#if i focus hard enough i can convince myself im warm but in the end once my focus drops my bodys as cold as its always been

[dyketubbo]

theres something so terribly and uniquely lonely about systemhood sometimes

[voorheezie]

its officially midnight which means forget christmas it’s andy day. it’s been awhile since i’ve gone full soft on main and im gonna do that but first of all two things: how are you so fucking hot and where is this jacket? can i have it? thanks! @ghostsofohio

okay wow hi where do i even start? first of all, i think today is now my new favorite day of the year (even more than timmy day, can you believe that?) because on this day, 29 years ago the universe got you and there’s no way you can convince me that this isn’t the best thing that’s ever happened to the universe. and i don’t think it was a coincidence that the universe gave you me essentially exactly 5 years later but you already know my theory about the universe making me just for you. 

i know i joke about making things about me a lot, but ever since we met everything has sorta revolved around you for me, hasn’t it? it probably seems like you’ve been wrapped around my finger all this time and maybe you have and i don’t say this as often -- but my entire world has been on your string since i awkwardly knocked on the door of that hotel room. i never really thought that having my life so wrapped around someone elses life would get me anywhere, i always thought that, at least while i was young, i had to do my own thing, i had to focus on myself and my career and being the best man that i could before i could give someone that much of me, but clearly you proved all of that wrong. looking back at 9 months ago, it’s so crazy to see where i ended up. i have a husband and a family and a beautiful home, but what you’ve given me and how you’ve changed my life is so much bigger than even those remarkably wonderful things. i never thought i’d be strong enough or grown up enough or put together enough to be a husband or a father at this age, and you can argue all you want but i think everyone knows that the only reason i’m able to do those things and figure them out without making an absolute mess is because of you. you’ve given me the best example of what it means to take care of people, what it means to handle your shit, what it means to come out alive, what it means to make ends meet even when it seems impossible, what it means to work hard, and what it means to love selflessly -- and it’s because of your example only that i’m confident enough to try and do all of those things for our family. 

but this isn’t about me, it’s about you and celebrating what you are. i know i’ve said this a million times but i’ll say it a million more and you can’t fuckin stop me!! but you’re truly the most wonderful person who i’ve ever met. everything about you just radiates warmth and i know that all you ever have to do is look at me and i’ll feel loved and warm and happy and cozy on the inside and home. you’re the most patient, understanding, kind, loving, selfless person in the world, and every day you treat me in a way that i truthfully didn’t even think it was possible to treat another person. i didn’t think it was possible for anyone to treat someone with so much care and in a way that made it constantly obvious of how much they love them, 24/7. i can’t imagine that there’s anyone in the world who could treat me even close to as well as you treat me, and i think thats probably why our life has been so easy and so happy for the past nine months. it’s because of you and how perfect you are to me. you’re the best lover, partner, and friend that anyone could ever have, and i’m so happy that my babies get to have you as a father. they’re so lucky. 

you’re my favorite person in the world and i constantly feel like i need to be thanking the universe or the stars or whatever the fuck it is that made you because it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. you’re my soulmate, my best friend, the love of my life, and i love you more than i really ever could explain, and somehow it just keeps getting bigger. happy 29th birthday, my beautiful man. i’m so lucky that you decided to spend all of your years with me and i can’t wait to keep celebrating you for the rest of my life. 🖤🎈

[horansqueen]

sugardaddy!niall: maybe u two have been together for awhile and he owns this company and you come to see him while he’s at work simply bc you missed him and he ends up fucking you on his desk

you request i shall write. lol seriously tho i got two asks about this so i had to write it haha! idk if its really “sugar daddy” like but its the request i got :) sooo here it is. i didnt proofread, im tired and shit. ill check that tomorrow. 2.8k SMUT.

It was the fourth evening in a row that Niall rain-checked on me.  I knew he was busy and I normally didn't insist to spend time with him, but I felt a bit neglected and I couldn't lie. I left the food I had ordered for us on the counter without even taking the time to put it in the fridge, knowing i'd probably end up eating it every evening by myself.

I grabbed a sweater quickly, hitting redial on my cellphone for the second time tonight as I walked quickly to my car. The night was warm enough for late spring but I liked keeping the windows of my car open when I drive. I groaned when it immediately reached voicemail and sat in my car, dialing an other number. It rang twice, three times, and I cursed as I started the car, putting my seat belt on. I recognized the voice immediately and licked my lips.

"Hey Cindy, it's Y/N, could you please put me in communication with my husband?"

There was a moment of hesitation on the line and she cleared her throat.

"It's good to hear from you Mrs Horan, unfortunately Mr Horan asked not to be disturbed."

I grimaced and shut my eyes tight before inhaling deeply.

"I tried reaching his cellphone but he turned it off and it's very, very important, Cindy."

It was not a complete lie but it wasn’t the truth either. I missed him, and that was important, right? I asked him a million times to tell his secretary that I was an exception to that rule but most of the time, he forgot. I couldn't blame him, he had tons of things to think about, I just wished I was in his top five.

We got married a long time ago, almost right after high school, and it's only a few years later that he decided to start his company. It was not easy at first, and there were weeks we barely survived but suddenly, things started to get better and now, we had more money we'd ever need for this lifetime, and even the next one. I would give all of it to spend every evening with him, though, but that I would never tell him.

"I'm very sorry Mrs Horan, I can't." she apologized, making me grimace again. "But as soon as I see him, I will tell him you called."

I knew it was not polite but I just sighed and hung up on her. I was getting mad that I was not getting a special treatment that wives should always get and I threw my phone on the passenger's seat in frustration.

The ride to Niall's work was short and the cool but pleasant breeze brought me back a part of my good mood. I had no idea how i'd convince Cindy to let me get to his office and I thought about it during the whole elevator ride. When the doors opened with a 'ding', I got out of my thoughts and looked up. I walked right in front of me without stopping at her desk and when she noticed me, she quickly jumped off her seat and ran after me.

"Mrs Horan, Mrs Horan I'm very sorry but like I said."

I reached Niall's door and swung it open, leaving the three of us completely motionless. Cindy's eyes got as round as two quarters and her face expressed fear but while she almost peed her pants, my lips curled when I saw my husband.

He was sitting on his desk, his phone in hands, but he had stopped mid-sentence when the door opened. After a few seconds, his face seemed to illuminate and he smiled back at me, bringing the bottom of the phone near his lips again.

"I'm gonna have to call you back." he stated, followed by a few seconds of silence. "Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow."

He hung up the phone, still staring at me, and it made me smile even more.

"I'm sorry Mister Horan, I tried to stop her but-"

"Thank you, Cindy." he cut her, his eyes never leaving me. "You can close the door behind you."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled, waiting for his secretary to do as she was told, and took a few steps closer, wrapping my arms quickly around his neck.

"I missed you too much."

"Did you?" he asked, sending me a smirk while his arms slithered around my waist, pulling me closer. "I sent you flowers though, and a note."

Once again, I chuckled.

"I got them. The house is filled with flowers. And empty of you." I argued. "When there's too many flowers, it means you haven't been home in a while."

I watched his nose raise in a grimace and slipped one of my hands in his hair. I knew he felt guilty, and that was not what I wanted. I just wanted him to spend  time with me.

"I'm sorry, petal."

I shivered at the nickname and tilted my head, my eyes roaming on his face.

"Next time you come home don't be surprised if I hit you with a pan." I joked, shrugging. "I haven't seen you there in so long I may not recognize you at all."

He laughed and pulled me closer, his lips pressing softly against mine. My eyes fluttered close and I sighed low, feeling happiness fill my whole body. The fact that I was still so in love after so long was not even surprising to me. He was perfect. Well, when he was there.

"I miss you too, petal." he whispered, deepening the kiss as he pushed my body more against him.

I brought my hands to his cheeks, cupping his face, kissing him harder and deeper, letting out a short whimper. He swallowed it and groaned, his lips reaching my jaw and brushing down to my neck.

"We could have done this at home." I pointed out in a murmur, making him move away slightly to look in my eyes.

"But would it be as exciting?"

I laughed, shaking my head as I stared at him.

"What are you saying? Do you plan on fucking me here?"

His smile turned into a smirk and it made my heart jump in my chest. I was waiting for him to laugh and admit he was kidding but he just grabbed the bottom of my sweater and pulled it off, letting it fall next to his desk. I felt like I should have dressed better but he still studied me attentively, his eyes moving down on my shirt and jeans.

"Oh I do."

I licked my lips and waited a few seconds before bringing my hands to his tie, loosening it a bit. I bit my bottom lip and tilted my head as I started working on the buttons of his shirt.

"Do you know how hot you look wearing that?" I asked, my eyes following my fingers as it reached the last button. "You're always hot but the suit is just on an other level."

"Is it?" he wondered, making me nod. "Do you know what's my favorite outfit on you?"

I shook my head, bringing my eyes back up into his as I ran my hands on his chest gently, my fingertips brushing against his skin. I was starting to be turned on and I had to admit that doing this in his office was exciting. It was not what I came here for, but I would definitely not decline the proposition.

"I love when you wear absolutely nothing."

I felt my lips curl into a large smile and licked them slowly.

"That can be arranged." I laughed, making him grin again.

I took my shirt off as he worked on my jeans and when I stepped out of them, I stood almost naked in front of him. His hands reached for my waist and slid up to my breasts. He let out a low groan as his thumbs rubbed against my nipples and I tried to forget about the throbbing between my legs.

"I love when you don't wear a bra, petal."

My lips parted and I unbuttoned his pants quickly, dropping to my knees. His fingers brushed on my cheeks and I brought his pants and boxers down before looking up. I smiled at his tie clearly pointing me to his half-erected cock and I wrapped both my hands around it. Bringing my face closer, I started sucking on his head, my hands working on him slowly.

"Fuck, pet, don't be a tease."

I smiled, one of my hands moving to his balls as I took him deeper. I felt his cock swell on my tongue and moaned low, making him groan. He looked down at me, grabbing his tie and throwing it over his shoulder to see me better. His fingers slipped in my hair and he gripped it hard, holding my head in place as he thrust slightly in my mouth. I felt the tip of his dick reach the back of my throat and gagged a bit, making him smile. He pulled on my hair, making his cock slip out and my head move back, bending down to me and crushing his lips against mine.

"Get up."

I obeyed immediately and he pushed me against his desk, bending closer to me. His lips once again ended on my neck and he nibbled gently on my skin as he pushed the stuff on his desk. His papers and documents fell on the floor with a surprising noise and I held my breath, turning around to see a cup of cold coffee and his computer were the only things left close to me. He grabbed my waist and helped me sit on the warm wood of his desk, pulling on my panties a bit roughly. I squirmed to help him and he threw them away, instantly moving down to press his lips between my legs. Once again, I inhaled deeply and held my breath as he avidly ran his tongue on my pussy. I held myself on my elbows to take a look at him, bringing my feet on the desk, opening my legs even more to give him a better access. I tried hoping for no one to walk in without knocking but all I could focus on was how his lips wrapped perfectly around my clit. He sucked on it hard and one of my legs started shaking as I did my best to keep my moans low. His tongue slipped inside me and he groaned against me, bringing me even closer to an orgasm.

I gripped his hair hard and pulled on it. His eyes met mine as he sucked on my pussy again and I bit my bottom lip so hard I almost hurt myself.

"Please, Niall, fuck me."

My voice was low but pleasing and when he got up, I lied down on his desk, my messy hair spread around my head and grabbed his shirt, pulling him on top of me. I whimpered against his mouth when I felt his hard cock press on my pussy. His tip slipped inside me easily as I kissed him harder and deeper. He held himself over me, his forearms on each side of my face, and pushed himself slowly inside me while I wrapped my legs around him.

