms are still crossed as she watches you fidget nervously, and a smile creeps onto her lips as she decides what your punishment will be.

“Prove it to me then.”

Your head snaps up and you meet your wife’s hard gaze with a puzzled look.

“What?”

Wanda’s smile widens as she leans forward and takes a moment to look you over. You’re tense and flushed and Wanda has a feeling you’ll be very compliant given that you feel guilty for not standing up to your ex-friends with benefits or whatever she was. She plans on taking advantage of this, just so long as you’re game. 

“Prove to me that you’re mine and I’ll forgive you.”

To be continued...

Masterlist

[thewintersoldierdisaster]

a/n: this one actively broke my heart while writing it and i hope i did the topic justice. title came from a song on @pyotrkochetkov ‘s barzy playlist and i just knew i had to write something angsty for it. a bunch more happy and smutty long fics and headcanons are coming! seriously, let me know what you thought of this one - much heavier and angstier than i usually write 😬 ignore any inconsistencies, i’m not an expert on this particular medical procedure or professional hockey team travel

word count: 7k

tw: miscarriage, subsequent emotions

summary: on a mini trip to vancouver to watch andrei play, you suffer the worst loss of your life. andrei is your rock throughout the ordeal

Vancouver is a fun city - maybe not as fun as Raleigh or New York, but fun nevertheless - and you’re excited that part of the Canes’ Western road trip fell close to Thanksgiving weekend so you could join in for a bit of it without having to miss too much time at work. Part of your goal this season, your first married to Andrei, is to see him play in every arena. You’ve managed a few of the east coast arenas so far, but this is your first time out west. Nykki joined you too, so it’s like a mini-girls’ trip rolled into a ‘supporting our men’ trip.

The team’s there before you and Nykki get to Vancouver, having already played in Seattle two days before. It’s actually been slightly more than a week since you’ve seen Andrei in person and you miss him a lot. You’ve been with him for four years now, so you’re used to the travel and not seeing him for chunks of time, but this week feels extra hard. Luckily, after this little West Coast swing, Andrei will be home for a good chunk of time - the quirks of the NHL schedule are always insane to you.

You and Nykki get dinner before the game, discussing her wedding plans. It’s scheduled for early August, but time is already flying. You’re a bridesmaid, but you’ve been pushing off picking a dress, knowing that it’s not going to fit you by the time the wedding happens. Your fingers curl carefully against your stomach, hidden by the table and the bulk of your sweater, your little secret.

Butterflies roll in your stomach, excitement mingling with nerves, knowing that you’re going to tell Andrei the news after the game tonight. It’s so early in your marriage, and you’re definitely freaking out a little bit, but the idea of a little baby that looks like Andrei is enough to help the excitement win out.

“Martin wants to do Bali for the honeymoon,” Nykki tells you while you find your way to your seats. You bought tickets for the lower bowl, wanting to be in the middle of the crowd and all the excitement. The Canucks fans are already a little rowdy, with warmups halfway over. There’s a few Canes jerseys smattered through the crowd, but it’s certainly an uneven match.

You sip at your overly large Coke, your stomach turning a little. Dinner isn’t sitting right with you, but it’s manageable for now. “Bali’s nice, I mean, so I’ve heard. But what’s the weather like in August?”

Nykki points at you, her other fingers wrapped around her beer can. “That’s what I said! I thought it would be unbearably hot and humid, but apparently it’s gorgeous - 86 and barely any rain,” she grins. “I promised he could be in charge of the honeymoon, so I think we’re going to Bali.”

“Well,” you smirk back, “there are worse places to spend two weeks with your gorgeous NHL player husband, Nyk.”

She laughs and takes a sip of her beer, eyes twinkling. “You have a point there. How about you and Andrei? What are the big summer vacation plans?”

You pause, thinking of an answer because you’re anticipating having a newborn this summer, so a vacation isn’t likely to happen. Andrei’s been floating the idea of a mini European tour - hitting Rome and Paris for a few days each before heading to Russia for a little bit to visit family. But you haven’t really committed to plans since it’s only November and you have plenty of time. “We haven’t really talked about it,” you answer Nykki truthfully. “Drei’s been focused on the season and I’ve been busy with work. He doesn’t like to plan anything before the end of the regular season anyway.”

“Superstition,” Nykki sing-songs, putting her beer in the cup holder as she stands for the anthems. You get to your feet, pulling off your baseball hat and holding it over your heart, humming along with both anthems. You shift your weight from foot to foot, stretching out your lower back a little.

The puck drops and the game starts - Andrei’s almost immediately put in the penalty box, complaining and shouting at the ref the entire time he skates over. His hands fly in the air as he gestures, but his passion isn’t moving the ref at all and he takes his seat in the box, slumping down. You laugh, shaking your head affectionately. He’s a sweetheart off-ice, but on the ice, Andrei is a borderline criminal. He’s leading the team in penalty minutes and you’ve definitely heard plenty about how he doesn’t deserve it.

The game clock ticks down, Andrei’s released from the box and immediately scores on a breakaway. You and Nykki jump from your seats, screaming and cheering with the Canes up one to nothing. The Vancouver fans around you glare and chirp, but you and Nykki just laugh, giving back as good as you get.

It’s pure fun to be supporting the visiting team and you and Nykki thoroughly enjoy yourselves, dancing to the music and gossiping during TV timeouts and slower moments. Nykki gets another beer and you refill your soda, your stomach still acting up. The popcorn Nykki gets is too salty and you end up joining the crowd when they start throwing their own snacks at the refs. It’s a penalty called on the Canucks, which is good news for you, but the crowds enthusiasm is infectious.

The fans of the Canadian teams are definitely a little more intense and vocal with their displeasure with the refs, you’ve noticed. A particularly obscene chant breaks out when Brady dances around one of the Canucks’ defensemen to set up a powerplay goal for Brent Burns.

You and Nykki throw your arms up and cheer, screaming yourselves silly. Your stomach cramps a little and it puts a damper on the celebration and also serves as a reminder that you really need to see a GI doctor to determine if you’re actually lactose intolerant or if you have a gluten allergy. You grimace and sit back down, clenching your stomach a little, which seems to help. The rest of the second period flies by and the boys are up two to one.

The people around you start to shuffle off to get more food or go to the bathroom, now that the second intermission has started. You finish the rest of your soda and shift in your seat. Nykki looks over at you curiously. “You okay? You seem like you’re kind of uncomfortable,” she says, twisting her hair back into a ponytail.

“I’m fine,” you hum. “My back is killing me though. I must’ve tweaked it on the flight over.”

“You want an Advil?” Nykki’s already shaking around her purse and you can hear things rattling around.

“Let me go refill my drink, pee, and then yeah, I’ll take an Advil,” you reply, holding the reusable cup to your chest and getting out of your seat. Nykki pulls her knees to the side and you scoot past her, stopping when she makes a little noise. “What?”

“Babe, I think you need a tampon too,” she whispers, gesturing to the back of your jeans.

Your eyebrows draw together. You’re not getting your period anymore. “Tamp-?” The word catches in your throat and your eyes go wide. Your mind spins as the pieces start clicking into place and, as if to serve as the final kick in the ass sign, your lower stomach twists unpleasantly with a sharp cramp. Tears fill your eyes and you reach down to grab Nykki’s hand. “Um, surprise, I’m pregnant, but maybe see should go to the hospital or an urgent care?”

Half a dozen emotions cross Nykki’s face before it settles on shock, but all you can focus on now is the persistent cramping in your stomach. The cramping that’s been bothering you all day and you ignored, thinking nothing of it. God, you’re a terrible mother already.

“Okay, okay,” Nykki jumps to her feet, squeezing your fingers and dragging you out of the row and up the stairs to the main concourse. Her other hand is gripping her phone tightly and she’s jabbing at it with her thumb. “I’m calling an Uber. The hospital is like a ten minute drive.”

You nod, feeling numb as Nykki drags you along, your feet stumbling to keep up as you dart around the people waiting in lines for the bathroom and for food. How could your whole night - your whole life - have just taken a complete one-eighty in the matter of minutes. The cold Vancouver air hits your face like a slap, shocking some feeling back into your body. You wish it hadn’t.

The cramping is worse, the feeling between your legs - blood - like free bleeding during your period, but worse, so much worse.

Your stomach lurches and you rip your hand from Nykki’s grasp, bending at the waist and vomiting into a bush next to the entrance to the arena. “Oh, it’s going to be okay. Let it out,” Nykki’s voice is soothing and she rubs a hand in between your shoulder blades while your stomach seizes and you vomit again, spitting into the dirt.

Tears streak down your cheeks and your throat burns now. “I want Andrei,” you whisper, heart clenching with grief.

“Let’s get you to the hospital,” Nykki guides you towards the rideshare pick-up area, where a four-door sedan is already waiting. “I’ll get a hold of him somehow, but let’s take care of you first, okay?”

You let her bundle you into the backseat of the car and swallow back your tears, pressing the heels of your palms into your eyes hard enough to see starbursts. Forcing yourself to take a deep breath, you try to calm down, you don’t know what’s happening for sure. Even though it feels very much like the end of something, you have to find a little piece of hope to keep yourself sane. The driver catches your eye in the rear view mirror as he pulls out of the arena parking lot, his mouth twisted down in a concerned frown even as his eyes are slightly judgmental. He’s driving you from a hockey game to a hospital - god knows what he’s thinking about you.

Nykki squeezes your knee and smiles gently at you, even as she’s typing on her phone with her other hand. “It’s still intermission, no one’s going to have their phone on them, but I’m trying to see if I can get through to one of the trainers or something. Just stay calm and we’ll figure it out,” she’s no-nonsense and you’re so grateful for her taking control of the situation.

Your lower back complains as the driver hits a pothole and another leak of fluid rushes between your legs. The drive is too long and too short all at once and before you know it, you’re being admitted to the Vancouver General Hospital emergency room and deposited on a bed, a curtain drawn around you. A nurse with warm, sympathetic eyes and a kind smile does your intake, her lips twisting to to side as you’re answering her questions.

“I just found out a few days ago,” you whisper, starting your fingers together. “I haven’t even told my husband.”

“Mrs. Svechnikov,” the nurse pats your arm comfortingly, “we really don’t know anything for sure until we get an ultrasound. Try not to put added stress on your body.”

You don’t even bother correcting her about your last name, the Russian name sounding strange in her Canadian accent. Nykki comes behind the curtain, clutching her phone. “There’s about ten minutes left in the third,” she says. “I can’t get ahold of anyone, but I’ll keep trying.”

“We’re going to get an OB down here and check everything out, okay?” The nurse says kindly, but brusquely, and then disappears back into the main emergency room. You roll your neck so your cheek is resting on your shoulder and a few tears leak out of your eyes.

“You didn’t leave any messages or anything for Andrei, right?” You ask. “I don’t want him to see and freak out.”

Nykki brushes your hair off your forehead and shakes her head. “No, I left a few messages for Martin to call me as soon as he could. I figure I’ll get to Andrei that way. Do you need anything?”

“Just Andrei,” you hiccup a sob, pressing a shaking hand to your mouth. Your other hand hovers over your stomach, afraid to touch it. The bleeding hasn’t stopped, so despite what the nurse said, you know it’s a miscarriage. Your stomach rolls and you press your lips together tightly so you don’t vomit.

“I’ll get him here as fast as I can,” Nykki reassures you. While you wait for the OB, she absently braids your hair back from your face, tying it off in an efficient, utilitarian French braid down your back. She talks as she works, trying to distract you, and you’re grateful for her efforts even if they don’t work. All you can think about is the little life that had been growing in you just a few hours ago. Your heart lurches painfully when you realize Andrei’s going to find out about the pregnancy and the loss all at once.

The OB is a middle-aged Black woman with a slight Canadian accent who introduces herself as Doctor Hayes and she doesn’t sugarcoat the news, which you appreciate. “I’m very sorry, Mrs. Svechnikov,” she sighs, looking very much like she hates this part of her job. “But you are actively miscarrying right now. We’re going to admit you overnight for monitoring and will reevaluate in the morning.”

Your entire body goes cold at her words and you grip Nykki’s hand - you hadn’t let her leave your side, terrified to be alone. A cramp rips through your lower body and you bite your lip hard enough to draw blood. “What-“ your voice is hoarse and you clear your throat, trying again, “what, um, are the next steps?”

Doctor Hayes rests her hands on the guard railing on your bed. “Well, we’ll have you on a hydration IV throughout the night while we monitor the miscarriage. There may be a need for a D and C, to make sure it’s complete and there’s no tissue left behind.” Your face blanches as she talks. “But all of that will depend on what happens tonight.”

“Thank you,” you murmur and she pats your hand gently, sympathetically, as she leaves. You can hear her giving the nurse instructions and you slump back against the pillows, completely drained.

Nykki checks her Apple Watch and grimaces. “It’s Martin. I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Be gentle with Andrei, okay?” You reply, desperately wanting him at your side, but also wanting to protect him from this heartbreak a little longer.

She’s back in a few minutes, after the nurse has started you on an IV. “Martin’s going to bring him over,” she says, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t tell him why you were here, just that you started to not feel well during the second,” she says. “It sounded like Andrei was halfway out the door before Martin could finish his sentence.”

You nod faintly. That sounds like Andrei. “I hope they don’t get slammed by Rod for leaving…” You twist your wedding rings around your finger, the diamonds catching the fluorescent lighting.

“They won’t,” Nykki says firmly. “He’d have to be a real bastard to punish Andrei for coming to the hospital for you. Besides, someone should’ve been available to get Andrei here earlier! It’s ridiculous.”

“Let him have an extra hour of normalcy,” you sigh, shifting on the bed, sore and uncomfortable.

You’re moved into a private room and given a hospital gown that bares your entire back and ass. A giant pad that’s probably as big as a damn puppy pee pad is wedged in between your legs to contain the bleeding and the IV is tugging unpleasantly at your skin. Nykki’s waiting downstairs to bring Andrei directly to you and you hope he’s here soon because now that you’re alone, the reality of the situation is sinking in and your chest is starting to feel tight. You turn your head and try to bury your face in the pillow, but you catch a whiff of the lingering Tom Ford Lost Cherry perfume you’d applied earlier mixed with antiseptic and sterile hospital smell and your brain briefly registers that it’s a shame, because you really love this perfume and now you’ll never be able to wear it again. Your heart thumps painfully in your chest, a reminder that you’re losing more and more of your baby with each passing second.

You hear him before you see him, the pounding of his footsteps echoing through the hallways. He’s running down the hall, that much is clear, and when you look over at the door, you catch the blur of Andrei skipping completely past your room before he doubles back and skids to a stop in the doorway.

He looks terrible - hair still damp with sweat, the red mark across his forehead from his helmet is still prominent, and he looks like he got dressed in the dark - or an extreme hurry - in a pair of basketball shorts and his button down with the buttons done up all wrong. But it’s the look of complete panic in his eyes that scares you the most. Andrei never looks that panicked.

“Solnyshka,” he breathes, his shoulders dropping from around his ears. In three long strides he’s at your side, holding your hand, and you finally feel like you can breathe.

“Hi,” you whisper before bursting into tears.

“Hi,” he replies softly, brushing his thumb over your knuckles. His grip is almost painful, but you welcome it as you hiccup. “What’s going on, solnyshka?”

Insanely, the only words that come out of your mouth are, “your shirt is buttoned wrong.”

Andrei looks surprised, “what?” he asks absently as his gaze flickers down to his shirt. He shakes his head, “I rush. Solnyshka,” his voice is high and nervous, “what is going on? Neci didn’t know anything. Just that you’re here, in hospital.”

