#with a warm fire and a shout of 'come have breakfast!'

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

Very emotional about the breakfast story in the Gospel of John. Simon, James and John, Thomas, Nathanael, and a few others are out together. Simon says he's going fishing, and the others say they're coming along. They spend all night trying to get a good haul, and they catch nothing. Dawn is breaking, and they see a man on the shore a long way off, but they can't tell who he is. He shouts to them, "You don't have any fish, do you?" They have to shout back a disgruntled, "No." The man replies, "Put the net on the other side and you'll catch some fish!" Maybe they roll their eyes a bit--they're the ones out on the water, and they have been all night, what would he know?--and the fish start flooding into the net.

And John looks at Simon and remembers: this has happened before. Three years ago, before everything changed--that voice had shouted to them the same instruction.

"Simon!!" he says, "It's the Lord!"

And it hits Simon like a thunderbolt. He frantically throws on his coat (he'd stripped for work) and plunges into the water. He'd walked on the water before to meet Jesus, what was swimming a hundred yards? So eager to reach Him he can't wait the few minutes for the boat to come in--and when it gets there, he has to go and help unload the fish anyway. But even those few moments with Jesus are worth the soaking wet robes and the exhaustion. And anyway, He already has a fire going--with some fish of His own. "Come and have breakfast!" He says.

And then they sit and eat together, just like they had done so many times over the past three years, and He's there with them, perhaps gently laughing at Simon, still dripping from his swim, and it's like He never left.

He never truly did.

[herrscherofinsanity]

Married to Yu

A day in the life of the newly weds.

Fluff, pure fluff.

Yu Jimin (Karina) x fem!reader

Word count: 3.1k

Shout out to Red Velvet.

____________________

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the cozy bedroom shared by Jimin and y/n. As the world outside stirred to life, the two women lay nestled in each other's arms, reluctant to leave the comfort of their bed.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife," Jimin murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to y/n's forehead as she brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

y/n let out a contented sigh, her lips curling into a sleepy smile. "Good morning, my love," she replied, her voice thick with sleep as she snuggled closer to Jimin's warmth.

With a playful glint in her eyes, Jimin couldn't resist teasing her wife. "You know, I never get tired of hearing you call me that," she teased, her voice filled with affection as she peppered y/n's face with soft kisses.

y/n laughed, her heart fluttering with happiness at the sound of Jimin's playful banter. "And I never get tired of reminding you," she quipped, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across Jimin's chest.

With a fond smile, Jimin leaned in to capture y/n's lips in a sweet kiss, savoring the taste of her wife's love as they lingered in the warmth of their embrace.

But eventually, the call of the day grew too insistent to ignore, and with a reluctant sigh, Jimin reluctantly pulled away from y/n's embrace, her heart heavy with the thought of leaving her side.

"Come on, love," she said gently, her voice tinged with regret as she reluctantly climbed out of bed. "We have a day to conquer together, remember?"

____

The aroma of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee filled the air as Jimin bustled about the kitchen, a whirlwind of activity as she prepared breakfast for herself and y/n. With a chef's precision, she expertly flipped pancakes on the griddle, the golden-brown circles taking shape under her skilled hands.

As Jimin hummed a cheerful tune, her eyes sparkled with excitement, her love for cooking evident in every movement. She glanced over her shoulder at y/n, a playful grin on her lips as she watched her wife work her culinary magic.

"Looks like someone's in her element," y/n remarked, her voice laced with admiration as she sat on the counter, a glass of orange juice in her hand.

Jimin chuckled, her cheeks flushing with pride at y/n's praise. "Well, you know me, I’m good at everything" she replied, her smile widening as she leaned in to steal a quick kiss from y/n, Jimin really didn’t need the sarcastic remark that was surely coming out of her wife’s lips.

Rolling her eyes, y/n busied herself with setting the table, arranging plates and utensils with care as she prepared for their breakfast together. With each precise movement, she exuded an air of grace and elegance, her love for Jimin shining through in every gesture.

As they worked side by side in the cozy kitchen, the warmth of their love filled the air, infusing every moment with a sense of joy and contentment.

The couple sat down to enjoy their breakfast together, the table spread with pancakes, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee, y/n couldn't resist teasing her wife about her culinary skills—or lack thereof.

"So, Jimin," y/n began, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she reached for a pancake, "remember when we first started dating and you attempted to cook for me?"

Jimin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the memory, a sheepish grin spreading across her face as she recalled her less-than-stellar cooking attempts. "Oh, don't remind me," she replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "I think I almost set the kitchen on fire that day."

y/n laughed, the sound like music to Jimin's ears as she watched the playful gleam in her wife's eyes. "You were trying so hard to impress me," y/n teased, her voice filled with affection as she reached across the table to squeeze Jimin's hand. "But let's just say it's a good thing we ordered takeout instead."

Jimin couldn't help but chuckle at y/n's teasing, her heart swelling with love for the woman sitting across from her. "Well, lucky for both of us, I've come a long way since then," she replied, a proud smile gracing her lips. "I like to think I've mastered the art of cooking now."

y/n nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she raised her coffee cup in a toast. "To my talented wife," she said, her voice filled with pride. "Who knew you had such hidden culinary talents?"

And as they clinked their coffee cups together in a silent salute, Jimin felt a swell of gratitude in her heart—for the love and laughter they shared, and for the simple joys of married life that filled their days with warmth and happiness.

As the two girls sat at the table enjoying their breakfast, eventually the topic of their plans for the day was brought up. y/n turned to Jimin with a curious expression, her brow furrowed in thought.

"So, babe," y/n began, her voice soft with affection, "what do you have on your agenda for today?"

Jimin sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice as she replied, "Well, we’ve got a meeting with our managers this morning, then we have a meeting with our choreographer in the afternoon and dance rehearsals."

y/n nodded in understanding, her heart sinking slightly at the thought of being apart from Jimin for most of the day. "Sounds like a busy day," she commented, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Jimin reached across the table to squeeze her wife's hand, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, it's going to be hectic," she admitted, "but it's all part of the job, you know?"

y/n returned Jimin's smile, her heart full at the sight of her wife's comforting presence. "I know" she replied, her voice filled with understanding.

"And what about you? Any plans for the day?" Jimin inquired.

y/n paused for a moment, staring down at her plate, trying to remember what plans her own manager had for her. "I have a couple of photoshoots scheduled for this afternoon, and then I have an interview with a magazine later in the evening," y/n explained, her tone tinged with resignation.

Jimin reached out to gently brush a stray strand of hair away from y/n's face, her touch tender and reassuring. "I wish we could spend the day together," she murmured, her voice filled with longing. "But I promise to make it up to you."

And as they finished their breakfast together, the promise of a busy day ahead hanging in the air, Jimin and y/n found solace in the simple comfort of each other's presence.

____

As the two girls wrapped up their breakfast, y/n made a move to get the dirty dishes. It was a little rule between them, one of them cooked while the other took care of cleaning up. Jimin stood there, silently observing her wife, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. Of course Jimin had to find a proper way to show y/n just how much she appreciated her.

"You know, babe," Jimin began, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she leaned in closer to y/n, "we could save time and water if we showered together."

y/n laughed at Jimin's suggestion, her eyes dancing with amusement at her wife's playful antics. "Nice try, honey," she replied, her voice laced with affection, "but I think I'll pass this time."

Jimin pouted playfully, her lower lip jutting out in a mock expression of disappointment. "Aw, come on," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively, "don’t you want to help save the planet?"

y/n chuckled, her heart swelling with love for the woman hugging her waist. "You and I both know you won’t make it in time for your meeting if we shower together" she replied, her voice filled with gentle amusement. “I’ll make it up to you tonight, yes?”.

With a playful wink, Jimin happily agreed to y/n's terms, though not without a bit of good-natured grumbling. "Fine," she sighed dramatically, "I guess I can wait a few hours."

And as Jimin made her way to the bathroom to shower first, leaving y/n to take care of the dishes, they both thanked their lucky stars, beyond grateful to have made it this far with each other.

____

Jimin and y/n finished getting ready for their respective busy days ahead; they soon found themselves standing at the door, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they would soon have to part ways.

Jimin turned to y/n with a gentle smile, her eyes soft with affection as she reached out to take her wife's hand in hers. "Well, babe," she began, her voice filled with warmth, "I guess it's time for us to go our separate ways for a little while."

y/n nodded in agreement, her gaze meeting Jimin's with a mixture of love and reluctance. "I know," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness, "text me whenever you get a chance."

With a tender smile, Jimin leaned in to press a lingering kiss to y/n's lips, the soft brush of their mouths a silent promise of their enduring love. "I love you," she whispered against y/n's lips, her voice filled with sincerity.

y/n returned Jimin's kiss with equal tenderness, her heart swelling with love for the woman standing before her. "I love you too," she murmured.

And as they parted ways, their fingers intertwined until the very last moment, Jimin knew she had to walk away with the last laugh.

“I can’t wait to have you screaming my name tonight.”

“What?”

“Do you think we’ll get another noise complaint?”

“Another what!?”

“Anyway, goodbye, my love! Have a nice day!”

____

“How much do you wanna bet she’s daydreaming about her wife?”

“Forget it, I’m not betting on something so obvious”.

Jimin sat int the middle of a conference room barely paying attention to whatever her manager was talking about, her heart heavy with thoughts of her beloved wife y/n. She found herself lost in a reverie; her mind filled with images of their time together.

Lost in thought, Jimin sank onto her chair, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her phone as she scrolled through old messages from y/n, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Unbeknownst to Jimin, her fellow aespa members—Aeri, Minjeong, and Yizhuo—had been watching her from afar, their keen eyes picking up on the lovesick expression that adorned their leader's face.

"Looks like someone's whipped," Aeri whispered, her voice filled with amusement as she nudged Minjeong and Yizhuo with her elbow.

Minjeong and Yizhuo exchanged knowing glances, their lips curling into mischievous grins as they joined in on the teasing. "Yeah, I’m pretty sure Jimin would literally die if something happened to her marriage," Minjeong quipped, her voice laced with playful mockery.

Jimin's cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment as she overheard the teasing, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to come up with a witty retort. "Hey, cut it out," she protested weakly, though there was no denying the proud gleam in her eyes.

As Aeri, Minjeong, and Yizhuo continued to tease their lovesick leader, Jimin couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and amusement at their antics. Despite her flushed cheeks and embarrassed demeanor, there was a fondness in her heart for her fellow members, knowing that they were all good friends with y/n as well.

"You know, Jimin," Aeri chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she leaned in closer to the leader, "if you miss y/n that much, why don't you just call her? I'm sure she'd love to hear from you."

“Why are you acting like a girl with a crush? It’s not like you guys are married or anything, right?” Yizhuo deadpanned.

Jimin's cheeks grew even redder at the suggestion, her heart fluttering at the thought of hearing y/n's voice on the other end of the line. "Maybe I will," she replied coyly, a playful glint in her eyes, doing her best to ignore Yizhuo’s remark.

Minjeong and Yizhuo exchanged knowing looks, their lips quirking up in matching smiles as they continued to tease their leader mercilessly. "For real Jimin, how long can you go without being in y/n’s presence?" Minjeong teased, her voice filled with mock sympathy.

Jimin rolled her eyes at the teasing, though there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay, okay, you win, stop it" she conceded, her voice tinged with laughter. "But just remember, you're all going to get married someday and I won’t let you live this down."

____

As the dance rehearsal progressed, the aespa girls threw themselves into their routines with energy and enthusiasm, their movements synchronized and precise as they perfected their choreography.

Amidst the flurry of activity, there came a sudden knock on the door, drawing the attention of the idols; before anyone could react, the door swung open to reveal a familiar figure standing in the doorway—none other than y/n, Jimin's beloved wife.

Jimin's eyes widened in delight at the sight of y/n, her heart skipping a beat as she rushed to her wife's side with all the exuberance of an overexcited puppy, her love for her wife shining brightly in her eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, Jimin enveloped y/n in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around her wife's waist as she lifted her off the ground with a delighted laugh.

"y/n!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy, "My wife is here!"

As the couple finally came to a stop, their laughter filling the air, Jimin couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness at having her beloved wife by her side. With a radiant smile, her eyes shining with love and adoration, Jimin couldn’t help but feel absolute peace.

"So, what brings you here, my love?" Jimin asked, her voice filled with curiosity and excitement.

y/n's eyes sparkled with mischief as she shrugged playfully. "Well, my schedule ended earlier than expected, and I couldn't resist the urge to surprise you and say hi to the girls," she explained, a warm smile gracing her lips.

Jimin's heart swelled with delight at y/n's spontaneous gesture, her excitement bubbling over as she pulled her wife into another tight hug. "You're amazing, you know that?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.

The other aespa members greeted y/n with smiles and waves, their faces lighting up at the unexpected surprise. "Hey, y/n!" Yizhuo called out, her voice filled with warmth, "Long time no see!"

As Jimin practically beamed with pride at having y/n by her side, Aeri couldn't resist a playful jab at her friend's expense. “Jimin, stop hogging the girl, we also want to spend time with her" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Jimin shot back with a playful retort, her voice laced with mock indignation. "Hey, she's my wife," she declared proudly, her gaze never leaving y/n's face.

Minjeong and Yizhuo exchanged amused glances at the playful banter unfolding before them, their lips quirking up in matching smiles. "Oh boy, she’s even worse than I expected" Minjeong quipped, unable to resist the opportunity for a bit of teasing.

Not wanting to entertain the teasing, Jimin decided to ignore her members, her heart soared at the prospect of spending more time with y/n, her excitement palpable as she looked into her wife's eyes with adoration. "We still have about an hour of rehearsal left," she explained, a smile gracing her lips, "but after that, we can grab something to eat together."

y/n's smile widened at Jimin's words, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Sounds perfect to me," she replied, her voice filled with affection.

“Are we invited?” Minjeong asked, the mischievous glint in her didn’t go unnoticed by the young leader.

“Of course!”

“No.”

“Jimin, don’t be rude, of course they can come with us.” Jimin cursed internally, it’s not that she didn’t want to spend time with her members, she loved the girls; but Jimin really wanted to be alone with her wife. With a sigh of defeat, she agreed to a group hangout.

Yizhuo glanced over at y/n with a curious expression. "Anyway, won't you get bored waiting for us?" she asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

y/n shook her head, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Nah, I'll be fine," she reassured them, "I was actually planning to kill some time by visiting Yeri."

At the mention of another woman, Jimin couldn't help but grumble under her breath, a hint of possessiveness creeping into her tone. "Yeri, huh?" she muttered, her lips pursed in a slight pout.

Minjeong couldn't suppress a laugh at her leader's dramatic reaction, her amusement evident in the sparkle of her eyes. "Oh, you’re the jealous type?" she teased, her voice filled with playful affection, "somehow that makes perfect sense."

Rolling her eyes and with a reluctant sigh escaping her lips, Jimin begrudgingly released y/n from her embrace, their fingers intertwined as they shared one final, lingering gaze filled with love and longing.

"I love you," Jimin whispered softly, her voice filled with genuine affection.

y/n's heart swelled with warmth at Jimin's words, her love for her wife shining brightly in her eyes. "I love you too," she replied, her voice tinged with adoration.

As they reluctantly parted ways, a sense of anticipation bubbled within Jimin's chest, her excitement mounting as she eagerly anticipated the moment when they would be reunited once more. With a final, loving kiss, she bid y/n farewell, her heart filled with the promise of their enduring love.

While Jimin stood there, staring at the door with a lovesick expression, a playful smirk tugged at Aeri's lips as she exchanged knowing glances with Minjeong and Yizhuo. "Jimin would definitely die if she had to spend more than twelve hours away from y/n," she remarked teasingly.

The other girls chuckled in agreement, nodding their heads in unison as they affectionately teased their lovesick leader. "Oh, for sure" Minjeong chimed in with a grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Twelve hours? I give her three” Yizhuo chimed in; Aeri and Minjeong laughed along.

Rolling her eyes at their playful banter, Jimin attempted to defend herself with a playful huff. "Hey, I can't help it if I'm crazy about my wife," she retorted with a playful pout, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

And as laughter filled the room once more, Jimin couldn’t help but hope that the next hour would go by as quickly as possible, her only goal to be reunited with her wife once more.

____________________

A/N: So, I've had this request for quite some time now and I just got around to doing it, I really hope it was worth the wait. I'm planning to write a Chaewon request I have. I also want to bring back spider!Jimin; and since I spent most of my time at the hospital I do have a few ideas set in the hospital.

Anyway, thank you for reading, and if you have a request feel free to send it.

[bellalaufeyson69]

Peter Quill x Reader

Enemies to lovers (sort of)

Breakfast

(Spoiler if reading this next sentence! Takes place after GOTG and before GOTG3. Gamora is with the Ravagers and is no longer with Peter in any way. Also meaning that as confirmed by James Gunn, we the reader can understand what Groot says because we’ve been with him so long 🥹)

Description: Quill and Yn hardly ever get along and it’s gotten on everyone’s nerves. Nebula comes up with a solution to the problem by making them spend time together in hopes of working out the differences.

Wc ♡ 3.5k

Masterlist ♡

————

Rays of sunlight burst through the wide front windows of the Milano as the team sat around the table waiting for Groot to finish the breakfast. We all took a straw from a hat daily to see who had the duty, though when any one of us pulled the straw and saw it said groot, we’d discretely pretended it said someone else’s name. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust him to be a good cook, it was just that he can get a little… distracted.

“What day is it today?” The tree pondered, looking over to Mantis awaiting an answer all the while completely unaware that a twig from his arm has now caught fire from the stove.

I was quick to catch this and jumped from my spot to put it out, though as I ran to help him I came crashing into a tall, decently sweaty Peter. “Common Quill!” I hissed before turning back to Groot only to be halted by his annoying voice.

“Oh like that was my fault,” he complained throwing his hands in the air and looking to the team for reassurance yet getting none as they tended to zone Peter and I’s arguments out.

“Maybe if you payed any attention to anything you ever do!” I snapped turning back to face him feeling a rise of irritation come over me causing me to completely forget why I’d even got up in the first place. “Also, you’re disgusting. We have showers for a reason, you literally soaked my arm in your nasty sweat,” I made a disturbed expression whilst wiping the warm wet liquid onto my pants.

He scoffed with an eye roll while taking a glance at the ceiling. “Im sorry if I get a little sweaty when I work out, it’s natural, and I was going to take a shower, not that it’s any of your business; after we ate breakfast.”

“How convenient, so we can all join together and eat while inhaling your B.O.”

“Oh would you two please just shut up! I’m sick of all the incessant bickering you make me want to rip my ears off,” Nebula intruded from beside Groot. She and Rocket had been busy helping Groot put out the small flame that Peter and I had long forgotten about. “You’ve been irritating because Gamora’s gone, and you’ve been a living-breathing brat ever since you failed the last mission,” she called out our behavior almost in a motherly way. She’s been weirdly diplomatic when dealing with us instead of just telling us to go yell at each other somewhere else.

With a huff I went back to my seat and sank in the chair feeling a tinge of embarrassment overwhelm me at the memory of that last mission. I had never failed before, and this time put everyone at danger because I couldn’t control my emotions and attacked a guard too soon. I got a lecture about it from pretty much everyone except Mantis and Groot. That experience definitely hurt my pride quite a lot, so sometimes I might have a little extra sass to try and build it back up. “At least mines a real reason to be acting like a jerk,” Peter mumbled while sitting down in the seat farthest from me.

I snickered to myself at his comment. Sometimes he can be a real idiot. “You realize you called yourself a jerk too right? Nice one Einstein.” I clapped back not willing to let him win this argument, or really any in the future. Peter Quill just always has to be the leader, the cool guy, always right. Not when it comes to me.

“That’s it!” Nebula shouted in pure aggravation. She stomped over to the both of us and grabbed one of our arms with a decent strength considering she’s part bot. “You two are on breakfast duty, and if I hear you argue once while doing it then you’re both gonna be stuck cleaning the engine for two months,” she snapped, shoving us both toward the fridge. We often all had chores to do but we made it fun by having a spin wheel to see who has to do what. Cleaning the engine was always the worst one, but what made it easier was knowing you only had to do it once and then you could spin the wheel next chore week.

“Who said you were in charge? I think you’re forgetting this is MY ship,” Peter defended while crossing his arms.

“Yeah,” I added confidently. Who the heck is Nebula to tell us what to do.

“Nah I agree with that. You two are the most annoying a-holes I’ve ever had to share a space with. Mantis and Drax don’t even argue as much as you do,” Rocket chimed in matter of factly.

“It is true! I would much rather sit and listen to Mantis’s pathetic stories than hear you two fight anymore,” Drax said as he stood tall and serious.

Mantis glanced over to him with a bubbly smile. “Awhh thank you!”

“You are welcome idiot,” Drax replied with a pleasant smile. In his mind he was being respectful, and Mantis didn’t know any better.

Nebula turned her head back to us with an expression as of saying ‘that’s what I thought’. “So it’s settled. You two are gonna work this stupid stuff out, and if we hear so much as a bad tone, then you get stuck with Engine duty,”

We’d both surfaced a similar response between grumbles and eye rolls, yet had no choice but to accept our fate. Majority rules is how this ship functions, which was a feature I loved when it was in regard to someone else. Soon the rest of the group piled out, rocket on his way out mumbled on about how we’d better be quick. I gave a short glance to Peter which was a mistake as he’d so very annoyingly been standing there sifting through songs his Walkman and earbuds. Of course he’d tune me out, I wouldn’t be surprised if he just stood here the whole time too.

I started gathering some of ingredients and pans we’d need, already feeling angry at the fact that he hadn’t even attempted to move to help me. This was a clear indicator that my assumption of his laziness was likely going to be right. I semi aggressively dropped down the container of bacon onto the counter letting my current mood take the control of my motion. I grabbed the unused pan and placed it down and began putting strips of bacon on it. “You’re doing that wrong,” Peter softly mentioned. He seemed tired, I wasn’t sure if it was tired of the arguing or just in general but the tone definitely helped ease my anger a little bit.

With a huff I turned to look over at him and was surprised to find him standing so close, hovering just inches from my frame looking down at the pan, then making eye contact with me. His expression was blank, and calm which confused me. “I’m putting the strips out, how else am I supposed to do it?” I felt my brow still furrowed down in the looming frustration I felt before. We always fight, and one of us always takes it too far, those are times that make it hard to ever not be annoyed at the man’s presence.

He took an earbud out and let it hang by the cord before stepping closer until his body was pressed against my side. I stayed long enough to feel his warmth until I realize the normal thing to do would be to step out of his way, so that I did. Part of me wished he’d do it again, that he’d give me an excuse to accept his embrace. If I hate him so much why did that little ounce of intimacy feel so nice? A confusing mix of emotions. “You don’t put them all at once only do half so they cook more evenly,” he explained whilst taking off some of the already placed bacon. “Also put them folded like this so that- F*CK! AGH!” He’d instantly jumped back from the grizzling pan holding his hand in pain. “Stupid grease, ow!” He complained to the pan as if it were alive which made me laugh quite a lot. The whole scene was funny really.

I hadn’t noticed that through my laughing he’d been looking at me smiling ever so slightly, until I caught him, in which he looked back at the pan. “Are you alright there captain?” I amusingly teased his super strong title, while instinctively placing a caring hand on his shoulder with a soft rub. The moment I placed it I felt the mortified realization of my actions and ripped my hand back off. Too embarrassed to comment on it I’d redirected my focus to making eggs in the other pan hoping he wouldn’t mention it.

I cooked in silence for a little while until I felt as if I was being watched. Hesitantly I turned my gaze to Peter and surely enough was met with him staring right back at me. He looked to be deep in thought until I caught him when his lips curled into an arrogant grin. “Oh no no no, are you kidding me? You’re tellin’ me you can’t even cook eggs either? What can you do?” He provoked in amusement making me roll my eyes.

I waved my hands in the air in defeat. “Fine! You do it yourself then.” I stepped aside from the counter and began to walk away until I felt a warm hand take a light grip on my forearm and pull me backward. I stumbled back to my position in front of the pan where Peter was beside me holding my arm.

“Relax,” he soothed while slowly inching closer, it almost seemed like he was hoping his movements were slow enough for me not to notice. “You’re not gonna get any better with that attitude,” he continued, his hands slowly brushing my hips while I was too distracted listening to what he was saying. He moved cautiously almost trying to catch me in the distraction. “So much attitude all the time,”

I scoffed at his comment. “Attitude? I don’t have attitude, you’re the one who’s always moping around making little comments at everything.” his fingers now wrapped around my waist as he stood behind me, his breath tickling my shoulder.

