#that's all of it sorry. just a really good batch of skins that i'm glad came out because-

[flamingpudding]

I just got done reading the prompt that I asked you about and it's wonderful thank you so much and if you're okay with it I'm here to help you make a part two but if you don't want to do that that's okay I'm just adding some bonus to it.

I'm just imagining Danny full Ghost King attire showing up with two things to cookies one with kryptonite in them cuz I love the head can of ghosts eating good tonight like candy and the other set a normal batch of chocolate chip cookies. Looking down Young Justice being like in the most Patrick electric entity sounding voice with a country accent "I'm so just the cutest oddiest little berries on the bush" (sorry just speaking in my little country Danny headcannon)

But I can also see Danny being embarrassing for Klarion. Danny sit down the two trains of cookies Evan just start hugging and kissing his son on his head like the embarrassing mom he is talking about how he's so skinny and he should eat more. Also really nice to Young Justice it's like them realizing they just might by the end of the day be adopted by enemies mom.

Justice League is getting to the location ready to fight and do what they can just for a Young Justice member with a cookie in hand to walk up and explain and tell them to play along for free cookies.

RedRobin badly wants to try one of the kryptonite cookies to see what it would do if he ate it. Klarion keeps stopping him because as much as he doesn't like them he doesn't want RedRobin to die.

Who I'm just adding on a couple of things really love your writing though oh yeah what are your pronouns so I can know to refer to you as just asking.

So glad you liked it and no problem i don't mind at all. I was thinking about adding a part two honestly. Well then lets continue the shenanigans. I hope this part two won't disappoint either. And out of courtesy for once added people who asked for tags in the comments. Don't get used to it. I usually don't to tags. This is an exception for this awesome prompt idea.

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

The moment a Lazarus green portal started to open in the Living Room, Red Robin suffered a small, probably slightly traumatic, flashbacks to all the times he had seen the Lazarus Pits, but before he could even react Klarion tackled him to the ground with a distinctive hiss of "Play alone." His friends, the traitors, had managed to doge Klarion. Impulse had simple used his speed to step aside and Superboy apparently had headed a warning. Wonder Girl hadn't even been in the path of Klarions tackle. So this was why Red Robin was currently the only one getting sort of wrestled and put into a headlock on the ground in a hold he knew he could easily get out of but was to distracted by the ceiling high, eldritch as well as royal looking being stepped out of it.

The portal closed behind that being and Red Robin swallowed seeing six eyes in inky black that mirrored the night sky blink down at them.

"Klarion?" The static voice ringed in their ears and from the corner of his eyes Red Robin saw Superboy flinch visibly.

"Mom! Your early!" Red Robins head hit the floor as Klarion suddenly let him go to greet the being that's apparently his mother. He glared at the witch boy for that as he sat up and rubbed his had.

"Oh my, sorry my dear." Superboy flinched again, and Red robin could hear Impulse whispering to Wonder Girl if he was the only one seeing four mouths talk at the same time. Klarion appeared to have it heard to as he send them a quick glare over his shoulder before turning back to his mother.

"Mom, could you tune down on the eldritch?" Red Robin blinked stunned before seeing the bing apparently blush green in embarrassment and its form changing until there stood a man, about Red Hoods height still with a floating crown and a royal cape, but at least more human like and resembling Klarion but with more blueish skin before them.

"Sorry baby, I thought my royal appearance would make a better first impression." The man pinched the witch boys cheek lovingly, to witch Klarion whined out a drawn out "Mom."

The four young heroes couldn't help but stare, was that seriously their villain Klarion? The one that tried to cause chaos and make their lives difficult on regular basis?

"Klarion. Why is there a magic barrier around your apartment." The man in royal clothing suddenly asked and they blinked seeing Klarion flinch and laugh nervously. "Oh you know mom, keeping the bonding in one place so other mortals won't be bothered." To which the man cooed. He cooed!

"Bonding? What bonding?" The four heroes echoed blinked and exchanged stunned and confused looks. Bonding? What Bonding? What were they talking about? Sure they hadn't gotten a lot of explanations out of Klarion before that portal opened and apparently his entire act about his mother visiting was the true. It was clear that the witch boy's mother was some kind of other worldly being but it looked like there was more to it. Also considering the royal like outfit and the grown.... did that mean that they had been dealing with a prince of some kind as villain the entire time.

Suddenly the man bristled turning to glare at them back in his eldritch form towering over them. "Are you telling me you mortals have been ignoring my sons bonding?! And that is why my son's bonds don't appear to be properly formed?!"

They flinched back staring at that being that was now back to locking eldritch horror like with a crown and royal cape. Their eyes were locked onto the being, only distantly they realised that Klarion was pulling on his mother hissing something that sounded very much just like static to their ears. It to a while longer but finally the being drew back staring what sounded like a static filled discussion with Klarion and Impulse was pretty sure he had been ready to sully himself if it had taken any longer,

Apparently Klarion and his mother finished their exchanged as they both turned to them, his mom now again more human like looking. "Mom these are my friends. The punk looking guy is Superboy the half alien, Red Robin the one in red and black, you know Dinner boy. Impulse from the Flash-Clan and Wonder Girl one of the Amazonian. Guys this is my mom, Ghost King of the Infinite Realms."

Red Robin couldn't help the eye twitch at his introduction, he also noticed that Impulse flinched back as the mans eyes locked onto him and he didn't need Superboy's confirmation of having heard a grumble about 'why did it have to be a speedster'. Great so this eldritch being, apparently King and most likely a danger and possible hostile did not like one of them already. Why did Klarion ask them to play pretend friends again?

"Well I will be, you have quiet the colourful and oddest batch of fleshy mortals here." The man grinned at them, that were sharp teeth the four heroes observed. "Titles are a bit stuffy, feel free to call me Danny kids. Now come here. I brought some cookies with me."

Before they knew it the four of them were seated on the couch with a huge plate of cookies on the coffee table before them. The four of them blinked at the two kinds of cookies. Impulse was already reaching out to them fearlessly but Wonder Girl had the foresight to stop their friend for the moment. Superboy on the other hand appeared to look quiet queasy and was slowly turning green to the worry of Red robin. They noticed Klarion turning towards his Mom when he took note of this. "Mom! I have a Kryptonian friend! Why did you bring cookies with kryptonite chunks! Look! Superboy is turning green just looking at them."

The Ghost King, now known by the name Danny to them, appeared to be waving his son. "Oh he will be fine in a moment its not enough to completely bother his species, he will just be more human like till you ate all of them. These ones are more for you anyway, you are way to thin lately." Danny then turned to them with a smile. "Please feel free to eat the chuckles chip once. I can guarantee they are human friendly. My sister helped me make them. She is a liminal human."

That was all Impulse needed to rip his wrist free and stuff the first of the chocolate chips cookies into his mouth. "They are good!"

Danny smiled at them satisfied, and with that out of the way started to make small talk with them while also embarrassing his son with occasional comments like. "Oh you should have seen when Klarion first got Teekl." Or "He nearly burned down our entire castle when he started actually learning magic." Or "He used to be such a grumpy adult until he deaged and became such a cute grumpy little baby boy. Want to see photos?"

They never got to see photos to Wonder Girls disappointment. Klarion managed to cut in between suffering embarrassment and glaring at them for encouraging his mother to tell more embarrasing stories and forced the portal, his mother was going to reach into for the photos, to close.

By now the teens have become more relaxed around Danny. The man had a friendly charm to him and genuinely showed an interest in them as well as in the well bing of his son. They could understand why Klarion didn't want to disappoint a parent like that. They snacked on the cookies and Red Robin watched with interest whenever Klarion and Danny reached for one of the cookies with green Kryptonite chunks. Danny had mentioned off handedly in one of his stories of Klarion that they both used to be normal humans. Red Robin was very interested in this right now.

Suddenly Superboy elbowed Impulse and Red Robin, having caught the movement turned to them with an arched eyebrow. "Mentors." The other mouthed to them and they sighed, of course their mentors would show up sooner or later. They shared a glance and Red Robin took on the task to subtitle inform Klarion since they were sitting next to each other when Impulse excused himself to a toilet break shortly.

Red Robin used that quick distraction to reach towards the cookie plate.

Meanwhile Impulse came to a stop in front of the front door stopped by his foot from slamming shut behind him again, thankfully Klarion had removed his magic barrier that could have made this difficult. He had one cookie in hand and grinned up at their mentors and the Justice League Dark members.

"Hi everyone!" He greeted them cheerfully, taking a bite of his cookie.

"Impulse? Are you okay? What happened?!" Flash was instantly on the teen checking him over for any sort of injury. They were prepared to fight since Deadman had reported the location where the Ghost King had appeared. They had chosen to halt their search for the missing teens for the moment but had paled when Superman had mentioned he was hearing their voices from the same location.

"Oh i am fine! Great even. Did you know that there are other dimensions that have melon flavoured chips?" Impulse easily answered grinning. "Also you might wanna dile back on the battle ready aura you guys radiate. Klarions mom is visiting, pretty awesome guy."

"Klarion? The witch boy?" Wonder Woman asked stunned to which Impulse nodded. "Yea, pretty nice guy. Ghost King of a dimension that holds everything together like glue. Kinda badass."

"Bloody fucking..." Batman glared at Constantine who swallowed the rest of his curse. "The hell you mean the Ghost King is badass? That a fucking tyrannical blood hungry war maniac!"

Impulse blinked at them. "Really? I mean he does have scary form that made me nearly piss myself but he is pretty chill. Awesome parent, we get why Klarion loves his mom so much now."

The blond Brite pinched the bridge of his nose letting out a suffering sigh. "Just let us in mate, we will deal with this before our dimension can kiss its arse goodbye."

Impulse appeared to be thinking for a moment before shaking his head. "Uh nope. We are having a good time actually. A nice break. Sooooo no!" Before Flash or anyone else could react impulse stepped back closing the door into their faces. They blinked stunned, Batman was the first to recover stepped towards the door to attempt to open it only for his lockpick to be deflected by a red barrier suddenly appearing. The man growled turning to glare at the Justice League Dark members with a silent comment.

Inside the apartment a little bit earlier....

Klarion snatched another green glowing cookie from Red Robins hands with a glare at the other teen, who only glared back. Danny was watching them amused feeling reminded of himself and Tucker by their interaction. But then his attention turned to Wonder Girl as she asked for another story about Klarions childhood.

A moment later Klarion felt a nudge and looked at Superboy who nudged him across a pouting Red Robin who got another green glowing cookie snatched from him. The witch boy arched an eyebrow when Superboy asked to recreated the barrier to keep their mentors out but did so the moment Impulse was back with them with already three new chocolate cookies in hand as he joined Wonder Girl in fishing for more stories.

[zoeykallus]

Hi! I read your Bad Batch baby HC and really enjoyed them! How would the guys react to a parter telling them that they’re infertile? I hope you’re having a good day/night!

Aloha!

Now, that's a heavy hitter and an interesting one indeed.

The Bad Batch x Afab!Reader HCs - True Affection

Hurt/Comfort/Infertility/Fluff

_____________________

Hunter

By now it is absolutely clear, your relationship is something serious, you have reached the next level. You get nervous, because now, at the latest, you should tell him the truth. When you take him aside and cautiously address him about it, he looks at you confused at first. Hunter can't immediately process what you're saying.

You watch him quietly think for a moment, just a moment ago he was all jovial, now he suddenly seems so serious, it makes you nervous.

"I'm sorry about that" he finally says quietly, "How are you coping?"

You sigh and say, "I've more or less made my peace with it by now. I've known for a while now. It was hard at first, but now I realize that fretting over things you can't change is wasted energy. So I've accepted it and decided to make the best of it, to just enjoy my life."

Hunter nods slowly, then smiles tenderly.

"I'm glad you have this confidence in me to tell me".

He takes your hands in his and kisses your forehead.

You say softly, "Well, our relationship has been going on for a while and I thought it would only be fair to tell you about it before you start to…. plan a family."

Hunter laughs softly and says, "Sweetie, we have enough work keeping my brothers and Omega in check. Besides, should we really feel the urge to raise kids someday, there are more than enough out there who need a home"

You take a deep breath, leaning against him in relief. This is a conversation you imagined would be harder. Hunter holds you gently and strokes your back soothingly, sensing the restlessness in you that is just very slowly subsiding.

He says softly, "My love for you remains unchanged."

Tech

"Tech, can we talk for a moment?"

Normally he would have nodded, continuing to work, looking at you briefly and saying, "Sure," but he hears something in your tone that makes him look up. Tech slowly puts the holopad aside and looks at you very intently. Somehow, this undivided attention on his part makes you even more nervous than you already are.

You turn around, close the cockpit door behind you, and sit down with him.

"You look heavy-hearted. Did something happen?" he asks quietly.

You don't know how to begin, so you just blurt it out.

"I can't give you children, I'm infertile".

Tech raises his eyebrows in surprise, he certainly wasn't expecting this topic. At first moment, he doesn't even know what to say. A thousand possible answers run through his head, but in the end only a rather simple, "I see" comes out of his mouth.

It's so hard for you to pull yourself together, your voice trembles slightly as you say, "I thought you should know, to be fair. Before things get to the next level between us… you know, couples usually start planning families and stuff at some point."

Tech blinks, pushes his goggles up the bridge of his nose with his index finger, then turns all the way around in his chair to face you. Now you're even more nervous, usually in conversations (no matter with whom) Tech is usually busy with up to three other things, but here and now he's fully focused on you. There is a certain excitement, you feel flattered, there is a tingling under your skin, usually only in intimate hours he is really fully attentive. But in this context, your heart beats up to your neck with fear.

"You're scared," he states.

"Is it that obvious?"

Tech nods.

"I know you well enough to see it. It's pretty obvious. But from my point of view, true affection, true love, is not tied to the possibility of procreation. However, I understand that it is quite natural to feel this desire, it is in the nature of almost all living things to reproduce."

You nod slowly, not quite knowing whether to be relieved or still nervous.

"My affection for you, is not tied to the possibility of starting a family," he finally says matter-of-factly, "I hope this helps you overcome your fears regarding our relationship. I'm not going to turn my back on you over this."

You take a deep breath, the tension falling from you, a single tear rolling down your cheek, which he gently brushes away with one of his long fingers.

"Are you sure about that?" you inquire softly.

"Of course I am, I don't say things like that lightly. You have my deep, unconditional affection."

Echo

When you bring up the subject of children, he looks at you in surprise. He didn't really expect that, up to now his life hadn't necessarily followed a normal course, he hadn't thought about family planning yet, even though you've been together for a while. Echo is very happy and content with what you have as a couple. The trust, the affection, the intimacies, the quiet hours and the loving little silliness. It's already more than he would have ever dared to hope for before.

Echo says thoughtfully, "Honestly, I didn't think about it until now. It was never really a part of my future plans so far," he says thoughtfully.

With a heavy heart, you tell him, "As long as you're with me, I'm afraid that won't change. I am infertile."

Echo raises his brows in surprise, his expression softening. He knows you well enough to see how hard it is for you to broach the subject.

"It weighs heavily on your heart, doesn't it?"

You nod with a sigh.

Echo takes you in his arms, squeezes you gently, and asks, "How long have you been struggling with this thought?"

"Quite a while," you admit quietly.

"Oh darling," he says softly, "There's no need for that. You're my better half, I'm incomplete without you, nothing will change that. I'm so sorry that this has burdened you."

You take a deep breath, wrap your arms around him and feel deep gratitude for his understanding, his affection.

Echo says tenderly, "If you ever really want to be a mother, we can always think about adoption, there are enough children who need a home. All that matters to me is knowing you are by my side."

"Are you sure that won't change?" you ask softly.

Echo kisses your forehead and brushes a stray tear from your cheek.

"Absolutely sure! Honey, you're all I really need. Don't worry, you can be sure of my love."

Wrecker

He is so good with children, the children love him no matter where he goes. It's a beautiful image, but also one that triggers deep pain in you, fear. In a village you saved from some pirates, at the little party they hold to honor the batch, practically all the kids are attached to him, they all want to play with him and show him things.

You watch this for quite a while, but your thoughts turn somber and a lump forms in your throat. You'll never have kids of your own, and you don't know how to tell Wrecker. Hunter looks at you, sensing something is wrong. As your eyes meet, he asks gently, "Are you okay?"

You force yourself to smile, take a deep breath, and lie, "I'm just tired, maybe I should go to sleep."

You get up from the table, and retreat into the Marauder. A few minutes later, when you are more or less comfortable in the bunk, reading a book to take your mind off things, Wrecker comes in. He looks at you tenderly, concerned.

"Did you get rid of the kids?" you ask with a small smile.

"Hunter said something was wrong with you. He said you've retreated and that I should check on you."

You sigh, "Of course he did."

Wrecker sits down on the edge of the bunk and reaches for your hand.

"What's wrong sweetie?"

You swallow, collect yourself, and finally say, "When I saw you with the village kids earlier, I realized we needed to talk about something"

Wrecker frowns questioningly.

"Oh yeah?"

You say directly, as if quickly ripping off a Band-Aid, "I'm infertile".

Wrecker sits silently, looking at you uncomprehendingly. The information takes a moment to sink in. After a while, he says, "You can't have children of your own."

You nod, put the book aside and run your free hand over your face.

"Yes, unfortunately. That means we can't have children together"

"'Scooch over," he prompts you, lying down next to you.

Still holding your hand, he is now lying next to you.

"Okay, that's unfortunate, and I suspect that's not easy for you, but it's not the end of the world" he says thoughtfully.

"Oh no?" you ask critically.

"No," Wrecker says with conviction, "we do love each other, don't we?"

"I love you very much, yes"

He turns his head to look at you and smiles.

"See, we don't need much more than that. I love you with all my heart. And you can adopt children too if you really want some."

You laugh softly.

"Is it really that simple? Doesn't that bother you at all?"

Wrecker says softly, "The only thing that bothers me is that it makes you unhappy. I want to see you smile, love."

You kiss his chin and say, "Don't worry, Wrecker, you make me very, very happy."

Crosshair

He responds pretty matter-of-factly when you tell him you're infertile.

"Okay."

"Okay? That's it?"

He asks, "What do you want to hear?"

You throw your arms in the air.

"I don't know, but maybe something more than just an 'okay'"

Crosshair sighs, sits down and says, "Kids were never part of my life plan, and honestly I don't want any. So for me, nothing has changed"

You frown, not sure if you're happy with that answer. On the one hand, it's good to know, but it seems so insensitive. However, you're actually used to his rather edgy manner by now.

"Okay, good to know," you say with a sigh, not in the mood to argue with him or pull the words out of his nose.

But as you turn away to leave the room, you feel his hand on your shoulder. You stop but don't turn around.

"Listen, Kitten," Crosshair says more gently, "I can't imagine how much of a burden this must have been on you, and I can understand that my reaction didn't come across as very sensitive."

You remain silent and wait. He spins you around so that you have to look at him.

"But like I said, nothing changes for me. You're still mine, Kitten and you always will be, whether your uterus works or not doesn't change that. Stop pouting, sweetie."

You roll your eyes and a small laugh crosses your lips, relief finally coming.

"The way you express yourself sometimes…" you say with a sigh.

He shrugs his shoulders.

"As direct as possible, you know me".

You smirk, and he gently kisses the corner of your mouth.

" That's how I like your face much better, Kitten, with that little smirk of yours".

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

@palliateclaw

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

@malicemercy

@bebopsworld

@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

@dangraccoon

@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

[slifarianhawk]

Chapter 8: doctors warning

"Now be a good girl for me, sweetheart. I know you can handle all of me." Wriothesley said while having me pinned against his desk.

