#the best i can do if i don't want to give up and go home

[khaylin27]

Clara Bow

pairing: oscar piastri x daughter reader; lando norris x niece reader; y/n norris-piastri x daughter reader

series: the tortured poets department

synopsis: her whole life, olivia lacey piastri-norris has always been compared to family members.

warnings: none

author's note: i had to write clara bow as y/n and oscar's daughter 😭 hope y'all love it. thank you for supporting this mini series from the tortured poets department. now it's time to work on the actual stories on ttpd. if you want more content from this story please don't be afraid to ask on my 'ask me anything' tab.

"You look like Clara Bow in this light Remarkable All your life, did you know You'd be picked like a rose"

November 6, 2024

f1news BABY PAPAYA: After the Brazilian GP, the McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri, and his wife Y/N Norris-Piastri welcomed a baby girl into the world. Congrats to the Piastri family.

user1 THE PARENTS FINALLY BECAME PARENTS 🥹

user2 i already know lando is going to be besties with his niece since their birthdays are a week apart

user3 CARLOS MISSED WHAT HE COULD'VE HAD

user4 can we not bring up carlos for once. let this couple have their moment for once

After the Brazilian Grand Prix, Oscar and Lando went straight back home as soon as they could. Y/N was currently 42 weeks which is 2 weeks past her due date. Baby Papaya wasn't ready to be out in the world.

"Why does your daughter hate me?" Y/N squeezes Oscar's hand really tight as she pushes the baby. Tears falling from her face from the pain she was experiencing from pushing the baby.

"She doesn't hate you honey." Oscar reassures Y/N as she continues to push. "You're doing great honey. She's almost here." The couple hears not Y/N's tears, but the tears of their baby girl.

****

"Where's my niece?" Lando says as he enters your private room in the hospital. It's been 4 hours since Y/N gave birth to their baby girl.

"She's sleeping in her bassinet right now." Oscar says as he's snuggling you in the hospital bed.

"What's her name?" Lando asked admiring his beautiful niece sleeping.

"Olivia Lacey Piastri-Norris." Y/N says as she slowly gets up from the hospital bed to walk towards her brother. "She has her daddy and uncle's letters in her name. I had to put your name somewhere in her name. She wouldn't be here without you." Y/N and Oscar laugh while Lando admires his niece.

"She's so beautiful." Lando says then gives his sister a hug. "Thank you for the best early birthday present."

yourusername olivia lacey piastri-norris ✨🧡 my little rose

tagged oscarpiastri

oscarpiastri she's so perfect. she looks just like you.

yourusername no she looks like you 😭 landonorris y/n she looks exactly like you!!! charlesleclerc that means she looks like you lando 💀 landonorris why do you say that like it's a bad thing @/charlesleclerc 😭

racerbia omg baby papaya is here!! i can't wait for the boys to tell me stories about her in the office 🥺😭🧡

liked by yourusername

alexandrasaintmleux can't wait to meet her in the paddock next year 🥹

liked by yourusername

oscarpiastri baby papaya is here 👶🧡

tagged yourusername

mclaren WE LOVE YOU BABY PAPAYA 🥹🧡 congrats @/oscarpiastri @/yourusername @/landonorris -mclaren team

yourusername why is @/landonorris tagged on that comment @/mclaren he didn't give birth to her 💀 landonorris without me olivia wouldn't be here yourusername technically it's my husband sperm . . .

user1 Y/N IS SO UNHINGED I LOVE IT 🤣

danielricciardo another aussie!! congrats you two!

liked by oscarpiastri and yourusername

logansargeant can't wait to teach her my american ways 🦅

landonorris HELL NO YOU'RE STAYING AWAY FROM MY NIECE user2 just the two L named uncles beefing over teaching olivia cultures 😭

landonorris I'm the favorite uncle. it's a fact 🧡

yourusername you're supposed to watch her lando not fall asleep with her 😭

landonorris it's called multitasking sister ✨ user1 they're both unhinged

carlossainz55 congrats on becoming an uncle camprón

landonorris thanks man.

user2 carlos what are you doing here? 😃

user3 he says congrats to lando but not even to the woman who gave birth to his niece.

"You look like Stevie Nicks In '75, the hair and lips Crowd goes wild at her fingertips Half moonshine, a full eclipse"

Growing up with her dad and uncle as F1 drivers, Olivia was always interested in becoming an F1 driver. Not only did Olivia go to races her dad and uncle were racing in, but she would go to the F1 Academy races with her mom.

Olivia and Y/N were currently in Miami supporting Oscar, Lando, and Tita aunt Bianca. "You know I told your Uncle Lando I was pregnant with you after his first win." Y/N tells Olivia while she was watching her Tita aunt Bianca doing Free Practice 1. Y/N sighs as she sees that Olivia wasn't interested in what she was saying and was focusing on the race. "I'm going to see if your brothers are awake." Olivia nods and sees that her mom leaves to check if her twin brothers were awake.

While Olivia was continuing to watch, she gets spooked by none other than her Uncle Lando. "What the hell Uncle Lando!" Lando laughs at how scared Olivia got. "I hate you."

"We all know you couldn't hate me." Lando smirks while Olivia roles her eyes.

"What are you doing here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be doing press interviews?" Olivia asks Lando.

"I wanted to see if you wanted to join me. It would be good press for you." Lando asks knowing Olivia was racing in F4.

"Fine, I'll join you." Olivia lightly slaps her Uncle before Lando pulls her into a side hug.

****

"So Olivia, has anyone told you that you look like your uncle?" The interviewer asks Olivia.

Olivia lightly laughs at the interviewer's question. "Yes, I actually get told that a lot. Since my mom is my uncle's sister, they have similar facial features. It isn't a surprised that they got passed down to me since I look like my mom. My brothers look more like my dad."

"How do you like your time in F4?"

"I love it. Of course F4 is rooted in my family since my Uncle raced there when he was young. I love the Jensen team so much. They're like my second family." The interviewer then asks if Olivia sees a future out of F4. "Yes I do. Since the Jensen team and I decided not to extend our contract, I've been offered many contracts in F3."

"Have you finalize a contract with any of the teams? When are you able to share?"

"Yes I have. After looking at many contracts with my family, I've decided that I'll be signing with Carlin F3 team next year." Olivia smiles at her response. "My uncle raced in team Carlin when he was F4 and now I have an opportunity to do the same thing."

"That's very exciting for you and your family. Congratulations Olivia on making it to F3."

Once the interview was done, Olivia sees her Uncle talking to Carlos Sainz. Olivia knew the history with her mom and Carlos. It's sad that her mom had to go through that relationship but she's happy that she met her dad because of it.

"OLIVIA! OLIVIA!" The crowd goes wild as they see her walking out of the paddock to walk to her Uncle and Carlos on the track. Olivia waves to the fans.

"The crowd goes wild at your fingertips little Lando." Carlos says as he gives you a side hug. Since Carlos is very close to Lando, he somewhat became your Tio uncle. Oscar and Y/N were fine with it since it's all in the past.

'I know. It's wild how they went from half moonshine, to full eclipse since I announced my contract." Y/N smiles at them before it was time to leave the paddock for the day.

f1news FAMILY TRADITIONS: Olivia Lacey Piastri-Norris, daughter and niece to both the McLaren boys, has announced her contract with Carlins F3 team. She's following the foot steps of her Uncle Lando.

user1 she looks so much like lando 😭

user2 she's working late cause she's a driver ✨

user3 following the footsteps of her uncle lando 🥹

oliviapianorris CONGRATS UNCLE LANDO ON ANOTHER WIN IN MIAMI 🥺🏝️🧡✨

tagged landonorris

landonorris thank you pookie 😸🫶

oliviapianorris never put that on instagram ever again user1 she's definitely her mother's daughter yourinstagram @/user1 that's a fact user1 OMG HI MOTHER liked by yourinstagram

user2 at this point this is lando's home race not logan's😭

oliviapianorris call me an honoree floridian 🫡🦅 logansargeant YES I'VE TURNED U INTO AN AMERICAN landonorris you're going too far @/logansargeant oliviapianorris be nice to each other@/logansargeant @/landonorris

user3 did you film this whole weekend for your youtube channel 😭

oliviapianorris yes i did! coming out on friday!!

"You look like Taylor Swift In this light We're loving it. You've got edge she never did The future's bright, dazzling."

mclaren Olivia. Lacey. Piastri. Norris. 👏👏👏 Our baby papaya has grown up and won her very first World Championship! 🧡🏆 Just like her dad and uncle.

tagged oliviapianorris

oliviapianorris thank you mclaren family 🥹 love and appreciate everything you've done for me and my family.

yourusername @/oscarpiastri I CAN'T BELIEVE OUR BABY IS GROWN UP AND BECOMING LIKE YOU AND @/landonorris

oscarpiastri olivia went from playing barbies at the mclaren office to now working for mclaren landonorris I'M NOT OKAY WITH MY NIECE BEING SO GROWN UP 😭

user1 the piastri-norris family has always belonged in mclaren 😭

user2 olivia is like oscar but with more edge!!!

user3 everyone is loving olivia in this light!

oliviapianorris the future's bright, dazzling 🏆🧡✨

tagged mclaren

mclaren our baby papaya forever and always 🧡💫

liked by oliviapianorris

user1 THE TAYLOR SWIFT LYRIC OH MY GOD

taylorswift dazzling ✨✨✨

liked by oliviapianorris

racerbia congrats on your wdc magandang babae pretty girl 🥹🧡✨

oliviapianorris thank you tita aunt 🥹🫶

carlossainz55 congrats mini lando 🏆

oliviapianorris thank you tio uncle carlos! thank you for giving me tips before the race! user2 y/n and carlos were never meant to be but im glad carlos became a second uncle to olivia and the piastri twins!

landonorris MY TWIN 👯🧡

liked by oliviapianorris

oscarpiastri she might look like you @/landonorris @/yourusername but she's my twin on the track 🏎️💨

oliviapianorris except i got more edge on the track then you 😉✨ oscarpiastri you got that from your mom and uncle lando yourusername 🥹🧡✨

tagged: @omgsuperstarg @splaterparty0-0 @2pagenumb @c-losur3

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Deuce Spade - Platinum Jacket Voice Lines

When Summoned: I spent all night studying up al all the art, as any honor student would do.

Summon Line: I'm here to check out some art at a museum, I guess. I don't know if I'll really understand what's "good" art, but... I'll do my best as a supporter of the museum.

Groooovy!!: You gotta have good manners, yeah. It'd be totally lame to get scolded by some flowers.

Home: A 100th anniversary celebration... They're so tenacious!

Home Idle 1: I saw Ace really focused on a painting of some Card Soldiers. Yeah, I'd agree it's a pretty cool bit of art... Kinda frustrating that we have the same taste in something, though.

Home Idle 2: That story about how the Thorn Fairy was completely surrounded by soldiers but stood her ground anyway is real awesome. There's no way I'd forget a tale as cool as that.

Home Idle 3: Can't say I really get art, but that painting of the Queen of Hearts and her Card Soldiers was pretty neat. Like... I felt it in my soul.

Home Idle - Login: If any of the exhibits catch your eye, let me know. I made sure to study a lot about these paintings, so I can definitely explain stuff about them! ...Probably.

Home Idle - Groovy: It sucks to admit it, but Sebek really knows his stuff... I gotta make sure I study even harder so he doesn't look down on me!

Home Tap 1: I thought maybe once I got better at painting the roses, my art grades would get better too... But that totally didn't happen.

Home Tap 2: Don'tcha think this Queen of Hearts button is too cool? I got it in one draw from the "Great Seven" prize raffle at the shop.

Home Tap 3: You thought I did a good job explaining the paintings? Oh, great. Though, all I did was do exactly as Viper-senpai taught me, so...

Home Tap 4: Me 'n Epel really got fired up talking about the Lord of the Underworld's chariot. I like it when I get to chat with people who like the same things I do.

Home Tap 5: You think I look like a model student in this outfit? RIGHT!? I TOTALLY THINK SO TOO!! ...Ah, oops. Shouting like that would ruin that vibe, huh.

Home Tap - Groovy: I wonder what kinda stuff they'd have at the exhibit-themed café they got here. You interested too? Oh then, let's go check it out together!

Duo: [DEUCE]: You better be ready to go, Sebek! [SEBEK]: Humph, I don't need you telling me twice, Deuce!

Birthday Login Message: [Yuu], thanks! I knew you'd come celebrate my birthday without a doubt. What do I want as a gift? Hmm, let me think... Oh, I want one of those bib clips for runners. That way, when I clip it to my uniform during a track meet, it might give me a boost, as if I'm running with my best bud!

Requested by @farfalla049.

[hellodropbear]

like she used to (II)

alexia putellas x sister.

chapter I

~~~~~~

My fingers are dancing on the piano keys, the soft melody leaving my mouth in a quiet hum when Alba walks into my room that night. My mouth closes as the door opens, but my fingers are unstoppable, continuing to abuse the keys as I continue to play the song.

My hands rest on the last keys I pressed when I am done and I think Alba is crying, unless she suddenly has allergies. It is quiet for a few moments before she speaks.

"If you weren't so good at football I would try and convince you to do this forever."

She sighs, standing up and motioning for me to follow her as she laid on my bed. I move beside her, my head now resting on her shoulder.

"I remember when you first played the piano." She smiles, reminiscing on the fond memory. "You were three, you couldn't reach the pedals but you insisted that Papi taught you something. You made us all squish onto the sofa in his office so we could listen to you play and you gave us a very slow and broken version of La Vaca Lechera. It was terrible but Papi was so proud because you had only been playing for a month and could already play with both hands. He picked you up and claimed that you would be the greatest piano player to ever walk the planet. He would be so proud of his pequena superestrella."

"I wish I knew him." They're the only words I can bring myself to say.

"He was a very good man, I miss him a lot. He would have been so proud of Ale with all her football and so proud of you with it too. And your piano. Mami sometimes says to me that you are a mini him."

I realise she is avoiding herself, a habit she got herself into a few years ago, when I followed in Alexia's footsteps by securing my spot in La Masia. She used to be upset, it was unfair. Why had the football gene just skipped her?

"He would be proud of you as well, Alba."

She shrugs, I think she tries to blinks away tears but doesn't succeed because one lands on my head

"I hope so..." she pauses. "It is harder for me to imagine because I am not outstanding at anything like you and Alexia. I am just Alba which is ok but I just don't know what he would be proud of me for."

"There is no such thing as 'just Alba' because you are the best person I know. You don't need to play football for him to be proud of you. Do you realise you are the person we all go to when we need anything? When I am sad, Alba, when I am happy, Alba, when I want to laugh, Alba, when I want to cry, Alba. You are my answer for everything, hermana. That is better than any song on the piano or the biggest trophy there is to be won."

"You are so cute, I love you." She giggles quietly and wraps her arms around me. "Aitana called me earlier and I wanted to come over and make sure you are ok."

"What did she say?"

"Not much, she just asked if everything was ok between you and me and Ale. I didn't tell her the truth, if you were wondering."

"What did you say?"

"I just said that Alexia is struggling with her injuries and that you both are very busy. I don't think she really believed me. Either that or she knows there is something else going on."

I groaned. "She kept giving me looks as we were driving home and it was annoying."

"It's sweet, she's looking out for you." Alba smiles and ruffles my hair. "You are only a little baby to them. 15 is young, pequena!"

"Yeah, well it'd be nice if my own sister did that, wouldn't it." I snap back at her and she recoils slightly.

"You won't let me do anything about it, Elena, so don't get feisty with me! Alexia is complicated and I can't even get anything out of her." She rolls her eyes. Alba is sick of all of the tension. She has been for a while.

"I don't know what to say to her anymore. Does she even know that I was called up?"

"Mami said that she wasn't going to tell her because she wanted her to hear it from you."

"She had no problem telling me when Alexia got a new girlfriend." I'm petty about it, but sometimes I think I deserve to be.

"I cannot believe you still have not met Olga." Alba sighs, flopping back down onto my mattress. "She is very nice, I think you would like her." 

"I am good at getting out of things." I shrug my shoulders and Alba rolls her eyes again. "I don't want to meet her."

"You liked Jenni so much, maybe this could be the same?"

"I still talk to Jenni, on the phone. Maybe we should start an anti- Alexia Putellas club."

Alba groans and sits up, causing me to grunt in annoyance as my head is knocked onto the mattress.

"You know I don't like all of this venom between you two, so please just leave me out of it. I've had enough of you not telling me what the problem is, I am so, so sick of it. You used to be so close that I was jealous of your relationship and now all you do is complain about each other to me." She flops back onto my mattress in frustration.

"You don't understand, Alb, you don't understand what it is like for someone you idolise to practically forget your existence. She used to come to all my games and now she doesn't even know I was called up." She rolls her eyes as I move back to the piano stall, ignoring the way my voice cracked and my eyes sting with tears. 

"Mierda, Elena! How many times do I have to tell you? She has been so busy. I'm sure she has tried to get to them." Even Alba can't explain Alexia's absence. 

"Si, si, you have said that before but you can't understand because she never forgot about you. You didn't used to have an older sister who used to drive you to all of your trainings and games before she decided she was too busy for you and shoved you on the Barcelona busses at the age of 11!" My fingers begin to ghost the keys. Like I said to Aitana, the piano is a good outlet for my emotions. I am glad Mami let me put Papi's old piano into my room. I don't think she is glad when I wake her up in the dark hours of the morning playing loud songs.

"I have an older sister and a younger sister who used to be close and then fell out. I have a father who is dead and a busy mother. We were indestructible, Elena, but look at us now."

My left hand finds a chord and presses down on the four keys, calming my brain down.

"I am sorry that you are hurt by what has happened between Alexia and I, but I am so upset and I don't know what to do."

Alba's eyes softened but I looked down at the keys in front of me, sighing softly as she sat next to me.

"I'm sorry I can't help you more. I don't truly know what happened, but I just want things to go back to the way they were."

"I want that too." A tear found it's way from the back of my eyes but I wiped it away before it had a chance to fall down my cheek.

My fingers picked up another tune, familiarity gracing through my fingertips, the sounds floating around the room. Alba's head rests on my shoulder again and we both tell ourselves it will be ok. Alba likes when I play the piano because if she closes her eyes she can pretend it is our father.

"He was never as good as you are, hermanita."

