#summer special health checkup | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

reilemon · 5 months

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₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊Cool Off₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊

♡︎ pairing: Zayne x fem!reader

｡°⚠︎°｡MINORS DNI (18+ ONLY)｡°⚠︎°｡

♡︎ cw: unprotected sex (oops), office sex, semi-public sex, oral sex (f!receiving), fingering, I think that's it?

♡︎ word count: 3.4k

♡︎ synopsis: what to do when you "accidentally" flash your doctor?

♡︎ a/n: I haven't written smut in like three years. So if you think my writing is cringe, just keep scrolling idk.

♡︎ special thanks to my beta reader ♡︎ @its-de ♡︎ for reading and helping me with this

banner by @cafekitsune

You finally have a day off and you want to use this free time to run errands. However, it's also a hot summer day and you need to dress accordingly. After cleaning your apartment and stocking up your fridge, you have -

meet up with your friend

shop for some new summer clothes and bed sheets

doctor’s appointment

You'd just skip the last one because you feel fine, even during the hot weather.

But you know damn well Dr Zayne will not be pleased with you if you do that. And he's not only your doctor now (and a childhood friend), but an actual friend who you spend most of your free time with. Circumstances of him being your assigned physician, some other stuff that happened in the last few months, brought you so much closer that you couldn't help but develop a huge crush on him. And how could you not when he's so kind, warm, attentive, always makes time for you, funny in his own way... you could spend the whole day thinking of all the stuff that makes you want to be more than friends.

Actually, you might be more than just friends. Lately, you’ve been going on a lot of “dates”; visiting festivals, trying new restaurants but also frequenting your favorite ones, dragging him to the arcade… he’s started insisting on being the one to drop you off at home after a night out. Just a couple of weeks ago when you were sick, he came to your place and took care of you. Both of you ended up falling asleep on your bed watching your comfort movie – actually, he wanted to read his book but ended up invested in the plot and eventually fell asleep before you, tired from his shift and nursing you back to health. You had enough strength to get up to pull out a freshly washed blanket from the closet and cover him. You lied back down, finding comfort in watching Zayne’s peaceful sleeping face. That’s how you fell asleep.

The next morning you found yourself waking up on Zayne’s chest, your form enveloping his. He was gently stroking your back, waiting for you to open your eyes. You don’t know whether you were the one that latched onto him during the night, or if he’s the one that pulled you in; nonetheless, it felt surreal to wake up like this. You looked up into his beautiful hazel green eyes, and you just shared a moment of pure intimacy. Then you got self-conscious of him having a close up of your morning face, which made you immediately jump from the bed and sprint to the bathroom. So, he did manage to nurse you back to health in one day.

You really wish he made the first move already. With all the stolen glances, lingering touches, cuddling, you genuinely think he feels the same way. But you are also his patient, so maybe he feels uncomfortable starting anything, like he’s crossing a boundary and abusing his position as your physician? Maybe he’s waiting for you to make the first move?

Or maybe you’re just delusional and ovulating.

Okay, back to the present. You’re not going to pass up the opportunity to see your crush (this is more than just a crush, honestly) and you add one more task to the list

get some dessert for Zayne

And you want to look cute for him, so you opt for your new backless summer dress.

☃︎⋆⁺₊☃︎⋆⁺₊☃︎⋆⁺₊

“Thank fuck, I look okay.” You murmur as you check yourself out in the mirror in the bathroom of Zayne's office.

It's just before 8pm, your scheduled checkup. Both of you were too busy to hang out for more than a week, and you can’t wait to see him. You took this opportunity to leave the heavy shopping bags on the sofa, the bag with dessert on his desk, and quickly freshen up in the bathroom. It was so hot today, still is, but thanks to the dress you didn't sweat that much.

You exit the bathroom the same time he enters the office. You catch how his usually stern gaze behind his glasses softens at the sight of you.

“Hey!” You don’t waste any time and shorten the distance between you, wrapping your arms around his neck giving him a peck on the cheek.

Zayne’s hands stiffly hover over your waist, stunned by the enthusiastic greeting. You always have a big smile on your face when you see him, but you’re only this forward when you have some alcohol in your system. He doesn’t smell it on your breath now though.

“Did you miss me that much, or are you trying to coax me to skip the check up?”

You pull away with a pout and a blush on your cheeks. Feeling a little embarrassed, you go and sit on a chair across his desk, steering the conversation towards the dessert you brought him.

With an entertained smirk, he sat on his chair and indulged in just chatting with you, and making plans for the evening. He feels at ease now that you’re here.

Zayne cuts the conversation short to take care of some paperwork, so you entertain yourself with your phone, checking what cafes are open. You sit there in silence, not wanting to disturb him. The room is air-conditioned and you would think you'd start to cool down, but it's impossible to do so when your crush is right across you. You try to focus on your phone but your eyes keep darting between the screen and Zayne’s handsome focused features…his hand holding the pen… his long fingers...

“You need to ask me something?” Zayne peers over his glasses.

Busted!

For like a hundredth time.

You fidget in your seat. “Um, no. I don’t wanna disturb you.”

He closes a file and puts papers aside. “I’m done. Go ahead.”

You make up how you wanted to ask him if he wanted to visit the café on your screen, only to for him to point out it’s closed when you show it to him. Not smooth at all.

You nervously scratch your back, and that when it hits you. You didn't wear a bra today!

In your defense, of course you're not going to wear a bra with the backless dress and when it's so hot outside, and it would be okay if this was just a hangout, but the main reason why you're here is because of the check up! Well, now you're getting even more flustered and you can feel nervous sweat forming everywhere. Great.

Zayne's voice fades into focus.

"Is everything okay?"

“Yeah, let’s just go find a cafe that’s nearby!” You prop yourself to sit up and make a run for it, but the seriousness in Zayne’s tone stops you.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

You wave your hand “I feel great, you don't need to -"

"That's good to hear." He humors you, setting the stethoscope around his neck, eyes not leaving yours.

You engage in a short staring contest, but you never win those with him. You hold back the bratty whine as you get up and walk towards the chair. Should you address this? What would be more awkward – saying that you don’t have a bra on or just slipping off the top of the dress, flashing him? But Zayne is a professional; he probably saw plenty of breasts from other patients and didn’t bat an eye. And maybe he even noticed that you’re braless.

You sit on the chair next to him and Zayne gives you an amused look. “Good girl.”

It was like a reflex - the moment you heard those words, your hands slipped off the top of your dress. Zayne pauses, his eyes locked at the sight before him. Oh shit, did you manage to make the situation awkward after all? Just when you wanted to open your mouth to say anything, he blinks and proceeds to do what he’s supposed to do. You suck in a breath when the icy cold stethoscope touches your chest spreading goosebumps across your skin, making your nipples hard. Zayne's eyes are focused somewhere to the side, but you can see light redness peppered on his cheeks. The two of you sit there in silence while he checks your heartbeat. You try to compose yourself, take slow breaths, but your heart is giving you away.

When he’s done, he takes off the instrument and places it on the table. He clears his throat “Nothing irregular, your heartbeat is a little faster, but the heat is probably to blame.”

Right, the heat.

You hope that the redness, still on his face, and his ears, is not from the sun.

Again, you have two choices – do you pull the top up and act like nothing happened, continue the same ‘will they, won’t they’ routine – or do you want to do something about this, take the first step and find out once and for all if this infatuation is one sided?

You take his hand, making him look at you, ‘Well, can you help me cool down, Doctor?’

Zayne eyes widen slightly, switching between your hand and your gaze, only guessing where you’re going with this.

You gently place his cold hand just above your left breast ‘Is this okay?’ you whisper.

Zayne’s irises are almost black from how dilated his pupils are. As he gazes into your doe eyes, the hand resting on your chest travels up across your skin and lands on the side of your neck. He takes off his glasses, leans towards you, his lips a breath away from yours, “You’re walking on thin ice, darling.”

He grabs you by the back of your neck and pulls you into a searing kiss. Zayne is kissing you like a man starved, like he's been waiting for this for so long, afraid that this moment will slip away all too quickly. His other hand wraps tightly around your waist, pulling you closer, pressing your chests together, feeling each other’s heartbeats. You moan into the kiss, surprised by the intensity of it and the desperation of his embrace. His lips are so soft and tender, just like you imagined too many times. The hand on your waist travels up to grab your breast, the sensation of his big cold hand on your heated skin making you gasp against his lips. He seizes the moment to lick your bottom lip, then slipping his tongue, yours quickly meeting it.

Suddenly, both of his hands land on your shoulders pulling away.

He utters ‘fuck’ (this might be the first time hearing him say the f word, and you’re embarrassed how excited it made you.) He holds your chin with thumb and index finger, ‘Do you wish to continue?’

You utter ‘yes’ and grab him by the black necktie locking your lips again. His hands find the top of your thighs, then sneaking their way down to bunch up your dress over your knees.

“Hold onto me.” He murmurs between kisses, and you oblige, catching onto his shoulders. Zayne grabs you by the back of your soft thighs, lifting you from the chair and placing you on his desk, so effortlessly and swiftly, like you weigh nothing.

Your fingers comb through his soft, thick hair, relishing in the fact of being able to touch it like this. His hands cup your face, distancing his lips from yours. You expectantly look up to see his tender, yearning gaze. He looks like he’s about to say something, but then he kisses you again, this time softly, slowly deepening it, stealing your breath away. His soft lips move to kiss and nip at the side of your neck, his hands giving attention to your breasts again. He caresses both of them, and it doesn’t take long for one of his hands to be replaced by his lips. His hot tongue teases around the nipple. But when he starts sucking on it, while simultaneously playing with the other one with his fingers, a loud moan escapes your lips.

Zayne’s smirks against the sensitive nipple, “You need to stay quiet, darling.”

You were so dazed with lust that you completely forgot that there could be people outside his office. You bite your bottom lip and nod.

He nuzzles into the crook of your neck, one hand bunching up your dress more and resting on your hip, while the one on your nipple sneaks its way down, teasing the band of your underwear. You feel his fingers slide down, rubbing you over your soaked panties, making you move your hips, craving more friction.

“Fuck.” He breathes against your ear, “You’re already so wet for me.”

The fingers travel towards the band of your underwear and tug on it, and you lift your hips to let him slide it down your legs. Then he stashes your panties into the pocket of his pants.

He catches you by surprise when he kneels down in front of your cunt, your legs closing on reflex, but Zayne grabs your thighs before they could squish his head.

He gently strokes them, "Let me see you."

You’re hesitant about it, but you remember that you took extra steps when you freshened up in the bathroom. Slowly, you spread your legs, lifting your feet to rest on the edge of the desk. Cool air against your soaked pussy sends shivers all over your body.

His hands rest on the plush of your inner thighs. His eyes are mesmerized by the sight in front of him. You almost feel self-conscious by the close-up he’s getting.

"Zayne –" You squirm under his stare.

Snapping out of his daze, he meets your eyes "I’m sorry. You’re just so much more beautiful than I imagined."

Than he imagined? The statement makes your cheeks even deeper red, your pussy more wet and impatient.

Feeling impatient himself, Zayne starts by placing gentle kisses on your inner thigh. The hand on the opposite side follows the same trail, his slender fingers stopping to tease your wet folds, the contact making you gasp and involuntarily clench your thighs.

"Relax, angel." His breath fans over your pussy, not making it easier but you try anyway.

The digits slowly glide over the wetness, bathing in your juices. Your hips flinch as his fingertips lightly circle your clit, thighs trembling as digits are replaced with his hot tongue. It glides flat over your folds, stopping to circle the sensitive nub. The tip of the tongue flicks over it, circles it, again and again, your cunt dripping with both his saliva and your arousal. His middle finger slides in, ring finger shortly after, curling to reach and rub that delicate spot inside you; he sucks and licks your clit while finger fucking you, and your thighs are now shaking, toes curling, as intense waves of pleasure course through your body.

Your hold onto Zayne’s hair, and roll your hips in the same rhythm of his fingers, chasing your release, "Zayne… I’m gonna–"

He locks eyes with you and continues what he’s doing; you come shortly after, covering your mouth with your hand.

Zayne helps you come down from your high, places soft pecks on your thighs again and stands up, pulling you into another breathtaking kiss.

Your hands frantically find his belt and start unbuckling it.

Zayne breaks the kiss, ‘I don’t have any condoms here.’

You shrug ‘Just pull out.’

‘That’s not very respo – ‘

‘Well, you’re a doctor; you can prescribe me some plan b pills.’ you innocently flutter your lashes.

He chuckles and starts taking off his tie and shirt, and you take a moment to gaze at the strong, chiseled muscles of his torso, his arms and those shoulders. Zayne, amused at your dazed and shameless ogling of his shirtless physique, reaches down to unzip his pants, taking them and underwear off in the same go, his hard cock smacking against his shaved pelvis. You suck in a breath when your eyes land on it. He's long and thick, curved just right, tip glistening with so much precum. You hand wraps around it, stroking and feeling the pulsing veins under your touch.

Zayne’s breath hitches ‘Are you sure – fuck…’ He groans when you press his length against your slippery folds, teasingly moving your hips.

‘Yes… I need you.’

With those magic words, Zayne swipes all the papers off the table, grabs you behind the knees and lifts your legs further, and you lean back to rest on your elbows.

His dick strokes your slit, tip teasing the entrance, but you're so impatient.

'Zaynee-' you whine.

He closes his eyes, jaw clenched. Even though your ‘friend’ is the embodiment of calm and collected, right now he’s barely holding onto his composure. His flushed cheeks and red ears, ragged breathing are exposing how badly he wanted, needed, this and how he’s trying so hard not to cum right here before even slipping the tip in.

But he doesn’t want to wait any longer; with your needy whines spurring him on, he places his red cockhead against you, your drenched pussy making it easy to slide it in.

His leg muscles tremble, trying to restrain himself from bottoming out the same second; with shallow thrusts, he slowly slides it all the way in. He towers over you, one hand resting on the desk, the other cupping your face. His hips roll at languid pace, his hooded eyes never leaving your face, watching you adjust to his size.

As you get comfortable, you grab him by back of his neck “Faster, please…” You breathe. He leans down, locking your lips into a sloppy kiss.

He slowly picks up the pace, his hand starts playing with your nipples again, and now it's really hard keep your voice down. You keep breaking the kiss in desperate need to catch your breath, but moans escape your lips as well. Zayne grabs your upper arms and pushes you down further. His muscular torso pressed against yours, his pelvis rubbing against your clit.

“Zayne - I'm close”

“Try to stay quiet, angel.” he grunts, his eyes locked on your face, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He angles himself so his hand can reach down and rub your clit, and it’s too much for you - you cum a few seconds later and Zayne has to slip two fingers of his other hand into your mouth to keep you from screaming. You still whimper and moan over his fingers. He slows down to help you ride out the orgasm, and pulls out the fingers to kiss your lips.

'Is it okay to pick up the pace now? I'm so close.'

You only nod, unable to form any words. He plants a kiss on your temple and moves onto kissing and sucking your neck. Then he goes back to just looking at your face while he picks up the pace, your legs locking around his waist, pulling him even deeper. You bite your bottom lip, but at this point, you feel it's impossible to stay quiet. And now it's not only you who is making noise, but the desk, although sturdy, is starting to move and creak.

You gasp as he suddenly lifts you off the table with his big arms wrapped around your torso. You wrap your arms around his neck, holding onto him. His hands grabs your ass and starts moving your hips in unison with his, his throbbing dick thrusting so much deeper, all the juices leaking down his balls and onto the floor.

You latch your teeth onto his neck to keep yourself from screaming while he’s panting feverishly into your ear.

‘I’m gonna come soon –‘

You meet his gaze ‘Don’t pull out.’

His hips stutter at your words, eyes widening for a second. He curses under his breath and picks up the pace. You pull him into a sloppy kiss, lewd gasps and pants interrupting.

His hands squeezing your ass in a bruising grip, he grunts against your lips, and you feel intense throbbing of his cock; warm liquid filling you up, sending shivers all over your sweaty body.

His slow pumps let his thick cum drip out, making a mess of his pants and the floor. You can feel how fast his heart is beating against your chest. The two of you catch your breath as your lips share a languid kiss, enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies.

After pulling out, Zayne sits you on his chair. He kneels in front of you, caresses your cheek, his eyes full of adoration. “I never thought our first time would look like this.”

You lean into his palm, looking at him with sweet innocent eyes, “Oh? What did you imagine then?”

“I can show you later.”

#my writing needs to be hornier #guess i'm back to writing #love and deepspace #zayne love and deepspace #zayne x reader #zayne smut #love and deepspace smut #zayne x you #lads zayne

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preschool-teacher-silas · 2 months

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Hello, I was looking at your trainer card, and your Rockruff looks a bit... lopsided. Maybe? I wanted to check in and see if they were doing alright? I don't specialize in rock types by any means, but I am a certified pokemon doctor. I also saw you adopted them recently, so if they haven't gotten their check ups yet, I'd be glad to do so for you (for free, of course).