"Your grace, please. I can't wait much longer. It's just so hot." I tried pulling against the cuffs, but they remained clasped against my wrists.

"Don't worry, my sweet little princess. I'll get you where you need to be." He said his icy eyes alight with passion as he pulled closer, his lips nearly grazing my neck.

"Wriothesley, please, your grace." I panted out.

He smirked as I felt a sharp pang in my neck, "You're as sweet as how I like my tea."

"WRIO!" I gasped.

"Hmmm, you need to wake up, little princess." He chuckled as he stood up.

"Silva! Wake up! Silva!" I heard a muddled voice.

"But your grace." I whimpered as the chains faded along with most of the surroundings.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll see you soon." Wriothesley said, fading to black.

I slowly opened my eyes. Sam was standing next to me with a female I at the end of my bed. He offered his hand, and I happily took it. He helped me sit and stand up.

"Thanks Sam, how's the wife and newborn?" I ask, stretching out.

"They are well. My little girl finally has slept through the night. My wife was so happy. She told me to tell you thank you if you pulled through. I'm quite glad you did." He said,"You probably want to shower and change, right? Melissa has been assigned to help you by Sigewinne."

"Well, I more or less actually volunteered Sammy. Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm this doofuses cousin. On behalf of my family, thank you for keeping him safe. Please call me Mel." She smiled.

"It's nice to have pleasant faces around, but I do agree a shower would be nice. Could you guys help me down to the gym? The water gets warmer there." I asked, looking for my toiletries.

"I'll be glad to escort you. That way, Sam can make sure your food is ready by the time you're done." Mel said, smiling.

"Yea, Wolsey has a fresh batch of Fontaine onion soup being made just for you, apparently." Sam chuckled, then looked at me, "His grace put most of your belongings in the crate on the table. You should be able to find your shower kit there."

"Thank you, Sam." I chirpped, quickly grabbing my shower stuff as well as a change of clothes.

Mel led me to the shower rooms in the gym. I quickly washed my body and hair. The pluie lotus scent gently caressed my skin. I had to unwrap the bandages before I stepped in. Old scabbing fell off, revealing scarred but new skin.

"Hey Mel!" I heard a familiar male voice shout.

"Hey Roussimoff, sorry on duty right now. I can't really talk." Melissa said.

"It's alright, Mel. I still have a bit to do. As long as I can change in private, it's fine." I sigh, "Hey Roussimoff, any interesting matches coming up?"

"No, the matches have been pretty dull. I want to schedule you, Silva. How bout it a couple of weeks and have you back in the ring?" He asked, letting out a hearty laugh.

"Given the fact I was dead less that twenty four hours ago, I think my comeback to the ring will need to wait longer than two weeks. But I'll say this when I do return, it'll be a good show." I chuckled as I scrubbed my thighs.

I heard Mel and Rouss continue to chat about mundane things. Weather outside and the lineups for an upcoming tournament. I heard Roussimoff say something interesting. That his grace was participating in the tournament as a wild card finale.

That tournament was in three months. I smiled. I'm sure I'd be at a hundred percent by then. I'm going to join that tournament.

When I finished my shower, I stepped out to find a fresh towel laid out for me. Swiftly drying off and changing into the light outfit I brought with me, I went to find Melissa.

Caddy in hand, I searched the weight room. I couldn't find Melissa anywhere in the gym. Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my bare shoulder. I felt my body jolt as I turned around.

"Who in the archons fucking hell ....Wriothesley!" I shouted placing my hand over my heart as I saw his grace with the biggest smirk I'd seen on his face.

"For someone who was just dead, you turned around pretty quickly." He chuckled.

I sighed and took a few deep breaths, "Could you wipe that grin off your face? Archons, are you trying to kill me again?"

"My apologies, I was actually looking for you. I was the one who told Melissa and Roussimoff to go to the ring. I need to bring you to the observation ward. Sigewinne sent for a doctor when you didn't wake up the third day of your coma. He arrived a little while ago. He also instructed me to bring this." Wriothesley said, revealing the unopened letter from Zhongli.

"That would mean... She didn't!" I covered my mouth and ran past Wriothesley.

If I had to say so, I moved fast for someone who was dead not too long ago. Getting to the observation ward from the gym normally would take about a ten minute fast walk to the lift alone. But I made it to the lift in nearly six minutes.

Sam was waiting by the lift and sent it up as I stepped on. Once we reached the upper floor, I stepped off, nodding at Sam, and took off once more. A strong medicinal scent lingered in the air. I practically leaped the steps up to the observation ward.

"It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, I've heard nothing but good things about you from Silva." I heard Sigewinnes soft voice say as I dashed up to the observation ward.

"Like wise, and I must thank you, Ms. Sigewinne for being so kind to her. Silva is like a daughter to me. I'm glad she has such a capable doctor nearby." A sweet familiar voice said that brought a smile to my face.

She did.

"You two seem to have company." The shrill voice of the snake said.

"Thank you for noticing me, Changsheng." I smiled as I walked into the ward, "Baizhu, it's great to see you."

He simply let out a chuckle and hugged me. The scent of older medicinal herbs filled my nose. I squeezed tight as my heart shook.

"Now, now Silva, I need to take a look at you." He chuckled, letting me go gesturing to the closest bed.

I nodded and headed towards the bed, taking a seat. Baizhu quickly got to work, and Changsheng slithered around my neck. I simply closed my eyes and let him do his exam.

My mind drifted to my dream. How cold his grace's hands felt on top of mine. I imagined his lips being the same temperature. How he'd wear the smug look he had on earlier when I ask.

"Silva, what's going through that mind of yours?" Changsheng said, "Your pulse sped up significantly."

I felt my cheeks burn red. Baizhu had a light smile and pat my shoulder. His kind eyes were soft.

"I have some good news and a hypothesis for you, Silva. Which would you like first?" Baizhu said, offering his arm out to Changsheng, who remained coiled comfortably around my neck.

"The good news, archons know I could use it." I chuckled as Sigewinne pulled out a notepad.

"To start the dendro energy that resides in your body is finally stabilized. I noticed that when you came in for your check-up before you left, it wasn't at a safe level. It's why I had you take that course of dendrocide potions before you left. While I think it was enough to suppress it while through the dendro rich Chenyu Vale. When your assailant drugged you the first time, they reactivated the dormant energy. The people who attacked you and drugged you the second time, what they did forced enough of that energy out by over activating it." Baizhu explained, "Ms. Sigewinne told me you learned your mother was a dendro elemental. So I'm going to recommend you be taking that dendrocide potion here as well."

I sighed, "She's more than an elemental. I don't know if Monsieur Nuevillette would want me to say anything to his grace, but both of you are my doctors, so I think it's fine telling you guys."

"What do you mean, Ms. Silva?" Sigewinne asked, and Baizhu gave me a curious look.

"I am the daughter of Apep, the dragon sovereign of dendro and a human." I covered my face with my hand only to feel a thunck on my temple.

"Why do you look ashamed?" Changsheng said, wrapping around Baizhus's arm, which was now on my shoulder, "Do you even understand how much this explains!?!"

"If I was to be frank Mr. Zhongli had that theory. Once he saw the dendrocide potions in your bag and the reaction to being stabbed with the drug. He had me create you a special medicine for something. He had a feeling that would happen soon. It was in the parcel I sent. Given that you were in a coma and haven't been taking it, I honestly think in about a weeks time. You should be kept in seclusion." Baizhu said, "In all honesty, I'd rather bring you back to Liyue for observation, but I know I can't. The Iudex made that very clear."

"Is Zhongli's explanation on everything in the letter he sent?" I asked.

"That's my guess." He said, pushing my hair back behind my ear.

"Then, by all means, please take it. You don't have to read aloud." Wriothesley said, slowly walking in letter in hand.

"Dr. Baizhu, this is his grace." Sigewinne said, introducing them.

"It's a pleasure. As I told Ms. Sigewinne, thank you for treating Silva so well." Baizhu smiled.

"You're welcome, and I'd be beating myself if I didn't thank you for coming. In the short amount of time she's been here, I have grown quite fond of Silva." Wriothesley said, handing me the letter.

When our hands brushed, I felt my cheeks heat up. They were cold to the touch, just like in my dreams. I shook my head and flipped open the wax seal on the letter. Zhongli's voice played in my head as I read.

"My dear Silva, I'm glad to have your correspondence. I have done some research in liyue's and even some of Sumeru's libraries. I know who she is. I'm working on a way for you to meet her after you are released, but until then, I'm having our friend Baizhu prepare a medicine I myself am on for you. It'll prevent a very dangerous aspect of what we are. Please stay safe til I see you once more, my treasured friend, Zhongli." His voice ended.

"What does a dangerous aspect even mean?" I ask my green haired friend.

"Your mother being a dendro elemental means certain steps just need to be taken to prevent any harm to you or say someone you care about when you are experiencing your monthly cycle. Although that might be different as well." Baizhu said, sitting next to me and speaking very quietly, "Especially since the elemental you were born from is a dragon."

"I understand, Baizhu." I said, "Did you leave a good stock with Sigewinne?"

"I did. Now, I need to do a full medication work up and make sure everything is in working order for when I leave. Why don't you go with Mr. Wriothesley and get some food. I'll be in the infirmary with Ms. Sigewinne, but don't worry, I will come say goodbye when I'm done." Baizhu said.

I simply nodded and stood up. Baizhu offered his hand to his grace, to which Wriothesley shook it. Our previous conversation crossed my mind.

"Baizhu, what was your hypothesis? About me?" I asked.

He turned to me and smiled, "No need to worry about it, Silva. You'll know soon enough."

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit, Baizhu." I said bowing.

Wriothesley led me away from the observation ward. He walked on my left, his steps falling heavily against the metal floors. His handcuffs sway with each step.

"You're as sweet as I like my tea." Echoed through my mind as I watched him pull his cuffs off his belt,  spinning them on his finger.

I bit my lip as he pulled ahead. He was very much a fine looking man. Even with how many layers he was wearing, I could see how well built his back was. Something was different, though.

"Wriothesley, where's your coat?" I asked, confused.

"I had a guarde bring it to one of Fontaines' best cleaners. There was a pretty big stain on it." He said, looking back at me, "Come on, let's go to my office. I have something for you."

I nodded and followed relatively close behind. I noticed the gaurdes were out in force today. Was the fear of a riot, maybe?

When Wriothesley and I arrived at his office, he locked the doors behind him once we walked through.

"Why did you lock the doors your grace?" I asked as I walked up the stairs.

He sighed and pulled out a red box of tea I had once seen in the Kamisato house.

"Care for a cup?" He asked a bit of hesitation in his voice.

"Of course, I'd love tea with you." I smile.

Wriothesley sat in front of me, and he took my hand. He looked me dead in my eyes. He tried to speak twice, but no words managed to escape his lips.

"Archons, I didn't expect this to be so hard." He managed to wrestle out that much.

I walk up next to him, "it's OK, your grace. No matter what, you can tell me."

I forced my courage up and took his hand. At the contact, Wriothesley took a deep breath and pressed a kiss on my lips.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have," He said, trying to pull away, but I quickly pressed another kiss on his lips.

[softpine]

@eldritch-gf ahh nice!! strange trails is my favorite album and it's hard to pick a favorite song but i think i'll go with "love like ghosts" 💖 but "i lied" is a very close second. what are your favorites?

ahh i'm glad you like it!! a long time ago, i made this graphic to show their favorite songs and movies! i could ramble about frozen pines forever but i don't really know where to start fjksdj if there's anything you're curious about in particular, i would love to expand on it! 💗

thank you for your input!! oof that's a hard situation, on one hand i fully support squeezing as much money from the government as possible (because god knows that money is going to be spent anyway), but in cases with limited resources, i totally see how that would feel wrong

hey!! it shouldn't matter if you save it as a png or dds, i think an update to sims 4 studio has made them essentially the same. if you want to learn more about composition methods, i find this post super helpful!! also, i've started using the color slider mod which is amazing because if you use s4s to batch fix your cc (i can't remember which one it is, i just run all of them) then you can use the sliders to decrease the opacity of skin details in-game! it saves a ton of time if you're not planning to make a whole skin blend

thank you so much!! 💖 i do take my screenshots in sims 4 using reshade (there are some video tutorials out there if you're curious) and i edit them in photoshop!

my memory is not good enough for this 😭 and sometimes when i ask "whatever happened to ____" i find out that they changed their url years ago and i've been following them the whole time which is embarrassing fjkjdsd (or even worse, they just blocked me)

nope sorry :/

[captain-hen]

hi again!! i realized i never updated you with my thoughts on s6, so here they are, rapid-fire style:

overall i think episodes one and two were very weak, but the rest of the season has been pretty decent. 6A was definitely my least favorite batch of episodes if i had to pick, but watching it all at once wasn't that bad and 6B has been very promising so far.

athena's cold case episode was really sad and unsettling, but i'm glad they did it and i'm very happy that she got to have that closure and revisit the case that made her want to be a cop. that's actually one thing i've been really liking about s6, that we've gotten to go back and tie up a lot of old threads from previous seasons.

the noah storyline was really weird and imo it should have been a longer arc with a better payoff for him. he wasn't a bad guy and i'm a little sad about the way they treated him.

idk what it is about maddie and chimney but i feel like their relationship has been a little off in 6A. i liked all of their domestic scenes with jee-yun, but i also think some things were very rushed (like the scene where they got back together). maybe it's just that they didn't get a lot of screentime? 6B has been better though and i'm glad the writers are finding their groove with them again.

on a brighter note, season six eddie is making me very happy. after his breakdown in 5B, he seems so much more at ease and more comfortable in his skin now and i'm so proud of him :)

hen might be my favorite character this season. her trying to do so much in episodes one and two, failing and having a breakdown but then convincing the prof to give her another chance and nailing it, and then eventually deciding that being a doctor wasn't what her real dream was and that her family was more important? i loved every second of it, and i think that aisha hinds's performance was nothing short of magnificent. i also loved the henren flashbacks!!

i kind of wish that they'd brought in the priest from s1 or another old character instead of wendall for that storyline. i enjoyed it regardless and i really loved all of the grant-nash family scheming, but i think it wouldve been more impactful if we had actually already known this character instead of just pretending like he'd been here the whole time. it's not a huge complaint though bc i do think bobby saving tamara and shutting down that fake rehab center was very healing for him....and did i mention how much i loved the grant-nash stuff? if there's one thing season 6 is doing right, it's the grant-nash dynamic. i miss michael and harry, but everything with bobby, may, and athena has been amazing.

sorry for the long ask, i just have so many things to say 😭 and i have even more to say about 6B + the buddie of it all, including the sperm donor plot, so that's gonna be a separate ask!!

-NewTo911Anon

hi again! i mostly agree with all of this! i actually thought 6x01 and 6x02 were two of the better episodes of the season, so i'm surprised you didn't like them (though i do understand that the blimp call was disappointing). the devil you know was SUCH a good episode, same as tommorow, and you're absolutely right that hen's arc has been the best one this season!

i agree with you about maddie and chimney: the premier was promising for them, but they just kind of...settled back into their relationship with each other with no bigger hurdles? i was hoping for there to be a little more of them having to work things out; i appreciated that 6x01 showed their lingering insecurities, but...idk. unlike the other seasons, they really haven't had a proper arc this season (as of yet). even maddie has just kinda been drifting from episode to episode, and hasn't really had a proper storyline, which is very uncharacteristic of the show.

home invasion and what's your fantasy have been the weakest episodes imo, and i completely agree with you about the noah arc; it could have been a really good storyline for maddie to mentor another dispatcher while trying to adjust to being back at work after her extended absence, but they had to go with this extremely out of touch plot that was in very bad taste. i'm pretty sure the noah thing is one of the aspects of the season that i will not change my mind about, even after a full rewatch.

it was nice to hear from you again!

[soulsilencer]

Okay I've been home since yesterday, but I'm finally fronting so here are the SB thoughts now that I've seen the content:

I actually like all the skins, even if I don't agree with some of the champion choices, though there has.. rarely been a line where I've agreed with every champ choice so oh well. All of them look as good as the first batch in game in my opinion and the legendary is probably my favorite one for this year.

That said I wish Karma got one because she is.. literally the Spirit of Ionia. That's her entire thing the existance of "Karma" is a being passed down generations of people. Only reason I can think of is that she got Tranquility as her last skin, but I still think they could've just given her SB anyway. Sett has a dragonmancer skin and got a legendary so. 🤷‍♀️ They could've used Soraka's slot considering how many skins Soraka has by this point, but I like the skin anyway so I don't mind I guess.

Syndra looks gorgeous and I wish they had given her the legendary because her old model and outdated voiceover certainly needs it... I like that she's happy in this skin universe she deserves it. Plus I actually do like her midscope update so #Syndrasweep for Syndra fans and players like me.

I don't like Sett's lore the entire half-and-half thing is so stupid to me in some skin lines by this point that I instantly dislike it the moment I see it sorry. But the skin itself is gorgeous and looks godly VFX wise in game, I like the voice over and I'm happy for him being bisexual, huge patch for Sett players.

Darius shouldn't be in this skinline. Every other character makes sense or at least with their spirit blossom lore they do, but for the love of god there are like 10 other ionian or even noxian characters you could've given this to. I am so fucking tired of seeing Darius be put into skinlines like this where they could put in ANYONE ELSE and have it work. Katarina and Talon who were previously mentioned in Cass' lore from the first event, Riven is already a spirit of war so you could've done something else. Or if they wanted a spirit of war 2.0 they could've given it to me, just saying. It fits my lore and I'm not Darius, plus Syndra is in this batch so you know how Riot is with their zendra. They could've fully committed to it. 🤷‍♀️ Or how me and Yi match skins in 10 different universes or something so it could've been it again.

I would've picked Vex for a skin slot over Tristana, but I think Trist still fits in and Teemo has a skin in this universe already so the choice makes sense to me at least. The two recalls are a really cute idea that I'm glad they included.

Eve being a good spirit was a bit confusing, but I love the skin and I don't mind her being one of the good spirits in this universe.

I like Yorick, but they could've given him more attention with the skin because I feel like out of everyone he's the one with the more underwhelming effects.

TL;DR I really like the batch, but I think they should've just given the Darius slot to like.. anyone else. And in my opinion Syndra deserved to have a legendary more than Sett, but I love the skin in the end so it's whatever to me. #Settpheliossweep or something, happy for shippers of it.

[fayeimara]

Miya Osamu || Little Delights | First Meeting

SUMMARY. Osamu can't help but be intrigued when his daughter starts bringing home delicious desserts prepared by her best friend's mother.

PAIRING. You x Miya Osamu

GENRE. Fluff <3

WARNINGS. Suggestive content

Haikyuu! Anthology Series | It's Fate When Your Kids Are Friends

OSAMU | First Meeting > Second Date > Third Time's The Charm > Four Is Our Family

Osamu's made it just in time, right as the bell tolls to signal the end of his daughter's second day in her new school year. Standing back as a swarm of kids rush out of the brick building and into the arms of their waiting parents, he takes a moment to breathe and relax. Juggling his burgeoning restaurant with being a single parent isn't an easy job, but he wouldn't trade it for anything.

He stands taller than many of the other adults around him and it's evident his little girl has no problem seeking him out as a black, red, and grey blur races towards him, a thrilled, "Papa!" reaching his ears and splitting his mouth into a wide, happy grin.

His arms are already open in a silent but enthusiastic response as he crouches down and then the bite-sized impact of his daughter is rocking him back on his heels, his reaction overly exaggerated as he pretends to almost fall over from the small force of nature that's all Miya Izumi.

