#no one really cares i just need bibs from the future to know why this sucks

[khaopybara]

Eu tô pensando em você, fumando um cigarro Numa banheira vazia, em um hotel caro Sinceramente, eu tô cansado Se foi você que errou, por quê que eu me sinto culpado?

I'm thinking about you, smoking a cigarrete In an empty bathtub, in an expensive hotel Sincerely, I'm tired If you're the one in the wrong, why do I feel guilty?

FIRST KANAPHAN as SAND and KHAOTUNG THANAWAT as RAY PAKORN in ONLY FRIENDS. Hotel Caro (feat. Luiza Sonza), Bacu Exu do Blues

[harrylilies]

The Royal Series | Pt. V

The Royal Series Masterlist

"Think I should get my own flat." You said as you lied on Farrah's bed, looking at her ceiling that had scattered glow-in-dark stars.

"Like in secret? Out of the palace?" She asked, glancing at you then looking back at her laptop.

You hummed in confirmation. "Think I can do that?"

"If it were hypothetical, yes,” Farrah answered, looking at you. "It's unsafe given your status, no matter how much you deny it so if your family knows, it won't be pretty, and I know for sure it’s not easy.” "What if-" You sat up quickly, crossing your legs and looking at her with mischievous wide eyes. "What if I give it all up?"

"Give what up?" She asked slowly, looking at you warily.

"The status. What if I give up on royalty? Step down and live as some normal girl who's good in her work and owns her own flat? I don't have to marry F-"

"Y/N, you really need to sleep." She sighed, closing her laptop and putting it on her bedside table.

You sighed, lying on your back and pulling the cover closer to your chin. "I hope that's the case."

"Anyway, whatever you do, you know I'll support you, even if you end up living with me."

You smiled, snuggling into Farrah's cover, "You're an alright best friend."

"And you're a bitch. Goodnight, your Highness." She chuckled before rolling over and letting her back face you.

"Goodnight, peasant."

--

"Em, call them and tell them that we'll do what we talked about in the meeting and have their social media specialist start tomorrow. Has David called?" You asked your assistant as you both walk in a fast pace inside the palace, Kensington.

"He did. He said that we raised 2 million, we exceeded the target." She informed you.

You nodded, stopping in front of your flat door. "Good. Can you please schedule a meeting for tomorrow with Healing for The Future? We need to discuss the plan and start working as soon as possible."

She nodded, writing on her iPhone as you talked. "Consider it done."

"Thank you, Em. And sorry for keeping you busy till now," you smiled at her gratefully before checking your watch, "It's almost 11."

"It's my job. It's not like I don't enjoy it." Emelie assured you with a smile of hers. "Now you have a goodnight. You've been awake since 4 in the morning."

You nodded, both of you leaning to kiss each other's cheek. "Goodnight, Em."

Emelie walked off, making you turn and enter your quiet flat. You nodded at the two guards standing on your door before going inside, smiling and wishing them a goodnight.

Right as you were about to take off your shoes, a knock on your door made your move halt for a second before you granted permission to whoever was on the other side. In came one of the ladies-in-waiting, Pattie. "Your Highness?"

"Yes, Pattie? Is everything alright?"

She nodded, "Her Majesty is in His Highness Prince William's flat and requested to see you."

"Oh, she's here?" You furrow your eyebrows before standing. "Okay. Thank you, Pattie. You can sleep or do whatever you want. It's a quiet night for me." You smiled at her.

Pattie smiled back, bending her knees in a slight curtsy, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Walking to your brother's flat, you greeted the guards at the door before a maid informed you that “they were all in the drawing room.” Thinking nothing of it, you pulled out your phone as you walked towards it, opening yours and your siblings’ group chat.

Henry💂🏻‍♂️: why on earth is he here? Wills👴🏻: I honestly don't know... Wills👴🏻: Y/N, I'd advise you to not come before 11

It was too late.

Your eyebrows which were furrowed in confusion at the texts and the frown fell once you walked inside the drawing room and looked up, seeming as if the air had been knocked out of you.

"Y/N, you're here! Fred was just telling us about his last polo match." Your grandmother smiled, patting the spot next to her.

You glanced at your siblings, Kate, and your grandfather who gave you sympathetic looks before your eyes moved to the moving man who was approaching you with a smile on his face.

"It's incredible to see you, Your Highness." Fred said gently, offering his hand.

You snapped out of it and put your hand in his, watching as he kissed it, "Lovely to see you, too.”

Fred motioned for you to walk inside, walking behind you as you sat on the sofa beside your grandmother, deeply breathing as you tried to remain calm.

"Prince Fred has a gift for you, Y/N."

"Ah, yes!" He chuckled nervously, holding a rectangular velvet green box from the table before approaching you. "I know you love emerald," he spoke gently, opening the box for you.

Your eyebrows were furrowed and a frown was set on your face as you stared at the necklace with an emerald gemstone. "Uh," you let out a small chuckle before looking at him. "May I ask what's the occasion?"

"Just a kickstart for what's there to come."

You nodded slowly, straightening your posture as your eyes went back to his face, "That's a lot for just a kickstart."

You heard your brothers snicker from behind Fred, watching as he gave you a small shrug. "It's okay if you don't want to accept it. I'd understand. I asked my mother and she told me it'd be a good idea, honestly." Fred chuckled, glancing from you to the necklace in his hands, almost as if he'd never seen it.

You glanced at your grandmother who gave you a pointed look, almost as if she was holding back a scream that said "take it!"

You stood up, taking a breath and reluctantly nodded, "It's okay, I-," You gulped, an uneasy smile coming to your face, "I'll take it. Thank you."

Fred smiled, "Want help wearin-"

"No!" You instantly replied, hand coming up to graze the teardrop pendant of your necklace around your neck. "I mean," you looked at him, slightly wide eyed, "I'm going to sleep now so it's not really a convenient time to wear it."

He cleared his throat and nodded, stepping back with an arm behind his back, "I understand."

“Y/N, you said you're going to sleep. Can I come with you for a second? I left Louis' bib at your flat the last time." William said, standing up.

Despite knowing that he was coming up with an excuse for you to leave, you went along. "Oh, right. I was meaning to get it but I forgot. Anyway," With the green box in your hand, you walked towards the door with your brother following you before you turned to look at the rest, "Have a goodnight." And with that, you and William were out of the door and walking towards your own flat.

"Show me." He opened his palm, making you rest the box there. "Not bad, huh?"

"Poor lad looked like he was forced to do this." You spoke your mind, hand finding its way to your hair.

"Just like you felt you were forced to accept it?" Will replied almost instantly.

You shrugged, "It'd be very rude of me to just not accept it. He'd look like a fool."

"And why do you care?"

"Because just because I don't see myself with him, doesn't mean I'll make him feel less about himself and treat him like a doormat. I have a feeling he's forced into this like I am." You sighed, walking down the stairs.

"When did you become so wise?" Will chuckled, wrapping his arm around your shoulders. "How's Romeo?"

You chuckled, rolling your eyes. "He's fine. He's in Berlin."

"Busy lad, huh?"

You nodded, "Very. Makes time to call me though."

Will smiled, giving your shoulder a squeeze. "That's good to hear."

As you reached your flat and opened the door, you turned to look at your brother, "You can stay for some tea." You suggested.

"No, it's alright. I'll head back to them. You have a good night sleep, alright?" He leaned down pressing peck to your forehead.

You nodded, smiling sleepily at him. "Goodnight, Wills."

Getting into your bed after a long day was what you looked forward on busy days, and it was the reason behind the sigh that left your lips as you had gotten under the covers.

Right as you were about to lock your phone, the screen changed from your wallpaper of you, Charlotte and George lying on the grass as you laughed – a picture Kate had taken from above months ago and it had been your favourite – to an incoming call from none other than the man who gave you zoos erupting in your stomach; Harry.

You smiled, accepting it. "Hello?"

"Hey, love," His voice alone was enough to have you already blushing. "Are you done with the day?"

You hummed, "It was a long, tiring day."

"Want to tell me about it?"

And so, you did. You told him all about your day, meetings and your scheduled plans, leaving out the part where you saw Fred.

And he told you about his show and how he was on his way to travel to Amsterdam.

"Did you wear that suit you showed me?" You asked him, lying on your back.

"Yeah, I did," He replied, "I'm going to send you two suits for tomorrow's show, choose one of them for me, please?"

You grinned, "Of course."

"Alright, I'm going to let you sleep now. Uh, Y/N?"

You hummed.

Harry chuckled slightly and almost nervously before it got quiet for a second. "I miss you,"

You grinned to yourself, feeling your heart thump in your chest at the simple 3 words.

"Feel like I want to see you already. Think-" He stopped, "Think it's your kisses. You're very, very...kissable."

You let out a small laugh, one hand moving to cover your face as the other clutched the phone tightly to your ear. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I miss you, too."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

[arhvste]

❝ effortless ❞

masterlist!

01 -> 02

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

an -> this is the longest chapter i will be including in the series, i just needed to get the base for the plot down i promise i’m not gonna make you all read 2467 words every update !!

drowned out chatter faded the further you wandered down the halls towards the place you’d practically be calling your second home for the next year and-a-half. your arms swung slightly by your side as footsteps strode from behind.

“ya know,” atsumu piped up suddenly, taking in your optimistic aura. “this isn’t gonna be the most glamorous job.”

“i’m more than aware.” you shot back not letting the pseudo blonds comments dampen your approach to the new position you’d been approached to take.

despite being a well-known volleyball team with notably talented players, inarizaki had yet to fill the role of a team manager with them ultimately dismissing the role and disregarding the hopes and intentions of finding someone willing to take the role seriously and with the right intentions of being a team manager. they had applications sent in, a flood of them to be precise, but alas, majority of the applications were just desperate attempts from girls just trying to find away to inch a little closer to the miya twins. the few that weren’t from the mass of girls were from other students but their applications were either filled in wrong or their availability wasn’t compatible enough to work with the club.

“i don’t get why yer so eager to start. yer gonna have to do things like fill up water bottles and wash the bibs we use for practice.” osamu commented as you hummed dismissively towards his attempts to break your spirit.

“because, i don't have to be referred into an actual club by my homeroom teacher now and your mom said you two will be helping me take care of the… less dignified, aspects of the role now. that means washing your smelly kit and towels. remember?”

atsumu scoffed while osamu settled with a short huff of annoyance. that was indeed part of the deal you had made when the twins had requested your assistance in the team.

you had been close friends with the talented twins for as long as you could remember. you’d even go as far as to say you were practically the third miya sibling. raised and grown up together tightly, the three of you stayed knitted together up to the present day. you were someone the two boys felt reliant on, but they were also ready to drop their own activities should you need their assistance. you were well-liked by the twins and that was something the majority of the student body envied but not to the point where they’d say anything and risk having one or worse, both, the boys overhearing them bad-mouthing you and result in them to take the situation into their own hands.

it was atsumu who had first suggested you become the team manager a few weeks prior to the present moment. you were attending another regular visit to the miya residence and atsumu had brought it up over dinner with yourself and his family.

“hey, we kinda need a manager. i think kita’s gettin’ a little stressed cause nationals will be approaching soon and they didn’t have one last year either.” atsumu looked up at you as you had a mouthful of rice.

you momentarily glared at him for turning all attention over to you when he clearly knew you were eating. you swallowed and shook your head at the boy sat across the table to you.

“i dunno, that seems like a big commitment.”

“i mean, i won't lie to ya it is, but being in any club is a commitment so ya might as well join one yer more likely to enjoy.” osamu chimed in as his mother caught your attention.

“don’t let the boys pressure ya. i think it would be nice if ya did it though darlin. both boys can walk ya home after and samu’s right. joining as their manager is better than being put into a club ya might not like attending seeing as yer yet to join any extra curriculum.”

you whined and leaned back in the soft wooden chair in the miya’s homey dining room.

“you just said not to let the boys pressure me and then joined in yourself!”

mrs miya laughed and waved off your complaint. “they get it from me, what can i say.”

you glanced up from the now softly steaming food to face the two boys across from you. atsumu had a soft but still smug smile painted across his face while osamu wore a slightly sympathetic yet hopeful expression on his. you were almost ready to give into the pair right then and there but ultimately decided that if you were to brush up on the rules of volleyball, the twins were going to have to brush up on the rules of you too.

“fine.” you stated to which atsumu smiled brightly too. “i’ll be your manager since i really don’t want to be assigned to any other club but,” you paused and didn't miss the way their eyes darted back to yours. “i’m not washing your disgusting training stuff and the towels. i also don’t want a hoard of your fangirls stampeding over me at any given moment and lastly, i get my own room for overnight stays when we have to attend matches that take place further away. comprende?”

atsumu shrugged and agreed to your terms as osamu followed suit. “great,” you finally smiled a little. “talk to kita and i’ll get started with it whenever he deems suitable.”

mr and mrs miya sent thankful smiles your way to which you softly returned before turning back to your meal completely unaware as to what chaos you had just unknowingly brought upon yourself.

back to the current moment, you stopped outside the two large doors leading into the spacious gym with slight hesitation. the small crack between the doors gave you the first exposure to the area you’d be finding yourself more familiar with from now on.

“what's the hold up?” atsumu queered looking down at your now thoughtful looking expression. “ya were excited to get started just a moment ago weren’t ya?”

you bit the inside of your cheek as your palm lay rested upon the flat surface of the gym door. “i don’t think excited is the word, but you think i’ll do fine right?” you frowned slightly, internally scolding yourself for letting such intrusive thoughts invade your mind just before you were about to introduce yourself to which would be ‘your boys’ in the fast approaching future.

“we wouldn’t have asked ya if we didn’t think it would be a role fit for ya.” osamu replied, resting his hands behind his head. you scoffed and shot a look from behind you towards the grey haired twin. “liar, you two just wanted someone to wash your gross kit.” atsumu snorted before ruffling your hair, stirring irritation inside of you. “think yer the one whose forgotten our end of the deal where we agreed to help ya out with this. we’re in this with ya together now, let's get movin’.”

atsumu left you no time to protest as he pushed the doors open having it swing widely so the gym lights flooded the slightly dimmer hallway giving anyone looking a perfect view of the three of you. heads turned in your general direction as a result of the minor scene the blond had caused leaving osamu to only roll his eyes and for you to stand meekly between the twins as atsumu ushered you inside the clean smelling gym.

“this is y/n, the new manager i said we had gotten you!” a proud smile tugged on atsumus lips as the other boys looked you up and down as if you were some sort of animal being fawned over in a petting zoo.

“shut up! you didn’t get me, i agreed on my own terms!” you hissed at the setter elbowing his side slightly. osamu snickered at your public scolding towards his twin as the rest of the team began to gather round. kita sent an apologetic look your way as he approached you with a firm hand.

“it’s nice to finally meet you l/n-san. please take care of us and we’ll do the same.” his voice calm but transparently clear, you had never met someone so genuine and almost proper in your life. “likewise.” you smiled taking his hand to give him a confident shake in greeting. leaving you with a firm nod to depart from you and talk to the coach, kita gave you one last look of what you could’ve read as thankful but you weren’t completely sure. the better you got acquainted with these boys, the better you’d be able to read them which was your first goal set in becoming a manager they could rely on the same way the twins did.

aran was next to approach you with a clearly thankful smile. “i haven’t seen ya around in a while y/n, good to see yer the one the twins informed on the empty role.” you smiled back at the ace and placed your hands behind your back. you were already well acquainted with aran due to the twins association with him from a young age. back then, yourself and the twins came as a package deal whenever suited so you had been introduced to the ace from a younger age and had built up the same respect for him as the twins had.

“i wouldn’t say informed but more of a pressured attack on me.” aran grinned at you as atsumu retaliated with a “not true!” from across the courts where he was helping set up the net. “either way, good to see ya here. nice to have the three miyas in one place.” you scoffed in amusement before waving off the comment.

after being thoroughly introduced to a handful of members before practice had officially started, you sat down on the bench beside the coach as he went through the basics of the game as the boys played. you already knew a handful of rules and techniques to the game which was a given considering just how close you were to atsumu and osamu, but you were grateful for the refresher as you observed the players and took your first attempt in noting down particular quirks and techniques you noticed each boy possess.

training lasted 2 hours which was longer than the usual club activities but you understood that the volleyball team were a particularly important asset to the school so it was only natural they’d be granted more time for extracurricular. osamu was the first to approach you with a towel wrapped around his neck. “so,” he said before wiping any excess sweat on his face. “what did ya think?” you smiled and took the towel from his hands before tossing it into the nearby laundry bin.

“it was… a lot better than i thought it was going to be.” you meant that earnestly. it was a little overwhelming at first that you’d assume anyone would find that understandable seeing as you had practically been thrown into the deep end with a group of boys you were not particularly familiar with. “that's good then. glad we convinced ya?” yourself and osamu wandered towards the door leading towards the boys changing rooms where their bags were kept. “for now.” you stopped outside the door and nodded for osamu to head in with the other players. he hummed content with your reply before following suit with the small litter of players entering through the door to retrieve their things.

you waited 5 minutes for the boys to leave the changing room before saying your thanks and goodbyes to the team you were slowly getting more to grips with. it was going to take a while to get into the swing of things but you were certain you’d find enjoyment in it somewhere along the line seeing as your first practice wasn’t awful.

the three of you chattered among yourself as usual with atsumu dominating most of the conversation and osamu only butting in to contradict his brother. you were as always, in between the two boys as they asked you how you found it and what you thought. after reassuring them for the 6th time, they gave in and accepted your answer as genuine. despite not saying anything, they were a little guilty after springing such a heavy role on you but they knew you’d pull through no matter the circumstances so they were ultimately satisfied in their choice.

“practice was intense, but i kinda liked it.” you hummed as you walked under the dim street lights illuminating the paths ahead.

“yeah i guess it was, it’s not always like this though. i think some of them were a little more into it seeing as you were there today.” osamu mentioned as he stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets.

“you think?” you raised an eyebrow as atsumu sighed.

“i know that’s the case. you practically had the same effect kita has on all of us. not me though, i’m always good whether yer there to watch or not.”

“i’m sure you are.” you chimed as the three of you approached your street. “ya know who was playin’ a little intensely today though?” osamu raised an eyebrow to his brother's question. “who?”

“suna. he seemed a little more into it today.”

you raised an eyebrow in question as you looked back to glance at atsumu. “who’s suna?”. atsumu hummed as he began to describe the fellow second year. “tall, six foot one i mean, dark moppy hair, kinda hunches over when he’s standin’.” you thought back to the players you had been vaguely acquainted with within the past few hours. your mind touched upon every player's face you recalled until it landed on a certain face you were sure fit atsumu’s description. “number 10?” osamu hummed, confirming your hypothesis correct. “wonder what got into him though, his surroundings don’t usually motivate him unless he’s explicitly told to stop slackin’ maybe he just had an off day.” the grey haired twin suggested to which atsumu agreed. you shrugged as the three of you stopped outside the front of your own house.

“well, training was an absolute delight. see you both tomorrow.” you waved the boys off as atsumu sneered at your borderline sarcastic comment. “stop lyin’ ya loved it and are thankful we picked ya really!”

you laughed at his call out comment as osamu waved and ushered his brother away before you closed your front door shut before leaning back on the door for a moment.

suna huh? well, if your job was to analyse the players and pick out when they were having off days, you’d just have to start watching their number 10 a little closer.

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[atinydise]

Ateez reacting to their s/o being insecure during a pregnancy

❦ Genre: Fluff.

❦ Pairing: OT8.

❦ Word count: 2k2.

❦ Requested: Yes, thank you! 🦋

❦ Masterlist.

HONGJOONG

Hongjoong heard you growl or roar, he couldn’t figure it out, in the bathroom. He stood up from his chair and joined you in the room, maybe you needed help. But when he saw that you were standing up well, he asked: “Is everything okay?” You turned around, to face him. “Does it look like I’m okay?” He stepped back. He tried to know if your hormones hit you or if he did something bad. Unexpectedly, you lifted your shirt to show your round belly. “Have you seen these stretches marks?” You asked him. Hongjoong raised a brow, “is it a big deal?” You fixed back your top and walked to the kitchen, still angry. Your fiancé stared at you, ignoring what to do or what to say. Your pregnancy was something uncontrollable for him. Sometimes, he could choose the right words and comfort you but other time, it was a complete failure.

