#i wish to add some more but i've been so tight on $$$ i haven't bought anything ''luxury'' in months;;

[palioom]

tumblr wrapped!

thank you @iamasaddie for tagging me 🖤

counting all my finished works from this year was insane, not gonna lie. 80 works (yes, eighty!!) include my 31 kinktober pieces, as well as everything I haven't uploaded just yet. on top of that come 9 more chapters of the series i've been working on for a while now... damn.

thank you to everyone I got to know here this year, as well as everyone who's supported me in some way, i love y'all so much 🖤

my top fics (random order)

1. The Bereaved Dunes by @aurasjournal

no one knows Oberyn like Aura does, and this piece broke me

2. Plata o Plomo Studios by maryuo723

i've only discovered it this year but damn, it had me so obsessed (especially Polished Jewel and Miss (y/n Learns Some Manners)

3. The Dress Series by @janaispunk

this has me in a tight grip and honestly, no one writes Dave like Jana does, can't wait to see where it goes!!

4. Uninhibited by @ozarkthedog

Dieter fucking drugs into you??? still screaming about the idea

5. Wet Work (Or: How To Lose Your Rental Deposit In Two Easy Steps) by loversandantiheroes

i keep thinking about this occasionally and have been since i read it at the beginning of this year

there's so many more I wish I could add, honestly, but these are some of my absolute favourites!

tagging everyone who wants to do it!!

canva template

[itskateak]

Mint Ice Cream & Bubblegum Kisses - Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Summary: The winter season was usually slow and boring, but that has certainly changed now that they lived in the compound.

Word Count: 10.5K (Officially the LONGEST chapter)

Warnings: Fluff, Minor Angst, Major Pining, Alcohol Consumption, Winter Bashing

A/N: Heyyyyy sooo....it's been a while. November 2021, yeah? School took over and I lost motivation to write. So here we are after I've graduated and moved back home. Thank you for being so patient with me :)

This chapter was solely supposed to be just ice skating, but because of how long it has taken me, I've added some more things and it will be a long chapter.

Want to listen to Bucky's playlist? Find it here on Spotify:

(There will be a list of all the songs below so you can create your own playlist on your preferred platform and add anything you like. Some of the musical selections are brought to you by my Grandmother, who was born in the 40s.)

Finally, come find me on Twitter! @Writing_Raven_ 

You can harass me about my writing and receive updates here. 

When I said I was coming back, I meant I'm feeding y'all what I wanted to feed y'all this whole time. 

COME AND GET Y'ALL'S JUICE

Taglist is open! PM me, send an ask, or @ me on a chapter to let me know you’d like to be tagged! Strikethrough means I couldn’t tag you, but I will send you a message with a link to the new chapter when I update. :)

Masterlist

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"I have absolutely no balance and I  will  fall on my ass," Y/N grumbled, tightening the laces on his ice skates. It was a sunny day and the temperature wasn't too cold. After days of begging and waiting, Angelica had finally gotten her wish to go ice skating on the lake. And here was her father, muttering curses under his breath about how bruised he was going to be by the end of the day. 

"It'll be  fine , man. Just takes some getting used to." Sam called from the edge of the ice, hands on his waist. He was smiling, cheeks and nose just barely red from the cold. "Angelica, you ready?"

Angelica nodded and carefully picked her way down to the ice. She took Sam's hand and stepped out, wavering immediately. She squealed and grabbed onto his arms to keep from falling. "Sam!"

"I've got you, kiddo. Get your feet under you. There you go." Sam chuckled, leading her further onto the ice while skating backward. He started to instruct her, keeping a hand on her to make sure she wouldn't fall.

"He's got nephews," Natasha bumped Y/N's shoulder as she finished tying her skates. He wasn't worried about Sam with his daughter, but he was glad that he made sure her skates were tight. "Don't know where he learned to skate, though."

"Sam was a hockey player in high school. Pretty good, too, if his sister is to be believed." Bucky held a hand out to Nat and pulled her to her feet. She smiled and muttered a quick  thanks  before moving to the ice. He extended the same hand to Y/N when he straightened up.

"Thanks. I haven't been skating in years so I'll probably end up on my ass more than I'll be on my feet." Y/N tentatively stepped onto the ice, hands shooting out immediately to gain his balance. "Yeah. This is not gonna go well for me."

Bucky snorted and followed him. He took a couple of strides out before turning around, stopping gracefully in place. "I believe in you. And if you fall, I'll laugh before helping you up."

"Oh, so kind. What a gentleman of your time." Y/N rolled his eyes but couldn't fight a smile.

"I'd do the same thing to anyone else. Maybe a little quicker if I was sweet on them." Bucky winked, digging his toe pick into the ice and pushing backward. "You need a hand getting used to skating?"

"Maybe? I'll manage, though. If I fall, I fall, y'know?" Y/N shrugged, taking his first step forward. It had been a  long  time since he'd last skated and in some ways, it was like riding a bike. He'd remember in time, but for now, he was just prepared to fall until he got the hang of it again. 

"Then I'm gonna do a lap to loosen up a bit. Don't hurt yourself too badly while I'm gone." Bucky picked up speed backward before turning perfectly on his heel. 

Y/N shook his head with a smile and slowly tried to find a rhythm. His legs already burned with the effort. He wasn't made to do this kind of exercise anymore. He'd say he was getting too old, but he really wasn't. He just wasn't the fittest or most active person in the world and he  definitely  didn't use his muscles this specific way often enough that he wasn't  not  going to be sore either tonight or tomorrow. It was a good thing they were still on break so he could spend the day under a heated blanket for his poor, aching muscles and joints.

Angelica was laughing with Sam and Nat as she was skating. She was all bundled up in her jacket and scarf, face half buried in the fabric. Her radiant smile could be seen all the same as it lit up her eyes and face. The scene looked like something out of a Hallmark movie with the sunlight on the ice and the frost on the trees. Warmth spread through his chest as he stood there watching, hands sunk into his jacket pockets. 

They didn't have much family in the area that he was close enough to that they'd spend holidays together. Sure, they'd see each other for dinners on occasion but not regularly. Maybe a wedding or graduation on an odd year. And with his job in the past, they hadn't been able to travel to see the family he was close with since Angelica was very young. That's mainly why he relied so heavily on his daughter's friends and their neighbors. He wanted her to have a semblance of family around her. People who loved her and would be there for her achievements.

It was good for Angelica to have a more solid family. Each person around her had different experiences and lessons to give her. Different views would give her a balanced and unique environment. And if he were honest, Y/N was glad to have found a place among that family, too. Sure, they weren't blood, but not all family was blood.

And not all blood deserved to be family. 

He sighed. Every so often, her mother would try to make contact. But the note she left when she'd walked out on them made it very clear she wanted  nothing  to do with their daughter. Usually, he quoted her own words from the letter (which was in a special documents folder along with Angelica's social security card and birth certificate) and that was enough to discourage her. But recently she was being more stubborn about it.

Persistent messages and phone calls. Emails. Hell, he even got a physical  letter  delivered to him the other day. She  still  told the same bullshit story that he knew all too well and by now, he just ignored it. But it didn't mean he wasn't drained from the constant reminder of one of the worst days of his life. He jammed the toe pick into the ice idly, lost in thought.

"Papa!" Angelica's voice cut through and he looked up. She was skating toward him, albeit a little unsteadily, with a bright smile on her face. She stumbled, holding her hands out in case she fell, but recovered quickly. "You gonna come out more?"

"What, you want me to say I'm gay?" Y/N joked, pushing off to meet her halfway. "Surprise."

"Not much of a surprise." Natasha circled behind Y/N, casually crossing one foot over the other to turn toward the group again once she slowed. Her hands were in her jacket pockets, completely confident in her abilities. Damn her for being so effortless with nearly everything she did. "It's a little obvious."

"She's right, you know," Sam said, making a full stop behind Angelica. It sprayed up some ice, making the young girl squeal at the cold. "But maybe I can tell just because  I'm  bi."

"No, no. It's just obvious." Natasha used her toe pick to push herself back slightly, then pull herself forward again. She had that smirk on her face that meant she was never going to fully admit what she was talking about, only using it as fuel to tease someone. He'd learned to read that smirk well and hated when it was turned on him rather than watching her continuously tease and harass Clint or Steve.

"I feel like I've missed something." Angelica narrowed her eyes, looking between the adults with the same adorable scrutiny she gave a particularly difficult math problem. Sam and Nat laughed.

"Okay, so you asked me if I was going to come out more. Coming out is a term used when someone discloses their gender or sexuality other than straight or what they were assigned at birth." Y/N explained. "So I asked if you wanted me to say I was gay because that would be me technically coming out  more  than I already was, even if it's not entirely correct."

"Oooh." Angelica nodded for a few seconds. "I still don't get it."

Sam nearly fell on his ass with laughter, flailing to keep his balance. Nat reached out to steady him, making sure he didn't actually fall while she giggled. 

"You know what?" Y/N sighed in defeat, placing his hands on his hips in the typical Dad Pose. "Sometimes I think you're just bullshitting me."

"Papa!" Angelica gasped in fake offense, even going so far as to put her hand against her chest like a woman from one of those historical novels that fainted at even the slightest inconvenience. She'd recently taken on some characteristics from Elizabeth Swann after watching the films, which lined up well with her theatrics.

"You've got a mouth on you today, huh?" Nat teased. He  did  try to keep his swearing to a minimum around his kid, but she understood what words were okay for her to use and not to use. And given certain circumstances (and proper usage), he'd be lenient if she swore.

"Wait, what did you mean by  it's just obvious ? Usually, people are shocked when I tell them I'm into guys, too." Y/N turned to Natasha, curious about what she'd say. She was highly trained, which went unsaid even among the team, and things she noticed were never quite obvious to others. But then again, sometimes it was the simple things that gave people away. 

"Oh. Yeah, it's obvious by the way you stare at him." She raised a brow with that damn smirk, waiting for her words to fully sink in. The unspoken name hung heavy in the air, the implication even louder in the momentary silence. 

"Who's staring at who?" Bucky's voice made Y/N jump and lose balance. Strong hands grabbed his waist as he fell backward, bumping into an equally as strong chest. Bucky chuckled, the sound rumbling against his back. "Sorry, darlin'. Didn't mean to scare you."

Y/N straightened up, face burning. Once he was steady on his feet and not at risk of falling on his face or his ass, Bucky let go and slid to stand by his side. This was  not  a conversation he wanted Bucky to overhear and it certainly wasn't one he wanted to have  with  Bucky. Hell, he didn't even want to have it with Sam and Natasha, especially in front of his kid. She could keep a secret, but only if it was good for leverage or blackmail. 

Angelica had a great start at espionage and he wasn't prepared for the nuisance and problem this could become in her middle school and high school years. 

"Y'okay, Y/N?" Sam asked, eyes flickering between Y/N and Bucky with a mischievous smile. He looked like he wanted to continue poking fun at him for his reaction or say something that would entirely give away what they were actually talking about. It seemed like Bucky had skated up just in time to only hear the last three words of Natasha's sentence, which was a miracle of the divine kind.

"Yeah, yeah. Just lost my balance and nearly had a heart attack, but I'm good." He gave Sam a pointed look as if he were saying  shut the fuck up   or I'll kill you . It must've translated because Sam held his hands up in surrender and kept his mouth shut.

"Papa, you never answered my question." Angelica pouted, drawing attention back to her. 

"What was it?"

"Are you coming out more or are you gonna be a coward?" She challenged with her trademark  shit-eating  grin. 

"Oh, you better run, you little gremlin," Y/N growled, starting to chase after his daughter. She squealed with laughter, barely staying in front of him as they raced across the ice. 

Bucky, Sam, and Natasha watched them, all with bright grins on their faces.

"So, how long do you think it'll be until one of them eats shit?" Sam asked, folding his arms across his chest.

"I give it about thirty seconds," Bucky replied.

And thirty seconds later, a distant  ah, shit  could be heard as Y/N L/N tripped up on his toe pick and very gracefully hit the ice.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Y/N straightened his jacket one last time. Tonight, he was taking his daughter to see the Nutcracker that was playing in a local college's theater, like it did every year. It was always put on by the same dance studio, in part with a few of the smaller ones. And every single year, it was wonderful. 

"Bucky will be right down. He lost his right shoe and needed a second to find it." Steve shook his head, folding his arms across his chest as he leaned in the doorway. "Thank you, Y/N, for doing this. He probably won't say it, but it means a lot to him."

"Of course," Y/N replied. "Didn't want him to miss out and certainly didn't want to make him go alone."

"I appreciate it because as much as I love him, I can't sit through the Nutcracker anymore," Steve said with a grimace. "And as I said before, the holiday season is harder for him. This will be good for him. Every other time he's tried to see the show, something came up."

"Maybe it was fate." Y/N joked with a smile.

"Maybe it was. Have fun, you guys. I'm being dragged into a second viewing of the live-action Grinch with Sam, Clint, Wanda, and Nat. Did you know that they can pretty much quote that movie word for word?" 

"Don't act like you can't, either." Bucky appeared behind Steve, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "Sorry for taking so long. Couldn't find my damn shoe and I believe it was Sam's fault, but I'm not certain."

"It's all good. Steve was just explaining that you've tried to see the show before but the universe stopped it from happening." Y/N subtly glanced him over. He looked...good in his formal wear. Unfairly good. If he were an artist, he would never be able to stop drawing the way Bucky looked right now as he stood with his hands in his pockets, his weight dropped onto one leg. 

"Yeah, it's never worked out. But I'm happy it has so far. Knock on wood." He rapped his knuckles on the door frame with a crooked smile. "Where's the kiddo?"

"Getting her hair finished by the girls. She'll be here in just a second." Y/N glanced down the hallway to see if he could catch a glimpse of his daughter to estimate exactly how long it would take. He was hoping it wasn't much longer because they needed to leave soon.

"Have fun, guys." Steve pat Bucky's shoulder before leaving the doorframe back the way he came.

"Y/N, thank you for this. Genuinely. How much do I owe you for the ticket?" Bucky slid his wallet from his pocket, opening it and thumbing through some cash.

"No, don't worry about it. Consider it a gift from us to you." Y/N held his hand up, shaking his head slightly. "Seriously. And don't argue with me on this one. Just accept it as a gift."

Bucky stared at him for a moment, wide-eyed. He opened his mouth to say something - presumably argue some more because that was Bucky, Y'N had learned, but they were both interrupted by a young voice.

"Papa, how do I look?" Angelica swayed from side to side, the sparkles on her blue dress catching in the light. Her hair was intricately put up with some jeweled spiral clips. She even had a little bit of makeup on, which was completely age-appropriate. 

"Stunning, like a little snowflake." He replied, smiling just as broadly as she was. She giggled and bounced on the balls of her feet, the slight heel of her shoes clicking on the ground. He held his hand out to her and twirled her under his arm. "You ready?"

"Mhmm!" 

Y/N turned to Bucky, happy to see he'd put his wallet away, and, perhaps begrudgingly, accepted that this was a gift and not necessary to be repaid. He was smiling at Angelica, watching her as she twirled again to look at her gown in the light. There was a sad nostalgia lingering behind it all and for a moment, he wanted to say that Bucky didn't have to go with them if he didn't feel up to it.

But then Angelica went up to him, took his hands, and tried to dance with him. The melancholic look in his eyes faded as he led her into a simple waltz, humming a basic tune. Instead, the corners of his eyes crinkled up with a smile as she giggled, spinning under his arm. He pulled her hands together and gently dipped her, his smile somehow getting bigger as she squealed and clung to him.

"I won't drop you, sweetheart. Promise." He said before pulling her upright. 

Y/N's heart skipped a beat as he watched, smiling just as wide as Bucky and Angelica. He wished he could show every single person who still viewed him as a threat or villain this exact moment between his daughter and Bucky. There wasn't even a  singular  thought of concern that Bucky could hurt her on purpose and he desperately hoped people would begin to realize that. He wasn't "evil" or a villain. He was a victim that was still healing and learning how to be himself again.

He slipped his phone from his pocket and took a few photos, making sure to keep the live option on. His favorite was a perfectly timed moment as she was spinning under his left arm, looking back at him with that impossibly wide grin, and her dress flared out. He was smiling, too, and it was obvious in the still image that he was laughing. It was a delightful picture that would certainly become his lock screen for a while.

"Alright, you two. Let's get going so we don't risk missing any of the show." Y/N hated to interrupt, but there was always time for them to dance another day. They had a show to get to and he'd rather be damned than be the reason Bucky missed on another opportunity to see The Nutcracker.

They split apart and Bucky bowed to Angelica, who giggled and curtsied in response. She turned and bounced toward the door, a little ball of sunshine to warm the snowy evening.

"Send those photos to me, please?" Bucky muttered, walking side by side with Y/N.

"Already sent 'em."

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

The wind blew a chill straight up Y/N's spine, creeping under the layers of his jacket and shirt. The bell above the door chimed as he opened it, ushering his child into the shop before another gust could pick up. He shut the door behind him, shivering and stomping the snow off his shoes. Winter was a bullshit season because of the cold and wind. Once his feet and legs were cold, it was all over. He'd take forever to get warm again.

"Well, if it's not my two favorite customers in the whole wide world!" Pop waved as he noticed them, chuckling as Angelica waved enthusiastically back. She bounced over to the display case, looking at the new flavors and their descriptions. That was one of the best things about Pop's Shoppe and their homemade ice cream - they rotated new flavors depending on the season and everyone had their favorite that they looked forward to every year.

"Is that Angelica and Y/N?" A woman's voice came from the back room before she poked her head out to see. "Yes, it is! How have you two been, my lovely honeybees?"

"Leana!" Angelica ran up to Leana and hugged her when she came around the counter. "You're back!"

"Sure am, honeybee." Leana had a deep set of crow's feet at the corner of her eyes from a life of laughter and joys that revealed themselves in full when she smiled. She looked well, which was a good sign given how sick she'd been. She'd been out since the beginning of fall and although they didn't have any doubts she'd recover, they'd been concerned. "You been good for your father, I trust?"

"Mhmm!"

"She's lying. She's been nothing but trouble, causing mischief and being a nuisance." Y/N hugged Leana, chuckling when she squeezed him. "Though she  is  just an accomplice most of the time."

"Oh, is she now?" Pop leaned against the counter, looking at the girl in question. She gave him her mischievous grin, shrugging like she was innocent in the matter. "So, what can I get you on this cold day?"

"Whatever she wants. It's too cold to eat ice cream for me." Y/N placed his hand on the top of his daughter's head for a moment before shoving his hands into his pockets. "And I know we promised to bring Bucky along today but they had a mission come up last night and had to leave. Next time."

"Ahh, no hard feelings. He's welcome here whenever he's able to fit us in his world-saving schedule." Pop moved to get Angelica's usual order, slipping his gloves on and snagging the cup on the way to get the scoop.

"Bucky, huh? Who's Bucky?" Leana asked, leaning against the counter. She brushed a couple of stray braids over her shoulder. Her braids matched the color of her holiday apron, red braided into the grey of her natural hair. Angelica's favorite was the sunset yellow she liked to wear in the summer, sometimes with little bee and flower clips. 