Standing back up, Samu catches sight of another little girl who was trailing behind, wide eyes studying him before shifting to Zumi, his daughter turning back around to wave at her, proclaiming the girl as her 'bestest friend in the whole wide world'. The girl returns Zumi's enthusiastic wave with a quick raise of her small hand before her attention is caught by a pretty young woman, her own wide smile replacing her previously hesitant expression as she's warmly enveloped into welcoming arms with kisses peppered on her cheeks and forehead.

Her delighted giggles reach Osamu and his daughter as they turn around, hand in hand, to walk back to his car, small interaction soon forgotten as his little munchkin lists off the snacks she's looking forward to having on their return to his shop. She won't be able to finish half that list, he bets to himself with a quiet chuckle at his daughter's inherited exuberance for food as he securely buckles her into car.

It's not until they reach his second pride and joy, Onigiri Miya, that he finds the first little surprise tucked away in Izumi's not so empty lunchbox. When he inquires about the remarkably delicious looking set of biscuits he certainly didn't pack for her that morning, his daughter's response is that it's a thank you gift from her bestest friend, Reina, for the lunch she'd shared with the girl on her first day.

Well, a six year old certainly didn't bake these from the looks of it. It's only confirmed by his first taste, the texture and flavour beyond even most consistent home bakers, let alone a young child. Right? But a more pressing thought flags his attention, first.

"Did your friend not have her own lunch?"

"She did! We split because hers wasn't so good, even though her mama put so much love into it. But the treats were so much better so we decided to go halfsies and have best of both!" His daughter giggles with the oblivious sweet innocence of a child.

"And what about today?"

"Mhm. Same. But I liked the chocolate brownies yesterday much much better!"

Samu chuckles at her excitement and can't help but tease his precocious daughter, "Oh, and was it better than papa's food?"

Zumi's eyes widen as she contemplates the question with all the adorable seriousness she can muster, but loyalty must break free and run because her reply is, "Almost! So close, but I love papa's cooking more than anything in the whole wide world."

It seems the whole wide world is the current standard of measurement for first graders, but he appreciates the heartfelt sentiment behind her loving words.

After another moment of consideration, Osamu settles on the thought chewing at him and decides that tomorrow his daughter won't be giving up a portion of his food which she loves so much. No, she'll have double the amount to do with whatever she may please.

So briefly, that he doesn't even ponder on the sudden image, he's reminded of the warm reunion he witnessed between the little girl and the woman who he'd assumed was her nanny, but concludes is probably the girl's young mother. Based on the number of treats Zumi brought back, Samu's certain the woman had to have thoughtfully made extras of these baked goods for her daughter to have more than enough to share with friends and then some.

Well, it's definitely no skin off his back to make his daughter even the slightest bit happier by being able to help her share her savoury little delights with her new bestest friend.

It's on the third day of your daughter's return from her new school year that you're able to confirm that something is indeed amiss. The previous two days, the small portions of her lunch left uneaten were questionable, given her voracious appetite, however, when she returns with the lunch you made for her today still sitting wholly untouched in her cute little lunchbox, you finally sit her down to ask about it.

Her response is far from what you expected, "My friend's papa made extra lunch so we could both have something yummy to eat!"

You press your lips together to hide your amusement as you teasingly inquire, "Oh? Is that so? And I guess that means mama's food isn't so yummy after all."

Her eyes widen in dismay and mouth opens in an immediate denial that you know would be a lie to soothe your feelings. Even at such a young age, your beautiful baby girl is truly a kind and compassionate soul, she would dutifully eat anything you prepared no matter how lacking the meal might be and never utter a word to tell you the obvious truth.

Before she can manage to find the right words to faithfully express how much she loves your cooking, you lean in to kiss her on the forehead and pull back with a laugh, gathering her in your arms for a warm hug. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry I can't make you the food you deserve. But please don't ever feel the need to say otherwise to spare my feeling, okay? You should always be honest about what you like or don't like."

Her little arms find their way around you as she snuggles in, voice soft and words like a wise, old soul when she denies, "But your food is made with so much love mama. Zumi says some people are just better at other things. We both think you make the best yummies."

"The best yummies, hm?" You think about the various baked goods you add in to balance out for the healthy but tasteless lunches you're able to prepare.

They are indeed good, but baking has always been something that comes more naturally to you than cooking. An interesting distinction not many people might accept, but for you the former has always been an effortless science whereas the latter is more of a difficult art.

"Well I'm really glad you like those, but we do need to figure out what to do so you're not picking at your friends' food or going hungry."

She pulls back to send a serious look your way, exclaiming, "But I'm not picking at it, I promise. Zumi said her papa made extra just for me!"

You take a moment to consider her words. She made a similar implication in her earlier statement, that her friend's dad had made extra for them both. What does that mean? Did his daughter ask him to because she was sharing her food with Reina? Or did he somehow grasp the situation and is simply being generous?

A warm burn threatens your cheeks as you consider the awkwardness of accepting such a gesture from a complete stranger. While you appreciate the kindness of Reina's friend and her dad, it still somehow feels like a terrible imposition, as if you've burdened them somehow with your lack of skills to keep your child happily fed.

It's not like you can't cook good, healthy food. You're just painfully aware how bland the food you make can be, unless you spend three times the amount of time as anyone else would need to in order to prepare similar meals. But... studying the smile that's on your daughter's face, you can't help the twinge in your heart that reminds you how much more her happiness is worth than your pride.

You won't assume this will be a daily occurrence and you'll continue to make your daughters lunches so she never goes without, however, it'll be no extra trouble for you to make double the batch of baked goods than usual. After all, you usually account for the fact that she'll be sharing with friends and classmates anyways.

However, you're now determined there will be enough delicious snacks for Reina to share not only around at school, but also some treats for her sweet friend Izumi to take home for her generous parents. Perhaps, you think, it might be prudent to include a short message, thanking the man for his thoughtful effort.

Silent gratitude isn't very much to anyone ~ (So I hope you and your family will accept these.) Thank you for your kindness, Miya-san.

Osamu blinks, unaware of the small smile that curves his lips as he reads the delicate, handwritten note carefully wrapped around one of the cupcakes Izumi brought back home today. There are only three of the original twelve left, apparently, but the one he's just bitten into is as incredible as expected.

If he's correct in his assumption from the note addressed directly to him and included with today's delightful treats, then the little girl's mother has picked up on his small action and is returning the gesture to convey her thanks. The thought is confirmed by his daughter explaining that one of each of the three cupcakes is for their family.

Three for their family? Hm. Well, it's just him and Zumi, but he's sure his brother will be all over the remaining offering when he visits tonight. If there's any left for him that is. Probably won't be, it's really just that good and anyways, he doesn't need Atsumu nosing his way into this simple exchange as it is.

The following day, Friday morning, Samu pens back his own note, assuring the woman that no thanks is necessary. There's no reason for her to express her gratitude over what's really such a simple action for him.

That evening, he and Zumi enjoy some quality mochi delivered in a white, rectangular box with a pretty decently hand-drawn background scene at a spring festival on the cover. Two little girls, one that looks remarkably like his daughter and the other like her best friend, hold hands in the centre of the street dressed in traditional yukata and sharing a box of what he assumes is mochi.

As they much into the chewy treats, he watches and listens as his daughter points out the bright colours she and her friend chose to fill into what was apparently initially a blank canvas for them to colour on. Her delight at having a pink and grey yukata, even if only in a drawing, prompting him to make a mental note about looking into the clothing and any upcoming festivals.

Osamu makes a point of saving the box, childlike scribbles over the simple sketch leaving a warm feeling in his chest and a slightly wider smile gracing his mouth.

The response he receives the Monday evening (from his penned message the Friday before) is enough to prompt a full smirk that, this time, doesn't go unnoticed by him. The woman showed an interesting sense of humour and gracious acceptance with the first cupcake note. Then, a sweet and thoughtful disposition with the drawing included as part of the soft treat for the girls Friday.

But now, Samu sees a challenging firmness in her reply to his easy brush off of her thanks, delicate lines yet again adorning the small card carefully tucked into a pretty red ribbon that's tied around and decorating another white, rectangular box.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it ~ So please accept this gift without concern.

Sitting inside are four differently coloured, rounded treats that look familiar but he can't place off the top of his head. A quick search identifies the delicate confections as macarons, the colorful delights an absolute wonder as the airy crunch of the top and bottom shells simultaneously give way to a firm filling with the first bite, the sweet flavour almost dissolving on his tongue.

He and Zumi finish the box off in minutes, three of each flavour included to a total of four different flavours, so both he and his daughter each get seconds of their respective favourites.

The next morning, filled with anticipation at what new surprises you might include with the goods you send today, he's fully aware of the grin that stretches his face as he writes out a note of his own for you to receive later this evening.

The macarons were inspiring. Izumi and I definitely won't turn away any gifts you'd like to send our way. I wonder... what other surprises do you have up your sleeve? I sent a little something your way to inspire you too. - M. Osamu

The neatly written note returned, once again, on the back of the small rectangular card you'd last sent, brings a warm smile to your face. The various onigiri that came along with it, apparently with specific instructions communicated from Izumi to Reina that today's additional quantity is set aside for you specifically, stretches the amused curl of your lips into a delighted grin.

You split each of the four different types of rice balls with your daughter, listening to her input on the delicious food as she points out her order of most to least favourite. Although there's not a single one you wouldn't eat on any given day if given the choice, the food is simply divine.

Your note the following day is a compliment to the chef, with a cheeky inquiry as to what deities one must pray to in order to make food like that. His response is a swift rebuttal asking what cruel gods bless some with the skills to cook but others with the skills to bake, ironically echoing your own thoughts from the previous week.

So goes the back and forth for weeks, notes getting cuter, sassier, and more personal as jokes, challenges, and encouragements alike are enclosed among the lunches of two excited little girls, their own bond strengthening with this unique camaraderie between their parents, until you feel the peculiar sense that you know the man on the other end, without ever even having actually met him.

Then, one day, three weeks into the first exchange, you receive a note that makes your heart beat in your throat at the unspoken challenge which raises the stakes of the now familiar routine. It's a simple response to your unassuming request for the onigiri recipes you initially received as the first returned delight, a meal you and Reina have been craving since the first taste.

I can do one better and teach you. xxx-xxx-xxxx. - Osamu

There's no reason to be shy or hesitant, is there? After all, it's a kind offer that will only serve you and Reina well with your future attempts at her lunches. You can't count on Miya Osamu's kindness forever.

Fingers still shaking, you dial the number enclosed within and find the call picked up before the first ring even finishes.

"I wasn't sure ya'd actually call."

Oh, wow, that's a voice to melt hearts alright. You're still smiling as you immediately reply in beat, with the easy familiarity of your shared repartee over the last few weeks, "With an offer like that, how could I not?"

He's quiet for a second and you start to lose your smile, suddenly worrying that perhaps you've acted too familiarly with a man that's all but a stranger and offended him. But his next words, slowly expelled in a lazy but thoughtful drawl, have your heart beating fast for an entirely different reason, "I had a feeling ya'd sound as pretty as ya write."

Now you're the one that's silent but it's entirely because you're at a loss for words, this quietly charming man having stolen them right from the tip of your tongue.

A low chuckle breaks what you realized was actually somehow still a remarkably comfortable silence and then his delicious voice reaches you again, "I hope I didn't scare ya voice away. It'd be a shame now that I've only just heard it."

Okay so he's maybe much more of a flirt than the subtle hints you'd noticed over the notes, but then again, they were delivered through your daughters as messengers so it would be reasonable he would have toned it down. Then again, what kind of man flirts with a woman he's never met previously? He doesn't even know what you look like. Have you captured his interest solely through your mutual correspondence?

You almost snort, catching your thoughts and feeling like you're the main character to some historical romance. Maybe during a world war era. Mutual correspondence. Right. What are you even thinking? He's got you flustered already.

"Funny. I would never have imagined you would sound so pretty from the way you write." You're tempted to arch an eyebrow with your audible smirk but then you remember that it's not like he can see it.

"Ya think my voice is pretty, do ya?" His tone is full with soft satisfaction, "Maybe ya can tell me if it's better in person."

"And here I thought the offer on the table was for learning a delicious recipe."

You swear you hear the smile in his response, "Sounds like yer in either way."

"Sounds like I am." You concede in mock resignation but you're painfully aware that your words and following sigh sound more like a promise.

You and Reina find the charming storefront quite easily from Samu's instructions. It's finally the weekend, several days since your first call with him, and your handwritten notes have now upgraded into convenient, daily text messages.

He's definitely confident and teasing but not quite the overt flirt you briefly considered he might be from a few days ago. In fact, he's more calm and grounded, even if he can be a smooth talker, but you've quickly found that what came across as flirtatious was actually just him being honestly direct. Which is both exciting and flattering enough to make you nervous for this first real meeting today.

A soft chime sounds as you open the door to usher Reina through before following her in yourself. The first thing your eyes land on is a small girl running to your daughter like a heat seeking missile and the two collide in an adorably sweet hug, somehow understanding each other while seemingly talking simultaneously.

With a small smile on your face, you take a moment to survey your surroundings and find your bearings in this unfamiliar space. It's not an overly large area, focusing more on a cozy, comfortable atmosphere emphasized by the deliciously welcoming smell of various foods that make you feel right at home.

Your eyes run over the bar with stools lined against it before you do a double take, finally noticing the dark haired man that's leaning with his arms crossed against a door frame beyond it, watching as you examined his space.

He must be able to tell he's slightly startled you as an amused smile stretches his lips and he dips his head ever so slightly in greeting. "Welcome to Onigiri Miya."

"Thank you for inviting us, Miya-san." You bite your lip at your automatic formality, already certain what he's going to say next.

And he doesn't disappoint, eyebrow arching as he uncrosses his arms and, finally, steadily makes his way towards you, "I already told ya to call me Osamu. Or Samu."

Now you're smiling again because the situation is definitely out of the ordinary, the level of familiarity you feel with a man you're seeing for the first time can only be considered unusual. You take a moment to study him as he stops just before you, tall build with broad shoulders and a handsome face that looks like it belongs on a heartbreaker not a homemaker.

Your fingers itch to push back the locks of his hair peeking out from under his dark cap and falling over on side of his forehead, if only to have an excuse to run your hands through it. But that's definitely not appropriate no matter how comfortable you might already feel with this easygoing man.

"Right... Osamu, then. And of course, you can call me Y/n."

"Yer name and looks suit ya, just like yer voice and handwriting." He's got a small smile on his own face now and you're not sure if he's aware he basically just called you pretty. He doesn't really seem to do this on purpose, from what you've gathered.

You beam at him regardless and volley back, "Well, I can say the same for you too."

And for a brief second, that small smile splits into a quick grin that stutters the already erratic beat of your heart. Oh yes, this man is certifiably lethal in all the best ways.

"I'm happy to hear it. Now, let's sit ya down with the girls while I grab some things."

Izumi has already led Reina to a table by the window and Osamu gestures their way as he moves to lock the door behind where you came in and then moves off to the kitchen behind the bar again.

You notice with a little apprehension that the girls are sitting next to each other on one side of the booth still giddily talking together (although not over each other anymore) about friends and weekend plans and such, but you're not going to be the anxious oddball that separates them for seemingly no reason. Even if you're already sure of the overthinking you'll be doing at the thought of Samu sitting next to you in the booth.

He doesn't seem to think about it at all as he easily slides in, smoothly setting a plate and a tray with cups, glasses and a couple pitchers on the table just as you feel the left side of his body line up against your right. Okay, yeah, because this is totally normal for you. Not.

You hope neither he and especially not either of the kids can tell you're flustered, even as you feel the heat creep up your neck and flirt with your cheeks. Yup, normal day, normal day. Just a regular day with a new friend.

"Here ya go." You just hold yourself back from jumping when he hands you a cup from the tray and then leans over to pour what looks and smells like tea from one of the pitchers. If you're not going crazy, he's pressed even more against you for those long seconds, completely in your space even if it's not unwelcome.

He either knows exactly what he's doing or he's just one of those people that's never paid mind to polite social norms and rules of conduct that many prefer. While you're calming yourself down, he's already poured the girls juice from the second pitcher into their glasses and set out quarter plates in front of everyone.

You finally focus enough to take in the still steaming gyoza on the plate he'd placed down in the middle with confusion and ask, "I thought we would be making onigiri and eating it for lunch?"

"Of course, but I couldn't put ya to work on an empty stomach."

"Mhm." You give him a dubious look, you might have mentioned your early breakfast in one of your texts to him this morning, but you have a feeling that this is also an effort to make you and Reina feel comfortable in this space together instead of getting right into the cooking lessons planned for the day.

It's an incredibly thoughtful effort and that warm flush is threatening you again so you choose to tease him and deflect instead, "Somehow, I feel it's more about your empty stomach but okay, let's go with your version instead."

You lose the fight with the flush and flutters when he chuckles at your sassy retort, especially since you literally feel the vibrations melt from his body and into yours with the way he's still somewhat pressed into you. Does the man not have enough space in his own booth? Actually... you notice you can move closer to the window yourself since there's quite a bit of space on your side too but, then again, it would be a little obvious to shift now.

The girls pick up the fried dumplings by hand with happy exclamations as they bite right into theirs, you and Osamu following suit but not before placing another two on the plates in front of each of them and then splitting the remaining ones between you.

With a dip into the soy and vinegar sauce (chili excluded for the girls), you quickly bite into the first one and savour the sudden burst of flavour in your mouth. Oh wow, yes, this is exactly what your cooking is missing. This addictive, tasteful quality that makes you want multiple helpings of whatever's being served.

With a glance from the corner of your eye to the right, you meet Osamu's eyes studying your reaction and decide to ask the question on your mind, "You made these yourself right?"

"I did."

"Okay, they're hands down the best gyoza I've ever had." You compliment him genuinely before giving in to the urge to  tease him yet again because the flutters are back, if they ever even left, and you can't have him knowing just how much he affects you, "But who ever heard of serving gyoza in an onigiri shop?"

He must catch the light, teasing tone because he just smirks and throws right back, "Well if they're as good as ya say, maybe I should expand the menu."

"Oh no, don't do that!" You laugh with wide eyes, "Then Reina and I will never find space when we try to come back here during regular hours! Actually, I'm sure you're already always packed, hm?"

"Some days and times less than others, but there will always be space for the two of ya whenever ya want to visit again."

Oh yeah, it's a losing battle, the flutters are a full on tsunami of feelings now. Just push it away and chill. But then he adds, "And I can teach ya this recipe too. Anytime there's something ya like or want to try, just let me know. I'm sure we can make an amazing cook outta ya yet."

Your mouth drops open followed by your blurted question, "Why are you helping me so much? I'm sure this is a lot of time and effort for you too."

You hear the girls' conversation pause as they pick up on some subtle change in either your body language or demeanour, but Osamu's calm eyes just meet your wide ones, his lips sliding into a soft smile, as he simply answers, "Because I like ya."

You feel like you're back in grade school because you want to ask if he means that he 'like' likes you or just... likes you. But there's no way you're going to ask that question, not only because it feels a bit asinine but because that's not a conversation to start in front of both of your daughters.

You look over to the girls who are watching with beaming smiles, maybe happy their parents are good friends just like the two of them, and you return their wide grins with a reassuring one of your own before looking back into steady grey eyes. "Well, I really appreciate your help. Thank you, Osamu."

"I'd say no thanks needed, but I've been down that road before." Another quick, heart-stopping grin graces his face, this one almost as roguish as his tone is playful. He's definitely referring to your initial correspondence when you made a firm point against his initial brush off, as if his actions in making extra lunch for your daughter to enjoy wasn't incredibly thoughtful and certainly out of his way.