~~~~~~

The rest of the training week went well. Better than well, but I was mainly just relieved that I wasn't a big disappointment.

The negative of my good performance is that I will be put on the team list. Jonatan pulled me aside after training today and told me I am on it and I thanked him with a smile, hiding my emotions.

I knew my sister was going to find out sooner or later. I'm honestly surprised it has taken her this long, it is not like she has been completely absent from the training grounds. Aitana seems to be the only one who has noticed that me and Alexia have not spoken, but she still has not got anything out of me.

I tell Mami to lock the doors and windows when the team list comes out because I don't want to face Alexia when she inevitably comes over and asks about it. She tells me to stop being ridiculous.

I manage to lock myself in my room when I hear her car coming up the driveway. As soon as she is in the house I climb out the window and walk to the bus stop. I don't want to deal with her tonight. I don't want to deal with her ever, to be honest.

The bus driver smiles at me as I tap on, heading to the back of the bus, no destination in mind. I am happy to just sit there as it drives through my home. My phone is unsurprisingly buzzing of the hook, full of congratulatory messages from friends and family and strangers and fans.

Aitana: *attachment: 1 file* very very proud of you! congrats little lena.

She had screenshotted the team list and put a big heart around my name and I think that might be what started to tears.

But before I knew i could see tears tracking down my face in my reflection as I stared out the window, my mind just wishing that things were normal. Wishing that I was at home celebrating with my family, excited to finally be on the same team as my older sister. I wish I wasn't crying on a bus trying to escape confrontation with my sister who I know will be disappointed that I am on her team.

But this is how it is.

I find myself getting off the bus outside the park near the training grounds, still not sure where I am going. I was considering heading in, practicing my shooting or going to the gym, although I expect they will be closed.

What I don't expect is to hear someone calling out to me.

"Pequena Putellas!" The voice is familiar and I recognise it almost immediately. "What is my little replacement doing out so late in the middle of Barcelona?"

Mapi reached me quickly despite the crutches that she doesn't seem to be relying on too heavily.

"Congratulations, replacement! First team sheet-" she stops when she sees my face. "oh."

"Hola Mapi." I put on a smile but it is a weak effort. "I'm just heading home."

"Si, this is about you and Ale, no?" I look at her curiously and she rolls her eyes. "You don't think I wouldn't have noticed? She is my best friend!"

"And that is why I can't talk to you! I have to go home because they will be looking for me." She rolls her eyes again.

"You are coming over to my house and we are talking about this like grown-ups because you are now a professional athlete. You are not a grown up but you have grown up since I saw you last pequena!" She smiles lightly and uses one arm to pull me into a hug. It is awkward with her crutches. "I have missed you so much." Her words are mumbled quietly into my hair, her arms warming me with comfort and nostalgia. 

Apparently, the new apartment Mapi has moved into with Ingrid is right across the road from the park so we walk back, Mapi getting increasingly frustrated as I become more and more reluctant.

"Maria, please just let me go home?"

She was adamant that she wanted to talk. I just think she wants to know what happened between me and Alexia but I can't tell her. She wouldn't understand. Nobody would understand because everyone would just think I'm being childish and petty. Maybe that's just what I am.

We stand in silence as the elevator takes us up the levels to the apartment.

"Ingrid is not home, she is out with Frido tonight so you do not have to talk to her."

I let out a quiet exhale in relief. Ingrid is nice enough from what I know of her in training but I don't want to have this unwanted conversation in front of anyone else.

Mapi and I used to be close. She was never my favourite but that is mainly because I saw her so often that the novelty of her had worn off quickly and I found myself gravitating away from her at trainings because, like Alexia, she was just always around.

But Mapi loved me like I was her little sister because she never had any of her own. She did a lot for me as a child and tried to pretend that she wasn't offended by my blatant favouritism of other players.

She sat down on the sofa in her living room as soon as she opened the door and I grabbed her crutches that she had thrown on the floor and stood them up against the wall.

"Thankyou, now sit here." She patted the seat beside her and I sat down, my arms crossed. "Do you want to tell me why you were crying alone in the middle of Barcelona, 45 minutes away from home?"

I shook my head.

"Will Mami be mad?" I hate the wobble in my voice.

"No, I texted her and told her you were with me and she said it is ok. She is not mad at you, pequena."

"I don't like being called that anymore." I slumped down in my seat.

"What do you want to be called?" I am surprised that she didn't ask why. I suppose it might be obvious.

"I usually just get called my name." I pause. "Elena."

She smiles lightly, though I can see the water in her eyes.

"I know your name. I know you very well, Lena, I have for a long time but I also know your sister very well and I know that there have been problems for a while now and I know that she is trying her very best to not make it obvious that it is ripping her up and you are doing a very bad job of hiding your sadness. Why did you not tell her you had been called up into the first team?"

I roll my eyes but choose not to respond.

"No, don't roll your eyes at me, peque- Elena. I understand something must have happened but it is big news that you neglected to tell her!"

"What is bigger news? Breaking up with your girlfriend or being called up as a replacement in a football team?"

She hesitated and I continued.

"Getting a new girlfriend or being called up as a replacement? Buying a dog or being called up as a replacement? Being told you are about to win the Ballon d'Or or being called up as a replacement? She told me nothing for so long so don't you dare try and tell me that I should tell her about my life when she does not care to tell me about hers!"

Mapi recoiled and I immediately felt guilty.

"Sorry."

"No, don't be sorry. What else has she done to make you upset?"

"No, Mapi, we're not doing this because you don't need to know about what my sister has done to me. I don't need a psychologist, I just need to grow out of being the pathetic and weak baby Putellas. The younger sister of La Reina who has not had to work hard because her pathway has already been paved and everything has been handed to her on a silver platter." My voice is bored, like I am in front of a class, presenting a boring speech that I have practiced in my bedroom for weeks. 

"Why do you say that? Where is this all coming from?" Her voice raises slightly and her arms wave about as she speaks.

"Because it is true, Maria, why else would things be the way they are? I don't deserve this, it's only been given to me because of my surname." My voice is clearly becoming more urgent and I try to calm myself down. It doesn't work. 

"Where are you getting this from? You need to stop making this stuff up in your head and telling it to yourself because it could not be further from the tr-" Mapi's voice was raised, only slightly, but I could hear the wobble in her voice.

"I am not telling myself this stuff, Alexia did! And Alexia is right, she always has been and she always will be. She is a football geek she knows everything."

Mapi pauses, her mouth opening like a goldfish and her eyes staring straight into mine for any hint of exaggeration or lies. She found none. I have never been a liar.

"She... she said that? To you?" Mapi was surprised. How could her best friend have said something like that to the little girl that meant the world to her? "Alexia said that to you?"

I regret my small outburst immediately; I didn't want to tell Mapi. My fingers begin to get restless, my heart racing, my gum held firmly between my teeth. It is in these moments that I would move to the piano and prepare myself to play a song. My fingers ghost imaginary keys by my side as I take a deep breath, preparing myself to beg and plead; to do whatever I need for Mapi to forget everything I just said. 

"No, you cannot say anything, Maria, this is all a lie, I am dramatic, I am making it all up. Please, just forget I said anything. Please." Tears began to slip out of my eyelids and the expression on my face can only be described as desperation.

"calma, calma. vale. I will forget everything and I will not tell anybody, as long as you don't want me to. But pequenita, it is not true, not true at all and you don't deserve for anybody at all to speak to you like that. You are talented, so talented that I am jealous of you, not your natural talents but your work ethic, Elena, your work ethic is admirable. You are so strong and you have worked for every single opportunity you have been offered and do not ever-" I look away from her.

"Look at me, Elena, look." I look towards her again and notice the water in her eyes.

"Do not ever let anybody tell you otherwise and if you do you call me up immediately and they will get a piece of my mind, si?"

I slump into Mapi's familiar arms and let out a small cry and she just squeezes me harder. I haven't ever told anyone that much of the conversation I had with Alexia - not even Alba - and to hear her best friend attempt to squash any of the worries I had about myself was refreshing. My fingers begin to ghost imaginary piano keys, preparing to begin playing a piece.

"Was this before or after you transferred to La Masia? That is around when she stopped going to your games, no?" Her voice was soft and I felt the need to answer.

"It was during the party that Mami held, when my spot at the academy was accepted. That was the reason why I started crying when I was talking to you. You probably don't even remember that, it was so long ago." I let out a dry chuckle and she rubbed her hand down my back.

"I remember. I remember thinking you were not telling me the truth but I had no idea what was wrong. You have been suffering in silence ever since?"

I don't want to nod my head because it feels dramatic to say that. 

"I told Alba only a little bit of it but nobody else knows. Please, please, please don't tell anybody. Not Mami, not Alexia, not anyone. Please." I looked up at her and she stared at me wordlessly for a few moments before exhaling softly.

"Elena..." She pauses again. "As much as I want to go and give your stupid sister a piece of my mind I will not but on the condition that you talk to Alba or your Mami or me or anyone about it, si? Even Alexia. Maybe she has forgotten. But she misses you, that much I can tell."

I nod, wordlessly making a promise that I know I can not keep. She seems to be satisfied though and changes the topic.

"vale, buena. It is too late to drive you home so you will stay here tonight and Ingrid and I will drive you to Johan tomorrow, si?"

I nod, I do not have a choice.

"Is there a piano in this apartment?"

~~~~~~

Mapi saying she had a piano is an overstatement, it is a keyboard with Norwegian inscriptions that was shoved into the corner of the unused study. Apparently Ingrid does not play the piano but has always wanted to learn.

But, I take the equipment for what it is and sit on the stall, flicking through the different sounds for a while before I find something I like. The office chair behind me squeaks as Mapi sits down but I ignore her presence as I place my fingers on the keyboard.

She would have noticed the release of tension in my shoulders when I sat down. She would have noticed the sigh of relief that I released as my fingers placed themselves on the keyboard.

The song starts out slow. Ludovico Einaudi is one of my favourite composers. His notes sing out from the keyboard speakers and soon they become faster and more intense. Nuvole Bianche is a pretty song, in my opinion, and I like to make up stories as I play it whenever I do. Sometimes I relate to the stories and other times I do not.

But the song builds and builds until a brief pause in the middle in which I hear Mapi sniffling and there is shuffling downstairs. Ingrid must have arrived home. The song picks back up quickly and before I know it the last few chords are ringing out through the room and Mapi has come to stand behind me and is rubbing her hand down my back.

"The last song you played me was un elefante se balanceaba and now you are playing this. You made us sing along and you went all the way to 50, we were in there for a long time. But now you have grown up. You are still so young but you have grown up now I am so proud of you."

I can hear the tears in her eyes so I stand up and pull her into a hug. I feel guilty, she is Alexia's best friend and I accidentally slipped what Alexia said which could potentially drive them apart. But I can't help but feel relieved, I feel comfort which is something I have been looking for for such a long time. Mapi used to be like a sister to me. I don't think I even realised how much I have missed her. 

"That song was so hard!"

She chuckles into the hug and I do too.

Maybe I deserve to feel like this every once in a while.

~~~~~~

hope you enjoyed x

more coming in the next few days

[ktkat99]

Batfam prompt I wrote out planning on it being a oneshot. I don't have time or energy for another long story at the moment, but don't want to just let it sit in my outline folder forever. Feel free to use it, play around with it, add to it, use it for inspiration, or whatever.

Tim gets injured while not wearing his suit one night.

Bernard, who has never met Tim before, finds him and takes him home. He ends up losing his memory and Bernard decides to let him move in while he heals, unaware that he's really Red Robin.

Bruce and the rest of the family can't find Tim anywhere.

Days turn into weeks.

Weeks turn to months.

All without a trace.

Tim and Bernard are getting used to living together, and both the pros and cons of being roommates.

Tim will sometimes have nightmares or flashbacks, but he’s also started to heal.

His family ends up torn, with Jason, Dick, and Steph convinced he’s alive, while Bruce, Cass and Damian have all resigned themselves to believing that he died.

One night, Tim and Bernard take a nighttime walk to a convenience store and witness a robbery.

Tim stops the guy on instinct and has a flashback of fighting with Nightwing. He assumes he was a criminal and runs off before the clerk can thank him.

Something the clerk mentions to Officer Dick Greyson when he arrives to arrest the thief. The clerk hands over the surveillance footage, which ends up being proof that Tim survived.

Dick is overjoyed, but Steph and Jason point out that he isn't being held hostage. He's free and yet never contacted them.

Was he in hiding?

From them?

Or for his own protection from someone?

Or maybe the civilian he was with had done something to him?

Whatever the reason, they decide against telling the rest of the family until they can figure out what's going on.

They begin following Tim, keeping their distances.

Tim, meanwhile, after ‘remembering’ being a criminal, can't stop obsessing over his scars, and who he might have hurt to receive them. He keeps thinking about the convenience store clerk and Bernard, wracked with guilt about all the things he may have done.

Bernard stays by him the whole time, doing his best to calm him down.

Tim doesn't tell him what's on his mind out of fear of being kicked out, and Bernard assumes the event was too stressful for him and doesn't push him to talk.

Eventually, the two of them fall asleep together, and Tim promises to make up for his past crimes by protecting Bernard. Things gradually go back to normal with Bernard going to work and Tim, who has no valid id, staying home and taking care of the apartment.

Nightwing, Red Hood, and Spoiler take turns watching Tim and Bernard.

They still haven't told their family, but know they can't just follow Tim forever.

Before they can decide on their next move, though, Cass bumps into him while grocery shopping. She freezes and he doesn't recognize her, but Dick, Jason, and Steph have to come clean.

Cass is pissed, Bruce wants to bring Tim home immediately, and Damian points out that he might not even want to come home, and that they should leave him be.

They decide that, before they make their decision, they need to talk to Tim. Maybe he really did just decide to quit.

Tim, meanwhile, has been using his free time while Bernard is at work to help people who need it. He becomes somewhat of a neighborhood vigilante, believing that he needs to make up for his past crimes.

