#i want to cry i just want my windows open to enjoy the cool temps

[thislittlekumquat]

We've arrived at the part of the weekend where I try to compose a note in my head that doesn't sound shitty that I leave for my neighbor asking them to PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF FUCKING GOD STOP GROWING WEED IN THE APARTMENT BELOW MINE.

[ill-be-your-honey-bri]

Banana Pancakes

HELLO MY LOVES! WHEW! This one took me WAY longer than I had wanted it to, but you know, life comes at ya and you gotta go with the punches.

That being said, this fic is part of @stellarboystyles​ THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FIC CHALLENGE! Congrats darling (though I’m a month late)! I had picked the single parent trope and the line I chose to use for the challenge is bolded and italicized in my fic. 

Without further ado, I present my Nanny!Harry fic. Enjoy, leave a like, REBLOG FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Send me some feed back, asks, love or hate, I don't care. TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!

I love you and treat people with kindness. 

Warnings: Lots of fluff, a sprinkle of smut, and a dash of angst (if you squint). 

Harry woke up to the smell of the crisp, cool fall air coming through his cracked bedroom window. The sky was still an inky fog as he stretched his arms over his head, skin pimpling as the air caressed him. He woke up before his alarm out of habit, knowing it would ring out shortly.

He roused out of his bed, extending his stretch through his legs and let out a satisfied groan when that one particular muscle in his lower back felt the pull it desired. He turned to his phone to turn his alarm off before going to the window to shut it, only after his dark tabby cat climbed back into his rightful home. Harry mumbled a ‘morning handsome’ to his fuzz ball, crouching down to give Elvis some morning loving.

Elvis followed Harry into the kitchen, knowing it was time for breakfast, mewing while figure-eighting between Harry’s feet.

“I know bub, I’m getting it.” Harry let out a yawn as he was filling the cat’s bowl. Elvis jumped on the counter, shoving his face in the bowl before Harry was even done filling it. “Eager this morning, are ya? Out there charming all the lady cats got you hungry? I hope you were a gentleman, I taught you better.”

Harry began making his coffee and filled his mug before returning to his room to get ready for the day. He decided on picking her favorite sweater; his blue ‘mon petite’ chickadee jumper. He laid it out on his bed as he pulled out his brown wide legged trousers and a striped button up to layer. He jumped in the shower to rinse off the morning haze and the ‘sleepies’, as his girl calls it.

His girl.

He smiled as he thought about her, what they had planned for the day. Maybe he will take her to the museum, stop by her favorite cafe, pick up a new book for them to read. He finished getting ready, pulling out his bike from the hallway closet to get it all set for his venture to his girl’s house. He grabbed his backpack, filled it with his girl’s favorite snacks, books, and their matching lavender water bottles, smiling as he threw his bag on his shoulders and carried his bike down the stairs of the apartment building.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry got to his girl’s home, putting in the code as he turned the key as to not awake her with the alarm. He put down his bag by the entry table, kicking off his scuffed up white Vans before softly padding up the stairs. He saw the door cracked open, slowly pushing it open further before walking to kneel by the bed.

He gently pushed her unruly hair off her beautiful face, seeing her lips in a pout and a furrow in her brow. She stirred slightly before her big doe eyes sleepily blinked open, causing Harry to smile down at her, which earned him a smile back.

“Good morning, my sweet girl.”

“Mornin’, did mama leave yet?”

“Not yet, Monkey. You know she can never go to work without giving you your kiss.”

Layla sat up fully, making grabby hands for Harry to pick her up and carry her downstairs. Harry could hear you in the shower getting ready for work as Layla cuddled into him on his way to your kitchen.

If you would have asked Harry two years ago if he thought he would be the nanny to your daughter, he would have laughed at the idea. He had been working at a daycare center when he first met you and his girl, Layla.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She was an infant when you had to return to work. Being a single mom, you needed to do what was best for you and your little bundle of joy. You had done extensive research on all the daycare facilities in your area, even venturing out a little further to get the best for your little angel. You had taken her to Small Wonders Daycare, nervous for your first day back as a pediatrician resident at the children’s hospital and your first day away from the love of your life.

You had walked into her assigned room provided by the administration when you completed the application and interview. The room was duckling yellow with moss green accents. Babies were laying on their bellies on the floor, being cooed at by a gentleman in a sheep sweater vest and tan trousers. He looked up to see you with Layla in her carrier, beaming and quickly hopped on his socked feet to meet you at the door. His co-teacher promptly laid with the little ones on the floor.

“You must be Mrs. Y/LN!”

“Um, no, just Dr. Y/LN or Y/N preferably.” You smiled at him as he was blushing from embarrassment.

“I - I am so sorry.”

“It’s alright. Not the first time it has happened.” You smiled at him before looking down at your little one who is looking around with wide eyes. Harry also looked at the carrier, quickly gaining his composure as he saw the little beauty.

“And you must be Layla!” Cooing at her, causing her to smile and blink slowly. He got on his knees as you placed the carrier on the floor so that he was able to unhook her and gently pick her up to his chest. He softly looked down at her as she returned the gaze, “Don’t tell the other girls this but, you have got to be the most beautiful little girl I have ever met.”

Layla quickly nuzzled into his chest, scratching gently at one of the sheep on his vest, giving you a sense of comfort and ease, knowing that your daughter is already in good hands. You had tried not to cry as you told Harry her schedule and routine, handing him her diaper bag.

“She prefers her milk at room temp, she gets fussy if it's too hot or too cold. There is enough breastmilk for the day and formula as well, if you need it. She has been eating me dry.” Harry gave a light chuckle, handing you your baby as he was putting the breastmilk in the refrigerator, Layla’s diapers and wipes in their designated spot by the changing table.

“I packed some extra clothes in her bag too, lots of bibs. She is not the most ladylike when it comes to eating, huh baby?” You gently rubbed her cheek as you looked down at her with maternal love.

Harry, always in awe of the way a mother could love her child and after being with you for a few moments, he knew that you could never love or cherish anything more than the little being cradled in your arms. The way your daughter looked up at you with awe, watching your every movement. That was a love that Harry always craved for.

Seeing Layla grow was one of Harry's fondest memories. He was there when she started to take her first attempt at steps, babbling and cooing her first ‘words’. When it was time that Layla was meant to graduate from his class room, it broke his heart. And it broke yours too.

Harry and Layla had created such a bond, you couldn’t bear for them to part. So you did the only thing you thought you could do when you walked into the classroom to see Harry laying on his back with your little one being held up in the air, giggling away with a few teeth that finally peeked through her gums.

“Hello my little one!” You had knelt down on the carpet next to Harry as he was handing you Layla, who was extremely happy to see you; kicking her legs and squealing happily. “Did you have a good day?”

“She was a little monkey today!” Harry was packing up Layla’s diaper bag as he was telling you about her day. “She was trying to climb out of her crib, climbing all over my lap during lunch and my back during tummy-time.”

“Oh no! We just got crawling down like a boss and now you get the gall to start climbing! You’ll be walking before you know it and then we will be in real trouble, wont we missy?” You started to kiss her chubby cheeks, making giggles bubble from her tummy.

“I’ll certainly miss her.” Harry gave you a shy smile as he carried her diaper bag and a gift from him for Layla to you. He handed you her bag as you stood up before handing you the gift bag.

“What’s this?” You gave him a curious look as you took the bag in hand as you settled Layla on your hip.

Harry scratched the back of his neck and wiggled his socked toes. “It’s just a little something.”

Layla reached her arms out to Harry, as if she knew this would be the last day that they would be able to cuddle. You handed her over easily, tapping her bum before opening the gift bag. Inside was her favorite book to ‘read’ with Harry, (you're pretty sure it's because of the way Harry reads it to her because she crawls away every time you try to read it). There was a crochet sweater that Harry told you his mom made, and a framed photo of Harry and Layla where Layla is squeezing Harry's cheeks to pull him in for a sloppy kiss.

You held your chest as you looked at the photo and tears began to well. “Harry, this is… this is so sweet, thank you. She loves you so much.”

He smiled down at her, scrunching his face, which Layla had mocked, “I guess I love her too. You have a very special girl on your hands.” He kissed her little nose before she cuddled onto his shoulder.

“I don’t want her to have a new teacher.” You wiped your eyes as you put Layla’s gifts back in the bag. “Would you want to be her nanny, Harry?”

Harry froze at the offer, a little taken back by being offered what he would consider to be a dream job; help you care for your perfect child. Granted, Harry had thought of this before but more of a fatherly figure than a nanny, but he would take what he could get to be close to both of his girls.

“What do you say Monkey? Want me to be your nanny?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry made his way down the stairs with Layla wrapped around his waist, her head on his shoulder. Her little fingers were twisting in the curls on the nape of Harry’s neck as he was humming and rubbing circles on her back. Layla unraveled herself as Harry approached the table to set her down so that he could start the coffee maker and begin making Lalya’s favorite breakfast.

Layla watched on with sleepy eyes, occasionally giving them a rub, as Harry pulled out a mixing bowl, flour, eggs, vanilla, bananas, and Layla’s favorite part, chocolate chips. She had quietly stood up from her perch and made her way to the ingredients as Harry was setting up the coffee pot. Harry had turned just in time to see Layla pop a small handful of chocolate chips into her mouth. She froze her movements.

“Monkey… what did I say about eating the chocolate chips before they are in your pancakes?”

Layla slowly reached for a few more, putting her hand out to Harry, “We share?”

Harry couldn’t help but to let a chortle out as he bent down, meeting his girl as her little fingers gripped on the chips that she moved to pop them in Harry’s mouth. “Thank you monkey! Would you like to help me mix?”

Layla quickly nodded as Harry picked her up to place her on the counter, making sure she was far enough from the edge before he handed her the whisk and placed the mixing bowl in front of her. Harry measured out the ingredients before putting them in the bowl for his girl to start mixing. Harry had pretended that he didn’t notice her add more handfuls of chocolate chips into the mix.

Harry heard your heels on the hardwood upstairs and Layla quickly turned when she realized you were coming down the stairs. You took Harry’s breath away, as you always did when you walked into the room. He could never take his eyes off of you when you were in his line in vision. He took in how perfect the blush pink, knee length, a-line dress perfectly hugged your curves. The way the nude heels made your legs look miles long. How perfect your hair frames your face and the beaming smile as you saw your baby girl.

“Good morning, baby!” You walked to the island of your kitchen to give your daughter a kiss, noticing the taste of chocolate when you pulled your lips from hers. You hum and squint your eyes, causing Layla to let out a giggle as she covered her mouth. “That’s funny, I’m pretty sure Harry hasn’t made you any pancakes yet, so why are your kisses so yummy?”

Layla shrugged as if she had no idea what you were talking about, causing you to look at Harry who gave you the same exact shrug your daughter had just given you. You shake your head, resting your hand on Harry’s lower back as you pass to make your coffee.

Harry focused on the touch, wishing that your hand was pressed a little firmer and a little longer. He wished that after you kissed your perfect carbon copy, you would kiss him too and catch him red handed after sneaking a few chocolate chips. He had wished that he wouldn’t have to go home at the end of the day to his lonely apartment. He shook himself from his thoughts as he heard you thank him for making coffee.

“Oh, it’s no problem. I made enough for you to take some with you too.”

“God, you’re a saint!” You squeezed his shoulder as you walked to the stool that held your purse and work tote. “Starting as a full time doctor at the children’s hospital has been so draining. I’m pretty sure I have been drinking a whole pot by myself.”

“I know that they just hired you full time but you should take some time for yourself.”

Layla watched on as you and Harry talked about work, slowly stopping her mixing and reached her hand for the chocolate chip bag. Harry slapped his hand on the bag, moving it away without even looking in Layla’s direction as he continued to talk about you and your self care. You let out a chuckle at Layla’s shocked pout as you take your last sip of your coffee.

“Alright my love, I need to get going. Be good for Harry.” Layla reached up to wrap her arms around your neck and gave you another peck to your lips.

“I will mama, I love you!”

“I love you too, baby. Have a good day Harry, call me if you need anything.”

With that, you walked out the door and got in your car to go to work as Harry got back to making breakfast for his girl.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After eating breakfast and doing a team clean up, Harry took Layla to her room to pick out an outfit for the day. Layla stood there, wide eyed, watching Harry as he moved around her room, knowing exactly where everything was.

“I was thinking we could go to the park today, what do you think monkey? And after the park, we would go to the museum.”

Layla perked up, excited to go to two of her favorite places, hoping Harry would list her most favorite place when they have a day planned like this.

“And the cafe?” She looked up at him with hopeful eyes, now standing by his side while he was pulling socks out of her dresser.

“I don’t know monkey… do you think we should?” Harry was trying to hold back his smile, knowing how devastated she would be if he were to ever tell her no to her favorite cafe.

“Please, Harry? It’s my favorite.” Of course, she had to use those gorgeous eyes that she clearly got from her mother. Harry realized that he is so weak for these girls.

“Alright, I guess we must then.” Harry closed the drawer with his hip and Layla jumped and clapped before sprinting to her ensuite.

Layla quickly stripped out of her clothes and turned the knobs to the bath herself before using all her little strength to put the plug in the tub. Harry was smart enough one day, when Layla was feeling extra autonomous, to put stickers on where the perfect bath temperature would be, so that Layla would never burn herself or cry when it’s too cold.

Harry laid out her outfit for the day on the sink counter, grabbing a cup and kneeling before the tub to help wash her hair. He heard “I can do it” more times than he can count until it became time to rinse her hair, where she would wordlessly tip her head back and cover her eyes with her little hands.

They would mindlessly chat about what they were excited to see at the museum, what they would play at the park, until Layla randomly asked, “Do you have a daddy?”

Harry froze. He knew he obviously was going to answer but he was afraid of where the conversation would lead to. “I do.” He let the silence settle, not wanting to push Layla to talk due to his anxiety.

“Mama says I have a daddy out there somewhere but she loved me too much to share me.” Layla rubbed the water away from her face before looking at Harry with a gentle smile that began to turn to a soft pout.

“What’s the matter, monkey? You can talk to me.” Harry put the cup off to the side on the tub ledge before leaning in to listen to his sweet girl. Her little fingers began to trace the ink on his left arm since his arms were exposed after Harry pushed up his sleeves for bath time.

“I’m sad I don’t know anything about my daddy. Did he not love me?” Harry could see the tears form in Layla’s eyes and he could physically feel them form in his along with the lump in his throat.

“Oh, baby. I don’t know anything about your daddy but I do know that he is a very lucky man to have had you and mama.”

“Why is he gone?” Layla’s tears were freely falling and her little lip was trembling.

Harry grabbed Layla’s towel, picking her up and wrapping the towel around her so he could hold her to his chest as she nuzzled in his neck, exactly how she did when they first met.

“My sweet girl.” He was rubbing her back and rocking her back and forth. Harry was curious as to what had brought this on but he didn’t want to press it. He did know that he was going to properly spoil his girl rotten today to make all her worries and heartache disappear.

Layla sniffled and wiped her runny nose on the towel before pushing away from Harry, resting her hands on his chest to look him in the face. She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a good squeeze, making a smile spread to Harry’s cheeks, holding his girl closer.