"Well you certainly catch on quick. Let's just hope I can say the same." Your playful smile turns into a grimace at the thought of how difficult it might be to actually improve your skills. Maybe it's just a question of talent? Maybe you're just never going to be able to reproduce food like him.

But he glances over to catch your frown just in time and reassures, "I know what I'm doing. Soon enough, you will too. Just say you'll keep supplying me and Zumi with yer baking every once in a while when ya don't need us anymore."

You know he's probably joking with the last part but you hadn't planned on stopping. You love to share the goodies you bake with the people in your and Reina's life, it makes the two of you pretty happy so you're sure Izumi and Osamu will be able continue enjoying your baked goods to their heart's content.

"Izumi will definitely get her share of sweets and snacks every day." You send a smile her way when she hears you and bounces excitedly in her seat but then you force yourself to drop it and face Osamu with a challenging look instead, "But you... well, I guess we'll have to wait and if you're as good as you say and maybe then you can get some too."

He places a closed hand to his chest as if he's been struck, the girls laughing at his overdramatic reaction, but his widening smile gives him away. You look at each other for a suspended moment, with shared amusement but also the teasing heat of something else reflected in his achromatic eyes, which makes you certain he picked up on the unintended double entendre in your words.

"Sounds like a promise." Then with an arched eyebrow at the empty plates and cups in front of everyone, Samu asks, "So shall we get started?"

You agree, helping him clean up the table and he takes the opportunity to help you and Reina familiarize yourselves with the kitchen. The rest of the afternoon is spent in an equally easy cadence as he does indeed walk you through the steps of making his recipes, flavours included.

He starts with the simplest option, yaki onigiri, which is just fried rice shaped in a triangle or oval, and then demonstrates how to make and add a few of your and Reina's favourite fillings in to change and enhance the flavour. The girls enjoy making their own mini rice balls alongside the two of you and the time flies until you're all back at the table and having the onigiri you've just made for lunch.

You can't deny there's an improvement already but your little rice balls are still nowhere near the level of skill and flavour of Osamu's, even though he and the girls all assure you that you've done a great job. You accept their compliments with a smile and the determination to keep at it on your own time until you improve even further because Reina deserves better than even this.

By the time you finish eating, the girls are unsurprisingly tired out and choose to stay at the table to watch a Disney movie with Izumi's iPad. You can't help but smile in amusement while watching Osamu grab the thing from behind the bar, tapping away on the clunky looking device which is perfect for Izumi with a thick, pink rubber cover protecting it from grade-schooler level damage.

After the movie's been set up for the two worn out little munchkins, you and Osamu head back into the kitchen for him to show you how to make the gyoza and the next hour slips away with more teasing jokes, increasingly heated looks, and slightly bolder touches.

You can close your eyes and now know the feel of Osamu's hands on yours, demonstrating how to properly fold and pleat the wrappers. You can still feel the heat of his chest brush your back from when he leaned around you to pick up an empty bowl to place in the sink, and you're pondering on what feels like a heated brand on your hip where he lightly curved one hand to shift you over.

You can't deny your attraction to the man, a slow fall that you should have seen coming from the excitement of receiving his words every day until you were eagerly expecting the notes, to this first meeting where he's everything you expected from reading between his lines and even more.

Since the girls are pretty much full, you and Osamu clean off the new batch of gyoza between the both of you - him more than you, which you tease him about again. All the while, you're panicking about this new realization of your feelings, given that you're seriously crushing on a man who might only mean to help as a newfound friend and maybe you're the one reading too much into his interactions.

It's not until you've helped him clean up, collected the girls, and are watching him lock up the shop that you get some semblance of an answer.

"Thank you again Osamu. This was not only very instructive but Reina and I had a great time today."

He's holding Izumi's small hand in his, similar to Reina's in yours, and his other hand stretches up to rub at the back of his head, his arm bent at the elbow. When he speaks, it's not a direct response to your gratitude but a question instead, sounding somewhat unsure himself for the first time today, "How about next time we have a date that's more fun than instructive?"

Your jaw almost drops in surprise but you quickly collect yourself because he's still looking a little worried, maybe because he thinks he's overstepping by calling this a date or maybe because he's not sure you'll want another one even if you do accept that.

Your smile is quick to light up your face and, with a light squeeze from Reina's hand to yours accompanied by her and Izumi's giggles, you happily reply, "Just let me know when and where, and it's a date."

He grins again, the third time today your heart stops at what you're sure is usually a rarer sight since bodies aren't always dropping to the ground around him (that you've heard of). "I think I might already have something in mind."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, but let me look into it and get back to ya."

"Sounds like a promise."

With your final reply, a borrowed echo of his words to serve as a temporary goodbye, you and Reina split away from Izumi and Osamu. Heading for your car with once last look behind you, you're pleasantly unsurprised to find a flash of gunmetal grey also glancing back your way. Later that night, finished with your and Reina's joint skincare routine and having tucked her into bed, you find the expected message waiting for you.

A/N: Okay wow I had SO much fun with this one! I hope you all do too <3 It's not triple edited per usual so please do let me know if you catch any errors or issues. No promises but probably dropping Atsumu’s First Meeting next ;)

Taglist: @yatoatyourservice, @crayonwriting

© 2021 fayeimara. All rights reserved. Please do not repost, modify, or claim as yours.

[abracalista]

okay so you know how some people say how suffering feels holy if you do it right?

well, i'd like to present my argument on how this is DEAD wrong!!!

right so basically i think everyone has this mindset that suffering is supposed to look pretty, effie stonem from skins, rue from euphoria, lisa rowe from girl interrupted. that type of suffering. the type that's fucked up enough for you to think 'wow that sucks' but toned down enough for you to think 'but i could fix that!'. like, for example, i have either bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder based on extensive research i've been doing, and it fucking sucks. it's not pretty and it's not fun. it feels like i'm in a constant state of decay, and i know for a fact if one of those 'broken people are beautiful' people actually saw what it's like, the moodswings the obsession the constant need for reassurance that you actually care for me and you're not faking it, they'd leave in an instant.

anyways, enough about that. let's talk about love.

love feels holy. love in itself, as a concept, is just beautiful, isn't it? the idea of somebody holding you close to their heart, of trusting you and caring for you is so raw and religious.

romantic love is what most people think of when someone says 'paint me a portrait of love'. but, what about familial love? the love of my mother's hands as she makes a batch of bryani, the love of my sister as we talk like we're two sides of the same coins, the love of my grandfather's poems, hidden within a legal notepad. and platonic love? the love of a friend who writes you notes which make your heart feel light in which seem like centuries, the love of another who you hang onto as you both laugh loudly over a funny story, the love you share as you quietly hold them as they cry and they know you understand, they know you care. love for oneself? love as you watch a show you loved when you were a kid, love as you manage to get out of bed, love as you laugh and let yourself smile, love as you feel the sun on your face and infinity in your heart and you feel light, happy even.

does suffering give you that?

anyways this was really long but um i hope you have fun reading this!!!

love, j.d

NO? PEOPLE THINK SUFFERING FEELS GOOD?

sorry i���m still bamboozled people think suffering feels holy

OH LIKE DRUGS AND LIKE BEING OUT OF YOUR MIND I STRAIGHT UP THOUGHT LIKE PULLING YOUR ARMS OUT OF YOUR BODY AND I WASBSO SCARED FOR PEOPLE

oh no :( both BPD and… BPD don’t sound fun at all. it’s a tough thing to go through as well :(

i really hate the saying “broken people are beautiful”. i understand it’s a form of encouragement but like, it sucks. it doesn’t work like that and it kind of encourages people to be broken and it’s like gosh. oh the faking it sucks i know the feeling. obviously not to your extent but it’s so bad innit? it’s like your life is shattering and you’re desperately picking up the broken pieces and my god does that suck (and i do care for you, alright? if you ever doubt that just hmu ok?)

love IS beautiful. every aspect of the warmth and appreciation is beautiful. even just thinking someone loves you is enough to probably fuel me for a week. it’s beautiful and it’s fantastic

SBISJAK < FAMILIAL LOVE 3 it’s so cute and sweet when your family gives you their all and sometimes you take it for granted but it’s SO CUTE

you’re right platonic love reigns all. the way someone can care for you so intimately without ever probably even doing anything is so PERFECT AND SWEET i love everything about it. and oh the FLUTTERING is so nice

i never even thought about love for tangible things but you’re so right it feels so good

suffering doesn’t and i’m SO GLAD you talked about this

i really did love reading it!!

love you lots!!

kei <333

[hopelessromanticspoonie]

“I really like Italian. Carbs are kinda my thing. And you in this leather jacket is also kinda my thing, now.”

Conrad grins back at her. "Then it's a date."

She takes his helmet and stands on her tiptoes to get him secure, clasping it underneath his chin carefully so she doesn’t pinch his skin.

“And now we’re all safe. C'mon, sweetheart, I gotta go make some yummy treats for you.”

He opens the door with a flourish. "Your chariot awaits."

They head downstairs and Conrad starts up the bike heading towards the bakery. He secretly wishes to take a wrong turn to head out of town and away from responsibility. Surely they could start somewhere else together. Just him and Anne and nothing from the past. But all too soon, they reach the bakery and Conrad turns the bike off and helps Anne off the bike.

"Now," He pulls the helmet off, tucking it into the saddlebag. "I will be back at 2 p.m. on the dot. And expect pastries for services rendered."

He gazes at her and pulls her close, kissing her. "Have a good day, darling. Hope that kiss gives your co-workers something to talk about."

He waits until she is inside before pulling away. He makes his way around the corner and pulls into an alley and turns off the bike. He fishes his phone from the pocket of his jacket and dials a familiar number.

"Conrad. Yeah sorry about last night, I had company." A pause. "Yes, a girl. I'm reclusive, I'm not a monk. Now what do you need?" -J.C.

Maybe she should get a leather jacket if she’s going to be his back heater for these rides. The cold morning air bites through her clothing and she holds onto him tightly, but this time she opens her eyes. She’s always loved the city in the early morning, so peaceful and quiet before the chaos of the morning commute fills the practically empty streets.

"Now," He pulls the helmet off, tucking it into the saddlebag. "I will be back at 2 p.m. on the dot. And expect pastries for services rendered."

Anne beams up at him and pats her hair, making sure it hasn’t gotten too messed up from the helmet. “Pastries for a handsome taxi service is another good deal. You’re just making all the losing bargains with me, sir. I’ll make a fresh batch of my cookies just for you.”

He gazes at her and pulls her close, kissing her. "Have a good day, darling. Hope that kiss gives your co-workers something to talk about."

She melts into him, uncaring about her co-workers who are most definitely looking at the couple who pulled up in the motorcycle. Her hands splay over his chest and she kisses him back, reluctant to let him go. “You too. I hope the apartment search goes well. And I will be grilled as soon as I walk in that door, so I’m glad I get to say you’re my boyfriend now. See you then!”

A chorus of wolf whistles rings out when she opens up the door. 

“Who’s the hottie?!” 

“He’s cute!” 

“Alright, alright, shut your-”

The door closes on her friends’ nonsense. The entire day flies by and she only almost burns one batch of cupcakes for daydreaming of James. When 2 rolls around her black t-shirt, cheek, and hair are dusted in small patches of flour and sugar from the busy day. She steps outside of the bakery with a brown box held out in front of her. Her teeth tug on the corner of her bottom lip as she looks through the crowded streets for her man.

[andrea-lyn]

I was listening to 'Do I Wanna Know?' (Chvrches cover of Artic Monkeys) & these lines screamed Malex: Ever thought of calling when you've had a few? 'Cause I always do Maybe I'm too busy being yours to fall for somebody new Now I've thought it through Crawling back to you Maybe one half of Malex is drunk, really wants to call the other but doesn't & the next day goes to have a sober talk with him about them?

When Michael wakes up, it’s to nearly fifty texts in his drafts. They’re all unsent, but they paint a very vivid picture. Sitting up slowly, he groans as he glances behind him to make sure he didn’t bring anyone home last night after a blackout night at the Pony, but luckily he’d been both smart enough to come home alone, but also not to send any of the texts.

Staring at them, he reaches for a bottle of acetone, because hair of the dog is a necessity if he’s going to cope with this.

They’re mostly to Alex. Early in the night, there’s a few drafts for Isobel (what was w/ ur weird muppet vest the other nite? did you skin fozzy bear?) and then a few to Liz (i need u to know that if u call me mikey in front of witnesses, i will crush u w/ my brain).

From there, it looks like he’d had a little too much to drink and had gone one-track mind.

Alex-minded, more like. 

u know what i miss, i miss the way you kissed my neck

fuck, how come we only ever woke up together once?

i miss you

ilu

They go on like that, and on, and just when Michael thinks that his parade of pathetic pining is over, he scrolls down and finds some more. Grabbing a bunch of his curls in his hand, his only relief is that the messages are all sitting in his drafts, so even drunk, he had some sense. He groans and collapses back on the bed. 

He knows he’s not doing so well, not since Max, but this is a new low. When he hadn’t been able to explain to Maria how his hand had healed, that relationship had grown complicated too, and he’d cowardly bolted from going down that road because the last thing he needs is yet another complicated thing that makes him feel like shit.

His drunk self doesn’t agree, it looks like. 

There’s a few texts to Maria in there, but they’re mostly apologies, the kind of drunken sad ones that radiate regret. He definitely didn’t text i want to lick every inch of your body to her the way that he had to Alex. 

For a few hours, he hydrates and drinks acetone until he feels like he can move a few steps without puking. 

Once his head is clear, Michael has the feeling that he needs to talk to Alex. He brings up a brand new message and texts Alex to ask if he can come by the cabin to speak to him. He sends this one, and this is the one that gets an instant reply.

only if you bring coffee

Right. Coffee run it is.

He drops by the Crashdown to get Alex’s usual and then adds two extra espresso shots to his own order before he makes the drive out to the cabin, caffeinating until he’s jittery. He owes Alex a lot – apologies, explanations, actual lines of honest communication – but right now, he just needs to sort out his head so he doesn’t have nights like last night. 

“Hey!” Michael calls out, letting himself in the cabin. Alex has already said that he can come and go as he pleases, which would be exciting if it weren’t for the fact that he’d also made keys for Liz and Kyle and said the same thing. He’s no better than a friend, right now, which is the bed he’s made and has to lie in.

He can hear rustling from the bedroom and Michael heads to the door to see Alex finishing with his prosthetic, fiddling with some of the adjustments. 

“Coffee,” Michael says, setting it on the nightstand beside Alex since his hands are busy. He’s nervous and a bit frantic, and he puts his phone down on the nightstand beside the coffee because he’s worried that he’s going to press the wrong button and send all those drafts, seeing as they’re open so Michael can let his eyes skim over them to remind himself why he’s here. He navigates back to the home screen, lingering at the edge of the bed, trying not to think about Alex getting undressed instead of this.

He wants to talk about the messages in his phone, wants to show Alex and talk about how much he still wants to be with him, but not yet. Michael decides that he needs a minute to collect himself. He can talk to Alex about it, he can, he just needs a minute. 

“Hey, can I use the bathroom?”

Alex nods, distracted with the latches, cursing under his breath. Michael takes advantage to bolt for the bathroom, where he spends a good five minutes staring at his reflection in the mirror, telling himself that he can do this. He’s here to talk, that’s all. They’re not ending things, no one is walking away, and they can be mature adults about this.

When another few minutes pass, Michael figures that either he’s got to get out there or Alex is going to think he only came over to the cabin to abuse bathroom privileges. 

When he leaves the bathroom, it’s to the sight of Alex with Michael’s phone.

“Fuck!” he can’t help his automatic reaction on the heels of a panicked noise, and the severity and suddenness of it makes Alex nearly fumbles the phone. 

“Sorry,” Alex says. “Sorry, it was ringing and I saw it was Isobel, so I was trying to silence it, only I think it shifted to your messages and I…” Guilt flashes over his face. “I saw the messages. The drafts.”

That wouldn’t just be there. That means that Alex had to go looking for them. “Why would you…?”

“Because last night, I got this one random text from you, and it looked like it was part of something else and I…” Alex gives him an apologetic look. “What you wrote me was pretty safe. It just said something about my mouth, how you missed it when I was reading something and i started mouthing the words out loud. I didn’t really think much about it, because it was kind of really badly typed and I know that you’ve been drinking, lately.”

Understatement.

“Guerin,” Alex exhales. “You’re not the only one with unsent, unspoken words. I just never know how to bring them up.” He gives him an unsure look as he steadies his weight on the prosthetic, standing carefully (with Michael’s help as he reaches out to hold onto him). “Is that why you’re here? To talk about them?”

He nods. “I think it says something about the fact that I wrote more than ten times the texts to you than I did to anyone else. I’m glad my finger only slipped the once, that some part of my brain knew it wasn’t right to send them to you, but I’m here because it also says that there’s something still there.”

Michael’s in pain and fighting grief and it’s not that he wants to use Alex as a bandage, but maybe part of his grief is because of the wound that he and Alex never let heal.

Alex reaches for the coffee and Michael’s phone, handing the latter out to him.

“Look,” Alex says quietly, “when you’re ready, send me the texts. Okay? I don’t want there to be things unsaid between us. Not anymore. I also don’t want you to think that you have to keep drinking instead of talking to me. So…” He reaches over to squeeze Michael’s shoulder. “Think about it?”

Michael nods, feeling like he’s been struck mute. It’s a terrifying ask, but it’s one that he knows will take them to a new level – a better place, even. All it will take is some courage, some honesty, and some willingness to try; on both their parts. 

“Come on,” Alex breaks into that unnerving silence. “Since you’re here, I was gonna clean out the eaves today and…” He waggles his brows at him, tapping his temple.

Michael huffs out a laugh. “Yeah. Yeah, my alien powers were definitely meant to clean out blockages.”

“You’re here,” Alex points out. “And you brought me coffee. It’s up to you.”

Because Michael is a sucker and because it’s better than obsessing over all those unsent messages, he does stay and he uses his powers to help clean the eaves of the cabin. His phone is in his pocket and it feels like it’s burning a hole, but he’ll figure it out. He even thinks soon, because it feels like he’s sitting on a landmine and at this point, he’d rather it just go off. 

*

It turns out that Michael doesn’t need much time to figure his shit out.

He knows that he’s not automatically healed. He knows this won’t fix everything and that he has a lot of damage to undo both with Maria and Alex, for what he’d done. Still, he also knows that the only way out is through and if that way happens to end with Alex at the finish line, then he definitely wants to pursue it. He’d come over to Alex’s place with coffee again, because yesterday after they’d finished with the eaves, Alex had mentioned something about needing to dig out the foundation to repair a crack.

So here he is, ready to work, and ready for other things, too.

The next day, Michael presses a button and sends all his drafts. He takes immense joy in hearing Alex’s phone going wild with notifications, combined with the strangled sound that Alex makes from the kitchen that tells Michael that he’s read all of them, including the filthy batch that Michael had drafted nearer to the end of the night. 

That smug feeling of victory evaporates when his own phone goes wild with alerts and he sees his inbox:

278 unread messages from Alex Manes

It looks like he’s not the only one with things unsaid. Grinning as he catches Alex’s eye, he can feel his heart pounding in his chest. 

“No more unspoken words?” Alex suggests. 

That’s a promise Michael can definitely make. “No more.”

[written-within-the-stars]

Be My Valentine’s? - Part One – Together

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling as I see the message from #Nova. Collin had sent a photo of her winking at the camera, with a pink and green heart around her. The Message read. ‘𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒?’.

A smiled grew on my lips as I sent my own reply to her via her dad of course.

