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[barbiewritesstuff]

Church encounters : Chapter 6 (part1)

-- Guys, we are celebrating tonight because not only has our google doc containing this fic reached 40.000 words, it has also passed the 100 pages mark which makes this a novel! Y'all are reading literature now!! No I'm joking but barely.

This fic is written with @Igg5989 , she is posting this on her blog and on AO3 and she made the moodboard!

Also sorry for the Italian, it was done via Google Translate.

Previous part

Taglist: @acarboni21 @unsurebuttrying @dempy @peaches-1998 @bbooks-and-teas

"I think that's the last of the bags?" Jake asked, having heaved every single thing you had prepared into the back of his truck. You had both meant to travel light, but soon after Jake had reported your acceptance to their invitation, an email had come through your inbox. Jake's sister had apparently scoured the internet to find you and introduce herself. Clearly, shyness didn't run in the family, as Jake's sister sported the same boldness when she asked you to please, pretty please, bring back an item she had forgotten at Jake's months ago and never gotten back. Jake had warned you, and you hadn't listened but once one demand was accepted, a million other ones would follow.

Jake had decided to take the first leg of the staggering sixteen hour drive, allowing you to sleep a little longer before stopping at the most convenient coffee chain and getting you the largest drink he could order. You were not, and had never been, a morning person. Your ideal wakeup time lay somewhere in the mid afternoon but waking up for work had always been easy, it was any other time that was the problem. Once caffeine entered your system, you were good to go, taking over from Jake for the next 2 hour leg. Once you stopped for a quick lunch of homemade sandwiches, Jake took over again. 

You switched over every four hours until you got to the motel. The room you got was fairly spacious, counting two single beds, a medium sized bathroom with a bath and shower combo, two sinks and a practically see-through shower curtain. The only luxuries in the room were a broken kettle and a working coffee machine. All in all, the room left much to be desired, but it was clean and only for one night.

Jake offered to take the bed closest to the door, for protection purposes and you just laughed at his manliness. You placed your toiletries in the bathroom and put your suitcase on a chair, the top open and ready for you to rustle through all the things you had packed. 

It was approaching ten and the sun had long since set. The two of you decided to go to bed since Jake wanted to get an early start on the road in the morning. Your nightly routine didn’t usually include taking a shower, but since you would be leaving early you decided to follow your cardinal rule: whatever got you more sleep in the morning needed done the night before. With that in mind, you made your way into the bathroom, closing the door behind you and pressing the little button for the lock.

You turned the shower on and quickly stripped out of your travelling clothes, a pair of old leggings and one of Jake’s Navy sweatshirts, you always got cold in the car. As the bathroom filled with steam, you stepped under the water’s warm spray. You soaped up your hair, some bubbles landing on the shower curtain, and rinsed it out. You left your conditioner to soak in for a moment while you spread body wash on a washcloth. You thought that you heard a noise in the bathroom, but when you looked out the curtain, there was nothing there. 

Lathering up with body wash, you screamed when the door to the bathroom burst open, Jake walked in unbothered. He had on running shorts and his ripped up t-shirt was tucked into his waistband.  

“Jacob Thomas Seresin, get out!” you screeched at him, trying for the life of you to keep yourself covered. You could feel a blush spreading up your cheeks and down your neck. 

He made a show of keeping his eyes closed as he felt his way to the toilet, “Sorry babe, it was warmer than I thought, just need a towel.” 

You watched as he grabbed a hand towel from the rack mounted on the wall, now using it to cover his eyes as he felt his way back out of the bathroom. You let out a sigh, at least he had the decency to cover his eyes. As you turned back to the hot water, rinsing the body wash off, you had to admit to yourself that he did look damn good after a run. 

You stepped out of the shower and dried off with one of the towels, noting in dismay that the towel's aggressive green colour seemed to match the rest of the room's decor. You scrunched your hair dry and patted your face clean before slipping on your nightgown and starting on your skincare routine. Once that was done, you finally stepped into the bedroom to find a sheepish Jake flicking through the channels of the elderly block tv the motel managers had installed there some thirty years ago.

"I'm sorry, I should have waited," He said, looking at his feet, "I did knock…" He added quietly. 

"It's okay…" You replied, making your way to him, "It's a shame there are no sofas, I really wish I could snuggle into you." 

Jake lifted an arm up so you could squeeze into his side, "You can snuggle, I'll just have to 

hold on to you so you don't fall off the bed," He smiled.

You scrunched your nose up at him, “As nice as that sounds, you need a shower Lieutenant.” 

He sighed, “You’re probably right,” he said, rolling off his bed and walking towards the still steamy bathroom. Before he closed the door he stuck his upper body out, pointing a finger at you, “No peeking!” he said with a laugh. 

You laughed at his antics, “Very funny Jake, now go shower so you can go to bed. You’re the one driving early tomorrow.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said, closing the door. A minute later you heard the shower start running again. You weren’t sure how you felt about kneeling on the motel room floor, so you settled for kneeling in your bed, saying a quick prayer. 

“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

God, please watch over Jake and I on this trip, and keep our families safe and happy in this holiday season. 

Amen.”

You heard the water turn off shortly after you had finished your prayer, and soon Jake was out of the bathroom. He was dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt and had a towel thrown over his head as he rubbed his hair dry. 

“All ready for bed?” he asked you. 

You gave him a smile, pulling the quilt up to your chin, “I think so!” 

“Alright, I just need to brush my teeth and I’ll be ready,” he said, walking back into the bathroom. 

When he was done, you watched as he prayed to himself quietly before climbing into bed. He rolled to face you as he turned out the light. You had shared a room with girls in college but never with a man. Your sisters would be beside themselves if they knew. But Jake had been a perfect gentleman, well besides the incident earlier. As you fell asleep you smiled, Jake was letting out soft snores. 

Jake woke you up at dawn. The sun had not yet risen in the sky. He gently shook you awake then left. A minute later, the coffee machine came alive and the aroma of coffee wafted through the room. Clearly Jake had been up for a while, he had even managed to find the only bakery in town open at this hour and scored two pastries with which he lured you out of bed. 

Too self-conscious to eat like that, you groggily stepped into the harsh light of the bathroom to brush your teeth before sitting by his side. You closed your eyes as you prayed, half hoping you could just go back to sleep, but you made it through. The influx of sugar in your system worked wonders on you.

You were startled when Jake touched your face, his thumb gently brushing against the corner of your mouth. 

Opening your eyes in surprise, he took in your expression, “Sorry, you had some glaze on the corner of your mouth.” 

You smiled at him, “S’alright, just got a little tired,” your voice was still rough from sleep. 

“That’s okay, you can sleep in the truck baby,” he said, smiling warmly at your sleepy face, “You ready to get on the road?” he asked. 

“I think so, let me just make sure I didn’t forget anything,” you said, rising to check the room one last time. Satisfied that you hadn’t left anything in the bathroom, you met Jake at the truck. He was holding the door open for you, ready to help you into the cab. Taking his hand, you climbed in, immediately buckling up and resting your head against the headrest, your eyes already closing. 

When you finally opened your eyes what felt like a few minutes later, you were surprised to discover that Jake had driven almost the whole way home. There were only six hours remaining in your trip and he had just kept driving, not wanting to wake you up for anything. 

“Jake, you should have woken me up,” you said, feeling a bit bad about sleeping through the rest of the drive. 

He let out a sigh, grabbing your hand, “It’s alright, I didn’t want to interrupt your sleep,” he smiled over at you as he continued to steer the truck down the highway. 

The GPS chose that moment to speak up, telling him that his exit was coming up. After he got off the highway, there was another hour of driving on country back roads to get to his family’s ranch. 

As you slowly woke up, you looked out the window at the scenery. Fields of cattle, wildflowers and produce spanned miles around the road. You offered to take over, but Jake refused citing the fact that the GPS would guide you only so far, and he’d need to take over anyway. You fiddled with the radio, he had turned it off to let you sleep but now you were awake, you were determined not to answer the call of sleep again. You hopped through channels until you landed on something you liked. The melody of an old Jonas Brothers’ song played through the car, much to the dismay of Jake, who groaned almost as soon as he heard the first note.

“I’m going to ban you from the aux, you know that?” he said with an attitude, looking over at you.

You gave him a grin before shooting back, “And yet, my darling, you recognised the song. So, you can’t hate it that much.”

Jake laughed, “Maria went through a Jonas Brothers’ phase. We were all glad when it stopped.”

You looked at him with an amused look on your phase, mouthing the chorus and dramatically moving your head to match the rhythm of the song.

“Oh, this is an SOS, don’t wanna second guess. This is the bottom line, it’s true. I gave my all for you, now my heart’s in two And I can’t find the other half, it’s like I’m walking on broken glass. Better believe I bled. It’s a call I’ll never get,” you sang out, your voice cracking on a few of the notes.  

Jake rolled his eyes at your antics, and yet when the next part started, he mouthed right along with you, matching your dramatic dancing with his own while keeping one hand on the wheel.

The two of you continued singing, “So this is where the story end, A conversation on IM, Well I’m done with texting, sorry for the miscommunication” 

He flicked his blinker to turn left and exited the road. The barren wasteland you had just been driving through became more populated by the minute as houses sprung up left and right. Soon, you were driving through a town and ten minutes after that, Jake turned into a dirt track and passed underneath a large metal gate adorned with a large ‘S’. Tall trees lined the way to the house, blocking your view of anything.

“Almost there,” he said with a smile, his voice sounding giddy. He sped up the track. Suddenly, the trees cleared and you arrived at Jake’s family home. You had never seen something quite like this before. 

The Seresin house was large and impressive, standing tall over trees and fields, you wondered how you hadn’t been able to see it from the road. The house’s walls were white, seemingly reflecting the gentle yellow light of the front porch’s lamps directly onto a wicker porch swing onto which a large white dog was sleeping. Its roof a dark colour, possibly blue or black, that matched both the window sills and the front door and tied the whole look of the house together. 

Jake started unloading your bags almost immediately, allowing you a few more minutes to gaze at the house and its grounds before wrapping an arm around your shoulders and dragging you behind the truck to steal a moment of privacy.

“I just remembered, I forgot something important”

You braced yourself. You had prepared almost all of the bags, making sure to pack everything you would need, there was no way he could have forgotten only one item.

“I forgot to kiss my pretty girlfriend this morning,” he smiled, bending down to capture your lips into a gentle kiss. You blushed at the compliment, eventually breaking the kiss to come up for air. 

Jake finished unloading the truck, taking care of all the heavy bags and leaving you to hold the small things. He was on his last back and forth when the door swung open, scaring the dog awake, when a stampede of children flew out of the house. Jake dropped the bags just in time to be tackled to the ground. They lay there giggling as the adults began streaming out of the house. A tall man sporting a dark cowboy hat made his way to you.

“And you must be Y/n, lovely to meet ya. My name is Giovanni Junior, John for friends and family,” he says.

You take his outstretched hand expecting to shake it, but John kisses it instead. 

Jake comes up behind you, his voice holding a bit of brotherly teasing, “You stay away from my girl, Gio.”

John winked at you before looking at Jake, “You stop calling me that.”

“Alright boys, no need to argue. He’s only just gotten here. John, stop picking on him,” an older woman said, gently separating the two men with a hand on their shoulder, “My name is Isabella, I’m Jake’s mother. It is lovely to meet you after all this time. He hasn’t stopped talking about you since he ran into you in church,” She spoke, a heavy accent in her voice

She embraced you in a warm hug. Isabella Seresin was, like the rest of the Seresin family, beautiful. Her blonde hair, green eyes and flawless golden skin matched that of her children, the only hint that Jake’s father had been at all involved in the making of her sons and daughter was that all of them were at least a foot taller than their mother. 

“Come inside, darling,” she guided you away, holding your arm. You looked back at Jake, who smiled encouragingly, “Don’t worry, he is strong, he will carry the bags. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family.”

She stopped by a man bearing uncanny resemblance to John, but taller and slightly thinner, “This is Antonio.” 

“Tony,” He corrected, rolling his eyes playfully at his mom. 

Isabella moved you away again to meet two women huddled in a corner. One of the two was heavily pregnant and the other held a toddler.

“Alessandra is married to Gio,” She pointed towards the pregnant woman. She gave you a warm smile which you returned and a small wave. Isabella then pointed towards the other woman, “This is Sofia. And this little lady is Catalina. They are Tony’s little family,” she explained. 

Then she turned towards John and Tony and fired off something in rapid Italian which you did not understand. When she received no answer, Isabella turned back to you, “My husband and daughter are around somewhere. They are probably inside. We should see if we can find them.”

The inside of the house was as impressive as the outside. The floor was wooden and freshly polished, the walls an attractive cream colour and the furniture an elegant mix of creams, greys and navy blue. It looked like something out of a catalogue. 

Isabella led you through the hallway and into the living room, searching for the missing Seresin family members. You were as nervous as could be, under Jake’s mother’s grip you felt yourself shake a little. She was quick to put you at ease however, asking you questions about yourself in a way that almost made you forget that this felt strangely like an interrogation. 

Finally, you walked into the kitchen where a man, a woman about your age, and an elderly lady were huddled around cups of coffee. You felt a warm hand on your arm, and when you looked you saw that Jake had caught up with you. He quickly kissed the back of your head before waving at the people. 

“Beh, non hai intenzione di baciare tua nonna?” The elderly woman asked Jake, he smiled a little sheepishly before crossing the kitchen in two strides and loudly kissing his grandmother on the cheek. She swatted him away with a laugh.

“Good to see you, Boy,” Said the man. He lifted the cowboy hat an inch. Jake stared back at his own, older face. His father engulfed him in a side hug with a chuckle.

The woman looked you up and down with an air of recognition. Although you had never met her, you could guess who she would be. She looked almost identical to her mother but when she spoke, you found her voice to be harsher and deeper, Jake had warned you she was a smoker, “È questo Y/n, allora?”

“Yes, Maria, this is Y/n,” Jake replied, knocking her hat off of her head and making his way back to you with a smirk. 

“Lei parla italiano?” Nonna asked, looking right at you.

Jake replied, “No,” right as you replied “Sì, un po. Mia zia vive a Roma”, your accent was by no means perfect, but you had picked up enough Italian to at least be able to answer this question with some confidence during the summer vacations you had spent annoying your aunt during your childhood. Nonna nodded, as though you had passed a test. 

----

“You could have warned me about the Italian,” Jake said as soon as he found a minute to spend alone with you. He had climbed up to the second floor with you to his bedroom. You had expected a typical boy’s room but teenage Jake had apparently been quite sparse in his decorating. The only discernible sign of this room belonging to a young man being the football jersey framed onto the wall. 

You turned to face him, with an amused smile,“Says the man who failed to mention his family didn’t speak English.”

“They do, they just… choose not to,” He laughed, “I’m impressed though, that accent wasn’t bad.” 

You laughed back, “Don’t get excited, I know three sentences to very specific questions, nothing else.”

“Oh yeah?” He asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

You nodded, raising an eyebrow in turn before answering, “Yeah. I know how to say ‘Sì, un po. Mia zia vive a Roma’, ‘No grazie, mi piace solo il formaggio francese’ and ‘Preferisco ballare il balletto russo’ and that’s it.” 

“I would LOVE to know the context of you learning that,” Jake said, laughing. 

“Well, my aunt lived in Rome and she would take us to visit in the summer. Her neighbour made his own cheese and wouldn’t stop trying to get me to eat some, and I used to do ballet. I did a few auditions in Italy over the summers and it’s a frequently asked question,” you said, smiling. 

Someone knocked on Jake’s bedroom door. It opened a second later, John looked at the both of you for a moment, “There’s an open door policy for all unmarried couples. Also, La mamma dice che sta dormendo nella stanza di Maria,” He added, his eyes flicking to you for a moment, then he shot you both a wink and left. 

“Apparently you’re bunking with Maria for our stay,” Jake said, pouting a little, “Shame, you were so cute this morning when you slept. So peaceful and adorable.”

“How long were you staring at me for?” You asked, smiling slightly.

“I was not staring. I was lovingly gazing at my beautiful girlfriend…” He replied, “For ten minutes straight, unblinkingly,” He added as he caught you in his arms and gently tickled your sides before peppering kisses all over your face.

“Apparently you’re my roomie,” Said a voice by the door. Jake let go of you with an embarrassed cough, but still winked at you before Maria continued, “Come with me I’ll show you where you’re sleeping.” 

Maria led you to her room. Like the rest of the house, it was impeccably decorated, but with a more feminine colour scheme. Pink, purple and pastel colours as far as the eyes could see. Maria saw you looking with a smile, 

“Much better than Jacob’s room, isn’t it? I’m sleeping on the pink bed. You can sleep on the purple one,” She pointed towards the bed closest to the door, “The bathroom is right there,” She added, showing you a door on the other side of the bedroom, “There are towels and everything on your bed.” 