Most of the injuries he incurs are minor and easy to hide from Bernard, but one day he takes a knife to the arm.

Bernard freaks out and tries to give him stitches in their kitchen, but then has to convince Tim to let him take him to a hospital.

Tim, not wanting to be arrested for crimes he doesn't remember committing, therefore leaving Bernard alone, argues that he's fine.

It doesn't hurt that bad.

He'll heal.

Bernard gets frustrated and shows off his own scars, which he had worked hard to always keep hidden. He explains what happened to him, and how his family disowned him as a result of ending up in the cult, and that he promises he won't put Tim in a situation where he could be in danger.

He asks to know why Tim is so adamant against going to the hospital and Tim reluctantly admits what he's pieced together from his flashbacks.

Bernard is shocked to find out that he might have been sharing his apartment with a criminal, but reasons that that must be why Tim knows how to fight.

Deciding to focus on the problem at hand, Bernard convinces Tim to at least let him take him to Leslie’s place, as she doesn't ask questions.

Leslie proceeds to ask questions, prompting Bernard to be the one to answer them for Tim.

Leslie comes to the conclusion that Bernard is answering so that Tim doesn't say the wrong thing, and only grows more concerned when she tries to subtly give him openings to slip her a message or some sort of sign that he needs help and he doesn't.

She decides that, since he's acting like he's never met her, she'll play along.

Once Bernard and Tim leave, she calls Bruce and tells him what happened.

Bruce decides it's time to step in because something is clearly wrong with Tim.

Tim and Bernard head back home and have a long talk about everything Tim's been hiding and what he's been up to.

Bernard wonders if Tim might be wrong about his assumption that he was a criminal, but Tim remembers stalking Batman, fighting with Nightwing, Robin trying to kill him and a few other things.

Tim was a criminal, and he's certain of it.

At a loss of what else to do, Bernard convinces Tim to get takeout for dinner, since neither have eaten yet.

Tim agrees and they walk down to Tim's favorite place.

On the way there, Batman and Nightwing show up and order them into the Batmobile.

Tim manages to fight off Nightwing as Batman is driving and Nightwing isn't expecting Tim to fight him and escapes with Bernard.

Their suspicions all appear to be confirmed; the Batfam believe Tim is being controlled by Bernard, while Bernard and Tim believe he's a wanted criminal.

Tim decides he needs to leave, since he's obviously being hunted, but Bernard refuses to let him.

Not alone, at least.

Tim wants Bernard to stay safe, which means away from him, but Bernard is just as worried about Tim's safety. They argue, but ultimately both find an abandoned building to hide in together.

They decide to take turns sleeping and Tim falls asleep wondering what sort of crime he committed to warrant the Bats searching for him. He ends up dreaming of the night he found his father's body and wakes up believing that he killed him.

Bernard has nodded off at this point and Tim needs to clear his head so he heads up to the roof to process what he dreamed about.

The bats decide that, for their safety and his, Tim will need to be taken by force and they can figure out what's wrong with him once they have him back home.

They track them to the abandoned building and break in, but only find Bernard.

Bernard ends up getting captured quickly and taken to the batcave for questioning.

Tim, who witnessed the abduction but hadn't been quick enough in getting down from the roof to do anything, decides it's time to go on the offensive against the bats.

He has had enough flashbacks to piece together that Batman is Bruce.

He's tired.

Angry.

Frustrated.

He's been living for months without knowledge of who he used to be and having to deal with random flashbacks and trying to piece together what his life before looked like.

The bats taking Bernard is his last straw.

He decides to start by breaking into the manor and looking for Bernard there.

Bernard, meanwhile, is desperately trying to convince Bruce and the others that he has no idea where Tim is, that he didn't do anything to Tim, and that Tim has amnesia.

They don't believe him until Tim shows up and goes all-out trying to attack them and escape with Bernard, but Bernard is the one who manages to calm him down and convince him to listen to his family.

It takes a while, and a lot of proof, but Tim finally regains his memory.

He and Bernard officially start dating and move back in together.

They like to joke that Bernard had the craziest introduction to the family, despite being a civilian.

[riki-riks-chick]

Jungwon gets jealous after you spend time with another guy (innocently tho). Y/n is not a cheater. Wonie is just feeling possessive. 🙃

Trading Times ┃Y.JW

jealous!jungwon x reader

jungwon gets jealous bc yn is hanging out with her childhood best friend.

fluff! jealous jw, best friend jay, no cheater behavior, yn is whipped for jw, kisses, jw doesn't know how special he is to yn.

wdct: 1.6k

tyy for this request ♡

═════════════

Third Person POV~

"Hey, Y/n... Do you maybe wanna hang out later?.." Jungwon asks, wrapping his arms around you as you finish up washing the dishes. "Sorry, baby.. Jay is back in town for the week so he asked me to hang out with him so we could catch up." You respond as he pouts. "Then tomorrow?.."

You sigh, turning off the tap and drying your hands before turning to face Jungwon. "Tomorrow I'm supposed to go visit his mom. I haven't seen her in three years... I promise we'll hang out the day after." You answer as he nods. "Okay.. I'll just ask Sunoo if he wants to hang out.."

You smile, giving him a quick kiss. "I have to go get dressed.. Sorry I couldn't go out with you today.." You mumble as he nods. "It's fine.. Have fun."

You then head upstairs, showering, doing your hair, and getting dressed before slipping into your most comfortable sneakers.

After making sure you had everything you needed, you made your way downstairs. Jungwon had just walked out of the kitchen. "You look so pretty, but you're wearing jeans?" He questions, knowing you hate wearing jeans, and you nod. "Yeah, I only wear skirts when I'm out with you.. They're usually pretty short, so I don't wanna risk anyone who isn't you trying to get an eyeful."

He nods at your explanation. "Okay.. Are these at least comfortable for you? They wont feel too tight after you eat?" He asks as you nod. "I'm fine, they're comfortable.. Now I gotta go, bye Jungwon."

You kiss his cheek before grabbing your keys and leaving the house. As soon as he hears the lock click he lets out the biggest sigh.

Within the next thirty minutes, Sunoo comes over and now he's forced to listen to all of Jungwon's complaining.

"Jungwon, it's not that serious.. She's known him since they were in diapers damn near. If they were anything more than friends, you would've never had a chance." Sunoo explains as Jungwon groans. "I'm not that stupid, Sunoo. I know she wouldn't cheat on me.. I'm just jealous because whenever he comes to visit, she gives him all her attention."

Sunoo nods. "I guess so, but you have her attention all the time, right?" He asks and Jungwon sighs. "Who's side are you on?"

Sunoo only laughs in response. "I'm on logic's side, let's just have fun for now."

Meanwhile, you had just met up with Jay at a cafe that you two used to study and hang out at all the time. He's already order you a drink, so you sit across from him.

"It's good to see you.." He smiles as you nod. "I know, it always feels like it's been forever. We need to see each other more than once a year."

You two spend time catching up, talking about work and just life in general. Eventually he asks about Jungwon. "So, how's your boyfriend?" He questions as you smile, beaming at the thought alone of Jungwon. "He's great.. I love him so much."

Jay smiles at your happiness. "I have something to tell you." You can tell by his dopey smile that he has good news, so you gesture for him to keep speaking. "I have a girlfriend..."

You light up at the news, reaching over the table to grab his hand excitedly. "Oh my god tell me all about her!"

He tells you everything from how he met her down to how they got together. It's all so endearing to hear since you know how badly his last relationship ended.

After talking for over an hour about life, you both went to an arcade together, playing all the games you used to, except you got to win this time.

When your hangout finally came to an end, you parted your ways, planning to see each other around the same time tomorrow.

You got home at around 5pm, ready to see your boyfriend after thinking about what he was up to all day.

"Jungwon, I'm back." You stepped out of your shoes, setting your keys and your bag down as you walked into the living room.

Sunoo was sitting on the arm chair, and Jungwon was asleep on the couch. Some random movie was playing in the background.

"Hey, Sun." You smile as he waves. "Hey, how was your hang out with Jay?" He asks as you hum. "It was fun. How was your hang out with Jungwon?" You question, moving around the couch to ruffle your sleeping boyfriend's hair.

"It was good, he was complaining for the first your though." He replied as you nodded. "Sounds about right."

Sunoo decides that he's gonna go home, saying goodbye before leaving. You wake Jungwon up and he's immediately clinging to you. "I missed you.." He pouts, burying his face in the crook of your neck. You chuckle, kissing his temple. "I missed you too.. Let's order something to eat, hm?"

The next day, you're up earlier, because Jay called and said his mom wanted to meet for a late breakfast, early lunch. You agreed simply because you didn't wanna inconvenience his mother.

Jungwon was still sleep when you finished getting ready, so you sat beside him on the bed, shaking him gently. "Jungwon.. Wake up."

He stirs, humming as he wraps his arms around your waist. "Where are you going?.." He mumbles with a pout in his tone. You ruffle his hair. "I'm going to brunch with Jay and his mom.. I'll see you later.."

He nods, kissing your cheek before burying his head into his pillow. You get up, patting his back before leaving.

Your day is spent hanging out with Jay, and catching up with his mother. She tells you about how happy she is that her son is finally in a new relationship, and how she hopes this one ends in marriage.

You're happy to see Jay beaming whenever he talks about his girlfriend, similar to the way he watches you smile whenever you talk about Jungwon.

You end up spending much more time than usual hanging out with Jay, and when you finally get home, it's around 8pm.

You look for Jungwon, not finding him in the kitchen, or the living room.

You know he usually doesn't sleep this early, but you check the bedroom anyway, and surely there's a Jungwon shaped lump beneath your covers.

You kick off your shoes, dropping your jacket somewhere along the way as you climb onto the bed, pulling the covers off of his head. "I'm back, baby.." You leaned down to kiss his cheek, pushing his hair out of your face.

He didn't seem to thrilled to see you. "Wonnie.. What's wrong?" You question as he sighs. "You've been gone all day... I've just been here by myself.. All the while you're hanging out with Jay.." He pouts, turning over to look at you. You frown, leaning against the headboard. "Jungwon.. You know it's not like that.. It's been almost a year since I last saw him.. We just wanted to catch up.." You explained for what seemed like the thousandth time since you first introduced Jungwon to Jay.

He had always gotten jealous, but you thought things were different now. You'd been with Jungwon for almost three years now after all. It seems that he still isn't too fond of your relationship with Jay.

"I just.. I wish I knew you like he did.. He's known you since you were a kid... He has so many memories to share with you, and I hardly just found out that you used to dream of being a famous pianist when you were a kid.. I know I shouldn't, but I get jealous.." He explains, avoiding your eyes as you take his hands in yours.

"I understand.. I know Jay and I are close, but I promise you.. You know me in ways Jay couldn't even imagine.. You know how I kiss, my love language, the playlist I listen to when I shower, and even every step of my skincare routine in order.. You're my boyfriend.. Jay could never beat that.." Jungwon sits up, smiling at your words as he hugs you. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to make you feel bad about it.." He mumbles in your ear, pulling back to kiss your forehead.

You smile brightly at him. "It's okay to be jealous.. I can't imagine how you must feel seeing your girlfriend be close to another guy.. I'm glad that you trust me though.."

He nods, pinching your cheek. "I try not to be to controlling.. Otherwise you would leave me for someone else.."

You chuckle in response. "You know what, next time he said he'd bring his girlfriend so I could meet her.. I'll bring you too and we could have a double date.." You say excitedly as Jungwon nods, planting a sweet kiss to your lips.

"That sounds great, baby.."

═════════════

[thefallennightmare]

Okay the car accident headcannon for next Tuesday you have to do a part 2 to noah losing his shit about everything

@thescarlettvvitch @missduffsblog @hayleylatour @sleepyomens @loeytuan98 @artificialbreezy @marvelousmal @bngurngheart @lma1986 @dsireland86 @wild-child-7747 @calleyx13 @illmakeyousaywow @jaded-and-hollow-souls @exitwoundsx @shayzillaaaa @lookwhatitcost @badomensls @princesspeach-00 @burning-outx @shadowseve @collective-heartbreak @klutzy-kay24 @sorrowsofsilence @sweetlittlekitsune @shilohrosechicken @itsafullmoon @toospooktocute @niicoleleigh @thatchickwiththecamera @hoe-for-daddywise @whenthesummerdies @cookiesupplier @concreteemo @thisbicc @sammyjoeee @pathion @flowery-mess @tashka @Karenfranco @its-inourblood @amelia-acero @xxkittenkissesxx

PART ONE HERE

After Jesse brought you home, he made sure you were comfortable in bed before giving you the typical disappointed dad look with the pulled brows and hands on hips.

"What?" You asked.

He scoffed. "You need to call, Noah. Now."

You picked apart the loose threads of your blanket, still nervous. "He's busy and I don't want to bother him."

Jesse sat on the end of the bed, giving your leg underneath the blanket a reassuring pat.

"You know that's not true, Y/N. He needs to know. At least about the crash. The pregnancy thing can wait till he's home."

You sighed, knowing he was right, so you grabbed your phone and clicked on Noah's contact name for a Facetime call.

Jesse got up to leave but you grasped his arm, keeping him in place. "I need you here for support when I tell him about the car."

He rolled his eyes, the noise of the ringing in the background. "He's not going to care about the car. As long as you're alright, that's the only thing he'll worry about."

"Hi my angel."

Noah's deep and sleep-filled voice tickled your ears as you positioned the phone so it could face you head-on.

His dark eyes took in the sight of the cuts and bandages on your face and was suddenly wide awake.

"What the hell happened? Are you alright? Is your arm in a sling?"

Your eyes flashed over to Jesse, who urged you on with a nod.

"I was in a car accident earlier today," you said slowly.

Noah's face twitched with something you weren't sure.

"Why are you just calling me now?" He wondered while doing his best to sit up in his small bunk.

You shrugged your good shoulder. "I know how busy you are and were sleeping so I didn't want to bother you."

"Angel," his voice was stern. "You always call me with anything, alright? Especially with something like this."

Guilt ate away at you as you nodded slowly. "I'm sorry."

Noah frowned. "For what?"

Taking a deep breath, you prepared yourself to break the news.

"Your car is totaled. It's not worth fixing."

"I don't give a fuck about the car," Noah said. "As long as you're alive and home that's the only thing I care about."

"Wait," he spoke again. "How did you get home?"

Jesse's head of curls appeared right next to me and waved at Noah. "I'll make sure she's in bed and doesn't overdo it."

"Good. Because I'm on the first flight home."

"No," you shook your head. "You can't cancel the shows-."

"Fuck the shows, Y/N. You could have been seriously hurt. You need me right now, that's the only thing that matters."

You knew trying to fight with him about this would be pointless so instead, you agreed with a nod.

Which also meant you had less than twenty-four hours to prepare yourself to tell him the biggest news of all.

Due to not being able to take strong pain meds because of the pregnancy, it was a rough night of sleep. When you eventually did fall asleep, you were almost dead to the world.

You didn't even know Jesse had left the next night to pick Noah up from the airport.

You didn't even hear Noah enter the house downstairs or his deep footsteps as they ascended the staircase.

You were asleep on your back, broken arm slung over your chest, and Noah carefully grazed a finger over the bandages on his face. All while holding a specific folder and picture in the other.

You were so exhausted that you forgot to hide the ultrasound.

He was quick to slip into bed with you, not bothering to change out of the clothes he spent his entire travel day in. It had been a mess of canceling the rest of the tour and trying to find the next available flight home. It consisted of two layovers and one that took nearly three hours.

But he was finally home to you.

And his baby.

His hand rested on your stomach, his soft voice cooing. "Hi baby, I'm your dad."

When he first saw the ultrasound pictures, he was frozen in a state of shock.

You two weren't even trying to have kids, not now anyway. But according to how far along you were, he remembered the exact night it happened.

You were begging him to cum inside you, fill up your walls. He tried his hardest to resist, but your cries of pleasure had him spilling inside you.

You stirred in his embrace and when your eyes finally opened, you were shocked to see him in bed with you.

"When did-?"