“Will you Elsa braid my hair like mama does?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Probably won’t look as good as mama’s but I will try.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry must say, he’s pretty proud of his braid as he is putting Layla’s glittery sky blue helmet on her.

Harry had dressed her in an outfit he would probably wear. You always had a good sense of fashion and Layla was picking up on it as well, now that you have been giving her some more independence in choices.

Layla was dressed in dark purple corduroy flares with a cream sweater, speckled with pastel pinks, purples, and blues. Harry made sure that she wore comfortable but warm shoes, opting for some brown leather Chelsea boots. Harry grabbed her mustard yellow peacoat and threw a pair of gloves in his backpack, just in case, along with more socks, another sweater, extra hair ties and clips (Harry would occasionally steal her butterfly clips for his own hair). He made sure that their water bottles were filled and there were snacks and sanitary wipes in the front pocket of his backpack before throwing it on his shoulders.

Harry and Layla walked out the front door, her helping lock up the house, before walking to Harry’s bike. He picked up Layla to set her in the kid carrier attached to the back of Harry’s bike. You had been extremely nervous when Harry had first told you about the seat and wanting to take Layla for a ride. You offered to help him get a car, even if it was for your own sanity, but Layla loved riding on Harry’s bike way too much to ever say no.

Layla was patient and cooperative with Harry hooking her in, making sure she was safe and secure. Harry checked the straps and buckles three times before he gave Layla an approving nod while she returned his gesture, adding a giggle. Harry swung his leg over the seat, kicked up the kickstand and planted his feet on the pedals, making their way to the park. Layla enjoyed the scenery whizzing by while humming some song that Harry couldn’t make out, otherwise he would have joined her.

They made their way to the park, enjoying the rest of the morning hours there before they ventured to the cafe on the lake that was close to the park. Harry kept his bike locked up, opting to hold Layla’s hand as they walked to the cafe.

Harry had asked Layla why she likes this cafe so much many times and her answers had changed over the years. She used to tell Harry that it was because of “duckies”, then it turned to liking their hot cocoa. Today when he asked, his heart was warmed by her words and how wise she had become by the ripe age of three.

“Mama brings me here when we go to the park and you always bring me here. It’s our family spot.”

The waitress came over, beaming at Harry and Layla sitting across from each other, coloring on the placemat together.

“Oh my goodness, your daughter is so cute!”

Layla looked up at the waitress with a scowl before looking at Harry, causing him to laugh.

“I’m her nanny.”

The waitress looked taken back but quickly changed her features, looking Harry up and down and biting her lip. Layla continues to scowl at the waitress as Harry told her that they were ready to order.

Layla, being the smart girl she is, noticed how the waitress demeanor changed. How she was now only focused on Harry, began to twirl her hair and the constant lip biting. Harry had ordered his food and looked to Layla, who cleared her throat to get the waitress’s attention.

“My mama is prettier and she’s a doctor.”

Harry choked on his water at Layla’s childlike bluntness, causing a laugh to escape from his lips that he was trying to hold back. The waitress now was the one to wear the scowl as Layla’s own demeanor became confident with a hint of sass.

The waitress finally looked to Layla, “That’s not a very nice thing to say to a stranger.”

“It’s not nice to ignore me. I want hot cocoa with extra whipped cream and grilled cheese. Thank you.” Layla went back to coloring on the placemat, dismissing the waitress.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had finished their lunch, the waitress returning minimally since she got scolded by the child. Layla had cleaned up her area, stacking all of her dirty dishes and utensils onto Harry’s plate before hopping down from her chair and reaching for Harry’s hand. They got back to Harry’s bike, having Layla grip onto Harry’s trouser leg as he was unlocking the bike to set it up properly to get Layla back in her seat.

On their way to the museum, she was playing with the keychain they had made together that was attached to the zipper of Harry’s backpack. They were chatting about what parts of the museum they were going to be looking forward to.

Harry had tried to make their time together as educational as possible. Her little brain was ever growing, becoming curious, and he tried to feed its thirst for knowledge. The museum was having an exhibit on extinct animals so he had made sure they made it in time for them to join.

Layla was a wonderful listener. Harry had to carry her, per her request, so that she could be close to the presenter as they walked around the exhibit so she wouldn't miss a word he was saying. Her eyes were glued to the speaker when he spoke, focused on the extinct animal figure on display when he would direct their focus. Layla had her fingers wrapped in Harry’s curls, twisting them gently in her little fingers as she sponged up the information. She would occasionally rest her head on his shoulder, nuzzle close, and Harry would rest his head on hers.

“Getting tired, sweetheart?”

Layla lazily shook her head no as her grip tightened on to Harry. Harry knew she would be fast asleep the moment he got her into the bike seat.

Layla slept all the way home, Harry careful to pull her out to not disturb her, holding her close as he got them inside. He carried her to her room, slowly peeling off her coat and boots before covering her in a crochet blanket; another gift made by his own mother for his girl. Layla curled onto her side, subconsciously grabbing for her stuffed monkey Harry got for her for her third birthday, and soft snores began to fall from her lips.

Harry kissed her cheek before turning on her white noise maker and leaving her door cracked. Harry made his way down stairs and plopped on the couch, falling asleep himself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry woke up covered in a soft sherpa blanket with the smell of garlic and tomato filling his nostrils. He let out a stretch before sitting up, seeing you standing at the stove and Layla at the table painting.

You were still in your blush dress from the morning but were barefoot and hair up in a messy bun with pieces framing your face. You were sipping from your red wine glass while pushing chicken and veggies in a skillet.

Layla perked up when she saw Harry staring at you. She had noticed this look he gave you before, the ever observant girl, but she didn’t know how to verbalize what the look could mean. She let Harry watch you a little longer until you had noticed he was awake when you turned around.

“Morning sunshine! Did this one wear you out today?” You were smiling at him as you continued to chop vegetables to put them in a salad, popping a chunk of cucumber in your mouth and handing Layla a chunk for herself, popping her piece in her mouth almost identical to you. Except, Harry was focused on the way your lips curled into a soft smile while you eloquently chewed and swallowed the piece of green veg before licking your lips, causing Harry to realize how dry his mouth was and how sweaty his palms were.

“No, not at all. We had a great day, guess I just needed the rest.”

You nodded as you pulled three plates down from the cupboard to place on the table. You mumbled a “time to clean up” into Layla’s hair, that is now loose from its Elsa braid, as you kissed the top of her head. Layla gently put her paints away, Harry helping with the water cup and laying the painting on the counter to dry. Harry walked Layla to the bathroom so they could both wash their hands for dinner.

You had made up the plates and placed them on the table before Harry and Layla had walked out. Getting Layla a cup for water and another red wine glass, you poured Harry a glass and topped yours off, setting them on the table as the two walked out.

This had become a strange tradition for the three of you after you had noticed that Harry had lost weight and was concerned that he wasn’t eating properly at home by himself. He swore it wasn’t an issue but you had gone full mama bear mode on Harry and started to put a plate in front of him before he had an opportunity to tell you “no thank you”. You sat at the table with Layla and Harry, discussing their day.

“Mama, the lady at the cafe ignored me to stare at Harry. It wasn’t nice!”

You let out a giggle, thinking to yourself that you can’t blame the poor waitress for being enchanted by the magnetic being across from you. “You’re right baby, that’s not nice but hopefully Harry got a phone number out of it.”

You smiled across at Harry and he began to blush, opening his mouth to speak but Layla beat him to it.

“Why would Harry need her phone number? He can call you!”

As calm and collected as you were, Harry went into a slight panic; was he really that obvious when it came to his feelings for you?

“Again, you’re right baby. Harry can call me any time he wants.”

Harry’s eyes went wide and Layla’s scowl turned into a bright smile, going back to eating her dinner while Harry sat there frozen.

“I can call you?”

“Of course Harry, any time. Even if it’s just to check in on Layla.”

Harry deflated a little when you were clear about your intentions for a phone call just as a friendly gesture. Harry went back to eating, trying to disguise his disappointment.

Harry had helped you clean up while Layla went to get her pajamas on. There was an awkward silence looming over the two of you that you could both sense but you weren’t sure who would cut through it first, so you decided to bare the knife.

“Can I ask you a huge favor? You have every right to say no if you are busy or you just don’t want to.”

“Of course, can ask me anything.”

“Would you be able to watch Layla Friday night?”

“Yeah, no problem. Did you get called in to cover at the hospital?”

“Um, no, actually. I have a date.”

The knife you used to cut through the heavy air around you just went right into Harry’s heart. He couldn’t tell if you could notice but he could feel his blood run cold and his face go pale.

“No problem. I’ll just stay all day Friday. I should get going now though.”

“You don’t want to stay for the Great British Bake off? You always stay to watch after dinner.” You gave him a pout as you wiped your hands with a rag to dry them. Those eyes always work on him, no matter if they are from Layla or you, but his heart couldn’t bear to look at them tonight.

“I have stuff at home to catch up on and since I’ll be busy on Friday now, I should get it done.”

“Harry, you don’t have to watch Layla on Friday if you’re already busy. I can find a babysitter.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, Harry quickly walked to the door, stopping when he saw Layla come down the stairs, trying to hold back his tears that he can feel burning.

“Good night my sweet girl, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Layla reached her arms up to hug Harry, holding her extra tight and giving her a long kiss to her cheek before gently setting her feet on the floor and heading home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You were getting ready for your date as Harry was making dinner for him and Layla. You had offered to cook something up but Harry told you that you should get ready so you wouldn’t be late.

You walked down in the tightest dress Harry had ever seen you in, making his body ache from desire and heartbreak. How desperately he wanted to pick you up for a date with you walking out in that curve hugging maroon dress and black stiletto heel, putting your earring in and fluffing your hair to where you want it to lay.

“So pretty mama!”

“Thank you baby!” You gave the top of her head a kiss before going to pick up your phone from the charger to place in your clutch. You heard the horn of a car outside as you were grabbing your black trench coat.

“Okay baby, be good. You might be sleeping when I get back but I’ll come tuck you in. Harry, call me if you need anything.” You kissed Layla again and made your way to the door, locking it behind you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Your date has been going extremely well. David was a handsome surgeon you had met during your ER coverage when someone came in with intensive internal bleeding, leading to an emergency surgery where David was on call. Laughs were being had, drinks were flowing easy, then your phone rang.

You saw that it was Harry so you quickly answered, “Harry, is everything alright?” You could hear Layla crying in the background, making your heart race.

“Layla has a fever and I can’t get her to calm down.”

You took a deep breath, “What’s her temperature? Did you give her some children’s Tylenol?”

“She is at 100 right now, gave her the Tylenol and put a cool cloth on her head. She’s just so inconsolable right now. She wants her mama, Y/N.”

“Can I talk to her?” Harry put the phone on speaker as he continued to rock Layla, adjusting the cloth on her forehead.

You whimpered when you heard her choked sobs, gently asking, “Baby, wants the matter?”

Layla’s cries had died down a minuscule amount but you could make out what she was saying, “I want my mama!” Your heart was breaking and you looked to David, who at this point finished his wine and looked extremely annoyed.

“It’s okay baby, I’ll be home soon, okay? I’ll be right there.” Layla settled a little more and Harry ended the call with a “see you soon”.

David paid for the bill as you began to apologize and get your stuff together. David began to walk ahead of you before saying his cold goodbye at the door. “I don’t have time to drive you home, could you catch an Uber or something?”

You scoffed at him before rolling your eyes, “Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks for dinner but don’t expect a call from me.” You pulled out your phone as David walked away so that you could request an Uber.

You had rushed into your house, which was now eerily quiet for having a sick baby girl on your hands. You walked into the house further and found Harry laying on the couch topless with Layla laying on his chest, also topless and a wet towel between them. Harry had his fingers combing through Layla’s hair as they were watching Coco.

Layla lifted her head when she heard your heels on the hardwood, looking at you and tears began to brim her eyes.

“Hi my baby, you’re not feeling good, hm?” You knelt down by the couch as you stripped off your coat and Layla was reaching for you to hold her. You held her close, feeling the warmth radiating off of her but it wasn’t a concerning temperature at this point.

Harry sat up, folding the wet towel before taking it to the bathroom, walking away and coming back still topless. Your eyes explored his torso, his high waisted trousers cover up until under his butterfly. You continued to hold and rock your little one, who was now nuzzling into your neck with her breathing slowing. Your eyes finally finished their exploring of Harry’s dips and valleys when you met his eyes, mouthing a “thank you” for taking care of your daughter.

You stood up and kicked off your heels before climbing the stairs to tuck Layla in. You placed her in your bed so that you could watch her overnight. You walked back down the stairs after leaving your door cracked and promptly went to the cupboard to pull out two wine glasses and a bottle of Syrah, popping out the cork and pouring two hefty glasses before walking to the couch where Harry now sat with his shirt on. To say you were disappointed was an understatement.

Harry took the glass and looked at how full it was before giving you a look with a cocked brow and smirk. “Not good, huh?”

You ran your hand through your hair and let out a sigh. “It was fine until you called.” Harry instantly felt guilty for calling you on your date until you spoke up again.

“I didn’t tell him I had Layla, he had told me before the date that he never wanted children. I guess that should have been a major red flag. I’ve just been so alone and desperate that I took the first thing that jumped on me.” You took a huge swig of your wine before letting out a sigh. “I probably should have asked you if you needed a ride home before I started guzzling down my feelings.”

Harry smiled at you, “It’s fine. I can get an Uber.”

You almost spilt your wine when you sat up with a mouthful, quickly swallowing it. “Mm! He didn’t even drive me home! He made me get a fucking Uber!”

“What an asshole!”

“I know! Ugh, I should just give up while I’m ahead. I’ve got the most perfect daughter, I have a great job, although exhausting. I own a house and have a happy and healthy life… I guess I just get-“

“Lonely?” Harry thought that you were preaching to the choir at this point because he felt the same exact way; he had your daughter to care for, an amazing job, he is happy and healthy because you care for him.

You let out another sigh and closed your eyes, “Yes, so lonely. I have been doing this all on my own and it can be too much. I just want someone to hold me, tell me it will be okay, that I am doing a good job.”

“You’re doing an amazing job,Y/N.”

You slowly open your eyes and look to Harry who has been watching you this whole time. You let out another sigh because you can feel him pull you in but you don’t want anything to happen, not right now anyway, not like this.

As if your daughter wasn’t already your saving grace, she cried out for you right when you felt the pull to Harry become too strong. You put your wine glass down and go to your baby.

“You’re more than welcome to stay in the guest room if you don’t feel like making your way home this late. I’m going to go to bed. Goodnight Harry.”

And with that, you walked up the stairs to be with your baby and Harry called an Uber home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry had walked in, eager to start the day with Layla, thinking about maybe baking something and going to the art museum. When he walked into the kitchen, he wasn’t expecting to see you in a long t-shirt, bed head and bare legs with Layla on the counter eating sliced strawberries.

“Oh shit, Harry!”

“Mama! No swear!”

“Oop, sorry baby. Harry, I must have forgot to tell you that I had today off.”

“Oh, it’s no problem, I can head home so you can spend the day with Layla.”

“Or you can stay…” you were looking at him with hopeful eyes that he would agree to spend the day with you and Layla. “We would love for you to stay.”