You moved towards the bed, suddenly strangely nervous and a little distressed. You had known you wouldn’t be sharing a room with Jake, but meeting Jake’s family was feeling more and more overwhelming. Just as you wished Jake could appear, you heard him by the door, 

“No. No boys,” Maria said, as she blocked her brother’s way into the room.

“It’s for the bags,” Jake replied, sounding a little exasperated. You turned around, hoping your face wouldn’t betray your emotions. Unfortunately, Jake caught your eye and frowned.

“She’s a big girl, she can carry them herself,” Maria argued back, still blocking Jake’s path. 

“Yeah and you’re a pain in the ass,” Jake said as he pushed her to the side. He dropped off the bags and made himself comfortable on the bed. He stared at Maria, daring her to say anything. She huffed and walked out of the room, making sure to leave the door wide open. 

You sat down next to Jake and curled into his chest. The arm that rested behind you came up to rub circles into your arm as he held you tightly. He leaned against you and kissed your forehead

“You okay?” He asked, his voice muffled against your skin. You nodded lightly and nuzzled further into his chest.

You felt him sigh, “What’s wrong?” he tried asking again. 

“Just feeling a little overwhelmed, your family is big, and you all have big personalities. Also, everyone seems so perfect. What if they don’t like me?” you say quietly, face still buried in his chest. 

He laughed a little at that, “They are going to love you. We can be a little overwhelming. I’m sorry that you are feeling that way, what can I do?” he asked, his mouth pressing into the top of your head in a kiss. 

“Just hold me for a minute,” you said, burrowing closer to him. 

Jake wrapped his arms around you, squeezing you to his chest, he seemed content to sit there as long as you needed. As his breathing started to lull you into falling asleep, there was a sound by the doorway. Moving your head to glance at the door, you saw Catalina standing there looking at you. 

Jake spoke to her, the timber of his voice calming your fraying nerves further, “Hey sweetie, who are you looking for?” he asked. 

“Uncle ‘akey!” she said, giving him a big smile. 

You felt Jake laugh at her name for him, the little thing probably couldn’t say her Js yet. Moving you a little in his arms, Jake made room for her, beckoning her into the room, “I think I can fit two of my favourite girls in for snuggles,” he said, a smile on his face. 

Catalina ran into the room, when she got to Jake he scooped her up like she weighed nothing with one hand. He pulled her little frame into his other side, setting her on his thigh, “How’s that munchkin?” he asked, looking down at her. 

She just smiled shyly, burrowing her face into Jake’s neck. You smiled at them, Jake really was good with kids. He would make a great father, and the thought of your own baby made you blush. Maybe next year you would come back here with a ‘munchkin’ of your own to share with the family. 

At that moment, Jake looked at you, “Feeling better?” he asked. 

“Yeah, I’m feeling a bit better,” you said, before adding in an exasperated tone, “Hopefully I’ll stay that way, we haven’t even made it to Thanksgiving dinner yet.” 

He moved his arm to lift your chin up a little, then bent down to kiss your lips. 

"EWWWWWWW," Jake's niece exclaimed, wriggling free of her uncle's arms and running out of the room.

You laughed at her reaction, the tension and nerves you were feeling from before almost forgotten, Jake turned to you and asked, “Are you ready to go back out there?”

“I think so,” you said, standing up from the bed and taking his hand. He led you back to the kitchen where the whole family was gathered. You watched as they all helped to prepare dinner, even the little ones had jobs setting the table.��

"Can I help with anything?" You asked, feeling a little out of your element. You were used to lending a hand whenever you were in the kitchen and standing by without a job was not something you had ever done. 

After you asked, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at you. Suddenly your nerves were back in full force and you felt like you wanted to melt into the wall behind you. Isabella tutted at you, "Absolutely not. You are a guest. Jake has never brought a girl home before, I do not want to spoil the occasion."

You could feel everyone’s eyes on you as you stood there, like they were waiting for your reaction to Isabella's statement, like it was a test. 

Jake broke the silence, "Take a picture, it'll last longer, guys." 

You gave him a look that said you had it, and turned to Isabella, “That’s really not necessary. You have been so kind as to invite me to your home, at least let me help with the cooking, or baking. Jake can attest that I am a great baker.”

At that moment, you felt every eye in the whole kitchen leave your body. It felt like maybe you had passed one of their tests. Isabella turned back to you and smiled, “Alright dear, I think we have everything covered for tonight, but Jake has told us so much about your delicious cinnamon rolls. Perhaps you can prepare those for the morning?” 

Smiling, you nodded at her, “I would be happy to do that.” 

You stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do with yourself. If you couldn’t help in the kitchen, was it appropriate for you to stay? Would they talk about you if you left? Jake was no help as he just stood next to you unmoving. 

At that moment, you felt a little hand tap your leg, looking down you found a little boy. Crouching down to his level you asked, “What’s your name?” 

He blushed before whispering out, “Agostino.” 

“Agostino?” you said, your voice soft, and low, comforting, “I think that's a lovely name.” 

Agostino smiled at you, “Would you like to play? Mom said we needed an adult to go outside,” he finished bashfully, like he was nervous you would say no. 

“Of course I would love to go outside!” you said enthusiastically. 

With that, you felt all eyes on you again as you allowed him to pull you through the kitchen and out the back door. As soon as you stepped outside, you heard all of them start talking at once in rapid Italian. Deciding not to let it get to you, you closed the door gently behind you and followed Agostino to a play set that was in the yard. 

He took a seat on one of the swings and asked you to push him. You walked around behind him and gave him a few gentle pushes to start, not wanting to send him too high into the air.  From this spot you were facing the house, and you could see into the kitchen through a few large windows. Jake was standing on one side of the huge kitchen island and you could tell that he didn’t look happy. 

You looked away, not wanting to intrude on whatever was happening. Jake would tell you later, he seemed embarrassed by what had gone on in the house. A door slamming caught your attention. Jake was walking towards you, Catalina in his arms and another little boy was following behind him, trying to keep up with his large steps. 

“Uncle Jake slow down, I can’t keep up with you,” he said, calling after Jake. 

“I’m sorry buddy,” Jake said, stopping and turning to wait for him to catch up. 

“It’s okay,” he said as he caught up, taking Jake’s free hand, “Why are you mad?” 

You laughed as Jake let out a loud sigh, “I’m not mad, sometimes our family is just a little too much at times.”

“What do you mean?” he asked again, this one was quite inquisitive. 

Jake laughed, “Sometimes they judge people before they really know them is all,” he said, looking at you. 

As they got to the swingset, Jake introduced the boy to you, “Luca this is Y/N, she is my girlfriend.” 

“Hi!” he said, waving at you, “Can you push me on the swing too?” 

“Of course!” you said, setting a hand on his back and giving him a gentle push at the same time as his brother. 

Jake tossed Catalina in the air, her sharp squeal piercing the quiet plains around you. He set her down and watched as she ran towards the monkey bars, hanging from the short ones that she could reach. He turned to you, his expression softening, “I’m sorry about them, apparently they haven’t met anyone new in their entire lives.” 

You laughed at him, he really wasn’t good with emotional conversations, “It’s okay. I’ll just have to win them over with my cinnamon rolls tomorrow morning.” 

Jake took over pushing Luca’s swing, keeping a close eye on Catalina, “I’m sure you will honey,” he said, pressing a quick kiss to your head before Luca jumped off the swing in front of him. 

“Did you see that uncle Jake? I went almost as high as you do in your plane!” he said, turning around looking so proud of himself. 

Jake laughed, “You went so high Luca! Do you know who else flies planes?” 

“Who?” he asked, eyes wide.

“Y/N, she sits in the back and tells her pilot what to look for,” Jake said proudly. 

“Really??” Luca asked, looking at you. 

You nodded, “Yes, I do! I am a Weapons Systems Officer or a WSO.” 

“That’s so cool!” he yelled, “One day I am going to be a pilot like uncle Jake!” 

“I’m sure you will be buddy,” Jake said, rubbing the top of his nephew’s head, “Who’s up for a game of tag?” he asked, a devious smile on his face. 

“Me! Me! Me!” three little voices sang out. With that an epic game of tag started, with all of you running around the grass. Catalina had a hard time keeping up, so you scooped her up into your arms and kept running, laughing as she squealed as Jake got closer to the two of you. 

You jumped when the game was interrupted, John was standing at the door, his voice carrying to all of you in the yard, “Dinner’s done!” 

The kids all ran inside, you and Jake following behind them, Catalina still in your arms. As you made it inside Isabella took the little girl from you, taking her over to her high chair. The only two seats left at the table were between Tony and the woman you assumed was Jake’s grandmother. 

Deciding between the lesser of two evils, you sat down next to Tony. Hopefully if nothing else, his wife would keep him in check. You all joined hands, waiting as Giovanni blessed the food. Everyone said Amen and you dug into the spread, all of the dishes were being passed around and the house was loud with all of the conversation. Jake pressed his leg against yours under the table, a silent reminder that he was next to you and it would be alright. 

Jake leaned towards you, "Do you want my peas?" He asked, whispering into your ear. You nodded but before you could switch the plates Luca screamed.

"UNCLE JAKE'S NOT HAVING PEAS," He shouted, pointing straight at Jake's plate where the tiny green vegetables were corralled into a corner.

Nonna and Isabella looked straight at him. They both narrowed their eyes suspiciously, Jake stood tall again, "No, Luca. Uncle Jake is having his peas. Look." 

Jake looked into his mothers eyes for a brief second with a look of such disdain it would have shocked you if you hadn't known about his hatred of peas. He scooped some onto his fork and raised them up to his mouth. You tried hard to hold in your laughter when Jake forced them into his mouth and stifled a gag.

"See, Luca. He eats his peas. Now you do too," Isabella said. You would have managed to stay composed for the rest of the dinner if you hadn't crossed John's eyes. Both of you snorted, desperately trying to hide it into your food but without success.

Miraculously, it felt as though the mood had been lifted over the table. You had expected Jake to be a little crabby, but when you looked over at him you saw him already looking, a genuinely happy smile etched over his features. He winked.

----

You were up early. Well, earlier than anyone else in the house. After dinner the night before you had helped to clear the table and wash the dishes, even with Isabella’s protests that you were a guest. However, you had forgotten about their request for cinnamon rolls until you were laying in bed. Not wanting to bother anyone, you set an alarm for your military wake up time, 0400. 

You had forced yourself out of bed and into the bathroom, running through your usual routine before pulling on a house dress. You made your way down the stairs quietly, your socks helping to dampen your steps on the wood floor. When you got to the kitchen, you were surprised to find Jake’s grandma, Nonna as he told you they called her, was sitting at the counter, a bible laid out in front of her. You hesitated, wondering if she would be happy to have you interrupting her time with God. 

Deciding that keeping your promise of cinnamon rolls was more important, you silently made your way into the kitchen, hoping not to startle her. As you walked into her line of sight, her eyes shifted up to you. 

“Good morning,” you said quietly, “I’m just going to make those cinnamon rolls now, don’t let me disturb you.” 

She gave you a nod before going back to her scripture. You found the coffee machine ready to go and hit brew. You found a cup in the cabinet above it, and waited for the pot to fill. Pouring yourself a cup, you took a sip. Even black, it was some of the best coffee you had ever had. You were going to have to figure out where Isabella had gotten it from, if Jake insisted on eating toast and coffee for breakfast, he could at least have something that tasted good. 

You made your way to the pantry, finding all of the ingredients that you needed for the cinnamon rolls. You made the dough by hand, mixing the ingredients together in a bowl with a wooden spoon. You could feel Jake’s grandma watching you from time to time, but for the most part, the woman seemed devoted to her readings. 

While you waited for the dough to proof, you got your own bible as well as your rosary out from your purse. Nonna briefly looked up from her own page, shooting you an appreciative look. She took your cup and twirled the contents at the bottom, it wasn't much so she stood from her chair with both of your mugs and made enough coffee for you both. Then, she sat back down and you both returned to your reading. You gratefully thanked her before taking a sip of your coffee. How did it taste better when she made it?

As the sun started to shine through the windows, the timer you set on your phone went off. Closing your bible, you stood from the barstool. Turning the dough out on the counter, you kneaded it a few times before rolling it out, you spread the cinnamon sugar filling on the dough before rolling it up. You picked a knife out of the block on the counter and cut it into twelve rolls. Placing them on the baking sheet you prepared, you covered them once more allowing them to rise. 

You cleaned up the counter and washed the dishes you had made, putting them back in their rightful spots. By the time you had finished, the rolls were ready to bake. You popped them in the oven and drained the last of your coffee. You picked up Nonna’s cup, pouring both of you another. 

Placing it back in front of her, she looked up at you as she closed her bible, “So, you are religious?” she asked. 

You nodded, “Yes ma’am, raised Catholic.” 

Gesturing to your rosary pouch, she asked, “How often do you pray the rosary?” 

"Every day, ma'am, and whenever is needed," you said quietly. 

"Do you pray for my Jacob?" She asked, looking you in the eyes.

"Every morning and evening, ma'am, and whenever he does something stupid," You say with a smile. She laughed and you took that as a good sign.

"Poor girl, you never stop!" She roars, pulling you into a hug.

"I heard him pray for you last night. Saying 'Our Father' and asking for your protection and acceptance in the family. He didn't pray for anyone else, just you," She said into your ear before patting your back and leaving the kitchen altogether. 

You stood there for a minute, entirely uncertain of what to do with yourself. You prayed for Jake and hoped he did the same, but having it confirmed filled you with so much love that you didn't really know what to do. Unable to decide, you opted to get on with the job, smiling widely to yourself and mentally picking the best looking cinnamon roll to later give to Jake.

As the rolls baked, their sweet smell filled the house. You were whisking the icing for them when the sound of little feet reached your ears. Looking up, you saw Luca standing in the doorway of the kitchen. 

“What are you making?” he asked, walking towards you. 

You gave him a smile, “Cinnamon rolls! They are your uncle Jake’s favourite.” 

“Then they are my favourite too,” he said, climbing up on one of the barstools. 

Chuckling, your conversation was interrupted when your timer went off. You placed the bowl down on the counter before turning to pull the cinnamon rolls out of the oven. You placed them on top of the cutting board you had set out earlier. Looking up, you caught Luca sticking his finger in the icing. Laughing, you pretended to smack his little hand, only barely tapping him, “If you eat it all now, there won’t be any left for the rolls!” you exclaimed. 

He gave you a smile, “But it tastes so good! I don’t know if I can wait.”

Searching the cabinets for a plate, you pulled one out, “Okay, let's get you a roll then,” you said, using a fork to pull one from the centre of the pan.  

He gave you a toothy grin as you held the plate for him while he spread an unholy amount of icing on top of the roll. You were interrupted by a cough from the doorway, looking up, you found Jake staring at you wide eyed. 

“Good morning,” you said to him, a smile on your face. 

“Mornin’,” he said back, his eyes fixed on you helping Luca with his cinnamon roll. Suddenly Jake stumbled forwards as Alessandra pushed her way into the kitchen. 

“Pregnant lady,” she said pointing to herself, “Sweet food,” she said now pointing to the rolls. She shot Jake a wink as she laughed at his shocked face. Dropping a kiss to Luca’s head she turned to you, “Thank you for helping him, he is like me. Nothing sweet ever gets by him.”

Feeling like the family was finally accepting you, you smiled at her, “It’s no problem, I love kids,” you said.

As you plated her and Jake both cinnamon rolls, Jake was pouring himself a cup of coffee. 

Alessandra laughed, “You’ll love them even more when they are your own, trust me.” 

With that comment, you heard Jake splutter, he was suddenly coughing, choking on the sip of coffee he had just taken a moment before. 

You patted him on the back, “You good babe?” you asked. 

“I’m good,” he coughed out, “Wrong pipe.” 

Alessandra sent him a knowing look, taking her cinnamon roll and sitting down next to Luca at the counter. You gave Jake his plate, planting a kiss on his cheek. He pulled you into a hug, “What time did you get up this morning darlin’?” he asked, his voice still rough with sleep. 

“O’four hundred, lieutenant,” you said into his chest. 

He hummed, “So you will be taking a nap later then?” 

“Perhaps,” you said, “We will have to see.” 

Just then, the rest of the Seresin clan seemed to make their way into the kitchen. At only 7 AM you hadn’t expected them all to be up. 

Isabella practically floated into the kitchen, already dressed in a beautiful t-shirt and a flowy pair of white pants, “What is the delicious smell?” she asked the room. 

Luca turned to her, “Nonnina, Y/N made cinnamon rolls,” he said, his mouth covered in icing. 

She laughed at him, “It appears she did Lu. Did you help?"

Winking at Luca, you said, "He supervised." 

Isabella laughed again, “I’m sure they are going to be as good as Jake said then.” 

Tony stuck his head into the kitchen, he had been one of the first to grab a roll earlier, “Hey, we have all finally gotten up in time to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade,” he called out. 