Your question was cut off with his lips to yours in a slow and lazy kiss. Your hands ran through his messy locks of hair as you breathed in his familiar scent.

"I'm so glad you two are alright," he murmured against your lips.

You were about to speak but were halted by his words.

You two.

"How did you?" You asked.

Noah held up the ultrasound picture with a proud and goofy smile.

"You left it on the kitchen counter."

Your cheeks burned with embarrassment. "I had this whole idea planned on how I would tell you but I must have been so exhausted from everything, I just couldn't get out of bed."

His lips brushed along your forehead. "It's alright, angel. I'm here now. I've got you."

[tj-dragonblade]

[FIC] Chaos and Calm

Fandom: The Sandman Pairing: Dreamling Rated: G Word Count: 1551 Tags: fluff, domesticity, single dads, pre-relationship, outings in the park, feeding the ducks, rain

Notes: For Day 1 of Dreamling Week 2024 as organized by @mr-sadman, for the prompt 'hunt'. Also dedicated to the wonderful @chaosheadspace, whose single-dads AU Castle in the Sand rotates in the back of my head quite often - I meant to have this coincide with your birthday but didn't quite make it, alas.

Summary: Searching for rain boots and meeting friends in the park. No real plot, just meandering domestic parenting vibes.

On AO3

"Robyn! You 'bout ready, kiddo?"

Hob winces at the sound of something heavy thudding on the floor above, and then his son appears at the top of the stairs. "I can't find my boots!"

Hob suppresses the urge to sigh. "Do you remember where you had them last?"

Robyn's brow furrows. "Maybe? They might be in the cupboard? But I think I might have used 'em as astronaut boots and forgot to put 'em back."

"Did you check by the washing machine?"

"Not yet."

"Okay. You keep looking in your room; I'll check down here and then come help you look if I don't find them."

"'Kay." Robyn scrambles back up from where he'd started down the stairs and dashes back to his room, and Hob heads to check the coat cupboard in the front hallway.

They're meant to be meeting Dream and Orpheus at the park in fifteen minutes. The day has turned out to be dreary and grey, light rain off and on keeping it misty and damp and a raincoat plus wellies are definitely called for.

If only he or his son could be relied upon to consistently put things back in their expected places. Ellie had always scolded them about it, gently, and for all the years since she's been gone Hob has kept trying to do better, but it's not always top of his mind and they're both surviving okay, despite the current inconvenience.

He checks the bottom of the coat cupboard; no boots.

He lets the sigh out this time, since Robyn's not there to see the frustration. He checks the utility room next, where last year's too-small snow boots are still sitting next to this year's because Hob hasn't gotten round to dropping them off at the charity shop yet. This year's snow boots will have to do if they can't find the wellies, but he's not giving up yet.

He's not going to tear the house apart looking, either, though; he's eager to get going. Letting Robyn spend time with his best friend is important, but also. Hob really looks forward to seeing Dream, for—well. For lots of reasons, that he's comfortably aware of but cautious about acting on because the kids would be caught in the middle if it didn't work out and that's the last thing he wants. Right now he just wants to let himself enjoy the possibilities. Hanging out, conversations while the kids play, watching Dream's pretty face go soft and expressive as they talk.

So. Best check all the likely spots in this comfortably-cluttered chaos he lives in, then, so they can find the boots and get going. It would certainly be easier if his home was less messy, but he's a single dad with a very active kid, he teaches secondary school, and taking the time to make his home look like a magazine spread is just not on his agenda. And sure sometimes it bites him in the arse, like now, but most times the chaos is of a manageable level and more importantly, it works for them.

Just. Not today, apparently.

He pulls his phone from his pocket, fires off a quick text to Dream.

May be a few minutes late We've a crisis of missing wellies over here Keep you posted

Dream's response comes through almost instantly.

I wish you luck in your hunt, then. We will wait.

Hob smiles, tucks the phone back in his pocket and heads up the stairs to join the search.

Robyn's room is a little bit of a disaster zone, as he's been throwing things around in his haste, and Hob kneels to crawl around the floor and help him look. He'll help him straighten up later, too, but for now they're boot-hunting.

Robyn is a little worried, as it turns out. "What if Orpheus and his dad leave before we get there? What if they think we're not coming because I can't find my stupid boots?"

Hob laughs, a small laugh full of kindness. "They wouldn't," he assures, pulling his kid into a one-armed hug as they sit on the floor. "And besides—I texted Orpheus's dad so they know we're running late." He drops a kiss in Robyn's hair. "Now let's find those blasted wellies so we can get going, yeah?"

The boots are not under the bed, or the desk in the corner; they're not in the toy chest, nor the basket for Robyn's dirty laundry, nor under the laundry that hasn't quite made it into the basket. Hob helps that last category get to where it was meant to be and sits back with a sigh, making a mental note—and hopefully he'll remember later—to be sure to run a load of Robyn's clothes.

"Alright, kiddo, is there anywhere you haven't looked yet?"

Robyn ponders for a moment, face scrunched in thought, and then lights up. "Oh!" He scrambles off the floor and over to the wardrobe, yanks it open. Hob would have thought that would be the first place to check, so he hadn't looked himself but obviously he should have, because Robyn dives into it with a little yell of victory and emerges with a boot held high in either hand and triumph radiating from his grin.

~ They're only a little bit late to the park; Robyn and Orpheus spot each other at the same instant and yell in excited unison, charging across the wet grass and crashing into a hug that also involves a lot of jumping up and down. Hob grins at their enthusiasm, eyes searching beyond them to find Dream looking for him as well; the smile that blooms on Dream's face, visible even at this distance, makes Hob's heart do a pleasant little flop in his chest.

"Your hunt was successful, I see," Dream says, when they are close enough for speaking; they are trailing after the boys, who are cavorting in the general direction of the duck pond, splashing in collected puddles on the path. Dream's got his umbrella up, even though it's not raining right this moment, which somehow just enhances his general goth vibe.

Hob stuffs his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, time to do a major cleaning. His room's a bit of a mess but we finally found his wellies in the wardrobe. Which honestly would have been the first place I checked if I'd realized he hadn't. Kid brains work on different logic, I suppose."

"True." Dream shifts a little, casts a glance sideways at Hob. "Robyn is fortunate to have a father so skilled at finding lost items."

"Got a lot of experience misplacing my own crap," Hob offers, laughing to cover the flustery warmth seeping into his chest at Dream's simple compliment. "And he found the boots himself, just needed some help thinking it through."

"As I said. He is fortunate to have your guidance," Dream reiterates, and Hob is saved from having to respond when Robyn comes running back to where the two of them have stopped at the path's edge. Orpheus is over by the pond, bending down to peer between the rails of the short wooden fence that surrounds it as several ducks swim toward him.

"Dad! Did you bring the peas? The ducks're hungry!" There's eager excitement in Robyn's voice and Hob smiles.

"'Course I did, kiddo, here." He rummages in the bag at his hip, slung comfortably across his chest, and hands over the snack-size freezer bag of peas; Robyn thanks him and dashes back over to Orpheus. Whether or not the ducks are 'hungry' is arguable, but Hob won't deny his kid the human joy of personifying the world around him nor of feeding the ducks, which is generally their purpose in coming to this park. He glances sideways at Dream—who is Hob's own private secondary reason for any of the activities they do together with their kids—and finds him watching the boys with the softest little smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.

He's so beautiful.

It starts raining, then, just a light misty sprinkle. The boys put up the hoods on their raincoats and carry on tossing peas to the eager birds who've gathered for the feast; Hob is about to dig his own umbrella out of his bag but Dream steps closer and shifts his own broad umbrella over Hob as well. His arm presses up against Hob's, from shoulder to elbow, and Hob swallows the urge to lift his arm and put it around Dream's shoulders, leans solidly into the touch instead. It's nice.

It's so, so nice, and Hob revels in the imagined warmth he can feel seeping into the contact despite the layers between them, the way that seconds turn to minutes and neither of them moves away, how they both watch their boys in comfortable silence. Hob's thoughts and emotions often feel chaotic and jumbled up in the same way his house manages to be a mild-but-functional disaster zone but this—sharing an everyday domestic moment with Dream, the casual unremarked closeness between them—it quiets something in his head, makes anything and everything seem gloriously possible.

This, this is a feeling worth finding, a feeling he did not even realize he was searching for.

He is still entirely grateful to have found it.

= Started: 6/2/24 Drafted: 6/3/24 Posted: 6/3/24

[boothillssugarmomma]

Fake It Til You Make It

(Atsumu Miya x Fem!Reader)

cw-: Suggestive jokes at times, fluff all the way, mutual pining, fake!marriage trope, suggestive scene

🎀 authorsnote: THIS ONE IS HELLA LONG SO I HAD TO SPLIT IT UP INTO THREE PARTS ☝️😀...took so much time to edit and fix too...English was not Englishing...

please don't steal my work!

Pt 2: Fake It Til You Make It

Taglist🎀Haikyuu Masterlist🎀Other Lists🎀

 Atsumu takes a deep breath as he opens the door to his apartment. "Hey…my love…" He smirks, he takes a pause before sighing. “What do ya think…too much? This has to be believable…"

He stares at you as you take your headphones off, glaring at him with a playful gaze.

Atsumu and you are definitely not married, you're not even dating. But a few weeks ago…he blabbed about his perfect wife to his old teammates to make them jealous. So, after realizing he fucked himself over, he begged you to help him out. As his best friend, and roommate, you naturally said yes (he begged for hours). 

"Excuse me?" You hum 

“You heard meeee." He whines, walking over to the couch and laying on it, looking up at you in amusement. “Honey” He emphasizes, a teasing lilt to his voice. “Would it kill you to not make a sassy remark?”

"Do I seriously have to pretend to be your wife at the party tonight?" You sigh before flipping through the magazine you were reading. He knows this isn't ideal for you as you hate lying…and he knew he'd have to pay you back ten fold for this. "You could always just tell the truth!" You groan before the magazine shuts.

“I told you…” He sighs dramatically, throwing an arm over his eyes. “It’ll be fine! Just pretend to be the best wife. One who dotes on her husband and never says a word back.” Wincing as you bonk him on the head.

"Uh huh..." Atsumu can feel the heat of a glare on his head. 

“And.” He adds, taking his arm from his face and opening one eye to look at you. He raises a brow. “Try to seem at least a little bit happy to be with your dear husband yours truly, Atsumu-chan!”

"I'll do my best..." You roll your eyes. Glancing over at the ticking clock hanging above the front door, it reads as six o clock…almost time for the party.

“I hope so…” He says, sitting up and leaning forward a bit. His smile turns a little more serious. “You do know what happens if we can’t pull it off tonight, right?”

"No...what happens." 

Atsumus face looks utterly disgusted and betrayed as a gasp fills your ears.

“My entire team makes fun of me.” He pouts before looking away. “Then again, they already do. They’ll just be more obnoxious about it.”

"That's true they'll never let you live it down..." You tsk your tongue. Laying back more on the couch to stretch without a care in the world. 

“Exactly!” He emphasizes. “I will be ridiculed by everyone even my old teammates and rival teams! I won’t have peace in my own home!” Atsumu pouts, looking up at you innocently. “You wouldn’t want me to suffer that… right?”

Taking a minute to answer, your eyes glare daggers into his before you sigh, dropping your head and shaking it. "No I guess not..." 

“So, all you need to do is pretend to like me!” He says with a huff. “Act like I’m everything you could ever want in a man. Even though you don't have to pretend." He sniffs and sighs. "I already know I am…” Giving you a sly wink before stretching out onto the couch. 

 Rolling your eyes, you sit forward and nudge him with your foot. "Yeah ok..." 

“That’s the spirit!” Your stupid stupid friend hums, laying back down on the couch. “So, go change into something cute...” He says, waving a hand in the air. “It can’t hurt to sell it, right?”

"Ouch!" You smack his arm and gasp. "You don't think this is cute?" Whining as you get up, your sweatpants practically hanging off while your tanktop is particularly tight. 

Raising his eyebrows a small smirk crawls onto his face. “Oh, it is. It really is….” His eyes slowly move up and down your body, stopping at your ass as he bites his bottom lip before looking back up, a faint red tint on his cheeks. 

The blonde clears his throat, looking away. “But, like, it’s not party material, you know?”

"True..."

“Right. So, go put on a cute sundress!” He says, waving a hand. “That’ll sell it for sure.” 

He glances over his shoulder to look out the window, his cheeks still tinted pink.

You roll your eyes before walking off to your room to change into something more party acceptable. You'd never admit it to the stupid blonde…but you were happy to play his fake wife. 

Now all he has to do is wait. He sits on the couch, scrolling through his phone boredly, before tossing his phone aside and glancing at the wall clock.

“Why does she take so long?” He mutters to himself, looking slightly annoyed. Atsumu hums as he hears clacking of heels on the hardwood floor.  "Finally took you lo-" He trails off as he sees you. 

"How do I look?" You whisper. You look gorgeous wearing a cute little halter top yellow sundress, a tiny white diner apron, paired with tights and cute black heels. (I'VE SEEN THIS DAMN OUTFIT ALL DAY AND I NEED IT)

You take notice of his eyes widening slightly as his mouth falls open, eyes eventually trailing up and down your form. A small, genuine smile forms on his lips. 

“Perfect.” He quickly stands up and steps closer, taking your hand and bringing it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against it. As he pulls back, the small smile turns into a cheeky smirk.

“My gorgeous wife.”

"Yeah yeah...my lovely husband..." You roll your eyes and smirk. Nudging him playfully as your eyes meet. 

He laughs quietly. “See? We’ll be fine at the party.” He releases your hand, instead substituting is for your chin, tilting it up. He raises an eyebrow with a smirk, leaning just a bit closer.

“We should probably practice the kissing a bit more, though…” He whispers, his breath fanning over her lips. “Since we’re practically newlyweds.”

You roll your eyes. "Save it for the party Atsumu..." You nudge him.

He laughs again, pulling away and throwing an arm over your shoulder. “You’re adorable…” He says, pulling you closer and kissing the top of your head. “But we’ll never get better if we don’t practice.” 

Glancing at the clock on the wall he hums. “It’s six fifteen…” He smirks, leading you toward the couch. “The party doesn’t start for an hour. We have plenty of time to practice…”

You hesitate as you watch his pleading face, your eyes weaken and he knows he hit your weak spot for him. "Fine...one kiss..." 

He grins. “Yeah? Then come’re and give me one!” Pulling you down onto the couch beside him. He cups your cheek almost immediately and presses his lips to your own, kissing you for a few moments before pulling back.

Atsumu's thumb gently rubs your cheek as he stares at you, a faint smirk/smile on his face. “One’s not enough…” He whispers with a small pleading tone, leaning in again he hovers over your lips. “Another, please?”

"I mean…its just practice…so its not weird..." You whisper with a gentle gulp, swallowing nerves. 

His smile widens considerably as his nose brushes against yours. “I like the sound of that…” He hums before pressing his lips to yours again. This one lingers longer than the previous one, but he once again pulls away with a teasing smile on his face, his thumb still rubbing at your cheek.

“You know, we could easily be better than the other couples at the party if we practiced more…” He says, voice barely just above a whisper.

"Oh yeah?" 

“Mhm…” The brown eyed bundle of nerves hums, his hand trailing down to rest on your hip, rubbing small circles there and holding you tight. He presses his lips to yours once more, kissing you for a few moments before moving down, lips brushing along your jaw before gently nipping at the nape of your neck. He pulls away after a moment, letting out a quiet groan, eyes closing.

“You taste so good…”

"You're a great kisser...never expected that..." You tease softly.

“Oh yeah? What did you expect?” He asks in amusement, his hand shifting from your hip up under the hem of your dress, running up along your outer thigh. He presses a kiss to the side of your jaw.

"No hickies!" You scoff as he suckles on a spot. Ignoring his previous question. 

Atsumu laughs quietly at the request. “I wasn’t planning on it…” He mumbles, obviously lying,  pressing a few more kisses to the side of your neck before stopping and pulling away slightly to look at you fully, hand still rubbing the skin of your thigh. 