Anyway, this time again he needed to give it a try. Hongjoong followed you and said: “Are you angry because of your hormones?” “No! I’m angry because my body changed a lot! Especially those stretches marks! It’s everywhere on my body.” You sniffled, ready to cry. Hongjoong passed his hands on your belly and kissed your cheek. “I’m pretty sure you can get rid of these marks. And because of your mental and physical strength, you are going to give us an amazing present.” You pouted, resting your hand in his, “are you still going to love me? Even if I look like a zebra?” He chuckled, “of course idiot.” “Promise!” You tend your little finger. “Promise babe.” He replied.

SEONGHWA

It was just a matter of time before you give birth to your daughter. You were buying the last items or outfits she would need to be comfy. Suddenly, something on the rocking-chair got your attention. “What is this babe?” Seonghwa smiled at you, “are you serious?” You stared dumbly at the strange gloves. “Babe, it’s the scratch mittens. Like that she won’t scratch her baby face.” He explained, playing with the imaginary baby fingers. “Ah... I see.” You simply said. Seonghwa was ready to welcome this baby but day by day, you started to doubt about your ability to become a good mom. You were ignoring so many things. Yesterday, you couldn’t even remember how to prepare a good and not too hot bib. You sat on the little seat in the corner of the room. “Y/N? Are you crying?” He asked, not sure. You nodded, hiding your face in your hands. “Are you hurt? Do you want to go at-“ “How did you learn to be such a good father?” You asked. “I forget or ignore so much things! I’m already a terrible mom!” You busted in tears. Seonghwa crouched down at your level. “I just do my best. And you know like 75% of ‘how to take care of a baby’. I just know the 25% left.” He rested his head on your laps. “There no perfect parents. We are just going to do our best for our little princess.” “Okay,” you sniffled. “I’ll do my best.” “You are already a really good mom. Thank you for taking care of our little angel so well.” He rubbed your face.

YUNHO

This documentary about being a single mom made you anxious. Everything was doing well with Yunho but no one knows what could happen tomorrow. Yunho noticed that you were a bit lost in your thoughts today. It wasn’t the first time since the beginning of your pregnancy. “Do you want to go out for a little walk?” He asked you. “Now? It’s pretty late?” You looked at the time on your phone. “But the weather is really good! Come on! When the baby will be here, we won’t do that before a long time!” He had a point, you thought. “Okay... but no more than 1 hour! I don’t want to be a single mom!” Yunho didn’t add anything but your comment made him curious. During your little walk, your fiancé noticed that you were holding his hand the whole time. But not like usual. It was tighter. “Are you okay sweetheart?” He finally asked. “Hum? Yes, why?” “You look... anxious or lost in your thoughts.” Yunho knew you to well. “It’s okay,” you smiled. “It’s just a stupid insecurity.” He stopped, pulling you closer to him by your hand. “Tell me. Don’t keep this for yourself.” You stared right at him. He was your fiancé and the future dad of your baby. But you didn’t want to worry him, so you just said: “You are not going to leave me, right?” You asked. “When the baby will be here... we are going to be a happy family huh?” Yunho was surprised but it made him soft in the same time. “I am not going anywhere babe. I will always be there for you and our little boy okay?” He kissed your knuckles. “Don’t ever think of leaving me okay?” You repeated. “I would never do that Y/N.” He smiled.

YEOSANG

You changed your position for the 36th time. With the size of your belly and now your breasts, you couldn’t find the perfect position to lay on. You were aware that your belly rounded a lot but your breasts, it’s another story. Pissed, you turned on the light stand and stood up to reach your mirror. You looked at your whole body. Your face was almost the same. The only thing which surprised you was your breast. It had a huge difference. All of your bras would end in the trash after this pregnancy. “Y/N? Why are you awake?” Asked Yeosang, sleepily. You turned around and sat on the edge of the bed. “Are my breasts disgusting?” You asked, worried. Yeosang blinked few times. Were you really worrying about your body proportions at 2AM? “So? Should I take this long silence for a yes?” “Huh? Wait Y/N, this is non-sense.” He instantly gulped when he saw the look you gave him. “I mean, no- it’s not disgusting! Just different. But in a good way!” “Are you sure? I feel like it’s too much.” You claimed, cupping your breasts sadly. Your fiancé could almost get a blood running nose at the scene you showed him. “You are still pretty.” He looked away. “To be honest, pregnancy fits you well.” “Really?” You smiled widely. He nodded, “really, you are glowing?” You narrowed your eyebrows, “are you telling me this so you can go back to sleep? Or to comfort me?” He kissed your cheek before slipping back under the sheets. “Both. But for real. You are gorgeous. I’ll need to make you pregnant again. And sooner with your new breast size.” “Perv!” You throw your pillow on him.

SAN

You were at your 6 months of pregnancy. It was a new world for you. Your body was getting different, your hormones were playing with you too and sometimes on San too. You started to get used to your new body but the only thing you couldn’t deal with was your weight. You gained so much weight in only 6 months that you started to be insecure.   San was always saying that you looked more loveable now. But you could get a piece of lettuce in your teeth, he would say that you look cute. “A whale...” you whispered, looking at your profile. “Whale?” Repeated San, lifting his eyes off his phone. “Yes! For real! Look at me San!” You turned around. “This baby is driving me crazy.” You busted in tears. “Wow wow wow Y/N! Relax!” Claimed San. “Relax?” You grabbed a tissue on your nightstand. “Do you know how it feels to see your body, if I still can call it like that, changing like this?” You almost shouted. “I can’t even see my feet anymore.” “Y/N... your weight isn’t a big deal?” Said San calmly. “It’s just a matter of time.” “It’s only 6 months... how I will look at the end? You are going to leave me for a prettiest girl.” You sobbed. “Babe. I would never leave you. I love you when you are skinny, chubby or thick. Even when you have make-up on or not. I love all of your facade. And I love you more because you were strong enough to carry our baby.” He hugged you. “You couldn’t tell me that earlier? I would not cry like a baby!” You pinched his arm, sobbing. “It’s okay, like that I’ll get 2 crybabies.” He giggled. You scoffed, “I can’t wait.”

MINGI

Even if your doctor almost begged you to rest and stay on your bed till the end of your pregnancy. But you had so much things to do or to adjust before, to welcome this baby well. When Mingi came back from his practice, he would never imagine finding you cleaning all the cupboards on the kitchen. “Y/N? Are you crazy?” He yelled at you. “You should be on the bed right now.” “I know. But I was thirsty.” “Then why are you cleaning?” He ripped the sponge off your hand. “I saw a dirty spot and another one there, and there too, and-“ you pointed at all the cupboards. “Y/N. What is going on? I know that you go on this extreme cleaning phase when you are stressed.” “Yes, I’m insecure right now!” You explained. “What if we are not enough ready huh? Do you know how this baby can be happy?” You asked, almost crying. “What? Yes of course, he’s going to be happy.” He simply relied. “This baby is going to be the happiest baby in the world.” “You said that because you want me to rest.” You rolled your eyes. “No! I said that because you are already a good mom.” He rubbed the back of your head. “I know that he’s already the happiest. You told him uncountable of jokes and stories. I’m sure he’s laughing inside.” He pinched your cheeks playfully. “Or, he’s simply happy to be your son.” Seeing Mingi so happy made your emotional but you busted in tears there. “Thank you so much,” you whined, hugging your boyfriend tightly. “Hormones...” whispered Mingi a bit done.

WOOYOUNG

“Y/N? Are you ready? We are going to be late!” Yelled Wooyoung from the living-room. You entered the room, throwing your favorite dress on the couch. “I don’t go to the restaurant anymore.” You let him know. “What? Why? You know that San would be happy to see you at this birthday party!” “Then I’ll send him a text and apologize.” Wooyoung grabbed your dress. “Why do you want to stay at home?” “Because nothing fits me anymore!” You confessed. “My favorite outfit, my make-up! Even my shoes!” You pointed at your feet. “Do you know that feet could gain weight too?” You yelled before storming back to your bedroom. Wooyoung blinked, not understand why a sudden change. [“We are going to be late.”] He texted his friends. Your fiancé entered the bedroom slowly. Seeing you so sad made him feel ashamed. He needs to find something to comfort you. He sat on the bed, rubbing your arm. “Babe... do you want me to bring snacks and drinks?” You shook your head. “I need to lose weight. I can’t it eat.” “Y/N... I don’t know what you are going through because I am not a woman but... I know that you are a strong and smart girl.” He claimed. “Yes... your body is going to change a lot. You will need some time to get used to this change, but you will be and stay a really attractive girl. No matter what. Weight isn’t going to define how pretty you are.” He kissed your shoulders. You finally turned around, “when did you learned to be so mature?” You asked, wiping your tears. “Since I’m going to be a dad.” He winked. You smiled, holding his hand. “Okay mature boy. Let’s get ready for San’s birthday.”

JONGHO

“So, Y/N, when are you going to give us our little niece?” Asked Yunho, giving you a glass of orange water. “Hum... in 3 weeks. If this little girl wants to.” You giggled. “Are you prepared enough?” Made sure Seonghwa. “Huh... I guess?” You replied not really sure. “She’s going to do well,” added Hongjoong. “Are you going to give birth at home or at the hospital?” Asked Mingi. “Huh-“ “Hospital! What if something bad happens?” Stated Yunho. “Well okay... I need to go to the restroom okay?” You said, trying to leave as fast as possible. When you exited the living-room, you stood up against the wall trying to calm down your heartbeat an reduce the stress. Being pregnant made you feel insecure but the thought of giving birth was worse. What if you do something wrong? “Y/N? You are not with the boys?” Asked Jongho, pizzas in his hands. You just shook your head, still doubting about your abilities. “Do you think I’ll do great?” “Great? Do what?” He removed his shoes. “Giving birth. Do you think I will do great?” Jongho stayed speechless for few seconds. “You are one of the bravest women I know. You will do good for sure!” I could bet my career.” He pecked your lips lightly. “But what if something-“ you stated. “We can make a new world with “ifs” Y/N.” He smiled. “Don’t be afraid. I will be right there with you.” “Then okay...” you said, not fully reassured but convinced that you will go through this big step with your fiancé. “Let’s go eat! Pretty sure our baby is hungry too.” He rubbed your belly softly.

[fizzingwizard]

Episode 32 arrives! It’s, I gotta say, quite an improvement on what we’ve had lately. Quite an improvement. Even so, it’s nothing that’s gonna rock the world... but hey, I was so desperate for something different to happen that y’know what, I’ll take it.

Pic of the week:

A Digimon who just wants to roll around in the grass. Go’way, baddies.

More below!

So as you probably gather... we start with Takeru this week! Haha! Good riddance Taichi! I luv ya but I’ve had enough of ya! Take a break!

jk I totally missed him the whole thirty seconds he wasn’t on screen

Takeru and Patamon are running for their lives, of course! Patamon makes a valiant effort to evolve to protect Takeru but...

... Poor baby. He gave it the ol’ college try but he just ain’t as young as he used to be.

Things look grim until Komondomon shows up with a creepy disembodied hand sticking out of his fur!

Phew, it’s just Sora. Her brilliant plan to rescue Takeru is to grab his arm and drag him along with them... I mean... sure... Whiplash has been proven Not A Thing in this universe so...

After getting rid of their pursuer, the group checks in with the others. I’m reminded of how silly separations feel when you can just communicate with each other by walkie-talkie. Yamato’s been riding Garurumon for a long time now lol. At least we got to see him...

He sweetly encourages Takeru and tells him the best thing he can do to help Patamon with his evolution issues is be there to support him. Then he tells Taichi “I leave Takeru in your case.” Ok sure, like Sora’s not right there...

Taichi: In my care? Should I point out that I already lost one little sibling to the dark side? Nah...

Seriously, though... that’s the current situation. Taichi is actively going over SkullKnightmon to get Hikari back. If Takeru stays with him that just means Takeru gets to go into danger again too. Of course, it seems that the dark side is suddenly uninterested in Takeru and Patamon so... I guess it’s okay 9_9

We then check in with Mimi! Who is being her awesome Mimi-tastic self. Ugh I love her.

Wondered what happened to Golemon. Turns out there was nothing much to worry about because no one loves a macho boxing match like Tachikawa Mimi. If there’s ever a season where these kids grow up, I hope Mimi is like, a big fan of sumo or something.

Taichi: O... kay... well... Mimi sure is... an intersting person...

Agumon: Hey you should make her your girlfriend!

Taichi: what nOOO BAD IDEA ABORT ABORT

Meanwhile, the situation with Jou is, um, questionable to say the least...

(how is keeping that towel on)

Jou: HEEEEELP!!!

Taichi: ... you didn’t hear anything, did you? Me neither. *closes link*

Finally we check in with Koushirou. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what he says. -__-;

At least we see him get bombed a bit. He’s okay though.

Meanwhile unconscious Patamon gets a visitor from baby angel Lopmon, who tells him about hist lost memories.

He adds that the other legendary warriors have lost their power and it’s up to Patamon and his bond with Takeru to save the world more or less.

He encourages Patamon to find his hope.

Patamon: Who am I? What am I? All before me is dark. I know not what path to take.

The others, having nothing better to do, peep on Patamon’s crisis of faith.

Takeru relates a story about learning to swim and being scared of the water, but Yamato stayed with him so eventually he was able to learn to do it. Aww. Not quite comparable to Hikari’s “I wet the bed and Taichi changed the sheets and then told our parents that he was the one that did it” from the 99 series but still pretty good.

The sweet moment is interrupted by a flash of light! Then dark! Then light! Then dark!

It’s another scary Digimon! Oh dear. It’s Kerberomon. A three-headed Cerberus as I’m sure you figured out. Once again, this show does not how to convey what the stakes are. After everything we’ve been through, it’s hard to take random nobody Digimon as serious as each episode wants us to take them... but it’s obvious from the build up here that Kerberomon’s going to be tough to beat for Reasons.

Greymon gets hit and says, “I let down my guard!” MAYBE DON’T DO THAT THEN

Also it is very windy.

Le ouch. This is the Digimon from earlier whose name I forgot to take down. He’s come back with his friend...

... Scarier-in-the-dark-mon.

They’re surrounded~ Oh noes and whatnot.

Taichi is a bit cool here, clinging to Komondomon’s helmet and directing the battle like a war general. Mostly he’s telling them how to avoid getting hit by Kerberomon’s powerful attacks but I like that we get to see him using his head like this.

What I think is happening here is, Komondomon isn’t as fast as the kids could be if they were on their own, so their speed is hampered and that plus the number of assailants makes this battle tough. I am sure we’re supposed to assume that the reason WarGreymon doesn’t appear is because it takes a lot of energy to bring him out, even though last time he appeared twice in the same episode -.-;

Sora decides to be useful and goes to help Takeru get to safety.

... She is immediately struck by an attack and collapses, badly hurt somehow. This is so dumb. First of all, they don’t even animate her getting hit. There’s a flash and then she’s down. She should at least get to throw herself over Takeru protectively or something. Geez. 90s anime did it so much better. She’s just standing there and gets hit. What, did she forget there was a battle raging around her?

Second, WE ALREADY HAD DAMSEL IN DISTRESS SORA. It was Jou’s motivation to be cool way back when this show was rather more interesting than it has been of late. Why do the boys need Sora to get SERIOUSLY INJURED to be able to fight?? WHY?? Like, Taichi gets caught in the line of fire ALL THE TIME, but he never gets injured to the point where he can’t continue on. (Except for that one time with Devimon but those were exceptional circumstances!)

Like, why are we making Sora so weak?? This is so unnecessary.

I guess Yamato was right by entrusting Takeru to Taichi instead of Sora though...

... Uhhh.... never mind X’D

Taichi: Whew... m-maybe no one saw that...

Our be-bibbed god reappears to offer sage advice.

Patamon recalls his final moments as Seraphimon... being enveloped into darkness.

This is cool - we see his angelic wings turn to demon ones briefly before he slides back to lower levels. Not sure if it means anything but we have been theorizing that Patamon could still be infected by the evil that wounded him in the past.

Patamon then recalls things that happened after he was reborn and I’m reminded for the billionth time how much harder the emotions around Angemon’s death hit in the 99 show...

Suddenly Patamon realizes - his hope is Takeru, and he is Takeru’s hope.

The boys put on their game faces. This is what I mean by Sora really didn’t need to get hurt here. I get that it gives Takeru a reason to be protective, but the thing that evolves Patamon is Patamon’s feelings, the same way Agumon’s feelings were what rescued them from Devimon etc. That’s an interesting thing about this show - the Digimon’s feelings seem as important to evolution as, if not more than, the kids’.

Patamon evolves!! Very creepily! But... not to Angemon!

He becomes Pegasusmon! Who... looks a lot bigger than I remember, even considering Takeru is very small... xD

So this is pretty cool! I’ve been wondering how on earth the show was gonna keep introducing evolutions after already using up so many key players, especially for Taichi. But it looks like Armor Digimon can appear, and that makes me think that we could see all kinds of evolutions for the entire team that we’ve never seen before. I like that idea, but I don’t really know if this show has time for it. Maybe it will just be Pegasusmon and Nefertimon who are available to Takeru and Hikari so the writers can preserve the angels for the most epic moments only. That seems the most likely way things will go here, and the only qualm I have with it is, they’ve played all of Taichi’s cards already, and he’s the main character. He has to have something else in the future...

He attac!!!!

Kerberomon doesn’t last long, although why is wholly inexplicable. What about Pegasusmon gives him the edge when MetalGreymon and Garudamon couldn’t handle it? Is it because he’s an Armor Digimon? That may be it but the show doesn’t bother to explain.

Another thing I’d love to see, if there are gonna be more than just one evolutionary tree for the partners, is the kids actually strategizing when they decide which evolution to use. One of the cool parts of Tamers was the kids actively supporting their partner with skill as well as heart. I don’t think that’s gonna happen in this season, but you know, a girl can dream.

Takeru: Hurray for murder!

The three Digimon work together to put the lid on Kerberomon. Garudamon has the coolest moment. Squash.

Taichi checks on Sora who seems fine now. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Aw, but these two really are adorable.

What a sweet ending card T_T I want more of these.

Okay so yeah, this episode was a much needed upper after the stream of “watch Taichi fight random forgettable monsters” episodes we’ve had lately. I’m glad we got it. I still, just, like, why can’t they get the emotional build up right?? I wouldn’t say 99 Adventure did anything insanely unusual in how it treated the various crises the kids faced, but it def did a better job than this show. In 99, they understood the importance of moments of reflection, of talking about things, of showing expressions and how other characters react... And I still feel like this reboot DID do that, at least somewhat better, in the beginning. Like what went down between Yamato and Taichi after Ogremon was killed. That was pretty good.

They’ve totally lost what makes Digimon great. I hope this episode is a sign that they’re gonna take it back, but, my heart just hearts y’all.

Next episode... I’m rather surprised since we are REALLY overdue some face time with Yamato, not to mention Mimi and Jou, but apparently we’re sticking with Taichi. At least it looks lke we’ll get some new plot stuff related to Hikari.

If this all leads up to something that makes sense, I will retract all my complaints, I swear. Except about the gratuitous nonstop fighting. But the rest, I will take back.

Taichi’s determined!! This is Digimon Adventure! Let’s go on a freaking adventure!!

[chilly-me-softly]

love, i need part 2 for that jack, sum like he regret it a few years later after he sees a 'new guy(but really he was just a friend but he misinterpret it)' in you and son/daughter life. Thank you! :)

Part 1

This was just so long that I decided to stop at some point but if you wanna I’m totally in for another part x

Your message arrives on time like every month. When you left his house, you told him that he would have that baby whether he wanted it or not, and despite what your friends and family told you, you wanted him to be part of the baby's life. You didn't want him to regret it if he decided to be a father, so during those months you kept sending him pictures of the ultrasounds and keeping him updated on the size of the fetus that was growing and was in excellent health. It's a girl. You discovered the sex just a few hours earlier in the umpteenth ultrasound you had gone to alone, but despite everything the first person you wanted to share the news with was him. Even though you haven't spoken for months, you haven't seen each other for months and he never replies to your texts.