"Oh my god, Niall, I can't believe you're fucking me here." I whispered, making him chuckle against my mouth.

"Do you know how many times I thought about this?"

His words made me shiver and i closed my eyes as he pulled his head away slightly, moving his hips to go in and out of me extremely slowly. I whimpered every single time he was completely inside me and he finally bent down again to grab my upper lip between his, sucking on it gently.

"You feel so fucking amazing, petal." he murmured. "I'm so in love with you."

It didn't matter how many times he said that, and it didn't matter how many times we had sex, it always felt as special as the first time.

"I'm in love with you too." I breathed, grinning back when he sends me a fond smile.

He moved back up to stand, his hands fondling my thighs before he started fucking me harder. I felt myself jerk with each thrust and my heart jumped in my chest when I noticed his eyes roaming on my body.

"Do you know how much I love watching your tits move while I fuck you?" he admitted in a low tone, putting his hands on my knees and holding them, spreading my legs to go deeper. "It makes me want to cum inside you."

I nibbled on my bottom lip and brought both my hands to my breasts, grabbing them harder and moaning low.

"Fuck, you're perfect."

He took a step back and let go of my knees. I grimaced slightly when I felt his cock slip out of me completely and he helped me up, kissing me some more. His dick spread my own wetness on my lower stomach as he pulled me closer, pushing his body against mine and after a few minutes, he gently turned me around and pushed on my back. I bent down, my chest pressing on the desk and held my breath when I felt his hand hit one of my ass cheeks gently the first time and then much harder. With his free hand, he hit my other cheek with his cock a few times, the sound bringing the perfect image of it in my head. I wiggled a bit and he chuckled, gripping my ass with both hands and spreading it a bit, positioning his dick before pushing himself inside me again.

"Oh god," I moaned, feeling myself throb around him.

A knock at the door was heard and we both held out breaths and stopped moving. He bent down, his chest against my back as his hand pressed firmly on my mouth.

"I'm busy, come back later." he almost yelled after clearing his throat.

"But Mister Wilson is on the phone, and he says it's urgent."

"Tell him I'll call him back." he argued again.

"But he-"

"Cindy." he expressed harshly. "I'm busy."

We waited until the sound of her high heels disappeared and he let go of my mouth, making me lick my lips.

"She said it was urgent." I pointed out, a bit mad that I was unable to see his face.

However, I could feel him breathe, his chest moving against my back, and I knew his heart was beating as hard and as fast as mine.

"The real emergency here is to make my beautiful wife cum."

I chuckled, feeling his lips on my shoulder, and ground my ass against him. I closed my eyes, feeling his cock go deeper inside me and he groaned against my skin, his arm wrapping around me to reach between my legs. He started fucking me again, slowly and then quicker, while rubbing my clit in motion with his thrusts.

"Oh fuck, Niall, I'm gonna cum."

I shut my eyes tighter and pushed myself against him more, fucking myself harder on his dick, his fingers following my rhythm.

"Do it, I want to feel you cum around my cock."

I held my breath as I started shaking against him, my fingers trying to grip something and my nails scraping on the wood of his desk.

"Fuck, I'm cumming!"

I tried not to be too loud and he kept rubbing me and fucking me through my orgasm.

"I fucking love watching you cum."

When I stopped quivering and got down from my high, he let go of me to grip my waist and fuck me harder, trying to reach his peak too. It only took a few seconds and he took a step back, slipping out of me. I felt the tip of his cock brush over and over on my ass as he jerked himself until he came, spurting on me.

"Jesus Christ, you're so hot."

Unexpectedly, he pushed his still hard cock inside me again, fucking me and cumming inside me. He pulled out, breathing through his teeth while his hands ran on my back. We were both a panting mess and he finally bent over against my back again.

"Mm, I just came here to beg you to come home." I admitted in a low tone. "But I got more than I thought I'd get."

Niall laughed, trailing kisses on my shoulders, making goosebumps appear on my back, his lips pressing on my salty skin.

"You should have called." he whispered, his mouth brushing against me.

"I tried but your cellphone is off and your secretary said you didn't want to be disturbed."

"She should know you never ever bother me." he let out, his hands caressing gently my waist and down my thighs.

"You should tell her that."

"Trust me, I will." he promised. "As long as you visit more often."

[twinkletoes-rp]

Wolf’s Rain: Bloodied Chances Ch. 4 - A Flash in the Pan

(Can also read on FFN / AO3 / Previous / Next)

They’re on their feet and inside faster than they can blink.

True to Hige’s word, Toboe doesn’t look good. He’s sweating and shivering at the same time, and his skin is flushed and much hotter to the touch than it was before. Kiba tries to touch him, brush his bangs from his forehead to make him more comfortable, but he yanks his hand back almost immediately. “H-he’s hot! Really hot! Like he’s burning from the inside out!” Watching and listening closely, on bated breath, Toboe’s heartbeat and breathing are quicker and shallower, too. Like he told them before, Kiba doesn’t know much at all about this stuff, always letting the moonlight take care of anything physical, but right now, he wishes he did. “W-what is this? Is it his wound? Hige, is it infected?”

Hige shakes his head vehemently. “It—it can’t be! We just checked and re-bandaged it two hours  ago, it all looked and smelled fine!” Just in case, though, he does check it, and he breathes a sigh of relief. “His wound’s fine. No gross yellow-white stuff like before either. Should be a good sign, right?”

The others can’t really say. Kiba purses his lips. “Well, if it’s not an infection, do either of you know what else this could be?”

“M-…-maybe…” Hige answers, though he doesn’t look sure as he watches their youngest worriedly, “…but I’m not a doctor or expert either. It’s—I haven’t really seen anything like this up close…”

Tsume’s been quiet the whole time, watching Toboe with a beyond-worried expression mixed with barely-controlled rage brewing beneath the surface. He wishes this was something he could fight—something he could bite and claw and kill with his own fangs. But as much as he hates it, the fact of the matter is, he can’t, and Toboe needs him, so for now, he takes a deep breath and does his best to push that aside. He closes his eyes and thinks back. Something about this feels familiar…

Then, it hits him, and he lifts his head. “A fever,” he murmurs.

Kiba and Hige snap toward him, the younger’s eyes narrowed and head titled. “A wha—?”

“A fever,” Tsume repeats, louder this time in turning to them. “That’s what the humans called it in the old world, at least. One of my—the younger humans working for me got sick once after a fight gone wrong, and it was just like this.” He thinks for a moment, his eyes going far away. “If I remember right, they kept him warm with a lot of blankets and put cloths soaked in water on his forehead. They made sure he drank a lot of water and ate a little—soup, I think, some bread dipped in it when he was a little better.” At the incredulous looks he’s receiving, he stiffens, then glares a bit, hoping the dark hides his light blush. “What?” he growls.

Kiba keeps his gaze steady, but Hige looks away and holds up his hands innocently. “Nothing! You just seem to remember a lot for someone who ‘never paid attention!’”

There’s the smallest edge of teasing to his voice, and if he’s honest with himself, Tsume can’t say their confused curiosity is undeserved. It’s just… Looking away, his voice lowers. “It was a boy, not much older than Toboe was back in the old world.” Gehl. “He’s the one who…fell from the roof that night…the night I met you three… I tried to catch him, but…I bit him instead, and he…” He doesn’t need to explain any more. Things are making more sense now, a whole lot more. Why he was so quick to drop everything to save Toboe the night they escaped, why Toboe didn’t flinch from his saving bite-hold, why Tsume came with them in the end…

It really was all because of Toboe.

Kiba breaks the thoughtful silence that’s settled. “We understand. You don’t have to say any more.” He smiles gently, proudly. “Thanks, Tsume. You’re a lifesaver.” Looking toward Toboe, he asks, “You said soaked towels and blankets, right?”

“Yeah. That’s what I remember, anyway. It seemed to work for Gehl, but…he was human. I don’t…”

“It can’t hurt to try,” Kiba presses. “For now, Toboe looks human, and instinct be damned, he’d probably have a worse shot in our true forms, so I say we do it.”

Immediately shucking off his jacket, he drapes it over Toboe. Following his lead, Hige does the same, then grabs a spare clean cloth. They only have a little bit of water left, but not a single one of them minds sacrificing their shares for this. Placing it gently on his forehead after carefully moving his bangs out of the way, they’re all relieved to see that Toboe looks a little more comfortable. Thank Paradise.

Hige looks over. “We don’t have any blankets, and that was the last of our water. We’re gonna need something a little easier on his stomach than what we had for dinner, I’d guess. Maybe that, uh…‘soup’ and some bread like Tsume talked about?”

Tsume himself looks conflicted about leaving Toboe again, especially now that he’s like this. Kiba doesn’t think they’re going to be able to convince him this time. “I’ll go find what we need. You two stay with him.”

“Whoa, what? Kiba, come on! Even you can’t carry all that by yourself!” Hige tries to reason, Tsume staring hard at him, too. But they know that look on his face…

“Then I’ll make a few trips. Toboe needs you right now to make him feel safe, Tsume, and Hige, you’re our backup healer.” He flashes them a small smile, already backing up toward the opening to eliminate room for argument. “I’ll be back soon. Howl if you need me.”

In a turn of heel and flash of white, he’s gone. It’s getting a little late, when most people would be home by now, but the shops here stay open later than most other towns they’ve come across, so he shouldn’t have much to any trouble finding what they need. Before, Toboe told them the birds in this town said it’s because of some kind of old-days crop cycle the townspeople haven’t dropped yet. The wolves thought it was strange at the time, but they’re grateful as hell for it now. They don’t want to think about what they would’ve done otherwise.

Hige sighs, but there’s a good-natured grin on his face. “Well, there goes our stubborn leader. Again.” His gaze flicks to Tsume. “Don’t tell ‘im I said that, okay? Any time anyone calls him the leader, he looks like he’s constipated or plotting our deaths or something.” Attention drifting to Toboe again, his smile falls. Hating how he’s shivering and his clothes are damp with sweat, he moves to push aside their jackets and unbutton the boy’s shirt before hesitating. “You said he’s overheating and freezing at the same time, right? Should we…keep him covered or air him out?” he asks, turning to Tsume. He doesn’t want to do the wrong thing and accidentally make the kid worse.

Tsume, having settled on Toboe’s other side and taken his hand like it’s second nature, ignoring its clamminess, hates what he has to say next. He’s sure it shows on his face, too. “Keeping him warm is crucial. Something about…letting the fever burn itself or whatever it’s fighting out of his system, I think.”

Hige wrinkles his nose. “That sounds awful…” He wants to ask if there’s a better way, but he knows Tsume would have led with that if there were.

“It was,” the older wolf replies quietly. Hige glances at him, surprised by the guilt and grief in his voice, and Tsume looks far away again, eyes fixed on Toboe. He must be remembering that kid from the old world again. “He was just a kid. Part of me wanted to help, but…around him, there was something… I couldn’t control myself. I’d lose focus and show my true form if either of us touched each other.” He huffs a laugh, smirking a bit. “It pisses me off a little, but you know, the only time I actually held it together was when I punched him to save him from Kiba when we first met and the half-dead idiot was killing every human who came near him.” Taking the cloth from Toboe’s forehead for a moment to wipe the sweat from the kid’s face and neck before putting it back, Tsume sobers. “Maybe it’s because he was the youngest of us. Maybe it’s because he trusted me—” for the most part, anyway, until that last moment; Tsume tries not to think about that, “—reminds me a lot of the runt. But something...hurt in me, watching Gehl suffer like that. I guess, that one time, even if I didn’t realize it until now, I made an exception to my distance rules.”