- Willow from @the-daycare-pokecenter

While I very much appreciate the offer, I think I'm a little bit out of your way? That being said I think you'd love to sit down with Professor Douglas, she has a program very similar to yours. Also, I'm a huge fan of the work you're doing. I think more centers and day cares need to unite their services to help the pokemon in our communities reach a better state of health and wellness. For example, my little Panion is from the shelter that Professor Douglas runs and is all up to date on her shots. Also she's getting regular checkups, don't worry. As for her "lopsidedness", Panion was apparently the runt of the litter. For some reason her mother was not eager to see to her needs, so she does have some health problems from malnutrition that we're working towards correcting.

But with all that being said, please do stop by Hestia Town out here in Ikoni when you can. I would love to have someone of your expertise talk about the intricacies of Pokemon care with my older students for the summer program. A lot of them are getting ready to pick out their own pokemon from the shelter, and I think they'd be more open to hearing it all from someone more "hip" and "cool" than myself.

#pkmn irl #pokemon irl #the-daycare-pokecenter #Also I appreciate you playing into Panion's desires #She loves it when people refer to her as a rockruff and she's been dancing happily to herself all morning

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davespector · 1 year

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Hi there

This is Kitty if you haven’t met yet 🐾

Long story short, my partner Jake and I got Kitty and his sibling Mahogany last summer from a craigslist ad my mom found. After some routine vet care, we found out Kitty had a few health issues, one of which was a benign tumor on his liver. Last year it wasn’t bothering him and on the recommended of several vets, we let it be and just kept an eye on him. At our checkup this year, his liver mass had unfortunately almost doubled to the size of a hand.

So now we’re against the clock with this thing. I know everyone thinks they have the best cat but anyone who’s met Kitty can testify that he’s special. This guy wants you to pick him up and hold him like a newborn baby being burped. He snuggles on demand. He needs an inhaler for his asthma but we’ve got that under control. Anyways, he’s just the freaking best and we can’t live without him.

Here is a link to our gofundme, set up by my lovely mom. Feel free to donate if you’re able, anything helps even if it’s to cover stuff he needs for aftercare or gas to the vet hospital or the Big Bill. Thanks if you read this far, my little family appreciates it ♥️

#clanging a mug on steel bars: spare change? spare change?#donation post #emergency vet care #emergency cat care #donation #let me know if i need to tag this otherwise

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srishtisah · 1 year

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markkapella · 2 years

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Prince Consort of Peace Epilogue

You can read the original fic here.

a month after

It started with a letter from Renjun’s mother, which arrived a month after Royal Princess Consort Jeongan’s short visit to Banwollu. She told Renjun she had consulted a physician, specializing in fertility. Along with her letter, she sent an instruction to brew a tonic for both Jeno and Renjun to drink every day during Renjun’s fertile window, as well as the most effective position to conceive.

As much as it was mortifying to get sex advice from his own mother, Renjun wasn’t in a position to ignore her. He followed all the instructions to a t, down to the recommended position. No one had to know getting penetrated from behind was Renjun’s favorite position anyway. Well, no one beside his husband.

After the second month, nothing really happened. Instead of getting pregnant, Renjun seemed to get weaker instead. He got tired easily. After a mere trip to the market, Renjun had to take an hour nap to be able to do his tasks in the afternoon.

He often woke up with a headache. Renjun didn’t know what prompted the sudden discomfort. He should’ve been perfectly healthy. The town’s physician had told him so during his weekly checkup. He started wondering whether the tonic made him sick, instead of making him fertile.

The headache got so bad in the morning that Renjun was forced to hand over most of his daily duties to Madam Kang. He tried brewing medicines, a morning hot bath in the middle of the summer, and even messages from his husband, but nothing worked. Jeno suggested calling the physician that night, but Renjun dismissed his concern, saying it will go away the next day.

On the third day, Renjun started to get violently sick. After he threw up his breakfast three times in a row, Jeno finally put his foot down and asked Jisung to go get the physician. The elder man was appalled to see how pale Renjun was when he arrived.

“Why didn’t you call me earlier, Your Grace?” Physician Moon asked, obviously worried.

“He didn’t want me to,” Jeno scoffed, as he gently squeezed Renjun’s hand in his grasp. Renjun gave him a weak smile as his apology. Jeno stroked his hair tenderly, wanting to give him comfort any way he could, even though it did nothing to alleviate Renjun’s pain.

The physician reached for Renjun’s other wrist to read his pulse. His lips curled into a frown for a moment. Fear gripped Jeno so strongly in those few seconds. What if Renjun suffers from an incurable illness? What if his health suddenly deteriorates? Just the thought already scared Jeno to death.

But then, Physician Moon opened his eyes, looked directly at Jeno and smiled, “Congratulations, Your Grace.”

“I beg your pardon?” Jeno furrowed his eyebrows, confused.

“His grace is with child. He’s in the early stage of pregnancy,” Physician Moon answered with a wide smile. Jeno started to laugh, first with surprise, then later with joy. He turned to Renjun, wanting to share the happiness. He felt a painful twinge in his chest when he realized Renjun was weeping quietly.

“Let me excuse myself, Your Grace,” Physician Moon gave him a deep bow and quickly left the room to let them talk in private.

“Why are you crying, my love?” Jeno asked gently as he caressed Renjun’s cheek gently. He could sense that happiness wasn't the only thing bringing Renjun to tears. What he was feeling was more complicated than that.

“I don’t know…” Renjun murmured between his sobs. He turned to his side and buried his face in the pillow. Jeno lay down by his side and carefully wrapped his arm around his beloved husband, urging him to cry on his shoulder instead. Renjun leaned his head on Jeno’s chest, relishing his warm support as he sorted through the complicated emotions coursing through him.

“I’m just relieved…” Renjun whispered. It wasn't enough to convey the depth of his worry and guilt in the entirety of their marriage. Jeno might be able to let go of the idea of not having a child if Renjun turned out to be infertile, but what about his parents? His family? His uncle, the damn King?

Renjun wished with all his heart that this matter didn’t weigh on his mind, but it kept nagging him at the back of his mind. Just the thought of it was already unbearable. Renjun couldn’t imagine having to endure it for the rest of his life.

“I thought…” Renjun choked up with emotion as he stared into Jeno’s eyes. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant…”

“Injun-a…” Jeno frowned with dismay. Renjun knew what he was about to say, so he stopped his husband from talking by touching their foreheads together.

“I know that you’ll love me nonetheless, but… I do want to have a child with you…” Renjun murmured. “I’m happy that it’s finally a reality.”

Jeno smiled and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead, before saying, “So am I, Injun-a, so am I.”

Renjun fell asleep like that, cradled in his husband’s arms. Even if his head still hurt, his entire body was sore as if he had walked for an entire day, he was smiling, still overjoyed even in his dream. Jeno tucked him in and left him to rest, whistling as he walked out of the room to send the happy news to their family.

...

ten years later

Renjun hasn’t been to Hanyang in many years. He doesn’t expect the first time he’s back in a long while is for a somber occasion. The King’s funeral.

The whole country is mourning his departure. He was a beloved King, fair and compassionate. It’s a shame his reign only lasted eleven years, cut too short by a sudden illness.

It’s the first funeral his two boys have to attend. Nine year old Shin, and five year old Jin, who only experience love and happiness in their short life, have to learn about death for the first time.

Yun insists on riding his own horse alongside his father. Shin wants his own too, but Renjun firmly tells him no. Unfortunately, his youngest will have to ride with him.

They take as few stops as they can. Jeno is anxious, afraid he can’t reach the capital in time for the funeral. After all, it is his last chance to bid his uncle goodbye.

Jeno goes straight to the palace as soon as they arrive in the capital, while Renjun takes their children to Mucheomdang. The Royal Prince isn’t home, probably still at the palace. The Royal Princess Consort is the one who welcomed them.

Renjun’s relationship with his mother in-law has mellowed over the years. They aren’t exactly close—she’s still a little too proud for that—but she stopped opposing his and Jeno’s marriage after he got pregnant with Shin.

All the love and affection she held back from him, was given to his two boys. She visits Banwollu every year and stays for a month just to see them. She always brought gifts and spoils them with their favorite candies and snacks—things that are rarely allowed in their house. Renjun makes an exception for their grandmother though. He can do that much.

They weren’t here to play around though. Renjun and the boys have to join the mourning ceremony in the palace. His mother in-law had prepared the mourning robe for them. Jin complained that it’s too itchy to wear, but Shin didn’t say anything as he put it on by himself. Jin stops whining after seeing his older brother putting it on. A lot of times, he listens to Shin better than he does for Renjun.

Renjun can’t complain. It just means he does a good job raising the two of them.

They entered the palace together, with the Royal Princess Consort. Renjun joins the Queen and Crown Prince Consort, while Jeno takes the boys to pay their respect to the King.

The ceremony lasted for three days. Renjun barely sleeps and eats, exhausted after sitting in the open without moving for so long. He doesn’t see Jeno, or the boys until they come back to Mucheomdang after the funeral procession ends.

Jeno looks on edge and he pulls Renjun to their room to talk, ignoring their sons’ questions.

“What’s wrong?” Renjun asks, worried.

“The Crown Prince’s son died with the same illness as the King,” Jeno tells him. “He has no heir now.”

Renjun has to take a moment to process the information. The next in line to the throne is The Royal Prince Yeongpyeong, Jeno’s father. So that means…?

“Father refused. He’s too old anyway. The Crown Prince can’t be older than the King…” Jeno continues.

Suddenly, Renjun remembered that time years and years ago, when Jeno told him they were moving to Songcho, by the order of the King. He has the exact same expression as he did back then. His expression is solemn, resigned. He has accepted his fate and duty, as he always does.

“Jeno-ya…” Renjun pales with the realization. It can’t be. It’s the opposite of what he ever wants to do with this life. His freedom, his peaceful life in Songcho with his husband and two boys suddenly slipping away from his grasp.

“I’m sorry,” Jeno whispers as he cupped Renjun’s face gently. “I have no other choice.”

Renjun stares at him, at his sweet husband, who never fails to protect him, who is always there for him, for better and for worse, who never betrays any promise, nor vow.

They have been through a lot together in the two decades they have known each other and Renjun knows their bonds can carry them through any challenge. They can survive this. Even better, they can prevail, together.

“It’s alright. I trust you,” Renjun murmurs. “I’ll be right beside you through it all.”

“That’s my boy,” Jeno hums, full of pride. He leans closer to place a kiss on his lips. When Renjun pulls him into a hug, he’s surprised to find Jeno is trembling. The weight of the crown is too big of a burden to carry alone, and Jeno will have to bear it, soon enough.

Renjun tightened his hug, patting his head, urging him to let go of all the tensions, for just a moment. In this private little space, in front of Renjun, Jeno doesn’t have to put on a brave face. He can let go and be himself, he can be afraid, he can ask for any reassurance or affection he needs and Renjun will be there for him, as he has always been.

“I’m going to be a king someday…” Jeno whispers. “Can you believe it?”

“You’ll be a great king, my love,” Renjun assures him.

“How can you be so sure?” Jeno asks.

“I’m not, but I do believe in you,” Renjun says, to which Jeno responds with a chuckle and a kiss.

“We should tell the kids,” Jeno murmurs. “We only have one day left. We’ll enter the palace tomorrow.”

“They’ll be forced to grow up too soon,” Renjun laments. Renjun’s heart aches for his boys, whose life will be turned upside down, their childhood will be taken away, especially his firstborn who would be next in line for the succession.

They’ll still have time away from politics…” Jeno assures him. “We can protect them.”

“Alright…” Renjun takes a deep breath and nods. They’ll call for the kids and Jeno takes the lead, starting from explanations about the royal family, and the line of succession to the throne.

Shin and Jin already knew all of that. They know there is a possibility of their father becoming a king, but their young mind can not comprehend how close they are, how close they can be. After all, they live in a small town, hundreds of miles away from the palace. It almost sounds like fiction for them, until it turns into their reality, out of nowhere.

“So… we’re not coming home?” Shin asks in a small voice.

“Yes. We’re staying in Hanyang. We’re going to live in the palace from now on…” Jeno nods.

“Can we not go home first?” Shin asks.

“No, my love. I’m sorry…” Renjun answers.

“Can my friends visit then? I haven’t said goodbye to any of them…” Shin murmurs. Most of Shin’s friends are the servants’ children. There’s no way they will be allowed to visit the palace.

Shin takes their silence as a no, and that was when he starts to tear up. Of course, Jin ends up crying too. Renjun throws a desperate glance at Jeno, wanting to cry himself. Jeno gestures at Jin, telling Renjun to handle him while he consoles their oldest.

Renjun carries Jin outside, taking a turn around the house while he answers all Jin’s questions about life in the palace.

#nct fiction #noren #royal au

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verflcht · 4 months

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𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒 ♡ 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐄

@vasted (the asshat) asked: 🍅 : how does my muse feel about plastic / cosmetic surgeries & procedures ? is it something they have done or would do ? do they mind if others do it ? ⸻ he seriously doesn't care when people feel the need to alter their bodies, he's met lots of people seeking his help in these regards, though he's not assisting them with a medical knife. as a descendant of the "fair folk" and blessed with the magical genes of his family, he has never felt the need to change his appearance, he'd been raised confident in his looks and has received lots of praise. however, he's indeed very focused on his looks (who would have guessed), so it can count as a character-flaw. he doesn't judge others though.

@vasted asked: 🍊 : does my muse desire romance? is it something they would actively seek out, or prefer to happen more ‘ naturally? ’ what is their love life like? do they have any exes or past flings, or crushes? ⸻ as a matter of fact he's never been in love, not even close. but he'd some "romances" here and there, which, in all honesty, can't be avoided when raised in a community full of witches who are just as alluring as he is (benefit and curse of the magical properties in their blood), hadn't been better outside the coven, though that was easier to dismiss. he had broken a witch's heart once or twice. maybe more often than that. he's not seeking love, nor romances at all. he's an outgoing, social and very touchy person. he likes closeness and enjoys it, nothing says attention more than to get lost in another person, to devour them in some way, the most intimate form of praise.

@vikasgarden wondered: 🍏 : how stable is my muse’s physical health? do they go for regular or semi-regular checkups by a physician? do they have any diagnosed illnesses and / or take any medication? how often do they get sick? ⸻ outstanding, really. he rarely gets sick, eats frequently and doesn't like sweets much, he's not the strongest though. when it comes to muscle and brains, he'd always choose the latter.

@vikasgarden wondered: 🍒 : how much does my muse value companionship? do they constantly keep people around them, or do they prefer to be alone often? do they have or desire to have many friends? do they see every meeting as an opportunity to make a new friend? ⸻ it's not like he wants lots of friends, but he needs an audience in some way. he seeks attention, he wants contact to others, he can't stay alone for too long, even though he's capable of staying alone with his mind. born and raised amongst the witches of his coven he is used to be surrounded constantly, he rarely had any time for himself - and he enjoyed that. he misses that even. so in a sense, he's indeed seeking opportunities to make friends - though he knows friendship has its limits. after all, even his own family abandoned him.

@vikasgarden wondered: 🍉 : which of the four seasons suits my muse best, and why? ⸻ summer (obviously) & autumn, actually. he likes the weather and the colors the most, also he's born in early november, so he has a special connection to samhain.

@vikasgarden wondered:🍓 : how is my muse typically seen by others? does it ring true to who they really are? does their reputation matter to them? ⸻ tricky. he doesn't even know himself yet who he truly is. he'd always lived in a set pattern, never truly deciding for himself what do to. now he's following a path that might lead him down an abyss. his mother spread warnings of him that he's slowly embracing, instead of invalidating. he's not doing himself any favors and the cost of his way of life is slowly but surely changing him. so yeah, he does care about what others think.

@shevampyre & @gottesgrauen inquired: 🥝 : does your muse have any ‘ unusual ’ habits, interests, and / or talents? do they hide it, or are they proud of it? ⸻ besides blood rituals? not really, I guess one weird hobby is enough. though he has a mad wardrobe (40% clothing, 60% shoes), even a kardashian would turn jealous. perhaps the solar coven practices can be considered unusual. meditating in the sun, performing rituals of gratitude, collecting shiny little rocks and herbs. he also knows how to skin a chicken or a lamb, that can come in handy. he's not ashamed of himself one tiny bit.

@nepnthc submitted: 🍌 : is my muse inclined to help others, or will they only do it when it benefits them, if at all? what makes them this way? has it ever gotten them into trouble, or inconvenienced them? ⸻ he used to be a very helpful person, never expecting anything in return. depending on what is asked of him, he still is — however, if he deems your request bound to too much effort he'll either decline or propose a deal you should better honour when agreed to. after saving his family and being punished for it, he doesn't feel the need to do that again. well, yes, he's gotten into trouble and it is the biggest inconvenience ever since — a witch without a coven.