Jack lays a finger on what he thinks is the little girl, his daughter, he can't quite figure out the shape of the ultrasound. There are so many emotions inside him, he knows he's ruined everything and he doesn't even know why you bother so much. In your place, he would have appealed to silence and let the other live in his head with his worries, his fears and questions about how everything was going.

But perhaps keeping him in the loop is the best weapon, constantly reminding him what a big mess he made; that he ruined the most important thing he had built up in life because of his fears. He plays in front of thousands of people every week captaining a team, being the target of negativity and positivity, living in the improbability and the opportunities to be taken to do well and at the moment of the most important decision of his life, he had backed out.

And the last day of the championship couldn't come at a worse time. Everyone surrounded by their loved ones, by their families, while he ignored everything and stood aside for a while. Jack stares a bit at all his mates as they clap and point something at the children in their arms, but he stops to look at Tyrone in particular. Oh his little girl is something unique, she is so beautiful and would be so close in age to his that they could easily become great friends.

He shakes his head at the thought he had. The truth is it was only a few days before he regretted his choice - and okay, talking about it with Ty wasn't really his brightest idea but lately he wasn't doing anything right so. But the more time passed, the more impossible it was for him to find the courage to knock on your door and look you in the eye and he was afraid of what might happen.

He certainly didn't expect everything to go back to the way it was before, he'd made it too big for that. It had been too many months, he'd missed important appointments. You found out it was going to be a girl without him.

He'd always believed he was no good at being a father, hell, just the thought of holding a little creature in his arms scared the hell out of him. But that was the beauty of it, the unpredictability of what could be. But more importantly, you were going to give him his first child. You deserved to enjoy that experience, you deserved someone by your side who would take care of you and the little one and above all, you would have been wrong together. As scared as he might have been, he knew that by letting you go, he would have more regrets than joys in life. To hell with his career, not even winning the premier in the near future would make him as happy as sharing everything with you.

So he takes advantage of the adrenaline still in his system and the pep talk he gave himself and rushes to your front door, a stuffed animal in his hand and a heavy heart in his chest.

When you open the door that day, you didn't expect to find Jack standing in front of you. You stand motionless on the threshold and your hand immediately rests on your rather pronounced belly. He follows your movement and his Adam's apple goes up and down quickly while his eyes don't come off your belly.

"What are you doing here?" your neutral tone brings him back to reality and he clears his throat, suddenly nervous and insecure again.

"Can I come in?" you look at him indecisively before you sigh and open the door wider so he can set foot in your house.

Jack looks around as he walks down that hallway, your pictures with him are gone and it's a heartbreak when he realizes but what he expected. The television still gives pictures of the championship day and for a moment he thinks you were watching him, he wants to believe it.

"I- I brought you this" you seem to notice the stuffed animal in his hands just then. It's the Villa's mascot, with the team jersey and your hormones are so high in those months that you almost feel touched even if you want to remain as neutral as possible around him so as not to let yourself be tricked again and not to risk finding yourself alone again.

"I've set up her room, do you want to see it?"

"Please" you don't know why you asked, but he nods and then you take him by the hand and take him to a room within a few steps from yours. That contact you haven't had for months is like water in the desert, but you hurry to let go of his hand as soon as you get to that room.

The soft shades of pink fill that room, a white cradle is placed against a wall and you go towards it to put the puppet on the pillow.

"Have you mounted the cradle yet?" he's almost incredulous as he looks around, another blow to his heart realizing he missed that moment too.

"Yeah well I've taken advantage of it while I can still do something and I didn't think it would be up right away so" you shrug while he smiles, approaching the cradle and lightly touching the surface with your fingers.

"You look great" you don't know what to say to him so you choose not to.

"What do you want Jack?"

"That you forgive me. I was a fool to leave you alone like that and maybe I realized it too late-"

"It's never too late to be a part of your daughter's life" you interrupt him and he looks at you pleading.

"What about yours?"

"Now she's the most important thing, we can do it peacefully if you're willing to take responsibility as a father"

"I'll always be there for her, I can promise you that"

"That's all I need for now"

"(Y/N)" he comes dangerously close to you, a hand caresses your cheek as his gaze is pointed at your lips. His face gets closer and closer to yours, your tongue passes over your suddenly dry lips, and just before his lips can come into contact with yours, you place two fingers on his lips stopping him.

"Jack" you whisper as he closes his eyes for a second, "Please go now"

He looks at you for a moment while you bite your lip hard, and then he leaves after leaving a kiss on one of your cheek.

When he said he'd always be there for his daughter from now on, he meant it. His first ultrasound is something surreal, a picture doesn't fully convey all the emotions he feels watching everything live.

And the moment of childbirth is a unique emotion for both of you. For those hours there's no Jack who didn't want a child, there's no you alone, you're just two people bound by that miracle that's about to be brought to life. Just for that day, you act like the family you were supposed to be. When the baby finally comes into the world, he kisses you as tears roll down both your cheeks.

The first time he picks her up, Jack feels like a new person. He still can't believe he almost missed something like this because of his paranoia. He's still scared, if ever now they've tripled because he has a little girl for god's sake but he sees your proud and happy smile that surely matches his.

In the following days he stays with you as much as he can, sleeping on your couch and making sure to never leave you alone. Your family is still a bit reluctant to see him around, he made their little girl suffer after all and they don't know how things are between you yet, but seeing him there for the little girl is already something.

The truth is that you haven't completely let go yet, constantly worried that he might decide again that that life isn't for him taking his things and leave. Even if you see how he cradles her, you see how he smiles at her, you see how he's always worried about her and you.

Months fly by and the situation hasn't changed, you're basically two coparents. Neither of you brought up the kiss exchanged at the hospital, nor the current situation you're in. Both too scared and in love and stupid.

Tyrone suggests not to wait any longer, to put his cards on the table so as not to risk you moving on and losing you for real. Your friends support whatever choice you want to make, advising you to have a nice open conversation with him about the future and everything that's on your mind.

He has practically been by your side for months before the birth, months after the baby's arrival and he is still by your side patient and giving you your space in everything. It's pretty obvious that he would never leave both of your lives again so if you still have feelings for him go for it.

Jack just texted you to find out where you are because he'd like to visit the baby and you tell him you're out and about. The only thing you omit is to be in company, your friend had been around a lot during those months and he knew all about your current situation.

When he sees you, he stops by immediately. You're sitting at a coffee table and that stranger is holding his daughter while you're unfastening her bib. The little girl seems to be comfortable in his arms, which are not her daddy's and yet she smiles the same way she does with him. Maybe it's too late, maybe she deserves it after all. No, you deserve to be happy, and judging by the hug you're giving the guy, well, you are.

That day, when he made the biggest mistake of his life, you accused him of always thinking only of himself. Well he wouldn't have done that now, if you were happy no matter how much he wanted to get back with you. He would have let you go because your happiness was worth a thousand times more than his.

 Part 3

[hecohansen31]

can you write my sweet dumb lil xavier finding out that his s/o is pregnant? feel like that would be vv cute

(A/N): Hey guys! 

I am going to go back to my requests, although I am very sorry that it took me quite a bit to get through each of them... please understand that lately for various reasons I am extremely struggling on here and outside, so I am extremely sorry if I am a tiny bit... slow... I swear I am trying my best.

Also I did tear up a bit on this (and I love my dumb bitch more than anything).

WARNINGS: Pregnancy, Negative Thoughts About Pregnancy, Mention of Trauma.

You giggled as Xavier rushed to kiss you, just as you walked in your shared apartment, almost making you drop all your grocery bags, and you were unable to lock the door, giving your neighbors quite show with the way Xavier almost jumped you.

Whenever Xavier insisted on you two getting a dog, you would always reply that you didn’t need one, since he was already acting as an overgrown Labrador retriever, and the way he always celebrated you opening the door, in that moment coming at home from work, proved it.

Still fact that Xavier had insisted on getting a dog, since the apartment was too big for just you two, had made you feel slightly better after the doctor had told you the troubling news you had on your mind.

You were pregnant.

A few weeks, but you had been already bothered for the entire week by nauseous situations, although the fact that they kept happening all through the day had brought you to think that it wasn’t a pregnancy symptom.

But after the doctor had examined you, she had confirmed that you were indeed carrying a little peanut in your stomach, showing you the ultrasound and printing a copy, that you thought about showing to Xavier.

Hadn’t he freaked out in your face at the news.

You two weren’t married, although you had been living together for a few years, at first just as simple collaborators, since you were the photograph of most of his modelling projects, and then as boyfriend and girlfriend.

You hadn’t even talked about children, although you were both aware that you wanted some in the future, and you had stopped using condoms, you were still on birth control, the little peanut in your stomach “sadly” that small percentage in which the pill didn’t seem effective.

Personally, you had been overjoyed by the news, although you couldn’t help but be slightly scared at the news of having to take care of another human being, alongside seeing your body change, and when you had exited the doctor’s office, you had been shaking a bit, choosing to go grocery shopping to solve a bit your tormented soul.

When you had ended up in the clothing alley, you hadn’t been able to stop yourself from looking around the child part, where you spotted tiny clothes in pink and blue, red and yellow, white and brown, showing you the small size your peanut would have.

A wave of nostalgy had grown onto you, making you wonder whether Xavier wanted a child, right now.

He was on top of his career, and maybe a child wasn’t something he wanted.

But it was useless to torment yourself when you hadn’t talked to the man himself.

You just hoped it wouldn’t hurt your relationship, and neither it would have hurt him, since you knew all too well the long journey Xavier had had to reach that state of mind and health.

And you knew that a child would mean a strong change that would maybe destabilize him.

Impulsively you had picked up a small unisex bib and hidden it, after the grocery clerk had scanned it, almost ashamed of the fact that you were pregnant.

“Welcome home babe” Xavier brought you back to your little apartment, meanwhile he nuzzled softly at your neck, affectionately caressing your hips, and you couldn’t help but feel self-conscious and extremely attentive at your stomach.

Although you loved Xavier’s hugs, you were glad when he left you, carrying the grocery store bags, to help you, meanwhile he chirped distractedly on what you wanted for dinner:

“… we have leftovers from last night” the sole reminder of what you had thrown up this morning, made you feel nauseous and you immediately shook your head “… or maybe take-out?”.

Meanwhile he was going through his option, the grocery bags that Xavier was holding, ripped, horribly.

There was not anything frail or easily breakable in the bag, but as Xavier moved down to collect the items, he found himself looking at a bib for a child.

Your mind went through a myriad of lines you could use: a joking gift for Chet, a real gift for Trevor’s little girl, who was barely a year old or …

… or just maybe you could tell the truth.

“… what is this?” asked smirking with curiousness Xavier, meanwhile he collected gently the little fabric in his hand, staring at it and then raising his eyes to you “… is this … a bib?”.

“We might need it” you blurted, clutching your hands on your stomach, avoiding to face him in anyway “… I …”.

Xavier moved closer, his nose slightly scrunched up as he always did when he was trying to understand what was going on, and he wasn’t just connecting the dots.

“… what do you mean, babe?” he asked, moving closer but you stopped him halfway.

“There is a bun in my oven” no reaction showed on his face “… we are having a little peanut”.

You knew you were sounding ridiculous but what was even more ridiculous was the blank stare on Xavier’s face.

“:.. (Y/N), it isn’t funny… you know metaphors are not my…”.

“I am pregnant” it hurt to utter the reality out loud, since you honestly hadn’t thought of saying out loud, since it meant accepting it, but the smirk on Xavier’s face as he finally understood what you meant, made it all worth it.

“… this isn’t a joke” he stated, meanwhile you nodded, softly moving closer, but again he literally barreled onto you and picked you up in full princess style, twirling you around, as you screamed at him to be careful for your baby.

“You are making him throw up in my tummy” you taunted him and immediately, seriously worried that it might happen he put you down and you started laughing out loud in his face “… you are an idiot, Xavier”.

“Well you made a baby with an idiot, what does that say about you, babe?” he mumbled, shooting back at you who punched slightly his shoulder “… I can’t believe that we made a baby”.

“I was worried that you wouldn’t…” your voice broke halfway through it “… want the baby”.

“Babe, you literally made any of my dreams come true” he made you stare into his pretty eyes, and you knew he wasn’t lying in the least “… and I’ll for ever be grateful for the day we met, you gave me hope, respect, a new chance to live my life and finally… a child”.

He then kissed your forehead.

“I love you and our little peanut so so much”.

That night, after celebrating your little “bun” with sparkling water and discussing about what it might entail for you two and your careers, you had fallen asleep thinking about baby names with Xavier.

You were awoken by a soft hand raising your shirt, but you didn’t raise your eyes, knowing that it was Xavier, who would sometimes take comfort in the simplest of human contacts: your skin against his.

But then you heard him speak:

“Hey peanut! Your mom is asleep, so I’ll have to keep this low, I don’t want her to wake up and call me dumb, because you are too small to actually hear me” you couldn’t hide the slight smile that appeared on your face, but Xavier was too focused on your stomach, still flat but swelling with love, to actually notice it “… she has a pendant for thinking that I am dumb, and I really hope that you won’t think it too, because two against one it isn’t funny”.

Although he was pretending to be outraged, you felt his smirk against your heated skin.

“… but I honestly hope that you’ll think I am cool, because you see…” the smirk turned in a grimace “… I am not very cool, your mom is, she is a freaking badass”.

You couldn’t help but feel a bit sad by Xavier’s confession and almost wanted to stop this to comfort him, but he softly pushed his lips against your stomach to blow a soft raspberry.

“… she is the one reason why I am still here” he continued “… she is tough and might seem inflexible and strict, but she always knows what is best for you, even if you don’t see it, I honestly hope you take from her”.

You did tear up a bit, after his confession, because you had so many flaws: you were intolerant towards the smallest of things, you couldn’t be bothered with changes and sometimes could pass off as intimidating, but each sweet thing that Xavier said about you, they made you feel better and the thought that he wanted your little peanut to grow up like you, made you blossom with joy.

But the truth is that you also hoped that the child would somehow take from Xavier: his cheerful personality and the way he would help anybody, without thinking too much about himself, being a loyal friend and a romantic and patient lover.

You hoped that peanut would just take the best from both of you.

“I honestly can’t wait to meet you, peanut, you are the best thing in my life that I have ever created”

[deluxedolans]

“HOLY MOTHERF- IT BIT ME!” "Ethan stop."

You tuck a piece of hair behind your ear as you look outside your window, peering at the fluffy, white snowflakes that fall to the ground below. As you watch Grayson and his wife back out of the driveway your heart can’t help but swell with excitement; you and Ethan finally get to watch Grayson’s son, Sean, for the night while the two parents went out of town. Sean is two and a half and cute as can be; in spite of his age, his hair is thick, dark, chocolaty, and curly as can be; his eyes huge and hazel eyes constantly wandering, taking in his surroundings. To put it lightly, Sean was the spitting image of his father and uncle, point blank, no questions asked.

“Babe, where are the pots?” Ethan calls from the kitchen. You can hear the opening and shutting of cabinets as your boyfriend fumbles throughout the room, searching for the proper materials to make dinner.

As you walk into the kitchen, Ethan stands there with his hands on his hips in clear annoyance, his hair mussed up from running his hands through it. You look off to the side to see Sean sitting in a high chair, his little legs kicking against his chair.

“They’re in the cabinet above the stove. Why? What are you cooking? Didn’t they give us food for him to have?” You walk over to sit next to Sean, running your nails through his curly locks.

“Well, I don’t wanna give him some lame pieces of cut up ham and turkey–I don’t what this to be his first memory of a sleepover with us,” Ethan said, reaching up to grab the pot out of the cabinet. Your heart swell at his words implying that their would be more sleepovers with Sean in the future; you and Ethan have been dating for a year now, and in spite of the fact that he made it clear on a regular basis that you weren’t going anywhere, it was still nice for him to make little comments like that regarding your future together.

“Ethan, he’s two,” you remind him, looking up at Ethan filling the pan with water.

“Still, the point is that this is our first sleepover with him and it has to be a good time for him, alright?” Ethan turns the stove on medium, and waited for the water to boil, taking out a box of mac n’ cheese in preparation.

“Want milky!” Sean exclaims, reaching out for his sippy cup that was placed on the counter. Ethan grabs the cup and walked to the refrigerator to grab some milk … and a special surprise.

As you walked over to the stove to inspect the boiling water, you see Ethan trying to sneak something out of the corner of your eye. “E, what are you doing?” Ethan freezes as he noticed your eyes on him.

“Nothing.” Ethan’s arm hangs stiffly over Sean’s sippy cup with a bottle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup that he was halfway through pouring into the cup of milk.

“Ethan, it’s seven o’clock, he does not need chocolate right now.” You walk over to Ethan reaching out to grab the syrup from his grasp.

Ethan immediately begins to pout, his lower lip jutting out in protest. “But, Y/N, he loves chocolate milk, he needs it, babe, look at his whittle face.” You roll your eyes at Ethan’s baby talk; it was ironic that you were the one who begged Ethan to ask Grayson if you two could take Sean for the weekend and Ethan was the only who was trying to spoil the kid.

But, then again, were you really surprised? Ethan always spoiled those he loved, specifically his favorite and only nephew.

“Babe, he’s gonna be up all night–shit, Ethan, the water!” At the sound of the sudden bubbles, you ran over quickly to the pot on the stove that was overflowing with water. The bubbles spewed over the side of the metal pot and onto the counter. You hastily turned down the stove, but in the rush, the water flew onto your arm, burning it.

“Shit!” You yelp, jumping away from the stove.

“Oh God, are you okay, babe?” Ethan comes over to examine your wrist which was bright red and beginning to become littered with blisters. You suck in a breath as Ethan delicately turns your wrist from left to right, inspecting the damage.

“Yes, please just dump the mac and cheese in so we can feed him.” Ethan refused to leave your side still, though, holding onto your wrist.

“Babe, at least bandage it first–.”

“Milky! Milky! Milky!” Sean cries from across the room, banging his little fists on the plastic tray in front of him.

“Okay, buddy, I’ll grab your milky,” you say as you walked towards the toddler, Ethan’s mouth falling open at your ignorance to your injury.

You screw the cap back onto Sean’s sippy cup and place it in his greedy palms, his dark eyes looking up at you in wonder.

When you turned back around, the noodles were in the pot and Ethan was reaching into a drawer to grab some gauze, prepared to bandage you up.

“Baby, we really need to tape it up it could get infected. Plus, it looks fricken disgusting.”

“You always know how to pick me up when I’m down.”

“Well someone has to take care of your dumb ass,” Ethan states, pulling out the antiseptic to rub onto your burns. You whimper as he dabs the cool substance on your skin; the stinging sensation too painful for you to bear.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, baby,” Ethan murmurs before wrapping the cotton around your wrist, and sealing it closed with medical tape. As soon as the process was over he kissed your bandage sweetly, his gaze apologetic.

“If you’re not careful, Sean is gonna pick up on your bad language,” you warn, kissing Ethan on the cheek. Ethan walks over to the stove and shut it off before he started to pour the cheesey goop from the box into the pot to mix it into the noodles.

“Listen, he’s a Dolan, he’s bound to hear it sometime.”

“Okay, yeah, but not before he’s potty trained, Ethan!” A giggle escaping your mouth.

“Whatever. I feel like a mad scientist as I mix all this stuff in this pot right now,” Ethan comments, his beefy arm holding the pot with one arm and wooden spoon in the other.

“You’re such a loser,” You laugh as you walked towards Sean, grabbing a bib to put on him so he could eat his dinner.

As Ethan begins to scoop out the mushy noodles onto Sean’s tray, you sat down in the chair adjacent to Sean. Your eyes can’t help but look up to watch Ethan as he carefully distributes the mac ‘n cheese little by little, so Sean can manage his bites. Ethan’s hazel eyes lit up with happiness as Sean grabbed the mac ‘n cheese out of Ethan’s hands, his little teeth munching happily away.

