#the epilogue clearly takes place after the skip button ending

[very-uncorrect]

Gay love is stored in the Stanley button

[queenburd]

stanley truly having agency is one of my favorite parts of tsp canon. in the bucket destroyer ending, for example, he very clearly is holding it tighter rather than putting it in the bucket destroyer. he’s not just defying the narrator, he’s defying US. the player. he is not just a vessel—he is a person within his universe!

i really love that in games, when you’ve got a personality-less protagonist who’s just a blank slate for you to project upon but you look closer and you realize they’ve been there all along. undertale does this very well, and with tsp it’s subtler—but it’s there. stanley can make choices, and any choice we make for him is merely our experience of every possible choice he could have made. you know?

I find this fascinating and I need to rewatch the bucket destroyer ending (I've gotten so used to just having the game audio as a bg tab that I havent really WATCHED in a while...)

I've been struggling to confirm my own mental "canonical timeline" in the game just bc Stanley the Person keeps throwing monkey wrenches into my theory lmao.

Like.... the general conclusion I had come to was that, in the interim of the skip button room, during those longer and longer pauses, THAT is when the narrator makes the Stanley Parable 2, as a way to distract himself. the Stanley that goes through all those endings prior to the Epilogue Unlocking is either the PLAYER, or the Narrator's idea of Stanley, and NOT Stanley himself.

and then, once you get the figurines ending the Narrator decides "Im about done playing", at which point 432 steps in with the epilogue (which may or may not take place after the Narrator has truly left. Im uncertain.) and the "real" Stanley escapes the Skip button room, with no goddamn clue what's up with this bucket (but it has his name on it!!) or these Name buttons but.... oh this one says his.

and then 432 gets Stanley to reset with the assist of the player who HAS context, and the Narrator completely forgets everything prior to the Ultra Deluxe.

but Stanley keeps contradicting me! first with the bucket escape pod animation and now this! my dude!

but yeah, Stanley being his own person in the same vein as Undertale is *chef kiss*. we really are just along for the ride up until we close the game and they go on to do what they like (me thinking abt Stanley in the Ultra Deluxe announcement fuckin HIDING)

anyway I have thought a silly amount about a fun fic where the game data on someone's PC glitches and chara gets put into TSP with the fellas. (look. I have a fave. chara is me) and the Narrator does a cursory google search and is like "THATS A DEMON IN MY GAME" which is just. so IC for him but also so awful.

Stanley is just like "would you PLEASE not call a literal child (who is MUTE from FEAR) a demon."

anyway they basically have to be Parents for this kid until the PC owner fixes the bug.

the first time they hear Chara make any sound at all, is in the Rocket League map. The narrator has spawned in many balls.

Chara starts laughing in delight. Stanley and the narrator just melt. That's THEIR kid now.

[chiaki-translation]

Luminous Circus: Event Translation Ch9-10

I deliver~ Made it in time before the JP announcement too, I figured I need to do this before I got distracted by Glitter Kazu (because I totally will). The Epilogue will be out in an hour or so too because I need to stare at some of the Kanji that I had a hard time with...

But last 2 chapters of course will be another freakishly long play~ Well, this one actually not as long as Stray Devil Blues and Magician so I’m quite fine with it. Translation under the cut, without further ado, enjoy~

Ch3-4 / / Ch5-6 / / Ch7-8 / / Ch9-10 / / Epilogue

Disclaimer:

A3! is owned by Liber Entertainment

Translator’s Note: I don’t think they mentioned the role before the play, but Homare is playing George the Troupe Leader, Kazunari is playing Tim the Clown, Muku is playing Nick the Animal Tamer, Sakuya is playing Will the Trapeze Artist.

Takao:

My lady—You have received an invitation letter.

Homare’s Grandmother:

An invitation?

“Amore~ Continue your memory to make it eternal…”

…Such an awkward child.

Same as that person though.

We’re going out tonight.

Please prepare to take out the car.

Takao:

Understood.

<Shifts to Backstage>

Homare:

--Ah, the unforeseen heat shook the air.

It’s now or never, it’s time to light the core of this theatre--!

Director:

!? What happened, Homare-san!?

Homare:

What is it?

I’m just reciting my poem as per usual.

Director:

No matter how I look at it, that’s not the usual thing.

Sakuya:

It’s my first time that I actually understand the meaning of Homare’s poem!

Muku:

Me too!

It clearly conveys the atmosphere of the stage right before the performance and it’s wonderful!

Kazunari:

Ooh! Is it Aririn’s new style!?

Homare:

Hmm, it seems that the costume’s button is misplaced.

Director:

… Homare-san, are you maybe feeling nervous?

Homare:

I don’t know such thing like nervousness. My heart just beat slightly faster and it’s affecting my behaviour, that’s all.

Director:

Isn’t that basically being nervous…

Kazunari:

It’s unusual for Aririn to be nervous.

Sakuya:

Is there anything happening today?

Homare:

It’s nothing, it’s just the usual, a general performance day that’s unchanging.

Director:

(The longer this conversation goes, the weirder it gets…)

…Ah, by the way, the invitation ticket that we gave Homare’s grandmother is for the first day right.

Muku:

Is it because your grandmother will be coming?

Homare:

What did you say. There’re grandmothers around on every performance of ours aren’t they.

See, over there too, here too, that side too, on top of your head too--

Sakuya:

There’s no such place!

Homare:

(He’s really nervous…)

Kazunari:

Aririn, relax!

Come, let’s gather around!

Homare:

Ye, yeah!

Kazunari:

Since it’s circus, let’s all raise our hands to form a circus tent--

Homare:

It’s really nice and artistic!

Kazunari:

Right!

Muku:

The cheers from the troupe leader please!

Homare:

Hmm! Then, for the sake of the audience’s smile—

Luminous Circus Troupe, let’s go!

Kazunari:

Oh!

Sakuya:

Oh!

Muku:

Let’s go!

Director:

Do your best!

Homare:

Yes. I’ll be going first, Director-kun.

Director:

(He’s completely back to his usual self and he looks calm now.

I’m so glad!)

<Shifts to Audience’s Seat>

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

<Shifts to Circus’ Backstage>

George:

Hey hey, you! Have you perfected the preparation for tonight’s show!?

Will:

That’s impossible, Leader! Look at this, this swing! The handles are gone and it’s impossible to hang it now.

George:

There’s no problem. Just hang it with a rope and it should be fine! Oh yeah, I’ve decided that the program name will be “The Jungle’s Tarzan Show”!

Will:

I’m a trapeze artist! Not a Tarzan!

Nick:

Anyway, we don’t even have one animal around.

How do you expect us to hold a show?

George:

I’ve thought of a solution for that. Use this!

Nick:

Animal mascot…?

George:

Tim, you’ll become the elephant. Will will become the lion.

Nick:

Such a childish trick, will this kind of thing be able to convince the audiences!?

Tim:

George, the big ball has cracks too, I won’t be able to ride on it.

George:

Then, Will, you’ll play as the big ball!

Will:

Stop with your bullshit already!

Director:

(Everyone looks calm.

You can tell that they’re having fun, I can’t help but to have fun over here too.)

<Shifts to Circus’ Stage>

Tim:

“Paoooon”

(TLN: That’s the elephant sound in Japan.)

Will:

“Garurururu!”

Audience A:

What kind of trick is that!

Audience B:

Return us our money!

Audience A:

You’re just making fool of the audiences!

Audience B:

I’ll never come back here again!

George:

Please wait a minute.

There will be a big guest after this--

Audience:

I’m going home!

Nick:

Ha…

Will:

I wonder if I should have roared louder…

Tim:

I don’t think that’s the problem.

George:

Rejoice everyone!

After the arrival of our big guest, we will have a lot of audiences pouring in!

Then that way, we can fix the swing, even getting an animal for the show!

Nick:

That big guest of yours, when will he be coming?

Will:

It’s been a long time since the performance negotiation.

George:

He’ll come soon!

I’ve already paid the performance fee too!

Nick:

From the beginning, why would a famous person who has been appearing in multiple TV shows agreed to perform in such a small circus troupe like ours.

Will:

Wait… Did you just get scammed!?

George:

That, cannot be!

Nick:

You just used all the money we worked hard for just to get scammed, what are we going to do from now on!?

Will:

We can’t do show anymore, we don’t have any money, isn’t this the end of our troupe!

George:

Ah, calm down! If it’s the guest, he will arrive tomorrow!

It’s already late today. Let’s have dinner, rest, and prepare for tomorrow!

Tim:

George, we don’t even have money for food.

Homare:

What are you saying. There should be enough from today’s ticket sale--

Tim:

I’ve been flooded with request for refund. So everything’s gone.

Will:

Eh!

Nick:

No way~!

George:

Everyone, not to worry! If that’s the case, I have an idea!

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

Director:

(Homare’s grandmother doesn’t change her expression much, I can’t tell what she’s thinking…

But she looks like she’s actually enjoying the show.)

<Shifts to Monastery>

Sister:

Next person please.

May God bless you all.

Nick:

Leader’s idea is, to get the food ration from the monastery…?

Will:

So today’s dinner will be a bowl of potato soup…

Tim:

Most probably tomorrow too.

Nick:

Ha~…

George:

We should be able to get good food tomorrow due to the arrival of the guest.

Let’s just rest our stomach today with this.

Will:

Leader, I wonder where does your positive attitude come from.

Nick:

I’m so jealous.

<Shifts to Circus Outdoor>

George:

Oh?

Baby:

Gyaa, gyaa.

Will:

A baby!? Why is he in this kind of place--

Tim:

It seems to be an abandoned child.

George:

He’ll get cold if he stays in this place. Let’s bring him inside!

<Shifts to Circus’ Backstage>

Baby:

Gyaa, gyaa.

Nick:

Is he feeling hungry? Or is he feeling unwell?

George:

There there.

Will:

Isn’t it better for us to start looking for his mother?

Tim:

It’s no use. A mother who left him in such a place, she’ll just leave him behind in another place afterwards.

Nick:

Then, what should we do?

Tim:

I guess we have no choice but to leave him with the orphanage.

It seems that the monastery over there also functions as an orphanage…

Baby:

Bwee…

George:

Look at him, he’s smiling!

Will:

So he was just cold.

George:

Let’s use this child for tightrope walk!

His face looks like a face of a good tightrope walker!

Nick:

What kind of face is that.

Tim:

From the beginning, we can’t afford to feed him.

We don’t have money to buy milk.

Will:

You’re right, we can’t even feed ourselves.

George:

Not to worry, after the guest arrive tomorrow, you want one or two babies, even 50 babies will not be a problem.

Tim:

George, we don’t know yet whether the guest will actually come tomorrow.

Are you planning to starve the baby to death?

George:

But…

Baby:

Fuee, fuee.

Nick:

There there, you’re so cute.

This child reminds me of Leo’s kid.

Will:

Don’t make it sounds like he’s a lion’s child.

George:

Hey, it’s not a good idea to bring him out again at this timing, why don’t we keep him here for today.

Tim:

How about the money to buy milk?

George:

That, that… I know!

We just need to pawn this stick!

Tim:

George, isn’t that an important stuff that you received when you become the troupe leader.

George:

What about it. I’ll get it back soon, no worries.

<Time Skip>

Baby:

Zzz, zzz…

George:

There there.

Nick:

Leader!

George:

What happened? Has the guest arriv--

Nick:

The lion, Leo, has returned!

George:

What?

Tim:

No, rather than return, it’s more correct to say that the animal mascot has become a real lion.

Nick:

There’re elephants also!

Will:

The swing handles and the big ball too, it seems everything’s fixed! It’s a miracle!

George:

What!?

Tim:

By the way, there’s still no sign of the guest coming at all.

George:

That’s weird, he should be arriving soon…

Will:

Well, it doesn’t matter anymore!

Nick:

You’re right, we can do the show with these!

Let’s start the preparation for the show now!

<Shifts to Circus’ Stage>

George:

Then, the first appearance will be of a brilliant dancer in the sky, let’s welcome our trapeze artist, Will!

Will:

Ha!

Audience A:

Woah!

Audience B:

Amazing! He can make a full turn from such a high place!

Audience C:

It’s like he’s actually born with a wing on his back!

Director:

(Since Sakuya-kun said he wanted to do circus, it seems that he has been learning a lot from Misumi-kun. He really practiced hard and the result is showing properly.)

George:

Our next performance, the clown, Tim!

Kazunari:

Hyoitto.

Audience A:

That clown is juggling while riding the ball!

Audience B:

It’s like the ball is his feet itself.

Audience C:

If you say that, the thrown ball looks like it’s being sucked back straight to his hands.

Director:

(Kazunari-kun, as expected, is really dexterous with his hand.

He fits the role of the easygoing Tim perfectly, the way he casually supports the lead, George, also fits him.)

George:

The next one will be our animal tamer, Nick and Leo the lion!

Lion:

Roar!

Nick:

Let’s go, Leo!

Audience A:

Woah! It jumped through the ring!

Audience B:

He really tamed the lion well.

Director:

(Muku-kun looks so alive.

He really fits well with a fantasy like world like this.)

George:

Thank you for coming!

We look forward to your next visit!

Audience A:

That was fun~!

Audience B:

I want to watch again!

Nick:

Yes, it was a great success!

Will:

With this we will be able to afford dinner today!

George:

That’s amazing, Will.

Even though you haven’t been practicing so much.

Will:

I feel that my body was so light today as if a magic was casted on me!

Tim:

Nick too, to be able to put such performance on a short notice.

Nick:

Well, me too actually, I feel like the animal suddenly understand my words and they did the tricks so smoothly.

Tim:

I also feel like that, it’s like I don’t even need to balance myself on the big ball, the juggling balls too, they came back to my hands wherever I threw them to.

George:

As if a magic spell has been casted huh.

Baby:

Fuee, fuee.

Nick:

Ah, is it going to be time for milk soon?

George:

I see! Surely, this child is a messenger of good luck!

This child has brought good luck for us!

Tim:

Cannot be…

Will:

But, it’s true that it’s only after this child arrives…

Nick:

That means, it’s actually true…?

George:

There’s no mistake!