“To My Dear Valentine, I will be yours, if you will be Mine?” I attached a photo on me pointing to myself, with red hearts and a message for #Nova saying 𝐵𝑒 𝑀𝓎 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒.

“And so, you know... I was thinking of you my beautiful baby girl... a little gift for you and..... Maybe a little something for your dad too...”

I sent an open box with treats, toys, a bottle of pawsecco for her, and a grey t-shirt for Collin saying ‘Husky Dad’ on the front with small black paws under it, as well as a small Huskey charm for him to add to the bracelet I gave him for Christmas. His two loves would sit on it now, a charm of a camera and one for #Nova.

❁ Collin ❁

She was just too sweet, I couldn't stop thinking today. I mine... I hardly ever did anyway... But today...

Not long after her I was on her doorstep. Pressing the bell with Nova at my side, and a basket full of homemade goodies such as, honey butter, baked muffins, freshly made frittata and a glass jar of marmalade in my hands.

❁ Harper ❁

Glancing up from the tablet, out of the window from my seat in the couch. My heart started racing. That truck of his couldn’t be mistaken for another.

“Oh mine...” combing my fingers through my hair, I pushed it back off my face. As I stood and made my way to the door.

“Hi!” Smiling as I saw #Nova and him and the box in his hands. Bending down to rub #Nova’s head and kiss her.

“Would you like to come in?” Surprised to see them.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled my heart outpaced hers and redness flushed up my neck and held out the small basket in my hands. “I was hoping you... I'm, might have a few free minutes to eat with me.” I cleared my throat.

“Us...” I nodded to Nova. “She wanted to say thank you... For the treats.”

❁ Harper ❁

Stepping to the side to let them both in. My eyes on the basket, and wow. “It all smells fabulous.”

Reaching out towards him. “May I help by taking anything?”

#Nova had other plans. She jumped up to my open arms, and I hugged her. Laughing. “Or I could just hug you baby girl”.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed at Nova. “She's still not slowing down at all... And as you can see... She never says no to a hug.”

I smiled and stepping inside. “But when she gives a free hand, we did get you a gift too.” Showing her the mug with the words ‘𝐼 𝒮𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒜𝓃𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓁𝓈, 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇’, written on it. As well as a Chilly’s rain forest print drinking bottle.

❁ Harper ❁

“It’s a good thing... I love her hugs.” Leaning down to kiss her head. “And I’m glad to hear you received your gifts.”

Glancing up towards him, my glasses slipping down my nose.

“You didn’t need... to get me anything..” my heart racing a mile a minute.

#Nova moved to go find her toys and I told the gifts. Opening and smiling from ear to ear.

“I love them.. th.. thank you... both...”

My eyes on him, the basket in his hands. Unsure if I should hug him... or... “Thank you.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "I know... neither did you. But... its Valentine's Day... and Um..."

Damn it!!! I had thought about what I wanted to say and it was just fine gone now...

"I was really hoping that I could steal a little of your time before you got called to the rescue of some poor innocent creature."

I wanted to hug her... or kiss her... both. But... I had shown up unannounced. I thought that was sweet and spontaneous... and now I was second-guessing myself.

❁ Harper ❁

Standing up again, I pushed my glasses up my nose and then took them off. I knew I’d not be working now he/ they were here. Stepping up to him, I looked in the basket.

“Is that an Omelette or a frittata? And honey butter?” The warm sensation and the pull in my chest started to make itself known again.

“How could I say no? You, #Nova, beautiful gifts, and food? You are spoiling me.”

Unsure where the confidence to say all that without stumbling came from. Leaning up on my toes. I kissed his cheek. Whispering.

“Thank you for coming to keep me company”

❁ Collin ❁

“Oh... Um... Frittata?” that wasn't meant to be a question. The kiss to my cheek had me flustered; my hand rested high on her waist when she moved in close.

My arm moved gently around her, and I leaned down to hug her. Every cell in my body came alive have her this close. Her scent, the sounds of her heart and her breathing; were amplified a hundred times. The soothing coolness of her skin.

“Thank you, for inviting me in when I never even called.”

❁ Harper ❁

His arm kept me in place, and I moved to curl my own arm around him the best I could with the basket in his other hand.

I closed my eyes, the warmth I felt around him drawing me towards it. My heart started to play up.

“Did you honestly believe I wouldn’t?” My voice a low whisper, and again the warmth makes me press my cheek to his. Why did this feel safe? Like home?

❁ Collin ❁

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and the rush of a new warmth washed over me and I felt her lean into my cheek, and I inhaled deeply.

"I thought it was a great idea when I was at home cooking, but when I was on your doorstep, I started to worry I was being rude." I laughed softly.

I noticed when she was this close, I didn't trip over my words.

"It’s hard to be spontaneous and a nervous wreck all at once." I chuckled and moved back a little to see her face.

❁ Harper ❁

Such an innocent way to kiss my head had my heart fluttering. I moved back a little with him, my eyes finding his right away.

“Did we not agree to be foolish together? Coming and standing on my doorstep.... not something to be nervous about is it?”

I blinked, seeing the way he was looking down at me. He really was tall. And strong, however it’s the kindness in those eyes I found myself lost in.

❁ Collin ❁

I was awestruck by her eyes and by having her so close. She was beautiful on the deepest possible level. "Only because I..." I paused, I couldn't say I liked her, it was such an understatement that it was basically a lie. "I feel this... amazing connection with you... and I don't want to scare you off before we get to know more about it, or... making assumptions like you wouldn't have plans on Valentine's day."

❁ Harper ❁

I bit my lower lip, not fully sure how to answer him here. Praying my heart would stop playing up this way so that I could think clearly.

“Oh... Uhm...”

Did he think I went around kissing boys on a beach and then set up Valentines with other boys? No. He wasn’t like that. Right?

“No.. I.. umm.. had no plans at all.” Oh god did that sound pathetic. Should I have lied?

Taking a step back heart flushing into my cheeks.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart started to pound. Dammit!! I dropped the ball, didn't I? I cleared my throat. "I... um... I really wanted to ask... but... I know how busy you get... and um..."

I shook my head and ran my hand down her arm and took her. "I, um... I'm sure you've noticed that I'm really, really BAD at this. But..." What could say?

𝐼'𝓂 𝒶𝓃 𝑒𝓍𝒸𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝒷𝑜𝓎𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹? I mean I was pretty sure I was. but... that was a weird thing to say.

"I... will make it my personal mission to make sure all your Valentines are booked solid from now on."

Shit!! I should have said the boyfriend thing.

❁ Harper ❁

"Oh.." Okay, now I felt bad for a whole different reason. "Of course, work is... always busy." I didn't want to rub my cheeks in front of him, the heat was radiating.

Glancing down at my arm his hand sent a jolt through me. I stopped myself from walking away. Shifting on my feet, blinking up at him now.

"I'm sorry?" my lips half curling up.

"You promise to what?" tilting my head to the side a little. I could not have heard him correctly.

❁ Collin ❁

I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.

"I just.... Sorry. I mean..." I took a deep breath. I just mean that... maybe, someday... if I stop saying stupid things like that..." I paused, thinking hard. "I might be lucky enough to have another chance at... getting this... particular day right, with you... if um... you'd want to. I mean, obviously. But..."

I stopped and laughed at my own awkwardness... "I told you I was bad at this, right?"

❁ Harper ❁

My bottom lips curled in, and I held it in place with my teeth. Trying so hard now not to laugh, however the smile had started growing.

Leaning in my fingers curled around the basket and I took it from him as I whisper into his ear. “Let’s be Foolish together, remember?” The scent of him drew me in, I closed my eyes for a moment before pulling back. Turning to walk off into the kitchen.

“Would you like some biscuits with this honey butter you brought? I have a batch in the freezer I could bake up?”

Turning my head to glance back at him before disappearing into the kitchen.

My heart was racing again. Seeing him this way. We both managed to get ourselves into these muddles.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at the words and the warmth of her breast n my ear as she spoke made butterflies rise up in my stomach. Anyone else would have faked a phone call to get away from me by now... But not her.

"Some of are clearly more foolish than others." I chuckled but, there was relief in the gentle sound.

She took the basket and stepped away. "That sounds amazing." I smiled... She really wasn't trying to rid om me? I mean... not even politely but eating with me and sending me on my way.

She was making suggestions to extend our time together? I wasn't going to turn it down.

❁ Harper ❁

I couldn’t stop the sensations in my tummy. I had heard of butterflies flying, but this? It was like an army fluttering to the point where I didn’t know how to stop it. Or even if I wanted to stop it?

Setting the basket down on the counter. “Great, you don’t have to rush off do you?” I should have asked him this before, right? I rubbed my forehead.

#Nova came to join me, touching her paw to my leg. “What is it baby’s girl? Aww I know.”

Walking over I turned the oven on. Then took out her water bowl, filling it with water and setting I down for her. She started to lap it up right away. “Good girl.” I patted her back.

“Would you like a drink? Help yourself from the fridge.” I called out. Getting to work on making the biscuits, taking out a frozen whole carrot for #Nova and giving it to her to eat and play with too.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and followed her to the kitchen. "No, I don't." I watched her with #Nova again. She was amazing.

"The only thing I wanted to do today was see you." I admitted honestly... not stuttering or turning bright pink! Just an easy honest statement. I opened the press that I'd seen her take glasses from the last time... well the first time I was here. And open her to find another jug of homemade juice that made me smile and poured us a glass each.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart missed a beat, and another, and another. And the smile wasn’t going anywhere from my lips.

“I’m glad you both came.” My hands clean, I took out the baking tray, placing the biscuits on it. Moving around him to grab a bowl to make the egg wash in for them.

Laughing as I heard #Nova ‘talking’ to the frozen carrot flying cross the floor. “You tell it off Nova, good girl..”

Every now and then I glanced towards him. “How have you been?” I asked.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled... Chuckling and Nova’s little noises. “When she does that I remember that she's still just a baby.” A small sigh, I knew she was doing well she was still eating still acting like herself... Even if she got tired easier now.

“I should have taken her with me on the first place.” I shook the thought away.

“I’m good... This little thing keeps me on my toes.” I chuckled. “What about you? I'd work letting you get any sleep?”

❁ Harper ❁

"She is a baby, and it's nice to see her this way." my voice soft as I placed the tray in the oven. Calling out.

"Alexa set timer for 10 minutes." and she called back. '𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚎𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚠.'

Sitting the bowl in the sink, my head turned back. "You didn't know. No one knows what will happen. You have her now. She is happy, loved and cared for. It was what matters."

Not one break in my voice. my gaze had moved to #Nova happy in her own world on the cool floor. Smiling at the fact that she was indeed keeping her dad busy.

"Work..." My smile grew. "It's been great, a few nights here and there. However, the people and the animals here make it all worth it."

Walking across the kitchen, I opened the cupboards to take out the things I need to set the small table by the window of the kitchen.

"How are your family?"

These were easy things to talk about, normal things to take my mind off my beating heart. On top of which, I truly wanted to know how they were.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at Nova and then up at Harper. I nodded as she spoke about work. "Just make sure you're careful when you have late-night calls, the roads around here can be really dangerous after heavy rain... especially around the farms. If you're tired you should call someone come and drive you."

I watched her move around the kitchen, my heart picking up its pace again. I felt like should help but I also felt like that was an intrusion.

"They're all great, Custard hasn't eaten any more jewellery and as predicted... my sister is madly in love...𝓐𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷." I laughed. "How about your friends back h-" I stopped myself from saying 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. I wanted this to be her home, it was selfish... but it was one of my deepest wants. "Thompson Falls? Do you get to talk to them much?"

❁ Harper ❁

Working away, I saw the two glasses of juice he has poured for us. Taking then I set them in the table before taking out two plates. “I have noticed. My poor car is not liking some of the off roading necessary.”

The sound of his laughter had me lost. Tilting my head to the side to watch him before I shook myself out of it. ‘Jeez stop staring.’ I told myself.

“Kevin did say he was planning to keep a closer eye on Mr Custard, however it’s always good to head progress is being made.”

Biting my lips, I was sure I was missing something. The food! “Ana is in love?” My face lite up, I knew what he told me of her. His baby sister loved easily. However, it was sweet.

“Do you approve of this one?” I asked walking to the basket to look inside it. My eyes were back on him when he stopped himself. He was about to say ‘𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚’ I was sure.

“I don’t speak to them as much and I want to, however we all still have dinner once ever feel weeks if I don’t get pulled away on a call.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed, picturing the tiny car... more of a city vehicle really. "Yeah... not exactly the best for country roads. But if you ever need to borrow the truck just ask... if you think you handle it. Brady can always take me to work." I wasn't sure had comfortable she'd be driving something so much bigger than her car.

"She is... He's a poetry major so I think I should worry more about her breaking his heart than the other way around." I chuckled.

"Hopefully, the council will get you your proposal soon and you'll be able to bring in some help. Then you can make some plans that won't get interrupted.

❁ Harper ❁

“However, she is so pretty.” Moving back on my heel to glance toward the window, not that I could really see her from here. And I knew she wasn’t made for the roads outside of town.

“I bought her when I thought I was going to live in Seattle. The plan was never to move here.” Taking the basket, he brought apart I held out some of the things. “Would you mind placing these on the table please?”

Blinking my eyes at him. “Aren’t men supposed to be really protective over their trucks? Dad only let me drive his Ram when we went fishing and he may have drunk one or two beers.” Smiling at the memory of those days by the lake.

“A poetry major? Poor boy.” They were all soft hearts and arty. “I am sure Ana will be kind?” I asked as Alexa started to chime the reminder and I rushed to take out the tray of biscuits.

“Oh, Billy was sure that they would agree, I guess all I can do for now is wait to see how long it all takes to go through. I have a practice in Port Angeles willing to sister with us here as soon as we have a green light.”

Picking up the biscuits I start to pop them into a basket. “Ouch!” shaking my hands and blowing on my fingers from the heat of them. “Ouch…!”

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled and nodded my head. “She does have a certain charm.” I admitted about her tiny vehicle. I think that mostly came from the fact that it was a pure expression of Harper’s personality. I would put money on it the inside of it was even more immaculate than mine. When she explained why she’d bought the car it made even more sense.

“It’s definitely a perfect city car.” I said, small… easy to park light on fuel in heavy traffic. Another chuckle when she talked about men and trucks. Taking the things from her to set on the table, the smell of the biscuits filled the room. “Boys are protective of their trucks… Men know the truck is probably in safer hands with a woman.” I smiled. I would have to thank #Embry for instilling that kind attitude in us when it came to girls from a young age. “It’s different with Dad’s… Even when Ana went to college Dad still insisted on driving her… even if that meant I had to follow him there in my truck to take him home.” I laughed at the memory.

I turned back to her when she said ‘Ouch.’ and took her hands. “Easy.” I tried to give a light chuckle but that familiar protective rose up in me. I guided her to the tap and held her fingertips under the cold water. “There’s no rush… no need to injure yourself.” I tried to keep my hot skin away from where she’d singed her fingertips.

❁ Harper ❁

‘𝘉𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘴… 𝘔𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯’ “How true and yet not many people.. Men.. can bring themselves to admit it.” I replied before burning my fingers.

“I’m sorry.” It was a foolish mistake to make. He was by my side before I had a chance to suck on my fingers and his hands were holding mine. Then he slowly guided me to the sink. I could tell that the burns weren’t deep. “It’s just a small superficial burn.” Wincing a little when the cold water flowed over my skin.

#Nova was stood by our side and she was pawing my thigh asking what was happening. “I’m okay baby girl. You play.” But those big brown eyes did not leave me and she sat herself down next to her dad.

My eyes moved to his face, and I was lost in him again. Everything else blurred out of sight. The sound of the song was in my ears, the warmth I always felt when he was close was back once again. And my heart skipped a few times. He was taking care of me? This was new. I was always the one who jumped up to help and protect, however here we were. To see him this close… I blinked my eyes to push the thoughts away. He had said something to me? Damn it. what had he asked? Racking my thoughts for the words.

“I wasn’t thinking.” What was wrong with me? Shifting a little the relief set in. My voice was low now. “I could always blame the smell of fresh biscuits, and wanting to try them with the honey butter?” He was so close, caring, and sweet. I could smell him even with the fresh baking in the kitchen.

❁ Collin ❁

Nova came around to my side when harper reassured her, I smiled. She talked to her like I did… like she was waiting for a response. I let the water run over her finger for a few moments. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” H said in a tone as low as her. “It’s okay baby-girl.” I soothed her when she pawed my leg this time. I picked up a towel and gently patted Harper’s fingers dry but my eyes never left her face. Her heartbeat harder like it was trying to drown out her words.

Rested her palm on mine and only dropped my eye to the pink tips of her fingers for a second. “So clumsy Doctor Jenkins, these hands are needed to heal others.” I teased, the flurry inside me settling when I knew she was okay. I lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “You should treat them with kindness.”

My eyes found hers again and a ball the fluttering and pressure built up in my stomach and the urge to kiss her. I leaned in and let my lips touch softly against hers, every cell in my body was away at the contact.

❁ Harper ❁

Seeing #Nova’s reaction, hearing the small whimper coming from her. I knew she was worried. They picked up so quickly when a person they cared for was hurting.

My eyes flickered down to her as Collin also tried to reassure her. And it made me smile. I loved how the two of them interacted with each other. They really were a small family.

“I’m not always so clumsy Mr Littlesea...”

I wanted to continue with 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦... However, I didn’t dare. Biting my lower lip, my heart skipped a few times as I saw him lift my palm and kiss it. Butterflies fluttered freely in my stomach, and I couldn’t stop the blush on my cheeks.

My eyes met his when he glanced at me, and then I was lost. I closed my eyes when his lips touched mine. My body relaxed, my shoulders fell, the butterflies danced like the first time he kissed me, and I was left light headed.

❁ Collin ❁

My heart thundered, I felt the cool soothing touch of her lips against mine, quelling the fire in my vein the soft, glowing warmth. I moved my arms around her waist and drew her nearer, leaning down and resting my hands high on her back. My lips moving with her hers, I could hear her heart drumming alongside mine, my wolf was silent. My stomach was a riot of fluttering and twisting.

I felt her sway a little in my arm and I pulled back just barely, allowing us both to breathe. Nova giving a high pitched yip… as she did when she wasn’t the centre of attention and made me smile, but my eyes never left Harper.

❁ Harper ❁

My feet altered to move a little closer, as he placed his arms around me.

I wasn’t thinking clearly, however the thoughts I did managed to hold on to were of how sweet he tasted, how warm his lips were on mine, and how this kiss, every kiss with him was extraordinary. My lungs pulled on the air when he pulled back. I hadn’t even notice that I had stopped breathing all together. My lips tingled when he pulled back away, but it didn’t do anything to stop the rampage in my stomach and heart.

When I heard #Nova I opened my eyes to find him watching me, making the sensation in my cheeks increase and the temperature exceptionally hot.

I wasn’t sure what he saw when he looked at me through his eyes.

“She needs a kiss too.” I whispered.

❁ Collin ❁

Spirits! My head spun my lungs expanded and filled with the unique scent that was hers alone. Her cheeks-stained crimson and I smiled.

Beautiful.

She was so, incredibly beautiful.

“So does her dad every now and then.” I pressed my lips against her one more time.

Nova was up on her legs paws against my leg, I chuckled and scratched her between the ears.

“We should eat before everything goes cold. You take a seat. I'll finish up... Before you wound yourself again.” I teased and started placing the biscuits in the basket like she had before she burned herself.

❁ Harper ❁

“Are you aspiring to have her feel as though you are trying to steal her new best friend here?” My cheeks flushed as the words sat between us.