“Let me show you,” he furthered, completely ignoring what I’d said and going on with his own point.

I’d attempted at pushing his hands off me. “No, I don’t need your help Peter,”

He stood there his grip strong as he looked down at me with a little ‘huh’. After the death glare I’d given he kindly explained the cause of the sound. “You called me Peter,” he pointed out with a grin.

I felt taken off guard at that comment and honestly a little flustered. I always made it a point to call him by his last name, I felt that first names were for people I respected. Why did that slip so easily? “I was just distracted…” I trailed avoiding his gaze and looking back to the pan. “Are we gonna cook the eggs or not?” I redirected the conversation away from the tension as I didn’t know how to react. My heart fluttered at his proximity but my mind reminds me of our dynamic. We’ve never got along let alone been close in this way.

He took my cue to move on and eagerly grabbed the spatula, handed it to me then paused and hesitantly slipped his hand on the back of my own. His other hand rested on my waist still as he guided the cooking. “It’s all about the wrist” he spoke softly.

I let out a breathe as I stood stiffly. I wasn’t sure what to do with this but I didn’t hate it. In fact it was quite the opposite. “This isn’t going to help you get over Gamora,” I bluntly stated without really thinking about it. I didn’t intend on being rude and my tone pushed that. Truth is that must’ve been an insecurity festered up. He’s a flirt and I can’t be his distraction.

He was silent for a moment but his position didn’t budge. “Why are you always so quick to push me away?” He quietly asked sincerely. He seemed hurt which was the last thing I expected from him. Was I reading our dynamic wrong? I couldn’t have been I mean we fight constantly.

“I don’t-“

“Don’t.” He interrupted. “Be real with me, just this one time,” he took the spatula from my hand and placed it on the table before grabbing the hand back again and bringing it to my waist to hold there. “What can I do to fix you and me?”

I didn’t know how to respond to that whatsoever because I didn’t know what that meant. You and me. As in no more arguing? As in becoming friends? As in something more? It doesn’t help that Peter is known for his flirting. “I-“ I sighed. “What do you mean?” I felt myself submitting to his touch as my body relaxed against his.

“Last weekend, we’re sitting on the couch. My arm was up around the top of it and if I moved it down just a little bit it would’ve literally been around your shoulder. Everything’s fine we’re all watching a movie, and I make a bad joke about your favorite character because I think it’s cute when you’re mad and you storm off cursing at me.” I couldn’t see the point he was pushing for but found myself blushing at the compliment. “Can’t you tell I do those things to get close to you? We don’t talk what so ever and the most I get from you is if I pull it out of you by making a dumb comment,” he explained his head now stooped closer to my shoulder, resting slightly against the side of my face and neck. “I know I can be childish, or a jerk but I don’t know what else to do when all I want to do is talk to you,”

“Oh really?” I perked up a little bit ready to make my point taking a step away from Peter. “What about the time we were here drinking and you made a comment about how I was ‘acting different to impress people’? How romantic,” I poked feeling his logic start to crumble.

He let out a huff. “You’re not remembering that the way I am and yeah I shouldn’t have said that but you spent the entire night all over that xandarian guy,” he expressed stepping forward to grab my hand and pull me back in. “You know how much I wanted to punch that dude straight in the jaw every time he touched you? Why should he get to kiss you?” He seemed to be getting offended just remembering the night, and honestly a little heated.

“Peter,” I softly tried to intercept.

“No, I’ve been here this entire time. For years it’s been me here with you, we go on missions, we’ve explored new planets, had ups and downs, and I have to sit there and watch some guy kiss you? Some guy who just came along that same day, put no effort into his relationship with you and got you,” he rambled on with pain in his eyes. I hadn’t seen him show that much emotion over someone since gamora. “It’s not fair,”

I felt horrible for not seeing this sooner. I couldn’t help but rethink everything but at the same time he definitely went about this in the wrong way to get my attention. He got it alright but it was never good. To me he was just constantly nitpicking me and all the things I liked and it drove me crazy. I guess that’s the fault in miscommunication. A lot of the stuff was pretty dumb to get genuinely mad at, often he’d just tease my favorite movies or comment on my fighting skills. Nonetheless in this moment I felt truly sad for him. “I didn’t know…” he was focused very intently on every word I said and I could just tell the anticipation anxiety was eating him up. In reality this was a confession of his feelings. “If I would’ve known…” I trialed off not wanting to press further as I’ve never been very good at expressing my feelings.

“If you would’ve known then what?” He softly nudged me to continue. He took our interlocked hands and held it on his chest.

“I don’t know, things would’ve been different. I didn’t know that’s how you felt I just thought you hated me honestly,” I admitted awkwardly.

He exhaled with a frown. “I could never hate you, and that mission…“ he got softer watching my expression because he knew this topic was sore for me. “It didn’t matter to me that we failed, all I could think about was how I could’ve lost you,” he admitted keeping eye contact as he spoke. “I can’t lose anyone else, and I just miss what we used to be like.”

This confused me as what he’s referencing is our friendship back when he was with Gamora. Is he trying to say he wants to be friends or is he being romantic? He’s so hard to read sometimes, but his actions are telling me romance. Clearly he could see the confusion etched on my face because he clarified all my questions without ever having to hear them. “You know, how close we were. Cracking jokes, playing pranks on the rest of them,” he explained. “I want that. But… something a little different…” he seemed a little more awkward now like he didn’t know how to word what he felt.

“How different?” I asked feeling my heart pick up just a little bit. Perhaps MAYBE the reason I got so mad at everything Peter did was because MAYBE I valued his opinion, because MAYBE I was sort of always secretly into him.

He perked up at the question surprised I hadn’t shot it down right then and there. “Well,” he started while taking my hand and giving me a dramatic twirl. The guy is smooth. “Maybe a little romance, I’m thinking Jim and Pam,” he referenced my favorite Earth show as I’ve forced him to watch it after our trip there.

A mischievous smile found my lips at that. “Ohhhh, so someone was lying about not liking the show?” I teased in a ‘I told you so’ kinda way.

He chuckled at my call out. “I told ya Y/N, I just love to mess with you.”

“Hmm, fine but you have to watch rom coms with me,” I laid out my terms matter of factly.

His eyes widened. “Fine? Fine what? Fine to the romance?” He double checked as I hadn’t made myself all that clear.

“I GUESS,” I dramatically excepted in a fake disinterested tone.

“Well then Mrs. Y/N” he pulled me into him yet again wrapping his arms around my torso, though this time I let my hands rest on his chest. “I’m gonna romance the shit outta you,” he grinned that same cocky little grin that used to make me wanna smack him.

I rolled my eyes at his over confidence but was thrown off at him leaning in closer to me. I couldn’t find anything sassy or witty to remark because now all my focus was on the fact that Peter Quill’s lips were so close to mine. The lips of always secretly wanted to kiss. I let out a breath feeling the tension before he’d made the move to fully go in. He kissed me softly, and slowly. His hand cupped my cheek and when he pulled away he gave a real genuine smile.

“You’ve gotta be shittin’ me” rocket yelled out from the doorway next to a very shocked Nebula.

“I give them a week tops,” she jokingly murmured but I could tell she was genuinely happy for us.

Rocket groaned from his place clearly fed up with the fact that he’d suffered through our bickering just for us to end up into each other. “If I’d known all you two jackasses needed to do was bang it out- WHY ARE THE EGGS BLACK?” He ran over to the stove to turn off the switch as if that would save the already far gone breakfast. “that’s TWO breakfasts down the drain, that’s it! I’m done! We’re getting fast food from knowhere,” he flailed his hands in the air and walked out of the room in defeat making the rest of us chuckle.

“I’m glad you two figured it out finally,” Nebula gave a small smile. “Really thought you were blind,” she dryly joked.

Peter and I looked at each other in confusion for a moment before smiling and accepting the fact that apparently we’d been obvious about our unknown feelings. With that she left the room to follow Rocket to the controls of the ship to fly us all to knowhere. This left Peter and I alone once more, he stared down at me in amusement. “I knew you were into me.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes for the millionth time, slipped my fingers into his and dragged him out to the main area of the ship preparing for the rest of the teams reactions.

—————

My first Peter Quill fan fic! Sorta rushed so I apologize for any errors! Let me know if I should make more!

[halcyone-of-the-sea]

OH GOD YOUR REQS R OPEN, i would rlly like to request something, could you write an one shot of price with a little daugther reader? just like, him coming home and spending some time with his little girl, she tells him about her school, he tells her some funny stories that happened while he was at work, he cooks her favorite meal, just a big fluff, i love this man more than anything and i just need some paternal love LMAO, feel totally free to deny! do everything in your time and remember to take good care of urself!

Memories of Youth

Pairing: Father!John Price x F!Daughter!Reader

Synopsis: It was hard being away from his little girl, but warm mornings spent in each other's company were blessings - even if they were far and few in between. It didn't matter the form.

Word Count: 4.5k (short and sweet)

Warnings: Angst (just a little cuz I can't help myself), a lotta fluff, banter, just good platonic/paternal relationship in general, etc.

A/N: Didn't specify if the reader was adopted or blood-related, so that's really up to you! Enjoy, Anon!

*I do not give others permission to translate and/or re-publish my works on this or any other platform*

He got the call at the halfway point of crossing the English Channel, Northern France behind him and Southern England just on the horizon line as the sun began to spread its orange glow over the waves. Sitting high above the water in a slick black Heli, John Price’s hand snaps to his side pocket, fingers deftly peeling back the layers as the overwhelming sound of helicopter blades shakes the hull. 

The rest of Task Force 141 watch with varying interest, only Gaz taking notice of the sudden frown that mars his Captain’s face; the furrowed brow, and the spark of concern in his eyes. A call was unusual. The Sargeant tries not to intrude, but can’t help the way his body lightly shifts so he can have a better view.

John doesn't bother to look at the contact when he takes the device out, rapidly pressing the answer button and slotting the phone at his ear, tilting his head so his opposite rests at the junction of his shoulder. It only stops a fraction of the noise, even so, it would have to do for now. But with how his ears were already straining to find a sound over the line, he may not need to force out the jarring racket after all. 

Inside his chest, John’s heart is racing – confusion laces his mind. This was abnormal. 

I told her only to call if it was an emergency. What could she have gotten herself into now? I said to stay out of trouble…

“Where are you?!” The Brit has to shout down the line, his familiar deep accent loud and guttural. 

His mind flies through every possibility. An intruder had broken into the house, you had broken your arm falling down the stairs again, or a fire had broken out in the kitchen. Fuck…he was too far away to help if anything bad had happened. John’s jaw clenches, eyes looking out over the water as the bucket hat on his head flops in the wind. It was only a product of his job that made him think like that; years of intuition and thinking on the fly leading to his mind making up the worst scenarios. 

Especially when you called on a secure line when he told you it was only appropriate for life-and-death situations. Especially when it was his little girl.

I told ‘er about the Pistol in my office, yeah? The Captain asks himself with a steel-like resolve. And gave her Laswell’s number?

John’s fingers tighten over the phone when he hears your breath over the line, a shuffling of clothes, and a deep exhale.

“Sunshine!” He tries again, sitting up straighter as his pulse gets faster. Why isn’t she answering me? “Where are you right–”

“We don’t have anything for breakfast.” Your voice is heavy with sleep; fatigue drowning the syllables and holding them under the very waves that rage under John only separated by thin sheets of metal. 

The Brit stops. His body freezes, and as the tense minutes go by his panic falls away and leaves a thick stain of annoyance resting behind his eyelids. Of course. John brings two fingers to his nose bridge, digging into the skin until tiny crescent moons are left behind; he has to take a deep breath before answering, but his tone leaves nothing to the imagination.

“...Breakfast…?”

“Yeah, Old Man, you need me to spell it for you? B-R-E-A-K-F-A–”

“Enough!” John barks stiffly and has to hold back his anger as you laugh from the other side. Ever the jokester – did you not realize how serious this was? How fast your father’s heart was racing with adrenaline? 

Fuck, he had just about been ready to radio the cockpit and force the pilots to fly faster.

Across the way, Ghost locks eyes with the man, and with a tilt of his head and a loud call he asks, “That the Mutt?”

The Captain’s eyes slip back into a firm blank slate.

“Affirm.” John tilts the phone away from his mouth, ignoring your sarcastic comments to catch his sanity for a moment and respond to his Lieutenant.

Simon blinks as Johnny perks up at his side, looking in from the view in favor of the Captain with newfound interest. A bright smile forms over his scruffy cheeks

“She all good?” The skeletal man asks, and Gaz smirks lazily tapping his fingers over his knee, immediately noticing your shenanigans and the way the Cap was so worked up. 

But anyone would be when they had a daughter thousands of miles away.

John simply nods once with an exasperated expression to Ghost. MacTavish snorts out a laugh, knowing the context of the situation without having to think hard.

“Is that Uncle Simon?” You ask, and with a scratch at his beard, your father hums in confirmation, letting the sound of your voice put him more at ease. She’s just fine. “Tell him I want him to come over and play Mario Cart with Gaz, Johnny, and me again! He wiped the floor with ‘em last time!” 

There’s a clinking of pots and pans as you move throughout the house. 

“Sweetheart,” Your father grumbles, sighing through the call. His voice takes on the authoritative tone that works for both soldiers and teenagers – but it rarely works on you, despite that fact. Took after your dad too much, is what John would say. Never listened until it was absolutely necessary. “What did I tell you about callin’ this phone when I’m away from the house?”

He hears your scoff and raises a warning eyebrow, though you can’t see it. You know your dad enough to know he’s doing it despite being separated. It was pretty common.  

“Not to, unless it’s an emergency…But I’d say food is a big enough reason, y’know? Unless you want me to eat the leftover cake for breakfast – which I haven’t thrown out as a possibility yet, honestly.”

“You’re not eatin’ bloody cake for breakfast. You’ll get sick.” Gaz snickers, turning his face away to hide the amusement at the comment. 

It hadn’t been a surprise that the Captain’s daughter was such a familiar creature – they saw traits reflected every time the two were together. Everyone had expected her to take after her old man in nearly everything, and when she had they had bumped fists and prayed for the brown-bearded man. But it was funny nonetheless, considering they got along better than most fathers and daughters; practically reading each other's minds when everyone was playing poker. Johnny was still pretty ticked off about that – he’s a good deal deep into the sweets debt he owes you because Price helps you win. But where they really shined was with the shared deadpan attitudes, bottom-of-the-barrel sarcasm, and knowing how to command a room without even trying. Safe to assume that the rest of the team would do anything for you.

“Will not.” You grumble in retaliation, and John’s lips threaten to tilt into a grumpy smile when he hears you put the cake plate back into the counter. 

Letting the tension fall from his shoulders, the brown-haired man takes a glance outside, watching the waves go bright orange as they lap and writhe like great sea serpents. 

“How long have you been up, eh? The sun’s barely risen. Thought Sunday was when you always slept in?” 

There’s a pause in what John believed were fingers digging through a cupboard, and he narrows his eyes in confusion as the silence grows long. He frowns when you speak again, words so quiet he has to place a hand over his other ear to hear properly. Having half a mind to go and tell the pilots to hurry up and go faster so he can just talk to his little girl in person, he refrains, knowing that’s not how this works. But something was wrong – it had been laced in your previous words, as tiny and unnoticeable as it may have been. Only a father would notice it.

“You said you were gonna be home last night. I stayed up.” It takes a moment of halted breathing before John’s eyes widen, blues full of realization.

Oh. 

…Damn it. He lets out the tense breath of air from his lips, shifting in his seat as the gear around his body weighs him down. His gun digs into his chest. 

He hadn't seen you for over a week – leaving you in the care of a close and trusted neighbor, Mrs. Lilly, just as he always had when he needed to leave for work on short notice. But seeing as you were older now, it became apparent that, with your learned independence, staying at the house by yourself was alright as long as you checked in with the neighbor every morning and night. You had been waiting for him to come home. All alone. In the dark. 

Fucken’ hell, John thinks in a deep layer of guilt as wrinkles overtake his forehead, I did tell her I’d be back yesterday. I forgot to call and tell ‘er. Shit! He didn’t want to imagine the stress that had been put on your shoulders. God, what’ve I done?

Not checking in was something he had never missed before – he always told you when he was about to come back. What had gone wrong this time? How had something that important just slipped his mind? Sure the Op had been tedious, but he was trained to handle it. It was no excuse. 

“Sweetheart,” John starts and then pauses the soft and gentle endearment, knowing that an apology didn’t fit into what you were looking for. You didn’t want an ‘I’m sorry’ right now, you wanted your father. Flattening his lips into a line, he continues, wishing he was with you more than ever so he can press a kiss to your forehead. “...I should be back before 1200. How about when I get back I’ll cook you up somethin’ myself, yeah? Or we can go to that Cafe you like down on Newman Street and I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“...When do you have to go back?” You don’t answer his question, and yours makes his heart hurt. 

John clears his throat.

“None of that, now. We’ll talk more when I get back, Darling, alright?” You don’t respond, but he hears you sigh and quietly scoff under your breath. “Alright?” He tries again, head tilting forward and eyebrows rising as if you could see him. Maybe you could.

“Fine. But you better make me pancakes. I don’t care if it’ll be noon.” 

“Pancakes it is.” The Captain looks up in time to see Johnny mouthing words to him, and with a blank face and stiff lip, your father mutters with a grunt, “Johnny says ‘hello.’” 

Your shocked snort makes him feel better, but a layer of guilt still stays. You were awake all night waiting for him, and he never showed up. Did you sleep on the couch? Damnit, he hoped you didn’t…but in his rattling chest knew you had. He found you like that every time he came back from a long stay away. Huddled under blankets, no pillow under your head. Sometimes you steal one of his shirts and hold it like a stuffed bear to your chest, shoving your face into it. 

How could I forget to fucken’ call her?

Your voice takes him out of his growing self-resentment. 

“Tell him to watch his back – I’m getting better at Rainbow Road. Soon enough I’ll be able to beat him in a 1V1!” John can’t help the slow chuckle that bounces in his throat, mind, for the moment, at ease as long as you continue to speak to him.

“I’ll be sure to pass it along. But, eh,” The Brit makes sure he speaks slowly, letting you hear every syllable of his next words. “Promise me you’ll stay at the house until I get there. No goin’ out with friends, yeah? You know how I worry.” John ignores the teasing look from Gaz and peeks out again to see how close they were to the mainland with narrowed lids. “‘Specially when I’m not there.”

Getting back to the Base wasn’t the problem, it was the damn reports coming in that would wring his neck before he could get out the door. But he’d push it off for however long he could; call in favors from Laswell to get him more time with his little girl so he can fix his mistake. As a dad, the only thing that counted was seeing his daughter after a seemingly unending Op that he didn’t want to relive. The hardest part wasn’t the blood or the guts – it was being away from you. Nothing would ever change that, even if he was the one on the ground gritting his teeth at the bite of a bullet.

“Scout’s honor, Old Man.” The happiness in your voice makes him smile to himself. 

“Stop calling me that, Muppet.” John grumbles affectionately, rolling his eyes, “I’ll give you a call when back I’m in town, Sunshine. Make sure the door’s locked–”

“--Locked, the windows too, plus, if someone knocks on the door I need to look through the peephole and if I don’t recognize them don’t open it…Am I missing anything?”

“Mind yourself, now you’re just being cheeky, you are.” John teases, scoffing, but proud that you remembered his rules. It made all of this just a bit more manageable.

“Who do you think I got it from?” You laugh, but it tapers off sullenly, “Just…get home safe, okay, Dad?”

John’s beard pulls back into a soft close-lipped grin, eyes crinkling as his heart warms. He so desperately wanted to ruffle your hair. 

“Of course, Hun. But, eh, take a nap. It’s still early, and I know you’ve got schoolwork to do later. You sound like you’re about to keel over where you stand.” You scoff before agreeing with a muttered grumble, most likely already stumbling to the living room couch, and then the line goes silent and is replaced once more by the whirring of the helicopter blades. 

The man peels back the phone and pockets it, hand unconsciously brushing his breast pouch where a picture of the two of you always sits. It was a baby picture, with your little form held in his grip delicately; looking down at you with soft eyes and an easy smile on his lips that always formed when he was with you. From under a soft blanket, your tiny hand reaches out to try and brush his stubbily cheek. 

It never failed to bring him ease when he realized the photo was there. A reminder that if everything else in his life went horribly wrong, you would still be looking up at him with those eyes of yours. At the very least, he had managed to do one thing right.

“She’ll be fine. She’s a good kid.” Gaz calls at him, and John spares him a glance out of the side of his eye with a raised brow.

“I know she is. I’m the one who raised her.”

—

You remember eating a piece of toast before you made your way over to the couch, throwing your phone to the coffee table haphazardly before tossing yourself onto the cushions. Still in your pajamas, you can’t find it in you to go and grab the homework in your backpack this early. The sun had only just risen, and the bags under your eyes reminded you how late you stayed up last night. 

But your father had never shown up.

Frantic was too light a word to describe the feeling you had when your eyelids had peeled back to the empty living room and the TV still playing. It had been second nature to snatch your phone and call the secure line – half of you had said it was better to call Laswell, just in case, but your adolescent brain had wanted nothing more than to hear your father’s voice.

He would make it better. But you needed to hear his voice. 

Dad, you remembered pleading to yourself as the sound of the dial tone echoed in your ear, please answer the phone. Please. Answer the fucking phone. 

Your heart was pounding; hands shaking. He never just didn’t show up when he said he was going to. Never. Your dad was punctual – always on time no matter what – and he had ingrained the same sentiment in you as well. 

When his deep voice finally bounced in your eardrums you nearly started to cry, missing the first hurried and concern-filled inquiry of where you were. Hearing his voice put you at ease, and after a week of missing your father’s strong presence and his warm hugs, it was hard not to take a shaky inhale when he seemed so close.

You just wanted him home; you wanted him to make you pancakes and help you with your schoolwork. You wanted him to read a book to you on this couch like you were a toddler again while his old record player was on in the background. 

It was childish, getting so worked up about it, but your dad meant the world to you. Not having him here felt wrong. 

Sighing, you rub at your eyes and revel in the darkness before letting out a strained yawn, grabbing the blanket from the back of the couch and pulling it over your body. It didn’t take long before your eyes were flickering shut, a calm quiet settling over the house as cars passed by outside in the street. You pull the blanket closer and breathe, inhaling pine needles and ash. 

You don’t know how long you were there, twitching in your sleep before the scent woke you up – it makes your nose scrunch, eyelids blinking away fuzz. There was a pillow under your head, the blanket wrapped tight around your neck to keep out the London chill, and a clanking of pans in the kitchen. Scraping spatula over cast iron, you knew, the sizzling of batter. 

The haze of that in-between state, sleep and consciousness fighting in the back of your skull and under your hairline, stays even as you try to force it away. It was like a wave – it constantly pulled you under when you thought you were getting to the surface. Your eyes would blink open and closed; comforted back into sleep by the deep humming, the waver of an old record player. Feet over hardwood and the smell of fresh pancakes. 

Dad’s home. 

A delirious smile slides over your sleep-hot face. That was why you were so content. This was what home sounded and smelled like. 

Dad’s home. You repeat it once more, nuzzling farther into your father's travel pillow he brings to and from Base. Pine needles. Ash. Cigar smoke.

Dad’s home! Your eyes snap open wildly, your body shooting up from the cushions as the blanket falls to the floor. Angling your head to the separated kitchen, you swipe the drool from your mouth with a heavy hand and listen. 

Your dreams had tricked you before, but no. Not this time. 

He was humming along to some old tune under his breath that mirrored the record player behind the couch; the antique turned low so it wouldn’t wake you. Blinking in shock, your mouth morphs into a rich smile instantaneously. 

Throwing yourself off the couch, your feet slam to the floor, rushing and almost tripping over the blanket on the floor as your body slants forward. Giggling, you push on, righting yourself with no second thought other than welcoming your dad home the same as you always did. Zipping around the corner, a shadow is already turning your way, a plate of pancakes ready to be put on the table and devoured. 

“Dad!” You yell loudly and launch yourself at him, hearing his chest let out a grunt and his hands splay around you so he won’t drop breakfast food all over the floor. 

A velvety chuckle is wrung from his body, and his free digits go to rest heavily on your head as you shove yourself into his hold. Gripping his shirt tight between your fingers, you try not to cry when that scent that had been fading from the house comes back tenfold. Your eyes burn, but you only let one tear out when your dad’s finger begins stroking your hair just like he did when you were little.

You had been so worried. 