He leans back into the couch cushion behind him, staring at you, a faint smirk and a look of mischief on his face. “You know, if you really want to sell it at the party, we should make it known that you’re my wife in more ways than just kissing…”

"And what do you mean by that?" You nudge him gently with your elbow. 

He gives you a knowing look, a smirk on his face as he sits back up, hand slowly moving further up the plush of your thigh, stopping just shy of your panties. “You’re a pretty smart girl…" The man murmurs, moving closer. “I’m sure you can figure it out.”

Brown eyes flick from yours to your rosy lips, and he slowly leans in. Instead of kissing you again however, he stops just before your lips make contact. “Let me show you…maybe?”

You nod quickly and shift to give him better access.

Without any hesitation, he closes the remaining distance, pressing his lips to yours. But…this kiss is very different from the other kisses: it’s desperate, deep, needy, and slightly sloppy. It only lasts for a few moments before he’s pulling away though, his eyes meeting yours, breathless.

“There are lots of ways to make it known…” He says, his voice hoarse with lust. “Do I need to keep showing you?” Atsumus eyes connect with yours, and you know what he's hoping…for you to say yes…and you're more than ready to give him that answer.

You pull on the collar of his shirt softly and nod. "Please..."

He leans in again, brushing his nose against yours for a moment before meeting those precious fuckin lips again. Like the previous kiss, it’s needy, hungry, and desperate. He kisses you like a man starved, tongue slipping into your mouth.

He pulls away for just a moment to catch his breath again, panting slightly. “You taste so good…” He whispers, pressing another soft kiss to your pink, swollen lips. “So good.”

Suddenly it hits you both…you're kissing. You both freeze.

Atsumu’s gaze travels down to those lips he thinks he'll never stop thinking about, taking in their plumpness and slight pink tint, before he shakes his head and looks back up to your eyes. The look of desire and love in his eyes remains, but he pushes down any other thoughts.

Right now is just to practice. Nothing more.

…But damn, he really wishes for just a moment (always) that this were real. That this wasn’t all just for show. That you really actually did love him that way.

You straighten your hair and clear your throat. "Well I think we did good…nice practice?" 

“We did…” He laughs softly, adjusting his clothes and running his fingers through his hair. His eyes flicker down to a few small blemishes on your neck, and he resists the urge to apologize again, instead nodding. “I think we’ll do great tonight!” 

He stands from the couch, his cheeks flushed. “I need a drink real quick. Do you want one?”

"U-Uh water thanks." You hum softly, trying to stop the blush from coming back to your face. 

He gives you a questioning look but doesn’t say anything, instead turning away and walking to the kitchen. He grabs one bottle of water and one bottle of beer for himself, returning with both after a moment. He hands you the water before popping open the beer and taking a sip.

“We have around thirty minutes before we leave…” He says, checking his watch before looking back up at you. “Anything you wanna do while we wait?”

"...well...I don't like your tie...so let me pick out a different one." You hum, quickly getting up and walking back to his room. 

He lets out a quiet groan, tilting his head back and looking up at the ceiling for a moment.

She’ll be the death of me…

He sighs and follows you down the hall, setting his beer on the bedside table when he reaches his room. Leaning against the wall, he watches you look over his selection of ties, arms crossed over his chest.

"Hmmm this one?" You hold one up to him to see the contrast. "Nah..." Putting it back to just find another one. 

“So picky…” He says, shaking his head with a small scoff. Despite that, he smiles softly, watching your determined look as you sift through his ties. 

He stands beside you and reaches for a tie himself, turning to you so you can see. “Maybe…this one?” He suggests, holding up a royal purple tie, leaning towards you, your faces near.

"That's not really you though..." You scoff and roll your eyes. 

He purses his lips, thinking for a moment before glancing back at his ties. He reaches past you and pulls out a gold one: very similar in color to his hair. 

“How about this one, then?” He holds it up beside his head, matching the contrast of his hair with the tie. “It accents me quite well, you see?”

"Yes!" You clap your hands and grab it from him before undoing his original tie. 

His cheeks darken slightly at the enthusiasm, but he does a good job of hiding his embarrassment. Despite that, he still smiles. Your behavior was too cute for his heart.

He steps closer so you can remove the old tie easier. He rests a hand on top of yours, steadying it as you undo it.

You place the tie in his closet before turning back to him to tie the new one. 

He raises his chin slightly to make the task easier, watching with a growing smile as your hands quickly begin to work.

If only she really were my wife…

“You’re very good at this…” He murmurs, watching you intently. “Have you tied a tie before?”

"I used to tie my dad's ties..." You smile with a small laugh. "My mom used to say I begged to learn..." 

Atsumu chuckles softly, smile widening slightly. “Really?” He hums, tilting his head slightly to give you better access. “Well, it certainly shows. I’d almost think you were a professional.”

"Professional?" You scoff in a laugh. "I don't think thats a profession dumbass…"

Atsumu’s smile widens and he chuckles again, shaking his head. “Yes, professional...” The setter teases. 

He rests a hand on your hip, pulling you closer as he looks down at you. From this angle, you looked a bit smaller then he usually saw you, but in a cute way. He almost wants to pull your cute ass into a hug.

"... you're very good at being a fake husband." You tease, poking his nose with your index finger.

“Of course I am!” He laughs, giving a self-confident smile. “I’m good at everything.” His ego shows and he raises his chin. “Even being a real husband, if I needed to be.”

"Well whoever ends up with you is lucky." You hum gently. "I hope you'll say the same for me?" You tease.

His smile falters slightly at your teasing words, and he looks at you with a conflicted look in his eyes.

Why did that bother him so much? Why did the image of you being married to someone else make his stomach twist…?

He quickly composes himself though, clearing his throat. He lets out an overconfident laugh, stepping back away from you. “Well, of course they will be! I’m great...and you are too I guess…” You hit his arm playfully.

You laugh softly and nod. "Perfect...except…" You snap your fingers and grab a hairbrush off his nightstand, leaning upward to begin fixing his messy hair.

A faint tint of red forms on his cheeks and he raises a brow, watching you work. “I’m fine, you know…” He mumbles, but he makes no attempts to stop you. In fact, he doesn’t even step away, tilting his head down for better access.

"Nope, your bangs needed fixing." You smirk and huff.

He lets out a quiet scoff, but doesn’t reply. Instead, he simply stares at you as you fix his hair. He could feel his heart beginning to beat faster as he stood here with you, watching this perfect girl fix his hair with no hesitation or shame. 

You couldn’t possibly ever be his, could you? But the way you acted around him, the way you spoke and teased him: it all made it seem so real.

As if you were really a couple… 

It was almost maddening…

But he loved it…

And he wanted you to love him…just as much as he loved you…

"Ok there!" You smile and stand back to give him a once over. 

He takes a step back and looks at himself in the mirror, running his fingers through his hair. He looks himself up and down before turning back to you with a smirk. 

“I look amazing!” He says, putting on a fake, overconfident tone of vanity, one hand on his hip. He holds his chin up and gives you a teasing once over as well. “Don’t I?”

"You just fucked up your hair again..." You groan and shake your head.

As he moves to reach for his hair yet again, he realizes that he actually did mess it up again, and he drops his hand with a sigh. 

“Well, now it just looks normal!” He huffs, a half-hearted shrug. He gives you a small smile though: the type of smile that’s full of fondness and appreciation…and maybe…even love. “Thank you, though, for your effort.”

Your roll your eyes and loop your arm with his, standing next to him and glancing in the mirror. "We look good together... people will believe it."  

He chuckles quietly before looking at the mirror, a genuine smile settling onto his face as he stares at the reflection. 

“I think we look very good together… as husband and wife.” Astumu lifts a hand off your arm to run a hand through his hair again once more, this time just styling it to look nice. “We’ll be perfect at the party, don’t worry.”

You nod softly and fluff your hair once more. "Ok...ready to go?" You hum

He nods in return, pulling you closer with a smile, resting his arm around your waist. The contact between you and him is intoxicating, but he pushes the thought away for another time.

“Let’s go, my love” He teases, leading you toward the door. “This party won’t know what hit them with how believable we are.”

🎀 Continued in Next Part🎀

(I will be posting Pt 2 tomorrow, ask if you want to be tagged!)

[sturniolo04]

Surprise M.S.

Bf!Matt x Gf!Reader

Summary: In which Matt surprises you (his gf)

A/N: Please leave requests in my inbox; running out of writing ideas

A long-distance relationship is something you and Matt didn't have in mind but, of course, when Matt and his brother's YouTube career took off all too fast, it threw almost a 3,000-mile wedge in your guys' relationship.

See you and the Triplets were what you called childhood best friends. You guys were basically raised together. The constant sleepovers and family vacations you guys took with each other's families. To sum it up, Marylou and Jimmy were legitimately your second mom and dad.

So ultimately you were bound to fall for one of your childhood best friends. Everyone out of your Boston friends thought that hands down Chris was going to be the one for you. The universe, though, had other plans, because as you and the triplets got older together and matured together to a degree, you took more of a liking to Matt just because of his calm demeanor and just knowing that he ultimately became your safe space. So when Junior Year of high school arrived you both came to your senses and ended up confessing to each other and being together ever since.

This brings you to the present day, you sitting at home not having the best day. Everything didn't go right for you since early that morning, from having so much college work piling up to do to being late for work to the ultimate dealbreaker, the worst thing about all of this is all you want is a simple hug from your boyfriend who ironically is hours away from you.

"is something bothering you sweetie," your mom asks from across the island counter you had recently installed in your new house when you moved out. "huh, oh it's nothing it's stupid" you reply back setting your phone down on the marble countertop. It wasn't stupid and it definitely wasn't nothing, on top of all the shitty things happening today Matt hadn't texted you once which was not normal for him so you just assumed he was in a meeting or something but when it became hours passing by you became anxious and nervous that he forgot about you and let LA get to his head. "Okay then, do you want to go to the store to restock your groceries so you don't starve" your mom chuckles to herself as she opens your refrigerator. "Sure, I have to go to Sephora anyway" you sigh grabbing your phone and then grabbing your shoes.

Little did you know this was all normal. Marylou, Matt, and your mom had planned this a month in advance, they were flying Matt out to Boston as we speak just to spend the month with you and it just so happens that it was on the exact day you really needed him most but, once again your completely unaware of this because after all, it was an unknown surprise.

-time skip-

"I just need some more foundation then we can go back to my house if you want Mom" you stated simply trying not to let on that you were so upset about not hearing from Matt. "okay take your time" your mom replied back as you turned to look through the various foundations to find yours. "I think your dad and I might go to visit your grandmother in Iowa soon" your mom states randomly to keep you somewhat distracted as she begins recording subtly the aisle next to the end of where you were currently standing. "really that sounds fun, how is she doing anyway?" you trail off in your response to your mom, still fixated on finding the foundation you were needing, all while your boyfriend, now sneaking his way to the exact spot you and your mom were located. "found it, we can go check out now mom" you state as you turn around facing her. "what are you doing mom" you giggle at your mom failing to give a response as she is still actively recording, giving your boyfriend enough time to fully stand next to you without you sensing his presence. After standing there perplexed at your mom's unusual reaction, you begin to turn to leave her and go check out so you can go back home. "oh my god" you exclaimed, hugging yourself out of pure shock, finally seeing who was standing next to you the whole time. "hi baby" matt finally speaks, giggling at your cuteness. "oh my god" you reiterate again finally wrapping your arms around matt's neck as he shifts his grip from your waist to your thighs lifting you off of the ground as you wrap your legs around him. "mom did you know about this" you ask genuinely as matt sets you back on your feet. " baby both your mom and my mom planned it out" Matt interjects grabbing the sides of your face and kissing your forehead then proceeds to wrap his arms around your neck and bring you into him. "okay well I will leave you lovebirds to it, I will meet you guys at the car " you mom announces walking out of Sephora.

"talk to me pretty girl what has been happening" Matt finally speaks up as you look up at him from your tight embrace "I really needed you today i have been so stressed out and I thought you were forgetting about me when you didn't text me at all today" you ramble on. "hey i would never forget about you I've known you my whole life, I'm crazy about you" he replies simply brushing the hair out of your face that had fallen from your messy ponytail. "pinky promise" you huff out as matt pulls away from the hug you guys were sharing to link your guys pinkies. "pinky promise angel"

Taglist

@adirtylittleheart @mintsturniolo

[coca-lastic]

Character: Hawks (Takami Keigo)

Warning: sugestive temes all the time, bites, reader Is not a hero, dom!reader

Hawks would have no shame in showing how much he loves you. He can't do it so openly because of his job, but if he didn't have to keep up a constant facade he'd probably walk the streets with lipstick marks and bite marks, it's not like you'd complain about creating that image.

But that is not possible, unfortunately. But it's not all bad either, you can brag that you have that whole view to yourself, you can mark it and then watch it like an artist after creating his best work, one that he is proud of and loves.

But the process, oh the process, hearing the little noises of pleasure, tickling or just happiness that come out of his mouth.

Yeah, you want to do that, after a while without doing it, without doing your works, you want to jump into your man's arms and attack him with your brush of lust and possessiveness.

And when you hear the door open you know it's time to start.

"I'm at home Dove" You hear from his mouth with a casancio tone.

You approach the entrance to see him take off his hero suit, leaving himself only in his wide, comfortable pants, thus exposing your blank page to you.

"Hey handsome, how was work?"

"Shit. All damn day there were stupid villians who don't even know how to do their job well, they just come out of nowhere to attack hoping that we'll come to the fucking rescue one more time and try to beat them as if they weren't so weak that even you could beat them up." "He said, dropping onto your shoulder and burying his face between your neck and jaw, now smiling at the harmless insult.

"hey! Asshole" you lightly hit the back of his head following the joke and pretending to be offended. All with a purpose. "You say it as if I couldn't bring you to your knees."

"Oh, really?" He poked his head out of her previous position, with a now mischievous smile. "Show me".

Is so easy. The thing is that you are happy to mark it and paint it to your liking but he is more than happy to be your canvas.

So he doesn't object when you take him to the living room couch, sit on top of him and look at him with sweet eyes and a happy smile. And he returns the same gesture, because it is more than a simple desperation to share a moment with honeyed caresses, or for what he may come next. It's the simple fact of valuing the moment.

That is exactly the reason why your lips run to his in a soft but long kiss, making you start your work now.

You lightly bite his lower lip and return to his lips a few more times, drinking in the taste of him like your favorite nectar.

Then, you decides to lower your lips to a place on his strong body, a little lower, on his marked jaw.

You leave bites and wet kisses, just so that the sensation of your actions last longer on his skin,

Then you manage to go down a little. right on his neck and the different areas of his, just when you bury your face in the area you manage to hear a hoarse laugh from the man below you and you feel how he moves his head to the side to give you accessibility.

"U looked so cute biting me and marking me like that" and you couldn't say anything else about him because the image of him with red cheeks and teeth crushing his lip was too attractive for him to want to talk.

You continued your work paying close attention to the sounds. Light "fuck" and "ohh~" could be heard every few seconds, the heavy breathing and gasping was even more constant. And it just motivates you to keep going and going.

You brought your hand to his hair, pulling it and then kneading it. While now your lips were on his collarbone and shoulders, looking for the points that pleased him the most.

"Oh god- ahh" "that tickl- wai- ugh" "right there...hmm"

Yeaaah, you loved him, it was your hobby to just ruin him.

And how beautiful it is to finish your work and see your man with bites everywhere.

On the neck, on the jaw, on the lips, on the shoulders, on the collarbone, on the pectorals and any area where you felt it would look perfect.

His hair was disheveled, his eyes moist and looking straight into yours, lips half open, hands clinging to your thighs and legs tense with an ache between them.

"And then you insult my strength when with just a few bites I can have you like this" you mocked, reaching for his lips again.

"Fuck you, but if you want I'll do it for you"

"I would be delighted, but I would like to remain the strong one today..."

Today you two would have a very very very long night.

Yei!