@nepnthc submitted: 🥭 : how important to my muse is their hometown, or where they’re from? are they proud of it, or considered a hometown hero? did they move away, or do they wish to? ⸻since he has always lived secluded from the closest town, it didn't meant much to him, despite being a short little trip to get a glimpse of different people. his home on the other hand has meant everything to him and in a sense it still does. he'd loved his family, his sisters and even his mother, even though there had always been something looming above him, a supersition just cause he was who he was. still, he'd never been treated poorly. actually, his mother even believed him to be the most suitable to take her place — which wasn't much liked by the eldest of the coven. he wasn't a "hero" of the coven, but he sure as the sun had high ambitions. he would never have moved away if he hadn't been forced to.

#*✹˰ ʾ & shenanigans . ʿ they said you was high classed ; that was just a lie.#thanks cuties!

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edmontonvisioncentrelove · 1 year

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Clarity in the City: Edmonton Optometrists and Stylish Sunglasses

Introduction: Edmonton, Alberta, is a vibrant and sun-soaked city, with its stunning river valley, lush parks, and an abundance of outdoor activities. To truly enjoy all that this city has to offer, clear and comfortable vision is essential. Thankfully, Edmonton is home to a thriving community of optometrists and eyewear boutiques that cater to the eye care needs of its residents and visitors alike. In this article, we'll explore the world of Edmonton optometrists and discover the latest trends in Edmonton sunglasses, ensuring that you can experience this beautiful city with impeccable vision and style.

Edmonton Optometrists: Your Eye Care Experts Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. Edmonton boasts a wide range of experienced optometrists who provide comprehensive eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and offer advice on eye health maintenance. Whether you're experiencing vision problems or simply need an annual checkup, these professionals are here to help. Many optometry clinics in Edmonton offer state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Services provided by Edmonton optometrists include:

Eye Examinations: Thorough assessments of your visual acuity, eye health, and potential issues.

Prescription Eyewear: A wide selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses to suit your needs and style preferences.

Contact Lens Fittings: Expert fittings and guidance for comfortable contact lens wear.

Eye Disease Management: Diagnosis and management of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Pediatric Eye Care: Specialized care for children to ensure healthy vision development.

Emergency Eye Care: Immediate attention for eye injuries and infections.

Edmonton Sunglasses: Fashion Meets Function

Edmonton residents appreciate the importance of stylish sunglasses, not just as a fashion statement but also for protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays. With the city's long daylight hours during the summer and reflecting snow in the winter, sunglasses are a year-round necessity. Fortunately, Edmonton's eyewear boutiques offer a diverse range of sunglasses that combine fashion with functionality.

Key features of Edmonton sunglasses boutiques:

Fashion-forward Styles: From classic aviators to trendy oversized frames, you'll find sunglasses that complement your unique style.

UV Protection: All sunglasses are equipped with UV-blocking lenses to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

Prescription Sunglasses: Many boutiques offer prescription sunglasses, ensuring clear vision and eye protection for those who need corrective lenses.

Quality Brands: Access to top-notch eyewear brands known for their durability and performance.

Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable staff can help you choose sunglasses that provide the best fit and protection for your eyes.

Conclusion: In the heart of Edmonton, your vision deserves nothing but the best care and protection. Edmonton optometrists are dedicated to keeping your eyes healthy, while the city's sunglasses boutiques offer a blend of style and eye protection that suits your unique personality. With a combination of regular eye checkups and fashionable sunglasses, you can experience the beauty of Edmonton with clear vision and a confident sense of style.

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sphynxworldny · 1 year

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Steps to Taking Care of a Hairless Cat

Hairless cats, such as the popular Sphynx breed, require different care than their furry counterparts. Although these lovely felines lack a coat, they have distinguishing traits that deserve extra attention. If you’re thinking about adopting or already have a hairless cat, you should be aware of the special measures needed in their care.

In this Article by Sphynx World , we will explain important guidelines to ensure your hairless companion’s health, comfort, and enjoyment.

Taking Care of Their Sensitive Skin:

Hairless cats have highly fragile skin that is vulnerable to environmental causes. Keep your cat indoors to protect their skin from damaging UV radiation, high temperatures, and any injuries. Furthermore, give adequate protection from draughts, which can cause discomfort and cold. To avoid sunburn, apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas before going outside.

Moisturising and bathing:

Hairless cats, unlike their furry cousins, lack natural oils that would normally be delivered through their fur. As a result, their skin tends to gather oil and debris. Establish a regular bathing schedule, typically once or twice a week, using a moderate, hypoallergenic cat shampoo. To keep your cat from becoming cold, use warm water and keep the bathroom warm as well. After showering, pat them dry gently with a towel and apply a fragrance-free, non-toxic moisturiser to prevent dryness and preserve the moisture balance of their skin.

Temperature Control in the Environment:

Sphynx Cats are temperature sensitive and can easily become too cold or too hot. Maintain a warm and consistent environment around your home to ensure their comfort. Soft bedding and blankets should be placed in cosy spots where your cat may curl up. Consider utilising a pet-safe heating pad or radiator bed during the colder months. Similarly, use fans or air conditioning to keep your home from being overly hot during the summer.

Nail and Ear Care:

Regularly trimming your hairless cat’s nails is essential to prevent them from becoming too long, which can cause discomfort and potential injury. Use pet-specific nail clippers and take care not to cut too close to the quick. Additionally, check their ears weekly for wax buildup or signs of infection. Gently clean their ears with a damp cotton ball or a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution.

Nutrition and Hydration:

Hairless cats, like all felines, require a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Consult your veterinarian to decide the best diet for your cat based on its age, weight, and health. To keep your cat hydrated, keep fresh water available at all times. If you detect any changes in appetite or weight, keep an eye on their feeding patterns and contact with a veterinarian.

Veterinary Checkups on a Regular Basis:

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for your hairless cat’s overall health. Schedule regular appointments with a veterinarian who is familiar with care for hairless animals. These checkups enable the early detection of any potential health issues and assist in keeping your cat up to date on vaccines, flea control, and other preventative care procedures.

Conclusion :

Caring for a hairless cat necessitates attending to their specific needs and taking a proactive approach to their health. You can provide a secure, healthy, and comfortable existence for your hairless feline companion by following the measures indicated in this book. Always monitor and speak with your cat, since their preferences and personality qualities may influence their care needs. Your hairless cat will thrive and provide you delight for years to come if properly cared for and loved.

#bambino for sale in new york #sphynx kittens for sale in long island #breeding pet #cat pet #hairless cat #black sphynx cat #cat seller #sphynx cat #canadian sphynx for sale in long island #elf cat for sale

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vaidyaslaboratory · 4 months

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Aarogya Vaidya Summer Special: Essential Health Checkup

Invest in your well-being with our Health Is Wealth Profile at Dr Vaidya's Laboratory. Comprehensive tests and personalized insights for a proactive approach to your health with Aarogya Vaidya Summer Special: Essential Health Checkup.

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mae-gi-writes · 4 years

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Kevin Frost | Kevin Moon (The Boyz)

Summary ❄ Being sick every winter sucks, until winter itself decides to bring itself to you in the form of Kevin Frost.

Genre ❄ fluff, fantasy, inspired by Jack Frost (as per my beautiful @nyuwings request)

A/N ❄ for my lovely @nyuwings with whom I’ve bonded with so quickly I keep wondering whether we’re soulmates. Thank you for your presence and for just being you. Ily. ❤

° . · ❄ · . °

Sighing for the nth time, you placed your hands up against the window, palms turning icy cold as you took in the array of snowflakes floating to the ground. It was that time of the year again, a time that signified celebration as the town of Sleva would get covered in a blanket of what your brothers liked to call fairy dust. Snow would bathe the entire streets white and would glimmer in the light of the street lamps lining the streets. You could already spot the Christmas lights in variants of red and green and yellow gold strung across the main intersections, probably where the Christmas market would be. Right about that time merchants would line the streets with their wooden carts, shouting out about all the fresh sausages and special meats they’d offer for a good price for the festive season.

You knew Christmas season like the back of your hand. It was ironic then, that you were the only person not allowed out whenever Christmas and winter came around.

“You’re sick,” your mother had scolded you once when you had mustered up the courage to ask her why you were the only one being left behind, “you’ll die if you go out in the snow.”

And it was true. Your lungs were small, pea-sized, as the doctor had mentioned at one of your checkups. It was about the same time when you started asking questions, curiosity finally picking away at your logic. Going out in the snow and allowing your body to suffer the cold would deliver a fatal blow to your nervous system.

He had not, however, told your parents to keep you locked in like a prisoner that would instantly face death the moment you caught wind of cold. But while your parents had taken dramatic measures to keep you tightly tucked in warmth until summer came around once more, you’d like to think that it was more of an exaggeration as an extension of their concern for your well-being, and not the actual truth.

So that was why you were sitting like the pathetic picture that you were, staring out at the countless other people trudging through snow and laughing as they made up snowballs and built snowmen in their driveways. You wondered briefly what your friends were up to, knowing full well from their recounted stories that at this time of year they’d flock to the bars to catch glimpses of the beautiful young men, soldiers and men from military that would come home from their basecamps on these special occasions.

“We can sneak you out!” One of your friends exclaimed the first time you had explained the real reason as to why you could barely set foot outside, “And we’ll bring you home before your parents wake up.”

You shook your head though, politely denying their requests as your heart ached, “it’s fine. You guys have fun.”

“We’ll find a nice catch for you, Y/N,” another winked at you and you plastered a smile on your face right up until they had turned the corner.

You had cried yourself to sleep that night.

So there you sat every day and night, surprised that your butt hadn’t made an indentation on the chair yet as the sound of your mother’s cooking echoed up the stairs. The attic was where you liked to spend most of your time. It was a place where you could be at peace with yourself and enjoy your own company, the silence that came with it filling your mind with nothing but serenity.

Something flashed across the window.

Probably a snowball, you thought to yourself as you rubbed your eyes. The smell of your mother’s famous dumplings wafted through the attic room and you sniffed the air, stomach growling in anticipation. There was bound to be a feast on Christmas eve. It was a tradition your family never missed out.

A group of children were busy building a snowman in the yard opposite yours and snuggling a little closer to the window, you pulled your blanket tighter around your frame as you watched them, giggling amongst themselves, while sticking the carrot to form its nose.

Another flash. So fast and blurred that you cried out in shock and almost toppled over from your seat.

Blinking, you stared long and hard at what you thought you had seen. If you weren’t mistaken, you swore that it had looked a lot like--

“Hello!”

You screamed, toppling over for good this time. You landed on your butt and must’ve caused a ruckus for your mother’s voice to float up questioningly, “Y/N? Are you okay?”

“Fine!” you cried back without tearing your eyes away from the window.

A boy gazed back at you with amusement glimmering through his eyes. No, not a boy. More like a young man in his twenties, maybe about the same age as you were.

And he was floating.

You opened your mouth only for the words to choke the back of your throat. You coughed instead and didn’t realize that the said young man had propped open the window until you heard him ask, “you good there? That was quite a fall--”

Rushing to clamp a hand over his mouth, you hurriedly looked back towards the staircase. Thank god it seemed like your mother was so engrossed in her cooking and you sighed in relief, before realizing that you were a little too close to the said stranger.

Pulling away quickly and tugging your blanket over your frame, you hissed out, “who are you?” in a tone that you hoped was threatening enough for him to understand you were not here to make friendly conversation. If anything, he was a stranger and he was weird.

But either he was used to people’s rude demeanour or he just didn’t care, for he merely brushed some snow out of his raven coloured hair before settling himself on the window frame more comfortably. He had a wooden cane gripped tightly in his left hand and his feet were left bare. You wondered briefly whether he was cold.

“My apologies for barging in without introductions,” his voice was melodic, smooth, “my name is Kevin Frost. I’m...winter?”

Your eyebrows dipped into a frown, “excuse me?”

“I’m winter personified. Kind of like a guardian, weather guardian. In my case, guardian of winter,” he lifted his cane as if proving a point. Except, what was so special about it? It just looked like a tree branch he’d picked up along the way, “I’m responsible for the snow, I guess?”

“You guess?”

This guy was crazy.

It seemed like he read your mind, for he sighed and threw you a sympathetic look, “you don’t believe me.”

“You end your statements like they’re questions. How am I supposed to be convinced by that?”

Kevin lifted his hand at your words and as he twirled his fingers through air, a wisp of snowflakes suddenly danced along his knuckles as if by magic. Blinking in astonishment, your jaw fell open without warning and he chuckled, “close your mouth, sweetheart. You might catch a fly.”

You snapped your mouth shut, “there are no flies in winter,” you muttered through narrowed eyes while crossing your arms over your middle, “so say what you’re saying is real...What does that mean?”

“That I control winter, kinda. I come around every year when the season rolls around.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because the world needs winter,” he scoffed as though you had asked the most stupidest question, “without winter, the cycle would be broken.”

“Well, you can take your winter and use it elsewhere.”

He looked at you for a second too long that you couldn’t help but shift uneasily under his darkened gaze, “What?” you asked, though averting your eyes at the sudden change in his demeanour.

“You don’t like winter.”

He said it like a statement. Without question. Confident that what he told was the truth.

And he was right.

“What?!” it was his jaw that fell open this time, “so what? You’ve never touched snow before?”

“I don’t,” you answered.

"Why not?"

Biting the inside of your cheek, you said, “I...my health isn’t the best during winter. I can’t go out.”

You shook your head and his eyes grew even wider if that was possible, so baffled by your statement that he almost dropped his cane, “Oh that is really shitty.”

“Oh yes,” your eyes glued themselves to the floor, “that’s me.”

The silence that followed made your heart drop. Why were divulging your darkest thoughts to a mere stranger? And one that climbed through windows and could weld snow like it was as easy as breathing?

But Kevin’s hand reached out, palm open and facing upwards as his face softened. It was almost like he understood what it felt like to be different, deprived from something that everyone else could enjoy, “I think I can help with that.”

“Uhm,” your eyes were skeptically analyzing the small wisps of cold air surrounding said hand, “I don’t think that’s the answer--”

“Just trust me.”

“You’re a stranger.”

“And I’m the only way you can enjoy winter.”

Maybe it was the truth that rang through his words despite barely knowing him, or maybe it was the idea of finally being free of the bodily chains that held you down and just out of reach of the unknown. But one look at the dark obsidian orbs that swam with nothing but an open invitation was enough to make you reach out, hand gently placing over his and shuddering slightly at the icy coldness of his fingers.

"Allow me,” he murmured as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder before tugging you with him. And before you knew it, you were tumbling out of your window and into open air as you whipped along with the wind that carried you forward, over the houses, over the cityscape bathed with snow with Kevin’s hold tightening every so slightly on your frame.

A gust of wind blew in your direction and your shoulders tensed, readying yourself to feel the air nip at your skin and skittle across your clothes with those icy fingers.

But nothing. Nothing but a soft warmth that slowly spread through your limbs, almost as though you had sat by a warm campfire with a mug of warm hot chocolate. Your eyes shot up to meet Kevin’s, who only grinned at you with playful mischief.

“Told you that you’d be safe with me, didn’t I?”

With that, he swooped you along, the edge of your dress skimming the top of houses. You didn’t realize you were yelling in delight the higher you went as your legs dangled. Tingles shot down your spine and into your feet as you looked down at the ground, butterflies roaming your stomach in a mixture of fear and excitement.

“Oh!--” the air stuck in your throat the moment you spotted the Christmas market, “Is that--Is that the Christmas market?!”

His chuckle grazed your ear, “sure is.”

“And that’s the church! Oh my gosh--It’s so pretty!” Gasping at the wondrous sights that appeared before you like a movie you’ve been dying to watch, you can’t help but tear up in blind joy. This, this is what you’ve been missing out on all this time? You couldn’t believe it; how magical it all was, how authentically beautiful and breathtaking. It was almost like looking into a snow globe. Untouchable.

“Are you--Are you crying?” the panic laced in Kevin’s voice made you burst out laughing as you felt the ghost of his hand swiping at your cheek. It felt weird hanging in mid-air being too close to a man -- or could you call him a man? -- that was currently wiping away your tears like it was the most mundane occurrence. But at this point you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

“No I’m just--It’s beautiful. I--I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on all this,” you spluttered out, chest tight with emotion, “why hasn’t anyone ever told me?”

“Well to be fair, we are above all humans,” his murmur was so close to your ear that you turned out of curiosity, only to swallow hard at the closeness of your faces.

You looked away, “and you’re not human?”

You sensed his hesitation, “...not exactly.”

“Then what are you?”

Another round of silence as he struggled to give a coherent answer. Something told you that you weren’t going to be fond of all that he had to say.

“It’s complicated.”