Everyone grabbed some breakfast before making their way into the living room. You found Jake saving you a seat on the leather couch beside him. Dropping down onto the couch, he covered you up in the blanket he had thrown across his lap. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you to lean against his shoulder. 

Whispering into your hair, “Thank you for being you,” he said. 

You felt yourself blush, “That’s the only me I know how to be,” you said back. He kissed your head before turning to face the TV. The parade had just started and the celebrities that they had announcing each massive balloon were talking about different Thanksgiving dishes that were their favourites. 

The lull of the TV and the goings on of the room around you made your eyes feel heavy and soon, you found yourself falling asleep on Jake’s shoulder. Jake looked at your dozing form with a smile. He briefly looked over at the tv before finding himself growing more and more tired. His eyes closed and his head dropped to rest on yours. 

"Look, look, Nonnina, '' Agostino whispered, pulling on his grandmother's arm and directing her attention to her youngest son. A smile formed on her lips as she took in the sweet scene before her. 

"Should we wake them up?" John asked, earning himself a sharp slap on the arm courtesy of his sister.

She looked at him reproachfully, as if asking him where his manners had gone, "She makes you breakfast and you want to wake her up? Ungrateful man, I hope you treat Alessa better than that."

Eventually you stirred. When Jake and you fully awoke you found that you had both moved so that you were laying down on the sofa, your legs entangled and Jake holding you tight. 

"Mamma, sono svegli," You hear a woman whisper from the kitchen. 

Jake groans in answer, "Sei una bugiarda, Maria." 

Despite having heard his entire family speak Italian before and knowing he could too, this was the first time you had heard him speak it. It was strange how much more wonderful the language sounded falling from his lips. When he spoke, you understood why it was called a Romance Language.

[lgg5989]

Church Encounters Chapter 6 Pt1

Guys, we are celebrating tonight because not only has our google doc containing this fic reached 40.000 words, it has also passed the 100 pages mark which makes this a novel! Y'all are reading literature now!! No I'm joking but barely.

This fic is written with @barbiewritesstuff​ , she is posting this on her blog and it is also posted on my Ao3!

I hope you enjoy my little moodboard! | Check out my Masterlist for more chapters.

Also sorry for the Italian, it was done via Google Translate.

---

"I think that's the last of the bags?" Jake asked, having heaved every single thing you had prepared into the back of his truck. You had both meant to travel light, but soon after Jake had reported your acceptance to their invitation, an email had come through your inbox. Jake's sister had apparently scoured the internet to find you and introduce herself. Clearly, shyness didn't run in the family, as Jake's sister sported the same boldness when she asked you to please, pretty please, bring back an item she had forgotten at Jake's months ago and never gotten back. Jake had warned you, and you hadn't listened but once one demand was accepted, a million other ones would follow.

Jake had decided to take the first leg of the staggering sixteen hour drive, allowing you to sleep a little longer before stopping at the most convenient coffee chain and getting you the largest drink he could order. You were not, and had never been, a morning person. Your ideal wakeup time lay somewhere in the mid afternoon but waking up for work had always been easy, it was any other time that was the problem. Once caffeine entered your system, you were good to go, taking over from Jake for the next 2 hour leg. Once you stopped for a quick lunch of homemade sandwiches, Jake took over again. 

You switched over every four hours until you got to the motel. The room you got was fairly spacious, counting two single beds, a medium sized bathroom with a bath and shower combo, two sinks and a practically see-through shower curtain. The only luxuries in the room were a broken kettle and a working coffee machine. All in all, the room left much to be desired, but it was clean and only for one night.

Jake offered to take the bed closest to the door, for protection purposes and you just laughed at his manliness. You placed your toiletries in the bathroom and put your suitcase on a chair, the top open and ready for you to rustle through all the things you had packed. 

It was approaching ten and the sun had long since set. The two of you decided to go to bed since Jake wanted to get an early start on the road in the morning. Your nightly routine didn’t usually include taking a shower, but since you would be leaving early you decided to follow your cardinal rule: whatever got you more sleep in the morning needed done the night before. With that in mind, you made your way into the bathroom, closing the door behind you and pressing the little button for the lock.

You turned the shower on and quickly stripped out of your travelling clothes, a pair of old leggings and one of Jake’s Navy sweatshirts, you always got cold in the car. As the bathroom filled with steam, you stepped under the water’s warm spray. You soaped up your hair, some bubbles landing on the shower curtain, and rinsed it out. You left your conditioner to soak in for a moment while you spread body wash on a washcloth. You thought that you heard a noise in the bathroom, but when you looked out the curtain, there was nothing there. 

Lathering up with body wash, you screamed when the door to the bathroom burst open, Jake walked in unbothered. He had on running shorts and his ripped up t-shirt was tucked into his waistband.  

“Jacob Thomas Seresin, get out!” you screeched at him, trying for the life of you to keep yourself covered. You could feel a blush spreading up your cheeks and down your neck. 

He made a show of keeping his eyes closed as he felt his way to the toilet, “Sorry babe, it was warmer than I thought, just need a towel.” 

You watched as he grabbed a hand towel from the rack mounted on the wall, now using it to cover his eyes as he felt his way back out of the bathroom. You let out a sigh, at least he had the decency to cover his eyes. As you turned back to the hot water, rinsing the body wash off, you had to admit to yourself that he did look damn good after a run. 

You stepped out of the shower and dried off with one of the towels, noting in dismay that the towel's aggressive green colour seemed to match the rest of the room's decor. You scrunched your hair dry and patted your face clean before slipping on your nightgown and starting on your skincare routine. Once that was done, you finally stepped into the bedroom to find a sheepish Jake flicking through the channels of the elderly block tv the motel managers had installed there some thirty years ago.

"I'm sorry, I should have waited," He said, looking at his feet, "I did knock…" He added quietly. 

"It's okay…" You replied, making your way to him, "It's a shame there are no sofas, I really wish I could snuggle into you." 

Jake lifted an arm up so you could squeeze into his side, "You can snuggle, I'll just have to 

hold on to you so you don't fall off the bed," He smiled.

You scrunched your nose up at him, “As nice as that sounds, you need a shower Lieutenant.” 

He sighed, “You’re probably right,” he said, rolling off his bed and walking towards the still steamy bathroom. Before he closed the door he stuck his upper body out, pointing a finger at you, “No peeking!” he said with a laugh. 

You laughed at his antics, “Very funny Jake, now go shower so you can go to bed. You’re the one driving early tomorrow.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said, closing the door. A minute later you heard the shower start running again. You weren’t sure how you felt about kneeling on the motel room floor, so you settled for kneeling in your bed, saying a quick prayer. 

“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

God, please watch over Jake and I on this trip, and keep our families safe and happy in this holiday season. 

Amen.”

You heard the water turn off shortly after you had finished your prayer, and soon Jake was out of the bathroom. He was dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt and had a towel thrown over his head as he rubbed his hair dry. 

“All ready for bed?” he asked you. 

You gave him a smile, pulling the quilt up to your chin, “I think so!” 

“Alright, I just need to brush my teeth and I’ll be ready,” he said, walking back into the bathroom. 

When he was done, you watched as he prayed to himself quietly before climbing into bed. He rolled to face you as he turned out the light. You had shared a room with girls in college but never with a man. Your sisters would be beside themselves if they knew. But Jake had been a perfect gentleman, well besides the incident earlier. As you fell asleep you smiled, Jake was letting out soft snores. 

Jake woke you up at dawn. The sun had not yet risen in the sky. He gently shook you awake then left. A minute later, the coffee machine came alive and the aroma of coffee wafted through the room. Clearly Jake had been up for a while, he had even managed to find the only bakery in town open at this hour and scored two pastries with which he lured you out of bed. 

Too self-conscious to eat like that, you groggily stepped into the harsh light of the bathroom to brush your teeth before sitting by his side. You closed your eyes as you prayed, half hoping you could just go back to sleep, but you made it through. The influx of sugar in your system worked wonders on you.

You were startled when Jake touched your face, his thumb gently brushing against the corner of your mouth. 

Opening your eyes in surprise, he took in your expression, “Sorry, you had some glaze on the corner of your mouth.” 

You smiled at him, “S’alright, just got a little tired,” your voice was still rough from sleep. 

“That’s okay, you can sleep in the truck baby,” he said, smiling warmly at your sleepy face, “You ready to get on the road?” he asked. 

“I think so, let me just make sure I didn’t forget anything,” you said, rising to check the room one last time. Satisfied that you hadn’t left anything in the bathroom, you met Jake at the truck. He was holding the door open for you, ready to help you into the cab. Taking his hand, you climbed in, immediately buckling up and resting your head against the headrest, your eyes already closing. 

When you finally opened your eyes what felt like a few minutes later, you were surprised to discover that Jake had driven almost the whole way home. There were only six hours remaining in your trip and he had just kept driving, not wanting to wake you up for anything. 

“Jake, you should have woken me up,” you said, feeling a bit bad about sleeping through the rest of the drive. 

He let out a sigh, grabbing your hand, “It’s alright, I didn’t want to interrupt your sleep,” he smiled over at you as he continued to steer the truck down the highway. 

The GPS chose that moment to speak up, telling him that his exit was coming up. After he got off the highway, there was another hour of driving on country back roads to get to his family’s ranch. 

As you slowly woke up, you looked out the window at the scenery. Fields of cattle, wildflowers and produce spanned miles around the road. You offered to take over, but Jake refused citing the fact that the GPS would guide you only so far, and he’d need to take over anyway. You fiddled with the radio, he had turned it off to let you sleep but now you were awake, you were determined not to answer the call of sleep again. You hopped through channels until you landed on something you liked. The melody of an old Jonas Brothers’ song played through the car, much to the dismay of Jake, who groaned almost as soon as he heard the first note.

“I’m going to ban you from the aux, you know that?” he said with an attitude, looking over at you.

You gave him a grin before shooting back, “And yet, my darling, you recognised the song. So, you can’t hate it that much.”

Jake laughed, “Maria went through a Jonas Brothers’ phase. We were all glad when it stopped.”

You looked at him with an amused look on your phase, mouthing the chorus and dramatically moving your head to match the rhythm of the song.

“Oh, this is an SOS, don’t wanna second guess. This is the bottom line, it’s true. I gave my all for you, now my heart’s in two And I can’t find the other half, it’s like I’m walking on broken glass. Better believe I bled. It’s a call I’ll never get,” you sang out, your voice cracking on a few of the notes.  

Jake rolled his eyes at your antics, and yet when the next part started, he mouthed right along with you, matching your dramatic dancing with his own while keeping one hand on the wheel.

The two of you continued singing, “So this is where the story end, A conversation on IM, Well I’m done with texting, sorry for the miscommunication” 

He flicked his blinker to turn left and exited the road. The barren wasteland you had just been driving through became more populated by the minute as houses sprung up left and right. Soon, you were driving through a town and ten minutes after that, Jake turned into a dirt track and passed underneath a large metal gate adorned with a large ‘S’. Tall trees lined the way to the house, blocking your view of anything.

“Almost there,” he said with a smile, his voice sounding giddy. He sped up the track. Suddenly, the trees cleared and you arrived at Jake’s family home. You had never seen something quite like this before. 

The Seresin house was large and impressive, standing tall over trees and fields, you wondered how you hadn’t been able to see it from the road. The house’s walls were white, seemingly reflecting the gentle yellow light of the front porch’s lamps directly onto a wicker porch swing onto which a large white dog was sleeping. Its roof a dark colour, possibly blue or black, that matched both the window sills and the front door and tied the whole look of the house together. 

Jake started unloading your bags almost immediately, allowing you a few more minutes to gaze at the house and its grounds before wrapping an arm around your shoulders and dragging you behind the truck to steal a moment of privacy.

“I just remembered, I forgot something important”

You braced yourself. You had prepared almost all of the bags, making sure to pack everything you would need, there was no way he could have forgotten only one item.

“I forgot to kiss my pretty girlfriend this morning,” he smiled, bending down to capture your lips into a gentle kiss. You blushed at the compliment, eventually breaking the kiss to come up for air. 

Jake finished unloading the truck, taking care of all the heavy bags and leaving you to hold the small things. He was on his last back and forth when the door swung open, scaring the dog awake, when a stampede of children flew out of the house. Jake dropped the bags just in time to be tackled to the ground. They lay there giggling as the adults began streaming out of the house. A tall man sporting a dark cowboy hat made his way to you.

“And you must be Y/n, lovely to meet ya. My name is Giovanni Junior, John for friends and family,” he says.

You take his outstretched hand expecting to shake it, but John kisses it instead. 

Jake comes up behind you, his voice holding a bit of brotherly teasing, “You stay away from my girl, Gio.”

John winked at you before looking at Jake, “You stop calling me that.”

“Alright boys, no need to argue. He’s only just gotten here. John, stop picking on him,” an older woman said, gently separating the two men with a hand on their shoulder, “My name is Isabella, I’m Jake’s mother. It is lovely to meet you after all this time. He hasn’t stopped talking about you since he ran into you in church,” She spoke, a heavy accent in her voice

She embraced you in a warm hug. Isabella Seresin was, like the rest of the Seresin family, beautiful. Her blonde hair, green eyes and flawless golden skin matched that of her children, the only hint that Jake’s father had been at all involved in the making of her sons and daughter was that all of them were at least a foot taller than their mother. 

“Come inside, darling,” she guided you away, holding your arm. You looked back at Jake, who smiled encouragingly, “Don’t worry, he is strong, he will carry the bags. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family.”

She stopped by a man bearing uncanny resemblance to John, but taller and slightly thinner, “This is Antonio.” 

“Tony,” He corrected, rolling his eyes playfully at his mom. 

Isabella moved you away again to meet two women huddled in a corner. One of the two was heavily pregnant and the other held a toddler.

“Alessandra is married to Gio,” She pointed towards the pregnant woman. She gave you a warm smile which you returned and a small wave. Isabella then pointed towards the other woman, “This is Sofia. And this little lady is Catalina. They are Tony’s little family,” she explained. 

Then she turned towards John and Tony and fired off something in rapid Italian which you did not understand. When she received no answer, Isabella turned back to you, “My husband and daughter are around somewhere. They are probably inside. We should see if we can find them.”

The inside of the house was as impressive as the outside. The floor was wooden and freshly polished, the walls an attractive cream colour and the furniture an elegant mix of creams, greys and navy blue. It looked like something out of a catalogue. 

Isabella led you through the hallway and into the living room, searching for the missing Seresin family members. You were as nervous as could be, under Jake’s mother’s grip you felt yourself shake a little. She was quick to put you at ease however, asking you questions about yourself in a way that almost made you forget that this felt strangely like an interrogation. 

Finally, you walked into the kitchen where a man, a woman about your age, and an elderly lady were huddled around cups of coffee. You felt a warm hand on your arm, and when you looked you saw that Jake had caught up with you. He quickly kissed the back of your head before waving at the people. 

“Beh, non hai intenzione di baciare tua nonna?” The elderly woman asked Jake, he smiled a little sheepishly before crossing the kitchen in two strides and loudly kissing his grandmother on the cheek. She swatted him away with a laugh.

“Good to see you, Boy,” Said the man. He lifted the cowboy hat an inch. Jake stared back at his own, older face. His father engulfed him in a side hug with a chuckle.

The woman looked you up and down with an air of recognition. Although you had never met her, you could guess who she would be. She looked almost identical to her mother but when she spoke, you found her voice to be harsher and deeper, Jake had warned you she was a smoker, “È questo Y/n, allora?”

“Yes, Maria, this is Y/n,” Jake replied, knocking her hat off of her head and making his way back to you with a smirk. 

“Lei parla italiano?” Nonna asked, looking right at you.

Jake replied, “No,” right as you replied “Sì, un po. Mia zia vive a Roma”, your accent was by no means perfect, but you had picked up enough Italian to at least be able to answer this question with some confidence during the summer vacations you had spent annoying your aunt during your childhood. Nonna nodded, as though you had passed a test. 

----

“You could have warned me about the Italian,” Jake said as soon as he found a minute to spend alone with you. He had climbed up to the second floor with you to his bedroom. You had expected a typical boy’s room but teenage Jake had apparently been quite sparse in his decorating. The only discernible sign of this room belonging to a young man being the football jersey framed onto the wall. 

You turned to face him, with an amused smile,“Says the man who failed to mention his family didn’t speak English.”

“They do, they just… choose not to,” He laughed, “I’m impressed though, that accent wasn’t bad.” 

You laughed back, “Don’t get excited, I know three sentences to very specific questions, nothing else.”

“Oh yeah?” He asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

You nodded, raising an eyebrow in turn before answering, “Yeah. I know how to say ‘Sì, un po. Mia zia vive a Roma’, ‘No grazie, mi piace solo il formaggio francese’ and ‘Preferisco ballare il balletto russo’ and that’s it.” 