“There’s my girl,” His voice whispers out, “I’m here, Sunshine. Easy now.” 

“I thought you died,” You can’t help the helpless gasp that rips from you. Your father’s hand freezes; body going rigid around your smaller, desperately grasping frame. The atmosphere of the room flips. Digging into the fabric of his shirt the full flood of tears finally comes forward. “W-when I woke up and you weren’t here I… I thought you were never coming back home, and that I would have to go and live with the neighbors and I’d have to bury you in the cemetery. I don’t-don’t wanna have to put you in the ground.” You’re rambling, but you can’t stop the words. “I don’t want you to leave me alone, Dad. Please don’t leave me alone.” 

At some point, the plate of pancakes had been tossed to the counter without care for if the porcelain cracked from the force, and both of your father's arms hand scooped you into his hold effortlessly. Your breath was hiccuping violently, tears making his shirt wet and sticking to his skin. 

But John didn’t care. 

He wrapped his arms around you and curled his body in, taking you into a hold so warm and tight you couldn’t leave it even if you tried.

What’ve I done? The man feels his lips tense, blinking down at your shaking body with guilt as you sob. Oh, my Little Girl, I’m so sorry. What’ve I done to you? 

Had he never noticed the toll that this job was taking on you? John asked himself this in disgust as he pressed his lips to the crown of your head, whispering words into your hair under his shaky breath. He hated when you cried because of him.

“I’m not going anywhere, Love, alright? Look at me.” You don’t move your bruising grip, face still held away from sight as you gasp down frantic breaths. John’s voice gets firmer, “Sweetheart, I need you to look at me, yeah?”

Your tight fingers stutter, and your head barely shifts to the side, one red eye peeking up as he looks down at you with all the love he can muster without looking incredibly broken. He never wanted to see you cry again but knew that would be an impossible feat to accomplish – but he’d do his damndest to try.

“There she is.” John’s hand goes to your cheek, brushing away the saltwater with a calloused thumb as you sniffle. “Just keep those eyes on me, Little One.”

“...M’ not little anymore.” You grumble out, your cheeks heating even as your pulse slows as you focus on your dad's eyes. So soft the edges were nearly liquid; water that held your attention as they lapped across your form. 

“To me, you’ll always be little. Can’t change that I’m afraid.” The man grunts out, tilting his head down at you and letting his eyes travel from concern to comfort. But that doesn’t change the present. 

“I’m so sorry, Love,” Your father mutters, eyes flickering away from yours in guilt so rarely shown to others. He always prided himself on being strong, you knew, bearing the brunt of the weight. Apologies weren’t often verbally said until it truly mattered. “I should have called you. That’s all on me, that is. Bloody stupid to forget about, knowin’ how you wait up for me.” 

Your lips thin to mimic your dad's, brows pulling close. But in your chest, your heart couldn’t be larger. You didn’t hold it against him, but you wished he could be here more often; not put himself in dangerous situations. Knowing as little as you did about your dad's actual job, you still knew it wasn’t entirely safe. 

Maybe the two of you protected each other from the things unseen. 

Your chest aches.

“...You’re funny lookin’ when you have to apologize. Like a kicked bear.” Pulling back your lips, a tiny smile lighting your face, and you look up at your dad with a sniffle in your nose. 

His visage snaps to yours, eyebrows going high on his head in surprise, and hooded blue eyes widening. It takes a moment, but a smirk pushes back his beard when he sees the tears have stopped falling. 

“Yeah?” John asks you, a grumble reverberating in his chest, “Now, y’know, that is just bloody rude, Sunshine. Thought I raised you better…And after I made you pancakes.” 

Laughing, you pull back, stomach rumbling and nose twitching at the prospect of the nearly forgotten food. Slithering past your father, you snatch the plate and fork before rushing into the living room. Jumping on the couch you begin to cut into the carbs, piling pieces into your mouth and smiling at the taste. No one else could make them as your dad could. 

The Brit comes not seconds later, a cup of tea held in his hand before he sits down next to you with a groan, stretching out and laying his socked feet on the coffee table next to your tossed phone from hours earlier. You giggle, suddenly leaning to his large frame and hearing him grunt in retaliation. 

“Tell me a funny story,” You demand, listening to him sip his drink in the mid-morning glow that spreads outside the house and leaks in through the opened curtains. Birds sing outside, heard from the street. 

Your dad hums, his beard tickling your scalp as he leans into you in turn, making you chuckle before he nuzzles against you kissing your head; leading to a larger exclamation of glee before you elbow his gut. 

He laughs and answers with a smile in his voice.

“Hm, did I tell you ‘bout the time Gaz fell out of the Heli?” 

You laugh, eating the rest of the pancake remnants; feeling incredibly happy and warm. There were many memories you loved of your dad and his recounting of stories fit many of them. He always kept out the gory bits – promising himself that he would never lead you down that path no matter what – and always opted for the many downright hilarious situations the rest of the 141 always seemed to get into.

“Yes, but tell me again. It’s funny, especially when you describe his face afterward! Like he–”

“Like he had shit his pants and didn’t want to tell me,” John chuckles, eyes squinted, looking down at you as you snuggle into his side. He wraps an arm over your shoulders, taking your empty plate with one hand and putting it on the side table before pulling you close and making sure his tea won’t spill. He feels your tiny, bird-like, heartbeat on his ribcage and knows that nothing could ever take you away from him. You would always be his little girl.  “Yeah, Love, I remember that one. Now, let me start from the beginning…”

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[malfoysprinces]

friends, best friends, friends in love

- draco malfoy -

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin Reader

Summary: Two friends in love, eventually confessing.

Warnings: Jealousy, Hiding Feelings but with a happy ending.

Word Count: 3.5k

Author’s Note: It’s my first time writing, feel free to give feedbacks & request.

Slytherin common room was quiet on this particular night, saved for the sound of the fire crackling in the fireplace. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm, flickering light on the walls.

Y/N was sitting, peacefully by the fire all on her own until she heard his voice.

“Y/N”

With a look full of hesitation, she stared right into those grey eyes.

Oh, those grey eyes…

“Hey Draco!”

“What are you doing up this late?”

“Nothing, couldn’t sleep.”

“Come on, go to your dorm, don’t make me take any points from my own house.” Draco said, laughing.

“But I can’t sleep.” Y/N responded.

“My friends are such pain in the ass.”Draco whispered.

Yeah, your friend.

Y/N giggled.

Just when they were headed to stairs which led the way to their dorms, a familiar face appeared.

“Oh, hi Theo.” Y/N said to him.

“Oh for Merlin’s sake, this night is never going to end does it?” Asked Draco, looking tired.

“And goodnight to you too, Draco.” said Theo.

“I’m going to the Astronomy Tower, care to join?” Theo asked to both.

“Why not?” Y/N answered, hoping Draco would come.

“As your prefect I should lead you guys to your dorms, but as your friend I could really use a calming time with you guys.” Answered Draco.

Friend. There was that word again.

“Actually, I remembered that I have Snape’s potions in the morning and I could really use some sleep.” Y/N said without knowing why she wanted to get away from them- oh actually, Draco. Poor Theo had nothing to do with it. In fact he was always nice to Y/N, he was always a gentleman.

“As you wish.” Theo said.

“Are you sure?” Draco asked to Y/N.

“Yeah” Y/N answered, forcing a yawn to make believe she is sleepy.

She headed to girls dorm without looking back.

When she entered into her dorm room, Pansy and Daphne were already sleeping.

She looked at herself in the mirror, wondering why everytime Draco called her “a friend” her heart was shattered into pieces.

Y/N was distant to Draco lately. She was avoiding him at all costs. Whenever they sit together at a class, she would always ignore him, not in an arrogant way but in an cold way. Draco -being the smartest boy Y/N has ever seen- has started to realize this. He has been sensing that Y/N was drawing herself away from him for some time now.

But Y/N was forgetting something, she was the first person for Draco to come when he was feeling down. She was the first person that Draco writes to every summer. She was practically Draco’s closest but he never addressed her anything other than friend.

To him, “Draco and she was friends, nothing more. They just hang in the same group. Y/N was a friend to Draco as much as she was to Theo or Blaise.” Y/N thought to herself.

Y/N wanted to tell Draco how she felt, how she was longing for his touch without knowing how it feels, how she needs him. But there was too much at stake. She could lose Draco forever, she could lose the bond between them forever. So she decided to keep things to herself and keep her distance from Draco.

With so much going on in her head, Y/N went to her bed and fell asleep quickly.

Next morning wasn’t any different than others. The sun was shining into girls shared dorm.

“Oh! I can’t find my tie!” shouted Pansy in a hurry.

“Just check your desk, I saw it there last night.” said Daphne.

“Found it!” Pansy shouted again.

Y/N was still half asleep when Daphne came to her side and reminded her that if she didn’t want detention from Snape, she should be up in a minute.

She got ready in a hurry, causing her to forget her potions book in her dorm.

Girls entered the Great Hall for breakfast.

“Well, well, well.. If these aren’t the princesses of Slytherin.” Blaise said in a flirty tone.

“Morning.” said Theo.

And a simple smile from Draco.

Y/N smiled to Draco back and rolled her eyes to Blaise.

“Was he always like that?” Y/N asked. “Because if he was, I should really consider my friend choices.” she said in a laughy tone.

“Oh, if you call that a flirting, you should have seen Draco last night in the Astronomy Tower.” Theo said.

Of course, they weren’t alone. Of course, Theo was going to meet up with a girl last night and Draco wanted some company, as well.

“Shut it already Theo.” said Draco.

“Who is it this time Draco?” asked Pansy.

“Yes, tell us who the lucky lady was.” added Daphne.

Y/N was holding her tears back, not only because of Draco’s new girl but also she couldn’t believe how easily Draco affected her. He goes around flirting with other girls and Y/N ends up the one being hurt. How unfair Y/N thought to herself.

Y/N had seen nothing but pure love between her parents. She was raised the best way possible. Indeed, she was a pure blood, she came from a wealthy family - why else would Draco befriend her?- and she was pretty. She could pull of any guy she wanted. Any guy but him.

She could get any guy wrapped around her finger, any guy but the one with the grey eyes.

However, it was kind of funny how she was oblivious to Draco’s feelings. She meant everything to him, he would take her in a heartbeat if she said yes. His whole world revolving around her. Draco was the one to keep his feelings bottled up, that was for sure. But still, the fact that he cares about Y/N more than any other girl was obvious.

“Y/N?” asked Pansy.

No answer.

“Y/N!!??”

“Oh, sorry.” Y/N said.

“But you missed all the fun, Draco couldn’t even remember that girl’s name.” Said Pansy.

And just seconds later, everyone burst into laughter.

“Yeah poor girl must be thinking of Draco right now, but he doesn’t even remember her name.” said Daphne, giggling.

“ For Merlin’s sake! I only flirted with her so Theo could have his time with that girl’s friend.” Draco said in a serious tone staring to Y/N.

“Good boy, aren’t you?” said Y/N in a condescending tone which made Draco angrier.

It was safe to say that Draco stared into Y/N’s soul for a time which felt like an eternity for both.

Only if he knew what Y/N would do to be the one that Draco flirted- even if it is all fake.

“So now it is a staring contest?” asked Blaise laughing.

“No. And I dont even have the time for your - and I mean ALL of you- stupid crushes.” Y/N said.

“What? What crush are you talking about?” asked Draco.

“Shit! I must have left my potions book in my dorm” Y/N said. She was headed for dorm room.

Not long after, Y/N was pulled into an empty classroom.

“WHA-“ Y/N’s shout was interrupted.

“What is wrong with you?” asked Draco.

“I don’t know what you are talking abo-“ she was interrupted again.

“Oh, cut the bullshit already! You ditch on me and Theo last night and you have been off all morning?” asked Draco.

“I- erm- I am really worried about Snape’s class you know?” she lied.

“So this is what it’s all about.” said Draco. “I thought you were mad at me or something.” he added.

“You have been distant lately. It’s like one minute you are the center of the conversation, and you are gone in the next.” Draco said, worried.

“Told you, I have been struggling with potions.”

That was the best I could come up with? She thought to herself. I must be a disgrace to the house of Slytherin.

“I will help you, okay? Meet me in the library after dinner.” said Draco.

“No- I mean you dont have to.” she said.

“No, I need to fix whats bothering my best friend.” Draco winked.

Your WHAT? Now, we are best friends. If there is something worse than being friends with him existed then it would totally be being best friends with him.

“Come on, we need to get to class.” Added Draco.

Potions was boring for Y/N. Until Snape assigned the homework. A homework which was needed to be done with partners.

“I will assign your partners this time.” said Snape.

“Miss Granger, you are with Mr Longbottom.”

“Miss Y/L/N, you are with…..

“Mr Malfoy” Y/N prayed.

“Mr. Potter.” Snape said.

The anger in Draco’s eyes was visible, if not, it was felt by every single person in class. However, no one dared to state the obvious.

“Oh shit. Now it is getting interesting.” Blaise said to Theo.

“Yeah, just wait till the class is over and Draco starts whining about it.” said Theo.

As Harry walked closer to Y/N, Draco was already watching them.

Y/N and Harry greeted and started to talk about the project.

Whenever Y/N looked to Draco, he was already watching her.

But this time something was different. Draco’s eyes was not filled with the warmth that Y/N was used to see, instead it was filled with something she couldn’t name.

It was jealousy. So much jealousy that he could explode any minute now.

Slytherin group was already gone when Y/N and Potter realized that the class is over. As a matter of fact, everyone was gone and they were alone in the classroom.

“I must have lost the track of time.” said Y/N to Potter.

“Yeah. Seems we both did.” he agreed.

They rushed to outside.

“If Potter is that interesting, you can always go be his friend.” said Draco to Y/N. He has been standing outside the classroom waiting for Y/N, this whole time.

“What? We were just talking about the project.” said Y/N.

“Yeah? That must be the reason you couldn’t care to join your friends when leaving the class.” Draco said, angrily.

“Oh, possesiveness is a trait of yours, isn’t it?” Y/N asked mocking.

“Potter is my red line. Do. Not. Cross. It.” Draco said in the most serious tone possible, grabbing Y/N’s wrist.

“Too bad, he. İs my. Partner” Y/N said jokingly.

Little did they both knew, they had already crossed the red line in each other’s hearts.

“So, why do I even need to mix these things?”

“Like what on earth am I going to need these potion for?” Y/N asks, pretending to be oblivious to keep her lie going.

“Just try to memorize the ingredients and you will be okay.” Draco assured.

“Okay.” said knowing everything Draco has been telling her since the minute one.

“By the way, I really don’t understand why you stress over potions. You are the smartest witch I know.” said Draco lifting his eyebrows.

“I don’t know, it is not the class that stresses me, it is the professor. Snape is tense, you know?” Y/N shouted another lie.

“What? He is practically one of your father’s best friends. They’ve known each other since they were what? Like 11?” Draco asked.

“Yeah but still, he was always so intimidating.” Was Y/N’s answer.

“Truth to be told, I am his favourite, but you are not so bad yourself.” He said laughing.

“Well, I know he likes us, he is better to us than others.” Y/N said agrreing.

“See? He’s not so bad after all.” Draco said.

Rest of their study session went on as a chat session. Things was always so easy and calming between Y/N and Draco.

“Merlin, I missed talking to you about anything-“ Draco was interrupted by Y/N “Let’s leave, I have to check Gullygum.” Said Y/N, Anything to avoid this confrontation she thought.

“Gullygum? As your cat?”

“Yeah Draco, how many other Gullygums do you know of?” teased Y/N as she was packing her things.

The night was calm. As they were headed to Slytherin common room together the only sound which can be heard was their footsteps. As they pass by the torches lining the walls, the flickering light casts shadows that seem to dance across their faces. The sound of Draco’s breathing and the rustle of Y/N’s clothing as they walk creates a gentle white noise, as if the whole world has fallen away and it's just the two of them.

“So.” Draco said breaking the silence.

“Now tell me, why have you been so distant lately. And don’t ever think about lying to me because it is obvious you have no problem with classes.” Draco asked.

“Oh for fucks sake Draco, everything is fine. Friends don’t push each other like that.” Y/N stated, emphasizing the word friends.

“Yeah, friends.” whispered to himself Draco. But Y/N didn’t hear a thing for she was so tired with Draco pushing her to confess.

As the first beams of sunlight filtered through the small windows of the Slytherin dungeons, the house's green and silver shades appeared to come to life.

“Wake up! Today’s the day!” Daphne shouted to Pansy and Y/N.

“What day?” Y/N asked, half asleep.

“Are you serious? You forgot about it?” Pansy asked her.

“About what?”

“About the PARTY YOU SILLY!” Daphne shouted.

Oh, shoot. It’s today! The party which was organized by Daphne and Pansy, the party they couldn’t stop talking about.

The girls were already headed to Great Hall when Y/N was done dressing up.

As usual, the boys of Slytherin was waiting for their princesses at the table.

Pansy and Daphne wouldn’t stop talking about the party, how they have been planning this for weeks if not months.

In the middle of their conversation, an owl dropped a box to Y/N. The box had a letter.

You deserve the world. We love & miss you.

Mom & Dad.

And the letter made Y/N realize how homesick she was. She loved Hogwarts, she loved her friends and she loved her Draco but something about her parent’s letter made her miss her home. Maybe it was how the words they use reminded Mr and Mrs. Y/L/N’s relationship to their daughter. They had something Y/N admired. One day she dreams of having with Draco.

“Will you open it already?” said Blaise.

“Oh, let me just-“ she was interrupted by Pansy.

“OH. MY. GOD.” shouted Pansy.

“THAT MUST HAVE COST A FORTUNE.” said Daphne in a shock.

“This is so nice.” Said Draco.

“Aww, thank you guys. I must write them back as soon as I can.” Said Y/N heading towards the exit of the Great Hall.

“I envy how your father cares about you. I guess it is different when you are a girl.” Says a familiar voice.

“OH- You scared me.” Said Y/N shaking.

“Just cool darling.” Said Draco.

“I got this memory of us kids in my head. When we both fell of our broomsticks how your father ran towards you and mine just mocked me.” Said Draco.

“Oh, Dray, I’m sure you are remembering wrong.” Y/N said.

“Yeah, maybe.” Draco said.

The rest of the day went on as usual, the classes and stuff. In the evening there was a rush in girls dorm. Y/N had already picked her dress and she was getting ready for the party when she heard a knock on the door.

“Do you think you can help me with my tie- WHOA.. You look..erm- pretty.” Said Draco. “Heavenly” he whispered to himself.

“Oh, thank you. Yes I sure can.” Y/N said leaning towards him.

There was an undeniable tension and chemistry between them. Their lips were just inches apart. Draco’s grey eyes were fixated on Y/N’s eyes. The more they stay this close, the more Y/N’s hand shook. This was the closeness they were both longing for. It was almost like Draco didn’t want to let her go. Almost.

“So, I was thinking that we can go to party together since I am already here.” Said Draco.

“Yeah, yeah let me just grab my purse.” Y/N agreed.

The Slytherin common room was transformed into a grand party hall, decorated with green and silver banners, glittering streamers, and shining orbs that floated above the dance floor. The room was alive with the sound of music, laughter, and clinking of glasses, as the students of Slytherin danced and chatted, all in their finest clothes. The grand staircase leading to the upper levels of the castle provided the perfect stage for the hosts to make their grand entrance, clad in their finest robes and basking in the admiration of their guests. It was a Slytherin party atmosphere unlike any other, full of luxury, power, and excitement.

Draco instinctively put his hand on Y/N’s back, like he wanted to show everyone who she belonged to. Y/N was shivering for she was longing Draco’s touch for some time now.

Not so long after, a group of Slytherins decided to play the game of spin the bottle. Y/N and Draco were among the group, both secretly hoping the bottle would point to each other.

As the game progressed, the bottle spun round and round, landing on various members of the group. Finally, it was Y/N’s turn. The bottle spun and spun, seeming to take forever to come to a stop. When it finally did, it was pointed towards Cedric Diggory, who grinned eagerly.

Without a second thought, Cedric leaned in for a kiss. Y/N closed her eyes, allowing the kiss to happen.

Draco, who had been watching the entire thing with a scowl, could feel his anger about to boil over. He didn't know why he felt so strongly about Y/N , but he did, and seeing her kiss someone else fueled a fire deep within him.

“My turn.” said Blaise eagerly.

“I am going to call it a night.” said Draco not even glancing a side eye to Y/N.

Guilt was growing inside Y/N’s heart. But she didn’t have any choice. It was all a game after all.

Rest of the party was a usual Slytherin party. With the shock of Draco leaving the party so early, Y/N decided to call it a night, as well.

Next morning, Y/N wanted to see if Draco is doing okay. So before heading to Great Hall for breakfast she decided to stop by Draco’s dorm.

As she knocked on the door, a girl she didn't recognize opened the door of Draco's room.

“Hello?” She asked

“Who is it?” Draco shouted.

“Um-I wanted to-um…” Y/N was stunned. For a moment, she thought she can actually heart the breaking noise of her heart.

Draco came to the door and when he saw Y/N standing, he was frozen. It was clear that he spent the night with this girl.

“We can talk later.” Said Y/n, heartbroken, and jealous at the same time.

She was holding her tears back while walking to Great Hall. Not angry but heartbroken.

Just when she sat to breakfast, she felt a familiar voice approaching.

“Hey, Y/N.” said Cedric.

“Hi Cedric.” said Y/N.

“Is not that the guy she kisses last night?” asked Blaise.

Daphne nodded.

“Can I talk to you in private?” Cedric asked.

“Sure.”

They were headed to the exit of the Great Hall when Y/N felt Draco’s eyes on her when he was walking by.

“So, what is it that you want to ask?” Y/N said.

“I know this might sound ridicolus but I can’t stop thinking about our kiss last night. I was wondering if you would like yo go on a date with me?” “If you would give us the chance to get to know each other better.” Asked Cedric, hesitation can be seen from all over his face.

With the jealousy and broken heart, Y/N didn’t even think for a moment.

“ Yes Cedric.” she smiled.

“Oh, I’m happy now. I will pick you up after dinner tomorrow, so we can go for a drink at Hogsmeade?”

“Sounds like the perfect date.” nodded Y/N.

It clearly was an impulsive decision. It. Clearly. Was. Cedric didn’t even catch Y/N’s attention for once. Except last night, when she had to kiss him. She didn’t had the choice unlike Draco. Draco had the choice to not drag a girl to his dorm.

“What did he want?” Asked Pansy.

“A date.” Y/N answered.

“ A DATE?” Pansy shouted. “Not a chance” she added.

“Actually, I-“ Y/N was imterrupted.

“ Oh no you didn’t” Pansy said.

“ Sure as hell, I did.” Y/N said walking to class.

The next day went on as quickly. Y/N was getting ready for her date when it crossed her mind that she hadn’t seen Draco over a day. For them, it was a record. They were practically inseperable. Not so long ago, at least.

Y/N was headed to Great Hall to meet Cedric when she looked up and saw Draco, Theo and Pansy was sitting by the fireplace just chatting casually.

“Ready for you date?” Pansy asked which caused Draco to look at Y/N angrily.

“What date?” Theo responded.

“Oh, didn’t you hear, she is going on a date with Diggory,” Pansy answered.

“Lucky man got to steal our girl, didn’t he Draco?” Said theo.

Draco didn’t respond, he just nodded. As far as anyone can see, he was devastated.

As Y/N got back from her date, it was already pass midnight. The castle was so quiet as she walked to the dungeons of Slytherin. Y/N opened the door to the common room, only to find out Draco sitting where she left him hours ago.

The fireplace crackling sound in the midnight echoes throughout the empty Slytherin common room, adding an eerie quality to the scene. The pops and crackles of the fire seem to reverberate off the walls, creating an almost hypnotic rhythm that feels both calming and unsettling.

Did he waited for her to get back from her date?

As he waits, he stares into the flames, lost in thought. The sound of the fire is the only thing that breaks the silence of the room, and it's as if the fire is the only company he has.

The sound of the fire crackling is also a reminder of the late hour, creating a sense of intimacy and secrecy that seems fitting for the moment.

As Draco waits for you to return, the sound of the fire crackling grows softer and more gentle. It's as if the fire is signaling that something new is about to happen, that a new chapter is about to begin.

“I know I messed up.” said Draco in a rather sad voice.

“I know it should have been me who took you on this date.” he added.

The sound of the fire becomes louder and more chaotic, mirroring the rush of feelings that Y/N is experiencing. It crackles and pops, adding a layer of intensity to the moment. The flames seem to grow brighter, casting an orange glow across the room and making everything feel more dramatic.

