#my colleague did get me chocolate + iced coffee today to cheer me up :')

[hueningkai]

[writingsbychlo]

white christmas | thomas

word count; 16,567

summary; after some unexpected snow ruins your christmas day plans, you spend your first christmas as a married couple making it up as you go along.

notes; this is a follow up (and the final part to!) ‘Sin City’ and ‘Sun City’. I was actually originally going to call this ‘Snow City’ but I wasn’t sure how that would go down. anyways, go enjoy.

warnings; smut, unprotected sex, cum play, breeding kink

When you woke up, it was to the sound of the coffee machine whirring slowly in the kitchen, and you rolled over, patting at the spot next to you, and pouting when it came up empty. The sheets were still warm to the touch, and you sighed, cracking an eye open to look at the place. The bedding was still crumpled, tucked back up and over you, and there was a barely visible sliver of light creeping in from the crack in the curtains, lighting up the room.

The alarm clock read just after ten, a sleep in for the both of you, but you deserved it on Christmas Day, and you smiled, the joy of the day washing over you once again. It was cold, unusually so for Vegas, and a chill ran over you as you sat up. Your legs were bare beneath the covers stretched out and staying warm, but the tank top on your upper body did little to warm you now that your human furnace of a husband had left you.

When you finally found the motivation to move, it was only to find a cardigan, tugging it over your arms and rolling the knitted sleeves up and out of your way to sit at your mid-forearms, and searching for a pair of pants. A plaid pair of sleep pants that belonged to your lover, tying them at the waist nice and loose as they sat over your stomach, just enough to be comfy, before you were trailing through the house. He was facing the counter, scrolling through his phone and chewing on a piece of a granola bar idly, the machine still dripping coffee through slowly.

He scarcely even flinched as you made your presence known, your arms slipping around his waist and face pressing between his shoulder blades as you left a kiss to the material of his shirt covering his back, before pressing your cheek over the patch. His free hand came down to settle over your own, squeezing lightly, and humming as he acknowledged you.

“Mornin’, baby.”

“Merry Christmas.” You teased, a sweet chuckle leaving him, before he was putting his phone down, and twisting in your arms to see you instead. Cupping your face, he leaned down, pressing a sweet hiss to your lips, and you licked the slightly sticky residue of honey away when he pulled back, the faint traces of his pre-breakfast snack still lingering on his mouth.

“Merry Christmas to you, too.”

You only nodded, bumping the tip of your nose against his needily, and he caught the hint, laughing lightly and letting his breath wash over your face as his lips brushed yours. “More? What, all the love and affection you got last night wasn’t enough for you?”

“Yesterday was a completely different day. I haven’t had nearly my quota for kisses yet today.”

“Well, guess I can’t argue with that logic.” His words were mumbled, thumbs smoothing over your cheeks, before dipping down to catch your lips with his own, a slow and lazy kiss that was perfect for the mood. You didn’t need much, and you were past the thrill of overexcited Christmas mornings, you weren’t a child anymore, and one day, your house would be filled with kids of your own, to have those over-excited Christmas mornings again, so you were simply soaking up the bliss of a quiet and hazy one with your husband now.

His tongue teased along your lower lip, pressing lightly at the seam in which they connected, prompting you to part them for him, and you were more than happy to grant him that access. He fell backwards when your hands disconnected from around his waist, smoothing up his back and around his body, until one was sitting on his chest, the other weaving into his hair. His back pressed to the counter, supporting you as you leant up on him, sighing against his mouth.

A breathy groan sounded in the air, deep from him as it originated in the back of his throat, vibrating through you in a way that made you tremble a little under his touch. Your head tipped to the side, a raspy breath taken in before letting him dive back into you once again, your heart racing in your chest and the tips of his fingers dug a little harder into your jaw. You loved knowing you still had this kind of effect on him, and that he had this effect on you, even after being married and having been together for so long, and you truly hoped that the passion between you both never dulled.

When the machine beside you beeped to signal the end of its rotation, he finally pulled away, lips shining and red, the hints of beginning to swell, and he ran the pad of a thumb over your own, before he was pressing back into you, stealing a series of small kisses again, dipping you backwards, until you were out of breath but laughing, cheeks flushing as the need to breathe overwhelmed you, but the way his teeth were scraping lightly at your lower lip was far more intoxicating.

He was beaming when he pulled away, bringing you in close to him again, a hand dropping down to sit on your lower back, pulling you into his body, and letting him spin you both around, so that he could reach for the coffeemaker with the other. He poured two mugs, adjusting the sugar and creamer for you both while never letting you go, holding you close, even when you leaned away for utensils and condiments, working together, a laugh on your lips at the overly wet kiss he pressed to your cheek.

His declaration of love may not have been verbal, but it was clear in everything he did, from the littlest touches to the way he held you close, and the way he made easy gestures such as coffee in the morning or tucking the sheets back over you to keep you warm when he left the bed, endearment in every action he took.

“What are we going to do about today, hm?”

He sipped his drink after asking the question, staring at you pointedly, and your brows furrowed, pausing as you lifted your own hot drink into your hands, and frowning. “We’re going to Newt’s, he’s having everyone over for Christmas, and this is the first year that we can kiss under the mistletoe and exchange gifts without pretending to just be half-friends and half-colleagues, tight smiles and seemingly forced hugs when really, I just want to kiss you senseless and wipe the foam away from the edge of your mouth when you get cream on your lip every single time we have hot chocolate.”

“Oddly specific, have you been daydreaming a lot?” He teased, your cheeks flaring up with heat as you shot him a false glare, but he only grinned, before pouting, and tapping at his lips for a kiss. You hesitated, for only a moment, that second being long enough for punishment, before you leaned up and kissed him sweetly. He seemed satisfied with it, but his original question was still ringing in your mind, and he seemed to pick up on that too, being able to read you like a book at this point; “Go look outside the window, honey.”

He tipped his head towards the tipped up blinds, and you padded over, pulling one down and peeping out, gasping a little in shock at the thin blanket of white that was covering the garden, and the roofs of the other houses, the roads undisturbed as nobody had yet dared to drive along them.

“It’s bad luck, I guess.”

“It’s not that bad, right?” You turned back to him, the realisation of just why it was that it had been quite so cold this morning coming through, and you rubbed at your arms a little, wrapping your cardigan around yourself a little tighter. “What, it's like, two or three inches? We can handle that!”

“Yeah, but, it was a bit rainy yesterday, and the temperatures dipped under during night, so it froze over. There’s going to be hidden ice on the roads, and I’m not used to driving in snow. I don’t want to risk it, baby.” You frowned, staring up at him with wide eyes as you stopped before him, and he ran a hand over your cheek, kissing the other side, but it did little to raise your low spirits. “Not when I’d have such precious cargo on board.”

“I’m not precious cargo.” You grouched, and he chuckled.

“You’re the most precious cargo to me.” He denied, and your arms crossed over your stomach, rolling on the balls of your feet as he turned away, making his way over to the fridge. It was somewhat empty, only a large bowl of mashed potatoes that would have served fifteen people being what you were supposed to be taking, and yet you still had no idea what you would whip up for your breakfast or dinner, but you supposed you’d make it work. “Anyway, Minho just texted and said he and Brenda aren’t going to make it either, and Newt’s boyfriend can’t get over from his parents who he stayed with last night, so we figured we could just video chat, or something, instead.”

“Yeah, okay.”

He turned around to face you at the sound of disappointment in your voice, growing a little at the dismayed look on your face, and he closed the refrigerator door, leaning against it and crossing his arms. “Hey, c’mon, cheer up. Maybe it’ll be nice to have our first Christmas as a married couple to ourselves. Didn’t you say you wished we’d have a white Christmas?”

“Yeah, but I was excited to see our friends.”

“We’ll make it work, angel, don’t worry.” He rubbed his hands up and down your arms, tempting you to let go of the tense distress you were holding, and it worked, your shoulders slumping as you gave in, offering him a smile when he cheered lightly at feeling you melt a little under his persuasion. “Want me to warm you up, sweetheart?”

A scoff left you, and you shoved at his chest, letting him snicker as you walked away, flipping him off a little over your shoulder, and moving back to the bedroom to get your phone. There were notifications from the girls, and your family, all wishing you a ‘Merry Christmas’ and good thoughts, and you returned it to them as you walked back through, straightening the bedsheets back out and opening the curtains before you did.

When you returned to the kitchen, the sweet smell of fruit and pancakes filled the air, a batter being whipped up by the man you loved, and you hopped up to sit on the kitchen island in the centre of the room. You were just beginning to open your emails when your phone lit up with a call, and you jumped slightly, before answering it, cheering a little as you greeted your friend.

“Hey, Newt! Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas to you as well, love. Tommy, too, is he there?”

“Yeah, he’s here, standing right in front of me at the stove.” You reached a foot out, tapping at his ass with your toes and giggling as he jumped, turning to glare at you for the action, red tinging his cheeks, before he was slapping your foot away gently. “Sorry we can’t see you today, who would’ve guessed we’d get snow in Vegas, huh?”

“Maybe it’s because of your wish for a ‘white Christmas’, you jinxed it.” Your husband taunted, reaching for a pan, and you scowled at him, rolling your eyes fondly, and you could hear your friend laughing down the line of the phone as he listened in.

“You two have always bickered like a married couple, and we always wondered why. Now you really are a married couple, and it’s still the biggest reveal of the century.”

“What can I say? Keeping you lot in the dark made it all the more fun for us. The sneaking around was hot.” Thomas cheered loudly at your words, heating up some butter over the flame, and beginning to cook your breakfast, Newt gagging falsely into the speaker.

“I didn’t need to know what kinky shit the two of you use to keep your relationship alive, thanks.”

“Yeah, yeah. If that’s not what you wanted, then why did you call, huh?” You leaned over again, poking at your husband with your foot, and he reached down, a hand wrapping around your ankle, thumb smoothing over your skin, and he held onto you lightly, using his other hand to flip the pancakes over to let the other side begin to cook.

“Just wanted to check if four was a good time for you both, that’s when everyone else can get online. Some of us have familial commitments and such, not just fucking like weirdly-secretive bunnies to fill the schedule, so we figured it’d work for you, too?”

“Hey, Tommy, four works for us, right?” He held up his other hand in a thumbs up, before piling pancakes up on a plate, and letting go of your leg, allowing it to fall back to swinging under the counter, and beginning to fill the pan up again. “Yeah, four o’clock works for us.”

“Great, see you then, love.”

“Bye, Newt.”

The line went dead, and you placed it down, laughing a little to yourself once again over his comment, and Thomas offered you a smile over his shoulder.

As the pancakes were finished, he created a pile of them on a plate, before bringing them over and placing them on the counter beside your legs, blueberries shining through within them, steam rising up from the plate, a knife and fork following, and he grabbed the whipped cream from the fridge, shaking it up.

“Feelin’ a little more cheery now, angel?”

“Yeah, I guess so. Like, a seven out of ten.” You sighed, picking up the cutlery, and he stuck his lower lip out in false sympathy.

“Only a seven? We gotta’ fix that.” He nudged the plate closer to you, a dollop of cream sprayed onto the plate beside the heap, and your stomach grumbled happily at the sight of the meal before you. “Eat your pancakes, sweetheart.”

“What about you?”

“I already know what I’m gonna’ eat.” He winked, a lazy drop of one eyelid, before he was filling his mouth with the whipped treat and leaning in to place a messy kiss to your lips, the taste of the sweet and creamy condiment spreading to your mouth as your groaned, feeling rough hands slide up your thighs and squeeze roughly. His hands were tugging at the ends of your shirt, your cutlery clattering back to the counter to shuck off your cardigan, before he was pushing your top up and over your head, breasts falling free and nipples pearling in the cold air. “Let me warm you up, honey, make it all better.”

You could only nod, back arching into his touch when you felt the nozzle of the canister run down between your tits, before crying out when the chilled dessert was sprayed in a swirl over one of your nipples. He repeated the action on the other to match, before a line was moving along your chest, right to your navel, and you lay back on the counter, head hanging over the other side.

“You look so sweet, baby, and I know just how good you taste, can’t wait to get my mouth on you.” Two fingers pressed to your core through the plaid pants you wore, rubbing softly and you keened up into his touch. A hot mouth descended to your neck as his fingers worked slowly, kissing lightly along your neck, drags of his teeth to make you shiver, and he sucked roughly at your collarbones in a way that made you shake. He knew all of your weak spots, and all of the pieces that made you weak, having learned your body like the back of his own hand, experience over years of patience and testing, and when he finally moved down to your chest, you knew there would be marks all along your skin come tomorrow, showing up in dark bruises that matched his mouth perfectly.

He bit down, just enough force to make you cry out his name, on the side of your breast and licking it to soothe it, before his mouth was closing over one perky nipple.

The topping there was lapped away, tongue dragging in deliberately slow and teasing motions, your head spinning at the feeling of the bud being rolled along his tongue, nibbled on slightly until the skin was raw in a delicious way that always made everything feel ten times better, beginning to grow sensitive under the attention he gave to you, before he switched to give the other the same treatment. Your hand laced into his hair, holding him to your chest, a groan leaving him as your nails scratched over his scalp, the feeling vibrating along every nerve in your body until your fingertips were tingling, toes curling from where your legs dangled.

“Tommy..”

“God, I love the way you sound when you moan my name. So fuckin’ hot.” His words were a little slurred, his own arousal seeping through, and he was cleaning your skin of the cream he’s left there, licking his way down along your body until you were no longer coated in the substance, and he was sinking to his knees, fingers hooked into the band of your pyjamas and you could barely lift your hips up to help him, body trembling with need and desire, and he tugged them away, discarding them to the floor, along with your panties. “Pretty little pussy, dripping for me, so perfect.”

Kisses along your inner thighs, and you whined out, legs being lifted up to rest over his shoulder, ankles loving behind his neck, and for a moment, heat simply washed over your centre from his panted breaths, before he was indulging himself in your sodden core.

A loud cry, bouncing off of all the walls in the kitchen was emitted from you as you felt the tip of his tongue parted your folds, teasing around your entrance before flattening along your middle. He took his time, cleaning you of everything that you had to give, juices dripping out of your more and more, the longer he teased you and waited, and you could already feel yourself finding it harder to breathe, white-hot heat scorching along your body as he treasured you, devouring you like his final meal.

There were times when Thomas was quick and rough, sucking and biting at your clit with just enough pain to make you cry and scream in all the best ways, before fucking you with his tongue until you were shaking and no longer sentient, but then there were times like today.

These were the moments when he really took his time, tongue swirling along you, dragging around your clit until it was throbbing, tears lining your eyes from desperation, before is lips were brushing over the bead, enough to make a jerky motion journey along your entire body as you reacted to that simplest and lightest of touches with so much need.

“Oh, fuck, please, Tommy..”

“Want my mouth, huh, baby? Look at you, all whiny and desperate. Love it when you’re like this, needy for what only I can give you.” He gave into you when another pleading noise roe up from your throat and into the air, thumbs smoothing up along your thighs to part your folds, revealing the little bud to him entirely, and he dragged the roughness of his tongue over it slowly, broken gasps leaving you as your body spasmed a little, the stimulation so welcome and craved that your head went blank as he finally gave you what you wanted. “Needy baby, all for me.”

You would’ve retorted, snapped back, had anything to say, had it not been for his lips wrapping around your clit, sucking on it harshly as your hips bucked up into his face, and your eyes rolled back in your head. A finger prodded at your core, a single digit slipping into your velvet channel with ease, and your walls clenched frantically around the finger from the moment he had sunk right down until his knuckles were pressed to your flesh. He could reach deeper than you ever could and you couldn't drag oxygen into your body in even half-lungfuls anymore because he was driving you insane, twisting and curling that finger, just enough to rub at your walls, teasing you as he searched for that spot that drove. you wild.

He knew where it was, his fingertip brushing against it, and when you keened up, loud sobs of his name falling from your lips, he chuckled into your skin. Abusing both patches that made you crazy, inside and out, he was a deadly combination, slow motions making you wish he’d speed up, but he was dragging it out, knowing that if he kept it up, you’d melt, become utterly senseless and completely empty of any thought or complaint about the day, and that was where he wanted you.

You knew he did, he wanted you blissed out, cum-drunk and dazed, so that you wouldn't be sad about missing your friends or not getting to celebrate how you wanted, and you were more than happy to give in to that whim if it meant you were allowed to chase the orgasm that was steadily building within you at the momentum because as that spring wound up tighter and the heat rose, there wasn’t a single thought in your head except reaching climax, and chanting your husbands name as his mouth worked you over.

Your hand was tangled in the dark chocolate locks atop his head, still messy and mussed from sleep, now even more fucked-up as you tugged at them limply, body going weak as you teetered on the edge of your peak. As though sensing how close you were, his attention moved from your swollen bud, down further, slurping up hungrily at everything you’d given him, everything he’d drawn from you, before this tongue was plunging into your centre.

At the touch, you exploded, stars flashing behind your eyes as you came undone around his tongue,  and he moaned himself, loudly and unashamedly as his fingers flexed against your thighs, wiggling tightly and holding them apart as they trebled, legs attempting to snap closed around his head and he never let up on his assault, tongue fucking in and out of you as your walls fluttered.

He’d given up on the soft and lazy act, becoming impatient himself, and he’d always been vocal about how much he loved to be buried between your thighs, but sometimes, it still surprised you, times like now, when he was selflessly desperate to feel you come undone again, to lick you clean as juices flowed from you, and your head was spinning as you neared yet another edge.

He pulled back, two fingers delving into your folds, moving at speeds you could barely comprehend as they slammed in and out of you, your cries growing in volume until you were screaming his name, arching up and quivering against the marble countertop, before he placed a final nip to your clit, humming proudly and contentedly as he felt you cum again. Juiced dripped down his wrist, pooling on the floor in droplets, tears dripping from your eyes, chest heaving for breath, and when you couldn’t take it anymore, he pulled back. Licking you clean and leaving you to beg and plead, spasming atop the tabletop, he left you clean of slick and cum, kissing his way back up your body until he was standing between your parted thighs, the tip of his nose nudging under your jaw.

“Better?”

You made a vague sound of questioning, too fucked-out to even open your eyes, and you were sure Thomas’ chest was puffing out, ego swelling at just how he managed to get you like this, and he pulled away. Sucking wet fingers into his mouth to clean them off, he used his other to pull you up into a sitting position, goosebumps rising along your skin as the chill in the room began to seep back in.

You waved a hand around loosely for your top, finding it and tugging it back on, barely checking it was on the right way, before your cardigan was following. Large hands were still massaging along your legs, which were now wrapped around his waist, and you jumped a little as his thumb smoothed over a deliciously sore bite mark that he’d left on your inner thigh.

“That was fucking fantastic.” You murmured, wrapping your arms around his neck, and he beamed, pride rising within him, but he didn’t comment on it. “Best Christmas present ever.”

“Don’t say that, you haven’t even opened my gifts yet. I’ve got you beat this year, there’s no way you can top it.” You cracked a smirk, shrugging at him and resting your cheek to his shoulder.

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, I have a pretty great gift for you myself.” His hands smoothed up and down your back under your jacket, warming you up through and through just with the loving touches he gifted to you. It was moments like these that you would always remember; sex with Thomas was mind-blowing and spectacular every single time, but it was the moments after that were what made your relationship what it was, the way he’d hold you so lovingly, touch you with such tender adoration that you felt your heart may actually explode, ad he did it all because he wanted to, not because e was expected to or he thought t would make you happy, but purely because he desired to be with you as much as you with him. “Can I have my pants back now?”

“Think you need new ones, yours are pretty wet.” There was a tone laced to his voice that made shy and embarrassed warmth flood your face once again, making you glad he couldn't see you from where you were buried in his neck, but not missing the way his foot was rubbing the garments across the tiles to dry the floor, before flicking them away a little.

“Okay, but let me down, because I’m still hungry, and I want those pancakes.”

He held you a second longer, a light squeeze, before he stepped back and let you go, tapping at your ass in a cheeky spank as you bent to collect your discarded clothes to take to the laundry, before you were walking away from him with a skip.

A new set of clothes, a trip to the bathroom to clean yourself up, and running a brush through your hair to fix it and pull it out of your face and into a reasonably controllable bundle on your head. When you reentered the kitchen, Thomas was sitting on one of the stools, using your knife and fork to eat the half-cold pancakes, and you grabbed your own set, sitting opposite him, and tucking in.

The meal consisted of laughs, and jokes, hinting at gifts for one another without ever quite giving them away, and then, making a plan for your day. You didn’t have the right ingredients to make a Christmas dinner, and an entirely free day, where you would have been leaving in half an hour to make your way over to Newt’s place. Instead, you would exchange your gifts together, and make your attempt at a decent Christmas dinner, before video chatting with your friends for a while, and finishing off the day with a movie.

It wasn’t the Christmas you’d planned, but it would be perfect in its own way.