“I…Andrei, I’m so sorry,” the words rush out of your mouth on a flood of fresh tears. “I was pregnant and now I’m not. I lost the baby.”

You’re not even sure if Andrei can even understand you, you’re crying so hard. But one glance at his face and the completely shattered expression it wears, and you know he understood you. His fingers tighten around yours and he’s shaking his head, hair falling forward over his forehead.

“What? I don’t - a baby?” He rubs at his forehead with his other hand, eyebrows pinched together in confusion. “When did you - why didn’t -“

He can’t seem to get a full sentence out and it only makes you cry harder, your entire body hurting with the effort. You know what he’s asking though.

“Last week,” you manage. “The day after you left. I was going to tell you tonight, but…” You trail off, shrugging one shoulder.

Andrei’s head hangs, chin to chest, and he makes a little noise in the back of his throat. “I’m so sorry, milaya,” he says, voice hoarse. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

The worst of your tears are drying up and you shake your head. “It’s not…I had Nyk. I hate that you had to find out like this. Baby and then no baby, all at once,” your voice cracks and you trace the little embroidered A.S. on his cuff, barely able to look at him.

Your husband sighs and drops his head so he can rest his forehead against yours. He smells like sweat and fear and Old Spice and your throat clogs with emotion again. “I thought…” he breathes. “I hear hospital and I think the worst. I thought the worst.”

This is the worst, you think. The worst possible thing. But you know what he means, that he thought something even more awful had happened to you, that he was worried he lost you because he didn’t know there was something else to lose.

Andrei’s lips brush against your cheek, soft and delicate, the rasp of his stubble a stark contrast. You sit like that, foreheads touching, for who knows how long. Andrei doesn’t cry, but his chest hitches and you think he might, maybe, when it all sinks in. You’re all cried out and now there’s just bone-deep exhaustion.

“i’m tired,” you murmur, the words getting lost between you.

Andrei nods against your forehead and pulls back, looking like it takes him a huge effort to sit back up. He cups your cheek and his thumb strokes a careful arc over your cheekbone. You lean into the familiar gesture, comforted. “Sleep, okay? I’ll…I have to call Rod. Get my stuff. I’ll take care of everything,” his voice is steady, but his eyes are clouded.

You nod, your eyelids already closing. Andrei gets up and brushes his lips over your forehead, murmuring that he loves you. Once he’s outside the room, you can hear him talking quietly to Nykki and Martin, but your grief and exhaustion pull you under before you can really concentrate on what he’s saying.

Sleep doesn’t last and you’re awake again after a few hours. You blink awake blearily, confused for a second before everything comes rushing back. Andrei’s scrunched up in a chair in the corner, his chin propped up on the palm of his hand, eyes shut. He changed in the time since he left, now dressed in a pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt. His legs are kicked out in front of him, a pair of white sneakers on his feet. You don’t want to wake him, but when you shift, a sharp pain pierces your side and you gasp loudly before biting down hard on your tongue to muffle the noise. It doesn’t work and Andrei’s eyes fly open, his entire body jerking.

“Hey,” he’s at your side in a second, “what hurts? I call a nurse?” His accent is thick with sleep and worry.

You shake your head, the pain subsiding. “I’m fine.” And you are, the worst of the cramps are gone, leaving just a vague soreness and uncomfortable tightness in your chest and stomach. “You should’ve gone back to the hotel.”

“And leave you?” Andrei looks at you like you’re crazy. He shakes his head. “I got my bag and Nykki brought yours back. Do you want anything?”

“No,” you reach for his hand and lace your fingers together. “I just want to go home.”

He nods, looking exhausted. “Me too. I spoke to Rod, if you’re discharged later today then you come with us on the plane. If not, I stay and come home with you when you’re ready,” his lips quirk up at the corner when you start to protest. “Is decided, solnyshka. I’m not leaving your side.”

“But…” you trail off, all the arguments that you can think of fading when you realize that you don’t want to be separated from Andrei, not right now. “Okay,” you whisper.

“Good,” he chuckles under his breath. “I don’t want to argue with you.”

“No arguments from me,” you reply dryly, rolling your head so your cheek is on the pillow and you can look directly at him. “Why don’t you try and sleep some more? I’m not going anywhere.”

His jaw tightens a bit. “Can’t sleep,” he replies, even though you had just seen him asleep. “If the doctor comes, I want to be awake.”

You nod again, sore and tired, and Andrei just sits with you quietly for a while before you think to ask, “how was the game?”

He snorts. “We won, but who cares?” It’s such an unexpected answer - Andrei’s never not cared about winning a game - and it startles you into silence.

A nurse comes in a few minutes later, saving you from having to find an answer. She introduces herself as Kayla and speaks in a soft, but firm tone. You’re starting to recognize the undercurrent of apology and sympathy in the nurses and doctors’ tones and you’re beginning to hate it. Andrei doesn’t let go of your hand while she checks your vitals and puts another bag of saline on the IV pole. “The OB will be in soon to do another ultrasound and see if you need a D and C,” Kayla says gently. “But everything else looks good. You won’t be staying another night and I would guess that you’ll be out of here by early afternoon at the latest, either way.”

You nod robotically, not really absorbing what she’s saying. By this afternoon, everything will be over and you’ll for sure, 100% not be pregnant anymore. It’s a gut punch, even though you knew this was coming. Andrei asks the nurse a few more questions before she leaves, but you don’t really listen, focusing on a small stain on a ceiling tile. It looks like nothing at all, just a blob of brown, but the more you stare at it, the more your vision unfocuses, the more it starts to look like one of those stereotypical ultrasound blobs.

You don’t even realize that you’re crying again until Andrei wipes the tears from your cheeks. “Try and sleep again,” he murmurs, chewing at the inside of his cheek. “I think you’ll need strength.”

“Can you get me some water?” You ask, running your hands over the braid Nykki had done. It’s so messy and it feels like she fixed it a million years ago, but it was only four or five hours. It feels like another lifetime, sitting in the arena and joking around with her. From halfway through second intermission to a hospital room at 2 a.m. Certainly not how you were picturing the end of your trip to Vancouver.

You think you must fall asleep again because the next thing you know, there’s sun coming through the window and Andrei’s at your side again, his large hand resting on the top of your head, cradling the crown. Unfamiliar doctors and nurses are in the room and they all speak to you and Andrei, but the only words you hear are “incomplete miscarriage” and “quick procedure” before you’re being shuffled off to an operating room. It all happens too fast for you to even be scared and the last thing you remember before the anesthesia is Andrei by your ear, whispering in Russian to you, the spicy scent of his deodorant filling your senses.

Andrei’s there again, when you wake up, eyes looking red and face drawn. You’re barely conscious, but the sigh of relief he exhales permeates the fog. His hand is warm in yours and you manage a weak smile at him. “Hey there handsome,” you croak and he laughs weakly. “Miss me?”

“You…” Andrei coughs, “I love you very much.”

“Love you,” your words slur a bit. “I wanna go home.”

“Soon, solnyshka,” Andrei promises, stroking your hair. “Soon.” He’s still stroking your hair when you fall asleep again.

When you wake up again, the overwhelming sense of emptiness is what you notice first. Then Andrei comes into focus again, his weight of his head resting on your leg, his hand on your hip. You’re not sure if he’s awake or not, but you gently run your fingers through his hair and he looks over at you, shifting.

“Hi,” he murmurs, dark circles under his eyes.

“Hi,” you rasp back, fingers still working through his hair.

“How do you feel?”

“Sore, tired,” you hesitate, “empty.”

“Yeah,” Andrei’s reply is barely an exhale. “Doctor said we can go, once they give you the all-clear.”

You nod, chewing at your lower lip. “Andrei,” you choke his name, the words coming out like broken glass, “we don’t have a baby anymore.”

“I know,” Andrei replies simply, sitting up all the way and leaning forward to gather you into his arms. You go to him easily, moving carefully and ignoring the pull of your protesting muscles, and bury your face against his chest. He’s in the same black t-shirt and he smells stale now, like he needs a shower desperately, but under that he just smells like Andrei, like home, and you cry into his chest, the fabric growing wet under your face. He just holds you, his arms a strong cage around your back, his hands running up and down your back. Everything in your body hurts, but nothing more than your heart.

Throughout the next few hours, when you’re given a clean bill of health, instructions to take it easy and abstain from sex or using a tampon for three weeks, and discharged, Andrei is a rock. He’s right at your side, helping you get dressed in the soft joggers you were using as pajama pants and an oversized hoodie. He laces up your sneakers for you and carries all the bags out to the waiting Uber. You were discharged in time to make the team flight home, but after hearing Andrei on the phone before the doctor came in for your exam, you kind of suspect that he may have pressed Rod to change the travel plans. You can’t even start to think about what he’s done for you, exhaustion seeping to your bones.

No one says anything to you when Andrei ushers you onto the plane, but Neci gives you a small smile and squeezes your hand when you walk past him. You return the smile, feeling awful that Nykki has to fly home on her own. She’s been texting, checking in on you, and you haven’t answered yet, too distracted to deal with even holding your phone. Andrei bundles you into a seat near the back of the plane and wraps his jacket around you.

“Thanks,” you say quietly, resting your head against his shoulder.

“Anything for you, solnyshka,” he presses a kiss to the top of your head. “Try and sleep, long flight. I have the pain pills, if you need, okay?”

You nod against his shoulder and wrap his jacket tighter around your body, tucking your hands up into the sleeves. Andrei rests his palm on your knee and before the plane even takes off, you’re asleep.

It’s a long flight back to Raleigh and you don’t sleep the entire way, but after a solid three hour nap, you wake up feeling better. Andrei’s asleep when you wake up, his head dropped back against the headrest, his mouth open slightly. He finally looks relaxed and peaceful and you’re grateful, so grateful, for him.

Your whole body still hurts, but your legs are starting the cramp up, so you carefully shimmy out of your seat to stretch in the aisle. Brady and Jarvy wave at you from a few rows up and you wave back, wondering what they know, if they know anything. No one really tries to talk to you, so you assume Andrei told them that you had some kind of medical emergency. Legs feeling better, you settle back into your seat, finally pulling out your phone and connecting to the in-flight wifi so you can text Nykki.

She reassures you that none of the other guys know what happened and that if you need anything when you’re back in Raleigh to let her know. You’re blessed to have such a good friend in her and you thank her, thinking that maybe in a few days you’ll see if she’ll bring Gigi over for some puppy cuddles.

Andrei wakes up about and hour before you land and he gulps back half of a water bottle before he even says anything. Then he tips his head close to yours and whispers, “how are you feeling? Any pain?”

“No,” you whisper back, “I’m okay. Just sore. It’s like being drained after a really bad period. I feel better after my nap.”

“Good,” he pushes the half-empty water bottle into your hands. “Drink.”

“Yes, sir,” you tease, the moment of lightness making you feel a little better. You sip at it slowly, starting to get a little nauseous. Andrei wraps his arm around your shoulder and you lean against him, drawing comfort from his solid warmth.

When you land, Andrei guides you off the plane, his palm reassuring against your lower back. It’s easy to let him take the lead and to not think about anything. He’s got both of your bags and you don’t even put up a fuss when he refuses to let you carry even your purse. You’re just too tired.

Andrei’s car is parked fairly close and you don’t have to walk very far. You lower yourself into the front seat of the Lamborghini, muttering, “I hate this car.” Your stomach gives a protest of pain from having to climb into the car.

“I know,” Andrei laughs a little, loosening up. His string of ugly sports cars is a long running topic of conversation. The last one was orange, the one before that a strange green. This one is electric purple and it’s hideous. His terrible taste in car colors is his only red flag. “Next one will be red.”

“Why couldn’t this one have been red?” You ask, breathing deeply to stave off the nausea. You sink back against the seat and Andrei pulls out of the parking spot. He’s driving must slower than usual and is taking extreme care with navigating the roads.

“This one was only 75 made,” he explains again. “It’s a collectors item.”

“It’s still ugly,” you tease, a smile playing at your lips.

He reaches over and takes your hand, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss your knuckles. “I love you so much, moya solnyshka, and I’m so…proud of your strength.”

Andrei doesn’t look at you when he says it, but his voice gets thick and he swallows roughly. He continues, “it hurts to know there would’ve been a baby in the summer.” So he did the math, you think. “But, this is maybe the wrong thing to say, but I’m glad I didn’t know before.”

It’s not really the right thing to say to you in the moment, but you can’t blame him. You sniff and nod. “I know. I almost wish I hadn’t known either. It was only a week, but I was so attached to…to the idea of our baby.”

“When you’re ready,” Andrei says slowly, turning to look at you while you’re stopped at a red light, “you tell me and I’ll give you a baby. When you’re ready.”

You nod, unable to even think about trying for a baby right now, but Andrei’s words and his earnest expression make your heart melt. You love him so, so much. “When I’m ready,” you repeat, squeezing his fingers.

When you get home, Andrei runs you a shower and joins you after a minute, soaping up your hair and scrubbing down your body gently. You don’t speak while he works and his touch is nothing but chaste. He’s careful around your stomach and between your legs, impossibly gentle with those huge hands of his. You stand under the spray while he gives his own body and hair a quick wash, the heat of the shower starting to make you a little lightheaded. Right before it gets to the point where you think you’re going to have to say something, Andrei flips the water off and reaches out of the stall for a huge, fluffy towel, wrapping you up in it and rubbing his hands up and down your arms to keep you warm. He grabs another towel and wraps it around his waist, gripping your elbow and guiding you back to the bedroom.

You rummage in his drawers for oversized clothes, not wanting anything constrictive on your body. Once you’re comfortable in an old pair of Andrei’s grey sweats and a threadbare Duke t-shirt, you crawl under the covers and curl up on your side. “Join me?” You ask, looking up at Andrei. He nods, silently climbing into bed behind you and gently scooting you closer to him. The warmth of his body is comforting against your back and he wraps his arms loosely under your breasts, avoiding your stomach. Andrei buried his face in your hair and you let a few silent tears leak out of your eyes.

What did you do to deserve this wonderful man?

With Andrei’s arms around you and your heart heavy in your chest, you fall asleep again, but it’s unsatisfying. After a few hours, you need food even though you’re still nauseous. Andrei makes himself a sandwich and warms up a can of chicken soup for you and you eat in bed, a rerun of The Nanny on TV. Andrei doesn’t really get the show - the humor is too specific - but he does like to point out all the outfits that Fran wear and he thinks you can pull off. It’s a nice distraction.

You take the next few days off of work, just to recover, but Andrei isn’t as lucky. You’re mostly fine physically except some lingering soreness, most of your problems are mental. After talking about it on the way home, neither you not Andrei has really brought up the miscarriage.

Two days after the miscarriage, the team is playing at home and Andrei’s right there in the middle of it all. You don’t watch the game, still too raw to watch hockey after what happened in Vancouver, so it’s a little shocking when he comes home with a blackened right eye and a cut across his nose and part of his cheek. “What happened?” You yelp upon seeing him, getting carefully to your feet and reaching up to lightly touch the side of his face.

Andrei grunts. “Distracted, got hit,” he winces when he moves his face.

You feel awful, knowing he was distracted because he was worrying about you. “Luckily it didn’t need stitches,” you say softly. “Can’t have anything ruining that pretty face,” you tease him lightly.

He gives you a tight smile and his gaze flickers down to your stomach, covered in an oversized sweatshirt. You catch his look and brush your thumb over the edge of his jaw. “I’m okay. You don’t have to worry about me so much,” you say. “I’m tough. I’m strong.”