"James Buchanan Barnes. A coworker and friend. He's -"

"The Winter Soldier, yes, I know the name. I've been around for a while, honeybee." Leana interrupted, suddenly looking her age for a moment. "Never sat right with me how he got his citizenship back."

"What?" Y/N was hesitant to continue the conversation, now, with Angelica in earshot. Though, it seemed Pop was keeping her occupied well enough that she wasn't paying attention.

"Oh, that came out wrong. I meant the whole trial he had to go through to prove he was a prisoner of war and under duress. Ridiculous, really." She continued, shaking her head. It wasn't talked about often within the team or the compound, but the amnesty trial had been a big deal. A year later, Bucky seemed to have moved past it with some work but some people still hung onto it. 

"Yeah, I...didn't really pay attention to it. Only when it landed on my desk when his lawyer needed information and it was my turn to dig." Y/N said. He hadn't worked on it often, maybe once or twice under Miss Lancaster's legal team. Not often enough to know more than the general public and not enough to draw his attention away. Even his coworkers kept it out of the office talk just because it was a touchy subject.

And totally not because everyone was scared of him. 

"How's he doing, now, though?" 

"Recovering, but doing well. Has some off days, but everyone does. We took him to see the Nutcracker last week and while there was some sadness, he had a good time." Y/N pulled his wallet out to pay for Angelica's ice cream now that she was seated happily with a snickerdoodle-flavored scoop. 

"Tell me, what d'you think Bucky would like from the case? I'll get you a to-go container for when he's back. Consider it a present from us to him." Pop smiled, his nose and cheeks rosier with the added chill of the winter weather. He had a Santa hat on, really playing up on his resemblance. 

"Oh, uh...that's a good question. I think the vanilla with caramel and cone pieces would be a safe option. I know he likes caramel." Y/N said, handing over his card to Leana to pay for the ice cream. She only charged him for Angelica's, fixing him with a stern look to deter any kind of arguing. This was why he always came back to them, even though it was further than other shops. They treated everyone like family and did favors for their loyal customers. And they were local, so it was a perfect relationship. 

"Angelica, you almost finished? We need to get back soon. I've got to check in with Steve and Bucky to see if they need anything and you have homework." The adults laughed as she groaned, throwing away her empty container and spoon. "Thanks, you two. Take care. We'll see you next week."

"Bye, Pop! Bye, Leana!" Angelica waved from the door, bundling herself up again in preparation to brave the outside.

"See ya, honeybee. And hopefully, we see Bucky with you, soon. Drive safe and stay warm." Leana said with a sweet smile.

Pop handed Y/N the container, a note written on the top with his and Leana's signatures.

To Bucky,

Happy Holidays from Us at Pop's Shoppe. Hope to see you stop by soon!

Pop & Leana   ♡  

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"I love my kid, but it's too cold for this," Y/N grumbled, blowing warm air into his cupped, gloved hands. 

"You'd be warmer if you moved around more." Natasha elbowed him, smiling as she watched the chaos unfold in front of them. 

Tony and Peter were constructing a snow fort in preparation for all-out snowball warfare. Scott, Angelica, and Cassie were also constructing a fort across from the Team IronSpider base. It wasn't as pretty or optimized as theirs, but it was going to be functional for the insanity that was going to unleash when they were ready.

"Yeah, but that would also mean getting involved in  that ." Y/N hitched his chin toward Team SuperWeird, comprised of Bucky, Steve, and Wanda. Unfair in his eyes, but that's just how the cards were dealt. "There's a reason I'm playing as an impartial judge with Bruce."

"Fair enough. Well, I better help those two. They need all the help they can get." She joined Clint and Sam at their base. 

The sun was warm but didn't do much to combat the overall chill of the day. But it was perfect for a snowball fight, including the sticky snow that would make the ideal snowball. Bruce also had his hands buried in his pockets, his face tucked into his scarf to try and keep warm. It was a universal day off for everyone in the compound, which meant he wasn't allowed to be tucked away in his lab.

Thor and Loki had come to visit with Valkyrie, enjoying some downtime with the team for a couple of days. Thor and Valkyrie were happily constructing their own fort and stockpiling snowball ammunition for the fight. Loki was standing beside Y/N and Bruce with his arms folded, shaking his head in mild amusement. 

"I don't believe I'll ever quite understand Midgaurdians." He said after a moment of thought. "But they  are  entertaining."

"We certainly are, huh?" Y/N smiled as his daughter squealed after Peter had snuck over and shoved snow on her neck. "You don't want to join?"

"No, no. I'm quite alright just watching for now." Loki wasn't exactly what he'd expected based on stories. He seemed to have mellowed out a bit and had some time to reflect on past mistakes. Or perhaps the events of Ragnarok had a strong effect on him. Whatever the case was, he was rather pleasant to be around, now. "It's not quite fair for me to join in, considering I'm immune to the cold."

"Ah. Yeah, that is an unfair advantage." Y/N shuffled his feet a bit, hoping to keep his toes from freezing by standing in the same place for too long. Although he was wearing multiple layers, the cold still crept in where it could. "You think they'd notice if I slipped away to get a warm drink?"

"Yes. They would. You wouldn't get three feet until Tony called you out." Bruce said.

"Well, it's a good thing I've come to deliver some warm cider." Pepper appeared beside them with a tray of thermoses. "Here you go."

"You're a lifesaver, Pepper." Y/N gratefully accepted one, the warmth spreading through his fingers and down his arms immediately. He took a tentative sip, considering it was still very hot, and hummed happily as the heat trickled through his chest.

"And one for you, Bruce." She passed another one to Bruce, earning the same praises. "Would you like one, Loki?"

"No, thank you, Miss Potts." Loki smiled, looking rather fond for a brief moment.

"It's actually Stark, now." She corrected, returning the smile.

"Oh, my apologies, Missus Stark. Congratulations." He inclined his head cordially.

"Thank you. But really, just call me Pepper. There's no need to be so formal." She touched his arm gently like she did often with everyone, a friendly and comforting gesture she was known for. "If you three need anything, just text me, alright?" 

"Of course, Pepper. Thanks again. I'll take videos of Tony getting his ass handed to him by Steve later." Bruce said from behind the rim of his thermos. And with that, she was making her way back inside, away from the snow and cold. 

Y/N was jealous, but now he had a warm drink so he was at least placated for the moment. He checked the time on his phone. There were thirty seconds left on his timer for their allotted fortress building time. After that, they'd have two minutes to prepare their ammunition before the first round of battle would begin. The timer chimed loudly and everyone immediately stopped piling snow and started creating snowballs of varying sizes and shapes.

"Of the current competitors, who do you believe will be the best?" Loki asked, crossing his arms. 

"Bucky's been trained as a sniper, but Clint has insane accuracy. Wanda has her abilities and Steve has enough spite to be good at just about anything." Bruce tilted his head in thought, watching everyone frantically stockpile ammo. "Sam and Scott are at a disadvantage, but will probably be good in their team. Tony and Peter work together a little  too  well, not to mention Peter's enhanced senses."

"So, what you're saying is that my kid and Cassie are going to get absolutely demolished by the superheroes around them." Y/N laughed, knowing all too well how this was going to go. It's mainly why he was staying on the sidelines and avoiding the conflict. 

"Oh, totally. That's exactly what's going to happen and it's going to be glorious." Bruce grinned before burrowing back into his scarf. The second timer went off and everyone came to a halt. "Alright, everyone. The round begins in three...two...one...go!"

Snow flew immediately, headed in every which direction. Laughter rang into the air, along with some cussing when people were hit. They were good about not getting close to the bystanders, some landing just at their feet but never hitting them. It was entertaining to watch the different strategies each team had, though most of it seemed to just be sheer chaos. Firing wherever in hopes it hit someone.

"You're going down, Romanoff!" Wanda shouted just before a snowball went flying at Natasha, propelled by her powers.

"In your dreams, Maximoff!" Natasha yelled back after barely dodging the projectile before throwing her own. It nailed Wanda straight in the chest faster than she could blink.

A stray snowball came flying by, hitting Loki square in the stomach. He doubled over slightly, the wind knocked out of him for a moment. Murderous intent took over his eyes as he scanned the field, trying to decide who had thrown it. Valkyrie was snickering behind her hand and noticed she'd drawn his attention. With a determined roll of his shoulders, Loki joined Tony and Peter, set on revenge.

Y/N glanced at his daughter, who was grinning to herself deviously. She'd done that on purpose and somehow flew under the radar to avoid all suspicion. That little devil was too smart for her own good and he had no idea how he was going to stay ahead of her as she got older. 

For now, he just shook his head and sipped his warm cider as everyone continued to pelt each other with snowballs.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"I am  not  letting you have alcohol. Are you out of your mind?" Y/N stared at Angelica in bewilderment, holding his glass of champagne out of her reach. "You have some audacity, little miss."

"Aw, come on! Just a little sip?" She tried to give him her puppy dog eyes, but he wasn't budging. "Just a teeny, tiny, itty bitty sip?"

"You're lucky I'm letting you stay up, Angelica. I can still send you to bed. Don't test me." He replied, using the opportunity to also take a slow sip of his champagne. She pouted, glaring at him disappointedly. 

Tony had forgone the large New Year's party that he usually hosted, choosing instead to keep it rather small with the team and their families. That didn't mean he didn't keep the extravagance down, considering this was the most expensive champagne Y/N had ever tasted. The decorations were certainly flashy, golds and silvers reflecting every light in the common room. The countdown was on the TV, muted so their own music could play.

"Maybe, if you're good, I'll let you have a sip next year," He said, eyeing her suspiciously when she got a little  too  excited about that. "No promises."

Angelica continued to grin far too wide for his liking before bouncing off into the crowd to find Peter and May. He shook his head, watching her as she disappeared into the kitchen. She was always a handful, but sometimes she seemed especially difficult to deal with. He loved her dearly, though, and it made moments like this more endearing than annoying.

"She reminds me of myself when I was young." Wanda came up beside Y/N. She was wearing a nice black gown, rather simple in terms of attire Tony required, but it suited her well. Especially with the fabric fading into a bright red near her knees and the beading around the waist. "Too smart for her own good and always looking for trouble."

"I can hardly believe you were looking for trouble," Y/N said in a warm tone. He  could  believe it, but he was teasing her. 

"Well,  I  wasn't usually the one looking for it. My brother, Pietro, was usually always finding himself in trouble. I was always getting him  out  of it." She laughed softly, eyes crinkled and light with fond memories. She missed him, he knew. His memory lived on through her, though, and all she did with the Avengers. With Tony's recovery foundation, he started an outreach program specifically for those affected by what happened in Sokovia and named it after Pietro. "Vis likes her a lot."

"Seems to be a common feeling with everyone," Y/N replied, giving her a brief side-hug. Her nose crinkled up happily, squeezing him back with her free arm. "How's your training going?"

"Oh, it's...going. Tiring, but Stephen is pleased with my progress. There's so much I didn't know I could do that he's taught me to control." Wanda, as if to show how much she'd learned, raised her hand and swirled some of the red mist around her fingers. It morphed into a little kitten that bounded across her knuckles, swatting at an equally tiny butterfly. It jumped to catch it, succeeding, and they both disappeared in a flourish.

"That was delightful." Y/N applauded her, laughing as she curtsied. "It's always nice to catch up with you."

"And you, too. Let's talk more often. Well, seems the countdown is going to begin shortly. I need to find Vis." She untangled herself from Y/N, but not before kissing him on the cheek. 

Tony called everyone to gather around the TV with their glasses of champagne and their partners. The couples stood together and those who were single ended up grouping near the opposite side. Peter had Angelica in his arms, a glass of sparkling cider held carefully in one of his hands.

Sam, Bucky, YN, and May stood together. Clint was currently MIA due to a sudden mission, which he'd been completely fine with. This wasn't his favorite holiday in the world and he preferred to be making money somewhere else. The countdown began on the TV, the sound returning at the perfect moment thanks to FRIDAY. Everyone waited, counting with it as the new year finally turned over.

The room filled with cheers and the couples shared a customary kiss. May hugged Y/N immediately before moving to Bucky and Sam. 

"Happy New Year," Sam hugged Y/N tightly, leaving a kiss on his cheek before he pulled away. He turned to Bucky.

"Don't kiss me or I'll kick your ass." Bucky threatened, accepting Sam's hug. Sam was grinning and tried to kiss Bucky's cheek, only to be met with the palm of his metal hand turning him away. 

Y/N laughed, careful not to spill any of his drink as he embraced Bucky. It was immediately a comfort, enveloping him entirely in his arms. His cologne was soft and musky but by no means overpowering or too strong. Bucky swayed them slightly before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Happy New Year, darlin'." He muttered as he pulled away. His smile was dazzling and if not for Angelica suddenly hugging his leg, Y/N probably would've kept staring for much longer. 

"Papa!" Angelica looked up at him and there was a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Can I have a sip?"

Y/N was about to berate her for asking again when he paused and realized what was going on. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The others were laughing brightly and he shook his head.

"You little shit." 

Angelica looked triumphant as she took her sip of champagne.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Bucky squinted at the back of the beer bottle, reading the ingredients. It honestly wasn't the best he'd ever had, but there was just a flavor he couldn't quite place. He shrugged and took another swig, not bothering to spend much longer thinking about it.

Sam groaned as he sat down on the couch, his own bottle in his hand. He sighed deeply, slouching down to get comfortable. He'd taken to hanging out with Bucky more now that Steve and Natasha were dating. It was nothing against either of them, considering they still had their Guys' Nights often. Usually, in their free time, the couple was together. Which left Sam and Bucky most evenings.

"I'm tired." Sam sighed, head falling back against the couch. "You feel me?"

"I feel you," Bucky replied. "I've been tired since 1927."

"That's oddly specific. What happened in '27?" Sam took a quick drink, having learned the Bucky's off-the-cuff comments sometimes took him by surprise. He had shot beer out his nose a couple of times because of that.

"Met Steve that year. Been running behind him, keeping him out of trouble since then." He stared into the distance, slowly bringing his bottle up.

"It's a full-time job, huh?" Sam raised his bottle again too.

"Amen to that." They cheered to each other from a distance before downing the rest of their beer. Bucky turned the bottle again to look at the label. "The hell is in this?"

"It's really bad, is what it is. Steve's no longer allowed to shop for booze." Sam leaned forward and set the glass bottle down on the coffee table. He settled back into the couch. "Alright, we gotta talk."

"About?" Bucky rested his head on the back of the couch, letting it fall to the side to look at Sam. He had a feeling what this was going to lead to, but he didn't have the energy to shut it down. He actually  wanted  to talk about it, if he were honest.

"Y/N. You. The kiss." Sam paused between each subject, letting them hang in the air and sink in. "You  kissed  him in front of everyone. So, what's the deal, now? You two on the down low?"

"No, not...no. We didn't talk about it. It was just a kiss and didn't mean anything." As much as he hated to say it, that's exactly what the situation was. He hadn't brought it up to Y/N and they'd not discussed it at all. And he hadn't acted any different afterward so he had no reason to believe that it affected their friendship any further than a moment to look back at and laugh about.

"How the hell did you ever make it as a spy when you're such a  bad  liar?" Sam stared at him incredulously.

"I wasn't allowed to talk," Bucky muttered, which gained a short bark of laughter. He smiled briefly. 

"I'm gonna say this so no one else has to," Sam sat up, looking Bucky straight on. It sent a shock of nerves down his spine with how serious he suddenly was. "And I'm saying this because you're my brother, man. You need to talk to him. Give him a chance to say yes or no. Say you're interested."

"I don't wanna make it awkward. He's on the team and it's not exactly like we can just...distance from each other. His daughter is kinda my mini shadow half the time." Bucky turned away with a sigh, staring at the wall. He wanted to say something  so  bad, but the thought of causing tension in their close-knit team was enough to deter him. That kiss under the mistletoe at the party only deepened his feelings and settled them strongly in his heart. It was hard not to give in when away from the prying eyes of the rest of the world. "I don't even know if he feels the same way."

"James, listen to me. You will never know if you don't try. He and Kiera Roberts were rumored to be a thing and he cleared it up with her. She watched after Angelica when you were out of commission after that mission in Rome." Sam had that tone in his voice that he used when counseling veterans. The same one he used when helping any of the team through a panic attack or episode of some sort. "Give it a chance. Do something that it's just the two of you and see if he responds in a way that says he'd be interested. Then ask him to dinner."

"Nope. No way in hell."

"I'm only going to keep bringing it up until you do. Every day, every moment possible." Sam threatened.

"God, you're annoying." Bucky rubbed his hand over his face with a sigh. He was blushing just thinking about it.

"It's why you love me." 

"Okay, okay. Fine. After the security meeting and we're back here...I'll do it." Bucky glared at Sam, finding he was smiling smugly. He looked like he was going to say something inappropriate or suggestive at any moment now that the serious conversation was over. "Not a word, Wilson. I'll still kick you off a damn helicarrier."

"I didn't say anything!"

"You were thinking it and that's bad enough!"

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"Okay, so remind me what this is about again?" Wanda turned in her seat to look at the other occupants of the box, flipping through the program she was holding. 

"Orpheus and Eurydice except it's set in a Great Depression-like era and the music has a strong basis in New Orleans style jazz," Y/N said, glancing over the cast list as he turned the page in his own program. "The band is usually onstage the whole time and highlighted a couple of times."

"Not to be rude to you guys." Sam interrupted, motioning to Steve, Bucky, Natasha, and their other light-skinned teammates in attendance. "But  why  is Hermes being played by a  white  guy?"

"I thought the same thing!" Clint threw his hands up in exasperation. 

"Alright, you two. Chill out. He's got a mile-long portfolio in his bio. Give him a chance." Y/N shook his head in amusement. He'd heard this Hermes perform in videos and while he wasn't Andre De Shields, he did a damn good job. "He's also  from  New Orleans, Wilson."

"All I'm sayin' is I've never heard of him," Sam grumbled a little more about the casting of the tour but settled down again after a minute. 

Some of the team had time after a security conference in D.C. to see Hadestown and do other touristy things. Sam, Clint, and Y/N had convinced the rest of their small group to join them at the show, saying that they would enjoy it. With nothing else to do and no reason to argue, Steve, Natasha, Wanda, and Bucky joined them to see the touring company.

Angelica had not been happy when she'd heard they were seeing the show without her. In fact, promising to take her to see it on Broadway was the only way to get her to speak to anyone other than Peter for  four  days. She was a stubborn child who knew how to use that to her advantage when she  really  wanted it. He didn't feel bad about giving in because he'd wanted to see the show with her in the first place, but the opportunity to see it on tour happened before they got the chance.

The lights started to dim as the cast and orchestra walked out. Everyone checked to be sure their phones were off. The cast settled in their places and Hermes clicked his heels at the edge of the stage, gazing out over the crowd. He took a deep breath, clasping his hands together with a smile.

"Aight."

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Sam turned around at intermission with an embarrassed smile. 

"Is there something you would like to say, Samuel?" Y/N tilted his head innocently as the house filled with chatter, the lights still slowly coming up.

"I would like to recant my statement about this particular white man playing Hermes," Sam announced to the group. It sparked some laughter and he waited for another moment to continue. "He opened his mouth and I realized my mistake. I apologize. I was wrong."