“Here you are, ‘lil buddy,” Ethan coos as spread the mac ‘n cheese out for Sean. You continue to still stare in awe as Ethan tends to his nephew in such a caring manner. In that moment, you fall a little more in love with Ethan, and pray to whatever God there was that you got to have little Ethans of your own someday.

“Yo, if you take a picture it’ll last longer, sweetheart,” Ethan says dryly. Ethan’s eyes weren’t even trained on you; he was still staring at Sean.

You shove him lightly, “I was gonna give you a compliment, but nevermind.”

Ethan’s eyebrows perk up at that, “Oh really?” He sticks a finger in the piles of mac ‘n cheese and fed it to Sean, his little lips sucking off the noodles happily.

“Yeah, I was gonna say you look like a natural taking care of him, but you hurt my feelings so I take it back,” you huffed.

“You’re such a drama queen.” Ethan laughs as he went to poke his finger to get some more mac ‘n cheese to feed to Sean.

Suddenly, Sean’s two little fists reach out to grab Ethan’s finger, the few teeth he has biting down onto Ethan’s tender skin.

“HOLY MOTHERF- IT BIT ME!” Ethan screams, yanking his finger out of Sean’s mouth, a shocked expression written all over his face.

“Sean, we don’t bite, baby, you know that,” you say as you hide a smile at your face, silently laughing at Ethan’s dramatics. Sean only has a few teeth at this point so Ethan couldn’t really have been in that much pain.

Sean’s head immediately sinks to the highchair, his little lip jutting out in displeasure knowing he upset the two adults.

“I can’t believe he bit me!” Ethan rubs his finger to soothe the small amount of pain he felt in his phalange, a scowl plaguing his face.

“Ethan, you had your finger in his mouth for several seconds!”

“So? Sean, we do not bite,” Ethan scolds. Sean’s lip jutted out immediately, tears beginning to leak from his eyes.

“Oh shit,” you both said in unison as soon as Sean begins to cry his little heart out.

[ariannjs]

KARIN | A SasuSaku FanFic (4/10)

(Karin - Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3)

———

When he opened Karin's room, he didn't expect the sight to leave him frozen by the door with his mouth slightly parted in awe. His heart ran wild as his mind suddenly flew to a far future that he didn't even know if he'll ever reach or deserve.

For he found Sakura in the middle of the room, gazing at a redhead baby in her arms as she hummed a random tune and swayed it to sleep. He never imagined how such a beautiful scenario was fitting for her to be in.

"Oh. Good afternoon, Sasuke-kun."

He recovered from his trance when Sakura glanced up and smiled at him, gently and almost sheepishly, taking his breath away. "Hn." He avoided her eyes as he dropped the bag he was holding to a table once he was inside the room. "I brought the remaining stuff of Karin from my house."

"Ah. Karin's still asleep, she became easily tired after welcoming Suigetsu earlier." Sakura giggled softly to avoid waking the little bundle in her arms. "Meanwhile, Suigetsu said he'll try to search for a temporarily place they could stay in while Karin and the baby are recuperating."

He tersely nodded, continuing to avert his eyes from her. After years of his absence, and a month of her deliberate avoidance in seeing him, Sasuke suddenly struggled to keep his cool around the pink-haired medic.

It didn't even help that she began pacing towards him, still humming a sweet melody that he couldn't put a name on, and then she stopped close enough for him to smell the cherry blossom scent of his hair alongside – what was that – milk? Ah, of course, she was holding a baby. His heart pounded against his ribcage at that fact once more.

"Sasuke-kun, this is Suika." She cradled the baby and looked at him. This time, he had no choice but to meet her dazzling gaze. "Do you want to hold her?"

Sasuke's eyes widened momentarily. "I...I only have one arm, Sakura."

She chuckled. "I know. But don't worry. Here, I'll help you." She was already extending her arms and positioning the baby on his only arm before he could even reply.

He, on the other hand, was stuck in staring at her face the whole time. It wasn't having a single arm that could compromise the baby's safety, but his lack of focus due to his awestruck admiration towards the medic nin. He didn’t expect her to be that knowledgeable and comfortable about anything related to babies at such a young age.

He felt a tug at the corner of his lips at the realization that his former teammate in their genin squad has come a long way. A part of him wished that he was there to witness her growth in the past, but a bigger part of him suddenly desired that from now on, he’d be there to see her reach the beautiful future that awaits her.

"There! Suika, this is Uncle Sasuke." She cooed.

Sasuke gripped the baby a little tighter when she let out a soft whimper. He finally turned his face to Suika and slowly imitated the way Sakura cradled her moments ago as she fixed the infant's bib in place.

He was well aware that Sakura was too close and that they were in such an intimate position, holding a baby and all. And Sasuke couldn't help but think about the possibility of him and Sakura being in the same scenario again one day. The only difference would be holding a black-haired (or pink-haired? He doesn't mind.) baby in between them by then. He was a little surprised with the direction his thoughts went so he softly cleared his throat, hoping to clear his mind as well.

"You're doing well, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura chuckled as she took a step back, taking in the sight of the great Sasuke Uchiha holding an infant in his arm. "You look so cute holding a bab—oh!" Her hand flew to cover her lips at the realization of what she had just said. A flush immediately appeared on her cheeks. "I mean, it's...uh...you—"

Tch. Annoying. "It's fine." He smirked. At least he's not the only one who was flustered.

"Hey, Sasuke!" They suddenly heard a voice by the door.

"Sssh! Suigetsu! Your wife and daughter's asleep!"

Sasuke stifled a laugh at the way Sakura hissed at his former comrade in Taka which reminded him of the usual way she scolded Naruto in Team 7. He still found it a bit odd that two parts of his past could still be there in his present.

The water ninja scratched the back of his head. "Ah. Sorry, Sakura-san."

"Do you want to hold your kid?"

"Where is—oh!" Suigetsu suddenly snickered when Sasuke turned to face him. "Never in my life did I imagine seeing you holding anything valuable other than a sword, let alone a baby!"

His former leader rolled his eyes.

"Here, let me get her."

Sasuke eyed Sakura for assistance but she simply gave him an encouraging nod, trusting him fully that he wouldn't be the cause of a newborn’s cracked head today.

When Suigetsu was already carrying his daughter, his gaze quickly softened as he flashed a toothy smile.

Sasuke was yet again surprised with the sight. He couldn’t deny that he was amazed with how his former comrades have changed for the better since the time he formed Team Hebi.

He looked on the ground. How could someone with an intense drive for killing people have such a look on his face? Is redemption really that possible? Does he even deserve the same thing?

“Really, though, Sasuke, thank you,” Suigetsu began, his eyes still fixed on his kid. “I believe it was orchestrated how we crossed paths last month. I...I really didn’t want to put Karin in danger in the Mist. They still needed to believe that I’m really pledging allegiance to my clan again despite my connection with Orochimaru for my new family needs a place to stay in. But if they saw Karin with me while we settle disputes, they might think we’re plotting something against the village.” He rolled his eyes and cackled. “Things like that were fun. But, I’m way past that. I and Karin are way past that. Thanks to you.”

Sasuke’s head snapped up, his lips parted as if to ask him what he was talking about.

“When we saw how willing you are to recommit to the Leaf, and help it from the outside, we thought it’s possible to do the same thing, to be like you in some ways. Now, we’re here. And you’ve kept my wife and child safe up to now. So, thanks Sasuke.”

Sasuke was still frozen in place as he stared back at Suigetsu. How could his former teammates be inspired with someone so messed up like him?

Sakura was smiling the whole time as he observed the two men. She could sense how uneasy Sasuke was, and she could only imagine the struggle in his thoughts right now. She sighed softly, realizing that he probably still didn’t believe that he’s now a changed man.

How could he not see it? She’s heard from Naruto and Kakashi how he was serving the village from afar and how he was helping people from other villages. It even made her think of him as a one-man police force that protects the village in the shadows. And that kind of man is far from the broken boy he used to be. She really wished he sees it now.

“I’m sure Karin is grateful as well. You know how much that woman was into you.” Suigetsu released another laugh. “I don’t even know how your patience survived her in the past month.”

“Oi! I can hear you!”

Three pairs of eyes darted towards the patient in the room.

“Oh. Speaking of the four-eyed devil,” Suigetsu muttered, feigning irritation.

Sakura found herself amused at the husband and wife. “Karin, glad you’re awake.” She then paced towards her and assisted her so she could be in a sitting position.

“Thanks, Sakura.” Karin slightly shifted in her bed, her entire body still sore from yesterday’s labor. “Well, truth be told, I didn’t bother Sasuke that much since I could take care of myself. I only sought for his help when I needed to go out and buy something since long walks are going to be the death of me, probably until now. So mind you, Shark-face, I don’t think I’ve stretched his patience. Right, Sasuke?” She grinned.

Sasuke heaved a sigh, and they weren’t sure if he wanted to say otherwise.

Suigetsu stifled a laugh at this. “Well, if circumstances were different I’m sure you would’ve been glad that you finally had an alone time with Sasuke.” He quirked an eyebrow at his wife. “You’ve always wanted that, right?”

“Oi! That’s not what—!”

“You’re both waking up and stressing out your kid.” Sasuke took it back, his teammates hadn’t changed at all.

“Sasuke-kun’s right, guys.” Sakura chuckled with her hands on her hips. “Now, now, I need you, men, to be out for a while because I’ll let Karin try to breastfeed Suika.”

Both men’s ears turned red.

“Oh, alright.” Suigetsu approached Karin who was still glaring at him. Snickering, he handed their baby gently in her arms. “I’ll be back. I might go out again to continue searching for a place.” He then kissed the top of his daughter’s head, paused in front of Karin’s face, and stuck his tongue out at her when she expected for a kiss.

Her reaction was worth it, and he was sure if she wasn’t holding their baby, she would’ve smacked him around the head.

When the water ninja was already by the door, holding it open for him, Sasuke turned to face Sakura and said, “I’ll just wait for you outside.”

And then all the girls were left inside the room.

Sakura remained staring at the door, slightly wondering as to why Sasuke would say that he would wait for her when in fact, Karin was the patient and the one he should be visiting. Then she realized the fact that weirdly, he didn’t even speak to the redhead at all.

———

(Karin - Part 5)

Any comments on this part wherein we’ve finally seen the father of the baby? Haha. Your comments on your thoughts, feelings, and feedback are highly appreciated!😄

My estimate on the chapter length of this was extended due to the limits of what I can post on a single tumblr post. Stay tuned for the next one! Thanks & God bless!

Check out my other SasuSaku fics here!☺️

- A

[martinlook43-blog]

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[ladyoftheattic]

NO!vember

(This was a request from @sailorslash to go along with an art idea she had. So, being her Drarry fic slave, I delivered as best as I could. This is completely unbeta’d and only half reread.)

Day 3

Draco sighed as he filed the last of his paper work away. He pulled his watch from his robes, ten minutes until Potter’s next meeting. Being The Savior’s PA wasn’t what Draco had imagined for his future, however, it seemed to have worked out. No one would hire him with his past peeking at him from around the corner. The Golden Boy didn’t seem to care. They’d run into each other at a pub one night and the jovially drunken Head Auror Potter had hired him on the spot after hearing Draco begrudgingly tell him his troubles. The real surprise had been that Monday morning when he’d received a call from Potter asking him why he was late on his first day.

With a stack of forms for Harry to sign, Draco opened the door to his office and stopped dead in his tracks. Harry looked up from his desk and waited for Draco to speak-- but Draco was speechless. Or so he thought.

“Why do you look like a homeless?!”

Harry’s brows knit together in confusion, “A homeless what?”

Draco stomped his foot a little in impatience, “You know what I mean, a homeless! I’m used to you not shaving but this is ridiculous. Let me go get my emergency shaving kit.” He whirled around to leave.

“Wait!” Harry stopped him before he could get too far out of the office. “No, this is purposeful.”

Draco’s face dropped, “What do you mean?”

“It’s a thing I’m doing with Ron and George,” Harry flashed his best impish grin.

The disgust was apparent on Draco’s face, “Why on Earth…”

“It’s just a bit of fun,” he assured. “It’s called No Shave November. We’ll be do--”

“The whole month? THE WHOLE MONTH?!”

“I mean, yes?”

Draco shuddered, “The whole month. On purpose. Potter, you’re trying to kill me. You do know that you have a meeting with the Minister of Magic on the fifteenth, right?”

Harry looked thoughtfully at the ceiling for a moment, “It should be long enough to look respectable by then, it’s only the third now.”

Rolling his eyes, Draco dumped the paper work on Harry’s desk and muttered something about it never looking respectable and that Harry would look like he had roadkill stuck to his face for a month before slamming the door.

Day 7

“Good morning, Malfoy,” Harry rushed into his office after grabbing the steaming mug of tea waiting for him.

Draco had barely enough of a moment to glance up before Harry hurried passed him, it was enough time to absolutely horrify him, “How does it look worse and worse every day?”

Harry stopped in his doorway and turned around, grinning, “You like it that much?”

“Why is it so patchy and awful? Can’t you even grow a beard properly, Potter?”

Chuckling, Harry turned and went into his office. As he closed the door he called through, “It’ll be better by the eleventh or the twelfth, promise!”

Sincerely doubting that, Draco tried to keep his breakfast from coming up thinking of the balding rodent pelt currently glued to Potter’s face.

Day 12

Opening the door, Draco kept his eyes closed and dropped the day’s paperwork to the nearby chair, “Sign them and put them back on the chair. I’ll get them in two hours. Do not come out and hand them to me!”

“How long are you going to go without looking at me?” Harry asked behind barely hidden amusement.

“How long is it going to look like you have a horrible skin disease?”

“It looks much better now.”

Draco began to close the door behind him, “I don’t believe you and I’ll see you after the month is over.”

Day 15

Draco had been dreading today. Today was the meeting with the new Minister of Magic and he had to make sure Harry looked presentable. Everyone knew Draco was the Head Auror’s PA so it would reflect badly on him if he let the Minister walk into the office with Harry looking like he’d glued someone’s pubes to his face. Gathering the shaving kit he’d bought for today, Draco took a deep breath and steeled himself for his required task.

Flinging the door open, Draco announced “It’s grooming time, Potter! Sit still and this will only take--”

Harry looked up from his desk and Draco truly was speechless this time. The patchy stubble had been replaced. The short beard was serving to accentuate Harry’s strong jaw and cheekbones that Draco had only barely noticed before. It made his knowing smile look more mischievous than it ever had-- Draco stopped when he really noticed Harry’s smile.

“I told you it would look fine by the fifteenth”

Gathering himself, Draco made sure every bit of his snide arrogance was firmly back in place, “I wouldn’t call it ‘fine’ but I suppose you don’t look as though you were in some sort of potions accident.”

He could hear Potter laugh to himself as he closed the door behind him. Stiffly, Draco sat down behind his own desk and stared at nothing but the clean, wooden top. His mind, however, was cluttered. That smile framed by a bit of rugged, prickly, possibly coarse…

“Excuse me! Sir, can you hear me?” the Minister was waving his hand in front of Draco’s face and turned to face his assistant, “Do you think he’s been hexed?”

Draco popped up and resumed his job.

Day 20

Harry took a bite of his sandwich and wiped at his face with a napkin before looking at Draco who was sat in a chair next to him explaining the forms he had to fill out. “So I’ll need to go look these two up, the rest I’m sure I know off the top of my head.”

Draco was unresponsive, he seemed distracted by something on Harry’s face.

Harry wiped at his mouth more, “Do I have crumbs?”

Blinking rapidly, Draco quickly responded, “Yes, and it’s driving me to distraction. Come here.” Draco leaned forward and cupped Harry’s face with one hand and wiping away imaginary crumbs with the thumb of his other. Dear Merlin, how was his beard so soft?

Harry’s eyes fluttered a bit and he exhaled slowly, this seemed to jerk Draco from whatever trance he was in.

“Merlin, you’re a grown man, Potter. Why do you eat like you still require a bib?” The question was breathy and disjointed. Draco stood and made his way out, “I’m headed home early for the weekend. I’m sure you’ll manage without me.”

Harry nodded as he watched Draco go.

Day 25

As Harry passed and grabbed his awaiting mug of tea, Draco sniffed the air. He was taken aback, “Did you change house elves, Potter?”

Harry stopped, “No, why?”

Draco shrugged, “Something smells good, I thought maybe your robes were better washed today.”

Grinning, Harry rounded Draco’s desk and bent down, “It’s a new beard oil. Smell!”

Inhaling cautiously, Draco unconsciously leaned in closer, “It’s horrible up close.” He inhaled deeply, “It’s much too strong.” He leaned in more and his eyes drifted shut. “Awful,” he whispered.

Harry slowly pulled back and stood up straight. Clearing his throat, he quickly excused himself and shut the door behind him.

Draco cursed under his breath.

Day 30

“Well, today’s the day!” Harry proclaimed.

Draco glanced up from unpacking his briefcase, “What’s today?”

“Tonight I shave it off! It’s the last day of the month, Malfoy.”

Draco’s chair flew backwards when she shot up, “You’re shaving it?!”

“Oh? You’ve hated it for so long, I figured you’d be excited,” Harry grinned slyly.

Draco looked to his side, trying for the world to seem like he cared about anything else so much more than this conversation, “I was just clarifying. I thought you’d never get rid of the blasted thing.”

“Mm-hmm, I see. I wasn’t entirely sure,” he mused. “I thought it had grown in fairly well. Sort of distinguished, you know?” Harry scratched his chin.

Draco watched Harry’s fingers go through his beard. He didn’t notice but he’d rounded his desk and was standing in front of Harry, who was looking him in the eye with a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

“Yes, Mr. Malfoy?” he teased quietly.

“Not distinguished,” Draco murmured.

Harry nodded, “Okay, I suppose. But a little more gruff, mature? Maybe kind of rugged? I think it’s grown on me, so to speak.”

Closing the distance between them in a long stride, Harry leaned in, “What do you think?”

Draco could smell the cedar scented beard oil Harry had used that morning, he leaned in. “I think it’s about time you got rid of it.” His hands went to Harry’s face of their own volition and he ran his own fingers through the thick hair, “It’s coarse, wild, and entirely too rebellious.”

“Well, tell me what you really think of it then,” Harry laughed softly. He leaned into Draco, gently catching his lips in a kiss that was more of a question than a statement. Draco pressed in, allowing himself to be overcome with the scent of Harry.

Taking the queue, Harry deepened the kiss and allowed himself to wander just a bit to Draco’s neck, pressing his prickly beard into the crook of Draco’s neck, he received a quiet moan in return. Pulling back up, Harry pressed a firm kiss to Draco’s lips again and looked him in the eye.

“So am I keeping it?”

Draco leaned his head on Harry’s shoulder, “Keeping it well trimmed and groomed, Potter, obviously.”

Harry chuckled, “Obviously.”

[initforthelongrun2019]

I Got You Potatoes

I had been contemplating whether or not to do the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (the third race in the Vietnam Trail Series) for weeks. When I finally made the decision to run, I then deliberated long and hard about whether to sign up for 70km or 100km. I listened to my tight hips and continuously aching shoulder; I considered the work trip I had before and after the race, which meant that I would be exceptionally busy and would also require use of my feet for long periods throughout the day. I thought about the time I had to prepare for the 100km; was I able to take time off work to travel the day before, would I have time to prepare enough items for a second drop bag? I also thought carefully about the cut off times for the 100km; I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to maintain a good pace for such a long distance, in order to meet those tight cut offs. In the end I made a ‘sensible’ decision and decided 70km would be the best option for this race.

In hindsight, this was most definitely the right choice, although perhaps an even shorter race would’ve been the better option this time round. For the first 20km I wasn’t in the right headspace, and for the remaining 50km, I felt sick and nauseous, unable to keep food inside me, with sickness and diarrhoea plaguing me throughout. For once, I wasn’t affected by injuries, but everything else was letting me down. Even my shoulder, which had been giving me sleepless nights in the run up to the race, was relatively pain free, thanks to two physio sessions that week; one with my regular physio, Flavia, in Hoi An, and another with Wade from ACC, at the race expo, just a few hours before flag off.

I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to understand why I had such a bad race, and have come to the conclusion that there were many contributing factors.