The tree lights were twinkling softly, glittering on the wrapping paper you had covering your gifts neatly underneath, a matching set in a different colour, reindeers dancing across the front in a gift wrap Thomas had chosen for you. Your untouched coffee was now cold, and you tipped it away, getting a new mug out and filling the kettle under the tap, before setting it off. A herbal tea bag was placed into the mug, a spoonful of honey and a slice of lemon to follow, before a pair of arms were wrapping around your waist.

“Hurry up, I want you to open your gift already.”

“Patience is a virtue.” You hummed, and he sighed loudly, shuffling in a little closer to you. His chin hooked onto your shoulder, hot breath fanning over your cheek, followed by a seat kiss, and you leaned back a little into his chest. Your hands rested over your hips where his hand had joined, squeezing lightly, and nuzzled a little further into you. “Besides, I already told you that my gift is going to win this year.”

“I won for the last two years and Valentine’s Day, you don’t stand a chance.”

You rolled your eyes, grinning a little at his competitive side beginning to shine through, and as the kettle finally clicked off, water boiling, you filled your mug, stirring it lightly to spread the flavour, before nudging him backwards with your hips, hearing him groan a little as you did, a false glare on his face form the way you’d pressed your ass up against him to get him to move, but then, he was following you to the living room.

You blew the steam from your mug, fingers wrapping around the warm ceramic, the smell of apple and cranberry drifting up to your nose, surrounding you and soothing any worries you may have as you settled down onto the couch. Thomas stood before the tree, one foot poking at the gifts sitting under the decorative branches, assessing them all, before turning to look at you. “Save the best for last?”

There was a smirk on his face, and you mirrored it, his eyes narrowing on you a little bit. “Works for me.”

“Great, so I’ll give you a gift last, then?”

“For now.” His cocky tone was enough to make the game a little more exciting, and he rose a brow, turning to motion at the gifts that you’d placed there, before lifting one up for you. He handed it over, before looking back at the ones for him, and waiting for you to guide him. “Open any, the winning gift isn’t under the tree.”

“I think you’ll find it is.” He teased, pointing to the one he’d wrapped himself, before grabbing the first glitter package with his name on that he could reach.

“Actually, it’s over here, sitting on the couch.” A wicked grin on your lips, and his eyes scanned over you, jaw dropping a little, and you watched as his eyes went half-lidded for just a second, wondering just how filthy his mind had gone, and then he was chewing on his lower lip, seeming to snap back to reality, his gaze snapping up from your tits to your eyes.

He pounced, two strides closing the distance, before one hand was supporting himself on the back of the couch as he leaned over you, pressing a long kiss to your lips, licking his way into your mouth, and groaning a little at the way you pressed back into him just as eagerly, one hand lacing into his hair, pulling on the strands slightly. When he pulled back, it was with your lower lip between his teeth, growling lightly, before letting it go. “I can’t wait to unwrap that gift later, then.”

“Alright, hot stuff.”

He beamed, taking a seat beside you and placing the sparkly package onto his lap, a few pieces of glitter falling away to decorate his pyjama pants, but he was too excited to steady himself anyway. Tearing at the paper, he left it scattered along the living room floor, stripping the gift of its concealment, and lifting it up to take a look. The pause only lasted for a second, before he was lighting up with joy, and turning to look at you with wide eyes.

He'd been talking about it for months, but he had no idea what it was called, or where he would find it, and he was pretty sure he’d never find it. It was a printer for his earpieces, creating custom little cases that he could put on them, so that the boring piece of plastic that he had to wear in his ear all day, every day, on the casino floor, could finally be something a little more exciting.

“I can’t believe you found it!”

“It wasn’t easy to find, at all. What are you going to print first?” He considered it, staring down at the box, before shrugging his shoulders, mind coming up clear.

Flicking your finger under the edge of the wrapping, it popped loose, and you continued to go, watching as he twisted towards you a little more. It was a set of your favourite skincare products, ones that you’d been running out of and kept intending to get more of but always seemed to forget about somehow, and he’d clearly been browsing the website, because the box was stuffed full of all different types of new products, samples and new things to try, as well as bath bombs and room sprays.

The rest of the gifts followed along much the same pathway, simple gifts that were more practical than special, but meaningful nonetheless. You got him new boxers, with reindeers and baubles on, and he smirked as he gave you a new set of lc that could scarcely be counted as underwear, before following it with a filthy kiss and whispered promises for later.

You got him new cologne with a matching shampoo and body wash set, and he got you a new blazer for work after your last one ripped, and you opened all the gifts from your friends and family that were still sitting there. Your last gift to him has been tap bracelets, ones that he could wear at work for when he was feeling anxious, so that yours would buzz whenever he tapped it, and he got a little teary at the gesture.

As the room was littered with ribbons, bows, and torn paper, he picked up the last gift and waved it a little, the couch bouncing underneath you as he flopped back onto the cushions, sitting beside you. “So, not that those bracelets aren’t amazing - because they are - but they can’t top this. Are you ready for the best gift of the year?”

“I suppose so.” You wiggled your fingers, in a ‘gimme’ motion, and it handed it over. You were no longer delicate with the opening, tearing at the paper roughly to reveal what was inside, and shucking it of the silk that hid it, before lifting it up to get a better look.

It was a scrapbook, a beautiful fake-leather design that had golden-embossed letters across the front. Opening it up, there was a small gasp on your lips, pictures of yourself and Thomas that you’d never seen before, right from the very first hours of your wedding.

You hadn't even put on your dress yet, still standing with your hair pinned back waiting to be styled, make-up half done, and a glass of champagne in hand as you laughed with you friends, a shot clearly taken by one of the girls who’d been with you that morning as you got ready. Another beside it was of Thomas, face red and a slightly panicked look on his features as he stood with his shirt half-buttoned, one shoe in hand as he stared around the room for the other, a note written underneath that Newt had hidden it from him just to fuck with him.

Turning the pages, you found ones that were more professional, outtakes from the photographer that weren’t ones that had ever made the cut, slightly blurry ones or the sun shining across the scene, ones where you weren’t looking or weren’t as visible in crowds, and yet they were perfect. Every glance you had cast Thomas, all the moments between you both that the photographer had somehow seemed to capture, memories you didn’t even realise you had all flooding back, the little moments that weren’t staged or pressured like a first dance, your lips sat parted in awe. They had gone one, too, print outs and pictures from your honeymoon, photos you had taken together, or hadn't realised he had taken at all.

“Did you make this yourself?”

“I had a little help, but mostly, yeah. Is it okay?” He lifted his hand to his face, chewing on his nail lightly as he stared at you, and you reached a hand out, bringing it away from his face, and leaning in a little closer to him. He sighed in relief, sensing where this was going, and moving in close enough to rest his forehead against your own.

“It’s perfect, I love it.”

He let out a little laugh, nodding his head to himself in confirmation, before closing the gap. It was a sweet and soft kiss, one that conveyed everything that needed to be said, and paper crinkled loudly as he shifted, pushing it away to the side, falling to the floor after being removed from where it was pressed between your bodies as he pulled you in closer, and you held his face with both hands, nails scratching lightly at his jaw, freshly shaven and soft skin making him shudder as you scratched at it lightly.

“I love you.”

“I know, I love you too.” His mouth moved, trailing along your skin to your cheek, kisses being pressed all the way along, up your temple to your forehead, and your face screwed up at the ticklish feeling, making him laugh as he felt your features wrinkle under his lips. “Gettin’ on into the day, want to go find something to make for Christmas dinner?”

“Absolutely.”

He stood first, offering his hands out to you and pulling you to your feet when your fingers slid into his and held on tight, and he winked a little, hands slipping around behind you, pinching at your ass cheekily and making you jump, shrugging when you gasped and fixed him with a questioning look.  “You’re just hot. Your ass has been looking great lately.”

“You’re so horny, all the time.”

“Because my wife is hot, that’s why.” You rolled your eyes, letting him walk a step ahead of you, and you placed a loud smack on his ass as he went, watching as he turned to face you with a dropped jaw and pink cheeks, grabbing at his own ass for protection as he walked backwards. “You did not!”

“What can I say? You’re just hot. Your ass has been looking great lately.” He mimicked you childishly, a grin taking over his features despite it, and he snatched up both of your hands in his, holding them up high like a revered and feared weapon, dragging you into the kitchen as you stumbled over your own feet.

In the freezer, you had a small batch of chicken, some frozen vegetables and an apple pie. In the fridge, you had some potatoes, and enough spices in the cupboards to make decent gravy. He boiled water while you sliced the potatoes, dropping them in to begin boiling, and turning up the radio to listen to the Christmas songs that were playing. Once your chicken and potatoes were in the oven, you chopped up some veggies for roasting, hearing him clatter around in the cupboards, and he insisted that you stayed turned around to face the counter.

When he finally let you look, there was a tablecloth that you had forgotten you even had laid out, white with a few stains around the edges, and a faded and slightly purple mark in the middle from where wine had been split on it and never property come out before it had been permanently put away, but he’d carefully covered it by placing your vase full of winter flowers in the middle. There was cutlery laid out ready, and bowls and plates, and he was overly proud of himself for the decorations, chairs pulled around a little so that you’d still be able to see one another, instead of being blocked off by the centrepiece.

“So, guess what I found while setting up the table?”

“What did you find, baby?”

The sloshing sound gave it away, before he ever pulled it out from behind his back, and he waved it at you a little. “A super nice bottle of wine that was a wedding present. Wanna’ get us some glasses?”

“Not right now, I don’t want to drink when we’re on video chat with our friends.” His face fell a little, brows raising, before he was fixing you with a quizzical glance, and you laughed, shaking your head at his speculation. “Maybe later, okay? I’m having a great time with you right as we are. Besides, don’t you think wine that special is more of a late-night drink, when we’re watching a movie, all alone? Don’t you want to save it for some fun later?”

You dragged a nail along his chest, catching lightly on the fabric on his shirt, and he followed it with his gaze, licking at his lips and nodding his head. “Shit, you’re totally right.”

“Mhm, always am.” You grinned, and he scoffed, but pecked your lips, offering his agreement to you, and placing the bottle down on the counter.

The clock ticked over, half an hour until four o’clock, and you started off the mashed potatoes on reheating, and the rest of the food on cooking, and you had everything that you needed to have a meal. You worked together to clean up the living room, scooping up all the leftover scraps, and you vacuumed all the sparkles that were going to get stuck in the carpet. Once you were finished, you settled down together on the couch, laptop set up before you, and waiting for the group to become active, and to click through onto the camera.

Thomas was pressed up to your side, arm stretched out along the back of the couch behind you, fingers brushing against your shoulder, waiting as everybody joined, until noise was filling your living room, seeing everybody else light up.

As the evening went on, you listened to each of them talk about what they’d done with their day, and show off their presents, and the men had been overly excited to see how their scrapbooking efforts had gone down, Minho complaining about the paper-cuts he’d gotten at every possible chance there was.

You were drunk on the feeling of pure joy, hearing your friends laugh and share stories, the sadness that you’d held about not being able to see your friends ebbing away to be replaced with simple happiness, at getting to hear what their days had entailed despite it. Brenda had dropped an entire tray of roast potatoes, and they had to start again, Minho had fed his dog turkey and vegetables, and the sweet little puppy had thrown it up on his foot after getting over-excited about playing fetch ten minutes later, and Newt had accidentally spilt the water at the bottom of his tree and almost lost an eye on the lower branches while mopping it up. There was a graze just below his left eye.

They shared their gifts, and got progressively more drunk, and some of the other families even stopped by at some points to give a wave, and well-wishes, and talk with you for a quick moment. It was lovely, and perfect in its own way, and when it had been over, you’d been hesitant to end the call at all and let them go. As the screen of the computer had gone black, you’d turned to your lover, legs swung across his lap and cuddling in a little closer as the temperatures began to drop down once again, awe evident on your features as snow was beginning to flutter down once again.

The look on his face was soft as you brushed the strands of hair back and out of his eyes, before they were fluttering shut upon feeling your thumb brushing over his cheek. Your dinner was only minutes away from being ready, and you were content in one another’s company, simply letting the day drain away as you soaked up how it felt just to be the two of you, spending your first Christmas in a home you owned, as a married couple, with everything in the world to look forwards to. Resting your cheek on his shoulder, his arms tightened around you leaning back and into the cushions comfortably, as the two of you sat in loving silence.

The oven-timer dinged, and you were hesitant to move, a groan on your lips, lingering a few minutes longer, before you shifted, his grip on your loosening as you got up. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, steam pouring out of the oven from the second that it was opened, and it drifted around you as you began to pull out the trays, hearing your husband clattering around behind you as he gathered plates and cutlery.

Bumping his hip against yours as he came to stand behind you, he had a spoon in his hands, laying the plates out and beginning to dish up the vegetable as you stood beside one another, serving up food in comfortable silence. Warmth was pouring off of the man, he’d always felt like a human space heater, always making it extra comfortable to be wrapped up in his arms, and you were tempted to just fall into his grip right now, but resisted, your stomach rumbling happily as your meal came together.

Leaving all of the equipment stacked up in the sink, that was definitely something you could deal with later, Thomas taking his seat first, leg reached out under the table as he pushed your chair out for you, fingers twitching atop the table cloth as he tries to resist the urge to start eating until you were ready. Placing a glass down for him, you were drinking water yourself, and Thomas raised his brows, accepting the drink you were holding out for him, eyes flicking to the counter.

“No wine?”

“I have plans for the wine later.” You teased, one eye dropping in a wink, and pink spread over his cheeks in an adorable blush, despite him being a cocky as he always was, and his lips twisted up in a slight smirk.

“Oh, yes, I almost forgot that you’d promised me one more gift.” His eyes dropped down for a second, scanning along what he could see of your body above the table, before stabbing at some of the vegetables on his plate and chewing on them happily. It was an odd mix of foods, making the best of your Christmas dinner that you could, and yet, it was one that you’d always remember and be able to tell as a story at parties and to friends in the future, a Christmas that you’d never forget.

This year was undoubtedly the biggest one to ever change your life, a turning point, not just the start of a new chapter, but the ending of one book and the beginning of a whole new one. “We got married this year.”

Thomas glanced up, pausing with his fork halfway to his mouth, and you saw the look of mischief flash through his eyes before his lips had even quirked up into a smirk around the words he was forming; “I know. I was there, or do you not remember?”

“Oh, hush.” You frowned, rolling your eyes at him, and he stretched out under the table, toes poking against your foot, before you stretched back, locking your ankle with his own, and he continued to eat as he waited for you to expand on your point. “I just mean, well, look at us. We have a house, and we’re married, and it’s all just ours. We made it all ourselves. Five years ago, I would’ve been at my parents’ house eating turkey and listening to my cousins bitch about how I shouldn’t still be single.”

“Five years ago, I would’ve been drunk by now, listening to Minho flirt with his holi-date and listening to Newt pine after hot magazine models, while I pictured you and how much I loved you, and I didn’t even know your name yet.” Your breathing got stuck a little in your throat, your brows raising at the soft tone in his voice as he placed down his knife and fork across the centre of his plate, shrugging as he leaned back in his seat. “I just knew that one day I’d find the perfect woman; then, a few months later, I met you.”

“I still get butterflies when you tell me you love me.”

“I love you.” He beamed, watching as you squirmed a little in your seat, watching your reaction and knowing the effect he had on you, snickering to himself a little, before sobering up once again. “I still get that tingly feeling when you kiss me sometimes, all the way down to my toes. At the most random of times, like in the milk aisle at the supermarket, or in the bathroom when I'm brushing my teeth.”

“Glad to know I still have that effect on you.” You took a sip of your water, smirking over the rim of your glass at him, and he just continued to stare, a lazy and distant kind of look on his face, and you could tell that his mind had slipped far away, lost in his thoughts, but it was nothing that you weren’t used to. You finished up your own food, and sat with him for a while in silence, fading in and out of your thoughts, slipping to and from for a while, until the chair grew uncomfortable, and you stood up, stretching your limbs out and shaking yourself down.

He watched you go, sighing a little as he did, and taking your outstretched hands when you offered them to him. As he stood, you went from looking down at him to looking up, and he leaned down, just enough to bump his nose against your own.

“Wanna’ go cuddle on the couch with a blanket?”

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” He teased, pushing you a little toward the doorway. “Go find a blanket and pick out a movie, I’ll put everything in the dishwasher and set it off, I’ll be there in two minutes, okay?”

“M’kay.” You whispered, pushing up onto the tips of your toes long enough to steal a kiss from his lips, and he pressed back eagerly upon feeling your mouth against his own. Hands on your waist pushed you back, his lips still puckered as he pulled away, urging you to go and get comfortable. The kitchen tiles were chilled underfoot as you walked away, and the floorboards were still cold to the touch too, but the carpets of the living room were a little warmer, and as you picked up the knitted blanket that was rolled up on the back of the couch.

Wrapping it over your shoulders, you grabbed the remotes, turning on the TV and waiting for the channels to adjust, before you were loading up Netflix to scroll through the Christmas movies. Thomas was clattering about in the kitchen, the sounds of cutlery scraping on plates and of them being loaded into the racks, set up to be washed. As you settled on one, you heard him toying with the controls, beeping signalling that the machine had started up on cleaning the dishes used, and the flooring creaked under every step he took, before the cushions were dipping and caving beside you as he settled down at your side.

Wrapping an arm over your shoulders, he pulled you back into his chest, letting you get comfortable as he did, spreading one leg out along the couch, and one remaining where it was, planted on the floor for support as you settled back into his chest, lips brushing across your head. “I chose us a movie to watch.”

“Whatever you want is fine with me, baby.”

“Such a sap.” You mumbled, receiving a teasing squeeze around you in retaliation for your words as you pressed play, and feeling him tugging at the blanket a little until you shed it, spreading it out over your lap and his legs, until both of you were tucked snugly underneath it, the beginning credits beginning to play.

Yo almost dozed off only a few minutes in, a combination of feeling so full and content, loved and safe in the arms of the man you loved. One hand was sitting in your lap, fingers waived with your own loosely above the covers, while the other was sitting underneath the edge of your shirt, sitting over your stomach, holding you anchored to him.

You barely registered the movie playing, more caught up in your mind over everything you found yourself with, every situation and scenario, every night being able to go to bed alongside the man you loved, and waking up to him in the morning.

Only a few years ago, you were alone, with no idea you were about to meet the love of your life. Then, you’d started a new job, and met a sweet security guard with a cocky attitude and a heart of gold, and he’d stolen your heart right out from under you while sweeping you off of your feet, even when you hadn't planned for it to happen. You had thought you were happy, that you were content with being single and focusing on yourself, and yet, just by being himself, he had somehow become everything you wanted and needed.

You wouldn’t change it for the world.

Halfway through, Thomas had grown bored of sitting quietly, as he usually did, his fingers stroking a little over your skin as he tried to grab your attention, and his lips moving along your shoulder, the ti of his nose stroking stray strands of hair out of his way, until he could get to the column of your throat.

His teeth nipped a little at your flesh, just enough to tease, a light laugh falling from you as you trembled in his arms a little bit, and you twisted around to face him, straddling his lap as you did, and he smiled up, hands coming to sit on your hips as yours sat on his shoulders, thumbs smoothing over the base of his neck. “Bored, Tommy?”

“Little bit. This film kinda’ sucks.”

You tried to suppress the snort of a laugh that you wanted to release, nodding your head as you knew it to be true. It wasn’t the greatest, but it was new and trending on Netflix, and so had given it a go. Shifting out of his hold, he whined a little as you went, but watched you walk away, scooping up one of the boxes you’d given him, and bringing it back over, shaking it excitedly. “Why don’t you try your new gift out, huh? I’ll help you pick something to print!”

He stood up to meet you, nodding his head and taking it from your hands, before trying to undo the tape sealing the box shut, and tipping the components out onto the couch.

“I’ll take everything else to the bedroom, you get it set up, ‘kay?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He teased, offering you a little wink, before he was padding across to one of the only remaining empty sockets now they were filled with Christmas lights and decorations, and sitting down on the carpet, legs crossed as he plugged it in and reached back for the instruction booklet.

Grabbing the remaining boxes and bags, you made your way through the house, backing through the door and pushing it open with your butt, before using your elbow to flick on the bedroom light. The boxes were stacked in the corner, everything else sitting on top, a job to be dealt with in the morning. The beautiful leather-bound album that was sitting on top of them all had the embossed lettering glittering under the light, and you picked it up, taking a seat on the bed and placing it down in your lap.

It was physical proof of the love between you both, a record of every moment that you’d been able to map throughout your wedding, your relationship coming to an ultimate peak, and blossoming into something even more incredible. Every page brought you a little closer to tears, as you realised just how much you loved him, and how you wouldn’t be who you were anymore without him. Placing the beautiful album back down, you grabbed the final bag, discarding the tissue paper and pushing the bedroom door closed a little more, a smirk on your lips.

You could hear whispered curses and mumbles coming from your husband as he tried to work out how to operate the machine you’d bought him, and you slipped your clothes from your body, dropping them into the laundry hamper. It only took you a moment to rub a freshly scented moisturiser over your body, skin still smooth and clean from the last shower you’d had, and a few spritzes of the perfume you knew drove your lover mad.