"Yeah, he's good." Clint sighed, a bit begrudgingly. "But that Persephone-"

"I  know !" Sam and Clint quickly fell into a discussion over the actress playing Persephone, singing nothing but praises for her and admiring the dynamic between her and Hades. Natasha chimed in when she found it necessary, mentioning something about the Fates.

Steve and Wanda were looking at the stage, talking about the lighting and how it had affected the scenes. Set design came up shortly after, and they delved into the moving parts and pieces of the two-story structure and rotating stage.

"Remind me again what the myth is?" Bucky leaned over to ask Y/N since the rest of their companions were occupied. "The details escape me."

"We're halfway through so it'll get to the main part of the myth in the next act," He replied, checking his phone for notifications. His daughter had sent a goodnight text, which he responded to with a picture of Wanda and Steve geeking out over the stage design. "But the basics are: Orpheus lost Eurydice and ventured into the Underworld to bring her back. He has to convince Hades and Persephone to let her go. Upon an agreement, they leave together but Orpheus cannot look behind him or she'll be dragged back to the Underworld for the rest of eternity."

"And he looks behind him. I remember now. I'm interested to see how they play this out. By the way, the music is  so  damn good." Bucky said, which made Y/N laugh. "Seriously, it's a great show so far."

Y/N turned to him and it was like time stopped for that moment. Bucky had that crooked smile that made his heart flutter, his eyes soft and crinkled up at the corners. He glanced between the rest of the group and the intel specialist, amused by the enthusiasm and different topics everyone focused on. But when he finally turned his gaze entirely on Y/N, it felt like the entire world had disappeared.

As a group, they had decided to dress up a little. Nothing too fancy, but on the edge of more than casual. And he looked  good  in his dark long-sleeved shirt and blazer. The jacket had been a gift from Sharon Carter as a way to welcome him back into the good graces of the CIA. It fit him very well, showing off his wide shoulders and broad chest. Those dark jeans, too, had to be illegal somewhere because of how tightly they hugged his strong thighs. 

"Y/N? Didja hear me?" Bucky was talking and that snapped him out of his trance. 

"Sorry, sorry. I'm a little tired. Got lost in thought for a second." Y/N covered, sheepishly ducking his head to hide any blush that could possibly be seen. His face was certainly warm. "What'd you say?"

"I asked if you had a favorite song." Bucky didn't make him feel any more embarrassed, luckily, sliding past it like it was nothing. The question made him pause for a second, head tilted in thought.

"I prefer the live album's version of it, but Epic III will always be in my top three. How Long and His Kiss, the Riot are up there as well. Our Lady of the Underground is number two, though." Y/N rambled, tucking his phone away. He liked a lot of the music in the second act, but the whole show was incredible. It was impossible not to nod his head or tap his foot when any of the songs came on when he was working. "But I have a question for you, now."

"What's up?" 

"How hard is it to make you cry?" 

"Uh, pretty difficult. But what will get me, without fail, is a repeated motif that is either now sad when it was happy before or a call and response that is now just a call  or  response." Bucky responded.

"Oh, hon. You might want to have some of Wanda's tissues." Y/N grinned both in sympathy and anticipation. A perfect victim for this show, it seemed, as that was the driving stake through the heart about the ending.

"Steve is gonna need them  way  more than I will," Bucky said as the orchestra returned to the stage.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"It's you - it's me. What the  fuck , Y/N?" Steve turned around after the final bows, tears streaming down his face. His language shocked everyone for a moment. While he wasn't the cleanest normally, he usually didn't drop a casual  fuck. "You didn't say it would be this sad!"

"It's Orpheus and Eurydice! What did you expect?" Y/N retorted, raising his hands in defense. "We tried to warn you!"

Wanda and Natasha were dabbing at their eyes carefully to not smear their makeup any worse than it already was, checking each other and fixing the damage. They were laughing through their tears at Steve's reaction and Wanda offered him a tissue. He took it with more force than necessary, a bit of sass slipping into the movement.

"He's got you there, Stevie." Bucky sniffed, drying his face with his sleeve. He gratefully accepted a tissue from Wanda. "But,  man , did they have to do both the repeated It's you, it's me  and  the opening song?"

"Aw, that's part of the fun, though! Showing it's a loop!" Sam laughed, wiping the final tears from his eyes. "So, on that note of the depressing and soul-crushing ending...anyone want to grab dinner?"

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Y/N watched the fireplace flicker, the warmth of the room comfortable. He curled up under the blanket, finding his place again in his book. There hadn't been a lot of time for him to read during this holiday season, so this quiet evening was the perfect time for a book. He had decided to reread The Princess Bride after their movie night. By now, because of work and life, he was only halfway through.

But really, as much as he wanted to read, he couldn't focus. He wasn't alone in the room and that's what was becoming the distraction. Bucky was also curled up under a blanket further down the couch, scrolling on his phone. The light from the fire illuminated his profile and cast warmth over his face. It had to be a crime of some sort for him to be that attractive when doing nothing. And it wasn't like he was  trying , either, which was unfair all on its own.

"Oh, hey. Do you mind if I put on some music? The quiet is just...a little too quiet." Bucky said, breaking the comfortable silence of the room. Everyone else had gone to bed already, some having to get up for a mission quite early, so it was just the two of them. His voice was soft like his intention wasn't to startle him.

"Yeah, go ahead." Y/N nodded, turning back to his book in hopes he hadn't been caught staring for those few seconds. It had almost been perfectly timed that Bucky had looked up just as he'd been staring longer than necessary. He found himself doing that more and more recently. After the Mistletoe Kiss at the party, it was harder to shove away those feelings and keep them under lock and key. 

The TV powered on silently, connecting to Bucky's phone and soft music started. The playlist was a collection of some of his favorite 40s music and other songs that either had a similar sound or vibe. It was all fairly mellow and perfect for the atmosphere they had created. Relaxing, warm, and comfortable. A little space out of time that had no expectations or requirements. 

Dream a Little Dream of Me  queued up next on screen and Bucky stood, holding his hand out to Y/N. It took a moment for him to notice, given he'd actually gotten back into his book for a couple of paragraphs. A soft  hey  caught his attention and he looked up.

"What?" He narrowed his eyes slightly in suspicion, but couldn't keep his lips from starting to turn upward.

"Come dance with me." He offered with that lopsided smile that made his heart skip a beat. His eyes were glittering with a childlike and mischievous light. "C'mon."

Y/N couldn't find it in himself to say no, especially when he was looking at him with such affection. It took him off guard, truly, but in the best way. He marked his page and set his book aside before taking Bucky's hand. He moved the blanket onto the couch beside him as he stood, careful not to let it get twisted around his foot at first. There was a perfectly sized space in front of the hearth for them to stand with enough room to move without banging their toes on furniture.

Bucky pulled him in, his metal hand settling perfectly on Y/N's waist like it had when they were cooking together. Like it was the most natural thing in the world and that's exactly where his hand was crafted to be laid. His other hand was a gentle guide, pulling him into position. It was larger than his own, nearly engulfing it in its warmth.

"I don't...know what to do, to be honest," Y/N admitted, unsure of pretty much everything. The last time he'd danced with anyone had to have been prom his senior year of high school. Even then, it wasn't any good. Just the awkward sway dancing that teenagers did with their hands around the necks of their partners and hands on their waists at nearly arm's length. But Bucky had danced often in the past and was still a good dancer from what he's seen. He didn't want to disappoint or screw anything up.

"Well, you can put your hand on my shoulder or my upper arm. Don't have to do much with your feet. These slower songs you can just sway and do small steps to turn. I can lead, so just don't worry too much about that. If you want to get closer..." Bucky trailed off, brows raised slightly to fill in the silence and finish the offer.

"Maybe if I can be trusted not to step on your toes," Y/N said, resting his hand on his bicep, finding it somehow fits perfectly. Just like Bucky's hand on his waist. "We'll see. You might just throw me away when you see how bad of a dancer I am."

"This isn't gonna be difficult, I promise. If Steve can do it without stepping on someone, I'm sure you'll be fine." Bucky chuckled, beginning to sway with the beat. Once he had found the tempo, he quietly gave instructions on which foot to step with and counted until they both fell into synch. It was slow and casual and nowhere near perfect regarding technique, but it was perfect for them. There wasn't anyone to impress or perform for. It was just them, the fire, and the music.

This was nice. Pleasant. Y/N had never done anything like this with anyone. He'd never had the opportunity, nor the right partner. No one had ever just asked him to dance in the kitchen or living room to whatever song came on. It was rather intimate, in a way, and sweet with how Bucky held him close, guiding his steps and leading him with silent confidence that was comforting. His thumb was tapping lightly on Y/N's hip to the tempo of each new song so they could seamlessly transition without being off-beat with each other.

"So...getting closer...how would one do that?" Y/N quietly asked after a few songs had gone by and they'd fallen into a natural rhythm. If he was offering to get closer, he'd take the opportunity as it was and hope that it wasn't awkward. He was afraid that they would try and it would make things weird and then it all would be over. He'd rather keep his distance and not take a risk if it meant staying exactly like this.

"Either my shoulder or somewhere between my shoulder blades." Bucky guided Y/N's right hand around his side, gently pulling him closer. He used his foot to nudge his a little to be alternating. It reduced the possibility of stepping on each other. "Whichever you prefer."

Y/N settled his hand on his upper back, right between his shoulder blades, finding that this brought them far closer together than he had expected. But it didn't feel awkward or forced. It was all very natural, which eased any anxiety that he'd had. Under his fingers, Bucky's heart was beating steadily and it was reassuring that they were both comfortable.

Bucky's hand returned to his hip, sliding to the small of his back. He continued to lightly tap his finger to the beat, keeping them on tempo as they adapted to this new position. He brought their clasped hands up and pressed a delicate kiss to the back of Y/N's hand, lingered for a moment as they locked eyes. They glowed with a warmth that rivaled the fireplace, all edges of his face now soft in the flickering light. 

Unable to keep eye contact without getting flustered, Y/N turned his head and found it was very easy to rest his cheek against Bucky's chest. He could hear and feel Bucky's voice as he resumed humming along to  The Last Time I Saw Paris . It had been a long time since he'd felt this content. Working two jobs initially and raising a kid had been difficult. Then his high-security job at the compound made some more time for his daughter, but the workload was also hard to balance with his personal life. There had always been an underlying feeling of stress in every moment of his downtime, but that was very obviously missing.

The nice thing about Bucky's playlist was that it had music that he'd never heard before. There were the classics and well-known songs included, but there were some he'd never would've found if not for someone who either was really into music from that era or someone who was around when it was popular. A perfect blend of slower songs that were easy to sway to and some upbeat to keep some variety.

"I'm gonna spin you, darlin'. Take a step back for a second." Bucky muttered, shifting his hold on Y/N's hand. 

Y/N did, spinning under his arm slowly. A soft smile was resting on Bucky's lips, just as soft as the look in his eyes. Warm adoration. It made his heart skip a beat as he stepped back into place, fitting right in Bucky's arms like a puzzle piece.

"Felt like you were a little jealous of your kiddo when I was dancing with her. Had to treat you just the same." He glanced down to their feet before pausing their steps. "Which means..."

Y/N squeaked in surprise as he was swept sideways, hand shooting up to grip Bucky's shoulder from behind. He was being supported around his waist as he leaned back further. "Bucky! A little more warning would've been nice!"

"I won't drop you, sweetheart." He murmured with a crooked smile and kept him in that pose for a few moments. True to his word, his hold never faltered and never made him think that he'd fall. He leaned in closer. Y/N's breath caught in his throat as Bucky pressed a soft kiss to his temple, lingering for another second as he spoke. "I promise."

Time didn't exist as they stood there like that, the song fading to a close and crossing to the next. They both broke into soft laughter, smiles matching as Bucky pulled Y/N upright. It was all so sweet and perfect, a little world away from the rest of everything.

Bucky kept their entwined hands close to his chest with a contented sigh. He held him nearer, resting his chin on the top of Y/N's head once they'd settled back into their positions. "Y/N?"

"Hm?"

"Would you let me take you out?" He asked, voice soft and timid. His heart was racing beneath his hand and in his ear. "Dinner somewhere or a walk in a park. Nothin' too fancy."

"I...would need to think about it," Y/N admitted, despite the fluttering in his stomach and the way his heart hammered against his chest. He  did  need to think about it considering the dynamics of the team and how closely they worked. But he wanted to say yes. 

"Okay." Bucky breathed a soft sigh of what seemed to be relief. "Take however long you need. I'm not goin' anywhere."

And that is where they left that, choosing to continue dancing in the light of the fireplace. The conversation could be resumed another day when he was ready to provide an answer, but they were both content to hold each other close into the late hours until the playlist started again. For now, they swayed to the sweet voice of Ilene Woods.

So this is love. Mmhm. So this is love.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

"They're Playin Our Song"

Dream a Little Dream of Me (Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong)

So This is Love (Ilene Woods, Mike Douglas)

It's Been A Long Long Time (Harry James)

We'll Meet Again (Vera Lynn, Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen)

I Hear a Symphony (Cody Fry)

I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire (The Ink Spots)

L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole)

At Last (Etta James)

La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong)

On the Sunny Side of the Street (Frank Sinatra)

Everybody Loves Somebody (Dean Martin)

Down By The Old Mill Stream (New Orleans Footwarmers) - Grandma Recommends (GM)

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Andrews Sisters) - GM

When the Lights Go On Again (Vera Lynn) - GM

Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (Glenn Miller) - GM

I'll Be Seeing You (Billie Holiday) - GM

As Time Goes By (Billie Holiday) - GM

I'll Never Smile Again (The Ink Spots) - GM

Fly Me To The Moon (Frank Sinatra, Count Basie) - GM

The Last Time I Saw Paris (Johnny Hodges) - GM

Singin' In The Rain (Gene Kelly) - GM

Sunflower (Frank Sinatra)

Asking Around for You (Joe Bonamassa - Nowhere in Particular)

Ma Belle Evangeline (Princess and the Frog)

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Taglist-

@supernaturalwintersoldier @shadowolf993 @booty-ass-hoe @fightmemacbeth @myybebe @pastel-boy-sungjae @unsure-username @raspberryyuuki @urs216 @misfortunatem00n @moonbintang @skylions-den @blurredx18​ @elliot-damon-2006 

[thezolblade]

If Martin asked Jon why he likes him, what qualities does Jon see in him, what would Jon say? (And what does Jon actually think)

This prompted a lot of thoughts, and some of them crystallised into this. (It'll probably be used in one of the next few parts of Reconciliation, depending on how that shapes up.) There's definitely a big discrepancy between what Jon thinks and says. And between how he feels, and what he lets himself think. This isn't a complete answer, but I hope it's enough to sink your teeth into for one post.

---

Jon considered the question for a while, leaning against the kitchen counter. "...I don't know."

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Martin asked, hearing his voice turn tight with stress. 

Jon at least had the decency to look uncomfortable. "Well, you've put me on the spot here. It's like those interview questions that ask for your five greatest strengths and weaknesses. Unless I've prepared an answer in advance, my mind goes blank. Isn't it enough to say that there's something worth exploring between us, even if we haven't gotten our heads around it yet?"

"Yeah, that's fair." Martin tried to suppress his disappointment.

Jon stepped closer. "You look like you have more to say."

"No, you're right."

"And yet you're still pouting." Jon reached out to stroke his face.

"Sorry." Martin looked away, but Jon tilted his chin back up and waited until he met his gaze.

"I want to know what you're thinking, even if you already know that you're wrong."

Fucking hell, how did he say things like that with a straight face? Martin took a step back, and tried to find the words.

"It's just... You really can't think of a single thing you like about me? I can usually tell when people are into me, even if it's just superficial attraction. I know I'm not everyone's type, but I am some people's type, and I've gotten compliments about being tall, and having a nice smile, that sort of thing. Are you saying you don't even like the way I look?"

"Of course I do, but that doesn't count. You asked me about your personal qualities, so I assumed we were talking about your personality."

Martin blinked, and tried not to react. Why had he opened his mouth in the first place? He should have taken 'I don't know' as an answer.

Jon seemed to read something alarming from his expression, as he rushed to explain himself. "Lately, I've gotten the feeling that I don't understand you as well as I ought to. And that's incredibly frustrating."

"Oh. Really?" Martin wasn't sure what to make of that.

"Maybe it doesn't make sense to call you an enigma, considering how often you seem flustered and keen to please. Honestly, that sort of behaviour is quite appealing. I'd be able to call it cute without a downside if we didn't work together, and I wasn't relying on you for results. But there are times when your actions don't seem to add up, and I can only conclude that you've been careless when you should have known better, even though you gave every appearance of making an effort. Sometimes I can't help but wonder whether you're being deliberately obtuse. I can't stand that kind of bad attitude. Lately I've been more inclined to believe that there are other explanations. It's perfectly understandable that you're preoccupied, what with everything that's going on. If you really are doing your best, then I - I want to do more to look after you, even if I find it hard to trust that you're being genuine."

"Jon... I wish I knew what to say."

"I've been told that I can get overly paranoid under stress. When I'm not sure what to think, I often fall back on talking about work, to avoid making things weird. Though that didn't quite work out for us... Now that we're on more familiar terms, I hope we can move past our doubts. I want to know everything there is to know about you."

Well, fuck. If Martin said that he'd always been completely genuine and that Jon was clearly struggling with paranoia, and then his CV fraud came to light someday... Until now, he'd been able to tell himself that it was a victimless crime, but if he carried on lying after Jon had opened up about his issues, then he'd be gaslighting his lover. Or close enough that his intentions wouldn't make much difference.

"That's, uh... Thank you for telling me all of this," Martin replied, trying to smile despite the fresh serving of guilt weighing him down. "I... There are things that I don't tend to talk about at work, since it isn't the time or the place. I guess I do get preoccupied, even if I don't vent about everything that's on my mind. I don't think I can fit my life story into one conversation, and I'd still like to focus on having a nice time tonight. We can take our time getting to know each other, can't we?"

"Alright." Jon stepped closer, a strange look in his eyes.

Martin held his breath as Jon leaned in and kissed him, soft and sweet. As their lips parted, Jon's hands landed on his waist. He pushed Martin into stepping backwards until he was pressed against the wall.

"Wh-what did you want to...?" Martin loosely wrapped his arms around Jon's back, unsure what exactly had brought this on.

Jon kissed his cheek, then replied in a clear attempt at a seductive purr. "Let's have a nice time."

"Okay...?" Martin found himself smiling at the surprisingly sweet non-answer.

"I did say we'd do things your way tonight."

[stuiie]

Hi Stuieeee!!! 💖 I badly wanted to respond the moment I saw your reply to my ask but unfortunately, I was on a college trip to the mountains for three days and the signal reception was very poor!! :< But I've gotten home last night, and now I can finally send you back a little message!!! I was planning on writing back last night but fell asleep in the process of doing so but here we are! 😁

No worries, Stuie!! I understand. It really does get difficult to respond to messages especially when life gets too busy and that's completely fine! Really, really, reaaaally glad to hear from you, though!!! Would love to hear from you more but only when it wouldn't take a toll on your well-being!! So don't worry about not being able to respond quickly, Stuieeee!! We have all the time :>>>> And gosh, yes! That is so nice to hear!! I'm glad to know you're getting better, slowly but surely!! 🥹💖

Thank you for asking!! The past few days has been really hectic (but fun!!) with so much moving around HAHSHSAH Yesterday, we went to a beautiful tent uphill. It was quite the hike and my body hurts all over (especially since we got caught up in the rain on the way back to our quarters) but the view definitely makes it totally worth it! It was quite the sight and I really wish I could show youuu!