Despite the chaos of the fire, Draco's words are clear and heartfelt.

“I know it should have been me who gets to call you his girlfriend.” he finally looked up to Y/N who was in a total shock.

“Draco” she whispered.

“I love you, Y/N Y/L/N.” he whispered. “I have always loved you and only you.”

“And I love you Draco Malfoy.” she added. “I have always waited for you and only you.”

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

The Arcana HCs: Muriel's birthday

~ here's the other birthday I missed (September 10th) while I was on hiatus. enjoy! ^.^ ~

You know he doesn't like surprises. He doesn't like surprises at all

You also know that if he knew that you were planning something for his birthday, he'd draw the line at anything more involved than a cupcake, and even that would be stretching it

The solution is to make the kinds of plans he'll be okay with, and keeping the happy extra details to yourself

A picnic. Surely he'll be okay with a picnic on his special day, at least so that the friends who care about him can come by and wish him without the stress of having them in the hut?

He pouts, but he agrees, assuming that if he lets you have this then you won't trying doing anything else

He assumes wrong, in the most delightful way

You meet with all those invited one at a time, informing them of the picnic, making a suggestion or two for something fun to bring, and asking that (if they were planning on getting him anything) they send their gifts for him to you ahead of time

Because as much as Muriel is learning to accept nice things for himself, you know it's easier for him to do when he's not facing the pressure of multiple pairs of eyes

The morning of his birthday, you wake up while it's still dark

Inanna's snout is in your face, her wet nose snuffling in your ear as she cautiously straddles your sleeping figure and tries to wake you up without disturbing Muriel

This is something you have asked her to do - you don't know how else you'd be able to wake up and feed the chickens before he does

Getting out of bed without waking him is another matter. He's a heavy sleeper, sure, but he's also got heavy arms. Being pinned under them is a wonderful feeling until you're trying to sit up

Inanna guards you carefully as you walk outside to feed the chickens, collecting fresh eggs for breakfast before tiptoeing back inside the hut

It's a chilly autumn morning. The cold is already seeping into your bones after leaving the warmth of the furs and Muriel's steady supply of body heat, so you rush to build up the fire

The sounds of you starting breakfast don't wake him up. Neither does the slow brightening of the dawn through the window, or the growing fire in the hearth

No, it's the smell of mushrooms frying in the skillet

You try to convince him to sleep in a little longer, but he's already slept longer than usual without the hungry chickens scratching outside and Inanna pawing at his face

(the poor wolf does, in fact, get a fondly annoyed look for her betrayal, waking you up instead of him)

He's sleepy and relaxed and happy, bedhead falling over his stubble, morning voice even deeper than it already is

Eating breakfast together is a precious moment. He doesn't realize you're doing this for his birthday until you wish him, and his smile is slow and bittersweet. He never thought he'd have a birthday like this, but he's glad he does

You pull out his gifts afterwards. Warm clothes from Nadia, a fresh pouch of myrrh from Asra in a seventeen, now eighteen year long tradition, a salve for chapped hands from Julian ...

He grumbles over each one as though his fond smile isn't visible, taking his time to admire them before pressing a shy kiss to your temple in thanks

It gives him just enough time to plan his thank yous before you need to pack your picnic lunch and meet them out in the fields

Much to his surprise, it's easier than expected. There's no overwhelming crowds besides the curious ants that stop by

Between Nadia's social graces, Asra's old familiarity, and Julian's capacity to hog all the awkwardness, conversation flows seamlessly and Muriel finds himself quickly caught up in it

After you've eaten comes the one proper surprise you've prepared - flying kites

The autumn winds are brisk and cool, perfect for carrying the whimsical paper creations into the clouds

Watching the Countess of Vesuvia go sprinting down a hill with an excited shout trying to get her kite into the air is also quite the refreshing scene

The afternoon passes by faster than Muriel is used to. Soon enough, both the sky and fields are turning a fiery golden from the sunset, and it's time to head home

You give him some time to himself before dinner - it's been an unusually social day, after all - but he's more than happy to sit close to you as you roast vegetables over a campfire outside the hut

Sitting back against a fallen log side-by-side, feeling the cold nip at your noses while you snuggle together for warmth, smelling the smoke from the campfire as you watch it float towards the stars

The kisses you share there are sweet, happy, full of promises for a good year to come, and eventually, very sleepy

He might be used to feeding the chickens at dawn, but you're not. He's carrying you to bed

[ytsunodabrainrotbaybee]

Hey. Could I request Zhou dating a paramedic student. Anything you can come up at for that please. Only when you get some free time though 😊🫶🏻

Thank you thank you, first request! Anon you hold a special place in my heart. 💕

I went ahead with a paramedic candidate, I have a second idea for this as well, so it may end up being a two for the price of one type thing, stand by.

I apologize for the hold Chicago Fire has on me.

Fc: Hanako Greensmith, who plays Violet in Chicago Fire, please watch it. 😐

Also, Chicago gp early in the season instead of the Vegas gp later, using the Chicago street track.

ynbaybee • Private account

Liked by lilymhe, zhouguanyu24 and others

Ynbaybee Shout out to the man’s for the shots 🫡🫡

Tagged: zhouguanyu24

yourbestieee I tried for three years. A man did it in a week.

zhouguanyu24 I work fast

yourbestieee not fast enough mr. barely p10

ynbaybee That’s too far yourbestieee

lilymhe So been looking forward to catching up 😭😭

ynbaybee Me too bb. You still in town?

zhouguanyu24 🤌🤌

ynbaybee You have such a way with words

Tuesday Morning rolled around. A hectic shift change later and you were on the road back to your apartment. Your PIC’s voice steady through your speakers, detailing every high and low in your performance throughout the past 24 hours.

“Really, you did great,” she said, her soft voice full of the kind of confidence you could draw from.

“Thanks Burkhart,” You said, focused a little more on pulling in to your parking spot, right next to a dark green Aston Martin.

A sore thumb next to your cute little baby blue Hyundai.

The two of you said your goodbyes before hanging up and leaving you to hurry on into your apartment.

“Zhou”

“L/N”

Guanyu had made himself at home, a still warm breakfast on the stove and coffee brewing. It filled your home with a kind of sweet and comfy scent that you would miss once Guanyu hit the road again.

“I have a flight at four tomorrow morning,” he organized two plates as he spoke. Low, but energized. “I wanted to spend some more time with you before I left.”

The two of you settled in to your couch, tucked off into a corner adjacent to your TV, ready with Netflix pulled up.

zhouguanyu24

Liked by pierregasly, ynbaybee and others

zhouguanyu24 points in Chicago, off to Barcelona 🙏🙏

ynbaybee gg brah

zhouguanyu24 you got to watch??

ynbaybee life it uhhh finds a way

f1fannn Zhou soft launch???

Liked by ynbaybee

formulawhat Ayo????

valtteribotas When are you bringing her to a race?

ynbaybee Once I’m not a probie anymore I’m making time 🫡🫡

You woke up with Guanyu, 2:30 in the morning. Too early for breakfast, plenty early for a Redbull.

“I love you, but next time maybe don’t.”

Guanyu rolled his eyes, ever the morning person to your slow moving night owl.

His hand found your waist as the two of you left the apartment, checking pockets for his belongings. You ran through his checklist again before waving your hand for him to get moving again.

The drive to the airport was quiet. While you could never fall asleep too easy in a car, it was still too early to be too talkative. You shifted your attention from the road ahead, to Guanyu. One hand in yours, the other steering.

He stayed just as quiet, not taking his eyes off of the road. Even after full minutes passed I’d you staring as him.

You held his hand in both of yours, running your thumb along his wrist.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, shooting you a glance.

“Next shift we’re having a meeting to determine wether or not I’m staying at the firehouse,” you said, “I’m pretty confident, but still nervous.”

Guanyu had pulled into a parking spot, next to where his team had just arrived moments earlier. He pulled your hands into his.

“They love you,” he squeezed your hands, “Chief Gonzales wouldn’t let you go if he wanted to.”

“Sometimes I think they like you more.”

“They like anyone who will feed them”

The two of you had drifted closer together, everything outside of the car drifted further away. Your hand found itself rested on his cheek, his on your arm.

“I love you,” his voice barely hit a whisper before his lips were on yours. The kind of soft, tame kiss that would never hold you over until his next visit, but it would have to do.

The next kiss just a quick peck, followed by an exchange of “good luck” and Guanyu jumping out of the car and running to catch up with his team. Leaving you alone to make your way back to your apartment. Hopefully to recover some sleep.

zhouguanyu24

Liked by ynbaybee, chicagofirehouse83 and others

zhouguanyu24 my love made it out of her probationary period, definitely Chicago’s finest. 😌😌

formulawhat A Y O??

f1fann Zhou can you fight?

ynbaybee I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am.

fyrefyghter Always knew you were what’s missing zhouguanyu24

zhouguanyu24 what do you want me to bring next time?

fyrefyghter Just your handsome self 🫡

ynbaybee Cruz. Don’t make me get the hose

logansargeant We love our first responders

ynbaybee of course we do. Yee yee lookin

logansargeant cmon I’m being nice

lilymhe For once.

valtteribotas Time for you to start on making that race

ynbaybee Yessir 🫡

[rowdyhughesy]

Love in Nevada ✰ Jack Hughes

I suck at summary’s but here is a Jack blurb from my drafts, happy reading!

Being forced to listen to Dylan's awful music taste, Mark poking you time and time again because he's bored, Luke's snoring and Ethan constantly fidgeting in his seat cause as he claims 'can't get comfortable' is starting to drive you absolutely crazy. "Can someone please explain to me again why we decided to drive to freaking Nevada?" The question comes out angrier then intended and you should probably feel bad for snapping at your best friends but spending the last 32 hours in a car together is starting to become claustrophobic. "It was all Luke's idea!" Mark shouts throwing an accusing finger towards the boy sitting in the passenger seat. Luke narrows his eyes at the tall boy beside you. "It was all of us Estapa! See it as group bonding or whatever." Dylan rolls his eyes at all of us not moving his gaze from the road.

"Group bonding? We live together. I say we bond all the time. I've seen Marky in his birth-suit more times than I would like." Everyone starts laughing at your response except for Mark whose cheeks are currently the same shade of red as a fire truck. "You should really start locking the door when you shower." Ethan teases reaching over you to poke Mark in the stomach. Mark grumbles to himself swatting at Ethan's hand in retaliation.

◦◦◦

Hugging the sweatshirt closer, you rest your head on Marks shoulder. Deciding to sit on the floor was not the most comfortable but when there is 10 people in one house there won't be seats for everyone on two couches. Agreeing to play board games with 9 competitive hockey players, that was your second error of the night.

Trevor and Cole are currently bickering about how Cole thinks Trevor cheated in the current card game being played, the rest of the group watching with amused smiles on our faces. "Y/N, you're the only one here that isn't partial. Did Trevor cheat?" Cole's statement makes everyone shift their focus to you. Lifting your head from Marks shoulder you stare at the boys in confusion and a little bit of embarrassment for being the main focus.

"Honestly, I wasn't looking. I was busy peeking at Eddys cards but knowing Trevor for the past like six hours? I'd say yes." Ethan shoves your shoulder and Trevor immediately starts pleading his case about how he did in fact not cheat and that you bruised his heart thinking he'd do such a thing. "Trev listen bud. We all know you cheat every time we play so just accept the facts." Jack pats his friend on the shoulder laughing as Trevor stares at him with wide eyes. After that the game continues but you can't help but notice Jack glancing at you from the corner of his eye and there is no chance of ignoring how that makes your cheeks warm and heart stutter a bit in your chest.

◦◦◦

The house is still quiet, everyone still sleeping since it's not even nine in the morning yet and none of the boys have probably had the chance to sleep in for a while since the season just ended for the most part. Sneaking downstairs you make your way to the kitchen with the goal of making breakfast for everyone. To your surprise there is someone else awake except for you.

Jack is sitting by the kitchen island. A protein shake sitting on the counter and he is scrolling on his phone, workout clothes covering his body and hair still slightly damp from sweat. "Good morning." Startled Jack fumbles with his phone before looking up with raised eyebrows before giving you a smile and a small morning in response. "You're not sleeping in?" Taking a seat on the counter next to where Jack is sitting on one of the bar stools. He shakes his head before running a hand through his hair. "Nah, I woke up early so I just went for a run and Alex snores so my room isn't really peaceful right now." That makes you let out a sound between and a snort and a laugh covering your mouth with a hand to try and stifle the ugly noise that slipped out.

"So, you're the same age as me but you work as a photographer for one of the best schools in the country. How?" It's understandable how Jack can be curious of how you (barely an adult) got a professional job without a college degree. Most people you meet wonder the same thing when you tell them what you do for a living. You’re even surprised yourself sometimes if you are being honest.

"Well somehow the media team found my website and contacted me said they really liked my work and saw huge potential. I moved to Michigan about two years ago." Jack nods along to everything you’re saying listening intently as you explain how you ended up at University of Michigan.

Talking with Jack comes easy but you shouldn't be surprised since you felt the same way about Luke when you first got to know the Michigan wolverines. “Why do you live with Luke and his team? I mean living with half a hockey team sounds crazy." It's a hard question that you’ve never really thought about. One day after you first started getting close with the boys Mackie and Eddy just asked you if you wanted to move in and you said yes. "To be honest? My family is back home so I didn't have anyone close to me when I first moved here. It was terrifying but they made me one of them before I even said a word. They're my safe space when I feel homesick or get stressed out. I know that if it gets too much they'll look out for me or make me laugh when I'm sad. They're my best friends and like my little brothers."

Suddenly you feel bare, you have never talked about how lonely you were when you first moved to Ann Arbor. How scary it was. Those boys were your saving grace just when you thought about quitting and moving home. Ready to give up all the things you’ve worked for just because you were scared.

Feeling a warm hand on your knee you look up, Jack has a smile on his face but his eyes look sad almost like he knows all the things that just went through your mind. "You know I was lonely too when I first moved to Jersey. I had just turned 18 when I was drafted and I didn't know what was about to happen with my life. Everyone on the team were older than me and had their shit in order but I didn't. It's okey to be scared as long as you don't let it stop you from getting to where you wanna go." You can feel the tears coming so with a sad smile you wrap your arms around his neck. Jack hugs you back immediately and now that you have experienced a hug from Jack you decide that they're your new favourite.

Pulling away from Jacks embrace goosebumps rise on your arms and legs from the sudden cold that followed. His gaze is soft, giving of a feeling that resembles being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. A light blue and kind. “Do you think Luke will be pissed if I kissed his roommate?” Goofy smiles as both of you lean closer. “No but he will tease me for the rest of my life.” With that Jack takes a leap of faith and leans forward.

The kiss is just what you wanted it to be. A bit nervous and shy but has the feeling that this is the start of something big. Bigger than hockey, bigger than work and bigger than having to listen Luke and the other boys forever chirping you.

Yeah, this is definitely going to be the start of a new bigger chapter of your life.

[thaliagracesgf]

THALIA GRACE X READER HEAR ME OUT OKAY I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PUT MY IDEAS INTO WORDS BC ENGLISH IS NOT FIRST LANGUAGE

Maybe reader were part of their group (luke annabeth and thalia when they werent in the camp) and they had a little thing back than (crushing basically) but maybe something happenned along the way and she couldn't gowith them to the way of chb. and maybe they found reader but she's on lukes side

happy ending pls

i'm finally posting again!!! and answering a request!! i hope you enjoy this (even though i lowkey hate it).

also yay finally adding headers!!!

thalia grace x hestia!reader

summary is basically the request!!

constant arguing. constant, constant, constant arguing. luke’s head was about to split open. 

“i could have handled him just fine, thanks,” thalia shouted, storming ahead on the narrow path through the woods somewhere in pennsylvania. 

‘guys, please,” he would have thrown his head back if he wasn’t carrying a sleeping annabeth on his back. you thought she was the most adorable thing, drooling a little on luke’s shoulder. even the knife she kept clutched in her small fist was cute, although luke looked a little terrified that if she jolted in her sleep she would slice his chest open. a few weeks ago, you had convinced luke and thalia to stop, let you brush out her matted curls, and put her hair in braids that wouldn’t get caught or tangled as you all continued along the road. of course, thalia sat there critiquing every knot and part you made (with a celestial bronze knife, mind you). 

“it had you pinned to the ground,” you said, referring to the stymphalian bird that had been chasing you from philadelphia. “it would have bitten your head clean off if you hadn’t gotten involved.”

thalia rolled her eyes. 

“can we try a little patience here? gratitude, maybe?” luke chimed in.

“shut up, luke,” you said in unison. you might be bickering all the time, but thalia was your best friend. you certainly didn’t need luke coming in the middle, acting like he ran the show because he was the oldest. you got enough of that from thalia, and she was only a year older than you.

“for gods’ sake,” he muttered.

you trudged along, summoning soft flames between your hands. you hadn’t been born to a goddess, necessarily, but your adopted mother, who had fallen for a kind librarian in your town, had found your doorstep one day, long after the librarian had disappeared from her life, with a note attached. you had accidentally incinerated it shortly after she took you in, but she gave you the gist, which was that hestia had found you through a fire in an orphanage, enthralled by the flames, and that she had decided you were in need of a mother. she had pulled you through the hearth, given you some strange blessing, and dropped you on your mother’s doorstep. 

eight years later, when you were nine, your mother had died in a plane crash on her way back from visiting her father. the foster homes hadn’t loved taking in a nine year old who could summon fire, so that was when you ran away. 

so far, you could tell that hestia was trying her best to help you along your travels, which was more than you could say for hermes (ironically) or athena, let alone zeus, who you were pretty sure was the one stopping the others from intervening. you got the impression that hestia didn’t answer to zeus as much as he would have liked. 

the fire came in handy at nights, when you could warm yourselves around it. you had a way of making even a campground in the middle of the appalachian mountains that crawled with monsters feel like home. you would go to sleep around the fire, but manage to wake up curled within thalia’s arms. you could never place it, but it felt different than how luke held annabeth like her life depended on it: as in, you would always wake to them giggling over their breakfasts at you, but it didn’t hold any weight to laugh at them.   

⭑

the fire came in handy when you were trapped, alone, in the cyclops’ cellar. you had screamed for your friends to leave you, that you would be okay. and it came in handy on the streets of new york for the next five years, and even at the candy shop you managed to get a job in (somewhat illegally: a nice woman named sally did sort of pay you under the table). 

then sally went missing. you lost your job, and you made your way south again, staying in the demigod hideouts you had made with luke, thalia, and annabeth. flames trickled across your skin as you cried, wishing they were still with you. you hoped they were safe at camp, but you could help wondering why they hadn’t sent anyone to come find you. did annabeth even remember you? 

⭑

luke found you just as you were about to starve to death. you’d been in an especial depression, hiding in the cave of the blue ridge mountains, over in tennessee. the cold of the winter was insane. you couldn’t remember it ever getting that bad in the city. 

you broke when he told you she was dead. 

“it’s his fault,” he said, false tears in his eyes. he had long forced away any emotion pertaining to camp half-blood. 

and so you joined him, becoming his right-hand man. the monsters in kronos’ army feared you. the girl with the flames, they whispered. yet in the privacy of your cabin, you silently prayed to hestia, let her guide you as you fought her brother. 

it was she who told you to follow luke to mount tam. 

⭑

the mountaintop was impossibly windy. you were relying entirely on your sword if there was trouble—any flame would be immediately extinguished. 

you hadn’t accounted for the bigger threat—the air leaving your lungs at the sight of your sister on the ground as artemis held the sky beside her. 

he promised. 

he had promised annabeth would never be hurt. 

your stomach churned. she didn’t even see you, bent over in pain. you couldn’t speak. you turned to luke, suddenly terrified. what had he done? what were you a part of? your legs turned to lead. no. he was already practicing. the titan lord was already too far in his mind to turn it around. and he sensed your allegiance shifting.

when she came over the hill your heart stopped. 

your vision blurred as you saw her face. as she came to your side, held your face in her hands, and helped you to the ground beside annabeth. 

you watched through teary eyes as she fought luke. as he fell from the cliff, you couldn’t help but reach out. 

and then your vision darkened. 

⭑

your eyes opened to warmth. annabeth sat by your side, brushing hair from your face. thalia stood talking to a boy—about twelve or thirteen, you guessed—and a man who shared annabeth’s dark skin and deep-in-thought expression. 

she rushed to your side when annabeth called. 

as she knelt beside you, you adjusted yourself on the couch. your hair was probably a disgusting mess. she smiled softly, brushing her own short hair behind her ear. 

“i thought you were a tree,” you croaked, and she laughed lightly. 

“i was. i thought you were cyclops food.” 

“i wasn’t.”

she lowered her head, and you pushed yourself up on your elbows. she pushed a pillow behind your head, but held it up with the hand that wasn’t resting on your thigh. as she kissed you, you saw the years of camping behind you and the years ahead of rushing to her tree as the hunters arrived at camp all at once. 

and as she pulled back, you saw annabeth smile, hiding her face in the other kid’s chest.

[timetorace]

𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲

HI. Just saying. Sofia is the main character here. Dont expect anything else. Im not apologizing for the pain that this can cause. enana= midget // amor=love // corazón=my heart

ship: carlos sainz jr. x fem!reader.

summary:  you and your daughter go to Austria to support Carlos.

warnings: smut. Austria 2022 (Carlos DNF). fire. kid crying.

word count: 4.0K.

You opened your eyes suddenly when you felt like something or rather someone hitting the mattress hard and when you heard a giggle; you knew it was your daughter jumping on the bed.

“It’s today, it’s today, get up, get up, get up,” Sofia shouted and you let out a moan of complaint before rolling over to the other side of the bed and leaning against Carlos’ side. His body was always warm, and you just wanted to sleep. You loved your daughter, but waking up two hours before your alarm was not something you wanted on a Sunday. You felt Carlos’ chest move when he laughed.

“Not funny, she didn’t get that energy from me” You moaned in complaint, still with your eyes closed.

“Does that mean she got it from me?”

“She got that energy from you,” you stated.

“Please, I’m sure she didn’t get it from me,” He told you in a mocking tone and you growled back at him, hating that he was right. Carlos was incredibly calm and collected just like Sofia was 95% of the time, the other 5% she had the energy of four kids together and you hated to say that it got her out of you.

“Mom! Dad! WAKE UP!” she screeched, and you moaned again before opening your eyes.

“I swear to God-” You complained in a whisper. Carlos let out a laugh when he heard you before taking Sofia by her hand and pulling her against him. She fell onto his chest with a laugh.

“Why so much energy so early, enana?” Carlos asked her, ruffling her hair, causing Sofia to giggle. You rolled over again to support your back on the mattress and your head on your pillow.

“Cause today IT’S RACE DAY!” she yelled, and you two let out a laugh.

“We know enana, we know,” He replied to her “But it’s still too early”

“Oh” Sofia opened her eyes even wider to look at him “How early?”

“About two hours before the alarm clock rings,” you explained it to her because Sofia still didn’t know how to read the time. She was four years old and just turned five in two months.

“Oh,” she said, and you two let out a laugh.

“Dad has to race today so a softer wake-up would have been better,” you pointed out with a sweet tone. You didn’t want to scold her, but you also had to make her learn.

“It’s okay, enana” Carlos assured him when Sofia made a sad face, you glared at him. How was she supposed to learn if he was always pampering her?

You rolled your eyes “Come on, let dad rest,” Ready to give up your two precious extra hours of sleep, you pulled back the sheets to get out of bed. You were used to giving up your sleep since you had her, but Carlos still had several hours to go before the race “Wanna have some breakfast?” Walking to the other side of the bed, you pulled her off of Carlos and into your arms.

“Yeih,” she said and you let out a laugh

“Yeah, that’s more like it” You looked at your husband and gave him a wink before leaving the room with her in your arms.

Sofia’s vacation had started a few days ago and usually the last races on the calendar before the summer break were a good time for you guys to tag along with Carlos before the vacation officially started. Last year, Sofia had started the pre-kindergarten, so her vacations used to start in July. You had a little regret that she couldn’t be at Silverstone to see him win her first Grand Prix, but at least you could tag along in Austria, France, and maybe Hungary, depending on how Sofia handled it. Between Austria and France, there were two weeks off, but Carlos had to be in Maranello a couple of days after the race at the Red Bull Ring. You and Sofia were going to return home to Madrid before having to go to France.

“Banana or apple?” You asked her. According to the pediatrician, letting her decide apparently was good for her development.

“Apple”

“Apple it’s then,” you replied, leaving Sofia in her seat. 