Taking off the pretty tags form the new lacy set laid out on the covers, you slipped the garments onto your body, suspenders clipping once you’d pulled the stockings up your legs, and your breasts were swollen in the bra, and you couldn't deny how good you looked, and felt. Once you were dressed, feet moving softly on the floorboards as you returned to the living room, you ran a hand through your hair, messing it up just enough to be sexy, and leaning on the doorframe.

“You figure it out yet, baby?”

“Almost.” He mumbled, never looking up, and you waited, brows raising a little when he continued to be completely preoccupied with the task at hand. He placed the booklet between his teeth, a huff on his lips as he tried to press a series of buttons again, only for it to beep and flash red at him, and he huffed, not noticing you making your way towards him.

“Little cold in here, don’t you want to warm up?”

“Blanket is still on the couch.”

You grinned, thrilled to know he was enjoying your gift so much, but ready for him to be busy with something else for a little while. Placing a finger under his chin, you twisted his head toward you, his eyes finally leaving the device he’d been tinkering with, and his jaw dropped. The paper fell from his mouth and fluttered away, his eyes dragging along you slowly, down to your feet before moving back up to your face, and then it was all the way down once again. He took in every feature, eyes lingering on the pace where your stockings were held up, the soft flesh there, his fingers twitched a little before he was taking in the intricate lace detailing covering you.

“Holy fuck, baby.” He put the device down, twisting to face you, moving to kneel instead of sitting, and his hands hooked onto the back of your legs, fingers flexing against your calves. You’re so fuckin’ beautiful.”

He leaned in to press a kiss to the exposed skin of your upper thigh, an equally wet one to match on the other side, kneeling before you as he kissed at your flesh slowly, dragging the tip of his nose over the front of your covered core, just above where your would’ve really wanted him, and your hand slipped into his hair. His fingers were kneading at your muscle as he worked his way up, until he was taking handfuls of your barely covered ass in his hold, beginning to stand slowly, kissing his way up your body with every inch that he rose upwards, until he was standing fully before you.

Your head tipped back as he sucked on your neck, working to leave a pretty mark on the junction between your throat and shoulder, his hands smoothing over your sides, until he could squeeze at your breasts, making you arch up into his body, a chuckle washing over your skin.

“Jump for me, angel.”

He caught you as you did, more than experienced in the act, lifting you up into his arms as your legs wrapped around his waist, never once stumbling or tripping as he guided you to the bedroom, never letting up on his assault along your neck. Your back met the covers, pressing you down into the soft material carefully, letting you inch your way up until your head was in the pillows as he crawled after you, body covering your own.

Finally, you pulled his mouth to meet yours, a hot and wet kiss, long overdue and sorely needed, his teeth all but clashing with your own from the intensity of it.

He held himself up above you with both hands, his body pressing to your own as one thigh came up to settle between your legs, a whimper leaving you, swallowed by him as the muscle pressed against your already wettening core. When you finally ran out of breath, he shifted his kisses along your jaw, nipping as he went, and you knew that there would be red patches and dark bruises to follow, the slight scrape of his stubble along your skin making you tremble a little underneath him, and your hips bucked up against him.

“S’okay, sweetheart. Go ahead, rub up on my thigh, I know you want to.” His words washed over your jaw in hot breaths, a whine leaving you, before you were doing exactly as he’d offered, hips beginning to roll up against him. The friction sparked something in your gut, a soft sigh leaving you, pressing down harder with each movement you made, seeking out the climax that was slowly beginning to build. As you did, Thomas was shifting further and further down your body, pulling out the ribbons and strings that were holding the lace closed around your body, each bow delicately undone revealing a little more of your body to him. “You look so hot in this. I have good taste.”

He caught your eyes, just for a second, but long enough to wink at you to follow his comment, before he was kneeling back, sitting on his heels and pulling you up alongside him. Settling you in his lap, your arms looped around his neck, legs kneeling on either side of his waist, sitting atop his thighs, a whine leaving you as you could no longer grind against his thigh.

Rough hands on your hips centred you across him, licking over his lips to bite down on his lower lip as he pushed you down against the bulge in his sweats, a quick breath expelled as you did, and his eyes seemed to darken even further, twinkling in the low light pouring in from the corridor.

One arm wrapped around your waist to support you as you leaned back from him, a grunt spilling out as you pressed down harder into him, his cock throbbing through the material against your centre. As you flicked on the lamp, warm light flooded over the room, lighting it up enough for you to see one another, casting shadows over you both that sharpened his features, catching the golden flecks within his eyes as he looked at you.

“Do you feel what you do to me, angel? Pretty lady in my lap, all dolled up in lace. You’re incredible.”

“You have the same effect on me, don’t you worry.” You whispered, leaning in to catch his lips with your own again in a slower kiss. He was holding you to him tightly, mouth working with yours in the slow rhythms that you set, perfectly willing to take all the time in the world, because you had nowhere else to be except right here, with one another. Tracing your tongue song his lip, he let out a soft sound as he parted his lips for you, head twisting to the side so that he could dip into you a little further, tongue exploring your mouth as though he’d never kissed you in such a way before, butterflies rising in your stomach at the delicate way in which he held you.

Tugging at the hem of his shirt, you inched it up along his body, legs tightening around him to hold yourself steady as his arms raised over his head to let you strip it away, before he was peeling the lingerie from your body down, letting it pool around your waist as his shirt fell away from your hands to the floor, discarded for the time being. The second your upper body was able to him, you were being laid back into the bedding, letting him follow after, your head resting a month the pillows, hands on his cheeks to hold his kiss to you, legs wrapping around him as you did.

Fingers inched along your body, the muscles in your stomach fluttering as he did, until they were slipping under the fabric, pushing the crotch of your panties aside to tease a finger through your slick folds. His lips twisted up against your own, a smile that was borderline a smirk against your lips, and his forehead met your own as he pulled back.

“I love knowing I can get you like this.” His lips still brushed against yours as he spoke, a single digit slipping into your entrance, and you arched up into him as the pad brushed along your walls slowly. He set a steady pace, picking up speed as he went, your jaw dropping a little, breath shared between you both as he moved.

He was taking his time, what you had expected would be fast and rough was turning out to be slow and passionate. You’d expected him to take one look at you in the pretty little number he’d bought you and almost tear it right off of you, to fuck you senseless until you were tearing up his back and screaming out loud enough that you’d bother the neighbours if the houses were connected, but instead, you were getting a night of lovemaking and torturous teasing.

A second finger prodded at your entrance, slipping into you with ease as your slick coated his fingers, arousal flowing from you without difficulty, and a cry of his name was dragged for your lips the second he crooked them while buried deep within you. “That’s right, baby. Call my name.”

“Tommy, please, stop teasing me!”

“Tell me what you want, baby love.” He pecked your lips sweetly as you whimpered, fingers slowing even more within you, deep and penetrating movements each time, though, your breath shallow in your lungs as your head began to spin and stomach began to tighten. “Use your words, pretty girl.”

The way his voice had twisted into something a little darker, something condescending that made you cry out, because it was just enough to leave you desperate and gasping as he dominated over you. “More. Faster, harder, anything, I just need more.”

“Yeah? I can do that for you.” He scissored his fingers as he pulled out, stretching your entrance to warm you up, that delicious burn creating a dull ache that was chased away by pure lust, your body shaking as he plunged his fingers back into you. He took it up, doing just as you’d asked, your eyes rolling back into your head with every subtle scrape of his blunt nails against your wall as he fucked your roughly onto his fingers, a filthy sound filling the room as he worked, your hips rocking up into his palm as you tried to meet his motions, clit rubbing against his palm through the layers of bunched up and pushed aside materials that blocked your entrance form him. “Feel you squeezin’ my fingers, angel, so tight. Just like you do when you’re wrapped around my cock. You want that?”

“Yes, yes, I do! Please!”

You could barely form words, the looming climax that was hanging over your head was making you dizzy, and he chuckled, kissing at your jaw, sucking what would become a dark bruise onto the hinge of your jaw, licking wetly over it once he was finished, and blowing cool breath over the wet patch, watching you tremble underneath him. “Tell me what you want, pretty baby. Use your words, or have I fucked you stupid, already?”

A growl on your lips, despite the fact that you’d never speak up, because every time he took on this kind of personality with you it drove you insane, and so you leaned dup inside, catching his lower lip in your teeth and tugging a little, a much louder and more threatening growl in return. His motions stilled, fingers buried deep inside of you, pads pushed up against your g-spot, the pressure making your entire body twitch and tremble at the stimulation, gasping out in need as you groaned.

“I said, use your words, not get sassy with me.”

“You stopped, don’t stop. I’m close, Tommy.” Your fingers brushed over his wrist, trying to get him to move, but he tutted, shaking his head, the tip of his nose brushing over yours.

“Use your words, honey, and you can have whatever you want.” He pulled his fingers out of you, a dirty sound following, and you cried out in distaste, before he was sucking on his fingers, and watching you carefully.

Heat flushed over your face as you watched him, tongue lapping at his fingers noisily as he cleaned them of your arousal, waiting for you to speak up with what you wanted, and you had to force yourself past your shyness, watching his eager enthusiasm as he stared you down, brows raised and waiting with a sultry look on his face. Kneeling back, he settled between your parted thighs, one finger snapping the soaked lace back into place over your folds, and your body jerked at the sting, legs snapping shut as a short but loud moan sounded from you as he did.

He grinned as he felt your thighs clamp around him a little, large hands smoothing up over your legs, undoing the clips that were holding up your stockings, eyes fixed on yours as he moved, in no hurry.

“Tommy..”

“Yes, my love? You got something to say to me?”

You pushed up on your hands, propping yourself up before him, and his eyes dropped down to the swell of your tits momentarily, caught in awe momentarily, and the confidence it gave you rushed through your body. “I want you to fuck me, Tommy. Fast and rough, real good, like I know you can. Make me scream, Thomas.”

“See? Now that wasn’t that hard, was it?” His hands hooked into the rest of the fabric, yanking it down your hips and off of your body, throwing it away to the floor. Calloused palms landed on your knees, pushing your thighs apart, and your body collapsed back into the bedding. “That’s all you had to say.”

You sneered a little, jumping as he pinched at the sensitive skin on the inside of your thigh, before he was standing from the bed, palming at his evident erection through the worn thin cotton of his sweats, a slight wet mark forming on the front of his pants from the precum dribbling from his cock, before he was pushing them away down his legs. They pooled at his ankles, kicked away, and you reached out to him, curling a finger as you beckoned him closer to you.

Instead, he caught your hand, pulling your hand in towards him a little and curling your fingers around his length, a breathy sigh leaving him as you took the hint and pumped him slowly. Swiping the pad of your thumb over his head, he hissed a little as you brushed across the slit on his cock, collecting up the wetness that was beading there, and pulling your hand away, sucking the digit between your lips as he watched through half-lidded eyes.

Rolling down onto the bed beside you, the mattress dipped under his weight, bounding you up into his body, and he took your momentarily elevated height as an opportunity to press a rough kiss to your lips, one hand tangling in your hair. The taste of your own essence was spread to your lips, matching the salty taste of his arousal still lingering along your lips, making everything seem even more erotic.

Lining himself up, you felt him gasp into your mouth as he sank into your awaiting heat, your breath forced from your lungs as you felt him stretch you out in a way that had always worked so perfectly, the two of you syncing up in perfect harmony just the way you always did, his cock sitting snugly between your walls. He filled you up, a delicious friction with every ridge within you that dragged against him, every pulse he made making you pulse around him, a connection so deep and intimate that it made you flush every single time it happened.

One of your hands sat on his shoulders, the other weaving into his hair to scratch at his scalp lightly. “Kiss me, Thomas.”

“Thought you wanted me to make you scream?” He whispered, leaning down enough to catch your lips with his, not waiting for your response, soft kisses that seemed completely fractured from the moment, out of place or wrong, and yet completely and utterly right. Drags of lips over your own, making your racing heart skip a beat on your chest at the tenderness of the way he held you, your hand tightening in his hair until he groaned a little as you tugged on the strands, and your lips were stinging a little when he pulled back, his own red and swollen to match.

“I do want that, I just wanted some lovin’ first.”

“I'm always lovin’ on you, baby.” He smiled, stealing a final kiss from your lips, before he was pulling out, every inch of him dragging over your inner walls, pausing for only a second to prolong your sensual suffering, before he was slamming into you. A rough thrust that made every nerve within you light up, and you barely had time to process your own thoughts, to take a breath or cry out his name, before he was repeating the action.

The hand in his hair twisted even tighter, pulling on the soft strands as you held onto him, trying to ground yourself down to the earth. Every time together and you feel like you were floating in the clouds, reaching heaven with every thrust he delivered. The telltale signs of another climax were beginning to show, the coil in your stomach tightening and your body was lighting up with fire.

Cupping his face, your thumb smoothed over his cheek, feeling him lean into you, before he was slowing down for only a second in order to pull your hand down pinning it to the bed and lacing his fingers with your own. The tip of his cock was pressing up to the sweet spot inside of you, your back arching up, sweat beading along his skin with the speed of which he was filling you up, the sound of skin on skin filling the room. “You’re always so damn tight, honey. Love the way you feel.”

You could only nod, the stretch of him tucked within you making every thought in your head seem to evaporate, and your hand slipped along his shoulder to his back. Nails digging into pale flesh, tearing tracks in mole-speckles skin that would show up red and raw, and he pressed up into your touch, the slightly biting pain being something that you knew he loved, especially when he really wanted to go wild. A deep noise in his throat, something between a groan and a growl, before he was pulling back, both hands slipping down your body.

He started at your chest, large hands cupping around and plump tits in his hands, groping tightly until you keened up into him with a whine, your hips rolling to meet his movements as he kept them going. You could barely breathe, the weight of your oncoming peak was crushing you, while burning you from the inside out and as though he had sensed it, he slowed down, barely moving now, letting you fuck yourself against him as you tried to coax him into action, but it was of no use.

Dipping down, he caught one stuff nipple between his teeth, a light nip that made you cry out, a sound that was high-pitched and sharp as your head spun, sense and focus fading away as your vision grew fuzzy, walls clamping around him. His mouth closed further over your breast, sucking the supple flesh into his mouth, teeth grazing soft skin as his tongue lapped leisurely at the buds that were standing taut for him, and he knew exactly how to press all of your buttons, years of experience working well for him. The other hand furthered your pleasure by toying with the mound on the other side of your chest, skilled fingers tugging and taunting until you couldn't take it anymore.

Your second orgasm of the night, spurred on simply by his obsession with your breasts, and yet it hadn't been the first time he would make you come simply by playing with them, and it wouldn't be the last.

“So reactive for me, sweetheart. How do you feel, hm?”

He pulled away, chin and cheeks a little shin from his own spit, a cold breeze sweeping over your chest, and he dipped down, giving the other the same treatment, without quite as much ferocity, and you could barely form words as you tried to reply, to tell him how good he always made you feel, but there wasn’t any competent ability left within you.

“Oh, have I fucked all the sense out of your pretty little head, huh?” You could only nod, watching as his ego inflated a little more before your very sights, his eyes sparkling with mischief and chest puffing out. One hand dragged along your stomach as he sat back fully, fingers spreading out across your stomach, his gaze following, and you grinned, watching as he did so. “How about I fuck something into you, huh?”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah.” He bit down on his lip, his cock pulsing within you, and you longed to know just what kind of images were going through his head that had garnered a reaction like that, and soon, his mouth was opening to spill it all to you, without you even needing to ask; “Thinkin’ ‘bout how pretty you’d look all swelled up with my baby in you, tits getting bigger, ready to feed our kid. Prettiest mom on the whole damn block, you’d be. All mine, making our family, one of these next Christmases, maybe they’ll be little feet wandering around, or you’ll be all around, ready to pop, give me a son or daughter, huh?”

“That what you want? You wanna’ put a baby in here, huh?” For emphasis, you squeezed around him, a threatening sound making itself known as a warning glare was mixed upon you, one that only fueled the inferno raging within you as you teetered on the building of your next peak. “Big talk, think you can live up to the hype? Been months now, you still haven’t knocked me up, Tommy. Better get to it.”

“You’re circling dangerous ground, baby. Better watch your fuckin’ mouth.” He hissed, leaning back over you, a dark look stitching into his features and you shrugged, trying to calm your heart as it threatened to break your ribs and burst right out of your chest.

“I don’t know, I’m just saying. Maybe, you’re not fucking me good enough.”

“Oh, I’m gonna’ show you who fucks good enough. I don’t want you to be able to walk or talk after this, I want your throat so torn up your attitude is kept inside.” Red flushed along his face, right down to his neck, and excitement was bursting through your body. With rough hands on your hips that would leave dotted bruises on your flesh come morning, you were flipped over, your stomach pressing into the bedding.

You gasped, his hands smoothing up along your back, before he was leaning over you, dripping and wet cock pressed to your thigh as he pinned you down to the bed. Hot breath washed over your cheek, before he was biting lightly on your earlobe, the bed dipping on either side of you as he knelt over you, and you pushed back into him. Rolling your hips up, he growled a little, pressing you back down into the bed even more.

“Behave, sweetheart, or I’m not letting you come until you’re crying for it.”

You stilled, going stiff at the simple threat, and he chuckled, pressing a wet kiss to the back of your shoulder, hands tracing up along your arms as he trusted you to keep them in place. Settling behind you, a loud smack was placed to your ass, the skin stinging deliciously as the patch flared up with heat, feeling him palm at the patch as he soothed it over a little, a yelp tearing from you when he repeated the action on the opposite side without warning, and you bit down on your lip just to muffle the sounds.

Your hips were pulled up, before hands on your shoulders were following, pulling you up until you were kneeling before him, a hand smoothing around your waist. He patted lightly at your stomach, rubbing over it carefully. His hands then dipped further down, two fingers parting your folds, rubbing lightly at the button nestled between your thighs, and your hips jumped up into his hand, a shaky sound emitted from you.

“C’mon, Tommy, it’s Christmas. Stop teasing me.”

“Okay, sweetheart, since you asked so nicely.” He mumbled, fingers dragging up your body, wet trails of your own arousal left on your skin, before he was slipping them between your lips. You sucked tightly, the taste of your own slick covering your tongue as you lapped at the digits, cleaning them off as he hummed happily into your ear, chin hooked over your shoulder. Your hand slipped down between your bodies, lining him up behind you, before he was easing into you.

His groan in your ear was drowned out by the loud mewls that you let out, fluttering and overly sensitive walls welcoming him back, gripping onto him tightly as he sank his full length within you. The second he was within you, his fingers were leaving your mouth, pushing you back down until your cheek was flush to the bedding, fingers digging into the blanket and nails threatening to tear at it as he wasted no time.

Hips snapping into your own, a bruising pace that would leave you with that ache between your thighs that always made you shake in the morning to follow as you remembered the way that he’d fucked you into oblivion. The sounds you were making were sure to be echoing off of every wall in the house, your throat raw, and you pushed back into him each time, trying to meet his motions, but the pace he was setting was far too fast, and your movements were sloppy in comparison. Your chest was tightening, every muscle in your body going stiff, and your fingers became fists as you tried to hold out a little longer, to not give in as quickly as you thought you might.

You could feel him nearing his edge, the husk of his voice getting a little deeper, cracking each time he edged closer to his own orgasm, his cock throbbing within your walls as he fucked you into the bed. One hand tangled in your hair, tugging at the roots as he pulled back your head, screams loud and uninterrupted for him to hear.

“That’s right, baby, nice and loud.” He tugged you back even further, a sharp cry in pain that made everything go into overdrive, before your back was pressing to his chest. One hand came to seal around your throat. Squeezing lightly, your noises cut off, going silent in your throat as your vision spotted. “Tell me again, baby, who doesn’t fuck you good enough?”

Your mouth opened again, no sounds coming out, simple squeals as he loosened his grip a little. The other hand was on your waist, gripping so hard that the area was beginning to tingle, blunt nails pressing into your skin, and your climax began washing over you. Your jaw going slack, your eyes rolled back as your head sat on his shoulder, and your screams had gone completely silent as white heat shot through your body. Every nerve lit up in your body, like fireworks going off in your core. He didn’t stop there, fingers slipping down to rub at your clit, your body jerking in his grip as broken gasps spilt out.

Sparks ran all along your body, tears lining your eyes as he abused the bud with his rapid-paced motions, and a scream tore from you as that same climax became doubly as strong, bliss taking you over as you felt boneless. He didn’t let up, not until your cheeks were wet and you were going limp in his arms, legs slick from your gushing arousal. When you couldn't take it anymore, crying in his grasp, he let you go, your entire body quivering while you settled on the mattress. His cock slipped from you for only a second as you were turned over in his arms.

He all but collapsed down on top of you, face pressed into your neck, chest pressed up to yours and you could feel his heart thudding against his chest and straight through to your own. With a few final thrusts, weak and desperate, he stiffened, ribbons of hot cum pumping out with your walls, making you whimper just at the feeling that would never be anything other than otherworldly bliss as he filled you to the brim.