But today is a much calmer day! I only plan to rest up and recover some of the energy lost from the trip. 😚

And giouvetsi–unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity make it yet cuz of my schedule :((( But you'll definitely be the first person to know when I finally do!!! Very very very excited to try it out, honestly AAAAAHHHH I imagine it would be so delectable (hopefully, my cooking skills wouldn't fail me on this one HAHAH I am a rookie chef 🫡🫡🫡)

A TDWP fic!! YES omg I've been dying to watch this show for the longest time but ever since my fixation on Marvel, I haven't gotten the chance to. Now this recommendation has given me more motivation to get into it!! THANKFULLY, I have the day off so I'll definitely watch this today!!! <333 Thank you for the recommendation, Stuieeeeeee!!! Read the book description and the premise seems really interesting 😳😳😳

Sending you much love and a big tight hug in return, Stuie AAAAACK !! Sososo glad to have contributed a little bit of brightness to ur day !! I only wish you the best in life and a whole lot of love because youuuu deserve it!! Appreciate you so much, Stuie!! 💖

- J

Hi there cutie!

My, my, it’s absolutely lovely to hear from you! I hope your college trip was absolutely amazing—despite the poor signal and all the running around. I can only imagine how fun (and exhausting!) it must have been, especially with that beautiful hike you mentioned! It sounds breathtaking, even if you got caught in the rain! I would have loved to see that view. 😍 I’m so glad you made it back home safely and are getting some well-deserved rest.

I’m so touched by your message, and seriously, no need to worry about not replying right away—you’re so sweet! We really do have all the time, and I’m just happy to hear from you whenever you’re able to. I’m slowly but surely feeling better, and your kindness always adds a little extra sunshine to my days. 🫶🏻

I can’t wait to hear about your giouvetsi experience once you finally get a chance to make it! Don’t worry about being a rookie chef—we all start somewhere (me included 😉), and I’m sure your dish will turn out absolutely delicious! Just have fun with it, and if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, you’ll still have a fun story to share.

And YES, I’m so happy you’re going to dive into The Devil Wears Prada! It’s such a fun ride, and I think you’re going to love it. The dynamic between the characters is chef’s kiss—so I’m super excited for you to experience it!

Thank you so, so much for your beautiful message and for always bringing so much brightness to my day. You’ve got such a warm and wonderful soul, and I’m sending you the biggest virtual hug right back!! I appreciate you endlessly, and I hope life continues to treat you with all the love and happiness you deserve. 💖💖

[seokljin]

I WOULD TOTALLY DO A TATTOO COMMISSION FOR YOU OMG

LET ME FIND COURAGE FIRST SKJSDLKJSDL

[sunny-days-and-warm-mournings]

I have some ideas for a radioactive tokoyami.

Radium is known for it's unique green glow, so maybe he's eyes could grow green.

I've heard myths about how near the elephants foot if you take pictures you'll see things similar to ghosts even though no casualties happen near it. (That I know of)

So Gamma rays and X-rays are both electromagnetic radiation Gamma rays are created by nuclear decay while X-rays take a picture of a bone. Gamma rays are hazardous to life they can cause damage to bone marrow and internal organs and they easily pass through the body and thus pose a formidable radiation protection challenge. They are also produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions around black holes.

Do with this information as you wish :)

OH THAT'S SO FRICKIN COOL JSNSKSNSJSJSN

God I'm so in love with this! And the nuclear decay, damage to bone marrows and internal organs (as expected, also I've heard that radiation also causes teeth to fall out, tho I'm not too sure abt it), and the HOTTEST things in the UNIVERSE????? Holy hell

I don't know much abt nuclear and radiation stuff bc we haven't gotten to that part in our science stuff yet— so I'm very glad and grateful piece of information!! Many kudos to you!!

I've been so hyped abt this AU bc it started when I watched those Minecraft tnt mods on tiktok and thought: "Why not let Tokoyami have that power? It suits him."— and thus the birth of the "Nuclear Blood" AU. I basically wanted him to be Bakugo but, as it is, poses so much more threat and the consequences adding to those explosions. I've also pictured his feathers to have bright tips at the end, and as long as it may go, whilst floating like some sort of black dreadful gas, and the eyes! Of course they'd go green (or pink, I feel like, bc bright pink can be an intimidating color in the right light, and not so much in contrast with his red eyes). Also his "body" wouldn't really be called a Body, would it? All that radiation and nuclear energy and other deadly things wouldn't match with a biologically constructed one (let alone the potential great consequences of it, and it wouldn't do to have such a godly power if you do not have the right body for it— like putting metric tons of water into a cup); so his body could be just a really solid gas structure perhaps? It goes well with the ghost things you've mentioned.

Tokoyami in Nuclear Blood basically being a very very thick presence of gas (or otherwise, if you want Eldritch things, if this already isn't Eldritch in a way science can become), and a walking supernova. People feel like they're dying around him, or maybe nauseous if Tokoyami seals himself so tight he wouldn't be blamed. He'd probably wear anti-radiation suits, or clothing made of the same material, and has a reputation of avoiding touching things or being touched by people (especially the young).

There are so much stuff I wanna add, tho the unfortunate thing is that I don't know enough about nuclear science to actually, and accurately, make things easier. I would attempt to read/watch stuff about it tho! Bc I'm hyped and I'm not going to back to down! There's so many things (both good and bad) I want to give or have Tokoyami experience— as well as the changes in his personality and behavior (he'd probably be a bit insane, and hallucinate at certain times), so yeah!! Merry I go for this Au! There's lots I wanna do and draw and write!!!

Again, thanks for this information!! Now Tokoyami is less than a human and more of an ancient, horrible thing (which, is a good thing, if I may add, I'm a sucker for these) :))

[imerdwarf]

I've Given All I Can

Summary: You and Bucky feel as though you're pulling apart from each other, your worse fears come true one night at a party but is it too late?

Warnings: Low self esteem, angst, language, Bucky is an idiot, tears, heartbreak, implied smut (but nothing explicit) at the end 💜

Author's Notes: Happy evening 😍 this is for @the-ss-horniest-book-club's Drunk Drabbles 💜

Bucky has that unreadable look in his eyes again as he watches you change clothes. Your jeans feel too tight around your waist and your shirts pull across your stomach, accentuating the bulge from your food baby from all the binge eating junk you've eaten the past few weeks to help you feel better.

In truth, eating like that made you feel worse about yourself. You thought of yourself as the worst human alive because you couldn't stop it, you couldn't stop anything from going wrong with your body and your mind was in overdrive.

Your self esteem issues were eating away at you, you felt helpless as if you were screaming into a void alone and nobody was around to help you. Your mind would play the cruelest tricks. For example, how your mind would pick up on the facial expressions your boyfriend Bucky would give other women in the compound. He looks at them how he used to look at you when you first started dating, and it's been a while since you have seen that look from him.

For Bucky it was completely the opposite though, he's felt this distance between the two of you for a while and figured it was because you weren't interested in him anymore. He knows of the stress you've been under, how your insecurities are eating away at your thoughts and he longs for the day he sees your beautiful smile again.

He just knows it won't happen anytime soon and quite frankly, he doesn't even know what he should do anymore. Trying to talk to you was impossible because you would only grunt in response or not pay any attention to what he was asking or you would just change subjects which has been the case lately.

He doesn't know what do to, he wishes you would just tell him what he needs to do to make you love him again. He stares blankly at you as you change into jeans and a sweater, making no attempt to look away when you catch his stare and that look on his face.

Bucky stands and leaves you alone in the room, the door closes behind him and it's then the waterworks come to life. Tears roll freely down your cheeks as you crumble to the floor, hugging your knees to your chest, you rock back and forth feeling your heart break in your chest. You would give anything to have Bucky wrap his arms around you right now, it just seems he feels disgusted being near you and touching you.

While you were crying in your shared room, Bucky made his way to the kitchen where he saw Sam sitting on the stool sipping a coffee and scrolling through some files on the glass tablet.

"Rough mission?" Bucky asks, taking a seat opposite him and playing with the strings on his sweatpants.

"You could say that," Sam coughs into his bent elbow and looks over at Barnes to notice that worrying look in his eyes, "what's wrong?" He adds with a frown.

"Nothin'" Bucky sighs and runs a hand over his face. He looks tired and almost defeated.

"Come on man, I'm good for some things ya know!" Sam chuckles to encourage the man.

"It's just me and Y/N, things aren't... so good lately, feel like we're drifting apart." Bucky sniffles, saying it out loud was almost reality.

"Well, as your friend, I would advise you to sit down and talk about things, tell each other what's on your mind and hug it out even." Sam has a point but he doesn't understand that Bucky has tried to talk to you about this in the past and got nowhere. Now you were barely speaking.

"It's not that simple Sam," Bucky sighs and shakes his head.

Now it's Sam's turn to sigh, "nothing ever is simple. Just act like an adult and talk like adults, it's gonna be alright, man! Anyway, I got to go. I have a support group to motivate, let me know how things go." Sam grabs his backpack from the stool next to him and leaves quickly, leaving Bucky to think over his irrational plan that he thinks might work.

1 week later

Tonight is the night of one of Stark's extravagant parties and everyone is invited. It's also the night Bucky has a plan that he wants to execute to hopefully bring the two of you back together again.

He stands in front of the floor length mirror and adjusts his bowtie for the umpteenth time. His black suit is tailored to fit him perfectly and he knows how much you love him in black.

Your own dress was a gift from Natasha. It showed a lot of cleavage and thigh, normally, a dress like this was not something you would have chosen.

And by the time you got downstairs to the party, the room was already crowded ranging from the less fortunate to the billionaires. You had to shimmy past a couple of people to reach the bar, you were hoping your dress might spark some interest from Bucky tonight but he's nowhere to be seen.

You take a seat on the barstool and order a martini, the bartender hands you the drink and you thank him with a smile, spinning on your seat to sip your drink and scan the room. A boisterous laugh grabs your attention and your eyes follow the offensive sound. Your eyes narrow in on the gorgeous blonde standing in the corner, but it's the man she's with that makes your heart drop into your stomach.

It's Bucky. And her hands are holding onto his biceps as he presumably tells her one of his jokes. He's smiling, he's laughing and it's the happiest you have seen him for a while. Was he miserable because of you? Were you holding him back from happiness? The scene unfolding was answering all of your questions and more when Bucky takes her hand in his and pulls her to the dance floor to dance alongside the other 'couples'. They look so happy and so lost in each others eyes that your eyes well up and the room feels like it's closing in and suffocating you.

You can't breath, you need air and fast. You slam your glass down on the bar and stand up, taking off your heels so you can get out of here even quicker. You don't excuse yourself as you barge past the happy smiling attendees.

Wanda sees everything unfold from where she was stood. She saw the way Barnes had approached the blonde woman and started flirting with her as soon as you arrived at the party. She also sees he's none the wiser of the fact you've already left the scene upset and heartbroken.

Wanda approaches the blind idiot and pulls him away from the woman he's with. "what the -"

"I could ask you the same question Barnes! What the hell do you think you're playing at? You're cheating on Y/N now? My best friend?" Wanda is seething, and the urge to punch the smirk of his face is harder to resist.

"Did it work?" He asks with a smug grin looking around the party.

"Oh yeah, if your plan was to break her heart and make her cry, it worked perfectly!"

Bucky frowns and his lip quivers slightly, "nononono! That wasn't the plan! Fuck, where did she go?"

"Who knows." Wanda shrugs, she wouldn't tell him even if she did.

Bucky rushes past her and starts to look in every room until he finds you slouched against the wall of one of the vacant offices down the hall.

"Baby!" Bucky rushes in and kneels next to you, his big arms immediately pull you into his chest. You try to pull away but his grip is too strong and you end up sobbing uncontrollably into his chest. "I'm so sorry baby."

You pull your face away to breathe, your palms flat against his chest, "you're leaving me," you croak, looking up at him through wet eyelashes. The room around you feels like it's spinning, this feels like a really bad dream.

Bucky staggers for a moment, digging his fingertips further into your flesh. "Absolutely not baby! No way! I'm so sorry you gotta believe me doll, I was just trying to make you jealous because I thought you weren't interested in me anymore and-"

"I thought you weren't interested in me!" You argue, fighting back the fresh tears threatening to fall, "you haven't touched me in so long I didn't know what to think."

"Then it's my fault doll, I read the whole situation wrong and I should have talked to you like an adult, please let me make it up to you and I promise I'll show you just how much I love you and want to touch you." His nose nudges against yours and his face dips slightly to capture your lips. His lips are soft and you quietly moan into his mouth as he spins you both around and presses you up against the door ready to make good on his promise.

Taglist: @smokeybluebrooke-lyn @pinkdiamond1016 @whatrambles @bestofbucky @ladyeliot

[rocketmuse]

I thought I'd share my playlist for the anniversary of the boathouse kiss. :)

Song translations, MANY thoughts, and timeline under the break.

Noise warning for song 19, Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 4:23 to the end. Loud high pitched beeps.

YouTube music version to be made soon.

Translations for foreign songs:

Ewan [Dunno] — Apo Hiking Society — Filipino/Tagalog

Amour plastique [Plastic love] — Videoclub — French

Panalangin [Prayer] — Apo Hiking Society/Moonstar88 — Filipino/Tagalog

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita [I'm Looking For You] — Rivermaya — Filipino/Tagalog

This is a collaborative playlist made with my friend.

Thought Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy would be a good starter song. Something about the music. Represents a good start of Alec persuing Maurice, like, hey, I can be yours... Whatcha doin'?

I added Puppy Princess because of the chorus but I know some people don't like that song so... You can skip if you'd like. KISS MEEEEE KIISS ME WITH YIIR EYESSS CLOSED . ALL I WANT IS YOU YEAH YOU. TELL ME I'M NOT FUNNY TELL ME I'M LEGIIIIT

Ewan. OH MY GOD this song is so them. Alec cares for Maurice, and doesn't like not being taken seriously or being treated badly and brushed off.

"I don't know why you're like that, you're difficult to talk to and you're a snob" COME ON IS THAT NOT THEM — Just a smile from you, and I'll be in heaven. Please give me a response, anything but "No idea"... What a perfect representation of Alec's continuous persuit of Maurice, always talking, always trying...

I could go on with every lyric.

Edit: I just realised this song fits so well for Alec's letters and meeting at the museum. Must resist the urge to add the same exact track twice.

So about Touch Me... Some of the lyrics apply better in other versions. Spotify just has this version tho. Touch me, just like that.

All I've Ever Known. Maurice discovered so much that night about touch and sharing and being with someone. He wants to be with Alec. "All I've ever known is how to hold my own, but now I want to hold you too. [Hold you close, I don't wanna ever have to let you go. Hold you tight, I don't wanna to back to the lonely life.]" Alec opened up his eyes and he'll never be the same.

Can't Help Falling in Love With You. 'Did you ever dream you'd a friend, Alec? ... Someone to last your whole life...' 'Alec, you're a dear fellow and we've been very happy.'

I'd Like To Walk Around In Your Mind was added from Maurice's perspective. Perhaps it fits Alec too...

I think Love At First Sight has the double meaning of the literal title, as well as "wouldn't you like to kiss her" perhaps being... Something Maurice would hear.

I Don't Dance. Based on this post/edit. Please watch this video oh my God.

Pink in the Night. Alec yearns for Maurice in the boathouse. He hasn't come. He hears his heart breaking tonight.

Every lyric is perhaps pulled straight from Alec's brain, to be honest. I remember seeing a post with this song in other contexts with them too. So yes, a few meanings.

Amour plastique. Alec reminiscences on the night in the Russet room. Why hasn't he come?

In my mind, everything goes wild. I lose myself in your eyes. I drown myself in the vagueness of your loving gaze.

And at night I cry tears that stream down my cheeks. I think of you only when the days ends, only when my sad demons descend upon my mind, into the bottomless abyss.

Waiting in the boathouse at night, when the day ends.

I ring out in kisses all down your chest. Lost in the avalanche of my heart astray. Who are you? Where are you?

The moments of then repeat in his mind. Where is Maurice?

I suppose Hopelessly Devoted To You and I'm A Fool To Want You are self explanatory. Maurice should really come... Alec really toughed it out, 2 days he spent in the boathouse, really wanted to see Maurice, really knew they had something, and doesn't want to be treated like a dog. Generally, his 1st letter.

Moon Song. My friend said they added it as a general love song. — Why do you treat me like this? Why didn't you come to the boathouse? — Alec's 2nd letter as a whole. Plus bits of 1st.

And you pushed me in, and now my feet can't touch the bottom of you. ... So I will wait for the next time you want me, like a dog with a bird at your door.

Ewan would fit here tbh.

Panalangin. My only prayer in this lifetime: to be beside you, to be together with you, that's my prayer.

"I since cricket match do long to ... place both arms round you and share with you, the above now seems sweeter than words can say."

And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me, my love, please listen.

It also fits the end of museum.

I Want You. Maurice, can you come to the boathouse already? Alec has no power to teleport you there. I hold one card that I can't use.

I found you. I found the door, but when I stepped through, there was no floor. He found Maurice, bit he's not being here for Alec.

You're coming back And it's the end of the world We're starting over And I love you, darling And I am done, dear

Alec wishes this would happen. Also, he does come back later and they love again over, and "it is finished".

Credit for suggesting the next two songs goes to @beatle-capaldi!!! He also wrote was in quotations!

English Summer Rain

The Most Radical Thing To Do

Hinahanap-Hanap Kita. 1st letter, he's looking for Maurice. Thinking about them together.

In my thoughts and dreams, in every turn of destiny, I look for you. Also applies to that hotel/post-hotel feeling. I look for you, even if I try to forget you, saying goodbye, looking back...

Wildest Dreams. They think a lot of each other. They share once more. But they must say goodbye. Alec saw this coming. Maurice hopes that Alec will remember him like this.

I Hear a Symphony. Alec truly opened up Maurice's eyes. Maurice was meant to be with him. He helped Maurice, changed his life. But now Alec is leaving on ship... Or is he? The symphony leads into...

An orchestral sountrack. The Boathouse. Unfortunately the Maurice soundtrack is not on spotify. It's on my personal YouTube music version. I added it because it just captures the boathouse the only way the sountrack itself can.

The Word of Your Body (Reprise). MLM people have moment of romantic tension, which culminates in confessions of love. Just had to add it. "Haven't you heard the word of your body?" perfectly describes Alec gifting and showing Maurice the wonder of truest physical affection and love. He lets Maurice be okay with himself, and again, changes everything. Every lyric is perfect.

Also, sorry JBW, I like other versions more... Too bad Spotify is mean.