“I would LOVE to know the context of you learning that,” Jake said, laughing. 

“Well, my aunt lived in Rome and she would take us to visit in the summer. Her neighbour made his own cheese and wouldn’t stop trying to get me to eat some, and I used to do ballet. I did a few auditions in Italy over the summers and it’s a frequently asked question,” you said, smiling. 

Someone knocked on Jake’s bedroom door. It opened a second later, John looked at the both of you for a moment, “There’s an open door policy for all unmarried couples. Also, La mamma dice che sta dormendo nella stanza di Maria,” He added, his eyes flicking to you for a moment, then he shot you both a wink and left. 

“Apparently you’re bunking with Maria for our stay,” Jake said, pouting a little, “Shame, you were so cute this morning when you slept. So peaceful and adorable.”

“How long were you staring at me for?” You asked, smiling slightly.

“I was not staring. I was lovingly gazing at my beautiful girlfriend…” He replied, “For ten minutes straight, unblinkingly,” He added as he caught you in his arms and gently tickled your sides before peppering kisses all over your face.

“Apparently you’re my roomie,” Said a voice by the door. Jake let go of you with an embarrassed cough, but still winked at you before Maria continued, “Come with me I’ll show you where you’re sleeping.” 

Maria led you to her room. Like the rest of the house, it was impeccably decorated, but with a more feminine colour scheme. Pink, purple and pastel colours as far as the eyes could see. Maria saw you looking with a smile, 

“Much better than Jacob’s room, isn’t it? I’m sleeping on the pink bed. You can sleep on the purple one,” She pointed towards the bed closest to the door, “The bathroom is right there,” She added, showing you a door on the other side of the bedroom, “There are towels and everything on your bed.” 

You moved towards the bed, suddenly strangely nervous and a little distressed. You had known you wouldn’t be sharing a room with Jake, but meeting Jake’s family was feeling more and more overwhelming. Just as you wished Jake could appear, you heard him by the door, 

“No. No boys,” Maria said, as she blocked her brother’s way into the room.

“It’s for the bags,” Jake replied, sounding a little exasperated. You turned around, hoping your face wouldn’t betray your emotions. Unfortunately, Jake caught your eye and frowned.

“She’s a big girl, she can carry them herself,” Maria argued back, still blocking Jake’s path. 

“Yeah and you’re a pain in the ass,” Jake said as he pushed her to the side. He dropped off the bags and made himself comfortable on the bed. He stared at Maria, daring her to say anything. She huffed and walked out of the room, making sure to leave the door wide open. 

You sat down next to Jake and curled into his chest. The arm that rested behind you came up to rub circles into your arm as he held you tightly. He leaned against you and kissed your forehead

“You okay?” He asked, his voice muffled against your skin. You nodded lightly and nuzzled further into his chest.

You felt him sigh, “What’s wrong?” he tried asking again. 

“Just feeling a little overwhelmed, your family is big, and you all have big personalities. Also, everyone seems so perfect. What if they don’t like me?” you say quietly, face still buried in his chest. 

He laughed a little at that, “They are going to love you. We can be a little overwhelming. I’m sorry that you are feeling that way, what can I do?” he asked, his mouth pressing into the top of your head in a kiss. 

“Just hold me for a minute,” you said, burrowing closer to him. 

Jake wrapped his arms around you, squeezing you to his chest, he seemed content to sit there as long as you needed. As his breathing started to lull you into falling asleep, there was a sound by the doorway. Moving your head to glance at the door, you saw Catalina standing there looking at you. 

Jake spoke to her, the timber of his voice calming your fraying nerves further, “Hey sweetie, who are you looking for?” he asked. 

“Uncle ‘akey!” she said, giving him a big smile. 

You felt Jake laugh at her name for him, the little thing probably couldn’t say her Js yet. Moving you a little in his arms, Jake made room for her, beckoning her into the room, “I think I can fit two of my favourite girls in for snuggles,” he said, a smile on his face. 

Catalina ran into the room, when she got to Jake he scooped her up like she weighed nothing with one hand. He pulled her little frame into his other side, setting her on his thigh, “How’s that munchkin?” he asked, looking down at her. 

She just smiled shyly, burrowing her face into Jake’s neck. You smiled at them, Jake really was good with kids. He would make a great father, and the thought of your own baby made you blush. Maybe next year you would come back here with a ‘munchkin’ of your own to share with the family. 

At that moment, Jake looked at you, “Feeling better?” he asked. 

“Yeah, I’m feeling a bit better,” you said, before adding in an exasperated tone, “Hopefully I’ll stay that way, we haven’t even made it to Thanksgiving dinner yet.” 

He moved his arm to lift your chin up a little, then bent down to kiss your lips. 

"EWWWWWWW," Jake's niece exclaimed, wriggling free of her uncle's arms and running out of the room.

You laughed at her reaction, the tension and nerves you were feeling from before almost forgotten, Jake turned to you and asked, “Are you ready to go back out there?”

“I think so,” you said, standing up from the bed and taking his hand. He led you back to the kitchen where the whole family was gathered. You watched as they all helped to prepare dinner, even the little ones had jobs setting the table. 

"Can I help with anything?" You asked, feeling a little out of your element. You were used to lending a hand whenever you were in the kitchen and standing by without a job was not something you had ever done. 

After you asked, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at you. Suddenly your nerves were back in full force and you felt like you wanted to melt into the wall behind you. Isabella tutted at you, "Absolutely not. You are a guest. Jake has never brought a girl home before, I do not want to spoil the occasion."

You could feel everyone’s eyes on you as you stood there, like they were waiting for your reaction to Isabella's statement, like it was a test. 

Jake broke the silence, "Take a picture, it'll last longer, guys." 

You gave him a look that said you had it, and turned to Isabella, “That’s really not necessary. You have been so kind as to invite me to your home, at least let me help with the cooking, or baking. Jake can attest that I am a great baker.”

At that moment, you felt every eye in the whole kitchen leave your body. It felt like maybe you had passed one of their tests. Isabella turned back to you and smiled, “Alright dear, I think we have everything covered for tonight, but Jake has told us so much about your delicious cinnamon rolls. Perhaps you can prepare those for the morning?” 

Smiling, you nodded at her, “I would be happy to do that.” 

You stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do with yourself. If you couldn’t help in the kitchen, was it appropriate for you to stay? Would they talk about you if you left? Jake was no help as he just stood next to you unmoving. 

At that moment, you felt a little hand tap your leg, looking down you found a little boy. Crouching down to his level you asked, “What’s your name?” 

He blushed before whispering out, “Agostino.” 

“Agostino?” you said, your voice soft, and low, comforting, “I think that's a lovely name.” 

Agostino smiled at you, “Would you like to play? Mom said we needed an adult to go outside,” he finished bashfully, like he was nervous you would say no. 

“Of course I would love to go outside!” you said enthusiastically. 

With that, you felt all eyes on you again as you allowed him to pull you through the kitchen and out the back door. As soon as you stepped outside, you heard all of them start talking at once in rapid Italian. Deciding not to let it get to you, you closed the door gently behind you and followed Agostino to a play set that was in the yard. 

He took a seat on one of the swings and asked you to push him. You walked around behind him and gave him a few gentle pushes to start, not wanting to send him too high into the air.  From this spot you were facing the house, and you could see into the kitchen through a few large windows. Jake was standing on one side of the huge kitchen island and you could tell that he didn’t look happy. 

You looked away, not wanting to intrude on whatever was happening. Jake would tell you later, he seemed embarrassed by what had gone on in the house. A door slamming caught your attention. Jake was walking towards you, Catalina in his arms and another little boy was following behind him, trying to keep up with his large steps. 

“Uncle Jake slow down, I can’t keep up with you,” he said, calling after Jake. 

“I’m sorry buddy,” Jake said, stopping and turning to wait for him to catch up. 

“It’s okay,” he said as he caught up, taking Jake’s free hand, “Why are you mad?” 

You laughed as Jake let out a loud sigh, “I’m not mad, sometimes our family is just a little too much at times.”

“What do you mean?” he asked again, this one was quite inquisitive. 

Jake laughed, “Sometimes they judge people before they really know them is all,” he said, looking at you. 

As they got to the swingset, Jake introduced the boy to you, “Luca this is Y/N, she is my girlfriend.” 

“Hi!” he said, waving at you, “Can you push me on the swing too?” 

“Of course!” you said, setting a hand on his back and giving him a gentle push at the same time as his brother. 

Jake tossed Catalina in the air, her sharp squeal piercing the quiet plains around you. He set her down and watched as she ran towards the monkey bars, hanging from the short ones that she could reach. He turned to you, his expression softening, “I’m sorry about them, apparently they haven’t met anyone new in their entire lives.” 

You laughed at him, he really wasn’t good with emotional conversations, “It’s okay. I’ll just have to win them over with my cinnamon rolls tomorrow morning.” 

Jake took over pushing Luca’s swing, keeping a close eye on Catalina, “I’m sure you will honey,” he said, pressing a quick kiss to your head before Luca jumped off the swing in front of him. 

“Did you see that uncle Jake? I went almost as high as you do in your plane!” he said, turning around looking so proud of himself. 

Jake laughed, “You went so high Luca! Do you know who else flies planes?” 

“Who?” he asked, eyes wide.

“Y/N, she sits in the back and tells her pilot what to look for,” Jake said proudly. 

“Really??” Luca asked, looking at you. 

You nodded, “Yes, I do! I am a Weapons Systems Officer or a WSO.” 

“That’s so cool!” he yelled, “One day I am going to be a pilot like uncle Jake!” 

“I’m sure you will be buddy,” Jake said, rubbing the top of his nephew’s head, “Who’s up for a game of tag?” he asked, a devious smile on his face. 

“Me! Me! Me!” three little voices sang out. With that an epic game of tag started, with all of you running around the grass. Catalina had a hard time keeping up, so you scooped her up into your arms and kept running, laughing as she squealed as Jake got closer to the two of you. 

You jumped when the game was interrupted, John was standing at the door, his voice carrying to all of you in the yard, “Dinner’s done!” 

The kids all ran inside, you and Jake following behind them, Catalina still in your arms. As you made it inside Isabella took the little girl from you, taking her over to her high chair. The only two seats left at the table were between Tony and the woman you assumed was Jake’s grandmother. 

Deciding between the lesser of two evils, you sat down next to Tony. Hopefully if nothing else, his wife would keep him in check. You all joined hands, waiting as Giovanni blessed the food. Everyone said Amen and you dug into the spread, all of the dishes were being passed around and the house was loud with all of the conversation. Jake pressed his leg against yours under the table, a silent reminder that he was next to you and it would be alright. 

Jake leaned towards you, "Do you want my peas?" He asked, whispering into your ear. You nodded but before you could switch the plates Luca screamed.

"UNCLE JAKE'S NOT HAVING PEAS," He shouted, pointing straight at Jake's plate where the tiny green vegetables were corralled into a corner.

Nonna and Isabella looked straight at him. They both narrowed their eyes suspiciously, Jake stood tall again, "No, Luca. Uncle Jake is having his peas. Look." 

Jake looked into his mothers eyes for a brief second with a look of such disdain it would have shocked you if you hadn't known about his hatred of peas. He scooped some onto his fork and raised them up to his mouth. You tried hard to hold in your laughter when Jake forced them into his mouth and stifled a gag.

"See, Luca. He eats his peas. Now you do too," Isabella said. You would have managed to stay composed for the rest of the dinner if you hadn't crossed John's eyes. Both of you snorted, desperately trying to hide it into your food but without success.

Miraculously, it felt as though the mood had been lifted over the table. You had expected Jake to be a little crabby, but when you looked over at him you saw him already looking, a genuinely happy smile etched over his features. He winked.

----

You were up early. Well, earlier than anyone else in the house. After dinner the night before you had helped to clear the table and wash the dishes, even with Isabella’s protests that you were a guest. However, you had forgotten about their request for cinnamon rolls until you were laying in bed. Not wanting to bother anyone, you set an alarm for your military wake up time, 0400. 

You had forced yourself out of bed and into the bathroom, running through your usual routine before pulling on a house dress. You made your way down the stairs quietly, your socks helping to dampen your steps on the wood floor. When you got to the kitchen, you were surprised to find Jake’s grandma, Nonna as he told you they called her, was sitting at the counter, a bible laid out in front of her. You hesitated, wondering if she would be happy to have you interrupting her time with God. 

Deciding that keeping your promise of cinnamon rolls was more important, you silently made your way into the kitchen, hoping not to startle her. As you walked into her line of sight, her eyes shifted up to you. 

“Good morning,” you said quietly, “I’m just going to make those cinnamon rolls now, don’t let me disturb you.” 

She gave you a nod before going back to her scripture. You found the coffee machine ready to go and hit brew. You found a cup in the cabinet above it, and waited for the pot to fill. Pouring yourself a cup, you took a sip. Even black, it was some of the best coffee you had ever had. You were going to have to figure out where Isabella had gotten it from, if Jake insisted on eating toast and coffee for breakfast, he could at least have something that tasted good. 

You made your way to the pantry, finding all of the ingredients that you needed for the cinnamon rolls. You made the dough by hand, mixing the ingredients together in a bowl with a wooden spoon. You could feel Jake’s grandma watching you from time to time, but for the most part, the woman seemed devoted to her readings. 

While you waited for the dough to proof, you got your own bible as well as your rosary out from your purse. Nonna briefly looked up from her own page, shooting you an appreciative look. She took your cup and twirled the contents at the bottom, it wasn't much so she stood from her chair with both of your mugs and made enough coffee for you both. Then, she sat back down and you both returned to your reading. You gratefully thanked her before taking a sip of your coffee. How did it taste better when she made it?

As the sun started to shine through the windows, the timer you set on your phone went off. Closing your bible, you stood from the barstool. Turning the dough out on the counter, you kneaded it a few times before rolling it out, you spread the cinnamon sugar filling on the dough before rolling it up. You picked a knife out of the block on the counter and cut it into twelve rolls. Placing them on the baking sheet you prepared, you covered them once more allowing them to rise. 

You cleaned up the counter and washed the dishes you had made, putting them back in their rightful spots. By the time you had finished, the rolls were ready to bake. You popped them in the oven and drained the last of your coffee. You picked up Nonna’s cup, pouring both of you another. 

Placing it back in front of her, she looked up at you as she closed her bible, “So, you are religious?” she asked. 

You nodded, “Yes ma’am, raised Catholic.” 

Gesturing to your rosary pouch, she asked, “How often do you pray the rosary?” 

"Every day, ma'am, and whenever is needed," you said quietly. 

"Do you pray for my Jacob?" She asked, looking you in the eyes.

"Every morning and evening, ma'am, and whenever he does something stupid," You say with a smile. She laughed and you took that as a good sign.

"Poor girl, you never stop!" She roars, pulling you into a hug.

"I heard him pray for you last night. Saying 'Our Father' and asking for your protection and acceptance in the family. He didn't pray for anyone else, just you," She said into your ear before patting your back and leaving the kitchen altogether. 

You stood there for a minute, entirely uncertain of what to do with yourself. You prayed for Jake and hoped he did the same, but having it confirmed filled you with so much love that you didn't really know what to do. Unable to decide, you opted to get on with the job, smiling widely to yourself and mentally picking the best looking cinnamon roll to later give to Jake.

As the rolls baked, their sweet smell filled the house. You were whisking the icing for them when the sound of little feet reached your ears. Looking up, you saw Luca standing in the doorway of the kitchen. 

“What are you making?” he asked, walking towards you. 

You gave him a smile, “Cinnamon rolls! They are your uncle Jake’s favourite.” 

“Then they are my favourite too,” he said, climbing up on one of the barstools. 

Chuckling, your conversation was interrupted when your timer went off. You placed the bowl down on the counter before turning to pull the cinnamon rolls out of the oven. You placed them on top of the cutting board you had set out earlier. Looking up, you caught Luca sticking his finger in the icing. Laughing, you pretended to smack his little hand, only barely tapping him, “If you eat it all now, there won’t be any left for the rolls!” you exclaimed. 

He gave you a smile, “But it tastes so good! I don’t know if I can wait.”

Searching the cabinets for a plate, you pulled one out, “Okay, let's get you a roll then,” you said, using a fork to pull one from the centre of the pan.  

He gave you a toothy grin as you held the plate for him while he spread an unholy amount of icing on top of the roll. You were interrupted by a cough from the doorway, looking up, you found Jake staring at you wide eyed. 

“Good morning,” you said to him, a smile on your face. 

“Mornin’,” he said back, his eyes fixed on you helping Luca with his cinnamon roll. Suddenly Jake stumbled forwards as Alessandra pushed her way into the kitchen. 

“Pregnant lady,” she said pointing to herself, “Sweet food,” she said now pointing to the rolls. She shot Jake a wink as she laughed at his shocked face. Dropping a kiss to Luca’s head she turned to you, “Thank you for helping him, he is like me. Nothing sweet ever gets by him.”