“Fucking hell, I’ll never get used to that.” He mumbled, words muffled by where he was still pressed up against you, nose nuzzling into your hair, and your arms wrapped around him. He hissed a little, feeling your fingers smoothing along his body and brushing over the raw rips along his flesh, made by your nails in the heat of pleasure.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s hot as hell.” He teased, making to roll over when he felt you trying to laugh underneath him, and you squeaked as he took you with him, rolling your exhausted body up and on top of him. His hands found your hips, holding you down firmly onto him when you wiggled back towards the bedding. “Where do you think you’re going, huh?”

“Preferably onto the cool blankets. I love you, but you’re hot and sweaty, and so am I.” You mumbled, pressing yourself up over him, and his hands ran up and down your sides lightly, shrugging as he did. His hair was messy, skin flushed and shining with sweat, accompanied by swollen lips, looking like pure sin as he lounged beneath you.

“Nuh-uh, angel. I told you I was going to fuck a baby into you, and we’re not letting a drop go. Stay right where you are, keepin’ my cock nice and warm, and keeping you full of cum.” As if to emphasise his point, he tugged you down into him, and you chuckled as you found yourself leaning against a slightly sticky shoulder, nails scratching at the hairs on his chest as you tried to catch your breath properly. “Guess I gave you another kind of white Christmas, huh?”

You couldn’t contain your laughs, your body shaking a little above him as the pair of you snickered at his joke, yours out of exhausted embarrassment and his out of genuine humour and pride. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You love it.”

“Hm, I didn’t marry you for your bad jokes, they were just an addition that I got burdened with.” You teased, a light spank landing on your ass, before both hands were settling on your cheeks, squeezing lightly, before he was jiggling gently, entertaining himself with those basic actions, your cheeks heating up and eyes rolling a little. “Having fun there?”

“A lot, actually. I love your ass.”

“Yes, well, not that I’m not used to it, but how long do you want me to lay here?” You mumbled, hand smoothing out over his chest, slipping around to sit on his side over his ribs instead, and snuggling down a little more to get comfortable.

“Just ‘til you’re pregnant.”

“Oh, great.” You teased, finding him puffing his chest up underneath of you, one of your fingers ping at his chest. “Excited to be a daddy?”

His half-hard cock twitched within you interestedly, and he groaned. “Don’t you dare ruin that word for me.”

“Which word?” You mused, one hand on his cheek, kissing along his stubbled jaw, up to his ear, licking lightly at the shell as he trembled under your touch. “Do you mean ‘daddy’?”

“Baby, please, stop it!” He whined a little, and you hummed, before pressing back a little along him, his length hardening with you as your hips rocked back into his own. He grunted, hold tightening on your body, but never stopping you, letting you rock back into him. Your clit was pressed up to his pelvis from this angle, a perfect friction for every grind, and he whined a little when you propped yourself up even more.

Nails digging into his chest, he stared up at you, tits bouncing and skin glowing in the dull light of the room, hair messy to match his, and you felt beautiful under his stare, watching as he licked at his lips, jaw gaping and eyes scanning along your body.

He eventually settled on the place where the two of you were connected, the simple rolls of your hips becoming more, as you settled into your position of riding his cock, bouncing up and down along his length, and beads of creamy cum leaked from you as you did. You could feel it, the mixtures of both of your arousals leaking from your body, a stick messy dotting the dark hairs curled at his base, before he was reaching a hand down, thumb pressing loosely to your clit, making bored motions as his other hand reached out.

You knew exactly what he wanted, the way his lips puckered, hips thrusting up to meet yours as he grew lazy underneath you, his eyes hooded and dark, a smirk on his lips, before he was bringing your mouth down to his.

Sloppy kisses that barely met the mark as such, his teeth dragging over your lips, tongues clashing and tangling together in wet knots as you moaned into his mouth, sounds quietened by one another as the sounds of teenage-style making out filled the room instead.

It was messy, and filthy, and completely effortless, but as you shook above him, a much lighter climax washing through your body, the final bit of energy that you had being spent, he chased after you, giving you what last he had, until it was dribbling out of you.

“Fuck, you’re going to be the death of me.” He whispered, never letting up on his kisses, rolling you over a little as you tried to pull away to catch your breath, his mouth following in an unceasing assault against your own, giggles filling the air as he did. One leg hooked over his hip, the other flattening out, and he let you lay down at last. Pushing him away with one hand, he finally did as told, cock slipping from you, making out whimper a little at the soreness you craved finally being present, and you tried to roll away from the bed.

He reached out, with no energy left, his hand coming into contact with the bedding instead as you stood up. His eyes follow you though, a ridiculous boasting look glimmering in them as he watched his cum drip down your skin, barely being properly cleaned up by the handfuls of tissues you used.

You hadn't even made it two steps away from the bed, before he was reaching out, yanking you back down into the bed beside him, so that he could lay his head across your chest and wrap you up in his arms.

“Tommy, let me up.” You giggled, poking at the man who was half splayed out across you, the covers pulled up loosely over your bodies, pooled around his waist, and he grunted with discontent when your fingers stopped running along his back, nails dragging at his skin soothingly, to instead push at his shoulders. “Thomas!”

“Mh, no. I’m comfy, you’re warm.” His words were whispered, eyes fluttering a little, and you groaned, using all the strength you had to push him off of you and roll him over, placing a pillow to his chest as he reached out to latch onto you. He cracked an eye open when he felt the bed dip, watching as you edged toward the door, feet hitting the ground. “Where’re y’ goin’?”

“I love it when you get clingy and sleepy.” You teased, leaning back down to peck his lips, before making your way to the drawers, grabbing some fresh clothes for yourself, he made a grabbing motion at you, snatching loosely at the clothes you threw to him, catching none of them as they scattered around the messed up bedding around him, and his hand fell back down to the covers. “I have one more present for you.”

“I thought we did all the presents.” He sounded strained, sitting up as you pulled on a robe, tying it at the waist to keep the chill away, and shrugging a shirt onto his shoulders, a tremble running along him in the chill, before reaching for his boxers, watching you inquisitively.

“Well, I had one more. I wanted to do it with our friends, but we didn’t get to, and this gift just wouldn't be the same over the camera. We can tell them at New Years.”

“What does that mean?” There was a playful curiosity in his voice now, and you winked, backing out of the door, and making your way through to the bathroom, and into the cabinet where you kept all of your feminine products, a place Thomas only ever entered upon your request, to retrieve the secret little bag stuffed with wrapping paper that lay within. “Baby, what does that mean?”

“Have some patience!” You yelled back, wiping up a packet of tissues as you went, before padding back along the cool floorboards to the warmed carpet of the bedroom, jiggling it a little at him. He was sitting up now, rubbing at his eyes as he tried to shake himself awake, and you moved to kneel beside his legs, clutching onto it and placing the tissues down onto the bed beside you.

“Is it messy?”

“What?”

He took the package, ribbon on top sealing it shut, and he nodded his head to the packet you’d put down. “The tissues; is it messy? Oh, is it flavoured condoms?” He smirked, your jaw dropping a little as you laughed.

“Would you want to open a packet of flavoured condoms in front of your friends at Christmas Day dinner?”

He cringed, shaking his head. “Okay, you got me. I’m at a loss. Can I open it?”

You nodded, thumb flicking under the packet of the tissues to open them up, watching as he nimbly undid the ribbons, and you pulled one of the soft, folded papers out. Parting the sides of the bag, he stared inside, a single object sitting within, and he squinted at it for a moment as he tried to decipher what he was holding, and what exactly it was said, before his eyes widened.

He flipped it over in his hands, holding it carefully now within two fingers, dropped jaw and watering eyes, before finally looking up to you. “You win.”

“Told you I would.”

“You win this year, you win next year, you just won every Christmas for the rest of our lives.”

“I know.” You teased, watching as a tear dropped from his eye, wiping it away gently, and he trembled a little, bringing his hand up to your wrist to pull your hand away from his face, tugging you in closer.

“It’s real?”

“You think I’d fake it?” You joked, your own eyes watering, and he let out a breathless and shaky laugh.

“And you’re totally sure?”

“I had an appointment the other week to confirm it, they called a few days ago. One hundred percent positive.” He was crying again, snatching the tissues from your hand to instead pull you closer, a needy kiss pressed to your lips, as he tried to calm himself down, to bring himself to earth, and wet cheeks slid against your own, a smile on his lips despite trying to kiss you.

“I’m going to be a dad?”

“Yeah, baby. This is the start of our family.” He pushed you back, rolling you into the bedding as the packaging and gifts were discarded. He pecked your lips one final time, before he was tugging at the knots on the front of your robe and lifting your shirt, hands pressing over your stomach lightly.

His fingers were smoothing over your skin, featherlight touches, complete awe on his face as he stared down at your torso, and he grinned widely, dipping down to kiss at your navel lightly. “I love you so much, little one. I already know you’ll be amazing.”

“It’s about the size of  a grain of rice right now, Tommy.” You laughed a little as his hands smoothed around to your sides, cheek pressing to your stomach as he laid down, and your fingers wove into his hair lightly.

“I don’t care, I love them. Boy or girl, whoever they become, they’re perfect.”

“Merry Christmas, Thomas.” You whispered, his eyes meeting yours, chin balanced on your flesh, and he smiled, a kind of content softness that only you ever got to see.

“Merry Christmas, my love.” He turned back, nose nuzzling at your stomach. “And, Merry Christmas to you, little one.”

[mariamermaid]

Lucky Charm

Tyler Locke x Reader

Summary: After losing a hockey game, Tyler realized that you might be his lucky charm…

Words: 1k

A/N: With the prompt 59 “Are you happy now?”. I decided to leave off prompt 25 since I wrote already several oneshots with it. Sorry it took so long

 It was a simple routine you had grown to.

It started out when your friend dragged you along to watch her boyfriend play hockey, but what caught your attention was somebody different. Tyler noticed you immediately sitting in the rows, you had given him a pencil on his first day. He remembered your smile, not judgmental, not with second thoughts, honest. And he remembered your smile when he made a goal, his heart skipping a beat.

With weeks passing, you began talking more, first in school and later out of school. You met in the library to study or drink coffee in town. A casual flow keeping you on track.

However, there came a weekend where you couldn´t come to the game. It was your grandmother´s 80th birthday, an event you didn´t want to miss. Besides your family would disinherit you if you didn´t come. But when you heard the news of losing, you did have some guilt weighing you down. It was stupid, it wasn’t your fault they had lost, right?

The next day in school was being dragged along, the minutes just didn´t wanted to pass and each class felt like eternity to you. The ringing to the break finally echoed and exhausted you carried yourself to your locker, throwing the books carefree in it. When you closed the door again, you jerked, Tyler was suddenly standing next to. You hadn´t heard or seen him coming to yu. He chuckled at your surprised reaction, but became serious again. “Sorry, didn´t want to scare you.” You shrugged and offered him a polite smile. “It wasn´t your fault, guess I´m just on the wrong track today.”

“Not just you”, he sighed while scratching his neck. “Heard about the loss, really sorry.”

“It was the first loss in this year, guess everybody is just a little demotivated”, he explained but it didn´t sound convincing. It sounded like the explanation you´d give your parents, nonspecific and avoiding the heart of the topic. “Isn´t there a game next week again?” You asked while you both walked through the cafeteria. He nodded and grabbed a plate for the two of you. You nodded thanking and tried to stop your heart beating faster at this simple gesture. Pushing the thought away, you listened to him. “Yeah, the coach has made some new tactics, hopefully we´ll get luckier this time.” You smiled up to him. “I´m sure you´ll have more luck next time, you know why?”

“No, why?” The grin you wore was hard to hide now, but the sudden wave of boldness came rushing over you. “Well, you´ll have your lucky charm back!”

“My lucky charm?” Tyler sounded confused, which made him look awfully cute, not that you particularly noticed… “Yes, me!”

He laughed while following you to the table. “So that means you´ll be there?” “Count me in.”

 As much as the rest of the team was still a little demotivated and lacking in enthusiasm, Tyler was back in the game. Each practice he imagined you sitting in the audience, clapping and cheering for him. Well, for the team as well, but the thought of you being his, and only his, lucky charm… It drove him insane.

With his newly found motivation, which also led to the rest of them team getting pushed, the game started on Friday night. The crowd was also going crazy, doing it´s best to support the team and it worked. Till the first half everything was going fine, but then after the break, things got a little harder. The opponent seemed to have figured out a rhythm, and was able to bring the score to a tie. You could practically feel the tension hanging in the air and rubbed your cold fingers nervously. There were only two minutes left to play, it was still a draw, when Tyler´s coach called the team in for a last-minute talk. The ice stadium was filled and after the break, it seemed that even more people joined to watch. Sadly, it made it hard for you to see onto the rink, since people filled your view. Annoyed you let out a huff and hurried down the stairs to get a closer look. Tyler lost you in the crowd while still trying to listen to the coach. “I want you to push forward, John is gonna hold you back free and then try to score”, he explained at pointed towards Tyler. He nodded and felt how sweat dripped down his neck. He had pulled off his helmet, the loud crowd already made it hard enough to hear the words. But just before the referee was about to start the time again, the opponent team was getting back on their positions as well. Tyler heard somebody call out his name. He spun around and caught eye of you, standing next to the railing. He gave a quick sign to his team members and coach, before joining you on the side. “Good luck!” You explained, loud enough for him to hear, but nobody else around. He nodded. “We´ll need it.”

“Good thing I have a last resort for you”, you smiled. Tyler seemed confused, but then he felt your hands grabbing his collar and getting slightly pulled down. He felt your cold lips press against his warm ones. He was feeling hot and sweaty, while you had cooled down only sitting around. He had the urge to wrap a thick blanket around you and make you a cup of hot chocolate, but decided to save that for later. “Good luck”, you breathed against his lips. He smiled. “I don´t think we can lose now.”

His team colleagues hollered as he slid back on the ice field and he pulled down his helmet to hide his deep shade of blush. At the same time a rush of confidence floated through his veins. He was absolutely right, after that boost of energy, there wasn´t a thing that kept him from losing. The stadium was so loud after he shot the final goal, but all he could hear was your screaming, your clapping and your laughter. After his friends gave him a proud slap on the shoulder, he obviously made his way back to you. You grinned. “Are you happy now?”

“Not quite yet.”

He leaned down again, his warm lips back on yours, like they never left in the first place. The shouts and hollers got even louder and you both chuckled. “Good thing I had my lucky charm today.”

[valkirsif]

Unthinkable ch 44/???

Word 2900

Warning nothing

The woman woke up hearing noises and voices coming from outside, the 19 hours of travel and the evening had made her forget for a moment that she was on the set of a movie not at the sea, turned in bed looking at Tom who was sleeping immensely happy to be there , got up trying not to wake him up and went into the living room, she was about to make coffee when saw her through the misted glass .. during the night it had snowed and she loved snow and winter more than anything else, smiled happily, put on her boots and went out in dressing gown to enjoy the bows that fell light as a child, a group of worker smiling see her,

"Good morning Miss" they greeted her,

"Good morning" she replied cheerfully, "I didn't expect the snow .. it's beautiful", remained among the flakes for a few minutes and came back with her face and hands frozen, ran into the room and jumped on the bed "Wake up Thomas !!" chirped happily, "There's snow !!" she was too excited to gently wake him, Tom opened his eyes not understanding what was happening,

"Darling what's going on?" asked sleepily, "Are you okay?", the woman straddled him kissing,

"I'm fine" she replied hugging him, "It's snowing !!"

she would have liked to be quiet and delicate but the winter always made her fibrillate, the bitter cold, the soft snow, the icicles on the branches, couldn't do anything about it she just wanted to get dressed and run in that wonder, Tom took her face in his hands and looked at her laughing

“I guess you like this climate, did you go out without a hood and gloves? You're freezing" he teased, "I've never seen you so excited for a walk ",

"Sorry I got caught up in the snow" she laughed, "If you prefer to sleep since you're off today we can go another day" said calming down,

"I promised you a ride, if the cold doesn't scare you," he replied, "Let's eat something first," they got up and had a light breakfast before getting dressed.

"Let's go to the cafeteria" said taking her hand, "We could have a basket prepared and have a picnic" the woman nodded happily, it was an incredible feeling to walk around the set, there were actors and props moving from one area to another. other, Tom introduced her to everyone, they entered the cafeteria which was warm and welcoming, many of the man's colleagues were on break and were warming up with tea and chocolate, the man walked over to the counter to get something to take away while Y/N was waiting for him by the door, still staring at the falling snow,

"I had a thermos of chocolate and some sandwiches prepared" Tom said reaching her after about ten minutes, "We can go", arrived at the stables the man went to talk to the head trainer, Y/N calmly approached a box and began stroking one of the steeds without fear,

"Hello wonder" she said softly touching his head, "Do you want a sweet?" said taking a slice of apple from the bucket and placing it on her palm, she remembered all the lessons she had taken as a child, "You like it true" whispered to the animal stroking its neck, it was a beautiful animal, with a white coat, gray mane and tail and eyes cheerful and curious browns,

"Here I am" said Tom approaching, "He is Max the horse man"

"Pleasure and compliments are wonderful creatures" replied Y/N introducing himself,

"My pleasure Miss" said shaking her hand, "Excuse the dirt but you will understand that it's normal here" laughed, wiping his hands on apron,

"Don't worry, I grew up in the countryside" she laughed with him, "My uncle had a riding school I feel comfortable with animals, dung and hay", made them sit down while they were preparing the horses,

"We can't go too far, they're not riding horses" he whispered to the woman, "But we can follow the same route that the trainers use to make them buck"

"That's fine Thomas, they were kind to lend it to us" Y/N replied smiling,

"We are ready Mister Hiddleston " said a boy calling them, "Be careful around the lake has frozen"

"We'll be careful thanks" answered Tom seriously as he climbed into the saddle, "Darling do you need a ladder?" asked, turning around, the woman was mounting happily,

"Who did you take me for?" she laughed alongside him, "You've always seen me in the city, I'm much wilder than you think honey " leaned over to kiss him, they left the stables calmly and walked towards the path they had recommended.

As soon as they stepped out of the set they picked up the pace, Y/N felt great, had the man she loved next to her and was on a romantic horseback ride in the middle of nowhere Scottish in the snow, it was a dream, the horses knew the way and yeah they moved safely on the ground there was no need to tell them where to go it was enough to enjoy the view that was fairytale,

"Thomas is beautiful" said the amazed woman when they came out of the woods and found themselves in a field of frozen heather, "It looks like a photograph" she was ecstatic,

" It is an honor to be able to work in such a place" replied the man, "Tomorrow the set for the night before the battle of Agincourt will be set up " said approaching her and stopping the horse, "It will be hell cold but I can't see'now"

"It will mean that I will make you find the warm bed when you return home" laughed the woman reaching out to kiss him, "You say it's a safe place to have a good run? I don't want horses to get hurt ",

"The field is flat and there are no ditches so I would say yes" he answered looking around, "on the opposite side there is a hut we can take a break before returning" said pointing to a point beyond the field, the woman did not say twice and spurred the horse launching it at a gallop laughing at the expression of Tom who looked at her, "Hey sweetheart that's not true" shouted at her laughing in turn throwing the horse in pursuit, reached her in a short time, was an exceptional rider, slowed down to keep up with her until the end of the field, when they reached the edge they slowed down to head towards what looked like a stable, tied the horses to the outside bars and entered,

"I'm hungry!" Y/N said putting the tablecloth on the table and emptying the basket, "It all looks delicious", they sat down looking at the lightly falling snow,

"I'm hungry too, but first I need to warm up" replied the man pouring hot chocolate into two cups, "Perfect day my Queen" said toasting, "I like being like this in the green with no one around",

"I hope to find such a place, Scotland is a paradise" answered the woman leaning against him, "Other than gala dinners .. a hot chocolate in the snow is the most beautiful thing in the world",

"Do you feel comfortable in nothing?" Tom asked looking at her, excluding the holidays from Rice they had always been in town among the people and journalists, going from a dinner to a gala,

"I'm in my natural environment in such a place" she replied calmly, "I have to confess that it took me such a day .. in nature with no prying eyes around", her new life was really hard to face at times, Tom yes reached out to her and stroked her face,

" Darling .. " he whispered, "..I didn't know you felt so uncomfortable .."

"I'm not uncomfortable my love" Y/N said interrupting him, "When we are together I feel myself like never before" she stood up walking around the room, "My anxiety rises when I'm not by your side, that's why I asked Phil to accompany me .. I realize that my insecurity sometimes paralyzes me "concluded placing herself in the arms of the man who looked at her seriously, Y/N could see her thoughts,

" Honey .. do you want to take a break?" he asked quietly, the woman's heart skipped a couple of strokes that simple question hurt her,

" Thomas .. " she began dismayed, "..you didn't say what I heard .." stared at him, ".. I don't need a break .. I " voice broken by agitation ,

"You don't have to feel obliged to go around furniture factories or look for a house .. " the man continued , ".. you can stay indoors and relax .." Y/N burst out laughing and kissed him, Tom laughed looking at her as if not understood the hilarity of his words,

"You impossible man NEVER tell me such a thing AGAIN, you will make me die before the time!" she said all in one breath pointing finger on his nose,

"I'm not following you Darling, what did I say strange?" he asked puzzled, "Mine was an advice not an order, if you want to unplug for some .. "

" Thomas .. " interrupted him, "In Italy the "let's take a break" is the classic way to break up a relationship" laughed feeling better, the language was a huge stumbling block at times,

"Oh I didn't know" he answered understanding, "First I would not do such a thing to anyone and second with the luck I had in finding you I would never leave you .. " laughed, "..if it wasn't such a chaotic period and we weren't together for so little time I would have already asked for your hand ", he squeezed it, kissing her head,

" Well I would have answered yes in case you were wondering", they finished the picnic and went back to the field, it was late afternoon, they didn't want the trainer to worry about the horses, it had been a beautiful day even though they were ice creams.