A moment’s silence. Then, “Good.”

Tsume snaps up to look at Hige, eyes wide. He blinks. “Hmm?”

Hige just grins toothily and snickers. “What are ya, deaf? I said that’s good! That you broke your rules and paid attention, I mean. Otherwise, we might be in a lotta trouble right now with our runt.” He softens, just a bit, reaching out to sift comforting fingers through Toboe’s hair. “Seriously, you really helped us out. When I ran to get you guys, I was panicking, thinking maybe I totally screwed up and hurt the kid even worse...” He sighs heavily, and Tsume can see how much those thoughts really were weighing on him. It’s in his slumped shoulders, tired expression, haunted eyes. “But then you came up with the answer like a Lunar Flower from Paradise.” He smiles widely. “Thanks a lot, Tsume.”

Thank goodness it’s night or Tsume almost definitely wouldn’t be able to hide the rather bright blush he’s sporting. Huffing a laugh, he reaches over to ruffle Hige’s hair roughly (but not as roughly as he normally would have). “You’re just lucky my brain’s the size of your stomach, Porky.”

“Yeah, se—hey, wait a minute!”

Laughter.

Half an hour later, Kiba’s back with everything in one haul. Apparently, a nice older lady near the store saw him struggling a bit and offered a large knapsack she didn’t need anymore. He’d accepted it gratefully and even her help folding most of the blankets into compact sizes so he could fit as much in the bag as possible. He’d brought back enough water, soup, and bread to last at least a few days and enough blankets (with some spare cloths thrown in) to cover each of them a few times over.

Helping him unpack everything they’ll need right now, Tsume throws the two back their jackets and covers Toboe with three of the blankets up to his neck. The boy whimpers and tosses his head, trying to throw off the blankets, but Tsume carefully pins his arms to his chest. “I know, kid. I’m sorry,” he sympathizes softly. “But these blankets should help you feel better, so I need you to leave them, okay?” There’s still a little fight left in the boy’s struggling limbs, and Tsume fractionally tightens his grip, lowers his voice that much more. “Do it for me?”

Toboe pauses, seems to hesitate, and then it shifts into an obedient pout as the fight leaves him entirely. Tsume sighs in relief and releases him, covering him back up and rubbing his arms gently where he held them. A small, proud, ridiculously-fond smile, almost a fiendish smirk, comes to his face. “That’s my runt.”

He turns to the others once Toboe starts falling back to sleep a few moments later, but he stops short when he notices Hige trying not to grin behind his hand (so cute!) and the startlingly soft smile on Kiba’s face. Again, thank Paradise it’s night so they can’t see his bright blush. He merely glares (he definitely does not pout!), mostly at Hige, and then goes on. “You think that’s enough for now or should we add more?” While he was covering Toboe, he noticed the blankets were maybe a quarter-inch thick. “They’re not the thickest, after all.”

Kiba hums, looks over everything. He wishes he could have found something better, but…well, the world is ending (again)… “Maybe two more? If we need more, we can always add them, right? But if we start out short, we might as well not have put on any at all.”

Hige frowns a bit, shrugging. “I don’t know. You’re the ‘fever’ authority here, Tsume.” Moving around them, he sticks his hand under the blankets to feel how hot Toboe is now. He winces and takes it out, blowing on and shaking it out. “Sheesh! He’s hot, all right, but not much more than before. I vote we put on at least two more. Better safe than sorry.” Switching out Toboe’s now warm and almost dry towel on his forehead for a cold, almost-dripping one, he wipes down his neck and face first. Some of the discomfort lines on Toboe’s face smooth out, and Hige yawns. “That should hold him for a little bit.” Rubbing his eyes, he says, “If I fall asleep, wake me up to check his wound and redress it in a few hours. Don’t wanna take any chances.”

Tsume looks between his two friends silently. They’re tired from the stress and worry of the day. He doesn’t blame them. He feels it, too. Of course he does. But he wants to stay with Toboe more than he wants sleep, so he doesn’t mind staying up with him. “I’ll wake you up, Hige. I’ll stay with him. You two should get some sleep.”

Hige raises an eyebrow, frowning deeply. “All night? Tsume, even you can’t do that.”

Kiba sets a hand on his shoulder, a small smile playing while his steady gaze never leaves Tsume’s. “It’s Tsume’s decision, Hige. If he says he wants to keep watch, we’ll let him. He’ll be the best at watching over Toboe anyway.”

Hige gives him an uneasy look. “Well, yeah, that’s a given, but still…”

“I appreciate the concern, but I can handle it, Porky,” Tsume breaks in, arms crossed lazily over his jacket-less chest. Taking a breath when Hige still looks unsure, he exhales helplessly. “Look, I’ll stay awake long enough for you to check him, and then I’ll sleep, but I’m not leaving him. Happy?”

The second-youngest is unimpressed. “It’s a start.”

Tsume snorts, then Hige, and then Kiba, and soon, they’re all laughing. It’s almost perfect.

When they get Toboe back, it will be.

[fuckyeaharadulov]

I Remember You - Dylan Strome (Part 3)

Okaaaaayyyy. So. A whole lot of life happened. But Im finally proud to present to you part 3. Please Enjoy.

Part 1   Part 2  

  As the month passed, the time for the Roadrunners to come back to Texas grew near. I’d finally get to see Dylan again. We talked pretty much everyday slowly getting to know each other. A few days before the game I got a call from Dylan asking if I had made a decision on which game I wanted to attend.

“We play on Friday and Saturday evening both at 7pm. If you want I can get tickets for both games. You won’t come alone will you?”

“As much as I’d love to come see you on both days I work on Friday and won’t be able to get to San Antonio in time for the game to start. It’s about an hour drive plus evening traffic, I can’t do it so just the Saturday game, and no I won’t be coming alone. Jacey would kill me if I went to a hockey game without her. Besides, she was really pissed off that she didn’t get to meet you in the first place.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry about that, but I had to go. I’m excited to meet her since you said she was the one who introduced you to me in the first place. I really have to thank her.” I could tell he was nervous about something because towards the end he started to ramble. “I’ll tell Wally I want to have 2 tickets for you guys waiting at will call. All you have to do is tell them your name and I think show an ID and they’re all yours.”

“You really don’t have to do that Dylan. I can buy the tickets.”

“But this way I know you’ll show up. You’ll feel bad if you have tickets there waiting for you and you don’t even use them.”

“You know I hate it when you’re right, but I’ll be there any way. Don’t you know my favorite hockey player will be there? Why wouldn’t I go?”

“Oh well I didn’t know you liked Lawson that much, I’ll have to let him know.” I laughed at his comment, but before I could come up with a witty remark my thought process was interrupted. Dylan told me he was about to go into the rink for practice and he would text me when he was done.

The week flew by quickly and at lunch with Jacey I received a text from Dylan telling me that the tickets for the game were secured. He told me how excited he was to see me that he really hoped I liked the seats he picked for us.

“I can’t believe you told him we wouldn’t go tonight. I wanted to so bad.” Jacey said while picking at her food.

“I know, but with work I just don’t think I could do it. It’s going to be a nightmare with all the traffic and we wouldn’t make it to the game in time. At least not in time for warm ups.”

“So? We don't have to be there for warm ups.” She didn’t make eye contact, but rather messing with her phone the whole time, still eating because she had to be back at her office in 20 minutes. “Are you happy with how your makeup and hair look today?”

“Actually yeah, I decided not to wear foundation cause of this new moisturizer I tried. I thought I was having a good skin day.” I continued to ramble on about my skin and new moisturizer glancing up to see Jacey’s evil grin.

“That's great. I'll be at your house at 6. I just bought us 2 tickets for tonight's game. We’re sitting behind Tucson’s bench. You buy gas and we’ll call it even.” I didn't even have time to think and get words out of my mouth. She hit the order button on her phone and we were set for the game tonight. “I don't think you should tell Dylan. Surprise him. He’ll love it.”

“He’s gonna be upset. I told him we wouldn't be there and I’d see him tomorrow.”

“He’ll forgive you. I have to go back to work now, but I’ll be at your house later. Is your Roadrunners shirt clean?”

“Yeah, but it won’t be for tomorrow when I really need it.” We left the restaurant and went our separate ways back to work. I seriously contemplated telling him we’d be there for the game tonight. It was incredibly difficult, but I contained myself when he started texting me asking how my day was going and if I had any plans for tonight. I didn’t exactly lie by telling him Jacey and I were going out after work.

Jacey got to my house very shortly after I did already wearing her shirt and a pair of black leggings. I didn’t want to match her intentionally, but I decided to wear leggings as well choosing comfort over style after being in work clothes all day long. Knowing Dylan was already at the rink getting ready to go out for warm ups, I sent him a quick text wishing him luck and telling him I’d watch the game after dinner.

Once we got to the AT&T Center we parked the car and got through security. We did the usual pregame routine, slightly less rushed, and made our way to our seats right behind Tucson’s bench. Warm ups were already completed, both teams were back in their locker rooms and time was ticking down towards the puck drop.

With 5 minutes to go, the announcer came over the speakers and the team started skating onto the ice. Shortly after all the players were out of the tunnel, I could see all the Roadrunners ready to make their way onto the ice. I couldn’t see Dylan yet because I knew he always had to be the last one out. I also knew he had no idea I was there, and I couldn’t wait to see his reaction. He skated around for a minute and made his way over to the bench since he wasn’t in the starting shift for the game. Our eyes met instantly because we were right there in the first row behind their bench. A huge smile spread on his face practically going from ear to ear. He took his time turning around and sitting down starting to focus for the game.

The whole game flew by so fast. Being a Rampage fan (when Tucson isn’t playing them), it was hard not to cheer for them at some points in the game. That all changed when I saw Mason Geertsen skate by Dylan. He immediately turned around and started skating after Mason. From there it escalated to a shoving match, but AJ Greer and Lawson Crouse came in with the refs to break it up quickly before it could get any worse. Both Dyan and Mason got minor roughing penalties and went to the sin bin still yelling at each other through the glass.

By the end of the game the score was tied 2-2. Jacey and I were sitting on the edge of our seats. The game went immediately into overtime. At the beginning of the five minute overtime period I got a tap on my shoulder that made me jump nearly 5 feet in the air. A trainer with a Tucson polo was standing behind me.

“Hi, are you Ashlyn?” He said after giving me enough time to calm down.

“Um, yes?” I replied very confused as to how he knew my name.

“Okay, well, um, Mr. Strome has asked that I escort you back to the locker rooms when the game is over. I’ll be standing by the entrance for section 8, so meet me at the stairs and I’ll take you the rest of the way.”

“Oh wow, okay, is it okay if my sister comes?”  He said assured me that it was fine and then quickly left to wait for the end of the period.

Only 3 minutes into the period Klim Kostin from San Antonio scored and ended the game with a 3-2 Tucson loss. Jacey and I made our way up the stairs to the exit and met the trainer exactly where he said he’d be. He asked if we were ready to go and with a nod we started making our way to the locker rooms. After a few minutes of walking we were led to a door with several other girls waiting outside as well. He turned to us and said to just wait there and Dylan would be out shortly.

We stood awkwardly for a few minutes getting looks from some of the other girls waiting. What felt like an eternity was worth it when I saw the door swing open and Dylan walk out with a huge smile on his face.