Feeling like the family was finally accepting you, you smiled at her, “It’s no problem, I love kids,” you said.

As you plated her and Jake both cinnamon rolls, Jake was pouring himself a cup of coffee. 

Alessandra laughed, “You’ll love them even more when they are your own, trust me.” 

With that comment, you heard Jake splutter, he was suddenly coughing, choking on the sip of coffee he had just taken a moment before. 

You patted him on the back, “You good babe?” you asked. 

“I’m good,” he coughed out, “Wrong pipe.” 

Alessandra sent him a knowing look, taking her cinnamon roll and sitting down next to Luca at the counter. You gave Jake his plate, planting a kiss on his cheek. He pulled you into a hug, “What time did you get up this morning darlin’?” he asked, his voice still rough with sleep. 

“O’four hundred, lieutenant,” you said into his chest. 

He hummed, “So you will be taking a nap later then?” 

“Perhaps,” you said, “We will have to see.” 

Just then, the rest of the Seresin clan seemed to make their way into the kitchen. At only 7 AM you hadn’t expected them all to be up. 

Isabella practically floated into the kitchen, already dressed in a beautiful t-shirt and a flowy pair of white pants, “What is the delicious smell?” she asked the room. 

Luca turned to her, “Nonnina, Y/N made cinnamon rolls,” he said, his mouth covered in icing. 

She laughed at him, “It appears she did Lu. Did you help?"

Winking at Luca, you said, "He supervised." 

Isabella laughed again, “I’m sure they are going to be as good as Jake said then.” 

Tony stuck his head into the kitchen, he had been one of the first to grab a roll earlier, “Hey, we have all finally gotten up in time to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade,” he called out. 

Everyone grabbed some breakfast before making their way into the living room. You found Jake saving you a seat on the leather couch beside him. Dropping down onto the couch, he covered you up in the blanket he had thrown across his lap. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you to lean against his shoulder. 

Whispering into your hair, “Thank you for being you,” he said. 

You felt yourself blush, “That’s the only me I know how to be,” you said back. He kissed your head before turning to face the TV. The parade had just started and the celebrities that they had announcing each massive balloon were talking about different Thanksgiving dishes that were their favourites. 

The lull of the TV and the goings on of the room around you made your eyes feel heavy and soon, you found yourself falling asleep on Jake’s shoulder. Jake looked at your dozing form with a smile. He briefly looked over at the tv before finding himself growing more and more tired. His eyes closed and his head dropped to rest on yours. 

"Look, look, Nonnina, '' Agostino whispered, pulling on his grandmother's arm and directing her attention to her youngest son. A smile formed on her lips as she took in the sweet scene before her. 

"Should we wake them up?" John asked, earning himself a sharp slap on the arm courtesy of his sister.

She looked at him reproachfully, as if asking him where his manners had gone, "She makes you breakfast and you want to wake her up? Ungrateful man, I hope you treat Alessa better than that."

Eventually you stirred. When Jake and you fully awoke you found that you had both moved so that you were laying down on the sofa, your legs entangled and Jake holding you tight. 

"Mamma, sono svegli," You hear a woman whisper from the kitchen. 

Jake groans in answer, "Sei una bugiarda, Maria." 

Despite having heard his entire family speak Italian before and knowing he could too, this was the first time you had heard him speak it. It was strange how much more wonderful the language sounded falling from his lips. When he spoke, you understood why it was called a Romance Language.

[riizebabie444]

𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ─── ☆

this blog welcomes peaceful and positive energy only. if you are here to bring drama and negativity, you and your energy will be blocked. any and all negative energy sent to this blog will be sent right back to the sender.

SECTION A: IMPORTANT NOTES

ʚɞ i do not read tarot while i am menstruating so there will be times during the month when i cannot post pac’s, or return exchanges/paid readings on time. if you are waiting for a reading during this time, i will inform you of the delay and let you know when you can expect it. please be patient with me during this time.

ʚɞ i am a full–time student and work part–time and have several personal commitments outside of tarot. please understand that i’m a person and i’m here to share my love and passion for tarot. respect me as a person before anything else and do not treat me like a tarot reading machine.

ʚɞ majority of readings will be done via dms (unless it is for a game, which is through my inbox). you can also ask to have readings sent by e–mail. long readings will be sent on a google docs link.

SECTION B: GENERAL GUIDELINES

what matters most to me is a person’s attitude so please do not speak or act in ways that encourage negativity.

speak kindly and respectfully. we are all humans so let’s treat each other as such, with basic decency at least.

be patient, especially if you are waiting for a response. do not act demanding or entitled to me or any other reader.

anonymous requests and readings/exchanges are allowed but please use an initial or emoji to identify yourself.

things i will not read for: anything heavily related to health, death, legal matters.

SECTION C: RULES

𝟷. do not be rude. speak to me nicely as i will to you. if not, i won’t hesitate to remove you from my blog. be kind and respect others, it’s human decency.

𝟸. do not bring any hate, drama or toxicity onto this blog.

𝟹. all forms of discrimination are prohibited: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, religious hate etc. if you engage in any of these, you will be blocked.

𝟺. do not copy, steal, repost or translate my readings on any site. any act of which will be classed as plagiarism.

𝟻. do not ask for readings which include any of my hard no’s stated in the guidelines above.

𝟼. if you break any rule or make me feel uncomfortable in any way, i will block you for your carelessness and ignorance towards adhering to my rules.

SECTION D: PAID SERVICES

you must make your payment before i begin the reading.

all payments must be made through paypal (paying family and friends option).

all payments must be in GBP (£).

i do not offer refunds unless you have paid for the reading and i have not yet started the reading. once i start the reading, you will no longer be allowed a refund. you will be informed when i begin the reading.

prices and readings will be discussed prior to the payment being made. please do not make any payment until after the reading and price is accepted by me.

paid readings will be prioritised over any other readings i do. however, i ask for your patience and understanding in case of any delays. in case of delays, you can expect your reading within 7–14 days. if there are no delays, please expect your reading within a week.

if you have any questions about paid readings, please send them to my inbox or dms.

SECTION E: FEEDBACK + SUGGESTIONS

feedback is mandatory. you can send feedback in comments, reblogs, asks or dm.

please be polite with all feedback. whether my readings resonate with you or not, i ask for genuine and honest feedback. this, however, does not mean you can talk down to me and/or spread false information.

suggestions for readings and pac’s are welcome in my inbox but i do not complete them on a requests basis. i don’t take requests, but i am open to suggestions.

for kpop readings, the same applies. however, i’m not massively into kpop or celebrity readings. i will do them according to my own interest and comfort or for paid readings.

© riizebabie444 — all rights reserved. please do not copy, steal, repost or translate my readings on any site. any form of which will be classed as plagiarism.

[moochio7]

can we get more coach content ?? :D

teared up seeing this in my inbox /pos

get ready for way too many words...

I never had any ocs that stuck around before making coach for the stupidest crack fic with my friends,, so idrk how this is supposed to work but whatever. He isn't a very nuanced character yet, but he'll get there eventually.

on the google doc for planning False-hearted (the insane crack fic) this is what was written for coach a while back

"Coach: (deals with some behind the scene shit and plans “plays” to do in battle) {Boss Man} He plans plays for battle but also is in battle observing and making plans on the spot- like we all have radios and hes armed creepin around being like oooooo we got an abandoned sentry ill get that which opens up a space for someone else to come in and yada yada u get the idea (long story short i'm specifying that he gets a gun and gets to be in battle cause teehee silly) YOOOO HE CAN LIKE TRAIN THE MERCS N SHIT BY ANALYSIZING THEIR SKILLS IN BATTLE AND SEEING WHAT TGET CAN WORK OJ AND RAAGGHH cuz they got that training gym area right? coach the personal trainer lol"

Also have I mentioned its a self-insert? I think I may have just said oc but no yeah this guy is just me.

in terms of who this guy is, he gets along well with pretty much everyone, bullies scout like a brother a lot tho. no hard feelings ofc. since a very young age he had a lot of pressure and responsibility dropped on him, so while he is immature and messing around sometimes, he is wary of being too obnoxious, is never vulnerable with others, and puts up this false rigid cool leader guy persona. For now at least.

He may not talk to others about his emotions or whats going on with him, but he doesnt just bottle it up and never think about it. Hes got an over analytical brain and has looked into every single thing hes ever done or said and seems to truly understand so very much about himself. Hes knows the issues he has but cant bring himself to fix them because that takes being vulnerable and brave. Some things he cant be. He appears brave to others in your typical "do whatever it takes to help others and jump into action without worry" way tho.

In terms of backstory and what growing up was like? I havent decided yet lol

theres some older posts on my page under the false-hearted tag to (maybe???) give you more context of the strange world this guy is in.

heres pretty much every time ive drawn coach 👍👍im still working on figuring out his exact features so theyre pretty inconsistent.

quick sketch n colour

this one is inspired but an amazing song "La guerra di Piero" by Fabrizio De André

another sketch, and some images i cooked up for sending as reaction images to friends. (Coach brutally killing Blu scout with scouts own bat, and then coach being the innocent kid he is)

[secondsonaym]

OKAY SO.

As much as I'd like to open the inbox again, I don't really. Want any questions for the story just yet cause there's some stuff I wanna take care of and organize and blah blah blah first.

Also I think. I want to take a break for a couple of days to cool down cause HOGH.

I mean I could open it for general stuff but. Again, I don't want any asks towards characters or whatever right now and I want people to understand that. And I kinda don't trust everyone as a GROUP to understand that so I might just keep the inbox closed until I'm ready to start up again.

But first I'm gonna be going through and making a google doc organizing all the important posts and putting them together so one doesn't need to flail through my tag too much.

BUT YEAH... that's the first chapter...................... I hope you enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thechaosmuses]

Hey darlings, I'm sorry I haven't been on the past few days- my parents both started back to work and I've been babysitting, and then today I spent cleaning my shed. Anyways, I'm gonna be on for a little before I go to bed (have to be up early to get my sister ready for school) working on a few things. If anyone wants to chat my inbox is always open and I have Discord- also to anyone who liked my starter calls if you'd like to plot something out you should definitely message me 👀🥴 I hope everyone is having a great day/night 💚

I'm also considering making a list of my muses on here for people who don't wanna go to Google Docs- and honestly, I might just get rid of the Google Docs all together because I think putting all of their information on here would be easier. I promise I won't post them all at once and spam all of you, it's gonna take me some time because of how I plan to do it, and because some of them don't have backstories just yet- written anyway.

[allylikethecat]

Also- talk shop Tuesday…

Do you ever do any of your writing on physical mediums or whatever like writing stuff on paper, or do you do it all on a computer ?

Yay!! Happy Talk Shop Tuesday! If anyone else wants to partake my asks and inbox are open and ready!

I usually do my initial outline on paper as well as usually make some character notes and maps on paper. I have a green notebook that is my "fic notebook" and a lot of my notes/doodles/ideas can be found there. Sometimes I also feel unhinged and will start writing sections on paper in said notebook. However, for the most part I do *most* of my writing on my computer or my iPhone. It's super easy between Google docs and the iPhone/iPad notes app to MacBook notes app cloud connections to bounce around from device to device.

Thank you so much for sending me a talk shop Tuesday! Between Tuesday being my update day, and a designated day to "talk shop" I find it has become one of my favorite days of of the week! I hope you are enjoying my fics and that you are having a GREAT week!

❤️Ally

[rae-gar-targaryen]

Calling all Mayans Babes -- I am OFFICIALLY taking requests. Please use this prompt list (or if you don't see one you want to ask about, feel free to come up with one.)

I'm already working on one for the lovely @joannasteez so send, send away.

Pairings: Up to you! I'll write for any or our Mayans men, Rio from "Good Girls," and Diego Hargreeves. Maaaaybe Oscar Diaz I'd anyone asks? It can be a reader insert, a "Frida" insert. Whatever you want bbs.

💜🌿

Tagging some lovelies just in case @belowva @calif0rnia-lovers @blessedboo @kijahslove @joannasteez @flightlessangelwings @the-purity-pen @themarcusmoreno @moonlight-prose @justanotherblonde23 @cinewhore

[oneirataxiahiraeth]

hi could you please do a really dirty smut with kai with a poc reader. where she passes out it’s all like really hardcore and rough thank youuu :)

Fashionably Late

Pairings : fem!reader x kaiparker

Warnings : swearing, smut, body worshipping (fem.), oral (fem. Receiving), morning sex, p in v, unprotected sex, fucking while otp

Word Count :

A/N :

Clearing out my inbox before I start with the google docs. I got all of your answers and usernames(if you submitted) so just know that when I start, I have my tag list all set!!!! Ily guys, and thank you for being so patient with me😮‍💨 I hope you enjoy

"OMG, yes, and did you see- YES!" You giggled into your phone, trying to whisper as quietly as you can as you're boyfriend struggled to sleep behind you.

Bonnie and Elena were on the line, they called you just to gossip over the newest CarolinexStefan drama going on. Your other two friends still struggling to admit how they felt for one another, making it way easier, and very entwining to tease both of them daily.

"Babe." Kai groaned, his voice monotoned and raspy, but you could still hear the slight annoyance in his tone. It was just a bit earlier than noon, and he had woken up a few minutes before your phone had rang. He had been trying to get your attention for about 10 minutes or so. Trying to signal that he was ready for you to hang up. Mainly because he was horny and knew you wouldn't do anything with him while you were gossiping with your friends.

"If I have to spend one more day watching them pretend like they're not in love with each other I'm going to flip my shit-"

"-and if I have to listen to you talk about how badly Carolyn and Steven want to bone, I'm going to flip mine." Kai grumbled into you neck.

You eyes rolled, as his arm pulled you in closer to his body. Keeping you steady against him as he complained. Bonnie making a slide comment about hearing laid voice which made you giggle, only to get another squeeze from your boyfriend who could very well hear what statement you were giggling at.

"Alright, well, I'm going to shower and head over, and help set up over there." You sighed, kai pushing the boner he had against you ass, making sure you were vividly aware of his current predicament. "I'll see you guys later, love you." You sent a quick kiss noise through the phone before hanging up. Kai smiled into your neck, hand reaching out, leaving your waist, and grabbing the phone from your hands before tossing it on the floor. Your mouth propped open for a second, only to shut it when you get his lips press into your neck.

"Omg, love you" he mocked your voice, the vibrations tickling your skin. "Finally," he breathed out. "I have you all to myself." His Hand moved back to your flesh, hand cupping your boob, squeezing it a bit making you giggle.

"You made me hang up the phone so you could fondle my boobs?" You spoke, as his hand kneaded the soft flesh.

"Precisely. Glad we're in the same page." He pressed another kiss into your neck. "Now be a good girl, while I fondle all of your other bodily anatomy." He hummed, hand sliding down your waist, finding it way to your naked core, thighs closed tight, as you felt him trying to pry his way in.

"Stop it, we need to get up. I promised Caroline we'd help set up the dinner for tonight." You mentioned but he didn't seem to care. "We only have like an hour."

"It's barely even 1, we have plenty of time." He tongue kitten licked the clean porcelain smooth skin on your neck. "Don't you think?" His middle finger pressed against your clit, immediately beginning to rub circles along the precious bundle of nerves.

"No, we can't-" you cut yourself off with a moan you just couldn't hold in. "Not today, kai, you know if we start we won't stop in time to help set up." You whined, but he didn't seem to care. You squealed, as you felt his teeth nip against your sensitive skin. "Kai I swear to god, you better not leave a hickey on me."

He smirked, and ignored every word you said. allowing his one hand to work on your clit while your body relaxed into him, allowing his leg between both of yours, giving him good space to work his magic. His boner was still pressed into you ass, causing an ache deep in the pit of your stomach. You had just had sex less than 24 hours ago. Twice. Your body was sore, and you were beyond exhausted. But something about him... and the way he touches you... and the way his lips felt against you skin... it was all so intoxicating.

"Okay, fuck, 30 minutes. That's it." You wind, feeling yourself absentmindedly grinding your hips against his fingers pressed against you clit. He chuckled at the thought of you having control over the situation.

"As you wish, malady." He chuckled, hiking his leg up a little further, spreading your legs further apart. His middle and ring finger slowly working your clit in small precise circles, breathy sounds escaping from your mouth as you're hips pushed into his fingers at a steady pace.

His tongue running over the soft skin on your neck, sending shivers down your spine. His lips sucking darker bruises in the hardest spots to hide. The soft moans and the way your hips rutted against him only spurred him on further. He removed his fingers from you clit, his hand running down you thigh, before lifting your leg, and keeping you there while he held to the back of your knee.

His eyes peered down the blanket a bit. Watching as he moved his hips so his length could slide easily through your folds, coating himself in your arousal.