"Darling, do you have a suit to go out or are there just practical things in your suitcase?" Tom's voice reached her as was drying hair after a shower,

"Um Ali also put something nice on me why?" she asked as finished making braid, getting no answer she joined him in the room, found him dressed and ready to go out, "My love, are you going somewhere?" asked curiously,

"Let's go somewhere" he replied smiling at her, "You should have arrived today, I booked in a nice place" said zipping her dress, "Since you like good food and you are adventurous I wanted to let you taste the cuisine of my childhood", hugged, moving the braid from her neck to kiss,

"I'm done getting ready and I'm ready" she put on boots and took coat, "I'm hungry and curious to taste Scotland", they left the house, got into a jeep and left for the nearest town without haste, the roads around the camp they were covered in snow and slippery, "This car is very uncomfortable but with the snow it is wonderful" she laughed leaning against him,

"For mud and snow, nothing is better than an old jeep" answered Tom holding it, they reached the main road which was clean and smooth, there was not much traffic and half an hour after departure they entered Dundee, the man parked in front of a restaurant that looked like a castle Y/N was fascinated, the flashes went off as soon as Tom got out of the car the woman stiffened for a moment then got out smiling, she would not have let the evening spoil,

"I'm sorry there are paparazzi scattered around," he said taking her hand,

"Thomas I'll pretend nothing has happened, and here it is beautiful" she said admiring the ancient exterior, "so old and perfect", they climbed a few steps and entered, the maitre welcomed them taking their coats,

"Good evening Mister Hiddleston " he said professionally, "Your table is ready if you want to follow me" took the menus and led the way into the room where the other patrons turned to look at the couple,

"You're welcome Miss" said the maitre moving her chair,

"Thank you" she replied smiling, "Was it a castle?" asked Tom before opening the menu , looked around curiously, the great room had a slate floor full of carpets in shades of red, the fireplace took up more than half of the wall and warmed the whole room, large chandeliers descended from above ceiling, once candles were used, now to maintain the illusion they had put candle-shaped bulbs with warm lights,

"Yes it is an old castle" replied the man, "It was almost in ruins, it is difficult to keep these old buildings in optimal conditions" he said "A restaurateur fell in love with the area and bought it to make it a restaurant .. and I would say that he did a great job" he smiled as read the menu himself, "Is there something that inspires you Honey ?" he asked the woman,

" Mmm a lot of things to tell the truth" she answered undecided about what to taste first, "I think I'll have the haggis with turnips and potatoes .. and I'd like to try the black pudding",

"You are daring my love" laughed the man, "Do you know what's inside?",

" Sure .. if I remember correctly it's a lamb stomach stuffed with rice and offal .. or am I wrong?" the woman answered looking at him,

"Yes, the filling can change a bit, there are those who add blood and put oats instead of rice" he confirmed, "If you feel like it .. "

the waiter came over to take the order bringing the water, "I leave you the wine list" he said retracing his steps, when the dishes arrived Tom waited until Y/N took the first bite, he was curious to see her reaction to food,

"Thomas is delicious !!" the woman said enthusiastically, "Tasty, soft .. I think I love it, then with bread it's poetry on your plate"

"I'm officially amazed" Tom replied laughing, " It's hard for you to like this type of food if you haven't grown up on it"

they dined quietly chatting and laughing like any couple in the room, some stole some shots but the two didn't pay attention,

"Can I get you anything else?" asked the waiter removing the plates, "A cake, a coffee?"

"I would be full but .. " Y/N said looking at the dessert list ".. I think I'll take the scones with the cream, they look too good not to taste them, and after a short coffee, thank you" she replied smiling,

"The day in the fields has really made you hungry Darling" said Tom, "For me a trifle thank you", they finished dinner and went out into the snow, "Shall we take a walk to digest?" the man asked putting his arm around her waist, the woman nodded hugging him, they headed towards one of the many points of the city that flowed into the sea, the waves breaking on the snow-white beach were spectacular, you could see the lights of the fishing boats offshore, the city center was full of life, groups of people strolled between one pub and another looking for a warm shelter, a spicy scent hovered around a kiosk Y/N dragged Tom, she was curious to see what it was,

"What a fragrance!" she said standing in line, "I'm getting hungry again" laughed tightly on the man's arm,

"It's hot chocolate" Tom replied, "With the addition of spices, cinnamon and whiskey .. it warms you up immediately in winter" he explained, ordering two, "Come on, let's sit down" said leading her to an indoor bench,

"Thomas to say that it is delicious is an understatement" said Y/N ecstatic, "what a pleasure", liked it very much if it wasn't for the alcohol content would have drunk another but already with the first she felt light-headed, a couple of girls approached them,

"Tom can we take a picture?" they asked smiling with the phone in hand, the man smiled and posed with them affable as always, "Thank you very much !!" they giggled excitedly as they left,

"My idol of the crowds, how about going home?" whispered Y/N, "I think the chocolate is having an effect" she laughed, the man looked at her laughing getting up and taking her hand,

"You're not used to Scotch whiskey Darling" he laughed as walked to the car, fastened the woman's belt and they drove off.

It was late at night when they went back into the house, the woman made herself coffee despite the time,

"Isn't it late for Honey coffee ?" Tom asked preparing himself a tea, "Sure to be able to sleep then!",

" Sweetheart I ate a lot if I don't have a real coffee I'll digest in a week" she laughed as sat down on the sofa after taking off boots, " It was a very long and perfect day thank you" she said leaning against him when sat down,

"I'm glad Darling" he answered squeezing her, "I needed a break too, I did nothing but run and work"

"What time do you start tomorrow?" the woman asked looking at the time, "I want you to rest"

"I work tomorrow night" he replied, "I have all day to relax don't worry", they got up to go to bed, it occurred to the woman that she hadn't given any news to the others since the day before, picked up the phone

§Guys sorry if I am gone 2 days§ she wrote after reading the chat, §Everything is fine .. when I wake up I tell you the details :) § turned off the set and changed into a simple long t-shirt to sleep even though she hated being dressed in bed,

"Are you cold that you covered yourself so much?" Tom asked reaching her under the covers,

"You said anyone can enter, I don't want to show up naked" she replied leaning on his chest,

"Nobody would enter the room without knocking" he whispered sliding his hands under her shirt, "You won't need this" said pulling it off, "I like to feel your soft and naked body on mine" kissed her stroking her, the woman hugged to him and fell asleep.

[tropewizardtournament]

there is an indentation in the shape of you (made your mark on me)

Harry hates being set up. It doesn’t matter who has actually done it or why; he just hates it. The last time Hermione tried to set him up with her colleague, he had almost bit her head off. No Hermione I’m totally fine with being single, he had said. It looks like you are the one who hates it.

It’s a wonder he still has his head attached with the way he behaved.

After numerous failed attempts, his friend had given up. She finally understood that Harry was very picky about his dates and their interests would probably not line up together.

Unabashedly he had presumed that he was totally free from being forced to go on meaningless dates. Until Ron had struck that is.

Now Ron has been his best friend since forever. After a decade of friendship and watching Harry go through a messy break up and daunting dates, he has never mentioned anything about his love life. His best friend is understanding and has been the one to persuade his girlfriend to back off when she has veered into the Forbidden Land, also known as Harry Potter’s Love Life. So when the tall redheaded man casually informed his bespectacled mate that the upcoming Friday he had to have dinner with this ‘woman’, he had blanched.

“Wha-why? Did Hermi-“

“No. I have decided that you need to get off your ass and do something on the weekends except joining us on our dates.” The calm tone of his voice was quite unnerving but his words had made an impact. Before he could sputter out an apology, Ron had used his infuriatingly leveled voice to inform that until Harry found a person with whom he had been on more than three dates he would be his manager. “Plus she’s great. You’ll like Mary. She is a writer you know,” he had added unhelpfully.

So now, three weeks after that dreadful conversation, he is dining with Witch No. 3, Stacey.

Stacey is not bad exactly. In the looks department, she is quite stunning. With her skin and eyes looking like glazed chocolate and thick black hair, she looks as if she has stepped out of a beauty pageant. And like most of the girls in beauty pageants (not all) she is a bit self-centered. She has been talking non-stop for the past half hour and although it is a welcome change from his dates continuously asking about him, it has become boring very quickly. He believes that it’s a common trait shared among singers.

Mary hadn’t been bad but she was so engrossed with him that it stopped feeling like a casual date and more like an interview with a younger Rita Skeeter. Ron had gotten an earful for his choice.

Sloshing the wine in his glass, he forces himself to listen to her in case she asks him about his opinion. Which he highly doubts but it is good manners.

“-And I don’t eat meat on Thursdays because my mother has this ritual where-” Oh God.

“Actually that sounds interesting. Mind if I use the loo for a moment?” Without waiting for her response, he hurriedly makes his way towards the back of the restaurant. He needs to have a break from the non-stop chitchat.

So hasty he is in his escape that he crashes into someone with a force large enough to knock his breath out. Fortunately his Auror training has honed his skills and he catches the person before they can hit the ground. The waiters mill around the crash gracefully and he is left staring awkwardly at the too familiar fiery haired woman in his arms. His evening really has turned out to be a disaster.

“I’m so sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was go-Wait a minute! Harry! What are you doing here?” Getting a little startled by the sudden hug, he steps back. Small hands push back his chest and he stares at a pair of wide, brown eyes with a thumping heart.

“Ginny? What are the chances?!” Ginny looks more stunning than the last time he saw her. Her vivid red hair is made into a bun and she is dressed in a blue cocktail dress. She looks beautiful and eternal. Her freckles seem less prominent in the dimly lit area which causes a pang to go through his body.

He combs his hand through his hair. “What are you doing here?”

Ginny quickly glances back and grabs his hand to drag him away. She leads them towards the back entrance inconspicuously to the point that he is impressed she is not an undercover spy. Banging open the large doors she casts a privacy and silencing charm in quick succession. Watching his incredulous expression, she shrugged. “Reporters everywhere. I’d like to talk to someone without having a scandalous story printed on the paper. I assume you feel the same way.”

With that she flops down on the pavement. Grinning, he does the same.

“True. My name’s been splashed on each paper every morning for the past three weeks. And all thanks goes to your brother.”

She raises her eyebrow.” First of all now that he has done something he’s my brother otherwise he’s your boo. And second of all, what did he do to you? I have plenty of reasons to be mad at him myself.”

Harry opens his cuff buttons and rolls his sleeves up. “Your brother has made himself my love life’s manager. Apparently I ruin his date nights so I have to suffer. Where does he even run into these women?”

“Will it make you feel better to know he’s inflicting the same punishment on me?”

He pauses rolling his sleeve. “What?”

“Yeah. Apparently he’s everyone’s love guru nowadays. Something to do now that he is in a happy relationship. I am so close to strangling him you have no idea.”

“So today you’re on-“

“A date? Yes. I’m so close to either gouging his eyes out or mine.”

Harry starts laughing and Ginny joins in. Within a few seconds they are literally lying on the floor and giggling like toddlers. He has missed her; he has missed her so much. Everything is easy with her. His smiles come easily whenever he’s with her. Ron once told him that his sister was like a cheering charm in the form of a human being and he had never been more right.

“My date is a boring twenty five year old Larry from the Ministry who has a weird fascination with tea. I just tolerated about an hour of listening to how many types of tea there are in the world. Trust me when I say I’m never trying oolong.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“Only if you’re kettle I’m sure. And speaking of interesting,” she straightens her dress and stands up. “Are you having fun on the date?” She extends her hand towards him.

“She’ll be a great date to someone else.” He sighs and takes her hand to stand up.”Like herself. And I don’t think I’m up to her standards. I’ve been thoroughly bored for ages.”The road is not that much crowded but even now he sees a few people staring at them with their jaws wide open. Ginny’s warm laugh catches his attention.

“Go inside and tell her that you will have to leave. Meet me by the coffeehouse just close to your place. It’s called ‘Another’ I think. Oh and wear something nice.” Without giving him any warning, she cancels the charms and skips back into the restaurant.

Harry chuckles lightly and makes his way inside.

“Okay if you have hypothermia and you really need to get warm quickly. What are you going to do?” The café door opens and lets in a blast of cold air but both of them ignore it. The soft tune of a jazz song fills the entire room with a sort of tranquility that he has missed.

“I’ll have hot cocoa then. But if it’s not that severe then cold butterbeer it is.” Ginny takes a long sip of her cold coffee to prove her point.

Ditching Stacey and practically dashing to the café to avoid being seen must have been her best idea ever because he is having much more fun than he has had for a long time. She looks beautiful in the dimly lit space, ethereal to be honest and far livelier than he can remember. The only downside (if he can even call it that) is her inexplicable attachment to cold beverages. It’s kind of cute actually.

“So you’re saying” he pauses to take a sip of his tea “you’ll rather face the cold, clammy hands of death than ever try anything hot.”

“No. I’m saying you have to shove me to the cold, clammy hands of death for me to drink anything hot to save my life. Pay attention, will you?” He laughs loudly at that.

He has always enjoyed spending time with Ginny. She was shy at the beginning when all he was to her was The Boy who Lived and the guy who saved her (he argues with that vehemently, she has saved his life too). But then she started speaking more and more. That day in his Fifth Year when she finally snapped because of his complete disregard of anything concerning others, he understood what a force she is. She kept him happy; those days spent at the Burrow after Sirius’s death and the Quidditch practices in his Sixth Year were his only escape. Leaving her for the Horcrux hunt was one of the hardest things he had ever done. She had absolved him of his decision but sometimes he wonders whether that has broken a fundamental part of their friendship. Or maybe, a traitorous voice calls out, it’s because of those warm and fuzzy feelings that rise in you which you are afraid of.

“Do you know why Ron is trying to set you up?” Her voice breaks him out of his reverie.

“Apparently my love life is nonexistent. But then again, he has never complained about it before. Why did he try to set you up though?”

She sighs and waves the waitress over for a refill. He doesn’t think that he has seen anyone drink so much iced coffee in such a short span. “Same. I made the mistake of complaining to him about the lack of guys who aren’t sexist. Apparently being a female Quidditch player attracts as much attention from pigs as Harry Potter attracts from Dark wizards.”

He cracks a smile. “That reminds me to congratulate you on the Most Number of Goals award. You were fantastic in the game. You made Wood cry!”

“Like it was hard.”

He hums in agreement. Oliver was always really very emotional about Quidditch- still is apparently.

“Say Harry?” Ginny leans forwards making her dress dip a little which he dutifully ignores. “I have a feeling that my dear brother is going to try to set us up again next week.”

“Again? Man that sucks. I should not be giving control to a man my age that still has his cereal with orange juice.”

“I thought Hermione made him stop.”

“He does it away from her. He loves Hermione but not more than that atrocious combination.”

“Hey, no one comes in between a Weasley and their food. Anyway I was thinking maybe we should mess with him.” Her eyes blaze at her own suggestion and Harry isn’t ashamed to admit that she looks absolutely gorgeous when she is planning something nefarious. “Next week both of us make an excuse and ditch our dates and meet over here. Say about 7:30?”

He startles. “But that’s like only thirty minutes spent with our dates.”

She raises her eyebrow. “And that’s a problem how? Okay let’s just think this as a way to keep Ron on his toes. Plus if either of us likes our date, we would send a message that we’re not coming.”

He doesn’t exactly like the plan. Ron has generously provided him with an unnecessary but thoughtful gesture. But then again spending time with Ginny is something he has always wanted. Every Friday spent with her will be like his deepest desire come true.

Seeing his hesitation, she whispers, “I’ll drink every hot drink you suggest for a whole month.”

“Deal.” Like there is anyway he’ll miss that.

  And so it starts. Every Friday for the next three weeks they meet up in a hurry. Aside from every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday when they either grab lunch or coffee or sometimes a movie. He finds out Ginny has a weakness for Muggle movies and a thirst for violence and she finds out he likes watching rom-coms.

Not a bad arrangement. And when they curl up together in his flat after she has taken a shower at his apartment on days of Quidditch practice and spread her flowery scent everywhere, he pretends that it’s the real thing.

It is going good which should have been the first sign that something was going to go terribly wrong.

In this weird arrangement they haven’t taken in a very big factor otherwise known as ‘Ron’. As he’s both Harry’s best mate and Ginny’s brother, they didn’t want to let him know anything that will conclude with him accompanying them on their coffee ‘dates’. But at the same time they had forgotten that he is the one who sets up their dates and might follow them to the said coffee shop for a public confrontation.

“What are you doing here?” If he hadn’t been in the Aurors for so long, he may have jumped when he spots Ron’s scowling face.

“The more important question, brother dear, is what are you doing here? And trust me when I say that any reply of yours will be much stranger than ours.” Growing up with the twins must have numbed all of her senses from making her jumpy because she barely even blinks at his question. All in all he’s quite impressed.

Ron pays her no heed. He slides into the booth opposite to them and snatches a napkin to wipe away the drops of water clinging to his face. Rubbing his skin harshly, he continues. “I knew something was going on. Raven and Liam complained to me two weeks ago about how you both ditched them. I gave you both the benefit of doubt because I thought ‘Well they sure are very career oriented!’ Then Maya and Jeremy let me know how you both left too. Something was wrong, I knew that much. So I set you up today and disillusioned myself to keep an eye on you. And voila!”

Ginny leans back and crosses her hands in front of her. “And still you didn’t think about shielding yourself from the rain. You know what they say- appearance trumps practicality,” she drawls.

Ron’s ears turn red and he opens his mouth. Not wanting to get caught in the midst of a Weasley brawl, Harry hastens to interrupt. “First of all, I told you I didn’t want to go out with anyone. I tried to like them, I really did. But they are all either too much invested in The Chosen One or themselves. It’s torture.” He feels as if he’s confessing for a crime but it’s Ron: he deserves the best.

Ginny sympathetically nods and links their hands together. Her brother stares intensely at their linked hands before piercing him with an unreadable look. Not liking this look, he continues. “And second of all, you always put Ginny and me in the same restaurants. You should have known we would seek each other. Honestly these coffee outings are the highlights of my evenings.”

“Well I had thought you both would feel more comfortable if someone you know was present.”

“Yeah I’d love to watch a girl stick her throat down Harry’s throat.”

“Ginny!”

“Sorry. You think I’d love to watch him stick his tongue down her throat.”

“GINNY!”

“At least I’m selling you higher than me.”

“That’s not the point.” A mild cough wrenches his attention away from the woman plastered against him. A pair of piercing blue eyes swivels between them and Harry resists the urge to go to his side of the booth. He doesn’t want unwanted accusations. And if Ginny smells like a fresh morning, it’s not his fault.

Ron adopts his sister’s posture and glances at him. “And now? What’s happening with you guys now?” His ears turn a light pink but he doesn’t avoid his gaze.

He has to spell it out to him (and ignore the fact that his best friend is asking regarding something different).

Before he can tell him about how he doesn’t want to go on any more dates, Ginny straightens up. She sidles up to him and lays her head on his shoulder. “Oh Ron! We should’ve let you know. Harry and I are dating for about a month now.”

Her bright words are met with heavy silence. Ron seems to have forgotten to close his mouth. His gaping slack-jawed expression might’ve been funny if Harry himself was not reeling back from her statement. And if that’s not enough, she peers up at him and flutters those eyelashes.

Fuck.

Dating? Since when? He’s sure he would remember if something like that had happened. Is she trying to get me killed? She’ll probably be the only one who will succeed that’s for sure. Also that same annoying voice in his head barges in with a ‘Plus you will definitely remember dating her, won’t you?’

Surely Ron won’t believe that. Would he?

Ron takes a big gulp of air and leans towards them. “Is it true Harry?” His voice carries a tremble of what he’s not sure. Harry glances at Ginny and sees a look of pure desperation. She’s trying to get out of being set up, he thinks. And isn’t that what he wants? Steeling his nerves, he looks deep into Ron’s eyes and gives him the brightest fake smile.

“Of course mate.”

He is suddenly knocked back by the forceful nature of Ron’s hug. He seems to be hugging both of them with no abandon. Harry pats his trembling back and prays that he doesn’t die due to suffocation. Ron immediately lets go but not before kissing both of their heads loudly. All of the customers and waitresses have stopped to look at the commotion that is Ron.

“My best friend and my sister!” His eyes are glassy and he is wiping his nose with a napkin. “MY BEST FRIEND AND MY SISTER ARE DATING! ALL MY DREAMS HAVE BECOME TRUE!” Ron laughs like a little child and looks at them with so much affection, his heart aches. It’s all a lie, it beats.