“Mom?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I color, pleaseeeeease?” She asked, lengthening the ‘e’ and you smirked before nodding.

“Sure,” you told her before taking the coloring book and her pencils from your bag. You were proud of the work that you, as parents, had done with her. She was the kindest girl in her class, according to her teacher, always asking permission and using the word "please". Sofia was also very shy, but you thought that maybe when she started elementary school, she would socialize a little more.

After cutting the fruit into pieces and getting a box of juice for her, you placed the plate in front of her. When she finished it, you threatened to take it from her when she stopped you.

“I can do it, mom” Sofia said before getting up to leave it in the sink herself, you let out a laugh when you saw how she struggled to reach the edge of the counter, standing on tiptoes so you approached from behind to lift her from the waist so she could reach the sink.

Sofia and you were sitting at the table again after breakfast. You were with the laptop finishing some details of one of your sketches, and Sofia was coloring and watching the cartoons on the tablet.

“Like mother, like daughter,” Carlos said, leaving the room. You rolled your eyes since Sofia had leaned towards the world of the arts and she had discovered that she liked to paint, draw, and color, Carlos insisted he had gotten that from you because he did not have the slightest idea of ​​how to draw a circle correctly while you had studied architecture.

“Aren’t you gonna sleep a little longer?” You asked him, frowning and looking at the clock. There was still another half hour to go before he had to get up. 

“I’m not sleepy anymore, besides I want to spend the morning with my two favorite girls,” He added, giving Sofia a wink that made her smile. You were a little weak from the way he pushed Sofia on his lap to hold her up while she continued drawing, and he took the toast you had made.

Sofia wasn’t expected. Carlos was 23 years old, and you were 22 when she was born. You weren’t even thinking about having children when the pregnancy test came back positive. You guys had been dating since high school. It had been hard staying together all that time mainly because of his job, but you had made it work, regardless. A baby was not planned back then. Carlos had turned 23 just 10 days before Sofia was born and you did it a couple of months later. You had to drop out of college for a semester to give birth, but then you came back and finally graduated.

Raising a kid that young was a challenge for you. There had been many breaking points and more bumps than you could count, with Carlos missing almost all of Sofia’s important marks cause he was traveling the world and you felt like you were a single mom most of the time no matter how present he tried to be. Eventually, as Sofia got older, everything had fallen into place, but that hadn’t been without its challenges. In the end, you were happy with your little family. Neither of you was thinking of having a second child soon, at least not until he retiered and you were more than happy to just have her. Sofia was more than enough.

After finishing breakfast, everything was chaotic. Between having to remember everything to bring to the paddock, getting Sofia ready, and getting yourself ready, you almost forgot to grab your phone.

The paddock was covered with gray clouds but apparently. It wasn’t rain; it had rained earlier for the F2 and F3 races, but in the afternoon the weather was going to be favorable. You had been nervous all weekend, attentive to see what would happen. Carlos had won his first race at Silverstone and you wanted him to continue the streak. The media were speculating on a supposed tension between Carlos and Charles due to what was happening on the track with them and Ferrari’s strategies. Outside the track at least, neither of them took the hint of the rumors. Yesterday in the sprint race Charles had been second and Carlos third and today everyone was eager to know that was going to happen. Carlos had gone with one mechanic to the garage while you were walking into Ferrari’s hospitality.

“Hi Sofia,” Charles greeted her, approaching you and she hid her face in your neck when she saw him “You still don’t wanna be my friend? That’s fine, eventually, we will be” He let out a laugh.

“I’m sorry,” you apologized with a scowl. Sofia was too shy and usually had a hard time gaining familiarity and trust with people.

“No problem,” Charles shrugged.

“Lando!” Sofia exclaimed, pointing a finger at the Brit and you turned around to watch how Lando was going through security to enter the paddock. “Can I go say hi?”

“You can go say hi, go” You agreed, placing her on the ground before she ran towards the British. Lando didn’t see her until Sofia pulled on his pants and he turned to give her a smile and take her in his arms.

“Lando? She doesn’t like me, but she likes Lando?” Charles asked with a hint of frustration in his voice.

“It’s not that she doesn’t like you, she still needs to trust you first,” You let out a small laugh.

“She likes Lando more than me,” He complained “I feel offended”

“She’s known him since she was a baby,” you pointed out.

“Lando or Sofia?”

You let out a laugh “Both”

“You should take advantage and let him be the babysitter,” Charles suggested

You shook your finger “Lando is not babysitting Sofia”

“Why not?”

“Cause Sofia would be the one to take care of him” You told him and Charles let out a laugh “Lando is the kid, he can hardly take care of himself, I am not giving my daughter to him”

“Good point,” Charles agreed before his PR called him “See you later”

You said goodbye to Charles before approaching Lando so that Sofia would leave him alone. She really liked the British driver, so whenever she saw him she wanted to hover around him, and even though you joked a bit about Lando’s maturity, he always paid attention to your daughter.

Usually, when Sofia went to the paddock, she could spend it alone playing a puzzle or coloring. However, when some of the other children were around, she would sometimes end up playing with Sebastian Vettel’s daughters or Sergio Perez’ kids. Since they all spoke Spanish, she got along better with Checo’s children. Sergio Jr. was the same age as Sofia and although Carlotta was smaller, she was always willing to follow the other two, so the three of them always walked together. Yesterday, you had them with you in the hospitality of Ferrari, and today Carola had offered to look at Sofia for a while while the kids played.

“Where is Sofia?” Carlos asked you when you entered his driver’s room.

“With Sergio and Carlotta, Carola is looking at them,” you replied as he untied his shoes to change into his race suit. 

“That brat.” He growled, and you giggled. He had a lot to say about how Sofia and Sergio Jr. spent a lot of time together.

“Are you jealous of a four-year-old?” You mocked, raising your eyebrows.

“I don’t care how old he is,” Carlos growled again “That boy better stay put, he’s always on top of her”

“Are you kidding? They are four!” It was not even possible for them to have that in mind.

“It doesn’t matter, you don’t know what goes through the boys’ heads”

“Thank God for that.” You rolled your eyes at how ridiculous the statement he was making “Let me see if I get it. You are worried that a four-year-old will seduce your daughter”

“It’s never too early to start” He pointed “Just look at me with you,” he added, causing you to burst out laughing.

“We were twelve, and that doesn’t even count.” You rolled your eyes. Carlos had given you your first kiss after school and he can’t seem over that “They are four years old”

“I already told you I don’t care,” He growled again, and you giggled getting closer to him.

“I love when you go into protective father mode” Carlos was sitting on the edge of the bed and you stood in front of him before leaning down to give him a brief kiss.

“He better stay on his ground,” He complained, taking you by the waist to push you against him, making you straddle him.

You let out a giggle before resting your forehead against his. “To keep the streak alive,” you murmured before kissing him. That was one thing you could appreciate and love about being with him. Despite the time, the distance, and the responsibilities the spark between you was still there. After all that time, you could still find those things that had made you fall in love with him.

“This is the winner special treatment?” He asked and you let out a giggle.

“You got that the other day,” you murmured, caressing his neck with your lips.

“Can’t I get it again?”

“I don’t know if you’re that lucky.” You clicked your tongue.

“Mhm, I’d like to try my luck,” He replied, playing with his fingers on the edge of your summer dress. Carlos kissed you again. Your hands went to the edge of his pants to unbutton them before lifting your leg so he could take off your panties. You had little time, but quick and secret sex had become something of yours after having Sofia. Carlos moved a little to allow you to lower his boxers and pants enough to free his cock from him. You were on top, so when you finally sat down on it, you almost moaned and he must have seen it coming because your kiss drowned out any noise you might make. You load yourself onto his cock as Carlos pulled up the top of your dress to nibble on your nipples. He slid his hand down to the small of your back to help you up and down. You could feel the moisture building up between your legs and how your pussy contracted, letting both of you know you were close to orgasm. Carlos muffled a moan biting your shoulder when he felt your walls tighten around his. You were about to cum so he kissed you again. You didn’t want to alert anyone of what you were doing. As the orgasm hit you, he nipped at your lips, pulling your lower lip slightly tight as you felt him come inside you. After having Sofia, you got an IUD so as not to have any more surprises. You both took a couple of minutes to catch your breath.

“I- I've got to go find Sofia.” You gasped, and he nodded before you parted ways. Your legs were shaking, so you took a few seconds to lie back on the bed and regain your composure. Carlos approached you with a wet towel in his hand and gave you a brief kiss before cleaning you up “I don’t think I can walk properly,” you muttered and he let out a laugh.

“I feel flattered, amor”

“I’m happy to feed your ego” You rolled your eyes. You got up from the bed and took your panties off the floor to put them on. You also adjusted your dress and hair a little. “I’ll see you after the race, amor” You said goodbye, and he gave you a chaste kiss on the lips.

You left the room and headed to Red Bull Hospitality to check on Sofia. She and Sergio were playing hopscotch with Carlotta. You stayed chatting with Carola until the drivers got into their cars. Sofia usually liked to watch the start from the garage and then you used to take her back to the hospitality or Carlos’s driver’s room because it was too noisy for her and she used to get tired or fall asleep.

The start went smoothly and after the first half of the race, just as you predicted, Sofia asked if you guys couldn’t go to Carlos’ driver’s room. That was usually the time she slept, so you wouldn’t be surprised if she fell asleep.

“Mom, can I have some apple juice, please?” She asked you. Sofia was coloring on the floor with her pencils, looking up to watch the race from time to time while you were lying on the bed.

“Sure” You replied however when you approached your bag you realized you had previously shared Sergio Jr. and Carlotta the ones you had in your bag “I’m going to go look for the hospitality, stay here, don’t go out,” you said and Sofia nodded without looking at you, concentrating on her drawing.

You left the garage and trotted to the hospitality of Ferrari; you asked the girl who attended the buffet if she could give you a glass of apple juice. When the girl handed it to you, you thanked her before listening to how the TV commentator started talking about Carlos. You turned to watch the TV and saw that he was trying to get out of the car that was on a hill rolling backward. Before you could even process that information, you saw how the back of the car caught fire. Oh my God. Carlos. Oh, no. Sofia. The TV was on. 

You ran back to the garage, but when you opened the door to his driver’s room, your soul almost left your body when you saw Sofia wasn’t there. Oh no. Where was she? You walked down the hall until you reached the garage. You leaned over to see if she was hiding between the tires and you bent down to see if you saw her hiding in a corner. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw on the monitors how Carlos was already out of the car and sitting on the side of the track. You let out a relieved sigh. At least he was fine. Now, where was Sofia? She couldn’t have gone very far. You didn’t want to ask anyone if she had seen it because everyone was focused on the race. You could feel the cold sweat running down the back of your neck as you jogged back to Carlos’ driver’s room.

“Sofia?” You asked in the space, and surprisingly, you heard an almost inaudible sob in response. Where was she? You frowned as you looked around before bending down to look under the bed. There was Sofia, curled up like a hidden ball. You could never have seen her down there when you walked into the room. “corazón, what’s wrong?” You left the apple juice on the table.

“Dad,” she simply moaned in response in the middle of a sob.

“Dad’s fine, corazón” you replied sweetly, stretching to get a better look at her.

“He was on fire!” She cried. What surprised you was that she wasn’t screaming after seeing that.

“He wasn’t, his car was, he’s fine I promise you, do you want to get out of there for me, corazón?” Sofia gave you a quick nod before crawling out from under the bed. You took her in your arms, and you realized she had a red face and that she was runny. You leaned over to leave her on the bed, but Sofia didn’t want to take her arms out from around your neck, so you looked in your bag for a tissue to blow her nose.

“I want daddy” she groaned before letting out a sob again. He shrugged at you.

“He’s coming now, corazón, okay?” You didn’t think that Carlos was going to take so long to come back because he was definitely not finishing the race that day.

About ten minutes later, Carlos came through the door and Sofia started crying again.

“Daddy,” she cried, stretching out her arms for Carlos to take her. He looked at you a bit confused as he scooped Sofia up into his arms before you nodded to the television as an explanation of what was going on.

“Are you okay, enana?” Carlos frowned, stroking her back.

“You were on fire,” Sofia moaned with her head buried in his shoulder.

“No, my car was on fire but I’m fine, see?” He responded by repeating a little what you had already told Sofia, but you knew she needed to see him know that he was really okay “I promise you”

“Pinky promise?” She asked, raising her little finger.

“Promise,” He replied by touching his pinkie to hers. Even though he had already stopped crying, Sofia still had her head buried in his shoulder. You passed another tissue so that he could blow her nose. When he finished, he gave Sofia a kiss on the top of her head.

Now it was your turn to move a little closer to him to give him a kiss on his lips before caressing his neck with the tip of your nose.

“You smell like charred,” you told him wrinkling your nose “I thought the fire hadn’t reached you,” you murmured softly so as not to alert Sofia, who seemed to doze on his shoulder.

“It didn’t but I think the seat or something was too hot,” He explained before kissing your forehead.

“I’m glad you are ok” You sighed against his neck and he simply wrapped an arm around you. You guys just huddled there. Your little family.

The next few hours flew by. Sofia didn’t want to separate from Carlos, so except for when he had to change his racing suit, she stayed on top of him the whole time. When he went to the garage to talk to the engineers, when he went out to celebrate Charles’ victory, when he had to take his cold bath, and when you went back to the hotel, Sofia was always on top of him.

Finally, about four or five hours later, you were already on the plane that was supposed to take you and the engineers back to Maranello. In the end, you two had decided that it would be better if you and Sofia just went with him to Italy, it wasn’t the original plan but seeing that Sofia wasn’t willing to get too far away from him after the scare she had that day. You didn’t want to have to scare her more.

You sat in the back of the plane. Sofia was already asleep against Carlos’s chest even before takeoff.

“I’m sorry” You started breaking the silence between you. You felt guilty about leaving Sofia alone “I left for a second so I could go get some apple juice and she-“

“amor, it’s okay” Carlos reached out to stroke your leg comfortingly.

“She was so terrified,” you murmured.

“She would have been scared, anyway.” He put his arm around your shoulders and pulled you to his side.

“I’m just glad that you are ok,” you repeated.

“Yes, that could have gone wrong,” Carlos agreed “The car just wouldn’t stop”

“At least you got out in one piece”

“Yes,” He said. You two remained silent for a moment until Carlos turned to see you again with a smile “I’m glad you came”

“Me too,” you answered, watching Sofia stir a little in his arms. Despite everything, you loved little family.

[starzioo]

𝐂.𝐃 ❦ 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐘.

This is a fluff 2pt. series of Cedric Diggory! This is the first time you two met, it takes place in the goblet of fire!

No warnings!

======

  "Y/N!" "Y/N! WAKE UP!" You groggily open your eyes to see Hermione yelling at you. "Five more minutes Mione!" "No! Molly said breakfast is done and to get you down there now!" "Ehhh, ok" you said still half asleep. "Now, excuse me, I must wake Harry and Ron." As you finally get up, you get dressed and do your hair. You come down the stairs to see the table filled with possibly the most amazing breakfast ever. "Well finally! Hermione and I have been trying to get you up for almost an hour now!" Molly shouts at you. "Now eat! Quickly!" You immediately grabbed a plate and started grabbing all the good bacon pieces. Just when you were about to eat a piece, someone snatches it out of your hand. You turn around to see Fred and George splitting up the piece and eating it. "Are you serious? There's literally like a million other pieces on the table, why mine?" You say annoyed. "Yours looked better!" They both say in sync. "Good god it's too early for this." You say putting your hand on your head. They laugh and sit at the table. "Good morning Weaslys!" Athur Weasly says coming in the front door. "Y/n, how are you this morning?" Athur says sitting down across from you. "Good." You say yawning. "What's up with her?" Athur whispers to Fred and George. "Not a morning person." they say in sync laughing a bit. "Well, are the boys up yet?" Arthur asks. "Hermione is getting them up right now" Fred says. "She's been trying all morning." George says laughing.

TIME SKIP TO WHEN THEY LEAVE THE HOUSE

     "Where are we even going?" Hermione asks. "Yeah dad! where are we going?" Ron asks. "Haven't the foggiest. Keep up!" Arthur says. After a couple more minutes of walking you hear a booming voice says "Arthur! It's about time son!" "Sorry Amos, some of us had a sleepy start." Arthur says looking back at you, Ron, and Harry. "This is Amos Diggory everyone! Works with me at the ministry!" Suddenly a golden haired boy jumps down from the tree above. "This strapping young lad must be Cedric, am I right?" Says Arthur. "Yes sir." Cedric says with a warm smile shaking his hand. You, Hemione, and Ginny all look at each other smiling. "Well that definitely woke me up." You say to Hermione smiling, she laughs. As you all continue walking, you trip over a tree branch causing everything in your bag to fall out. "Hey you okay?" a tender voice says, you look up to Cedric offering you a hand. "Yeah I'm fine." You say smiling a bit, grabbing your things out of the leafs. He helps you up and you two start to walk together. "So do you know where we are going anyways?" You say. "Uh I don't wanna spoil it." Cedric says softly laughing. "Hey I never caught your name?" Cedric says "Oh sorry, it's Y/n." "That's pretty." He says smiling. "Oh, thank you." You say a bit flushed. "You go to Hogwarts, right?" He asks. "Yeah.." You say a bit confused. "What house are you in?" "Oh, Slytherin...heh" You say a bit embarrassed because of the reputation your house has. "What? Never would I have expected you to be in Slytherin?" He says confused. "Yeahh I don't know, I've always thought it was a mistake with the hat or something. I don't really like the other people in my house; they're all just a bit stuck up, anyways what house are you in?" "Hufflepuff, I couldn't really imagine myself in any other house I feel like it suits me, you know?" he says softly. "It certainly does." You say slightly smiling at him. As you two walk you both continue to get to know each other. Suddenly the group stops. "You seemed to have brightened up quickly!" Fred whispers to you teasingly. "Shut it." you say glaring at him. "Where are we?" you say as you try to get to the front of the group. "An old boot? We walked all this way to a boot?" You say to Cedric un-impressed,  he laughs. "Not just any boot Y/n it's a port key." He said smiling. "Yes! Correct you are Cedric! Okay now! Everyone put their hand on the boot!" Arthur says happily.  Making sure you have all your stuff you put your hand on the boot, immediately you feel another hand on top of yours. You look up to see Cedric slightly smiling at you, then suddenly you are transported to a camp sight of some sort. "This my friends is the Quidditch World Cup!" Arthur says raising his hands. Your face immediately lit up "Arthur are you serious?" You say excitedly, you run up and hug him. "Why's she so excited?" Cedric asks George. "She just loves quidditch" George says "She made the Slytherin team her first year you know?" Fred chimes. "Wow.." Cedric says. "So where are we staying?" You ask Arthur. "Ah yes, right this way children!" Arthur exclaims. "You know he had everyone keep this a secret from me." you say to Cedric. "You serious? If that were me, I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut. You see I play for Hufflepuff." He says smiling "Really?" You say excitedly, "I play for Slytherin! You know what's weird we've played against Hufflepuff countless times, and for some reason, I've never noticed you?" you questioned. "Well, we don't exactly have the strongest team.." He laughs a bit. "Well, one day I hope we can play a good game together." You say smiling at him. "Hey...by any chance would you want to go grab a butter beer with me?" Cedric asks with a nervous tone to his voice. "Yes, of course..I would love to. Let me just go get settled in at the tent then we can go okay?" "Okay...see you then," he says walking away with his father.

====

I’ve met the character limit..again lol. Pt. 2 linked below!

[meowzfordayz]

surprise!

Rengoku Kyojuro x Reader

Word Count: ~800

CW: none

Suggestion Fulfilled: Just kyo celebrating readers bday 🥺

~faqs~

You’re beginning to worry that Kyojuro’s actually forgotten your birthday. It’s in a couple of days, after all, and you’ve observed precisely zero indications that he’s aware of anything imminent and important. Wake up, kiss your forehead, roll out of bed, go on a run for who knows how long or how far, come home, shower, cook breakfast, and peep his head into the bedroom to see if you’re fully conscious yet. If you’re conscious, then it’s breakfast in bed. If not, then it’s into Tupperware for whenever you’re ready. That’s his schedule, seven days a week, rising before the sun to fit everything in before work. Of course, he doesn’t work weekends, but wouldn’t know how to sleep in if you locked him in a dark basement — the man would still rise at approximately dawn, estimate his running distance by his number of footsteps, praying all the while that you’d let him out in time to cook breakfast. Tangent aside.

He’s organized. Not especially spontaneous, albeit happy to go with the flow—assuming you are the flow—and scrupulous regarding important dates and details. To celebrate your second year (romantically) together, he’d gifted you a Daily Planner with at least one ~achievement jotted down for every day: Shared a milkshake, Held hands, and Survived the holidays to name a few. Thus, your approaching birthday + his apparent lack of memory = he’s either proposing, concussed, or fallen out of love. As for the solution of Just (Gently) Remind Him: it did occur to you, but you can’t decide what would feel worse — discovering that he did in fact forget your birthday, or discovering that he had something wonderful planned only for it to be thoroughly ruined by your prodding.

“Good morning sunshine!”

Kyo? “Hmph,” you groan, swatting at fiery hairs hovering above your face, “Sunshine?” irritation apparent, “Rengoku Kyojuro,” realization settling in, “There is no sun.”

Undeterred by your less than cheerful greeting, he presses a warm kiss to your forehead, smile wide as ever, “Get dressed!”

Get dressed? “For what?” you demand, not bothering to disguise your discontent, “Were we robbed? Is the kitchen on fire? What time is it?”

“For the beginning of your special day!”

My special- Oh.

“I thought you forgot,” you mutter, ignoring his exasperated huff, finally swinging your legs over the side of the bed, eyes droopy as you yawn, “How unfortunate that you remembering means I get to wake up before I’ve even gone to sleep.”

“I made sure you went to bed at a reasonable hour last night!"

Huh you pause, smiling wryly I guess he did.

“Meet me outside in fifteen minutes!”

“Do I get breakfast?” you raise a teasing eyebrow, his excitement hard to miss, “Or at least a beverage?”

“Everything is planned!” eyes shining as his palms smack together, “Prepare to be amazed!” frowning slightly, “But seriously, get dressed!” hesitating for a quiet second, “And I would never forget your birthday.”

—

“Are you ready for your first clue?!”

“My what?” you blink tiredly, skin prickling from morning’s cool breath, eyes widening as his words finally register, “What did you do?”

“We are going on a scavenger hunt!” he nearly shouts, his giddiness almost infectious, “I have created an all day affair for us, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and optional after party included!”

“Kyo,” you manage to squeak, head buzzing, sternum tightening, “You did what?!”

“Utilizing my morning jogs, I created an all day scavenger hunt for you! Some clues have been in place for months, and others I finalized yesterday! There are built in stops for eating, shopping, and-”

He doesn’t get to finish his sentence, his body pulled firm and close to yours, your toes squishing his as you squeal into his chest.

“You’re ridiculous!” grinning ear to ear, “Absolutely ridiculous!” stepping back with a deep inhale, face scrunching at his satisfaction as he watches you, “An entire day?!”

“I did create an abbreviated version too, if you would prefer? I am simply content to be your guid-”

“No way are we doing the abbreviated version!” mock scowling as you interrupt him, “Who do you think I am?!”

“Well,” his eyes narrowing playfully, “Part of you definitely wishes it was in bed,” chuckling at your indignant expression, “But I am honored that a larger part of you is eager to embark on our adventure!”

—

At the end of the day, your favorite part is getting to draw the second half of every unfinished heart on every newly solved clue, as if to say We did it!, ink bleeding into the papers as your arms swing together, linked warmly, hand in hand.

[gryffindormischief]

Thoughts on Olympic Swimmer!Hary?

A/N: How about a little ficlet?

Ao3

---

eidolon

Silence under the water, complete isolation, one focus and everything in his body working toward that focus - that's what Harry loves about swimming. It's what lead him from swim lessons to swim team to private coach and now to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Sponsorships and attention are more a means to an end than anything. He'd gladly pass that bit off to some poor sod who likes to grin and have his photo taken.

That's where he and his dad differed. His dad was captain of the UK hockey team back in the day and lead them to victory in a huge upset to everyone's expectations. And James Potter, by. his own admission, did go through a 'poncey period' before he met Lily Potter née Evans and she handed him his head at a charity ball. But even at his most humble, James Potter is a media darling.

Harry James Potter got all the sportsmanship, drive, commitment, perseverance, and whatever else it takes to be good enough for the Olympics. He did not, however, get any of the 'media darling' genes.