"Already so wet, and I've barely even touched you." He spoke, ego soaring through the roof as he pressed the tip of his cock against your entrance earning the most sinful noise from you.

"Please." You whined, hips pushing against him.

"Shhhh," he hushed, lips right next to your ear, pulling your leg up a little further causing a burn in your inner thigh you knew you were about to enjoy. Slowly he pushed into your entrance, your jaw falling slack letting out the most pornographic moan you've ever made, as he split you in half so gently. "Good Girl, taking me so well." He moaned into your ear. You walls welcoming him in with no hesitation, an immediate bliss fogging your brain as he slowly rocking his hips into your ass, pushing himself further and further into your cunt with every stroke.

What started off slow and passionate, sloppy kisses along your ear and neck turned into something a little more greedy. Your hips pushing back against his, his fingers digging bruises into your flesh as his hips picked up the pace, soft sweet moans were turned more sinful and erotic. The sounds of his skin slapping against yours filling the empty air, your body hot and sticky from already being enveloped from the warmth the blankets were providing for you.

    "s-so good" you moaned.

   His chest pushed against your back, making your chest press into the mattress. His dropped you leg, moving to his knees, lifting yours ass up as he continued to pump himself into you. Your nails digging into the sheets as you felt him push deeper into you, hitting just the right spot.

   "feel so good, sweetheart." He moaned, his stroke long and strategically planned. There were moments he couldn't  help but snap his hips into yours just to hear the purely sinful moans escaping your lips. Other times he wanted to focus solely on the way way your breaths left your lips when he plunge slowly into you cunt, feeling every spasm of the muscle as he pushed inside of you. There was no reason he could have both... he could easily have you both ways in just 30 minutes....

You could feel that coil of pleasure spiraling in the pit of your stomach. With every stroke you were brought closer and closer to you edge. Back arching, hips pushing back against his strokes. His moans hitting your ears as a sound of praise, only making this all the more enjoyable. Knowing it was you and your body drawing such delicious noises out of the brown haired siphon above you. His hands gripping onto your hips, trying to keep himself together, until you came undone.

"You close?" He groaned, and you nodded vigorously.

"So fucking close- I'm gonna cum baby." You whined, walls clenching his length as you felt it harder to keep yourself under control.

"Cum for me baby." He urged. He felt how your muscle tense, and for a second your body went tense before a series of loud moans of his name, and the gripping of the sheets. He stroke didn't stopped as he get you spasming around his cock. Arousal creating the most lewd sounds. You're breathing shaking as he pulled out of your count completely, flipping you onto your back, watching the way your back arched off the bed, still slowing the pressure to flow through you freely. "So pretty." He hummed, leaning down to press a kiss on your neck.

"Baby, you didn't-"

"I know, just lay back." He shushed, a hands traveling up your body.

The sunlight was shining through the pale yellow curtain over your windows. You bare skin being lit golden, creating the purest piece of art he'd ever seen. His eyes scanning over your body, fingers tracing over your nipples as he simply forgot about the time limit you set onto him. You watched the focus on his face, as he made sure to note ever detail on your skin. His hand kneading away at your breasts, causing your cunt to ache at his simple touch.

"Babe, we don't have time and I want you to-" he shot you a glare, warning you to be quiet while he examined you. Seconds later your phone rang. Caroline's name and picture flashed across your phone screen. Both of you stared for a second before kai reached over and picked up the phone. He answered the call, putting the phone to your ears as you furrowed your eyebrows.

"H-hey, Care. What's going on?" You asked, confused form the devious look in his eyes. He just looked back down, eyes and hands returning to your body, making sure to the touch you everywhere. Soft kisses placed all around your chest, his tongue flicking over you erect nipples, causing your breathing to get a little heavier.

"So, I already sent Bonnie and Elena off with their own groceries lists for dinner tonight, but I have no idea where the hell they are. Elena texted me this morning but it was totally cryptic so I don't think she'll be much help." Caroline groaned into the phone, the state of panic she was in very dominant in her tone.

Kai moving further down your body as you sent him a glare which he chose to ignore. His lips trailing towards you beat, leaving a trail of love bites and nips in his wake, until you felt the soft kiss he pressed to you clit. Your legs were spread widely for him, arousal already costing your sex from your previous orgasm, cunt still sensitive, even the air making your hole clench around practically nothing.

"Oh, uhm, what do you mean?" You sucked in a deep breath as kai licked a bold strip. Your arousal coating his tongue.

    You went on to listen to Caroline rant about how Elena asked her to get Stefan to fulfill all the duties she was supposed help Caroline with. You're throat burn with every 'mhm' and 'wow, really?' Trying to keep in the sinful noises you so desperately wanted to make as your devious boyfriend explored every crevice and licked up every bit of you. Your lip caught between your teeth as you kept in the noises, back still arching off the bed as he took his time making sure you felt everything you deserved.

    "Long story short, I need you here... like asap." She sighed, and you let out a little gasp as you felt kai licking up your entrance. Tongue fucking you at an incredible speed. The lewd wet sounds of his tongue piercing your hole undetected by your phone microphone but that was all you could hear.

   "O-oh" you moaned, a hand gripping the sheet besides you.  "I uhm- you know I just woke up and I-it might take me a while to get over there-” a hand flew over your mouth as your back arched off the bed.

“Ugh, fine! Can you get here in an hour?” You hummed a response and received a sigh in return. “Ugh, okay, I have to go, I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Uh huh, of course.” Your eyes squeezing together and your hips bucked into Kai’s mouth.

“And if you hear from Elena or Bonnie, let them know; they are dead.” She threatened through the phone.

“Yeah, yeah, for sure.” You hummed, trying to keeping your cool. “Bye, Care.”

“By-” you hung up the phone quickly, tossing it somewhere on the floor, letting out every noise you were keeping back as you felt your orgasm begin to ripple through you. Your toes curling, back arching off the bed, breathing ragged and legs quivering as you cried his name out.

After you came down from your high, hips still grinding against his tongue, you tried to move. Tried. Kai’s hands holding you still in place while he continued. Tongue lapping up all of your juices and starting another stir in the pit of your stomach, clit still sensitive and not prepared to handle another orgasm so soon.

“Kai please, I can’t-” he pushed his face deeper between your thighs. “I can’t handle it kai” you whined, but he wasn’t ready to let up just yet. “Kai” you moaned loudly, he licked a bold stripe up your slit before pressing a kiss to your clit. His lips and tongue leaving a wet trail up your body, until you felt him on you neck, body wedged between your legs, and him moaning into the kisses he was leaving on your skin.

“We have to head over in a bit.” You said breathlessly. His lips still dancing over your skin, and taking in the scent of your soft dewy skin. “We have like an hour to get ready.” You inform and he hums in response. “Meaning we have to get up, babe.” You giggled as he nipped at your neck.

“It hasn’t even been 30 minutes yet.” He whined, the vibrations tickling your skin.

“Babe, I promised.”

“Well, unpromise.”

“That’s not even a word.”

“I’m not done yet.” He groaned, lifting his head from your neck. “One more round.” He spoke, the tip of his nose brushing against yours.

“We don’t have time-”

“We’ll have time, it’ll be quick,” he spoke, grinding his crotch into your earning a desperate moan from the unexpected friction against your sensitive sex. “See, your practically already there.” He joked, but you glared at him.

“I hate you so much.” You’re eyes rolled as you gave in making him smile.

“Good.” He bent down pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. You legs hiked up on each of his sides, still quivering from the recent activities. The sound of the sloppily kisses filling the room. You tasted yourself on his tongue,it was a moment so sensual you never wanted it to end…. Until you realized all the fire play might make you guys late.

“Mmm wait, wait, wait” you moaned into the kiss, pulling away a bit, earning a confused look from the siphon above you. “What if we did it in the shower… we could kill two birds with one stone.” You hummed innocently, smile fading a bit as kai basically laughed in your face.

“Y/N, I’ll gladly fuck you in the shower, but I know how you don’t like how slippery in gets.” He smirked, the tip of his cock pushing against you clit. Bare chest pressing against each other, heart beating almost in sync.

“Oh” you voice squeaked a bit higher.

“Now be a good girl and make those pretty noises for me, alright?” He asked and you nodded quickly. A soft moan escaping as he slowly pushed to your cunt, his own pleasure filled sounds joining yours in perfecting harmony. You hands going up to hold onto his biceps, nails latching onto the skin as his hips moved slowly.

He was already close, just eating you out had done a number on him, he was just trying to keep it together enough until you’ve come undone for the 3rd time. You weren’t too far away from your orgasm, you just waiting for him to give you the word. Staring each other dead in the eyes as his hips set a merciless pace for both of you. Moans sulking the space, drowning out the skin hitting skin. The look of pure bliss and erotica crossing your features with every stroke that he made. Your quivering legs became shaky, eyelids becoming heavy and a lightness taken over you.

With pure ecstasy flowing through you and the moans your boyfriend was letting loose so raspy and lustful, it tipped you over the edge. You nails dig into his a little too harshly, you cunt convulsing around his cock as you you put his name. Kai feeling the changes in your body as you came around him caused his own demise. His thrust grew sloppy and every stroke became deeper until his was spilling his seed deep into your cunt. His face falling into your neck as he jumbled your name.

“We’re going to be so late” you murmured, and kai chuckled, the vibrations sending goosebumps through your body.

“It’s barely been like 25 minutes.” He breathed out, a bit out of breath but his words were clear. “We can still hop in the shower, and head over.” He offered, and you would’ve shook your head if you had the energy too.

“I think I need a nap.” You slurred, eyes barely open and voice so low kai could barely hear you.

“Caroline will kill you if your not there on time.” Kai smiled.

“I’m already dead.” You replied, body slowly giving up on you as you tried to fight the fatigue.

“She’ll kill me if I let you sleep through this…” he spoke and you just replied with a hum before slipping away into your slumber. Kai smiling at he easiness that fell over you.

You were both dead meat.

[therealvalkyrie]

Red Cloak, Silver Dagger

Pairing/setting: Levi Ackerman x Female!Reader, canonverse, established relationship, set just prior to the Battle for Trost arc.

Summary: When you’re caught nearly weaponless in the woods, can you talk your way out of a mugging?

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: canon typical violence, gun violence, blood, death, knife violence, profanity, angst with a tidbit of fluff at the end

AN: This morning I woke up and chose ~angst~ so that’s what y’all are getting:) I will be the first to admit that I wrote this while soaking in the bath in the notes app of my phone well into the evening. The only editing it’s seen is when I transcribed it to a google doc and then one more pass at 1am. So, there may be errors ahead. Either way, I hope you enjoy, and as always my dms/inbox are open if you have questions/suggestions/fun facts about baluga whales! i’m off to sleeb:) ~valkyrie

The man in front of you is clearly scared shitless: hand trembling, face blotchy with red, mouth set in a grimace meant to be intimidating. It would almost be comical, a caricature of terror, were it not for the shotgun.

He heaves two shallow, shoulder-raising breaths before speaking again.

“I said get down on the ground!”

Just like the first time he said it, you do no such thing. Your hands remain held up in surrender, placating and gentle, and you remain where you are, but your calm eyes never leave his.

“Sir, I’m certain we can work this out without needing to dirty ourselves, don’t you agree?” Your voice is even, if a little breathy, and you do your best to sound agreeable. “Is there something I may help you with?”

Your breath clouds out from your mouth as you speak. It’s the dead of winter (colder than a witch’s left tit, as your grandma would say) and you can feel the frigid air begin to creep its way in between the folds of your scarf and cloak. The snow has melted through the hole in your right boot in a similar fashion, soaking the wool sock and numbing your pinky toe.

You’re not scared of this man, you decide, for all his gun-wielding and yelling. He looks like a farmer type, complete with fur lined coat and sturdy boots. Probably just down on his luck, pushed to robbing people in the woods to make ends meet. You’re not scared of him, you decide, even as the cold air catches in your constricting throat and your heart thuds against your ribs.

He’s probably only targeted you because you look so benign today. It is your day off, after all, and you’re wearing civilian clothing, red wool traveling cloak draped over you. Even your hair is down today rather than in a practical bun. Admittedly, you look downright innocent.

And to a certain extent, you are. Without your ODM gear and swords, your training means nothing. The only weapon you have is a dagger tucked into your boot, but even that is useless if you can’t reach for it without getting shot. You’ll have to talk your way out.

The man snorts, a measure of contempt twisting his expression. “The only way you can help me, girly, is by getting on the ground and handing over your money purse.”

You smile sympathetically. “Oh, then I’m afraid I actually can’t help you, sir. I don’t have any money, and I find myself rather averse to laying in a foot of snow.”

“Ha, what a load of shit. You townies always have valuables on you.” His contemptuous sneer solidifies, and he looks at you down the barrel of the shotgun with slightly more confidence.

“Ah, well I’m not a townie, you see.” You hope this is the right tack to take, implying living at the military base through the other side of the woods. It’s a much more serious crime to murder a Survey Corps soldier than a girl who took the wrong path through the woods home. You just hope he possesses the critical thinking skills to come to that same conclusion.

You can see the gears turning for a moment before a gruff, “What do you mean you don’t live in town? You’re not a farmer’s daughter, I’d’ve recognized you.”

The short laugh bubbles out of your lungs before you can tamp it down. “No, I’m not a farmer’s daughter.” Wish I was, right now. “I’m a soldier on the base.”

At this, he pales and starts shaking again. He readjusts his stance in the snow, tip of the shotgun wavering, as the panic starts to set in again.

“Shit,” he says, almost to himself, and shifts again.

“Shit,” you agree. “But I promise you, I won’t tell if you don’t. If you let me go home right now.”

He considers for a moment, gears seemingly hand-cranked at the rate they’re going, then decides you’re a liar.

“Liar,” he says. “Who’s to say you won’t report this directly to your superiors? Who’s to say you’re tellin’ the truth?”

Sweat begins to gather beneath your scarf despite the cold, beads of it slipping down the back of your neck. This is not going as intended.

“I promise you, I have no quarrel with you. Just let me go.” Your voice thins out, nearly pleading, with the last phrase. I’m not gonna die today, in some shitty forest in the shitty snow. I don’t wanna die today.

What would Levi say about losing your cool like this?

He doesn’t seem to hear you, though, as his lips are moving, eyes narrowed and locked on yours. Occasional phrases register: “...can’t be caught…”; “...stupid girl...?”; “...fuckin’ Marcy askin’ me…”.

You lick your chapped lips and try again.

“Please,” your voice cracks on the dry air this time. “Just let me go. I don’t have anything of value, I won’t tell my superiors, please.” It ends on an unexpected sob and you know that you’ve lost any aura of cool detachment you may have had.

Suddenly you’re talking over each other, voices panicked and raised. Yours threaded with fear, his with near mania.

“Stupid girl, you’ll just report-”

“I promise I won’t, I-”

“-can’t afford a charge-”

“-just want to go home-”

“-Marcy would have my head-”

“Please, won’t you just listen-”

“-CAN’T TRUST A GODDAMNED BITCH-”

“I’M NOT A THREAT TO YOU-”

“WON’T YOU SHUT UP!”

The shot rings off the trees and through your ears, a crack of gunpowder that sends crows flying from a nearby beech tree.

In the next split second, you feel the punching pressure in your abdomen and you double over, clutching hands to your stomach. You try to maintain footing, but the snow has other plans, catching under your heels until you land flat on your back. 

Your stomach feels like it’s on fire, searing with white-hot pain. It feels like a brand has been shoved into your intestines and left there to burn away your body.

Not a brand, a bullet, you realize when you stretch blood-drenched fingers up towards the sky. You can’t feel them, but you know they’re yours because the gloves had been a gift from Levi last year. Soft hide leather, lined with fur. At least two months’ salary, now stained with crimson.

A high-pitched keening escapes your mouth, though you don’t know how, because it feels like all the air left your body when you fell. Your chest is tight, breathing ragged, but the sharp air brings clarity with it.

Hands suddenly scramble, gathering as much fabric as possible to press to the wound. A cry punches out of you at the renewed pain the pressure brings, but you grit your teeth through it and push up to sitting. Adrenaline is the only thing keeping you alive at this point, driving you to reach with one hand to grab your dagger from your boot.

You look up, now, towards the farmer. He’s trudging through the snow towards you now, expression half horrified, half determined, still gripping his gun. He seems determined to see your death through to the end, so you make a split-second decision.

It’s only a quick shift of your grip on the dagger, a calculated moment of aim, and a practiced wrist-flicking throw before he stops dead in his tracks. The blade is lodged in his neck, blood spurting from his carotid artery in bursts along with his pulse. One beat, another, and he’s fallen to his knees, gun slipping from his grasp. Finally, decisively, permanently, his body thuds face down in the snow.

“Perfect,” you whisper, and smile serenely, before following suit.