I See The Light. Yeah. Every lyric. Maurice is Rapunzel. Movie Blond too. Both the morning at Russet room and the museum. And the world has somehow shifted. All at once everything is different, now that I see you. "By now they were in love with each other consciously."...

Suddenly Seymour. Suddenly see more, yeah? Clive = ass and someone gives him affection for once, wow! Sidenote, I want to sing this with them and their accents... Suddenly SCUDDER...

Helpless. Musical theatre songs seem to be good retellings of their love story. It's why they belong in post boathouse. Summaries and retellings. They're also good at conveying love they'd feel for each other in general, all times ever. Like loving men, retelling a story.

I'll Cover You. Cute love song feat. gays. I like to imagine them dancing around, declaring their love and devotion for each other. Walking and dancing around like in the original scene, sometime post canon. In my own imagination, I thought of Alec as Angel and Maurice (Christopher) as Collins.

Video Games. They must love spending time together. I thought this to be Maurice POV. Only worth living if somebody is loving you I mean, come on.

It's you, it's you, it's all for you. Everything I do. I tell you all the time, heaven is a place on Earth with you.

Un sospiro. I headcanon that Maurice picks up the piano and plays for Alec. Perhaps he picked it up bc of/after Clive, but now can play it for someone who gives a shit.

Something about the melody reminds me of them. And then it gets more intense... A bit like the passions of love, showing up in sharing and touch and more, too.

Liebestraum. I mean, it means love dream/dream of love. I just had to. Also I just like Liszt.

Take Me Up With You, Dearie. This song is just so sweet... So soft... Edwardian to boot... I love how quintessentially 1909 it is. Discovered it in a YT video. The thought of them getting married makes me cry. This song in general makes me want to cry, it's so romantic, tender, and exudes my favourite era...

Let us float, float, float through the clouds, and just have a lot of fun. We'll go up, up, up as two and then come down as one.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder. We Belong Together. I always imagine Maurice and Alec slowdancing to songs that come on the radio together, when the 1950s hits... Alec probably rests his head on his shoulder as this plays and they dance...

I'm using a lot of ellipses, am I secretly Rupert Graves?

Welcome to the 70s and 80s. They love dancing together and being with each other. Now, Panalangin can be a happy song. My only prayer for this lifetime ... To be together with you. And this heart won't allow if you will be away from me.

Just the Two of Us. What a nice, vibey song. Great title, great scenario of them dancing to this...

Tiny Dancer. Your Song. MLM people in the 70s + Radio, being happy and in love with each other. — I just thought I should add some Elton. A different friend, and I, like him. Maurice sings to Alec, "And you can tell everybody this is your song." That I put down in words how wonderful life is with you in the world.

Electric Love. Fun fact: this song got me to share the playlist. Got me thinking about them and their anniversary again. The funky busy instrumental describes well their passionate love. The highs of electric LOOOOOOVE describe the intensity of them.

Alt text continued: themselves together under and the love. And the love. The song has its own tension and it perfectly pictures their own tension. So yeah, this is THEIR song quite literally.

Sorry if my music taste is perhaps basic. I just made it for when I hear songs that are Them.

Falling for Ya. Alec falls for Maurice. "I saw you when you first drove up, Mr Hall..." Something about Maurice, right? Plus really nice vintage vibes with the music. The bit about Into your arms and it's a secure sure sounds like Maurice. Awh, they're falling for *each other*...

Rainbow Connections. Gay and bi people. Marriage. Everything that Maurice and Alec went through to get here, where they were meant to be. Clive. Working for Clive. Leading up to now.

All the things that had to go right, all the things that had to go wrong, that lead us to the place where we were going all along.

On the YT version there's a soft/jazzy cover of Panalangin here. Because they're old and spending time together and being happy. What a throwback, a defined meaning in their lives over time.

Still Into You. After all these decades... Old and grown, together... True soulmates... Two men can defy the world... Maurice and Alec still roam the greenwood. Imagine Maurice meeting Alec's mom in this context. If only.

Postmodern Jukebox cover, because they are a quintessentially 20th century couple. They exude vintage.

Some piano playing for Alec. Soft, tender, romantic, emotional, true. Feels like nighttime. Feels like Maurice and Alec. And a throwback to the pre 1914 world as well. Claire de Lune feels like... A credits of life piece. Time spent in the early 1980s. Nocturne feels like that too, but more romantic. Smidge less nighttime. Ah yes, Gymnopédies. The truest credits feel of them all. None of these actually are credits for Maurice and Alec, but I struggle to find the word for this feeling. But yeah. These all have Them vibes to me. Piano of the time just does I suppose. Glad to be reminded of them at any time.

What a long playlist. Like going through almost their whole lives together. 1:52 hrs. Almost like a movie. Imagine that. A full movie of THEIR lives... But leaving to the imagination was a good thing. Led to this such action. Thank you E.M. Forster.

Timeline:

1. Pendersleigh

4. & 5. Russet Room. Night, then Morning

9. Cricket

10. Boathouse Nights

18. The Museum

20. The Hotel

21. After

23. The Boathouse

24. They Still Roam the Greenwood

I just like to imagine them dancing to songs on the radio, for decades to come...

[ofpineapplesanddawns]

hey! i absolutely love and adore everything you draw and write! are you still doing prompts? cause I have these two prompts for our illogical husbands

~ "You okay? You look like you could use a hug.”

~ "You don't deserve someone like me. You deserve better."

lots of love <3

Aw, thank you so much for loving my stuff! And yes, I'm still doing prompts!

Oooh, those are good ones, I can use both of them for this.

On with the fic!

--

A job like Hardy's was stressful, to say the least, but for someone like him, it was practically a death sentence.

Yes, his heart was doing better, but just because there was a pacemaker now didn't mean that he was completely fine and would never suffer from problems again. No, he was still at risk, and his job didn't make that easy for him.

But Hardy was as stubborn as ever, and this new case needed to be finished, it needed to be solved! But that didn't mean that he shouldn't be taking care of himself, shouldn't be worried about his own health as he tried to solve this murder.

It wasn't even just his physical health, it was his mental that was causing him problems as well.

Sleep was escaping him as he kept having nightmares about failure, for those victims, that felt too close to what he suffered during the Sandbrook and Latimer cases.

Why did they have to be found near water, why? Why is it always water!?

Hardy closed his eyes tight, his breathing haggard and painful, as he woke up from another nightmare. His head was pounding, his chest had a burn that he wished wasn't familiar, if not a bit dulled.

He grabbed a pill from the side table, it's been ages, but muscle memory was hard to shake off. The pill was swallowed dry and he returned to his previous position, curled up and trying to ignore the world around him.

Thankfully his husband was still at work, late shifts and all that.

"You okay?"

Damnit, it must have been a slow enough night for him to come home early.

Hardy cracked open an eye, looking towards the doorway, seeing Bill standing there, illuminated by the hallway light. "You look like you could use a hug." Bill said in a tone that was meant to be teasing, but the humor didn't reach his eyes.

Fuck, he was worried, he must have heard Hardy.

"'m fine." The detective replied, shutting his eyes, trying to ignore the man.

He heard socked feet on the floor, then felt the bed dip. A familiar hand was on his hip, giving him a small squeeze. "Alec, I know you had a nightmare."

"No, just... chest pains." Hardy replied. "Happens still sometimes, you're a doctor, you know this."

"Yes, but I also know that my husband crying out in his sleep and crying means that he had a night terror. You might think I've slept through them, but I haven't, I just pretended to so you could keep your dignity and not have me worried."

Fuck.

Hardy shifted and moved to sit up, looking at Bill. "Fine, alright, I've been... it's happened before, a number of times, with some of these cases. I don't like... I don't do well with children's deaths, Bill."

"Most people don't."

"You know what I mean. I saw them by the water, and it just... it was like Sandbrook, or my first case here. Those cases were my hardest, they nearly ruined my life, nearly killed me."

Bill's expression softened as he moved closer. "You're worried this one will do the same to you, aren't you? Have you... have you spoken to Ellie about this? She's more familiar with your experiences with those cases than I am."

Hardy shook his head. "I can't tell her, she worries too much, and she's got her own problems right now, I don't want to add more stress for her on top of all this and her own home life issues."

"Alec, you need to talk to someone."

"I'm talking to you." Hardy huffed. "Look, doing that now, when I really don't want to."

Bill didn't take the bait to argue back, to banter, and Hardy sighed, pulling his knees up to his chest, hiding his face into them. "You don't deserve someone like me. You deserve better."

"What in the world makes you believe that?" Bill asked, sounding hurt. "Are you worried that you're failing in solving this case? Are you worried that it'll be the death of you?"

"Got it in one." Hardy replied, voice muffled by the blanket.

"Oh, Alec," Bill was closer now, sitting right next to him, "you solved those previous cases, even if they nearly ended you. You're the most stubborn man I've ever met, and that's saying something, I'm right here."

Hardy couldn't help the small, amused scoff that came from him, and Bill continued. "I know you're worried, even scared, but look, if it helps, you can talk to me when things start to overwhelm you. Alright? I don't deserve better, Alec, I have you, and I'm happy with that. And besides, if anyone deserves better, it's you."

Hardy turned his head, looking at Bill. "Shut up, I love you, I don't deserve or want anyone else."

"See? We're on mutual ground there. Come on, you have an early shift tomorrow, right? You need to sleep. If you want, I can lay with you until you're asleep once more, yes?"

Hardy wanted to say no, he wasn't a child, he would be fine. But he found himself nodded, then moved to lay down once more. Bill did as well, moving to press himself against Hardy, placing an arm around him.

They didn't say anything, they didn't need to, as Hardy closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep, focusing on the warm, familiar body pressed against his back.

[nsfwnct]

Killing Me

Pairing: Jaehyun + F Reader

Genre: Smut

Warnings: Murderer!au, Non Con, force, bondage (duct tape), degradation, manipulation (gaslighting), HARDCORE THEMES, blood, death threats, body fluids.

Word Count: 1282

WARNING: This fic contains EXTREME themes that are PURELY for fantasy purposes. I do not condone any of these actions outside of a fantasy setting. This fic contains NON CONSENSUAL penetration. This fic should not be read by ANY person who does not take interest in CNC/NONCON, Heavy dark themes and/or horror.

Summary: Reader walks in on their boyfriend, Jaehyun, having just commit murder. Jaehyun is furious that she would ever think he would hurt her and takes it out in the reader.

This has to be a dream.

You stood in the hallway of the home you shared with Jaehyun, speechless as your blood ran cold at the scene you had walked in to.

Your beloved boyfriend was stood Infront of the bathroom door, dishevelled and covered in stains of deep red. You had to be seeing things.

"Baby. You weren't supposed to be home for a few hours..." He speaks as gentle as he could but the man speaking isn't YOUR Jae. He couldn't be. His eyes are almost pitch black and there's a hint of something devilish deep in his voice as he steps toward you, wiping his hands on his light wash jeans only to add to the smears of crimson that had already tainted the fabric.

"What... What's going on... Jae..." He can hear the fear in your voice and, though he hadn't intended for this to happen, he can't help but find a sick sense of pleasure at the sight of you inching away from him, your instincts telling you to make yourself small as if it were possible for you to disappear from your nightmare.

"He deserved it, angel. You know me. Why would I ever do something if it wasn't necessary?" You startled when he takes another step forward, taking 3 back out of fear of what he may do. How could this be the man you had spent the last year and a half of your life with.

"Come on, baby. You don't think I'd hurt you, do you?" He shakes his head, your lower back bumping against the kitchen table. He has you trapped where you are, a hand meeting your hips softly as the other holds your chin. "How could you possibly think so lowly of me? I've always been good to you, haven't I? I've never hurt you, baby." Your mind is fuzzy with a mixture of fear, confusion and adrenaline, his words twisting in your mind.

"You... Is he..." He presses a cold kiss against your lips, a copper taste meeting your tongue from where his lip had been cut, assumably during the struggle of his crime. It's a taste that makes you want to push him away from you and run but you knew you didn't stand a chance against him.

"Well of course. I always finish what I start, don't I?" There's a hint of a smile tainting his lips as he stares down at you, pressing another more aggressive kiss to your lips. His displeasure is clear when you don't return his kiss and his grip moves from your jaw to your cheeks, squeezing slightly and holding your head still.

You try to avoid eye contact, angering him further. "How could you be so cruel, my love? I've always given you everything you could possibly want and yet you act like this over a moral disagreement?" He's truly a master manipulator, succeeded in planting a seed of guilt in the pit of your stomach.

"Jaehyun... Please let me go.." A low growl escapes his lips at the suggestion. You would really have the audacity to try and leave him?

"You're so fucking ungrateful." The hand that was holding your cheeks is quickly moved to your hair, grabbing a handful to help him stand you up properly, dragging you forward toward your bedroom. You dare to look into the bathroom as you pass and your heart practically stops when you see the blood painting your once shining white tile.

Your thoughts are quickly interrupted as you're pushed into the bedroom, your body stumbling toward to bed as Jaehyun moves to grab something off your drawers. You don't see what it is as you regain stability for only a second before your arms are being yanked behind your back, duct tape wrapping around your wrist painfully tight. Your struggling is useless, the man you loved shoving you down onto your bed. You stare up at him with pleading eyes.

"Jaehyun, please don't-" Your begging is cut short, tape slapping over your mouth. You can no longer hold back your tears as they spill down your cheeks, the sight only heightening Jaehyun's enjoyment.

"I've always thought you were so pretty when you cried." He muttered, crawling between your legs. He pries them apart, pushing up your skirt and groaning deep withing his throat as he sees the thin fabric of your thong completely soaked. You couldn't help it, of course. He knew that. Your body was sexualising your fear as a coping mechanism. But he loved that. He loved watching your useless struggling as your pussy dripped.

"You know... You're lucky I love you so much, baby." He whispers against your ear, his tongue trailing down your neck as his fingers duck beneath your underwear to rub your clit. "You could have been another victim. That could have been you laying lifeless on the bathroom floor." A moan is forced from you, muffled by the tape as he easily presses two fingers inside of your soaking cunt, thrusting them in and out of you slowly. "But this pussy is too good to kill you."

Your cheeks are covered with mascara, Jaehyun moaning happily when you start crying harder, his jeans being tugged down to free his cock enough for him to start sliding it against your slit. You hate him. Or, you wish you hated him. You were overcome with a heavy feeling of shame upon realising how disgustingly good it felt to have him touch you, almost WANTING him to fuck you. You don't have a choice in that however, his thick cock forcing it's way inside of you. He isn't met with any resistance, your pussy always adjusting to him so easily. He had a power over you that you have never been able to explain.

"Fuck, baby. It's almost like you're enjoying yourself, hm? You're so fucking wet for me." He thrust are rough and messy, his hand wrapping around your throat so tight that you could have sworn you blacked out for a moment.

"I could still kill you. I could end your precious little life with my cock shoved inside you. Wouldn't that feel so good? To die being fucked like a filthy fucking slut?" His words should disgust you. They should make you wish your suffering would end. But they don't. Instead of rejecting the thought, your pussy squeezes tight around him, suddenly hit by your orgasm. Jaehyun is absolutely thrilled, relishing in your uncontrollable whines as your body convulses and twitches.

You do black out at some point, coming to as Jaehyun pulls out of you, grabbing the bottom of your thighs and forcing them toward your chest, crossing your legs and thrusting his cock between your thighs in search of his own high. It's only a minute before he's painting you with his cum, some on your chest and some reaching your face. He could have cum in you, sure, but you look absolutely broken this way.

He doesn't clean you up or attempt to move you off of the now blood stained sheets. You were sure some of it was yours, only now feeling the sting of various cuts along your skin from his nails digging in. He quickly rolls you on to your side, pleased to see how red and marked your wrist were around the tape. He wouldn't be removing it, or the tape over your mouth.

"I'm not done with you, my dearest Bunny. I have to decide how I'm going to keep you in line." He climbs off the bed, pulling his jeans up and reaching for a towel to wipe his hands. "Be sure not to go anywhere."

[billiedeanhwrd]

when i fell you were there, with your hands in the air

cordelia goode x fem!reader

summary: your depression is hitting you harder than most days, cordelia comforts you 🤍

warnings: depression, slight mention of childhood trauma, it's angsty mental health fluff basically

word count: 1.7k

a/n: this is my first ever fanfic and i'm very very nervous about it, so pls don't be too harsh, constructive criticism is very much welcome though!! also i'm sorry about any grammar mistakes, english is not my first language. i also have to add that this was very much self indulgent and based on my own experience with depression, so if you don't relate, that's fine, everyone experiences it differently. I hope you enjoy it tho, have fun reading <3

today was one of those days again. one of those days where everything seemed grey and pointless. one of those days where taking a shower was too exhausting. one of those days where it didn't matter if you left your clothes on the floor or a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. one of those days where you isolated yourself. one of those days that seemed to return to you every morning for almost 3 weeks now.

you had been struggling with depression for years now and attending therapy regularly still didn't take away from the embarrassment you felt about your illness. cordelia didn't know, you didn't want to burden her with your subjectively "silly" problems. It wasn't easy hiding something so life consuming from your lover, but whenever you were with her you felt as though you could reach for the stars and there was no point in ruining happy moments with sad stories.

Whenever you felt really depressed and unable to function, you isolated yourself. Cordelia and you had been together for 7 months now and the first time she thought she had done something wrong which had resulted in you needing space from her, but when she confronted you, you reassured her that sometimes you needed some time to yourself because you were a more introverted person. While that might be true, you wanted nothing more than for her to take you into her arms and tell you everything was going to be okay again, but the fear of possibly burdening the already very busy supreme held you back from confessing what was weighing you down.

you were used to this already, you always kept your darkness to yourself, too afraid of being too much or being abandoned by your loved ones, while the rational side of you knew that the people in your life who truly meant something to you would never abandon you because of your chronic depression, anxiety left no room for rationality.

you were always feeling kind of down, but some days it was easier to cope and enjoy your day despite that... and then there were those phases where you felt unusually down, those phases that caused you to isolate yourself and wait for the storm to pass in solitude. They usually lasted only a few days or maximum a week, but this one had been going on for much longer. cordelia was worried, you had never needed so much "alone time to recharge your social battery", but she didn't want to overstep your boundaries and possibly push you away, because what you weren't aware of was that cordelia too struggled with abandonment issues and fearing she would be "too much" (which she could never be for you, you adored every single second you could spend in the blonde witch's presence).

After leaving multiple text messages and trying to call you, only to be greeted by your voicemail, cordelia took it upon herself to see what was going on with you. The knocking on your door would've usually startled you, but you had just ordered a pizza, too tired to prepare a meal yourself and assumed the delivery was faster than they had stated on their website. your jaw fell open and the door was quickly closed again, shit shit shit, what am i supposed to do now? the place looks like a mess, i can't let cordelia se-

"y/n can you open the door please?" she asked in her gentle voice. "Uh, yeah, give me a second" you replied, hastily throwing on a hoodie that had been lying around on your couch, coincidentally that hoodie being one you stole from cordelia a few weeks ago, something that made your girlfriend's heart warm up a little and relieve her of some of the worried thoughts she had that this might be your way of signaling to her that you no longer wished to be in a relationship with her.