Baby:

Fugyaa, fugyaa.

Tim:

Anyway, let’s just give him his milk first, George.

Director:

(More than anything else, Homare-san’s George is… A bit direct and straightforward, but you can’t hate him. It fits Homare-san perfectly.

I feel that their warm feelings, of wanting to entertain the audiences, of wanting to entertain Homare’s grandmother too, are being conveyed properly.)

<End of Chapter 9>

Passerby A:

If I had to choose, of course it has to be the Luminous Circus Troupe!

Passerby B:

You’re right, they really perform like magic!

It’s definitely worth watching at least once!

Mogiri:

Today’s same day performance ticket is sold out~!

Passerby C:

Eh~! Even thought I want to watch it!

Suspicious Man:

…Luminous Circus Troupe?

That shabby and worn-out circus troupe?

<Shifts to Circus’ Backstage>

George:

Behold, there are requests for performance coming from everywhere!

As I thought, it’s thanks to this child!

Will:

With this, we don’t need to be worried that we’ll have nothing to eat tomorrow.

Nick:

The Luminous Circus Troupe is now safe!

Tim:

It will be great if things stay this way.

George, have you secured the big guest?

George:

We don’t need him anymore!

As long as this child is here, everything will go well!

Tim:

Are you sure it’s fine?

George:

Of course, Tim.

You would also oppose the idea of relying on a guest right.

Tim:

That’s true, but there won’t be any change like this--

George:

Hmm? Did you say something.

Tim:

…Nothing.

Baby:

*Smile--

George:

There there. Up high!

Suspicious Man:

…

<Shifts to Circus’ Stage>

Nick:

Huh? The baby’s not here?

Will:

That’s weird. He was sleeping over here not so long ago.

Lion:

Growl.

Nick:

Hmm? What is it, Leo.

Will:

I wonder if Leader took him somewhere.

Lion:

Growl.

Nick:

Leo seems to be a bit unsettled. Something might had happened.

Will:

Isn’t he just a bit hungry.

Nick:

But, he’s growling towards that direction over there.

Will:

Over there?

Nick:

Ah! The window over there!

Suspicious Man:

…

Will:

Who is it, he--

Nick:

He had the baby with him!

Will:

Eh!?

Nick:

Is it a kidnapper!?

What to do, we have to hurry up and chase him!

Will:

It will be faster if I use the swing to go there!

<Shifts to Circus Outdoor>

Will:

Hey, wait!

Suspicious Man:

!?

Will:

Return the baby!

Nick:

Get him, Will!

Leo, block the exit!

Lion:

Roar!

Suspicious Man:

Ugh…!

George:

What is happening over here?

Tim:

What kind of commotion is this?

Nick:

Ah, Leader!

That man over there is trying to kidnap the baby!

George:

What!?

Tim:

Let’s catch him!

Will:

Just stay still!

Suspicious Man:

Damn it!

George:

Uhh, he ran away.

Nick:

But, I’m glad the baby is safe.

Will:

Regardless, why would he even try to kidnap the baby in the first place?

Nick:

Maybe, he’s the baby’s father?

Tim:

No, that face, I feel that I’ve seen him in a different circus troupe before.

Most probably, he heard about our recent successes and realized that this child is the secret behind it.

George:

The secret, you’re referring to this child being the messenger of good luck?

Tim:

Yeah.

Will:

That means, he’s going to be targeted again?

Tim:

That, if people know that he can bring in a lot of money, there bound to be some people out there who will want to get hold of him.

Nick:

Isn’t that bad! We have to be even more careful from now on!

George:

…

Will:

We have to keep an eye on the baby, Leader!

George:

…

Nick:

Leader?

George:

Eh!? Ah, uh, yeah, that’s right, let’s do that.

Tim:

…

<Shifts to Circus’ Backstage>

Baby:

Zzz…

Nick:

Leader, it’s time to change. Please get some sleep.

Will:

We will take over from here.

George:

Ah, yeah.

Will, Nick, what do you think of the recent Luminous Circus Troupe.

Nick:

What I think…

Will:

Isn’t it great.

Everyday’s full with everyone’s appreciation and the audiences seem to enjoy themselves.

Nick:

Yep yep.

George:

Nick, about Leo, I’m sorry.

Nick:

No… I was shocked when I heard about Leo, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

At that point, we also had a lot of trouble with Leo’s food.

Will:

What happened, Leader. Why do you make such face.

Luminous Circus Troupe finally return to its previous state, aren’t you supposed to be more excited?

Nick:

Right. You said it yourself, we were going to call the big guest in and make a comeback right.

We were scammed by the big guest, but the result is still the same.

George:

Yeah, you’re right…

Will:

You don’t need to worry anymore. Even when we don’t practice, the show will still go well, the audiences are pretty happy too.

Nick:

Yep yep. As long as this child is here, the Luminous Circus Troupe is safe!

George:

…

The two of you, I will look after this child tonight.

Please sleep so you can prepare for tomorrow’s show.

Nick:

Eh, are you sure?

Will:

Please be really careful.

Call us if anything happened!

<Shifts to Monastery>

Sister:

…I understand the situation.  I’ll take over from here.

George:

Thank you so much.

Sister:

May God bless you and this child.

Baby:

Zzz…

George:

…

<Shifts to Circus Outdoor>

Tim:

George.

George:

!! Tim, why are you here…

Tim:

I just have a feeling you’ll be here.

George:

It’s as you said.

It was wrong from the beginning to rely on something else.

…Tim, do you remember the time when you entered this circus troupe?

Tim:

Yeah. We were both the clown’s apprentice, I couldn’t even perform one thing right at that time.

George:

At that time, I couldn’t help but to think that the practices and shows were fun. Everyday was like a festival on its own.

I love the circus troupe that puts a smiling face on everyone, including the troupe members and the audiences.

But, I wonder when.

I started to become so fixated on money…

I want that child to return to his normal life and live happily. I even involved him in such a dangerous situation. This should be the best for him.

Tim:

If that’s what Leader decides, I have nothing against it.

George:

…Thank you, Tim. I wonder if Will and Nick will be angry.

Tim:

Everyone knows that George is only thinking for the best of the Luminous Circus Troupe.

George:

Yeah…

<Shifts to Circus’ Backstage>

Nick:

Woah! Leader, bad news! The animals have turned into mascots--!

Will:

The swing is in shambles!

Nick:

Eh!? Where’s the baby!?

George:

I’m sorry, by the time I realized, he’s gone.

Nick:

Eh!? By gone you mean…

Will:

I thought we told you to watch over him yesterday night!

George:

I’m sorry.

Will:

We have to hurry and find him!

Tim:

It’s impossible now isn’t it.

Nick:

No way--!

<Shifts to Circus’ Stage>

Director:

(For the Luminous Circus Troupe who had lost its magic, they have no choice but to showcase a poor looking performance, similar to what they had before…)

Audience A:

Get lost!

Audience B:

Return our money!

Audience C:

I’m not going to come again!

Will:

…

Nick:

…

George:

Everyone, it’s too bad today!

There’s still tomorrow, if we just change our mindset--

Nick:

Stop it.

George:

Eh!?

Nick:

There’s no animal here, I can’t perform.

Will:

Me too, without the swings, I can’t fly.

I can’t follow you anymore, Leader.

Nick:

Excuse me.

George:

The two of you—

Uh…

Naturally, this is the result…

To think that I’ll be the last leader of the Luminous Circus troupe…

Past Troupe Leader:

Everyone, behold! The next one will be a beautiful show in the sky!

George:

!?

Th, that is…?

It can’t be, that senior shouldn’t be here anymore--

Past Troupe Leader:

Next will be the best tamer!

Lion:

Roar!

Audience A:

Woah!

Audience B:

Amazing!

Past Troupe Leader:

George, Tim! Hurry and bring in the props!

Past George:

Yes!

George:

--

Right, I couldn’t do anything back then.

Nothing at all… It doesn’t change now.

I guess, it’s a good time to start over from the beginning.

Director:

(In the end, George is filled with such humanity, his regrets and longing, the feelings are properly conveyed.

Homare-san said that he cannot understand people’s feelings properly, but that’s not the case at all. Otherwise, he won’t able to play George with such emotion, it’s so fascinating and we’re all pulled towards his performance.)

Tim:

George? So you’re here?

George:

Tim! Look, the seniors from the past are over there--!

Tim:

Seniors from the past? What are you talking about?

George:

--

Just now, the Luminous Circus Troupe from the past was just there—

Nevermind, it’s nothing.

Tim:

?

George:

Can you help me call Nick and Will over.

I want to try talking to them again.

Director:

(George called Will and Nick over to talk and settle the situation, he has decided to start over from the beginning.)

<Shifts to Monastery>

Director:

(And then, time passed--)

Grown Baby:

Hey hey, there’s a circus troupe coming to this town!

Sister:

Oh, it’s been a while. It’s been around 10 years I guess.

Grown Baby:

I haven’t been born at that time.

Sister:

You’re right, maybe it’s when you were just a little baby.

Grown Baby:

I’m looking forward to it. I heard it’s a circus troupe that shows a magic like illusion.

Children:

Hey, the circus car is here!

Grown Baby:

Really!? I want to see!

Director:

(In the midst of the children’s laughter, the Luminous Circus Troupe once again set up their circus tent…)

<Shifts to Mankai Stage>

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

Director:

(Homare-san’s feelings, I’m pretty sure it’s conveyed properly to his grandmother.)

Kazunari:

Thank you!

Sakuya:

Thank you so much!

Muku:

Thank you so much!

Homare’s Grandmother:

…Thank you.

Homare:

--

Thank you so much.

<Shifts to Lobby>

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

Director:

Arisugawa-san!

Homare’s Grandmother:

--

Director:

Do you want to meet Homare-san?

I’m sure he wants to hear your impression.

Homare’s Grandmother:

…I’ll tell him when he comes home.

Otherwise, he won’t come home at all.

My daughter is always lonely.

Even though he used to come home often.

That’s all, I had fun here.

Director:

I’ll tell Homare-san just that.

Homare’s Grandmother:

Please do so.

Then, I’ll take my leave--

Homare:

Grandmother!

Homare’s Grandmother:

--If you want my impression, I’ll tell you at home.

Homare:

Please wait a minute.

This--

Homare’s Grandmother:

A watch?

Homare:

I haven’t thanked you for the pocket watch yet.

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

Homare:

Thank you for giving me your memorable item from grandfather.

Since then, it won’t move no matter how much I tried to fix it.

Homare’s Grandmother:

I see.

Are you going to dispose it?

Homare:

No. Even thought it has stopped moving, this watch is full of a lot of important memories.

Grandfather’s feelings, grandmother’s feelings, and after that, the feelings of my comrades from this theatre troupe…

Even if it’s just a junk who can’t fulfill its role as a watch, it’s not something that I don’t need anymore.

That’s what I learned from this theatre troupe.

In the end what I received is a place that I love, just like this watch.

Homare’s Grandmother:

…Treasure it properly.

Homare:

Yes.

Thank you so much for today.

Homare’s Grandmother:

…

Homare:

Eh…

Grandmother just now… you smiled!

It’s an important moment, one that I haven’t seen in ten years!

Director:

That’s more important than any impression right.

Homare:

Yes!

<End of Chapter 10>

[kaffeinic]

Caffeinic | Bang Chan

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Epilogue

Pairing: Reader x Barista!Bang Chan

Genre: Fluff // Romance

Warnings: Fem!Reader

Preamble: You’ve been going to the same coffee shop for the past four years. You’ve ordered the same thing almost every single day, and you never, ever skip on that part of your morning. So, when Mrs. Park hired a new barista and the once serene café was suddenly flooded with people every second of the day, you were less than thrilled.

You continued your routine as usual throughout the next few months. The café was still just as crowded as it had always been in the morning, so you opted to visit during the evening. You and Chan had become well-acquainted before you switched the timing of your coffee breaks.

It was late autumn, - possibly early winter - and you hugged your black trench coat close to your body, nuzzling your nose into your oversized brown scarf. The café was relatively calm at this time. You deduced it was because of the absence of a certain blonde haired gentleman. Part of you missed his unapologetically flirty attitude that you’d come to enjoy, but your priorities chose a calming atmosphere over a cute, dimply smile.

Midterms were coming up and your book bag was ripping at the seams from the weight of your textbooks. You figured you would do what you always did this time of year and sip on some coffee while you studied. When you walked through the door, you were greeted by the Park family, and - though you didn’t expect it - Chan.

“Hey there, Y/n! Are you here for some coffee?” Mrs. Park asked. You nodded and held up your book bag.

“I’m in for a long night.” You laughed at the end of your reply, but you were anything but happy to be studying tonight. Mrs. Park frowned.

“Oh, that’s a shame. I was going to ask if you’d like to join Junyoung and I. It’s his birthday today.” You looked at her son. He smiled sheepishly.

“Happy birthday! I almost forgot- I got this for you.” You dug through your book bag and handed him a small, wrapped gift. He took it and inspected the outside. “Open it!” You exclaimed. He smiled excitedly and did as you asked.

His eyes widened a little as he looked at the tiny Rilakkuma figurine. It was something you had held onto for a few months after seeing it in the store. It screamed his name. The boy was constantly decorating his bags, clothes, and laptop with the character. He shot you a genuine smile and gave you a hug.

“Thank you so much, Y/n! It’s perfect!” He admired it again and ran upstairs to put it away.

“Are you sure you can’t join us?” Mrs. Park pleaded. You smiled, but shook your head.

“I’m sorry, midterms are coming up.” You explained. She nodded in understanding and waved as Junyoung rushed down the stairs. You all said your goodbyes, Mr. Park went upstairs to his office, and you took your seat at the bar.

“It’s been a while.” You heard a familiar Australian accent. You looked up at Chan and smiled.

“Yeah, it has. How’ve you been?” You inquired. He shrugged his shoulders. You placed your book bag on the counter next to you.

“Same old, same old.” He paused. “Missing you, of course.” One side of his lips pulled up into a smirk as he laughed at his own joke.

“Yeah, yeah.” You shooed him away.