Levi and the rest of his squad watch in horror as your body slumps to the ground. It’s quite the picture: blood staining pristine snow around two bodies in the middle of scenic woods, your red cloak spread around you in perfect drama.

They had only caught the tail end of the altercation, riding around the corner just in time to see your impeccable dagger throw. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Levi is damn impressed with the skill of it.

A horrified sound escapes his lungs, and then he’s urging his horse forward towards you. You look deathly ashen against your cloak, one hand tangled loosely in it on your stomach, the other dropped unceremoniously at your side.

Levi slides smoothly from the saddle in favor of running the last few steps to your side before crashing down on his knees to hover over you. Eld and Petra are directly on his heels, the latter shouting something back to the other two. Her voice sounds tinny and distant to his ears as he puts pressure on your abdomen.

Please don’t be dead, don’t be dead, don’t be dead, is caught on a loop in his mind. He leans his ear over your face and catches the faintest touch of hot breath. Not dead yet, not dead yet, not dead yet.

Eld is on your other side, still as a statue with two fingers pressed to your neck.

“There’s a pulse,” he announces, and Petra, who’s anxiously leaned over the trio on the ground, takes a shuddering breath of relief.

“Gunther’s gone back to tell the surgeon to get ready,” she tells Levi. “We need to get her back.”

Levi nods numbly, then swings his own cloak off of his shoulders to help stem the blood.

“Eld,” he directs in a deceivingly steady voice. “You help me get her on my horse.”

The blond nods, maneuvering to scoop you up in his arms.

“One, two, three.” He lifts you with a grunt, still on his knees, then stands while allowing Levi to keep continuous pressure on the wound.

You groan and shift weakly in Eld’s arms, prompting Levi to lean down and murmur directly in your ear.

“I know, my love, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it’s only for now. Stay with me, darling, it’ll be over soon,” he practically coos as your lashes flutter and face twists in pain.

Oluo brings forward Levi’s horse and the three men manage to wrangle you up into the saddle. Levi settles behind you, one hand gripping the reins and the other firmly around your middle.

With a whinny, his horse wheels around and he’s riding as fast as he dares back to base.

Not dead yet, not yet, not yet.

--

The first night after surgery, Levi stations himself in a chair by your infirmary bed. He practically growls at the first nurse who suggests that visiting hours are over, who scuttles away in alarm but nevertheless leaves him in peace. He passes the time by staring at the candle diminishing on your bedside table and mentally berating himself for letting you go to town alone.

Ha, as if she wouldn’t’ve gone anyway.

You look so fragile in the candlelight that Levi is afraid you’ll start melting away like mist if he tries to touch you. Despite this, he finds himself periodically reaching for your wrist, the steady pulse underneath his fingertips assuring him that you’re real.

The first day after surgery, the whole squad comes to visit, bringing tea and pulling up chairs around your bed to keep vigil with their captain. Hardly a word is said between them, but Petra sniffles occasionally and Gunther leans elbows on his knees and stares resolutely at your right hand.

Oluo tries once, “Did you see that knife throw? Fuckin’ impressive.”

They all murmur in assent as Levi feels the side of his mouth quirk up in a sort of melancholy pride.

Fuckin’ impressive indeed.

The second night after your surgery, Levi can feel himself beginning to split at the seams. When the nurse finally blows out all the lamps and leaves him with a sympathetic look over her shoulder, he dares to crawl into bed with you, lying on his side a careful few inches away.

At first he just stares. At the way your lips are parted in sleep, at the curve of your nose, at the delicate way your lashes lie on your cheeks.

After a while, he gently laces his fingers with yours and brings your hand to his lips, leaving soft kisses on the back. His eyes blink shut and he whispers your name against your skin.

“Come back to me. Please. Please, I- I can’t handle losing you, too.”

He falls asleep like this, breath eventually easing to match your own.

It’s in gray dawn light that you finally open your eyes, swallowing thickly against a dry throat. Slowly, you take stock of the sensations in your body. Crisp sheets against your skin, a dull blinding ache in your abdomen, a familiar warm body against your side.

Levi is stretched out beside you, clutching your left hand even in sleep. He’s always beautiful this way, features softer than he ever let them be in waking. You reach to brush his bangs out of his eyes and whisper his name like a secret into the morning.

“Levi.” The second whisper is accompanied by a finger stroking down his delicate nose. He twitches, sneezes once, then opens his eyes to meet your own.

He says your name all lovely with morning grumble, then all of a sudden he’s sitting up, worrying hands everywhere at once.

“Are you okay? Do you need water? Where does it hurt? I’ll get the doctor-”

“Levi,” you rasp, pulling him back in to focus on your face. “Water, please?”

He nods and reaches for a glass on the bedside table. You try to take it from him, but he swats your hand away before carefully tipping the glass against your lips. He only allows a few sips at a time, but lets you drink until it’s all gone and your thirst is sated.

He starts to pull away, saying, “I should go get the doctor, now,” but you gently tug him back before he can escape.

“Stay,” you murmur. “Please?”

And so he stays, curled into your side, arm delicately around your middle, as the sun breaks brightly through the windows.

[cactusprincewrites]

Writeblr Intro:

Hello friends and enemies! You can call me Cactus, because my real identity is going to remain shrouded in mystery (see: I don't fancy giving out personal info on the internet), and I love to tag games, interacting with people, and I'mn finally ready to hang with the writeblr community! My asks and inbox are open, as is my mind 💪

I don't post much about my WIP (or at all sometimes 💀), but lots of memes and writing advice, specially on my Instagram :D

Do I share anything of my original writing? well.

Here's a collection of fun prompt responses:

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day One

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day Two

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day Three

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day Four

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day Five

October Writing Prompt Challenge—Day Six

The Christmas Call—Of Ghosts and Submarines

AMPO—Do you understand, darling, how often immortals do so wish to die?

AMPO—What could go wrong? It's a deal with the devil, idiot, it's already gone wrong!

AMPO—I think, looking back, this was all Walter's fault.

AMPO—And as the noise swelled outside, something inside of him swelled, too.

AMPO—Let's make one thing clear: this is not a confession.

Here's my larger project (so far), Hanahaki Helpline:

The Tale of Conor Diaz

Hanahaki Disease—Know the Symptoms

Roses for Maria Controversy

The Tale of Benjamin Beckett | Part One

And here's some other cool stuff:

Uquiz—What do you fear the most?

Uquiz—What is your biggest regret?

Two very compelling reasons I no longer write at night

Jesus Croissant and other Scrivener Quirks

Google docs mistakes

Cactus on—Romance

[howdoyousleep3]

K, this is probably a difficult question to answer, but how do you write smut so well? I want to do something for the upcoming holidays and every time I write smut it just doesn’t feel right. I’m asking all my favorite writers about their process and I’d love your input.

Hi Lisa love. I’m super super late to answering this phenomenal question, and I hope you’re still interested in my answer, but it’s one I think I need to answer for myself right now. I’ve probably included too much information about my general process but if you’d like me to expand more on smut specifically I can do that for you. 💖

My process always starts with an idea I can’t move away from.

It’s one where thoughts naturally build and not one where I’m like, “hey that’s awesome” and then move away from. This tends to happen when I’m driving to and/or from work. If I think about it for more than a day I write it down in my journal so I don’t forget it. What tends to happen though is I think about one idea and only one idea for a long time. My brain doesn’t like to move past a good idea once it’s in my head so what I end up doing a lot of the time is running with an idea as soon as I come up with it. I stew on it for a few days, get a feel for it, think of more lines of dialogue, think of more plot.

These ideas tend to be focused around a line of dirty talk or a snapshot of a moment in my head and from there I build outward. How did my characters get to that point? What is the setting? Where do they go from there?

Now, lately there are stories I’ve been working on where I do outline them. I have a traveler’s journal that is full of Stucky nonsense and one of the journals is my secret fic I’ve been working to build for a long time now. The other journal is just ideas for other fics or thoughts. If it requires thought and connections I outline it but most of the time I don’t do that.

Once I feel like I’m bursting at the seams with this idea I just…start writing.

If there are parts of ideas that I don’t want to forget I write them down but other than that I am very much a person who writes from start to finish and only in one draft. I absolutely hate jumping around in a story. I did it with NASBB and it was a nightmare for me. I know a lot of people want to roll with certain energies they get and write certain parts but that doesn’t work well for me. I like the build as a writer. I enjoy feeling it right alongside characters, I like the build between them as well as for me reaching the part I’ve been thinking about writing for a while now.

It’s not as fun for me when I write the one part that I’m excited to write and then have to go back and figure out how they got there and write backwards and jump around. I enjoy the flow of writing from start to finish and most of the time I’ve thought about it in my head for a long enough time that I don’t have moments where I stutter and am like, “fuck what was supposed to happen here??”

Things I do when I’m actively writing:

I write in Word bc I hate Google Docs.

Music is huge for me. I tend to listen to Lo-fi Music when I’m writing because words distract me.

Sitting at a desk or in another space that is not my bedroom is best.

Sprints with other writers always help! That’s where you just write for a given amount of time and then share your word count with them once time is up. They’re fun and makes me feel less lonely when I’m writing, ha.

I put my mf phone away.

I stand up and take frequent breaks.

I work on one story at a time and one story only. If I bounce between stories I lose the energy and the focus I need. Too many WIPs has my brain moving in too many different directions and it is no good.

Ask friends for hype. Never be afraid to ask people to hype you up.

When I’m writing smut, I tend to imagine it in my head like a movie. I think the build I’ve let fester within myself for a while helps me get emotions across the way I want them to, more intensely. I think putting myself in others’ shoes tends to help in situations like this, imagining what characters are going through would feel like, inside and out. I think I focus less on the physical act of sexual situations and more on how it feels to people, if that makes sense?

Like, if I’m writing someone giving another person a handjob I focus on writing more how it physically feels rather than the action itself. I won’t focus as much on the grip or the stroke or what the person is doing with their hand but I will focus on how it feels for that person, let the reader figure out what the person’s hand feels like through what the one receiving is experiencing.

I’m not sure if that makes sense. Show don’t tell, I guess.

Something that helped me grow with smut is not being afraid to put things on paper. If you need to blush as you write it out, do it, because that shit is more than likely super hot, ha. Also, if I have a reaction or thought, or I think a character would, even for a millisecond, I include it.

For dialogue or dirty talk, I write it out exactly how it sounds in my head. Y’all are probably so fucking sick and tired of my bitten-off words or my smushed together words, but I write it out exactly as it sounds. Fuck correct sentence structure, fuck grammar—write it out how it sounds exactly.

Once I’m done writing, or when I’m close enough to the end, I share with a few people to get their input. I make sure and tell them what I’m warry about or what I want from them specifically, whether that be hype or grammar or a section. I’ll transfer my work over to a Google Doc and share it with them so they can comment and read through. I’ll also take this time to read it through and give her a good once-over as well. I am someone who, once it is given the green light by others, I want to post and share immediately.

I tend to have a massive burst of writing energy after I post a fic and start reading feedback but I’ve learned that I need to bask in the feedback of a fic before jumping right into another.

But jesus christ writing is hard and it sucks sometimes and I’m learning to be better at certain things. Sometimes the action of writing is so difficult, especially in a fandom that is saturated in that good good content. There are so many ideas floating around and sometimes it is so hard to see so many people just pumping out incredible content and to not feel negatively about yourself. This was something that took me a while to accept and to embrace, to shift my outlook on it and the energy it gives me.

I’ve learned I can’t force it. If I’m not feeling it, I’m not feeling it and I need to channel my energy elsewhere. Sometimes the words flow right out of my fingers and other times I stare at my computer screen for an hour and have barely put together 3 sentences.

This is something I’m really struggling with at the moment. I have a ton of ideas and open docs (that’s probably my issue) and I can’t write the way I tend to be able to. Here I am giving you advice I literally need to take myself. Sometimes it won’t happen, and we need to show ourselves grace, to be nice to ourselves.

I know you said you would be writing something for the holidays and that the holidays have passed, but I hope you were able to do so. Even if you weren’t, I hope you don’t feel super bad about it because the time will come where you’ll be so ready to write again. Maybe starts small. When things don’t come to me I go to my Inbox and see if I can answer a lil’ somethin’ somethin’. Doesn’t have to be this large grandiose idea.

Lub you with all my heart. Thank you for such a good question. 💖

[i-lovethatforme]

hello idk if you take any fic recs, but i thought you would be the best person to write this because i can’t write anything to save my life. I petermj au to traitor by olivia rodrigo. where it’s in gwens pov of her watching peter fall out of love with her and fall in love with mj or make it even more painful and it’s in mjs pov of her watching peter fall out of love with her and fall in love with gwen. it’s just a rec if you don’t want to write it i totally get it :)

Me: jill fuck off

Jill: this isn't me

I dunno who to believe!!!!

MJs POV!??!?!! Anon/Jill why do you wanna hurt me this way 💔💔💔

I do love the song 😌😏 but you'll be pleased to know the queen of heartbreak @coykoii already has a google doc OPEN and ready for this song 💔💔💔💔

(I do love a prompt tbf and when I get around to answering the ones in my inbox you will all see!!!! Thank you for thinking of me xxxxx)

[kelyon]

TMI Tuesday!

Woo! Don’t you love those times when you’re like “Idk if I can do this” but then you DO THE THING!

I was kinda nervous about this upcoming chapter of Golden Rings (A Hat). I always get antsy when I try to stick too close to the show. It’s hard to directly translate what you see on the screen with what can be read on the page. Plus, the dialogue on the show can be... ambiguous... in a way that I don’t want the dialogue to be in my fics. And there’s just the issue of different characterization and a different plot. In this chapter I’ve got the characters in the same location as they are in the show, but they are very different people in a very different situation. 

AND this chapter coming up has, just, so much telling. There’s a lot of backstory and a lot of “person by themselves going through their routine and thinking.” That latter thing is such a fine line between compelling and boring. I always worry that I’m being too self-indulgent. (And if you want to talk about self-indulgent, this is the chapter where I try to explain Discworld and spend probably way to much time outright quoting Sir Terry Pratchett.) But self-indulgence is the lifeblood of fan fiction! No one else is going to write this nonsense! It has to be me!

I was momentarily tempted to divide this chapter into two. But I couldn’t do it. For one thing, once the action of this chapter gets going, it has a pretty continuous momentum, It works perfectly well as a single 14-page, 7500 word chapter. (For context, I usually like to cap my chapters off at around 11 pages in the google doc.) And the most important reason why I didn’t want to break this in half is because I’ve already made up the schedule for the rest of Golden Rings and I didn’t want to have to make any more adjustments in my calendar. 

So, I finished drafting that monster of a chapter. Feel free to ask for snippets! I sent it to my beta for review and I’ll be polishing it until it’s time to post on Friday. 

Being on schedule for Golden Rings means that I can finally get back into my Rumbelle Gift Swap fic. I picked out a date to post it... though I don’t know if we’re allowed to mention what our dates are... so I won’t. I haven’t touched it since last TMI Tuesday, so I’m still less than 3/5ths of the way done. But I am ready to get back into it. I’m sure I’ll be able to finish it by the time it’s due.

Nephila is still on the back burner. Maybe August. My next burst of new fics should be happening around October, so I want to get Chapter 6 of Nephila out of the way so I can get going on Chapter 7!

As always, my inbox is open. Ask me anything! Have a great day!

Golden Rings is here

My ask box is here

[revasserium]

hi rain!! hope you're doing well 💗💗

thank u darling! 

you write beautifully, o my goodness

aww thank youuuu <3 

Hi! Just wanted to ask if it was okay to send in a request?

hi love! requests are currently closed! but once they open up again, do feel free! 