“I know,” Andrei sighs, dropping a kiss to your forehead. He hesitates, wanting to say more, and you wait. “At the game,” he says slowly, “Burnsie, Staalsy, they had their kids there. I couldn’t help…I was picturing…”

Oh.

Your heart cracks right over the scabs that had been forming the past two days and fresh pain floods your veins. “Drei…” you’re not even sure what to say to him. You knew he was sad, but you hadn’t really thought about how deep his feelings went.

He smiles sadly at you. “Today, it hit me,” he says, twisting his lips. “We lost a baby.”

“Yeah,” you reply, throat tight. “We did.”

Andrei pulls you close, twisting his hand in the end of your ponytail. “I wasn’t expecting it to hurt like this, when I didn’t even know for very long,” he murmurs and you can feel a few tears drip onto the top of your head. You wrap your arms around his waist tighter.

“I don’t think that matters,” you mumble. “It hurts no matter how long you knew about it.”

You can feel Andrei’s head turn, his cheek pressing against the top of your head. You just stand there in his arms, holding tightly to the only other person that’s feeling the same pain as you. The longer Andrei holds you, the more you feel your fragile heart mending itself, the steady beat of his heart a constant under your cheek.

After that, things slowly start getting back to normal. You’re physically healed and cleared to resume normal activities. Andrei’s not so distracted during games. You can go hours, days without thinking about the baby that’s gone.

Andrei mentions it, off-hand, about a month after you get home from Vancouver, after he’s back from another quick road trip. “We could’ve been telling our families about the baby at Christmas,” he’s clearly been thinking about it.

You nod, a little startled by his comment. “Probably, yeah. Or we would’ve told them already, too excited to keep a secret,” you smile a little to yourself, thinking about how Andrei almost spoiled his proposal twice before he actually popped the question because he was so excited.

He grins at you, dimple popping, and pushes a slim box across the table at you. “Early Christmas present,” he says, answering your unasked question.

Looking at him suspiciously, you pop the lid on the jewelry box, finding a thin gold chain bracelet with two delicate charms on it - the common blue and white Greek mati to ward off the evil eye and a little horizontal cross attached at each end to the chain. You trace your fingers over the chain and look up at Andrei.

“A little luck?” He says, lifting one shoulder. “I saw it in a store window, in Long Island, before we played. Made me think of you.”

“Thank you,” you murmur, getting out of your seat to kiss him softly. You trace your tongue over his lower lip and desire stirs in your stomach, something foreign after the last few weeks, but oh so familiar. You’re not quite ready to have sex yet, but it’s a good reminder that you will one day soon. “It’s perfect.” You hold out your wrist and Andrei clasps the bracelet on.

“Whenever you’re ready,” he says, reminding you of the promise he made in the car.

“Whenever I’m ready,” you repeat, crawling onto his lap and letting him hold you. The thought of getting pregnant again doesn’t make your chest feel quite as tight anymore, doesn’t get the panic alarms ringing in your head. Andrei’s been so patient and gentle, making everything just a little bit easier to bear.

Every day just reminds you that as long as Andrei’s by your side, you can handle anything life throws at you.

He kisses the side of your head and holds you close, chasing the shadows of grief away.

[sadie-bug345]

the gang on a road trip :3

i love this request sm!! LETS GO👇

ponyboy:

i feel like he’d try to read but when they’re all in the stupid MINI VAN TOGETHER HE CANNOT GET PEACE

also like reading on a drive can kinda make you carsick

and pony seems the type to get carsick i’m sorry😭💀

BUT i myself get carsick so it’s not bullying🫶

anyways he’s probably chill until someone mentions playing some roadtrip game like I Spy or smth LMAO

he seems the type to get actually triggered and annoyed during that game cause people *cough* dally *cough* choose stupid stuff (more on this later🙏)

johnny:

probably sleep or smth low maintenance

i just feel like johnny doesn’t need constant attention to feel appreciated yk

anyways he’d also just seem the type to carry on a goofy convo throughout the drive

like just RANDOM and it lasts for like hours LMAOO

people probably voluntold him to sit in the middle seat 😔😭

sodapop:

he the type of kid to yell the most random stuff out of context in the back of the bus😭😭😭

so that kinda translates to this

his brain goes like a billion miles per hour so if you aren’t steve or two bit chances are you don’t even know what they’re doing at this point

finds ANY source of entertainment

usually bothers darry with steve LMAOO

darry:

darry drives cause no one else is trusted😔

maybe lets steve drive cause who else is gonna take over at night🧐

DALLY? AW HELL NAH

anyways he drives and definitely gives the annoyed dad

like

”if someone kicks my seat ONE MORE TIME IM TURNING THIS CAR RIGHT BACK AROUND”

and then everyone’s good til dal loses a game of travel uno and punches his seat out of anger

and everyone goes quiet like 😟

and darry’s tweaking but ITS OK THEY STILL MAKE IT

dally:

rides shotgun

just a menace honestly

i feel like he dislikes being cooped up and bc of that he just is even more of a jerk

like pony thought itd be fun to play i spy and dally’s like “what a stupid game 🙄”

and then says “i see something….blue”

and everyone’s like “uhh the sky”

and just guessing EVERYTHING and dals like

“nope😼”

eventually he says “it’s the blood in everyone’s veins rn😀because blood is actually blue before it hits the air and oxidizes and then it turns red🤷‍♂️🥰”

and everyone’s like 😐

and he is just like “well last week pony had a bio test and he wouldn’t SHUT UP ABOUT THAT FACT SO”

two-bit:

honestly just doesn’t stop. talking.

which is ok cause my guy is funny ASF

BUT for people on their last thread like darry he’s just like 😤

anyways two is just making fun of EVERYTHING

like isn’t it funny that pony’s seatbelt still has the child lock on it

and that dally is getting found out for actually caring about what people talk about (ie the random fact he remembers pony talking abt)

honestly a blast

he suggests a lot of games and lowk destroys

steve:

just goofs off w soda CONSTANTLY

which is really funny

i feel like we underestimate how funny they are together

probably talks abt cars the majority of the way there to no one in particular LMAO

it’s ok cause when the curtis car inevitably breaks down halfway there he goes into

MECHANIC MODE

and saves the day🫶🥰💞

TYSM FOR REQUESTING!! my requests are opennn🫶🫶

[photogirl894]

You probably know where the inspiration for this one comes from, but can I pretty please request a Hunter x Reader with the line “I’d rather share one short life with you than spend my whole life alone, " possibly in a fantasy AU where Hunter is a knight and reader is a princess??

Congratulations on 1300 followers, lovey!

Girl, you know the quickest way to my heart! Give me Hunter AND Aragorn?? YES!! 🥰 Glad you caught where that line prompt came from lol I just re-worded it a little differently.

I can definitely do a fantasy AU for you, my sweet Liz 💜🥰

"Heart of a Man"

7. “I’d rather share one short life with you than spend my whole life alone.”

Pairing: Hunter x Princess reader (Fantasy AU)

***

As a Princess, you were not afforded the luxury of love. Your older brother was next in line for the throne, so you didn't have to worry about the pressure of being Queen one day and finding a suitable spouse to rule with. However, you were expected by your parents, the King and Queen, to enter a political marriage with the Prince of another kingdom to secure an alliance between your kingdom and his. You didn't want to be forced into something like that, but you were a Princess; therefore, it was your duty.

You especially didn't want to go through with the marriage because your heart already belonged to someone else...someone you unfortunately could not be with.

His name was Hunter and he was the Captain of the Kingsguard. He was the one your father always entrusted with your safety when you traveled to other kingdoms or needed security or an escort somewhere. When you spent so much time with the Captain, it was almost inevitable that you would fall for him. Especially when he was handsome beyond compare with his long, dark hair and a skull tattoo on half of his face; a mark of the tribe of people he hailed from. Even the most handsome Prince in all the world that every maiden fawned over would not rival the Captain. Not by a long road. He was also noble, loyal, brave and incredibly kind. Even though he was loyal to the King and tried to abide by his sworn duty to protect you, he couldn't deny his true feelings either and had fallen for you, too.

After one particular trip, when you had almost been assassinated and the Captain had saved your life by putting himself between you and the attacker, you had let your feelings slip by kissing him when you were alone in the medical room. The both of you had suspected there was something more between you, but had chosen to not act on your feelings so as to not put yourselves in compromising positions. That day, though, when you thought you'd almost lost him, you decided duties be damned. Even if it was just the once.

It was that day that changed everything. Your tender kiss was what caused a shift in the Captain's heart...a shift so great that one night, at a grand ball; the one where you were supposed to announce your engagement to the Prince, even, he came to you with an offer that greatly surprised you.

The feast was over and everyone in attendance was mingling or dancing. Your parents were talking with the Prince's parents and the Prince was trying to talk to you, too, but you weren't really in a mood. You hated that you were even at this ball to begin with. Luckily, Hunter came to your rescue, telling you he had some urgent business to discuss with you, which gave you the excuse to take your leave of the Prince.

He led you to the secluded gardens out on the grounds of the castle and once he was sure the two of you were out of sight from any patrols or royals, he took you in his arms and kissed you with such overwhelming passion that you immediately couldn't help but reciprocate.

"Was this your urgent business, Captain?" you asked between kisses.

"Yes and no," he answered, "but I will get to it in a moment."

You pulled away and hugged him around his waist, burying your face in his chest. "I don't want to go through with this," you told him, your voice quivering as you felt his hand smooth your hair. "I don't want to be with the Prince. I want to be with you. If I marry the Prince, I'll be taken away to his kingdom and I'll never see you again. I don't know if my heart could bear it."

Tears fell from your eyes and onto his armor. For a short moment, he said nothing, but when he did, he said something that you didn't anticipate:

"Then run away with me."

Stunned, you lifted your head to look at him, his brown eyes almost glowing in the moonlight as he looked down lovingly at you.

"I can't deny myself of this any longer," he told you. "My heart as a man has overcome my duty as a knight...and I have fallen deeply in love with you, my Princess."

You lightly gasped in both surprise and delight. He swore he would not shirk his duty as the Captain and that he would not compromise you that way for your safety...but now, it appeared that he was forgoing that vow.

"I can't bear the thought of you marrying the Prince either," he continued. He reached down and took your hands in his. "Run away with me and marry me, Princess. We can go anywhere, just us, and be together as we desire." He brought your hands to his lips and kissed your knuckles, showing his heartfelt devotion to you. “I’d rather share one short life with you than spend my whole life alone. Come with me...tonight...please, (Y/N)."

Never in all the time you'd known him had he ever addressed you by just your name. It was always formalities such as "Princess", "your Highness" or "my lady". That proved to you how incredibly serious he was about this proposal...and you thought your heart would burst with all-consuming joy.

"Yes!" you quietly exclaimed. "Yes, I will go with you and I will marry you! Yes!"

You threw all caution to the wind and jumped up on him, throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him happily. He stumbled back slightly from the impact, but he held you in place against him as he kissed you in return.

When he set you back to the ground, he kept going, "I only have a bit of money to my name and I don't have a ring for you yet, but I can offer you my heart and my undying devotion. My duty to you remains the same: I will do everything in my power to protect you and to make you happy. I will love you for the rest of my days and beyond."

"I don't need anything else," you reassured him, your hand coming up to his cheek. "I only need my beloved Captain and the love he gives. That alone makes me richer as a woman than being a Princess ever did."

With a sigh of both relief and love, Hunter turned and pressed his lips to your palm.

"I love you so much," you told him.

"And I love you," he replied. "More than I can ever put into words."

"When do we leave...Hunter?" you asked with a smile, his name sweet as honey on your tongue.

"We can leave this very moment, if you wish," he answered.

"Then what are we waiting for, my love? Our future awaits."

Photogirl894's Fluff/Romance prompts

Photogirl894's 1,300 Followers celebration fics

[cosmerelists]

Cosmere Characters: Would They Be Fun To Take A Road Trip With?

[Main spoiler is for Way of Kings! Oddly enough. Some spoilers for Stormlight as a whole.]

You're planning a road trip, and you want to bring a Cosmere character with you! You know, as one does. But would the following Cosmere characters actually be a good road trip buddy?

1. Dalinar: Yes

Dalinar's whole dang philosophy is that it's the journey that matters. He'd be stopping at interesting roadside attractions, enjoying good food, watching sunsets, and generally enjoying the trip. What a great person to have on your road trip with you!

2. Adolin: Yes

We saw road-trip-Adolin in Shadesmar--he's great! Organized, interested in making sure everyone is doing well, good conversationalist. You'll have a great time.

3. Kaladin: Depends

To be fair it was a stressful situation, but when Kaladin and Shallan "road tripped" through the chasms, he basically just marched off with his long Alethi legs and left her to scramble along behind him. I feel like that's equivalent to, like, being really particular about the radio or something. Plus, he totally thinks he knows the way and ain't asking for directions. On the other hand, if Kaladin has warmed up to you, then I think he'd be an okay travel buddy. He'll definitely pull you out of the flaming wreckage when the trip inevitably turns into some sort of dramatic life-or-death situation, at least!

4. Vasher: No

You're like, "Oh look! That town has the country's largest cow statue! Wanna stop and take a look?" and he's like, "No." It's the first time he's spoken in 45 minutes.

5. Tress: Yes

By the of her book, Tress is all about adventure and she's a literal delight to everyone on the ship. Plus, if your tire got flat or something, Tress would absolutely learn how to change a tire on the fly and get you back on the road.

6. Teft: No

Teft will fight to his dying breath to protect you, but I do not think he'd be fun to sit in the car with for eight hours a day. He'd be a grumbler, I think.

7. Kabsal: Yes

He'd bring amazing car snacks, potentially homemade ones. He seemed like a good conversationalist too. Now it's true, he might try to assassinate you or inconveniently fall in love with you--or both!--but, like, the rest of the road trip will be lots of fun.

8. Navani: Depends on the type of road trip

Navani would, I think, make for a very organized road trip buddy. If you're trying to get somewhere on a time table, Navani would be great. You WILL be up at 8:00am and you WILL get to your destination on time and in one piece. But if you're hoping to, like, chill out and enjoy the scenery casually, then maybe not so much.

9. Elend: No

Elend is great 'n' all, but has a plan of his ever worked out in his life? There's gonna be a huge traffic jam caused by, like, political sabotage or something. And all of his books on tape are about philosophy, too.

10. Mare: Yes

She's definitely a "cow! cow!" type person, I think.

11. Eshonai: Hell yeah

Eshonai loves to travel and is delighted to meet new people. She's going to get chatting with some fruit vendor and the next thing you know, you've both been invited to dinner and are about to have the absolute best homecooked meal of your life.

12. Raoden: Yes

I feel like Raoden is very likable and cares a lot about how the people around him are doing. He'd make sure you had a good time and would be very thoughtful.

13. Lirin: Depends on whether Hesina is coming too

I feel like on his own, Lirin would be a very...stressed road trip buddy. Concerned about the speed limit, about not being too unhealthy, about doing the road trip right. But if Hesina were there, I think he'd be able to chill out a lot more. Because Hesina would want the trip to be fun, and I think Lirin would let it be fun with her around.

14. Lezian: Hell no

The FIRST person who cuts him off in traffic is gonna spark so much road rage in Lezian. Now you're weaving erratically through traffic in pursuit of that truck he's mad at, and you're only like 30 minutes into the trip.

15. Raboniel: Well...

At first she was like, "I am the driver here. You will address me only as the Lady of Roads and will know your place" and you were like, "Wow. This is going to be the worst trip of my life." But by the end, the two of you are singing together and crying for some reason, and now you think she might be your soulmate.