“The usual?” He asked. He had a towel in his hand as he dried a light brown coffee mug. You couldn’t help but notice how attractive the man looked in his black dress shirt with its two top buttons undone. A thick silver chain hung from his neck and a gleam of white light poked through between a gap in the fabric.

You shook your head. “Surprise me.” With that, he smiled brightly.

“Alright. I will.” He shot you that smirk of his again and got to work. You loved the smell of the café; It was always so sweet and warm. You also had become accustomed to the faint scent of Chan’s cologne. Those two scents mixed together made your heart flutter, and was why you had changed your seating choice from the corner table to the center of the bar. You hated to admit it, but it was true. “Are you going to study at home?”

You looked up with thought. “I’m not sure. The heater isn’t working, so I’ve been avoiding staying there.” You replied. Chan’s face fell.

“That’s not good. You should get it looked at.” He had genuine concern is his voice, and you saw no indication that he was trying to mock you. You nodded.

“Of course.”

“You could study here. I’m closing.” He said. You raised an eyebrow.

“Your offer is suddenly less tempting with that information.” You retorted. He feigned offense, placing his large hand on his chest. You noticed his thick silver rings.

“Well, fine then.” He said, turning back to the coffee machine.

“I’m kidding, you big baby. I think I’ll stay. I’d rather work here, where it’s warm.” You said. You could faintly see the edges of his mouth curl up at your words.

You immersed yourself into your work, flipping through pages in your biology textbook as you scribbled notes onto some college ruled paper. You would occasionally feel a pair of brown eyes on you, but you didn’t dare look up. Little did you know, Chan was staring intently at your face. At your lips, in particular. He especially liked it when you bit your bottom lip in thought.

It took him an astonishingly long time, but he finally placed a cup of hot coffee in front of you. The aroma flooded your senses and you perked up instantly.

“What is it?” You inquired.

“Your coffee.” He said. You shot him a look.

“You don’t say?” He laughed at your remark and urged you to take a sip.

“Try it.” He said.

“What’s in it?”

“Coffee, water...”

“If I drink it, will you stop?” Your fingers wrapped around the handle of the mug.

“Maybe.” You rolled your eyes, lifting the cup to your lips. “Blow on it first.” You looked up at him over the rim of the mug.

“Uh- Why?”

“I don’t want you to burn your lips.” He replied.

“Don’t you mean, ‘burn your tongue?’” You asked.

“No.” He waited, but you didn’t move. “I mean, if you want, I can blow on it for you.” He offered, smiling. You rolled your eyes for the umpteenth time, but suddenly tensed up when his face came close to yours. He blew softly on the surface of the steaming coffee, eyes slowly finding yours. You looked down.

“I’ve got it, thanks Dad.” You said, moving away. He laughed at your reaction.

“No problem, Babygirl™.” Sorry. You choked on your coffee and Chan lost it. He began laughing uncontrollably, holding onto his abdomen. You would have rolled your eyes at another one of his flirty lines, but you were caught so off-guard that you just sat there with coffee dribbling down your chin. After a moment, you wailed.

“It got in my nose!”

After a few colourful words from you and mischievous giggles from him, you were back to work. At that moment, someone new walked into the café. The bell hanging above the door chimed and both you and Chan turned your attention to the entrance.

“Welcome, sir. What can I get you?” Chan walked to the side of the counter closer to the door. The man looked at Chan, then you.

“Americano. Make it quick.” He said.

Now, what happened next really ticked you off.

The bar of the café was very large, and there were at least five extra seats on either side of you, away from your bags and yourself, not to mention the twenty or so empty tables behind you. This man, however, seemed to have never touched on the topic of personal space. He slid into the chair to your left, staring at your textbooks as if to say, “Move them.”

You internally cursed at him and slid everything you had to the right. Chan was busy making the americano the man had asked for, the sound of a coffee grinder echoing in the otherwise silent room.

“College?” The man beside you asked. You didn’t look at him, nor did you answer. You scribbled more notes in your notebook and took a sip of your coffee. He huffed.

“Don’t you know that pretty girls should smile a bit more?” He craned his head to look at your face. “Don’t be rude.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but have we met?” You raised an eyebrow. He smiled. His teeth were riddled with cavities.

“In your dreams, maybe.”

In my nightmares, is more like it. You thought.

You began packing up your bags in an attempt to be rid of this man and his foul stench, but when his hand found its way to your waist, you nearly jumped out of your skin. You wondered if Chan knew what was happening. You looked up at him to see another wet mug in his hands. He was working, not paying you two any attention. He walked behind you to scrub on the tables before closing for the night.

You pushed the man’s hand away and shoved more items into your bag. He scooted his stool closer, this time, his arm snaking around your waist. He whispered in your ear.

“Why don’t you be a good girl?” He seethed. Your eyes widened and you wondered how far this man was willing to go. There’s was no alcohol on his breath. You had hoped there was, to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was fully aware of what he was doing, and that made it even worse.

While you were caught up in your thoughts, you felt a strong hand pull the man’s off of your waist.

“She’s clearly not interested, mate.” Chan said. At that moment, you had never been so happy to have him there.

“What do you know? It’s none of your business, mate.” The man challenged him, smirking as he ripped his hand away from Chan.

The blonde boy whose eyes were usually so playful and happy were now stoic and cold.

“Get out.” Chan said. The man beside you didn’t budge.

“No. You don’t own the place.” The man’s knees brushed against your outer thigh, and you shivered, not daring to move.

“Get. Out.” Chan repeated himself, so much more malice in his tone than before. You shifted your weight on the stool, afraid of what might happen next.

~

Posted a few hours early because I couldn’t wait lol. How’s that for a cliffhanger? Sorry not sorry for that Babygirl reference lol. Smash that like button if you enjoyed~ Have a nice day!

* DISCLAIMER: I do not own any gifs/photos used in this post. I do own the written content. Do NOT repost/edit. *

🏷 @a-toxic-galaxy • @hoshithehamster

[p4nkow]

Happier - part VIII

Hello everyone!! Two more parts to go (+ the epilogue, if anyone’s interested in reading it???)

Hope you enjoy :) And please, please let me know what you think

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VI

Summary: you work as an assistant at EMI and you meet Roger while organising Queen’s gig at Hyde Park. lots of fluff but then, after months of relationship, Roger admits something that breaks your heart and the two of you break up. You try to move on and so does he, but after two months of being apart you meet at a pub and you both have a date. What will happen? But most importantly, will you and Roger fall in love again after being forced to see each other everyday?

The cool metal of the elevator’s wall gave you goose bumps, your back arching to feel his body close to yours. Roger’s hands slip from your cheeks to your neck, his soft touch sent shivers throughout your body. He explored it as if it was the first time, his hands all over you— he gently touched your arms, your hips and your lower back.

And you touched him too, not drawing back this time. Your fingers slid through his air, slightly pulling it and causing him to moan. His lips moved gently but passionately against yours and you let him deepen the kiss, maybe because of the alcool, maybe because you never stopped wanting him. Loving him.

You threw your head back when he moved his lips from yours to your jaw, placing slowly kisses all over it.

Your fingers sank on his neck as you parted your lips, softly whispering his name. When his lips made their way to your neck, he dwelled on the skin flap right under your ear, causing you to bite your lower lip. He teased you with his lips as he hold you tight, and by the way he started to suck in that spot you knew there’d been a visible mark the next day.

“You’re so bloody beautiful.” His words were muffled but you sure heard them and you smiled.

But before you could reply the elevator bell dinged and he backed away to meet your gaze. His breath was heavy and his blue eyes were shining, full of desire. You lowered your gaze, trying to fix the dress that had lifted on your thighs and Roger cleared his throat, looking at the doors opening.

Two people came in and after giving the two of you a confused look they didn’t seem to pay attention, involved in their own conversation. Roger offered you his hand and you gratefully grabbed it, holding in tight while following him out of the elevator.

You could still feel his touch on you, burning your skin. You softly smiled and you gave him a quick look. He noticed you staring at him and he met your gaze, a grin appearing in his face. “Don’t” You said as a warning and and he shook is head, clearly amused.

“Didn’t say anything.”

“We can’t fix our problems always like that.”

He gave you a confused look. “Like what?”

“Ending up kissing! We’ve split up, Roger.”

“Yeah, I know” He said in a low voice. “Where the bloody hell is your room?” He gave a quick look at the room numbers as you crossed the hallway and you sighed.

“It’s the 30... 30B?”

He gave you a confused look. “You don’t even remember you room number?”

“Not with all this alcool in my system!”

“Great” He murmured under his breath and threw an arm in the air. “C’mon.” He squeezed your hand as to reassure you and followed him in a huff.

Ten minutes later you were rummaging in your purse to find the key of your room when you felt Roger gently stroking your hair.

“Roger” You said, even though you didn’t want for him to stop.

You heard him sigh behind you. “Sorry” He mumbled and took the key you extended him. You were sure you wouldn’t have been able to unlock the door with your shaky hands— hangover’s fault.

“Come” He said while swinging it open and you narrowed your eyes when he turned on the lights. You groaned in annoyance and you lazily followed him. He turned towards you and grabbed you by your hand, guiding you to the bed.

“I don’t wanna sleep” You complained as he bent in front of you. His jaw clenched and took a deep breath.

“You have to. Hangover’s gonna kill you in the morning. Just stay still for a sec” He instructed and you did as he said, there was no point in fighting him. He started to take off your heels and you wanted to laugh— the tide had turned. It was usually you who took care of him when he was drunk, not the other way around. But before today you never had a reason to get drunk. Not until you saw Nicole clinging onto him.

“Please, don’t be late at work tomorrow. I don’t wanna come here to wake you up and deal with your hungover” He said, and you remember saying these words to him just a few days back. You grinned at him and he chuckled, playfully squeezing your thigh.

“You’re missing your birthday cake” You said, suddenly realising that he had skipped his own birthday party just to babysit a very drunk you.

He narrowed his brows as he put away one heel, gently grabbing the other feet to do just the same. “I don’t really care about the cake right now, love.”

“But Freddie has worked very hard for it.” He sighed and he quickly looked at you. You could be very childish while drunk.

“Then I’ll apologise in the morning, even though I’m sure Freddie only needed an excuse to throw a party.” He got rid of the other heel too and then he stood up. “Where do you keep your PJ’s?”

It took you a few moments to answer— you still couldn’t believe he was doing all of that for you. “Uhm... third drawer.”

He took his jacket off and placed in on a chair before loosening the tie and unbuttoning the first three buttons of his shirt. He raised a hand, showing you your PJ’s and asking “Is that it?”

“Yup” You said, popping the last letter. You felt kinda foolish to just stay sit on the foot of the bed but there was little you could do while drunk. He extended it to you and you stood up, trying not to stumble on your own feet.

“Privacy, please?” You asked him as you tried to unzip your dress.

He sighed and turned his back to you. “Like I’ve never seen you naked before.”

That was true, but those were different times. You swore under your breath as you struggled to unzip the dress, but the zip just didn’t want to collaborate.

“Rog?” Your said in defeat.

“Huh?” He replied without turning and you softly smiled.

“D’ya mind helping me unzip this bloody thing?”

He chuckled at your words and slowly nodded. You lowered your gaze when you felt him behind you and you felt your heart beat fastening. You could feel his breath on your neck, sending shivers down your spine. Not to mention when you felt his fingers on your back, hesitating before starting to unzip your dress. His fingers followed the course of the zip, caressing your back all the way until the end.

You swallowed and thanked him in a whisper, not being able to do much more.

“Anytime, love” He answered and he turned again. “Is that a polaroid of us?”

“Huh?” You said in a confused tone as you tried to wear your PJ’s without stumbling.

“The one on the wall.”

You looked at the spot which he referred to and you blushed. You didn’t know why you took it with you in the first place, nor why you hang it on the wall. “Yeah, it is. We took it right after the shooting of a music video, I don’t remember which one.”

And smiled at the memory and you patted him on the shoulder, silently telling him he could watch.

“We will rock you.” He said in a low voice and you looked at him, jumping in the bed.

“Yeah” You replied while smiling. “God, it was so cold that day. You had the flu for a whole week. And the garden was a mess.”

“It wasn’t that messy” He replied in an amused tone.

You rolled your eyes at his words. “Yeah, it was! Hey, where are you going?” You asked when you noticed him grabbing his jacket.

“You need to sleep” He replied as if it was an obvious thing. “And I need to take care of something.”

“Oh” You said and you didn’t even know why you felt disappointed. You didn’t want to know if that thing he had to take care of had something do with Nicole, either. He noticed your switch of mood and he hesitated before leaving. You missed the feeling of sleeping next to him, his body warming yours.

“Don’t do anything stupid, love. Just go to sleep.” And with that he walked out.

-

The next day you woke up with a terrible headache. Maybe because of the hungover, maybe because of Roger, but you felt awful.

And the constant banging on your door wasn’t really helping. You sat on your bed with a groan, rubbing your eyes in order to wake up. The events from the previous day hit you like a runaway train. You had lost control and it was never meant to happen.

You swore under your breath, trying not to stumble on the sheets as you stood up. You quickly opened the door while rubbing your face. “Freddie?” You asked in a sleepy voice.

He didn’t seem to be sleepy at all, though. He gave you a big smile as you moved aside to let him in. “What time’s it?”

“It’s 3PM, darling. I came to the rescue.”

You groaned and you lied down on the bed, closing your eyes because of the headache. “3PM? Fuck, I’ll never drink again.”

Freddie gave you the ‘if you say so’ look and started to rifle through your closet. “Fred, what are you doing?”

“You gotta look nice, dear. I’ve heard that a birdie’s leaving today.”

You narrowed your brows, sitting down on your bed. “What birdie?”

“Darling” He said, looking at you like if it was obvious who the birdie was. And then you realised it.

“Nicole?”

He gave an horrified look at one of your skirts and started again to rummage in your closet. “Yup, that’s her. And with Nicole far, far away there’s nothing to stop you from giving Roger another chance.”

“Fred” You said as to catch his attention and he looked at you from above the shoulder. “Who says I want to give him another chance. And I’m with Noah, anyway.”