Firstly, I wasn’t able to eat or hydrate properly the day before the race. I am always careful not to drink too much water during bus journeys as I don’t want to be THAT person who keeps asking to stop. I also didn’t bring any food with me as we were leaving Hanoi early, around 7am, meaning that we would arrive in Sapa just in time for lunch. Or so I thought. Nine hours after getting on the bus; a journey which is only meant to take 5-6, I finally arrived. This was the first time I was truly happy about the decision I made, as the 100km started at 9pm, whereas the 70km began the following morning at 3am. Although it was still an early start, it meant that I had time to have dinner, which I desperately needed after missing lunch, as well as enough time to prepare my bag and attempt to sleep.

After a quick catch up with friends at the expo, a few needles in my painful shoulder and a lovely dinner with Em J and W, I headed back to my hotel, ready to prepare my things and get some sleep. I was staying in a very small guesthouse with an adorable elderly man who spoke very little English. I spotted the large padlock next to the main door and worried that I wouldn’t be able to get out at 1am the next morning, so using google translate, I tried to explain that I needed him to keep the door open so that I could leave on time for my race. I was still worried that the message hadn’t got through, so I called a friend who explained to him in Vietnamese, exactly why I had to make him set his alarm and get out of his warm cosy bed at 1am. When I got to my room (still worrying that I wouldn’t be able to get out and eyeing up windows which I might have to climb out of) I began the long process of packing my things. I knew that we had a drop bag at CP4, but since I’ve never had the opportunity for a drop bag on a 70km race, I decided that I wouldn’t make use of this opportunity now, mainly because I didn’t have any time to prepare any additional items, so I was desperately hoping I wouldn’t need them. I then contacted my parents, who earlier that week, told me that they were waiting for the results of their Covid test. During the call, they told me that they had been diagnosed with Covid, so after a very long conversation consisting of me worrying and both of them trying to reassure me, I climbed in to bed but got zero hours sleep. I rarely sleep well the night before a race anyway, but this was possibly one of the worst night’s sleep I have ever had.

I climbed out of bed the following morning feeling terrible; even worse when I realised I got my period. This didn’t come as a surprise, but still wasn’t particularly pleasant, especially as I was already feeling run down and exhausted. Normally I try to avoid having my period on races, but this time I didn’t plan so well. Another reason why I decided against 100km this time round. Anyway, there wasn’t a lot I could do, so I got dressed, used my head torch to find my way out of my room as the lights weren’t working, and left the hotel. There was no sign of the elderly man, but there was a key next to the locked door, so I let myself out.

My stomach felt funny before I even crossed the start line; at the time I thought it was a combination of period pain and nerves, so I wasn’t too concerned. What was worrying me most was the fact that I couldn’t seem to get myself in to a good headspace. Running through the night is something I always find quite challenging, but normally when I start in the dark it’s not too bad, as I know that daylight isn’t too far away. This time it seemed like it was very far away, and I hadn’t even started yet.

For the first 20km I struggled with a painful stomach and exhaustion; I passed two runners sleeping between two checkpoints, carefully being watched by one of the volunteers, and I thought about grabbing my emergency blanket out of my bag and joining them. Yet for some reason, I didn’t; I kept thinking about the 100km runners, especially my friends who were running this race, and the fact that they had been going all night. I knew they wouldn’t have given up, so I didn’t either. I wanted to keep going until at least checkpoint two, so that I could run at least a half marathon; my plan was to call it a day once I reached this checkpoint. Normally when I have thoughts about DNF’ing I’m absolutely devastated but this time I really didn’t care; usually I worry about having to tell people that I quit, and also the impact it might have on my confidence for future races, but all I wanted this time was to go back to bed and call my parents once they were awake. However, just before I reached the second checkpoint, I heard someone call my name. It was my friend Duy, who I finished VTM with back in January, and have been bumping in to at various different races ever since. I saw him running in his 100km bib, still looking so strong, and I realised at this moment it would be hypocritical of me to give up. So I carried on going.

After this, the race all kind of blurs in to one. Usually I would put this down to leaving it so long to write my post, but I normally have such a vivid memory and this time the race itself felt like a blur. Luckily, I was well enough to enjoy the devastatingly beautiful views that Sapa has to offer and, thanks to my brand new camelback from the Activ Store, I was able to keep my phone in a front pocket so that I could easily access it to capture those striking moments. I have completed all of my previous runs using a Salomon camelback and I have to say it’s honestly one of the most frustrating things; no front pockets, so no access to gels, snacks – anything – and one of the reasons why I have so few photographs from previous races. Anyway, I digress. But the new bag was probably one of the highlights of the entire race.

Unlike VJM in Pu Luong, this race was a little busier and so I met some fantastically interesting people and had some wonderful conversations. I remember running with a lovely lady named Ly; I was feeling silently terrible, but I tried to match her pace as I was finding it really motivational to run with her. The sun was finally rising as we ran and she told me to take it all in, and expressed how lucky she felt, knowing that she was able to enjoy this. She was so right, but at the same time I couldn’t shift those feelings of guilt; knowing that I was running while my parents were sick and so many people weren’t even allowed to be out and about. I suffer from anxiety which has been even worse this year (no surprises there) but normally when I’m running I can overcome these negative thoughts. This time I couldn’t, and I felt waves of anxiety and depression crashing over me throughout the entire race.  

I also had to battle with my iffy tummy which, as it turns out, wasn’t just due to period pain and nerves. I still have no idea why, but I wasn’t able to consume any food (I had just two lecka bars and a few oranges throughout the entire race), I threw up twice and I went to the toilet so many times I lost count. I also had a terrible ‘bathroom’ experience; if you’re squeamish I would recommend skipping to the next paragraph, but if you’re not, then here goes. After having way too many wild poos (hey, we’re in the mountains, it’s normal), I decided that I would treat myself to a proper bathroom break at the next checkpoint (checkpoint 4, I believe it was). The toilet turned out to be a squat which didn’t deter me as I’ve lived in Asia for long enough now, however, what was slightly off putting was the fact that the bathroom ‘wall’ consisted of a very thin piece of wood, which didn’t actually cover the entire area. So, as you squatted, your knees would be on show, and as you stood up, well, EVERYTHING would be on show. All of this while a man was stirring soup and making noodles in the kitchen RIGHT next to me.

You’ll be pleased to know that, after my bathroom experience, I don’t really have many other memories. I got to a point where I couldn’t even really contribute to discussions with runners and so I opted to run alone for the most part. I felt so weak and spaced out; I remember leaving one checkpoint and I honestly don’t know which one it was, but I didn’t really understand that I’d left it, until I was on my way. As I was running as I was looking at the map on my bib trying to decipher which checkpoint I had just left, which checkpoint I was running to, and how long I had left. I asked these questions to a runner who passed me, he sort of laughed as though I was joking; then when he realised I wasn’t he slowed down to give me a full overview of who I was, where I was and what I was doing there.

Some point after that I threw up, for the second time, and I left voice notes with Gareth and Em J, telling them I would call it a day at the next checkpoint. Injuries are one thing, but sickness and dehydration were causing me a lot of worries, and I really felt like I might pass out on the trail. However, after hearing that Em J had a very similar experience, but still finished, I powered through, knowing that she would have been running at her absolute maximum intensity, and still managed to complete. Her voice notes got me through the last few km’s, especially the long and winding tarmac road (which we created our own song about - Tarmac is a WANKER) which eventually led to the finish line. Somehow, I managed to find my legs (and a tiny bit of energy) to power walk the last few km’s and even run the last two. As I crossed the finish line I apologised for making them wait (ever so British, I know) and thanked them for the potatoes they had waiting for me. I was sad that I didn’t have my post-race food cravings, and I was also slightly disappointed that I couldn’t enjoy a post-race beer, but honestly, potatoes dipped in soup were an absolute game-changer. I felt absolutely fine once I’d finished; no aches, no pains; the next day I was walking fine and even went for a recovery swim. But I couldn’t shift the sickness, and felt ill for the next few days. As I still haven’t gotten to the bottom of this, I’m a little concerned about future races, but I have many to look forward to next year so I’ll just try and power through as normal.

[yevonscribbles]

Dignity

In which Gideon and Nick get it in a compromising position…

*****

Hey everybody I hope you have been enjoying the story of Nick and Gideon with the budding romance of Judy and Edward cause I have been enjoying writing it. I have plenty of ideas coming up continuing the story loosely. This weekend I am going to do some house cleaning and get hyper links going to make reading the stories flow a bit better (especially now that I am cluttering Tumblr with my random fan art...) so thank you for all the feedback, notes, and messages they mean a lot! 

Fair warning this one is a little mature for suggestive content so shield your eyes!

***** 

Everything was going well for Gideon Grey. The pudgy baker had just successfully opened his first “Gideon Grey’s Real Good Baked Stuff” in the Meadowlands, his fiance was due home any minute for a night alone, and he was working with his investors to plan out the future of his rapidly growing business. The red fox had been working endless hours with the goal of creating a franchise and having a test kitchen in Zootopia. That way he could finally find a house and move in with a certain Nick Wilde. With a smirk, Gideon poured some wine to go with the salad he had made for dinner. A jingle of keys alerted the baker that his partner was home.

“Welcome home mah Doughnut!” Gideon called from the kitchen. He heard a heavy coat hit the couch but no response from the fox officer. Suddenly, a warm breath tickled the back of his neck as a pair of paws wrapped around his waist. A whisper made his fur stand on end.

“Why hello sexy…” Nick said dripping with desire.

“Hhh...Hi yerself…” Gideon shivered. No matter how many times the fox officer whispered into the larger foxes ears Gid always felt weak to his knees. Expert paws slowly removed the button on the baker’s bib overalls. He felt the clothing slack around his waist. With a purr, Nick began to unbutton the plaid shirt his partner wore. With a jerk, the larger foxes shirt feel to the kitchen floor. Nick nuzzled the larger mammal and commanded. “Turn around.”

The baker turned around to meet the slender fox and saw the desire in Nick’s green eyes. Gideon kissed his fiance as he began to unbutton the crisp police uniform while his own desire began to grow. Warm paws reached below the slacked coveralls and grabbed below the baker’s tail. A noise escaped the pudgy mammal’s maul, breaking the kiss. The officer licked his lips and with a final pull the coveralls fell to the floor. Gideon felt his face turn red feeling so exposed.

“You are so sexy my Pumpkin…” Nick said before falling to his knees and running his paws through the cream fur on display before him. The officer had been waiting for this moment for the last week.

“Ah...ah guess we are putting dinner on hold?” Gideon asked with a smile, his paws moving to his partner’s head. Before Nick could respond, the door to the apartment cracked opened. Both foxes turned to the noise as their noses began to twitch trying to figure out what was happening. “Nick...did you lock da door?” The larger fox whispered.

“Yeeeesssss…” Nick hissed. A pair of voices could be heard and the door as the foxes could finally make out the mammal who had opened the door.

“... Don’t worry Edward my foxes arn’t home…” Judy slurred. Both foxes cursed to themselves.

“...Oh? Well let’s get you some water.” The raccoon said. Gideon gave Nick a confused look.

“That's Judy’s boyfriend…” The slender fox said. Nick began to curse every letting Judy have a key to his apartment. Suddenly the pair heard a heavy slump onto the couch and the muffled sound of two mammals making out. A small fit of giggling followed before more sloppy kisses could be heard. Nick looked up to his boyfriend. “Now what do we do?”

Meeting his partner’s gaze the baker said. “WE put on our clothes and try to get to our bedroom-”

“Um...Hi?”

Both foxes froze and looked to the new voice with their ears glued to their skulls. A shirtless raccoon stood in the doorway with his jeans unbutton and offered a weak wave. His face a bright crimson, “Judy...were not alone…” The grey bunny officer stumbled into the room obviously disheveled with her shirt unbuttoned and ears dropped.

“Sweet cheese and crackers...Nick you weren't lying about how big Gid is!” The rabbit slurred with a grin. Edward began to laugh and Gideon felt his face burn. Nick gave his partner a mischievous grin.

“Yah told her about mah DICK!?” The baker said with disbelief. Judy joined her boyfriend in laughing at the baker expense. Nick tried to stifle his own laughter.

“Ok. Ok. Give us 5 minutes to get dressed and we will meet you in the living room.” The slender fox said.

After a few minutes, Judy was sitting on her boyfriends lap while he sat across the couch where Gideon and Nick sat next to each other where the slender fox had his paw around his partner. An uncomfortable silence had filled the air. Not sure what the hell to do, the newest mammal spoke up.

“So ummm… Hi again Nick and hello other fox. You must be Gideon!” Edward said with a scratch of his head and a nervous smile. The baker fox gave a wave before the raccoon continued. “I’m Edward and as you might have guessed I am dating Judy who may have had too much to drink…” With a smile the rabbit lifted up her paw.

“Guilty! But to be fair, we thought you two had dinner plans and wouldn’t be home till much later. So we had a good time at a bar close by and I wanted to have sex-”

“Alright, no more talking from the drunk bunny!” Edward laughed, pulling Judy’s raised paw down and holding it. The normally composed rabbit officer began to giggle. With a sigh, the raccoon gave her a nuzzle.

“Ah don’t mind if Judy wants to come over and use our apartment for...ahem…’recreational uses,’ but ah little warning would have been nice!” Gideon said with a huff.

“I’m still horny…” Judy protested causing the rest of the room to erupt in laughter.

“I have never seen her so drunk!” Nick said slapping his knee. “What did you give her!?”

With a sigh, the raccoon gave a smile. “Dirty Shirley Temples…Apparently vodka is her weakness. My plan was to get her here, maybe make out a little until she falls asleep, and then take care of her in the morning when she gets the hangover of her life.” The both foxes found themselves giving an involuntary ‘awww.’ Judy had began to nuzzle her boyfriend’s neck.

“I wanted to hear you make that noise again…” The rabbit slurred. “That one when I put my finger-”

“Whoa, hey there Judy, some of us have already shared a lot about our private anatomy today and I don’t feel like being on that list!” Edward interrupted. “Where can I put our favorite bunny so she can rest?” Gideon got up from the couch and motioned for the raccoon to follow him. Down the hall, the baker pointed to the spare bedroom that Judy had claimed shortly after Nick moved in. Walking past the fox, the sobering rabbit officer began to giggle.

“I’m sorry we ruined your special time Gid…” Judy said.

“And?” The baker said with a huff.

“...And I am sorry I knew how big your penis was… Blame Nick!” The rabbit protested causing her boyfriend to let out a laugh.

“Don’t be too hard on the poor fox Gideon.” Edward added with a smile. “You know Judy is going to turn beet red when she hears what she said while drunk right?”

“Ohhhh yeah, ah am looking forward to it!” Gideon said with a wicked smile. “Now you take care of her, she mean a lot to us.”

“I intend on it, hopefully next time we hang out we can have less awkward nudity.” The raccoon added with a slight blush. “I might not be gay but damn dude!”

Gideon began to blush. “Sush! Get to bed both of ya!” With a final wave, the baker fox made his way to the living room only to find his boyfriend naked on the couch with a cocky smile. Gideon felt his jaw hang open.

“Like what you see?” Nick teased while patting the seat next to him. “I figured we could start again from where we were interrupted…”

“But...ah...They will hear us…: Gideon protested before his lost all rational thinking. With a sigh, Nick got up from the couch and wrapped his paws around his fiance’s waist pulling the baker fox in for a kiss. Pulling away, the officer licked his lips and gave Gideon a satisfied smile. “Well I don’t hear you protesting now…”

With his own smirk, Gideon licked the tip of his partner’s nose. “Yer horrible, ya know that you sly fox…” The larger fox lifted Nick and laid him on the couch. Rubbing his paws over the toned muscles of the officer. “Ah guess we can play Mr. Wilde.  Besides, it’s yer house…”

“I like the way you think Mr. Grey… or should I say Mr. Grey-Wilde?” The lean fox teased.

“Ah could get used to that.” Gideon smiled. “Ah love you.”

“Really...Show me.” Nick purred, his emerald eyes gleaming with need. With a chuckle the larger fox proceeded to show the officer just how much he loved his fiance.

*****

The next morning...

Judy resolved never to drink again. The harsh morning sun hurt her eyes while she recovered in bed. A soft click of the door caused the rabbit to perk up. Edward came into the room holding two cups of coffee and a warm smile.

“Good morning Sunshine.” The raccoon whispered, not wanting to agitate the rabbit further. “How you feeling?”

“Like I was in an explosion...again…” Judy said taking a cup from the raccoon. “How did we make it to Nick’s apartment?”

“Well you wanted to have some naked time…” Edward admitted with a blush. “But I knew you were a little drunk, so I figured I would let you have sloppy make out times then get you to bed. We made it here and you proceeded to remove my shirt and start taking off my pants before I insisted I get you some water. When I went into the kitchen-”

“Oh sweet cheese and crackers please…” The rabbit slapped her paw to her forehead.

“Your foxes had a similar evening planned and were naked in the kitchen. I waved to them and was about to excuse myself when you stumbled into the kitchen and proceeded to compliment Gideon on the size of his penis.” The raccoon said with a smile. He was enjoying watching Judy’s reaction to what Drunk Judy had done. It might be his new favorite game.

“Oh please end me!” Judy pleaded.

“Not on your life, I have grown quite fond of you Judy Hopps. Though you may want to avoid the couch for awhile. After we went to sleep, the foxes seemed to have had a good night.” The raccoon smirked while the rabbit gave him a strained confused look.

In the other room, two foxes snored blissfully into the morning unaware of the smell of sex and stains over their fur and couch. Nick was happily laying face first in the chest of his partner whose mouth hung open with a grin. A blanket had been thrown over them by Edward when he had made coffee. At least the foxes could keep some of their dignity...

[greysfanpage388]

Amnesia part 6

Hey guys, so sorry for the delay in getting this chapter up- real life got in the way yet again. 

But now, here is the latest chapter - enjoy and do let me know what you think!! ;)

p.s  Megan has not yet been found in this series. Also it doesn’t follow my Omelia family universe entirely ( although the flashbacks were extracted and modified from there) as in this series- they got married first before conceiving their first child.

Here are the links to previous chapters if you have yet to catch up on the series:

http://ailingnoor.tumblr.com/post/162816736156/amnesia-part-1

http://ailingnoor.tumblr.com/post/162967866251/amnesia-part-2

http://ailingnoor.tumblr.com/post/163430940186/amnesia-part-3

http://ailingnoor.tumblr.com/post/163942823906/amnesia-part-4

http://ailingnoor.tumblr.com/post/164324423821/amnesia-part-5

p.s.  Thank you @jia911 for proofreading and feedback and @francescabuccino for giving feedback too! <3

She slowly cupped Owen’s face as his heart pounded with excitement. She traced the outline of his rough facial contours and his beard. Her hands slowly traced his muscular arms and the outlines of his muscular chest.

His arms traveled down to her waist as he pulled her close to him. Slowly, their lips touched. Her lips tasted of cherry blossom due to the lip balm she had applied. It was a slow, sweet kiss, similar to their very first kiss outside his trailer after she appeared with sparkling water. For Owen, it was feeling the tenderness of Amelia’s lips and savoring her kiss again after so long. For Amelia, it was about rediscovering the magic of kissing Owen Hunt for the very first time.

2 weeks later

It was Amelia’s first day back at work after a whole month of staying at home with the nanny and taking care of Charlotte. She loved Charlotte with all her heart and cherished the quality bonding time she had with her daughter, but she had to admit she was starting to feel bored being stuck at home alone with the nanny and Charlotte. She was beginning to feel restless at home the last couple of weeks as she regained her strength. She started helping the nanny with household chores when Charlotte was sleeping, even though the nanny politely told her that there was no need to do so. Her excuse was that she was bored and needed something to keep herself occupied. In the evenings after baby Charlotte was bathed and fed and tucked into bed, she would FaceTime Addison and Jake, and her friend Charlotte to catch up with them.

Her progress during the therapy sessions was so good that Dr Raj had cleared her to return to work, with therapy sessions just once every fortnight. More and more memories of her pregnancy were gradually returning to her.

Now that she was back at work, she was experiencing a mixture of emotions. Part of her was glad to be back in the groove of work. She really missed reviewing patients in the ER, and rounding up on pre and post operative patients. She missed the thrill of operating on open brains in the ER.