So...50/50?

[yes-i-am-happyaspie]

⬇ What I've Been Reading Recently! [In No Particular Order]⬇

Rivers and Roads (Rivers Till I Reach You) Series by peterparkersbff @pbpsbff

[Series Description and Notes] Zombie Apocalypse, No Powers AU centered on Peter, Tony, and Rhodey (But if we're being honest, it's pretty Peter-centric)

Updates will likely be posted out of order, but will be reordered so they are in preferred reading order. I'd recommend reading in series order.

Peter Benjamin Stark Series by MoonBoo

[Part 1, Stars Align Summary] Pepper is concerned about Stark Industry's image and organizes a tour for a group of orphans. It's during this tour that Tony meets a five-year-old Peter Parker, who is mute due to the trauma of witnessing Ben and May dying in a robbery, and realizes they're soulmates.

Time Brings All Things to Pass by MsWinifredQuale

Tony feels like he's in a good place right now. He's got a great fiancee, a makeshift but settled little family, and he's even in a fairly ok place with the former Rogues.

So naturally the universe decides to throw him some curve balls, when he gets a call one morning from the police claiming they've just picked up Howard and Maria Stark from the side of the road.

And that's not the only time-related event about to unfold.

Tony really hates time travel.

[Also includes de-aged Peter Parker]

Please obey the signs by Bergen

“This young man claims to have been invited by you personally.” Tony has learned to read Happy’s expressions. That one is disapproval, and it’s highly familiar. “Peter is helping me out in the workshop today.” “Why?” “Uh.” Tony has enough presence of mind not to carelessly throw Peter’s alternative identity around. “He won a competition.” Happy’s expression flickers, grows tense. “I did not approve any competition that included a trip to Avengers Tower.” “Okay. Well. If we had theoretically organized a competition, he would definitely have won it.” - Tony’s life lately has been a perfect storm of incompetence. But perhaps he can get some solid spiritual advice from a mischievous teenager with a secret identity he meets by the side of the road one evening, like a lucky little leprechaun. If only Happy would stop being so paranoid about Tony inviting a random kid into Avengers Tower, sheesh.

The Chill Factor by Tashie

5 Times Peter's thermoregulation caused issues +1 Time Others tried to do something about it.

Broken Thoughts (I Remember Everything) by blackwatchandromeda (avenris)

"Peter, who am I?"

He hesitates. "I'm sorry. I... I don't know."

Peter Parker has been missing for thirty-six days. When Tony Stark finally finds him, he's wandering around New York with no memories, unaware of where and who he is. The missing month is a mystery, and nobody knows what happened to him - least of all the kid himself.

Peter, meanwhile, is trying to piece together who he was. What doesn't help is the big secret he's sure Tony is keeping from him, or the way the man is avoiding him.

Nobody notices how the missing month is catching up to them until everything goes wrong.

(Not Infinity War compliant, but takes place after Civil War.)

When spiders tour their houses, chaos ensues by pirateninja9

"I am very pleased to announce that we’ve been invited for an overnight tour at Stark Industries.”

Join Peter and his Academic decathlon team on a chaotic field trip to the Stark Industries. Featuring a bullying teacher and student, a confused tour guide and many Avengers shenanigans. With luck like his, Peter should have known this would be as far from a normal tour as possible.

Mugs Are A Problem (I Do What I Want) by JAWorley

It’s not usually a problem. Tony doesn’t usually have to work so hard to hide it because Pepper, Happy, and Rhodey know. He can be himself around them. Right after the compound had been built, Tony had been worried about moving in with the Avengers full time… worried they’d notice his tics and figure out his secret. Then Germany had happened and the team had split up before they could fully move into the compound. Tony had had two years where he hadn’t needed to worry about it. Now that the Rogues are back and are living in the tower full time, it’s on his mind again and stressing him out. The problem? Coffee mugs. Well… coffee mugs, and other things and the fact that when he’s stressed out, the tics get worse. But mainly coffee mugs. Coffee mugs are the bane of his existence. OR Tony has Tourette Syndrome and he doesn’t want the Avengers (or Peter) to find out about it. The newly returned Avengers think Tony is just being a jerk when he knocks things off of tables and counters, because they think he’s doing it on purpose. Despite the angsty summary, this is all about the team coming back together and Tony learning that the people in his life can’t accept him as he is until given the chance to know him as he is.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Leona Kingscholar Beastly Garb Personal Story: Part 2

"Whatever I feel like doing."

(Part 1) Part 2 (Part 3)

[Sunset Savanna]

Vil: The charter bus got a flat tire as soon as we entered the savannah, so I was preparing myself for a bumpy ride, but…

Vil: This is actually rather pleasant. Perhaps the roads aren't as bad as they look?

Kalim: Yeah. Leona said, "The roads are terrible, so hold on," earlier, but…

Kalim: It's not bumpy at all. I'm not even getting carsick.

Lilia: The last time I rode a passenger bus in Sunset Savanna it was insane.

Lilia: My body was bouncing up and down non-stop. I was bumping into the seats in front and behind me, as well as the other passengers.

Lilia: I bet the reason why this trip is so smooth is due to the driver's skill.

Lilia: Right, Leona?

Leona: Who knows. You probably just got a bad luck of the draw with that driver back then.

1. When did you get your driver's license?

Leona: Before I came to Night Raven College. Leona: Don't know how it is elsewhere, but in this country, it's not that unusual to start driving cars around that age.

2. How long have you been driving?

Leona: Guess it's been about 4 years. Leona: …What's with that anxious look? Sure, that's not that long, but I'm not a completely incompetent imbecile.

Kalim: Wow, that's amazing. You gotta study real hard to get a license, right?

Kalim: That's kinda cool… I never even though about driving myself or anything.

Kalim: I always had my own driver, so I always thought that driving was for adults!

Vil: For me, whenever I'm traveling for work, my manager would drive me around.

Vil: Right now I'm busy, so it would be difficult, but… One day when I have a bit more spare time, I plan on getting my license.

Vil: It would be lovely to find a stylish car that suits me perfectly so I can drive so gallantly.

Lilia: Mhm. It's just a different feeling to be traveling this way via car, instead of flying.

Vil: That's true. Do you not have any desire to get a driver's license, Lilia?

Lilia: Welllll… So, I feel like I had already gotten one a while back, but maybe I didn't…

Lilia: And even if I had gotten a license, I wouldn't even be sure when or where I would have gotten it.

Kalim: Ahaha! Is it that hard to remember? Man, Lilia, you're so forgetful sometimes～

Lilia: Well, I'm sure it'd be way past expiration anyway!

Kalim: Hey. Leona, where do you like to take your car?

Kalim: Sunset Savanna's such an awesome place. If you got a favorite spot to hang out, I wanna know.

Lilia: Oho, I'd be interested too. Are there any hideaways that only someone who lives here would know?

Leona: Aren't we heading to the best little hideaway right now?

Leona: We're on our way to the special section of the Elephant Legacy that only the royal family can enter.

Lilia: Hm… Well, okay. You definitely didn't answer either Kalim's or my questions, though.

Lilia: It's not like you go to the Elephant Legacy often, right?

Leona: Unfortunately for you, I don't really have an answer that'll satisfy anyone.

Leona: I don't get in a car to go anywhere in particular, I just drive to drive.

Vil: Hmm, so you just like the drive itself.

Leona: Eh, it helps clear my mood sometimes.

Leona: There's not much land that the people inhabit on this country.

Leona: Once you leave the capital, it's mostly grassland as far as the eye can see.

Leona: There's no annoying traffic signals or signs, let alone any decent roads.

Leona: So I don't need to pick a destination, just head in a direction and drive forever, whatever I feel like doing.

Leona: On that one point, this place is actually a pretty good fit. I also don't need to be thinking of any unnecessary things while driving, so.

Leona: …But today, I got all this extra baggage with me, so that's a mood killer.

Kalim: Baggage? Oh, did you bring some stuff along with us?

Lilia: Oooh, Kalim. I see a herd of animals over there.

Kalim: You're right! They got their kids too. Sooo cute. Hey, did I just see the bush over there move…?

Lilia: Looks like a carnivore is preying on those herbivores. If we keep watching, we might be able to see it hunt.

[Kalim and Lilia start chattering away]

Vil: It seems Kalim and Lilia's attention have been drawn away by the savannah animals.

Leona: Good for them.

Leona: …Anyway, [Yuu], that furball's been real quiet.

Leona: He's always so annoying, what's gotten into him?

1. Looks like he fell asleep without me realizing… 2. He's sleeping belly-up.

Leona: Is that so. Let him keep sleeping, then. It's be a pain if it got even rowdier here.

Leona: Geez… I like driving alone.

Leona: Who woulda thought there'd come a time I'd be driving this many people in my car.

(Part 1) Part 2 (Part 3)

[variousficss]

SET OF 2 - Q&A

What's in your fridge?

Bucky: Probably some expired milk and some takeout containers that I swear weren't there last time. Also, some tea YN gave me last week. YN: Oh, you know, a colorful assortment of fruits and veggies. Bucky: Fruit? You've got to be kidding me. Do you even know what that word means, doll? Sam: Says the man that survives with coffee and a protein bar. My fridge's got personality: hot sauce, leftovers from Sara's family barbecue, and LOTS of beer. And if any of you give me the judgmental look, none of you would be invited to my barbecue this weekend.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Bucky: "Back in my day", "doll" and "idiot". The last one I use the most when I'm with Samuel. YN: I tend to say "literally" a lot. It's like my go-to word when I'm excited or explaining something. Bucky ays it's annoying, but I just see it as motivation. Sam: Oh, without a doubt, it's "on your left" for old ass Bucky. YN: Bucky also tell us to shut up too often.

What is your best childhood memory?

Bucky: Memories are a bit fuzzy for me, but I remember the endless Brooklyn summers… we had this one rule – if you hit the ball into old man Higgins' yard, you had to retrieve it. Scariest part of the game, but it added some thrill. YN: Oh, definitely family road trips. The three of us should go out one day. Sam: A Winter Soldier, a black Captain America and a civilian traveling across the country. It looks like the beginning of a ridiculous joke to me. YN: you are so uninvited now.. Sam: For me was the fourth of July barbecues. The smell of grilled food, fireworks lighting up the sky, and just being surrounded by family and friends. Good times.

Where do you go when you’re angry?

Sam: Honestly, I hit the gym. Bucky: I usually take a long motorcycle ride, clear my head on the open road. Helps me cool off. YN: Oh, I have this spot by the beach.

What do you think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?

Bucky: Mind control. Been there, done that. Losing control over your own thoughts is a special kind of nightmare. Are these questions ending? YN: Betrayal. It's like a punch to the gut. Sam: Getting stuck in a car with YN and Bucky. Been there, done that. Bucky: I swear I'm gonna punch him.

Do you have any allergies?

Bucky: Super-soldier serum took care of that. YN: Do allergies to Sam's stupid jokes count? Sam: I'm not allergic to anything, but my sister insists I'm allergic to doing the dishes. Can't argue with her on that one. YN: see what I'm talking about?

What’s your favorite food?

Sam: Has to be chicken wings. Spicy, tangy, and the perfect snack for any occasion. Bucky: A good old Brooklyn-style pizza. YN: Anything Bucky cooks.

[piscesnspices]

ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ

🎧 ғᴀᴋᴇ ᴘʟᴀsᴛɪᴄ ᴛʀᴇᴇs ʀᴀᴅɪᴏʜᴇᴀᴅ ↻ ◁ ɪɪ ▷ ↺

.・。.・゜✭・.

Once Andie's head made contact with the feathery pillow, her eyelids immediately shut.

In her wildest dreams, the events that occurred that day replayed in a more magical and imaginative way. She plunged into the cool embrace of the deep green lake. Nothing but pure bliss and her heart at peace. Andie delighted in the shades of green.

The refreshing sensation of the water lingered on her skin in contrast to the warm rays of sunshine that kissed her skin. Spring was here, casting its spell on the forest, leaving it a vibrant and lush sanctuary of tranquility and beauty. Amidst nature's splendor, she discovered a profound sense of joy, simply by being the happiest version of her herself.

Upon waking, there seemed to be another source of warmth besides the covers she laid under. A cat with a brown coat similar to Bean's, curled against her side.

"Good morning," Andie cooed, "You must be Moka."

Andie followed the alluring scent of warm pancakes to find Luca in the kitchen with breakfast already made. Although he suggested for her to take her time, she couldn't contain her eagerness to explore as Luca had planned to show her around.

Bean came along the journey, endearing himself to Andie even more when she learned that he was a mighty protector and obedient dog. They ferried across a vast lake to a small town on the other side of shore. Luca preferred the excitement of boat travel over driving through the crummy roads.

It was a quaint and humble town. Walking beside Luca, she observed how small it truly was, seeing as he greeted each townsfolk by name. The contrast to her New York City life made her realize how much she had missed out on.

"Do you mind if I ask what you do?" Andie asked breathlessly as they hiked up a hill, with the promise of a gorgeous view at the end. She was curious to know about his occupation given the house he lived in and the amount of leisure time her had.

"I own some of the local businesses here." Luca answered confidently, "I inherited them from my grandfather."

She smiled, appreciating the humility in his words.

"And, your siblings?"

"I'm actually an only child. But I know one of my cousins inherited real estate and the other got his college tuition paid."

Her eyes widened. "Wow, can your grandfather adopt me?"

"I'm sure he would if he was still alive." He laughed.

Andie's expression softened, worried that she might've tugged on the wrong sting. Though, the smile on Luca's face remained.

"My parents often went on business trips, so much of my childhood was spent in the care of my grandparents." Luca explained, digging his hands into his pockets.

"Despite my bond with my parents, my relationship with my grandfather grew especially strong during high school. When I came out to my parents and they initially rejected me, grandpa was there for me with open arms."

"I'm sorry.." she said softly.

"It's okay! It wasn't long till my parents came around and have been the best support one could have. I'm definitely lucky to have had a family who loved me enough to look past their differences." He responded, smiling.

Andie smiled back, feeling relieved that there was no tension.

"It was also prosperity for me."

Andie had known Luca for only a day, but she was beyond joyous that he received what he deserved.

Reaching the end of their hike, the view as promised was photogenic as ever, with a canopy of trees below. True to Luca's word, stunning and inspiring.

She hurried to get her art supplies. Luca watched with curiosity as she set up her easel and prepared the spread of colors. He went on to ask about her techniques, favorite painters, and her thoughts on art and life. Though not well-versed in art, Luca's wisdom belied in his young age.

Often times Andie would get carried away by the sound of his laugh, the value of his words and the sight of him to focus on what she had originally decided to paint. Eventually, she had stopped glancing at the view and instead let her brush stroke the canvas according to how she felt.

Layers of green tones formed, creating a landscape that captured the essence of Luca. It wasn't a portrait, but a reflection of him in nature. A single glance at the painting evoked an image of Luca in all his splendor.

"It beautiful," He whispered beside her.

Andie tore her gaze from the painting to Luca, "Yes, it is."

Returning home, they settled on the couch with dinner and a movie. But the movie was merely background noise, Andie's focus remained on learning more about Luca and his life.

Turned out, he had eyes on a pharmacist in town. He had the courage to ask for his number a few days prior but hesitated to make the call. Eventually, with a little persuasion and a few glasses of wine, Luca took the plunge. Thanks to her, he has a date set for Friday night.

"Luca," Andie whispered, noticing him drifting off to sleep.