“Aren’t you supposed to be upset? You guys lost.” I said even though I knew he wasn’t bothered by the loss because he knew I was there.

“We lost because you lied to me and said you weren’t coming, but I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that you’re here. I’m going to hug you, okay?” I turned around and glanced at Jacey giving me a strange look. I turned back around and said okay. He wrapped his arms fully around me and I was consumed by his entire stature. He didn’t squeeze me too tight, but just enough that I knew he had been longing to do that since we met.

We broke from the hug and I looked up at him. I flashed a quick smile and turned toward Jacey again.

“Dylan, this is my sister and best friend in the entire world, Jacey.”

“Hi Jacey, it’s really nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you already.” He stepped up to her and I’m assuming asked if he could give her a hug because she nodded very small with a smile and he leaned over and gave her a little side hug.

“I’m really happy you guys came today, but why did you decide to come after all?”

“It was my idea, it was a last minute decision at lunch today.” Jacey piped in before I could even put the blame on her.

“Well I’m glad you did. It was a nice surprise. Thanks Jacey cause even I couldn’t convince her. Are you staying the night here in San Antonio or are you going home?”

“We are going back to my house. Jacey is spending the night with me and we’re gonna hang out tomorrow in San Antonio before the game.” Jacey looked at me kinda relieved because I was sure she didn’t want to do all the back and forth from her house to mine again tomorrow.

“Okay that’s good, I’ll let you ladies go home before it gets too late, but call me when you get there so I know you are safe.” Dylan leaned in again for another hug and placed a quick peck on my temple so that nobody else could really see.

“Thank you so much for letting us come back here. It was nice meeting you.” Jacey said starting to walk away.

“Bye Dylan. We’ll see you tomorrow.” I smiled, not wanting to turn around and leave. I wanted to stay with him forever.

“Bye. Please stay safe.” We walked back the way we came and out to the foyer with the crowd still slowly exiting the arena. We got to the car and began the regular routine of leaving the game once again.

On the way back to my house, we stopped and got food and ate in the car. While eating Jacey brought up that she thought it was weird that he told me he was going to hug me and that he asked her before he did as well.

“Yeah, I told him about how I don’t like being hugged, or touched for that matter. I also told him you were kind of the same way. He wanted to make a good impression and asked first.”

“Ha! Dylan Strome wanted to make a good impression on me? Really?” The thought was a little interesting since he’s kinda famous in the hockey community.

Half an hour after getting food we arrived back at my house. Once we got settled in I gave Dylan a call. I told him he was on speaker so he could hear Jacey as well. We let him know how much fun we had at the game and thanked him once again for bringing us back to meet him at the locker rooms. After we were done with all the thank yous Jacey went to take her make up off and get ready to go to bed. I took Dylan off speaker and laid down on my bed.

“It was so nice to finally get to hug you. I’ve been waiting since we met to do that.”

“I know. Me too. You give the best hugs. I didn’t want to leave and I most definitely can’t wait until tomorrow. I miss you already.” Not even realizing the last bit came out of my mouth, I waited for his response. There was a slight sigh of what sounded like relief.

“I miss you too. I sat in my hotel room waiting for your call, but I kind of stink and I need to shower. I’ll text you when I get out okay?”

“Okay. Talk to you later. Bye.” We hung up and I just laid there thinking about the plans for tomorrow. Jacey walked back into my bedroom and sat on the bed next to me. She let me know that the bathroom was all mine when I was ready. I got up and went to my dresser, got some pj’s and headed to the bathroom to shower.

When I came back I had a text waiting for me from Dylan. We exchanged a few messages until he had fallen asleep. While Jacey had already been dead to the world asleep, I was having trouble getting comfortable on account that there was another human in my bed. I was used to having my dog come visit from my parents house every once in a while but not another person. I had the TV on playing The Office because I can’t go to sleep without it on. I clicked ‘Continue Watching’, blaming Netflix for judging me. Before I knew it, I looked at my phone and saw that it was 3:37 am. I put it screen down on my mattress and slipped it under my pillow. I groaned quietly and tried to shut my eyes, but right as I did my phone started ringing as loud as it possibly could. Wondering who the hell was calling me at this time I scrambled around trying to get it out from under my pillow and tried to turn it down before it woke Jacey up.

I looked at the screen and saw Dylan’s name. I answered, very confused, with a very hushed hello.

“Hello?” He was whispering as well probably trying not to wake up whoever he was bunking too.

“Dylan? Is everything okay? Do you even know what time it is?” I said, still confused.

“Yeah. Everything is okay. I woke up a little bit ago and had some questions for you. Did I wake you up?”

“They couldn’t wait until in the morning? No you didn’t wake me up, but you should be asleep right now.”

“ You should too. What is your excuse?” he said. He was right, I explained that Jacey wanted to sleep in my bed too, so I just didn’t have enough room for the usual position I slept in. He responded with a ‘yeah uh huh sure’ and was absolutely positive that it was because I was actually lying awake thinking about him. He wasn’t entirely wrong. My mind did drift to him, but mostly about what I was going to wear tomorrow.

“Yeah of course I was thinking about you. I was actually thinking about what I was going to wear tomorrow. You see, I was forced against my will to go see my favorite hockey player and now I don’t have a Roadrunners shirt to wear when I see them play tomorrow.”

“ Well I’ll see what I can do about that. What do you have planned for tomorrow?”

“ Jacey and I are going to a few malls in the area, grab some lunch, and then go to the game. What are you doing tomorrow?”

“I have morning skate and practice but I’ll be done at 11, want to meet for lunch? I have to go back to the hotel around 4 though.” I was a bit surprised he wanted to have lunch with us but really excited because I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could before he went back to Arizona.

“Absolutely, I’ll figure out where we’re going to lunch and I’ll text you the information. How are you gonna get there? Do we need to pick you up?” I felt bad for the all the questions.

“No. I’ll just get an Uber. It’ll be fine. Don’t you worry about me. You need to get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Sweet dreams.”  He pressed the end button before I could protest, my phone screen went black and the sound in the room returned to just the quiet audio on the tv. I turned over and immediately fell asleep.

[fortunately-bi]

The Folly of Alchemists part 1

A/N:The Folly of Alchemists is an idea I’ve been sitting on for a while now, the setting is a steampunk victorian era, machines and science are just started to become a normal part of every day life, but theres still some traditional victorian factors. think if bioshock and bloodborne had a baby. the story jumps from character to character, the main three being Moira, Angela and Gabriel. more will be explained in part 2, i just wanted to throw an intro out there.

Moira O’Deorain

I’ve always been a woman of the sciences. I’ve prided myself in my accomplishments, particularly in the medical field, but I could hardly wrap my head around the machines that have so quickly become a part of day to day life. But Angela, sweet Angela, with her honey blonde hair, she knew such things better than I. She's created magnificent tools to heal people, written medical texts used by almost every scientist in modern day. She was going to save the world, I just knew it. And I’ve vowed to myself that I will help her. Though my sciences mostly involved poking around corpses, researching disease, and studying the way the human body functions and evolves, I would give all I could to help Angela.

“Moira!” The sweetness of her voice caught me completely off guard, especially while she was so high in my thoughts. I tried to hold back the rising blush in my ears, I felt embarrassed, like she could read my mind. Like she could tell how I was thinking of her.

“Ah, Angela! What brings you here? My office isn't exactly the coziest of places for conversation.” I say, gesturing to the body on the table. A murder victim, he was thirty five years of age. Something had drove his wife mad and she turned a knife on him. I was struggling to figure out just how many times she had stabbed him, his stomach was nothing more than mangled gore. The woman was now under Angelas care, the woman was showing symptoms unlike anything we've ever seen, she had also said something about wanting to try to fix her mental state. Yet another field she was good at, getting into the heads of others.

My thoughts had wondered again until Angela snapped me back to focus with a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Are you alright, dear?” she asked pressing the back of her hand to my head. She had to stand on her toes to get a better look at my face. How cute. “I’m fine,” I hushed her, taking her hand in mine “My head is just in the clouds today.” I smile. I felt her hands on my chest and she leaned up closer to my face, pinning me between her and the table. “And where in those clouds might that brilliant mind be drifting to?” the softness of her voice matched her perfume, and I felt the tips of my ears begin to heat. “Darling, we are being watched.” I broke the mood, again gesturing to the body on the table that I hadn't had the second to cover since Angela stepped in. She was one for teasing me, but she was never so bold. She stared at the corpse for what felt like moments too long, before stepping away from me with a shaky laugh. Her face twisted in discomfort as I pulled the sheet over the body. I knew she was thinking of the man's wife. I knew she wasn't getting any better. And I knew how much that ate her up.

“How is-?” I began before she shook her head. “She’s dead.” she said with a heavy breath. I could feel my anxieties stir, this was going to eat at her for a long time. I put my arms on her shoulders and she leaned into my chest, I could feel her fighting back a sob. This also explained the rather bold move of pinning me between her and the table. She wanted to take her mind off of it. “Can we go home now? It's nearly midnight.” she choked, voice muffled against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug. “Goodness, so late? You must be spent.” She gripped onto my shirt till I pulled away to fetch my coat.

“No cane today?” She asked, softly taking my hand after sliding my gloves on. “Not today, I feel well enough to walk on my own.” I said.

While locking up my office, Angela walked over to my horse Shadow, speaking softly to him, scratching his nose. She was always so gentle with living things, animals seemed to flock to her.

I knew she wasn't particularly fond of my form of transportation, minus Shadow. Having a carriage used to carry the dead to and from my office made for an uncomfortable, grim ride, but the fatigue weighed heavy enough in her eyes that she seemed unbothered.

The ride was very quiet, and I knew better then to push her to speak about whatever events were eating at her. At her own pace she would eventually talk about it, and that was fine with me. As we came to the turn towards her home, she clung to me. “Can I stay with you tonight?” she mumbled. I sighed, brushing her hair out of her face. “You’ve no clothes with you for tomorrow, and you’re helpers will surely worry for you.” I wanted to give her more reasons but I could think of none, and her grumbling against my arm made it clear she was glued to the seat if it meant going anywhere without me. Not that I minded her staying with me, not that she hasn't before, but it always manages to catch me off guard when she does thing like this. Shadow grew restless, and so I jerked the reigns towards my home. I could feel her jerk awake every now and then for the rest of the ride.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Gabriel when I walked in carrying Angela. From the open cabinet and redness in his cheeks, I could tell he had been drinking. It didn't surprise me any, but I had not seen him in months after he vanished without a word. As soon as he noticed Angela, half asleep in my arms he took a step back and gave me space while I brought her to the guest room. Or so I thought till I felt the tug on my sleeve and a heard a muffled grumble. “Do you want to join us for a drink first?” I asked as she peeked one eye open at me. She shook her head and pointed at my room. “Your bed is more comfortable.” she mumbled. I don't know what I expected,  trying to bring her to the guest room. “... And I don't want to sleep alone tonight.” that caught me off guard. Something worse than she was letting on has happened. I won't push her, I shouldn't. It would only make her upset.

I helped her get comfortable on my bed and tucked her in with that fur blanket she loved. My little black cat, Brimm, wedged himself under her arms purring. Before I left the room the broach on her shirt caught my eye, the silver trim and mysterious blue stone reflecting the candle light. I thought of the day her mother died. Angela was so young, so undeserving of death. I will make sure that day never happens again.