Ginny stands up and sidles over to Ron’s booth. She hugs him tightly and shoots a worried look over his shoulder towards Harry. Yes, agrees his thumping heart, things just turned out to be interesting.

Dating someone and fake someone is a lot different at the same time very similar. First of all there is an uncomfortable ‘fake’ added in the front which makes both the parties present very uncomfortable.

But he can guarantee that no one does fake dating better than Ginny Weasley. She’s a pioneer at everything he attempts.

“So you’re probably thinking why I lied to Ron yesterday.” She brushes her hair strands away from her face and takes a sip from her miraculously hot cocoa.

“That didn’t cross my mind actually. My question is why we’re meeting at six in the morning. Oh and why are you drinking anything hot? Is there an impending doom I should know of?” He wryly replies before sipping his hot tea.

She holds out her index finger. “First of all don’t be an asshole.” Another finger goes up. “Second of all I was trying to get Ron off of our backs. I mean just think about it. No more dates being set up, no more meetings, no more dates.”

He starts at that. No more dates… He envisions himself sitting in front of Ginny and laughing. Visiting other places, weddings, events and introducing her as his date. His brain is telling him not to make the decision. She’s dangerous; you won’t know when you are so entwined with her that it’ll be difficult to leave. But his heart… well, his heart is thudding with all the different scenarios. He has always wanted to do that with someone but never allowed himself to think about it.

“I don’t feel lying to your family.”

“Me neither.” Her gaze flits outside the window. October has turned out to be beautiful. The red leaves literally the streets like blood. An irony considering his own blood had died in this month. “But I want to stop worrying over a guy claiming to have given me my career boost. With you I don’t have to worry about that.”

“Why me?” He feels like a petulant child but he needs an answer. She looks at him with an unreadable gaze and reaches out her arm. As she links their hands together, she casts her eyes downward. She looks vulnerable and soft and so captivating in the autumn morning, his heart skips a beat.

“Because it’s you. That’s all.” She replies simply.

Assessing the situation, he sighs. There is, after all, no use pretending he hasn’t made his decision since last night.

“Okay. I’ll do it.” He levels his gaze at her shining orbs. “Do we have any rules?”

Ginny suddenly gives him a razor sharp grin and all he can think is fuck. “Now that wouldn’t be fun, would it?”

  It’s a surprise how well they settle into this schedule as if they had planned this from the beginning. Going to the coffee shop, the neighbouring bookshop, restaurants and other Muggle venues (like the parks and ice cream parlours) is normal for them. But now there is this intimacy which everything had lacked.

Ginny does not sit across him anymore. She always sidles up next to him when they are in a booth or moves her chair towards him. She has taken to giving him innocent touches like a hand holding his elbow or her head resting on his shoulder or a leg thrown over his lap. He had problems reaching out to her in the beginning and wordlessly she had known. However after spending three months with her and realizing that she was not going anywhere, Harry had taken to her as a man dying of thirst to water.

“Not that I don’t like this but what brought this on?” She had asked him amusedly.

“Nothing. Just glad to be here.” He stopped caressing her hair. “Do you want me to stop?”

“Don’t you dare.” She closed her eyes and practically purred. “And can you massage my scalp too?”

“Sure.”

He doesn’t know what they are because this feels like ‘real dating’. They don’t put on shows for their families. They have a few rules like no kissing on lips or spending the night at each other’s places but he doubts anyone believes them.

The Weasleys had been so shocked and thrilled when they had announced their secret relationship. Mrs. Weasley had nearly fainted with joy and George had planted dungbombs at his apartment. Bill, Mr. Weasley and Charlie were happy and Percy had come a little too close to the truth (“Suddenly? Out of nowhere?”). But no one had been as excited as Ron. He had been so supportive that even Ginny had been reluctant to continue with their ruse. Hermione had been a little suspicious but even she forgot all about it when Fleur started crying.

Telling Andromeda and Teddy on the other hand was less nerve wracking. The old witch had always been fond of Ginny and accepted the news graciously. Teddy had asked a very red faced Harry whether she was his godmother or not but soon forgot about it when she started to teach to morph his nose into those of other animals’. He had left the house feeling warm all over.

The first time he had seen a picture of them trying to ice skate in the Witch Weekly, his heart had nearly melted. Ginny in the image had been trying to get him to give her a piggyback ride which ended with them sprawled on the floor. He has found a lot of things about her in these past few months. And liking piggyback rides is a very big Ginny thing. He remembered how his colleagues had mocked him and badgered him into bringing her for a night out. They had loved her and in return, he had to go to her matches. He had always rooted for her but being in the match and watching his pseudo girlfriend wreathed in gold and green zooming about and leaving the others in the dust had left him reeling back with happiness. He had sloppily kissed her cheek after the game had ended to everyone’s delight. And that was how he had encountered the Harpies.

However the people he had never considered informing about his dating history and those he hadn’t thought about since the war were the Dursleys. He didn’t know where they were or how they were doing and frankly he didn’t care. He thought the same could be said about them.

Until now.

“Have you decided what do you want to do? It’s his graduation.” Ginny re-reads the invitation the umpteenth time and spares a glance at Harry standing in front of the window. “He sounds like he really wants you there.” On the 1st of December, he had received from his cousin a letter regarding how he will be a winter graduate and will be graduating on 10th and how he will like it if Harry comes to his graduation day party. Dudley has finally managed to totally baffle him.

He continues gazing outside, watching a woodpecker trying to drill a hole in the huge tree in front. He doesn’t know what to do. He owes them nothing. His entire childhood was spent trying to fit into a family that hated him for being something he had no control over. He doesn’t care for them. Then why is he imagining Dudley’s farewell before he left? Why is he hesitating to throw out the invitation?

Cold hands encircle his waist and Ginny lays her head on his shoulder. She is so tiny but in this position it feels as if she’s trying to protect him from the entire world. “I’ll go with you.” Her voice is soft yet strong. He is not surprised by her statement. She has always been too giving.

He turns towards her and encircles her in his arms. He feels safe with her. Always has. “You’re willing to endure about an hour of torment for me?”

“Anything for you.” Her expression is earnest and so full of something that he has never had the courage to name. “I’ll support you no matter what.”

Ron’s voice cuts through the stillness. He enters the room adorned with snowflakes and a grumpy expression. “No screwing on the table! You guys never keep your hands to yourself!”

Ignoring Ron and biting his lips to stop his bubbling laughter, he whispers to Ginny. “I hope you have something nice to wear.”

Her grin turns mischievous. “Don’t worry. I’ll wear something to show how much of a catch I am. And also sprout some lines about what a great lover.” She kisses his cheek and runs out of the room to escape a spluttering Ron. Harry laughs and presses his hand to his cheek.

“And that was Marge. She was far more pleasant than I thought she will be.” He guides a very cross Ginny away from the bulbous woman. “She hates me so your efforts are both appreciated and wasted.”

“She doesn’t even know you! She literally called you a waste and insulted your parents. I’m going to rip off her arm and feed it to her dogs so that they’ll have indigestion.” She tries to make her way to probably throttle her opponent but Harry is too quick for her. He tugs her arm and leads to the empty hallway.

“Don’t Gin. This was never my family. I don’t care what they think.” He brushes her bangs aside. “Plus it wouldn’t do good to ruin your dress.”He fights the impulse to shift his eyes downwards.

She gazes at all the other merry guests who are drinking heavily and laughing rambunctiously. Finally she lets out a heavy sigh. “It’s-it’s just I hate it you know. They should see you for who you are. But then again it’s good they don’t because you don’t deserve people like them.” Seeing his reddened face, she smirks. “Plus you’re right. This is a rather pretty dress. I have told Dudley and your aunt how soon it’s going to end up on your bedroom floor.”

He blinks. “That’s why he was blushing when he asked me if I have to use the upstairs bedroom.”

“It is the dress. I can be your eye candy for the evening.”

“You are more than my eye candy. You are a-a very talented woman with beauty, brains and brawns.”

“Can’t find a term for that, can you? Must be the dress.”

“Yes.” His eyes rove over all of her exposed skin. “Definitely the dress.”

When he had seen Ginny float down from her flat, he nearly had a heart attack. It is a beautiful dress by itself; a dark red number with a tight bodice and a halter strap. But on her it seems like the most powerful weapon in the world. Her hair is twisted up in a bun so that a few tendrils fall on her face like licks of flames. Add to that a bare back putting her freckles on display and a little bit of cleavage- she looks like a goddess. The moment she had shed her coat, all the men had gravitated towards her and Ginny had done her beat to make him feel like the most superior man in the room.

“You know,” she wets her lips and leans forwards, “we can get to that later on.”

Her eyes blaze at her own suggestion and Harry feels the temperature of the room climb high. He settles a hand on her waist and moves closer till their faces are centimeters apart. Just as he is about to do something reckless, a voice calls out, “Harry!”

Ignoring Ginny’s groan and his thundering heart, he croaks out “Yeah?”

“Come on! There’s a dance starting!”

Both of them untangle from each other to see other couples moving to the living room. He leads her to the dance floor where everyone IS lightly swaying to the music. Ginny grabs hold of his shoulder and comes tantalizingly closer. He feels light-headed and heady especially with the way she is touching him.

“Why don’t we give them something to gawk at?” Her breathless voice is inches away from his ear making a shiver run down his body. Ginny pulls back, only for a second though. Cradling his face gently, he pulls his lips to hers.

Amidst the loud gasps emitted by everyone, he feels lost. This is blissful oblivion. This is the thing he has been craving for, something only Ginny can fulfill. This is something so complicated yet safe.

Just as he is preparing to pull back and drag her to his place, he senses something buzzing. He breaks away from Ginny and just has enough time to ask ‘What-‘when a light blinds him and the force of something throws him off.

Complicated. Why is his life so fucking complicated?

[chisie12]

Gency Week Day 4: Morning Glory/Affection

A little late for Day 4 but I do hope you enjoy! 

Just some notes: Meine Maus is German for 'My mouse', a small term of endearment. Jungspunde (if you've seen it in Dance of Silver) just means 'youngster' These might also be spelled wrong. My fav German is currently asleep. So mistakes are on me.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19071907/chapters/45535678

Day 4: Desire and Desiderium

The last week's event with the daffodils had been successful. The limited time food and drinks were quite a hit with the customers. Upon opening the cafe, she picked up the mail in the mailbox on the way, dropped them onto the counter and begun the early setup. She worked silently and efficiently, not a single word of complaint escaping. She was happy to be able to put her back into this, to the point she hummed a small tune. The melodious sound echoed in the empty cafe and unbeknownst to her, a shadow was watching her the whole time. But he never showed himself, at least not until a little later.

Dawn had just broken when she finished putting the chairs down and a cheerful voice broke the comfortable silence.

“Good morning, Angela!”

“A very good morning to you too, Mei,” the blonde grinned and they started cooperating on getting the cafe ready. Angela entered the kitchen, preparing the ingredients that needed to be used that day as Mei checked on the machines that they would use for the drinks.

“Last week was really fun!” Mei giggled, bending over the counter on the tip of her toes. With a flick of her finger, the switch to the coffee machine was turned on. “We should hold another event like that again!”

“I agree!” Angela’s laughter drifted out from the open kitchen door.

“Have you seen the posts online?”

“No?”

That’s when Angela suddenly found herself — after finding her phone and opening the social media applications — grinning at the comments she read online.

“Homemade Swiss chocolates. Definitely not for children unless you want to put them to sleep!” A user posted a picture of chocolate drops finely presented on a porcelain plate. Each chocolate was different, some were spherical, some dome-shaped and white one was heart-shaped. By its side, fresh, cut strawberries decorated them, a chocolate drizzle lightly covering the juicy redness.

A commenter responded below the picture: “Oh my God. Did she draw the angel around the chocolates?”

Because right on the other side of the fruits, an angel in dark chocolate was drawn embracing the alcoholic sweetness.

“Yes, she did!”

Users, especially young teenagers, who found out of the event the week after were feeling utter regret. How did they not find out about this café sooner? And those flowers around the cafe! Warm lighting! Perfect Instantgram photos!

Pride swelled up within the blonde café owner. Her hard work had paid off! Those angels were not easy to draw, especially when 60% of her customers requested it and only she knew how. She scrolled down further on the social media results of the café’s social media tag, upon which she spotted the handiwork of Mei herself.

“Mei! Come look at this!” She yelled out to Mei who was busy concocting another iced drink in the kitchen. The Chinese girl popped her head out as Angela brought the phone over to her.

“Oh, I haven’t seen this!” Mei exclaimed and she read out loud, "Mei's ice cream rolls! Made on the spot! Do you feel your mouth watering now?”

In the picture was the image of cookies and cream ice cream rolls placed in a glass sundae cup held up by beautifully manicured nails, with similar flavoured Pocky sticks further adorning the creamy sweetness.

"You were at Mercy's Apothecary?! Why didn't you bring me!” A user commented with a series of angry emojis.

The two of them giggled at some comments that followed after, feeling immensely proud after such a hectic week. They took a quick breather, simply reading post after post, comment after comment, until one caught their eyes.

“I heard that their menu was designed a little after some of the fallen Overwatch team members. Do you think that’s true?"

“I remember the names Hellfire Shots and Sleep Special in the night drinks menu. Are they some?”

“Their Rum Punch was named ‘It’s High Noon’, I believe.”

“I ate some sandwiches named Grillmaster 77. And I think the Lemon Syrup Tea was called Mountain D.Va? Isn’t D.Va the Korean eSports celebrity who was in the army before joining Overwatch?”

"Do you think she was part of them?”

"She does look a lot like the blonde doctor that used to be on the field!"

Angela’s face contorted into confusion. What were the users saying? She had come up with those names on the fly. Overwatch? She didn’t know anyone from that organisation. The closest person she knew to an agent was Jack, and Genji (Jesse and Lena too), but even he wasn’t from Overwatch. At least, she didn't think so. And she definitely wasn't.

“Angela?”

The blonde woman shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. They’re just speculations. I don’t know what they’re talking about.”

Mei looked on worriedly. “Al…right. If you say so.” She turned back into the kitchen, but not without taking a second glance back. Angela’s eyebrows were furrowed into a deep confusion, teeth gnawing at her bottom lip. Her fingers clenched at the phone before she clicked it off.

Speculations? They're not speculations at all.

‘Why would Angela be confused? What was wrong with their comments?’ Mei sighed inwardly before grabbing the drink she just made and coming back out.

“Here.”

Angela looked up from her thoughts. “Thank you,” she said upon receiving the iced tea.

Mei took the other seat beside Angela behind the counter.

Angela then picked up the letters and looked through them. “There’s one addressed to you.”

“That’s weird? I didn’t set the cafe’s address for anything.” Mei took the letter with a frown as she sipped on her green tea frappuccino. She flipped the letter over. "There's no sender either."

Angela hummed as she opened each letter, the majority being bills that she had to pay. At one letter however, was an enveloped exactly identical to Mei's, down to the font used on the front. Mei originally brushed the letter away, her attention directed more at her phone, but when Angela looked over to compare their envelopes, even she couldn't help but be curious. Tacitly, they simultaneously tore their respective envelope open and picked out the paper folded within.

"Dear Angela, I am pleased to invite you and your Overwatch teammates to attend a specially organised masquerade dinner celebrating your good deeds. The event will take place on the 13th next Friday at Lumiere Hotel. We will also be graced with the appearance of a special guest joining us that evening," Angela muttered under her breath. Below the body were details of the event printed in elegant cursive text.

Feeling a presence peer at her letter, Angela looked up with a quirked eyebrow at Mei. "Oh, it is the same too!"

Huh? Same too? What did she mean by 'too'?

Seeing the inquisitive, baffled expression on Angela's face, Mei was beginning to be convinced that something was wrong with Angela, otherwise why else would she be rough with Genji?; wouldn't react upon seeing Junkrat or Roadhog except for confused silence; upon treating her like merely a colleague when they've shared late nights discussing the effects of climate and weather in relation to cybernetics; upon receiving the overly friendly smile you receive when you weren't good friends yet.

But they were. And have been for years — ever since she joined Overwatch after being thawed out.

"I received the same invitation," Mei waved her letter.

"Overwatch?" Angela tested the words on her tongue, so foreign yet why did it feel so familiar at the same time. She'd felt it before, just only a little over four months ago, when she saw his face wrapped around that scarf, the faint scars carved into his skin. It was… just like the time she did with Genji. Her face furrowed into confusion. Wait, if Mei received one too then wasn't she from Overwatch too?

"Yeah, Overwatch," Mei parroted without missing a beat before Angela could question. She contemplated whether to continue or not, to inform Angela that they've gone out into the field together way back when Overwatch still stood tall and proud, but something tugged at her not to say and to not intrude into the matters of others, yet… "Angela, were —"

"G'day, snowflake!" Junkrat slammed the cafe doors open. The maniacal grin dancing on his lips stretched wider when his eyes found their target sitting together with Angela. "How ya doin'!" He bounded over to the women as Roadhog lowered his head to enter the just-tad-too-short doors.

Mei waved Angela to remain sitting while she stood up to attend to their new regular customers. "Good morning, Jamie. What's your order today?"

Junkrat chuckled under his breath and, for the first time Mei saw him, he straightened his spine and leaned back. His hips were pushed forward, thumbs hooked in his pockets and she found herself flicking her gaze onto his remaining fingers. "You."

"Alright! I'll get that —  wait, what?" She had subconsciously jabbered on in routine when his order finally clicked in her mind. "M-Me?"

"Yes, 'flake. You." The slightly crazed man grinned while he watched her reaction, having caught her gaze. "What say you? You, me, on a date?"

Was it just her or was the cafe heating up? Junkrat watched, satisfied at the deep flush her fair cheeks were sporting. Her pink lips parted, only to have her teeth nibble at her bottom lip. The seconds felt like minutes and everything slowed down in that very moment; Angela watched with curiosity deeming proud for a feline, Junkrat puffing out his chest with the pride of a lion, and Mei, poor flabbergasted, confused Mei, simply pinched and played with her fingers. Was he playing a joke on her? If he was, it was such a sick joke! But as she lifted her eyes to glance at him, the shred of sincerity shining in his eyes caused her to flinch. Was it real? It really seemed so real. Should she accept?

‘I mean like, it wouldn’t hurt to right? Maybe? Argh! I don’t know!’ Mei felt as though animated tears streaming down her distraught face as she wished she was holed up in a corner to her thoughts.

This was just too sudden! This wasn’t the Jamie — Junkrat — that she knew! Where did that crazy, maniacal laughing, bubble tea loving pyromaniac go! She’d rather face his usual babble of explosions and threats of blowing this building, that building, or even the park if he could just because some dog peed on his leg (and no, clearly not on the fleshy leg).

As the time ticked by, Junkrat’s confident smile twitched at the corner. It shouldn’t be taking that long to decide would it? Or did she not find him attractive enough? That what? She preferred those stick thing, unreliable Asian men better (with of course, excluding that cyborg ninja Genji and archer Hanzo. Those two could give me one hell of a run if they tried, he scoffed)?

“Uh…”

His ears perked up at the soft voice, just like the little tweet of a nightingale and his eyes sparkled with anticipation. Really, just what could go wrong, right?

Everything, of course.

The door, for the second time that day, opened with the lightest of push, but it was that small creak that sounded especially deafening in the tense silence. In stepped a tall, muscular blond man whose blue eyes first beamed at spotting Angela behind the counter, before falling onto a nervous Mei and a threatening Junkrat.

“You — What are you doing to Mei?” Jack stepped towards Junkrat with a level glare. “You wouldn’t happen to be threatening a waitress, would you?”

“Fuck off, cunt. I was just asking her a question!” Junkrat returned the glare with one of his own. “Fucking ruined the moment!”

Jack ignored his cussing, turning to Mei instead. Gesturing at the angry pyromaniac with a flick of his chin, he asked, “Is that true?”

“U-Uh, yeah. He was,” Mei heaved a mental sigh of relief at seeing a familiar face walk through the door. Oh gosh, she couldn’t even begin imagining what she’d do if unacquainted customers came by!

Jack was about to continue questioning her when a gentle voice cut him off. “It’s alright, Jack. He really wasn’t threatening her.”

At Angela’s reassurance did the agent relax his guard and walk up to the second cashier, to which she stood up to man. He observed her grinning countenance, scanning for any abnormalities, but he found none. ‘So, the letter hasn’t arrived?’ His mind floated towards the ninja that appeared moments before he entered, frowning at the memory. 'Did she see him too?'

Angela paid no heed to his stare and continued gracing him with her smile. “Good morning. You’re not normally in this early, or this often.”

Concluding that it really hasn’t arrived and haven't seen the cyborg ninja, he returned her grin and shook his head. “I just miss you that’s all. I was wondering if you’re free later today after work as I got a day off.”

“Sure, I don’t have anything planned. What did you want to do?” she responded almost immediately.

“Just perhaps a walk in the park? Thought we could both do with a nice change in pace,” he suggested.