"Hm?" He murmured, one eye cracking open she scooted closer. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder like a child seeking comfort. He chuckled, eyes remaining shut as he nestled his head atop hers.

"Thank you," She whispered, shutting her eyes to refrain from letting her eyes gloss with tears. "For everything."

"Of course, Andie." He replied, sinking deeper into the couch with her at his side.

Bean settled on her lap, providing warmth as Andie struggled to keep her eyes open, distracted by the flickering TV light. Uncertainty about her next stop filled her with both excitement and fear.

As dawn broke, casting a silhouette of trees against the curtains, Andie knew it was time to leave. Slowly, she untangled herself from Luca's embrace and gently lifted Bean from her lap. His tail wagged eagerly as she led him to the bathroom, where he waited patiently outside as she changed.

Leaving her number on a Post-It, Andie kissed the top of Bean's head, a. gentle stroke down Moka's back as she had joined to see her out, and tousled Luca's hair before slipping out of the house.

Driving down the winding roads, she mentally captured the treasure she'd stumble upon after misreading the map and taking the wrong exit en route to the airport.

ᴍᴏsᴀɪᴄ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀ

[farfromharry]

Beth [ 17 ] | Dad!Eddie Munson fic

Seventeen, Birthdays and makeups

Word count - 7417

Warnings - minimal angst ig, language?

━━━━━━━━━♡♥♡━━━━━━━━━

November 1995

It had been two whole months since your fight with Beth and the two of you still hadn’t made up. It wasn’t like you hadn’t tried, you definitely had— her? not so much— but you were unable to put so much of a focus on it when you had a very needy newborn to take care of. It was tearing Eddie up inside, he was basically begging you daily to take action, but nothing changed. 

The perfect moment arose as Eddie’s birthday approached. You and Tulip wanted to do something sweet to celebrate Steve and your husband’s shared day of birth– despite the fact the younger man would probably hate that with everything in him. However, it wasn’t up to them, so the two of you planned it all out as a delightful surprise. 

Before the actual date, closer to mid November than late due to Tulip’s impending due date, the four of you– plus your lovely kids– were going to stay in a house overlooking Lake Ontario for a couple days. It was a long drive, almost thirteen hours, which was completely unbearable to the heavily pregnant woman, but you were doing it for your husbands not yourselves. Bat would be staying with Wayne for the duration, the man having quite the soft spot for the feline. You had tried to worm him onto the trip with you, but it’d been met with a hard no from Steve.

The original idea had been that you had the chance to talk with Beth on the drive, when there was nowhere for any of you to run, but she had convinced her pseudo aunt and uncle to allow her to go with them. You were unaware until the time for you all to leave came, your heart sinking as she climbed into the Range Rover beside the two car seats containing the Harrington twins. “What are you doing?” Eddie asked, glancing between his daughter and his best friend. 

Tulip looked a little worried she’d overstepped. “She asked if she could come with us, she said she wanted to spend time with Halley and Lyra. Is that okay?”

You could tell your husband was going to say no, push his daughter to sit through a very awkward car journey for both of your sakes. It was honestly quite selfless of him to be willing to sit through so much tension for so long just so you had the opportunity to make up. However, though you appreciated the sentiment, you were still nervous that forcing this on Beth was only going to make her resent you more. “That’s fine, Tulip. She loves those girls,” you jumped in, ignoring the look Eddie shot you. “Plus, it’ll let Lola sleep if she’s with you.”

There wasn’t much more to debate, and you missed the longing look the nine year old sent in your direction. You wanted to get on the road as quickly as possible and no one would argue with you about that. 

Once inside the privacy of Eddie’s old van, he brought up what had just happened, even as you tried to ignore him by busying yourself starting the shitty engine and such. “Why did you do that? This could have been your moment.”

You were avoiding eye contact with him and he knew it. Instead of looking into those puppy eyes, which you knew would have you spilling your darkest of secrets. As you responded, you quickly checked on Lola, made sure she was okay and still sleeping calmly. “I just thought she’d be happier with them. We have time to talk at the house.”

He noticed you were getting yourself worked up again, and in an attempt to make you feel better, place his hand over one of yours. The look on his eyes was full of love and sincerity. “We’ll fix this. She loves you just as much as you love her.” 

With that you started the engine of the van, leading the way to what would be your home for the next few days.

The first day you arrived, none of you had the energy to do anything. After so much traveling, and pulling over thanks to Tulip’s tiny pregnancy bladder, you were all exhausted– well, all except Lola who had taken many many naps during the journey. It was late when you pulled up outside of the large house, almost nine in the evening which was definitely past all four children’s bedtimes. They were taken straight to bed, Eddie carrying a sleepy Beth while Steve was tasked with carrying both of his twins. The three were staying all in one room, while Lola would be with you and your husband so you could keep an eye on her. 

You and Tulip sat yourselves down to finally have some rest. She stretched herself out on the couch, hands cradling her bump as she tried to fight her drooping eyes. She didn’t want to fall asleep without Steve by her side. This second pregnancy– she wouldn’t admit it happened in the first too– had found her a lot clingier with her husband, specifically when she got tired. It had become almost an impossible task for her to try to sleep without the man somewhere nearby or with a hand on her. 

You had taken a seat in the armchair across from the couch, blanket thrown over yours and Lola’s laps to keep you warm. The November chill didn’t seem as harsh with the warmth from the blanket and the crackling fire. 

Tulip was practically passed out by the time the two men came back down the stairs. She had been watching on as you amused your daughter, your fingers tickling her pudgy belly to hear those happy baby giggles that made your heart so warm. At the sight of his sleepy wife, he was grinning like an idiot, taking big strides over to the couch so he could join her, maybe stroke her hair or hold her as she napped. 

He was careful when he lifted her head to rest it in his lap, trying not to shake her too much in case he roused her out of the content daze she was in. 

In the meantime, Eddie was joining you and your daughter in the roomy chair, beaming at her when she babbled mindlessly to him as he sat down. In a motherly move, you threw some of the knitted blanket over his legs, hoping to keep him cozy. “How’s Beth?” you asked, adjusting your position so your husband could wrap his arms around your frame, tucking you into his side while Lola rested between you happily. 

“She’s okay. Tired. Would probably be better if her mom had said goodnight.” You scolded him under your breath, not wanting to have a conversation like that when your friends were right there. Steve could probably hear everything you were saying. The way he was looking at you both as he subconsciously drew circles on his wife’s arm, told you exactly that. 

It wasn’t his place, but his curiosity got the better of him after he watched the two of you whisper-yell at each other for a few minutes. “What’s going on with you and Beth? Did something happen?” 

You sighed, sinking further into your seat as you hoped to avoid the question entirely. Despite Eddie’s encouraging nudges to just tell him, you were praying the other man would simply lose interest and change the subject, or that if you were silent for long enough he would get the gist that you didn’t feel like answering. Eventually Eddie’s elbow in your ribs became far too irritating to ignore, scowling at him as you prepared an answer for Steve. “She thinks now that we have Lola, I don’t love her cause ‘I’m not her real mom,’ which is crazy.” 

“Is it though?” he asked, seeing the confusion spring on your face. “Crazy, I mean.”

Hearing those words coming from the dad of two, soon to be four, didn’t fill you with much confidence. You were beginning to rethink everything you had felt the last couple months. Was Beth in the right? Were you really picking favorites? 

“I know newborns are clingy, trust me I do– but kids feel left out, it’s not crazy or absurd for her to feel that way.” He wasn’t intending to make you feel bad, but that didn’t mean guilt wasn’t bubbling up in your chest. “I’m not blaming you– either of you. Just something to think about.”

The conversation was cut short when Lola began to babble excitedly, almost like she knew what you were talking about and wanted to make the mood lighter. Whereas Eddie was happy to entertain her in an instant, the smile on your face was much less excited and a lot more forced as you tried to pretend to be unbothered by the information Steve had just relayed to you. That same mood continued for the rest of the night, not that anyone really noticed. Or if Eddie did, he didn’t bring it up.  

The next morning, after everyone was refreshed and feeling much more wide awake– and you were less upset about your conversation last night, you all decided to go swimming. Eddie wasn’t particularly happy about that decision, he was a big hater of anything water, but he was at least a bit grateful that it wasn’t by a beach— god he hated the beach.

You and Tulip had opted to stay out of the water for a little, to her the thought of swimming while almost full term with two babies wasn’t a pleasant one. As for you, you were just happy to observe everyone having fun. Eddie was trying to introduce your five month old to the water as gently as he could, while Steve was occupied with the three kids. He was attempting to teach Beth how to paddleboard, making sure he gave her extra attention after the news he was made aware of the night before. He didn’t want her to feel left out for a second. His own two girls were paddling just a short distance away with their floaties high on their arms, giggling away as the two twins splashed at each other. Although Tulip wasn’t obsessed with the idea of them being ‘on their own’, she did accept that Steve was close enough that he could jump in at any time if they needed him. Plus he was a certified lifeguard, that got him brownie points too. 

As for you and Tulip, you were trying to narrow down the plans for your husbands’ joint birthday surprise. The two of you wanted to throw a mini party, but details had yet to be discussed. Now was the perfect time. 

“What kind of cake does Steve like? I was thinking if he and Eddie don’t like the same, we could make two,” you said. You had slipped in the ‘make’ part so casually that she almost missed it, but luckily she did hear it. Up until this point she hadn’t considered the fact they would be homemade. 

“I thought we were just buying them. Are you making them?” Owning the diner, she assumed you knew how to cook pretty well. Eddie had mentioned to her in passing before that you were the one in the relationship that cooked; he was notoriously just as bad as she was when it came to the skill. They never took the opportunity to learn, or really had to thanks to Petal, unlike Steve and you. 

You chuckled. “Me? We’re making them,” you confirmed. There was no way in hell you were making two separate birthday cakes yourself. She might have been heavily pregnant, but the least she could do is pass you the ingredients. 

The woman pouted, deflating in her seat. “Why me? I can’t bake.”

“He’s your husband, ‘m sure he doesn’t care how good it is. Surely he’d love something made by you.”

“I can guarantee he wouldn’t. He wants nothing home cooked by me, ever.” Her confession made you giggle. You didn’t know to what extent her skill was, didn’t know one time she had set off the smoke alarm burning a meal for Steve, but in your eyes she couldn’t be as bad as your own husband. That was up for debate though. “Did you at least get him a gift?”

She gestured to her large bump, widening her eyes a little like it should have been obvious. You knew she wasn’t much of a material gift giver, so you don’t know why you expected any less. “He’s getting nothing more than his daughter,” she shrugged. 

“D’you think it’s too late for me to try that one on Eddie?” you asked, playfully. You’d already gotten the man you loved a gift, combat boots to replace his old, worn out ones and a signet ring with his children’s fingerprints (shaped into an adorable heart) to commemorate him turning the big thirty.

As Tulip looked over to Lola, she grinned, turning back to you with the same happy expression. “Maybe just a few months too late. But ‘m sure if you're adamant enough you could convince him.”

He must’ve noticed the glances the two of you had been occasionally sending his way, because his eyes were fixated on you both firmly, even as Lola whined for his attention. Or at least that was what he thought she was beginning to blubber for. The woman beside you obviously had to take every opportunity to tease her best friend, even if the intense staring wasn’t bothering her as much as she let on. “What’re you looking at, ugly?”

He rolled his eyes, ignoring the way you didn’t even try and protest to her words. Instead he chose to fire back where he knew it would strike a nerve. “Look Lols,” Eddie cooed, bobbing the girl in the water carefully. Her eyes followed where he was pointing, as did all of you that were curious, until they landed on Tulip on the deck. “A beached whale.” 

There was a series of gasps from you and the two other adults. It was the first time Steve had taken his attention away from the kids since you first got into the water a couple hours back. There was a proud grin plastered on the metalhead’s lips, but it would be quickly wiped away at the threat of death from the woman. Although he did try his hardest to prevent it, not exactly in the most moral way though. “You can’t hurt me, I’m holding a baby,” he announced, holding Lola up to where the two of you could see her better than before. 

“Are you using your infant as a shield?” Steve asked. 

He held no shame as he nodded. But just like clockwork, the girl in question began to cry, her gaze searching for her mother. You were quickly on your feet, meeting your husband halfway so you could tend to your baby. “Not anymore,” you grinned, taking the little girl whose arms were outstretched to you. Her eyes had been growing much more watery as her feeding time approached. Unfortunately for your husband, that meant he no longer had a shield stopping his best friend from giving him a piece of her mind.

If it wasn’t so much work for the pregnant lady to even think about, she would have attempted to kill him in some way– maybe drown him for the convenience of it. He was lucky, this time, but that didn’t mean he’d be protected the next. 

That didn’t mean he was safe from her children though. In an attempt to protect their mother’s honor, the two little girls went right for him. They made battle sounds as they basically threw themselves at him, knocking him back in the water. The sight produced a lot of laughter, none of it from Eddie though who was being used like a jungle gym by two four year olds. She cheered them on, ignoring her best friend’s playful pleas for her to call back her army. 

They ceased a little while later, growing bored of their Uncle Eddie and ultimately deciding they needed to bother their dad again– though he was more than happy to have their company. That was when your husband decided to take to entertaining Beth, trying to make sure the girl felt included to the best of his ability. 

He’d noticed how she had stayed away from him when he had been cradling the five month old, barely even looked at him in fact. This wasn’t the relationship he expected his daughters to have. She had been much more interested in hanging out with the Harrington twins. The two four years being more like her sisters than Lola was. It broke his heart to think, and he couldn’t even imagine how it made you feel. He noticed the looks, the frowns that you thought no one saw when you looked at her. When you first properly talked to Eddie about Lola, you gushed to him the idea of the two girls being the bestest of friends– the way you wished you could have been with a sister if you had had one. To know that fantasy of yours was rapidly going down the drain must have been ruining you inside. 

If anyone had taken to counting the longing looks you and Beth sent to each other throughout the day, they would have been up in the millions by now. It was clear to everyone that you both missed each other, and no one had any clue why you were letting this mini feud go on for so long. No one was more confused than the father of the child himself. 

Most of the day, besides lunch and the frequent bathroom breaks– specifically for Tulip, was spent in or beside the lake. All went well for the most part, but it swiftly came to an end when Steve brought up the brilliant idea of putting the grill to good use. Any single one of you would die for the Harrington man’s cooking, especially his currently pregnant wife. The second the words left his mouth, it was like a competition of who could get out of the water faster.

You would have joined them, had it not been for the man blocking your way on the deck. He thought it’d be fun for the two of you to have your own swim in the lake, just the two of you. And you would have agreed, had he informed you it was going to start with him tackling you in off the deck. 

“What are you doing?” you asked, eyeing him warily as he approached you on the end of the dock. Your eyes were narrowed in his direction, suspicious of every move he made closer to you. He shrugged, trying to act as innocent as he possibly could, but his acting skills could use some heavy work. The mischief in his eyes was blatant, and only someone with an ulterior motive would smile at someone like that. 

He wanted you to think he was only going in for a hug, and maybe if you hadn’t already suspected he was up to something, you might have. When his arms reached out for you though, you took a step back, pointing your finger at him sternly as if to tell him to quit while he was ahead. Your motherly authority didn’t work on him though, he knew all the weaknesses you possessed that would convince you to forgive him in the long run. “I’m not doing anything, I swear.”

“Eddie,” you cautioned. 

Your warning was completely ignored as he lunged for you, tackling you into the lake below like his plan had been all along. As the two of you emerged from underneath the water, he was giggling like a mad man, putting a little bit of distance between the two of you so you didn’t kill him straight away. He’d experienced enough attempted drownings for one day. 