I managed to pull away from Angela to join Gabe for a quick drink. Or what is to hopefully be only one drink. It's been almost a month since I have seen my best friend, especially in such high spirits. The stress had carved permanent wrinkles on his face last I saw him. I know Morrison was hard on him about their military ways, ways I wanted no part of and had no interest in. I knew Gabe was looking to get away from it all, find a girl or guy and travel. We were close like that at one point, but there were things we never quite saw eye to eye on, things too big to ignore. He seems happier being a free spirit, traveling as much as he can, seeing the world from a view other then down the barrel of a gun or dripping with blood. Im perfectly fine being stationary, focused on my work.

His pat on my back just about knocked the wind out of me. He smiled ear to ear, his scars and wrinkles cracking his handsome face. “So, should I assume any creaking I hear tonight is a ghost causing a ruckus in your room?” he slurred. I choked on my wine and he laughed continuing to poke at me for the way I fancied Angela. I tried to convince myself the heat in my cheeks was just the wine, but after I finished the glass I could kid myself no longer. “Enough Reyes! Now tell me, where have you been off to? What happened to that bright eyed lass who was always at your hip?” I took my turn to tease him, and at least try to find out where he's been. He left without any warning, if it weren't that it was normal for him to do so I’d be much more relieved to see him. He grunted and slurred something to himself, for a second I thought I heard him mention Morrison. “The draft caught her. She was an excellent navigator and sailor, so they asked her to join one of the navy ships.” he grunted bringing his glass to his lips. His face held something like regret across it. “If it weren't that she needed some kind of money…” I shifted. This was a very sensitive topic, Gabriel was not a rich man, he came here with nothing. He tried to flee from the war only to get pulled back into it, just on a different side. A side he very much did not have positive feelings towards. I was the one who kept them from throwing him in a cell after they found him a stowaway on a supply ship. I let him stay at my small place, only asking that he kept it clean and watched my cat while I was gone. As we became closer friends I cared less and less about how he spent his own time.

But I know he still had little money. The military pays like shit, but you can only do odd jobs here and there with the time you get away. Part of why he's stuck here is because Morrison is intent on that. My mind drifted once again, darker thoughts then the ones Angela brings. I want the war to end as badly as I want to help Angela, because ending the war means I can help Gabe. What if both sides never stop fighting? Whose blood will it take for the fighting to stop?

Gabe whistled, catching on to my head being elsewhere. He looked concerned before smiling. “It's late and you look exhausted. Your soul practically leaves your body at times when you're this tired. Go sleep, keep Angela warm.” he said with a wink as he got up and walked towards his own room. I stretched out, took one last big sip of wine before putting out the candles and the fireplace, then trudged off to my room.

I was taken aback walking into my room to see Angela standing there, seemingly wide awake. She stroked the strange blue gem on her broach, before her attention shifted to me. She looked startled to see me and I rubbed my eyes. “Oh, Angela, I thought you would still be-” she collapsed without a word, fast asleep again. Now I’m the one standing here, trying to figure out what just happened. Angela has stayed with me before, and she was no sleep walker.

I was much too intoxicated to try to figure this out right now. I lifted her back into bed, after cursing myself for being a lightweight, and struggling to get ready for bed I crawled in with her. A few minutes later I felt her wrap her arms around me, scooting closer to me. Her skin felt awfully warm, maybe she had a fever? I was too tired to check, and despite my efforts, exhaustion over took me and I fell asleep.

Angela Ziegler

She thinks I can't read her mind. And she's partially right. I can't read her mind, but i can tell when she's thinking of me. It’s like a strange pull in her direction, followed by a sudden emotion. Anywhere from a flutter in my chest, to something that, admittedly, leaves me squeezing my legs together. I’m doing my best to ignore it, such a thing reeks too much of witchcraft and brings back bad memories. Frankly I’ve had enough of both for a while.

But as I stirred awake before Moira, I couldn't escape the feeling that she was dreaming of me. I didnt know about what specifically, I could just tell she was. I crawled out of bed, grumbling at the bruises on my legs. I was getting them even here. Every morning I wake up I have more purple spots along my legs. And although I got better sleep here then I have anywhere else in a long while, I still feel as though I’ve been up all night. My legs ached.

I trudged into the kitchen and found Gabriel slumped against the counter preparing coffee, grumbling about having a headache. “Would you like me to help you with that, Gabe?” I nudged him. His face lit up and his warm laugh was comforting to hear after so many weeks. “No thank you Angela, just had too many glasses of wine with Moira last night. But it's good to know I have my own little doctor looking out for me.” he said. We talked over tea before I heard a knock at the door. Gabe motioned for me to go answer it, gripping his head and groaning at the fast paced knocks ringing through the house. When I opened the door a familiar fast paced scout was smiling brightly before me.

“Oh, Lena, what brings you here today?” I asked her before hearing a window slide open. “Hey you little prick, what did I tell you about you bringing your dashy arse up to my doorstep!” Moira shouted from a window, her accent suddenly thick. I groaned, the two were about to go at each other again.

“Oh, come now Moira, why do you always have to be like this?” Lena beamed, her smile stretching ear to ear. “Is there any reason in particular you even dislike me?” she rocked on her heels. A groan for Moira.

“Oh you fucking Brits thinking you can just go wherever you please without asking-” Moira started before Lena cut her off. “Morrison sent me.” Moira grew quiet, and even Lenas smile faded a little. “He wants to speak with you all,” she stuck her head in the doorway past me and I heard Moira run down the hall ready to chop her head off for daring. “That means you too, Reyes!” Lena shouted in the kitchen. Gabe leaned around the corner giving Lena a playful, grumpy look. “How did he even know I was here?” he groaned. Lena stuck her tongue out at him. “The Amari’s are in town, Ana saw you skulking around the shadows.” she said, pulling her head back just in time to miss a cane swinging at her head. “Moira, please, I am not at work if you crack open her skull I cannot do anything.” I said trying to keep her from escalating things, while also trying to keep my own head on my shoulders. I barely had three sips of my coffee before this all started, it was much too early for me to deal with a cracked skull. I looked at Lena who was making faces at Moira. After a disapproving grumble she stopped. “I'm assuming Morrison is wanting us to see him as soon as possible?” I asked, pushing Moira away from the door. Lena nodded, giving us a few brief details before taking off.

I watched Moira walk back to her room grunting, a limp in her step more visible today. “Moira, I know you don’t like Morrison to see it, but please use your cane today.” after a loud groan and some poking from Gabe, she agreed. I grabbed my coffee from the kitchen and joined Moira in her room. I think I’ve calmed down enough to share with her what happened yesterday. I was so tired from it all I wasn’t able to stay awake long enough to talk to her about it.

I probably should have knocked. No, I definitely should have knocked. Moira wasn’t terribly muscular, but she was lean enough from moving bodies around all day the her abs showed when she flexed. I could hardly move from the doorway at the sight of her top half bare and out while she had her boot up on the bed attempting to tie it. “Uh- I’m sorry!” I backed up only to bump into Gabe. “Am I interrupting something?” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows. “If I recall, Morrison wants to see us immediately.” Despite the pain in her legs, Moira had her finger in his face in a near instant. “Gabe, you better watch yourself or you’ll be the next person I’m carving up in my office.” she said, before she wrapped her arm around my waist and pulled me into the room. Gabe gave her a shrug before she slammed the door.

“Busy morning, is it not?” I stuttered out, trying to keep my eyes from drifting in her direction. She grumbled, still trying to tie her boots. Her head was in the clouds again, she seemed distant and focused on something other then her surroundings. I could see the pain it was causing her trying to bend down to tie her laces. “Here, let me help you.” I bent down and tied her laces but when I looked up, her face looked like it was about to crack from worry. She and I are scientists, we’ve both contributed a lot to the world in our own ways. For Morrison, a man of war, to ask to speak to us directly? The intentions can’t possibly be the best. There's also Gabe and what they might do with him now that he’s back. Her pains in her legs can’t be helping her deal with this either.

I could tell I was in her thoughts again, too. I looked up, her mismatched eyes meeting my own. I felt an incredible flutter in my chest, one that made me gasp lightly. “Are you ok?” Moira asked holding my chin up. She looked like she was about to cry, maybe this wasn’t the best time to talk about what happened yesterday. I’ll tell her later. The events of the past few hours have clearly pushed her past her limits, she had a lot on her mind, things she had no control over. I know she hated it.

It was easy to misread my intentions, me knelt down on the floor between her legs while she sat on the bed. I only wanted to comfort her, I traced circles and lines on her stomach, feeling her relax beneath me. She took a deep breath. “Okay. I’m okay.” she got up and we finished getting dressed.

[mikey-girl12-archive]

A Real Prince Charming.

warnings: self-doubt.

pairings: prinxiety-romantic could also be read as platonic. and paltonic moxiety.

word count: 1,587

gifs not mine

tag list: @321angst @lostin--translation @ajumbleofwords @friendlyinternetmeerkat @zadi-jyne @yourdailysunshine @love-sanders-sides @musicphanpie-b @demonickittykat

Virgil was never bothered by the black and white world he lived in. Many found their soulmates around the age of ten through thirteen. Seeing as Virgil was nearing his 25th birthday, far longer than normal to have met his other half, he had accepted that he just wasn't meant to have a soulmate.

  Many pitied him, offering sympathies and condolences when the subject came up. Everyone thought that Virgil's uncaring attitude towards solemates was just a facade, and that he was dying on the inside from being alone. Virgil always had rejected this, insisting he was fine.

.............................................................

  Roman was a hopeless romantic from the day he was born. By age five he began to daydream about how or when he would meet his soulmate. He wanted something different than the others. He didn't want the cliche story of meeting in class one day. But then, as everyone else found their partners and he didn't, he began to regret that wish.

  On his fifteenth birthday he told his mother he gave up, he was fine with the monochrome life he lived. Even though he told everyone he was fine, he began to grow insecure at the thought that he didn't have another half. His senior year, he joined drama and threw himself into it with a passion. If he couldn't express his love to another, ten he could at least portray his feelings on stage.

.............................................................

  “Patton, please! I don't want to go.” Virgil complained loudly from his bed. Virgil had had a nice night planned. Pizza rolls for dinner, then hours of Netflix in his warm bed. He had been deciding between rewatching Parks and Rec or The Office when the older man showed up on his door step waving two tickets to the local theater production of Cinderella and demanded he go.

  “No” Virgil had said before turning and walking back to his room and crawling into bed.

  “Get up you're going! You have to get out more if you ever want to find your special somebody." Patton was Virgil's best friend since childhood, and the only one who hadn't given up on finding Virgil's soulmate yet.

  “You're going to this play, Verge.” Patton said, his dad voice at full power.

  Virgil sighed knowing he couldn't fight Patton. He would give in the second he gave him the puppy dog eyes. Sighing loudly again, more for effect than any actual protest, he stood from the bed and walked to the closet to change into something more suitable for being around other people. Patton clapped his hands in excitement, barely giving time for Virgil to get his shoes on before dragging the younger of the two out of the house.

.............................................................

  Roman's insecurities always made him a tad nervous before he performed, but tonight was so much worse. He was so nervous he was almost sick. His friend Logan took notice almost instantly.

  “Ro, you look like Snow White are you sure you’re fine?” he asked. Roman nodded.

  “I’m fine, it's just nerves.” he lied. Logan looked suspicious, but nodded. It was too close to show time to argue now. He made his way over to the sound booth, leaving Roman alone to prepare for the opening scene.

.............................................................

  Patton had insisted that they get there early to have a good seat. They arrived nearly half an hour early and the crowd in the lobby only added to Virgil's distaste for the situation. Patton chose a seat close enough to the front that he could see, but his anxious friend wouldn't be in the center of any cast member's focus.