“But are you?” He quickly replied and wether you liked it or not he was right. “Darling, I’m not blind. I’ve seen the looks you and that blonde exchange.”

“He’s my ex.” You tried to spell every word, mostly to convince yourself and not Freddie. “And we’ve broken up. Obviously I wasn’t enough for him.”

“Oh believe me, dear. You’re more than enough for him. But we all make mistakes.” He finally seemed to be satisfied with your clothes and he picked a pair of shorts and a tank top. “And his mistake was letting you go.”

“He wanted other women, Freddie.”

He huffed and turned towards you, as if annoyed by your protests. “I know for sure that he doesn’t want anyone as much as he wants you.” He turned towards you, his brown eyes fixed into yours. He noticed your hesitation and kept going. “Seeing you with that guy, Noah, triggered something in him. Oh, God knows how much he complained! My poor ears. Now wear these, dear.”

You followed his suggestion and now, thirty minutes later, you both were standing in front of the studio. Your head kept aching but nothing compared to what you were feeling. You were sonervous.

“C’mon, it’s showtime.” Freddie gave you a smile and he swung open the door, walking in. You took a deep breath and followed him, hearing loud voices as soon as you stepped in the studio.

“I don’t understand why it has always to be your song to be on the B-side!” You heard John say.

“Because” Brian said, gesticulating towards John “It’s got potential.”

“And mine hasn’t, has it?” John asked, obviously offended.

Brian puffed and you turned towards them to follow the little spat. “And it ain’t always my song, John.”

“Oh, right. Even Roger managed to put his car song on the B-side!”

“Careful, John” Roger immediately replied and you shook your head in disbelief. They were acting like children.

And you thought Freddie could read minds because he said “Children” While rolling his eyes.

As you walked towards the sofa, you felt Roger’s gaze raking your body and you really tried not to blush. He was sprawled in the couch, a cigarette held between his index and middle finger. He was wearing his brown shades, from which you could easily see his eyes.

“Hello, love.”

You didn’t look at him as you sat right next to him, looking at John and Brian argue but without paying attention. Did you sleep well? Still hungover?”

“I overslept, you should’ve waken me up.”

He shook his head and his smile grew wider. “Didn’t want to disturb you, I thought it was a better idea to let you sober up.”

“My head’s still killing me so I’m pretty sure I’m not fully sober up. I’d love to take a nap right now” You said with a sigh, leaning towards the back of the sofa.

“Y’know you’re cute when you’re tired?”

You gave him a death stare and he grinned at you. He placed a hand on your knee, gently squeezing it in a playful way. “Roger.”

“What are you doing later, after work?”

You gave him a confused look. “Nothing in particular.”

He pointed a finger at you and said “Perfect. Don’t make any plans, you’re coming with me.”

“Where?”

“That’s a surprise, love.”

You looked at him with an amused look, biting your lip as you considered if it was a good idea. He brought the cig to his lips and took a puff of it and you couldn’t stop looking at his lips.

“Where’s Nicole?” You asked, suddenly remembering that she was there.

“In my room” He replied in a low voice. “She’s leaving in a couple of hours.”

He gave you a look you couldn’t read and before you could say something you heard the door swung open. “Sorry, I’m late. But look who I‘ve met out here!”

You all turned towards Veronica, trying to understand who she was talking about. You felt Roger tense up and you narrowed your brows, standing up in order to have a better view. And your face fell at the sight of the man standing next to her.

“Noah?”

Taglist: @but-legendsneverdie @ohtheseboysilove @xgypsy-witchy-vibes @queen-turtle-boiii @scarsout @hystericaldancingqueen @mercurycrowley @protectrowanwhitethorn  @70sarreaga @loveandbeloved29 @radiob-l-a-hblah @rogahloveshiscar @queen-crue @luckytrashgooprebel @16wiishes @rogershoe @rogertaylorsgirlfriend @aridrowse

If you wanna be added in the taglist just tell me!

[let-it-raines]

Second in Command (Epilogue - Part 11)

Summary: Life as the “spare to the heir” isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be when you’re the supposed screw-up of the family, but people don’t know what really happens behind closed doors.

Rating: Mature

A/N: Okay, so...I don’t know how many of you read this on ao3 and have noticed that we now have a chapter count of 31/35, but we do. That means after this that there’s only four more chapters until we’re finished with the epilogue that we all know is really a sequel. I mean, I’ve written an entire extra story, you guys, when it was supposed to be three parts. lol. 

So what this means is that starting in part 13, I’m still going to go in chronological order, but I’m going to skip around to show different scenes in the future because I do want to give this story nearly everything. So, yeah. We’re closing in on the end (not that it means I won’t write one shots when inspiration strikes), and I want to thank you guys for being the absolute best!

The chapter starts with a flashback :D

AO3: Beginning | Current

Tumblr: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 

Epilogue Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15

Tag list:  @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @kmomof4 @wellhellotragic @ekr032-blog-blog @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @captswanis4vr @kristi555 @teamhook @skyewardolicitycloisdelena91 @branlovesouat @dreadpirateemma @alys07 @andiirivera @emmas-storybook @superchocovian @in-spirational

There’s a clattering from downstairs, something that sounds like dishes falling into the sink, but he doesn’t think anything of it as he continues to read through the email his assistant sent him earlier with his schedule for next week and everything that he needs to know before his visit to Blackpool on Monday and then the dinner his father is hosting for his uncle Albert Wednesday night. That seems like an absolute nightmare, having to be stuck at a stuffy dinner with all of the family he dislikes, but Rebecca will be there since it’s her father’s birthday so he’ll have someone to talk to.

Maybe he should work on having a better relationship with is family. Sometimes he does, but he’s pissed at his father right now for having a stick up his ass over him going to a pub with some of his university friends just to catch up. He didn’t do anything wrong, never does, but he thinks his father still worries that they’re going to have another disaster period like they did when he was in university and there were lies spread about him spending the night with women.

He did with some of them. He’ll admit to that without question because it’s the truth, but not every article or interview is true. Not that his family has ever cared about that.

If only they knew that he’s spent pretty much the last three years in a pub talking to a woman who lets him come home with her nearly every night. If only they knew that he was sitting in an apartment over a pub while he was answering his emails and reviewing his work for the next week.

If only they knew that he was so in love with a woman with absolutely no aristocratic background, with a woman who isn’t even British, and with a woman who they would probably faint when hearing about all of the ways that she’s different than them.

But he knows. And he knows that all of the ways that she’s different, unique, and, well, those are some of the things he loves about Emma. She’s her own person, fiery, passionate, fiercely funny and kind, and he loves her and loves all of the little quirks she has that his family would think are practically blasphemy.

They’re a tad bit dramatic, but he just knows that they would be appalled with the way Emma walked out of the bathroom earlier with her hair unwashed for three days and with a t-shirt on…and absolutely nothing else as she brushed her teeth, toothpaste staining the shirt.

He doesn’t care. That’s normal. She’s normal. And yet somehow extraordinary.

Emma: Can you bring me a new button down?

Emma: I fucking spilled beer all over my white one.

And that’s exactly what that crashing sound must have been. He knew he should have gone down there, but it’s only eight, the crowd still new and sober, and he was choosing to stay upstairs for privacy. But he’s not going to let Emma work in a beer-soaked shirt, so he grabs his cap, pulling it down low over his head as he adjusts his Henley and sweatpants, making himself as unassuming as possible before finding Emma a navy button down shirt, one that she can spill things on, and making his way downstairs.

The pub is relatively crowded tonight, and he tries to stay in the shadows until he’s at the bar on his stool in the corner, the one that keeps him out of view from everyone. He’s found that people don’t recognize him because who in their right mind would expect to see him in a small pub wearing sweatpants and run-down sneakers on a Thursday night. It doesn’t mean that he’s not wary of it, though, that he doesn’t take precautions, and he always feels a little nervous until it’s near midnight and only the intoxicated are still milling around.

“Thanks,” Emma huffs when she takes the shirt out of his hands, disappearing back into the kitchen and coming back out a moment later with the new shirt on and her hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun, blonde strands falling everywhere.

She’s obviously been having a night, and he sits quietly in his corner, messing with his phone all while he allows her time to work through her anger and frustration. At least she’s not working alone tonight. Will is working in the kitchen, so she’s not having to do it all. Sometimes there are nights like that, and it’s ridiculous. When the pub isn’t busy, it’s fine and Emma can handle it. When it is, she says it’s like hell. Sometimes he’ll help, but he can really only work in the kitchen.

He loves cooking, but using the pub’s fryer is not his favorite thing in the world. He’s also not entirely sure that Emma trusts him in there.

“Hey,” she sighs, coming over to him nearly an hour after he first came down. He looks up at her and can see the slight bags under her eyes, see the stress lines on her face that a twenty-four-year-old woman shouldn’t have, and he reaches over the bar to grab her hand and kiss her knuckles right over the sapphire ring that she wears now. “Do you want something to drink, babe?”

“Finally some service. I’ve been waiting for a long time.”

“Well, I’ve been a little busy,” she snaps, her voice on edge.

“Love, I was joking. I know that you’re busy.”

Something softens in her face, the lines going away for a moment before she rests her arms on the bar top and then rests her forehead on the wood, mumbling something he can’t understand.

“Can you repeat that?” he asks softly, reaching over and gently squeezing her shoulder.

She pokes her head up, a brow raising with her eye. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. There have just been a lot of assholes in here tonight.”

“I’m sorry too,” he tells her, moving his hand to tuck her loose hair behind her ear so he can see her eyes more clearly. “I am completely and totally willing to listen to you talking about all of the assholes now or when your shift finishes.”

“You know that my shift finishes at two this morning?”

He smiles. “I’m willing to wait.”

And he does wait. He’s used to waiting on Emma, on working around her job and her life even when his obligations keep him away from her and away from home. Mostly, though, he’s used to waiting in this pub on this stool or in the booth over in the corner that’s the reason they met. That’s what he does now, watching the television in the center of the room and talking to Emma whenever she gets the chance to come over and talk to him. He can see the tenseness in her shoulders lifting the slightest bit, her lips nearly forming a smile, and it’s like getting to watch her let go of her stress and annoyances as the hours pass.

Eventually there’s no one left in the pub but he, Emma, and Will back in the kitchen who’s likely snacking away like he usually does, and because there’s still an hour until closing, they only start cleaning up a little bit, fully expecting someone to walk through the door with every chair he puts up on a table so that Emma can sweep.

He may not be able to do much, but he can at least help to clean up to make the night a little bit easier.

“It’s so bloody quiet in here,” Will yells, peeking his head out from the kitchen with a bag of crisps in his hand. “Ems, can I turn the blasted radio up?”

“Yeah, just don’t wake up my parents.”

“I don’t want to get fired, so that’s definitely not happening.”

“Good,” she laughs, stopping her sweeping to stretch her arms above her head, her shirt lifting with the movement to show the soft skin that he’s so accustomed to. The speaker system groans a bit more to life, some static emanating from it before the music plays more clearly. He’s never heard the song before, and Emma looks at him to roll her eyes. “He’s into folk music. I don’t understand it, but it’s just what he does.”

“He’s an odd bloke.”

“Yeah, but he makes work fun sometimes.”

Emma continues to sweep while he stacks the chairs. He can hear Will singing from the kitchen, his voice almost louder than the speakers, and a lightness begins to fill him that he hasn’t felt all day. He wonders if Emma can feel it too.

An idea sparks in his mind, and he walks over to Emma, taking the broom out of her hands and placing it on a table before he grabs her hands, twining his fingers with hers and feeling the heat of her skin. “Come on,” he urges, pulling her to the center of the room where there’s more floor space.

“Baby,” she whines, rolling her eyes and dragging her feet even as she walks with him, “what are you doing?”

“Dancing with you.” He dips his head and brushes his lips across her left cheek and then again on her right cheek. “There’s music playing over the speakers, we have nothing else to do but wait for closing, and I just want to dance with you. So come on, my love, let’s dance.”

Emma rolls her eyes again, but he sees her lips press together before she smiles. And God, it’s just as beautiful as it’s always been. He’s such a goner for her that it’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. “Fine.” “Ah, see, my girlfriend loves to dance with me. Can’t you see the enthusiasm?”

“You’re just asking for me to complain about you too.”

“Aye,” he confirms, squeezing her hands while he tugs her closer, “I am. I don’t mind it. You yelling at me kind of turns me on sometimes.”

“Kinky.”

“You know it.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Will whines from the kitchen, his head turning to look at him, “you two are disgusting.”

“Go back to eating and singing your song,” Emma laughs, the smile on her face brighter than it has been all day when she looks back at him. “Do you think we could just send him home? Then we could yell at each other and fuck on the bar and break all kinds of health codes?”

“Oh, I like that plan,” he chuckles, a shiver running down his spine just thinking of that while Emma’s body sways against his.

“I do too.”

He moves her around the room as the music plays over the speakers.  He thinks there’s now fiddles or a banjo or something playing, but right now his only focus is on spinning Emma around in circles to keep that smile on her face. It’s been a long day, and they’re both tired as the clock ticks closer to two in the morning. But he wants to do this. He loves doing this.

“You know, it’s not fucking on an uncomfortable surface, but I do love dancing with you, even if I’m not sure what kind of dance this is.”

Emma tilts her head at him, her eyes slanting as she looks up into his eyes, and before he can say something else, she’s releasing his hands so that she can wrap her arms around his neck and press herself completely into him while she rests her head on his shoulder and sways with him. His hands find her waist, fingers digging into the soft skin that peeks up above her jeans, and he holds onto her more tightly.

He just holds onto his love, feeling every breath she takes against his chest, as the music plays slowly in the background, the song changing to something softer. All he cares about is the way that Emma feels against him, even as she steps on his toes, and the way that they are swaying back and forth in the pub like they don’t have any care in the world.

And maybe they don’t right now.

He presses his lips against the crown of her head while his hands move from her hips to up her back, rubbing up and down as much as he can to soothe her, to silently let her know he much he loves her.

“You live in a palace, mate,” Will yells, but Killian doesn’t even bother to look over at him. “Can’t you get a bloody room?”