The sound of his laughter was contagious, but you were supposed to be mad at him. You were trying your hardest to hold back the laughter that desperately wanted to leave your lips, but it was becoming close to impossible the longer he grinned at you with that dreamy smile. 

“You’re an ass,” you complained, chuckling towards the end of your words. He didn’t care, you could call him anything in that moment and it wouldn’t change the love he was feeling for you. Not even when you splashed him as some sort of payback. When he finally deemed it safe, he closed the gap between you, his arms snaking around your torso under the water. Yours looped around his neck, the two of you now so close that your noses almost brushed against one anothers. 

If you had looked hard enough, you would have seen Tulip standing at the door of the house, video camera in hand as she caught the sweet moment on film. There was a warm smile on her face as she captured the sight, but the little girl next to her was staring at you both in almost a hateful scowl. Beth couldn’t help but wonder why you had enough time for Lola and her dad, but not for her. Did you love them more than you did her? She didn’t know what she needed to do to get attention from you at this point, but she had a feeling that the empty spot on her wrist where her half of your matching bracelets used to be, might help. Losing it wasn’t intentional, but surely it would only work in her favor. 

The two of you planned on getting out early, but were given reassurance from Tulip that her and her husband could watch your kids. That was all you needed to be given the green light to act like carefree kids for a little bit. 

Eddie might have been turning thirty, you close behind, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t take a second to feel like the twenty year old kids you used to be– only this time without a toddler to care for. If you and him had started dating earlier, back in highschool, maybe you would have gotten more moments like this. Moments where you frolicked in Lover’s lake, splashing each other in the hot Hawkins summers to cool each other down. Where you made out under the school bleachers and maybe made fun of the jocks. Where you went on late night drives together to get away from your overbearing families. 

None of that was to say that you didn’t love where you were with him now, or that you didn’t love the child that became yours when you and your husband got together. But sometimes you wondered briefly what would have been of your relationship if Beth wasn’t involved from the beginning, if she had been born later– come from you instead of the wretched woman she had to call her birth mother. If you and Eddie had just been regular, non parent, twenty year olds dating, would you even still be together now? 

“Hey,” he whispered, bringing you out of your head. You flashed him a smile, brushing some of his wet hair out of his face. His bangs were blocking his view from how the water had shaped them. He resembled a drowned rat a little you thought, but you wouldn’t tell him that. “You looked a little in your head, y’okay?”

You nodded. “Perfect.”

The next day was party day. The first thing the two of you did was send your husbands out on a wild goose chase with your kids. You didn’t care what they did, as long as they were gone for long enough for the two of you to make two cakes and put up some decorations. 

You started with Eddie’s, a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. It was simple enough, bland even, the kind of thing you were always whipping up in the diner. That was where his love for the flavor cake had stemmed from, all those nights together the two of you spent eating leftover cake after closing. Who was there to tell you no? The owner? 

Although the baking would have been easier with four actively working hands, you still appreciated the way the woman was handing you ingredients as you required them. You tried to encourage her to join you, you tried so hard, but you hadn’t realized how truly poor her skills were when it came to baking. All you’d had her do was crack an egg into a bowl, and somehow there had been more shell than yolk, so you allowed her to continue sitting it out. It was going to work best if you baked and she just sort of sat there, sneakily tasting the batter. 

“So, where’d you learn to cook like this?” she asked out of curiosity. 

“I was alone a lot as a kid, and my mom had a lot of cookbooks lying around, so I pretty much taught myself the basics so I could survive,” you explained. You didn’t mean to make the mood so sullen, but she did ask. “After that, the diner’s old owner and his wife taught me. I started working there when I was fifteen. They basically raised me for a while, so they were happy to teach me.”

The woman frowned. She didn’t know how she managed to do it, but almost every person she had befriended had a sad, difficult, upbringing. It really put things into perspective for her, but she worked to make sure none of her friends, or her kids, would ever have an experience like that. “Maybe you could try and teach me, if you’re up for it. I know both me and Eddie would benefit from a great teacher.”

She delved into a story about a time where Steve had attempted to teach the pair when he and Tulip first moved in together. Apparently it ended in tears and an almost fire because they were just that terrible– though she didn’t tell you who the tears were from. You had your suspicions though. From that day on, he had banned Eddie from basically ever stepping foot in their kitchen again and Steve was now the designated cook for the Harrington family. 

While Eddie’s cake was in the oven, it was time to start on the other mans, confetti cake with strawberry icing. You’d learned from his wife that it was his favorite, though you didn’t sell it at the diner. That led to a bit of a time wasting conundrum where the two of you had to scour through various cookbooks the place housed for some sort of recipe. It definitely deducted some time that would have been very useful, but that didn’t matter now, there was nothing you could do to get it back. 

When everything was in the oven, it was time to decorate the place with the minimal birthday banners, balloons and such that you sneaked onto the trip. This was where Tulip’s help really came into play. Your job was sticking up banners so the woman didn’t have to stay on her feet for too long, while she took to blowing up the colorful balloons. You already knew Lola was going to have a field day when she saw the bright inflatables. To be fair, so was your husband. The last thing you had to do was ice the cakes, and you had to do it rather rapidly if you wanted it to be finished by the time the pair walked through the front door. You didn’t do anything special, nothing more than a happy birthday for Steve, and a happy thirtieth for Eddie. 

It was safe to say when the two walked back through the door, they were surprised. Both of you had made sure not to spill a single thing to any of the kids. You knew them all too well, if you told them anything, there was no doubt at some point during the day they would relay the information back to their dads— on accident or not. You couldn’t risk it. And you were glad you hadn’t when you saw the look on their faces.

“Surprise,” you cheered, engulfing Eddie in a tight embrace before doing the same for Steve.

After moving away from the brunette, your husband pulled you back to him, itching to have his arms around you. You leaned back into his embrace, watching the kids run in and immediately take to the decorations around them. You turned in his hold, grinning up to your husband. “Happy birthday, honey.”  The smile on his face couldn’t have been any bigger if he tried. Instead of verbally responding, he was drawing you in for a sweet kiss. 

When you pulled away, you leaned away from him. “I can’t wait for you to see your gift.” Even though the man was turning thirty, he was still a child at heart, even more so a boy. You knew he had turned your words into something they didn’t mean based on the smirk on his face. “Oh? Why? What is it?” You rolled your eyes at his insinuation, walking away from him, taking the babbling baby with you as you went. 

From your place against the counter, you could see your friends and family enjoying themselves. Beth was singing along to a song on the radio with your husband, the pair mimicking the guitar in the background with matching grins and similar laughter. The Harrington twins were arm-wrestling (and winning) with their father while their mom watched on fondly, her hand resting subconsciously on her bump. And Lola was chatting to herself and giggling in your arms. Eventually, you could see the growing restlessness in everyone, especially Tulip who just wanted some cake. 

Handing Lola to a passing Tulip, you made quick work of placing the candles on both of the cakes and lighting them. Steve and Eddie turned to you after you’d dimmed the lights, eyes lighting up as you walked to the dining table with two cakes in your grasp. Being a waitress really paid off at this moment. You set them down and motioned for them to blow out the candles, the camera you had tucked in between your arm and ribs recording. 

The kids were more than eager when they finished, basically jumping on you to cut the cakes. When you did so, you made sure to serve them the dessert first. When Beth begrudgingly walked up to you with her hand out, you swallowed. The blue jewelry piece that usually adorned her wrist was gone, and it made your heart constrict. You knew that she was less than pleased with you, but you never expected her to do such a thing. That bracelet, as childish as it may have seemed, meant that she had finally accepted you. You had placed so much importance on it and you didn’t expect her to just rid herself of it simply because she was mad at you. 

With a terse smile, you handed her a slice and watched with a heavy heart as she ran off without a second glance. Steve was behind her in a makeshift line. Having seen the interaction between the two of you, he couldn’t help but ask. “You okay?” 

“‘M fine,” it was an obvious lie, but he didn’t push. He gave you a stilted nod before turning back to his little family. You couldn’t stay in your pity party for too long, this night was about the man you loved and one of your best friends, your feelings could wait. Plating a piece for yourself, you joined Eddie and Lola on the couch– the man doing his best at keeping the infant from getting into his slice. 

Despite this being Eddie’s second baby, he had no idea if they could have sugar this young. Did that stop him from feeding his Lola some of the icing off of his cake? No. The two were sitting together on the couch, her situated comfortably in his lap. He had been trying to eat the slice of birthday cake you cut for him when she had shown a sudden interest in the food. Rather than wind up with a baby hand right in his food, he decided to offer her some of the chocolate icing. He only took the tiniest bit on the edge of his finger, bringing it to her mouth for her to try. He wasn’t surprised to see that she loved it. They basically ended up sharing it. 

The party went well for the most part, despite the prominent ache in your chest the whole time. You didn’t mention it to anyone, just plastered on a smile and let everyone else enjoy the party.

It was that night getting ready for bed when you decided to bring up what had been bothering you. Eddie had noticed, he always notices when something’s off with you. But as usual, he didn’t push it. You could be just like Beth at times, the more he pushed the more defensive and reserved you became; the problem was never solved that way. So he reminded you he was there, but overall let you come to him.

You had been brushing your teeth in the room's adjoining bathroom while he was on the bed with your youngest daughter. Her tiny feet were planted on his stomach, her back leaning against his bent legs, and her small hands clasped in his. He was singing some silly, made up song to her, and she was loving every second of it. She was bouncing along in an attempt to dance as well as a small baby could, she was also giggling loudly at the joy her father provided her with. He was just as happy, cheeks hurting from grinning so hard as he watched her. His new ring, the birthday gift from you, was sitting proudly on his ring finger just above his wedding ring, his shiny new combat boots tucked away in his bag so he couldn’t forget them. 

It should’ve been a moment you watched with silent awe, heartfelt father-daughter bonding time that made you coo. But you were unable to swim out of the thoughts that were drowning you.

Your husband didn’t notice at first, too preoccupied with the little girl. It wasn’t until you called him that he realized you were ready to confide in him, and it was his time to listen. 

“Honey?” Mocha eyes flickered over to your figure, standing there looking like you were holding on by a thread. One look at his sweet face and you were spilling everything. “She took off the bracelet.” There were tears lining your eyes as you spoke the words. The matching blue bands you and the little girl had around your wrists meant everything to you. She had given you yours the day you married your husband, it was the something blue Eddie had told her you needed. She’d been more than happy to oblige. You noticed it was missing when you had handed her a slice of cake, the space on her wrist was barren, no longer resembling yours that you wore so proudly. 

At first he was unsure what you meant, but then his eyes flickered down to your hand that was messing with the familiar fabric on your arm; that’s when it clicked. “Sunshine,” he frowned. Amusing Lola was no longer his biggest priority. The sounds of your cries filled his ears as heart moved the girl to the makeshift crib in the room with urgency, hoping she would fall asleep so the two of you could talk.

Once she was okay, his brain was set on taking all of your sadness away. That was all it was thinking about; you, you, you.

His first plan of action was moving you to a more comfortable place. He led you to the large bed that sat in the middle of the room, the two of you taking a seat together. Your fingers were intertwined with his, his thumb rubbing soothing circles over the back of your hand. “Talk to me.” 

As he listened to you cry, he made a decision. He was going to be the one to put his foot down, take the first step to getting his family back to how they were before this whole, silly mess. He was positive he could make more progress in a couple hours than either of you had in months.

“It’s been two months, Y/N. You have to make up.” You were slightly shocked by the sudden turn in his tone. Before he had been comforting, sweet and understanding to what you were feeling. But now it was like he was sick of hearing it.

You frowned. “I’m trying, Eds,” you defended. You knew it was futile; he was right. “She doesn’t want anything to do with me.” 

He didn’t mean to get angry, he hadn’t intended to at all, but he was sick of hearing the same excuses over and over. If there were less excuses, from both sides, and more actual talking, this would have been resolved days after it happened. “You’re not trying hard enough!” The reaction on your face was far from what he was aiming for, and also considering the baby sleeping in the room, he knew he needed to take a second to breathe. As soon as he felt more relaxed, less angry, he was trying again. “I love you both, but what you’re doing is hurting me too.” 

You hadn’t really thought of it like that before. In your eyes the ones suffering had been you and her, you didn’t bring into consideration that both Eddie and Lola must be struggling because of it too. He must have seen the realization cross your face. “You’re the adult here. She’s only a child, she doesn’t know what she’s doing.” 

He was right, and you knew it. After Eddie put his foot down regarding the fight with Beth, you had no choice but to talk with her, whether she wanted to or not. He essentially all but locked the two of you in a room together and demanded you fix things if you wanted out. She’d been stubborn at first, attempting to call his bluff, but soon realized this time her dad wasn’t going to give in. 

You were the first one to break the silence. “I don’t want to fight with you. I hate that you’re mad at me, Bethy.” She was pouting, just sitting there with a sad look on her face like her father had committed the most unspeakable act she had ever seen. How could he lock her in a room with you right now? She sort of felt betrayed. “Beth, please look at me.”

When she finally did, it was obvious she was fighting tears. She didn’t mean to cry, she was trying her best not to, but the whole thing was so overwhelming. She didn’t want to face the possible idea of you admitting that you didn’t love her. It was such a scary thought. 

“Tell me what’s going on,” you pleaded. 

“I didn’t think you cared about me.” Those were basically the first words she had spoken to you in months, and they hurt to hear. 

You frowned, timidly reaching for her hand. At first you were scared she would reject it, but she was actually happy for you to hold it. “Why wouldn’t I?”

She sniffled, roughly wiping at her tears with her other hand. “Because you care about Lola more.”

If you were talking to anyone else, you probably would’ve scoffed, maybe even laughed at how ridiculous that sentence was. But you knew she was fragile and feeling particularly sensitive, so it would be the absolute worst thing to do.

You shuffled closer to where she was sitting on the bed, wrapping your arm around her shoulders. You weren’t as hesitant this time, not now that she was crying and you felt the overwhelming motherly urge to comfort her. This time around you were also more certain she wouldn’t try and reject your love. “No, I don’t,” you promised. Not a single part of you wasn’t telling the truth. 

She was still trying to find a way to support her worries though. “But, she’s your real daughter, not me. You love her more than me,” she ranted. “You only half love me.” 

“There’s no such thing as half love,” you told her. “She might have been the first baby I gave birth to, but you were my first daughter, Beth. I’m your mom just as much as your dad is your dad.” Maybe that part was a gray area. You weren’t her mother, you hadn’t birthed her, but you were sure all you had done to raise her over the years would classify you as her mom. You had been the one to show her love and care. You earned that title. 

Her wide brown eyes flickered up to yours, tears still lining her waterline. “Do you promise? You love me just as much as Lola?”

“Of course I do. She just can’t do a lot for herself right now, she’s really relying on me and your dad.”

It seemed like the majority of the issue was solved. She had the knowledge of a promise that you loved her just as much as you loved Lola, and that was all she was really asking. Over the next few days she would come to see it in real time too. You and Eddie were certainly going to be more careful about distributing your time between kids. Plus pushing the two girls to bond so Beth could see her baby sister wasn’t all that bad— maybe then she would see how needy the little girl was and understand your side more.

Now that all was essentially calm and sorted, you had the chance to ask about the one thing that had been plaguing your mind for hours. “What happened to your bracelet?” you asked, timidly. You were rather scared to know the answer.