The burn was just a mild throb on my fingertips. And somehow him kissing me had dulled the little pain I did feel. I was smiling and then parted my lips to protest. I wasn’t an amazing cook; however, I had never had any complaints either.

Then noticing he meant the fact that I seemed to be hurting myself around him. I moved from the sink after patting my hands dry, I bent down on my knees and gave #Nova a hug and kiss on her forehead. “I always have kisses for you baby-girl.” I told her standing up, I went to sit down at the table.

“I’m not making a good impression here as a host. The fact that my guest is now working in my kitchen.” I was in a semi-trance while watching him work. He really did know his way around a kitchen.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and took the over to the table and smiled as set the basket on the table and gave #Nova another pat and a kiss on the nose.

"You did all the hard work." I chuckled and washed my hands before I return to the table and sat down. "But just as a counterpoint... I do enjoy cooking. So really you're being an excellent host by allowing me to help out a little."

I smiled my eyes on her face, focusing on the tiny details that made up her expression and the lingering blush.

❁ Harper ❁

Waiting for him to take his seat before I took the two oranges from his basket, which sat on the table and handed them to him and a knife. “Would you mind slicing these for us?” I asked.

“I never really had someone else who liked being in the kitchen other than Seth. He used to help me with bakes on the weekends we were all together.

Taking out the frittata, I set it between us and then unwrapped the honey butter. “Did you make all of this today?” Pointing to the table. The scent of it was mouth watering and I couldn’t wait to dig in. But then I lifted the glass jar and gave him a questioning look. “What is in here?”

❁ Collin ❁

“Yeah, #Sue always wanted to make sure her kids knew how to take care of themselves. Especially after what happened to Mr. Cle… #Harry.” I was still young and only ever really called him Mr. Clearwater. If I’d had a chance to get to know after I joined the pack, I was sure he’d have insisted I called him Harry… just like #Sue had.

“Of course.” I took the oranges and the knife and started to slice the first one. “Yeah, I did say I enjoyed cooking… It didn’t take much time... I like my breakfasts pretty simple.” I turned to the basket again and smile. “Oh… that’s homemade marmalade but I can’t take credit for that… my friend Emily makes that. But’s really good… I told her she should sell her preserves at the farmer’s market. But she gives the stuff away.” I chuckled.

❁ Harper ❁

My heart felt a flutter at the mention of Mr Clearwater. “I never met him, however from the stories Sue and Seth shared with Kenz and us...” I smiled at another memory. “…Dad said he was a man he would have gone fishing with. Which is high praise.”

Opening the jar, I took in the aroma and it smelt delicious. Taking a spoon, I added some to my plate. “Are all the people in La Push talented when it comes to cooking? Well, everyone but Leah. She’s not the cooking type I am sure of it.” It was a vibe #Leah always gave when she was around.

I placed a biscuit on his plate with some of the frittata, the muffins remained in the basket as I was sure he would help himself. I took a sip of the Watermelon and Mint juice and waited for him to start. This was something as a host I knew I should do.

❁ Collin ❁

"He was a hell of fisherman for sure." I smiled, thinking back to the too few memories of being on my father's boat with Mr Clearwater. It wasn't my preferred activity, but I went... mostly for the time with my Father. Ana complained about the cold and stayed home.

"Leah cooking?" my brow furrowed at the thought. "I'm sure she knows the basics, but she's always rushing around I doubt she'd spend hours in her kitchen cooking."

"Thank you." I smiled and sliced the frittata with my fork and took a bite... soundly realising how hungry I was after spending the morning cooking and not eating. I had to try her biscuits too. Taking a bite and nodding at her. "Wow... this is so good."

❁ Harper ❁

“The time Sue told Kenz that Mr Clearwater would have loved her…” My heart swelled at the memory of that night we were all filled into the living room of my dad’s house. He’d invited #Sue, #Leah and #Seth for dinner and the rest of us too. But with #Seth, #Leah and #Dam in the same room, it had felt a little tight.

“It was when we all knew… Kenz is in good hands.” My eyes stung a little, with a lump in my throat. Remembering the way my friend, my sister had tears rolling down her cheek. Happy tears which then flowed down #Sue, #Jenna and my cheeks too. with Leah rolling her eyes at us asking for something strong to drink before she shook some sense into us all.

My cheeks flushed as he took a bite of the biscuit, I wasn’t sure why, but I was a bundle of nerves. ‘It’s a biscuit! Not open-heart surgery on a chihuahua. Deal with it woman.’ I told myself but my heart was still jumping around like some teenager waiting for a crush to notice her. What was wrong with me?

I let out a breath I didn’t even realise I had been holding in when he finally spoke. Smiling I reached over breaking my biscuit open, taking some of the honey butter and spread it before taking a bite. “Oh wow... this is really good.” Covering my mouth when I spoke.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled. "She definitely is... I mean just look at how they met... travelling so far on vacation and meeting like that." I knew I couldn't mention the imprinting... yet. "And to end up in the relationship they are now... If that's not fate, I don't know what is."

They would never be anyone more perfect for her friend then #Seth. I knew by extension the same should apply to me and Harper... but I couldn't express that right now.

I heard her heart race and I tried to contain my smile. I spread some of the honey butter of the biscuit too and nodded. "We really do make a good team in the kitchen, don't we?" I beamed, my attention solely on here now. "So... you like to cook too than?"

❁ Harper ❁

“Now there is a story no one will ever believe, especially the part that he followed her home. However, I was there. I witnessed it all.” Even if to start with I was the one who had been worried about #Seth. I mean who did that? But over time he had become family too.

Smiling I nodded swallowing my mouthful before I spoke again. “I do love to cook, unfortunately I don’t have as much time as I once used to, hens…” I pointed to the biscuits and then the freezer. “..I try to make big batches when I find a moment space and then it goes into the freezer for a time like now.”

Cutting into the frittata I took a fork full and moaned with happiness. “Gods… This is so soft and fluffy!” He wasn’t joking. “A kitchen goddess and god if you ask me.” I teased taking another bite. “Oh and the hazelnut butter you made... Char and Teddy loved it too. Char had it on toast and Teddy added it to his smoothy. And me…” my smile grew. “..Pancakes.”

❁ Collin ❁

"Some people are worth following to the ends of the earth." My eyes never left her, as if to say... She was worth following to the ends of the earth.

"Do I need to start dropping by with bigger baskets?" I chuckled. "With some freezer-friendly meals to make sure you have at least a few decent meals a week?" I wanted to tell her to just come over and I could cook for her anytime... but I was sure she used her free time to eat, sleep and shower... and offering those last two was a long way off.

Even after I told her everything... we were still getting to know each other and I was sure she'd time to understand it all. and decide what she wanted.

I smiled. "I'm glad they enjoyed it... will I have to make you another batch before we get a chance for our lesson?"

❁ Harper ❁

Adding some more of the marmalade to the biscuit, I found myself nodding in agreement. “Kenz is an amazing woman, she is worth going to the ends of the world for.”

Popping the food into my mouth, I felt his eyes on me. And when I glanced back there they were. It felt like those deep brown eyes of his were trying to tell me something. And that pull in my chest was back. With the song whispering for me to listen. To really listen. However I was listening.. to everything... was I not?

My blush burnt my cheeks, placing my hand in my cheek in the sorry attempt to hide myself from him.

“No.. you don’t have to do that.” How kind and sweet of an offer. “I made spend some night eating PB&J or toast. However, most night I can always make a quick stirfry, or some sort of pasta. I...” stopping because I could hear #Jenna in my head and I pushed her out. “I manage.”

Taking a sip of the juice, when I felt a nudge on my thigh. I knew #Nova had come to sit by us. So I reached out a hand and rubbed her head.

“You are spoiling me, and I’m not going to say no to more of the Hazelnut butter. It’s the best I’ve had in a long while.. really I should just ask for the recipe and not take up so much of your time.”

But I really wanted to learn with him.

❁ Collin ❁

"Oh, I know." I chuckled. "#Seth talked constantly about her after he met her. And then the same when he first moved." I smiled and took another bite of the food on my plate.

"He started calling a lot more lately. I think Kenzi is making him check up on me." I smirked. I thought it was kind of cute, she was so protective of her friend. "You have a hell of a family looking out for you."

She was blushing again and that pink tinge in her cheeks was beautiful. I nodded along as she told me about her eating habits, not seeming to notice that I was probably too concerned about her diet than I should be.

"I have no problem giving you the recipe, but honestly... I would much rather teach it to you and then... Maybe the Spirits will be kind enough to make sure you don't get called away and we can have that movie date you promised me afterwards."

I smiled I was actually doing pretty well... I hadn't staggered over my word in a while. She made it so easy to be comfortable around her.

❁ Harper ❁

I stopped chewing and felt myself wanting to hide. “Seth is checking up on you?” My mind swelling with the thoughts of how I’d have done the same, but still.

“I... uhm.... I am so sorry...” There was an uneasy flutter in my stomach at how this may look to him. “I will - speak with them. I don’t know why they...” I shook my head. “... actually, I know why they are this way, and it’s as you just said. I’m lucky to have family like the ones I do.”

I wasn’t going to feel embarrassed, not when I knew it came from a loving place. My eyes flickered from the plate, to #Nova and then back to him. “You know. I’d like that much more. And...” I smiled even wider again at hearing him say ‘Spirit’ just as #Seth and #Leah did.

“Fingers crossed; we will have the movie night too. I will have to think long and hard, which Hallmark to share with you first.”

Placing the full fork into my mouth.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed a little and swallowed the food in my mouth,. "No... it's good. To be honest... I wasn't really being good at keeping in touch with him lately, but know I have a great reason to." My eyes settled on hers and even my wolf snapped to attention. "And we have something in common now too... I mean talk about a small world... He meets a Thompson Falls Girl in La Push and I meet a Thompson Falls girl in La Push."

I smiled at her, my eyes moved to Nova as hers had. At least she was enjoying herself too, hearing Harper so she'd rather spend time with me then have me just giving her the recipe.

"Oh, I already have mine locked in. I know exactly where your B-movie education is going to start!" I grinned and fixed my gaze on hers again.

❁ Harper ❁

There was something to be said in his point. Gods how had it not occurred to me before? One of my best friends, my sister.. she had found the love of her life right here. It was a two night stopover and she’d met him when we were out on the hunt for a very drunk #Jenna. And now.. my eyes glanced up at him, my chin down trying not to over think.

My inner monologue working over time: ‘Just getting to know him.. don’t overthink and race too far ahead like Kenz and Jenna. You are the level headed one.’

“We.. I... all this time, it hadn’t occurred to me.” Biting my lip as I could hear my dad saying.. “Thompson Falls has the best girls, with the kindest hearts and the prettiest souls.” Laughing softly as I said it out loud.

My eyes widened. “You know which movie already? I feel so underprepared now. And I’m a planner!”

I would have to step up and movie game.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled watching the thought sink and laughed softly at her words. I couldn't help but think what would have happened if I met her when #Seth met Kenzi. Would have followed her to Thompson Falls like #Seth had followed her friend? I had no doubts about that. Would I still be there? Would she have stayed?

Would she know everything?

Would we be together?

Would she love me? Would she be happy?

'𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. 𝘉𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦��� 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵-𝘪𝘧.' My wolf whispers softly in the back of my mind.

"That's one thing I can certainly agree with." I smiled. There was no denying Kenzi was beautiful... even without seeing her though #Seth's eyes. But Harper... I may have been biased... She was exquisite. "Do you have any single friends? I have a few wild friends that need taming and they clearly put something ing in the water back there." I half teased. But honestly... it was too much of a trend to dismiss.

❁ Harper ❁

I almost choked on the juice as I sipped on it. Putting the glass down I wiped my lips with the napkin as I cough. Embarrassed rushed into my cheeks. I couldn’t even drink now.

Patting my chest, I sat up as #Nova pawed to check in me. My hand reaching out to rub her head to say ‘I am fine baby girl.’

Clearing my throat, I took another drink, this time making sure I did not choke.

“You want me to become a Thompson match maker?” Gods what could that mean? “Really friends is a small group Jennifer, Kenzie and myself.” One was married, one engaged and one single. “I know many of the girls..” trying now to think of #Anna because well. no. “I’m sure you will meet them if you go to visit Seth at some point.”

However, as I thought of it, only #Sue and #Leah were the ones who had visited while I was living there.

❁ Collin ❁

I sat up when she choked and watched her pat her chest. "Are you okay?" I asked grinning, I could hear her breathing still and I knew she was okay.

“Not for me… I’ve… um…” And here it came rushing, the awkward, rambling fool. “I’d rather… eh, see how things go, with the Thompson Falls girl sat across from me.” I smiled at her the word sounding steadier towards the end. I wanted her to know that she was the only person on my mind now.

“But my friend #Embry might finally settle down if he could land a Thompson Falls girl…. And #Brady too if you can find another one.”

I smiled at her, she had to know I was falling for her…. I mean the rest of La Push did…

❁ Harper ❁

“Fine, fine..” My eyes were on the ground now, I wondered which demon I would need to call and make a deal with for the ground to open up and swallow me whole, and at what cost?

“Oh…” When I finally willed my heart to stop thumping in my ears, my cheeks were still a flush. I dared to glance back up. My eyes fluttered from his, to just past him, this was awkward. “I.. you… me..” Okay, what was one to say to such a declaration? He wanted to see how things worked out for me and him? This wasn’t knew to me, right? And I still felt so out of place with how to react to his knowledge. Even if my heart seemed to tell me it was happy to learn this. “I’d like to… uhm… see.. how things.. go too.” I missed my glasses, I would have used them to hide behind about now.

“I have to be honest…” Setting the glass down beside my plate. “You are, maybe better off asking Kenz, she’s a lot better at this dating and match making thing. I’m certain right away she would have your friends delt with for you.” She was always the one who picked up on vibes, on guys looking at us with intent in their eyes. “She has some special skills with it if you ask me.”

❁ Collin ❁

She was flustered and blushing again, and it was beautiful the pink tint in her tan skin... I was staring and I didn't care if she knew it. The rhythm of her heart changed.

"Good." I smiled, trying to sound confident but my voice low... low, but steady. "It's good to know we're on the same page." I picked up the juice and took a drink listening to her say Kenzi was a better matchmaker.

"You know? I don't know her very well.... but when I think about it... it does seem like something she'd be suited to. She's definitely a dreamer... the world needs more of those."

I leaned over the table slightly... "Can I ask you..." I didn't finish that question. We were past that right. "Did you really think I could possibly be thinking about anyone else since we kissed on the beach?" I pressed my lips together. She was all I thought about since so long before the beach.

❁ Harper ❁

#Nova settled herself between the two of us, just like she had on the beach that night. It was like she could tell I needed to feel her fur on my feet. To know she was here, and I had nothing to worry about. However, I truly didn’t have anything but myself to worry over.

Collin had this way to calm me and twist me into a bag of nerves in a different way. It wasn’t a bad feeling, just a new one.

“Kenz?” I was smiling again at his comment about my friend. “She really is. Dreamer is the best way to describe her. She is always looking for the good, the glass is always half full, and never empty.”

My body reacted to him like a magnet. He moved forward into the table and I found myself doing the same. However, my cheeks filled with fire ants at his next question. “Uhm…” The truth was the only way forward. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I cleared my throat. “I don’t usually do this… Answering a question with another question… However, it seems to be the only way forward….” I was rambling again. What was Wrong with ME! “Uhmm.. What I mean is… As possible as it was for you to believe I could have made other plans with someone else today?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her... listening to everything before I said anything else. I reached across the table and took her hand like I had when we had hot chocolate.

"Since we're leaving all the cards on the table." I smile my confidence thrummed now after she slightly rambled words. "I want you to make assumptions and maybe even make a few myself... If I can ever work to the courage to make some."

I squeezed her fingers and smiled. "We're kinda hopeless at this, aren't we? Maybe it's a good thing we have #Seth and #Kenzi checking in on us." I laughed.

I had no doubt she was getting calls for updates too.

❁ Harper ❁

I fought the urge to pull my eyes from his face, especially because his laughter made him light up. However, the fact that he had taken my hand, sending a surge of electricity in the same way as the day he took my hand in his at our coffee / hot chocolate catch up, made it hard not to glance down.

Our hands fit as one, his big hand took mine, and his warmth caressed me. I curled my fingers into his and squeezed back hoping he could see that I liked it when he did it. That magnetic pull in my chest had me moving in a little more. The soft voice sang in my heart leaving one work with me 𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒 .

Biting my lips, I dared to glance back up into his eyes. “Let’s be fools who are happy to make the correct assumptions?” Because saying ‘Let’s be better at communicating’, was such a nerd thing to say. And #Kenz and #Jenna, #Teddy and #Jess would take my head if it ever got back to them.

Laughing softly at the fact that he too thought of #Seth and #Kenz in the moment I nod my head. “I would be lost without them all. However…. I wouldn’t say we are… Bad…. Just that we need… uhm… to do things our own way? Doing things that we feel comfortable with? Maybe?”

❁ Collin ❁

I lifted our clasped hands and leaned slightly across the table to kiss the back of her hand. I settled my gaze on hers. “That sounds perfect to me.” I said softly and smiled. I felt her hand warm in mine and savoured the sensation the spread across my chest from the contact.

“It will always be on our terms, I promise. You said #Seth was one of the kindest people you ever met… and that is definitely true. But as for me… well, I’m the most patient. So…” I finally released her hand, but it didn’t feel like I was letting go of anything. I picked my glass up and held it out. “To being fools… together?” I laughed at the fact that it sounded like a question.

But even my wolf didn’t reprimand me for it today.

❁ Harper ❁

A new rush of blushing heart spread to my cheeks when he kissed the back of my hand. It was such a chivalrous action to take. I shook my head free from the image from my dreams. Seeing Collin kiss my hand as he did now, took me back to the man who walked in the sky with the clouds with the light shining from around me.

“Oh… Uhmm…” My words were at a lost, I took my hand back as the butterflies took over ten-fold this time. He was right about #Seth, and I believed him when he said he was patient.

Gathering myself I picked up my own glass and held it up too. “To being fools… together!” This time I was sure of myself, it was a true statement now. We were going to be foolish together.

❁ Collin ❁

There was that blush again. My heart pounded. I touched my glass to hers with a clink.

I took a drink and I set the glass back. I kept eating and smiling up at her. “See we already have a lot in common.” I smiled.

“It seems like work is slowing down for you a little.” I said trying to steer the conversation towards something a little more normal. “I suppose springtime will see it starting to pick up again right?”

I looked up from the plate to her and smiled, still marvelling a little at the fact she was an amazing cook.

❁ Harper ❁

Clinking my glass to his, I took a sip of my juice. When I set it down, I reached over for one of the muffins and broke a piece off to pop into my mouth.

Covering my mouth, I nod, swallowing before I spoke. “It is a little, I believe it’s a good sign. We finally have some sort of normalcy falling into place.”

Work talk came so much easier. “I knew there would be a gab we would need to fill, bringing all the animals back into their annual checks, ensuring we have everyone seen to etc.” Cutting up my food to fill my fork.

“Spring! It’s one I look forward, and at the same time I am a little afraid of too. So much to do, and to stay on top of.” I shrugged a little. Filling my mouth. Now I couldn’t stop talking.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. "Oh no... Neither of us is normal Harper... I don't think we ever will be." I smiled I would never want us to be.

"I know the farms and things around here get busy this time of year. But that one thing I can't wait for. Getting back to the regular check-ups with Nova. I think I'm doing good at not worrying around her... but it's still there in the back of my head."

Nova bolted across the floor after her treat and I laughed. "And then she does something like that I think she must be doing good because she's so happy." I smiled... she was playing with the carrot instead of eating it now.