It worked when he started out. He was 'that cute shy newbie.' Now, he's twenty-six, competing in his second Olympic Games, had just shattered his previous record (along with the world record), and he is ready to toss up his breakfast at the thought of the press conference where he's about to be served up like a main course.

The dull rumble of conversation escalates to a roar when Neville shoves him into the room, camera shutters clacking loudly while reporters shout his name and random bouts of applause break out from the British press.

Apparently everyone's quite excited to win something.

Neville looms at Harry's side, then at his side glance, claims a seat just out of the heavy lighting meant just for Harry.

He takes a few questions, soft balls about how exciting it is to win, if he's proud of the achievement, what it means for the rest of the Games...

Then he catches sight of a flash of red in the crowd, and his heart starts pounding. He ignores a few new shouts of his name and pushes his glasses further up his face as he looks closer. It is her. Lingering off to the side, under the glow of the exit sign. God she's just so beautiful. Especially when she turns to him - like she is now - and her brown eyes glimmer like starlight.

And though Harry has learned to tune out the cacophony of sounds at a presser, his ear still recognizes sudden silence. It's almost comforting for a second, like when his whole body dips under the water, like when it's just the two of them with too much take away, a crackling fire, and no responsibilities.

Neville groans at his elbow, not like when he really screws up, but like when he grins and shakes his head because Harry's a loose cannon. He whispers, "Your mike is hot, and you definitely said that out loud."

Harry feels his face warm as he quickly looks toward Ginny, who's burying her laughter while the reporters turn to find Ginny Weasley, captain of the UK Women's Football team - currently the team to beat - lingering in the shadows.

She glances toward Harry and he grins. Ginny steps backward into the hallway, and disappears.

Harry chuckles. "Sorry - Ginny Weasley coming to watch me compete is still my biggest win."

[rainisawriter]

Sick for You (Ryu) {Sicktember 2023}

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━━

Genre: Fluff, slice of life, angst, comfort, domestic, comedy, romance

Word Count: 8,564

Pairing: First Person x Ryu

World: The Rampage

A/N: Okay, let me say that this is 100 million percent self-indulgent because I am a certified Ryu simp. I would die for this man, okay. This also took like a week to write lmao and it was written for @sicktember 2023. I wasn’t originally gonna do anything for this because of Flufftober but then this idea hit me like a freight train c: Also shout out to Kels (@babyboybinbin), Dia (@sieunkinnie) and Sweet (@xsweetelegantdisasterx) for letting me abuse them in this fic~ I regret nothing ò.ó)

Prompts (in order): #11 -Beginner’s Guide to Faking Sick / #18 – “Wear your coat, you’ll catch a cold.” / #4 – Hiding An Illness / Alt #3 – Pounding Headache / #23 – Coughing Fit / #16 – Consulting the Internet/Web MD / #19 – Curled Up With A Pet / #8 – Persistent Fever / Alt #4 – Forehead Kisses / #12 – Home Remedy/Old Wives Tale / #21 – “But if you stay, you’ll get sick too.” / #24 – “Did you just sneeze?” / #3 – “What happened to your phenomenal immune system?” / Alt #1 – “I could really use a hug right about now.”

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

Light streamed through the curtains, landing conveniently across my eyes and bringing me from my sleep. I looked at the clock through blurry eyes, realizing that I needed to get up soon for work but I really didn’t want to. My bed was so comfy and the body wrapped around my own was warm. Why would I ever want to –

Wait a damn minute… I blinked dumbly at the wall for a moment. Why is there a body in my bed? I turned slowly so as not to disturb them, a smile instantly coming to my face when I realized who it was.

Ryu was sleeping peacefully behind me, strands of hair falling across his face. He was already a gorgeous man but he looked like a damn angel when he was sleeping so peacefully. I slowly reached forward, tucking the hair behind his ear. He stirred, gorgeous brown eyes meeting mine.

“Morning,” he mumbled, stretching out his long body.

“When did you get here?” I wondered, propping my cheek up against my hand. “I thought you were on tour for another three days.”

“We had to end it early because of the bad weather.”

“You shoulda woke me up.”

He hummed, fingers curling around the hem of my shirt. “You looked too cute. I didn’t want to bother you.”

I ignore the fluttering of my heart and the warming of my cheeks, leaning down to claim his lips. “Babe, you could never bother me.”

He gave me a goofy grin, eyes lighting up. “You have to be at work soon, right?”

All thoughts of work had gone out the window when I realized he was in bed with me. I rarely got to see him because of his hectic schedule and there was no way I was going to work. 

I forced myself up, grabbing my phone off the bedside table and bringing up Google. Ryu propped himself up on his elbow, looking curiously at my phone screen.

His brow furrowed as he read the words of the article I had clicked on. “‘A beginners guide to faking sick.’ You’re gonna lie to your boss?”

“No… I’m just gonna bend the truth a little,” I defended, trying to ignore the stern look he sent me. “Is it so wrong to want to spend time with my beautiful boyfriend, hm?”

He fought back against the smile trying to overtake his lips, still trying to appear stern but I knew I had broken him. It was my special ability at this point. “Fine, but you have to make it up to him later, okay?”

“I’ll bring him donuts or something.”

Ryu laughed, shaking his head before climbing over me to get off the bed. He started to leave the room but paused as if unsure. “Do you want me to make you breakfast?”

I wasn’t sure why, but he was always cautious when it came to cooking. It’s like he wants to, but he just doesn’t have the confidence in himself which breaks my heart. I offered him a playful grin. “Well, the last time I cooked something that wasn’t instant ramen, I set the kitchen on fire, so…”

He paled as the memory came flooding back to him. “Ah… I’ll cook, then.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” I followed him into the tiny kitchen, settling down at the table with my phone. “I love your cooking. Your food always tastes so good.”

“Really?” He glanced at me with a shy smile and I nodded.

“Yes, really. If I could cook like you, I wouldn’t be a Fire hazard.”

He laughed, pulling the eggs out of the fridge. “Just don’t attempt it when I’m not here, okay?”

“Okay~” I promised, pulling up my boss’s contact. I took a deep breath, clearing my throat as I pressed it to my ear. I hoped it would go to his voice-mail, but no such luck. 

“Hello? Takanori speaking.“

“Hey, boss.” I tried to lower my voice and sound as if I was dying, but judging from the look Ryu was giving me, it wasn’t working as intended. “I, uh… I can’t come in… today…”

“Oh? Are you okay? You sound terrible.“

“Yeah, I -” I faked a few coughs and Ryu sent me another stern look, clearly not approving of the lie. “- I’m not feeling too hot.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Get some rest and –“

There was a sudden loud clang from the kitchen. Ryu had dropped the metal spatula on the floor. ‘Sorry,’ he mouthed, sending me an apologetic and guilty look.

My boss called out my name, sounding worried. “What was that noise? Is everything okay?“

“Yeah!” I replied quickly, forgetting my tone change which I quickly fixed. “Yeah, sorry. I… I dropped my cup…”

“You should be in bed,” he scolded softly. “Don’t worry about anything. I can get Dia to cover your shift.“

“Thanks, boss.”

“Take care.”

I hung up the phone, releasing a relieved sigh as I sat back in my chair. “Man, acting is hard. I don’t know how you do it.”

“A lot of practice,” he hummed, breaking the eggs into a bowl. 

I watched him for a moment, admiring how careful he was with each action. “What should we do today? A new store opened up a few blocks away. Looks interesting from the outside.”

“Is that a smart idea? What if your boss sees you?”

“He works in an office building on the other side of town and he’s a workaholic so he stays way later than everyone else. The chance of him seeing me is,” I formed a circle with my hand. “Zero percent.”

“Famous last words,” he teased.

“For you,” I came up behind him, arms around his waist and face buried in the back of his shirt. “It’s worth the risk.”

His hand found mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was something he did to show thanks when words failed him.

After breakfast, we started to get ready to head out.

Ryu checked his phone before glancing at me. “It’s supposed to rain and the temperature is going to drop. Wear your coat, you’ll catch a cold.”

“Don’t worry so much, you know I love the cold,” I replied, shoving my feet into my boots.

“Loving the cold doesn’t make you immune to it.”

“I’ll be fine, I promise.” I held my hand out to him with a reassuring smile and he reluctantly took it, his hand easily dwarfing my own. “Besides, I’ve got you to keep me warm.”

He quickly turned his head but not before I noticed his blush, bringing a grin to my lips. He tugged me out of the apartment, the chilly autumn air nipping at my exposed skin. The sky was covered with gray clouds,  thunder rolling softly in the distance. 

He glanced up and hummed thoughtfully. “We should buy an umbrella first.”

“The convenience store on the corner sells them, I think.” I tugged him in that direction, feeling in high spirits. How could I not be? The love of my life was home, it was nearly October, it was cold out and it was probably going to rain. It was a recipe for pure joy.

The store had an entire rack of umbrellas for sale, including a blue one with lamas printed on it and a teal one with cats printed on it. It took me an embarrassingly long time to choose one while Ryu waited patiently, standing behind me with his arms around my waist and chin on top of my head. It was an easy feat given our height difference.

“If you want, you can buy both,” suggested Ryu softly.

I considered it for a moment. “They’re overpriced already and I don’t need two.”

Ryu chuckled, picking them both up and heading to the front despite my protests. He didn’t hesitate to pay for them both, again, ignoring my protests. I sent him a disapproving look when he held them out to me.

“Don’t be mad,” he pouted. “I like buying things for you. It makes me happy.”

Well, I can’t argue with that. His happiness is my happiness. I clicked my tongue, taking the umbrellas from him. “Thank you, I really do appreciate it.”

“Of course. Should we check out that new store now?”

“Yes, let’s go~!” I grabbed his hand and dragged him from the store, prompting a laugh from him.

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

I stifled a yawn, rubbing the back of my neck. We had been out for hours, mostly just walking around and enjoying each other’s company. The shop hadn’t been anything special, though Ryu did find a jacket that he liked.

He threw his arm around my shoulders, rubbing up and down my arm. “Should we head home?”

“Yeah. We can watch a movie if you want.”

“I’d like that. You can choose.”

“Oh?” I sent him a grin and he frowned.

“Am I going to regret that decision?”

“We are so watching The Worst.”

A faint tint came to his cheeks. “We’ve already seen it a hundred times.”

“And I wanna see it a hundred more because my baby is in it and he’s incredibly talented.” I smiled warmly, reaching up to cup his face. He leaned down to make it easier, his warm hand covering my own. “You’re an amazing actor, you know? And an amazing dancer. And a genuinely amazing person in general.”

He shifted nervously, glancing away. 

I knew complimenting him made him feel shy and nervous, but it felt important to me. I needed him to know how important he is, how special. Maybe that makes me selfish, I don’t know. 

I pulled back, releasing my grip on him. “Come on, let’s get home before -“

As if sensing my thoughts, the sky opened up with a loud roar of thunder. Sheets of rain fell on top of us, causing the others on the street to cry out and rush for cover. Ryu grabbed my hand, pulling me under the cover of a nearby Cafe. As badly as I wanted to enjoy the rain, I was more concerned about him. It would be bad if he got sick and couldn’t rejoin the other Rampage members.

“We should get home so you can change,” I murmured, frowning at the water that clung to his hair. I opened the cat umbrella, making sure to hold it high enough so it wasn’t resting against the top of his head.

“You need to change, too,” he pointed out, putting his arm around my shoulder and tugging me against his side to ensure that the umbrella covered us both. The wind picked up, sending a chill down my spine. It took everything I had not to shiver simply because I didn’t want to worry him.

The apartment was chilly, providing little warmth.

“Hurry and get changed,” said Ryu as he shrugged off his jacket.

“You first.”

He sent me a pointed look which I returned. 

“Don’t look at me like that, Ryutaro. Think about the other members if you get sick.” I folded my arms over my chest, watching as he bit his lip. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be quick.” He pecked my cheek before rushing into the bedroom. Kazu came rushing out when he opened the door, easily slipping through his legs before rushing over to me.

I clicked my tongue, kneeling in front of him. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were in the room.”

He stared at me with his large blue eyes, tail swishing back and forth in annoyance.

“Will a treat make it up to you?”

Mrow~

I chuckled, patting the feline on the head before standing up to enter the kitchen, him hot on my heels. He hopped up onto the chair, waiting patiently as I searched for the treats. Where the hell are they? I tugged open the cabinet, spying them on the top shelf.

Well, shit. I stood on my tiptoes, reaching up but only the tips of my fingers brushed against the plastic container. I tried pushing it closer to the edge but I think I just pushed it farther away.

A chest pressed against my back, his hand appearing beside my own and easily reaching the container. “I’ll feed Kazu. Go get changed.” He pressed another kiss to my cheek before approaching the annoyed feline.

I smiled at him before doing as I was told, changing into a t-shirt, a rampage hoodie, and some pajama pants with little ghosts printed on them. I felt much warmer now, but there was a tickle at the back of my brain. I couldn’t describe it, I just knew I didn’t feel quite as energetic as I had this morning. Then again, it was a long day.

Ryu was sitting on the couch waiting for me, Kazu curled up beside him as he gently brushed his fingers over the feline’s white fur. I settled down on his other side, seeing the movie already pulled up and ready to play. He pulled me against his body, arms wrapped protectively around me.

With a smile, I pressed play on the remote before letting myself melt against him, chest filled with warmth and love.

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

Over the next couple of days, I started to feel worse and worse. My body felt heavy as if it were made of lead, someone seemed to be endlessly pounding on my skull with a hammer and I barely had the energy to live. Even so, I knew I had to hide it from Ryu because he’s the type who would drop everything for his loved ones.

I refuse to be the reason behind him getting into trouble or, worse, getting fired and losing his dreams. It was hard as hell to pretend to be okay, but I managed by pretending it was a video game. Besides, he leaves tomorrow morning so I can die in peace without disturbing him so long as I make it through the night.

The smell of paella filled the apartment and I swallowed hard, hit by a wave of nausea. Not that it smelled bad or anything, but in my weakened state, I simply wasn’t hungry and I couldn’t trust myself not to throw up if I actually ate something. If that were to happen, Ryu would blame himself for messing it up and I didn’t want that.

On the other hand, telling him I didn’t want to eat would probably make him feel self-conscious and sad. He put in the effort to cook for us despite not having a lot of confidence in doing so, I couldn’t just crush him like that.

I brought my knees to my chest, groaning softly into my knees. Kazu was staring at me from the recliner. I don’t know if he understood my predicament but it felt as if he was judging me for my choices, the little shit. He reminds me of someone else who just so happens to share the same name.

Ryu’s feet padded softly across the wooden floor as he appeared beside the couch. “Dinner’s ready. Do you want me to make you a plate?”

I took a slow, deep breath. ‘Come on, get your shit together. Do it for him.’ Lifting my head, I gave him an apologetic smile. “Actually… I think I might skip dinner tonight.”

He sat beside me with a frown, brow furrowed in worry. “Why? What’s wrong?”

My stomach lurched, a sharp pain shooting through my skull simultaneously and I nearly cursed aloud at my body for conspiring against me. I wrapped my arms tightly around my stomach to try and ease some of the pain I felt. “I’m about to start my period so my stomach is a bit… wonky at the moment.”

“Already? You’re not due to start for another week.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised that he knew that because he was always on top of things like that, always trying to ensure I was comfortable and prepared each month, even when he was away. “Uh… better early than late?”

His face burned at the comment and he brought the back of his hand up to cover it. “Go get some rest.”

“I’m sorry, Ryu.”

“For what?”

“You cooked for nothing… I should have said something sooner.”

“It’s okay,” he replied softly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You can eat it when you’re feeling better.”

I wanted to kiss him so badly for being such a sweetheart but I didn’t want him to get sick so I settled for a thankful smile. “Thank you, baby.”

“Of course.”

I waited for him to disappear back into the kitchen before standing up and hobbling my way back to the bedroom, holding onto the wall for support. The room was spinning by the time I made it to bed and I was all too happy to fall face-first onto it, the pillow muffling my groan.

Despite feeling exhausted, I just couldn’t fall asleep. My head was hurting too bad, the painkillers not even touching it. For two hours, I lay there staring at the wall, trying to will myself to succumb to the darkness of sleep but my body refused to obey. When Ryu finally joined me, I pretended I was asleep, urging myself not to move as he slid in behind me, arms wrapped protectively around my body.

I guess that was the missing link because the last thing I remember was him kissing me on the cheek and whispering, I love you, something that he rarely said out loud. 

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

I startled awake as a coughing fit grasped me tightly, forcing me to sit up. The room was bright with Ryu nowhere to be found. I glanced at the clock and cursed, realizing that he had already left. I was already late for work, too.

As badly as I wanted to just bail and call in sick again, I knew I couldn’t. This was my karma for lying about being sick in the first place, I knew. With a groan, I threw the covers off of me and immediately started to shiver as the cool air wrapped around me. My head still hurt, my nose stuffy and the room spun when I tried to stand up.

“Shit,” I muttered, sitting back down and squeezing my eyes shut. I waited for my head to stop swimming before standing up again, walking slowly so I didn’t fall. Kazu followed close behind, his big eyes not leaving me once. At least he didn’t seem to be judging me this time. If anything, he looked worried. 

“I’m fine,” I told him, though my voice was hoarse and my throat scratchy. He flicked his ear, eyes narrowing. “Don’t give me that look. I’ll never give you treats again, you little -” My threat was interrupted by a coughing fit, my throat burning.

It took longer than I’d like to admit to get ready for work and, if I’m being completely honest, I don’t remember how I got to work. It felt like I blacked out and when I came to, I was sitting at my desk with a sheet of paper in one hand and a pen in the other.

I felt a familiar tickle at my nose and I scrunched it up on instinct, only making it worse. I tried to hold it back but a loud sneeze ripped from my body, sending the stack of papers flying off the desk. I groaned at the throbbing in my skull, eyes half-lidded. 

“Are you okay?” A hand rested on my shoulder and I slowly lifted my head, seeing my boss frown. “Geez, you look like death.”

“Am okay, boss,” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. I started to get up to retrieve the papers when the world started to spin violently around me.

“Woah!” He threw his arm out to steady me, slowly lowering me back into my seat. The back of his hand rested against my forehead, his frown deepening. “You’re burning up… wait here a minute, okay?”

I didn’t have the energy to reply, my body slumping forward onto the desk with a groan. Why does everything hurt so bad? Am I dying right now?

“As you can see, she’s not doing so well,” stated my boss as he adjusted his glasses, returning to my side. “Can you take her home? I’ll pay for the Uber.”

“Of course, boss,” replied Dia. “Leave it to me.”

“I’ll call them, then.”

As soon as the car arrived, Dia helped me down to the first floor, allowing me to lean against her even at the risk of catching my cold. At least, I think it’s a cold. Maybe it’s the flu, I don’t know. Either way, she was selfless and I loved her for it.

There was a car parked in front of the building, tinted windows making it impossible to see. I could hear K-pop music blaring from within and I dreaded getting inside with my head hurting as badly as it was.

Dia knocked on the passenger window and it slowly slid down, the driver leaning toward it. She was wearing a strange pink thing on her head, the fabric secured beneath her chin with velcro. On the top was something resembling a tentacle, though it was different. I felt as if I knew what it was, but my feverish brain couldn’t quite place it.

She tilted her head down to peer at us over her sunglasses, yelling to be heard over the loud music pumping through the car. “You Dia?”

“I can’t hear you!” She yelled back.

Shaking her head, the driver flicked the volume dial and repeated the question. 

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Cool, I’m Kelso. Hop in and let’s go for a ride,” she grinned, rubbing her hands together like some kind of anime villain.

Dia sent me a concerned look as she helped me into the backseat, though I wasn’t sure if it was because of my illness or because our driver might be certifiably insane. The cold air of the ac felt good against my heated skin and I sighed softly, resting my head against the glass.

The car was quiet at first, broken only by the soft music playing in the background.

“Hey, you know sharks don’t have any bones?”

“I – huh?” Dia looked at the woman, startled. 

“Yeah and don’t say their teeth, either, because that shit is calcium, not bone.”

“Sure…”

The song changed and Dia gasped. “Oh my god, I love Pentagon!”

“Really? Me too!” She grinned, turning in her seat so that she was half-facing us while still driving down the road. “Who’s your favorite member?”

Dia didn’t seem to notice that our driver was no longer looking at the road despite driving at such a high speed. “I love Jinho.”

“My bias is Wooseok.”

My wide eyes stared forward as cars and buildings zoomed past us. My heart was racing in my chest, and my head seeming to throb in tandem with it. I looked at Dia in horror, trying to get her attention but my voice seemed to have left me. When I turned back to the front, there was a woman relaxing on the hood, not seeming the least bit bothered by the high speed at which we were traveling.

She slowly turned her head, smiling warmly at me when our eyes met, but it quickly fell into a worried frown. “You don’t look so good, hun.” Despite being on the outside of the vehicle, it sounded as if she was talking from right in front of me.

“I…” My voice was scratchy and I ended up coughing a few times before I could speak again. “I think I’m dying…”

She chuckled softly, amusement dancing in her eyes. “You’re not dying. Not yet, anyway.”

“How are you on the hood of the car? How haven’t we crashed yet?” I glanced at Dia to find her still chatting animatedly with Kelso, but they weren’t making a sound. It was as if someone had pressed the mute button on them. “I’m so confused,” I groaned, resting my face in my hands. All I wanted was to be back in Ryu’s arms, but he would be gone for a while.

My heart clenched painfully at the thought, tears stinging at my eyes.

“Don’t cry,” said the woman, her voice soft and comforting. “Everything will be alright, I promise.”

Maybe she was right, but at that moment, it felt like everything was collapsing in on me. 

“Rest,” she ordered.

Warmth spread throughout my body, my eyes growing heavy. I shook my head, trying to keep them open but I wasn’t strong enough. Before I knew it, darkness had claimed me.

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

I tugged the comforter tighter around my body, feeling as if I was freezing. It wasn’t even cold outside and the AC certainly wasn’t on, yet my body refused to warm up. What in the world is happening to me? I rarely get sick and it usually knocks me on my ass when I finally do but shit. It feels as if I’ve been sick for weeks, though I know it’s only been a few days.

I wasn’t feeling quite as bad as I had been yesterday, so that’s an improvement, I guess. I felt exhausted and barely got two hours of sleep last night, yet sleep seemed to be running away from me.

With a sigh, I rolled over so I could grab my phone off the bedside table. I was hoping to have a message from Ryu to lift my spirits, but he still hadn’t replied to my last message. I knew he was busy but, already feeling so shitty, it hit me harder than it should have.

I pulled up Google, contemplating my next action for a moment before deciding to search for my symptoms. If I knew exactly what I had whether that be the cold, the flu, or something else entirely, then I could take the proper medication and finally recover from this shit. Regular cold meds and painkillers don’t seem to be cutting it.

After inputting all of my symptoms and the time frame into Google, I skimmed through most of the results because my head was still hurting and my vision slightly blurry, but most of the links I clicked all said the same shit – you’re probably going to die.

No fucking shit. Were all gonna die eventually. I groaned in frustration, throwing my phone onto the bedside table. As if disturbed by the sudden noise, Kazu came running into the room, tail straight up in alert.

“I’m still alive,” I grunted. “Barely.”

“Mrow~” He jumped up onto the bed, looking at me expectantly. 

“What?”

“Mrow~“

“I don’t speak cat.”

He blinked at me and I blinked back. After staring at each other for several minutes, he hopped up onto the bed, flopping down against my side. I slowly turned, throwing my arms around him in an attempt to cuddle. I figured he was going to run away because Ryu was the only one who could get away with cuddling him.

He didn’t, though, allowing me to hold him against my chest. I buried my face in his soft fur, wishing that I would stop feeling like the damn walking dead. More than anything, I wished Ryu was here. Maybe I was being clingy but I missed him something terrible, my heart aching.

I heard the front door open, Kazu’s ear flicking to indicate that he heard it, too. Dia appeared at the door of my bedroom a minute later. “Morning. Feeling any better?”

“If by better you mean death then yes.”

She frowned, touching my forehead with her hand. “That fever is being really persistent… I think you should go to the doctor.”

“Doctors are expensive,” I muttered. 

“You’re dating a celebrity, I think you can afford to see a doctor when you’re sick.”

I shook my head, frowning at her. “It’s his money, not mine.”

“You’re supposed to share things in a relationship.”

“Don’t care. I refuse to use his money. Besides, if I ignore it long enough, it’ll give up and go away.”

She sighed deeply, bringing her hand to her face. “Are you hungry?”

My stomach twisted painfully at the thought of food, my nose wrinkling. “No.”

“You have to eat if you want to get better, you know.”

“I ate last night.”