Of all of the people in the world who know about his relationship with Emma, he can’t believe that Will Scarlet is one of them.

“So do you think the peanut gallery is right?” Emma asks, continuing to sway with him.

“About what?”

“Us going to get a room? You know, I have a very good bedroom upstairs. I believe you’ve spent a lot of time in it.”

“I thought we’d planned on the bar top.”

“Good point.”

“Bloody hell,” Will mutters, turning the volume on the stereo up while Killian playfully spins Emma around, her hair falling out of her bun with the movement.

-/-

-/-

“Okay, okay, okay,” Emma laughs next to him, her heels on the floor with her feet tucked up underneath her. “I’m so glad that your mom finally sent me all of these pictures because these are absolutely brilliant.”

“I am not glad that mum sent you those pictures.”

“Oh come on, babe,” she giggles, covering her mouth while still flipping pages in the photo album. He’s never going to live any of this down. Emma’s likely going to have all of the photos framed instead of keeping them on their shelf of photo albums in her study that’s pretty much where Emma keeps all of her junk, though he has noticed several new frames going up around the apartment lately.  There’s a wedding photo hanging on the wall next to the stairwell with two portraits of Andy next to them, and he has absolutely no idea when she ordered all of those canvases. “You look adorable in this oversized white dress that we just forced our son to wear and to take pictures in for the entire world to see for the rest of his life.” “I absolutely despise that outfit, and I wanted to fight tooth and nail for Andy to just wear a normal outfit to his Christening. One day he’s going to absolutely hate us for this.” “Oh come on,” she laughs, running her palm over a picture of him in the book while he adjusts Andy in his arms, his little lad snoozing away, “there are plenty of other things he’s going to hate us for. I think this may be near the bottom of the list, even if you seem to be holding a grudge over it.” “Because I look ridiculous,” he sighs, propping his feet up on the ottoman and stretching his legs out as much as he can. “And one day Andy’s wife might be making fun of him in the same way that you are making fun of me right now.”

“You were a baby. He looks like you here. It still freaks me out.”

“Too much handsome at once?”

“Sure.” Emma closes the photo album and places it on the couch before getting up and smoothing out her dress. “I’m going to go eat some of the leftovers from earlier. You want something?”

“I want to know when in the world you managed to swipe leftovers? How did you even carry them without me noticing?”

“I asked Isabelle to figure out a way to pack me things. It was some good food, and I wanted to save some for later. And because Isabelle is a saint, she got some for me.” He shakes his head back and forth while his lips press together and tick up into a smile, his disbelief over his wife stealing food from Andrew’s Christening absolutely amusing to him. And not at all surprising. “No, darling, I don’t want anything. You can eat all of your leftovers.” “You are a saint.” She leans down and kisses his brow before walking out of the room, giving her hips a little sway as she moves.

Normally after an event she’s exhausted, especially since she hasn’t been working lately, and as nervous as she was going to Andy’s Christening, as nervous as she was having to be out in the public eye again for the first time since she gave birth, she’s in a surprisingly good mood. Maybe she’s simply relieved that nothing went wrong and that they didn’t get any rude comments from the family they don’t like who were at the church today, or maybe she’s relieved that no one yelled out any nasty comments as they were walking inside. He’s gotten quite a few himself since they didn’t introduce Andy to the world, and while he doesn’t regret the choice he and Emma made, he’s not exactly thrilled to have to deal with all of the backlash. He knew it would happen, but damn.

The fact that he hasn’t popped off on a journalist or photographer is pretty much a miracle for the way that he sometimes has to dig his nails into his palms so harshly that he has cut skin. Emma should be able to make her own choices regarding their child and his privacy, and as much as he has respected more traditions than most people realize, he believes that he and Emma deserve the right to say fuck it and do what they want here.

It’s not like the public will literally never see their child. They already have an official photo of Emma holding him in the nursery and all of the photos from today, so if all of the people harassing his wife would like to calm down and give them some privacy, he’d really appreciate that.

They get so much love and so much kindness from people that he hates focusing on the negativity, so most of the time he tries not to. As does Emma. They focus on the kind words, on the flowers given, on the letters filled with kind words and sweet sentiments that they both spend time responding to. Just last week Emma received a letter from a young woman telling her how much it means to her to see Emma working to change lives in her new patronages supporting women that she’s taken up even while on her maternity leave. He believes the woman actually called Emma a badass for being someone who protects those who she loves as well as protecting those who she doesn’t know and for simply being a mom and so obviously caring for her child.

Emma had sobbed when she read it, her tears staining the page, and it’s what got him to read the letter as well. He knows that Emma wrote a letter back, something more than the perfunctory one they have their team send out, and he also knows that she has that letter in a folder where she keeps all of her favorites.

There’s so much good in the world, and he simply has to remember where to find it.

Andy makes some kind of noise next to him, and Killian slowly turns his head to look at his son who is still sleeping despite his noise. This…this is the good in the world. His sweet child who has stolen his heart.  He’s two months old now, growing like a weed really, and Killian can’t quite believe that it’s been this long. Each day is slow, inching itself along sluggishly, but it seems that when he looks back on it, it’s been the fastest two months of his life.

Likely the two most terrifying too. Having a human being partly rely on him for life is, well, it really puts things into perspective about what’s important and what’s not. He can’t even imagine what it’s like from Emma’s perspective when she literally brought him life and keeps him alive. He’s spent a lot of time focusing on things that don’t matter, but his family matters.

Most definitely.  

Emma comes back into the room with her plate of food and two travel mugs of what he assumes is tea, especially from the smell, and places it all on the table on her side of the couch.

“I’m going to go put him upstairs, love,” he tells her, slowly getting up from the couch and cradling Andy’s head with his hand. “I think my arms may get stuck in this position if I keep holding him.”

“Okay,” she mumbles, covering her mouth as she’s chewing one of the biscuits she brought in here. “I’ll just be here.”

He nods before carefully walking out of the room and down the hall until he’s heading up the stairs and to the nursery. They stopped keeping him in their room last week when he started sleeping more consistently throughout the night, and while Killian does miss having him so close, he’s only one room over. Plus, he does quite like the bit of extra sleep and the fact that he doesn’t have to whisper when talking to Emma.

And Emma really likes getting to sit in the glider in the nursery, which hasn’t fallen apart. David may have helped him put it together, but he likes to think that he’s become quite adept at putting together furniture.

Doesn’t mean he wasn’t terrified that something would happen to the crib while Andy was in it on the first night.

After he successfully puts Andy down, the lad not waking from his slumber, he walks over to his room and changes out of his suit and into his lounge pants and a sweatshirt, grabbing some clothes for Emma in case she wants to change out of her dress without coming upstairs. She’ll likely want something else to wear, but he figures it can’t hurt to ask her.

When he gets back into the living room, Emma’s finished off her plate of food and is drinking her tea while texting on her phone.

“Is he still asleep?”

“Yeah,” he sighs, sitting down at the other end and picking up his mug from where she moved it to his table, warmth still permeating from it. “Out like a light. He had a long day. Lots of elderly women pinching his cheeks.” “I don’t understand why people do that. It honestly freaks me out a little bit. Like, what comes over human beings and makes them want to pinch a baby’s face? It’s like some kind of…creepy phenomenon you’d see in an apocalyptic movie.” “I’ll keep that in mind the next time I mess with the fat on his legs.” “Well that’s different.”

“How?”

She shrugs. “It just is. He’s our baby. By the way, Ruby and Graham are going to get married in August in Fiji. She texted me about it. They don’t have the exact date or place, but they figured we should know so we can make sure that we’re not supposed to be in Scotland with our family. Or so we can take that week off. A vacation from our vacation so to speak.”

“We are, but we can go at any date. I’m sure Ruby will want Abigail there anyway, so we’ll probably all schedule the time off. Unless they really are only doing the few of us.” “I think they are. I mean, I really am thinking ten to twenty people, which will be kind of awesome. Plus, you know, the beach.”

“That is a bonus. Though I do hope that Ruby and Graham’s suite is far from ours.” “Stop,” she whines, tossing a throw pillow that hits him in the shoulder while he moves his brows across his forehead. “There’s a difference between talking about sex with Ruby and actually having to hear her having it. That’s just…I don’t want that.”

“Exactly my point. We’ll have to make sure we stay in separate hotels or that we put Graham’s parents next to them.”

“Poor Ella and George. They will literally never be the same.”

He leans back against the couch, propping his feet up on the ottoman and crossing his legs at his ankles before stretching his hands behind his head. “You know, it’s a bit weird to think about the fact that we’ll only have been married for three more years than them when they literally met at our wedding while we’ve been together for nine years.”

“Not really. I mean, yeah, a little, but their lives aren’t quite as complicated as ours were, as ours are. We could have literally never flown to an island and gotten married with twenty people there. Hell, we can barely leave the house now.”

“Yeah, I know.” He tilts his head to the side and smiles at Emma as she twists her curled hair around her fingers. “I liked our wedding. It was ridiculous sometimes, but I liked it. I liked the tradition of it for once. I also liked the fact that we got to have what we actually wanted at the end of the night.”

She stretches her legs out until she’s poking her toes at his thigh, obviously waiting for him to grab it and rest it in his lap. “Our wedding was perfect, Killian. I thought I was going to throw up even with how calm I convinced everyone I was, but it was perfect. There’s not a thing I would change, not even messing my vows up in front of all of those people.”

“That was a very on point thing for you to do.”

“Exactly. And now we can just live our lives, you know? Also, can we talk about how haven’t even been married two and a half years, and you knocked me up on accident? Good job there.” “Right then,” he teases, pinching her foot, “I’m just going to tell Andrew up there that he was a surprise baby who wasn’t supposed to be conceived for another few months.”

“I think he’ll take the news well.” She sits up and leans over the couch to brush her lips against his cheek. “Do you want to watch a movie or clean the house?”

“It’s like you’re asking me to choose between two truly wonderful things.”

“You are so weird.”

“That I am, my darling.” He moves her feet off of his lap, getting up from his seat. “Why don’t you change into those clothes, and we’ll clean?”

“I was really thinking a movie, though,” she whines, throwing her head back against the cushions. “I was kidding about the cleaning.”

“You should know to have never have offered it if you didn’t want to do it.” “And you should know that I never want to clean.”

He bends down over her, quickly brushing his lips over hers. “Let’s just work in the kitchen and in here, and then we can watch a movie when Andy wakes up. You can pick it out and everything.” She rolls her eyes. “How kind of you. It’s not like we could just watch the movie I pick out now and then not clean.”

He winks before moving away and off into the kitchen. They really don’t have much to do, but he likes to deep clean the kitchen every few weeks. He knows that Emma thinks he’s crazy, that if there’s anything about him that she thinks is absolutely mad, it’s his cleanliness and the way he doesn’t like dishes piling up. As he sets music up on his phone, connecting it to the speakers in the kitchen, he idly wonders how many fights they’ve gotten into over the years simply because Emma’s left dishes in the sink or in the living room or because he’s snapped at her for not cleaning up when she says that she’s going to in a few minutes.

It’s insane, but it happens when two personalities live in one house. He loves her more than anything (well, Andy is right up there), but sometimes she irritates the hell out of him. And sometimes he pisses her off. It’s life.

He starts with the fridge, taking out anything that’s old or needs to be replaced so he can more easily wipe the shelves down. They’ve really got to order actual groceries at some point, more than getting the bare minimum, but they’ve definitely been slacking at things lately. He knows that all he has to do is ask and Isabelle or Thomas will get someone to do it all for him, but he’s not the biggest fan of that. It’s a weird hang up he has, and while sometimes he does succumb to asking for extra help when life gets too busy or he’s going to be traveling, he does like to do things himself.

Besides, no one is going to organize the refrigerator in the exact way that he likes it.

Maybe he does have some issues.

Emma finally joins him twenty minutes later. She’s changed into the clothes he brought down for her, but she also must have gone upstairs and removed her makeup and brushed through the curls in her hair. He hears her unloading the dishwasher, glass clanking against glass as she puts them away in the cabinets, and he smiles a bit to himself knowing that she’s likely grumbling the entire time. He’s got no bloody clue how she worked in a pub for so long when she hates doing the dishes.

She likely hates them because of her days in the pub. It’s got to be disgusting to clean the plates and glasses of people you don’t know. He helped out a few times, but it was mostly just wiping down glasses. He let Emma and her parents do the nastiest cleaning.

It’s a miracle that were all happy to keep him around.

After he’s finished with the refrigerator and freezer, he starts wiping down the counters where he made a mess. He finds this soothing, relaxing, and the music playing overhead definitely helps the time pass. Eventually Emma moves to work next to him, bumping her hip into his and looking up at him with a cheeky smile on her face.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she hums, her tune matching up with the song that’s playing over the speakers while she scrubs at a stain on the marble.

He doesn’t think anything else of it until her humming picks up its pace, her hips moving a bit as she cleans, and without thinking he tosses his cloth down and walks over to Emma, grabbing onto her wrists until she drops her wipe onto the counter.

“What?”

“Nothing,” he answers, mimicking her words from earlier as he slowly twines their fingers together, smiling down at her and the way that she’s got her brows raised in confusion. “I was simply wondering if I could have this dance, milady?”

“Killian,” she chuckles, her fingers going a bit lax in his until he’s tightening them and pulling her back toward the open space in the kitchen, “you’re ridiculous.”

“I want to dance with my wife,” he sighs, spinning her around until she’s pulled back into him, their chests pressed together while their feet move from side to side. She’s being hesitant, but she’s moving with him.

“You want to dance with me to Mamma Mia?”

“Aye,” he laughs, pulling her closer and listening to her giggle as he trails his lips across her jaw, her perfume invading his senses as he moves down her neck, “I do because it has been far too long since I’ve gotten to dance with you. Besides,” he growls, biting the lobe of her ear and reveling in the whine she emits, “what better song is there to dance to with my hot baby mama?”

She throws her head back, her hair falling down her back while she laughs. God, he loves her laugh. He loves making her laugh. “Okay. You’ve been spending too much time with Ruby, but okay. Show me your moves.”

He winks. “I plan to.”