But at the same time, she couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from Charlotte, although it was just for a few hours. She and Owen decided to send Charlotte to the hospital daycare for the day, as Elizabeth had just called in sick that morning and they were unable to find a replacement nanny in such a short notice. Furthermore, they could drop by to check on their daughter in between breaks at work. For the past month, she had been spending all the time with her baby and it tore at her heart to leave her in daycare. Charlotte was going to be one of the youngest kids in the daycare.

Amelia walked into the ER with Charlotte in tow. Charlotte was wearing a pink onsie with a flowery bib.

She could enter through the hospital lobby but she wanted to let Charlotte see her father for a while in the ER before she was sent to the daycare.

‘Amelia! ‘a chipper voice called out.  ‘You’re back!!! ‘

Amelia turned around to see April walking over to her with a cheerful smile on her face.

April’s big smile was contagious as she found herself smiling back.

April enveloped Amelia and Charlotte in a big hug.

‘ We’ve missed you. ‘ she said earnestly. ‘Owen always updates me regarding your progress at home, but I miss being able to page you down for a consult. Nelson is good, but he just can’t replace you.’

‘Thanks. I’m glad to be back too.’ Amelia said earnestly.

‘ Where is Owen?’ she asked, when she saw no sign of her husband in the ER.

‘ He’s in the OR operating on a polytrauma patient. He just scrubbed in so he would be stuck there for quite some time.’ April answered.

‘Oh ok, just tell him that I’m taking Charlotte up to the daycare and he can drop by to check on her anytime during the day. I myself will be checking on her during my lunch break. ‘ Amelia said as she rocked Charlotte in her arms.

Charlotte had opened her eyes and was starting to fuss as she stared at April with her big blue eyes.

‘Hey there little one, ‘ April smiled at Charlotte as she spoke to the baby in a voice she only reserved for babies. ‘Wow look at how much you’ve grown since I last saw you! ‘she added as she gently stroked the baby’s head.

‘ I’m gonna send her up to the daycare.’ Amelia announced. ‘ It’s only for today, but it’s her first day there, and I’m rather reluctant to leave her.’

‘Oh- I know the feeling! I was a bit apprehensive of sending Harriet to the daycare initially and didn’t want to let go of her during the first day. But after a while both of you will get used to it. Harriet loves it there now! ‘ said April enthusiastically.  ‘The caretakers there are awesome. Millie, who runs the daycare is so experienced and is such a kind and caring person. She makes you feel at ease leaving your child with her.’

‘Thanks, you saying that makes me feel much better about leaving her in the daycare.’ Amelia smiled.

‘ Yay, look who is back at work!’ Arizona greeted as she approached the duo.

She hugged Amelia before turning to April.

‘ April- I’m admitting Patty Jenkins, the 31 year old primi in bed 3 for observation.’ she informed.  ‘I’ve asked one of the nurses to book a room for her.’

‘Thanks.’ April nodded.

‘ So- first day back at work huh? Exciting! ‘Arizona said flashing Amelia a wide smile.

‘ Yeah- I’m excited to be back at work. Excited to be back in the gist of things. I miss being in the ER.’  Amelia said smiling.  ‘But I’ll miss Char too.’ she added as she gave Charlotte an affectionate peck on the head.

‘ Awww…..she’s so adorable.’ Arizona gushed.  ‘Can I hold her? I just washed my hands.’

‘Of course. ‘Amelia answered as Charlotte was transferred to Arizona’s arms.

‘ Oops……there’s an incoming trauma.’ April sighed as her pager beeped. ‘ I’ve gotta get going.  ‘Bye guys! ‘ she said as she ran towards the ER entrance door, leaving Arizona and Amelia standing at the nurses counter with Charlotte.

‘ I can’t believe she’s already 2 months old.’ Arizona pointed out as she stared down at Charlotte in her arms. It seems like only yesterday she was born. I still remember seeing her in utero. She was such a thumb sucker! ‘

Amelia forced a smile in reply.

Arizona’s face fell as she suddenly remembered that Amelia could not recall her pregnancy and the antenatal sessions.

‘ I’m sorry.’ she apologized.

‘ Don’t be sorry.’ Amelia said reassuringly. ‘ My memories are gradually returning back to me. Thank you so much, Arizona, for taking care of me throughout this entire pregnancy and saving mine and Charlotte’s lives.’

‘ It’s my job, and you’re my friend. Of course I have to do all I can to save both of your lives.’ Arizona said earnestly.

‘ Right Charlotte?’ she asked the baby as she rocked the baby in her arms.

Charlotte was now fast asleep in Arizona’s arms, oblivious to her surroundings.

‘ When you both found out that she was a girl- it was so beautiful.’ Arizona recalled grinning. ‘ When I mentioned that it was a girl while performing that 5 month scan, you were both over the moon. It was such a heartwarming sight to see.’ she added.

At Arizona’s words- a flashback occurred in Amelia’s mind.

[ flashback]

Amelia had just finished assessing 2 children for head injuries after a drunk driver drove into the car driven by their mother. She and Owen were updating each other on the condition of the mother and the 2 children as they were walking down the hospital corridor towards the antenatal clinic where Amelia was scheduled for her 5 month antenatal appointment.

‘ You know, when I look at them I picture our future children’ Amelia said suddenly. ‘ With blue eyes and dark hair like me’.

Owen chuckled. ‘I wouldn’t mind that at all, our children looking like you.’ he said as she blushed.

‘ I wouldn’t mind our children looking like you too.’ she replied as they held hands and continued walking down the corridors of the antenatal floor.

 ‘So do you have any preference?’ Owen asked. ‘ A boy or a girl?’

‘ Hmm…..I don’t know. ‘ Amelia replied shrugging . ‘ I don’t really mind either way. You?’

‘ I really don’t mind either.’ Owen said earnestly.

‘ Zola just told me this morning she really wanted a girl cousin though’ Amelia recalled. ‘ I told her she already has a sister, but wanted more girls to do girly stuff with.’

‘ And Bailey told me earlier this week he wanted a boy cousin.’ Owen said.

‘ Did he?’ Amelia had an amused tone in her voice.

‘Yes, when we were playing on the swings at the neighborhood park.’ Owen chuckled in reply.

Do you want to find out the gender of our baby?’ Amelia asked as she stopped and touched his arm to catch his attention.

‘ Do you?’ Owen asked as their eyes met.

‘ I don’t know, I mean - I want it to be a pleasant surprise, but on the other hand, we need to buy gender specific stuff for the baby, and we need to know what color to paint the nursery in.’ Amelia replied, running a hand over her hair to straighten it.

‘ We can buy gender neutral colors.’ Owen pointed out. ‘ Besides, why do we have to conform to gender specific colors? I mean, girls can wear blue and sleep in a blue nursery.’

‘ Yes, but there isn’t much gender neutral clothing choice. You can only buy so much of green onesies. Furthermore, do you want your son to wear a pink onesie if he’s a boy?’ Amelia retorted.

‘ Why not?’ Owen shrugged. ‘ I don’t see what’s so wrong with that. It’s the 21st century. I don’t get why people are so rigid about dress codes for babies.’

‘ Alright- I agree with you. It doesn’t matter, but I still want to find out. I want to start referring Bean as ‘he’ or ‘she’ instead of just simply ‘Bean.’ Amelia pointed out.

Owen grinned. ‘ Yes, that’s true… Let’s find out the gender of our baby then.’

He grabbed her hand again and they entered the antenatal unit, their hands linked together.

A few minutes later, they were in the antenatal room with Arizona.

‘ Please tell me that the baby still has ten fingers and ten toes and a head’. Amelia said nervously, staring at the ceiling as Arizona manipulated the wand around her swollen belly. Even though the detailed scan performed the month before revealed the baby to be perfectly healthy with no abnormalities, there was still this nagging feeling in the back of her mind that something might go wrong. She had expressed her anxiety about it one night to Owen, and he comforted her by saying that their baby was going to be fine, and he was going to be with her and support her throughout the entire duration of her pregnancy.

Arizona let out a small chuckle as she manipulated the ultrasound probe.. ‘Yes, I can tell you that your baby has all members of their body still intact, and that the heartbeat seems strong. Also, the baby is moving around a lot.’

Amelia heaved a sigh of relief at Arizona’s words as she dared herself to look at the ultrasound screen. She smiled as her heart warmed at the sight of her baby sucking it’s thumb.

‘ Do you want to know the sex of the baby?’ Arizona asked as she moved the probe further.

Both Amelia and Owen nodded their heads in unison.

‘ Ok then, now for the exciting part.’ Arizona announced as she zoomed in between the baby’s legs. She took a bit longer than usual, looking like she was trying to search for something which she couldn’t seem to find.

Both Amelia and Owen were starting to get anxious.

‘ Is there anything wrong with my baby?’ Amelia asked, grabbing hold of Arizona’s arm.‘ Please tell us if something is wrong, don’t hide it from us.’

Arizona shook her hand vigorously, suddenly being reminded of the time April and Jackson found out that their baby Samuel had Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

‘ Nope, everything seems to be fine’ Arizona smiled reassuringly at them. ‘ It’s just that I’m certain this baby is a girl… I can’t see any boy parts.’

‘ A girl’ Amelia whispered to herself in awe. A girl, a little girl who was a mixture of her and Owen. They were going to have a daughter, and she wondered whether their daughter would look more like her or Owen. Their little girl would grow up loving barbies , dance and princess parties, or prefer soccer and toy trucks. She would love her unconditionally no matter how she turned out to be. Part of her was relieved their baby was not a boy, because looking at their son would remind her of her unicorn baby.

Meanwhile Owen grinned so widely it almost cracked open his jaw. He was now picturing a little girl running around, a miniature version of Amelia, with brunette hair, blue eyes and dimples. Their little girl had him wrapped around her little finger already and she was only 5 months in utero.

Both expectant parents gazed at each other lovingly as Owen cupped Amelia’s face and kissed her tenderly on the cheek, his heart full of joy. He had never felt happier in his whole life . His joy was contagious as Amelia felt her heart leap for joy as well.

Now that they knew they were having a little girl, they couldn’t wait to meet her already.

[ / end flashback]

‘Hello? Earth to Amelia!’ Arizona’s voice transported her back to the present moment.

‘I’m so sorry, what was it you said?’ Amelia asked.

‘I was asking how is it like being a new parent. ‘ Arizona repeated. ‘ When Callie and I first bought Sofia home, it was a learning curve for me as well, even though I deal with kids on a regular basis. It’s just different, you know.’

‘ Yes, I agree- even though I babysat for my nieces and nephews all the time, having your own child is an entirely different experience altogether. Charlotte is amazing though.’ Amelia said as she gave her daughter a quick peck on the cheek. ‘ Right Char?’

Charlotte, who was now awake and staring up at Arizona, cooed in agreement as both adults smiled adoringly at her.

‘I zoned out because I just had a flashback to the day of the 5 month scan you were mentioning about.’ Amelia admitted.  ‘Owen was so overjoyed that he couldn’t stop smiling for several days after that. He was going around the entire hospital telling everyone that he was having a daughter.’ she chuckled.  ‘ My hormonal self wasn’t amused at him announcing to the entire hospital about the gender of our baby, but he said that he was too excited to keep it a secret. No wonder we received so many pink gifts during my baby shower.  I remember all that now.’

‘I’m so glad that you’re regaining  your memories, Amelia.’ Arizona said earnestly.

‘Yes, me too.’ Amelia smiled in reply.

Just then, April walked over to the duo, informing Arizona that she had another pregnant patient to be reviewed.

‘ Well- I’ve gotta go now- I’ll catch up with you later.’ Arizona excused herself as Charlotte was transferred back to Amelia’s arms.

‘ Right- I have to get Char up to the daycare.’ Amelia replied.

______________________________________________________________

A few nights later

Amelia sighed as she plopped herself down on a chair beside the kitchen counter. She was exhausted after an entire day of rounding on patients in the wards, reviewing patients in the ER and operating on patients in the OR. She had just fed and bathed Charlotte and tucked the baby into her crib. She needed some rest before the baby woke up for her next feeding.

After a few days of returning to work, she was starting to get back into the groove of work. The thrill of diagnosing patients, operating on them in the OR and seeing their improvement post operatively was returning to her. She didn’t realize how much she missed work until she actually returned to work. She did wish she could spend more time with Charlotte though.

Owen was still at work and was expected to come back anytime soon. She found herself impatiently waiting for him to come home. With her memories slowly returning to her, she found herself slowly but surely developing feelings for him again.

She was starting to notice some details about Owen which she loved. She loved the way his eyebrows would furrow when he was concentrating on a task at hand. She observed him in the ER and noticed how passionate he was with regards to his job and how great a leader he was. In the ER, he was strict and always giving orders to ensure structure in the ER. At home though, he was an entirely different person. He was so patient, kind, caring and loving towards her, and so affectionate towards Charlotte. It really warmed her heart to see him cuddling their daughter whenever he reached home. He would also make it a point to show some affection towards her, such as giving her a kiss on the cheek or on the lips, or just holding her close in his arms. He was careful to not go beyond kissing and cuddling though as he was afraid she was still not ready to be physically intimate with him once again. The way he was so patient towards her really touched her heart.

She walked towards the fridge, planning to prepare a meal for him. She stopped as she studied one of the ultrasound pictures stuck to the fridge with a piece of magnet. There were several ultrasound pictures stuck on the fridge, for each trimester of the pregnancy, but that particular picture stood out as it was the very first ultrasound picture printed out, during the very first antenatal scan. Amelia could now recall her antenatal sessions during the later part of her pregnancy, but she still couldn’t recall the first trimester of her pregnancy.

She took the ultrasound picture in her hands and stared at it. It was just a black and white photo showing a tiny blob in the middle of the photo. It was amazing, she thought, how just a tiny embryo could eventually develop and grow into a brand new human being. It was the miracle of life.

Her mind was transported back to her very first antenatal scan session.

[ Flashback]

Amelia lied down on the bed of the antenatal scan room, her heart pounding as she waited for Arizona to enter the room. Sensing her nervousness, Owen, who was seated beside the bed, held her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. His heart was also beating fast, but it was because he was so excited to be able to see his own child for the very first time.

He was still over the moon about the fact that the pregnancy test which she took the night before turned out positive. Earlier on that evening, they were cuddled on the couch, having Chinese takeaway when she whispered into his ear that she was late. When he figured out what she meant, he couldn’t finish the rest of the dinner. When the test turned out positive, his heart leapt for joy. It was what he had wished and hoped for , it was his dream come true, to become a father. His joy was contagious as she found tears of joy streaming down her face too as he hugged her tight, telling her how much he loved her.

And now, both parents couldn’t wait to see their baby. Amelia stared up at the ceiling, saying a silent prayer that this baby wouldn’t be anencephalic. She still thought of her unicorn baby often and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing another baby the same way. It would be her worst fear, having another brainless baby. She forced as smile as she looked at Owen, who smiled back at her. She knew how excited he was about becoming a parent, and she didn’t want to dampen his spirits.

Owen, on the other hand, knew about Amelia’s first pregnancy and what she had to go through bringing an anencephalic baby into the world and donating his organs. He knew her nerves were most probably due to the fact that she didn’t want this baby to have any abnormalities too. Therefore, he tried his best to contain his excitement for her sake.

The curtains were drawn and Arizona appeared, smiling at the couple.

Prior to that, she had asked Amelia the normal antenatal questions before proceeding with the ultrasound. Now it was show time.

‘Sorry it’s a little cold.’ she warned as she squeezed the gel on Amelia’s stomach and Amelia winced at the cold sensation.

‘You guys ready to see your baby?’ she asked cheerfully.

 ‘ Yes.’ Owen answered, trying to hide his excitement as he squeezed Amelia’s hand. Amelia gave him a nervous smile in return.

 ‘ Ok, let’s see.’ said Arizona as she manipulated the probe on Amelia’s still flat stomach.

 ‘ Alright, there you go.’ she said as she stopped moving the probe and pointed to a small blob on the screen. Seeing a viable embryo properly implanted in the uterus, she zoomed in the image for the couple to see.

‘And here’s your baby, congratulations!’ she proclaimed as Owen’s heart leapt for joy upon seeing his baby for the very first time.

 ‘ It’s still rather small.’ Arizona added, ‘ But you can see the head and the limbs forming already.’ she said, smiling as both expectant parents stared at the screen in awe, marveling at the life they had created together.

‘ We can only confirm anencephaly at around 11 weeks, but right now we can see the basic organs and everything seems fine so far. The gestational age is around 7 weeks from the crown rump length.’ Arizona announced as both expectant parents nodded in understanding

 ‘ Wanna hear the heartbeat?’ Arizona asked as both Amelia and Owen nodded eagerly.

 Arizona adjusted the scan settings, and soon the comforting ‘ lub dub’ sound of the baby’s heartbeat filled the antenatal scan room.

 ‘ Well, it definitely has a strong heartbeat.’ Arizona pointed out smiling. ‘ Your baby seems fine and healthy.’

 Amelia felt tears rolling down her cheeks as Owen hugged her tight.

 ‘ Our baby is going to be fine Owen.’ she repeated, wanting so bad to believe this sentence as she looked up at him and their eyes met. ‘ Our baby is fine and healthy.’

 ‘ Yes, our baby is fine and healthy.’ Owen replied smiling as he kissed the top of her forehead.

 For the first time since her pregnancy, Amelia finally let herself rest assured that everything was going to be alright. She knew that there would still be the 11 week scan and the detailed scan during her second trimester , but she somehow felt reassured that this pregnancy would have a happy ending, unlike her first pregnancy.

[ / end flashback]

Amelia was transported back to the present time by the sound of keys jiggling at the main door and the main door knob turning.

She walked towards the living room, holding the ultrasound photo in her hands.

Owen’s face lit up when he saw Amelia standing at the living room waiting for him.

‘Hey.’ he greeted her with a wide smile, just so happy to see her after a long tiring day at work.

She slowly made her way towards him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Glad to see that she was starting to get much more comfortable physically around him, he reciprocated by wrapping his arms around her waist.

‘How was your day? ‘ he asked as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

‘Busy.’ she replied, cupping his face with one of her hands and staring up at him, smiling. ‘ The same old rushing from the ER to the wards, to the OR. How was your day?’

‘ Busy too.’ he answered, looking down lovingly at her. ‘ Non stop patients coming in to the ER the entire day. Kepner and I hardly had time to rest. ‘

‘ Where’s Charlotte?’ he asked, looking around the room.

‘ She’s fast asleep in her crib upstairs.’ she answered, pointing to the baby monitor on the coffee table.

He looked at Charlotte’s sleeping figure in the monitor with awe. He could just never get enough of his daughter.

‘ What is that you’re holding in your hand?’ he asked with interest as he noticed the ultrasound picture she was holding.

‘ Charlotte’s very first photo.’ she answered as she placed it on his hand. ‘ I just remembered that very first appointment. I was very nervous then because I was afraid of the possibility of having another anencephalic baby.You were excited though and I didn’t want to dampen your mood.’ Her face fell a little at the mention of her first baby whom she still missed.

‘ I know I understand.’ Owen said, holding her hands as a supportive gesture. ‘ I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you, going through that.’ he added sympathetically.

‘ It was really tough. But I’m so thankful I had my friends in the practice there to support me during those dark times.’ Amelia admitted.

‘ I’m thankful they were there for you too. But now we have Charlotte- and she’s happy and healthy.’ Owen added, causing Amelia to give him a dimpled smile.

‘ Yes and I’m so grateful for her.’ she said earnestly.

They both stood a while longer at the living room, staring at the ultrasound picture in awe for several more minutes before retreating to the kitchen to prepare dinner together.

______________________________________________________________

 A few days later

The couple was winding down in their bedroom after a long tiring day at work. Maggie had kindly offered to babysit Charlotte for the night, pointing out that both new parents needed a well deserved break, so the baby was in Meredith’s house. Having showered, Owen was on the bed reading a journal while Amelia showered.

Amelia found herself more and more at ease being with Owen, and memories of the earlier stages of her pregnancy were returning to her.