“Half a slice of bed is hardly nutritious.”

“I’m fine, mom.”

“I’m just worried about you,” she frowned. “Have you even told Ryu-san?”

“Of course not!” I replied quickly, scowling at her. “And I’m not going to. As far as he’s concerned, this never happened.”

“Don’t you think he’d want to know?” 

“Of course, he would, but I know him. He’ll obsess over it and worry himself into the ground. He needs to focus on his group, not me. There’s nothing he can do for me so there’s no point telling him.”

She clearly didn’t agree, making me narrow my eyes at her.

“If you tell him, I will steal all your K-pop albums and sell them for one penny outside of Seiyu!”

She gasped dramatically, hands coming up to cover her mouth. “You wouldn’t dare…”

“Try me.”

“Fine,” Dia huffed, putting her hand on her hip. “Do you need anything before I head to work?”

“Can you get me a Dr. Pepper from the fridge?”

Without a word, she left the room, returning a minute later with a bottle of water.

“That’s not Dr. Pepper,” I scowled.

“You shouldn’t be drinking soda while you’re sick. Drink water so you hydrate, not diedrate.”

I scoffed in annoyance, knowing she was right but refusing to admit it.

She set the bottle on the nightstand, giving me a smile. “I’m off, then. Call me if you need me and get some rest. Don’t do anything stupid.”

I watched as she disappeared from the room, listening to the sound of her footsteps fading as she headed for the door. The hinges squeaked when she opened it, squeaking again when she closed it.

I don’t want to rest, I’ve been doing nothing but resting for ages and I’m starting to go stir crazy. I pressed a kiss to the top of Kazu’s head before slowly crawling out of bed, taking a moment to regain my sense of balance. “Kazu, don’t tell Dia.”

He tilted his head back, staring at me with narrowed eyes. I couldn’t tell if he was trying to say he disapproved of my actions or if he just didn’t give enough fucks to tell her even if he could talk.

After making sure Kazu had food in his bowl, I grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the fridge and curled up on the couch to watch some Netflix. I hoped it would distract me from everything or ease my stir craziness, at the very least. Kazu hopped up into the recliner, crossing one paw over the other before resting his head atop them, large blue eyes staring straight at me.

It was only slightly unnerving.

“I’m not just gonna, like, keel over and die ya know,” I scowled at him, earning just a blink in reply. I really wanted to watch The Worst again, but I knew it would only make me long for Ryu more so I chose a funny movie instead. Thank god Deadpool is available in Japan. It’s easily one of my comfort movies and I love Ryan Reynolds so much.

Man, I’d kill to be able to eat some popcorn right now, but the thought of it had my stomach doing painful flips. I scowled, patting my belly. “Relax, ho. I’m not gonna feed you so chill out.”

About halfway through the movie, I felt my eyelids growing heavier but I fought to stay awake. I was tired of sleeping, I just wanted to watch Deadpool and laugh my troubles away! I slapped my cheeks, shaking my head to try and wake myself up and it worked… for about twenty minutes.

Maybe if I just rest my eyes for a few minutes, it’ll help. Yeah, that’s right. I’m just… resting my eyes…

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

The feeling of being lifted startled me awake, my eyes snapping open and my limbs flailing in panic.

“Calm down, it’s just me.”

I blinked dumbly, slowly lifting my gaze to meet Ryu’s. “You’re not supposed to be here… am I hallucinating again?”

“Again?” He frowned at me, his jaw tense. He didn’t say another word as he carried me to the bedroom, setting me gently down on the bed. “Do not get out of this bed.”

I frowned at him, not used to hearing him sound or look so annoyed. My eyes followed him until he was out of sight and I heard the front door open and close loudly, making me wince. Ryu was always so patient and kind, even when someone was trying to rile him up. He playfully gets mad with his members, but it’s nothing serious.

Seeing him act this way now… I knew I had fucked up royally. Tears stung at my eyes but I blinked them back, sniffling loudly as I reached for a tissue to blow my nose. God, I bet I look like an absolute mess.

I’ve always been self-conscious around him because he’s just so beautiful and I know I don’t deserve him, but my insecurities have, for the most part, stayed hidden in a dark corner of my mind. He made me feel loved and accepted, seeming to crush those negative thoughts every time they tried to crawl out into the light.

Now, though, I was completely overwhelmed. My body was at its limit and it was affecting my mind, as well. I felt weak and pathetic, like a burden on Ryu who had raced home to help me because I couldn’t help myself. Was he going to get into trouble for this? Would he lose his spot on The Rampage? 

He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest and jaw clenched. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“I didn’t want to bother you -“

“Bother me?” He echoed in disbelief. “Do you even consider me your boyfriend?”

“What? Of course, I -“

“You never tell me anything. You’re always hiding your feelings, hiding when you’re sick. Don’t you trust me?” He shook his head, brow furrowed in frustration. “Do you not want to be with me?”

The question was enough to finally break me and send tears rolling down my cheeks. He looked at me with a startled expression, body tense as he pushed away from the doorframe.

I quickly rolled over to face the wall, biting my lip to try and muffle my sobs. I tried so hard to stop crying but, as always, my body refused to obey.

The side of the bed dipped, his warm hand on my back. “Please don’t cry… I’m sorry.”

I was the one who fucked up but he is apologizing? Goddamn it.

“Hey,” he called softly, trying to roll me over to face him but I refused, shaking my head. Instead of forcing me, he slid in behind me until his warm chest was against my back, arms wrapped protectively around me. “It’s okay, darling. I’m right here.”

His words only made me cry harder, fists clenching around the sheets. I was a fucking mess and I hated showing this side of myself to him. He was patient with me, though, whispering comforting words to me and rubbing my arm to try and calm me down. It took a while, but I guess I finally ran out of tears.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice hoarse and throat sore. My eyes felt puffy and there was a wet spot on my pillow from all the tears I had shed. “I… I should have told you, I just… I don’t want to, to ruin your career…”

“That won’t happen,” he assured me, trying to roll me toward him again. This time, I allowed it, not having the strength to fight back. His brown eyes met mine, swimming with love and warmth. He cupped my cheek, thumb brushing away the remnants of my tears. “I thought my heart stopped when Dia called me.”

“I told her not to,” I muttered, focusing my eyes on his necklace, unable to hold his gaze.

“I’m glad she did. You’ve been suffering alone for days,” he frowned, reaching down to press a kiss to my forehead. “You still have a fever.”

I pushed at his chest while simultaneously trying to sink into the mattress. “You’re going to get sick!”

He chuckled, taking my hand and pressing it over his heart. The steady beat was comforting. “I’m not leaving your side until you’re better.”

“But The Rampage -“

“Sends there get well soon wishes. I can’t promise Likiya-san and Zin-san won’t scold you when they see you next,” he smiled, pressing another kiss to my forehead before standing up. He started to leave the room but paused, sending me a stern look. “Don’t you dare move.”

While he was gone, I sat up to grab some tissues to wipe away my tears and blow my nose in an attempt to look a little less like a bog witch. I doubt it helped much, but he didn’t seem to care as he returned with my favorite Halloween mug, steam rising from it.

Ryu sat on the side of the bed, careful not to spill it. “Drink this, it’ll help.”

I tried to sniff the air but I couldn’t smell anything. I eyed it wearily. “What is it?”

“Ginger tea. My lola used to make it for me every time I got sick. She swears by it so she made sure to teach me how to make it.”

I was a picky eater, so trying new things always made me feel weary.  I trust Ryu, though, so I took the mug from him and gave it a careful sip. It filled my body with warmth, tasting slightly spicy. Not like chili pepper spicy but more like… herbal spicy.

“It’s good,” I murmured, closing my eyes as I drank more of it. My throat was already beginning to feel less scratchy and sore.

“I’m guessing you haven’t eaten, either?”

“Define eaten.”

He held back a sigh, running a hand through his hair to compose himself. “I’ll make you some Lugaw.”

“Lu what now?”

“Lugaw,” he repeated with a chuckle. “My lola always told me that it has healing properties and it always made me feel better as a kid. I… don’t know if I can make it correctly, but I’m going to try.”

“I bet it’s going to taste amazing,” I assured him, reaching out for his hand. “You’ll put Gordon Ramsay to shame.”

His cheeks tinted, a goofy smile on his lips, and his eyes lighting up. “Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

When he stood up, I tried to follow only for him to click his tongue.

“No, you need to rest.”

“I’ve done nothing but rest,” I scowled. “I want to watch you cook. It calms me.”

He seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding and holding out his hand to help me up. His arm remained around my body as we headed to the kitchen and he didn’t leave my side until I was safely on the chair. Watching him truly did make me feel calm, along with the beverage that I was drinking. 

I felt a tiny bit better already. Maybe his grandma is really onto something with these home remedies. “How long are you staying?”

He hummed as he cut up more ginger. “I told you, I’m not leaving until you get better.”

“And I told you, the longer you’re around me, the higher the risk of you getting sick. You’re already missing work because of me. If you get sick, you’ll miss even more. What if they fire you?”

“I promise you, that’s not going to happen.” Ryu sent me a reassuring smile but I didn’t feel very reassured at all. “Our managers were very understanding when I told them.”

I slid down in my chair, setting the empty cup on the table. “You could still get sick and spread it to the other members.”

“I won’t get sick.”

“How can you be sure of that?”

“Because I have a phenomenal immune system,” he grinned, making me scoff. 

“What was that you said to me? ‘Famous last words,’ was it?”

“Except I’m not going outside in the winter without a coat only to be caught in the rain.”

I opened my mouth to reply only to scowl, realizing he was right. “Wipe that grin off your face, Ata Ryutaro.”

“Yes, darling,” he chuckled, returning to the task at hand. 

I tried to ignore the fluttering in my chest and the warmth at the tips of my ears when he called me that. I adored it when he called me darling, but it wasn’t something he said often, especially not in public. 

I couldn’t find the smile that came to my lips. I truly was the luckiest human on earth. “Hey, Ryu?”

“Yes?” He paused what he was doing to look at me. “Do you want some more tea?”

I shook my head. “I just wanted to thank you. You really are an amazing boyfriend.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he mumbled, hiding his face from me.

“I love you.”

His eyes met mine, filled with love and warmth. “I love you, too.”

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

I stretched my arms over my head, smiling as I breathed in the fresh air of the morning. After a couple of days under Ryu’s care, I was nearly back to my old self, though my body was still a bit achy. At least I could breathe properly now and the room didn’t spin when I got up too quickly. 

The time spent with him was a nice bonus, too. I never wanted this to end, but I knew he had to be getting back to work. With one last look at the cloudy sky, I headed back inside to wake up Ryu. Just as I reached the door, I heard a sneeze from the other side followed by a soft groan. 

I pushed the door open with a frown, taking in the appearance of my boyfriend. He still looked tired, his brown eyes lacking their usual luster. He seemed pale, too. “Babe, you okay?”

He smiled at me but it was obviously forced. “I’m fine.”

“You just sneezed.”

He seemed embarrassed that I had heard him. Before he could reply, though, another sneeze ripped from him, followed by a groan as he clutched his head. Rather than deny the obvious, he just pouted at me.

I hummed, approaching the bed so I could take his face between my hands. I could feel how warm he was before my forehead even met his. “You’ve got a fever.”

His fingers curled around my wrist, lips brushing against my own when he spoke. “I think I caught your flu…”

“Yeah? What happened to that phenomenal immune system of yours, hm?” I teased softly, brushing the hair from his face.

“You’re really going to tease me when I feel this bad?”

“Sorry, baby,” I chuckled, pressing a kiss to his lips. When I tried to pull away, he chased me with a whine. I chuckled, knowing how clingy and whiny he could get when he was sick. “Well, on the bright side, I get to return the favor and nurse you back to health.”

“‘M sorry,” he mumbled as he laid back down. “Will you stay with me?”

“You don’t even have to ask.” I slid in next to him and he slotted his body against mine, face buried in my neck as his limbs wrapped around me. I hummed softly, running my hands through his hair until his breathing evened out.

Maybe this makes me a bad person, but… I’m kind of happy that he caught my flu. God, I sound like such a bitch thinking that way, especially since I knew he was going to be feeling miserable, but I do love being able to take care of him. Despite being younger than me, he’s always been the caretaker in the relationship, going out of his way to accommodate me and my needs. It feels nice to be able to take care of him for a change, to have him rely on me.

His phone vibrated on the bedside table and I cursed softly, reaching my arm behind me to try and grab it. It was not comfortable at all but his limbs were like chains around my body, holding me in place so I couldn’t really move. I’m not entirely sure how I did it, but I managed to grab a hold of his phone, answering it without much thought so it wouldn’t wake him up.

“Hello?” I spoke softly, not wanting to disturb his sleep.

Zin said my name in surprise. “Hey, how are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling great, actually. Ryu is a really good nurse.”

“That’s good to hear. Why are you whispering, though?”

“He’s asleep and I don’t want to wake him up.”

There was a moment of silence and then a deep sigh on the other end of the line. “He’s sick, isn’t he?”

“Um… kind of?” I replied sheepishly. “I’m really sorry, Zin-san. I tried to get him to leave but you know how stubborn he is…”

Zin chuckled. “Yeah, I know. No need to apologize.”

There was muffled talking in the background before the phone shifted to Likiya. “Hey, little one. You feeling better?”

“I’m doing great, Likiya-chan, but Ryu caught my flu, I think.”

“I figured he would,” he replied with a laugh. “Listen, we’ll be there soon but don’t tell Ryu.”

“Eh?” I replied louder than intended, making Ryu mumble and squeeze himself closer to me. “You’re coming here? What for?”

“We wanted to check on you and cheer you up, but I suppose we’ll be doing that for Ryu now.”

“But all of you are going to get sick, too,” I frowned.

“Don’t worry about us, little one, just worry about taking care of our Ryu. See you soon.”

I blinked dumbly as the sound of the dial tone filled my ear. Do these boys have no self-preservation at all? They’re skipping work to come here and risking getting sick in the process, thus keeping them out of work even longer. I sighed deeply, setting the phone down on the bed.

Something tells me this isn’t going to end well. The Rampage is known for having only one brain cell combined and stuffing them all into our small apartment with a sick Ryu and an introverted Kazu? What the hell could possibly go wrong?

━━━━━━༻☔༺━━━━━

I stepped outside, hands stuffed into the pocket of Ryu’s hoodie as I glanced around. Likiya had messaged me a few minutes ago saying that they were about ten minutes away from the apartment so I figured I’d come out and meet them. A few of my neighbors aren’t very fond of strangers in the building and these guys would no doubt be loud on their way up. I also didn’t have much faith that they wouldn’t go to the wrong apartment despite knowing where we lived.

A familiar-looking black car pulled up to the curb and Dia stepped out of the back, looking annoyed. The driver was Kelso again and she, too, looked annoyed as she jumped out of the car, eyes narrowed at Dia. She was still wearing that ridiculous hat which I now realized was Buu from the Dragonball series.

“Go away!” Dia scowled, folding her arms over her chest. “I already told you, I’m not buying your fake CDs!”

“How dare you! They’re not fake, they’re economic,” defended Kelso with a huff.

“They’re fake and you should be in jail!”

“Jokes on you, I was just released from jail!”

I watched the two of them argue back and forth, unsure of how to proceed. Do I try to break it up? That sounded like more effort than I was willing to spare, especially since I needed to be at full battery to deal with the storm that is the Rampage.

Speak of the devil…

Two tan vans pulled up to the curb behind the black car. The sliding door on the first van opened up before it even came to a stop, Shohei jumped out of the vehicle with a grin as he cried out my name. I had no time to prepare myself before his body barreled into my own, arms so tight around me that it knocked the air from my lungs.

“Nee-chan~” he sang with a grin. “I missed you~”

Likiya rushed over with a scowl. “Put her down, Shohei! She just recovered from being really sick!”

He pouted at being scolded before doing as he was told, putting me back on the ground.

I sucked in some air, resisting the urge to cough as I patted his shoulder. “Good to see you, too, Sho-chan.”

“How are you?” asked Likiya softly, holding out his arms for a hug. It was much softer than the one Shohei had given.

“I’m doing well. Wish I could say the same for Ryu.”

“Don’t worry, he’ll be better in no time,” he reassured me, giving me a gentle squeeze before pulling away.

I realized the arguing had stopped and I glanced over at the two women, both of whom were staring at the men with wide eyes. Dia’s eyes were trained on Makoto while Kelso’s were trained on Takuma. The scene behind them changed to pink, sparkles and roses appearing around their heads as hearts appeared in their eyes.

Shit, am I hallucinating again? I quickly shook my head, rubbing at my eyes before looking at them again. They were just standing there staring at the men, no sparkles in sight.

“You okay?” Kazuma patted my arm, tilting his head to the side. Hokuto was beside him, sending me a concerned look.

“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” frowned Hokuto, reaching forward to feel my forehead. “You’re not warm, that’s good.”

“Sorry, I just zoned out, that’s all. Why don’t we all go inside? It’s getting colder out here.”

Shohei and Kenta didn’t need to be told twice as they darted into the building, followed by Zin who was trying to wrangle them in. The rest slowly filtered inside and I noticed the two girls following as if being pulled by an invisible stream tied to their bias.

Rui was the last one outside, getting a bag from the van. As he turned toward me, I noticed the woman from the car sitting on top of the van. Just like the other two, there were sparkles and roses around her head as she stared at Rui, hearts in her eyes.

“So dreamy~” she sighed, grinning like a fool.

Rui blinked, looking at me. “Did you say something, nee-san?”

“You heard that, too?”

“Yes.”

My eyes widened at the woman. Was she not a hallucination, after all? I quickly waved at him. “Come on, Rui, let’s get inside! I think the cold is getting to our brains.”

The woman looked up, winking at me before disappearing before my eyes.

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[assortedseaglass]

The Seamstress & The Sailor - Chapter Six

Tom Bennett x OFC

[Masterlist]

Warnings: Language, World On Fire spoilers,

Word Count: 4.5K

Note: Hello hello! The war is really upon us now. A few characters from previous chapters pop up here, best to read back if you’re not familiar. I’m excited about where the story is going to go from here, I hope you all like the following chapters!

Thank you again for the comments and messages, it means so much!

Bess sat warming her feet against the fire grate, Albie’s uniform jacket draped across her knee. On the lining that would sit above his heart, she embroidered six small words in green cotton.

Fergal Etta Cora Elizabeth Albert Dorothy

No-one would see the words there, but he’d always have his family with him, no matter where he went. The wireless crackled from its place on the mantel. Music today. With the lads going to war so soon, Bess didn’t think she could face hearing what was to come their way. A knock sounded on the kitchen window and looking up, Bess saw the pallid, hopeful face of Frank Smith.

“Christ,” she muttered, nodding towards the door. He opened it and stood sheepishly in the doorway. Bess didn’t look up from her stitching.

“Alright, Bess?” He removed the cap he wore and wrung it between his hands. When she didn’t answer, he continued. “Is Albie around?”

“He’s at work.”

“Oh. Right.” Still, he stood in the doorway.

“Did you want something, Frank?” Bess at last looked at him.

“Er, well. I just found out that me, Walter and Albie are gonna be in the same regiment. Just wanted to swing by and tell him that us Longsight lads will be together.” He smiled.

“Ah right. Well, it won’t be the Germans you’ll have to look out for then, eh?” Bess resumed her sewing. The stupid look that always adorned Frank Smith’s face intensified.

“What do you mean?”

She looked at him again. “You’re happy that you’re going to be in close quarters for God knows how long with a man whose sister you bullied? When he’s armed with a gun?”

Frank looked like his heart had fallen out of his arse.

“Piss off, Frank. I’ll tell Albie you popped by.”

While having Frank Smith simper over her made her skin crawl, Bess revelled in the power she had over the man. Something of her old, steely self returned. She had missed it of late.  Bess had woken up that morning in a foul mood. The reality of war had led Fergal back to drink. It all came to a head the previous night when Cora announced she had a date the following day, and Fergal asked her to give Bess some tips on “dressing and acting like a woman.”

“You could pop over and ask Douglas how to act like a gentleman.”

He flew from the house and hadn’t been back. When Cora laid the places for breakfast, Fergal Bennett’s remained empty. Word came that he was already at the dockyard.

With Cora, Dot and Fergal already at work, and Albie visiting friends, Bess planned to make the most of her day off. After breakfast, she had gone back to bed and relished being able to stretch without kicking Dot by mistake. Lying in the morning sun, she thought of the times Tom used to sneak into their bedroom before she gave him a key. Of how he attacked the man at the dancehall for being vile about her. Her hand wandered beneath her nightdress.

Satisfied and a little ashamed, she took a bath with the last of the Cadbury’s chocolate before settling in front of the fire with Albie’s uniform. The afternoon was hers. At least, until another knock came at the door. “What now!?” She shouted, standing from the armchair and stomping towards the door. “I thought I told you to piss off!?” Near pulling the door from its hinges, Bess flung it open only to utterly lose her breath.

His blond hair had been shorn shorter and forced into neatness, hidden slightly by the stiff ratings cap he wore. The boat neck, trimmed in blue, and navy collar only highlighted the elegant strength of his neck, and it took all Bess’ might not to watch the bob of his Adam’s apple. As a follower of fashion, Bess had always thought the British military uniforms lacking. Why not go back to the regency, when even the lowliest foot soldier or seaman looked elegant? The naval uniforms of today however, she could get on board with, especially when they highlighted the lustre of Tom Bennett’s impossibly blue eyes. Simultaneously, Tom looked like he was made to wear the uniform, and a little boy playing dress up. If she could freeze time and keep him there, she would.

“Bess?”

“You never call in the day.” Bess blurted out.

“Well, I have need of your services,” Tom grinned and stuck a leg out. “Trousers are a little on the large side.”

“In the lounge,” Bess instructed him. She ran upstairs to fetch her things, grabbed the wireless from the kitchen and when she returned, Tom was studying the photos on the mantelpiece. “Over here, sailor.” Her tailoring stand was out and ready from him. He smirked and hopped onto it with boyish abandon. Bess clicked on the wireless, the voices quiet in the background, and turned to begin her work. She picked up her measuring tape and tailor’s chalk. Shit. It dawned on her what she would be altering. “Just the trousers you need doing?” She swallowed thickly. Tom was oblivious.

“Yeah, I have three pairs. But I suppose, once you have these measured the others will be the same?”

She could do nothing but nod. Heat was rising fast up her body, and how Bess wished she had worn a dress rather than her slacks. Coming to stand in front of him, she tried to eyeball the length of the bell bottoms. It was no use. Imagine he’s a client.

“Right. I’ll have to measure your legs and take the hem up. You’re lucky I’ve got this job with British Battledress. You’ll be the best dressed sailor without breaking regulations.”

“Can’t be getting in trouble straightaway,”

“No,” her answer was faint as the moment she was dreading neared. Imagine he’s a client. Tom’s eyes widened, though she didn’t see. Slowly, Bess lowered to her knees in front of him. Taking the tape measure in hand, she looked up at him and whispered, “Could you lift your tunic a little?” He did so and held it around his waist. Imagine he’s a client. Tentatively, Bess placed the tape measure flat against the plain of his waist. Holding it on the waistband of the trousers, her fingers grazed his pale skin. The muscle beneath her hand tensed and she took a deep breath. It’s Tom. Just Tom. Pulling it taught, she ran the tape along the length of his leg, trying to forget how close her face was to his groin. Once again, she repeated the movement along the outside of his thigh. She could see the firmness of his buttocks through the fabric and mentally slapped herself. Maybe she was jealous of Cora’s date?

“Right, I’ve got your measurements, it’ll only need taking up an inch or so.”

“Could you have a go at the waist too?”

“Hmm?” Bess felt faint.

“The waist is a little loose.”

Jesus Christ. “Could you-could you-” her voice was hoarse and she swallowed. “Could you lift the tunic higher please?” Again, Tom did as he was told. Above the high waist of his trousers, Bess saw the definition of his lean torso, the freckles decorating his stomach and the trail of hair leading downwards. Eyebrows straight, eyes focused, Bess licked her lips. Raising herself on her knees, she leant forwards so that her face was by his hip. Tom held his breath. She passed the tape measure behind him, bringing herself indecently close to his body, and crossed it over his waist.

“Your hands are cold,” he whispered. She let go.

“If you leave the trousers here, I’ll have them done in within the hour.”