[logansargeantsbabymom]

Too Good To Say Goodbye pt7

Warnings: cursing

part 1 I part 2 I part 3 I part 4 I part 5 I part 6 I part 7

F1 Masterlist

Follow my instagram account (THATS STRICTLY FOR THIS BLOG) for updates on when i post and fun stuff like that!

instagram

I wanted to cry in the middle of the Wingstop. I wanted to break the news on my own terms but thanks to whoever runs the ‘F1GossipRoom’ account on instagram, I couldn’t. They ruined one of the biggest moments of my and Lando’s life. I know I've done this twice before but I wanted to witness all of Lando's firsts with this baby and the surprise pregnancy announcement was off the table.

I knew I was being overdramatic but I couldn't help it when the one thing I wanted to do got ruined and all these pregnancy hormones going through the roof I wasn't thinking clear but there was one thing I was sure about. I was going to find the person behind this gossip account and I was going to make their life a living hell.

"Baby, it's okay. It sucks because I wanted to just randomly drop this in a cute instagram post but we can still do that. We can't let these random no-lifers ruin this moment for us." A small chuckle escaped my lips as Lando had placed the wingstop down on the table and embraced me in a tight hug.

"I know baby, I'm sorry" I started to sob into Lando's shoulder which only further upset him.

"No, no baby please don't cry. How 'bout this: we go home, eat our food and we can watch Tangled again. How 'bout that? That sound like a plan?" Lando tried to negotiate while rubbing his hand up and down my back.

"And the second Captain America movie again?" I said as I pulled back from the embrace and wiped a few tears away from my face with a small smile becoming present.

"Anything for you" Lando said as he placed a quick kiss to my temple.

-

It took us about 30 minutes to get home, Lando had to make a quick pitstop at our local Dairy Queen because the baby really wanted a Mint Oreo blizzard.

"Okay babe. This is STRICTLY dessert. You AND BABY," Lando started before poking my tummy "need to eat actual food first"

"I know that, but I don't know if Baby gets it yet because they want a teeny tiny bite." I gave Lando puppy dog eyes

"Does the baby want a bite or do YOU want a bite?" Lando smirked as he cocked a brow in my direction

"Potato pahtato" I shrugged whited caused Lando to let out a laugh

"Just ONE bite." An excited shriek left my mouth as I quickly grabbed my blizzard and took a huge spoonful before letting out a satisfied moan at the taste of the cold, minty, chocolaty goodness that exploded on my tongue.

“Okay babe, I need you to get home now so I can eat because this is too good!!” I almost took another spoonful but Lando took it out of my hand, put the lid back on and put it in the cup holder on the door to make sure that it was out of my reach.

“That was so unnecessarily rude Lando. You’re sleeping on the couch tonight.” I said with a huff as I shifted my whole body to face the door with my arms crossed.

————

We’d gotten home about an hour ago and we were about halfway through Tangled (and our blizzards) when we heard a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it baby.” Lando said as he placed a quick kiss on my temple before getting up to answer the door

“Oh hey Logan, did you forget something?” I heard Lando say as I watched him side step to let Logan and Yelena in the house.

“I need to talk to Y/N, where is she?” Logan sounded a bit angry when he said that but Lando brushed it off. He probably thought it had something to do with Yelena and he thought it best to not push him further.

“She’s in the Living Room. We’re watching Tangled and eating.” Logan just handed Yelena over to Lando before brushing past him to get to me.

Lando held Yelena for about 5 seconds before he smelt a strange smell, lifting her up to smell her diaper before cringing at the smell radiating from it.

“Mmm girl, you stinky. Let’s give you a bath.” Lando cooed as he bounced her up and down before taking her up to our room to give her a bath.

While Lando was upstairs giving Yelena a bath my eyes stayed laser focused on Logan whom was still angrily walking over in my direction.

“Y/N, Really?!” Logan almost screamed as he finally reached me.

I just stared at him dumbfounded because who is he to barge into my house and start talking to me like this.

“I would really love some context here Logan.” I said as I placed my already melting blizzard on the coffee table.

“You’re pregnant?!” I should’ve sensed this coming given that it took months of convincing me that I wanted a baby for I even tried for one with Logan.

Being a mom wasn’t in my ‘To-Do Life Agenda’ but being with Logan and seeing how he was with his nieces, nephews and younger fans started to make me feel like maybe I wanted to be a mom.

“Logan, please. I was going to tell you before we told everyone else.” I tried to keep our voices hushed because I didn’t want Lando to hear how everyday of my life was after the loss of Theo when Logan and I was still together.

“No! That’s bullshit! It took me MONTHS of convincing you to get pregnant but you let HIM knock you up less than a year after having Yelena?! I should’ve known you were just a whore.” Logan murmured that last part and I wasn’t even sure if I heard him right.

“OKAY LOGAN! You’ve outstayed your welcome. Get out of my house now.” Lando’s voiced boomed as he was coming down the stairs with a clean, sleepy baby in his arms.

“What did you say to me?!” Logan challenged

“Get. The Fuck. Out. Of. My. House. Now. Before I call the cops.” Lando said sternly as he held the front door open once he reached the bottom of the steps ushering Logan through it.

“I’m not done with this conversation yet Y/N/N. We will-” was all we heard before Lando slammed the door shut cutting Logan off.

I wanted to cry, I felt so humiliated. Was I really a whore for being pregnant with Lando’s kid barely a year after having Logan’s? Maybe I was.

Lando quickly pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Let’s go to bed, we have our clinic tomorrow to make sure Lily picked up the gender reveal envelope so they can start planning the reveal and we can see if maybe Lily and Oscar can take Yelena too?” With a quick nod of my head Lando made his way to the nursery to put Yelena to sleep while I started to clean the mess up in the living room.

after about 10 minutes I entered our shared bedroom to see Lando scrolling for a movie to watch.

“Oh let’s watch-”

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier? It’s already waiting to be played” One thing about Lando is he knows what to do to make me feel special.

I got in the bed and cuddled close to Lando while also being cautious of my belly. I didn’t make it 10 minutes into the movie before I knocked out.

————

The next morning I made my way into the clinic while Lando and Yelena stayed in the car. I need to be the one to make sure that Lily did her gender reveal planner duties.

“Can I help you?” the nice young lady at the front desk asked

“Hi, yes. Could you tell me if the gender reveal envelope under the last name ‘Norris’ was picked up yesterday?” I asked politely

“Yes ma’am it was.” The lady said, her voice laced with nervousness “Was it not supposed to be picked up yesterday?”

“Oh it was! I just wanted to make sure!” A sigh of relief echoed through the air from the lady “Thank you!” I cooed as I walked away from the front desk and out the door into the car that was double parked waiting for me.

When I got in the car the look on Lando’s face asked if Lily picked up the envelope, to which I nodded my head before saying “Let me call Lily and ask if we can drop off Yelena while she’s planning.”

After a few rings Lily picked up the phone

“Hey Lily! I saw that you picked up the envelope yesterday. I was wondering if while you’re planning today if we could drop Yelena off, Logan came by yesterday and I have to deal with him” I said joyfully into the phone.

“Hey girl, sorry but I didn’t pick up the envelope yesterday. I had too many meeting to attend to, I was actually on my way to get it now” Lily replied back

A nervous look coated my face.

“If you didn’t pick it up. Who did?” my voice AND hands shaky

“Babe! Hang up the phone now and look at instagram! I’m gonna fucking kill him”

Lando’s face was 50 shades of red when I looked over. There was no way my worst fear was gonna come true. He’s not THAT disrespectful.

Unfortunately when I opened instagram it confirmed my worst nightmare.

———-

JUST A QUICK SUM SUM BEFORE I HAVE TO FINISH MY DOUBLE TN!!!

Taglist:

@luckyladycreator2 @itsmiamalfoy @jeffs77 @ilivbullyingjeongin @forevercaffeinated-lee @daemyratwst @gulphulp @callsignwidow @f1wintermoon13 @teenwolf01 @victoriassecret101 @hiireadstuff @formulaal l @kazza72584 @zabwlky1999 @dark-night-sky-99 @rougekiki @xoscar03 @jess-wither @bountychanti @dhanihamidi @Ggasly.p @tellybearryyyy

[newobsessionweekly]

Puppy Bradford

part 1

Main Masterlist | The Rookie masterlist

Tim Bradford x fem!reader

Summary: You consider fostering Charlie after his mom's passing, but things don't always go as planned, they are better when Tim proposes to you.

Fluff

Requested: yes

Words: 4k

The weeks after Charlie's initial stay at your home saw a transformation none of you anticipated. Tim's grumpiness was gradually replaced by a quieter acceptance, and Charlie began to see you both as the support system he desperately needed.

"Hey, Y/N," Charlie called one evening, the excitement in his voice palpable through the phone. "I got an A in Geometry!"

You smiled, pride swelling in your chest. "That's amazing, Charlie! I knew you could do it. Tim's going to be so proud when he hears."

"Yeah, he really helped me study," Charlie admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Can you tell him I said thanks?"

"Of course, sweetheart. He'll be thrilled," you replied, glancing at Tim, who was engrossed in a football game. You nudged him playfully, and he glanced at you with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" he asked, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Charlie got an A in Geometry."

Tim's face softened, a rare look of pride shining in his eyes. "That's great. Tell him good job and to keep it up."

This became a regular occurrence. Charlie called you often, updating you on his progress at school, sharing his successes and his struggles. Each conversation filled your heart with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing you were making a difference in his life. Tim, too, found himself eagerly awaiting these updates, though he tried to mask his growing affection with his usual gruff exterior.

"Hey, Y/N, guess what?" Charlie's voice crackled through the phone one afternoon. "I made the basketball team!"

"That's fantastic, Charlie!" you exclaimed, "We'll have to come to your first game."

"Really? You and Tim would come?" His surprise and joy were evident.

"Absolutely. We're your biggest fans."

Tim and you make it a point to visit the hospital every few days, ensuring that Charlie and his mom, Lisa, have everything they need. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the quiet hum of medical equipment become familiar as you navigate the hallways.

Every time you walk in, the air feels heavy with unspoken words and lingering fears. Lisa's frail frame lies against the pillows, her eyes lighting up at the sight of you. Charlie hovers by her side, offering what comfort he can.

"Y/N, Tim, you didn't have to come again," she would say, her voice frail but warm.

"We want to," you would reply gently, setting down a basket of fresh fruits and some books. "You're part of our family now."

Tim would give her a reassuring nod, his eyes softening as he took in the scene. "Is there anything you need, Lisa?" he'd ask, always ready to lend a hand.

Her gratitude was palpable, her eyes brimming with tears at the kindness you both showed. "You two are a godsend," she'd whisper, "I don't know what we would have done without you."

You'd sit by her side, holding her hand, feeling the frailty of her grip. "We're here for you, Lisa. For both of you."

"I can't thank you enough for everything you're doing. Knowing Charlie has you two... it makes this a little easier." Lisa said softly.

Tim, standing at the foot of the bed, nodded respectfully, "We're happy to help. Charlie's a good kid. He deserves the best."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked between the two of you.

"I've made peace with what's coming. Knowing my son won't be alone, that he has you both... I can go in peace. Thank you."

You squeezed her hand gently, your heart aching at her words. "We'll take care of him. You have our word."

The phone rang late one night, jarring you awake. Groggily, you reached for it, your heart dropping as you saw Charlie's name on the screen.

"Charlie?" you answered, your voice thick with sleep and concern.

"Y/N... it's Mom. She's... she's..." he said, his voice breaking.

You sat up, your heart aching. "Oh, Charlie, I'm so sorry. Tim and I are on our way, okay?"

Tim is already moving, grabbing his keys and your jackets. "Let's go."

The drive to the hospital was silent, the weight of the news heavy in the air. When you arrived, you rushed through the hospital corridors, finding Charlie sitting alone in the waiting area, his face pale and eyes red from crying.

"Charlie," you called softly, moving towards him with Tim close behind.

He looked up, his face crumpling with relief and grief at the sight of you. You pulled him into a tight embrace, your heart breaking for the young boy.

"We're so sorry," you whispered, holding him close. "We're here for you."

Tim knelt down beside you, placing a comforting hand on Charlie's back. "I'm so sorry, kid," he said, "We're going to get through this together, okay?"

Tim exchanged a glance with you, silently communicating his thoughts. He then turned back to Charlie, "How about you come home with us tonight? Dinner's ready, you can get some rest. We'll come back in the morning."

Charlie looked between the two of you, uncertainty and exhaustion evident in his eyes. "I don't want to leave her," he said, his voice trembling.

"We get that," you replied softly. "But we want you to be safe and taken care of. We'll come back first thing in the morning. Your mom would want you to take care of yourself too."

Tim nodded, "She's right, Charlie. It's important you stay strong and healthy. We’ll call the school in the morning and let them know you’ll be taking a few days off."

Charlie hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay," he whispered, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his grief. "Thank you."

The days turned into weeks, and Charlie had become a permanent fixture in your home. His presence brought a sense of warmth and life to the house, despite the somber circumstances that had brought him there.

You and Tim did everything you could to make him feel welcome and loved, supporting him through the funeral and the tough days that followed.

"Hey, Charlie, want to help me with dinner?" you called out one evening, poking your head into the guest room that slowly turned into his own.

Charlie looked up from his homework, "Sure. I'll be right there."

As he joined you in the kitchen, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride watching him chop vegetables.

"You're getting pretty good at this," you remarked, handing him a bowl to mix the ingredients.

He grinned, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. "Thanks. Tim's been showing me some tricks."

Your boyfriend wandered into the kitchen just then, a tired but contented smile on his face. "Smells good in here," he commented, leaning against the counter.

You smiled back at him, a warmth spreading through your chest at the sight of him. "Charlie's been a big help," you said, nodding towards the boy beside you.

Tim's smile widened, and he ruffled Charlie's hair affectionately. "Good job, buddy," he said proudly.

Later that evening, as you and Tim sat together on the couch, you couldn't shake the thought that Charlie's stay with you might be more permanent than originally planned. You turned to Tim, the question weighing heavily on your mind.

"What's going to happen to Charlie?"

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, he's a minor, so he'll probably be put into foster care," he explained, his expression grim.

You frowned, the thought of Charlie being sent to a foster home unsettling. "But he's been through so much already," you protested. "He shouldn't have to go through even more trouble."

Tim nodded in agreement, his brow furrowing, "I already talked to Social Services," he admitted. "They said the judge will likely consider foster care over emancipation."

You chewed your lip, mulling over his words. "What if... what if we fostered him?" you suggested tentatively.

His eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at you, his expression unreadable. "Foster him?" he repeated, as if trying the idea on for size.

You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest. "Yeah. We've been with him through everything, Tim. We care about him. What do you think?"

He contemplated for a moment, his gaze distant. Then, to your surprise, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You know what? That's not a bad idea," he admitted.

You couldn't help but smile, "Timothy, I never thought I'd see the day when you wanted to foster a teenager," you teased, nudging him playfully.

Tim rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "Hey, I have a heart, you know," he replied, his tone gruff but affectionate.

You laughed, leaning in closer to him. "I know," you said softly, reaching for his hand. "And it's one of the things I love most about you."

His expression softened, his gaze warm as he looked at you. "I see Charlie as a son I always wanted," he admitted, "And I think we can give him a good home."

You smiled, squeezing his hand gently. "I think so too," you agreed, feeling a swell of gratitude and love for the man sitting beside you.

Tim leaned in closer, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "I'll talk to Grey and Luna in the morning," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Luna can help us with the process of becoming foster parents."

You nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. Leaning into his embrace, Tim held you close, his arms strong and reassuring.

Next morning, as the three of you gathered around the table for breakfast, an unspoken tension filled the air. Tim focused on flipping pancakes, while you tried to find the right words to broach the subject with Charlie. The smell of fresh coffee and syrup filled the kitchen, but the comforting scents did little to ease the anxiety gnawing at you.

"We wanted to talk to you about something," you began, meeting Charlie's gaze across the table. Your voice was calm, but your heart raced.

Charlie nodded, his expression guarded. "Okay," he said softly, his tone wary.

"You've been staying here for a week now, and..." you trailed off, searching for the right words.

"And you want me to go," Charlie interjected, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I bothered you enough."

Tim turned off the stove and wiped his hands on a dish towel before stepping over to the table. He pulled out a chair and sat down, leaning forward with a serious expression. He placed a hand on your back and another on Charlie's shoulder.