Whenever I have a bad day or just want to spend some time in a specific kind of world, I find myself coming back to here. I always end up feeling better. Thank you 😊

you are so, so sweet and lovely <3 thank you so much! and i’m glad you enjoy my writing ! 

thank you so much for your sunset masterpiece with Kageyama !!!!

ahhh that one was fun to write ! im glad u liked it !!! 

so this is how summer ends breaks my heart😭😭💔💔 I enjoyed reading it nonetheless 🥺 - 🎏

hehehehhe idk i always rly like the angst ones?? they just hit dif ukno? but im glad that it made u feel some kinda way :D 

just want to tell you i adore your writing so much; probably my favorite in the hq fandom. i’m just a casual reader and lurker of fics, and i usually just leave a like since i’m quite shy. (idk where this came from since i write too and there’s nothing more i can enjoy than hearing from my readers) but i would like to tell you you’re amazing at what you do, and i can’t wait to see more of your works. sending you love! stay safe always.

thank you T^T it rly means a lot -- i know i’ve been gone, but coming back to these messages have been the light of my life <3 

just want to say i love every writing you have every posted and i hold a lot of them dear to my heart but your sugawara smut are the best ones in this entire site OH GODS i wish i could ask for more but i know you're already working hard to write all of these beautiful, breathtaking pieces so thank you for your hard work and please don't forget to take care of yourself! ♡

you all are TOO kind to me T^T take care of yourselves as well -- all my love darlings 

dropping by your inbox to give you a big hug and best wishes because you are awesome!

muah!!!! x 

hi rain, love you and hope you’ve been okay. miss you but take your time, will still be here when you feel ready to come back ❤️

all my kisses! im back now and better than ever hehee 

hi i love u and u inspire me sm, can i be 🎨 anon 👉👈

oh my lov ur too cute! <3 

hi rain, thinking of you today ❤️ miss you heaps but I hope you’re taking some well deserved time off for yourself :) remember that you are loved and you have deeply affected so many lives by your writing 🥺 xx

muah x 

hi rain, hope you’re doing well wherever you are in the world ❤️❤️ miss you loads, I read at least one story of yours every night haha helps me to relax :)

oh im so glad!!! :D 

you may not care, but i often check your blog if you have a new post or just answering any asks. your writing and also the way you answer questions is so eloquent . just wow.

i do care! i care a great deal <3 and ur message means the world and then some to me uwu thank u so much for taking the time my love 

Hey Rain! Make sure to take care, don't forget to drink water and eat something! I'm here to vent if you need it. -Emmy

<3 muah 

Your fics make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Every time I read them I feel like I'm cuddling a huge fluffy teddy bear or something. Your writing is so genuine and so deep, it's really inspirational!

thank youuuu im glad that u liked them T^T i promise i will strive to write more, even better fics in the future <3 

ya know I think about that ushijima fic you did about ice cream at the most inconvenient times of the day I tell you. god i just black out

yo HIGHKEY. ushijima. can like..... get it. 

hi! i just read 'even so' and i'm so in love with your writing so it's time to read all your works uwu if you can, try using google docs to write! it saves your history so you can go back if you lose something or want to go back to something you wrote. take care bub

im def gonna experiment with a ton of dif things to make sure that none of my writing gets lost in the future! :D 

i have no way to conjure my thoughts about universal truths. like it was truly a masterpiece. im sorry for my lack of feedback but my emotions can't be put into words on how im feeling.(although i think that's probably one of the best responses you can get from an audience) just know that you're doing fucking amazing and always inspiring me to write

ahhh thank you!!! 

I just want you to know I was reading everything u have ever put out for naruto & I am head over heels in love thanks bye ily

im legit head over heals in lov for naruto tho okay like hes MY FAV 

[benjaminjofaiho]

The Captain Next Door Ch.1

Summary: You’re a doctor who also just so happens to be a fan fiction writer. You love lots of fandoms but Captain America is by far your fave, so what happens when you get a new job, move to Brooklyn and realize that the brownstone you bought is right next door to Captain America? Obviously shenanigans ensue.

Warnings: cursing, smutt (eventually)

Authors note: Ok guys, this is literally my first fanfic and it’s about the Cap. Please be gentle! Also guys I really do live for a slow burn so that will be present heavy, I hope you can stick with it. Let me know what you think and please, reblog, like and comment! Love y'all! P.S. I do not currently have a beta and the ‘f’ and ‘u’ keys on my keyboard are messed up so incase you see repeating letters anywhere they aren’t supposed to be feel free to let me know.

   You wiped the sweat forming on your head from the sweltering Brooklyn heat. You were from Texas but this was definitely more than you were used to, or expected from everything you’ve seen on TV about New York. You sat on the stoop of your Brooklyn Brownstone waiting and started to think back. Three months ago you were in your parents living room opening up a heavy envelope from a hospital you’ve only dreamed of. Your father beamed from ear to ear, chest swelling with pride and tears were already in your mom’s eyes the moment a paper cutter went through the envelope. Your eyes flew across the page “Y/FN Y/LN, We would like to offer you the position of Head of Cardiology here at Mount Sinai...” everything else had been a blur. All your sleepless nights in college, all the anxiety, stress, sacrifices of missed birthdays and family gatherings, all of it had lead up to this moment and it had all been worth it. Your job started in the next 5 months and you had to pack up your Texan life and move all the way to the ‘big Apple’ as your dad called it. Besides the fact that you were infatuated with the city since you were a little girl, you were ready for a change of scenery. There were so many good memories here in Fort Worth but thanks to your asshole ex, Daniel, there were also a lot of sour ones as well. Your parents and your younger siblings helped you pack up your little house that was just  15 minutes from theirs. You were able to get everything done in about 2 weeks. At the airport your family saw you off. Your younger brother, Benjamin, eyes were red.

           “Aww baby brother are you crying because you’re going to miss me?” you pinched at his cheeks.

           Swatting your hand away he chuckled “Nah, I’m just thinking about how you’re gonna be in a whole nother state bossing people around and how you’ll finally be able to mind your own business and stay out of mine.” You hugged him and he bent down so you could kiss his forehead. Even though you were 26, a whole 7 years older than him and 5’8, he still towered above you.

           Turing to your 3 youngest sisters, Joy, Faith and Hope. Their names a testament to just how southern and Christian your parents were. They were huddled together crying freely, looking like little black angels in a chapel. You hugged each of them while the youngest, Hope, held on the longest. You hugged her until she was ready to let go. You kissed Faith on the cheek and moved to turn to your parents. The third oldest Joy grabbed you and hugged you once again, fiercley. She whispered in your ear “Y/N, I don't know how to do it. I don't know how to take care of them the way you took care of us, what are we gonna do without you?”

           You looked into her brown eyes “Joy, babe all you have to do is love them. Also I’m just a FaceTime call away, PLUS I’m a big shot doctor so it ain’t nothing for me to hop on a plane for y’all. Girl I got monnneeyyyy” That managed to get a little laugh from her and you stepped back to look at your siblings. Technically yes, they were your younger ones but due to the large age gap you always looked at them as your children, your babies. The 4 of them huddled around you once more and hugged. You turned to your dad who was never one to shy away from his emotions, was all but balling.

           “Come on dad, you gotta hold it together man!” he laughed and wiped at his cheeks

“I’m just so proud of you baby girl, you inspire your brother and sisters to do more, your mother and I have always told you that, but I never told you, you inspire me to. I am beyond proud of you.”

           “Aw dad, I love you so much” Pulling you into one of his patented hugs he said “I love you too. You’re going to the big apple now Doc, make sure you take a bite” Kissing your forehead you turned to face your mom. Oh boy. Of you made it through this one you would be home free, no ugly snot face crying. She gave you the best smile she could and that was it. The dam broke and you were sobbing. She hugged you and told you how proud of you she was, how you were a shining light for your siblings and the family as a whole. She told you that she also packed some food from home in your suitcase so you could settle in a little easier. You looked at her with a heart full of nothing but love. You were a little neurotic, and had a tendency to be anal retentive, planning and sticking to strict schedule for everything, predicting 10’000 possible outcomes to any situation but your mother was always there for you. Always remembering anything you didn’t. You thought of how she was really the only one you would let see vulnerable and take care of you. You would miss that in New York. Picking up your hand luggage you were whisked through security thanks to your first class ticket. Turning once more now passed security you stood up on your tip toes and waved emphatically to your family, not caring who saw you or them looking crazy. Your family had already been a little above average but this new job allowed you to even buy your wants not just your needs. You settled down in your chair and noticed only a handful of people were in your cabin. A stewardess came to offer you some champagne and you politely declined. Looking out the window a few seconds letting the last tear fall you put your curly hair up, you had to get to work.

           So yes, you were a doctor and that was all good and fun but you were also a huge nerd. Huge. While most people went to the club, concerts and generally having pretty good times outdoors you were stuck at home. Even when not studying you were still stuck to your computer. Once your family insisted on going to six flags and you brought your ipad with the attachable keyboard and your family kept talking about how dedicated of a student turned intern turned full-fledged doctor you were. If only they knew… You were working on your fanfiction and your followers and subbies were a bunch of savages! If they didn’t get their fix from you and you didn't stick to your upload schedule, your inbox would definitely be a madness, all sorts of threats and your lovelies would call you everything but a child of God. You’d been away for about a month and a few days now and your beta, Jay had started texting your actual phone. You met Jay on Tumblr a few years before, there had been some light flirtation always present but never anything serious. You worked better as friends and when you decided to get into fanfiction to blow steam off, he proved a good beta reader.

TXT From Jay: Doc! Where the hell are you at? Your rabid readers are jumping down my throat trying to you. Why you would leave a major cliffhanger for Captain America, and Sonia I have no idea. They want to know what’s happening next, low key I do too.

           You giggled. You thought of everything, you knew setting up a completely unaffiliated and untraceable account for your writing was a good idea. 1- you didn't want angry people in your inbox losing their minds. 2- You’ve been going for interviews and you didn't want a case where a potential employer would google your name and see all the filth you think about earth’s mightiest heroes and other people who don’t even exist. No way, you couldn't have that type of rep attached to you.

TXT From Y/N: Jaybaby, I’ve been going through it. Sorry, just been in the process of moving and you know life can get a little messy. Plus I really needed a break. Funnily enough I’m working on The Dangerous Dame right now. I’ll send the new chapter to you within the week. XO

Thinking back to seeing the avengers save New York you were grateful for them. They were kicking ass and taking names. Keeping all of us safe but damn if they weren’t all so fine. And you did mean ALL. To be honest that Natasha could. Get. It. All of them could get it. But there was something about that Captain America. He was sort of shy and had a boyish charm about him but that body made you think of pure sin. You wanted to wrap yourself around him and never let him go. You wanted to do nasty things to him. You wanted him to completely demolish you. So you did what everyone who is obsessed with anyone does. Try and consume as much media about said person as possible. Hey, It is the golden age of technology after all. After having your fill of random fan pictures, blurry videos of him in action you needed more stimulus. Where better to turn than Tumblr. Much to your dismay, there was barely any Cap Fanfic and when there was there was so little reader insert. And even then, there was literally less than 10 where he was actually into a black woman. This wouldn't do, you thought to yourself. That’s how Doctor Chris was born. Of course his name was Steve but he always sort of looked like a Chris to you. You didn’t just write about him but other people too, your stories took off and were a good escape from your hectic life.

           A car pulled up to you on your empty street and a short round man with a very stereotypical New Yorker accent shouted up to you, shaking you our of your memories

           “Ay lady, are you” his beady eyes peered at a piece of paper “Y/N? Are you Y/N?”

           “Yes that’s me”

           “Alright come get your unit, and not to be rude or anything but could you make it snappy? I got to make 15 more deliveries before the day is over.”

You slowly rose “Alright, I understand. However I paid for the delivery service? Aren’t y’all supposed to put it in my house?”

           “Lady you paid for the delivery service, not the installation service. That's another fee.”

           “I understand that” You replied still confused “ But I thought you would deliver it into my home.”

           “No way lady, that’s the set up service. You paid for the delivery service. That's an entirely different fee.” He repeated.

           “Understood” Your lips pulled into a flat line “Well sir could you at least help me get it into the first floor of my house?”

           “Did you pay for transportation insurance?”

           “….no…I didn-”  he cut you off “Well sorry Lady, I can’t help you.”

           “You can’t help me off load this huge AC and just carry it up 7 measly steps with me?”

           “Nope, can’t do it. It’s against company policy. Say I should look up at a pretty bird cuz the day’s so gorgeous and what not, then your unit slips out of my hand, there goes your cool breeze. Who’s gonna pay for that? Certainly not the company, cuz you didn’t pay for the transport insurance. That's a different fee. Now you’re angry at me, I mean technically it was my fault for being so clumsy and distractable and what not. But guess who else isn’t gonna pay? Me! Then guess whos gonna be upset and take me to court but loose horrifically because my brother in law just passed the bar? You! So lady no, I can’t help you. Why don’t you get one of the other tenants in the building to help you?”

           “Well, not that it’s any of your business, but I own the brownstone and I live alone. So there’s no one that could help me.”

           “You had enough money to get a brownstone but not enough to pay the fee?”

           “Alright thanks whatever your name is. I’ll just take my AC Now.”

           You looked at him while you struggled for 15 minutes just to get the AC out of the truck and the second you safely had it on the baking concrete of the curb you heard the back of the truck slide down and heard a door slam. You turned around to see the truck driver starting up the car and he shouted over the roaring engine.

           “Thanks for shopping with Coole Breeze, your number one cooling solution  in the tricity area, have a frosty day!” and with that, he was off.

           Even though you were wearing a  pretty airy romper and you did work out about 3 times a week, that was nothing against that heavy ass air conditioner and that Brooklyn heat. You put your hands on top your head and squinted up the sky. You again thank God your street was empty. You must have sweated out your Twist out and edges by now. You were convinced you were looking crazy. But hey, It was a Tuesday at 1. Everyone who was someone was at work, kids were in school so it was just you and this behemoth air conditioning unit.  Getting into classic Y/N calculations your decided what you were going to do. Yes, this AC was, technically for your room but you won’t be able to get it all the way up there by yourself right now so you can create a pulley system and pull it through the window. Huffing and puffing to your started mimicking your father.

           ‘Buy a fixer upper baby girl, it's a great investment. You could build your dream home and sell it eventually , it’ll be fun! Your brother and I will fly up there to help you whenever you need us or have free time. Matter of fact I’m pretty sure my army buddy Wilson still lives in New York…Not sure the part though. But I know he and his boy are engineers of some sort. I can even ring them up to help you when I can’t make it myself. This will be a terrific family project honey!’

           “ Sure dad!” you shouted at no one in particular “ who’s going to help me now though?!” At least your mother had the foresight to buy you a fully equipped toolbox, 12 foot ladder and a whole bunch of things that a new homeowner/renovator needs. It took a bit of maneuvering but you were able to get the ladder out the door and down the steps. You were now atop of it, building and hammering away at a pulley system. You were determined to sleep in a chilly 50 degrees tonight, by any means necessary. You saw two men one white and one black, approaching from your left through your peripheral vision. You steeled yourself to any cat calling that may occur, from the angle - to what you had on, it wasn’t a good situation. You couldn't make out faces but you could see that one was visibly bigger than the other. They stopped walking a little behind you and you couldn't tell which one asked but you heard someone say

           “Hi, do you need any help?”

           “O fanks” You replied with a slight lift of your hand with a screwdriver hanging out the side of your mouth and a heavy covering of sweat on your forehead. Using the back of your hand to wipe the sweat off you removed the screwdriver from your mouth and cleared your throat then repeated “No thanks” In a clearer manner. Thinking to yourself how could these guys even help me? While screwing and grunting softly you weren’t mentally present. You were trying to solve the problem you created. You had written yourself into a corner and you were trying to figure out a way out of it. You started to get the thread of an idea that you were mentally trying to work into a tapestry for your readers, however, while still trying to flesh it out something else was fighting for your attention. In the back of your mind you heard his voice again.

           “Are you sure? We may be able to be of better help than you thin-” Remembering your mothers call the night before talking about a movie she watched on lifetime where people in the ‘big city’ would help you get something into your house as supposed good Samaritans then come back and rob you, or do worse you decided against it instantly.

           “Listen, thanks but no.” You huffed out “Apparently I paid for the delivery service and not the installation service as the lovely delivery man told me. This however does NOT include carrying my AC up the 4 flights of stairs to my bedroom because that's apparently another fee. So no, there isn’t anything you gentlemen could do for me” You heard a little chuckle behind you and heard a quieter deeper voice say:

           “You have to pay the fees, that’s where they get you” his voice was full of laughter. He wasn’t outright laughing but you could still somehow hear it in his voice.

           Momentarily forgetting you were on a ladder you whipped around to give the guy a piece of your mind. But all it takes is a moment. And in that moment, you were falling backward off a 12 foot ladder. Back, back, back, you go thinking this is how it would end. You dead on the concrete. You hadn’t been to china town yet! Why hadn’t you been to china town? Or the empire state building! OR the statue of liberty! You shouldn't have rushed your mom off the phone last night. You would have given anything to hear her aimless ramblings and numerous ‘be carefuls’ one last time. OH GOD! You hadn’t had sex in a year and a half! This is how you were going to die. Trying to tell off some harassers with an uncompleted house in your name before you started your dream job. You squeezed your eyes shut and braced for impact

           Your body hit something that was hard like cement but was warmer and…. Somehow smelled like leather? And Christmas? And Home somehow? You opened your eyes to see a face partially obscured by a blue baseball hat pulled down over the front and a full beard. You couldn't see who he was and he was leaning in close to your face while he held you. There was something so familiar about him, but you couldn't place it. His voice kept fading in and out of your head.

           “Ma’am? Ma’am! Stay with me!”

Sounding like echos of screams and whispers bouncing off the inside of your skull all at once you blinked slow and mustered out what you could:

           “Don't…Tell me what to do…Asshole” and everything faded to black.

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Okay guys! thats about it for the first one. I would really appreciate the feedback! Is this something you would want more of? Or should I move on to some other fic ideas I have? Let me know and thanks for reading!