He couldn’t help but steal a glance at her as she stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe. Although she had used the hairdryer to dry her hair, it was still slightly wet. After all these years of being together with her he still couldn’t get enough of her. To him, she looked more beautiful than ever after pregnancy and childbirth. Her body had returned back to its slender pre pregnancy shape, and he thought she looked gorgeous.

Noticing him staring at her, she smiled coyly at him as she made her way to the wardrobe to take out her nightgown.

The first nightgown which caught her sight was a bright red nightgown with lace at the edges. She removed the nightgown from it’s hanger, placing it on a chair beside the wardrobe. She then took out a bright red underwear to match the nightgown.

‘Hmmm…..I wonder when and where did I purchase this nightgown? I don’t remember buying it. ‘ she wondered out loud as she wore the underwear nightgown.

She turned around and giggled when she noticed Owen still checking her out.

‘Why, you’ve never seen me wear this nightgown before?’ she teased. ‘ I know, I always choose the other nightgowns, but I think that this one is special, and I just feel like wearing it tonight.’

‘Well, it is special.’ Owen pointed out. ‘ It was the nightgown you wore the night Charlotte was conceived. It was a very special night indeed.’

Amelia walked over to the bed and stood in front of him.

‘Well- tell me about that night.’ she demanded softly as their eyes met.

‘ It was the night of our first wedding anniversary.’ he recalled.

Amelia closed her eyes as she tried to remember the night.

[ flashback]

It was the first year anniversary of their wedding. Owen and Amelia decided to do something special to commemorate the special occasion.

They had booked one of the most popular restaurants in town, Canlis, a couple of weeks before , for fear of it being fully booked during the date.

For days, they looked forward to and counted down to the date as it would be their first date together after so many weeks. They had been so busy at work and couldn’t afford to take time off to spend with each other.

They dined in a romantic ambience, enjoying each other’s company. They chatted about their day at work and the interesting cases they had encountered throughout the day. They had always enjoyed exchanging stories about each other’s day at work. Their conversation eventually drifted to their childhood memories. Amelia recalled her childhood years tagging along with Derek on his dates with Addison and them not minding at all. Owen reminisced fondly on his childhood memories with Megan , with her tagging along for camping trips and soccer games. She never missed a single soccer game of his when their mother was too busy with work to be able to attend. He still missed his sister so much and never gave up hope of her being found alive one day.

Amelia was wearing a simple but beautiful red dress with a V shaped neck which reached to her knees and accentuated her curves. She completed her look with diamond earrings, a matching diamond necklace and high heeled red shoes. Owen thought she was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen that night and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He himself was wearing a chic collared light blue shirt. Amelia also couldn’t help checking him out the entire night, thinking he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

After the dinner, they went up to the Sky View Observatory and marveled at the sight of the fully lit city below them. They enjoyed each other’s company, wrapped up in the bliss of their own world.

Amelia noticed Owen subtly stealing glances at her throughout the night and she couldn’t help but feel flattered that she still had that effect on her husband.

As soon as they reached the privacy of their bedroom that night, Owen immediately walked over to Amelia and pulled her close to him as he planted a trail of kisses down her neck.

She giggled softly as she felt a tingling sensation of desire travel down her body at his touch.

‘ You look so beautiful tonight.’ he whispered into her ear as he nibbled on her earlobe playfully.

‘ I know.’ she replied, winking cheekily at him.

Owen chuckled at her vanity as he turned her around in one swift move so they were standing face to face. Their eyes were both burning with passion and desire.

He cupped her face in his hands, as he bent down to kiss her tenderly on the lips. She tiptoed to meet his kiss.

His hands trailed down to trace the outline of her slim, slender waist and her hands traced the outline of his rough beard.

As their kiss intensified, Amelia suddenly pulled away from him, much to his dismay.

‘ Amelia’ Owen pleaded, unable to hide his disappointment.

‘ We need to shower first. ‘ she pointed out, whispering in a husky voice.

‘ Oh are you implying that we can shower together?’ Owen asked winking.

‘No- I want to make tonight special.’ she answered as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt, teasing him further. ‘ So we will both take turns to shower first, starting with you. Because I have a surprise for you.’ she winked.

Banking on the promise of her surprise, he complied.

40 minutes later, Owen was sitting shirtless on the bed , pretending to read a journal, but waiting in anticipation for Amelia to come out from the bathroom.

When she finally stepped out of the bathroom , his eyes widened as he admired her. She was wearing a sexy , red lacy nightgown which she had just purchased especially for that occasion the week before. He thought she was the most gorgeous woman ever. He got up of bed, his eyes never leaving hers as he closed the gap in between them.

‘ Do you like my new nightgown?’ she asked seductively, winking at him as she made her way towards the bed and stood before him.

‘ Oh I like it very much.’ he answered as he pulled her close to him, wrapping his hands around her waist. He could smell the vanilla scent of her hair. They shared a passionate kiss as their hands explored the contours of each other’s body. His hands wandered to the outline of her breasts while her hands traced the muscular outline of his broad chest. Their tongues fought for dominance as the kiss intensified and their desire and passion for each other was ignited. Clothes were thrown in a haste onto the floor.

In one swift move , Amelia pushed Owen onto the bed as she climbed on top of him. Amelia was full of surprises, and Owen discovered earlier on that this was one of the surprises- that she could be feisty in bed as well. Owen liked it when she took control sometimes, it turned him on even more.

That night, they made sweet and passionate love, celebrating their love for each other.

[/end flashback]

Amelia’s face lit up as she recalled the memory of that special night.

‘ Oh yes, I remember now!’ she exclaimed. ‘ We didn’t get much sleep that night.’ she winked playfully at him.

‘ We certainly didn’t.’ Owen replied, smiling at the memory.

She pulled him close to her and cupped his face, staring up at him, her eyes full of love and passion. She suddenly tiptoed to kiss him gently on the lips, taking him by surprise.

He gently pushed her back as he looked into her eyes, searching for an honest answer.

‘ Amelia, don’t get me wrong, but are you ready?’ Owen asked cautiously. ‘ I want you to be ready first.’

‘ Yes I am.’ Amelia replied confidently. She felt that she was indeed ready to reconnect physically with him once more.

‘ I’m ready now, Owen.’ she said, an earnest tone in her voice.

Their eyes met again. Owen’s was full of desire . How he missed her touch! He missed running his hands on her smooth skin and exploring the contours of her body. He missed the feel of her, inhaling her scent and being physically, emotionally and spiritually connected as one with her.

Amelia now realized that she also missed all of this, being intimate with Owen. Now that the memories were starting to return to her , she realized that they both shared an intense and passionate physical and emotional connection .

He cupped her face in return and kissed her gently but passionately on the lips. He wanted to take it slow as he didn’t want to push her, this being their first time since she lost her memory. To his pleasant surprise she reciprocated the kiss eagerly and soon their tongues were fighting for dominance as they eagerly explored each other’s bodies.

That night, they reconnected again as one. For Owen, it was about getting his dear wife back. For Amelia, it was about rediscovering the beautiful and passionate love affair she had with Owen. They were Owen and Amelia once again, and nothing could get in between them.

 Alright guys- this is it, the end of this chapter! Do let me know what you think- reblogs, comments, reviews and messages are very much appreciated. I always love hearing from you all!! <3

P.s  Do you guys want me to continue this series with Amelia having more flashbacks- how Owen and Amelia fell in love, their first kiss outside the trailer, the wedding, etc. ? Or do you think that this series could end here? Or do you want just one more chapter to serve as an epilogue to wrap things up?

Please do let me know what you would prefer ok? ;) <3

[raywritesthings]

Lost in Translation 6/?

My Writing Fandom: Doctor Who Characters: Donna Noble, Tenth Doctor Pairing: Doctor/Donna Summary: In a universe where people are born with the name of the person destined for them displayed on their skin, intergalactic soulmates can be rather difficult to navigate. AO3 link

He was taking her to a spa planet. Donna couldn't believe it.

She picked up a brochure on their way in, familiarizing herself with the various attractions and services they offered. Oh, if anything showed he was still trying to make up for the beach trip that wasn't, this was it. They'd been other places since the Library and even stopped home to see her folks, but nothing quite so grand as this.

“I don’t even know where to start,” said Donna as they left the check-in desk.

“Well, there’s no rush.” The Doctor strolled along at her side with his hands tucked in his pockets, looking about himself with an open curiosity. “We can stay as long as you like.”

Donna stopped. “Seriously?”

He looked back at her and nodded. She felt a smile spread across her face so wide it threatened to break it. He really could treat a girl when he wanted to! Donna grabbed him in a hug, then pulled away just as quickly before she could lose her head and kissed him or something. He’d only just managed to free his hands, and the fingers of one trailed along her arm as she stepped back.

Donna shook the brochure to get them back on track. “So, what first?”

Of course like any bloke, he ran off to the thing that sounded the least spa day possible, though she supposed playing tourist had to count as relaxation for him. He even tried to convince her to come along. As if! Sitting on some bus the entire day just to hop out for a few quick minutes then head right back sounded just like Egypt. Anyway, Donna wasn’t missing out on getting pampered with anything and everything this place had to offer.

She'd been lounging by the pool and contemplating a section of the brochure advertising a clinic that did blemish removals when he'd made his last effort to invite her along to the diamond waterfall, which she firmly rebuffed.

“I’ll be back for dinner,” the Doctor promised over the phone. “We’ll try that anti-gravity restaurant. With bibs.”

“That’s a date,” Donna said, then winced. How’d she let that one slip out? First calling him pretty, now this? “Well, not a date,” she corrected before he could even get started. “Oh, you know what I mean. Oh, get off!”

She could hear the grin in his voice. “See you later.”

Donna let him go, not without a warning to be careful. Better safe than sorry. If anybody could find trouble on a bus, it’d be him. She shook her head with a fond smile. That was her Spaceman.

And there she was at it again. Donna knew it wasn’t like that with them. She’d agreed right at the start, happy enough to be traveling on the TARDIS with the Doctor to even worry about things like relationships. Friendship had been all she’d thought she’d ever want from him.

That had been before her worst fear had been confirmed in the Library. Her fate was to die alone, incompatible with love. She'd tossed and turned in her bed every night since, only able to forget the terrible truth when swept up in another adventure with the Doctor.

It wasn’t as if she needed more. She wouldn’t die from longing or trying to think up increasingly desperate innocent reasons to have to kiss him again. But she wouldn’t mind not feeling guilty about either of those things.

It was security she was after, she supposed. The knowledge that at the end of the day there would be someone there for her to have dinner with, to sit beside and talk to, to be with in whatever sense of the word. And if that someone happened to be her best friend, so be it. He’d kissed her back, hadn't he?

The Doctor couldn't be in love with her, of course, but at least she didn't feel unloved in his company. And he benefited from having someone around, too, whether to stop him from going too far or to keep him from feeling too lonely. They were exactly what the other needed. It might not be destined, but their partnership just made sense.

People made pacts like that all the time; if they didn't find their soulmates by forty, they'd marry their best mate instead. Well, she wasn't quite forty, and he was well past, but what did it matter?

The only trouble was, she knew if he found out about her soulmate mark, he’d insist on looking into it. Never mind that not even the biggest library in the universe had the answer; he’d be determined to find it himself. And as long as he never got anywhere, they’d never get anywhere.

She looked over the brochure again. Blemish removals...

Donna didn’t want to sit around wondering about soulmates and destiny any longer. She hadn’t found the Doctor again by sitting around waiting for destiny to happen. She’d made her choice.

Donna drew in a breath, then got up and followed the directions to the clinic.

An attendant looked up from the front desk with a wide smile. “How can we help you today, miss?”

Donna held up the brochure. “It says on here you remove blemishes. Does that include soulmate marks?”

The attendant blinked. “Yes, that is a service we provide. Is that something you would like to have done?”

“It is, yeah. As soon as possible.”

“Very well. If you would follow me to one of our private rooms.”

She did so, taking a seat on the padded exam table as directed. The attendant sat on a wheeled stool.

“The doctor is finishing up with another patron, but as soon as she has finished I will inform her of your appointment. If you have any questions about the procedure, you can of course direct them to me.”

“How painful is it, scale from one to ten?”

The attendant looked up at her. “Oh, no pain, miss. You would be given something to numb the receptors before the procedure, as well as be provided relievers for any lingering pain afterward. The procedure itself can be done in a matter of minutes.”

“Yeah, this one might take a little longer than you’re used to,” she admitted. “Brace yourself.” Donna stood and then turned around before letting her robe fall down her shoulders to expose part of her back. She knew the instant the other woman saw her mark; she gave the usual reaction.

A gasp, followed by an exclamation, this time an “Oh my!” Donna heard her wheel the stool a little closer. “Such an intricate design. What language is this?”

“No idea.”

“You mean you don't know what it says?”

“Haven't the foggiest.”

The back of her neck prickled, and she knew without looking that the attendant was just barely refraining from touching the indecipherable pattern.

“I suppose I would have no better luck than you. This is less of a name and more a work of art. You truly must have a special soulmate,” the attendant said with admiration. “Are you sure removal is your wish?”

“Oi, lady, do you get commission when you talk people out of it?” Donna snapped over her shoulder. “I want this thing gone!”

“Of course,” said the woman, ducking her head. “If that is your decision, we can get started right away.” She stood and retrieved something from a drawer.

“And you can still have it done quick as you said?” Donna checked. “It's just, I’ve got a date tonight. Of sorts.”

The attendant looked at her. “Ah, I see. If you would take this capsule.”

Donna was handed a little pill and a glass of water to help with the swallowing. Just as she'd placed the former on her tongue, a voice came over the speaker system.

“Attention, visitors. All Crusader Tours to our sapphire waterfall have been temporarily suspended. Crusader 50 will will make a delayed arrival. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.”

“Hold on,” said Donna, setting both capsule and water aside. “That's my friend, he was going on one of those. Why would they be delayed?”

“It could be mechanical trouble,” said the woman.

“Yeah, that's not likely with him. I’ve got to go see what this is about.”

“And the procedure, miss?”

Donna paused as she finished retying her robe in the front. “I’ll come back. Later, once I’ve made sure it's sorted.”

She found the information desk soon enough. “Excuse me! That Crusader Tour, the one that's been delayed, are they alright?”

A man with slightly purple-tinged skin looked up at her. “I’m sorry, miss, I can't really discuss that with visitors.”

“But I know someone on that bus,” she said.

“I’m sure your friend—”

“He’s my husband,” Donna decided on the spot. They had to have some sort of next of kin rights in the future, didn't they? “I want to speak to him.”

The man behind the desk hesitated for a few seconds, then sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.” He took up a communicator. “Crusader 50, please respond.”

There was nothing but static on the other end of the line.

“That's odd.”

“Oh, great. So they're trapped out there with no way of calling for help?”

“There was simply a mechanical fault that has rendered the Crusader 50 incapable of moving in either direction. A rescue shuttle has already been sent out to their location.”

“So they’re trapped out there with no way of calling for help,” Donna repeated.

“We are doing everything we can, ma’am.”

Donna sighed. “Yeah, alright. Any idea how long it’ll be?”

“The shuttle is traveling at top speed,” he informed her. “The round trip will take about two hours. If you would like to return to the spa, you may leave a number for me to reach you when they return.”

Donna thought of her pending appointment at the clinic. Then she thought of the Doctor.

“I’ll be staying right here, thanks. I want every update.”

The smile he’d put on for her was definitely forced now. “Of course, ma’am.”

Donna stepped back from the desk to give him a little space, at least. They’d probably end up biting each other’s head off before the rescue shuttle got there, otherwise. She couldn't bring herself to sit still for more than a minute — every time she tried, she just felt so guilty for sitting around while the Doctor might be in danger out there — so Donna paced back and forth instead.

Part of her hoped this was all just some big overreaction on her part. He’d come back grumpy from the long ride and missing the waterfall to boot, then see her in her robe and start laughing. Ask her if that’s what she was wearing to dinner. They could poke fun at each other for both wasting their day at the resort.

In her gut, Donna knew that wasn’t the case.

“Listen, how long has it been now? Shouldn’t the shuttle have reached them?”

“Ma’am, I will tell you as soon as they’ve made contact.”

“But shouldn’t we try contacting them again? Or ask the shuttle to try sending a message, maybe it’s just a reception thing—”

The communicator coming to life saved them from another argument.

“This is the rescue shuttle. We’ve reached Crusader 50.”

Donna and the deskman relaxed. “Ah, there, you see?” He directed his next words into the communicator. “Have you transferred the passengers? I trust there's been no trouble there.”

“We’ve transferred them. But they're, er, a bit shaken up. The front cabin’s come clean off somehow and taken the driver and the engineer with it.”

The man at the desk looked up at her in alarm before quickly taking the communicator and retreating several steps.

“Oi!” Donna leaned as far over the counter as she could and strained to hear.

“...incident. The hostess and one of the passengers—”

“Is the Doctor okay?” Donna demanded. “Is he there?”

The man turned around. “I’m sorry, ma’am. There were no doctors on the crew.”

“No, but my husband is one.”

He nodded his understanding, then spoke into the communicator. “Is one of the remaining passengers a doctor? His wife is very insistent.”

There was a brief pause that felt like an eternity as Donna held her breath and tried to call up half-remembered prayers.

“Yeah, he's here. One of the worst off of the lot, though. He’s barely said a word.”

She let out that shaky breath. He was alive. That was the important thing. The rest, she could handle.

“Where are they gonna be docking?”

The man took a map out and circled the area for her. He was probably glad to be rid of her, really. Donna wasn't bothered. It wasn't her fault his resort had clearly bungled everything.

It was a short walk, and then Donna was forced to wait and pace some more. The Doctor was coming back, but he wasn't well. What did that even mean? What had happened out there to leave four people dead? Something terrible. It was always something terrible when he had nothing to say.

At last, people began coming through in little groups. An older, scholarly looking bloke with a young woman; a family of three. All of them cast furtive glances at her before hurrying away from the scene, as if ashamed to be caught anywhere near the place.

And then there was the Doctor. His face was a blank mask, pale enough that she could make out the freckles on his cheeks even several feet away. He walked towards her with slow, halting steps, but she wasn’t entirely sure if he actually saw her.

Donna met him halfway, hugging him wordlessly. One of his arms folded around her back as though he were on automatic, and it took him a moment to lift the other one as well. When he did, he pressed her even closer to his body, causing Donna’s eyes to fly open before falling closed again. She would hold him as tightly as he needed, if it would keep him together. And it would be a long time before she could even think about letting him go.

In bits and pieces, she got him to relate what had happened. The creature, Sky’s possession, the attempt it had made to take him over and the actions the other passengers had nearly taken. The unnamed hostess’s sacrifice that had been the only thing that stopped them all. Donna barely refrained from bursting out in anger, but harsh words weren't what he needed to hear right now, even when not directed at him. He was already so quiet, so vulnerable. She'd never seen him like this, not ever, and she never wanted it to happen again.

Eventually, they rose back to their feet. The Doctor drew in a breath. “Best to just see the manager or whoever now. Then we can go.”

“Tell you what,” said Donna. “You head back to the TARDIS, and I’ll take care of getting this place shut down.” He looked to be gathering whatever strength he had left to protest, so she added, “Seriously, I can lodge a complaint like no one else. It’ll just take a minute.”

She thought his lips twitched just for a moment. “Alright, if you're sure.”

“Sure I’m sure. You just wait back home.”

It wasn't until Donna was striding away that she realized what she'd said. She supposed, in a way, she wasn't wrong; with her plans to keep traveling forever, it did make the ship a sort of home now. Spaceman hadn't remarked on it anyway, though that could've been because he hadn't deemed it worth the energy.

She made short work of finding the main reception desk, though she could hardly begin speaking before they were attempting to placate her. They must have been warned.

“That thing is still out there! Putting it out in the sun wouldn't have killed it, not when it lives out there!”

“We assure you, ma’am, what happened today was an isolated incident.”

Donna leaned over the desk. “Listen, you can either evacuate the planet and build a resort somewhere else, or my husband and I are gonna hit you with a lawsuit so hard you won't be able to open a bloody tanning bed when we're through with you!”

That got them moving at least. She'd made enough fuss some of the other guests in the area had noticed, so there was no sweeping it under the rug.