You didn’t fight him, knowing full well that it would provoke more questions than provide you answers. He tugged you along silently over the house chimneys, allowing you to ogle at the arrays of food merchants littering the streets and settling you atop one of the roofs to enjoy a live show of musicians in Sleva’s Square. Curiosity burned at the tip of your tongue whenever you caught yourself looking at him for a second too long. But it seemed like your earlier conversation had dulled the light in his eyes and you decided it was best to keep your mouth shut, instead focusing on clapping along to the sound of merry jingles floating through the air.

It was past midnight when Kevin deposited you at your window sill, gingerly settling your feet onto the ground as you allowed your eyes to find his own dark orbs reflecting the dim light of the attic.

You licked your lips that had run dry from the slow ebbing warmth of Kevin’s presence, “thank you, for today.”

His grin was contagious, for you felt your own lips tug into a smile, “you’re welcome, sweetheart.”

You couldn’t help the blush from spreading up your neck at the little pet name that he had garnered, “so who’s the next lucky lady then?” you were quick to change the subject, “you can’t tell me I’m the only who gets to ride along with Kevin Frost.”

He smirked and you swore your heartstrings tugged. Reaching up with his hand, he proceeded to tuck your hair behind your ears and only grinned a little wider when your face flushed.

“You are,” he whispered, and with another cold gust of wind, he was gone before you could utter another word.

° . · ❄ · . °

Kevin Frost’s presence was starting to become a constant in your life that winter, dropping by on numerous occasions throughout the day and night as he kept you company. He entertained you with stories of his day; how he’d helped a few children ice skate by freezing the entire lake over, or how he’d made it snow a little harder for others to get enough snow to finish off their snowman.

Sometimes, he would whip up some Christmas creations in your attic itself and wrap you in his arms as he danced along to the snowflakes cascading from your ceiling. He’d hum to a few Christmas tunes as you went, stepping onto his feet and him on yours because-- you’d realized shortly after -- that he wasn’t as such of a good dancer as he claimed he was.

Most nights though, he’d make it a must to fly you to one of the rooftops to enjoy the scenery. You would huddle closer for warmth, your blanket heavy on your shoulders and his arm around you keeping you heated while you exchanged stories of your past and childhood. In exchange he would recollect where he’d come from; how his earliest memory had started from the moment he’d fallen out of an icicle in the North Pole and how, from that day onwards, he’d fly around the world to provide snow when it was necessary.

“So that means you’ll be gone once spring comes around?” you couldn’t help the words that slipped from your mouth. Coughing a little, you nestled closer out of instinct. For some reason, you had been a little weaker these past few days, reason being the numerous secret outings after dinner time. Not that you had mentioned that to your mother when she’d commented on your physical state. That was recipe for disaster.

"My duty will lie elsewhere when that time comes."

"I notice you always talk in riddles whenever you don't want to say things that will hurt people."

He glanced at you, maybe out of shock or maybe just because he already knew how you'd picked up on his habits in the few days that you had spent together.

When he spoke next, his voice was a raspy whisper, “I don’t like hurting people.”

"Don’t avoid my question, Kevin Frost.”

The words hung between you like a cold breath of winter. Kevin’s skin was warm and yet, your fingers felt numb from gripping one of the roof tiles too hard.

“Yes,” he pressed his lips together, “I’ll be gone. Until the next winter season.”

“So you’re leaving me.”

“I never said I was going to stay.”

The words stung like bees, as though someone had reached into your chest for the sole purpose of squeezing your heart until it pinched with pain.

He must’ve regretted his outburst, for in the silence that followed there was a soft mumble of his apology.

"And you said you didn’t like hurting people,” you scoffed and saw him wincing from the corner of your eye, “that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

Gathering up your skirts and wrapping the blanket a little tighter around your shoulders when you felt a gentle whoosh of the winter air scald your skin, you muttered, “I’d like to go home now.”

The fly back was laden with a heavy silence that pressed down on your throat and made your eyes burn with the onset of tears, though you refused to cry for him. You knew, deep down, that he’d be gone in the blink of an eye. He wasn’t the personification of winter for nothing and it ultimately wasn’t his fault for leaving you.

He wasn’t to blame.

It was just a matter of unleashing your own frustrations because you were going to miss him. More than he could imagine.

The moment your feet touched the wooden edge of your window sill, you fought the urge not to turn around and bury yourself into his arms. He grasped your hand, the other around your waist as he helped you inside like he always did, except this time your heart skipped a beat despite the small pang of pain resonating through your chest.

“Y/N,” came his murmur the moment your feet touched your attic floor. You turned around reluctantly, heart collapsing the moment you caught sight of the glistening wetness in Kevin’s dark orbs.

“I--” he took a shaky inhale, stepped towards you until you were close enough for your feet to touch, “I never wanted you to get attached, nor did I want to get attached...to you.”

Your head angled to the floor as you bit your lip, not wanting him to see how much you were breaking inside.

"Oh come here sweetheart,” and that was when his arms laced around your middle to pull you close, a movement so surprising that it made you gasp. Your hands flew to his chest to push him away, only for him to hold on a little tighter and nuzzle his face into the crook of your neck. Your heart felt like it had suddenly been ignited with fireworks, heat coursing through your veins at the sudden display of affection that left you lightheaded.

“I don’t like seeing you unhappy,” his whisper echoed through your ear and as if on impulse he tightened his hold.

“You’ll...” you broke off when the tears started choking you up, arms going around his chest to press your cheek against his collarbone, “you’ll come back though. You can promise that...right?”

Feeling him nod, you pulled away to get that same affirmation from his eyes, which you did once your gazes locked. Gently, Kevin’s hand went up to hold your cheek, brushing his thumb slightly over your cheekbone and causing your breath to stutter inside your throat.

Time felt like it had stopped as you stood there, unmoving, just watching the shades of dark brown moving to soft maroon of Kevin’s eyes as the light danced against his face.

And then he leaned down. His lips feathered over your forehead before pressing a soft, chaste kiss upon it, “I promise.”

° . · ❄ · . °

As Winter slowly ebbed away with the arrival of Spring, so did Kevin Frost. It was as if you were waking up from a dream all this time, a dream that you hoped would last forever. It was only when it was warm enough to step outside that you spotted all of his silent messages displayed across the town. Ice sculptures depicting two miniature figures flying through the sky, dancing on rooftops and laughing together paved the way from the door of your backyard to the edge of your fencing and you swore that if you had been alone you would’ve broken down into tears.

But you held on to that thin strand of hope that Kevin Frost would return the next winter. You hoped. Believed that he would keep his word.

Summer was a daze where you occupied yourself helping your brothers, who had recently bought a stand to open up a bakery shop at the end of your street. As you slowly started learning the ropes of rolling dough out and making confectionaries that the locals were so fond of, you slowly developed the skill of decorating them to your liking; which was winter-themed. Soon enough, cookies in the forms of snowflakes were being displayed, there were icy popsicles in the shape of ice-skating rollers, cakes to show the frozen lake and small figurines dancing atop its surface icing.

The one creation that sold the best out of all these was the pastry depicting a scene from when you and Kevin Frost had sat upon a roof, heads nestled close and looking like there wasn’t anywhere else in the world you’d rather be. You had carved into the dough with the best of your ability, with the details springing from the golden crust once it had gone through the oven as bits and pieces of white chocolate made up the snowflakes falling in that idealistic landscape.

"My daughters just love your creations!” One lady once stated as she bought a cake box and about dozens of your pastry, “she finds them so adorable that she shares them with her friends at recess!”

“Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad she likes them,” you smiled back as you exchanged the box of goodies for some gold coins. Your brother, named Hyunjae, nudged you the moment the woman was out of earshot, “so now that we’ve established that you know how to bake. Care to elaborate where you met this man?”

“What?” you tried keeping your face impassive. But you’d be a fool to think your brother would be satisfied with your obliviousness.

“Y/N, I’d like to know whatever’s going on in that little head of yours,” Hyunjae slung an arm around your shoulder with a sly smirk, “so do please enlighten your brother before he finds that man and lands him one.”

You gasped, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Well it seems like he’s breaking your heart, whoever that man in the pastry is.”

"I--He’s--There’s no one.”

“Y/N.”

“Hyunjae, leave her alone,” your eldest brother, who went by the name of Younghoon, just threw Hyunjae a stern stare, “she’ll tell us when she wants to.”

“You’re no fun Younghoon.”

Before you knew it, the temperature had dropped and the lush greenery of the foliage adorning the town slowly turned to warm hues of orange and red and yellows that fell to the ground, signalling that a new season was making its way through Sleva. Working in your house kitchen was a given now that it was too cold for your body to handle. You woke up before down each day to prepare the set of pastries and adorned cakes that your brothers would then transport to the market place as you watched, waving until their figures disappeared behind the wooden structures of the buildings.

And then, the first snow came.

You weren’t exactly sure when or how Kevin Frost was going to make his appearance. It had been so long that your memory fogged up whenever you tried to remember the details of his features. Did he have a mole at the corner of his eye or was that just a figment of your imagination? Nevertheless, the first time you spotted snowflakes drifting to the ground, there was a rush of adrenaline through your heart and you just knew that Kevin Frost was here.

That night, you set up the fire in your attic as per usual and gathered your blanket around you before huddling over to the edge of the window. No expectations, your mind told you, no expectations that he’d make it to you today. And that was alright.

Your hand went to press against the window pane. It was cold. It sent a shiver through your body and you coughed slightly, muffling it with your palm.

Who were you kidding? There was absolutely no reason why you sat at the edge of the window with your palms bearing the cold if not for one glimpse of Kevin Frost, one sign from him that he had returned with the winter that buried Sleva in its magical beauty.

You imagined him now, that playful asymmetrical smirk and those gorgeous feline eyes and the tender way he would look at you whenever you would spark a conversation that would keep you awake till the early hours of the morning.

You missed him.

Breath fogging up the glass as your nose went to press against it, you took this moment to close your eyes.

Get a grip Y/N. You had to live your life just like he was living his. He wasn’t even human, so why? What made him so important that you felt like your heart was constantly dancing to the rhythm of his voice?

Your eyes fluttered open as you took a breath--

Only to look straight into Kevin Frost’s eyes.

Gasping in shock, your jaw fell slack as you gazed at his face from behind the window pane, his hand pressing up where yours was as he grinned back at you.

“Kev--” your throat felt tight, “Kevin?”

Your hands scrabbled for the latch. You flung it open.

He was here. He came back as he had promised.

Your heart swelled twice the size of your chest, tears gathering along your eyes so that they made your sight all blurry as you reached out to feel his hands clasping your own and before you knew it, you were being cradled to Kevin Frost’s chest as he held you as though he was never going to let go.

“Kevin?” your murmur was muffled against his shirt and reaching out to cup your cheek, he tilted your face towards his in a manner so gentle that your lungs seemed to stop functioning altogether.

His eyes were the same dark obsidian, his nose scrunching in that same manner of his whenever he was deeply amused and whether it was due to your shock, you weren’t about to make a comment when he was here in the flesh, in your arms.

“Long time no see,” his mouth was pressed to your temple and he pecked the area, over and over again like he himself couldn’t quite believe it, “sweetheart.”

His pet name made you laugh, though the tears now pooled down your cheeks, “long time indeed.”

“Kept my promise though, didn’t I?” his hand went up to smooth over the back of your head in an affectionate manner and you swore you felt your heart melt at his touch.

“Still as cocky as ever.”

“Admit it, you missed me.”

You grumbled out a small whine of agreement while looking away and Kevin only chuckled in response. He pushed back your hair, curled it behind your ear before cupping your cheek once more as he searched your gaze.

The intensity of his dark orbs made something in your chest constrict, hands tightening ever so slightly on his shirt, “what? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I wanted to try something.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I saw a bunch of couples doing it so it got me thinking.”

Heat spread through your cheeks and coursed down the back of your neck at how casually he seemed to handle the matter. It must’ve been obvious from the look on your face for Kevin only chuckled and bent down so close that his nose brushed yours, eyes slowly drifting shut when he angled his head to the side.

When his lips touched yours, you swore your heart burst into a million of fireworks.

A shy, tentative kiss. A first kiss for Kevin Frost. That was for sure.

It felt unreal, cold lips against warm ones that made you shudder out of the sheer sensation. His hand moved to the back of your neck, holding you in place as he caught your lower lip between his own. You let out a small sound of appreciation and spurred on, he kept on kissing you that way over and over again while his other arm tugged you close so that you were pressed up to him, all of your curves molded to his hard frame.

He pulled back and for the first time in forever he was the definition of being flustered, red cheeks and shy smile, “how...how did it feel?” he asked like a little five year old boy.

The grin that almost split your face in two was priceless and you'd never know that his heart was racing hundred miles an hour the moment you did.

"Cold," you giggled at his confused frown, "...and magical."

Satisfied with your answer, the young man pressed another kiss to your cheek in a manner so delicate it made your insides blossom with butterflies.

"So," Kevin turned towards the now open window which was now coated in snowflakes, "shall we?"

Your hand slipped into his as you made your way to the ledge, noting the gentleness of his arm as it wound around your waist and caressed your side.

"Show me what you've made of this winter, Kevin Frost."

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imbruedinfear-a · 4 years

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@undeadrphub asked: ALL OF THEM FOR JAY

🍍 : how comfortable is my muse in their body? how do they feel about their height, weight, strength, and body type? how important is being attractive to them?

this man would kill to be taller in .0002 seconds if he could. he was bullied for his height, bullied for being severely underweight, bullied for feminine hips, for.. literally anything. he hates it all. as an adult, he’s managed to pull himself out of the underweight category, but it’s solely from muscle. he’s still incredibly thin and small, just as he’s always been. you can’t get him to be comfortable without an oversized hoodie to hide in. he vaguely cares about being attractive, but it’s more ‘i don’t want them to be embarrassed to be hanging out with someone as fucking ugly as i am’ than anything else. if he’s not working or going out with people, he won’t even think of trying to improve appearance.

🍅 : how does my muse feel about plastic / cosmetic surgeries & procedures? is it something they have done or would do? do they mind if others do it?

dislike. who the fuck cares about their appearance that much? granted, he’s had a nose job, but it was so he could still fucking breathe rather than cosmetics. he won’t dislike you as a person for it, but he’s going to instantly find you unappealing. it just bothers him for some reason.

🍏 : how stable is my muse’s physical health? do they go for regular or semi-regular checkups by a physician? do they have any diagnosed illnesses and / or take any medication? how often do they get sick?

stability whomst? he has two modes of health: sick once a year or sick every other week. it depends on how much food he’s been eating and whether or not he’s blown food money on beer. fuck doctors. his overall health is fucked. doctors cannot explain why he doesn’t have x problems and how he’s even still alive after all of the beatings he’s had, especially when it comes to the brain damage. he has seizures, sometimes an arm will stop working for a bit, sometimes he can’t hold anything, sometimes he’ll have a burst of amnesia. he’s a medical mystery to the point there are literal scientific articles on his case, and 98% of the time if he lands in the hospital for something they’ll just shrug it off. it’s gotten to the point he’ll break bones and still not go, because he learned how to fix that fucking problem himself when he was like 12.

🍎 : how stable is my muse’s mental health? have they been diagnosed with any mental illnesses and / or conditions? do they have any undiagnosed mental illnesses and / or conditions? do they or should they attend therapy?

:^) he’s gotten away with murder ( though it was self-defense ) through the insanity claim, which is actually really fucking hard to use. that should give you an idea of his scores on mental exams. but again, he has brain damage, and every single psych he’s ever interacted with has mentioned that they can no longer determine what’s an actual mental illness or what’s just his brain being physically unable to function correctly. he’s never been to therapy, but he’s been tested several times. his scores changed every time, for every section. the only thing anyone’s certain on is PTSD. Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, and Schizophrenia have been heavily considered, but even professionals argue with each other. he’s a medical mystery even in mental health. he needs therapy, but his disorders make him extremely avoidant of it. that is not to say everything i listed is true, nor is it to say there isn’t anything unlisted here.

🍑 : how meticulously does my muse look after their physical appearance? do they spend a lot of time on their hair, makeup, grooming, and clothing? is there a particular reason why they do or don’t?

oof. how anxious is he? if he’s anxious, he’ll fix himself 1000x times. if he’s not doing anything special, he’ll walk out the door without a second thought. he doesn’t spend a lot of time on anything, but he does make sure he’s well groomed and put together. it should be noted, though, he doesn’t look in the mirror. his own apartment doesn’t have one, and he avoids public restrooms like the plague. his own reflection is a fucking trigger. this is probably why his eyeliner is always smudged.

🍒 : how much does my muse value companionship? do they constantly keep people around them, or do they prefer to be alone often? do they have or desire to have many friends? do they see every meeting as an opportunity to make a new friend?

confusing as fuck. he’s lonely as hell and constantly wants to hangout with people, but he also will have periods of avoiding them like the fucking plague. he loves hanging out! he fucking hates being out! who knows! for the most part, he has a lot of friends in a lot of places and will gladly drink with any group of strangers, but he’ll yeet the fuck out if you try actually getting close to him. he’s alone, always, at home and only around people when working or getting fucked up. having other people around too often, like a roommate perhaps, will make his mental health act the fuck up.