“Yeah Harry! Please?”

The way that both of you are now giving him the eyes, he’s lucky he didn’t turn into a puddle on the floor. Harry began to peel his jacket and boots off, exposing his layered red sweater over a cream button up to match his brown and cream plaid pants, walking over to the island for Layla to pop a strawberry in his mouth. You smiled up at him as he began to help you prep the breakfast to build your own waffles.

Harry helped Layla get ready for the day, getting her in some black fleece leggings, a chambray shirt with some brown leather combat boots. Layla said she wanted mama to do her hair and that Harry shouldn’t take it personally.

Layla sprinted into your ensuite where you were finishing your simple makeup and loose curls, wearing high waisted dark skinny jeans and a cream off the shoulder sweater. You were still barefoot at this point and Harry thought that he could get used to this.

You made sure you unplugged your curling wand and moved it away from the sink so that you could sit Layla on it to do her hair. She already had white bows in her hand for you to put in her hair. You quickly did a crown braid to keep her hair out of her face and finished it off with a top knot, throwing a bow at the base of the bun. You dashed on your perfume, doing the same to Layla per her request and then threw some chapstick on the both of you before picking up Layla to place on your hip.

You looked up to Harry and asked him if he was ready to go. He swallowed that dry mouth away before giving you a nod.

You got Layla settled in her car seat, tucking your purse under her feet and gave her a kiss before you climbed into the driver's seat. Harry got comfortable in the passenger seat, looking in the mirror in the visor to look back at Layla who was ‘reading’ a book.

You looked over to Harry who was smiling in the mirror, causing you to smile before asking if everyone was ready. You stopped by a coffee shop drive through where you got Layla her hot cocoa, yourself a flat white, and Harry a black coffee. The drive to the art museum was a little ways so you let Layla pick the music for the car. You hummed along to the Disney songs until Layla was begging for you and Harry to sing, causing you both to giggle but sing along.

Harry took over when it came to the art museum, educating Layla on artists and types of paints and materials used. You followed behind letting them having their time together, warming to see Harry adore your daughter and her being excited to learn. You took a few pictures of the two of them and were reviewing them when Layla was hyper fixated on Monet’s “Sunflowers” painting. You froze at a picture of Harry knelt down with Layla between his legs and his hand on her tummy. She was pointing to a painting on the wall while Harry was looking at the camera with a beaming smile, the next one was the same pose with a softer smile and he was looking behind the camera, looking at you.

You looked up to see Layla running to you with arms open and Harry jogged close behind. Layla was talking a mile a minute about the sunflower painting as you knelt down to pick her up. You kept looking at Harry who was giggling at Layla’s gabbing and excitement while you could not focus on anything other than the way Harry’s dimples were popping and his eyes were crinkling. You shook yourself from the trance as you helped Layla get her jacket from the museum coat closet.

You decided to go out of the way to go to the cafe by the park. This would be the first time all three of you went together and you knew Layla would be excited when she saw the car pull into the parking lot.

You were right; she squealed and tried to get herself out of her car seat but Harry had beat her to it. She was in awe of the trees surrounding the lake and the cafe, all in their full bloom of fall colors. The leaves were scattered beautifully along the parking lot, leaves floating in the lake. The cafe was decorated in fall decor, preparing for the holiday season.

You requested a table by the widows facing the lake and sat Layla closest to the window so she could enjoy the view. She murmured how it looked like a painting at the museum and what paints were used in the art she was thinking of. You smiled at her before looking at Harry who was already looking at you.

Layla started to list all the colors she sees outside as the waitress approached, the same one that had eyes for Harry.

“Well, hello again.” She again was focused only on Harry, ignoring your’s and Layla’s presence. Harry had to laugh because the face you were making at that moment was identical to the one Layla had made the first time.

“I’ll let the ladies order first.” Harry nodded at you before you looked up at the waitress, giving her a sickly sweet smile. Her eyes widened when she looked at you, truly shocked by your beauty.

“Layla baby, you first.” Layla never looked away from outside, stating that she would like “hot cocoa with extra whip cream and a grilled cheese, please.” You had asked if she could get a side of veg along with her meal as you ordered a turkey club with a side salad and a cup of soup to share with Layla.

Harry had ordered his turkey burger with side salad before the waitress parted to bring a fresh pitcher of water. Layla had finally turned her attention back to you and Harry, going over her favorite parts of the museum throughout the meal. You're pretty sure she had listed everything she saw.

You made your way home, Layla falling asleep in the car. Harry had carried her up to her bed as you gathered all the dirty laundry to start a load. You sat at the table with your laptop, paying bills when Harry made his way down to you at the kitchen table. Harry let out a yawn and you pointed to the coffee maker.

“Fresh pot.” You smiled and lifted your mug to ‘cheers’ him. Harry sat across from you while you finished up on your computer and you suggested that you watch a movie or some garbage tv.

You got about halfway through the movie before you heard little feet pattering on the hardwood upstairs. Before you know it, Layla has crawled into your lap, laying her head on your shoulder while she looks at Harry with a sleeping smile.

“Good morning beautiful, sleep well?” She nodded at Harry as she nuzzled closer to you. You rubbed her back and patted her bum as you thought about what to do for dinner.

“I was thinking since we have already been bad all day, we should order some pizza.” Layla perked up at that before squeezing you tighter. You giggled as you pulled out your phone, hitting the speed dial to your favorite place.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With full bellies and a sleepy Layla, you get the two of you ready for bed as Harry puts away the leftovers and throws the boxes away.

You walk down with a clean face, hair up, and a pair of green cotton plaid pajama pants and a white oversized T-shirt. Harry walked back in from the recycling outside to you holding a pint of ice cream and two spoons. You raised your eyebrows and giggled as Harry walked over to you. You popped open the pint and handed a spoon to Harry.

“Layla would be heartbroken if she saw you sharing with me and not her.” He smiled before popping the spoon in his mouth, letting the cream melt over his tongue.

You shrug, licking your spoon, “I don’t share my ice cream with just any one Harry.” You take another spoonful and look at Harry as you take your bite.

Harry could feel his heart racing, his mouth drying, his hands are sweaty. He can feel the word vomit in the back of his throat make its way to the tip of his tongue. “Can I be honest with you?”

“Of course Harry, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

You stood up straight when you saw that Harry had adjusted his own posture. He was avoiding your gaze now, looking to the spoon in his hand he was twirling while he tried to find his voice. You didn’t pressure him, you both just stood in silence.

“I’m very lucky to have had you walk into my classroom. I instantly fell in love with your daughter and I instantly fell in love with you too.” He was still avoiding your gaze but if he were to look up, he would see that your eyes have glossed and your lip is trembling, the way Layla’s does when she is trying to hold back her tears.

“I’ve known for an embarrassingly long time how I have truly felt about you but what we have is so good and I couldn’t bear to not have Layla in my life, couldn’t bear to lose you. I- Today was amazing and made me realize that it would kill me if I don’t tell you that I am completely and utterly, madly in love with you.”

Harry decided that it’s now or never to look at you, and you looked so beautiful in this moment as you do every time Harry looks at you. You may be in oversized and stained pajamas, your cheeks may be wet and flush and your lips bruised and trembling, but you are as beautiful as you are every day that Harry is graced with your presence.

You now try to find your words but you choke out a sob. Harry quickly wraps you into his arms and kisses the top of your head, holding you close. You finally catch your breath and look up to him.

“I always knew there was something there but I was too scared to find out.”

Harry wiped your cheeks with his thumbs, holding your face in his palms. “Can I kiss you, Y/N?”

You gave him the nod he was wishing for and he slowly leaned in as he pulled you closer. He was gentle in his movements, not wanting to scare you away from this moment. He planted his lips softly against yours, slowly moving so that he could incase your lower lip between his, softly sucking it between his lips. He moved closer so that your bodies were pressed together and he lowered his right hand from your cheek to your waist and his left hand to the back of your head, his fingers weaving into the hair pulled up into the bun on top of your head. He gently let his tongue graze your bottom lip before he pulled you closer and licked again with more fervor.

Your mouth opened more to let him in, just as you were opening yourself more to let him into your heart. Your hands reached out to grip at the sweater on his chest as you finally let go and let your tongue meet his. This move gives Harry the confidence and reassurance he needs as he fully licks into you to massage your tongue with his as he presses his hips to yours, pushing your lower back to the counter.

He pulls away breathless as he lays his forehead on yours, kissing your nose and rubbing the back of your head with his thumb. He goes back in to kiss you more,  lifting you by your thighs to wrap around him. He carefully carries you to your room, gently laying you down on the bed as he starts to kiss down your neck, his hands massaging your thighs that are still wrapped around him. Harry pulls his sweater over his head and before you get the chance to admire him, his lips are pressed to yours. His fingers graze the waistband of your bottoms and he starts to pull them down, his soft and warm palms caressing the bare flesh of your thighs.

Harry continues to kiss the skin of your neck as you swallow down the lump that is forming in the base of your throat as you think about the next morning. “Harry, what if this changes everything?”

“Everything’s still the same, nothing changes. Except now, I get to hold you, and kiss you, and show you much I love you.”

You let out a sigh of relief as the tears begin to form that you try to blink away. Harry’s face is again level with yours, kissing your cheek. “Will you let me show you how much I love you?”

Your lip trembles as you tell him yes, never feeling loved before this moment. Harry gently kissed you and he reached for the hem of your shirt. He pulled it over your head, exposing your sports bra and he leaned on his hunches to finish pulling your bottoms off. Harry took his time, kissing every inch of you. Your stretch marks from carrying Layla, your stubbly thighs because you didn’t have time to shave your legs fully this morning, your freckles and scars. Harry truly loved every inch of you, and you could feel it.

“Can I take these off, love?” Harry’s fingers were tucked into your cotton panties when you gave him a nod. You were nervous because it had been longer than you would like to admit since you have been intimate with someone. Harry slowly peeled them down your legs, kissing a trail behind.

“Harry… it’s been a long time…”

“It’s okay, I’ll take my time with you.” He kissed your ankle as he dropped your panties to the side of the bed. “Can I start by touching you?” You nod again and you lean up to pull off your sports bra and adjust the pillow behind your head. Harry still sat on his knees between your legs to admire you. “Do you have any lube? I don’t want to hurt you or make it uncomfortable for you.”

You give him a shy smile before leaning to your side table, appreciating him for being so kind and gentle. You hand him the bottle and he pops the cap open, spreading some along his fingers as well as dripping some on your center. He placed the bottle by his leg, just in case he doesn’t have enough.

“Talk to me, okay? Let me know if it’s too much or not enough. Tell me what you need.”

“I will.” He smiled before leaning down to kiss you, hovering over you as he started to run his pointer and middle finger through your folds. You gasp at the coldness but quickly relax when you feel Harry’s fingers explore you more; spreading you open, pinching a lip or your clit between his fingers. He gave you one last lick into your mouth before leaning back again.

You opened your thighs more to accommodate him as he watched his own fingers explore you. You watched his brow furrow and he occasionally licked his lip. Your breath hitched when you felt his middle finger slowly dip in you.

“This okay?”

“Yes.” Your hips flex up involuntarily to meet Harry’s finger that he is slowly dipping and pulling out of you. His thumb slowly started rolling over your clit and you let out your first moan. It was soft, but present enough for Harry to speed up his movements a little bit, earning a louder moan from you.

“You like that baby?” Harry slowly pulled out his middle finger so that he could slide his middle and ring finger in together, giving you the stretch to need. When he got to the base of his fingers, your back arched and Harry began his come hither motion on your walls, reaching further to hit the soft sponge that you needed him to find.

“Harry, right there!” He added a little more pressure to your gspot before returning to his massaging gesture, using his other hand to figure eight your clit with his thumb. You could feel yourself on the brink of the tip over but you needed something, you just weren’t sure what it was but Harry seemed to know.

He leaned down to kiss you fully again, the pressure of his body on you caused his thumb to add more pressure to your bud and his fingers to plunge a little deeper, causing the rush to flow over you and the tingles to start in your fingers and toes. You moaned into his mouth as he continued to kiss you to keep you quiet but you pulled away to catch a breath, panting into his shoulder as he kissed your neck.

Harry began to slow his movements, pulling his hands away to massage at your thighs as he continued to kiss your neck down to your chest. You could feel him straining in his trousers on your core as he laid on you.

“Was that okay?” He continued to kiss your chest, licking your left nipple into his mouth, sucking gently and flicking the tip of his tongue across it. You rolled your hips into him, feeling the vibrations from his moan into the flesh of your breast.

“It was great, thank you.” Your hand was combing through his hair as he moved to your right breast.

“Can I make love to you?” He looked up at you, watching your soft, blissed out face turn into a gentle smile.

“I would love to make love with you, Harry.” He leaned up again to kiss you before standing to pull off his trousers. He reached for the nightstand to grab a condom, putting it on and adding some extra lube before setting the bottle aside.

“Let me know if you need me to stop or anything.” He kissed your forehead, your closed eyes, each cheek, then your nose before landing on your lips. He lined himself up to your core, all while kissing you, before gently pushing into you with a role of his hips.

With each roll and deeper kiss, he sunk deeper into you. You pulled away from the kiss trying to catch a breath, feeling dizzy from being overwhelmed emotionally and physically. Harry continued to slowly thrust into you, barely pulling out before he would roll again. He lifted a knee to lay flush with your thigh, opening you more which caused Harry to pull out more than he intended to push back into you.

You let out a moan and your head tipped back after that particular thrust, causing Harry to remove his face from your neck to look at you and repeat the same motion, over and over again. He could feel how wet you were getting, almost too wet that he was slipping out of you more, causing his thrust to be sloppy and deeper.

He lifted the thigh he had pushed up with his knee up to his shoulder, hovering over you more and looking right down at you. You look up to see Harry’s curls falling over his face, his face and chest flush, your hand moved up to move his hair so you can see him in all his beauty. You leaned up to kiss him, creating a new angle that had you both moaning.

Harry could feel himself coming undone, knowing that he had to get you there first. He let his hand travel to wear your bodies met, rolling your bud under his thumb once again. You sat up on your elbows to keep the angle you both loved as well as to stay close to Harry.

“I’m so close, don’t stop Harry.”

He leaned in to kiss you, mumbling “I love you” against your lips between kisses. “Fuck, I love you so much, Y/N.”

At that confession, your arms gave out so Harry quickly gripped you close with his free arm and rolled his hips against you until he moaned out your name and let his orgasm flood over him. He gently laid you both down, resting his head on your chest as you both embraced and caught your breath.

Harry felt your fingers stop moving in his hair and little snores escape your lips. Harry has seen that sleepy pout on your daughter more times than he could count but seeing it on you has made him the happiest man alive. Harry maneuvers himself so that you are both lying comfortably and he falls asleep with his arms wrapped around you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You wake up to find that Harry is not in bed, but all the clothes from last night are now in the hamper and there is a set of fresh clothes at the end of the bed. You can hear little giggles and a few “oops” from the kitchen. You get dressed and make your way down stairs.

Layla turns her head to you when you walk in, beaming with a “morning mama!” Leaning up to give you a kiss.

“Are you stealing chocolate chips again? Some extra sweet kisses this morning!”