  They sat at the end of the row so that nobody would be directly next to Virgil and if he needed he could leave without a fuss. They had only been sitting in their seats for five minutes and virgil was already uncomfortable. He felt as if he had a large rock sitting on his lungs, and he could barely breathe.

  He thought about telling his friend they needed to leave, but before he could speak the lights dimmed and the play began. Despite his best efforts to focus, Virgil felt his attention slip from the show. Around the ballroom scene a nagging feeling began urging Virgil pay more attention to the stage. It was hard to tell from the stage but the Prince looked pretty good. Virgil continued his silent admiration of the royal figure on stage until their eyes met for just a split second.

  Virgil's world exploded. Suddenly he could see the color of the red sash crossing the prince's chest. Whipping his head to the side, he could clearly see the blue of Cinderella's dress. Turning to Patton revealed that his friend's hair was a darker brown than he had suspected.

  The rock that had been on his chest grew, breathing became even harder, panic setting in. Thoughts flooded his mind, ‘He's on stage, how will he know it was me?’ flashed in his head followed by ‘But what if he didn't see anything?’ The rock was crushing him now, he had to leave. Standing, Virgil ran from the theater and out the building.

.............................................................

  Roman still felt that sick feeling in his stomach when his cue came. He was supposed to say a few lines then look towards the audience, but the urge to look before his cue was nagging in the back of his mind. When it was finally time to look, he scanned the crowd. A habit he had formed long ago in hopes he would see his soulmate. It never worked but he always did it.

  Roman held back a gasp as he made brief eye contact with a member of the audience, and suddenly everything changed. He quickly averted his eyes from the crowd, trying hard to finish the scene but he had forgotten everything except the startlingly bright brown eyes of his apparent soulmate. He stuttered out what he thought was his line before quickly looking back at the crowd, only to see the person had left their seat and was running towards the exit.

  All at once Roman's doubts over so many years hit him hard. ‘They left because they didn't want you! Why would they want you?’ The moment he was off stage he ran to Logan.

“Take my place!” he said, ripping of his mic, leaving his confused friend behind.

.............................................................

  Patton raced out of the building after his friend, worry clouding his eyes.

  “KIDDO! WAIT UP!” he yelled.

  When virgil finally stopped running, he leaned on a building, sunk to the ground, and buried his face in his knees. Patton came to a stop beside him slightly out of breath.

  “What,” he gasped out. “What happened?”

  Virgil couldn't think of a way to tell his friend what was wrong. Everything was happening too fast and he blurted out the only thing he could think of.

 “Pat, your shirt's blue”

  A gasp left the older man's mouth. He quickly sat, pulling Virgil into a hug.

  “You saw your soulmate.” Patton whispered. There was a moment of silence before Patton's words sank in. Nearly crushing Virgil, a now very excited Patton suddenly yelled, “WE HAVE TO GO BACK!”

  The sudden loud noise caused Virgil to jump, and his friend quickly lowered his voice

  “Sorry kiddo.” patton whispered.

  “But we have to get you back to meet them!” Patton exclaimed, his vpice quickly rising as the excitement built again.

  “Patton...” the broken sound of Virgil's voice caused the worry to return.

  “What if he didn't see the colors? What if he's my soulmate but I'm not his?” he asked, looking to his friend.

  “Pat, i've seen black and white my whole life! I convinced myself that I wasn't made for anybody and now that I can see colors I can't pretend anymore. Patton I don't know what to do! I'm scared..." Virgil's anxiety fueled rant trailed off as tears began down his face.

  Patton had no answer, he just held his friend and gave him time to calm down.

.............................................................

  Roman had left the theater building still in his costume, not even caring about the multitude of weird looks he got. He walked down the street, mind running a million miles an hour.

  ‘Why did they run when they saw me?’ he wondered only for the negative voice from before to reply with ‘why wouldn't they run when they saw you?’

  He was so consumed with his thoughts, he didn't notice the two figures sitting against the wall until he tripped over their out-stretched feet. He was barely able to catch himself from a rather less than princely faceplant, before a voice not unlike that of a concerned father called out “Oh my, are you okay?”.

  “Yeah, i'm fine!” Roman replied, sitting up and brushing off his costume. It was another few moments before Roman looked up to see a very familiar face.

  “It's you!” he gasped, nearly throwing himself at his very startled soulmate. He felt his other half rest his hands on his waist to hold him steady. In a different situation, Roman might have felt awkward practically sitting on a stranger's lap, but he couldn't look into those eyes and feel anything other than pure joy.

  “Hello, I'm Roman. And i've been waiting for you my whole life.” he said quietly, looking absolutely awestruck.

  “Im Virgil." His shy, cute, wonderful, soulmate responded, looking up at him with a small smile.

  "Well then Virgil, thank you for bringing color to my world."

[hewrotemeasong]

In Which Y/N Loves Harry, But Has To Say Goodbye (Part 2)

A/N:

This has been asked about over and over again, so I'm very very sorry it's taken me this long. I hope you enjoy it, and if you don't then I'm sorry, but this is pretty much how I always intended to end it. It's a bit shorter than originally planned, but not a ton. 

Also, you’ll want to read part 1, which can be found here:

http://hewrotemeasong.tumblr.com/post/151046346282/in-which-yn-loves-harry-but-has-to-say-goodbye

---

Harry’s POV

FUCK. Fuck, fuck, fuck. She said goodbye. I've been standing here for 10 minutes, trying to get her to answer her phone in any way possible and also trying to process what just happened. She loves me. Of course she does. I've known she does. But hearing her say it, hearing her talk about how she loves me... That was a different experience. I knew she loved me, but it was like a transcendental experience to hear her say it. And she said goodbye. Fuck.

I jog inside my house, grabbing my keys from the hook next to our garage door and running to my car. Fuck, don't let this happen. I bolt down my street, taking the turns to her house at crazy speeds. When I reach her house, I sigh in relief. Her car is there.

I hop out of mine, barely remembering to throw it in gear as I walk up to her front door. The lights are all off, and I feel incredibly stupid. Her parents must be asleep, and I'm sure she's in her room. I let out a sigh and shake my head. I pull out my phone, texting her again.

I'll be back tomorrow. We need to talk about this.

{{-The Next Day-}}

I pull into her driveway, where her car is miraculously still sitting. I glance at the flowers and the letter in my passenger seat. All I have to do is get her to come with me. Even just for an hour.

I turn off my Range Rover, walking up to her front door and knocking. I hear footsteps on the other side of the door and I quickly glance down at my outfit, double checking my flannel as I hear the doorknob turn.

"Oh! Harry!" I snap my head up, smiling at Y/N's mum, Renee, as she opens the door. I step inside, greeting her father after her mother. We talk for a moment, and I'm kind of surprised Y/N hasn't come downstairs to drag me away from them yet.

"So while I love catching up with you, Harry, what exactly can we do for you?" Renee asks me. I shrug.

"I'm here because I messed up and I need to apologize to Y/N," I say sheepishly, my hand coming in contact with the back of my neck. Renee looks at me in surprise.

"Um, Harry, Y/N-.... She isn't here, dear..." she says, looking over at her husband. He's looking at me with a new glare. The glare is confusing.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I saw her car out front and I just assumed she was here. When will she be back?" I ask, looking at Y/N's mum, since her dad is freaking me out.

"Harry, she's not coming back for a while," her mum says slowly.

"Could I wait in her room for a bit? I'm sorry to be a bother, I just really need to fix this," I say a little desperately.

"If you wait in her room, you'll be waiting for the next year," her dad says.

"Maxwell!" Renee says sharply.

"Hey, if she didn't tell him and he's here to apologize, he must've really hurt her. And I don't know about you, but I won't coddle someone who hurt my daughter enough to elicit this kind of a response." I furrow my eyebrows. I'll be waiting for the next year?

"What are you talking about?" I ask quietly, looking between her parents.

"She's gone, Harry. She's in America for the next year or so," Max says. I widen my eyes and shake my head.

"You're joking! She's not gone, she wouldn't leave without saying goodbye," I say. I don't know if I'm trying to convince him or myself as I race towards their stairs. She did say goodbye, dumbass.

"Now look what you've done, Max!" I hear Renee say faintly as I take the stairs 2 at a time. I throw open her bedroom door, and it looks almost exactly as it always has. But I've been in here millions of times, so I notice the books that are missing, the pictures out of their frames. I throw open her closet doors, only to find that it's half empty. Obviously she didn't take everything. I immediately start sifting through her hangers. Is it here? Please tell me she took it with her, please god I know I've been shitty, but please tell me she took it with her.

"She took it, Harry. I tried to convince her to leave it since it's so worn from how often she wears it, but she refused. It was the first thing she packed in her carry on bag," Renee says. I sit back on Y/N's bed, staring at her closet.

"When will she be back?" I ask quietly.

"She'll be back around her next birthday," she says. I nod.

"Don't tell her I was here, please," I request. Renee nods and smiles at me before going back downstairs. I stand up and walk to her closet. I reach in and grab her plush Ariel sweatshirt, smiling as I walk back down to my car and decide to give the flowers to my mum. The letter can be saved.

{{-11 Months Later-}}

Y/N's POV

I take a deep breath and glance out the window as my aunt Bonnie drives me to MCI. Missouri Central International. It's time to go home. Aunt Bonnie is talking up  a storm, blubbering on and on about how much she's going to miss me, and that she hopes my 21st birthday goes well. She begins to gush about how nice it's going to be that I can drink, and go clubbing. She's convinced I'll be a party animal for the next year. I decide not to remind her that I've been drinking legally since I was 18, until I got here. I tug on the hem of my shirt, smiling softly as I remember the day I acquired it.

"Harry! C'mon, the movie's starting!" I shout, grabbing a handful of popcorn as I pull my blanket further up my body.

"I'm comin', im comin'! Chill out, Y/N!" Harry says as he plops down beside me I narrow my eyes at him.

"Do you not know better than to never tell a girl to chill out?" I ask teasingly. Harry puts his hand over my mouth.

"Shh, the movie's starting!" I roll my eyes and turn back to watch the opening credits of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. About halfway through the movie, I start getting uncomfortable. (I was 14, and I was just beginning to accept my crush on Harry. Enter the blowjob scene.) I was suddenly squirmy, and Harry kept giving me a weird look. I blushed and tried to focus on the movie without making it look like I was entranced by it or something. I reached out for my drink but when I sat back, Harry had moved his arm behind me to reach for the popcorn, and I jumped so hard that I spilled my juice all over my shirt. Harry quickly paused the movie as I apologized, but by some miracle, nothing had gotten on his couch.

"You need a new shirt," he stated. I shrugged.

"I mean, yeah probably, but I haven't got any here, so I'll just have to live," I say. Harry rolls his eyes.

"Oh c'mon, I've got something you can wear Y/N," he says, standing up and gesturing for me to follow him up the stairs. I try not to focus on the way he walks too much.  Once upstairs, he hands me one of his old shirts that says "I have no job I have no money I have no car but, I'm in a band." I giggle at him, rolling my eyes.

"This shirt is very you, to say the least," I inform him.

"Hey now, that shirt is very tumblr. Don't start with me," he retorts. I just smile and change into the shirt.

"Miss? Um, miss, it's time for you to board the plane now..." I jump a bit, startled out of my memory. I shake my head and hand the lady my ticket. She directs me to my seat and I try to relax on the full plane, hoping I'll get some sleep after takeoff, but truthfully, I probably won't. It's been almost a year since I've been home, a year since I've seen Harry. I'm dreading going back because he's probably forgotten all about me. He's probably got some new girl, and he's probably found someone else to go to with his problems. He hasn't messaged me since that night, and I don't want to be the one to reach out to him. This was his doing, he pushed too hard, he never gave enough for what he got...