"can we talk? i haven't seen you in three weeks and you haven't answered any of my texts... what's going on? you know you can talk to me about anything..."

"uhm, yes, of course. sit down, make yourself at home, would you like anything to drink?"

"no, thank you, i just want to talk to you"

you didn't have the energy to lie to the woman who held your heart in her hands anymore, you were terrified of her reaction, not only to you being mentally ill but also to you hiding it for so long.

"i'm so sorry delia, please don't be mad", you anxiously stuttered out. cordelia grabbed your hand and smiled reassuringly, signaling for you to continue talking.

"I didn't tell you before because i know you've already got so much going on with the academy and i didn't want to pile onto that with my irrelevant issues... I was diagnosed with depression amongst other things a few years ago, it's something i have to deal with every day and some days are easier than others, but sometimes it all comes crashing down on me and i feel like i'm lost in an ocean of a sadness so powerful, i can feel the pain on my body. I know it can be challenging to be close to someone with severe mental issues and I understand if you don't want to continue being with me, i would never want you to stay with me because you pity me or because you're afraid i'd do something to myself if you'd left, you're not responsible for my feelings or actions and i would never want to impose you with such a burden and-"

you stopped rambling when you noticed the tears flowing down cordelia's cheeks.

your eyes widened and your heart started pounding rapidly in your chest. "i'm sorry, was that too much?"

"no, no, no, no, no... it just pains me to know that you've been dealing with this on your own for such a long time because you don't value yourself enough to believe that other people might want to support you through your everyday battles. y/n, i know you, you're the girl who's always there when someone else needs a shoulder to cry on, anytime, anyplace, you always go out of your way to make others feel seen and accepted, why would you ever think that you don't deserve the kindness you so openly give to others?"

now it was you who was crying, cordelia was right, you didn't value yourself enough to believe that. you didn't actively think of yourself as less than others but that thought always unconsciously motivated the way you dealt with the things that were bothering you.

cordelia patted her lap, signaling for you to sit on her lap and come into her arms. you hesitated though, you weren't used to being so vulnerable and open with your emotions and it scared the shit out of you. you feared cordelia was possibly annoyed at you and was only doing this to get it over with and then get out. she watched you, while you were anxiously deciding what your next move would be, her heart broke for you, you looked like a scared baby dear when all she wanted to do was to comfort you.

"baby, look at me"

her chocolate colored eyes were so full of love, simply looking into them managed to get your heart rate down.

"it's okay, i'm not mad at you for talking about your feelings and all i want to do right now is to hug some of your pain away, so please, let me hold you"

you melted at her gentle words and understanding nature, cordelia was an incredibly smart woman, who went through traumatic things herself and even from that little information you shared, she understood you. she saw her younger self in you, so incredibly lonely but oh, so scared of being vulnerable with another person, due to the emotional abuse her mother subjected her to, and while she might not have gone through the same things you did, she felt like she understood your feelings in this exact moment and she wanted nothing more than to make you feel safe with her.

you slowly crawled into her lap, still afraid this was all a trick to hurt you, but when she started combing through your hair and reassuringly whispering "i've got you" and "you're here with me, i promise you, you're safe", you relaxed into her arms.

after about half an hour of laying there with each other, calming down and enjoying the other one's warmth, you spoke up.

"delia?"

"yes, my love?"

"so you're not leaving me?", you hesitantly asked.

cordelia sat up and looked straight in your eyes while asking "would you leave someone you love because they're depressed?"

"no, never"

"then tell me, sweetheart, why would i leave you?"

her response left you speechless, you almost missed her confessing her love. "you love me?"

she hugged you tight and pressed a kiss on your forehead. "more than anything, and please, never worry about telling me about what's going on in that pretty little head of yours, no matter what it is, i wanna know, okay?"

you let out the breath you didn't know you were holding and confidently replied "okay"

a few minutes passed before you spoke up again when you remembered you didn't say those 3 special words back.

"i love you too, by the way"

cordelia smiled lovingly and stood up to reach out for your hand and pull you up. "i know, now let's go to bed, we can clean up this place tomorrow"

you accepted her helping hand and engulfed her in a hug. the way she so naturally used the word "we" and didn't seem to mind helping you clean up your mess of an apartment made you more emotional than you'd like to admit.

And while you knew this would not be the last time you were overwhelmed by your depression, you now knew that you could count on the woman who loved you to stand by your side and help you get through even your hardest day.

[daisylincs]

Today is, officially, the last day of 2020 - so it's literally just in time that I'm getting to @aosrecweek's amazing challenge. But that does go to show the nature of this crazy year a little bit, right? Time has just been INSANE, and I honestly cannot believe it's so close to over.

That said, I want to put it out there that everyone - absolutely everyone - who created something in this mad year, is a SUPERHERO. Like. We could have hidden away in dark corners, curled into little balls, and lost touch with our creativity entirely - but instead, we made some of the most fantastic content I have ever seen. And, excuse the language, but that is fucking amazing, of each and every single one of us. We're bloody INCREDIBLE, you guys. We really are.

Now, the rules of this challenge dictate that I've got to start with some of my own things, then repeat with the same number of creations by other people. So I'm going to do that, and I apologise for the sheer length (and self-plug-iness) of what is about to follow - but, bloody incredible, remember? I really mean that. 💜💜💜

My Own:

you could call me babe for the weekend - 19k of Spideychelle being oblivious, mutually pining IDIOTS while being snowed in. And, you know, fake dating. (This thing was SO MUCH FUN to write and though, yeah, it got completely out of control, as evidenced by the 19k, I still really love it.)

'tis the damn season - my first attempt at writing a multi-chap, and, yeah, it only has one chapter as of now, but I really love said chapter. Basically, it's Daisy and Mackelena being friends, and honestly just the BEST friends - I adore the style I managed to achieve in this thing. Plus, the Skimmons I have planned up next is going to be da bomb.

the closest thing - Philindaisy plus fake family. Also; amusement parks. And for a fangirl like me - well, it was pretty much a dream come true to write!

oh valley of plenty - in this fic, I basically told myself, so AoS won't give us Huntingbird in the finale? Fine. I'll just do it myself then - in the fluffiest way possible. And that's exactly what I did - making them, and their kids, be best friends in Perthshire.

maybe life should be about more - a very angsty Skimmons and Daisy-centric AU, focusing on the internalised homophobia Daisy has experienced through her life, and shaking it off (and eventually, y'know, getting together with Jemma.)

and it's dark in a cold december (but i've got you to keep me warm) - Fitzsimmons just make such a supreme pairing for hurt/comfort, what with how insanely well they understand each other and care about each other, so I'm really glad for the Fitzsimmons Secret Santa giving me the chance to write this! Basically, this follows our science duo through a stressful mission on Christmas Eve (so yes, it's a mission fic!!) and realising that the two of them can do anything together.

july second - ahhh, one of my personal favourites to write! Daisy birthday surprise fluff will always be top-notch for me, especially for all the team-as-family fluff you can add in, especially especially that this is set in Staticquake times! Also, it's from Hunter's point of view, which will forever be the most insanely fun thing to write, I do think.

i just wanna be with you - man, I'm such a big royal fan, so getting the chance to write a modern royalty AU for my OTP was nothing short of amazing!! This is Princess Daisy and her fiancée Lincoln Campbell at their official engagement interview

see the line where the skye meets the sea - shameless season 1 bby Bus Kids fluff, featuring movie nights, singalongs and... so much fluff your teeth will rot. Also I'm really freaking proud of the pun in the title okay

'cause all that you are is all that i'll ever need - Huntingbird waking up together fluff (because, fight me, Huntingbird in their sweet moments is one of the sweetest things you will ever get to read or write.) This is also my, fluffy, take on the origin of the Franny's Saloon keychain.

we love you, we love you (and we hope you love we too) - aha, my first polyship fic! Also my first try at some actually fancy HTML formatting (forever thanks to Kat for explaining.) Both of these things combined to form a fic that even I think is ridiculously fluffy and funny, and kinda amazing, at that.

and man I don't know where the time goes (but it sure goes fast like that) - Another Bus Kids movie night fic, but this one set post-season 7, and reflecting on how far they've come. A little bit more hurt/comfort-y than it's pure fluff prequel, but still super fluffy and soft. And, of course, with a happy ending.

she shares my dreams, i hope that someday, i'll share her home - snowy Fitzsimmons fluff, complete with them falling in love at the Winter Olympics, as you do.

then you walked in and my heart went boom - 16k of Dekesy for the wife, and remarkable for that, because literally a month ago from this, I hated Dekesy with my entire soul. Then I started reading Kat's fics, and, well, fell in love with them... so much so that I wrote sixteen thousand words of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, bed sharing holiday fluff for them.

a love like that - a Fitzsimmons Cinderella AU, featuring my two favourite science babies, in true science bby style, falling in love over science and how stupid the whole courting thing is. Also, Daisy makes a brief appearance, and she's the freaking best.

ever after - ah, probably the one single fic I'm proudest of. A post-season 7 Daisy character study focusing on her emotional rollercoaster re: losing her family/things never being the same again, which just achieves... an emotional level that I have never managed to replicate again. I was full-on sobbing while writing it, and, guys, it also part-holds the Closest To Making Kat Cry prize.

blue - Daisy character study spanning snapshots of seven seasons, and before - but tied together by something blue in every moment. Researching for this, and finding all the blue moments, was very interesting, and immensely satisfying, especially since all the moments where a little bit of blue was present actually combine to chronicle Daisy's journey on the show remarkably well.

who is that girl I see - the one time I decided to write straight angst, and straight angst with no happy ending. Melinda May post-Bahrain, folks.

take my hand, take my whole life too - aww, the first thing I wrote that I really and truly loved. A Staticquake and Fitzsimmons Actors AU, featuring a proposal on set and INCREDIBLE amounts of fluff and softness.

hold out your hand, 'cause friends will be friends - the wife's favourite, and, as second fics go, pretty damn good, if I do say so myself. It's a Soulmates AU for Staticquake and Mackelena, with the focus being on DaisyMack friendship, and lots of denial, angst, and guilt about finding their soulmates. (They figure it out eventually, don't worry - it's me, of course I made them happy.)

Fitzsimmons + Fake Dating moodboard - Fake dating will always be FAB, and picturing it out in a moodboard - especially for my clueless bby best friends in love - was the best, and super satisfying.

Staticquake + Orange moodboard - One of the cooler ideas I had for Trick or Treat (which I still have not finished, heaven help me) was to make a series of moodboards for my OTP plus different colours. This orange one is just so light, and cheerful, and happy, and honestly I kinda adore it.

This Philindaisy + Family Moodboard - making moodboards can be insanely frustrating when you just can't find the photo that fits exactly right. With this one, however, I found all the pics I needed pretty insanely fast, and, better, the whole thing just worked, and really nicely so, too.

This Bus Kids + Baking Cookies moodboard - there's absolutely NO faults to be found with tiny, adorable Skye, Fitz and Jemma concocting choc chip cookies - but I'm actually doing a tiny cheat here, because, cute as my moodboard here is, the accompanying fic by my love @eowima is the SWEETEST and best thing you could ever wish for!!!

This Daisy Johnson Appreciation Week Photoset - Day 3 of Daisy Johnson Appreciation Week focused on an emotion, and I picked confidence and power, because honestly, it's nothing short of amazing how confident and powerful our gorgeous girl has become.

This Daisy Johnson Appreciation Week Photoset - One of the times I wish I could gif, because this quote about struggling though never giving up just suits Daisy perfectly. The photos I found are cool, though, and I mean, it's Daisy, so that's already absolutely fabulous.

Other People's:

I managed to find twenty-six of my own things that I liked enough to put up there (because, yes, I'm that big a dork, 26 things for me being 26 is the way to go :D) Anyway, now that gives me the amazing chance to spotlight twenty-six of my favourite creations by my FANTASTIC mutuals! 😍

To start, my wife - Kat said I couldn't put everything she's ever written on here, so, ugh, I guess I'll just do my top five then. *grumbling* Everything by Kat is on here in spirit, though!!

Chasing Cars (even after the story ends) by @aleksandrachaev - the epic Dekesy roadtrip AU and incredible Daisy character study itself, which, I do believe, finishes today!! Words aren't enough to describe how freaking AMAZING this thing is, or how spectacularly well characterised. Just: if you haven't read this yet, you are missing out. You will laugh, you will groan, you will want to wrap Daisy in a very tight hug, and you will probably cry, too. This fic just has it all, really!

there goes the maddest man this town has ever seen by @aleksandrachaev - the post-season 7 Deke-crashes-the-Framework-Zoom-call fic I didn't know I needed (but spent the next two weeks rereading every single night.) It is absolutely INCREDIBLE, with all the Deke & Team feels we missed in the final outro scene, and honestly just the most fantastic writing. I cannot recommend it enough!

To Box It Up And Start Again (everything must go) by @aleksandrachaev - bloody hell, this BROKE me. Deke never really got to say goodbye in canon, but Kat gave him the chance to do it here. And, my freaking GOODNESS, she made it so incredibly bittersweet and heart-shattering. 10/10

i am a leaf on the wind by @aleksandrachaev - a little bit of a stretched-out, reflective moment in the season 7 finale. As Daisy lingers on the edge of death, she reflects on all the lives she could have had - and, man, what a study in bittersweetness!! This entire fic is utterly incredible, and something I think all Daisy fans should read.

Falling Into Place by @aleksandrachaev - here's a tiny cheat from me (sorry, babes, lmao) because technically this isn't one fic, but a series of three. Way too amazing to miss out on, though!! Set mid-season 7, this has the Chronicoms go after a young Mary Sue Poots to kill Quake before she can become a problem for them. They stop the Chronicoms, yes, but not without a TREMENDOUS dose of feels and hurt/comfort. There's also a wonderful little dose of Dekesy friendship, and then an adult adoption (!!) that honestly made my entire day to read. Actually, that's true for the entire series - I really canNOT yell about it enough!!

destroyer of worlds by @bobbimorseisbisexual - a study in incredible parallels between Jiaying's daughters. Utterly breathtakingly done, this will give you ALL the feels for this small and complex Inhuman family.

Muscle Memory by @robotgort and @bobbimorseisbisexual - a Huntingbird!! Bones!! AU!! And also a collaboration between two of the most fabulous Huntingbird authors in the fandom - honestly, what more can you ask for?! This will make you laugh, and gasp, and wince, and keep you guessing at each new plot twist (and also screaming at your screen for Hunter and Bobbi to get their acts together and TALK ABOUT IT.) In short: it's completely and utterly amazing, and I cannot, cannot recommend it enough!!

You Belong Among the Wildflowers by @libbyweasley - a freaking incredible Scis & Spies Regency AU! I only just started reading, but I was hooked all the way through, especially on the way Libby writes all four characters' complex relationships (and their attraction, and their history!) Everything about it is just completely stunning, and I for one cannot WAIT for these beautiful idiots to figure out they all belong together.

Family Snapshot by @tomatobookworm - if it's family fluff you're after, especially Staticquake family fluff, look no further! This tremendously soft and utterly amazing fic follows a day in the lives of a pregnant Daisy and her husband Lincoln, and their not-so-little family of Inhumans, both adopted and biological. There's also shopping with Grandma May, lots of feels, lots of shippiness, and just AMAZINGNESS all the way through!!

Best Day Ever by @loved-the-stars-too-fondly - Jemma and Daisy want to adopt a pet, and make a very special trip to Wisconsin to do it. Also, whether he knows who he is or not, Jemma has an important question to ask Cal - and just, AHHHH, everything about this is utterly stunning! For starters, Aubrey's writing is FANTASTIC, and the scene she sets is absolutely beautiful, and so very bittersweet. I was actually misting up a little with happy tears towards the end of this - really, I cannot recommend this enough, to any Skimmons fan.

so why don't we go somewhere only we know by @loved-the-stars-too-fondly - more Skimmons (platonic this time, though), more hurt/comfort, and, yes, again, more absolutely INCREDIBLE writing. This one is canon compliant, following a shaken Jemma struggling to sleep after Maveth, and how Daisy finds a way to help her out. Incredibly sweet, tender and BEAUTIFULLY written, this one was an instant favourite the moment I read it!

Unspoken by @anxiouslynumbme - a birthday fic for yours truly, and, honestly, one of the most STUNNING Staticquake introspectives I've read. It follows Daisy and Lincoln in a beautifully tender missing moment in season 3, with them both realising their feelings, and just... AHHHHHHHH, everything about it is utterly incredible!! I cannot, cannot recommend this gem of a fic enough

the thing about water droplets and ruffled hair by @que-mint-tea - here's another fic that proves, once and for all, how good Kat's Dekesy is, because it managed to convert T to write some Dekesy smut. And, oh my GOSH, what Dekesy smut - so goshdarn angsty, but so FANTASTICALLY characterised and written that it leaves you more than a little breathless, and gaping at your screen. The first chapter initially left us on the most HORRIFIC cliffhanger, but then T fixed it, and it's just... this thing is really a whole new level of emotional writing, raw and gripping and intensely perfect for both of these characters. My haw still drops whenever I think of this thing, and how utterly AMAZING it was, so yeah. Fic rec!!!

beautiful stranger, there you are by @justanalto - I do believe I still owe Serena a long and very gushy comment on this thing, because, MAN, does it ever deserve that!! Pipsy and fake dating, with the most HILARIOUSLY incredible writing, plot and characterisation, and honestly just a giddy "askhdfkhsfh" whenever I think back to how much I enjoyed it. Yup, it was that good.

Jumping to conclusions by @eowima - a very special one, because it marks my love Océane's first venture into writing AoS fic! It's an AU of 1x06 (the Fitzsimmons episode of s1) where Fitz does actually jump out of the plane to save Jemma. Realisations of feelings, and some of the most genuinely FANTASTIC Fitz characterisation I've read in a while, follow - and, yup, I was shouting at my screen for them just to get together already. Amazing stuff, really!!

Look into your eyes and the sky's the limit by @eowima - okay, this. This. Another gift for me, and one that I will probably treasure forEVER, because it is just?? so?? utterly?? perfect?? Just for starters, the title is a Hamilton reference - and then the theme of Hamilton references continues into the fic itself, I'm delighted to say. There's also the most BEAUTIFUL, playful Skimmons friendship, and teasing, and then of course the bet about who can make out with their crush first... Staticquake & Fitzsimmons perfection. And all rendered in Océane's delightful, best-thing-ever-to-read writing!! I'm going into a giddy keyboard smash just THINKING about this, so yeah, cannot recommend it enough.

lullabies and clear blue skies by @springmagpies and @bobbimorseisbisexual - okay, I never thought I'd catch myself shipping FitzBobbi, let alone shipping it this hard, but... wow. Maggie and Al teamed up to completely blow me away, and MELT MY WHOLE ENTIRE HEART with the sheer cuteness of this!! It features Fitz, Bobbi and adopting two daughters, and it's just the most tender, beautiful development through that little family - I love it so, so much.

We made all the wrong choices by @browneyedgenius - the winner of the AoS Angst War 2020, how could I not include this one? It is such a well-deserved win, though, whoa - I was sobbing, full-on sobbing, at least twice while reading. It follows the season 5 team through the events of the time-loop, after they failed to save the world - and, oh my gosh, it ripped my heart right out of my chest, but beautifully so. Everything about this fic just hits so hard, and it's written so well - yeah, really a most AMAZINGLY deserved win, for an utterly SHATTERINGLY incredible fic.