Layla giggles as you press your hand a little firmer and longer on Harry’s lower back as you go for the coffee pot. You lean up to give Harry a kiss, noticing that he has been dipping into the chocolate too. Harry quickly went back in for another kiss, sweeter than the chocolate that lingers. You pull away slowly looking into Harry’s sleepy green eyes and wish him a good morning.

“Morning love, banana pancakes?”

“I’d love some.”

[itsallyscorner]

ariana grande's song pov & harry styles 🤭🤭

Thank you for the request, lovie! I am so sorry this took forever, thank you for being patient and being one of my supportive followers! Much love and happy reading❤️❤️❤️

💌.

pov

Warnings: Insecurity in ones body and complexion. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT! YOU SAY TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS? NAH, TREAT YOURSELF WITH KINDNESS FIRST. >:(

a/n: This is a little different, I tried to do this one without directly using lyrics:)

(My gorgeous boy💛)

You stared at yourself as you wiped the makeup from your face. You were wearing a magnificent red dress that clung to your body and flattered your curves. The heaviness in your heart made it feel like there was a 3000 pound rock on your chest. Your breathing grew deeper as the tears you have been holding all night were finally being released.

You and Harry had just gotten back from an event. A fashion show to be specific. You guys had been invited to the show by the designer and have also attended the after parties. Though you had been anticipating the show for weeks, all the excitement you were feeling flew out the window the moment you stepped foot onto the red carpet. All around you were gorgeous women who had flowing hair and glowing skin, it was as if they were not real. Like you were surrounded by goddesses and then there was you, a mere human.

Your insecurity had mixed into your anxiety of being in such a high class place where there were eyes looking at you from every direction. You looked down at your dress and compared it to every woman you passed by. Though it was stupid of you, your mind just couldn’t help it. You were your own worse enemy.

Harry was always beside you always touching you. A hand on your back, around your waist, or holding your hand, he made sure you knew he was with you. The whole night all you could think about was why would he choose you? He could have had anyone in the world. He could have had a beautiful model like the ones that surrounded you at this show. But no, he chose you. You weren’t perfect, you had blemishes, curves, and were not as tall as the other girls.

Instead of enjoying yourself at the show, all you could do was second guess your relationship with Harry. What did he even see in you? Why did he love you so much? Was he only with you out of pity? All the questions were causing a ruckus in your brain as you faked a smile here and there on the outside.

Now here you were, locked in the bathroom as you wiped all the makeup you’ve applied for the night. As you wiped you saw the dark scars of pimples and dark circles under your eyes appear. There were a few red blemishes, usually you wouldn’t mind, but tonight your insecurities were getting the best of you. Your vision blurred as the tears pooled in your eyes before trailing down your flushed cheeks. You sniffed quietly, trying to not attract attention to the bathroom. Harry was outside, probably getting changed out of his formal wear and into something comfy.

You’ve pulled the dress off, now wearing the silk robe you kept in the bathroom. You pulled your hair up and wet your face. The water from the sink is a nice warm temp as you wash your face with your cleanser. As you wipe your face you continued to look at yourself. Pointing out every imperfection you possibly had. From your face to your toes, there was always something that caught your eye and made your nose scrunch in disgust.

Your side was facing the mirror when a knock came from the door. You jumped pulling the robe around you tighter.

“Love?” Harry’s low yet comforting voice vibrated through the door.

“Uh, yeah?” Your voice is hoarse after holding in your sobs to yourself. You hear some shuffling behind the door before Harry speaks again.

“Love, let me in.” He coaxes you through the door. You sigh knowing you couldn’t avoid him any longer. He always knew when something was up, it was as if he knew you better than yourself. Maybe he did.

You take a breath in before opening the door. Behind the door revealed Harry in his black button down that’s been unbuttoned to reveal his chest. His hair flopped to the side, the gel from earlier now worn out. Concern fills his eyes once he catches sight of you. Your eyes are red and your cheeks were blotchy and puffy from all the crying you have been silently doing.

Harry does not say anything, instead he takes a step towards you and wraps you in his embrace. You head nuzzles against his neck as he places a hand behind the back of your head. His other hand runs circles along your back soothingly. The two of you stand there in each other’s arms for a few minutes before you pull away to look at him.

Harry towers over you as he presses kisses to each of your cheeks then your lips, “What’s wrong, my love?”

You shamefully look down to your feet, finding interest in the floor. “My thoughts just got the best of me, that’s all.”

“What were those thoughts?” He quietly asks, leading you so he’s resting against the sink counter and you against his chest.

“Why do you love me? Like why would you choose me, Harry? There’s so many perfect women out there, yet you chose me? Why would you do that?” The words roll off of your tongue without any hesitation. The questions just kept on coming and coming, it was like you were vomiting.

An upset look shadows Harry’s face as he suddenly stands straight, causing you to take a step back. His brows furrowed together as hurt flashes in his eyes.

“Why would you question my love for you?” He asks, his voice cracks for a second, something he believes you didn’t catch, but you did. Your mouth is agape as you try to come up with an answer.

“Well, (y/n)? Why would you question how much I love you?” The hurt in his voice is evident as it causes tears to form in your eyes again. Your arms wrap around yourself as a defense, but the sound of his voice shook you. You didn’t mean to hurt him.

“Because I don’t deserve you, Harry! I’m not good enough for you! You deserve someone who’s prettier and has confidence in themselves. Someone who won’t hurt you because they let their insecurities in the way. Just not me.” A sob wracks through your body as you throw your hands up in frustration.

Harry’s arms are crossed as he stares you down, “You don’t get to have a say in what I do and don’t deserve. Because I know what I deserve and it’s you. I’m sorry I chose you, but you’re what I deserve. You’re who I want, (y/n). I don’t want some model who’ll use me for the fame and break up with me once things get serious. I know I deserve you, (y/n).”

He was just centimeters away from you, you could feel his breath fanning against your cheeks as he breathed.

“I love you. I really do. I just hope you would realize that without questioning it because you’re perfect to me.” He whispers, his forehead resting against yours.

“I wanna love me the way that you love me.” You whisper back staring down at your connected hands. His rings are cold against your skin, but it isn’t a harsh coldness. There’s a warmth to the coolness of his rings and it’s inviting.

“You probably don’t realize it now, but you are magnificent. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You have the kindest smile. The brightest eyes that remind me of the sun. A generous heart. There’s so many things about you that I wish you could see.” His hands grip onto your waist as he moves to stand behind you.

The two of you stare into the mirror. Harry rests his head on your shoulder as he looks at you through the reflective surface.

“You see that? That’s the most beautiful woman in the world.” A sweet smile makes its way onto his lips as he nuzzles against your cheek. The action causing you to let out a small giggle.

“And I know it might take a while, but I’m going to make you see yourself from my point of view. I’m going to make sure you love yourself just as much a I love you, no matter what it takes.” He promises you, hugging you from behind.

You look at him through the mirror and kiss his arm, “Thank you, Harry.” He smiles back at you before hugging you once again.

“I think it’s time for bed, ye?” He suggests. You nod along as he leads you back to your shared bedroom. You lay beside him, your head resting on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling you to sleep.

Before sleep can take over your body, you hear Harry whisper against your hair, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” You whisper against his chest as a peaceful sleep sets itself upon your bodies.

[mulletcal]

get what you give, give what you get - a sugar daddy!cal blurb.

A/N: okay, so here’s one of my two fics for the fic event! i’m so happy and so grateful to be able to be apart of this cool event, and to have made some new friends along the way.  this truly was such a welcoming environment to toss ideas into.  also, this isn’t gonna be a conventional dom!cal sugar daddy type fic, but i hope you enjoy anyways.

word count: 2.6k warnings: mentions of death, light grieving, drug mention

Event Masterlist

***

The morning that Calum had gotten the call from his mother that his grandma had passed away, he had ended up in the cafe you worked at. A blank, emotionless expression with a muttered ‘thank you’ was Calum’s first impressions with the baristas there, assuming they probably thought of him as an asshole following that. 

Calum became a regular of the cafe though, realizing it wasn’t like the typical cafes he and his friends would frequent. No one knew him, he could be a nobody here. He didn’t have to have his friends look at him with sympathetic eyes while he mourned the loss of the biggest supporter in his life. His grandmother never questioned when Calum wanted to drop out of school to be in a band, nor did she ever bat an eye when that band never made it off the ground, leaving him working temp jobs just to get by. 

He was able to make it out for his grandmother's funeral, being around his family easing his grieving in the slightest bit. Calum wasn’t often able to see his grandmother, both of their schedules never really matching up other than the typical family holidays, and the fact that he lived in California, and her in Australia; but she always called him on his birthday to let him know how much she loved him.

It came as a shock to him when he received mail from his grandmother’s estate, letting him know that his grandmother had left him a ridiculous amount of money, quite possibly her entire fortune from throughout her life- he of course had no way of knowing, maybe she was that filthy rich and she never let any of them know. What had she left to his mother? His sister? Calum supposed reading the letter would answer some questions for him, but he instead stood there, at a loss for words with the letter in hand, unable to bring himself to open it.

Calum decided he’d need coffee to process this information further, maybe delay him opening the letter just a little bit.  He ended up not too long after that at his usual table in the cafe, giving a tight smile to the baristas who were working that day.  Turning the letter over and over in his hands, he jumped when someone had appeared beside him with a coffee and baked good.

“Sorry to bother you, you just hadn’t come to order yet, so we thought we’d bring it to you.  You seemed a little lost in thought,” You spoke softly, the mans’ warm brown eyes gazing up at you, slightly glassy and distant.  

“Oh, uh… Yeah, sorry.  But thank you, I really appreciate it.  D’you mind if I come up to pay shortly?”

“Don’t worry about it,” You said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “We’ve got you covered.”

The small gesture made Calum’s chest warm, a genuine smile appearing on his lips before you turned away.  Something about you made him pause; he had noticed you before, sure, but normally you were more bubbly.  You seemed sad today, and he briefly wondered if there was just a dark cloud hanging over the rest of the world like it was for him, or if his most recent loss was just making him bitter towards everything.

Turning his attention back to the letter in his hands, the feeling of the paper was making his skin hot, and uncomfortably so.  It was time to rip the bandaid off, so to speak, and open it.  What could possibly be wrong with the letter? Or the money? Had his grandmother been the leader of a drug ring, and Calum had somehow inherited that title? A million thoughts raced through his mind while he broke the seal, his breathing quick. 

His grandmothers writing filled the page, causing his eyes to water a little just due to the fact that she had written this herself.  She had meant for him to get this.  Calum’s eyes scanned the words, tears fully forming as he really read them.

‘Calum,

If you’re reading this, it means I’ve gone - though I’m sure you’re aware of that.  If you’re not well… Shit, sorry to tell you my love.’

He had to pause his reading to chuckle, wiping the tears away from his eyes as he did so.

‘Because you’re a sweet boy, I know you’re already wondering why.  Why did I leave all of this to you? What about your mum and Mali? Don’t fret, they will not be left empty handed.  This money, this is all for you.  I want you to go and live your dreams, my sweet.  I’ve always believed in you, in your talents; you’re a hard working young man with big dreams.  Take this money and do something amazing with it, take a trip.  Take all your friends on a trip for all I care, the main thing I want from this is for you to be happy. 

I love you, be well.  I’ll miss you.

Gran’

Calum sniffled quietly, once again wiping at his eyes when he had finished reading.  She had been gone less than a month, but the month had felt so long; Calum forgot briefly that she was gone, and gave her a call on her birthday, only to find that someone had already disconnected her phone.  That had been a rough day in particular for him. 

Finishing his coffee in silence, he tuned into the conversations around him, picking up on one in particular coming from behind the bar.  The barista who had previously brought him his coffee leaning against the counter, talking quietly to her coworker.

“It doesn’t make sense… they’re busier than ever, I don’t get why they let me go. They had even said it wasn’t a performance based termination…” 

Calum frowned, trying not to eavesdrop, but she continued on with her words.

“That was literally my only way to finally make ends meet.  My student loans are ridiculous, my landlord is an asshole and keeps raising the rent,” The woman sighed, “I gotta find another job.  Or marry rich.” The last part of her sentence was said with a half-hearted laugh, no hope in her voice at all.

A thought occurred to Calum then, the words in his Gran’s letter ringing through his ears, “Take your friends on a trip for all I care.” Well, his friends didn’t need any sort of vacation, choosing to live it up whenever and wherever they could; but this young woman, she could really benefit from money like this.  Also there was a hefty chance that the entirety of her student loan would hardly make a dent in his inheritance, which made him nauseous to even think about.

He couldn’t think about it for too much longer, or he’d chicken out, so he made his way up to the counter, both baristas turning their attention to him. “Something wrong, sir?” The second barista asked, but Calum’s eyes nervously remained on the first.

“I have an offer for you.  I heard your situation and I’d like to help, if you’d let me.”

The first barista clicked her teeth, leaning on her elbows on the counter so they were inches away from each other, “No offence man, but I’m not about to smuggle kilos of cocaine up my lady bits to pay off my college fees.”

Calum was a bit taken aback by her comment, letting out the first genuine laugh he had since his Gran had passed, “What? God, no! Listen.  I wanna pay off your student loans.”

“What’s in it for you?” She had cut him off, but he couldn’t blame her for being suspicious.  He would be too if a random person approached him offering to pay his debts.

“Nothing.  I don’t want anything in return, I swear.” Calum paused, “Well… Maybe one thing.”

She cocked her head to the side, encouraging him to continue, and he did.  “Maybe just someone to talk to? M’not a fan of feeling vulnerable in front of my friends, but you both have seen me cry in the middle of this cafe, so…”

Pulling back from the counter, she tossed a glance over her shoulder to the second barista, who was quick to leave the two of them alone.  Calum assumed she would be filled in of the details later anyways, so her being shooed away didn’t make him feel guilty. 

“Okay.. What?  Are you some kind of lonely sugar daddy? Surely you’re too young to be so lonely.”

Calum shook his head, letting out a sound of exasperation, but the smile remained on his lips, “I don’t know if you can tell, but I have no idea what I’m doing.  I almost never do.”  Pulling out the letter and setting it onto the counter, “My Gran passed away recently, and she left me quite a bit of inheritance; I have a strong suspicion that your student loans won’t hardly make a dent in the number, so let me help you.  In exchange for a friend.”

The girl thought for a moment, meeting his eyes to sense any deception.  “Can I think about it? Also, that does kinda make you a sugar daddy.  You’re paying for me to keep you company.”

“Take your time; also if I’m a sugar daddy and you say yes, that’ll make you my baby.”  With a final wink tossed her direction, he headed out of the cafe to go back to his apartment.

Calum returned the next day, hoping that he would find her working once again, his chest deflating a little when she wasn’t.  The second barista from the day before was working though, her eyes landing on him the second he came through the door.

“She’s sick today… Said she must’ve come down with the flu or somethin’.”

Calum nodded in acknowledgment, heading over to take a seat in his usual spot.  His plan to convince her was potentially out the window now, quite possible she would be avoiding coming to work because he weirded her out.  He had formed a whole plan, too, he was prepared to pay off her tuition, as well as a few months of her rent… Though he was prepared to pay for far more than a few months of her rent, he was sure that she wouldn’t let him unless she became really desperate.