🍇 : how would my muse describe their childhood? how much has it impacted the person they are now, or will become as an adult? around what age did they or will they start to mature, and why? do they wish to go back to their days as a child, or have they embraced adulthood?

in his words, it was a great big pile of horseshit on fire. he literally has brain damage from it. he can’t leave his own room without convincing himself it’s going to be his living room, not his childhood home, and sometimes he’ll open the bedroom door and see his father standing there, and then he’ll fucking yeet back into bed. obviously it’s impacted him just a smidge. definitely not full of self-hatred and constantly fighting himself to do shit he likes, absolutely most definitely not traumatized in a million forms and continues to trigger himself because how the fuck do you go about your day not panicking half of the time. IN OTHER WORDS, he was a fucking parent to his brother when he was only 4, he would rather die in the most slow, most painful death than return to childhood. is he even still alive bc he doesn’t know

🍐 : how intelligent is my muse overall? are they smarter than the average person, or less than? are they primarily self-taught, or did they acquire most of their knowledge in school? are they more street smart or book smart?

if you knew him before his skull was caved in, you would call him a freak for how fast he could think and solve problems. he was the type of genius you’d only heard about in stories, and he pissed off his teachers because he never even needed to be taught. show him the super simple problem once and he knew how to do everything for the next three weeks. he grew up on the streets and read shakespeare for fun. he lost it all. it now only shows rarely, on really good days, when the stars want to align.

🍉 : which of the four seasons suits my muse best, and why?

summer. he literally lived outside most of the time since he was a kid, and summer nights were easiest. outdoor concerts, parties late at night, cookouts and campfires. he also loves storms.

🍌 : is my muse inclined to help others, or will they only do it when it benefits them, if at all? what makes them this way? has it ever gotten them into trouble, or inconvenienced them?

which personality is showing most at the time? he’s gotten accused of rape for helping a woman once. let that sink in. but also, he’s helped so many people he’s protected by half the city’s underworld. who knows.

🍊 : does my muse desire romance? is it something they would actively seek out, or prefer to happen more ‘ naturally? ’ what is their love life like? do they have any exes or past flings, or crushes?

o k a y listen. these r getting too hard i literally don’t know ok can i asked which disorder or which personality is showing most at the time for this bc IT CHANGES like everything always does. mostly, he’s,, weird. he actively seeks it out in the sense he’ll go on dates regularly, but he’s not actually trying to find a girlfriend. he’s carefree. also traumatized. really wanted romance until his heart was ripped to shreds and now he’s convinced himself he’s not lovable, too complicated, extremely undesirable, and especially undeserving of it. he won’t let it happen. no one should have to suffer by having to deal with him. if you’re including things that were just for fun and both parties knew it wasn’t serious, he’s had a few girlfriends. if we’re only including serious things, then he’s only had (1) serious boyfriend. They were together for nearly two years, and they split solely because Jeremiah a) didn’t want sex as much and b) didn’t want to try any kinks. def no trauma from that, absolutely doesn’t panic abt not being good enough or wanting it enough or being pleasing or being fun or attractive or too scarred. nope. also totally doesn’t do shit he doesn’t even like / triggers him just bc they want it gotta give it to them. perfectly fuckin’ fine after one relationship.

🍓 : how is my muse typically seen by others? does it ring true to who they really are? does their reputation matter to them?

our options: 1) aggressive 2) smooth n flirty 3) soft n adorable. he is all of the above. if you’re from the city and connected to the drug world at all, there’s a big ass chance you’re aware he was a major dealer at one point, the son of a psycho serial killer, and connected to damn near every gang in some way. there are few people who would be stupid enough to hurt him, just because there’s probably some member somewhere who’s going to get revenge for it. his rep is pretty positive if ur aware he basically turned the outskirts of the city from a shithole to a really good community. otherwise, u probably just think ‘criminally insane deliquent’. he doesnt rly care about it unless u start asking about his fucking dad.

🥝 : does my muse have any ‘ unusual ’ habits, interests, and / or talents? do they hide it, or are they proud of it?

b r u h i dont fuckin know im skipping this one, he’s just obsessive compulsive about the oddest things

🍋 : what kind of diet does my muse have? do they eat regularly, or the standard 2-3 meals a day? do they have to be reminded to eat, or are they likely to remind others? do they cook, or have others cook for them? do they eat healthily, or not so much?

no diet. no food. eat if money, starve if none. remember to eat who?? o u mean eat everything. who fucking knows. he can cook really well, sometimes, maybe. pizza and taco bell 4 life. fuck vegetables. fruits are delicious and to be treasured. he mostly eats like shit, if he eats at all.

🥭 : how important to my muse is their hometown, or where they’re from? are they proud of it, or considered a hometown hero? did they move away, or do they wish to?

none. no fucks given. still here bc no money to move. would happily fuck off to Paris or something.

#undeadrphub #( Some days I live in fear that I am every fucking thing I hate. || Jeremiah Headcanon )

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eddiessecondfannypack · 4 years

Text

Better (Reddie)- Part One

Also available on my wattpad here (ao3 coming soon): https://my.w.tt/ctR7a0grI5

RATING: PG-13 lol

PAIRING: Reddie

WORD COUNT: 1621

Trigger warnings: depictions of eating disorders

When Eddie Kaspbrak is diagnosed with anorexia, he is sent to the painfully cheesy Sunflower Meadows Clinic to “get better”, where he meets the incredibly charismatic Richie Tozier and the rest of the Losers Club. A story of recovery, friendship, loss, and love.

Let me know if you would like to be added to the tag list!

Eddie Kaspbrak sat alone at lunch. Again. Not like that was anything out of the ordinary for him. Maybe it would have been, several months ago. But now? The empty seats surrounding him were part of the routine. He welcomed it. Eddie preferred solitude.

The loud cacophony of the cafeteria blurred into a nonsensical blend of high school chatter and the hum of the machines as the staff hurriedly prepared for the round of hungry teenagers that would file into the cafeteria after this bunch cleared out. Why hadn't Eddie gone to the library? It would be so much quieter there. Eddie knew why, though. He truly didn't think he could make it, as silly as it sounded. The library was all the way on the other side of the school, and Eddie was exhausted. He needed to conserve energy. After all, he had a bio test next hour.

Eddie stared at the textbook on the table in front of him, occupying the space where a lunch was meant to go. Of course, that space had been empty for quite a while as well. Not as long as the seats around him had stood empty, but long enough.

It had been a long time since he'd last eaten. And it'd been even longer since he'd last had a proper meal. How long was he going on? It was a few days at least. Eddie had sworn off food. He could eat again once the stomach fat was gone. Which, at this rate, it looked like it would be quite a while.

He was so close to being healthy. So close to finally being incomparable to his mother, the dreaded Sonia Kaspbrak. But the fat was still there. Whenever Eddie managed to get rid of fat in one place, it would show up someplace new. Someplace that was so glaringly obvious, that he'd wonder how he'd managed to overlook it before. Edward Kaspbrak was far from perfect. But he could get there. He would get there. Or he'd die trying.

Eddie couldn't remember when it all began.

Was it during health class, when the teacher warned against the dangers of obesity? Or could it have been one of his interactions with his mother- the ones where afterwards, he sobbed into his pillow and vowed never to be like her. Maybe it was when Greta Keene had laughed loudly when seeing the insane amount of food his mother packed in his lunch.

("I can't have my Eddie-kins going hungry, I just can't bear it!" Sonia would screech as she piled snacks into his already bulging lunchbag)

The brown paper sack she gave him each morning usually ended up somewhere in the bushes on his route to school. He felt bad about the waste of food, sure. But it was better than facing the barrage of questions Eddie would get if he brought home an untouched meal.

That would get him busted for sure.

He'd gotten the whole thing down to a science. He came home late, when his mother was already sitting in front of the television, usually passed out. He would get a glass of water, and go directly up to his room. It was easy enough to avoid dinner. Not like he was missing anything- Sonia Kaspbrak was only able to cook various casseroles.

The bell rang, almost breaking him out of his mental fog.

Eddie stood up too fast. The room began spinning like the tilt-a-whirl at the Derry summer fair, and he leaned forward, attempting to steady himself. He missed the table though, and immediately crashed down to the floor, his head hitting the hard linoleum floor with a thwack. Someone- probably Greta, that attention whore- screamed.

And then it all went black.

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

Sonia Kaspbrak sat in a hospital room, her son lying comatose in the bed, and a doctor standing across from her.

"What do you mean, he's underweight? He's perfectly healthy! Besides his asthma, of course. I feed my Eddie very, very well." The woman squawked, trying to defend her parenting skills. Sonia always put Eddie at the top of her priority list- where had she gone wrong?

"Well, ma'am, the tests show that your son is severely malnourished. His nutrient levels aren't up to par, and his heart is beating slower than it should be. He will need to have his vitals monitored for a few days, at least." The doctor spoke smoothly, having had to deal with Sonia since the day Eddie was born. He made his way out of the room, telling the flustered woman that he would be back later to discuss a future course of action.

The voices stirred Eddie out of his deep sleep, waking up to Sonia's hot breath in his face, an orchestra of beeping machines creating a symphony around him.

"Eddie! Oh, my dear Eddie-kins. Are you alright? What happened? As soon as the school called me, I demanded they send you to the hospital. Only the best care for my Eddie. I came as soon-"

Sonia's incessant screeching was cut off by a woman in a white coat entering the room.

"Edward Kaspbrak?" The woman's voice was calming and practical. Eddie simply nodded to confirm his identity, too confused by the unfamiliar surroundings to say much. Only one minute ago, he'd been in the stuffy cafeteria of Derry High School.

"And I'm assuming you're his mother-" The woman began, but was cut off.

"Yes. I'm Sonia Kaspbrak. Who are you? You aren't his normal doctor." Eddie's mother sniffed, shooting a glare at the other woman.

"I'm Dr. Krynn. My full name is Stacy Krynn. And, full disclosure, I don't actually work here." The woman- Dr. Krynn- smiled, making crinkles form around her eyes. With her salt and pepper hair and sun kissed skin, she looked like someone who smiled a lot.

"WHAT? I demand that a real doctor is sent in this room IMMEDIATELY!" Sonia's face had grown red with anger, vaguely reminding Eddie of an Angry Bird.

"I'm still a real doctor, ma'am. I just work at a different kind of facility," Dr. Krynn cleared her throat. "See, I'm from the Sunflower Meadows Clinic, in Massachusetts. I was here to do some post-stay checkups with some patients, and the hospital also alerted me about your son's case."

Eddie had heard about Sunflower Meadows. He didn't know very much, but he knew enough. They specialized in teens there. Teens who were crazy. And Eddie Kaspbrak definitely was not crazy.

"I'm sure Eddie's doctors have already told you that he is severely underweight, and his heart is beating much slower than normal. They have good reason to believe your son is struggling with an eating disorder- I recommend that he comes to the clinic as soon as possible."

"MY Eddie? Anorexic? That can't be- I take such good care of him! And only girls starve themselves- my Eddie is perfectly healthy!" His mother protested beside him. "Besides, Massachusetts is just so far away. I simply couldn't bear to be so far away from him!"

"Mrs. Kaspbrak-" Dr. Krynn began.

"It's Ms. Kaspbrak."

"Ms. Kaspbrak, at the end of the day, it is your decision. But Edward will need some sort of monitoring, as he is considered at risk. That can be here, or at the Juniper Hill Asylum. But Sunflower Hills is designed for children like your son, and I'm confident he would receive the best care there," Dr. Krynn took some brightly colored pamphlets out of her lab coat pocket and handed them to Sonia. "Feel free to look these over, and if you decide it's a yes, our phone number is on the back."

As the doctor exited, Sonia Kaspbrak turned towards Eddie with tears in her eyes.

"Are they right, Eddie-bear? Have you been-" She sniffed, and Eddie could hear the snot in her nose. "Starving yourself?"

Eddie thought for a moment.

"No mommy. I'm not."

"Stop lying! I know you're lying. Oh, I'm an idiot for not seeing sooner. You must think I'm a horrible mother." Sonia cried, and Eddie watched her shake.

"No I don't." (Yes I do)

"Well.. I guess there's only one answer then, hm? You'll have to- you'll have to go to that clinic that Dr. Krynn was talking about." She sniffled, looking like a helpless puppy.

"No! Mommy, you can't send me there. It's for crazy people. I'm not crazy!" Eddie protested, all of the alarm bells going off in his head, his gut filling with fear. He couldn't go. What if people at school found out? What if they made him gain weight? Eddie would have to go back to school fat, and even more of an outcast than he'd already been. "Please don't make me go."

"I have to, Eddie. You have to get better." His mother's bottom lip trembled, and Eddie knew his fate had been sealed. There was no use arguing with it.

"Yes mommy." Eddie whispered, and Sonia immediately burst into hysterics, pulling her precious "Eddie-bear" to her bosom.

A few days passed, a couple phone calls were made. And then it was official- Eddie would begin his "recovery" at Sunflower Meadows as soon as possible. Preferably by next week.

In the meantime, Eddie spent his days flipping through the pamphlets and looking at the website on his phone. Everything was brightly colored and full of stock images of kids smiling so wide it looked like it hurt. Barf. Eddie was certain this place was full of hippies who wouldn't be able to do anything to help him.

It was relieving to know that he should be able to carry on as normal.

#reddie fic #reddie fanfiction #reddie fanfic #reddie #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #trigger warning #ana trigger #the losers club #it fanfiction #mine #it 2017 #it 2019 #it movie #it chapter one #it chapter two #god im so scared to post this

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moohiyay · 5 years

Text

Saito Asuka: 46 Q&A

1. Hobbies?

I don’t have anything in particular, but I do like things related to language and music

2. Special skill?

Please allow me to say “none”

3. Strength and weakness?

My emotions don’t fluctuate much

4. Favorite color?

Yesterday I liked dark green, right before this I liked gray

5. Favorite animal?

Cow, horse

6. Food you like recently?

Ice cream

7. An area you think you wouldn’t lose to anyone?

None

8. One thing you’ve always treasured?

I would never lose my passport

9. Dish you’re good at making?

Secret

10. The thing you want the most right now?

Good memory

11. The scariest thing in this world ?

Everything is scary

12. What are you happy about from this past year?

Seeing how overjoyed the staff were after we won Japan Record Awards Grand Prix a second time made me really happy, I’ll never forget it

13. What are you sad about from this past year?

When people say I’m 20 years old

14. What do you regret the most from this past year?

I haven’t found time to take the driver’s license test

15. What made you angry this past year?

I don’t get angry

16. What was the most fulfilling job from this year?

I don’t really look for fulfillment

17. After joining Nogizaka46, how did you change?

My character and way of thinking through problems both had a big change

18. What is your position within Nogizaka46?

Someone who it doesn’t matter if she’s there or not

19. Who do you want to form a unit with right now?

Who would want to be in a unit with me?

20. What is your favorite part about the current Nogizaka46?

The atmosphere with the members, and the staff’s kindness

21. The member you’re paying the most attention to right now?

Umezawa-san

22. Which member would you choose to be your boyfriend?

I feel like no one would let me be her girlfriend

23. Which member would you marry?

Still haven’t considered marriage

24. If you were to go to an uninhabited island, which member would you go with?

If it’s possible, I don’t want to leave anyone with dangerous memories

25. If you could be reborn, which member would you want to become?

Sasaki-san

26. If you had a time machine, which time period would you want to go to?

Around 30 years later

27. If you could build your own kingdom, what type of kingdom would it be?

A kingdom where everybody goes through life while wearing a professional wrestler’s mask

28. A book or manga you’ve enjoyed recently?

Hirano Keiichiro’s “Some Man” (ある男)

29. A movie you’ve enjoyed recently?

“The Mule”

30. Current favorite Nogizaka46 song?

“Tender Days”

31. Current favorite Nogizaka46 choreography?

Right now it’s “Rewind Ano Hi”

32. Current favorite Nogizaka46 outfit?

“Inochi wa Utsukushii”

32. Current favorite Nogizaka46 MV?

“Harujion ga Sakukoro”

34. Favorite Nogizaka46 unit?

Right now it’s Shiraishi-san and Takayama-san’s White High

35. A favorite phrase you’ve been saying recently?

Tokyo 03-san’s “yoyuu”

36. If you could hold your own solo concert?

I would stand on stage together with the staff

37. What kind of group do you want Nogizaka46 to become?

Hybrid!