They continue to move around the kitchen, their feet expertly (or inexpertly really) moving as the sway together and then sway apart. He spins and dips Emma far too many times, simply because she laughs every damn time, and by the time three songs have passed, he’s out of breath from his laughter and holding Emma closely against him while they simply sway, hearts beating against each other in a comforting rhythm.

“Thank you,” she mumbles into her chest, her words muffled until she leans her head back the slightest bit to look up at him. “Thank you for making me dance even if I feel ridiculous sometimes when we do that.”

“Thanks for feeling ridiculous with me.”

“Always. I’m just surprised you allowed us to stop doing your precious cleaning to dance. It didn’t mess up your mojo?”

“Hush,” he laughs, leaning down and nipping at her ear, enjoying the noise that she makes yet again. It’s something between a moan and a sigh this time, and he absolutely loves it. It’s been a damn good day today. “I can get back into my mojo at any time.”

She raises her brow, something she’s gotten a lot better at recently. “Oh really?”

“Most definitely. I can always get back into my mojo.”

“So if I were to say that I’m feeling like going upstairs and having sex, you think you could get your mojo back even though it’s been over two months and I was like a human whale the last time?”

“Please, love. I’ve never lost that mojo.” He raises his brow, just like Emma did, and studies her face, moving his hands from her hips until he’s cupping her cheeks and running his thumbs under her eyes, looking for the sureness in her emerald eyes. “Are you sure you’re ready? I don’t mind waiting. I promise.”

She nods her head up and down, her eyes alight with amusement. “I mean, what’s the saying? Gotta get back up on the horse and ride?”

He gasps, adding as much false shock as possible simply to annoy her because he knows how annoyed she gets with the joke he’s about to make. “Emma, you are someone’s mother. How dare you say make a dirty joke like that.”

“Well, I’m only someone’s mother because I know how to ride. Just saying.” She backs up from him, trailing her hands down his arms until she’s holding his hands, tugging at him with her lips pressed together in a smile. “I’m going to ignore the sexism in your joke because I know you were making fun of it, and ask you to take me away, cowboy.”

“Good God, love. You’ve got to stop with those jokes.”

“Never.” She laughs before tugging at his arms again, simply the brightest smile on her face that amuses him even with how turned on he is, and just as he’s taking a step, there’s a cry emitting from the baby monitor. “Seriously,” Emma whines, looking over at the device before looking up at him, her bottom lip jutting out as she walks back toward him and buries her face in his chest. “We just got cock blocked by our son.”

“I know,” he sighs, rubbing his hand up and down her back before kissing the crown of her hair, trying to tamper down the disappoint that’s running through him. “I know, darling. We’ll try again later.”

“I feel like he’s really not appreciative of the fact that you and I have needs, and he’s only alive because we used to have time to sleep together.”

“Maybe he’s simply trying to stay an only child.”

“I think he just wants to eat.”

“Preposterous.”

-/-

He looks down at his phone and sees that it’s now December first, November having passed in a flurry of chilled weather and rain that he hopes won’t continue throughout December. He loves this time of the year, loves the upcoming holidays and the way things seem to be brighter the closer they get to Christmas, but for some reason he’s shocked to see that it actually is December. Maybe it’s that time is always getting away from him or because it’s three in the morning and he’s just woken up out of a heavy sleep a bit bleary eyed. He should not be awake right now.

Slowly, he turns to his side and looks to see that the other side of the bed is empty, the comforter thrown off where Emma has obviously gotten up. Usually he feels her move or hears the monitor when Andy cries, but he must have slept through it all.

With a bit of hesitance, he gets out of bed, picking his boxers up off the ground and sliding them up his legs as he makes his way out of the bedroom and the few feet down the hall to the nursery. It’s oddly quiet, simply the sound of a noise machine that he absolutely hates but Emma insists on because she claims that it’s soothing, and he sees Emma half asleep holding Andy as she sits in the glider moving back and forth in a consistent motion. She hasn’t even bothered to get dressed, just sitting in her robe that she must have found on the bedroom floor even in the darkness of their room, but he doesn’t blame her. He’s done the same thing even if he can feel the chill from outside in his bones.

“Hey,” he whispers, walking over to them and squatting down next to the chair, placing his hand on her knee, “how long have you been in here?”

“About thirty minutes,” she yawns, her voice barely audible. “I thought about coming back to bed, but I got really comfortable right here. Why are you up?”

“Force of habit.” He slowly takes Andy out of Emma’s arms, settling him in his arms and walking him back over to his crib so that he can go back to sleep without constantly being moved. “Come back to bed, love.”

“You only ask because you want to get lucky again.”

“I ask because if you get a crick in your neck from falling asleep in that chair, not a person in this house is going to be happy tomorrow.”

“I don’t like that you’re being reasonable here.”

“I know.”

He takes her hands in his, pulling her up out of the chair until she’s standing. She ties her robe over her waist and follows him back to their bedroom. He’s pretty sure she’s asleep the moment her head hits the pillow, and he follows not long after. It’s a pattern they’ve become accustomed to, though they don’t have to wake up as often as they did at first, but he does crave the nights where he once got a full night of sleep. He wouldn’t trade his son for anything in the world, but he would be okay with a full night of sleep more consistently.

He wakes up not three hours later, Emma still fast asleep beside him, and he gets out of bed as quietly as he can so he can let Indy go outside before she starts barking and wakes everyone up. She’s pretty good about not needing to go out during the night, but sometimes she’ll scratch at the floor next to his side of the bed and bark to let him know that she needs to go outside.

“Morning, girl,” he says to her when he finds her sleeping in the hallway between their room and the nursery. “You need to go outside?”

She immediately scrambles up, nails clicking against the wood, and runs downstairs even in her sleepy state. He has to catch up with her by the back garden door, opening it and feeling the gust of cold wind blow into the house. When they move after their house in Bucklebury is built, he’s definitely got to install some kind of dog door for her. Then again, they’ll have a toddler, and he can already see Andy somehow escaping through a dog door and wandering to the pool.

Okay, so maybe the door isn’t the best idea.

Maybe he’ll just have to wear more than his boxers to let the dog out in December.

After a few more minutes, he opens up the door and whistles, Indy running back over from where she was sniffing around a bench and moving trotting inside. He reaches down to scratch behind her ear, promising that he’ll take her out on a run with him later this afternoon if it doesn’t rain.

He’s sure that it’s going to rain, and while that should give him an excuse not to exercise, he could simply use the treadmill they have. He’s been working out with Emma the past week or so per her request to make sure she starts running again, but he’s kind of feeling like today might be a day for them to simply relax and eat all of the holiday food that’s been filling their fridge over the past few days even if they still have weeks until Christmas.

That’s probably an exact reason for them to go running in the gym.

The pastries are calling his name, though.

Yeah, they’ll definitely have to work out, and then they can go to David and Mary Margaret’s house for supper since they have the day off from the pub and offered to host them so they could have a meal somewhere other than their home. Really, he knows that it’s because David and Mary Margaret want to see their grandchild, but it’s a nice offer nonetheless.

“Come on,” he sighs, patting his thigh until she moves with him as he makes his way back upstairs. Indy takes her spot in the hallway where she’s preferred being lately, and he checks the nursery, making sure that everything is okay in there before moving back to his bedroom where Emma is awake but still burrowed under all of the blankets with only her eyes poking out. “You cold, sweetheart?”

“Yes,” she mumbles, her words muffled under the material. “Turn up the heat. I’m dying.”

“As you wish.” He fake bows before taking the few steps over to the thermostat and hitting it up a few degrees. It really is cold, and while Andy is dressed warmly, they can’t have him be chilled. Before he freezes, he heads to the closet and puts on pajamas and a sweater, grabbing Emma her favorite cardigan that’s on the center table, and tossing it as her when he comes back into the bedroom. She practically scrambles to get it on, wrapping the white fuzz around her waist as she sits up a little more in bed, pulling her hair into a bun on top of her head with one hand while the other reaches over for her glasses, sliding them onto her nose.

“Where’d you go?”

“Took the dog out, checked on our spawn, and now I’m crawling back into bed with my lovely wife because it’s Saturday and we have nothing to do.”

“We’re going to see my parents later.”

“Already thought about that,” he promises, settling himself down onto the mattress and pulling the covers up until he’s situated. “Damn. I should have gotten coffee before I came back upstairs.”

“Why would you even say that? I didn’t need caffeine until now.”

“Later,” he sighs, sliding down a bit and stretching out his arm until it hits her stomach, his hands fidgeting until her has them around her side so he can tug her closer. “We’ll get coffee later because right now I need you to warm me up.”

“So needy.”

“So cold.”

It’s a lazy day if he’s ever had one, even with all of the time and energy it takes to make sure that Andy is cared for and loved especially now that he’s more active than sleepy and needs to be entertained. He wails a lot, which is always pretty painful, but he’ll usually fall asleep right afterwards if he’s not hungry. It’s a lot, and he knows that even though he and Emma are both getting more sleep than they have been, they’re both thankful to have David and Mary Margaret watch Andy for a little while.

And he knows that they don’t mind because when they pull up to the house, parking in the private garage, Mary Margaret doesn’t even let them get out of the car before she’s entering the garage with a smile on her face, bypassing he and Emma to move to the backseat to get Andy out of his car seat.

“Nice to see you too, Mom,” Emma huffs as she gets out from the passenger side of the car, grabbing the diaper bag off the floorboard.

“Oh, hon, I’m going to say hi to you in a minute. I want to see my grandbaby.”

“But not her own baby,” Emma teases, rolling her eyes at him while he walks up the steps and into the house. “Hi, Dad,” she sighs when David comes into view while he slabs butter over bread in in the kitchen.

“Hi, darling,” David greets, coming over to them and hugging Emma before moving over to him and giving him a pat on the back. “Hey, Killian. How are you guys?”

“Good. It smells fantastic in here. Pasta?”

“Yeah. It’s easy, and I know you both like it. Where’s my grandchild?”

“Mom has him. I’m glad you at least said hi to us first. She just skipped right over us.”

“Sounds like her,” David laughs, continuing to fix the bread before popping it in the oven.

“Are you guys talking about me?” Mary Margaret coos as she walks into the room, her voice high-pitched like it is when she talks to Andy. “I think they’re talking about me baby boy. I think they’re talking about your Mimi.”

“Because you’re apparently ignoring your daughter in favor of Andy.” Mary Margaret laughs before fully walking into kitchen. “I’m sorry, hon,” she sighs, squeezing Emma’s arm and kissing her cheek. “How are you today? I feel like we haven’t talked all week.” “We talked this afternoon.”

“Did we?”

“Most definitely. How late were you two at the pub last night?”

“Late,” David answers, a yawn catching him. “We weren’t planning on going, but Will called out sick.”

“Is he okay?” Killian asks, moving to sit down at the kitchen table. Emma follows him, pulling out the cushioned chair next to him and grabbing an apple from the bowl even if they’re about to ear.

“Just a cold.”

“Please, David,” Mary Margaret scoffs, her eyes never leaving Andy’s as he watches his grandmother talk, “the man was going out on a date tonight with his girlfriend. I heard him on the phone.” “You knew he was faking it, and you let him take off?”

She shrugs, her lips pressing into a smile that reminds him so much of Emma that it takes him back a bit every time he notices the resemblance. Andy’s face is beginning to look a bit more like Emma, which means he’s looking more like Mary Margaret. He’s got all of Killian’s coloring and his dimples according to Emma, but he sees his wife. He guesses they all see different things in him.

“Young love,” she answers, handing Andy to David who kisses the top of his head. “And he deserves it. I’m surprised he still works for us after all this time.” “Yeah, and you guys don’t exactly pay well.”

He barks out a laugh at Emma’s comment, twisting his head to the side to look at the smug smile on her face.

“Would you look at that Andrew, your mommy thinks that just because she doesn’t live with us now she can complain about the pay when we gave her housing and work for years? And we allowed your daddy to stay around too? So ungrateful.”

“You guys are such kind parents.”

“That we are.”

Dinner is wonderful, and it’s nice to get to spend some more time with the Nolans. Sometimes, much like their daughter, they can grate on his nerves with their intrusive tendencies and lack of boundaries, but it’s like falling back into a sense of comfort whenever he’s around them. Plus, it’s quite beautiful to see how much they love their grandchild and how happy they are to have their family grow.

He stretches his arm and moves it to rest it on the back of Emma’s chair, his fingertips fiddling with the tips of her ponytail until he leans over and brushes his lips over her temple, lingering for a second too long while he takes it all in.

[prophetparadox]

Birds of a Feather: Epilogue (A Prompto x OC Soulmate AU)

Chapter 22 <-/AO3

Masterlist

Word count: 3,842

It’s here! The ending of this story has finally come! And what better way to end this story off than on a happy note! Now don’t worry, just because I’m done writing this story doesn’t mean I’m done writing about Prompto and Katia! I have a ton of fic ideas on the way! And I hope you’ll read them just like you have this! I’m gonna be taking a small break though, as I want to keep myself from burning out, especially with how long this epilogue took. I also want to thank everyone who read this story from beginning to end. It really makes me happy to know I have people who’ve enjoyed this crazy ride just as much as I have! And hopefully this ending will satisfy everyone! Gotta have a happy ending to all this, after all.

Tagging: @cupnoodle-queen, @nifwrites, @takuahijackedthetardis, @lunarlapin, @fujinhildr, @grumpyoldmoogle, @thefriendlytonberry, and @themaidoflight22. Although this is the ending, if you want to be tagged in future stories feel free to let me know!

Katia's eyes slowly blinked open as she awakened from her slumber, the sound of her phone's alarm rousing her from sleep. If it were any other day, she'd hit the snooze button and get a few more minutes of rest, but not today. Today was something special. She reached for her phone shutting the alarm off and letting herself wake up before jumping out of bed. She noticed the lack of arms around her and turned around, seeing Prompto already awake and looking at her with a smirk. "Morning, beautiful," he said, pulling her in close. "You sleep well?"

Katia giggled. "Morning, handsome," she said as a yawn escaped her. "I slept just fine. After all, I had you by my side all night."