Why was he so dead set on helping her? Was it because she was beautiful? Maybe, but she seemed more than that.  The way she never judged the moods he was in, simply gave him his coffee with a smile, most days him returning the gesture; or maybe it was the small fact that yesterday she noticed he wasn’t himself, so she had bought him coffee in a small hope of brightening his spirits. 

His phone buzzing on the table took his attention away from his thoughts, brows furrowing at the request for an AirDrop.  Calum accepted hesitantly, opening the phone to see that the first baristas contact information had been sent to him.  Looking over his shoulder, he laughed lightly at her friend from the day before staring him down, waving his hand in a thanks.

He clicked to send you a message, pausing before typing out, “Hey, it’s Cal.  The weirdo wannabe sugar daddy from the cafe? Your coworker/friend(?) Gave me your number.  Think she wants you to take my offer if you ask me.”

It was a few minutes until the three dots appeared, quickly disappearing and reappearing several times before he actually received a reply, “Yeah, definitely seems like it.  I don’t wanna infect you with whatever I’ve come down with, but I’d like to discuss terms.”

“We can do that, I’m also not terribly concerned about getting sick.  Send me your address.”

“Serial killer.  Here.”

The message that followed was her address, and Calum placed an order at his favourite restaurant for soup before he turned to ask her friend if there was anything she liked to drink when she was sick.

After another thirty minutes of picking up random things on his journey, he finally arrived at her door, biting his lip to hold back a laugh when she answered wrapped in a blanket.

“Welcome to hell… Or.  I dunno, it’s not hell cause it’s fuckin’ freezing.  Hurry up and get inside before you let the cold air in.”

Calum squinted, a small smirk tugging at his lips, “Doll, it’s nearing June in Los Angeles, there’s not a draft anywhere in sight, unless you’re talking about a cold beer.”

“Did you come here to talk about terms, or to make fun of me?” She said with a pout, curling up onto her couch.

“Actually, I’ve brought you some soup and crackers, and also have come to discuss terms… and  make fun of you.  You’ve gotten a three for one deal here, darlin’.” Calum grinned, placing the bag on the table in front of her, her pout only getting worse.

“Fine.  Only because you brought me soup.”

Calum rolled his eyes, helping her to get settled sitting up so she could eat her soup.  Something about the silence that fell between them while she ate wasn’t uncomfortable, but rather welcome.  It had been a long time since Calum was able to feel comfortable sitting in silence with someone, and it made him relax a bit into her couch.

“Okay so terms,” she started, setting the last of the soup down to turn towards Calum, “No sex.  If that’s what you’re expecting, I’m 100% out.  Not because you’re not attractive, but I don’t know if I’m personally cut out for the sex work business.”

Calum nodded, letting her continue on.  “And I want to be able to stop whenever I’d like.  I don’t want some sort of fixed term contract like m’buying a phone.  Honestly I can’t think of anything more than that.  What did you have in mind?”

Turning towards her as well, Calum rested his elbow on his leg, chin in his hand while he looked at her. “I wasn’t expecting much, if I’m honest.  I just want someone to spend time with.  The dating pool is slim, and I’m not particularly lookin’ for a girlfriend, so having someone to kinda bitch to after a hard day is what I was hoping for. And I’d want to hear about your day too.  What annoyed you the most, what was the best part of your day, things to take my mind off everyday life.”

She looked at him for a long moment, and Calum frowned in response thinking she was going to say no.  It wouldn’t affect him terribly if she had, but it would certainly mean he could never go back to that same coffee shop again.

“Why me?” She finally said, pulling the blanket down so it was pooled at her waist now.  “Why do you want to spend your money on me?”

“Like I told you yesterday, this money was inheritance.  My Gran told me to take my friends on vacation, or to do something fun with it; but in all honesty I’d rather do something useful with it, like helping someone else.  You seemed like you could use it, and from what I can tell you’ve never been anything but kind to me - so, you.  That’s why you, because you deserve a break.”

Her eyes had moved from Calum’s down to the floor, her breathing uneven, “Okay.”

“Okay?” “Yes, okay.  As long as you agree to my terms,” Lifting her head, Calum could see that her eyes were glassy, as if she had been trying to hold back tears when he spoke.

“I agree to your terms.  What costs shall we tackle first, baby?” His teasing tone earned him a pillow to the head, a stream of giggles falling from her lips.

“Another term - don’t call me baby.”

“Mmm, that one may have to be an agree to disagree there, baby.”

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[amelialincoln]

Can you do a part 2 of your latest fic but they decide to have the baby and maybe a little of Amelia’s pregnancy during the pandemic? Like a time jump idk.

You and I Amelia stepped into the scrub room and peeled off her protective equipment. The inside of the hazmat suit was lined with condensation and she felt sweaty and gross. The hot flashes, her newest pregnancy symptom, were not helping. She washed her hands, enjoying the rare moment of peace and quiet though she wasn’t complaining. Most of her co-workers, even the ones that were chief of their department, had barely seen the inside of the OR in months. However, the extra layers in the midsummer Seattle heat were almost unbearable and in a stuffy operating room, it became a little too much. Link burst through the door as Amelia was drying her hands.

“Hey, how did it go? Did you have lunch? Are you feeling okay today?” He was practically breathless. Amelia’s hand flew to her forehead as an overwhelmed feeling washed over her.

“Link, I’m fine.”

“Have you had your temperature taken? You look flushed.” Amelia wasn’t sure why the concern in his voice was pissing her off beyond belief.

“We get our temp taken before every shift and it’s like eighty six degrees today.”

Link nodded, pulling her into a sticky, relieved hug. “You gonna take a couple hours off? Might be good to get a nap in.”

“No, I have patients to check in on.” She tried to keep herself calm. Link had been almost unbearable lately. Of course it was Amelia who’d end up pregnant in the midst of a global pandemic and she was stressed enough as it was. Link’s constant concern wasn’t helping anyone. She grabbed a new mask and secured it around her face.

“Let’s just get you something from the cafeteria.” He tried to pull her in that direction.

“Link!” Amelia had lost her temper. “I have about a million things that are more important than getting a stupid snack from the cafeteria!”

“I just find it funny how you seem to put everyone’s health over your own!” They were yelling now. The exhaustion was wearing down on the overworked couple and Amelia rubbed her temple to soothe an oncoming headache.

“Link, if I go get something to eat I’m just going to end up throwing it up anyways,” she tried to explain calmly. He raised an eyebrow at that.

“What have you eaten today?” He hadn’t been at the apartment that morning and was genuinely curious as to if Amelia would’ve eaten anything at all without him there to force her to. The look on her face told him everything. “Amelia!” She let out a groan of exasperation in response as she glanced around at the surrounding hospital staff that were starting to stare.

“I can’t be throwing up at work,” Amelia hissed. “I can’t risk taking my mask off around patients.”

“Well then maybe you shouldn’t be working at all!” This was brought up frequently in conversation between the two.

“This pregnancy could not even be viable. You honestly think I’m going to sit at home and put my health over hundreds for a baby that might not even make it into this world?” She knew she’d crossed the line when Link took a step back. Amelia hadn’t planned on getting pregnant again after the miscarriage. An anencephalic baby followed by a miscarriage had Amelia convinced that pregnancy was not for her. Apparently the universe had other plans. She was surprised by how hard Link had taken the accident. Not knowing that the sight of her curled up on the floor of their shower, her pants stained with blood, was forever ingrained in his mind. He scoffed at her before turning and walking away. She got a text from him a few minutes later that read, “I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt right now considering how pumped you are with hormones but I’m gonna try and give you some space and when you’re ready to act like an adult you can come find me.” She tried to ignore how much that stung.

On days like today Link enjoyed being an orthopedic surgeon more than anything. Owen raised his eyebrows as he watched the guy aggressively set another person’s bones into place. Link had never reminded Owen of the woman he’d taken the department over from until today. The man was obviously going through something and Owen couldn’t help but wonder if it had to do with Amelia. Suddenly, his eyes flew open and he raced over to a crouched Link.

“Hey, don’t you think you could do that in an OR?” He offered quickly. “With sedation?” Link glanced up at him blankly before seeming to snap into reality.

“Oh...yeah, probably.” He made eye contact with his patient. “I’ll see you later.” He motioned to Schmitt. “Can you prep him?” Before walking away and pushing into the first on call room he could find. He was surprised to find a familiar figure hunched over the side of a bunk bed, her hand cradling a non existent bump.

“You good?” He asked, his voice was stern. Amelia glanced up at him with teary eyes and Link melted. He couldn’t help but jump to the conclusion that it was happening again.

“Crampy,” she replied through gritted teeth. “It’s kind of all over so I can’t tell if it’s radiating from my stomach or not. All my muscles are tensing up.” “I’ll page Carina.”

Amelia winced as Link dug into her shoulder blade. Usually his back massages soothed her but this one was anything but comfortable.

“You’re severely dehydrated,” Carina stepped into the ultrasound room. “Even if you weren’t drinking enough and were just getting water from food, I don’t know how it could get this bad.” Amelia bit her lip and stared out the bright window.

“She hasn’t been eating.” Link shuddered as Amelia let out a tiny cry of pain and lessened the force of the massage. Carina raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” 

“I can’t keep anything down.” Her voice was quiet. Link couldn’t bear the idea of Amelia blaming herself if anything ended up being wrong with the baby.

“Baby looks okay.” Carina watched both of the surgeons breathe a sigh of relief. “There must be something that you can keep down.”

“Everything I’ve tried hasn’t. I can’t be throwing up at work.” 

“Then you shouldn’t be working.” Carina said the words that Amelia was actively praying that she wouldn’t. “I’ve already expressed my thoughts about you putting yourself at risk by being at the hospital. Pregnant women have compromised immune systems to begin with. It is not a good idea.”

“It’s the only distraction I have,” Amelia’s voice was so quiet it was barely heard. Link sighed, wrapping his arms around Amelia’s shaky chest.

“Amelia, I know it’s early but we have no reason to believe that this pregnancy is compromised.” Carina told the neurosurgeon, who was failing to meet eye contact. “However, the only thing you’re doing by working is increasing you and the father of your baby’s stress level. Not to mention putting yourself at the risk of this virus.”

The ride back to their apartment was silent. Amelia unloaded the small amount of groceries that they’d picked up on their way home while Link drew Amelia’s almost daily bath. Once the kitchen was tidy, Amelia made her way into the bathroom. She glanced at her lower abdomen, Carina said she should start showing over the next couple of weeks. Amelia desperately wanted that to be true. She slipped into the warm, bubbly water and allowed herself to relax for the first time in weeks. She tried not to replay the image of Tom’s exhausted face as she regretfully handed him her iPad and filled him in on the cases he’d be taking over. Tom hadn’t complained but it’s not like he was given the choice. Link cautiously joined her after about a half hour. He dunked his head under the water that was beginning to cool and shook his hair dry. He placed both of his hands over her stomach and breathed deeply.

“I talked to Bailey. She’s given me time off until this goddamn virus is over or until we can figure out a way to do this safely.”

“Link, you shouldn’t--”

“Amelia.” He cut her off sternly. “We’re not having this conversation. If I were to work, I’d be living in a hotel. Do you want that?” Amelia shook her head, moving her hands to cover his. Link breathed in the smell of her freshly shampooed hair and allowed himself to relax.

“What are we going to do with all this extra time?” A cheeky grin spread across his face even though she couldn’t it.

“I have a couple ideas,” Amelia laughed, rolling her eyes.

“What would those be?” 

“You’re unbelievable.”

“You love me.”

“Too much,” she replied, shaking her head. Link chuckled, his hands leaving her non-existent bump and pulling her closely into him affectionately.

“This will be good, Mia,” he said, almost absentmindedly. “I know it doesn’t seem like it but everything happens for a reason.” Amelia nodded, not ready to accept that she could be out of the OR and away from all of their friends for months.

“I won’t blame you if you want to drink.” She startled him with the topic. “All I can think about is how nice it would be to turn off my mind with a bottle of wine right now.” Link shook his head.

“If you can refrain from watching that awful reality TV when I’m around, I can refrain from a can of beer.”

“We’re going to be spending a lot of time together--”

“Amelia,” Link interrupted her. “If it really meant that much to me then we could have this conversation. I honestly couldn’t care less.”

“Okay.” The bath had just cooled beyond a comfortable temperature. Link got out first, wrapping himself in a towel before holding one out for Amelia.

“I think we’re going to need a bigger tub once the baby gets here.” Amelia nodded in response, imagining the three of them crammed into the ceramic bathtub. “You hungry?”

“Not particularly but I don’t really feel nauseous.”

“So what's the most calorie dense meal possible?” Link chuckled. Amelia rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. As per usual she let Link tend to the cooking. She changed into sweatpants and a tank top and threw her curls into a bun. Her arms ached and she was surprised by how exhausted she was from just putting on clothing. She found Link hovered over the stove, pouring pasta into a pot of boiling water. She wrapped her arms around him from behind and allowed herself to relax into his sturdy frame.

“Hey.” He lowered the heat of the element and turned to cup her cheeks in his hands. “You look tired, babe.” Amelia yawned in response. 

“You making pasta?”

“I was thinking mac and cheese cause I remember you said something about craving it last week. I was going to bake it in the oven with the breadcrumbs, since you like that best, but I think you might pass out before it’ll be done.”  Amelia nodded, sheepishly. “Well, it’ll be good just on the stovetop too.”

“Thank you.” She bit her lip trying to refrain from breaking down out of exhaustion and guilt from how she’d been treating him. “I’m sorry about--”

“Don’t be,” he put firmly. “We’ve just had a lot of bad timing.” He turned back to stir the cheese sauce. “Doesn’t make me any less excited.” The image of Link holding a newborn baby flashed through Amelia’s head and she pushed it away.

“I’m trying so hard not to get my hopes up, Link.”

“Carina had doubts about the first one from the beginning,” he reminded her. “She prepared us for the worst.”

“Didn’t make it any less hard.”

“I know, but I trust her. There’s been no indication of anything being wrong.”

“I know.”

“And you’re twelve weeks tomorrow.”  

“I know.” Link grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and spooned the cheesy macaroni into it.

“Here,” he muttered, handing it to her before grabbing one for himself. “Water,” he reminded her as she began to walk towards the dining room table.

Amelia was surprised to keep the food down. “It’s definitely the cafeteria food that’s screwing me over,” she complained as her and Link walked into their bedroom.

“Baby already likes my cooking,” Link joked as he threw one of his oversized t-shirts at her to change into. Amelia slipped off her sweatpants and let out a little gasp.  

“You okay?” Link was immediately at her side. Amelia nodded, pointing at the mirror.

“I mean that could just be mac and cheese,” she laughed. Her hand went to her stomach, pressing the extremely tiny but firm bump over her uterus.

“Nah, your metabolism is out of this world,” Link chuckled. Amelia was surprised to find his eyes teary. “Sorry,” he looked away, rubbing his face with his hands. “Can I feel?”

“Sure.” She guided Link’s hand over her own and they both glanced at Amelia’s silhouette in the mirror.

“I’ve seen mac and cheese bloating before, this is definitely different.”