“I lost it,” she admitted, through a sad cry. It made you feel slightly better to know she hadn’t taken it off out of spite, though it meant it was completely gone now. But you could always make another. “It fell off when we were swimming. Can’t find it.” 

“S’okay,” you reassured, offering her the warmest smile you could muster in the moment without crying yourself. “We’ll make new ones, together.” 

She nodded, but she was still very visibly upset. You wiped away some of the tears staining her face, not caring that your hands were now wet. With as much strength as she could, she produced a smile, her own way of telling you she was okay without words. You knew her so well. So well in fact, that you were already anticipating the moment where she would crave your comfort. Ever since being a toddler, you observed when she got sad and cried she often liked to be held after. It wasn’t a problem for you. 

When the moment came only a few short minutes later, you assisted her in climbing into your lap, the girl wrapping herself around you like a koala to bamboo. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her breathing still uneven from the tears. “I love you, mommy.” 

Her apology wouldn’t take back the two months of time that you had missed together, but that was perfectly okay. You believed you could make up for that. All that mattered was that it was all in the past and everyone was forgiven and happy.

You shook your head, securing your arms around her tightly. Having her back in your arms for the first time in months felt surreal. Her head was tucked into your neck, one of your hands lightly resting on the back of it. Your other rubbed over the expanse of her back, like you were checking to see if she was even real. “I love you so much, Beth. You’re my little rockstar.” Your lips pressed to her temple in an affirming kiss, hoping she could feel the love that was currently radiating off of you. There was no better feeling than having your baby back safe and happy in your arms.

━━━━━━━━━♡♥♡━━━━━━━━━

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(if theres a strike through it wont allow me to tag you, pls make sure your tags are on!!)

[aminocamino]

Day 1 - 10 April - 8.4km 651m ascent

I believe we were following in the footsteps of Michael Sheen in the film ‘The Way’ when we set off in the wrong direction. Spent a puzzled 15 minutes trying to decipher the map given at the Pilgrims office. Eventually righted ourselves having been helped by two pilgrims Michael and Teresa. We spent the whole walk overtaking them then being overtaken.

The views are breathtaking. The path not as bad as I thought other than our 8kg backpacks. Food at the hostel is amazing - three courses,soup, grilled meat and a sort of stew of peas and veg followed by homemade desert. Definitely not going to lose these love handles….

After food - the hosts handed one of the pilgrims a microphone and it went round each person - name, where from and why the Camino. Some took 30 seconds and some took 15 mins. But it was an interesting experience - and often moving experience.

Carrie on the rocky road!

Arrival at Orisson Albergue…

Day zero….9 April

We are here!!! Arrived at Biarritz 20 minutes early - minibus (19 euros each 😄) arrived on time and we got to Saint Jean Pied de Port at 8pm. Our travel went incredibly smoothly so touch wood the rest will go ok. The room is beautiful - last luxury before tomorrow. Even sneaked in a glass of vino at a cafe across the road. We are literally like two overgrown excited schoolgirls!

My first proper selfie - Carrie and I in front of our first Pilgrim sign. Hope Emma realises I could be a professional selfie taker by the end of this trip! 😄

Prologue 8 April 2024

Tomorrow I embark on the greatest adventure so far. I came across the Camino years ago - a colleague leant me the film and I fell in love with the notion of it. I thought about a sabbatical but could never have afforded it. Now here I am - nervous as hell and about to actually do it. Originally I was planning to go on my own but then an opportunity came up to do it with my now Camino friend - Carrie, it was meant to be.

I cannot go through the planning, sorting, trialling, packing/unpacking, phone calls, meetings etc and that's without the arduous training walks. My mentors Jane and Tracy have been a blessing having accomplished it last year and I cannot thank them enough for their help and patience - I felt I had my own experts on hand! And now to repack my rucksack

one of my many many trialling stuff for the Camino.

[potionsprefect]

Trip North

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 1.5k

Summary: Luke and Lily get to know Ethan Hudson

Rating: Teen

Category: Fluff, Angst

Ethan was grateful for the large trolley as he lifted the Ramsey’s suitcases onto it. He had always managed to travel light whenever he went away but now he had a wife and two kids, it was like they packed for the entire world.

Ethan and Victoria were sharing a suitcase although Victoria’s had packed more for her whereas Ethan was able to keep his belongings to a respectable size.

“How far away do they live Daddy?” Luke asked as they made their way to the rental car.

“About half an hour. Are you excited to see Ethan?” Ethan smiled as he lifted Luke into the car and put his seatbelt on.

“Yeah! But I don’t really remember him.” Luke replied.

“You won’t unfortunately. But hopefully you’ll remember this visit more. Ethan is very excited to see you.” Victoria smiled climbing into the car.

“How does Daddy know him?” Lily asked.

“Daddy was friends with Ethan’s Mom. She used to live in Boston.” Victoria said.

“So does she live out here now?” Lily asked.

Victoria and Ethan shared a look. They were definitely too young to know the full truth.

“It’s a little bit more complicated than that. One day you will learn about it.” Ethan said.

“Why is Ethan named after you Daddy?” Luke asked.

“Ethan’s Mom decided on that.” Victoria replied.

“She sounds like a good friend.” Lily smiled.

“Yeah.” Ethan smiled sadly although the twins didn’t really notice.

The car pulled out of the airport car park and onto the main road.

“Are you excited to be back?” Victoria turned to Ethan.

“Yeah. It was a shame we couldn’t see him last year so we have some making up to do.” Ethan said.

“I still can’t believe the twins came down with a cold. We had such bad luck that week. What are your plans with him?”

“Alma tells me he wants to go see a movie so I thought I’d do that with him tomorrow.”

“That sounds good. Luke and Lily are excited to get to know him more.”

“I remember how fascinated he was with them as babies. Dolores would be so proud of him.”

Victoria took his hand and squeezed it affectionately. “She would. He’s happy and enjoying life. That’s all she could ever want for him. And you’re a part of making sure he’s growing up knowing who his Mom was.”

“You’re right.” Ethan smiled.

“Look Lily! That cloud looks like a giraffe!” Luke pointed out the window.

“Mommy told me that Daddy is a giraffe because he’s so tall!” Lily giggled.

“I can hear you, you know.” Ethan said.

“Oops.” Lily covered her mouth giggling.

“They’ve been listening to you too much.” Ethan pretended to glare at Victoria.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Victoria laughed.

They arrived at Alma’s house in no time, pulling onto the drive and stopping the car. The front door opened and little Ethan came running out, a big grin on his face.

“Uncle Ethan!” Little Ethan grinned as he ran towards Ethan’s outstretched arms.

“Hello little man! You’ve gotten so big since I last saw you!” Ethan smiled as he hugged his little namesake. “How have you been?”

“Good! School is out for the summer and the weather is great! I’m so happy you’re here!” Little Ethan smiled.

“Me too buddy. Guess who else is here?”

“Auntie Vicky!” Little Ethan smiled giving Victoria a hug.

“Hello Ethan! It’s so good to see you!” Victoria smiled. She gestured to Luke and Lily who were stood behind her legs, shy smiles on her face. “You remember Luke and Lily? They’re a bit shy.”

“Hi Luke. Hi Lily.” Little Ethan smiled. He held out a hand and they high fived him giggling.

“Hi Ethan.” Luke smiled.

“You’re really tall!” Lily said.

“My Aunt Alma says I get it from my Mom. I have loads of cool toys in the living room! Do you want to play with them?” Little Ethan asked.

Luke and Lily looked up at Victoria and Ethan who nodded and they grinned as they ran into the house following little Ethan into the living room.

“He’s been waiting all day for someone to share those toys with.” Alma laughed as she stepped out onto the driveway.

“Luke and Lily couldn’t wait to come here. How are things Alma?” Ethan replied giving her a hug.

“They’re good. Daniela and her family will be coming over later too. The kids can’t wait to meet Luke and Lily.” Alma smiled.

“That sounds great. Luke and Lily have been looking forward to this trip.” Victoria said.

“So have we. Although I do have one thing to share.” Alma said as they entered the house and she lowered her voice. “Daniela and I decided to tell Ethan about Dolores. He noticed the pictures of her around the house and kept asking who she was. We felt that now was the right time.”

Ethan’s eyes widened as he looked at Victoria. “How did he react?”

“He was confused, naturally. He always thought I was his Mom and I can’t blame him for that. He never really understood what we meant when we said ‘your Mom would be so proud of you.’ But since telling him he wants to know all about her. We haven’t told her how she died. If it’s not too much trouble, I thought if he started asking you questions, you might be able to provide some answers? He knows that you know her.”

Ethan looked at Victoria unsure. She nodded her head, giving him a small smile and a gentle squeeze of the hand.

“Of course. And he couldn’t have asked a better person.” Ethan smiled.

Alma smiled back. “Thank you. It means a lot.”

They walked into the living room and sat down on the sofas. Alma went into the kitchen to make a drink.

“Ethan has a lot of cool toys Mommy!” Luke said looking at Victoria.

“He does.” Victoria laughed.

“And books too! My Mom bought some for when I was older.” Little Ethan grabbed one off the shelf.

“Your Mom seems really nice.” Lily said.

Little Ethan looked up in shock, his eyes wide. “She’s not my Mom! My Mom’s dead!” He dropped the book, stood up and ran out of the room.

Ethan headed after him whilst Victoria moved to sat on the floor.

“Did I upset him?” Lily asked, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

Victoria pulled Lily into a tight hug, pressing kisses to the top of her head. “Little Ethan learnt something about his Mom recently that he didn’t know before. It’s not your fault Lil.”

“What happened to his Mom?” Luke asked.

Victoria wrapped an arm around Luke and pulled him closer. “She went to heaven. And little Ethan has been looked after by Alma, his aunt.”

“Is that why he ran off?” Lily asked.

“It’s still new to him so he’s trying to take it all in.” Victoria replied.

In the kitchen, Alma was comforting little Ethan as he ran into her arms.

“Lily doesn’t know anything Ethan. Neither does Luke, they’re too young.” Alma said.

“Like I was?” Little Ethan looked up at Alma.

“Exactly.” Big Ethan smiled as he walked into the kitchen and laid a gentle hand on little Ethan’s shoulder.

“What was my Mom like?” Little Ethan asked sitting at the kitchen table.

“Your Mom was a lovely person. She always knew how to make people laugh. I met her at the hospital. She was my first patient as an intern.” Ethan smiled.

“Really?”

“Yes. And I know she is watching over you with a big smile on her face. She would adore you to pieces.”

“I can show you some home videos of your Mom Ethan if you’d like that?” Alma suggested taking a seat opposite little Ethan.

Little Ethan nodded. “Yes please. I just wish she was really here.”

“I promise that we’ll make sure you know all about her. You can ask any time. Myself, your aunt, even Ethan. We’ll do our best to answer all the questions you have.” Alma said.

“And you know you can talk to me or Auntie Vicky anytime.” Ethan smiled.

“That’s right.” Victoria smiled as she walked into the kitchen with Luke and Lily.

“I didn’t know about your Mom Ethan. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Lily said in a quiet voice, holding onto Victoria’s hand.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Little Ethan smiled. He stood up and held his arms out, Lily walked over and hugged him.

“Can I get a hug too? I didn’t do anything wrong!” Luke said trying to wade his way in.

“Luke…” Victoria said in a stern voice.

“Of course.” Little Ethan laughed and wrapped an arm around Luke.

“Well I’m glad that’s sorted.” Alma laughed.

“Indeed. I hope you know those todays aren’t going to play with themselves.” Ethan said out loud.

The kids broke apart and ran back into the living room laughing.

“I’m glad he knows the truth. It was best for him.” Alma smiled.

“And he’ll learn much more as he gets older.” Ethan replied.

“Exactly. We’ll all make sure of that.” Victoria said.

Little Ethan would learn just how important his Mom was to everyone. And they would make sure her memory lived on.

I thought I’d explore a bit more of Dolores, so here are the twins meeting little Ethan

We know that Dolores had more than one sister so I gave her the name Daniela for this

Tagging in reblog

[kiokodoodles]

I'm currently on vacation. Lately I had no self-indulgent/romantic thoughts on the Papyri but then uh:

- Papyrus would help out on the planning. I mean why wouldn't he want to travel? He would go all out on the touring and venturing out to see new places. I feel like he would be very curious and interested in the world, especially once he gets on the surface

- Papyrus taking care of me when I'm dying from the humidity or not feeling good. Water, medication, snacks, fans, and cooling towels are all out to make sure I feel better

- We are always out sightseeing and trying new things. Papyrus not be a fan of the greasy food but I think he would really like the sweets

- Always up in the morning and getting a small workout in before exploring the place we're vacationing in

- Showing him silly souvenirs and pointing out any puns to get either a groan or a suppressed laugh

- Will pick out something that reminds him of me to show me (whether it's a little gift in the gift shop or other shops we visit). Maybe also shows me a piece of clothing that he thinks will look good on me

- So many couple photos and taking silly pictures of with the sites behind us. Papyrus and I will look at it and he'd be like "We look so cool!" Though I think we would do some silly photoshopping stuff after the vacation

- He gives me piggyback rides when I get tired from walking— But after some back and forth about him needing a break, we get ourselves a taxi

- We always have some sort of plan before going out of the hotel room. Though sometimes it gets sidetracked when we see something we want to check out

- Papyrus would make sure I have everything I need before heading out. He also always need to give a kiss before heading out. If I forget about it, he stops me and gives a shower of kisses.

- At the end of the day, we go back to the hotel room to relax and read the books we took to read during any other downtime/or I draw

- Definitely has a list of places he wants to visit. Would probably love to take road trips and sort of likes planes. He doesn't like the bustle and the many people at the airport but I think he would like being in the air in the plane

- Loves buying something to say that he went to said place. Absolutely gets something from a souvenir shop but I think he tries to get something from the surroundings itself to bring back (if allowed to). He'd definitely has a rock collection with some seashells (or something really random) as a result. Papyrus would also give me said thing as a gift for me to remember the experience

[sebbybooks]

My Sister’s Neighbor 

 

Sebastian Stan Fanfiction

I couldn’t get a clear answer of what I should do. The voices in my brain were silent, and the ones that resided in the pit of my stomach would not stop screaming different things at me. A part of myself was too stunned from fear, but honestly could I really describe it as that? It was paralyzing sure, but the strange sensation of adrenaline made my senses feel alive.

 I stood behind the tall dark green pair of curtains in my sister’s living room as if to hide myself from what lurks beyond the window. I had lost track of  time, by now I was sure it was somewhere between midnight or 2 AM. I should be sleeping cuddled up next to my ten year old tabby while computerized sounds of the ocean play in the background.  Instead, I remained motionless while gripping my phone tightly in both of my hands. I clutched on to it for dear life in case of emergency. Though frankly I was even too much of a chicken shit to call for help. It wasn’t  like there was an immediate threat. Well at least not yet.  

 

“Just peek behind the curtain Demi!” I timidly say to myself aloud.

My heart was beating slow, yet it slammed into my chest with every beat. A sigh escapes me.

Within seconds I pull it back just enough so that at least my right eye can see if he was still there. Tingles creep up the back of my leg ,tickling my skin like crazed ants when I see that he is. 

  

FOUR DAYS EARLIER 

 

There was something in the air today, I could feel it. Whatever it was I just know it made me feel blissfully amazing. It filled me with the notion that things were going to be different, and that my fresh start was now. 

The two day drive to my big sister Dakota’s house was tougher than I thought it would be, despite that feel good mood that I was in. I barely touched any food due to the anxious thought that road food would get me sick. Conveniently  my blader would scream bloody murder only when I was furthest from the safer looking rest stops. I would have to pull over in the middle of bumbfuck nowhere. An traveling with an old cat that I had been fostering for the past month that trusted me only on his good days definitely tested my patience.