❁ Harper ❁

My cheeks heated up again, but not as much as they had before. “Okay, I will agree with not being normal, only because if we were to start this debate. I am worried I will indeed prove you right. And who wants to do such a thing?”

My gaze moved to #Nova when he spoke of her check-ups. And I can’t help but feel a little guilty that I hadn’t gotten to connecting them about her before. “I’m sorry that I didn’t connect you or #Nova’s mum before you came to us. We were working our way through the charts and records. There is no excuse for it. I dropped the ball.” And it’s not a ball I planned on dropping again.

“Jess and I are going through all our records once again, and I know it doesn’t help baby-girl. However, we won’t let it happen to another puppy.” She bolted across the kitchen making me smile. “This makes me happy to see. Her puppy side still coming to play.”

❁ Collin ❁

I pressed my lips together and I tried to remember if I had told her about what #Jo had done. “Oh… Um that’s not… it’s not on you or the clinic or anything.” I took a long drink of the juice. Making a mental note to ask her exactly how she made this because my watermelon juice never tasted like this.

“I don’t know if I told you but when I bought Nova I made a promise to pay for all the basics her first shots, and neutering licenses and the first year of insurance and all of that. Thankfully that was still in my name. But I broke with my ex before she was old enough and um… Well, I actually sent her the money to pay for her neutering. But… I’m pretty sure she probably called and cancelled it… and just went shopping.” I shrugged, I wasn’t even mad about it anymore. Ex talk on Valentine’s day wasn’t really a great move.

“But All I care about is getting Nova through this and the puppies… and I know the Spirits will give us a blessing out of that bed of thorns… because they sent us you too look after her.”

❁ Harper ❁

Nodding my head as I listen to him. His Ex, he had told me that she had #Nova at the time and he has been responsible for her bills.

But we as a practice should have followed up. Even if at the time Dr Hill was only the visiting vet. “We are here now, and the baby girl is doing well. What is the saying about it needing a village and all? So, you know have your village when it comes to Nova’s care.”

Breaking off some more of the muffin as I continue to speak. “And your friends and family are excellent too.”

Popping the muffin into my mouth, my gaze back in her playing. And jumping around with her carrot. “Would you like some more juice? Or I could make you some coffee?” Seeing his glass close to empty when I pulled my attention from #Nova.

❁ Collin ❁

I watched her reaction, there was no judgement or irritation in her tone, all she cared about was looking after Nova going forward. “It does take a village…” I chuckled. “And yeah I’m really lucky… I had planned on getting a local kid to check in a few times a day and take her on a walk for me… But after finding out about the puppies, I didn’t want her left home alone. So she bounces from house to house when I work. But #Rachel works from home so she’s great and helping out when everyone else is busy, but I try to give her a break when I can. Mom takes her sometimes and I have friends that help out.”

I looked up at her again and smiled. “Coffee actually sounds great.” I had skipped mine today when I was cooking for us. I reached out for one of the muffins and broke a piece off. “Oh wow... Emily has some competition with you around.”

❁ Harper ❁

Finishing off my juice as I listened I recalled my first impressed of Collin. And I shook my head. How wrong had I been about this man? He was so caring and so worried about his baby.

“If you are ever in a bind, you are welcome to drop Nova off with us at the practice. ust another back up if you ever need help.”

Standing up I stepped around #Nova rolling on the ground. “You’re so cute.” Smiling I went to work on refilling the coffee maker.

“Emily?” I glanced back down the kitchen to where he sat at the table. “Why does that name sound familiar to me?”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her offer; it was probably I would normally have said ‘Thank you and I wouldn’t to impose on you like that.’ But it was Harper she was my imprint… I didn’t need to wonder if the thought the borne from some intrinsic compulsion to take care of my needs like all the imprints felt. She would do this for anyone; I didn’t doubt that for one second.

So instead I just said. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”

“Emily?” I asked. “Oh maybe from #Leah and #Seth. She’s their cousin. She moved here from the Neah Bay reservation when she got engaged to my friend #Sam. Her cooking is legendary around her especially her baking skills.” I said with a soft smile. “Have you met her?”

❁ Harper ❁

“You are welcome, it’s an open offer. I’m sure Jess would love to have the baby girl to play with at work.”

#Jessica was really great with the animals. And we kept some pets if they needed a little extra care and the owners had to work.

But this would be different as #Nova wouldn’t be unwell so could play, or sleep which is what she was about to do now. I saw her slowly walk into the living room and curl up on the rug.

“Maybe you are right. Or maybe Sue mentioned her?” Shaking my head as the coffee started to brew.

“I’ve been really bad at meeting people. Unless they have visited the practice, or I have been on a house call. I’ve not met many people at all.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed softly. "I really think that working with animals is a calling for her too... she's a pure soul. Thank you... for the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind."

The smell of coffee filled the kitchen. "She probably did. Em and Sue are the great minds behind most of the charity events or community projects that happen around here. They work together on them all the time."

"You've been so busy and working so hard... I don't know how you do it." I shook my head, smiling wide. "I'm going to have to start driving you to your late-night calls, so I don't have to worry about you falling asleep at the wheel."

❁ Harper ❁

Pouring the coffee into two cups, I smiled. “Sue really does do it all doesn’t she?” #Seth’s mom really had been someone who walked into the room and we were all drawn to her like magnets, the first night we had met her. And nothing had changed. “I look forward to meeting Emily now.” Turning to return to the table I placed a cup before him taking my seat.

My eyes flickered up to him, a little shocked at what he said. “I love my job, it’s more than just work for me... Please tell me you really will not do that?” A little of the old Harper popped her head up. Because his words were like déjà vu of a conversation with my dad after the trouble with #Jimmy. My back stiffens even thinking of him and I tried to shake it off. “I mean it’s sweet of you to think of me like that. But you have a day job, and I don’t need the babysitter.” Smiling I sat back blowing on the hot coffee. “It’s not too bad here, people are kind and I’ve not had much trouble in La Push at all.”

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled and gave a nod. “Yeah, she's amazing. She's really is a force to be removed with. And the only woman on the Tribal Council. My Uncle says she's not one to be tricked with.”

I picked up the cup and laughed softly. “I know you need a baby sitter... but you do this all night, every night. I can spare a few hours once in a while if you ever feel hesitant to get behind the wheel because you've had such little sleep. Just keep it in mind, for a busy night, or in dangerous weather, four-wheel drive is safer on the farm roads. I can't help but worry a little."

She had no idea how much I couldn't help it. I lifted the cup and took a sip. I hoped I hadn't overstepped with the offer. I really needed to think before I spoke.

❁ Harper ❁

I bite my lips, setting the cup down and breaking of a little of the muffin left on my plate.

I’d done it again I’d jumped to a conclusion that he was trying to stop me from doing my work, when what he was doing... was worrying?

My cheeks flushed as the realisation. And I could hear #Dam in my mind. ‘Not all guys are the same Harps. Some of us are really nice. Even if we don’t always act it.’

And then he had pointed to #Seth holding #Jenna’s hand helping her, as #Kenzi sat smiling up at her boyfriend. “I’m sorry, I’m not used to having others worry about me. And you hardly know me...” bushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I sat up.

“Thank you, for the offers. I promise to keep them in mind.” This was the correct reaction.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her. “That’s because you’re the one that looks after everyone else. I know we haven’t known each other long but…” I shrugged with a playful grin. “We’ve already established the Foolish thing. So, I’m reserving my right to worry.”

I sipped from my coffee and drummed my fingers against the table softly before deciding the reach across the table and take her hand again. “And like I said before you are important to this whole community, so until there’s some way for you get a few nights off… You should have a little support. Not because you need it but you deserve it.”

❁ Harper ❁

My brown eyes followed his fingers as they tapped in the table. And then as he reached over. My heart singing again when his hand engulfed mine under it.

“The foolish thing.” I laughed softly, turning my hand in his and squeezing. “It seems to be working out really well for me. I need to find a way to pay you back for all your generosity. Talking with your uncle to help, the hazelnut butter, the breakfast today....”

Setting the cup down I trailed my necklace and the small wood carved flower. “This beautiful flower... the scales are tipped for sure.”

Curling my bottom lip between my teeth. “If this keeps up, you may ask for refund from this club of ours.”

❁ Collin ❁

I shook my head. "No... no scales. No scorekeeping." I smiled at her. "After everything you've done for Nova..." So much of it was well above and beyond the call of duty. "Because if you did... by the time these puppies come I will never be able to catch up." I laughed, because, Spirits! It was true.

This was the easy part the further along Nova got the more help I was going to need.... and when he puppies came? I didn't want to think of how often I'd be calling for help or with all kinds of questions.

"Plus, I don't think this breakfast counts... my motives were purely selfish." I chuckle, the back of my neck heating again and travelling quickly up to my ears. "I was just looking for a way to hijack your Valentine's Day... and lucky for me... it seems to have worked."

❁ Harper ❁

His hand still held mine, and as much as I wanted to forget about it and act ‘normal’. I found my eyes drift down to the table.

It was such a new sensation to have someone in your life who felt like they always belonged. The magnetic pull still had a hold of my chest. However, when he touched me or held my hand. It’s dissipated a little and eased. Leaving me feeling calm in the moment.

“Oh. Well. Uhm.. I’m not sure how I feel about this now.” Trying to keep a straight face as I spoke.

“I mean I was 100% behind this when I thought I could win. But now...” I burst out laughing unable to hold it in any longer.

“Collin, I prefer the no score cards. I was just trying to tease you.”

Squeezing his hand with mine. “And I believe I already told you. I’m glad you and Nova came today.”

Nodding my chin to the table. “If you are done, I can clean up and maybe go sit in the living room with the baby girl?”

❁ Collin ❁

Her hand was still in mine and sending electric shivers up my arm and into my chest. Being with her was amazing, but touching her… the simple innocent touch of holding her hand was the most comforting and fulfilling feeling I experienced.

I laughed and nodded. “No scorecards.” I lifted our hands and laced my fingers through hers. “Just this and maybe the teasing too, I like that cheeky smile.”

“I’ll help clear up… I’m making up for not asking you out in advance so I can at least help clean up.” I smiled at Nova who had now decided to eat the carrot instead of just playing with it.

❁ Harper ❁

Tilting my head to the side a little, I was smiling from ear to ear. “The teasing and the cheekiness I believe we can both make a part of the being foolish thing?”

Curling my lip into my teeth, I shook my head still holding his hand.

“If we aren’t doing scores, we also are not doing the making up thing. Things happened, however....” my voice lowered as I spoke. “... we just set out cards on the table. So... shall we... Uhm... say fresh start?”

I wasn’t holding anything back now. If we were getting to know one another, and he could stand up and say he liked me. I could do this right? Squeezing his hand, I stood up.

“However, I will never say no to help.”

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed again… I laughed so much when I was with her. It was so easy and effortless. “Deal… at least on the days that I can string two words together around you.”

The tiny lip bite made my heart thump.

I released her hand and stood up too, keeping my eyes on her. I picked up the mugs and glasses and brought them over to the sink. “I’m always glad to help… I always enjoyed the cleaning up… It’s a reminder of the small things in life that are in our control when the world is so far out of it.”

Okay… that was lame. “Same… that… sounded…. dorky.” And there it was...I was stammering like a fool again.

❁ Harper ❁

I loved the sound of his laughter, and the way he looked so at ease in those moments. I picked up the plates and the flat wear taking them to the skin, then I started to fill the water and soap.

Listening to him. “You are doing just fine with the two- and three-word sentences.” Not that I could say much. “You sometime make it hard for me to find my words too, you know.”

Cleaning off the plates, I placed them to the side and started to clean the cups and glasses first. “You do not sound dorky; I actually understand exactly what you mean. This. Here. In the kitchen. I have full power over. It is up to me how things work out or don’t while I’m in here.”

I shrugged a little. “Now I sound like a nerd...”

❁ Collin ❁

"I do?" I beamed a wide smile. I knew it was silly but hearing her say it made me feel an odd sense of pride. "Well, I'm not doing it on purpose."

"It's probably a little OCD passed on from my mom being so overprotective." I chuckled. "My dad and sister are kinda messy and disorganised. So guess as a family we balance each other out."

I grabbed a dishtowel and waited for her to pass off the cleaned dishes. I nudged her playfully with my elbow. "Wanna know a secret? I always had a thing for nerds."

❁ Harper ❁

“Really. I’m sure you are being kind by not pointing it out. I’m not always this lost for word.” Oh and this revolution I could give him without a hiccup? What was wrong with me?

“Cleanliness is close to godliness.” I died a little as I handed meant to say it out loud at all. “Oh lord! Someone needs to stop me from talking around you!”

I covered my face with my arm and shook my head. Feeling him nudge me my cheeks were on fire again. Lowering my arm to look at him. “I told you I’m a proud member of the Nerd Association.”

Handing him a glass once it was clean. “So, you are more like your mom and Ana is more like Kevin?” I asked to take the attention off my burning face.

❁ Collin ❁

"Not at all... I'm just glad I'm not the only one." I laughed. I took the glass from her and started to dry it. "No, keep talking. I want to know al the in's and out's that make Harper Lee Jenkins tick."

"Yeah, she's a proper little Daddy's girl.... until it comes to fishing. She can't even stand on the boat without getting seasick." I chuckled and out the glass into the cupboard.

"That was always mine and dad's thing. And Ana loved shopping with Mom.... for anything... I mean even grocery shopping and that girl was right out the door and into the car."

❁ Harper ❁

Smiling I listened intently. Taking in each word he had to share. They say if you wanted to know about a man, you should listen to him talk about his family and friends.

And from the way Collin spoke about them, as well as the way they did about him. It was all so sweets. “I’d have to kind of agree with the fishing thing. I mean I went fishing with dad, but he never does it as a sport. It’s not a sport if you’re hurting a living being with a heart and soul..” I was rambling again.

“We always eat what we catch. And only catch what we can eat, - if that makes sense?”

I had to laugh handing him more dishes as I spoke. “And it sounds like she is well balanced with both your mom and dad.”

It was clear they are a close family.

❁ Collin ❁

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it makes perfect sense. anything we caught we either ate or threw back whatever was too small. It was mostly about spending time on the water together for my dad."

"We make a great team." Smiled and took the dishes from her. "But La Push is one of those places where you have family everywhere you looks... blood or not. I don't have any biological brother but sometimes I feel like I have several." I chuckled, setting a cup into the cupboard.

"In a good way though."

I wondered if she missed that about being in Thompson... Her family might be gone, but her chosen family were still there.

❁ Harper ❁

I like this, hearing about him and how he spent his time. It felt like a view into a picture of his life.

“Yes, exactly. My mom and dad the trips up to the lack were about family time. Dad teaching me to fish, while mom lazed in the warm weather when we had it. Drawing and painting.”

I smiled at the memory, and then I felt a tug to my heart. My eyes stinging a little when he spoke about extended family who are not blood.

Mine was hundreds of miles away from me. And I did miss them when I gave myself time to think.

Clearing my throat, I handed him the last plate, before I pulled the plug and started to clean out the sink and the surrounding area.

❁ Collin ❁

“Your mom was an artist?” I asked with a smile. “That’s awesome. Do you have any of her drawings? I’d love to see them if it’s something you’re okay with sharing?” I wasn’t sure if she had many things of her mothers, and might want to keep it to herself. That would be understandable.

I saw that faraway look in her eyes. I give her a minute and dried the plate, by the time I put the plate in the press she was scrubbing the sink. I didn’t stop her because I knew it was little things like this that made her feel better. I put my hand on the centre of her back and leaned in to press a kiss to her hair.

“You don’t have to do that around me, Harper.” I said softly. “You don’t need to bury the things that make you sad or homesick… When I said I wanted to know all about you I mean 𝕒𝕝𝕝 about you. Whenever you’re ready for that, I’m here.” I pressed another kiss to her hair.

❁ Harper ❁

Rinsing out the sponge I set it to the side. He moved behind me and didn’t push to talk, giving me a moment without the need for me to ask for it. How did he know? When to be here and when to step back and give me time?

He asked about mom, wanted to see what she made? But then he wasn’t so different was he? He worked with his hands too.

“She.... yes she was, it was something mom loved to do when she wasn’t rushing around.” Thinking for a moment. “I have a few unopened boxes. I believe Jenna and Kenzi would have packed some of them for me maybe we can go take a look in then once we are done here?”

My friends knew me better than I knew my self. “I’d be happy to show you.” It was a joy to see others look at her work on the walls at home. Like a part of her was still sharing her love.

I closed my eyes feeling his hand on my back and found myself leaning into his kiss. My heart swelling at the kind words.

“I...” Trying to find the words, trying to understand why he of all people I wanted to be here? Why didn’t I want to keep him at a safe distance?

“I’ve never been one to be so open. And yet here I am, willing to share with you.” It was the tenderness in those two kisses, that now warmed me and made me smile.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at her and leaned against the counter and moved my hand to her arm. "I'm glad... And I think coming from a woman like you that counts as high praise."

It really was... she was so intelligent, so clever, and strong and independent. So, if she trusted me... high praise was an understatement.

"You know the more I learn about these girls the more I like them." The fact that they would've thought to do that for her. I smiled again and lifted my hand to her cheek.

"How about we take a look and see if we find some of those pictures... I have a very keen artistic eye you know?" I leaned in again and kissed her forehead.

❁ Harper ❁

My eyes dropped to his hand on my arm, it sent that spark of something sweet alight within me again. My cheeks turning crimson I was sure at his words. Nothing I had said was a lie, he had been someone who was so easy to speak with. And then there was that pull I felt towards him. That magnetically charged hum which drew me to him.

“I am very lucky to have them in my life, and then the boys too who are like the cherries on the sundae.” Without even thinking I leant into his touch. My eyes searching his, however for what I wasn’t sure. He really did have an interest in seeing things from my past?

Nodding my head slow. “If you are sure you… Let’s do it.” I folded the towel in my hands and set it down to the side. “However, I have to warn you. The boxes are in the closet in the hall, and I’m not look in them yet.” I sent out a prayer to anyone listening hoping that #Jenna hadn’t added any more of those ‘𝑔𝒾𝒻𝓉𝓈’, to any other boxes.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled, it was strange to think that #Seth had been part of her family for so long now and I only just met her… But at the same time, it sort of made perfect sense… It was probably safe to assume that #Kenzi was descended from the same tribe as Harper if they grew up that close together.

My heart was eased at the fact she was trusting me and not questioning why it was so sudden and intense. I felt like it was a step closer to being able to tell her the whole truth.

“Oh really? So we might find some of your deepest darkest secrets then?” I laughed. “Even better! Let’s do it?” I rubbed my hands together with a cheeky grin.

“Lead the way and let’s dig out those skeletons… I mean… pictures.” I smirked. Okay… I was definitely getting better at this.

❁ Harper ❁

“Deepest, darkest secrets? Skeletons?” My eyes widening at the sound of what he said. I knew he was joking. His smile was very telling.

“Uhm... I’m not so sure this is a good idea anymore.” I smiled as I started to walk out the kitchen backwards still facing him. “I mean are skeletons and those dark secrets a eighth or ninth date thing?”

Turned around to fact the correct way now. I laughed. How fast things had changed between us? And how fast had I started to trust this man? It was amazing and a little scary and a lot of being 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.

I looked over to #Nova curled up in the rug and I wanted to go hug her. “The baby girl is need of a nap.” I whispered leading him to the hall way to the bathroom, my bedroom and the closet at the top end of it.

❁ Collin ❁

That smile and the way she laughed… Spirits… I could listen to it forever. Nova was already half asleep on the rug and I couldn’t but wonder if she was going to completely cover in with dog hair… like she did with pretty much everything.