“Link,” Amelia shook her head with a smile. His hands were so gentle Amelia almost laughed, she knew that Link was about to treat her like a china glass doll for the remaining six months. She tried not to tease Link about how mezmorized he was by the situation as they both crawled into bed.

“You know it’s only going to get bigger,” Amelia sighed after an hour of being kept awake by Link’s refusal to take his hands off her stomach.

“That’s my baby,” Link pointed out.

“I’m aware, babe, and your baby’s mommy needs some sleep.” Link mumbled a disappointed apology in response, patting the place on his chest where she normally lay. 

“Goodnight babymommy.”

“No.” Amelia’s voice was firm, Link grinned.

[happys-crazy-queen22]

A Little Snag

Gif credit @xofeno

Requested on wattpad.

Warning: kidnapping.

Happy Reading Dollies.

Hope you all enjoy.

Jay walked into the firestation with a question on his mind but as soon as he saw Kelly that question because irrelevant.

"Where's my sister"? Kelly got up in Jay's face, Jay let out a chuckle but quickly quit as he saw the concern on Kelly's face.

"She's at work. Isn't she"?

"We were supposed to meet at Molly's for lunch. Herrmann gave me the keys to set up for the surprise but she never showed and I've called her but no answer". Kelly sighed, running his hand threw his hair.

"Surprise"?

"Really that's what you got from my sister is missing"? Kelly was fuming, not really at Jay just he wanted to hear from his sister to make sure shes okay.

"If you're really worried I can get a track on her phone or GPS on her car"?

"Yeah, do that. I'm worried something has happened. It's not like her to not answer".

Jay pulled his phone out of his pants pocket and called Adam. Adam quickly done as he was told and found your car was sitting in a towing lot. At first Kelly was relieved but something didn't add up.

"You're sure it says here"? Kelly asked Jay as they got out of the truck and run inside the towing building.

"Yes, it dinged right here. Why"?

"I haven't known Y/N to come to this part of town before". Kelly looked around the sketchy place. No one was around. The place was old and wore down. He had a eerie feeling.

"Where the hell are these people"? Jay slammed his hand down on the counter, dust rolling up. Jay coughed as his phone dinged.

"It's Adam. The place went out of business five years ago and no one has reopened it. So why is her car here then"? Jay looked out the window in the office, he saw a man coming to the front, he had a crowbar in his hand. Jay pulled his gun and walked outside before the guy could come into the office.

"Police! Put the crowbar down now". Jay yelled ordering the guy. He dropped the crowbar instantly.

"I didn't do anything".

"We didn't say you did". Kelly said coming out of the office, walking over to Jay. He eyed the man greasy man in front of him, he knew something was up and it wasnt the heat.

"I'm looking for a car you have in your lot. A red ford mustang". Jay said.

"I don't have any car like that". The man shook his head.

"Well I have proof that it is here and if you don't let me see it. I'll tear this place apart". Jay warned.

"Then I'll strick a match". Kelly threatened.

"Oookay. I picked uup a car early this morrrning". The man stuttered out, his hand trembled.

"Lead the way". Jay motioned his gun.

Jay and Kelly followed the guy down the lines of cars until they got to your car. Kelly searched frantically. Nothing. Your purse wasnt there, no phone, keys. Nothing.

"Where did you pick this up"?

"At a bar, it was parked in a no parking zone".

"Did someone call you to move it"?

The guy shook his head and swatted a fly away.

"What bar"? Jay asked lowering his gun.

"It started with a M".

"Mollys"? Kelly and Jay said together.

"Yeah. That's it".

" Y/N was at Molly's, so where is she now"?

"Was there a girl with the car"?

The man stopped and thought for a moment, tilting his head. Like he was coming up with an excuse. "No".

"Well thanks anyways. We'll have someone get it out". Jay said about to leave.

"No, you can't". The man stepped in front of Jay and Kelly.

"Why? It's not yours. It belongs to my sister".

"You can't have it". The man yelled.

"Okay. Take it easy". Jay said trying to calm him. Everything was quiet and settled. Then Kelly heard a thump.

"What was that"? He started to look around.

"Nothing. I didn't hear anything". The man started to back up from them.

The thump happened again. Now Jay heard it.

"Where is it coming from"?

That's when the guy took off running, dashing down the roll of cars and zig zagging. Jay went after him, hopping over car hoods and shooting off a warning shot.

"Stop"!!

While Jay ran after his suspicious witness, Kelly followed the sound of the thump. As he walked he got closer, closer to oil barrels.

"Y/N!!! If you can hear me keep making that noise". Kelly started opening the oil drums.

The closer he got to you the more your heart raced, you were going to live.

You kept pounding on the side of the barrel. Not wanting to stop even when you felt your energy vanish. Then the top opened and the sun light made you squint. Kelly yelled for Jay while he helped you out. Taking out a knife Kelly cut the tape on your wrist, and gently unraveling the tape from your mouth.

You fell into Kelly's arms crying, he held you tightly.

"You're okay now. I promise". He picked you up bridal style, you wrapped your arms around his neck.

He took you to the truck, turned on the air full blast and handed you a cold bottle of water from Jay's cooler. You gulped in down and started stripping your clothes. Your body temp was high and you needed to cool off. Kelly called for a ambulance and Jay's boss Voight. Kelly didn't want this guy to just go to prison he wanted him to suffer first.

The ambulance rushed in taking you and giving you fluids. Jay finally came back with a man in cuffs. Jay looked exhausted as he threw the guy to the ground.

"I had to chase this fucker ten blocks. I don't know how he survived". Jay panted, Kelly handed him a water. He walked over to you. You were finally coming back to yourself.

"You okay"? Jay asked sitting down beside you on the gurney.

"I'll be okay". You laid your head on his shoulder.

"What happened"?

"I went to Molly's early with supplies, Herrmann gave me a key because he knew Kelly would be running late. As I was finishing up with taking things inside. This guy came out of nowhere and started loading my car up to his tow truck. I asked if I just moved it since I wasn't going to be there long but he said no. So I was about to call Jay and then he said I could just go with him and pay to get it out. At first I didn't want to but I really needed my car, I still had stuff to get. So I went with him. When we got there, something was off and I didn't go into the office. He said he would get the papers. I waited about ten minutes for him but I couldn't see him in the office and that's the last thing I remember. Then I woke up in a oil drum".

"You should have called me". Jay wrapped his arm around you.

"I know, I should've. I'm sorry".

"It's okay now. You're safe".

"Sorry to interrupt but we know who he is". Voight told the three of you and it took you by surprise.

"He's wanted in Washington for a double homicide. Assault and battery in Ohio and now a kidnapping and tempted murder of a police officers wife. Plus, three murders in Chicago".

"Three? Who"? You asked.

"The owners and their son. He was thirteen. It was given to the new owners by his grandfather. They were getting ready to reopen it after the grandfather died".

"Oh god". You gasped, your stomach turned and you felt as if you were going to be sick.

"I could have been the fourth".

"But you're not. You're safe now. He's going away for a very very long time". Jay reassured you.

"I can't believe this. If it wasn't for me being so trusting of other people, he would have gotten away with it and murder some other pour soul".

"You saved alot of people. Now the family's can have closure". Voight smiled and walked off.

"The paramedics are ready to take you to the hospital". Kelly said getting you out of your horror daze.

"In one second". "You coming with me"? You asked Jay who was getting off the ambulance.

"I'll be there in a few. I have something to do. I'll get Adam to sit will you until I get there".

"Yeah me too, I'll call Casey to stay with you". Kelly and Jay nodded to each other.

"Okay. Um, Jay"?

"Yeah, baby"?

"Will you marry me? I know this is probably not how you pictured it cause its not how I did but I don't want to be away from you any longer than I have to".

"That's what the surprise was"?

"Yeah. I was going to ask you tonight". You say wiping a tear away.

"I was going to ask you the same thing tonight. Will you marry me"? He asked getting back into the ambulance, pulling out a black box with a diamond ring.

"Yes, yes I will marry you". You kissed his lips softly and sweetly.

Jay slid the ring on your finger. "Yes I will marry you too". Jay chuckled, his head rested on your forehead.

"I love you so much". You whispered to him.

"I love you. Get some rest and I'll see you in a little bit". He kissed your lips once more, getting out of the ambulance for the paramedic to get in and close the doors. The ambulance rode off. Jay and Kelly looked at each other than to the man that almost ruin their lives, then make to each other. They were going to make sure he knew who he fucked with.

[monochromatic-echo]

Comfort

A request made for a valentines exchange for a discord server. Shy Reader X Dante 

[Confessions and Plushies included

The fresh crisp air of the night rain was refreshing to your lungs as you finished saying your goodbyes to the small makeshift family Nero and Kyrie built. The bricked roads coated with the last of the droplets of the sky reflected the bright lights of the warm homes that they lead to. You tightened the thick sweater that kept the breeze from nipping. You looked up onto the glittery sky, the sight entrancing you. A dream-like feeling took you; the pull of the starry gravity lulling you to a more sleepier state that with what you began with. 

An arm interrupted your etherial drop into a close slumber, a gravity of its own waking you. Its owner’s heavy baritone voice clearing your head, “You already snoozing while standing sunshine?” He lightly laughed at your expense. “You weren’t kidding when you said you were tired.” 

“Yeah, I wanted to leave a little earlier but I wanted to see the kid’s faces when they opened the gifts I made for them,” You smiled at the silver-haired fox, “ I’m so happy they enjoyed the little plushies.” You blushed, “ I was worried that they wouldn’t like them”

“Hey, don’t get all embarrassed about your work, I thought they were really cute ” He held you closed with a one-armed hug, “just like their little maker” He teased, pinching a rose-tinted cheek. Lightly swatting at his playful hands you followed him to the car, he opened the passenger door for you, “Madam your carriage awaits.” He bowed. 

“Oh my god dante stop,” you laughed, “how do you even have all this energy?”

“I have a ton of stamina ” he looked up from his bowed position, wiggling his eyebrows at his raunchy joke, his smile grew at the laughter you gifted him. To the devil hunter, your laugh was like clear bells in his foggy mind. Taking a seat you grinned at your friend, “I’m sorry to disappoint but I’m going to be knocked out tired in bed and not because of you being in it.”

“Worth a shot” He shrugged, closing the door lightly and taking his place on the driver’s seat. “Home sweet home for you then.”

The drive was so lovely, the calm air between the both of you made it so relaxing, and you were so bent on still keeping awake that you went into a more loose state. The separation of your mouth and mind began to slip away. As you stared at the passing sky and thought about your time with the son of Sparda.

How you both met is something that was buried in the sands of time. But ever since that day, it was as if you knew each other your entire lives. Being with each other was so natural. The honesty that you both had for one another was almost life-saving. He didn’t have to put up an act for you, so you got to meet the more mellow caring dante that most people didn’t even think existed and in turn, you let him into your own little world, one that you built up walls for your whole life. As a team, you both helped each other grow, with his growing depression you were his sunshine, and with your ever-increasing anxiety and shyness, he was a pillar of strength and comfort. But in all that promised honesty, there was something that weighed heavy on your conscience, your heart. 

You developed feelings for the man, you couldn’t imagine your life without him now. He was what you looked forward to, from his smile all the way to his crazy dorky sense of humor, and even the weird dances he does at his home when he forgets you’re there to witness such absurdity. You wanted to tell him, but your shyness made your will weak. You loved this man, but maybe one day you will have the courage to spill your secret to him.  You turned to look at the man, smiling with a sleepy daze, the shine of his locks mesmerized you. 

As the car stopped at a red light, dante felt your gaze and looked to you. “ You doing alright?” 

At that moment you let your thoughts slip, as you brushed your hand through his hair, “Did I ever tell you, that your hair reminds me of starlight.”

He chuckled at your openness, “I don’t remember you drinking at the party sunshine.” taking your hand gently off his head, “ Must be the drowsiness talking”

“Dante, I maybe yawn sleepy, but I don’t lie to you,” you looked into your eyes and what witnessed he could only describe as starlight. Sparkles that shone in adoration to the hunter. “You deserve every compliment and praise “ and then you giggled “Don’t get all embarrassed about it. ” You repeated to him in your poor attempt at his voice. 

Dante struggled to tear his eyes away from you to continue driving ahead, “I should take my own advice then huh” he lightly chuckled, if it wasn’t for the lack of lights of in the current road the vehicle entered, you’d think the man got flustered. But in your increasingly tired state, you sunk into the sea of slumber, trusting dante to take you home safely. 

The drive may have been as serene as a sweet jazz song on a still Sunday night, but the devil hunter’s mind was a bit of the opposite. Your words echoed in his mind, he had feelings for you as well. But with your shy nature, he was worried that he would take advantage of the situation. He would wait as long as needed for something, some kind of proof that you felt the same. But you were making it so difficult for him, a small cocky voice in his head would try to coax him to be bold, and be the casanova that most girls drool over. But he knows you too well, anything like that would seem false. You knew HIM too well, so he needed to bide his time, it was worth it. You were worth it. 

Dante stopped the car once he got to your home, a small apartment a few streets away from Devil may cry. As the engine died down the soft sounds of your soft snoring floated in the air. He quietly went around the vehicle, opened the door to your apartment and scooped you up. “Up and at em’ party girl” he quietly jabbed at you. Closing the vehicle door and the door to your home with a light kick of his foot. The holiday scents of cinnamon and nutmeg welcomed him to your humble abode.  He was familiar with the set up of your apartment, so he continued to your room, the glow of the living room lamp guiding him to your room. The door slightly open, he wondered what your room actually looked like. Knowing you though, he kind of knew what to expect, being into “nerdy” stuff as he liked to poke fun at. He lightly set you down on your bed, even with the messy hair and disheveled clothes, to him, you were beautiful. 

He was about to take a turn to leave your room when something red and soft caught his attention. Something was poking at your back, it looked a bit uncomfortable to he reached to grabbed what looked like a plush. Once he got it out of the way, you adjusted comfortably on the bed. “What is this?” he examined the item, a small plush that looked just like him, even down to the scruff his chin. He couldn’t help but smile and lightly chuckle at the cuteness of such a thing. But then he realized something in his delight, she made this. But why? And it was on her bed. Has she been sleeping with a cute version of himself? Why? Unless….

Was this the clue he’s been looking for? Who sleeps with a plush of somebody they consider a “friend”? No, this has to be what he has been looking for, this is his stepping stone. He sighed, “ Ok senorita, we have some business to talk about tomorrow morning”  He didn’t want to get his hopes up too much, again this was only a clue. He set the plush back on the bed and was off back to devil may cry. 

Well, he would have, but nature had other ideas, as he walked on the cobblestone street, he slipped and fell on his haunches. “Ahh, dammit.” He slowly rose, rubbing his backside, looking around he noticed a shine from the sidewalk and even to the streets, “Great just my luck, the freezing temp made everything ice.” he turned back into your home, “I guess its  a sleepover tonight for this old man.” He made himself comfortable in your home, taking himself to his usual sleeping spot in the guest room you had. As he laid himself to sleep he took a deep breath, he was so used to biting the bullet while hunting demons, but this was something that truly made him nervous about confronting. All he could do at this point was hope for the best. 