38. What do you want to be like in five years?

Regularly have health checkups and not be lazy

39. Concert or event that was memorable this past year?

Nogizaka46 Live in Shanghai 2018

40. What do you want to do in your private life this year?

Zazen (Zen meditation)

41. Work you want to do in the future?

One where I can closely interact with children

42. Hairstyle you want to try in the future?

As long as it’s a hairstyle that fits me, then anything is okay

43. Favorite fashion item recently?

White collared shirt

44. Where would you want to go for a summer date?

Prague

45. What would you want to do while on a break?

Sleep all day

46. Please say a word to your fans.

Everyone please take care of yourself.

#saito asuka #q&a #nogizaka46

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ladyseaheart1668 · 5 years

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Endless Summer Book 4 : Daughter of Vaanu (Chapter 41)

Description: Sean and Michelle are finally tying the knot!

Tagging: @mysteli @whatmcsaid @xo-endlessmayhem-xo @endlesshero1122 @feartheendlesssummer @tigerbryn11

Chapter 41: Something Borrowed

Michelle

Quinn, Estela, Zahra, and Craig accompany me and Sean to the airport to meet our friends. It's a necessity as much as a fun Catalyst excursion. We come in three separate cars, because between us, we'll have to get Alodia, Jake, Diego, Varyyn, Mike, Raj, and Lila to where they are going. Originally, Raj and Lila weren't going to be in until tomorrow, but they cut their most recent overseas trip short in order to end up on the same flight from California as our friends.

We arrive at the airport at the right time, at least what was supposed to be the right time according to the arrival times listed online. It takes about twenty extra minutes before we finally get the text that the plane has landed. And then another fifteen before we finally get the message that they're at the baggage carousel.

“Oh, finally!” Quinn squeals. She grabs Estela's hand and drags her off toward the baggage carousel like a little kid. The rest of us rush to keep up. When we reach the carousel, there's a flurry of hugs and shrieking, which in retrospect is probably pretty obnoxious to the other jet-lagged passengers searching for their luggage, but we're all a little too excited to worry about them for a couple minutes.

“Oh my god, Alodia!” Quinn cries, throwing her arms around our heavily pregnant friend from the side. “Look at you!”

“What about me?”

“What are you talking about? You're bigger than you were a month ago!”

“That's kinda how pregnancy works, Craiggers,” Zahra snorts, then goes to grab Diego's left hand. “Ahh, so I see you boys went through with the wedding?”

“Congratulations on that,” Sean says, embracing Diego. “But that was really sneaky the way you did it. You could have at least live-streamed it for us.”

“We have a recording, I promise. But you were all at our actual wedding. And besides, this is your wedding we're supposed to all be focused on now.”

“Ahh! Princess, wait! Let me grab that one, it's heavy!”

“Oh, for pete's sake, Top Gun. I'm pregnant, not infirm.”

“Listen to your husband,” I order her, slipping my arm through hers. “Step away from the carousel and tell your favorite doctor how everything is going.”

She rolls her eyes. “Please tell me you're not going to give me a checkup right in the middle of the airport.”

“Well, I'm not going to put you in stirrups. And if you tell me everything that's going on, I won't take your pulse, either.”

She sighs. “In June, I told you I didn't mind you being alarmist about my health. I am deeply regretting that now.”

“Well, I told you you would. Tell me how you're doing.”

“Babe, don't interrogate her,” Sean scolds me, but he's grinning as he shoulders one of our friends' bags.

“She does have doctors in California,” Raj points out, also helping to collect bags. “And no offense, Michelle, but those doctors specialize in babies and the women who have them.”

“Excuse you! When Grace was having Reggie, I read and studied everything to do with babies and the women who have them!”

“Yeah, but I don't want to talk about that right now! I want to talk about your wedding! I want to see pictures of the bridesmaid dresses! I want to see your dress!”

“I've sent you pictures of the dresses. Many pictures. You helped pick them out.”

“Pfft. Details.”

“Okay, let's compromise here,” Sean laughs. “All medical questions must be confined to the car ride. For now, let's get everyone's bags. Deal?”

“Hey, speaking of Grace,” Jake chimes in, “Aren't we missing a couple of our number?”

“Grace and Aleister are meeting us at the restaurant. They had to sort out childcare first.”

“My mom was supposed to do it,” Sean explains, “But her neighbor had some kind of emergency and she was the only one around to help.”

“Do you know if they've managed to get anyone else?” Varyyn asks.

“In fact they have,” Estela says, smirking a little. “Rochelle Rogers. Tahira's mother.”

* * *

We finally manage to get everyone and their luggage sorted into the three cars. Alodia and Jake are in the car with me and Sean. I have held my tongue for as long as possible, but as soon as the doors are closed and Sean starts the car, I turn back in the passenger seat to look at Alodia.

“Okay, spill. What's the latest on you and the new baby Catalyst?”

Alodia laughs, affectionately rolling her eyes. “Everything's fine, Michelle. I'm a little short of breath, but my OB says that's normal right now, and it's just because I have a baby head pushing into my chest and crowding my lungs.”

I frown. “A head? ...Are you saying the baby hasn't turned yet?”

“Not yet,” she admits.

“But you're thirty-two weeks. She should have turned by now.”

“OB says some babies take longer. In a few weeks, I'll have another ultrasound, and if she hasn't turned, OB says we'll figure out what to do then.”

“Did she tell you what your options are?” Sean asks, looking at her in the rearview mirror. His voice betrays concern, and Alodia rolls her eyes again.

“Now, don't you start worrying, too! It took me days to get this one to calm down.” She reaches over to rub Jake's shoulder. “Look, absolute worst case scenario, I deliver by C-section. Now can we please talk about anything else?”

I meet her eyes. “You know we're only worried because we care, right?”

She smiles and stretches a hand out to me. I accept the offer, curling my fingers around hers. “Of course I know that. But...”

“...But we're probably making you nervous,” Sean suggests, sounding sheepish.

“A little, yeah.”

“And you get quite enough of that from me, doncha, Princess?”

“Right. So let's not talk about my baby right now, unless we're talking about how we're almost done with the nursery. But let's not talk about that, either. Let's talk about the wedding. Sean, do you know what Craig's planned for the bachelor party yet?”

Quinn

Dinner is a festive affair at a local fondu restaurant that lasts well into the night. By the time we all head home, it seems unlikely we'll do anything except fall into bed. There was a bit of good-natured quarreling in the past couple weeks over who would be hosting whom when Raj, Lila, and the California crew came into town. Of course, everyone wants to spend time with everyone else, and no one wants to split up couples if it can be helped. Finally, Raj sorted it out, being the smooth diplomat that he is. Sean and Michelle, being the couple of the hour, were paradoxically not permitted to host anyone. He and Lila would stay with Craig and Zahra. Estela and I would host Varyyn and Diego, while Grace and Aleister would have Alodia, Jake, and Mike, mostly so that Alodia could talk pregnancy and childbirth with Grace.

Estela and I get Diego and Varyyn back to our apartment. It's not fancy, but there's plenty of space, and it's in a good location. Plus, we have Murphy, which is always a plus. He greets Diego and Varyyn enthusiastically when we walk in, leaping into their arms and licking their faces.

“Will Murphy be coming along to the wedding?” Diego asks, scratching the fox vigorously behind the ears.

“Of course! Do you think he'd ever forgive us if we didn't sneak him in?”

“How do you plan to get him on the plane? You know Jake's doing absolutely minimal flying right now with Allie in her present condition. ...Or are you driving?”

“We're taking the train, actually,” Estela explains, hanging up our coats in the front closet. “Neither of us have ever traveled overnight by train before.”

“Ohhhh,” Diego cooes, grinning mischeivously. “That sounds romantic.”

“Well, not as much as you might think,” I laugh. “Unfortunately, there are no double beds in the sleeping cars. But I admit to finding something romantic in the idea of sitting together in the observation car and seeing the country up close as we pass through it. It'll take a few extra days, but lucky for us, our schedules are flexible.”

“It does sound like a very enjoyable way to travel,” Varyyn agrees. He winds his arms around Diego's waist from behind and nuzzles his neck. “But the lack of a bed for two is a little bit off-putting.”

Diego grins, leaning back into the embrace. “We could make it work. We've managed it in hammocks be-before...” He cuts himself off with a large yawn. “Oh, goodness. Speaking of bed...”

“You are worn out, my darling.” Varyyn kisses the top of his husband's head.

“Of course. We'll show you where you can sleep.”

Estela and I make sure the men are settled, then head back to our own room. Estela decides to take a shower. I hear her turn on the water as I slip out of my clothes and into my pajamas. I give her a minute and then knock on the door.

“Can I come in and brush my teeth?” I call through the door.

“Si,” she calls back. I slip into the steaming bathroom, and quickly brush my teeth. I spit, rinse, and then on impulse, I stick my hand around the shower curtain, waving.

“Hello!” I call cheerfully. I hear Estela chuckle, and feel her wet fingers lace through mine.

“Hello, mi sirenita,” she replies indulgently. “How are you?” I release her hand so that she can continue with her shower, but I don't leave just yet.

“I feel good. I had fun at dinner, and I am glad we have Diego and Varyyn staying with us.”

“So am I.”

“I love seeing them together. ...Sometimes, I think that could be us some day...”

“...Only some day?”

I shrug. “Well, we're still a new couple. Feels sort of arrogant to think we can already compare to people who have been together for five years.”

“I suppose you're right. No need to rush ourselves.” She pokes her head around the other end of the curtain. “I'm clean if you want to join me in here before the hot water runs out.”

I smile. “I'm already in my pajamas, sweetheart.”

“So? Last I checked, pajamas can be put on again after you take them off.”

I can't help laughing. “Your logic is indisputable, and your beauty is irresistable. Scoot over.”

* * *

Based on the look of mild panic on the stylist's face when we walk into the bridal shop, I think it might not exactly be good etiquette for Michelle to bring her entire bridal party to this final fitting. But what was she going to do instead with all the Catalyst women together for just a few days? Leave someone behind? Not likely. Besides, until now, I like to think we've been a model bridal party. We're polite and calm as we enjoy hors d'oeurves and cocktails—fruit juice for Alodia of course—and chat quietly while Alodia tries on her bridesmaid gown.

The gowns are simple but elegant, pale blue chiffon with capped sleeves and flowing skirts. Michelle chose a dress with an empire waist specifically to accommodate Alodia. And when she steps out of the changing room, it's clear Michelle made the right choice. The waistline rests comfortably above her bulge, and the skirt cascades effortlessly to the floor. The stylist exhales with what sounds like relief.

“Oh, that's perfect. Not a lump or a bulge anywhere there isn't supposed to be.”

Alodia chuckles, examining her reflection in the mirrors. “It definitely feels like there's enough room to grow. Chances are I'm gonna be even bigger by the time the wedding rolls around.”

“That's if you haven't had the baby already,” Michelle quips.

“It's a brave choice, to have a maid of honor who's going to be full term at your wedding,” the stylist remarks as she moves for a closer look, pinching the fabric of the dress here and there to check that it all fits.

“I'll still have a few weeks,” Alodia protests, and turns to smile at me. “And of course, there's a back-up maid of honor if my water ends up breaking before the big day. ...But anyway, the dress seems to fit fine.”

“Does it have the bride's approval?”

Michelle gives it a once over, finally nodding with satisfaction. “It's perfect. Now, who else needs any final alterations?”

Jake

Alodia and Grace show off their matching bridesmaid gowns as Aleister, Mike, and I are killing time before we have to get to the bachelor party. We sit spread over the living room of Aleister and Grace's Northbridge apartment as the women strut playfully across the floor like models on a catwalk.

“Gotta say, Princess, I don't know much about dresses, but I know what looks good on my wife, and that definitely looks good on my wife.”

She laughs, coming over to my chair winding an arm around my shoulders.“You'd say that if I were wearing a garbage bag.”

“You bet your sexy ass I would.” I reach around to lightly smack her butt. Aleister can't seem to help rolling his eyes. He stands, taking his wife by the hands and kissing her cheek.

“You look beautiful, darling.”

I look over at Mike, grinning. “You wanna weigh in, kid?”

“Who, me?” He shrugs. “I'm just hoping that no one's gonna end up outshining the bride in those get-ups. And isn't it bad luck to show off the dresses before the wedding?”

“Pretty sure that's just the bride's dress,” Grace clarifies.

“And there's no need to worry about anyone outshining Michelle,” Alodia adds. “Her dress makes her look like a queen.”

“With a princess as her maid of honor.” I take my wife's hand and press my lips to her knuckles. “Perfect.”

“We ought to be going, I think,” Aleister points out. “If we want to be there by seven.”

Alodia looks us over, eyeing our jeans-and-tees attire. “Where is it that you're going?”

“Paintballing. Followed by a bar crawl.”

“Of course Craig would pick something like paintballing,” Grace chuckles.

“But you know Sean's gonna love it, too.”

“True. Well, you boys have fun.”

“And be safe,” Alodia adds. “Do you have a designated driver?”

“No need,” I assure her. “We're taking public transport. I ain't risking my life on the eve of my first kid's birth.”

She smiles fondly down at me, bending to kiss my temple. “You damn well better not.”

Sean

As much as I approve of Craig's idea to go paintballing for my bachelor party, I admit that I'm a little wary of the fact that he invited a couple of my teammates along. Granted, he had my permission beforehand, and it's not like he invited the whole team. Just a couple guys I actually consider friends. Still, now that I'm here with the other Catalysts—and Mike and Varyyn—I'm kinda realizing how little Fernando and Kevin are going to fit in with the others. I guess that's kind of just a side effect of La Huerta and what we experienced there. There's an intimacy to my friendship with the other Catalysts that just isn't going to exist with my teammates, no matter how many games we go through together.

But I guess that isn't really the point right now. Right now, it's all just about having fun. When we're all gathered together, Craig puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles for silence.

“Okay, men! The objective here is paintball! We've got even numbers, so we're gonna split into two teams, my team against Sean's. Everyone line up, 'cause we're gonna go back to P.E. with this one and just pick teams right here.”

“Wait, my team against yours?” I repeat. “You mean we don't get to relive our glory days as Hartfeld Knights side-by-side?”

Craig grins. “Well, come on. It'd hardly be a fair fight if we were on the same side. Besides, groom against best man? How can we resist seeing how that'll go down?”

“Okay, fair enough.”

“Anyway, groom gets first pick, so go ahead.”

“Okay, in that case, I pick Jake.” When my Condors teammates groan incredulously, I shrug at them. “What can I say? I've seen him shoot.”

“Well, if that's your first pick, I'll even the score. Mike, you're with me.”

One by one, we divide our friends between us, winding up in teams of five. Me, Jake, Aleister, Raj, and Fernando against Craig, Mike, Diego, Varyyn, and Kevin.

“All right, everyone to your locker rooms to get your gear and talk strategy.” Craig grins. “Soon as we step out of those locker rooms, all bets are off!”

Grace

Alodia and I have chicken stew for dinner, and then settle in the living room to watch Reggie play with his toys for a little while before he goes to bed. Alodia sits beside him on the floor, perched on her feet, and watches him search methodically through the pile in front of him. Finally, he selects a block, and holds it up to her.

“Bok!” he declares.

“Block?” Alodia repeats.

“Bok!” Reggie confirms, holding it out for her.

“Oh, for me?” She holds out her hand and Reggie carefully places the block on her flat palm. “Thank you.”

Reggie says something that sounds like an attempt at echoing her 'thank you,' and Alodia smiles, which makes him smile back.

“He is so adorable.”

“You're a natural with him,” I remark. “You're going to be a great mommy.”

“I hope so. I'm sure it's completely normal, but I'm already finding myself worrying about her constantly. Worrying about whether she'll like me, whether I actually have it in me to be a mom...”

“That is extremely normal,” I assure her. “...I'm sure Michelle grilled you already, but how has the pregnancy been going?”

Alodia chuckles ruefully. “Grilled me, and gotten herself worked up, too. River's a little late turning head down, so of course Michelle's imagining the worst, even if she tries to hide that she is.”

“That's kind of her job. It's been more than five years, but she's still used to being our only medic. I don't think she really trusts any other doctors with us, but at the same time, she knows she shouldn't be treating her family when there are other doctors available.”

“Not to mention that she's not an OB. ...Was she very panicky when you were having Reggie? I mean, she did mention that she read everything there was to read on childbirth.”

I laugh. “She did. Even though I was in London for most of my pregnancy.” I pause, hesitating for a moment. “I think she might be slightly more panicky with you. Possibly because my pregnancy had a couple complications.”

She looks up sharply. “What kind of complications?”

“Pre-eclampsia. When I was about eight months along, we were just talking on the phone and I mentioned the headaches. She told me to go to the hospital, and sure enough they found the problem. Everything turned out fine,” I assure her, seeing that she's getting nervous. “I had to stay in the hospital for a couple weeks, but they kept it all under control until Reggie was born. He was a little early, but he was big and healthy, and I recovered pretty quickly after he was born.”

“Still...I guess I can see how that would have Michelle on edge now,” she concedes. “But lord knows I'm on edge, too.”

“Of course you are. You're having a baby.”