"I dunno, sounds to me like you're not ready to leave the bed."

"You know I've never been good with being woken up. I just need a few minutes."

"If you need help waking up faster, I think I have the perfect solution." He looked into her eyes as his hand slowly traveled down her side.

She didn't have to be fully awake to understand what he meant. "Prom, no, we have to get ready. Besides, you'll have plenty of time for that later tonight."

"Awwwww, come on Kat! It'll be quick, I promise!" He began making that sad puppy face as he whined.

"Prom, I said no. We have a lot to do today!" She tried her hardest to resist his charms.

"Please, Chocobabe?"

Katia let out a sigh, clearly he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Alright, but it has to be quick."

"What has to be quick?"

The sound of a third voice snapped the pair out of their mood, causing them to turn their heads towards the end of the bed. Sitting there, an innocent smile on her face, was a young six year-old girl. Her long blond hair was a mess, her face was littered with freckles, and her blue eyes were focused on the couple in front of her. They hadn't even heard her enter the room.

"Soleil, sweetie, you know you're supposed to knock on the door before you enter." Katia said, relieved that she hadn't seen anything.

"Oh right, oops. Sorry, mama." Soleil said.

Prompto reached over, picking up their daughter and bringing her closer. "And just what are you doing up so early, Nugget?" he asked.

"I can't help it! It's so bright outside and I couldn't go back to sleep!" Soleil whined, pointing towards the window as sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Prompto chuckled as he ruffled her hair. "It's been a month and yet you're still not used to the sun?"

"Well you can't really blame her, she's grown up in endless night her whole life." Katia said.

She looked at the two next to her, Prompto having initiated a tickle attack on Soleil, and smiled. Ten years had passed and she was blessed with a wonderful family. She looked at Prompto, the love of her life, noting just how much had changed and how much had stayed the same. His freckles had gotten harder to see, he'd lost his baby face, and a noticeable goatee sat on his chin; though he still had that chocobo hair, his sunshine personality, and all the love for her in the world. She couldn't have asked for a more perfect soulmate.

Of course, the years had changed her as well. Her scars had healed to the best of their ability, her hair now went past her shoulders, and some smaller scars now littered her body, but at heart she was still the same. She wished she could let this happy moment continue, but they had a long day. "Alright you two, that's enough tickle fights for now. I think it's about time we have some breakfast before Aunt Cindy and Aunt Iris get here."

"Yay! Breakfast!" Soleil shouted as she jumped off the bed and headed towards the door. "I want strawberry waffles!"

The two of them giggled as their daughter left. She was a ball of energy that brightened up their lives. Finally getting out of bed, Katia was surprised when she felt Prompto's arm wrap around her from behind. "I guess we'll have to save the fun for tonight after all." he pouted.

"Well well, someone's feeling greedy today aren't they?" Katia asked.

"I can't help it, today's the day we've been waiting ten years for. Can't I be a little enthusiastic?"

"Save it for later, Chocobo-Butt."

Prompto kissed her cheek, his goatee brushing against her skin. "I'm allowed that at least?"

"Of course. Now let's hurry before Soleil starts whining about her starving to death."

They followed their daughter down to the kitchen, and as she began making the waffles Soleil was clamoring for Katia found herself staring out the window. It was still early in the morning so not many people were awake yet, but the sun shining down on Insomnia's streets always managed to warm her heart. There was still a lot that needed to be repaired, Insomnia was a huge city after all, but being back home after so long felt nice. No more daemons, no more Ardyn, it was all so wonderful. Even without it's king, she knew that Insomnia would flourish. People had already started returning and doing what they could to help.

The rest of the morning passed by uneventfully, with Soleil eating her waffles and asking all kinds of questions.

"So who's gonna be there?"

"Just about everyone we know. They've all been waiting for this as much as we have."

"Does that mean Ordo's gonna be there?" Soleil's eyes sparkled as she asked the question.

"Of course Ordo's coming. Uncle Iggy and Aunt Eleiza are pretty important for today, as is Ordo. In fact, you're gonna stay at their place tonight!"

"Yaaaaaay! But why am I staying at Uncle Iggy's?"

"'Cause the hotel room is only for two people, Nugget."

"I already know Uncle Gladio's gonna be there, but what about Uncle Noct? Is Uncle Noct coming?"

Katia and Prompto froze. A month had passed since their best friend's sacrifice but they still hadn't explained what happened to their daughter. "No, Uncle Noct isn't coming. He's...been too busy. But he wishes he could come and see you again," Katia said. They'd tell her the truth one day, just not today. "Now hurry up and go get your dress on. Aunt Cindy and Aunt Iris are gonna be here soon and we need to be ready."

Her food finished, she jumped out of her chair. "Okay, mama!" Soleil ran back to her room.

Prompto sighed. "The one thing keeping this day from being perfect..." he muttered.

Katia walked over to him, giving him a hug. "Hey, you know he'd want to be there," she said. "But he had to fulfill his duties as the True King. It's thanks to him today's even possible. Besides, I'm sure he'll be there in spirit. After all he's done for us, there's no way he'd miss it. Not even dying would stop him. So don't get sad, today's supposed to be a happy day for us."

Prompto smiled. "You're right. He'll be there."

The doorbell ringed, signifying that it was time to get things rolling. "Well, I guess that's my cue. I'll be seeing you later, my handsome Chocobo." She kissed him on the cheek, as Soleil ran into the room.

Prompto blushed. After all this time, she still knew how to get him flustered. "I'll be waiting for you at the alter."

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

"Uuuuuugh, do I really have to put on all this make-up?" Katia asked as she sat in front of a mirror, waiting impatiently for the make-up to be applied.

"Oh come on, it's your big day! You and Prompto are finally getting married! You deserve to look your best for him!" Mira said.

Mira Humanitas was Gladio's fiance. Katia couldn't remember exactly when the two of them had hooked up, as it was in the early days of the Starscourge when the days blended together. But they'd met many times and became quick friends. She was the one applying said make-up, much to Katia's chagrin.

"But I rarely even wear the stuff, and Prom loves me just as much without it. I don't need to be dolled up just to get married, some lipstick will do just fine."

"Nonsense! I'm not letting you go out there until you look stunning! Besides, if he loves you without make-up, just imagine the look on his face when he sees you with make-up."

"I think he'd faint from the overload." Eleiza joked. The former hunter, now Ignis' fiance, laughed at the idea of Prompto fainting at the alter.

"Come on now Katia, I think you look great!" Iris said, her signature smile gracing her face.

"Maybe you think so, but there's a reason I don't normally wear this stuff," Katia said. "Can we at least skip the mascara? I hate the way it feels on me."

Mira let out a sigh. "Fine, no mascara. But I swear to the Six, I'm gonna make you look perfect and you're gonna like it! And I can do it without the mascara!"

"I don't get why yer so against this, sugar. It's just a bit of fancy make-up. It's meant ta enhance yer beauty." Cindy said, her face free of the usual grime. She looked even more beautiful than usual. The mechanic had quickly become Katia's friend during the ten years of darkness. She was a fun person to talk to and was always nice. If not for the fact that she'd already found her soulmate, Katia could've easily fallen for her.

"I just don't like how I look with it on. I end up looking like a zombie." Katia said.

"Well that's why I'm here. I picked these colors myself so they'd match with your dress. No zombies here. You're gonna look stunning!" Mira said, insistent on not letting this go.

Soleil ran up to the mirror. "You look really pretty, mama!" she said.

"Awww, thanks sweetie," Katia responded, at least her daughter thought she looked nice. "You should go get ready. You have an important role today, remember?"

"Oh yeah! Right!" Soleil picked her basket of petals off of a table and headed for the door.

"Iris, can you go with her so she doesn't get lost?"

The young Amicita nodded her head. "You can count on me!" she said. She took hold of the little girls hand and walked out the door with her.

"Aaaaaaand, done!" Mira proclaimed with a smile. "Take a look!"

Katia looked at herself in the mirror, surprised by how she looked. The colors chosen weren't too bright or garish, the yellows and oranges were soft, enhancing her eyes and lips. Just as promised, there was no mascara, the eyeliner and eye-shadow making up for it. Her cheeks were dusted a faint pink. Aside from the scars on the right side of her face, not a blemish could be seen on her skin. Mira had done it. "Wow..." was the only thing she managed to say.

"Told you I'd make you look perfect." Mira said. The other women in the room came over and saw for themselves.

"Damn, you look mighty fine there, sugar! Prompto's a lucky man!" Cindy said.

"Oh yeah, he's gonna faint for sure." Eleiza chuckled.

A knock at the door interrupted their thoughts. Katia called for them to enter, and two women were standing there. "You almost done in here? We're ready to start." Aranea said.

"Yeah, and Cor's waiting for you. No doubt my brother is as well." Chrome Animalia said with a smirk. It still surprised Katia how much the beast tamer looked like her husband-to-be. But that's just how twins were.

"Well you're in luck. I just finished with her make-up so we're good to go!" Mira said. "You tell everyone to get ready, we'll be out there in a second." Aranea and Chrome nodded, shutting the door behind them.

"Well, I think that's our cue to get out there. Iris is probably waiting already. We'll see you out there, Katia." Eleiza said. The bridesmaids made their way out as well. Katia let out a breath, trying to compose herself.

"Ya nervous?" Katia turned to find Cindy still there, standing by the door.

"A little bit, yeah," Katia answered. "I mean, we've been waiting for this for ten years, I'm bound to be a little nervous. It's just kinda weird to think that after all this time we're finally gonna be married."

"The two of ya were kinda already married, it jus' weren't officially done," Cindy said. She was right. The two of them were practically married already, as was usual with their relationship. But they still wanted this to be official. "An' I'll bet you that Prompto's even more nervous than you are. Ya know how he gets 'bout these things."

"Yeah, you're right," Katia stood up from the chair she'd been sitting in, grabbing her bouquet from the side of the table. "Okay, I'm ready."

Cindy smiled. "Then let's git goin'. The Marshall's waitin'." She exited the room, probably to catch up with the other bridesmaids, as Katia followed shortly after. After making her way through the hallways, she eventually found Cor Leonis standing by the kids. They were waiting on their cues. Cor's head popped up as she walked closer.

"I was beginning to wonder if you bailed." he said.

Katia scoffed. "Oh please, like I'd run out on this. Not after getting my face covered in all this stuff."

"Remind me why I'm walking down the isle with you again?"

"Because my father sadly can't be here, and I need someone to give me away. And you were my first choice. I thought you'd be honored."

"I am, I'm just still a bit confused is all."

"Age is catching up to you, Cor."

"I'm not that old."

The music began to play, halting their conversation. Well, this was it. Her life as Katia Ferrum was about to end.

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

"You think the girls are okay?" Prompto asked, glancing over at Gladio with worry in his eyes.

Gladio just laughed. "If I know Mira, she's probably taking her time applying Katia's make-up so she'll look perfect. And that takes a while. They'll be here."

"There's no need to worry, Prompto," Ignis said from the podium. "Katia loves you dearly, I don't need my eyesight to see that. She's been patient for ten years, there's no possibility that she'll walk out on you."

"Yeah, you're right," Prompto nervously chuckled. "Nerves are just getting to me, I guess."

"By the way, thanks for making me your best man," Gladio said. "I know I wasn't your first choice and all, but I'm honored."

"Hey, it's no problem, big guy. You were the perfect choice. No offense, Ignis."

"None taken. I am honored that I am the one who shall be marrying you two. It is certainly a reprieve from working on restoring the city."

"Hey Specs, you sure it's a good idea to hold this here? The Citadel ain't a chapel." Gladio looked out over the former royal gardens, the guests talking with each other.

"I can assure you that all traces of Ardyn's mess have been removed. I made sure that was the first item of business to be taken care of. Besides, I'm positive that Noct would want the wedding to be held here."

The three of them went silent, the mention of their fallen friend still a fresh wound. They knew it would take time to heal, but they knew that Noctis would want them to live their lives and try to be happy. There was no use letting his sacrifice hang over their heads forever.

"Iggy's right. He would've insisted we have it here. Nothing but the best for his best friends." Prompto said, trying to smile.

Gladio silently agreed with him. He watched as Cindy, Mira, and Eleiza entered the gardens. "The girls are here. Looks like we're about to start."

Prompto went stiff, his nerves getting the best of him as the music began to play. Everyone turned as Ordo Scientia walked down the isle, the rings in hand. The eight year-old looked nervous, as if he thought he would drop the pillow at any moment. Next, Soleil made her way down the aisle behind him, throwing flowers everywhere. She was clearly having too much fun being the flower girl. Watching her seemed to settle Prompto's nerves a little, though it also made him a bit irritated that he couldn't take any pictures. Those thoughts vanished as his bride walked down alongside Cor.

He already thought Katia was beautiful, but seeing her walk down in her wedding dress was too much. Instead of the traditional white, her dress was a light yellow. It had no sleeves, and a huge skirt. Said skirt had been designed to look like it was made of feathers, obviously invoking the chocobos they both loved. Around her neck sat a golden pendant in the shape of a chocobo feather. The bouquet she held in her hands was comprised of yellow roses and white chrysanthemums, enhancing the fluffy visuals of her dress. She looked absolutely stunning.

He didn't even realize he was falling over until he felt Gladio's hands grabbing him from behind. "Calm down there, lover boy. Your wedding is no time to faint." he whispered, helping get him back up.

Katia made her way up to the podium next to Prompto, Cor heading towards his seat. Ignis assumed that the two were standing there, and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Prompto Argentum and Katia Ferrum, in holy matrimony. Over the years, these two have shown that even in darkness, the true love between soulmates cannot be broken. If there is anyone here who objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace," To the surprise of no one, nobody objected. "Very well then."

As Ignis continued, the couple just looked at each other, still in shock that this was happening. They were happy though, not many people in this world were as lucky as them. Yet here they were, about to be married. It felt like a dream, but the smiles on each others faces told them this was no dream. It was as real as can be.

"Will the bride and groom make their vows?" Ignis asked, snapping them both out of their thoughts. Prompto turned to face her, his whole face practically pink.