________________________________________________________________

Morning finally came, as the heat of the sun through your window tickled your nose. Opening your eyes you took in your surroundings, recognizing your room but not the process of your arrival. You let you mind rattle to find the reason, but then remembered the soft embrace of the silver-haired fox you’ve come to admire.  

Shaking off the rest of your drowsiness, you went downstairs to get some much-needed coffee, taking your plush with you to keep you silly company. You smiled at your handy work, thinking it to be the most adorable thing you’ve ever made. You just hoped dante didn’t see it, oh god how embarrassing would it be that he found your little self-indulgent plush. You wouldn’t be able to live it down, how would you be able to exp-  “ Oh hey you brought dante jr, it wouldn’t be a family breakfast without him!” 

You jumped and froze. Your brain stopped, then the shot of adrenaline sped up your thoughts into hyperdrive.

What is he doing here? How does he know about the plush? Wha? Who? Why? Huh? Oh shit, he saw it, he SAW IT. Oh shit shit shit shit, what do I doooo? What do I doo?

“D-D-D-D-dante… Uuuuuuuuuuhh ” You turned to him, hiding the plushie behind your back. “What are you doing here? I mean not that I mind you being here… I’m just curious about what kept you from Devil may cry….” You nervously word-vomited, trying badly to steel your nerves from being found out.

He just acted casually, eating away at some of your snacks,“ Oh just some iced-up roads, it was too cold, and I got a nice bed here anyway.” He watched you squirm about trying to keep your cool, finding the whole debacle adorable and highly entertaining; but as much as he loved to see this, his curiosity was ravenous and he needed to know about how you both stood with your feelings. 

“So, you mind tellin’ me about your new amigo?” He pointed at your back, “Saw it last night”

You started to overload, the cat was out of the bag. This is it muchacha, the end of the road, the place of no return. Now or never. You breathed in deeply and took the plush back into view. “ I thought of making myself a gift too, so once I was done making the kids their toys, I made one just like you.”

 “ Why me though? I know I’m a real looker, so I don’t blame you for all of this,” he gestured to himself. “But what gets me sunshine, is why do you sleep with it.” His gaze became razor-focused on you, he just gave you the bait, now he hoped you would take it.

“I - i….” your heart started racing, the beat getting harder and harder as if it was trying to rip itself out to escape. You took a deep breath and just blurted out, “ I wanted to have a plushie of you because I always want you with me, even if it means if it’s just a plush. ” you kept your gaze down, your cheeks burning with emotion, “I love you dante. I’m sorry, I should-”  His arms embraced you in comfort, his natural scent calming your senses. 

“What did I say yesterday?” He brushed your hair with his calloused fingers, “Don’t be embarrassed about your work, sunshine.” I looked up at him only to be blessed by his smile, “ Especially when I feel the same.”

This was your dream come true, you gripped his arms just to make sure you were not dreaming. “Really, dante.” You scanned his eyes checking for any reason to doubt him. Anything to give any indication of a lie, but none were there. Just him, looking onto you with unfiltered adoration. 

“You are what brings my heart comfort.”

[madame-brioche]

Can I just say I LOVE all of your Doc Roe writings? And I was wondering if you could do a sequel to Paralysie?? Maybe one where he’s home, but has a nightmare that he’s still back in Bastogne?

Y’all can’t give poor Doc a break, huh? Well I guess I can’t either :)

Title: Cauchemar

Author: madame-brioche

Prompt: Sequel to Paralysie, in which Eugene is home and haunted by the past

Warning: some angst, some ptsd, quite a bit of French

A cool April breeze whistled through the open window, making the flame of the lone candle spring to life in a flickering dance. Moonlight trickled through the thin curtains to illuminate the patches of moss on the timber window ledge. Outside you swear you could hear the steady trick-trick-trickle of the Atchafalaya River not far from the old cobblestone house, nuzzling you into a sleepy trance quicker than you would have liked. This was the first time you’d seen Gene since the company had gotten home a month ago, and he’d sent for you to meet his family as soon as time would allow.

The train trip down to Breaux Bridge from Chicago had used up much of your energy, and after a warm bowl of Madame Roe's flavorful gumbo, exhaustion had overtaken you once and for all. It took all you had not to fall asleep at the dinner table, and worse still you felt your eyes drooping while you helped Gene's mother hand out cups of tea and a dessert of pineapple-coconut cake – something she'd made special for your arrival. His older sister Minnie was staying for the weekend with her twin daughters while her husband was away on business in Baton Rouge, and you found her to be just as sweet and soft-spoken as Eugene. She seemed to enjoy telling you lots of embarrassing stories from Gene's childhood, some of which made Gene's cheeks turn a shade of crimson and he'd subsequently cover his face, but not before you caught his good-humored smile.

And now Gene was down the hall, tucking his little nieces, Charlotte and Sophie, into bed, promising you he'd be back in the shake of a lamb's tail. You leaned against the doorframe, listening to his honey-sounding voice and his niece's giggles as he told them a story about a tribe of water sprites that used to inhabit the bayou, waiting for small children to wander into the ever-present fog so they could whisk them away to their world forever. As the two gasped in both fear and delight, Gene went on to say that some fishermen say the little creatures can still be seen moving through the mists, just before sundown.

"Mais, you have really seen les fées, Uncle Gene?" One of the girls asked, and you couldn't be sure which one, for the twins sounded so much alike.

"Oui, mes chous, I have, when I was about your age," Gene replied, and you heard the floorboards creak as he made his way to the door. "Luckily I ran before they could take me away."

You tiptoed back into the bedroom as Gene emerged into the hallway, climbing into his childhood bed and not even bothering with the blanket due to the humidity. From the window, you could hear the chorus of frogs, crickets, and the occasional owl – all vying for volume over the light pattering of rain. You had been rather surprised his devout mother allowed you to share a room with her son, let alone a bed, but you weren't about to complain. She had doted over you in her broken English, squeezing the sides of your face affectionately and kissing your cheek, looking at you and saying to Gene, "Ah look at her face, elle est si mignonne, mais trop mince, elle doit manger si elle veut avoir de bonnes hanches pour l'accouchement, yes?"

You never quite figured out what that meant, and Gene had flat-out refused to translate that one for you, despite your prodding.

Moments after the twins had gone to sleep, Gene returned to the bedroom, closing the door behind him, and you watched as he took off his belt and collared shirt, draping it over a wooden dresser. He sprawled out on the narrow mattress in his trousers and undershirt, his back up against the headboard. You pressed your body to his, feeling butterflies as he snuggled against you, enclosing you in a protective cocoon. You felt his heart beating against your back, his fingers tracing small circles along your waist. You wished the two of you could stay like that forever.

"It certainly is strange to be back," he mumbles against your neck. "After all that time being away. I've had dreams about coming home. But I'll admit I didn't keep my hopes up just in case something happened to me."

You were quiet for a moment, listening to his rhythmic breathing, feeling his chest rise and fall. Though you had been a nurse, your domain had primarily been the hospital, compared to Gene's which was on the battlefield, as he had lived each day thinking it might be his last.

"What kept you going?" You wondered aloud.

"My dying wish of having a bowl of gumbo one last time."

With a small dreamy sigh, you gave him a gentle smack on the arm, prompting him to laugh quietly. "I'm serious," you reply as he touches the tip of your nose fondly.

"Mmm, she's serious," he teased, the hum of his voice against your skin sending shivers down your spine. "The thought of having a life with you, mon amour. What else could it be?" He wrapped a strong arm around your stomach, pulling you into him, his long fingers lazily finding yours and lacing them.

He rearranged his body as he rested his head on the pillow, pulling you toward him again with his chin atop your head. You felt him fade away into a steady sleep, his fingers still intertwined with yours. And not long after you'd drifted away yourself.

It was around three o’clock in the morning that you’re eyes fluttered open to the sensation of something hitting the back of your leg. Eyes still blurry with sleep, you felt another slight kick and realized it was Gene, laying beside you, tossing and turning like invisible bugs were biting him. He slammed his arm down hard as he rolled over, smashing his hand on the nightstand, but that action didn’t seem to rouse him. Atop this, he was moaning quietly, like a wounded animal, the cries becoming gradually louder.

You laid there quietly for a moment, a too stunned to say or do anything. Was he having a nightmare? You watched him jolt up suddenly, and you thought he might be awake, but then you saw his eyes — glazed over and distant-looking, like he wasn’t altogether there. He looked down at you and mumbled something unintelligible about morphine, holding out his hand expectantly.

You shook your head, confused and a bit worried. “Gene, sweetheart?” You whispered groggily, wiping your eyes and pulling yourself up slightly. “What’s wrong?”

He just stared back at you as if really seeing you for the first time and then put his hands on your shoulders, easing you back down. His brow was furrowed in deep focus as he traced some kind of pattern or letter on your forehead with his thumb before pulling the blanket up over your face and getting up from the bed. You pushed the blanket away and sat up.

“Gene...” you called after him softly, watching the dark-haired young man open the door rigidly and shuffle stiffly into the hallway. “Gene, come back to bed.”

But he didn’t seem to hear you, so you quickly got out of bed and wrapped your cardigan around your thin nightgown, following him quietly.

He turned the corner, the floor creaking under his movements, mumbling incoherently to himself, almost sounding like he was about to cry. “Gene,” you tried again, reaching for his hand but again it was as if he didn’t see or hear you. You watched as he opened the front door and disappeared into the warm shadowy night without shoes or a light. Nervously, you tiptoed outside wondering what the hell he could be doing when you almost tripped over something in the grassy field not far from the door.

You looked down to find Eugene, curled up on the ground near a garden statute of a blue-veiled woman with her arms extended, mumbling something over and over again. “I want to go home,” he has crying, still looking out of it. He flinched when you touched the side of his face, kneeling beside him and bringing his head into your lap. “I want to go home.”

“Shhh,” you whispered, smoothing his hair gently. “You are home, baby. You are home.” He grabbed onto your wrist, staring up at you a bit mistrustfully.

“J’ai...besoin de...I need scissors,” he mumbled in that strong Cajun accent, his words coming out jumbled and breathy.

“You need scissors, baby?” You asked, wiping the stray tears from his cheeks. He looked up at you and nodded painfully. And then it started to hit you that he was in a trance, acting out a nightmare of some kind and likely had no idea what he was saying or doing.

“Oui.”

“Why do you need scissors, mon amour?” You asked, borrowing the pet name he used for you as he scrunched up his eyebrows in a panic. He looked like a little boy who’d just been scolded, his lip trembling as he reached up and touched your nose gently, then lazily dragged his fingers down to touch your lips. “What is it, Gene? What’s wrong?”

“I’m sad,” He whispered, still trapped in the nightmare. You thought about getting someone to come help you, but the minute you started to pull away, he grabbed at your hand tighter. “Don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me. It hurts,” he cried, his voice breaking at this.

“Where, baby? Where does it hurt?” You asked, your breath hitching in your throat at the look of absolute devastation on his face.

He took your hand drowsily and placed it on his chest, his hand over yours, and you felt the slow beat of his heart. “It hurts right here,” he cried, holding your hand as if afraid you’d slip away. “Mes amis, ils sont morts à cause de moi. Et maintenant je pleure, et j’ai besoin de ciseaux.”

Although Gene had been trying to teach you french in the past, you couldn’t quite make out what he was saying given how mumbled it was.

“Eugène, mon p’tit,” you heard a soothing Cajun voice say from behind you. “Il est temps d’entrer maintenant, mon bébé.”

You looked up from Gene to see his mother’s silhouette from the darkened doorway, her hair loose and messy, her face wrinkled and sleepy. She walked over to you two steadily and knelt beside her baby, brushing her hand gently across his forehead. This effect seemed to calm Gene, although he was still shaking a bit and looking up at you worriedly.

Madame Roe gave you a knowing look, as if to say this wasn’t the first time this had happened.

“Is he okay? Should I get a doctor?” You asked her quietly, your eyes wide with worry. She just gave you a soft smile, and you realized she didn’t understand what you were saying but she could sense your panic.

“Mauvais esprits dans sa tête,” she replied, tracing a finger along his forehead. “Ils hantent ses rêves.” She turned back to her son who had closed his eyes once again in your lap. “Eugène, c’est Maman,” she whispered into his ear.

“Should we wake him up?” You asked in vain, and then made a motion to her as if opening his eyes. She looked like she understand and shook her head.

“Better, eh....if he sleep,” she replied, and then began to hum a little tune quietly, one that seemed to open Gene’s eyes but not bring him back to earth.

A little smile formed on his baby face upon seeing her, his eyes no longer stormy and wild as he breathed out in awed disbelief, “Maman?”

“Et voilà, mon p’tit chat,” she hummed, taking his hand gently from yours. “J’suis là pour te ramener chez nous, d’accord ?”

He gave a faint nod, allowing the two of you to pull him up and help him stumble back into the house. As you laid him out on the bed, Madame Roe lit a few candles in the room. She dipped her finger in a little bowl of water that hung decoratively near the door and traced a lowercase ‘t’ on Gene’s forehead. He’d fallen back asleep now, though his face still looked perpetually anxious.

As she sprinkled pinches of the water about the room and the bed, you could make out a few words she was softly chanting. Words like cauchemar meaning nightmare and mauvais esprits meaning evil spirits.

Then she turned to you with a smile that was similar to Gene’s. “You help me, yes?” She asked, gesturing for you to follow her into the small kitchen. She had you get a tea cup from the cabinet shelf, eager to allow you into her world of traiteur healing.

Monsieur Roe emerged sleepily into the kitchen, alerted by all the noise. You found it remarkable how closely Gene resembled his father, the same dark hair and dark eyes, even down to the identical facial expressions. He’d been relatively quiet during the dinner, and you’d felt a bit intimidated by him, the way he’d only grunt or hum to communicate. But you soon realized it was because he knew even less English than Gene’s mother, if none at all.

When he saw what his wife and you were brewing with the crushed herbs, he seemed to know exactly what it was for. Turning to you, he said with a gruff voice but a friendly smile, “Ah, to fais eni di thé avec fleu’ siro et Eugène boit ça po’ les cauchemars. To l’aime, ouai ?”

You managed a small nod and a nervous smile, although you couldn’t make out much of what he’d said. His dialect was so strong and so different from Madame Roe’s that the only word you could understand was “Eugene.”

“Le sureau,” Madame Roe corrected for you, but that didn’t seem to make much difference. “Eh...elderberry. He say you to learn to make thé avec le sureau, et he know you have...eh...l’amour, yes? You have l’amour for our Eugène,” she said with a smile.

“Oh, oui that’s true,” you blushed as you poured the water and fresh elderberries into the little blue saucepan, watching as his mother rhythmically sprinkled in turmeric and cinnamon.

After the water was brought to a boil, Monsieur Roe opened the door to let the family collie Fleur outside and followed her closely with a flashlight to make sure no wild animals got her. Meanwhile, you and Madame Roe sat at the kitchen table for a few minutes while the tea simmered. She took your soft hands into her worn, calloused ones and studied them in the moonlight.

“Here now, chile’,” she said in her strong accent, giving you an encouraging smile as she traced the lines on your palm like she was navigating a maze. You could smell the rosemary oil on her warm wrist, the lavender soap on her sleeve.