It all sounds so selfish of me. But is it selfishness or self love to expect and want better?

God, this is so confusing. I wish I could say that the past year has been spent focused on family and myself, but thoughts of Harry never left me. I've been thinking and thinking and thinking for so long. I wish I could move forward. I wish it was that simple and easy....

~~~~~

"Y/N! Oh, my little girl!" My mother engulfs me in a hug the second I step outside the airport, my father following suit.

"I missed you too," I laugh, small tears forming in my eyes. I had missed them so much... When we finally pull away from each other, the chatter about how everyone's doing doesn't really end. Only when we're about 5 minutes from the house does my father choose to tell me that they're dropping me off at home because he and my mother have an important party at his boss' house to attend. I had noted that they looked a little more cleaned up than usual, but I hadn't been sure why. I smile and nod at them.

"That's fine. I'll probably go to bed anyway, it's been a long time since I've been in my bed." Our conversation moves forward a little bit, until they pull in front of the driveway, handing me my keys. I smile and kiss them each on the cheek before grabbing my bags and slowly getting them inside my home.  After I get them all inside, I look around me. It all looks exactly how I left it, minus the new bouquet of flowers that's different from the other one they'd had. Lilies this time, carnations before. I smile and open the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water from its normal spot before grabbing my carry on bag and one other suitcase and then making my way upstairs. I start to smell the distinct scent of a candle, or maybe a couple different kinds, and I immediately worry about whether or not my mother forgot to blow hers out. I decide not to worry since I smell the candle and not fire. At the top of the stairs, I notice a faint glow of warm light shining under my door. I furrow my eye brows and leave the suitcase there, slowly inching forward. I open the door softly, looking around to find 11 candles lit, a bunch of different flowers scattered everywhere, and a variety of other things sitting on my dresser, night stands, and bed. Then I face my right and jump out of my skin when Harry appears in my line of vision.

"Son of a bitch!" I curse, my hand flying to my chest. Harry only smirks, a small laugh slipping from his lips. I try to calm my heart rate.

"Hello to you too, my little world traveler," Harry says. I look up at him for a second before looking away, not saying anything. What do I say? "Are you still upset with me?"

"Yes. No? Maybe. Probably," I say quickly. Harry smiles at me, his eyes crinkling at edges slightly. His bright green eyes... I push that thought aside.

"That's okay, but I'm hoping you'll let me try to change that," he says. I look at him in confusion.

"How so?" I ask, crossing my arms. He holds an envelope out to me.

"Read this. You have 20 minutes, and you'll understand what I mean once you've read it," he informs me as I take what I presume to be a letter from him. He holds on for a second too long before walking away, showing his hesitation. The door clicks shut behind him. I stare at the envelope for a moment before deciding that I might as well read it as my curiosity take hold of me. I tear open the envelope carefully, pulling the papers out and unfolding them slowly.

Dear Y/N,

I'm sure by now you've realized that I'm an idiot. I'm a dumbass who's taken advantage of you and somehow lived with myself. You are so wonderful, every little piece of you. You've taken ahold of so many people's hearts and you've nurtured them and cared for them, done whatever you could to make them happy again. You've helped me through things I should never have asked you to help me with. Truth is, I thought that you would move forward. I thought you'd find someone better. And it's no excuse, I was a right shithead to you. For that, I'm sorry. Eternally sorry. This letter is not meant as any form of an excuse. It's all just me trying to let you know how I feel.

I've loved you for a long time, but I didn't know it. Following your description of love from the past, it seems impossible. But when you left me there in my driveway, I felt my world come crashing down in a ay it never had before. You were gone. My best friend said goodbye to me. Y/N was gone. Those were the only thoughts I could really process. I showed up at your house, if you didn't know. I was gonna come charging in and tell you how sorry I was, but then I saw the time and I also figured you would want your space for the time being. So here I am, waiting for you, hoping you'll have me in your life again. I love you, as shitty as it is for me to say that now. I love you more than myself, and I'm ready to be there for you, if you'll have me. You obviously don't have to have me, you don't have to say yes. I've wronged you, and I'm never gonna be able to change that past fact. But I'd like to change it in your future.

Much love, Harry

I'm only done with the first two pages, but the tears have already started. I already know my answer, but I have to read on. I have to be sure I'm hearing the truth.

To the Loveliest Y/N,

I wrote that the night we fought. Before the sun even came up. I showed up at your house the next morning, and you were gone. I can't tell you what all of the thoughts that went through my mind were, but I remember the first thing that went through my mind was that I loved you and you were gone. You were actually gone, and I had just pushed you away. I waited, and I cried, and I read a lot of our old letters, texts, emails, messages, everything. I read it all. I saw your love for me in all of it, and I saw my stupidity even more in depth.

I fucked up. I fucked you over. I don't deserve you, I never could. I don't deserve how amazing you are. I don't even know if you still want me. And you are far from obligated to. Just know that these past months have been some sort of Heaven/Hell limbo for me because I've been hating myself and loving you and at the same time. I'd like to think I've grown, and that I've gotten closer to the level you're on, but I'm not sure. I know you'll always have me beat, just because you're you, but I'll be damned if I don't at least try to catch up to you.

So, to move things out of letter format so I stop looking like a coward, I'll wrap it up.

There are 11 candles in your room, one for every month you've been gone. There are 48 flowers, one for every week. And there various pictures, candies, and little things, adding up to 334,  for every day you were gone (that could be a slight lie, I may have miscounted slightly, but I'm not sure).

Then you have this letter.

One letter, in one envelope, to represent one heart.

I've handed it to you.

I'll be waiting in your driveway for 20 minutes. If you decide you don't want to see me anymore, I'll be out of your hair. If you make any other decision, that's where I'll be.

I love you, Harry

I'm standing in shock, staring the paper in my hands for a second as I look around. 11 candles.... 48 flowers.... 334 little things... One letter....

I toss the paper on the bed and walk out of my room, noting that all of my bags are at the top of the stairs now as I move past them. I take the stairs quickly, doing my best not to fall as I race to the door and run outside. And then he's there. He's standing in the middle of the driveway, his hands in his pockets and his face upturned, gazing at the stars. The door closes behind me, causing him to turn his face to me quickly.

"Y/N..." he says breathlessly. I feel my eyes fill up with tears as I march towards him. When I'm finally within physical distance, I put my hands on either side of his face and pull him down to kiss me. Harry responds immediately, his hands moving to rest on my face as well.

"I love you," I say thickly, my throats contracting from trying not to cry.

"I love you too. I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry, Y/N. I'll never stop making it up to you, I promise you this. I promise you," he whispers, leaning down and kissing me again. I let out a tiny sob of happiness.

"You bet your ass, you jerk." Harry smiles at me and pulls me in for a third time, making my heart seize up.

We've got a long way to go, there's no doubting that. But I've got him, and he's got me. We'll figure it out together.

[grizzbe]

A Mid-Winter’s Reprieve - Ch. 3

So, I suppose this’ll need a note beforehand, yeah? First off, I’m sorry this took so long! I was on track to have this finished before Christmas, but then the comic came out and I found myself unsure as to whether I should proceed or not. After receiving a few messages from people encouraging me to continue I decided to do so (thanks to those of you with the kind words!), but by then I was super busy with Christmas. Before I knew it, it was New Years and then I just got completely swamped with work. But I finally caught a break and got to finish this!

In regards to the comic and the canonicity of Tracer’s sexuality, I’d like to say that this fic (and any other fic I’ve written/will write) is not intended to be an attack on it in any way, shape or form. I wholeheartedly support Lenily, that comic was cuteness overload. I merely like this little ship of mine (I’ve been shipping it basically since McCree was announced as a character) and enjoy writing it.

Anyways, now that that’s out of the way, I hope you enjoy this! “A Mid-Spring’s Reprieve” will probably come around April or May. In the meantime, if you have any one-shot requests for “Shots In Time”, feel free to message me and let me know!

The Gunslinger put on his most charming smile as he held the British Sprite by her waist, “Well, that depends, what did you get me?”

“Nu-uh, that’s not gonna fly, Cowboy,” said Lena, smiling right back. Her hands began rubbing his back underneath his serape in a way that Jesse didn’t find unpleasurable before he realized she was searching for her gift. “I asked first! Now it’s time to put up or shut up!”

It wasn’t often that McCree found himself nervous but this whole situation was certainly trying its hardest to raise his heart rate. He had survived losing his family as a kid, survived being a part of a bike gang since his mid-teens, survived Gabriel as his boss for Chrissake. Now, faced with the prospect of giving a subpar gift to the woman that was quickly becoming the brightest part of his life, he found his palms getting sweaty.

Or maybe it’s because you still have your gloves on?

That might have something to do with it.

Jesse took his gloves off and slipped them into his back pocket before bringing the small gift bag out from under his serape. Lena’s eyes lit up as she gingerly plucked the gift from his hands, her smile growing into a beaming white grin as she opened the bag.

That right there made all this trouble worth it.

Hopefully you earned it, Cowboy.

Will you just enjoy the moment for once?

Lena’s smile wavered for a brief moment as she brought out her gift, the picture of the two of them playfully fighting over his hat that Ana had taken at the Halloween Festival resting nicely in the picture frame that Lena had mentioned she liked.

Oh yeah, she loves it.

Of course she does. Why did you ever doubt yourself?

“Why you little GIT!” exclaimed Lena, the look of mock consternation on her face.

Oh shit.

“I left my present for you on the table but you weren’t supposed to actually look at it!” said Lena, slapping McCree’s shoulder playfully. “It was supposed to inspire you! Not convince you to copy my gift!”

From behind Lena, she produced the fancy bag that Jesse had seen earlier that afternoon and quickly brought out the gift that she had gotten for Jesse, the photo of the two embracing each other on top of the hill in front of the airfield that Ana had taken just before she took the one he had.

Oh shit.

Is she mad or charmed? This is important.

Yeah, not sure, that slap on the shoulder was pretty hard.

But she’s smiling?

“See here, Darling, I didn’t look!” pleaded McCree, Lena’s smile mixing with her fiercely set eyebrows still thoroughly confusing Jesse. “I read your note and thought of my gift without peeking!”

“Is that so??” interrogated Lena who, at the very least, was enjoying putting the screws to an increasingly bewildered looking Jesse.

“Look, I swear! Gabe can back me up!” exclaimed Jesse, waving over the Blackwatch Commander.

Gabriel, holding a plate of Christmas cookies in one hand and a mug of black coffee in the other, made his way over to the couple.

Is Gabe wearing… reindeer antlers?

Focus, big guy. You need to clear this whole fiasco up if you ever want to take advantage of that mistletoe again.

Right. Present.

“Gabe, tell her that I didn’t look at the present she got me when we broke into her apartment,” said Jesse as Gabe pulled up next to the two.

Gabe finished his bite of snowman cookie, “Yeah, I didn’t really get it. He made us go through all that trouble and didn’t even bother looking. Especially after you left it out for him.”

“What? You expect me to trust the Cadbury thief??”

“Okay, about that, I have two replacement bars sitting in my fridge right now,” said Jesse. “But he’s telling the truth! I didn’t look! I read your letter, saw that you didn’t have any pictures of us anywhere and remembered you had said you liked this frame! That’s the God’s honest truth, right there.”

Lena bit her lip and pondered on McCree’s pleas of innocence before turning to Angela, “Whaddaya say, Mercy? You believe ‘im?”

Angela will have your back.