“Sounds good to me.”

Junkrat seethed at the side, scowling darkly at the scene and faced Mei again. She half feared that he was going to ask her out again and forced herself to keep smiling. If he asked, she’d reply! If not, then… well. She wasn’t sure?

“Just give me the breakfast set. Roadie will have the same but with more sausages.” Instead, he grumbled under his breath while glaring at the till.

Somehow, just somehow, Mei was disappointed. Was she only worth that much to him? Was it really a joke after all? She carefully took his payment and gave him his order number before quickly entering the kitchen to prepare the meal. Simple dishes like this, she could do, but anything that required more skills, they were normally sent to the kitchen staff on hand or Angela to complete. However just for this meal, just this one, even if she’d deny it in front of others, she wanted to at least make that crazy man his breakfast. Juicy, ripened tomatoes were sliced in half before being lightly seasoned with salt and pepper with a drizzle of olive oil before being baked in the oven. On the frying pan was a couple of thick striped bacon and sausages sizzling away that she flipped over before checking on the simmering pot of water. With a dash of vinegar, she then stirred to create a whirlpool before carefully cracking a fresh large egg into it. She watched in anticipation as the egg whites swirled and danced around the yolk, like a butterfly’s wings cocooning itself.

It didn’t take long to finish the meal. The tomatoes came out first and then poached eggs, and she neatly plated them on a warm porcelain plate. A garden salad was placed on the side with a lemon balsamic tang before the bacon and sausages was put on. She repeated the same on another plate but with added sausages. Once content with everything, she brought out the plates, one in each hand and sauntered towards the table. This time, confidence was oozing out of her every pore and it showed, as Junkrat’s attention was suddenly shifted towards her as he caught her from the corner of his eye. His eyes were locked onto the delicious upward tug of her lips before blinking at the glint in her eyes so bright behind the glasses. He visibly gulped the lump in his throat when he watched her curves dance towards him with mouth-watering meals in her possession.

“Here you go. A breakfast special made especially for you.” The plates lightly thudded on the wooden table and Junkrat was stunned at the smile that she gave him.

He gulped again, somehow noticing that the distance between them was rather short. He could feel the heat that radiated off her body and even when she pulled her hands back to her side, they were made deliberately slow and elegant as she turned to fully face him. “So,” she whispered breathily. Goosebumps tickled his skin when her cold fingertips graced his warm ones gripping the armrest. “Is the date still on?”

“W-Wha?” Incoherent words tumbled off his tongue. What was his Snowflake saying?

Mei grinned cheekily at his response and the confidence building within allowed her to lean forward just by a few inches, enough so that the words rolling off her lips would tickle his ear. “The date. The date you wanted to take me on. When will you take me out?”

The warm breath, so unlike her cold fingertips, caressed his ear and he shivered at the intensity of it all. The words repeated in his mind over and over again, before his mind finally processed it and he felt his lips tug at the corner. His shock vanished like a drop of water in the desert and he returned her gesture, sheer satisfaction blooming at the pinkness that slowly crept upon her cheeks. Leaning on his arm, he closed into her face, the smug smirk playing off his lips. “Oh, babe. We can have a date tonight if you want. Or even right here, right now.” Then, with his free hand, Junkrat lightly traced his thumb over her parted lips with a quick, fluid motion. “Of course, if you rather not, my flames are hot as fuck like the Australian sun and it’ll definitely keep you warm at night.

It was like the kettle going off when the last of his breathy words kissed her lips. Mei’s face flushed entirely red where it rivalled the juiciest ripened red apples, feeling extremely hot to the point she believed steam was about to rise. Just what, why, how, what?

With his smirk widening, Junkrat leaned back and winked. “I’ll see you tonight then, Snowflake.”

With a blink of her eyes, Mei managed to compose herself before smiling sweetly at him. “Okay!”

When Mei walked away, cheeks still a little red and a little flustered, but her steps had a bounce to them. Angela grinned upon seeing that and couldn’t help her eyes wandering over to Jack who was seated by the window, eating his sandwich and reading the news. She too, was pretty eager for tonight.

“Oh, good morning Ana!” Mei chirped when an elderly lady appeared by the door. Her skin was tanned and white hair braided neatly, but unlike normal women, one of her eyes were hidden behind an eyepatch.

“Good morning. I brought the new batch of flowers for this week,” Ana smiled as she held up the pots of morning glory. The royal purples were a beautiful contrast from their dark leaves and a fresh scent immediately wafted around the cafe. “I have the rest in my car.”

Angela beamed at the morning glory. They were absolutely beautiful! And they seemed to have just bloomed as well. Gratefully taking the heavy pot from Ana’s hands, she proceeded to set it down near the door, close enough to be by the entrance but not enough to get destroyed when the door opened (courtesy of a particular fellow).

While Ana turned around to get the other pots, a burly man standing at easily over 2 metres was blocking the doorway. In his thick arms were two large pots of morning glory, the trellises covered with buds in full bloom. “Ana, Meine Maus. You left your car door open.”

Ana grinned lopsidedly at the man. Steps filled with elegance and a deathly vibe, she walked up towards the man and lifted her hand to gently caress his cheek on her tiptoes. The short hairs of his beard tickled her calloused palm. “Why wouldn’t I, my love? I could easily spot you from a mile away.”

Reinhardt, the big old burly man chuckled lovingly at the smaller woman before him. Her head was lowered as she lifted her one eye to blink innocently up at him. “And besides, you wouldn’t let anyone steal a defenceless old woman’s car, would you?”

Her whisper was only audible for him to hear and he couldn’t help guffawing at the bashful, defenceless look she was putting on. Her? Defenceless? Hah! She could easily send someone to meet their father in Heaven if she wanted to!

“And besides, who would steal the car when someone like you was already stealing flower pots out of it?”

His laughter bellowed louder in the cafe. Nimbly, he pecked her on the forehead, the adoration so clear in his gaze. “Oh, Meine Maus. I’m just helping you carry these heavy things.” He knew full well that she could easily handle these pots herself too with all the years having been in the field with her sniper rifle, and gods, that gun was not light to begin with. “I even finished training the Jungspunde as fast as I could, just so I could see you.”

Ana smiled and stepped aside to allow Reinhardt entry, mouthing him a silent ‘thank you’ before turning to Angela. “Tell him where you’d like them.”

She warmed at the scene before her, feeling rather wistful from it all. When would she be able to experience something like that? A simple, comfortable relationship with nothing else that was more important. A sigh slipped from her lips before she stepped forward to instruct Reinhardt on the positioning of the plants. A few customers arrived when the cafe was being transformed into a mini garden once more whom Mei attended to as Angela handled the decorations. It was bittersweet, watching the old couple. Sweet, simple ministrations of small pecks, rubbing of her cheek on his bicep, and unburdened laughter that was so addictive that the others couldn’t help but join in too.

“Thank you.”

Ana and Reinhardt looked up from their seats to smile at Angela who brought a plate of food and a tray of refreshments. Setting the sandwiches down with the drinks, she thanked the couple once more.

“It’s our pleasure, Angie. You’re doing really well with the cafe.” Ana commented, her words tinged with pride.

“It’s a team effort,” Angela responded bashfully. And that was true. Without Jack’s assistance in forming the cafe, she would have then never built the cafe up to the standard that she wanted; He was the one who found Ana the florist, and not long after she posted job positions, Mei came (with a few other staff of course, but the Chinese woman was the most memorable one out of the lot) with her refreshing iced drinks. When she faced the couple again, there was something that nagged at her mind, itching at her to ask: “How do you make it work?” She knew Reinhardt was somewhere in the military; the guy had to be with that kind of body!

“You mean relationships?” Ana asked back and she nodded. When the old woman turned to look at Reinhardt, she caught his silent, endearing gaze as he nibbled on his sandwich and her lungs burst out into giggles. “They’re work, Angie. Definitely not 50/50. Some days when I get up, I feel like only giving 10% of my effort and my love here will have to step up to give 90% that day.”

“But there’s 100% love,” Reinhardt finished for her as he handed her the cup to drink. “It’s really hard to put it into words because it can’t really be measured. Sometimes you just gotta feel for it.”

“But how would you know who?”

“Someone who feels like home,” Ana grinned, taking Reinhardt’s hand into hers. “It’s not about the excitement or the things you share in common. Sometimes, it’s really just someone that makes you feel comfortable, someone that you can go home to and relax without a worry.”

“Without a worry, huh…”

“How come, Angie? Is there someone on your mind?” Ana questioned, leaning back as she daintily picked up her cup and sipped her tea. She truly did wonder, just who might have Angela ended up with? She watched the pondering woman closely, feeling slightly odd at the sight. The blonde cafe owner before her was nothing like the doctor she knew back in Overwatch, like something… had changed. It wasn’t such a major, drastic change no. Just something subtle, something you wouldn’t have been able to grasp if you weren’t attentive enough.

Angela hummed as she hugged the tray closer to her chest. At first, her eyes darted towards Jack, her questioning gaze staring at his back. Would he be the one? Sure, they’ve shared laughter and smiles before, but that’s all there was. It was like there was never a rainy day between them and honestly, that was nice. She felt happy with him and rather free, yet simultaneously, there were times where she had to constantly put that smile on — even if she didn’t want to. Putting away her fatigue, her stress for the day, just so she could smile for him… was that really what she wanted? Yes, she was smiling. Yes, they laughed together. And he'd helped her with a new beginning. But it was just so tiring…

Ana caught onto the direction of her gaze, and so did Reinhardt. They both shared a glance, untold conversations silently weaving through the air.

"I haven't seen Genji in awhile. How is he doing?"

Angela was snapped out of her reverie at the man's question. Genji… huh. "I haven't seen him in awhile. I guess he must be busy."

Reinhardt let out a sound of acknowledgment. "I suppose he is. But shouldn't you check up on him? To make sure he's working fine?"

She was startled. "Huh? What do you mean?"

This time it was Reinhardt who was surprised. "Am I wrong? Don't you regularly perform checks on him? To make sure the cybernetic parts of his body are operating at optimum levels, or something?" He paused, holding her gaze with his quirked eyebrow. "Am… I not right? These things are just too confusing!"

"I - I…"

At a loss for words, the cafe owner flinched back a small step. Everything in her was a mess lately. She hadn't believed Genji the first time he told her she was a doctor, that she was in Overwatch, but then the letter came. Inviting her. And then, now this.

Was this why they all gave her weird expressions when they first met? When Mei came for an interview and she appeared all cheerful, only to be shocked and confused, before the same smile was brought back, although albeit forced. Angela honestly always thought that the icy woman was just someone who wore her heart on her sleeve while still being capable of maintaining a professional attitude; the ability to create the iced drinks were just icing on the cake. And when Angela first met Ana, the older woman had instantly treated her with warmth, giving off the vibe of a loving grandmother who desperately wanted to give hugs and cookies. Yet, when Angela kept that professional distance and introduced herself, Ana, similarly like Mei, had given her an expression full of confusion.

As though they were supposed to adjust be acquainted.

But she… couldn't remember.

Remember.

It's always her memory. Something was definitely missing. Something related to Overwatch. Something she should have known but couldn't. Something… argh! What was it? If only she could —

The door to the cafe opened and the first wave of breakfast customers came rushing in to get their daily coffee and food. Dropping the topic right there, Angela quickly returned to her position with an apology and helped Mei attend to the customers.

"Something's not right… with Angie."

"I agree, Meine Maus. It's like she can't remember us."

"But it's only been a little under five years since the disbandment of Overwatch."

The couple had only gotten in touch with Angela from time to time before she opened the cafe. That was simply life. You'd get busy and things start to pile up. You'd focus on one task before moving onto the next, or even, you'd just sit and laze there, waiting for the time to pass for the exact reason that things were starting to pile up, like pile up.

"I don't know, my love. It's not as simple as that…" And pursed her lips while her motherly sixth sense was tingling. Something. Was terribly wrong.

Angela busied herself with the customers, plastering on the usual smile as the wave kept coming for breakfast or early lunches. She'd pass Jack occasionally with a plate of food or with a tray of drinks, and though she wished she could forget about what the old couple has mentioned, her mind constantly strayed away. Would he be the one? Was he the one I feel like home? She glanced at Jack as she walked towards the table behind him before quickly lowering her lashes. The image of his smiling side profile flitted into her mind, chin in palm and a warm mug in the other. He watched the people by the sidewalk pass by the cafe while the sun peeked out from behind the clouds. A lovely day indeed.

After serving the drinks, she too, looked out the window. 'It's been sunny for awhile,' she noted mentally. 'I wonder when will it rain?'

Her footsteps immediately paused and her nose wrinkled.

If every day was a sunny day, who would not wish for rain?

His words, crisp and clear, rang in her mind. It was already muddled with thoughts, a total mess of a mindscape like messy clothes strewn carelessly around the room, but his words remained bolded and strong. Her lips subconsciously twitched upward.

True. We all need a rainy day once in awhile.

And when the day had come and gone, the sun finishing its cycle to allow space the moon to bask in its glory, Angela stood outside her cafe with her face towards the fiery sky. Hues of orange and yellow painted the clouds a passionate colour, with a visible of violet and pink. She released a deep sigh, letting it all out and the gentle breeze blew, caressing her cheek and danced with her hair. It's been 17 weeks since she opened the cafe, 17 weeks since her new beginning, and two weeks since she saw him. Was he doing well? Was he eating well? Did those scars hurt?

"Have fun!" Mei called out from inside the cafe. Junkrat was waiting on her inside, fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest as he balanced the car on its two back legs.

"Thanks for closing up!" Angela smiled. There was still 30 minutes to closing, but Mei had offered to close up, giving the owner the short break from the Monday Mayhem. They hadn't expected it to be so busy, but after the first wave came, they never stopped.

Jack waved bye to Mei after a warning glance at Junkrat to come stand beside Angela. "You cold?" He asked when he saw her crossed arms.

Smiling sweetly, she shook her head. "Not really. I'm fine."

Although he acknowledged her words, he still removed his coat and gingerly wrapped it around her shoulders. An indescribable feeling washed over her, the emotions bubbling up to her throat. He was sweet, such a gentleman, and he was strong and loyal. But why did she feel like there was something that she could never cross? Something held her back, an invisible threshold her heart refused to jump across.

"Come, let's go to the park nearby."

However, just as he uttered those words, the darkening sky lost its passionate hue as dark clouds immediately converged above the city. Lightning flashed before their eyes as the winds picked up speed, with barely three seconds later as the thunder clapped, the sound rumbling and shocking her nerves.

Instantly, like a tear in the sky, it started pouring. Angela stood beneath the eaves of her cafe, watching the grey faded curtain of the rain fall before her. The chill pervaded her senses, yet the feeling was refreshing, a nice calm in the chaos of her heart.

"Shit. I'll go borrow an umbrella." Jack turned back into the cafe.

Angela hummed nonchalantly, her attention still on the pitter-pattering of rain. Her fingers, still on her cross arms, twitched, as though something was missing — something that had normally done before. A sad smile flitted onto her lips the more she thought about it. The empty slate of memories that she had of year before her awakening in the hospital, that wide gap, was beginning to get on her nerves. The doctors said that with time, her memories should resurface. Nothing was wrong with her that was extremely detrimental, everything was functioning alright. At least, that's what the doctors said.

Were they right?

She began to seethe at the doubt that arose. What was the truth? What was the lie?

"Ahh, there aren't any umbrellas in the cafe," Jack groaned as he returned to her side. "Why isn't there one? Sigh… what would you like to do?" He felt dejected at the weather, inwardly cursing the bad timing to have it rain. After so long of finally getting a day off just to spend it with her, it rained. It. Just. Had. To. Rain. Fuck.

Angela didn't even spare him a glance, too lost in her thoughts when she suddenly cried out in pain at the sharp stab to her brain. It pulsed and burned, like a knife was carving in her skull. A faint, blurry memory was resurfacing, the scene dark, but she felt a sense of comfort. A phantom warmth crept on her cheek, like a gentle caress of the wind, but the calloused touch brought shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes and relished in the memory, as blurry as it may be.

Murmured whispers began to echo.

“Oh, it’s raining.”

“Mmm, it would seem like it is.”

“If I recall, it was raining when I found you too.”

“Yeah, it was raining just like this at that time.”

“I’m glad that I did though.”

“Huh?”

“It allowed me to meet you.”

The close intimacy of those words brought upon a wave of desire and anguish in her heart. The man’s voice was familiar, too familiar in fact and the same instinctual feeling she felt weeks ago — buried long ago — resurfaced.

She tried to calm her breathing, the pain now throbbing a dull ache. By her side, Jack was worried and anxious, but his words fell on deaf ears. She couldn’t hear a word he uttered, nor could she hear Mei’s.

“Then I propose we have a date in the rain.”

“In the rain? Then I’ll just have to bring an umbrella.” The her in the memories giggled, giggled, at the prospect of walking in the rain.

There came the phantom caress once again, causing her heart to burn with renewed fervor.

“Two lovers in the rain have no need for an umbrella.”

His name, barely audible in the rain, was murmured under her breath, a soft kiss of desiderium that warmed and at the same time, anguished her within.

The large hands that held onto her arm and patted her back brought her out of her senses, and cruelly back to reality. She snapped her head towards a worried Jack and she stared into his eyes so blue that mirrored her countenance. Did he know?

'Did Jack know anything of me in Overwatch?' She thought. 'If he did, why wouldn't he tell me?'

An uneasy feeling rose up his throat at the blank, level stare that she gave him. Did she recover her memories?

The doctors said that with time, her memories should resurface, but it was Jack that told her, "It's alright if you don't remember. Each day is a new beginning."

What were his intentions then? She believed him like a baby depended on its mother when it first opened its eyes. He was there by her bed when she woke up, there when she felt lost at everything, there when every new thing popped up. But now —

Just how much shit could she have avoided if she knew his intentions from the start?

"Angie…?" He tested the waters warily, a sense of danger sparking off in his mind. An angry woman was after all, more dangerous than any sniper bullet.

The unreadable expression on her beautiful countenance disappeared with the blink of an eye as the same smile he was used to appeared. "Oh, I'm sorry. I blanked out."

He heaved a mental sigh of relief. Outwardly, he returned her smile. "You were in pain just now. Did your head hurt?"

"Yeah, but it's fine now."

And now, for the actual worry. "Did you recover your memories?"

Angela closed her eyes as she shook her head, using that moment of darkness to hide the sharp glint in her gaze. Memories? Yeah, she recovered just the slightest bit of them, but it doesn't look like he wanted her to. However, she easily lied through her smile, "No. I didn't. I think I'm just cold. I want to go home. Sorry about this."

Jack patted her head and she forcefully repressed the urge to flinch. "You don't have to apologise." I do. "I'll send you home."

She wanted to refuse him, to go alone and sit with her thoughts, but seeing the eagerness in his eyes made it sizzle away. "Sure."

And as they ran across the streets, jacket or hands covering their heads, a lone shadow appeared by the cafe door. In his hand was a brown paper bag. For the first time in two weeks, he wasn't in his cyborg suit. He didn't shiver at the cold, feeling a hollow space in his heart. For two weeks, he held back in seeing her. For two weeks, he worked hard to finish the thing in the bag. For two weeks… he tried to swim against the raging waves of his mind, that she didn't intentionally forget who he was, that she didn't intend to leave him, to hurt him like this.

Yet, when I tumbled and turned in my thoughts, I always came to the same conclusion: It's sad when the person that gave me the best memories, becomes a memory.

"Genji! You're here." Mei greeted me despite Junkrat's scowls and grumbles. "Do you want something to drink?"

I shook my head, looking around the cafe for any signs of Angela. Water dripped from my hair, wet clothes clinging to my body and the scent of morning glory entered my senses. Affection, I vaguely remembered its meaning. Mei caught onto my gaze and asked, "Are you looking for Angela? She just left with Jack before you arrived."

I gave her a bitter smile. Jack. Jack Morrison again. He stopped me from entering this morning when I gathered enough courage to see her as the cafe opened, and when I heard his words, I swallowed the acid in my throat and resolutely walked away. The dragon in my blood stirred, the unaccepting fury bubbling.

"What are you doing here, Genji?"

"Commander," I had curtly replied with the same brown bag in hand. Tugging my scarf higher, I continued. "I'm here to see Angela."

Jack shook his head, arms crossed on his chest as he leaned his weight on a foot. "You're just going to hurt her when she sees you."

"Why?" I narrowed my eyes, the dark irises flashing a dangerous red and Jack tensed his muscles in retaliation.

Instead of replying, Jack shook his head and shifted the topic. "You know. It was amazing how you two have been friends for so long. She talked about you all the time."

My ears perked up. "She did?"

"Yeah, I have to say, I have no idea how you didn't fall in love with her yet." My heart ached at the bitter memory of months ago. "Lucky for me though."

And I swore, I was about to pummel him for the smug grin he graced me with. Had he thought I hadn't felt that? That they were together? That I had missed out on my only chance just because of a damn mission?

"Did you have to fucking tell me that?" I growled at him. "Then go, go to her."