“...Can I ask you a personal question?”

“You can ask,” I reply with a smile. “Whether or not I will answer depends on what the question is.”

“When you were pregnant...did you and Aleister still have any kind of sex life?”

The question itself doesn't surprise me so much as the implication, especially considering the source.

“Up until I was in the hospital, sure. I mean, we slowed down a little just because I didn't have the stamina that I did before, but we didn't avoid it. Why? Don't tell me Jake is put off by...?”

“Oh, no,” she assures me. “Far from it. Honestly, I think the baby bump turns him on. ...Is that weird?”

I shrug, grinning. “I think you turn him on more than the bump. My guess is that if you've been craving it, he's responding to your desire more than anything.”

“You're probably right. I have actually been really liking pregnancy sex. Enough that I worry about what will happen to me and Jake after the baby is born. I mean...what if having River changes things...?”

“Oh, Alodia. Of course she's going to change things. Having a baby always changes things. Your sex life, the way you and Jake relate to each other...but not your love. The only way that will change is that there'll be more of it. That I can say with confidence.”

“Can you really...?”

“I've seen you together. I've seen you apart. Well, I've seen him apart from you. You're meant for each other.”

She sighs. “Maybe it's only that we've had so little time to just be a husband and wife...”

I can't resist drawing her into a hug. “Sweetie. I don't think there is anything anyone can say that will really stop you from being scared right now. And that's okay. That's totally normal. But you're not going to be alone for any of this. Even if most of us are pretty far away most of the time, you have Diego and Varyyn and Mike living in the same house, and the rest of us are reachable by phone or video chat...”

“I know you're right. About all of it. But it feels better to give voice to some of these fears than pretend they don't exist.”

“Well, tell you what then: why don't you tell me more while we give Reggie a bath?”

Sean

My team wins at paintball. I suspect the other team let us win because I'm the groom, but I can't really prove it. Not that it ultimately matters, of course. For once, it's nice to play a game without it being a job. As much as I love football, the fact that it is my career means it can get mentally exhausting at times. But nothing is exhausting about tonight. Tiring, but not exhausting. At my favorite bar afterwards, I enjoy burgers, fries, and drinks, shoot pool, and play darts with my friends. We're not the only patrons, but we are the largest party. And the loudest. Plus, having me and two other members of the Condors in plain view does excite some people. The quietest anyone gets is when Craig raises a glass and shouts for a toast. Then even the other patron settle down.

“To my buddy, Sean Gayle! Most people know him as the star quarterback of the Condors, but I've known him since he was a college freshman. You would probably never guess he was kinda shy back then...”

“Hey, Drax!” Jake shouts. “Save something for your speech at the wedding!”

Craig laughs heartily. “Okay, okay! Just as long as everyone raises a glass to Sean!”

There's a chorus of cheers, and my party guests—and a few unrelated patrons—raise their glasses. Then Varyyn decides he wants to try his hand at pool again, so most of my friends gather around the table to watch him while I settle into a booth with another bottle of beer. I feel a hand clap me briefly on the shoulder, and then Jake sits down across from me.

“How're you holding up?”

I grin. “I got to play a game without worrying about anyone analyzing my plays afterward, I am the center of attention for something unrelated to football, and I'm with my friends. I'd say I'm in a pretty good place right now.”

“Glad to hear it. Cheers.” He tips his bottle towards me, and I tap the neck with mine. “Gotta say, it's a little weird to be attending your bachelor party with your wedding still a few weeks off.”

“What's weird about it?”

“Well, just all this excitement about you getting married, and then we gotta put it on hold and go back to the daily grind for a few more weeks until we actually get to see it happen.”

“Well, it won't be back to the grind for me. Or Michelle. We've still got preparations to make. ...Speaking of which, how are your preparations coming?”

He grins mischeivously. “You mean for my kid, or your wife's bachelorette party?”

“The former,” I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “What would you know of what Alodia's planning for the bachelorette party?”

“I know Michelle will enjoy it immensely, and it's low-key enough that neither of us are going to be worrying when us men have the beach house to ourselves for a night.” He takes a deep swallow of his drink. “Anyway...we're all set. The nursery's all set up, we've already got the carseat fitted in, and we've got diapers and bottles and clothes enough to get us through a month, at least.”

“Are you nervous?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Are you?”

“Nervous? No. Terrified is more like it. But in a good way.”

“Mmm. Same. ...So, obviously I know where you're having the wedding and the reception, but what kind of ceremony are you planning? Do you have your vows written?”

“Oh, we're not writing our own vows. Everyone does that these days. As rocky as the road to get us to the altar has been, once we're there, we both kinda just want to go with the flow. Let the minister take care of reading the vows, and just say our 'I do's'...”

“You're getting a minister?”

“A Unitarian one. A secular ceremony with a bend toward agnostic spirituality.”

He chuckles. “And you're not going to have a handfasting?”

I can't help laughing. “Honestly? We thought about that. It was an option, actually. But we're settling for a unity candle.” I drop my voice, leaning in slightly. “I know it's not exclusively a Vaanti thing, but it feels Vaanti to us, you know? It wouldn't feel right to have a handfasting with a human minister in California.”

There's a chorus of cheers and applause from near the pool table. We look over, to where Craig is clapping Aleister on the back. Aleister looks very pleased with himself as he chalks his cue.

“I tell you what,” Jake chuckles. “He's the one we should both be talking to. ...The only one who's been through both our situations.”

“Yeah...” I find myself suddenly frowning, just a little. “...Good Lord, when did we grow up?”

Jake snorts. “Please, Cap. I was a grown-up when you met me!” I turn back to him, and he sighs a little. “...But I guess I still had some growing to do. ...I think we all officially grew up when we saw that horizon turn from red to blue.”

“Yeah...but I really kinda like where we are now. I think I like being a grown-up.”

* * *

The next couple weeks seem to go by like a shot. We celebrate Valentine's Day. We see our friends off back to California. I finish out the season. Then, suddenly, we're calling Diego to wish him a happy birthday as we frantically pack the last of our things to head out to California ourselves. In four days, I am going to be married.

Alodia

My heart is racing as I make my way to the baggage carousel with Jake and Diego to meet Sean and Michelle. I grip the strap of my purse with both hands to disguise the way they're trembling.

“Don't say anything,” I murmur to the men beside me. “Either of you.”

“You know I won't,” Jake promises. “...But I think you should.”

“She's going to find out,” Diego says again. “Not from me, but she will.”

“How do you figure?” I ask as if I don't already know.

“Because you're going to tell her. She's going to ask, and you're going to tell her, because if you try to pretend nothing's amiss, she'll know you're lying and imagine the worst case scenario, and you know she doesn't need that stress right now.”

“She doesn't need to stress about me at all! That's not what she should be worried about!”

“Exactly. So, tell her the truth.” He smiles sympathetically, gently elbowing me. “Just make it sound as routine and NBD as possible. Say it with a smile and a nonchalant tone, maybe she'll buy it.”

“Oh, it's that simple, is it?”

He shrugs. “Heck if I know.”

I roll my eyes. “Very helpful.”

I think I was resolved to not actually say anything, but it turns out, Diego was right. I probably knew he was right all along about how it would play out. Just like he predicted, as soon as hugs and greetings are exchanged, Michelle pulls back to look down at my belly.

“How is baby? Has she turned yet?”

I make myself smile and roll my eyes. “Little madam is a regular gymnast just like her mama, but she hasn't learned to flip. But I have an appointment for a few days after the wedding for them to try to turn her manually.”

“ECV...” Michelle clarifies, nodding. Her brows are knit together with what looks like concern, but it could just be thoughtfulness. “...I guess...I guess your OB must know what she's doing...”

I raise an eyebrow. “Did you just express confidence in my doctor? My doctor who is not you?”

“Well, as much as I might know more about pregnancy and childbirth than your average resident...I suppose I still don't know as much as a fully-qualified OB with years of experience. Besides. I'm getting married in four days. My plate is full enough that I have to let something go if I want to survive my honeymoon.”

I put my hand to my heart, pretending to stagger. “I'm so shocked I might faint! Sean, are you sure you brought Michelle and not her android double?”

“Are you suggesting I check her for wires?”

Michelle rolls her eyes. “Okay, babe, save it for when we're alone. And you--” she wags a finger at me, “--don't make jokes about fainting when that's actually a possibility we're concerned about. Has your doctor at least cleared you to be my maid of honor?”

“Yes. I am absolutely free and clear to be in your wedding, as long as there is a chair for me to sit in at the altar.”

“Yes. Absolutely. It will be done.”

“I never doubted it would be. Now, come on. You're the bride for goodness' sake. From now until the wedding, we're taking care of absolutely everything.”

Michelle

In spite of Alodia's reassurances, I know that she and the others can't actually take care of everything. But they do make it all so much easier. Two days before the wedding, we have the rehearsal, where introductions become necessary as my chosen family meets my blood relatives. There aren't many. Just my mom, my grandparents, and a few cousins. I'm not especially close with any of them, but my grandfather eagerly volunteered himself to perform the duties that would go to my father if I had ever known him—giving me away, dancing with me at the reception—and a couple of my cousins have lent us their kids for a ring-bearer and flower girl. And honestly, I can't say I'm not touched by their gestures. I can't help thinking that if we had waited a few more years, we could have had Reggie and River as our ring-bearer and flower girl, but I know the wait wouldn't have really been worth it. I am much too eager to be Sean's wife.

A couple of Sean's teammates have also flown in for the wedding. There are the two who were at the bachelor party, as well as a couple who are originally from the area. I'm pleased that there doesn't seem to be any drama brewing between any of our guests. My somewhat more conservative grandparents don't even seem phased by the fact that one groomsman and two bridesmaids are involved in same-sex relationships. My mom and Tricia also bond over having been single mothers, and marvel at the fact that they have never met in all the time Sean and I have known each other. Meanwhile, my little cousin Chloe, our flower girl, seems to be nine years old going on sixteen, and charms my bridesmaids with her precocious excitement about her beautiful dress and the fancy hotel she and her parents are staying in, with the fancy staircase in the lobby. At some point during the dinner, she comes skipping up to me, grinning mischeivously.

“I have a secret!” she sings. “Cousin Michelle, I have a secret!”

“Oh? What's that?”

“Can't tell!” she informs me smugly. “It's a secret!”

“Can you give me a hint?”

“...What's the pregnant lady's name?”

I chuckle. “Alodia. My maid of honor.”

“Right. I know what she's planning for your bachelorette party.”

I raise an eyebrow. “What do you know about bachelorette parties?”

“They're parties that the bride and the bridesmaids have before the wedding. Alodia says I can come to part of it.”

“Just the first part,” Alodia clarifies, coming up behind my chair. “She'll like it. And I hope you will, too.”

* * *

The next morning, Alodia gets all us women up early to dress and eat breakfast. Six Catalyst girls, plus Lila, who isn't actually in the wedding party, but we're not about to leave her out of the fun today. Alodia forbids me from putting on any makeup, which doesn't exactly leave a big mystery as to what at least part of the day entails. Not that I mind having the surprise spoiled a little. Sean gets up just as we're getting ready to head out. He stops me for a kiss before heading into breakfast.

“You taste like morning breath,” I tease him. He laughs.

“Sorry. I just thought I should kiss you before you go. Alodia says you won't be back tonight.”

“...We won't?” I raise an eyebrow at Alodia, who grins.

“Don't worry, everything's arranged. Besides, you know it's bad luck if he sees you the night before the wedding.”

Sean winds his arms around me and pulls me against him, pressing his forehead to mine. “The next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle toward me in a white dress.”

* * *

A rented limousine takes us to our destination in style. As I was starting to suspect, it's a day spa. What I didn't expect was that it would be attached to an elegant inn—or that Alodia would have booked us a block of suites to spend the night in. I'm even more floored when I see the lineup of services that have been booked for us.

“Alodia, this is amazing! Can you really afford all this?”

She chuckles. “I may be a dance teacher, but don't forget I come from money. Besides, everyone pitched in for this.” She grins. “Enjoy it.”

We start the morning with long massages and luxury facials. Months and months of hospital shifts that have built up in my muscles and joints are eased by the end of an hour and a half, and I of course relish the way my skin tingles under the magic of high quality products. When we all emerge from our treatment rooms feeling gooey and dreamy, Chloe is waiting to join us, and we all sit down to a gourmet lunch of fruit, cheese, finger sandwiches, and mini pastries, all washed down with fruit cocktails and lemon water. We're all together for manicures and pedicures, and then the hair stylists and makeup artists take over.

“I've booked them for tomorrow, too,” Alodia explains. “To do your hair and makeup for the wedding.”

The stylist grins at me. “Honey, we're gonna make sure you're the most beautiful bride in California.”

Sean

It's hard to believe I was in California just a couple months ago for New Year's Eve. Not least because it's seventy-five degrees when the sun's up here while back in Northbridge, we still wake up to frost on the ground. As evening approaches, the guys and I go down to the beach to make a fire and drink beers while we watch the sun set. It's just the Catalysts this time, plus Varyyn and Mike. My teammates are staying at a hotel, and I expressly forbid them from taking me out partying tonight. On my last night as a bachelor, I know who I want to be with.

“I envy you guys,” I remark, watching the sinking sun paint the sky a brilliant array of colors. “To live in a place like this. What a view.”

“You know, Cap, with your salary, you could easily afford a waterfront home.”

“Almost certainly,” I concede. “But I don't think Michelle wants to relocate to California permanently. And waterfront homes in Northbridge don't have nearly the same ambience. Too much city, not enough beach.”

“You could go for a penthouse apartment,” Craig chimes in. “Seriously, you'd never know the Condors' star QB is the one living in your place.”

I shrug. “I like living simply, you know? But...maybe in a year or two. When Michelle and I start having kids. I'll move us all to a beautiful penthouse apartment, with room for us and our kids...and maybe my mom so she can help look after them.”

Jake raises his beer bottle. “To your future, Cap. Yours and Maybelline's and all your little future rugrats.”

“Here, here!” Raj agrees enthusiastically. “It's your last night as a bachelor, Sean. Have any words to mark the occasion?”

“Words? No. I wouldn't mind getting some advice from you guys, though.”

“Anything specific? Or just general advice on the eve of your wedding?”

“Anything you guys can think of. About marriage, relationships...”

“Well, mine's easy,” Jake replies, his voice softening. “Tell her you love her. Every day. Multiple times. ...You never really know when it's gonna be the last time she hears it.”

“Don't be afraid to say when you're feeling insecure,” Diego says. “You're going to have doubts sometimes, but don't keep them to yourself. Whether they're about your relationship, or yourself.”

“Be willing to make sacrifices,” Varyyn adds. “Let things go when you would rather not, because sometimes what it comes down to is that your love is more important.”

“But it's not all hard,” Craig reminds me. “I mean, your life is better for having Michelle in it, or else you wouldn't be marrying her. Don't forget that.”

“Take joy in each other,” Aleister agrees. “Take joy even in the hardships. Even in the things that drive you mad about her. Take joy in her funny little habits.”

Mike shrugs. “Well, I'm single, I don't know what advice I can offer.”

“I'm single, too,” Raj says, “but I still know enough about people to offer a little advice: love should never make you feel small. People sometimes do, even the people who love you. But love will always regret that. Listen to each other. Make sure you both feel heard.”

“So, how's that, Sean?” Diego asks. “You feel ready to get married now?”

“I think 'ready' is a relative term,” I chuckle. “I don't know if I'm ever going to feel fully prepared. But I'm happy. I want this. I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be.”

Alodia

After our spa day, we head to the block of suites I've reserved for us at the inn. After spending some time in the indoor pool, we head back to Michelle's suite to spend the evening eating, watching movies, and talking. Grace has brought along her wedding album, and we thumb through it to gush over how beautiful it all was. I try not to let it ache too much that I don't see myself or Jake among the pictures. He and I are together now. That's what matters. And I'm not going to cast a pall on the eve of Michelle's wedding. That's why I try not to mention how uncomfortable I'm starting to feel by the end of the evening. At this point, I've had enough conversations with my OB to recognize false contractions and ligament pain, and everything eases when I change positions, so I'm not worried. But I know Michelle would worry.

Eventually, we encourage her to sleep. As the bride, she gets her own room, while the rest of us double up; Estela and Quinn share a room, I'm with Zahra, and Grace with Lila. I call Jake to check in just before we go to sleep.

“Hey there, Princess.”

“Hey, Top Gun.”

“It's good to hear your voice. How's the bride?”

“Relaxed, I hope. She ought to be after today. We just left her to get her beauty sleep. How's the groom?”

“Full of sage advice. Nervous, but eager. As a groom should be. ...How's our little girl?”

I sigh, feeling a smile playing over my mouth as I stroke my belly and feel a flutter against my palm. “Squirmy. I think she's eager to meet the world. I've been telling her she has to wait at least three days, though.”