I threw stones at the stars (but the whole sky fell) by @nazezdha321 - this is Z showing us all how to write a backstory for a minor character, and write it so well that everyone's hearts break all over again when she dies. This one is about Victoria Hand, and it builds a stirring and profound childhood for her, also making her rise through the ranks of SHIELD and just her entire character mean so much more. Really, fic-wise, this is goals, and I take my hat off to you, Z, 1000%, for writing it.

in which the universe is put together by @besidemethewholedamntime - Rebecca's emotional writing, particularly Fitzsimmons' emotions, is incomparable, and she proves it all over again in this fic. If follows Fitz and Jemma before, after and during the bloodwork, and I just... wow, honestly. The emotion!! And the characterisation!! Absolutely stunning, and honestly all I could wish for in a we-had-time fic.

Agents of SHIELD Season 8 by @egumal - THIS. This, this, this, oh my gosh - as fix-it fics go, this has to be the most spectacular one I have ever read. What it does is find a way - a potentially canon compliant way, too - to bring back Lincoln Campbell, and reunite Staticquake. Basically: just about as season 7 finishes, the Astro Ambassadors get an unexpected visitor from another timeline, who asks them to come help out against Hive. Case in point, Daisy meets her lost love again (... but he has no idea who she is) and also has to relive the Fallen Agent drama. It all gets even more complicated when Kora restores Lincoln's memories, and Daisy meets the full team Deke has assembled around him in the 33 years (for him) that they've been apart... in short, this is one of the most thorough, well-written and downright SHOCKING plot-twist-wise fics that you will ever read, and honestly, saying "I can't recommend it enough" is an understatement. This thing is thd BEST, plain and simple!

Black Roses aren't real (but you and I are) by @ohwriteiforgot - ahhhh, a fic that will always have an incredibly special place in my heart, because it introduced me to one of my best fandom friends. The main focus is on Clintasha, it's true, but it's also a crossover with AoS in the sense that Clint was adopted by Coulson and May. Also, Daisy is his little sister, and their bond is gold. Also - there's Staticquake!! And flower shops!! And rivals to friends to lovers!! All I'm going to say is, what more can you ask for?!

A book to shield my story by @maybebrilliant - Staticquake High School AU, ahhhhhhhh!! There are only two chapters out so far, but the way this is shaping up is making my DAY - with Daisy as the new girl who meets Lincoln and his group of friends, and, though her foster parents are absolutely shit, starts to find actual happiness in a school for the first time in her life. Also - THE REFERENCES. Guys. I'm crazy for those, and in this book, so are my favourite dorks, Daisy and Lincoln - and let me tell you, it's nothing short of the best thing ever.

This AoS Finale Gif Edit by @heysteverogers - AoS really has been the most INCREDIBLE journey through the years, but what's really made it special is the company - and that's summed up perfectly in this gorgeous gifset. Also, the graphics on this are just, ahhhh, stunning - I'm in awe, and I've spent very long periods of time just looking at this thing in a state of heart-eyes.

This AoS Finale Gif Edit by @jemannesimms - combining Auld Lang Syne and the final scenes of my favourite show was a raw emotional - but utterly brilliant experience - for me. It's just so absolutely beautiful, and perfectly suited to the team, and their goodbyes!! Breathtaking editing work here, too.

This Daisy as Peter Parker and May as Tony Stark moodboard by @agentsofcomedyandchaos - ahhhh, a crossover of two of my favourite fandoms!! And what a lovely one, too - the colour scheme, quotes, and just the whole FEEL of this is absolutely genius, and I am guilty of being inspired by way too many fic ideas by it. Stunning stuff!!

And... whoa, that was long, but I really do feel that we deserve a bit of a proper pat on the back after creating such magical content in such a messed up year. So that's the note I'm going to leave you with for 2020, my friends: hell-year or no, look at the absolute beauty we were still able to create!! We really are freaking amazing, guys.

[ggukkiereads]

Hey 😃! This is racer anon. Thank you because I've been craving for bangtan racing in those tight suits, you get what I mean? I actually saw another racer ficrec but they posted their future reading list which I found odd because why recommend what you haven't read yet? It felt uncomfortable to try. So it's good I saw your warnings on one of the fics which I appreciate because I didn't know it was a toxic fic 🤯🤮. So thank you I know we can always rely on you (^o^)! I started on the Seokjin one because it caught my eye and I'm gonna binge on this whole day👍😃

🌷 Hello, racer anon 🏎! You're welcome! I actually enjoyed this ask. I feel like my years binge-reading on certain tropes/aus are put to good use 😅.

And thank you for appreciating the details! I can't promise that I do this 100% of the time though. And well, the one you saw maybe it was a reading list and not a fic rec? Oh well, I actually add some fics from my reading queue too (not in every list though)! It's not so bad as long as you still qualify the fics to add? I also make sure I have more recommended fics than "future" readings (say 15 fics rec'd then only 2-3 from my reading queue).

And yes, the Seokjin fic ❤️. That's a great one. I wish there's a Namjoon racer fic though! I realized I haven't encountered one yet 🤔

Enjoy binge-reading 📖 🏎 ♥!

[ariddletobesolved]

Days We Spend Under the Sun (Ten - End)

Written for @helsa-summer-event ❤

Fandom: Frozen

Genre: Romance, Family, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Whump

Rating: T

Summary: Summer is not her favourite season, but a certain Admiral from the neighbouring kingdom is going to change that.

Brace yourself for a long arse chapter, and maybe a little cheesy (idk). This is the last chapter of this AU (feeling emotional already, lmao). Sorry it took a while, I've been dealing with several things, but here I am. I won't write too much notes, as I've prepared another post just for that. Thanks for reading and supporting this AU. Enjoy!

Prompt 7: Free

—

Chapter Ten

"I don't know if I can do this."

Hans sighed as he put down the small box on the wooden table, pushing it closer to the queen's direction.

From her seat behind the desk, Anna gave him a look. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Would you care to elaborate?"

The former prince pinched the bridge of his nose, before turning to face the queen.

"I don't think she'll say yes." He replied, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood up straight. "We haven't been courting for that long, and the past we shared—"

"Yes, yes, I'm aware." Anna calmly interjected. Her hands were in her lap, eyes darting from the box towards him. "But you seemed so eager and determined a week ago, what changes?"

His jaw clenched, for the vivid memory of his dream last night came crashing at him, flooding his senses. It had been two months since the last time the nightmare occurred, about him, standing in the pool of blood on the slowly melting fjord, gazing at a pair of dull blue eyes that stared back at him. Elsa was dead, and he would become king like he wanted. The ice beneath him thawed, and he fell into the cold water. That was when he woke up, gasping for air, only to see Elsa, alive and murmuring sweet nothings to his ear. Realising that it was all just a dream, he pulled Elsa into his embrace, muttering how sorry he was.

It was a vision of what could've been, had he succeeded in ending the Eternal Winter by going for the source of magic. Even after years of punishment and redemption, the guilt was still there, eating him alive. Had it not been for Elsa's comfort, Hans wouldn't have known how to keep going.

"Hans?"

"I was a monster." He gulped. "Maybe I still am, knowing that some people still don't trust me. And for that, I know I'm not worthy of your sister's love, or anyone else's."

"You were." Anna grabbed the small box and a roll of parchment, then getting up from her chair. "Hans, you'd wronged me. I won't sugarcoat it. You left me to die in that room, you deceived me, and you were out to kill my sister. I admit, I took great pleasure when I punched you in the face."

The whole time, Hans didn't even flinch. He knew what he had done wrong, he was aware of that, and he would forever regret it.

"So I've noticed, even after all those dark months, some people still refused to look you in the eye, not wanting to acknowledge you as a person." She walked over and stopped before the tall redhead. "I did that too when you first came here after years. Elsa was the one insisting to lock you up, but I didn't see the point. There was something different about you."

When a roll of parchment was offered to him, Hans frowned. "Why are you doing this, Anna?"

"As much as I'm doing this for Elsa, I also believe you're not the same person who came to Arendelle with an ambition to become king." Anna spoke, her gaze showed kindness. "I can see that now, and it's not only because you won us war.

"That Prince Hans of The Southern Isles, who had a miserable childhood, dying to prove himself to his father and twelve older brothers, who attempted to marry into the throne to become king and was willing to commit a murder to fulfil such an ambition, was a failure. He wasn't born evil, yet he had failed to stop himself from being blinded by ambitions, and his tragic past doesn't excuse what he did." She paused, thrusting the roll onto his grasp. "But the man standing before me right now is not him. I trust you understand what I mean, Vice Admiral." Anna smiled as she mentioned his new title.

There was a beat, before Hans asked in disbelief, "They approved?" He unrolled it and began to read its content, green eyes were scanning the words over and over again. 

"It was a long discussion with Captain Larsson, but apparently, some people already accept you as one of us, even Admiral Goran." She was relieved and worried at the same time. She knew Hans doubted himself, at least she had heard Elsa mentioned it to her a couple of times, but she also knew that the two of them—Elsa and Hans were madly in love with each other. All they needed was a little push. 

"Hans," Anna called, and immediately, his attention was on her.

"Thank you so much! I don't know what to say, this is," Hans beamed, "does Elsa know?"

"Not yet." The strawberry blonde smiled. "I figured you'll be the one telling her, as planned."

Realisation began to sink in and he pressed his lips in a tight line. "Right."

"You're doubting yourself, aren't you?" The queen studied him closely. "I see how you look at my sister, and how she looks back at you. I know Elsa, and I've never seen her being this happy—different kind of happy. You might not notice it, but she is glowing whenever she is with you. She cares about you, and I know you care about her, a lot, I may add."

"Do you really think so?"

Anna rolled her eyes in a playful manner. "I know so!" She pressed the small box gently on his hand, and gave him a little push. "Now go and propose to my sister. You already have my blessing, and that means you have one less thing to worry about."

The gesture from his, hopefully, future sister in law brought a smile on his face. Hans glanced at her, feeling grateful for her kindness. He firmly held the box in his right hand. The queen was no longer that naive little princess, who would marry a man she just met because she was desperate for love. She had grown into a compassionate and caring Queen of Arendelle, whose prosperous reign was equal to her predecessor, her sister. Whether it was motherhood or her kind nature, he didn't know.

"Thank you, Anna." Hans didn't know if hugging the queen was the best move, so he went to shake her hand. But Anna, sensing his hesitation, pulled him in a quick hug.

"No, thank Elsa." She said, holding him by his shoulders. "I might be the one who opened the door, but she was the one who let you in."

The former prince nodded. The sisters' kindness was obviously contagious, and it was a part of several reasons why he wanted to change for the better.

"But," Anna said, her tone turned dramatically, "if you hurt my sister, I won't hesitate to punch you in the face, again, and I'll make sure that your nose wouldn't be the only thing that's broken." 

Hans gulped. Of course he knew better than causing the Snow Queen any pain. He nodded.

"Now, go!" Anna smiled, pushing him towards the door. "You have a date to attend. Also, it's a perfect place for a date in this castle, so might as well, not spoil it."

"Okay, okay."

"Oh, and Hans?" Just when he was about to close the door, she added, "welcome to the family."

—

Hans couldn't stop smiling. A sudden surge of confidence boosted through him, as he made his way towards Elsa's room. With a ring in his pocket, a bouquet of her favourite flowers and a new dress for her in his grasp, he began to think of how their day would proceed. If Anna was right, and Elsa said yes, Hans would be the luckiest man alive, he knew that for sure. Standing before the wooden door, he composed himself. As he turned the bronze handle, he heard voices talking.

"Oh, I don't know what he is planning, but I heard him talking to Anna about dresses and flowers." It was Olaf. "I hope he is not planning something bad."

Hans was frozen on the spot. Did the snowman think that he had a bad intention towards Elsa? He knew Olaf was probably not making any sense, but it was enough to make him think of the worst.

Elsa chuckled. "Olaf, why would he plan something bad with dresses and flowers? It sounds like something romantic, but I can be wrong."

It was a relief, but gone was the confidence he brought along as the next question came up.

"You said he had a nightmare, Elsa, what was that about?"

There was a silence, thick and hostile, from where he was standing. Doubts began to cloud his mind, as he wondered what she might be thinking. Not wanting to wait any longer, he pushed the door open. 

Her beautiful smile was the first thing that greeted him. Still dressed in her nightgown, Elsa looked radiant, as she sat on the bed with a breakfast tray in her lap. Olaf beamed and waved at him.

"I wish they would allow me to join you for breakfast, since I'm feeling much better now." Elsa sighed when she saw him walk over. "What do you have there?"

Hans flashed her a smile, settling the neatly folded dress over the chair nearby and put the flowers in her grasp, before leaning in to kiss her lips.

"Presents." He let out, sitting on the bed next to her.

Olaf nudged her, "See? I told you!" The snowman then collected her tray, before getting back on his feet. "I think I'll leave you both to it. See you later!"

Once the bedroom door was closed, Hans put his hand on her thigh and squeezed it lightly. At the gesture, she let out a giggle, before shoving his hand off. "Hans, no!" She smiled gently, cradling the bouquet close to her chest. "Thank you." Fondly, Elsa admired the bouquet, inhaling the familiar scent. "It's lovely."

"I'm actually planning something for the both of us." He stated, tucking her loose blonde strands behind her ear.

Eagerly, her blue eyes widened with interest. "Really, what is it? Are we going to go sailing?"

Sailing was his previous plan, indeed, but since Elsa was only recovering from her fever, Hans decided that they should stay in. He didn't wish to cause her any more harm than he already did, although the rising temperature wasn't exactly his doing. Besides, if Elsa said yes to a lifetime with him, it means that they would sail forever in holy matrimony.

"You'll see," was all his reply.

—

Moments later, Elsa and Hans were standing on the balcony at the back of the castle, facing the perfect view of the open sea. Anna was right, Hans thought, it was a perfect place for a date. A table for two was set up, with cakes, a teapot, two cups, and some boxes of chocolate were served on the table. A bouquet of heathers was placed in the middle.

Elsa could recall how many times she would go there in between meetings when she was queen, just to allow herself to think. She loved the view, the blueness of the ocean, and the gentle caress of the wind, they offered her comfort. It was rather quiet, even during the day, but at least she wasn't alone this time.

Hans held her close from behind, one hand was holding the railing, and the other was around her torso. His mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Anna. He would never forget her generosity in giving him the chance to prove himself that he was capable of growth—the chance not everyone would grant him. She allowed him to stay in Arendelle, to serve in the navy, so he could be close to the love of his life, despite the dark past they shared. Then he began to think of Elsa's silence when the topic about his nightmare was brought up.

"You're quiet." Elsa stirred in his embrace and turned to face him. "What are you thinking about?"

"Things." He said, before letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Elsa, I shouldn't have ruined it for you. We can have some tea and chocolates."

Hans was about to move to the table, when Elsa stopped him. "You didn't ruin anything at all. I was only wondering why you were quiet." She paused, eyes were never leaving his. "Would you like to talk about what's troubling you?"

"What makes you think it's troubling me?" It was a little defensive on his part.

Elsa frowned. "Your reaction right now is what." She blinked. "Is it your nightmare?"

She wondered what made him act so defensive. The past few days, Elsa noticed how he had been acting strange, and she was under the impression that he was hiding something, but what? That couldn't have had anything to do with the recurring nightmare, could it?

"Hans?"

Ignoring her, the redhead let go of her hand, before turning around. He pulled out a box from his pocket, admiring the diamond ring inside. Oh, how he wished everything was easier for him.

"You've been hiding something." It was loud and clear in his ear. "What is it?"

"Nothing." He muttered, still with his back facing her. Putting the box back into his pocket, Hans looked back.

Thoughts were running through her head, and some of them weren't pretty. "Are you doubting us?" 

"It's not that." Hans shook his head. The frown on his face deepened.

Elsa, growing frustrated as the second passed, looked away. Her cheeks were flushing as anger began to build up. "I can't believe you don't even trust me, especially with whatever it is you're hiding."

"It's not that simple, Elsa." He took a deep breath, rubbing his face in an equal frustration. "You don't understand."

"Then make me!" Elsa pressed, taking a step closer. 

Her fingertips were cold, as she tried to contain her powers from exploding. She breathed heavily, the storm in her chest was raging, but there was something in his emerald eyes—remorseful and sincere—as she held his gaze. Closing her eyes, Elsa tried to calm her mind. Anger was never a solution, and one of them should hold their ground if they wanted to carry on with the conversation. Perhaps what he needed was comfort.

"Hans," The former queen called, after another minute passed with silence. She looked up, staring at him with her blue eyes, while holding one hand out. "Come here."

When Hans took her hand, Elsa immediately pulled him into an embrace. She wounded her arms around his torso, resting her cheek against his shoulder. Gently, he returned the gesture and pressed a kiss on her temple. Nothing could top the feeling of holding each other close, getting lost in the comfort.

Closing his eyes, Hans breathed in her scent. Maybe asking her wouldn't hurt, he thought, and he shouldn't be selfish if he wanted to take their relationship one step ahead. And with a determination, he let out, "Kaere."

A beat.

"Yes?"

He took a deep breath, still holding her hand. "I need to tell you something."

Taking one step back, his knee bended slightly, and Elsa tried to stifle a gasp. Is he going to propose? She thought, is this what he has been hiding from me? Her pulse quickened, anticipating what was about to come. Elsa didn't see that coming, but for some reason, she was glad.

The former queen was no fool, and she frowned when she saw him stand up straight. She put two and two together, and realised that he had been doubting his own self. She knew about his nightmare, and how remorseful he had been. To see him looking unsure brought a pang on her chest. She couldn't wait any longer.

"Marry me." Elsa blurted out.

Stunned. Her words got him frozen on the spot. Hans stood there, dumbfounded. Marry me. Those words echoed in his mind, and he had to blink to make sure that he wasn't dreaming. Did she just—

"Hans?" She whispered, taking a step closer to cradle his head. "Are you—

But before she could continue, Hans captured her lips with his. Gone was the hesitation, the doubts that had been haunting him, as he got lost in the passion. Her lips were firmly pressed against his, as if she tried to give him a proper reassurance. He held her close by the waist, as he deepened the kiss, savouring the taste of her tongue, before they pulled away.

"Is that a yes?" She asked breathlessly, smiling ear to ear, pressing her forehead against his.

"Kaere," Hans couldn't contain the joy. He let go of her waist, and held her hand. With a surge of confidence, he got down on one knee. "Allow me to do it properly."

He pulled out the small diamond ring and held it up. 

"Elsa," he began, "I know I'm not worthy of your love," seeing the look of disapproval on her face, Hans gave her hand a gentle tug, "hear me out, please?"

"Okay." Her heart swelled inside her ribcage, and warmth overflowing in her body. She nodded.

"I know I'm not worthy of your love," he repeated, "forgiveness, even a second chance. What I've done in the past is unforgivable, and I'm accepting that.