"No, buddy," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "We want you to stay here with us."

Charlie looked at both of you, surprise and confusion flickering in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

"We know how hard this is for you," you continued softly. "Losing your mom... it's not something anyone should go through alone. We want to help you, Charlie. We want you to finish high school, have a good future."

"We know the foster care system can be rough," Tim said, his gaze steady on Charlie. "And legally, you'd be put into a foster home. But we want to be those foster parents. If you want that too."

Charlie's expression hardened, his grief morphing into anger. "Why do you even care?" he snapped. "You don't know me. You think you can just replace my mom?"

"We're not trying to replace anyone," you said, your voice trembling slightly. "We just want to help."

"Help?" Charlie scoffed, "You think I'm just some kid you can take pity on?" he spat, his voice laced with bitterness.

Tim's jaw clenched, his expression tight with frustration. "That's not what we think, kid," he said firmly, his voice unwavering. "We care about you."

But Charlie wasn't listening. He pushed his chair back abruptly, the screech of metal against tile echoing through the room. "I don't need your help," he said bitterly, his tone final. "I can take care of myself."

You watched helplessly as Charlie stormed out of the house, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you realized that your efforts had been in vain. You turned to Tim, your eyes pleading for understanding.

Tim placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, pulling you into a tight embrace. "We tried," he said softly, his voice filled with sorrow. "We did everything we could."

You nodded, unable to find the words to express your grief. The loss of Charlie felt like a weight pressing down on your chest, suffocating you with its intensity. You buried your face in Tim's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek.

"I thought we could help him," you whispered.

His hand moved up to stroke your hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I know," he said softly. "I know."

As Tim prepared to leave for work, you stood in the hallway, your heart heavy with the weight of the morning's events. He turned to face you, his expression tender and filled with understanding.

"Hey..." you called out.

Tim stepped closer, wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace. "I know," he said simply, his voice a soft murmur against your ear. "I'll keep an eye on him."

You clung to him, finding solace in his strength. "Thank you," you whispered, your voice barely above a whisper.

Tim pulled back slightly, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. "We'll figure this out."

Weeks passed, and Charlie found himself shuffled from one foster family to another, never quite fitting in. Each new home brought fresh disappointment and the deepening sense that he didn't belong anywhere.

You and Tim dedicated yourselves to the process of becoming foster parents. The paperwork was extensive and the wait felt endless, but you both knew it was worth it.

Tim reached out to his ex-girlfriend Rachel—who worked for CPS — and with her help, he managed to keep an eye on Charlie's progress. What he saw only confirmed his fears: Charlie was not adjusting well to his new life.

"How's Charlie doing?" Lucy asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "And how's Y/N holding up with everything?"

Tim tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road. "Not great," he admitted. "When we told Charlie about the foster care system and that we wanted to be his foster parents, he didn't take it well. He's been bouncing from one family to another, and none of them seem to be a good fit for him."

"He'll come around," she said softly. "Whether you like to admit it or not, the kid has a place under your skin and vice versa. He's just hurting right now. He'll come back asking for help when he's ready."

"Yeah, tell that to Y/N. Maybe she'll listen to you." Tim sighed, a heavy sound filled with frustration and worry. "I don't like seeing her so sad because of some puppy. I don't want to tell her 'I told you so,' but I did tell her it might not be a good idea to get involved with him."

Lucy gave him a sympathetic smile. "Tamara did the same, and now she's the best roommate I've ever had."

Tim chuckled softly, "Jackson would disagree with you."

"Bradford, someone's asking for you at the front desk."

Grey approached them as soon as they walked back into the station. Tim watched Lucy process the suspect before he headed out to meet his visitor. With a nod of acknowledgment, he made his way to the front desk, his steps quick and purposeful.

Tim's heart skipped a beat when he saw Charlie standing there, his posture tense and his expression uncertain. Charlie stood up quickly as Tim approached, his eyes avoiding Tim's gaze.

"Officer Bradford," Charlie began, his voice trembling. "I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you and Y/N. I'm sorry and I'm sorry for running away.

Tim's expression softened, his heart going out to the troubled teenager before him.

"Charlie," he said gently, his voice carrying a note of compassion. "It's just Tim."

The boy's eyes flickered with surprise, a hint of relief washing over him.

"Tim," he echoed softly.

Tim placed a comforting hand on Charlie's shoulder, the gesture conveying more than words ever could.

"Kid, I understand," he said,"We all have our moments. But you're not alone in this."

Charlie's gaze dropped, his guilt weighing heavily on him. "I'm just so tired of feeling like a screw-up," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to do better."

Tim nodded understandingly, his grip on his shoulder tightening ever so slightly. "You can, Charlie," he said firmly, his voice brimming with conviction. "But you're right, there's someone else you need to apologize to."

Charlie's breath caught in his throat, the weight of his actions settling heavily on his shoulders. "Y/N," he whispered, the name a painful reminder of the hurt he had caused.

Tim nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Y/N cares about you, Charlie," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "We both do. And we're not giving up on you."

A flicker of hope ignited in Charlie's eyes, a tentative smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You still want to help me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Tim returned the smile, a sense of resolve settling over him. "We're not here to judge you. We want to help you. If you're willing to put in the effort, we'll be there every step of the way."

Charlie looked up at Tim, his eyes shimmering with gratitude and hope. "Thank you," he whispered, "Thank you for not giving up on me. I... I would be beyond grateful if you still want to help me. If you don't hate me."

"We don't hate you, Charlie," he said firmly, "And we're not going anywhere."

The familiar scent of your cooking filled the room, providing a sense of comfort and normalcy. As your boyfriend and Charlie stepped inside, Tim saw you setting up the table for dinner, arranging two sets of everything with meticulous care. The clinking of plates and silverware was a soothing, everyday sound that contrasted with the emotional whirlwind outside.

"Hey, baby," Tim greeted softly, his voice carrying the warmth of a long day finally coming to an end.

He walked over to you and placed a gentle kiss on your lips. You leaned into the kiss, savoring the brief moment of connection. The touch of his lips was reassuring, grounding you in the present.

Tim then turned his attention to the table and added, "You might want to make three of that."

You looked up, curiosity in your eyes. "Who's joining us?" you asked, looking at Tim's expression for clues.

Tim didn't answer immediately but instead pointed to the door where Charlie stood hesitantly, his posture tense and uncertain. Your face fell, tears welling up in your eyes as you looked back and forth between Charlie and Tim, trying to process what was happening. The emotional impact of seeing Charlie there, vulnerable and seeking solace, hit you like a wave.

You walked towards Charlie, your heart pounding in your chest. Each step felt heavy with the weight of the past weeks. As you reached him, you enveloped him in a warm, tight hug, your arms wrapping around him protectively.

"It's so good to see you, Charlie." You could feel Charlie's shoulders relax a little under your touch. "Come on, let's eat before it gets cold."

You settled at the table, and Charlie's face lit up at the sight of your delicious food. He took a deep breath, the familiar aromas bringing a sense of peace.

"I missed this so much." The words seemed to break the ice, melting some of the tension in the room.

"You're welcome here whenever you want," you replied warmly, your eyes shining with kindness. You reached across the table, gently squeezing his hand.

"Or," Tim interjected, "you can just stay here with us."

"Tim..." you began, surprised by his straightforwardness. You turned to him, eyes wide with shock and a hint of hope.

"I'd love that," Charlie said, cutting through your hesitation with a hopeful smile.

"What?" you asked, stunned.

"Look, Y/N, I'm so sorry for snapping at you," Charlie confessed, his voice sincere and eyes downcast. "I shouldn't have said those things to you. After everything you've done for me, you deserve better." His voice wavered with the weight of his regret.

You gently took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Oh, sweetheart. You had a rough time, and I understand that. We understand that. We're here if you need to talk, whenever you're ready."

Charlie took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Actually, I was hoping I could stay here with you guys. Tim told me about the fostering process, and I was hoping it was still a thing."

You looked at Tim, your eyes wide with shock and hope. When he smiled and nodded, a wide smile spread across your face.

"Yes, of course."

Charlie hugged you tightly, and you felt his relief and gratitude in the embrace. Tears of joy streamed down your face as you held him, your heart swelling with emotion. The warmth of the hug conveyed all the unsaid words and feelings.

Tim cleared his throat, drawing your attention back to him. "Actually," he said, "I was thinking adoption would be a better option."

"Are you serious?" you asked, your voice filled with disbelief, turning to look at Tim with wide eyes.

"Yes," Tim confirmed, reaching into his pocket.

You watched him with bated breath as he pulled out a small box. Your eyes searched his for answers, your heart pounding in your chest.

"What's this? Tim? What are you doing?" you asked, your voice trembling.

Tim took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto yours. "I thought maybe it was best all three of us to share the same last name. I never imagined adopting a teenager, especially not one I arrested. But you, baby, you make me want to be a better man. And I can't do any of this without you. You showed me the bright side of this world, and you light up my life. Will you marry me? Because this kid's life is in your hands, and I don't want to do this without you 100% in."

"Yes, Tim. Oh, God, yes!" you exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down your face as Tim slipped the ring onto your finger and the touch of the cool metal sent a shiver down your spine.

"You're such a jerk," you teased, laughing through your tears as you playfully swatted his arm. "You almost ruined a beautiful moment."

"I just made sure you'd say yes," Tim retorted with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief. His hand lingered on your cheek, thumb brushing away a tear.

Charlie grinned, the tension easing as he watched the exchange. "Do I need to call you mom and dad or something?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Oh, no, no," you laughed, shaking your head. "I'm too young to be called a mom. But if you want to..."

"I think I'm good," Charlie said, smiling with a mix of relief and happiness.

"But you can call me Officer Bradford," Tim added, his tone teasingly gruff as he gave Charlie a playful nudge.

"Oh, stop it. Leave the kid alone," you said, nudging Tim back. "He's joking, Charlie. You need to get used to his bad jokes."

Tim grumbled, "You should be glad I'm not into dad jokes like Nolan."

"And that's why you should never call him dad," you quipped to Charlie with a grin.

"Roger that," Charlie responded, chuckling as he settled back into his seat.

[sjylouvre]

faking it til it’s real (sjy)

bsf&bf!jaeyun x fem!reader

wc: 1.9k

comments, likes and reposts are appreciated!

having a romantic relationship with someone is not something you want, at least you didn't a few months ago, not after your ex had cheated on you with one of your friends. you haven't got over it, now things are better, but the after-effects are still there. you were very close, you got on wonderfully, and it took a trip by your ex to turn everything upside down. and yet you were dreading it; your ex and your friend kept seeing each other for "group homework" or some nonsense here and there.

you're currently packing your things in your bag, the uni bell has just rung. you head for the exit where your best friend is supposed to be waiting. you look around, but there's no sign of him. you're about to call him but you're pulled aside into a little corner. what the- jaeyun?? jaeyun shh you and puts his hand over your mouth gently. you look at him without understanding the situation. he looks around and pulls his hand away. can you explain to me what's going on? you were supposed to come and get me, that's all, you say, raising your voice a bit. first of all, keep your voice down please, we’ll get caught, and secondly, my ex is just round the corner with some guy, and I don't want her to see me. you frown, why wouldn't he want her to see him? look, she thinks she knows I'm in a relationship, and I'm told she's very jealous that I am, says jaeyun in a whisper. wait wait, what do you mean in a relationship? jaeyun raises his eyebrows at your reflection. of course i'm not but... i need you, i need us to act like a couple... please. besides... he says to you, smiling slightly, you couldn't refuse given that you had this idea of making your ex jealous.. you gasp slightly... does this mean you'll have to get even closer to jaeyun than you already are... that you'll have dates with him... that you'll have to... kiss him? jaeyun, i don't think i can do this... you bow your head at the thought of having to be close to him. jaeyun cups your face between his hands and searches for your eyes, which are nowhere in his field of vision. hey, everything's going to be fine, trust me, it's just for a short while, all right? he tries so hard to reassure you, and you ends up agreeing. you'd like to make your ex jealous, even though you no longer have any feelings towards him, just anger in the end.

jaeyun, during this "fake couple" period, would give you a long hug when he knew his ex was around, or hold your hand firmly. he would kiss your forehead or temple to show even more affection towards you. you, on the other hand, would smile at him with stars in your eyes as you always have, kissing his cheek or putting your head on his neck. you both promised each other one thing, that nothing would separate you, and that you wouldn't cross the line of this fake couple.

one evening, you're both at home, watching a movie on the sofa. you decided to make yourselves some popcorn, drinks and whatever else you wanted to eat. you're in the kitchen, making the popcorn, and jaeyun is taking the drinks out of the fridge. it's pretty quiet between you, with no real reason until jaeyun comes along to break the ice. we've been acting like a couple for a few weeks now, you know? you turn your head towards him, a little shocked by his comment, you didn't expect it to be long enough, and you didn't really realise it. and i don't mind, you know, adds jaeyun, putting the drink down on the counter behind you. you bite the inside of your mouth, not really knowing what to say, unsettled. you say nothing? y/n? you put down a spoon you had in your hand and turn towards him. you notice that jaeyun was quite close to you, his face just a few centimetres from yours. still nothing? damn you've lost your tongue, should i go and look for it you think? you open your eyes at his words. you lightly tap his chest and he grabs your hand, extending his gaze to yours. at first, it was only to make my ex and your ex jealous, but this is different. you look at him puzzled. what are you talking about? what's different? jaeyun answers without even hesitating, which makes you miss a beat. us, this whole fake couple... i don't want it anymore. i've had enough of pretending all along, jaeyun moves closer to you, causing you to step back and hit your back to the counter. you feel the warmth of his breath just inches from your face, please be mine. he gently places one hand on your cheek and the other on your hip. to be completely honest with you, it would be a lie to say that you've never felt anything for jaeyun, he's got all the makings of a perfect boyfriend. his smile when you tell him about your day, his kind attentions to any tiny thing you give importance to, his words of encouragement or even his presence when you're not feeling well, his gentleness, his positivity, then his charisma, his beauty. he begs you with his eyes, looking at every corner of your face, taking care to pass by your lips. it's at that precise moment that jaeyun tightens his grip on your hip, bringing it gently towards him, and places a small kiss on your lips. thousands of butterflies fly over you.

you don't push him away, because deep down you know you've already felt something for him. so you kiss him back, running your hands over the back of his neck and his hair. breathless, you let go and jaeyun rests his forehead against yours and whispers, if you only knew how much i dreamed of this moment, if you only knew how many times i wanted to kiss you. you smile at him and say sincerely, if you want me to be yours, then i want you to be mine, jaeyun. jaeyun steps back a little from you, smiles up to his ears and pulls you into his arms, gently stroking your back. you won't have to hide from each other anymore, because it's all real now.

notes: no because having jaeyun as a bf… 😩

decided to write a bit longer for this one, couldn’t stop writing tbh…

[multi-fandom-imagine]

Hello!!

Could I please get "mojito" with Zib and "long island" with Wick?

My two fav lackadaisy boys<3 (is it only me or is there not enough content with them?😭)

And btw remember to hydrate! :3

A/n: I love them both! { and you're right, they both need more love }

*ೃ༄ cocktail-inspired otp prompts ˚◞♡ ⃗

•Dorian Zibowski•

[ mojito ] - to cap off an arduous day, they hit up a club to go dancing

Zib wasn't known for dancing or going out to clubs, sure he played music but he'd much rather stay home and spend his time with you but when you mentioned how much you wanted to go dancing at the new club he could hardly turn you down. You looked so pretty all dressed up and he couldn't help but feel proud knowing he had you hanging off his arm.

Nothing beat the night dancing with through out the night. Giving you a little twirl as your laughter echoed through the bar. Zib loved how your body pressed in perfectly into his, he loved seeing the smile and the sweet taste of alcohol when he kissed you.

Sighing, you rested your head on his chest as his arms wrapped securely around your waist. "Thank you for this Dorian...you didn't have to do this."

Letting out a snort, Zib removed his hat placing it on your head. "You don't gotta thank me for anything beautiful."