None of that mattered right now anymore, especially the second I turn into my sister’s driveway and see her outside side jumping for joy at my arrival.  I couldn't put the car in park fast enough and grab ahold of the cat carrier to get to her. 

 Her face was a spitting image of mine only  eight years older. I threw myself into her outstretched arms and just felt my shoulders sag with relief. It was the most peaceful feeling. 

 

“I missed you.” I say into her shoulder, though my voice sounds garbled from pressing my face so close into her. 

 

Dakota hugs me a little tighter. “Missed you more.” Our words parroted each others, but I knew hers carried more weight than mine.

My eyes threatened to release the pools of tears I was praying didn’t fall. I forced a swallow just so I could lubricate my dry throat. Despite the normalcy she acted with while planning the trip out to come see her while she renovated parts of her home and desperately needed my help. Deep down I knew it was just for her to keep an eye on me. It wasn’t like I ever needed it in the first place I was a grown woman with my own life , with my own home.

I was fine now.

Breaking us from our extended embrace Angus’s soft meow grew into staccato cries. He was already in a love hate relationship with me and I kind of needed to be on his good side, so I let go of Dakota. 

 “You actually got a cat.” She muses as she watches me lift Angus’s carrier off the ground.  

 “Technically no, I’m fostering him.” I say as I peek into the front to make sure he was fine.  

 “You hate cats.” Dakota says matter of factly as she crosses her arms. I pull my gaze up to hers.

“Hate is a heavy word and Angus is slowly becoming my best friend. Isn’t that right buddy?” I stick my hand in front of his face and he hisses. Apparently I landed on his bad side and that warrants a fit of laughter from my sister. 

“Dana is not to going to believe me when I tell her you are a cat mom now.” She says shaking her head. Our other sister was the cat lover in the group. “OOh I need I to snap of picture of this.” Dakota exclaims.

Pulling out her phone I hold up Angus to my face still in his carrier and I can already bet he is looking like he wants to kill us both. Before she could even hold the phone straight she is easily distracted by something behind me.  

 I turn around to follow her gaze when she stops me, putting a firm hand on my shoulder to keep me still. The confused looked on my face easily gets her to talk. Slowly a grin forms on her face and I know that look too well. 

“My hotter than hell  neighbor is running  passing us right now. ” Dakota prims herself as if anything on her needs fixing, she was stunning in any condition. She blows out a deep breath. “Men that look  like that clearly was designed by a woman. He’s the type that fucks good, yet will immediately cuddle the shit out of you.”

On instinct I try to turn around to steal a glance from such chaotic description , but she prevents me once more.

“Don’t actually look!”She protest, even though I see her still checking him out over my shoulder.

“You never mentioned a hot as fuck neighbor before.” I quirk a brow. 

“That’s because I have been working up the nerve to get him to make a move.”  

A laugh bubbles out of me. “You are trying to get him to chase you?” 

 Quickly interjecting “Baby sis never let a guy think you wanted him first. They like a chase and if he thinks it is a easy hunt they immediately back off.” Dakota professes her unofficial expertise advice.  I just nod my head pressing my lips tightly together trying not to laugh again.  

 “Which juvenile magazine did you read that in? Tiger Beat or J14?” I tease.  

 “Har Har .” She playfully swats my arm. “Come on lets bring your stuff in.” Dakota reaches for Angus and I can almost bet she won't be helping with the rest of my stuff.  

I walk over to my car with actual pep in my step. Who knew I still could even feel that. As I open up the trunk of my car in the distance running back into his driveway I happen to see Dakota’s neighbor at the end of his driveway. Presumably sifting through his mail as one does by their mailbox.

I mean I get it he was unreal. From my view I could only see his back and it was carved into a maze.  

 I slam my trunk door setting my duffel bag next to my suitcase on the ground  Not paying attention I managed to clip my finger. Thankfully it didn’t close all the way. I am even more grateful that I didn’t lose a finger! I was probably shouting every expletive under the sun. I squeezed my finger tightly trying to make the throbbing pain go numb.  

 “You alright over there?” I hear from a distance. My eyes were shut and I knew it was not my sister because it came from a raspy voice of a man. I opened my watery eyes easing out from around my car to see it was the guy my sister basically wanted to dry hump on command.  

 I stared back at him like Angus chewed my tongue off. I snort at the cheesy joke I made in my head. I wasn’t one to stare or sexualize one’s appearance. However, he was my shameful exception. The only thing he didn’t have on display was tucked in his shorts. The top half of him was coated with sweat or  water, all I know was that the feigning light from the sunset was making him glisten. I would never tell Dakota, but shit she was right. He was molded in the image from a horny creator.  

 Snapping into reality, because at this point I was just unabashedly gawking at him. I realize I never answered his question. 

 “Not at the moment, but I will be. So yes.” I call back. What the hell kind of response is that? He stares back at me like he was unsure of how to respond.  

 His eyebrows furrow together, his face not amused by my cuteness at all. He didn’t even bother to fake a smile to get out of a awkward encounter.

I continued to hold onto my wounded finger noticing that he started to curve his body away to leave not before saying, “ Try to be more careful Demi.” 

[basketprutas]

WHAT IF? ✧*。

Somewhere down the road, we actually worked out?

Characters: Diluc & reader (no gender-specific terms were used)

Genre: lovers to exes so angst, tiny comfort if you squint. NOT set in an alternate universe.

Notes: First post, wow :0 Let me know what you think by sending something to my inbox!

Listen to this for maximum angst (Laufey - Promise) (.❛ ᴗ ❛.)

I recently started writing again; click here to learn more about me ^-^

"Then I guess I don't love you anymore." 

Those words hurt. No, they stung. Diluc looked away, closing his eyes as he shook his head.

“So now what? Are we through? That’s it?” You ask, infuriated.

Your dynamic with DIluc has changed over the past few months. From playful bickering to clear, pure annoyance with one another. This fight wasn’t like the other fights you two would have. It was like everything changed so quickly, even though the both of you loved each other for years now.

But why can’t you move past this fight like the others?

“I guess we are.” He finally says.

Confused and mad, you turn around. “Okay then.” You breathe out, voice shaking. It hurt to let him go like this. Mad at one another, showing little to no care. You didn’t want to cry. Not at this point. So you left. 

He watched you walk away.

He let you walk away.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

The first few months after the breakup was manageable. You quickly disposed of everything that was related to him in your room. You would cry, but it was for drunken nights with the tone-deaf bard, drinking your sorrows away just to be better the next day.

Everything reminded him of you. Things you used to buy for one another, things only the both of you would understand.

But in the month of finally letting go of one another him, you never saw Diluc in the middle of Mondstadt. When you would visit angels share, he was never there. When you had to pass by the winery, he wasn’t there.

Maybe it was for the best that you didn’t see him.

But in the time you did see him again, was when you realized, it was right for him to let you walk away.

Because at that moment, eyes meeting and bodies freezing in place, is when you realize you really don’t love him anymore. At least, not in the way you used to.

You walk up to him and wave your hand. Diluc remained still.

“Hey.” You say, smiling. “It’s been a while.” “It has.” Was all he could reply. His shoulders were tense, eyes blinking at a rapid pace. “How have you been?”

“All good. I’m actually preparing for a trip. I’m traveling to Inazuma and might not come back for a while…” You admit.

His eye widen.

“You’re leaving?”

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

The first few months of the breakup were horrible. He couldn’t accept it. You were gone, and he let it happen. 

He didn’t mean what he said. Did he? His head hurt. He doesn’t know what day it is, but all he knows is that it’s another day without you by his side.

Would all of this be different if he asked you to stay? To come back to him, to take back everything he said?

But in the heat of the moment, he knew he told the truth.

The past few months before the breakup were nothing but horrible fights. 

‘You’re ridiculous.’ he said. ‘And what, overreacting? You could’ve died out there, Diluc!’ You cried out. He sighed. ‘You know what I have to do for my job.’ ‘I know. But it doesn’t mean I’m okay with it.’

Memories like that played back in his mind, making him realize all you did was care for him.  His heart hurt at the thought of it. In one way or another, you did everything to show him you cared, and he only realized it too late.

His nights were sleepless but filled with silent sobs.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

“Yeah. Inazuma looked like a good place to go. I'll definitely miss everyone here.” You say, smiling.

You were smiling when he remained in pain. You were okay, and he wasn’t. The thought crushed Diluc. You, happy without him?

“Stay safe, then.” He replies, trying to gain back his composure. “I will.” 

“And Diluc,” You say before walking past him,

“Thank you. For everything. I wish you nothing but the best.”

You walked away this time on your own accord,

Leaving him back where you left him.

Or more like where he left you, this time in your place.

addtl.

He wrote you a letter. He couldn't take it. Even after a year, he didn't like the underlying emotions he felt after leaving everything unresolved.

You didn't respond.

He wanted to go to you; he needed to.

But with an unanswered letter just sitting on your table, left to collect nothing but dust,

He knew he couldn't.

END.

Notes:

So... how was it? I wrote this in a daze honestly I would write longer ones but I know if I did I wouldn't finish it so here's (to me at least) a short one.

Inbox is always open for suggestions and comments.

-Clara

[sagau-fruit-bowl]

CHAPTER TWENTY YOU LOVEABLE READERS!

Sorry for the bad chapter, I've been real busy all week.

The Guide is a SAGAU story where instead of being the Creator of Teyvat, [Name] is a player who is seen as a God. 

Masterlist

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Previously, [Name] made a remarkably foolish decision and marched into battle with Kaeya and Razor at their side, yet decided to tackle a Hilichurl head on. After the monster camp had been defeated, they laid down to rest while Jean, Diluc, Razor, Kaeya, Aether and Paimon all planned their route back to Mondstadt.

[Name] raised an eyebrow before laying down gently onto the rock below them. "If you plan on getting me back to Mondstadt within the next hour, you'll have to carry me somehow. I am not walking any further."

Aether shook his head. "I'll handle it. Trust me, My Guide.. you'll be home soon." 

The thought of a teleport waypoint entered their mind as they closed their eyes. Whatever, the group could use whatever methods they wanted, right now [Name]'s head hurt and they wanted a nap.

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All things considered, Bennett had been having a pretty good day. He took on his commissions first thing in the morning and yet he had finished them before the usual length of time it took for him to complete each task.

Sure there had been quite a few storms, yeah the chests he found were empty, there were definitely more Hilichurls than estimated and it was absolutely nothing like adventuring with The Guide, but he was safe and his commissions were complete.

The road back to Mondstadt from Stormbearer Point was long but nothing he wasn't unprepared for, he's made this trip plenty and had fun each time, talking to different travelers along the road.

It was around 2:30 in the afternoon when he arrived near the city, he had distracted himself with humming a strange tune he couldn't recall the source of, at least, he did until the noticed the waypoint begin to glow.

A smile crept onto his face as he completely dropped anything on his mind and watched in anticipation as blue forms began to take shape, at least until he realized it was indeed 'forms'. Plural, as in, more than one. His head tilted to the side in curiosity as he watched, now awaiting whatever he would see with the upmost excitement.

It didn't take long for each blue shape to solidify and he grinned at the sight of each of them.

Jean stood to the far left of it all, her blonde hair a bit frazzled but all in all, she looked as intimidating and impressive as ever. To her right, the ever familiar Traveler and his excitable companion looked closely around Kaeya's shoulder who was holding an individual that Bennett didn't recognize, Diluc also stood oddly close to Kaeya and seemed rather fidgety for a guy who was known for being so put together. Last but definitely not least was the person Bennett was most excited to see, Razor. His normally matted and tangled hair had been soothed and a cut ran long his left arm from his pinky to his upper arm, likely Hilichurl in origin. 

After taking in each individual, he allowed himself to focus on the stranger. They seemed to be unconscious  somehow, asleep or knocked out, he really wasn't sure but he knew for a fact that they were passed out with their head on Kaeya' shoulder. 

The next thing he noticed were their injuries, and a the servant of The Guide, he had to at least try to help.

He walked in their direction quickly, his left hand waving wildly out of a mix of excitement and worry for this stranger. "HEY GUYS!"

Razor was the first one to respond, raising a finger to his lips to make a sign for quiet as he approached the other teenager.

Aether was the first one to speak up, "Gentle please, Their Grace is asleep."

That phrase caused Bennett to stop in his tracks and for his eyes to latch onto the sleeping figure in the knight's arms. "E-Excuse me?"

Razor nodded. "Guide had long day. Need rest."

Bennett's eyes light up in such a bright way that it put his vision to shame as he stared at [Name]. "Guide… Their Grace has come to Teyvat?" He spoke gently, almost scared of his own words.

Jean smiled gently at the sight of the teenager being so careful. "Yes. They arrived yesterday afternoon, but I suppose you must have been out of town."

Diluc huffed. "You had to have been. Everybody in town won't stop talking about it, which is appropriate and the least they deserve."

A murmur of agreement spread throughout each one before Bennett brought back the topic at hand. "Can.. Can I get a closer look?"

Aether shook his head. "Wait until they're awake, they'd be more than happy to entertain you." "Heh. Much to their own detriment." Paimon chimed in, knowing none of them would disagree.

The pout the teenager gave tempted the Traveler to give in but a glance at his god's sleeping face solidified his resolve and once more he signaled a no. 

Bennett didn't let the denial get to him though, a smile never falling off his face as he turned away from Kaeya and [Name] within his grip and focusing on the Traveler himself. 

"Where are you guys going?" And Jean took the liberty to respond. "We're heading to the cathedral. The first thing we need is Their Grace to be healed and then perhaps once they're throughly awake then we can return to Dawn Winery so Their Grace can rest." Jean didn't speak all of her thoughts but she acknowledged a meeting amongst the Knights would be in order once [Name] had been settled in at the Winery.

Bennett couldn't resist asking a simple question that sent shudders of worry down Jean's spine. "Can I join you?". The Acting Grandmaster winced and prepared a lie to placate the boy when Paimon interrupted her.

"Of course! After all, They'll want to see their main team after all!"

Kaeya let out a soft chuckle, causing [Name] to shift in his grip and burrow their face further into his arms. "We've got three out of four.  Who knows, maybe Xingqiu will stop by for some books from Marjorie and we'll have the whole team together."

Kaeya gently resumed his walk back towards the bridge to the city, walking as softly as he could as not to disrupt [Name]'s sleep, meanwhile speaking with both teenagers of what quote en quote 'Team Building exercises' they should do together.

Paimon, Aether and Diluc followed close behind as Jean stood in contemplation for a few moments. Kaeya had a point, Xingqiu could show up at any time, Xiao had a tendency to engage in unpredictable visitation hours at the insistence of a rather stubborn bard, Thoma could make a surprise visit back to his home country, Hell, The Fatui could get word and that red headed Harbinger Kaeya claims Their Grace is so fond of could appear. Very little kept [Name] within their borders. Perhaps Mondstadt would be wise to cease all travelers from entering the city or at least the area surrounding Dawn Winery. Repercussions be damned, Their Grace would thank them and protect them in the end.

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Not a huge fan of this chapter but Oh well. Needed to get this out, I promise the next one will be both longer and better.

Tag list! (Closed for the foreseeable future.)

Also, if y'all have suggestions on interactions you wanna see people have with [Name] then please do let me know. I'm always happy to talk Guide!AU.

Feel free to like, reblog, leave a comment, send in an ask or DM me or even just scroll on by if it makes you feel more comfortable.

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