"But you, Elsa, you have given me the chance to get to know you, and I'm grateful for that. Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and you are the kindest people I know. You have shown me kindness, and for that, I'm forever grateful. I love you, min Kaere, and nothing will ever change that. I've never felt this way before, and you don't know how hard it was to deny it. Because loving you feels so right, but also wrong at the same time. Our union is frowned upon because of our past, but we've proved them wrong."

"Hans," she gasped. Her eyes were glassy with tears at his confession.

"I have nothing grand to offer, and I may be pushing my luck, but," he paused, looking at her with sincerity, "Elisabeth," he gently said, taking her by surprise at her given name. "Will you marry me?"

Her vision got blurry with tears as she stood there. It was too much for her, the love and joy that she felt was overwhelming, but in a good way.

"Yes." She nodded furiously. "God, yes!"

He slid the ring on her finger, and got up to pull her into his arms. He spun her around, burying his face in the crook of her neck. There were sparks in his chest when he heard her giggles, and realisation began to sink in. They're engaged.

"I love you." He put her down, so they were standing face to face. One hand cradled her head, with his thumb rubbing her cheek gently. "I love you so much."

Elsa smiled, giving into his touch. "And I love you too, so very much." She covered his hand with hers, as she pressed a gentle kiss on the heel of his palm. "Don't ever doubt yourself, okay? You are worthy."

Hans nodded slowly. "Forgive me."

"It's okay." Elsa nuzzled his nose. "There's nothing to forgive."

"There's also another thing." He began.

Elsa tilted her head with interest. "Yes?"

"I'm staying." Hans smiled. "This time for good."

"Hans, what?" With her mouth agape, she gazed into his emerald eyes, searching for any hint of mischief, and when she couldn't find any, she blinked. "I don't understand."

He led her to a chair nearby, and helped her sit, before seating himself next to her. Taking her hand in his, Hans pressed his lips over the knuckles.

"So, I might have asked Anna a favour just about last week. I was applying for a vacant spot in the Arendellian Navy."

It did not take her long to guess. "The Vice Admiral?"

The redhead nodded. "Yes."

"And you got it?" This time, she was smiling.

"I did."

Elsa didn't know what to say. The news was another thing she didn't expect to hear, and it seemed as if her day couldn't get any better.

"It's," the former queen paused, "wonderful! I'm so happy for you, truly."

She cupped his face and showered him with kisses, from his forehead to his temple, then his nose, and down to his lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Elsa settled on his lap. She nuzzled the crook of his neck as he held her close.

"I'm so glad to have you home, Hans." She murmured.

"Home?"

Elsa nodded, looking up to him, fondly. "You're here now with me. We are home."

Home. He liked the ring of it. Elsa had been his safe haven, and then she was his home. In the end, things were working out just fine, and they were both alright.

"Thank you, Elsa."

"Hmm?" She eyed the new accessory on her ring finger with a smile, before darting her attention back to him. "For what?"

Hans felt his heart swell. He pressed another kiss on her temple. "For letting me in, and giving me a second chance." And he would be forever grateful for that.

Quietly, Elsa settled back in his embrace. Her blue eyes were gazing far ahead at the open sea. Once in a while, she stole glances at the symbol of their union, and she realised that the past few days they spent under the sun were leading up to that very moment. How their story went as the time passed, she would treasure that, and despite the rocky path they had to take to get there, Elsa regretted nothing.

Suddenly the future didn't seem to be uncertain. Hans is staying, and we're getting married, Elsa told herself. That steadiness, something to hold onto, was all she needed. And forever with him, she couldn't wait to spend.

END.

[lareinenoir]

•Its Enough• PT II

Loki × Reader

⚠ WARNING ⚠ FLUFF, MAKING OUT, SUGGESTIVE CONTENT/LANGUAGE, RARE SWEARING, MAY BE SENSITIVE TO SOME READERS

A/N: Hope you guys like this. Idk how many words. If you haven't read PT one, then go to the magnifying glass and type, loki x reader. No cap tho, I was kinda horny while writing some of this🙈. To much information? Yeah? Ok...Imma just go and let you read. Byeeee 🤗

*****

"Brother? What are you doing up?" Asks Thor walking into the kitchen.

It was rather early in the morning and Thor was always the first one awake in the tower. Loki living there was only temporary. The rest of the avengers weren't truly convinced he had changed, so he and Y/N lived in the tower. Where all eyes were on him.

"Trying to make Y/N her favorite breakfast. She likes pancakes and orange juice.

"Has she tried a delicious poptart. I care for the strawberry and shocolate milkashake."

"Thor, that seems to be the only thing you talk about. Im sorry, but Y/N will not be feasting on Tart pops." Said Loki rolling his eyes "It looks more like a dessert then breakfast."

"Poptart."

"Thats what I said. Tart pops." Loki replied rolling his eyes.

"The midgardians do love their pastries and concentrated food." He nods "Speaking of, have you seen the poptarts? At all?"

Loki wasn't going to entertain this anymore. A little part of him was stressed as he continued to make eggs. He was very focused on that. The where abouts of Thor's precious poptarts was the least of his concerns.

"I'd like to inform you all that Miss. L/N is approaching the door." Said J.A.R.V.I.S

Soon there was a knock and Loki scrambled to make sure everything was perfect. Thor was still scrounging through the cabinets, looking for pop tarts as Loki scrambled to get the door.

"Morning." She waved, but was greeted by a kiss. "Wow. That was very very pleasant." Y/N blushed "Do it again?"

Loki chuckled and spun her around, kissing her hand. "I haven't had the honor of staring at your face in a long time."

"You saw me last night. I face timed you remember?" Y/N giggles standing on her tip toes, kissing his chin.

"I remember how strange it was. That magic box was showing me your face and I could hear you almost so clearly. Like you were right in front of me." He sighed looking down at her face "And you said it wasn't sorcery."

"It isn't." Y/N laughed "That 'magic box' is called an IPhone." She replied using air quotes "Its how we communicate. The technology here is very advanced. You can face time, call, text, watch videos from all over the world. All at your fingertips."

"You know where else I wish was my fingertips were, pet?" He asks with a sly grin, making Y/N cover her mouth to hide how much her cheeks hurt from heat rising to them.

It was meant to be amusing, but Y/N was quite shy about the topic. She didn't really know what to say when Loki would talk like that. Y/N wasn't really experienced.

"Speaking of the magic box, I found a vizio on the Jue tube and have a little surprise for you."

"Oh? A surprise? And its video, Loki. YouTube, not Jue tube."

Taking his hand, Y/N was walked into the kitchen and was greeted by all the avengers. "Morning everyone!" She said

They all responded and she couldn't help but look back at Loki. He didn't look to happy. "May we join you for breakfast?"

"Yeah." Nodded Pepper who was chowing down on pancakes. "Their isn't any syrup, Tony never put it on the list."

"I will pick some up later." Tony nods "J.A.R.V.I.S, add syrup to the shopping list."

"And Orange Juice." Bruce shouts

"Am I the only one here who enjoys apple juice rather than Orange?" Asks Natasha

"Yes!" All the avengers nod

"Y/N which one do you prefer?" Asks the captain, gulping down some of the orange juice.

"I like orange juice too. Sorry, Nat." Y/N giggles "What about you, Loki?"

But he was angry. The tight line on his lips, his eyebrows sewn together made everyone look very surprised. "You imbeciles!" He shouts "This was breakfast made for Y/N. Not you!"

"Loki-"

"I made breakfast for Y/N! You savages are stuffing your face, and wonder why you have such a big gut!"

"Just to let you know, I didn't eat anything. I'm looking for the poptarts." Thor says "Keep your anger towards them."

"Enough! One more time I have to hear about those ghastly pastries, Tart Pops I'll drive my dagger through your chest!" He finishes shouting, then knocking over a vase and storming out.

"Loki! Wait-"

The avengers, one by one, stood up. They felt a little bad but the captain made his way over to her. "I am sorry about the breakfast."

"I'll go talk to him. Maybe calm him down a bit." She answers back going after Loki.

Y/N hadn't really seen Loki get angry, but there hasn't really been anything to get angry over. Calling his name again, Y/N sees him pouting.

Pouting.

What an odd sight...

It was kind of amusing to see the god of mischief pouting like a child.

"I can't believe you made breakfast for me." She cooes sitting down on the edge of his bed. Taking a hold of his pale hands, Y/N laced them with hers and kissed them softly. "It was really sweet of you."

Loki felt her head lean on his shoulder and he sighed. "You didn't even get to eat it." He replied "I should go back there and turn them all into rats."

"But you won't." Giggled Y/N "Its the thought that counts."

"Maybe I could have the chance to make you breakfast again, pet."

"Sure. If that will flip that silly frown upside down." She says laying kisses on his cheek.

"I'm sorry what? Upside down frown?" He questions "I must sound really incompetent. Do explain."

Rolling her eyes, Y/N looked at him. "A frown upside down is a smile. I think I'll keep the metaphors to a minimum."

"Right." He nods bringing her forehead to his. "You're absolutely ravishing." Loki mutters, putting his lips on her nose. "I've been stuck in this place all weekend. I think Monday is my favorite day."

"Is that so?" She giggles pushing him onto the bed, straddling his waste.

"Quite." He nods as she lays kisses along his neck. A soft moan, leaves his throat. "Stark complains about Monday all the time. Besides, It's the only day you don't have to work and I have you all to my self."

"Then. I. Am. A. Lucky. Girl." She winked in between kisses, pulling his shirt from over his head, throwing it to the side. "You actually look really good in our clothes." Y/N commented, pulling off her own, top. "Very...sexy."

"I like that word." He chuckled, rubbing his lips together. "It's another way to say-" Y/N didn't let him finish. She crushes her lips to his, slipping her tongue into his mouth. Of course Loki knew of this kiss, putting it into practice was the best part.

The two liked to battle as there tongues grazed each others mouths, searching for something and how tight Loki's grip got around her body, made it even better.

Moaning into each others mouths made Loki pull back to see her swollen lips. He pecked it a bit and felt her run her fingers through his jet black hair, with sly little smirks smeared equally upon their faces.

"You my dear pet," says Loki, reaching for the back of her bra to unhook it. "are positively the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on." He whispers in her ear, giving Y/N chills down her back, as Loki tosses her bra to the side of the bed.

"Tell me more." She said back, not just the cool air making her nipples perk up and get hard, along with the man just below her pants.

Loki loved whispering things to Y/N. He loved how the little goosebumps trailed up her arms, neck, back made her moan his name beggingly.

"Hey Loki!" Said Bruce barging in "Have you seen the toaster? J.A.R.V.I.S said you were having trouble with-"

"OH MY GOSH!" Y/N screamed getting off Loki to grab a pillow to cover herself. "WHAT THE HELL! DON'T YOU KNOCK!"

"What's going on in here?" Asks Steve walking in too

Soon everyone was in the room shouting at each other. Everyone very confused about what was happening.

"HOLD ON A SEC!" Tony shouts, louder than everyone and that grabs their attention. "What the hell is going on."

"I was just asking about the toaster for Thor's poptarts. Clint thought it'd be a good idea to introduce him to the heated version."

"And that gave you the right to just barge in?" Asks Y/N still a bit upset, but laughing at the same time. "Unbelievable."

"You all grown more irritating by the second." Loki says between his teeth

"Why don't we give them their privacy." Wanda suggests. Natasha nodding her head agreeing.

"What about the toaster?" Asks Thor "I'd very much like to try-"

"Forget about it, buddy." Clint answered back, ushering everyone out.

"Finally." Sighed Y/N, hearing the door shut. Her sneaky smirk returning.

"I thought they'd never leave." He yanks her arms, back onto the bed. A littls squeal escapes and they just laugh, kissing each other inbetween. Loki now settled, somewhat, inbetween her legs.

"Hey guys." The door swings open again.

"DAMNIT TONY!" Yelled Y/N getting more annoyed. He had his hands over his eyes.

"I'm not a peeker." He says reaching into his pocket. With a swift motion, he tossed a little package their way.

"Really Tony!" She sighed but also laughing at it, and Loki couldn't help but do it too. "A condom?"

"Stay safe kids." He then exits the room

"Don't worry, we'll put this to some good use." Whispers Loki into Y/N ear

[alex-baebae]

Pieces of honor

Chapter 6

(The image isn't mine, credits to the respective owners)

“Yeah, we had sex” she tells me, this hurts me for sure, I mean for me it wasn’t just ‘sex’. She drinks all her coffee “I wish we could drink some alcohol” she adds, maybe she is not in her five senses, she must be as astonished as me. “___” I call her “I love you” I tell her, she giggles.

My dad told me to not think that ___ could me ‘mine’, she’s the daughter of boss Zhao, she could have as many men as she wants to. However, it is different for me, he told me that if I continue being her lover, she could throw me out whenever she decided to, she can do whatever she wants to me. And dad also told me that when I accepted to be with her, I became her property...

He told me to think twice, because all my life, I’ve expected that lovers must be loyal to each other. I want to be with her, I’m so in love that... I will accept every single one who she wishes to have sex with.

“Seunghyun, what do you think of Daesung?” she asks me “what do you mean?” I ask back “he’s kind of strange” she says “strange?” I ask again “yeah, he has a strange behavior” she’s looking through the windows of the café.

“Do you think he could be a spy?” I ask her “no... I don’t know how to explain this, it is not that I don’t trust him, but he’s like the people who you shouldn’t trust” she explains me “did you know him? I mean your father recommended him to boss Zhao” she says “boss Zhao? he's your father” she smiles “yeah but now we’re his mercenaries, I’m not his daughter now” she adds “about daesung... I don’t know him, but my father does. He was a neighbor of my father, in Korea, when he was too young. Daesung is ten years older than us, I guess” she is seeing the table like in trance.

“When Amber is going to be at the mansion?” she asks still looking to the table “I don’t know” I respond, she really misses Amber. “Let’s go to the hotel, we have to rest” she says.

“Can I sleep with you?” she asks not making eye contact, it seems she’s even more shocked than me. She was lost in her mind all the way, so I had to pay more attention, anything could happen anytime. “Sure” I answer, she smiles and hugs me in the corridor, I hold her, then I carry her inside my room. “Are you taking a shower?” she asks “yeah” I tell her “go first” she says.

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

Thanks to the supreme energy he accepted to sleep with me, if I stay alone five minutes more, I’ll suicide this time for sure. Look at how weak am I, my father would be disappointed if he notices it. After all, I’m a deception. Where’s that arrogant ____? She’s a coward as well.

Seunghyun is drying his hair, I’m letting the warm water soak all my skin, my hair, my soul it is comforting. I walk into the room, it seems Seunghyun is not there.

I feel his hands on my shoulders “You are so beautiful” the voice of my lover, he starts to dry my hair with a clean towel, I just enjoy the warmth of his body behind me. “Let’s rest for a while” he suggests “I don’t want to rest” I say “if I do so, the image will torment my mind” he doesn’t say anything.

After a while he talks “I know how to make you forget everything”, he removes my towel, I’m naked, he’s in his pajama.

"Sit on the couch" I order him, he was surprised "let's forget then" I take off his shorts as soon as he is sat down. I start to lick his sex, sometimes I suck, but what I’m more focused on now is coating him with my saliva.

He is getting harder; I continue kissing and licking him. Suddenly he grabs my hair and pulls me apart to kiss me. I don't know why we trust so hard each other. Why do we feel so comfortable around each other? I simply don't know maybe we are mate souls, ha! what a stupidity.

His tongue is inside of my mouth licking every single corner, I keep my mouth wide open for him, I like to feel this way, to feel attacked somehow. Neither at fighting neither in life I have felt this way, but with him it feels like magic to be submissive, to be vulnerable.

"Get on the bed" he orders me, I get in doggy style on the big bed, showing him my wetness "you're so sexy" he whispers in my ear before throw his shirt, he lifts me so I am now kneeled. He's behind me sucking my back's skin, his hands are touching my neck, my breasts, my abs.

"Seunghyun, please" I take his right hand guiding it to my clit, he caresses my it with no mercy, two of his left hand’s fingers are inside of me, trying to find my g-spot. I start to shake violently when he finds it, my moans are blasting out "how can you be so wet? Fuck, you’re soaking my hand" He tells me then he bits my shoulder gently, I blush. That makes me feel embarrassed, he pushes me softly, I’m in doggy again.

I feel my liquids drench my inner thighs. I whimper at the time his tongue makes circles around my tight hole. I fell over the bed, my ass in the air giving him more access. he sucks my thighs, he groans. “So good” his husky voice fills my brain. His hands spreads my pussy, then his tongue goes as deep as it can.

"Let me help you" I say spreading my sex with my own hands “shit, ____" I'm moaning hard, convulsing, my toes curling... well, I guess no one will care here.

He suddenly moves apart, he's taking a condom from his black backpack "do it quick, Seunghyun" I say while fingering me, I was so aroused "your wish is my command”. How can he act like this? Like he knows everything about sex, how can he fuck me so good as if he had lots of experience? But, how can he also can be so innocent as the last night? I don't care now. You know I have such a high sex drive... and fortunately he has it too, he’s perfect for me.

He was going deep and rough, the perfect mix for me “Seunghyun, harder” I beg, soon his making me tremble with every single thrust “yes, Seunghyun!” I mewl. I’m feeling so good, my legs are quivering for him, my sex desperately clenches around him “shit, fuck me harder!” I cry out. He grabs my hips helping him to do it quicker and rougher “Seung...!” I’m not able to speak properly his name, my high ts me in waves. All I can hear now is Seughyun trying to catch his breath

“Seunghyun” I call him while he takes the condom off “my beloved señorita” he says “my spanish classes are not that bad, are it?” he chuckles “I love when you teach me how to speak spanish, it turns me on” I laugh at his confession “oh my god, I’ll do it more often then” I say.

Daesung’s point of view

I shopped some groceries, I ate at the hotel’s restaurant, the normal things I used to do when we were in this kind of missions. I was watching videos after receiving the instructions of Boss Zhao for tomorrow.

In no time I heart ___ voice. She was moaning, maybe she was... well masturbating. I was getting hard, I tried my best to not pay attention but... I couldn’t

In no time I was enjoying her beautiful voice. At some point the sounds of skins clashing, and the moaning of a man could be heard too. She was with someone, I wished to be that one as hell. I keep stroking me, I imagined her in the top of me, I’m such a pervert.

In a minute I was in the edge, hearing her voice was too much for me, staining the gray blankets. ‘Yes, Seunghyun’ ‘Fuck me harder’ I heard her almost shouting “so she is with him” I whispered.

When I saw them cozied at the pekin exam I thought that maybe I misunderstood everything, I mean... they could be just close friends... anyways it’s not like I could have an opportunity with her. But why him? He’s not a Boss of a mafia, he’s normal as everyone of us, he works for them. I believed she only dated that kind of men, those ones who have lots of power. I need to rest too, so I clean everything quickly, then I fell asleep in no time.

I've been working on my fanfictions, but I haven't have so much time due to the Week of International Relations at my faculty. So we have to attend many symposiums, conferences, presentations of book, etc. I tried to write in my spare time but my friends keep asking what am I writing, so I get embarrassed and I stop. Today another friend thought I was writing a Haiku 😝

Have a nice week! Love y'all!

If you have a special request let me know! 😊

Alex