•Sedgewick Sable•

[ long island ] - one muse picks the other from a bar, late at night

Wick never liked these places, he was never good at dealing with being in a place like this. Shifting his body, the man felt relief flood his body the moment he saw you enter the bar. Nearly slipping off the stool the man stumbled towards you.

"Thank goodness."

A small snort escaped your lips as you caught the man in your arms. "I said I would be here, I'm sorry it took me so long." You muttered.

Shaking his head, Wick clung to you as he pressed his face into your neck. His eyes peering up at you for a moment as he gave you a weak smile. "Can we please go."

Humming you nodded your head weaving your arms through his own. "Have you've been drinking?"

"Only a little! I'm out of my element here."

Letting out another laugh you shook your head giving him a teasing grin kissing his cheek. "You're so cute Wick, we'll get you home soon enough okay."

"Hmp...fine." He did his best to ignore the warmth spreading across his body but he was just happy you were here.

[rocksibblingsau]

What would branch being captured by the v's look like in the classical branch au

would trollzart and the others have to find his brothers or like how would they react to branch's brothers acting so undignified(by classical troll stantards) especially compared to branch who is literally The etiquette person(having written books and being a etiquette teacher, etc)

- :D

If Classical Branch was captured by Velvet and Veneer, I like to think the two actually have no idea if they actually caught Bitty B.

"Are we sure this is Bitty B?" "The name is 'Branch', my good sir." "Who cares if it is, we'll just lie and tell BroZone we have Bitty B."

John Dory gets the letter and goes to confirm himself, finding Classical Branch. He actually can't tell that Classical Branch is Branch, and Branch doesn't know that John Dory doesn't know.

JD: Hello? Hey! Hey are you okay? Branch: Johnathon Dory? JD: Uh just John Dory. Branch: My apologies. I'm relatively unharmed, though most indisposed. You best leave now, before Madam Velvet and Sir Veneer return. JD: I should get you out- WAIT! Do they have any other trolls here? Branch: No, just myself, thankfully. Though some company would help see me through the nights...

Branch tells JD to find his father, Trollzart, and even gives him directions to both Pop Village/Trollstopia and Symphonyville. JD plans to first stop by Pop Village to find his brothers and then he'll get "this Trollzart dude", as he still believes they are the best shot at the family harmony.

JD interrupts the wedding to ask about Branch like normal, now that the letter was a bust. Poppy tells him Branch just left a bit ago to return home to Symphonyville. JD, at this point, doesn't actually know what Symphonyville is or that it implies Branch is living with a whole other type of Trolls. So he just goes "GREAT! That's where the fancy dude I found also lives. Maybe Branch knows him!" He explains a bit more to Poppy and she has to tell him that WAS Branch he found.

JD insists she's mistaken ("No you didn't see this guy, he was a real fancypants nerd type and Bitty's just a baby") but Branch's friends all confirm that that's what Branch is like now. He still doubts it as he was told to find his 'father' and it's not possible for Branch to mean THEIR dad. Meeting the Classical Trolls he's even more confused because what is UP with these dudes?

Trollzart's instantly worried to hear Branch has been kidnapped, as well as upset with John Dory. "You just LEFT him there? Ah well I suppose the notion isn't foreign to you." But he's willing to do whatever it takes to save his darling boy.

The trip to find Bruce is tense as John Dory had been the patriarch of the family, and now some fancy dressed baby man who talks like he swallowed a dictionary (JD's words, not mine) is trying to claim he's Branch's dad?

When they get to the island, Bruce doesn't want to even listen to John Dory until Trollzart yells out "For heaven's sake, isn't there a single one of you who cares about dearest Branch?!" That gets Bruce's attention and he demands to know what's up. He wants to help but he's still a bit confused on Trollzart's role in this.

Since Branch isn't there, it's slightly thanks to Trollzart they find Clay. Bruce and John Dory are arguing back and forth and Trollzart remarks to Poppy that despite the glass he can "Smell the stench of those foul undergarments just as well as he could from a mile away". Poppy gets the idea to use them for Rhonda and they arrive at the Hole N Fun.

Clay initially is pretty cool with Trollzart, as he's "hardcore serious" but when it's clear that Trollzart has a grudge he gets defensive.

The brothers have no clue how to find Floyd but thankfully they don't need to. Floyd also received the letter and he meets up with them outside of Mount Rageous.

The group attempts to practice, resulting in their fighting. Floyd attempts to break it up, cue the line about going their separate ways. It's Trollzart who gets upset this time. "Ah what a displeasure it is to see the four of you reprising your star roles. Though it is my first time seeing it, my beloved son has described that dreaded day that I myself am experiencing deja vu witnessing this. Truly if the world is a stage you are most befitting of the villainous role. One must wonder what it must be like to care so little about anyone other than oneself, it must surely be quite liberating to not feel the least bit of sorrow at the thought of the infant you left behind."

Trollzart joins the fight, telling the brothers about what a joy Branch is to have as a son and doesn't reveal Branch's trauma but does imply Branch HAS trauma and its their fault. Trollzart tells them they don't deserve the option of a second chance and he leaves and tells Poppy he'll attempt this 'perfect family harmony' his own way.

Trollzart and Branch duet for the perfect family harmony, with Brozone playing more of a supporting role. I'm thinking it'd be sort of a broadway type of song. Kinda like 'Not While I'm Around' from Sweeney Todd or 'Dear Theodosia' from Hamilton, a little bit 'Slipping Through My Fingers' from Mamma Mia, even. If Classical Branch was an actual Trolls movie I'd probably make them hire that Lin Manual guy that @dialga64bitz keeps sending me pictures of in my submissions box to write the song.

And uh, yeah. That's about how it'd go I imagine.

[formulauno98]

A Birthday to Remember - Part Four - Toto Wolff x Reader

Originally written as an OC, inspired by an amazing request from @latte-luxe, I have rewritten this to a Reader POV, no descriptions and no use of your name. The only brief description is of a butt (you can probably guess why).

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: Caution may contain fluff.

Author’s Notes: Disclaimer, purely fiction, no-one is married in this alt-universe.

The sun was high in the sky as you and Toto finished brunch together on his terrace, Toto having laid out an impressive spread of pastries and mimosas for your final meal together. The peaceful morning a surprisingly domestic contrast from the frenzied night of passion that you had just shared. It was the perfect end to your birthday weekend.

“Thank you for this,” you said, savouring a bite of a buttery croissant. “You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”

Toto smiled, watching you with a look of satisfaction. “It was no trouble at all. I wanted to make this weekend special for you.”

“You succeeded,” you replied, raising your glass. “To an unforgettable birthday.”

“To unforgettable moments,” Toto echoed, clinking his glass with yours.

Packing your things back into your weekend bag, you felt mixed emotions. Your unexpected, whirlwind romance was over as quickly as it had begun and you knew deep down that this was a one-off, no matter what Toto said. Your lives were too different, it would never work.

——

As you sped along the scenic coastal road back towards the airport, once again in Toto’s classic 300SL, you were both lost in your thoughts. The morning had passed all too quickly and you both knew that their weekend was almost over.

Reaching over, Toto took your hand gently in his, his large hand easily covering yours. "I don't want you to leave yet," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the road.

"Neither do I," you replied, your voice tinged with sadness. "But reality calls."

You shared a quiet moment, Toto holding your hand until he had to shift down a gear, the picturesque scenery blurring into a backdrop to your fragile emotions.

——

At Nice airport, you checked in all too quickly and turned to Toto, heart heavy with the impending goodbye. It was silly really, you’d known this man all of two days but had gotten swept up in a wave of emotions and been offered a glimpse into a glamorous world that you would never be a part of. 

As you stood in front of the departure gate, the bustling airport crowd around was a stark contrast to the intimate weekend you had just shared. A tourist had even approached Toto for a selfie, something he had reluctantly but politely obliged while you stood there awkwardly. It was yet another reminder of the two vastly different universes that you existed in.

"I know it’s stupid to say but I'm going to miss you," Toto said, pulling you into a tight embrace, his eyes filled with sadness. 

"I'll miss you too," you whispered, holding on to him tightly, enjoying the strength and warmth of his arms around you for one last time.

You shared a lingering kiss, the world around fading away. Pulling back, you smiled, "Thank you for the best birthday I could have ever imagined."

"The pleasure was all mine," Toto replied, his dark eyes sincere, "Please call me when you are home safe, if you can."

"I will," you said, standing on tippy toes and giving him a final peck on the cheek before turning towards the security checkpoint.

As you walked away, you glanced back to see Toto standing watching you, his arms folded, his expression unreadable. Noticing you he smiled and waved, a little goofily. At first sight, he may have seemed intimidating but having now spent time getting to know him, you could see beyond the icy facade and found him truly endearing.

Waving back, you were thankful you had almost rounded the corner as you could feel tears welling up. You willed yourself to stop and be thankful that you had had such a brilliant birthday, both with your friends and with Toto. It truly had been a birthday to remember.

——

The first few weeks after your return were filled with frequent messages and calls from your handsome paramour. Toto would share snippets of his hectic life, sending blurry pictures from various tracks, while you shared your daily life and the joys and challenges of your busy job. You may have been worlds apart but the spark remained.

Despite the distance, the connection felt strong and you made plans to meet up again, discussing the logistics of possible weekends and holidays. But as time went on, the frequency of your communication began to wane, Toto's demanding schedule and constant travel across time zones making it difficult to pin down dates and maintain regular contact. You, too, found yourself buried in work, your days now filled with meetings and endless reports.

Your conversations became sporadic and eventually, the messages stopped altogether. You knew that maintaining a relationship with someone living such a different life was always going to be a challenge, but you cherished the memories of your wild birthday weekend and tried not to get too sad about it. Life carried on as normal and you had to smile when you were sat at home watching the Monaco Grand Prix and Toto flashed up on the screen, frowning at the camera as his team struggled around the punishing circuit. He really was a handsome man and as much as you hated to admit it, the best sex of your life.

You resolved that you were never going to hear from Toto again, he was likely busy with work and had probably met some thirty-something-year-old who had taken his fancy. Knowing that you too had to move on, you allowed your friends to set you up on a few dates and tried your best to forget all about Toto.

——

But try as you might, unfortunately, that one weekend with Toto had somewhat ruined other men for you. Sure enough, you had met some perfectly nice and objectively handsome guys but they were missing the charm and the spark that you had felt with Toto. 

It was a rainy Thursday evening late in June when your phone buzzed unexpectedly. It was almost the Summer and you were counting down the days until you could escape work for a few weeks, even if you hadn’t made any travel plans. Glancing at your phone absentmindedly, expecting it to be one of your friends checking in, your heart skipped a beat when you saw Toto's name flash up on the screen. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, you opened the message.

"Hello my love, I know that it’s been a while and for that I am sorry. I hope you’re doing well? I can’t get you out of my head and was wondering if you’d like to join me on my boat for the summer? Let me know. All my best, Toto."

You stared at the message, your mind racing. You had truly resigned yourself to the idea that you would never hear from this man ever again, yet here he was, inviting you on another adventure. Your initial reaction was scepticism, having been burned by fleeting romances before. But as you re-read the message, you felt a familiar warmth. The memories of your short time together came rushing back and you couldn't help but smile.

After a few moments of reflection, you decided to respond.

"Hey, I‘ve been thinking about you too. That sounds amazing, I’d love to join you. When and where should I meet you?"

Toto’s reply was almost immediate. 

"Fantastic. I’m currently docked in Antibes, in the South of France. When are you around? Let me know and I’ll arrange everything. Can’t wait to see you again."

Touched by the fact that he was prepared to arrange everything, you hastily replied, leading to you spending the evening hashing out the finer details via Facetime. It had been months since you had properly spoken to one another but it oddly felt like no time had passed and the hours flew by as they finally set your plans to reunite in stone. You would fly to Nice and join Toto on his boat for a week.

——

The days leading up to your trip were a whirlwind of preparation and anticipation. You could hardly focus on your work, your mind drifting to thoughts of sunny days on the water and starry nights with Toto. You confided in your friends, who were both excited and slightly cautious. They’d already been with you through the highs and lows of whatever this situationship was and were still weary that Toto was some kind of billionaire playboy with ulterior motives.

As the plane touched down in Nice, the sky as blue as you remembered, you felt a flutter of nerves. What if things had changed? What if you didn’t click the way they had before? You pushed those thoughts aside, reminding yourself that you were here for an adventure.

Stepping into the arrivals lounge, you were greeted by a smartly dressed driver holding a discreet sign with your name. Guiding you through the airport, he quickly whisked you away in an elegant black Mercedes saloon. 

The ride to Antibes was short but filled with stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and as the miles ticked down, you felt the butterflies in your stomach building with anticipation.

As the car pulled up into the marina drop-off area, you spotted Toto waiting at the dock. He looked as handsome as ever, dressed casually in a white linen shirt, navy shorts and smart espadrilles. His face lit up when he saw you stepping out of the car and he rushed to pull you into a warm embrace, keeping things considerably more PG than he had the last time you’d been together.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "I’m so glad you’re here."

"Me too," you replied, your smile matching his. "This place is beautiful."

“I know,” said Toto, proudly, taking your luggage from the driver, and thanking him for his service. 

“Oh you don’t have to do that,” you said, surprised that Toto would carry luggage.

“Nonsense, and besides it weighs nothing,” he said, effortlessly swinging your large duffle over his shoulder before taking your hand in his, “I hope it means you packed only bikinis.”

You shook your head laughing, chastising him but secretly relieved that the spark was still there.

As you boarded the boat, a sleek and luxurious yacht, you couldn’t help but be impressed. The teak deck was immaculate, home to elegant cream sunloungers and an expertly laid dining table, already laden with brunch.

“Welcome,” said Toto, setting your luggage down before a deckhand scurried to collect it, “I took the liberty of ordering brunch as I thought you might be hungry but let me show you around first.”

——

The next few days passed in a blissful blur and you quickly realised that things were just as easy as they had been the first time around. You spent their mornings lounging on the deck, sipping coffee and chatting non-stop. By day, you explored hidden coves and swam in crystal-clear waters and by night you dined under the stars, sharing considerable amounts of wine-fuelled laughter before retreating to Toto’s luxurious master suite, passionately rediscovering each other into the early hours.

One such evening, you were still reeling from the surreal feeling of your reunion with Toto as you lounged together on the deck. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the two of you as you sipped champagne contently, leaning your head into Toto’s broad chest, his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you flush.

"I still can't believe I'm here," you said, breaking the comfortable silence. You looked up at Toto, who was gazing at you with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"I’m glad you decided to come," Toto replied, his eyes twinkling. "I was worried you might say no."

"Why would I say no to an adventure with you?" you asked, your tone light but words sincere.

"Well, I was worried you might have moved on," Toto admitted. "I wouldn’t have blamed you. I know I haven’t been the best at keeping in touch."

You smiled, reaching out to stroke his hand. "Life gets in the way. But I’m here now, and that’s what matters."

"Do you remember the last time we were together?" Toto asked, his voice soft. "The airport, the way you looked at me when you walked away?"

"How could I forget?" you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to leave."

"I didn't want you to either," Toto confessed. "I felt so stupid, I know that it was only one weekend but you knocked me sideways.”

You looked at him, your heart aching with the memory. "For real?”

"For real," Toto repeated back, his eyes intense, "I know it’s a lot to consider, and I don’t expect an answer right away, but I want you to know that I want to see where this can go."

Your breath caught in your throat. You hadn’t expected such a declaration, but it warmed your heart. "Toto, I…"

He held up a hand, stopping you. "You don’t have to say anything now. Just think about it. Enjoy the Summer with me, stay longer. We can figure out the rest as we go."

You nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. "Okay. Let’s see where this takes us."

——

Spending an extended amount of time together, it became more apparent that there was a connection beyond the wild weekend you had shared all of those months ago. Your week-long trip extended to two, giving you and Toto time to explore more secluded beaches where you could be alone and away from prying eyes. Each day bringing you closer, and your bond growing stronger.

For the first time in a long time, you felt truly happy, ready to embrace whatever came next. You were grateful Toto had come into your life and wanted to stick around. 

Your fateful birthday weekend had truly been one to remember.