“Hopefully a little longer than that. ...How are you?”

“Uncomfortable,” I admit. “But, I have a tiny person wiggling around inside me, and my body is getting ready to push it out. Discomfort is to be expected. How are you?”

“Wishing I were falling asleep with you in my arms tonight. ...Thinking of driving up there and sneaking into your room.”

“I'm sharing room with Zahra tonight. I don't think she'd appreciate you barging in. Especially because you know we can't be trusted to keep our hands off each other.”

“We'll make her sleep in the hall, then.”

“Don't be mean,” I chide him gently. “We'll be together tomorrow.”

“Until I leave to get Sean and Michelle off on their honeymoon.”

“And then we'll be together again. Look after Sean tonight. ...I love you.”

“I love you, Princess. Sweet dreams.”

* * *

I wake up early to make sure breakfast is brought up to Michelle's suite with enough time that we can eat before we all go back to the salon for hair and makeup. She doesn't eat much, but I'm guessing it's mostly nerves, based on the way she taps her freshly manicured nails on the table. She looks over at me.

“How are you feeling?”

I grin. “I'm fine, Michelle. Promise.”

“You're sure? You're sure you're up for this? Do you know if they have a chair ready for you in case you need to sit down?”

“Relax, will ya?” Zahra chuckles. “The guys are checking everything out at the venue to make sure it's ready. Jake is not going to forget about a chair for his pregnant wife.”

“Oh, God...” Michelle groans, letting her head fall into her hands. “You two are going to have to switch partners for the ceremony!”

Zahra and I exchange a confused glance. “...What?”

“Because Alodia is the maid of honor and Craig is the best man! They're going to walk down the aisle together, and after them, it'll be Zahra with Jake, Grace with Aleister, Raj with Quinn, Diego with Estela...”

“Uh...yes. We know. We were all at the wedding rehearsal. It's okay. None of us are worried about our partners leaving us because they linked arms with another person for sixty seconds. None of us are the ones getting married today.”

“That's right,” Quinn agrees. “We just have to convince the evil spirits that we are.”

“The what?” Lila asks.

“Evil spirits. I read once that the reason there are bridesmaids and groomsmen is because of an old superstition that evil spirits and demons would try to curse the bride and groom on their wedding day because evil spirits hate love. But if there were several 'couples' posed nearby, the spirits would get confused.”

“Well, crap! That's exactly what I need at my wedding is a bunch of confused demons making everyone switch partners!”

I hide a smile by bringing a glass of orange juice to my lips. Or I try to, but I don't think I succeed.

“You know, if that happens, I feel sorriest for Estela. As the only woman Diego has ever attempted to kiss, I can tell you, he doesn't know what he's doing.”

Estela scowls, but I can see the hint of a smirk on her lips. “As if Craig would know what to do with you and your basketball belly.”

I feign offense. “Rude!”

“She's right, though,” Zahra says with a shrug. “That's why I'm never getting pregnant.”

Michelle groans, running her fingers through her hair. “I can't eat anymore...”

I put a hand between her shoulderblades, rubbing gently. “Let's get you into hair and makeup. I have a feeling that will perk you up.”

Michelle

Alodia knows me so well. Even happily having a pregnant maid of honor at my wedding, I still worry sometimes that deep down I'm just as vain and concerned with appearances as I was before. It was that vanity that first led me to pursue Sean. I don't know if I genuinely planned on falling in love. I didn't even realize how in love with him I was until he was walking away from me. Sometimes, I still wake up in the middle of the night and look at the sleeping face beside me, and worry that if I spend too long primping, he will become convinced that I am still vain and shallow and he'll leave me again. But, if I am truly going to be his wife, I have to trust him. I have to trust that he knows me. That he knows the fact that I still love makeup and skin products and jewelry doesn't mean that there is nothing below the surface of me, or that I look down on anyone else. That he loves me, even with my little vanities. And as I see myself transform under the artist's skillful brush, watch the stylist curl, tug, twist, braid, and pin my bleached-blonde hair into an elegant chignon, I feel my anxieties ebbing away.

When hair and makeup are done, my bridesmaids get themselves dressed before coming to help me into my beautiful full gown with the floral lace applique. A low-cut sweetheart neckline shows off the curves of my breasts, and the wide straps hang off my shoulders, hugging my upper arms. Estela and Quinn help me pin my veil into place while Alodia, Grace, and Zahra look me over appraisingly.

“It looks good,” Alodia declares, nodding, “but I need to make sure of one final thing. Well, four things, really. Do you have something old?”

I nod. “My mom made my wedding garter from the christening cap I wore as a baby.”

She grins, and I see her eyes start to shimmer. “I have to be careful asking questions like that. Hormones plus wedding plus insanely heartwarming thing involving baby Michelle, all while I'm wearing mascara...”

I smile back. “It's waterproof. I checked. Well, the dress and veil both cover something new, and my shoes are light blue.”

“And I have you covered for something borrowed,” Quinn declares. “Hold out your wrist.”

I know what she's going to fasten around my wrist even before she takes out the gold charm bracelet.

“Aww, Quinn!” Zahra exclaims. “You still have it!”

“Of course I still have it. Do you think I'm going to give this up?”

“Give what up?” Alodia asks.

“Oh god! You don't know about the charm bracelet, do you?” Quinn holds out my wrist, beckoning Alodia for a closer look. “After the island, I really wanted something to hold onto that everyone could be part of, so I bought a charm bracelet. All the Catalysts have their own charm. I let everyone pick their own, so they're not strictly our Hadean signs. I have a dolphin, Grace has a swan, Craig has a bear, but Raj has a pie, Michelle has a caduceus, Sean's is a football, and I think Diego's is the symbol of the rebel alliance from Star Wars. ...Jake picked a claddagh for you. With a garnet heart.”

“...Claddagh...what's that?”

Quinn holds up the charm so she can examine it, the circled arms and the hands cradling the garnet heart topped with a crown.

“It's an old Irish symbol for love, loyalty, and friendship. We all thought it was pretty appropriate for you.”

Alodia touches each charm in turn; her claddagh, the dolphin, the swan, the bear, the pie, the caduceus, the football, the Star Wars thing, the dragon, the rapier, the fighter plane, the stylized skull.

“It was my 'something borrowed,' too,” Grace says dreamily.

“Well, it sounds like you're all set then.” Alodia drags over a chair and sets it in front of me. To my alarm, she moves to climb onto it.

“Hey! What are you doing?! If you fall off that chair--”

“Relax. I'm just kneeling on it so I can reach you.” She reaches around my head to take my blusher in a delicate grip and draw it down over my face. With careful, deliberate movements, she sets her feet back on the ground and returns the chair to its place.

“...Am I good?” I ask, feeling a flutter in my belly. Alodia grins.

“That's how you look like a goddess on your wedding day.”

Sean

This is it. It's happening. I'm standing at an altar in a beautiful Californian garden, under an arch of flowers and vines with a gentle classical piece drifting from the piano behind me. Family and friends fill the rows of chairs laid out on the lawn on both sides of the long white carpet that's been rolled out for us. Craig is coming up the aisle with Alodia on his arm, ready to stand beside me as my best man. They part at the arch, Alodia moving to sit in the chair that's been set up for her. The rest of the Catalysts follow two by two, also parting at the arch. Then come Michelle's cousins, the older one scattering flowers, and her little brother balancing a pillow with the rings sewn on securely. Then...there she is. My bride, on her grandfather's arm. She looks angelic in her bridal gown, serene and beautiful and confident, and the sight of her brings grateful tears to my eyes.

She reaches me, and her grandfather gently passes her hand to me. I take it, joining hands with her over the unity candle we will light after exchanging vows, and she meets my eyes behind the blusher of her veil. Her eyes are so dark...so dark and so warm. Her lips part in as genuinely happy a smile as I've ever seen on her, and I feel my own smile forming. Everything else is falling away now. The minister is speaking, but all I can hear is a faint murmur. All I care about is her. I'm studying Michelle, memorizing everything about her. It's not until the minister addresses me directly that I start to pay attention to the ceremony again.

“Do you, Sean Marcus Gayle, take Michelle Thuy Nguyen to be your lawfully wedded wife and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?”

My breath shakes as I answer, “I do,” but I can feel myself smiling so hard my cheeks ache.

“And do you, Michelle Thuy Nguyen, take Sean Marcus Gayle to be your lawfully wedded husband and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

I glance over her shoulder and catch sight of Alodia rising carefully from her chair with a white taper candle. I turn away from my bride just enough to take my candle from Craig, and allow the minister to light them.

“Michelle and Sean, you each hold in your hand a flame. It is the flame of each of your individual lives, your hopes and aspirations, your sorrows and fears, passions and disappointments. Take one last look and these singular lights, for they are about to merge into one.” The minister pauses for a moment, and then gives us a nod. “Sean and Michelle, you may now light the unity candle.”

Our flames dip together toward the wick of the flower-wreathed candle between us, our flames mingling as the wick catches. We bring our tapers out of the conjoined flame and blow them out.

“Two flames now burn as one. May the two of you always burn as one, inseparably bonded through all of life's challenges. And now the rings.”

Craig brings the elegant gold bands over to us. I cradle Michelle's left hand in mine, sliding the ring onto her third finger.

“With this ring, I thee wed. And with my body, I thee worship. And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.”

Michelle repeats the gesture, slipping the ring onto my finger and speaking the words.

“Then by the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sean, you may kiss the bride.”

As I lift her blusher and capture her mouth with mine, I can hear applause around me. There was a time I might have been self-conscious about kissing anyone in public. Sometimes I still might be. But not here. And not now. We only break because we know the minister is waiting to present us.

“Family and friends, it is my honor and pleasure to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. Sean Marcus Gayle, and Dr. Michelle Thuy Gayle!”

Alodia

I survive the ceremony, the pictures, and make it well into the reception at the beach house. I help Michelle with playing the hostess as only seems appropriate, considering it's my house. Raj has catered a typically delicious and appropriately exotic meal, and it is consumed with plently of glasses clinking at the newlyweds. Craig and I give our best man and maid of honor speeches, the cake is cut, and the bride and groom feed each other delicately. We've set up a portable dance floor in the main hall, and that's where Sean and Michelle have their first dance, followed by Sean's dance with his mother and Michelle's with her grandfather. Then the dance floor is opened up to everyone. I stay sitting through the first few pop songs, but when the next slow dance comes on, I feel a touch on my shoulder. I look up to find my own husband smiling down at me.

“May I have this dance, Princess? If you think you're up for it.”

I grin. “You married a dancer, Jake. No matter how big this kid makes me before she comes out, I will always be a dancer.”

“Dancers still need rest sometimes.”

“True. But I think I can manage a slow dance with you.” He leads me out onto the floor, and I nestle into his embrace as much as my bulging belly allows. “...Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be the same once River is born. If I'll ever flip again, or dance like I used to...”

“I've heard of Olympic gymnasts going back to work after having babies. And you've been keeping yourself in shape.” He pulls back a little and I reflexively turn my face toward him. “Are you sure you're holding up all right? You could go to bed, you know. It is your house.”

“Not yet. I want to see them off.”

He sighs, pressing his forehead to mine. “Mike and I'll have to leave soon. The plane should be fueled up and ready, but we gotta go through all the final checks before they get there. ...I ain't keen on leaving you, Princess.”

“You'll be back in two days, in time to take me to my doctor's appointment. And in the meantime, Diego and Varyyn are in the same house. Not to mention Grace and Aleister are taking Reggie to Disneyland for a couple days, and Raj and Lila will be in in LA until the end of the week, and your sister lives in LA, anyway. I'm surrounded by family, Jake.”

“Yeah...yeah, you are.” He kisses the top of my head. “Okay. I'll stop fussin'. Long as you swear you'll call me the moment anything starts happenin'.”

“You have my word.”

Diego

I drape my arms around Varyyn's neck, swaying gently to the music as I gaze into his eyes. His holographic disguise has turned them dark, but I can see the gold shining beneath when he moves them. Not that he's moving them much now. He holds my gaze steadily, and a warm tranquility is settling over me.

“So, what did you think of your first human wedding?” I murmur.

“It isn't my first,” he protests. “I was at ours, wasn't I?”

“True, but that was just a short ceremony. Didn't have all the bells and whistles like this one. Though...I guess the trappings of the ceremony were pretty similar. What's really new in this experience is the big reception.”

He chuckles, nuzzling me affectionately. “I'm a Vaanti, my love. And a wedding is a wedding is a wedding. As long as two souls are being joined as one, it is beautiful, and I will take joy in it.”

I look over at Michelle, nestled in Sean's arms as they rock gently together on the dance floor. Her head rests on his chest, her eyes barely open, a gentle smile on her lips. She is still wearing her gown, though she has discarded her veil, and her hairstyle is starting to come undone. With one arm wrapped protectively around her waist, Sean has let his other hand come up from behind her shoulders to cradle her head and comb back the stray wisps of silky blonde hair that have fallen toward her face.

“...Lord knows those two souls deserve to finally be joined together. Their road to this moment hasn't been easy.”

“Few things that are worth having ever come easy.”

For some reason, hearing that makes my stomach do a little flip. Involuntarily, I break eye contact with my lover and feel my gaze drawn to my best friend, and the bulge that separates her from her husband as they sway to the music.

“Are you all right, my darling?”

I try to soften the frown that I feel creasing my forehead as I lean into Varyyn's embrace, resting my head on his chest.

“...Yeah. I'm okay. I just...I just realized I'm scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“...I'm scared about Allie. I'm scared about her having a baby.”

“Why?”

“Because in order for her to have the baby, she has to give birth. And I guess I've just been kind of ignoring the fact that even in this day and age, that's really a hell of a thing for a human being to go through. Even in America in 2024, even for a privileged, upper-class woman who can afford all the best care, there's no guarantee that things won't go wrong.”

“All the odds are still in her favor,” Varyyn reminds me gently. “She is young and healthy and strong.”

“I know. But she's my best friend. My sister.” I pull back to meet his eyes again. “...No matter how you slice it, that child is a thing worth having that isn't going to come easy. How can I not worry a little?”

Varyyn smiles fondly down at me. “You can't. It's impossible. Not when you care for someone as much as you care for her.” He bends to brush my mouth with his. “...I'm worried, too.”

Lila

There aren't many unmarried young women to scramble for the bouquet when Michelle stands at the top of the central staircase to toss it. That's the only reason I opt to join in the moment. It's a relief to me when the bouquet falls neatly into the arms of the flower girl, Chloe. Raj ends up catching the garter, and Michelle's mother insists that he and Chloe must share a dance now. Chloe, who has spent most of the evening being the life of the party, suddenly seems extremely shy at the prospect of sharing a solo dance with a relative stranger. But Raj speaks quietly to her, and though I can't make out what he's saying, by the time he takes her hand and leads her out onto the dance floor, she's smiling timidly. He says something to Zahra as they pass, and she nods, moving toward the sound system. A moment later, “Jump Jive n' Wail” starts playing. That's about when I feel the need to slip outside for a breath of air.

I find Alodia on the deck, stretched out on a lounge chair with a blanket draped over her. She gazes up at the sky with a distant expression, caressing her belly.

“Are you all right?”

She starts a little at my voice, but shakes it off quickly and smiles. “Hey, Lila. Yeah, I'm fine. I was seeing Jake and Mike off, and I just thought I'd savor to cool air out here for awhile.” She strokes her belly fondly. “My temperature is all over the place these days.”

“...How...how does it feel? Being pregnant?”

Alodia chuckles. “Asking the big questions, aren't you? ...It's a mixed bag most of the time. There's a lot to hate about it. ...But there's nothing quite like feeling her wiggle around inside me. Knowing she's alive...”

“Is she...wiggling right now?”

“Music always gets her dancing. Takes after her mother already.”

I feel my fingers curl and uncurl. I know I shouldn't ask, but I feel like I'm going to burst if I don't. “Would...would you mind if I...felt her moving?”

She raises an eyebrow. “You want to feel my belly?”

“Yes...” I wring my hands nervously. “But only if it's all right with you...”

She smiles, her eyes full of softness and warmth. “Go ahead.”

It seems strange that I feel so shy as I approach her and gingerly press my palm against the swell of her belly. I gasp at the first flutter of movement that I feel, my eyes quickly filling with grateful tears. I'm here with the woman who literally brought me back from the dead, and I'm feeling a new life stirring inside her body.

“That's...that's so amazing...”

“Isn't it? All in all, pregnancy has been the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me, and I've been stardust. But it's also been the most incredible.”

“...I'm not going to let Mr. Rourke hurt you, Alodia. Or this baby. I promise. I've given enough of my life to him and his...plots.” I look into her eyes, silently begging her to see my earnestness. “I want to be on the right side. I want to stay on the right side.”

She places her hand on top of mine. “You're here, Lila. We won't let you slip away.” She leans back with a tranquil sigh, turning her eyes skyward. “...Life is...very beautiful.”

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