“We will need to make transportation ready before announcing the evacuation, you understand.”

“Fine. See that you do.” She straightened back up and paused before leaving. “I’m keeping this robe.” They were so owed a complimentary something.

Satisfied, Donna returned to the TARDIS. The door had scarcely shut behind her before the Doctor initiated takeoff. She didn't much blame him; Donna hadn't had half as bad a time as him, and she couldn't wait to get away from the place.

Aside from the sounds of the ship it was completely silent, which she set out to change. “So, shall I make us a cuppa? I think we’ve still got some biscuits, or if not I can—”

“I think I might need some time to myself, actually, Donna,” the Doctor said, shoulders hunched and body angled in towards the console.

Donna hesitated. She'd left him alone on that space bus, and look what had happened! He didn't look to be up for an argument, however, so Donna touched his arm briefly before retreating to her room.

“Goodnight, Spaceman.”

There was no reply.

She sat beneath the painting that hung in her room, some starfield lit up in reds and pinks. She'd been meaning to ask him what it was called. Now wasn't a good time, though.

There were a handful of texts from her mates when she checked her mobile, full of inane gossip she couldn't even begin to find an interest in now. A missed call from her mother; she supposed that she could try returning. Or maybe she'd be better off phoning Gramps. At least she could tell him what had happened and maybe get some advice.

Hoping that however this unlimited service and reception worked meant that it picked a good time to send the call to, Donna dialed her grandad’s number. She felt herself smile just at the sound of his voice when he answered. “Hello?”

“Hey Gramps, it's me.”

“Hey, Donna! How are you, sweetheart? Not making another visit, are you?”

“No, I don't think so.” She imagined the last place the Doctor wanted to be right now was a human-inhabited planet. Maybe that was why he hadn't wanted her hanging around. “Not for a while.”

Something in her tone must have tipped him off, for the next thing her grandad asked was, “Is everything alright, love?”

“No,” she said. There was no point in lying, not when she'd called him. “I’m fine, really, but it's the Doctor. Oh, Gramps, it was horrible!”

She told him everything, for once not downplaying the danger. He was just as outraged as her on the Doctor's behalf.

“Those people ought to be ashamed of themselves! Why, it's madness, turning on him when he was only trying to help like he does.”

“I should have been there,” Donna finally said aloud. “I could have done, well, something. Stopped it, maybe. At least he wouldn't have been alone.”

His reply was immediate. “Oh, don't blame yourself.”

“No, but he's so quiet, Gramps. And it's just not like him. He’s just pulling away, and I don't know how to reach him.”

“Best to give him some time,” her grandad advised. “If he hasn't come out of it by the morning, then you knock some sense back into him.”

“You really think I can?”

“If anyone can, it's my girl,” her Gramps said with utter confidence. “He needs you, sweetheart.”

She found herself smiling just a little. “Yeah, I hope so. Thanks for listening, Gramps.”

“I’m always here if you need me.”

“Yeah. I think I might go find him in a minute. I’ll let you know how it goes. Love you.”

“Love you.”

Donna hung up. She felt calmer now, more certain of what needed doing. Since when had she ever been a shrinking violet anyway?

A very soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Donna, are you in there?”

She sat up straighter. “Yeah, come in!”

The Doctor entered, though remained within reaching distance of the door which he didn't quite close behind him. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, as if unable to make up his mind on where he was going or why he'd come here in the first place. “Hi,” he acknowledged her eventually.

“Hi,” Donna echoed. “Thought you needed some time to yourself?”

“I’m not sure I know what I need anymore,” he confessed. Donna could only stare as he scrubbed his hands over his face. “I shouldn't have bothered you. I’ll just—”

“No, it's okay,” Donna said. She patted the spot next to her on the loveseat, and, slowly, he made his way over before sitting down with a heavy sigh. “I’m glad you came and found me.”

“Are you?” He smiled, but it somehow looked sadder than anything else. “Nice to know someone's glad of my company.”

It struck her the same way it had when she'd met up with him at Adipose Industries; he looked older. And tired, so tired. How could that have happened in just a day? How could she have let it?

Donna could not stop herself this time. She took hold of his shoulders and began guiding him to lie on his side. He made a curious sound in the back of his throat but went willingly till his head was resting in her lap.

Brown eyes gazed up at her. “Donna…?”

“Shh.” If he asked her what she was doing, she'd lose her nerve. It took her a couple tries as it was, but, eventually, Donna set aside her worries about what he might think or guess and placed a hand in his hair.

The Doctor's eyes closed, but he made no move to stop her or go. He was probably even more exhausted than she'd thought. Her confidence growing in the face of his trust, Donna tended to him with a soft touch the way she'd longed to for some time now.

She stroked his hair, his shoulders, his back — he shuddered, and his face was screwed up as if he was fighting desperately to hold in all that tremendous pain he carried with him.

“It's okay,” she tried to soothe.

“It's really not,” he said in a voice so choked it took her a minute to understand. “I shouldn't be here. I'm not supposed to be here.”

Her hands clenched in his jacket, balling into fists. God help those other passengers if she ever saw them again.

“Of course you're supposed to be here. You're right where you're supposed to be.”

A sob escaped him. One of his hands reached blindly and clasped onto her knee while he turned his face into her lap. That didn't stop her from noticing the tears that leaked onto her jeans.

It might have frightened her, seeing him like this, if they hadn't already been through so much together. And a part of her could feel nothing but relief; he needed this.

Gradually, his great, gulping breaths evened out and his body relaxed. Donna rubbed his back through it all and dabbed at her own eyes with the corner of her sleeve. As much as she tried to deflate his ego at times, seeing him so wretched and lonely was so much worse. She could only try to make up for all the things he'd lost and hope that got through to him somehow. At the least, he’d chosen to turn to her.

It was when his grip on her knee slackened that Donna knew for certain he'd fallen asleep. No surprise after the day he'd had. “Oh, Spaceman,” she murmured. Donna leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

Whether or not her Gramps was right, Donna was certain of one thing: she had to find some other place to get rid of her mark. There couldn't be any question of where her loyalties lay; if he found out about it he'd go thinking himself some unwanted burden again, probably try and leave her for her own good or something short-sightedly noble like that. Then he'd be all alone, and the more Donna knew him the more she could see how desperately he needed somebody.

“And I'm all you’ve got,” said Donna, gently combing his hair back from his forehead. His face was nearly dry of tears now, and she hoped in sleep at least he was finding some peace. “You poor Spaceman.”

—-

The Doctor came to with achy eyes, a runny nose, and a bit of drool trailing from the corner of his mouth and onto Donna's jeans. He sat up with an immediacy that dislodged her hands from where they'd been resting on his back and in his hair but did not wake her.

Her head was tilted back and slightly to the side, her mouth hanging open as her chest rose and fell with even breaths. Who knew how long he'd kept her here if she'd dropped off to sleep in the meantime? And yet Donna had not moved him, left him, or made any complaint.

She'd told him he belonged here with her, and the Doctor would give perhaps anything for that to be true. And yet he knew thanks to spoilers it couldn't last.

Who was he kidding? He didn't need foreknowledge; he could see for himself just where this would end if they took things any farther or any more intimate. The minute Donna got one look at his back it would all be over.

He’d been a fool to think he could bring her along and not fall in love with her. Now he was trapped between longing and dreading. A suitable punishment for him, he supposed.

No, he had to be more careful, had to remember the boundary they'd agreed on and why it was there. Donna didn't even want a relationship with him, so what was the fuss anyway? She'd been being a good friend letting him cry on her, holding him with a tenderness he hadn't known existed before. Taking care of him like she always did.

Well, now it was his turn. She wouldn't have a very good sleep propped up on the loveseat like that. The Doctor eased his arms under her legs and behind her back, lifting and carrying her over to the bed. He sat her up against the pillows to turn the sheets and covers down and remove her shoes, then tucked her underneath.

She turned her head to the side and he tensed. But Donna was still asleep. Releasing the breath he'd been holding, the Doctor reached up to take out the elastic holding her hair back and allowed his fingers to run through the ginger waves. Donna turned over again, this time towards him, her cheek resting against his palm with a sigh. It brought the first true smile to his face since everything had gone wrong on Midnight.

Martha, Agatha, they all thought he was miserable living this way, that every day was an agony. But they didn't see it at all; each day he got to spend with Donna was a gift. A gift he wasn't supposed to have, perhaps, but that was getting into that old adage about horses or something. He’d have to ask Donna how it went later. Or Arthur.

The point was, his own happiness and the beauty Donna brought into his world outweighed the pain by far. There was no contest. Given the choice between a life with her as a friend or without her at all — well, it didn't even bear thinking about.

He withdrew his hand and watched Donna nuzzle at her pillow, as if searching for where it’d gone. Heady with her scent and her touch, he couldn't resist leaning over her and brushing his lips ever so lightly against her temple. It was the one and only infraction he would allow.

“Sweet dreams, Earthgirl.”

Donna murmured something unintelligible back.

The Doctor turned off the lamp and slipped out into the corridor with a lightness in his step that hadn't been there before. But Donna always had a way of making the worst of times merely seem like a bad dream.

[dothewrite]

Can I request scenario where Oikawa is invited by Iwaizumi to met his fiancée only for Oikawa to discover that Iwaizumi's fiancée is his ex-girlfriend (that he cheated on a moment of weakness back when they attend the same university) whom he still has moved on from but she already moved on and forgive him about ?

Just to give a little context to the slightly different-than-expected approach I took with this request: it occurred to me whilst thinking about how to go about writing this that there’s got to be a reason why Oikawa didn’t know who Iwaizumi’s fiancee was before they got engaged, and a reason why Iwaizumi doesn’t know (or doesn’t tell) that it’s Oikawa’s ex-girlfriend he’s dating. Thus, this whole sad-fest was born. I hope you like it!

On his deathbed, they’re going to ask him things.Like those goddamn Buzzfeed posts: ‘10 things people say they regret the most’,and he’s going to be able to provide all ten for the modest price of someprocrastinating student’s attention. His life used to be okay, y’know? It usedto have some sort of coherency, he was surrounded by friends, part of a greatvolleyball team, and the future was bright and blinding. What lay before him?There was Tokyo, international exchanges, professional volleyball, a career inphysical therapy- he could be a pro, be a doctor, he could be whatever the fuckhe wanted.

There’s nobody around to blame but himself. Theapartment is as empty as his mind on the best of days, and even when he comesback home to turn on those fluorescent lights on his ceiling, there’s nobody towelcome him home, nobody for him to come home to. He doesn’t even have a dog,or a hamster, because he’d forget to feed it, or not walk it enough, and they’dprobably die of loneliness or starvation, and Oikawa really doesn’t want to getarrested quite yet. At least, that’s what he tells himself, but the truth isthat he doesn’t want to have to disappoint something else again. Someone elseagain.

It’s not often that he thinks about his youngeryears. Most of the time it’s crammed with the day’s work, the mounds ofpaperwork he still has to get through for the case he was assigned; anotherrich man, another lawsuit, they’re all the same. Mergers bring in money, butwhat giveth also taketh, and the idea of having a life or talking to someoneabout something other than work feels like someone else’s memories. Tonight isthe first night that he’s not in his apartment or his office, but the tux seemsalien on him and he picks at the sleeves uncomfortably. The clothes thatAttorney Oikawa Tooru wears to work cost three times the provided clothes forthe groomsmen at this wedding, and he’s changed so, that he’d find wearingsomething under a thousand dollars to be lacking.

“It’s been a while, Tooru!” Comes a voice, and he’slost the last time someone called him by his given name. He turns around allthe same, just in time to see a face he ought to recognize- he does, he reallydoes, but you can’t blame him for needing a few seconds right? “Looking prettyfresh in that suit!”

“Well,” Tooru shrugs with an easy smile, “Iwaizumidoes have decent taste.”

“Iwaizumi?”

“Yeah, the groom?” He raises an eyebrow, “Makki,don’t tell me you’ve no idea why you’re here.”

“I do, I do,” the man sounds so confused thatOikawa starts to doubt his own presence, “but if I’m still Makki… I think youhaven’t called Hajime, ‘Iwaizumi’, since you were six.”

Oikawa blinks, and realizes that he’s right. Theysay that old habits die hard, and he’s given this habit several years ofabsence to forget it ever existed. “I… Well, I don’t want to embarrass him onhis wedding day.”

“True,” Makki seems mollified, and Tooru relaxes,“but man, it’s sure gonna be weird not seeing the two of you bickering oversomething like an old married couple anymore.”

“That’s how marriage works, right?” Tooru laughslightly, “getting something real and all, instead of screwing about with yourold friends.”

“Maybe,” Makki says ambiguously, and the glint inhis eye isn’t at all comfortable. Tooru finds himself sweating a little ontohis average-priced collar and he has to reach up with a handkerchief to wipe itoff. He doesn’t say a word when Makki’s mouth drops open in dull surprise atthe action. “Really? A handkerchief? What happened to the days of sweatingthrough your bib?”

“People change, Makki,” Tooru answers smoothly, buthe knows that if anyone’s changed, it’s him. It’s been years and he still can’tdecide if it was for the better or worse, all that he knows is that his parentslook delighted when they receive parts of his salary in the mail, because theirson is finally successful and independent.

Makki walks away without another word, and Tooruhopes that he doesn’t bump into him again tonight. It’s going to be a long evening.

He can’t say that he wasn’t surprised either, whenhe received the wedding invitation in the mail. Part of him hadn’t thoughtabout Iwaizumi in over a year, and he’d moved recently so there were very fewpeople who knew his address, his renovator included. Must’ve found his parentsand asked them, he surmised, and he wonders when the last time he’d seenIwaizumi’s parents was. Four, five years ago. He isn’t sure, he doesn’t havemany memories of university in Tokyo, it just lit up in a haze of crazedself-reinvention and the occasional girlfriend that made the days start to feellike time passing.

Maybe, he thinks as he takes a third sip from hischampagne flute, if he hadn’t made the choices he had, he’d be the one gettingmarried today. Just like Iwaizumi and volleyball, Tooru doesn’t let himselfthink about that too often either.

“Oikawa,” the man of the hour wades his way throughthe sea of relatives and comes to hover in front of the frail-looking, rich mannursing alcohol in both hands. Tooru has to look up from his slouch to begreeted with an eyeful of Iwaizumi at his finest.

“You haven’t changed much,” is the first thing thatcomes out of his mouth, and he wants to slap himself. Iwaizumi only raises aneyebrow- a firm, unforgiving eyebrow like all those years before- and gesturesfor him to continue. Oikawa does, weakly. “You uh, still got the hair andeverything. Your face still looks like it’s taking a dump.”

“Nice to see you too,” Iwaizumi replies dryly, butthere’s an unmistakable tinge of relief to the way his eyes crinkle. “OnceShittykawa, always Shittykawa, I see.”

Tooru laughs, because he didn’t realize he couldmiss a terrible nickname the way he does right now. “No, people just call me‘Partner’ now. It means the same thing.”

“Hm,” and Oikawa can tell that either it’s a soresubject for Iwaizumi, or he’s stopped caring about Tooru’s life years ago.“Have you met my fiancee yet? I don’t think I’ve introduced you.”

“No, but it’d be a pleasure, I’m sure.”

Iwaizumi looks at him and Tooru is fully aware thatnothing polite he says, he means. Neither of them say anything, and Iwaizumisimply gestures over to someone that’s being swarmed by the crowd, and Oikawawatches as a swath of beautiful fabric seems to shimmy its way over to themboth by the open bar.

“This is Oikawa, the childhood setter I talked toyou about,” Iwaizumi attempts at a poor introduction, and his fiancee justnods. “I’ll leave you two to it, your mother looks like she could do with somehelp.”

“Thank you,” she murmurs quietly, and Iwaizumispins around on his heels and disappears like all his hulking muscle’s justmelted away. Now it’s just Oikawa, and the fiancee.

Correction, it’s just Oikawa and one of hisnightmares that’s beaten him to the finish line.

“Hello Tooru,” she smiles at him, and he swearsit’s exactly the same one two years ago, “fancy meeting you here.”

“Indeed,” he swallows, his throat dryer than everfrom two confrontations in a row. Three, counting Makki, and this is possiblythe worst decision he’s ever made in his life, even if there is an open bar andunlimited mojitos. “So you’re the infamous fiancee, huh?”

“Infamous? Why, what have they been telling you?”She’s smiling again, and he wants to throw a wad of hundred dollar bills in herface just to get her to stop. “But now that you’ve met me, I’m sure you’vegot your own stories.”

“Look at you, talking like you’re not a part of ittoo,” Oikawa retaliates with a smile of his own, “so, does Iwaizumi know?”

“Know what?” She answers him promptly, “that I’vedated before? That I’ve had a terrible breakup and that it took me months toleave my apartment again because it was the first time I’ve been dumped througha text?”

Tooru winces. “It was finals week. Not my best moment, Iknow-”

“-I know,” she interrupts, and she looks angelicwith that lilac gown and a peaceful expression on her face. He’s been too busystaring into his drink that he doesn’t even know if her face changed at allduring his rant. “I’ve forgiven you for it a long time ago. It’s just nice tosee you again, Tooru, I thought you’d vanished off the face of the Earth aftergraduation.”

He might as well have. He’s more familiar with theoffice toilets than his own at home, and he’s even moved in a memory foam coverfor his chair just to help with the nights he spends at his desk. But it’s nothis job that makes him feel like crushing something under his feet. It’s howhappy she looks, and how miserable he is, because he’s a stupid fucking idiotand that single text he’d sent her two years ago still comes back to haunt himon the nights that he lets his stress get to him.

However, the real punchline is that breaking up wasthe most decent thing he’d ever done for her. It’s been three years, and hestill hasn’t told her because he’s a goddamn coward and this whole affair, thisdamn stupid wedding feels like his judgement has finally come at the pearlygates.

“I cheated on you.” He blurts that out like he’sstruggling for breath underwater, and he regrets it the moment it leaves hislips. If he’s being weighed on Anubis’ scales, his heart is going to be tippingthe whole damn set over with the weight of his sins. St. Pete would find him sovery, very lacking.

Her eyes widen, just a little, but enough to letOikawa know that whatever the truth is, it can’t hurt her anymore. In fact, hersmile doesn’t slip from her face, it only falters a little with surprise (and ascreaming part of him is disappointed that it’s not disappointment) and herperfectly arched, lace-covered shoulders shrug with all the carelessness in theworld.

“Well, that’s certainly something new,” her eyesbore into him and he feels like he should follow it up with something.Anything. Who it was, maybe, what he was thinking, how long it had been goingon for- but nothing comes to mind, and she doesn’t ask. In fact, she’s not eveninterested, and Tooru feels like he’s nothing in this vast universe. “Ididn’t expect the past to be brought up on my wedding day most certainly, butI’m here now with a good man, so I guess I should be thanking you, shouldn’tI?”

Save me, he yells, but it’stoo soundproof in his head for her to hear him.

“Probably,” he smiles weakly, his eyes curving inthe only way he knows because it’s been practiced on clients time and timeagain. It works on her, because he can tell she doesn’t want to be any closerto him than the people who pay his bills. It’s a been there, done that kind ofscenario, and there’s nothing in it for her. She’s here to get married, he’sinvited here to see them get married- the two people he’d killed of in his mindback to haunt him- and nobody’s going to save him tonight.

“I hope you like the champagne,” he watches herglossy lips form the words, “it’s quite fragrant; I remember you liked thetaste of floral.”

Like the eau de toilette she used to wear on fridaynights at the movies with him.

“It’s wonderful,” he says.

“That’s good to hear. Have a good night, Tooru, andthank you for coming.”

There’s too many people in the venue to even seethe bride and groom once they’ve gone. Nobody bothers the tired, suited manspending far too much time on a barstool, and Tooru orders his third martini.He doesn’t hear from Makki anymore either, and it doesn’t seem like Yahaba orIssei noticed the man in the inconspicuous corner. He supposes he should bethankful that he still remembers their names.

He leaves before the ceremony begins.

He takes the memory of her in her beautiful ombregown with him home that evening, in his cheap suit, and a glass of whiskey andmelting ice.