“Anything special?” You asked, slightly amused and curious. Gene had never mentioned that his mother did palmistry. “Or bad?”

She gave you a wink, the wrinkles around her lips softening into a small grin, revealing dimples that would have been more prominent in her younger years. “Bah non, ma chérie, c’est bon,” she replied, her doe eyes twinkling warmly, tracing your fingers and massaging your hand gently. “Eh...you have the healer hands, yes? Like me et ma mère et sa mère. So petites et si douces, like a little doll,” she said quietly.

She squeezed your thumb affectionately. “In war, you treat as nurse, et make better the hurt boys,” she said with a touch of melancholy, looking at your thumb. “I see here, little thumb so delicate comme une petite abeille.” Then she looked at the lines running through the middle of your hand and gave a little giggle. “Ah, regarde, le zig-zag,” she sighed, squeezing your hand again. “Des enfants, beaucoup d’enfants.”

She got up a bit excitedly and took the saucepan off the stove to let it cool, and then she had you stir in a generous amount of honey. She smiled as she watched you, and then held both sides of your face with her wrinkled hands. “I teach you, ma fille, I teach you, et puis you teach les enfants.”

With that she took your hand in her hers and held it up a bit, her other hand hovering over the freshly brewed tea. Closing her eyes, she whispered. “You say after me,” and then proceeded to sing a few French lines of prayer, pausing to let you repeat the words. When she was done, she brought the necklace she wore to her lips and kissed it, before opening her eyes and turning to look at you with pride and approval.

Then she poured the tea into the ceramic cup and gestured with her head for you to bring it back to Gene. She gave you a soft kiss goodnight on the forehead and you slowly made your way back to the bedroom.

Gene stirred slightly as you sat down beside him, cup in hand.

“Mmm, Y/N?” He asked, his voice crackly and strained. “Tu fais quoi, mon amour?”

You hushed him, wanting to smile at the way his little nose scrunched up in confusion and his eyebrows furrowed as they often did. “You were tossing and turning, that’s all,” you said softly as he sat up. “I made you some tea.”

“Oh,” he wiped his hand over his tired face. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” He took the cup you handed him, wrapping his large hands around the warm pottery and inhaling the herbal steam. “You made this?”

“Well, your mother showed me how,” you said, ruffling a hand through his ink black hair as he dipped his tongue into the liquid.

“Thank you,” he murmured into the cup, taking a little sip and reveling in the taste. He leaned over and set the cup on the nightstand, and then shifted over to pull you into his arms.

“Gene?”

“Oui, mon cœur?”

“You know that I’m always here for you. I won’t ever leave,” you said, hearing his heart with your head snuggled against his chest. You felt your own eyes water with tears at the thought of the pain he was suppressing, the kind he didn’t want you to see. “I just need you to know that.”

He didn’t say anything, just leaned down and kissed the top of your head, burying his face in your hair.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered as he rocked you gently, and then he seemed to notice your tears.

“Oh, ne pleure pas, mon amour,” he said, peppering your head and forehead with little kisses. “I’ve gotcha. You’re safe, just sleep,” he whispered soothingly, his lips grazing your temple. And you thought about how quickly it had all flipped, one moment you were holding him and the next he was holding you with those hands that had saved so many.

“Je t’aime,” you tried out in a whisper, causing Gene to smile down at you through bashful eyelashes.

“I love you, too,” he replied in his soft drawl, cradling you as the rain outside bounced off the trees and the moss and the shadowy fields of tall grass, lulling the rest of the bayou to sleep. “With all my heart...with all my heart.”

[toevenexist]

Lights Pt. 14

So here it is, a little later than I said, sorry! I hope you enjoy it, the next few chapters are almost finished!!!! Please please reblog and let me know if you enjoyed it, and Any feedback!! 

Masterpost link

Chapter 13 link

Enjoy!

“It’s been raining for a week” Amelia said, speaking to the babies, briefly standing at the window of the lounge, her arms wrapped around her bump. She arched her back, trying to ease the pressure in her pelvis. 

One of the twins wiggled, and fidgeted, “No long now”, Owen came up behind her,  wrapping his arm around her and lifting her bump. She sighed, eyes dropping shut, leaning back against him. She relaxed, resting her hands atop of Owens hands.

 “36 weeks” Amelia muttered, dropping her head back onto Owen’s shoulder. The rain lashed so heavily against the window, that Amelia could almost feel it on her skin.

“You hungry?” Owen asked her, Amelia nodded, taking a slow inbreath. “Sit down, I’ll get you something.

“Could you get me a cold drink? It’s still too humid” Amelia said, holding Owen’s hand, letting him lead her across to the couch. She lowered slowly, grimacing at the discomfort of her body.

Lightning flashed and the couple looked to the window. Thunder rumbled only seconds later, cracking above them loudly. Amelia groaned, slow moving, relaxing back, kneading her hand into her side.

 “The babies don’t like the thunder?” Owen asked her loudly from the kitchen. She stroked Jilly who had just curled up at her side, frightened of the thunder too. Amelia just hummed, closing her eyes.

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

“TV signal is gone” Amelia called out to Owen. She flicked through the channels, finding a blank screen on every one of them. She threw down the TV remote just as Owen came back in, a tall glass of still lemonade with ice tinkling away. “Can I just have some fruit?”

“Yeah” Owen said, disappearing into the Kitchen and reappearing a few minutes later with a bowl of fruit salad.

“Okay, give me your feet” Owen told her, sitting down beside her. She turned in her seat and pulled Jilly haphazardly with her. “Are we settled on names yet?”

“You know we need to see them first, we might pick names and they might not even suit them”

Owen chuckled rolling his eyes. “We could make a selection of names, put them all down somewhere and then try them all out” he suggested, rubbing her feet and taking her in, with her bowl sat atop her bump. She was wearing that blue cotton dress again, with a loose jersey top over it, sleeves pushed up to the elbows. Her hair was down, and messy, tucked behind both of her ears. “I thought we’d already done that? Ivy, Cecelia and Alma”

“We did, but don’t you want any more?”

“I don’t know, I mean….” She stopped, closing her eyes, the empty bowl shifted off of her bump. Owen looked to her, eyes widening. “Amelia, what is it?” Owen asked her, sitting up straight. Jilly started to pine, resting her head on Amelia’s bump. Her face screwed up, “Ow,” she held her hands to her stomach, feeling a searing ache wrap around her stomach, along her back.

“This… this feels” she began, becoming weepy. Owen ordered Jilly off of the couch and moved closer, placing his hands either side of her stomach.

 “It’s… is this a contraction Amelia? Are you in labour?”

Amelia bit her lip, a tear stringing from her eye. She quickly became breathless and moved to stand. “Owen… Owen… I can’t…. “ She stood and then groaned, bending over,  “I’m feel sick” She pouted, walking to the bookshelf, leaning on it.

Owen followed, smoothing his hand over her back. Looking around the room, trying to gather his thoughts. “Is it over?”

“Yeah” she nodded, “I just feel uncomfortable.” She said, wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her jersey.

“I need the toilet, I… I’ll check for a show… Will you call the midwife?” She said, standing up straight, hands shaking as she grappled for things to hold and lean on, on her way to the toilet. Owen walked a step behind her, feeling a flush of adrenalin wash over him. He followed her all the way to the bathroom, where she stopped. “Owen, it’s okay, I’m alright, just go call the midwife, I’ll call you if I need you”

“You will call?”

She nodded, “You’ll leave the door open?” Amelia nodded again. Owen nodded, moving to leave. Stopping and turning back to her, leaning down and kissing her. She pulled him towards her and kissed him again, before gently pushing him away.

“I’ve had a show, no more contractions” Amelia said, slowly waddling back into the living room. Owen walked to her, relaying the information to the midwife. “Um, I don’t know, I’ll check now…” Owen said, backing away and disappearing from the room, returning with their thermometer.

 “Amelia, open” he said, She turned side on to the back of the couch and held on with one hand, opening her mouth, and closing it around the thermometer.

“No, she hasn’t” Owen replied to the person on the phone, “You haven’t had any more contractions?”

Amelia shook her head. Walking the length of the room, Owen met her half way and took the thermometre, “her temp is normal.” Owen said, nodding.  Amelia sat down briefly but changed her mind.

“Okay, So... “ Owen hung up and spoke softly to Amelia. “We just need to sit tight for now, wait for your contractions to get more regular”

Amelia nodded, finally stopping in the centre of the room, “It could be hours…“ 

She heaved, bending at the waist, reaching for Owen, “Ow, damn….” Owen was holding her immediately, scooping her arms up over his shoulders, she rest her head on his chest.

“Alright, alright, it’s okay, breathe” he encouraged her, slowly rubbing her back. She whined, shaking her head against him. “Owen… don’t leave me… don’t leave, I can’t do this on my own” She cried, scratching at his shoulders.

Owen frowned, shaking his head, “I’m not going anywhere, I’m here, I’m not leaving you” he told her, lifting her face up to look into her eyes. He smiled lovingly, shaking his head. The contraction slowly ceased and Amelia slumped against him.

Amelia smiled cautiously, sniffling, “I’m scared, Owen.” He pulled her closer and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“It’s going to be alright” he said, rubbing her back. She huffed., nodding, closing her eyes. “You want to try and sleep? Save your strength?”

Amelia nodded slowly, turning on the spot, “will you come with me?”  

“Of course”

The lights flickered with a crash of lightning and then turned off all together. The couple held eachother tighter. “Owen…” Amelia spoke tearfully. Darkness surrounded them and their sense of hearing amplified, prickling their skin at the sound of the rain.

“It’s okay, we’re okay, we have candles, the car has gas, our phones are charged” Owen said, doing his best to sound calm. He could hear her struggling to get her breath under control. They reached their bedroom and Owen sat her down, leaving her while he fetched candles and torches to illuminate the room.

When he had finally made enough light to see her, he found her on the bed in her underwear. She’d taken off her dress in protest of the heat and was now on her hands and knees, gently rocking side to side, the way she had done earlier in her pregnancy to ease her pelvic pain.

Owen moved to her, climbing carefully onto the bed beside her and placed his hands on her hips, kneading inwards towards her spine. She sighed and stopped her movement. “It’s too hot, and… they feel so heavy in my pelvis,”

“They’ll be here soon”

“It could be days” Amelia wept, dropping her head.

“You have got this Amelia…” He told her, moving his hands around her sides, to caress her bump. “I’ll get you a cold cloth, lie down, try to rest before the next contraction, alright”

“I’m gonna lie on top of the blankets” she said, sinking down, onto her side. Owen nodded, sprinting away.

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

He brought the cloth back with a bowl of cool water held against his ribs. He sat down close to her and  pushed her hair back from her face. 

She opened her eyes in half moons and smiled at him. He brought the cloth to her forehead and dragged it gently around the side of her face and then the other. Her eyes closed at the sensation of it and she sighed. He dragged the cloth along her arms and across her chest, along her legs, and then finally in spiralling circles against her stomach. “Mmn feels nice” she sighed.

 Owen smiled tightly, taking her in with shining eyes. She was so full and so beautiful, all of her pale skin radiant under the glow of the candles. She curved her hand against her bare stomach and soothed it up and down, her hand so small and delicate against the swell of her bump. The curve morphed in shape slightly as one of the babies tried to stretch their legs.

The rain continued driving down outside. Lightning flashed like the flash of a camera, mother nature taking a photograph. Then moments later the sky would growl. One of the windows was open a crack, and a slither of a breeze crept in, cooling the moisture on Amelia’s skin, caressing her to sleep. Owen settled watchfully beside her, closing his eyes intermittently.

  He must have fallen asleep because the next he knew Amelia was calling his name, and his eyes opened to find her climbing out of bed, groaning, struggling to breathe through a painful contraction. She stopped at the wall, bending at the window and letting out a strangled cry. She sank to her knees, keeping her hands clutched tightly, white knuckled, to the window ledge. She rest her forehead against the wall and scrunched her eyes closed.

Owen jumped out to bed, dropping down behind her. “This fucking hurts… I…” she panted and let go of the window ledge, leaning back against Owen, taking hold of both of his hands. “I forgot how much this hurts, since the last… time” she said, and the feeling of Owen’s warm kisses into the crook of her neck, his hands in hers, holding her tightly, made her eyes grow wet. The contraction died down, leaving her to calm her breathing.

Owen let go of one of her hands and pulled a blanket from the bed, throwing it over her. “Thank you” she whispered, dropping her head back onto his shoulder. “What’s the time?”

Owen looked at his watch, “About twenty five minutes since your last one” he told her, bringing her hand up to his lips and soothing his other hand over her bump, his skin shushing against the fabric. 

He leaned against the side of the bed and she leaned against him, still squeezing his hand. He dotted a kiss to her cheek and told her “you’re okay” brushing back her hair as delicately and softly as he could, wanting her to feel calmed by it. 

“We’re okay” he whispered again, pushing his hand under the blanket and drawing gentle circles against her stomach. “We’re all okay” he told her and her grip loosened, her thumb pad moving back and forth against his skin. “Alright?”

She hummed, nodding. “This is scary”

“I know, I know… but I’m here with you, every step of the way” she nodded again, her grip pulsing around his hand just once. 

“Help me back into bed?” she asked his quietly, as if she didn’t want to disturb the rain song.

 He hummed yes and moved slowly, pulling her up with him. She held onto the blanket with one hand and held it against her chest. “Are you cold now?”

Amelia nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed, Owen moved to his closet in search of a shirt she’d like, and Amelia sat quietly, “I can’t believe two babies are going to make their way out of my vagina in the next few days… It’s too small” she said, half smirking, half pouting. Owen chuckled as he re-entered the room, eyes alight.

“Amelia, you know the process” he said, holding up one of his worn out T-shirts. She twisted her lips and lifted her arms so he could slip the shirt on.

“I do, but I’ve never had two big healthy babies come out of there before…”

Owen sat down beside her and smiled lopsidedly. “What if she can’t handle it?”

“She? You mean…?”

“My hooha, lady town… Will you still love me I don’t have a hooha?”

“Amelia are you serious? your… hooha! Will be fine, and even if… she… isn’t, I don’t give a damn… now, lie down”  Owen chuckled. Amelia smirked, staying put.

“I’m not tired now, can we go to the couch? We can find a twenty minute youtube show to time with my contractions, on my laptop, and eat something.”

“Alright… come on then” Owen said, taking both of her hands, “Do you want some pants?”

“Are you seriously asking me that?”

“Forgive me?!” he laughed, wrapping an arm around her.

“Wait” Amelia stopped him, just at the door of the nursery. She left his arms and walked slowly into the room, it only grew lighter when Owen came in behind her, carrying a torch that threw a yellowy golden light onto all the facing surfaces.

“Do we have everything ready?” Amelia said, standing between the cribs. Her voice trembled slightly as she took in the room, still somewhat afraid to hope. “We do... more than ready”

Amelia nodded. Continuing to nod as she looked around, smoothing the shirt against her stomach with one hand,  and pushing the other one into the small of her back. “Okay...okay” she muttered softly, nodding again, meeting Owen’s crystal blue’s through the fog of darkness.

“We’re ready Amelia” he assured her, reaching out his hand.

She took deep breath and took it.

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