And I had then turned around, my back to the cafe, to her, and walked away, and it was with that, that I missed Jack's agonised expression, muttering incoherent words under his breath.

"I wish I could. She hasn't even agreed to date me."

Turning my attention back to Mei, I ignored Junkrat by the side and handed her the bag. "Could I leave this bag here with you?"

"What's in it?"

My face twitched into a smile. "Nothing much."

Mei narrowed her eyes in jest. "Really? It's not something I need to be afraid of, right?"

I shook my head but Junkrat had been faster, grabbing the paper bag from my grip before she could lay a finger on it. "No! If it's fucking dangerous, cunt. You're not leaving it here with her."

I rolled my eyes at the pyromaniac. "It's a lot less dangerous than you."

"Damn right it should be!" He proudly exclaimed.

Mei laughed at his antics, taking the bag away from him. "I'll keep this safe. How have you been?"

I could sense the hidden worry in her tone and I chuckled sadly. "As good as I can be. Jesse and Lena are helping me through this ordeal."

Mei hummed in agreement. "That's good. Angela is a little different though."

I scoffed lightly. "Of course. She's lost her memories. Doesn't remember a single thing."

Mei gasped. "Seriously? Aiya, no wonder she found it weird when she got the letter. Did you get it too?"

I raised an eyebrow. "That dinner invitation?" At her nod, I replied, "Yeah. I did."

"Hey, hey. What letter! Why am I not invited to something Snowflake is invited to?" Junkrat grumbled with a scowl.

Mei rolled her eyes. "Cause you're not part of Overwatch."

Junkrat narrowed his eyes at her. "You aren't anymore too!"

I turned my head away from their public display of affection and bid them farewell. Stepping outside the cafe, I watched the heavy rain fall from the clouds. It was raining just like that night many years ago, and just like that one memory I've shared with her.

If I could, I'd take her out on a date on the rain. Her hand in mine as we walk amidst the rainy curtains. Grace her with a rose and surprise her with a box of Swiss chocolates. She'd hum a tune, that's for sure, and we'd dance to it. Freely, like birds uncaged. Not a care in the world as it's just us. Just us two, living in the rain.

Closing my eyes, I allowed the rain to fall on my face in the night. No, no tears in the rain. A cleansing of my broken heart. To allow the pain to slowly wash away with the rain, leaving me nothing but an empty hollowness in my chest. It hurt. Hurt too much.

Yet, I also knew, knew that the pain will never really go away. No one would really ever forget the pain of losing someone once loved. I'd pretend to move on and act like it didn't happen before everyone else, just because it's what to be expected.

Rubbing at my cheeks, I gulped the heavy lump lodged in my throat and fought the burning sensations in my eyes.

'If I did anything right in my life, it was when I gave my heart to you.'

[when-stars-go-dim]

seriously, how clueless can one be?

It's Vanderwood's birthday and yet he is completely unaware of it, even until the very end

ran: clueless eggplant is clueless T-T

for my clueless rp-partner, @the-rain-shall-fall @altairs-writings (please do check her out, her works are too heavenly, i crai), who completely forgotten it's her birthday today

wuv shuuuuuu ヾ( ｀>3)ω<*)

you have my first ever written fic, hubby *cue the cerb going hysterical because ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

It was a lazy afternoon.

Saeran sat on the floor, slouching against his boyfriend’s back while said boyfriend was painstakingly trying to fold the unending pile of laundry. The redhead was casually reading a book, giving a few sarcastic comments every now and then whilst accompanying Vanderwood – it was Saeran’s interpretation of helping the brunet to do chores.

Deeming the book was boring, with all the cheesy pick up lines and unwanted romantic and dramatic gestures, Saeran placed the book aside and sighed. “Vandy, can I have your phone? I’m lazy to grab mine.” Vanderwood was speechless but yet he complied with the young twin’s request, gently bumping Saeran’s forehead with the phone. “Are you going to watch another session of cat videos on Phasebook, runt? Don’t you have work to do?”

Saeran cared not about the latter reminder and happily cheered when Vanderwood handed him the phone. “Work? What’s that? Is it edible?” He replied cheekily, repositioning himself to rest his head onto Vanderwood’s lap. “Oi runt! How am I supposed to fold the laundry with you lying on my lap?” The brunet flicked the kid’s forehead, then sighed, knowing Saeran won’t budge until he’s bored again. Anyway, Vanderwood was almost done with folding the laundry. All he had to do was just to put them away. But that can wait, indulging a little with Saeran now was a pleasant idea as well. Vanderwood ruffled the mob of vibrant red hair, his fingers gently pushing away some of the stray strands on his forehead, looking at the young twin chuckling as his focus was on the cat videos.

“Found anything interesting?” Vanderwood asked, still ruffling his lover’s hair.

“Yeah, someone decided that it was fun to poke a cat’s paw, the cat retaliated and malfunctioned.” Saeran chuckled.

As the kid continued to scroll down the video playlist, a notification appeared. It was a message from Vmin, - Vanderwood’s colleague when they were still working for the agency - with the title ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. Leopard Prints’. Saeran blinked, astonished, his eyes darting from the message then back at his clueless boyfriend. 

‘It’s Vandy’s birthday? Why didn’t Vandy say anything? Has he forgotten about the fact that it’s his birthday today?’ Saeran furrowed his brows, but noticing how clueless Mr. Leopard Prints was. Nuff said, dense Mr. Leopard Prints had no idea at all. “Say Vandy? Are you done with the laundry?” Saeran place the phone down, his gaze meeting the brunet’s.

“Hm? Yeah, I’m done for now. I guess? Wait, are you done with watching the cat videos already? That was fast.” Vanderwood exclaimed, not a bit astonished at how short Saeran’s attention span was. Though he must say, he treasured moments like these when the Saeran is just beside him, keeping him company. There are also times he wished that it could last just a little longer.

Saeran sat up and offered his hand to help the agent up. “Shall we go for a date then? Is there any place where you would like to go?” Vanderwood was surprised. It was usually the runt who decides where to go, and he’ll tag along. But today it was different, and it did make him wonder why.

“Come on now, where would you like to go? Think~” Saeran pestered once more, dragging the brunet across the living room and towards the door.

“Hmm…” Vanderwood pondered for a moment, still unsure why the sudden enthusiasm the young twin was portraying. “Let’s go to the grocery store then, your brother did request for more of those vile drinks and that cheap flavoured potato chips. Besides, I will need to restock the fridge again.”

Saeran was speechless. He was so done with Vanderwood’s choice of ‘dating spots’. Then again, the both of them had never done a decent date since they were a thing to begin with. The redhead gave it a thought, quirking his lips. It indeed would be the perfect place to go and get some necessary stuff, like a cake to celebrate Vanderwood’s birthday.

“Fine, let’s go there then.” Saeran hastily threw a scarf around the brunet’s neck and storm out of the house. “Hold up, runt. Why are you in such a hurry?” Vanderwood laughed, not making the young one’s work any easy.

Said young one was taking big steps while dragging the old one who thought there was no need to rush, taking his own sweet time, waltzing down to the grocery store. Seeing how desperate the Saeran was, Vanderwood sighed and tugged against Saeran’s hand, causing the redhead to stumble a few steps back, Vanderwood’s arms opened and ready to catch him.

“Woah there, runt. Seriously you’re really hyped. Here, walk alongside with me.” Vanderwood offered his hand to the pouting prince, whose face was glowing red from all the huff and puff earlier. “Your cheeks are very red too.” The brunet chuckled, causing Saeran to screech in embarrassment, hiding his face behind the back of his hand. “Come along now, runt.” Vanderwood held onto Saeran’s hand tightly, humming a tune he had learnt from his dear red tomato. The both of them were now walking alongside each other, just the way Vanderwood had wanted from the start.

As they reached the store, Saeran just wanted to go to the dessert aisle, but Vanderwood had no intention of letting go the young twin’s hand yet, knowing that he’ll definitely run off to where the ice-creams were.

“I can walk on my own you know.” Saeran protested.

“Yeah, I know.” The brunet merely chuckled. “Hey, runt. Apples or Oranges?”

“Huh? ...Pears please.” Said runt replied silently under his tone.

Vanderwood chuckled at his reply. “So you like pears? Why not apples and oranges?”

“Because they’re sour. Just the sound of them will make me go ughh~~” Saeran instantly made the expression like how one will have when they ate something sour, poor Vanderwood tried his best to restrain his laughter, he did not want to risk his dear tomato pouting, though the urge to just tease had always been strong.

Just two more aisles and they would reach the dessert aisle where the cakes were.

“What about greens?” The agent’s eyes were scanning the aisle for possible greens both the picky tomatoes would eat.

“More like, what about reds” Saeran commented with a smirk, earning a kiss on his forehead from his lover. “Wh-what are you doing?? We’re in public, you dumbhead.” Ears bright red, Saeran tried to elbow Vanderwood but the brunet managed to dodge it, unfortunately.

“You were the one who started it first though.” Vanderwood laughed, once again standing beside the blushing tomato who was tugging against the ends of his sleeves.

Finally, they were at the dessert aisle!

And Vanderwood allowed Saeran to roam free down the aisle, but strange, Saeran wasn’t looking at the ice-creams but at the cakes?

Vanderwood did not give Saeran’s unusual actions much thought. He’ll still spoil the runt with whatever he chose from this aisle as a reward for accompanying him the whole time since they’ve reached the store.

“Have you made up your mind, runt?” Vanderwood finally walked up behind him, just because the redhead had not budged from the display counter for at least 20 minutes.

“Hm? Mhmm.. I’m conflicted with these many choices. Why not you choose one that you like?” Saeran beamed happily. Yes, that is a very good idea. “Please?”

The ‘please’ added extra effect, though Vanderwood wasn’t fond of very sweet desserts but if it’ll help the young twin make a decision, he didn’t mind adding his own input.

“How about this one then, Dark Chocolate Coffee Cake?” Vanderwood pointed at the one that appealed to him most, unsure how Saeran would react to his choice.

“Yes!! Let’s!! I had that flavour in mind too. Then again all the other cakes were so appealing.” Seeing the tomato happy with his choice, Vanderwood smiled as well.

Once they’ve checked out their items, it was already dark out. “Yikes, we’ve been inside there for that long? Hyung must be very hungry by now.” Saeran shivered as the chilly autumn wind blew, his breaths were white against the dark lit streets. “Weird? Seven usually would have called us to find out where are we.” Vanderwood quirked his lips, curious himself as to why the hacker had not bugged their little date.

Just then, they’ve both come to a realisation that…

“WE’VE LEFT OUR PHONES BACK AT THE BUNKER!!”

Both Vanderwood and Saeran laughed. There was their answer. "I'm sorry, I swear it wasn't on purpose." Saeran sounded apologetic, ultimately it was still his fault that they had carelessly left their phones behind. Vanderwood leaned closer, balancing the paperbag of groceries in one hand so that he could he could hold onto Saeran's hand, then sliding them into his pocket. "We did came out in a rush, didn't we? Gosh, your hands are cold, should have brought our gloves with us too." The brunet smiled while his thumb constantly caressed the back of Saeran's chilled hand, in attempt to warm it up.

"Why were you so eager anyway?" Still unaware of Saeran's intentions, and out of curiousity, Vanderwood asked. "You were behaving oddly ever since you've took my phone to watch the cat videos. Did somehow one of them inspired you to do something, and if I may add, out of the ordinary a normal Saeran would act?"

Saeran was speechless. To be honest, he had hoped that the cake would at least provide the oblivious agent some sort of hint as to what day today was. “Do you seriously have no idea why?” Saeran asked worriedly, only to have Vanderwood shaking his head.

“Come closer then, and I’ll tell you.” The redhead smirked. Vanderwood wordlessly leaned closer, wondering what his dear lover was plotting and had to whisper ever so silently. It was kinda cute, so the agent complied nonetheless. Once Vanderwood was close enough, Saeran pecked a kiss on Vanderwood’s cheek.

“Happy birthday, Vandy!”

cue: sev’s whining noises because vanderan is nowhere to be found and they left the phones behind, and he’s hungry.

cue: more sev whining cuz he’s not allowed to step into the kitchen, tis an order from vandy.

[aleakimbtob-blog]

Twin Flames & True Love

Chapter 5: Coffee with me?

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Sungjae continuously  played with the retractable pen in his hand. He is reading the contract of transfer his father gave him. It states there that Yook Sungjae will temporarily be the CEO of 6JS Real Estate Co.  until his parents come back, all it needs is just his signature and that's it. The company name came from the combination of his parents names Yook Jae Rim and Shin Se Young. And the '6' indicates the 'Yook' family because 6 in Korean is Yook.

His mind is in a push and pull situation, still undecided. He leaned back to his swivel chair and looked up. He has so many things running through his mind and the thoughts ended with a picture of a girl with a reddish nose eating ice cream. He suddenly thought about her. Is Sooyoung okay now? Does she also think about him? When will he see her again?

He didn't realize he was smiling, staring at the ceiling "Wow. One second you look so problematic and then the next you're smiling like a fool."

Sungjae jolted and sat straight then looked at the door. There were his colleagues who are also his Changsub hyung's bestfriends from college.

"Ai- Minhyuk hyung! You scared me." Sungjae said with an annoyed look to the shorter handsome guy.

"What were you thinking about anyway? We thought you were going crazy when you suddenly smiled. The door was open and you didn't even see us here." The cute guy said laughing, his eyes are disappering into thin lines.

"Aniya, Hyunsik hyung, I just remembered something." He cleared his throat "what brings you here?"

"It's break time Sungjae-ah. Let's go grab something to eat." Minhyuk said folding his arms leaning at the door frame

Sungjae agreed, snatched his maroon coat on the chair and went out of the school with his two hyungs.

Lee Minhyuk is a P.E. teacher and also the school Sports Head Coordinator while Im Hyunsik is a music teacher and he owns a music shop right across the school.

They're both college friends of his Changsub hyung and he eventually became friends with them since they see each other everyday at school and eat together at breaks.

They crossed the street, now looking for a place to eat. "So, have you signed the papers yet?" Hyunsik asked

He shook his head "Not yet, hyung. I just can't leave SGHS you know, it's like half of my life is there. I love what I'm doing, it's what I've always wanted to do. It'll be different once I'll manage the company."

"Aigoo, just say you'll miss us!" Minhyuk bumped his shoulder to Sungjae's

"Aniya hyung!" He replied doing the same thing to Minhyuk

"Don't worry Sungjae-ah, we'll visit you there along with the guys. We'll cheer you up, SaJangnim. Right Minhyuk hyung?" He wrapped his right arm around Sungjae's shoulder and the other on Minhyuk's

"Right!" The three grown up men laughed and teased one another like kids.

"Where are we going anyway? 20 space?" Hyunsik asked them. It's the café they usually go to.

"Nah, we're always there. How about we find something new?" Minhyuk suggested and they walked a few more blocks when something catched Sungjae's attention

"Joy Café" he was thinking out loud. He thought of the name he called Sooyoung.

"That looks like a nice place." They stood in front of Joy Café

"Let’s go!" Minhyuk said leading the way

They entered the place and was struck with amazement. It was really nice and had happy vibes written all over it. They saw the mini playpen, some people are reading books while drinking coffee and others are playing board games.

"Welco-" someone said as he turned his head to see who greeted and was surprised. He smiled from ear to ear.

"Annyeong Sooyoung-ah. I didn't expect to see you so soon." He walked towards her. She was with two ladies. One blonde and had a wide smile, he assumes she is working behind the counter because of the uniform and apron. The other one has short hazelnut brown hair. They are all pretty, Sungjae thought. But she is the prettiest.

She was staring at him for a while until she came back to her senses "O-oh Sungjae-ssi! W-welcome! What will you three have?" She handed them the menu. She was palpitating and her voice made her nervousness show.

"Uhm, I'll have an espresso machiato single and blueberry cheesecake please" Sungjae said then looked at her

"Okay, how about you sir?" She asked Minhyuk and Hyunsik

"I'll have a caffé latté tall and uhm 1 slice of chocolate cake please" Minhyuk said

"For me a Cappucino grande, a banana muffin, 1 slice of red velvet cheesecake and a yogurt & granola parfait" Hyunsik giggled and all of them looked at him "What are you all looking at? I'm hungry."

They all laughed and Sooyoung motioned them to a near empty table "I'll be back with your orders in a while" she smiled and left.

As soon as she left, Minhyuk leaned closer to Sungjae "Woah there boy, where did you meet that fine lady? I thought you said you aren't going on meeting girls anymore?"

"Yeah and the last time I checked, you were still not over your childhood friend." Hyunsik teased

"We just met by accident hyung. I really stopped on meeting girls or going on dates or whatever you call them, a long time ago."

"Really? Well I can tell there is something by the way you looked at each other."

Sungjae shrugged "Aniya, I just saw her the third time today and all I know is her name and now I know that she works here"

"Well why don't you get to know her better? It wouldn't hurt to ask her out you know"

"That's right!" Hyunsik agreed to Minhyuk.

"Uh- what if she doesn't like me? What if she says 'no'? What if she already has a boyfriend? Or worse what if she's married!" Sungjae has a worried look on his face.

Minhyuk tapped his back "That's why you must get to know her better to know the answers to your questions pabo-ya. You're already 30 but you act like a high schooler about to ask a girl to be his prom date."

Sungjae suddenly felt nervous. It was a long time since he asked someone out, not to mention a girl he really likes. He just does flings to make him get over So Rim. But this time, its's different.

Wait, does he like her already? They barely had a conversation. All he knows is his warm feeling when he sees her and the feeling of longing when he doesn't.

Hyunsik rested his chin on his hand, he was thinking of something then his small eyes widened. "I've got an idea! You've got a pen with you?"

---

"Thank you and please come again!" Sooyoung bowed at the three when they left.

Sungjae was the last to exit when he looked at Sooyoung "Thank you too. We will definitely come back." He said and then closed the door.

Oh

my

goodness

Sooyoung thought, did he just winked at me?

She held her chest like something was about to jump out of it. What is wrong with her today? She stuttered and was palpitating the whole time they were here. She noticed Sungjae kept stealing glances at her. But it was really nice seeing him again.

"Sooyoung-ah! What was that? That handsome tall guy was obviously flirting with you!" Seungwan giddily said

"And I heard you said his name. Is he an old friend?" Yeri added

She looked at them both "eonnie, yeri-ah." She began "He was the guy I met at the park and at Han River. I saw him the third time today."

Seungwan and Yeri looked at each other then to Sooyoung and back to each other

"KYAAAAAH!" they both squealed causing some of the customers to look at their direction

Sooyoung bowed apologetically "I'm sorry." The she turned to the girls "Don't be too loud! You might drive the customers away." She shushed them

"But eonnie, isn't it like destiny? You saw him 3 times!" Yeri exclaimed "And you didn't have each other's contact number which makes it more amazing!"

"What are you talking about? It's just a coincidence, that's all." She shrugged

"You should've gotten his number, eonnie"

"Why would she? He is the guy he should make a move first!" The oldest opposed Yeri as she walked to the table, where Sungjae and his friends was, to clean it.

"Ah molla!" Sooyoung sighed and sat down "Maybe I'll just wait for the day we'll see each other again."

Seungwan walked back to them, holding a table napkin "Girls, the problem is solved!" She put the napkin down the counter table.

Yeri and Sooyoung looked at her, puzzled and they saw a cute handwriting on the tissue

To: Park Sooyoung Coffee? With me? Sometime? :) 010-222-8981 -6SJ

---

Sungjae can't sleep

He was pacing back and forth in his condo and kept checking his phone for calls or messages.

It's now 11:40 p.m. and she hasn't messaged him yet.

Hyunsik suggested that he write a message and his number on the table napkin. His reason is that it'll be less awkward if she rejects him through text than in personal. If she didn't text/call him, then the answer is a no.

Now he is anxious thinking about what if she doesn't text/call him. He looked at his handphone again "Aish- Molla!" He threw it on his bed, he was about to go out of his room when

~meokgo jago tto dwicheogidaga

ne saenggage nunmuri nayo

dapdaphae unjeoneul hadaga

heulleonaoneun eumage

He reached for his phone.

It was an unregistered number.

He swallowed hard

ttwittwippangppang

ttwittwippa-

"Yoboseyo?" His ringtone stopped as he answered the call. He was waiting for the other person on the line to speak

"Sungjae-ah. Naya, Donggeun. I lost my phone so I got a new one. This is my new number. Save it"

Sungjae's heart sank "Eoh, hyung."

"Hey, don't forget my photo exhibit on Christmas Day, arasseo?"

"Of course hyung! All of the guys will be there. You need to treat us after though" he jokingly said. He almost forgot his Donggeun hyung's first photo exhibit.

At least there is something he'll look forward too.

They said goodbye to each other then he ended the call. He sighed as he went to bed and decided to sleep with a sad feeling

He was getting drowsy when his phone vibrated

Buzz Buzz Buzz

He opened the message, again from an unregistered number.

He smiled as he read it. Maybe Donggeun's photo exhibit won't be the only thing he'll look forward to after all.

Not really a fan of coffee but anything would be fine, how about Friday? :) -Sooyoung