Are you kidding? Angela is one of Lena’s best friends.

You’re right. Bust out the puppy dog eyes.

McCree gave Angela the best pleading look he could muster as the Doctor looked from him to Lena, “I zink I believe him, Lena.”

McCree thrust his fists up in victory, “Thank you, Angela! I always knew you were the smartest woman I know.”

“Don’t push it, Cowboy,” said Angela, giving McCree a wry smile as she hugged Lena and went off to join the rest of the party.

“I suppose I believe you,” said Lena, holding the two frames in one hand as she grabbed his sweater with the other and drew him near. “I guess great minds think alike.”

Their faces were close enough that Jesse could feel her warm breath against his neck and he found that he couldn’t help himself, drawing her in close for another passionate kiss, only vaguely aware of the small voice in the back of his head wondering if this was her plan all along. The two enjoyed the taste of each other for a moment before separating, Lena looking contentedly at Jesse through half-lidded eyes and a wispy smile.

Lena leaned into McCree, putting her mouth next to his ear and whispered, “The rest of your gift will have to wait till later.”

She pulled back again and took in the blank slate that had become Jesse’s face and patted him delicately on the chin, “Now go enjoy the party a bit, love!”

Wha-what?

Oh, she’s devious. How are you supposed to just enjoy the party now?

Maybe sing a few Christmas carols?

Jesse watched Lena walk away before she turned her head back to him and gave him a devilish wink and grin.

And maybe some hot cocoa.

With some bourbon.

The Cowboy made his way to Jack’s kitchen where he found the hot chocolate and grabbed a mug. He took a sip while rooting through his cabinets looking for where the Overwatch commander had stashed his whiskey.

Angela must’ve made her Ovaltine again.

Or given the recipe to Morrison.

Either or, it’s delicious.

He finally found a bottle of the brown liquid hiding behind the flour, only briefly confused as to why the commander of Overwatch had a fully stocked kitchen in his house when he was almost always busy with work and poured a couple fingers into his Ovaltine.

“You know, you’re supposed to put schnapps in Ovaltine, McCree,” said Angela as she came up beside him with her own mug.

“I figured I’d make it a little more America s’all, darlin.”

“Uh-huh,” said the Doctor as she grabbed the bottle from his hands and poured some into her own drink. “You’d better put this away, Jack doesn’t take too kindly to ozzers sneaking some of his own supply.”

Jesse put the bottle back in its hiding place and the two turned around, leaning their elbows on the counter and taking in the rest of the party. Lena had managed to convince Winston to get on the impromptu stage with her to start an interesting rendition of Jingle Bell Rock. To his credit, Winston only looked slightly uncomfortable.

“So, did you look?”

“Oh come on, Angela. You don’t believe me?” asked Jesse, a mock-pained look on his face and his hand pleadingly pressed against his chest.

Angela gave the Cowboy a long appraising look before coming to her conclusion, “I suppose I do.”

The two stood in amiable silence, taking sips from their warm drinks and enjoying Lena and Winston make fools of themselves. As their song came to an end, Jack and Gabriel jumped up with them, motioning that they keep their place. Gabriel turned around and searched the crowd.

He’s still wearing those ridiculous antlers.

But he seems to be really enjoying himself!

Gabriel finally found who he was looking for, immediately making a face at Jesse and Angela, pointing at them both before rather aggressively motioning for them to join him and the rest for a carol.

Dammit.

“Dammit,” said Angela. The two put back the rest of their Ovaltine and started making their way to join the four others. When they got there, Jack and Gabriel motioned for the group to get into a huddle.

“Gabe, this is ridiculous,” said Jesse in a whisper.

Wait, why are you whispering?

I don’t know, it’s a huddle.

“Shush your mouth, McCree,” said Jack.

“Hey now, Jack, he’s Blackwatch. Only I get to talk to him like that,” said Gabriel. “Hush your mouth, McCree.”

Lena let out a little snicker at that and the others smiled before Gabriel brought their attention back into focus, “We’re going to sing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

“Does this have anything to do with your antlers, love?” asked Lena.

“What it has to do with is being an absolute Christmas classic, Miss Oxton,” responded Jack.

Jesse and Angela groaned a little bit, Winston, surprisingly, appeared to be totally on board. The Gorilla apparently had taken to caroling after singing with Lena.

The gang huddled for a moment, seemingly unsure on what to do next, “So, are we supposed to shout ‘Break!’ and clap our hands?” asked McCree

“Don’t be ridiculous, this isn’t football,” responded Morrison, before hitting a button on a remote that had seemingly materialized out of thin air. The opening beats of the song started coming through the house’s speakers and their huddle fanned out, the six of them lining up with their arms around each other’s shoulders.

They were surprisingly good, Winston and Gabriel providing a good bass for the others to work off of while Angela and Lena harmonized. The rest of the party quickly joined in and the house filled with Christmas Cheer.

The party moved seamlessly into another carol when Lena grabbed Jesse’s hand and pulled him to the side, “Well, I think we’ve had enough of this party, don’t you think?”

Yes.

Hell yes.

“I guess so, Darlin,” replied Jesse. “What’re ya in such a rush for?”

“Just thinking about that kiss earlier, is all,” said Lena in her worst Southern drawl as she batted her eyes. “Now come on, back to my place.

The couple stealthily made their way out the front door and raced through the snow back towards Lena’s quarters. Once inside, the two kicked the snow loose and made their way towards her couch. Lena took great care to ensure her newly framed picture of the two of them was placed perfectly before she turned the lights off and switched her monitor over to a crackling fire.

Lena climbed onto the couch and snuggled herself into the Cowboy, Jesse putting an arm around her. The two shared a lingering gaze before leaning into each other and sharing another passionate kiss. When their lips finally parted, Lena’s half-lidded look was back as she bit her lip.

No need to sneak off now, Cowboy.

Merry Christmas.

[unsolicitedfeelings]

What has been your favorite day to look back on?

I’ve never felt such a sudden change like that. I could feel it slightly as I pulled into the parking space in front of the living room window. It was that powerful. I felt warmth growing in my chest as I reached the front door and stepped through the doorway. The air felt like it was full of this buzzing warm sensation, it’s as if my body was making a path as I made my way to the bedroom. As soon as I walked in, I’ve never been so aware of someone’s being before. Especially a complete stranger. I can feel their energy, where it starts and ends, traysing an outline of their body. I needed something to put my eyes on. Anything. So I grab out my phone as I lay on the bed across from them. I can’t look up. I feel their eyes glancing at me. It’s too inviting. If I look up, I know I won’t be able to look away if I catches their gaze. They’re looking at me again, why is my heart beating so fast. Oh shit their talking about me. I looked up and my heart stopped for a second. I couldn’t help it, after hearing them speak, I needed to really look at who was making the most unimaginably sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard. That’s when I saw you for the first time. I saw a huge smile on your face and luckily you didn’t see me glance up otherwise I would have given myself away. Fireworks were going off in my stomach. “You didn’t tell me she was beautiful” you said and I felt like someone just pushed me off a cliff with how it made my stomach jump. “Look who’s talking” is what I thought but I didn’t dare let that leave my mouth. We were driving. I got lost in being so aware of you that before I realized, we were off getting food. It was hard to focus on the road because I kept glancing in my mirror at you. I started to realize I was looking at your lips as you sang along to my CDs. As we pulled in, I collected myself. I was so nervous but I’m the way that I couldn’t stop smiling. I had to do something. When we walked in, I got up to the counter first and I had the thought of “this is it, do it” so I finished my order and looked over and said “go ahead and order, it’s on me” and the way you smiled and looked at the ground. My heart felt like it was going to flood the building with how much it was melting. I was so happy I asked! Not only that but we ordered the same thing. How neat is that. We go to sit down and I made a ballsy move. I sat right across from them. There was no avoiding making eye contact. As they were talking, I found myself unable to look away. Even when other people started talking, I realized it took me a minute to peel away my gaze from them.“god I hope my face isn’t getting red” I thought. You’re eyes were so happy when they looked at me, is that because of me? No, don’t be stupid. They just met you. “Okay you need to stop starring at me because I keep forgetting what im going to say” you said. Please don’t be blushing. Did they just really say that? They’re distracted by me when I’m looking at them? I can’t stop smiling! I must look like such a dork. All I could say was I was sorry and couldn’t stop smiling. I kept starring at you though. Maybe they feel this too. And as we kept eating, you kept starring at me too. I have to go to work soon. We started heading back and all I could think about was wanting to spend more time with them. Thankfully we had to stop at Walgreens to pick them up some contact solution. I decided to pay for it because they were just so cute, I wanted to buy the world for them. That feeling was so, not strange but I wasn’t expecting it. You just smiled and said I was so nice and sweet. Now I really felt like giving you the world if you let me. We made it back and I dropped everyone off. I was sad to leave you. Later that day, our friend was texting me. Then I got a text saying, “hey this person wants to kiss you” my heart was on fire. It’s as if hot electricity was flowing through me “I wouldn’t stop them” is all I could think of to say because if they went in to kiss me, I’d freeze. I felt like as we would lean in, the whole world would fall away. But I got your number that way and we talked all night. I remember you telling me we could cuddle when I got back and I was so excited and nervous. It was all I could think about. 3am couldn’t come fast enough. I remember I busted ass so hard that we were almost out by 3. My heart was pounding so badly on my way over. I’m surprised I didn’t bite through my lip with how nervous I was. This is it. I was pulling into the parking space. Okay Erin, a little confidence goes a long way. I took a deep breath and went in. I heard everyone was in the bedroom so I walked in and there you were, laying on the bed looking so comfortable. Without thinking, I just crawled straight into your arms without saying anything. “Did I just really do that?!” I thought to myself. I’m so nervous! Then you wrapped your arms around me and that was it. My body felt so high. I really hope they can’t hear my heart beating. I’ve never been so comfortable and warm before. What is this? And with that, I fell straight to sleep. I can’t even remember if we did anything before sleeping. All I could remember is the feeling of being in your arms for the first time. It was then I knew, I never wanted you to let me go. Im super warm and a little sweaty..where am I? Why do I feel constricted? I’ve never slept so good in years. Those thoughts only took seconds for me to feel you were there. My head was resting on your shoulders and I couldn’t help myself but look up at your face. As I moved, I must have woken you a bit because you just looked down at me and smiled. Before I realized it, my lips were meeting yours. Everything was on fire but so comfortably warm at the same time. It was like the 4th of July finally inside my heart. God I didn’t want to stop. I was addicted from the start. Then I realized there were people next to us and the world started to appear around us. “Do you want to move to the futon?” I wanted to be able to hold them in my arms and make out with them so much. God please say yes. And you did. How could kissing someone feel so good? I don’t think i would have stopped if the comfort of being in your arms didn’t put me to sleep again. I woke up on your chest again. I tried moving slowly to not wake you. Is this really happening? I’m in the arms of this incredibly attractive person, what do I do? Then I felt you stir. I tried pretending to just wake up them like you did but I wasn’t sure if I was convincing. You gave me a good morning kiss and I wouldn’t let you stop kissing me. I just couldn’t stop. To this day, I have no idea how long we were laying there just kissing each other. Ever since that day, I’ve never wanted to stop kissing you. That day is my absolute favorite day in the whole world. That day made me the happiest and luckiest person in the universe. It was the day I met my most favorite person who I fell in love with so unconditionally. Most people aren't as lucky because I'm able to say I was holding and kissing the person I love from day one. This day is my most favorite and happiest day I’ve ever lived.