“If you can still put up with me by the ninth date I will be a very happy man.” I teased… but also… a hint of insecurity.

I followed her to her room, this entire smelled like her… but in here…. Wow! I couldn’t stop myself from looking around as we came into the room. Here her scent was softer and seemed to wrap around my senses like a blanket. I was instantly more nervous just from being in this room with her.

❁ Harper ❁

I bite my lips, tucking some hair behind my ears. I hadn’t even realise what I had said m, until it was out and he had commented on it.

Ninth date? Really? Had I really said it? Yes.. yes I did? I didn’t dare to glance back at him, that prayer out again for the ground to open up, however it wasn’t happening today.

“Uhm... well.. you know... just getting past the movie thing should take us up to there right?” I was rambling again. Until my eyes drifted to my bed.

Oh Lord! I had brought him into my room without even thinking about it! Who did that?

I rubbed my forehead, recalling where I had hidden the boxes. “Okay. Boxes!” I saw one poking out for under my bed. So, leaning down I dragged it out.

❁ Collin ❁

I heard the change in her heart when she seemed to realise the same thing that I had. I just smiled as she pulled the box from under the bed. Of course, I hadn’t taken the invitation into her room as anything more than helping her look through the boxes. But still… most of the time a woman would think twice about it with someone she was still getting to know, the fact that she hadn’t… meant something.

“I am hoping if I play my cards right… we’ll get to the point that we lose count.” I smiled; it was an easy confession because it was the truth.

I crouched next to her and smiled. “You really need to unpack.” I teased her. But I knew why she’d not gotten around to it.

❁ Harper ❁

I glance my my said where he was by my side. “Uhmm...” I bit my lips and then just said it.. if he were #Dam or #Seth or even #Char or #Teddy I would just say it right?

“That was either really smooth which would make you a player Mr Littlesea, or it was the kindest statement with the hopes of something good to come?”

I laughed softly as I pulled on the tap to the box. And I believed I knew the true answer. I could feel it in my heart. However I wasn’t sure how? I was only getting to know him.

“I know..” shifting a little. My hands on top of the box. I had been busy with work, trying to get the practice up and running. But also, unpacking would have a deeper meaning. It would mean I wanted to stay here.

Opening the top of the box my eyes widened at all that I could see. Lifting the first pack. “Bedroom throw?” The things all in different shades of Emerald green.

“Cushions?”

The next pack I took out. “Bathroom and kitchen curtains?”

The box was full of things for every room, things to make a house into a home. “I didn’t buy any of this.” I said more to myself.

❁ Collin ❁

I laughed at the idea of me being a player. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered that you think I could be a player when I can hardly speak when I'm around you." I leaned closer until my arm brushed hers as she searched through the box.

"Only good things to come Harper." I smiled at her another truth, because even anything tough to come with her was still better than anything that could without her.

I smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "Okay well, those ladies obviously know you well enough to know that you'd never make time to shop for these things yourself. We need another home improvement date so I can make sure their visions of your dream home are realised."

❁ Harper ❁

“I have this small inkling.” I held my thumb and index finger about an inch apart in front of him. And smiled at his promise of good things to come.

An electrical spark jarred me out of my mind, until I realised that it had been him. His arm brushing mine had made me react too?

“I told you... They really do have some special powers when it comes to our small family. And you are correct, they know I wouldn’t go out to shop.” I had told them when I was setting up my place in Thompson that Home was my dad’s place. Of course, they disagreed with me and I was thankful for it.

“Now you are working with them from afar without even knowing them?” I was teasing him, nudging my shoulder into his. “If I didn’t know…. I would say you don’t trust me to put curtains up?” I could hear myself and internally I had to agree with the fact. I wouldn’t trust me too.

Setting all the things back into the box. “I’ll take a better look and maybe make a start some evening.” I said as I closed the lid on the boxes and pushed it back under the bed. Scratching my temple I slowly stood up and opened the small hidden closet at the back of the room hoping nothing falls out of it on me.

❁ Collin ❁

I chuckled. "They clearly want the best for you so yes... I have a feeling I'll take their sides on most occasions." I smiled and my gaze fixed on hers.

"Plus, the fastest way to a girl’s heart is through her sisters and best friends."

I laughed again. "I have no doubts that you can... I just have plenty of doubts that you will make the time to do it." I grinned because I knew I had nailed that one and managed not to insult her accidentally.

I watched her open the closet and heard something shift inside as she slowly opened the door. I moved to her side a little too fast and reached up to stop the box on the top shelf before it could fall.

❁ Harper ❁

My head turned to look back to where he stood; I knew that anyone else would pull him up for saying such a thing. 1 He was openly saying he’d take the side of others over me, and 2. He was saying that I wouldn’t make time for my house. However. The first make me want to kiss him… He was willing to stand by my best friends, my sisters in order to make sure I was kept honest. And the second... I really couldn’t fault him; it had proven to be true. Six months since I’d moved here, and boxes were hidden and not unpacked.

My heart jumped out of my chest, I jumped back out of the way. However, it was from the way he saved me from being flattened by a box I didn’t even see coming. “Lord!” I exclaimed my heart racing in my chest. “I.. I…” pointing up to the box, but then.

“Weren’t you over there?” I pointed back to the bed. How had he made it to the closet and by my side?

❁ Collin ❁

I heard her heart race and lifted the box down. It wasn’t heavy… but still enough that it would have hurt but not injured her. “It’s okay…. It’s not actually that heavy.” I glanced back to the bed. “When you live with Nova you have to be quick on your feet?” I laughed, hoping she wouldn’t ask too many questions, because I wasn’t going to lie to her. But, I wasn’t sure she was ready… close… so, so close, but not yet.

I touched her arm, and I felt the jolt again right into my heart. “You got a bit a scare there… Are you okay?”

I set the box on the ground in front of the closet and looked up at her. “Should we check this one?”

❁ Harper ❁

He had to be fast because of #Nova, of course... she was a husky, they are runners. So if she were to get herself into any trouble, then it would made sense.

“I...” my heart was still racing, and I could feel the flush on my skin. “I’m okay.. th... thank you..” He took the box down for me. And then it was there again. When he touched my arm there was a jolt of electricity surging through me.

“Hey baby girl..” I smiled #Nova must have heard the commotion and her name, she patted in and sat by the bed.

“Yes, let’s look at that one.” I smiled, looking from the bed to the closet. Of course, he was right. It wasn’t that far the move.

I sat down on the ground by #Nova and rubbed her side, kissing her head before pulling the box before myself.

❁ Collin ❁

I smiled at Nova when she came into the room to check on us. I scratched her chin as Harper kissed the top of her head. She was really just perfect… My eye stayed on the two of them for a moment before I realised she had said something. waited until she flipped the box open. I could clearly see framed pictures even if the bubble obscured what the pictures actually were. “You haven’t even hung your photos yet? You really must have been busy.” I chuckled. She had obviously thought these memories were worth displaying to frame them in the first place.

She really needed that extra support at the clinic. I knew my uncle would get it done, he’d never let us down yet. He always went to bat for the pack… and that included Harper now too.

TBC...

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Ro

NYD Catch-up

Ali: *Daintliy throws the tiniest of pebbles at our window 'cos I'm in trouble enough if this goes tits up without also breaking a window* Ropunzel, Ropunzel, let down your hair! Ro: allow me to busily make tea while I loudly quiz Tess and whoever else may be in earshot about their resolutions Ro: I can't believe you're only just getting home! I was going to ask how you're evening was but I think I can guess Ali: You're a 🌟 Ali: We need to fully mind-map and dream-board ours later, I've got so many ideas already but I at least need in on that tea action first, builder's brew please and thank you 😘 Ali: Shh 😉 I've been in bed since 1 💤 like an 😇 Ali: Hehe social media never lies, not mine at least Ali: I'll tell you all about it, whilst Ma tries to tell you she quit the fags years ago, like 🙄 Ali: 💃 Ro: Of course. Well, there has been a kitty there so the universe should stay on our side with that one, hopefully. Ro: Hm yes, if anyone asks you got back before I did, there's not much I can do if social media decides to answer instead though alas Ro: Oh Tess, no offense intended, but truly I'd much rather hear what you have to say Ali: Oh, Bluebs, hope she was alright with the fireworks, I paid Rocky with a selection box to keep her company but bet he was too busy being a hooligan come 12, nutter...but I'm sure she hid herself nicely warming the blankets for us anyway, like 😽 Ali: Did you and Meena have a good time? With all dem 💶💶💶 you can both more than make up for missing the hottest part night of the year, ay Ali: Bless her heart, though perhaps take her pack away from her still, you'll be helping her and, you might need one after I fill you in, like 😉 Ro: I can't tell a lie there was some bribery involved for us too with the older kids. They had me baking and the text advice I received from Tommy wasn't as helpful or coherent as usual Ro: We definitely earned our crusts it has to be said Ro: I think Meena would've liked to join you so you might want to play down the finer details when you fill her in but no complaints here, fussy children aside Ro: I draw the line at that level of trickery, we'd both be caught if I even tried I think Ali: I think its to be expected, babysitter rules are there are no rules, or very few, ESPECIALLY when it comes to sugar 😋 Lucky kiddos, I would kill for a sweet treat rn Ali: Maybe I can push it and see if the old man is any fit state to do a fry-up too, mmm Ali: We should deffo ring Tommo then and be annoyingly loud and cheerful 'cos he always gets hangovers un🍀 🦆y Ali: Payback Ali: Well her brother was there so she wouldn't have been able to have all that much fun, like, I'll be sure to downplay it though, tact is so my strong suit 😏😂 Ro: Oh? You'll be glad to hear then that I had the foresight to make enough cookies to bring a batch home. There's still a few that could be claimed by you if you're quick enough. Ro: I can make no such promises about a proper breakfast but time will tell I suppose, I'd consider it favorable if you work a little of your own magic Ro: You have plenty left don't you? Ro: We'll likely need an actual spell to wake Tommy after all Ali: Faster than a speeding bullet, me Ali: I can climb these drainpipes like nobody else 🐈💪 Ali: I'm sure we could concoct a pepperup potion, getting him to drink it is another kind of magic altogether Ali: even if we settle for calling it an energizer smoothie or something muggle Ro: Perhaps we could say it has lots of biotin that'd make him more inclined for sure Ali: When quiff is life Ali: He truly is sweet 16 Ali: And 15 is looking up for me too, fingers crossed and knock on wood rn, this is gonna be our year, Posy, and that ain't the after-affects still talkin' Ali: Wished on every 🎆 in the sky Ro: Wishing is very powerful so I'm not surprised, I am very intrigued though Ro: Go ahead Ali: I'm in 💚 Ali: 🙃 and now hiding under the covers eeeeeeeeeeeppppp bye Ro: Did Marlene get off work early last night and surprise you? That's so lovely Ali: No, no, no Ali: It's all but ended and it will be if my feeling is correct and reciprocated Ali: We'll be better off as friends, honestly, I can't give her what she wants but I can be there for as a mate so that's what's best, she'll see that given a bit of time, I'm sure of it Ali: That said...do you think I'm a total slag for who did surprise me last night now? 😳🙈 Ro: Oh okay. That makes sense Ro: No Ali, I'd never Ro: Is it someone I know? You've mentioned Meena's brother already... Ali: Oh lordy no 😂 Drew is an alright lad really but no, he's not the sort, definitely would not be reciprocated, he's got half the girls at School after him and he loves that Ali: More power to him but you're getting warmer Ali: you know the lad him and Meena live with, don't you? Caleb Cavante, in my year too Ali: 😍 Ro: I think so? He's always in the music block isn't he? Ro: He smiles a lot. Not in a weird sense though I don't mean that Ali: Oh Ro 😂 you make ME smile Ali: sounds like him, cool hair Ali: obviously, I knew of him before last night but it was just like...right time, right place, you know? Ali: Sounded triter than all the 'new year, new me' posts aren't I? Ro: Not at all Ro: It sounds like a fairy tale and we're treating it as such! Ro: Did you kiss him at the end of the countdown? Ali: Oh no, I forgot to lose a shoe...Typical, on the one night to make throwing dancing shoes aside count! But I suppose he won't have to search the kingdom high and low Ali: Back at School Tuesday Ali: At least this promises to make my weekdays more entertaining at any rate Ali: Mhmm 😊 *Gameshow host voice* BUT THAT'S NOT ALL Ro: What else is there? Did he lose a shoe instead? I dread to think what I'm missing here... Ali: [Improptu selfie with the tattooed finger over her lips like a moustache] Ali: Not saying that trumps 'Facebook Official' but 😎 Ro: !!!! Ro: did Caleb get a tattoo too? Ali: Oh silly me, yeah Ali: [Photo they took together post-tattoo] Ali: Big n Lil dipper, its cute, right? Ro: Oh my god! You better not post these, Tess will kill you, but Ro: I think that's adorable Ro: Did it hurt so much?? Ali: She'll love it Ali: we did it ourselves, on each other Ali: thank god he wasn't really crap, unfair, I'd have to go over it myself 😂 Ali: Not really, doing lil dots like that by hand is probably the most chill way to do it, it really wasn't anything to think about even Ali: I could do one for you, really get the mumbot shorting a circuit 😈 Ro: Really?! Weren't you scared?! I would be. Ro: Ali that's so brave. He must have trusted you and vice versa to such a degree Ro: Only you'd get all of this out of the way before a first date has even happened Ro: No wonder you're so giddy Ali: Nah it's not scary, you can watch next time I do one on me, if you like, see for yourself Ali: Promise it isn't dead gory or anything Ali: I'm thinking of doing a Clitocybe rivulosa, our 👑 achievement in witchery to date, you want in? Ali: Won't show Mum that one forreal, she'd lock us in separate dungeons again 👎💔 Ali: Yeah...it felt good to get that shit out of the way, this way, if he wants to look down at his hand ever again and not be reminded of a bad memory, we'll have to make it good Ali: Clever, non? Everyone will think its ridiculous, I know, but I trust his intentions now, which is more than I can say for any of my previous Ali: Bar Marlene, of course, although technically she didn't set her intentions but not in a malicious way so we're letting it slide Ro: Do you sincerely promise? I'd like to see the whole thing for myself before I make any of my own but Ro: It does sound lovely. I'd be jealous if I wasn't so pleased Ro: No offense to Marlene, oops, I'm getting carried away here Ro: It is happy news though Ro: I mean, a love letter on skin, that's just Ro: It makes me speechless Ali: 🤞 Ali: ❌💚🙏☠💉👁 Ali: Me too, it's catching Ali: It'll be better in the long run, she can find her a wifey Ali: I know, I just- ahh Ali: He just text, asking if I got Home alright Ro: Sorry but this boy is a keeper Ro: that's so gentlemanly it's like we've stepped into Austen Ro: Are you nervous about school? It just sounds so magical and classrooms are so...well, not, aren't they? Ali: Better! He wasn't stand-offish and rude to me at the party, only to be won 'round by my wit, humor and independent spirit Ali: Clearly, he's more clued in and go-with-the-flow than Darcy, a win in anyone's books, even Jane's Ali: Hmm, not particularly, nah Ali: I'm not overly concerned with what other people think, so that won't spoil it, fat chance Ali: and we've always had a certain talent for making the mundane magical, haven't we? Ro: Jane would be spinning! Lydia with all her apparent lack of concerns for 'social conventions' has nothing on you and I have little doubt you'd be overjoyed by whatever 'disgraces' Caleb had in mind Ro: A much better match that anything she'd have conceived no doubt Ro: School seems so far off still but now I really am envious that you've made certain you'll have reason to look forward to it. Very unfair! Ro: The only fly in the ointment, potentially is what Marlene might say, how much are you going to tell her? Ali: 🙊 Ali: I'd be happy to regale you with the night's disgraces but I have even less doubt that you'd rather not hear about those details Ali: You're not trying to tell me you've previously nearly eloped with Caleb yourself though, are you? 🤔 Georgiana Darcy is a pretty good fit for you Ali: Now that would be a scandal worth the gossip 😏 Ali: Perhaps you can join me and make the music block your new haunt for a bit, give the library chance to REALLY miss you, like Ali: Hmm, no doubt she'll say things she'll regret when her pride is less hurt Ali: but they aren't prejudices against my 'fake' sexuality I haven't heard before, from her as well, so 🤷 Ali: I understand why, not that I agree with her. For one, I can attest to the reality, and also, I've not got any issue with experimentation, whatever the outcome but I see her frustration Ali: Serious as she is, about, everything Ali: It'll be okay, if she doesn't want to be my friend then alright, her loss frankly, but I'll always be there for her if she chooses Ro: To be honest, no I would not. It's much too early in the year, and day, for all that Ro: Oh goodness! Flattered as I would be to considered an accomplished woman, I fall short in all necessary regards, least of all the elopement alas Ro: Hm, as much as I both enjoy, and clearly need the practice for that comparison to hold true in any sense, I think I'll leave you to the necessary haunting yourself Ro: True. She's always been very vocal, hasn't she? I can understand if you slightly relish the opportunity to leave her speechless just this once too Ro: And it really would be her loss if she chooses that path to go down anyway Ali: What can I say? I'm an overachiever Ali: Couldn't even help myself, like 😎😂 Ali: No you don't, and you're a year younger, you're well ahead of the curve set and it ain't even necessary for a lady to have pleasant hobbies and talents in our day and age so Ali: You're an overachiever too, that's why I loooooove you 💚 Ali: S'cool though, suppose we don't wanna turn up en masse, put him off his A game, bit rude Ali: It is one of the things I admire about her but less so her dogmatism Ali: No one is always right about everything, even me 😜 Ro: Thanks I suppose Ro: Though I probably shouldn't pass on that wisdom about not always being right to everyone else at the kitchen table Ro: Not if I would like to live to be a year older at any rate Ali: Honestly 🙄 Ali: No wonder they love Marlene so much Ali: Ma is gonna be gutted, no doubt it'll be all my fault Ali: like lowkey but damn, woman, show a little loyalty when your daughter can't 😂 Ro: She'll calm down as long as you keep your gentleman caller away from the door for a while I'm sure Ro: When is the first date set for actually? Oh so exciting! Ali: Yeah, we've both agreed as much Ali: For Lene's sake as much as mother's Ali: Gotta get my house in order Ali: I don't know, ooh, what should we do?! Ro: There's always the open mic if he'd adore being serenaded Ro: Sounds like you'd have time to work on a dedication if not a song Ali: THAT IS A FANTASTIC IDEA Ali: I'll bring out an old classic, best to stick with what I know and am best at for max best impressions Ali: Can always go new and exciting with the outfit 🤩 Ro: Exacty Ro: Your full of good ideas when it comes to that Ro: Oh! We should go donation diving. New year, new clothes to peruse through Ali: Yes! We must we must! Ali: Best time of year for it, ungrateful fuckers binning their unwanted presents Ali: Regift 'em our way 🙏 Ali: Marlene wants to meet up later Ali: Looks like we're doing this today then, ugh, we can hit the charity shops tomorrow maybe? The sales rush shoulda died down a bit at least Ro: That works for me, I'd rather not fight for my faux furs, somewhat defeats the desired purpose Ro: I'll be around if things with Marlene go according to plan, or otherwise and you need to talk it out Ali: Agreed, though I'm down for granny bashing our way to the bargains if needs must Ali: I'll be getting some practice in today, like 🙃 Ali: Thank you though, Posy Ali: Sure it'll be fine Ro: I know it will. You can do this Ro: I can condone that much at least, your shopping behavior less so Ali: 😽 Ali: With you on my side, how could I fail? Ali: She is getting narky though so watch me waltz down the stairs and out again like missed me missed me