"Kat, I feel like the luckiest man in Eos right now," Prompto began. "Not many people out there can say they got to marry their best friend, yet here I am. I get to marry the most beautiful, adorable, fun, and interesting woman I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Part of me feels like you still don't deserve me, but then I look at you and that mark on your wrist and I remember how much you mean to me. And after everything we've been through, I'm ecstatic to be your husband. I love you so much, and I can only ask that you love me even half as much as that. I promise that I'll always be by your side, no matter what the future holds."

Katia felt like she was about to cry, but held back her tears. Mira would kill her if she ruined her make-up after all. A few people were already in tears, she didn't need to be one of them. "Prom, you make me feel like no one else does. For years you've been there in my darkest moments, when I've thought all hope was lost, and you've brought me back with your smile and kindness. For ten years I told myself I didn't need the sun in the sky, because I had my own sun right beside me. You've always been my best friend, and now you're about to be my husband. I couldn't ask for anything more. We've been through a lot, and I know that whatever comes our way you'll be there with me. You're sweet, adorable, handsome, and kind. Everything I'd ever want in a partner. And even if we weren't soulmates, I know I'd still fall in love with you. You're the most important person in my life, and I love you so much that I could go on for hours."

If people weren't crying before, they probably were now. Ignis just smiled. "Do you, Prompto Argentum, take this woman to be your wife, in sickness and in health, in darkness and in light, 'til death do you part?"

"I do."

"And do you, Katia Ferrum, take this man to be your husband, in sickness and in health, in darkness and in light, 'til death do you part?"

"I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

It's as if those words couldn't have come sooner, as Prompto and Katia Argentum immediately pressed their lips together, eliciting cheers from the guests. As her parents kissed and sealed their union, Soleil noticed something that wasn't there before. Standing next to Gladio were two people. One was a beautiful blonde woman wearing a white dress that she didn't recognize. The other was unmistakable, even if she'd only met him once before, but it was clearly Noctis. Both of them were smiling at her parents. Soleil was confused, she was told Noctis was too busy to come so why was he here? And how come no one else noticed him? His gaze turned towards her, noticing that she could see him.

"Hey Squirt, don't tell anyone I was here, okay? I think it might just make people upset. It's a secret between us, got it?"

Soleil just nodded, not exactly understanding what was going on but figuring there was a reason for it. She was about to say something to him, but when she looked back where he'd been standing no one was there. Oh well, maybe it was better to leave it be.

Prompto Argentum used to believe he would never find his soulmate, that he was undeserving of them. But as he stood there, holding his wife's hand in his and feeling the warmth he knew better than anything, those thoughts never even crossed his mind. Sure, things had been rough for both of them, and getting where they were now had not been an easy journey, but looking into her eyes, he knew that things would get better. Because he was going to be sure that Katia would be happy with him no matter what.

From now on, the Argentums would make the world a better place, standing by each other's side. And even though their friend was gone, they knew that they'd be happy. For the two of them were birds of a feather.

[winchesterprincessbride]

Political Animals-Election Day (Part 15)

A/N: Warning for gun violence in this chapter FYI. Well we’ve come to the end of the road with this story.  Thanks to everyone for your comments and your enthusiasm.  There will be an epilogue after this, and then it’s on to the next story.  Thanks for reading!  Jen

This is an A/B/O AU.  You are the Omega artist daughter of Naomi Novak, a world-class heart surgeon who is running for Mayor of New York City.  After a meeting where your mother’s advisers call you a “liability”, she tells you that if you don’t do as your told she will cut you off.  You storm out and wind up in a bar a few blocks away.

The hottest Alpha you have EVER laid eyes on with a scent so mouthwatering you’re practically drooling offers to buy you a drink.  It’s just a drink, right? What do you have to lose? Only everything.

Characters: Omega! Reader, Beta! Naomi Novak, Alpha! Castiel Novak, Omega! Meg Novak, Claire Novak, Jimmy Novak, Alpha! Sam Winchester, Alpha! Dean Winchester, Alpha! John Winchester, Omega! Jo Harvelle

Big thanks to @moansmisha  for letting me use some of her ideas from this post.

Master List

Part 1 (all parts are linked)

Parts in bold are text messages

It’s finally here.  The day that has been the focus of the Winchester and Novak families for the past two years.  Election day.  Today is the that will decide it all. By the end of the night, we would know if all the back-stabbing, mud-slinging, and name-calling by my mother had been effective enough to win her the election.

John had flat out refused to stoop to her level.  If he was going to be the mayor, he was going to do it the same way he did everything else, with honesty and integrity.  I admired him for that.

This election had truly brought out the worst in my mother.  She used every opportunity to bad mouth us in the press. The latest story she had concocted was that Sam had gotten me pregnant to trap me into marrying him. Seriously??

Sam was much better than me at ignoring my mother’s bullshit and laughing it off. I was hormonal and cranky and I usually just wanted to wring her neck on a regular basis.  Cas was at a total loss.  He told me on the phone the other day he had no idea who my mom was anymore.

“My best guess is she’s been replaced by an alien…..or a robot…”  he joked.

“Or she’s just lost her damned mind,” I complained irritably. 

“May the best man win,” Cas said seriously, and we both laughed.

“How are my niece and nephew doing?” he asked, trying to change the subject.  He knew my mother was a very sore topic for me lately. 

“Eight more weeks.  My belly is so huge, I haven’t seen my feet in ages.  Sam has to put my shoes on for me.  They are gonna have to roll me into the delivery room, that’s how enormous I am.”

“Are you going to be able to go vote today?” He asked.

“Are you kidding? I’ll get to the polls today if I have to CRAWL there, Cas.”

For the past three months, I had been campaigning for John. I had come to every event that Sam and Dean had attended.  The last one before the election had been the final debate between John and my mother.  She had forbidden Cas and Meg from talking to me, a command they had promptly ignored.  

She had glared at Sam all night, and she wouldn’t even look at me.  During the debate she had taken so many thinly-veiled potshots at Sam I was ready to confront her then and there.

“It’s not worth it, Y/N,” Sam told me, enfolding me in his arms and holding me tight until I had breathed deeply and his scent had calmed me down.  “She’s trying to provoke you.  If I can let it go, so can you.”

We skipped the reception after the debate because these days I tired easily and that way I wouldn’t have to see her again.

John, Sam, Dean and I entered the polling place amid the flash of many cameras.  It was time for the Winchester family to cast their votes for mayor.  Somewhere across town, my mother, Cas, and Meg were doing the same thing.  I handed the woman my drivers license and signed my name.  I entered the voting booth and she closed the curtain behind me.

I did my voting for the other elections first and left mayor until last.  I stood for a moment and looked at the names.  John Winchester.  Naomi Novak.  I thought for a moment about how much this election had changed my life for the better.  

I had gained an Alpha, a mate, and ultimately a husband, but more importantly, I had gained a family.  And in a few months, I would have pups of my own.  I would do my best to be a good mother and to always make sure they knew I loved them.

I look a deep breath, pressed the button, and exited the booth.

We were all spending the night at the Lowell Hotel in the city, where we would watch the election returns and hopefully celebrate John’s victory party.  As fate would have it, Cas had told me they would be watching the returns with my mom from a suite at the Westin, which was just three blocks away.  

The police had been unsuccessful in tracking down my father.  He always seemed to be one step ahead of them.  It was as if he knew they were looking for him.  The letters and pictures had stopped, so I hoped that maybe he had left New York City altogether.  I would be glad when this election was over and we could all get back to our regular lives.

Dean, Jo, Sam and John had gathered in the living room of John’s suite to eat and watch the early returns.  I had decided to lay down for a bit because my back had been bothering me all day.  Sam had offered to stay with me, but I told him to go on ahead.

“I just need to rest for a bit.  Go get some food.  You must be starving.  I’ll be along shortly.”

I hadn’t even laid down yet when my text alert beeped.

Cas: Y/N: I need to talk to you. It’s important.  It’s about your father.  Can you meet me at the Starbucks at the end of the block in 10 minutes?

Y/N: Okay.  I’ll see you in 10.

It didn’t even cross my mind to question Cas or to tell Sam where I was going. I’m such an idiot!  I headed for the nearest elevator and was walking through the lobby and out the door of the hotel minutes later.

  I was halfway to the Starbucks when I felt an arm reach out and grab me from the alley, something hard slam against the back of my head, and everything went black.

My head felt like someone had hit me with a baseball bat. When I opened my eyes fully and the room stopped spinning I realized I wasn’t alone.  A man sat on the chair across from me watching me intently.  There was something familiar about him, but I couldn’t quite place him.

Then it hit me.  He was the man I had chased the day I had gotten hit by the car.  And he had a gun pointed directly at me.

“Hello, Y/N.  It’s nice to finally meet you in person.” He told me. “Don’t try to run, I will use this if I have to.”  He gestured towards the gun.  

“You’re my father, aren’t you? Your the one who’s been sending me the letters and pictures?” I asked quietly.

“I’ve been watching you ever since I learned of your existence.  After my parents sent me away, your mother sent word she’d miscarried.  Lying bitch!  All this time I had a daughter and I never knew it.  She never once came to see me or answered any of my letters.  All that lost time….”

My father had a manic, faraway look in his eyes.  He was clearly off his meds and completely out of his mind.  I had to try to talk him down and get out of here before he hurt me.

“I’m sorry for how my mother treated you.  She has a habit of lying to people.” I said softly.

When someone knocked softly on the door at the far corner of the room I stiffened with fear and my eyes immediately flew to my father.  What was he going to do? Shoot the person?

He got up at looked at me intently.  “Do not move from that spot, “ he said, raising the gun in my direction threateningly.  He walked over to the door and looked into the peephole.

I tried not to squirm too much in my seat because my back had really begun to hurt and the babies were moving all over the place. When I looked up and saw who my father had by the arm and was pulling towards where I was sitting my heart fell.

“Mom?”

Sam’s POV

“Y/N must have dozed off.  I’m gonna go check on her.  I want to make sure she eats something.”

It had been over an hour since Y/N said she was going to rest her back.  We had all gotten caught up in the election returns and time had gotten away from us.  I excuse myself and walked back to our room.  The bed hadn’t been slept in, and the room was empty. 

 I immediately called her cell, and I got her voice mail.  I was just about to go down to the lobby to see if she was there when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID, expecting to see Y/N’s number, but it was Cas.  Why was Cas calling me?

“Hello?”

“Sam, it’s Cas.  My mother is missing.  Do you know where Y/N is?”

I stood up at the sight of my mother and immediately doubled over in pain.  The pain in my back had gotten unbearable.  There was a sudden gush of warm fluid down my legs and my dress was soaked.

“I think my water just broke,” I whispered in a small voice.  “It’s too soon!  The babies aren’t due for another 8 weeks!”

My mother turned to my father.  “I don’t know what this is, Greg, but your quarrel is with me, not Y/N.  Let her go, and I will stay here.”

My father’s face contorted with rage.  “NO!  No one is leaving!  We are finally together.  Everyone stays.  Naomi, you’re a doctor, you take care of her.”

“Can I lay her down, at least?” My mother asked.

He pointed the gun towards the couch, and she helped me onto it.   “How far along are you?” she asked.

“32 weeks.  Fraternal twins.  A boy and a girl.  My back……it hurts!”  I muttered through gritted teeth.

“Why are you here, Mom?”

“I got a text saying I needed to come here right away alone because you were in danger and to tell no one or you would be killed.” She said miserably.

I immediately burst into tears.  “I want Sam!” I moaned as the pain in my back had me curling into a fetal position on the couch.

My mother stood up and turned to face my father.  “I’m sorry I lied to you! I’m sorry I kept Y/N from you! But I had no choice! You weren’t leaving the clinic, and Charles had threatened to take my son away from me if I left him.  What choice did I have?” She demanded.  “You need to let Y/N go! She is in labor!”

“You never visited me! You never even wrote me a letter! You just went on with your life as if I didn’t exist!” He bellowed, completely ignoring her comment about me being in labor.

This went on for hours.  My parents fighting, and me on the couch, my pain getting worse and worse.  My mother continued to beg my father to let me go, but he refused.

“I haven’t done a pelvic exam since medical school, Y/N, but I need to see how far along you are in case I need to deliver these babies, okay?” My mom finally asked in a gentle voice I had never heard her use with me.

I nodded. My Mom washed her hands and cleaned them with hand sanitizer. She examined me quickly and turned to my father.  “You need to let her go, NOW!  One of the babies is breech.  She won’t be able to deliver without a C-section.”

“No.” My father said simply.

“This is your daughter and your grandchildren, Greg.  Whatever grudges you hold against me, none of this is her fault.  End this NOW!” My mother demanded, her eyes blazing with fury.

My pain got worse and worse.  My mother continued to monitor me as my father paced, muttering to himself.  My mom leaned over me. “Listen carefully, Y/N.  Do you think you can run?”

“What?” I whispered, “Why?”

“I am going to distract him and try to get the gun away.  You need to get out of here and get to a hospital.  There is no way that baby can be born without a C-section, it’s completely turned, I felt its feet.  When I say run I want you to go as fast as you can and don’t come back no matter what.  Can you do that?”

“But Mom, I don’t know if I can.  What about you?” I whispered.

“I’ll be fine. I’m going to help you sit up now.” She helped me to a sitting position and I moaned in pain.  “Wait for my signal.” She told me, and in a rare show of affection, she kissed me on the forehead.

My mother stood up, threw her shoulders back, and Dr. Naomi Novak was in the room. ‘Greg, you are going to let Y/N go RIGHT NOW! I will not have the lives of my grandchildren put at risk because of some silly vendetta!” She got right in his face.

“Sit down, Naomi.” He told her coldly.

My mother reached out and attempted to wrench the gun from his hands, they began to wrestle for control of it. “Run, Y/N!” My mother screamed.

I took off as fast as I could, completely disassociating myself from the pain in my body.  I wrenched open the door at the end of the hall and flew through it just as the gunshot sounded.  I took a few steps before my legs gave out and I fell to my knees. The pain was overwhelming.  I never even heard Sam bellow my name before I blacked out.

Part 16 (epilogue)

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