“Good job I brought a spare pair,” he winked and hopped off the stand. She left him to change in the lounge and carried her things back to the bedroom. Setting them down on the bed, she went to the vanity table she shared with her sisters. Her cheeks were flushed pink, dark auburn hair falling loosely from the bun she had hastily pinned that morning. What was wrong with her? When did Tom Bennett, of all people, start having this effect on her? She pulled her jumper over her head and unbuttoned her slacks, fishing a dark dress out from the depths of the drawer. Perhaps it was the worry of him going to war. Each moment she had with him could be the last. She was simply committing him memory, every fibre of him there for her to memorise, just in case. Yes. That was it.

When she came downstairs, she found Tom smoking on the front step. Bess sat beside him and he passed her his cigarette. She placed it between her lips, Tom watching as she did. He didn’t comment on her dress, though admired it all the same. Her rosy face glowed in the low afternoon light and the smoke she exhaled cast a shadow around the plump lines of her face. Her long eyelashes were bare, as was the rest of her face. Youth exuded from every pore but, as always, her eyes were dark and focused. Bess seemed to have lived a million lives before she was given this one. When she passed back the cigarette, Tom suddenly remembered something. He laughed, and Bess gave him a sideways look.

“Who were you telling to piss off earlier?”

“Oh,” Bess smiled coyly. “Frank Smith popped round to tell Albie they’d be in the same regiment.”

“And get a good look at you, no doubt.” Bess shook her head and Tom continued, teasingly. “Him and Walter have been fighting over who can get a dance with you first.”

“I’d rather stick tacks in my eyes. “

“Don’t do that.” He said it seriously, as though Bess had actually been considering it. She turned her head to him and for the second time that day, she lost her breath. His blue eyes gazed into her dark ones, and he smiled. Not a smirk but a gentle, affectionate smile.

“Thanks, Bess.”

“What for?”

“Just, thank you.” He stood from their little perch on the front step and made his way to his own house. “I’ll see you later.”

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The trousers were done in no time, and thank goodness. When her sisters arrived home from the factory, Cora was beside herself with worry.

“I forgot to iron my dress,”

“I’ve done it-”

“And I haven’t even started dinner,”

“It’s all sorted Cora-”

“We’ve only ever danced, really. What if we have nothing in common?”

“No one’s expecting you to marry him-”

“Will you help me, Bess?”

“Of course I will, darling.”

From the bed, Dot watched her older sisters prepare Cora for the night ahead. She could remember watching their mother applying lipstick when Fergal took her to the picturehouse. As they grew older, Cora and Bess so reminded Dot of Etta and sometimes, if she closed her eyes, Dot could hear her in their voices.

Bess stood brushing out Cora’s curls while she finished her lipstick. She’d chosen a dress of Bess’ making; dark blue with a silver brocade. Velvet, of course. It was more form fitting than her usual style and showed her slender figure off to perfection. The gentleman, Robert, was to pick her from the Vaughns’ and take her to the picturehouse, followed by dinner. Downstairs, Fergal was waiting. None of them had spoken to their father when he got home, nor had he made the effort to speak to them. Someone knocked on the front door. Dot squeaked with excitement and ran downstairs. Bess kissed Cora’s head.

“You look beautiful, come.” She led her by the hand from the room and together they descended the stairs. Bess watched as Roger’s eyes widened at the sight of Cora, and smiled. He was just as nervous as her. Cora moved to stand next to him and whispered a hello. Albie must have let the man in as Fergal was still seated by the fire. When he stood, each of them fell silent. He moved towards Roger and held out a hand.

“Have her back by eleven.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And have this from me. For your drinks,” he passed Roger a bank note.

“Thank you, sir.” They shook hands, and Cora and Roger made for the door. They made a handsome couple, Bess thought. Before they left, Fergal spoke directly to Cora.

“Be careful, my girl. And have fun.” There was a sorrow in his voice, and Cora simply nodded before stepping into the night.

“I’m off too, Dadda,” Dot was pulling on her coat. “Mrs Mason’s got a late shift so I said I’d help with the children tonight.” Fergal nodded.

“And you, my girl?”

Bess shrugged. “You know me, Dadda. My company is my own. No one else will have me-”

“I am sorry, Bess. For the cruel things I said last ni-”

She didn’t want to hear it. “I know, Dadda.” There was a pause where neither spoke.

“Why not come for a drink with Albie and me? Hey?” She shook her head, knowing how important this time together was for him and his son.

“Ok,” he sighed. “I best go, or he’ll think I’ve forgotten him. Why not go and see the girls soon too?” He left her in the kitchen with a promise to be on best behaviour. Bess looked about the room. The only light came from the fire and the candlesticks on the piano. Tom’s trousers were folded on the kitchen tabletop. As she did on these evenings alone, she drifted toward the piano. She’d pop the trousers over tomorrow. Tom on her brain, she began playing Mack the Knife. When Bess was eleven, the Threepenny Opera premiered and one day, great aunt Iris came home with the sheet music. Together, they sat at the piano, Bess watching Iris’ hands caress the keys and joining in the easier sections. When they had finished playing, a small voice came from the open window.

“What’s that, Missus?” The roots of his cocky charm were already sprouting.

“That was Mack the Knife, Tom. All about a criminal,” said Iris. Tom had whistled lowly and run back to his home. To this day, when Bess heard it on the wireless, it reminded her of him. She played it lazily, mind wandering as her fingers adorned the notes with ornamentals.

“Thought I heard my song-”

Bess shrieked in surprise and jumped from the stool, clutching her chest. Tom doubled over with laughter at the sight of her.

“I’m sorry, Bess,” he huffed between laughs.

“Fuck,”

“I’m sorry!” He entered further into the kitchen and rubbed her shoulder, still chuckling. “I just came to get my trousers,”

“At nine o’clock!?”

“Yeah. And to listen to you.” Bess blushed. Thank God for the dim light. If he said anything, she could blame the flush on the fright. “Will you play a little more for me?” There was a distant look in his eyes.

“Are you ok, Tom?”

“Course I am,” he sat in the armchair and lit a cigarette. Bess watched him before getting back at to the piano. Mack the Knife, ‘Deed I Do, Summertime, April in Paris. She was just beginning Honeysuckle Rose when Tom whispered into the kitchen.

“I don’t know when I’ll hear you play again.”

Bess eyes didn’t move from the keys, but her fingers stopped. “Don’t say things like that.”

“Why not? They’re true.” Bess looked at him with shining eyes. His were unfocused, staring into the fire.

“Tom,” she whispered to him, and when he looked up, he saw her hand extended towards him. He moved from the armchair and took her hand in his. Bess shuffled along the piano stool and he sat beside her. “Let’s play together.”

Nudging her shoulder playfully, he rested his long fingers on the keys. He could only play one thing, the right-hand part of Joplin’s The Entertainer that Bess taught it to him years ago. Quite truthfully, he thought he was dreadful at it, but Bess never said. For Bess Vaughn, this was her favourite thing to play. Together they sat at the piano, giggling when Tom’s fingers slipped. Occasionally, their laughter would cause Bess to go wrong and, in turn, Tom to shout with glee. They played the jaunty tune on a loop, the ragtime raising their spirits and fending off the dread of the coming days.

On the street beyond the window of the Vaughns’ kitchen, Lois smiled.

✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼

The air was tense beneath the high rooftops of Manchester London Road. People drifted between billows of engine steam, ghosts of families torn apart. Boys in uniforms, young women in their best coats, fathers looking proud and mothers trying to hold back their tears, as though one sob would set off a chain reaction and turn the station into a melting pot of grief.

On platform two, the Vaughns were gathered around Albie; Cora straightening his uniform, Dot holding his hand, Bess clinging to her father’s arm. Other families bustled around them, hurrying soldiers onto trains and kissing them goodbye.

“You make sure you write, Albert Vaughn.” Cora said sternly. He only chuckled, shouldering his kitbag with excitement in his eyes.

“And tell us when you leave for France!” Dot’s eyes were watering. Albie enveloped her in a one-armed hug, and he brought the other to wrap around Cora. She kissed his cheek and let go, to be replaced by Bess. She pressed a hand to his chest and kissed the breast pocket of his jacket, beneath which sat the stitching of all their names.

“What was that?” Albie said, for Bess had murmured something into his chest. She looked up into the dark eyes that mirrored hers.

“Be safe,” she whispered.

“I’ll be home by Christmas,” he whispered back. A hand lay on Albie’s shoulder and they all turned to Fergal.

“Oh, dadda,” Dot sobbed as she took in his pale face and glassy eyes. Albie put out a hand to shake his father’s. In one swift motion, Fergal batted it away and swept his son into a crushing hug. It was too much. Panicked breaths ripped through Bess’ chest. She felt as though she were drowning. She couldn’t let Albie see her scared. He needed to go to war strong. What if her sadness seeped into him? She took the kitbag from his shoulder and stepped onto the train, placing it in the rack above his seat. Through the window, she could see Fergal still clutching at Albie, Cora stroking Dot’s hair. Once more, the sight made her shudder, and she turned way to hide her tears. What she saw through the opposite carriage window made her heart stop completely.

Tom Bennett, swinging his arms agitatedly by his side, was stood at platform one. He looked bored and ready for war. The uniform made him broader, taller, prouder. It was not his dress uniform, but a dark blue jumper, the same high waisted trousers and cap. His camel overcoat was pulled up at the collar, the hem cutting across the carved angle of his jaw. Lois appeared by his side with a brown bag of what looked like food for the journey, Douglas not far behind her. Tom smirked down at his sister and said something that made her hit his shoulder.

A whistle blew.

“Bess!” Cora held out a hand to help her jump from the train. Steam was pumping from the engine room and doors began slamming up and down the carriages.

“Don’t forget to write!” Dot called up to Albie as he took Bess’ place in the compartment.

“Yes, yes, yes-” He smiled down at them all. Slowly, and far too quickly, the train began moving from the station. Fergal gripped the hand Albie waved from the window and walked alongside his son. Cora followed, a hand on the back of their broken father. Dot broke into a run as it sped up. Bess remained still, watching her family splinter. The train left the station, turned the corner and existed in their world no longer. Cora slowly walked Fergal to the exit, Dot holding his hand. As they passed, Bess wrapped his scarf a little tighter around his neck; it had come undone in his effort to keep up with the train.

“Go ahead without me,” Bess whispered in Cora’s ear. “I’ll meet you at home in a bit.” Cora’s gentle face looked tormented by worry, her cheeks hollow, eyes gaunt, and she nodded solemnly to Bess. Who was she to question Bess’ manner of coping?

Bess watched her family leave the station as she took the stairs to platform one. As she grew closer to the Bennett’s she could hear Tom’s cocky voice above the chatter.

“Give over, Lois, it’s just basic training.” His sister had him wrapped tightly in her arms.

“Yes, and then you’ll be off to God knows where!”

“Make the most of the peace and quiet, Lois.” Bess joked lightly from behind them.

“Oi!”

“Bess,” Douglas touched the tip of his hat. She explained that they had seen off Albie, and that Cora and Dot were walking their father home. “I might pop by later,” Douglas said quietly, putting his own son’s kitbag on the train. She suddenly felt stupid, intruding on their last moments as a family untouched by the war, and Bess didn’t notice the glance Tom cast his sister, or that Lois had taken a few steps back from the pair. He took a step towards her, and felt himself shrink a little under her sad, serious gaze. Tom looked to Lois, but she was kindly glancing around the station, leaving him to say whatever he needed to Bess.

“You’ll get a bit of peace and quiet too, not have me keeping you up all night.”

“Tom Bennett, people will get the wrong idea!” Bess said lowly. His embarrassment dissolved as he winked at her, puffing out his chest and stepping just a little closer as she blushed. He put his hands out and held her shoulders.

“What are you doing?” she said.

“Getting a good look at you,” he smiled a lopsided smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “If I’m ever in a spot of bother I’ll close my eyes and think ‘What would Bess Vaughn do’?” He watched as her pupils dilated a fraction.

“You make me sound like a school matron,”

“Don’t pretend you wouldn’t love the power.” Bess tried to push him away at his impropriety, but he pulled her shoulders and embraced her. Cigarette smoke, coffee and sandalwood. Bess took a deep breath as she felt Tom’s hand rub her back and slide down her sides. He moved away and gripped the sides of her coat, pulling it round her front.

“You’ll get cold.”

“Come on, Tom,” Douglas said. “Get yourself settled.” They shook hands, and Bess saw Douglas wipe his eyes as Lois launched herself at her brother once again. She clung to his neck and kissed his cheek.

“Be safe and keep out of trouble! At least, trouble of your own making,” Tom saluted, making her laugh through her sniffles, and said his goodbyes.

“Ta-ra, Bess.” He was about to board the train when she gripped his arm and kissed his cheek, as Lois had done.

“See you soon,” Bess said. Tom winked and disappeared into the carriage. Just as Fergal did with Albie, Douglas walked alongside the train as it pulled away from Manchester and sped to Liverpool. Lois’ hand slipped into Bess’. A tear was falling down her round face, and Bess rubbed the back of her hand with her thumb.

“It’s Tom,” she tried to sound reassuring. “He’ll survive out of spite.”

Lois laughed. “The boy’s a stubborn one.”

It rained as Bess walked home with the Bennett’s, and she was glad of it. The sun would have been an awful afront to her feelings. The house was dark when she entered. Fergal was slumped in his armchair, and Bess thought he was fast asleep. When she rounded the table to walk upstairs, she saw he was staring wide-eyed into the fire.

“Douglas said he might pop over later, dadda.” He said nothing.

In the bedroom, Cora and Dot were cuddled under the duvet, and Cora wordlessly held back the blanket for Bess. She shrugged off her coat and lay it by their dresser, emptying its right pocket of her cigarette case and matches, the left of her small change…and an envelope?

Bess

The scrawl was untidy, the final letter a little smudged.

“Hurry up Bess, I’m freezing,”

Bess flipped over the envelope and withdrew the contents. A piece of paper, folded in half. Something else fluttered to the floor. Bending down to pick it up, Bess stilled. Tom Bennett was looking up at her from the floorboards. He wasn’t smiling in the photograph and, as always, his hands were in his pockets. It looked more like a mugshot than a portrait. The thought made Bess smile. She read the short letter.

Bess,

The photograph you asked for. Cost me a few bob so I expect compensation!

Write to me. Send letters with my name and the ship’s to the victualling department or the auxiliaries, we’ll get post when the ship resupplies. I can’t guarantee I’ll reply, don’t want Adolf knowing where we are! Don’t tell dad or Lois either. I’ve told them I’ll try to write, but you know, I’m useless at this sort of thing. Don’t want to let them down.

 In a few months we’ll all be down Belle Vue. Look after yourself,

Tom.

Bess flipped the note over, but there was nothing on the other side. Placing the photo of Tom inside the book on her bedside table, Bess slipped into bed with her sisters. Cora gripped her hand, and Bess reached across her for Dot.

“I love you.” Dot sniffled. “So much.” Cora squeezed her sisters tighter. Bess didn’t know how long they lay there, but when Cora and Dot drifted off, she slipped Tom’s photo out from the pages of her book and kissed his handsome face. “Keep them safe. Please.”

✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼　 　✼

Note: Angst is coming, angst is coming. There are some unexpected friendships coming up, yearning and a deeper look into Tom’s experience at sea in the next few chapters. See you soon!

Also! If there’s anything you would like to happen, or any predictions, send me a message! I love hearing them 😊

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[t-h-i-n-g]

Hi! I saw that requests were open, so I hope you don't mind me sending one in!

Can I request Zuko with a s/o who used to be a Kyoshi Warrior, but joined the Gang after they went to Kyoshi Island the first time? Preferably taking place during book 2 or 3 when he starts his change, but I don't mind whenever you choose to set the story.

Thank you for reading my request, have a good day!

Till Next Time

(gif credits not mine credits to owner)

a/n: Hello! Thanks so much for requesting, I hope it's okay I got a little sad with this. Not my best writing so sorry if this isn't what you were looking for I might have gotten away a little with it. 

summary: being a (now past) Kyoshi warrior you went with the Gang when Suki couldn’t. you get separated from them in the earth kingdom. while there you come across Zuko and take the time to properly know him till you reunite with the others.

word count: 2k

warnings: little angst, sad ending, bad writing, if i missed any let me know!!

atla masterlist  m.masterlist

When you first met the group of individuals that would be later known as the Gaang, you were skeptical. I mean who wouldn’t be? One was a bald kid who stated he knew Avatar Kyoshi, the other had a sexist mouth, and the last one… well she was fine you guess. Then when the kid claimed to be the Avatar? Ha, wow sure this child was a hundred years old. You ended up eating your words in the end as he was an air bender thus proving he was indeed the Avatar. The group was then welcomed and pampered. Given food, shelter, and the sexist loud mouth, known now as Sokka, was given some training lessons as well as a boot off his high horse. However, the comfort didn’t last long.

Word spread throughout the nations that the Avatar had returned and was residing on Kyoshi island. Chaos followed as the fire nation came. Burning down your village and the people in it. With a hasty decision Suki told you to go with the group to help them escape. They needed all the protection they could get and with you being one of the top warriors on the island you were the best bet. Not wanting to disobey Suki’s orders, you went with them.

You learned that it was Prince Zuko of the fire nation was the one who caused the attack to happen. And with that new knowledge a fire burned within you as well. Full of hate and resentment. The months that followed only fueled the fire. Dealing with Zuko’s onslaught relentlessly without a proper break. Though with time the aggression from him died out and he seemingly vanished. For a little while at least, as your visit to Ba Sing Se was cut short. You were separated from your group and stranded in the Earth Kingdom. That was when you stumbled into an all too familiar face.

Iroh. He invited you into his new home, giving you the best tea you’ve ever had in your life. You had a sliver of hope that Zuko wasn’t with him even though there were two beds. Maybe he was hoping for the guest? Or how both bed’s weren’t properly made. He didn’t have time to properly set it up yet? And for the fact when you sat down you saw two plates that have been previously set down with breakfast on them seemingly still warm.

What was really the kicker was when, you know who, strolled right in. Instantly he went into a defensive stance, while you placed your head in your hands while Iroh shushed him and tried to calm him down telling him you were a guest. And how he was acting was nowhere to treat a guest.

“What is she doing here?” Zuko practically shouted.

“Do you not have an inside voice,” you remarked. Rolling your eyes you rose, noting how he stiffened once again, letting out a huff of laughter. You grabbed your now empty cup and went to the sink to wash the dish. “I’m not gonna cause any trouble for the person who welcomed me to their residence.”

“Uncle!”

“What?” Iroh groaned, already sick of the arguing. He moved past Zuko to show you where the sponge was. You accepted it with a smile and went back to washing. All the while Zuko stood there, jaw slacked. Exasperated by the fact you were even here. He would have to grow used to it. Well, that was until you somehow found a way to get back to the Gaang. For now this was where you were to reside. What was Zuko gonna do? Pout to Iroh how he didn’t like you here? It’s not like you enjoyed it either, but what else could you do? You were lost in a place where you didn’t know anyone and didn’t have any resources with that.

Over the following days Zuko did indeed get used to it. As did you… kinda. I mean this guy burned down your home. How were you not going to keep a knife under your pillow? Iroh and you really only conversed. Him trying to include Zuko in the conversation. Followed by you saying a condescending statement. For example,

“You noticed those beautiful vases out front this morning didn’t you, Zuko?” Iroh asked, trying to coxe him into speaking.

“How could he?” you spoke before he had the chance, ”He’s been cooped up in here all day. What did you even accomplish today, Zuko? Besides not doing the dishes or sweeping or anything useful for that matter.” Zuko dropped his utensil in his bowl of ramen he was previously eating, turning to you with a sour expression. You swirled your noodles as you looked at him with a cheeky smile. Your chin propped in your palm waiting for a reaction while Iroh scolded you, stating that Zuko did put his dishes in the sink, not being completely useless. 

Zuko glanced over you for a moment, before deciding to turn back to his dish and eat quietly. Your smile faltered. Taking in how his brows were furrowed and he lightly bit his lip. A calmer, but questioning demeanor talking over his features. Silence took over the room. That was until Iroh started up another topic. Something about how a cat took a tea bag from him this morning. You weren’t really paying attention, stuck in your own thought.

From then on things seemed to have changed. No more snarky comments from you at dinner or him silently glaring at you whenever you entered the room. Instead more subtle actions that spoke somewhat of the quiet alliance you formed. He would dry dishes that you cleaned. Hands brushing against each other every so often. Quick glances at one another when everyone was sitting at the table to eat. Wishing each other a good morning or night as well.

You began to notice the little things about him. How he bit his lip to ponder things, brushing a hand through his hair when he grew frustrated, in the morning he would sit on the side of his bed for a while before deciding to properly get up. You also noticed the not so little things such as him sneaking out at night and not returning till early mornings.

Over the span of a few days the silent alliance grew more vocal. You asked him if he needed any help carrying things back from the local market. Him bringing up random occasions of Iroh being a dork. There were still moments of silence, but they were more bearable. Like the time you found him sitting on a bench outside as the sun was setting. You sat next to him taking in the sun's receding warmth. You would say that was the moment you truly saw Zuko in a different light. Physically and internally. You gazed in his direction as the warm beams of light cascaded across his face. He was truly relaxed. Eyes lidded as he stared into the horizon. You brought your knees to your chest, resting your head on them as you continued to look at him. Zuko turned his head to meet your eyes. He quirked a brow at you in question. You searched in your mind for the right thing to say.

“You're really pretty when you don’t look like you have a stick up your butt,” you mumbled eyes once again going over his features. He huffed in amusement, raising his eyebrows.

“Wow, really?” he spoke in a soft voice, “‘Cause if I can remember, you called me a horse’s ass looking daddy’s boy during our first conversation.” You let out a loud laugh.

“Oh my god. I completely forgot about that,” you said in a fit of giggles. He chuckled as well.

“Well it obviously like I didn’t. Being resembled to a horse’s ass kinda sticks with you, yknow?” Once you calmed down, you continued to quietly admire him. Watching as the last glimpse of sun fell from his face. Giving him a light smile which he returned.

The following day Iroh was pleasantly surprised to find Zuko up early as well as sitting with you, conversing quietly. Later on he saw you both sitting on Zuko’s bed. You showing him a certain book you bought from the store next door. Explaining what the plot was about and how one of the characters was ticking you off. Zuko watched as you waved your hands around, your face lighting up as you got more excited about the topic.

From doing chores together to just talking it seemed that you both just couldn't get enough of each other. After some time of getting to know each other properly, you opened up to him. Explaining how it hurt to leave your fellow Kyoshi warriors to help Aang but you knew that Aang, Katara, and Sokka needed your help. As well as the fact you didn’t know where they were made you worry constantly. Zuko took in everything you said, apologizing for his actions in the past. Telling you he acted too drastically and wasn’t thinking about the people around him at the time. You took his hands in yours, squeezing them lightly. You explained to him that you could forgive but not forget. The fact he recognized his mistakes was more than enough for you to accept him.

At the time Zuko didn’t tell you he was looking for Appa as a way to lure Aang to him, instead he relishing in the fact he had someone who didn’t completely think he was a some reckless person who only wanted to cause terror to everyone he comes in contact. In that moment he felt completely content. With you, where he was at, and who he could be. 

He kissed you and you didn’t pull away.

However, those untroubled feelings didn’t last long. During that night you followed after Zuko, having had enough of wondering where the hell he was going every night. From your past experiences you knew enough to not get caught. You revealed yourself however when he found himself where Long Feng had kept Appa. Zuko took his leash and began to take him away. You approached Zuko quickly when realizing his intentions were not pure.

“Zuko!” you called out to him, slightly exasperated by his actions, “What the hell are you doing?” you questioned pulling the leash from his grasp. He seemingly froze before going to grab the leash back. You held a hand out to separate the two of you, landing it on his chest. Tears slowly welled in your eyes as the realization set in, “What the hell are you doing?” you repeated, the frustration and anger in your tone was evident. Taking the bottom of his mask in your hand you pulled. Making it come undone as his face appeared. Eyes wide and lips closed.

“The avatar I need- for father-” he tried to explain himself.

“Really, Zuko? Your father? You're doing this for the guy who ruined your childhood and sent you away to fend for yourself? Leaving a boy with an army to lead. That man doesn’t seem like a father to me. You know this isn’t the right choice, Zuko. After everything we talked about, what we went through. You have to know that this isn’t what needs to be done,” you told him, searching in his eyes for some understanding. 

He was fighting himself. Would he choose to do what was morally right or would he decide that greed and wanting to be back to his first home get the best of him. Or maybe he would do it for you. He never understood how what he felt for you came to him so fast. How it came so easy to talk to you and that it was you he always came to for anything… Well almost everything. His thoughts were too jumbled; he didn't know what to think. So, you helped him make the decision for him.

“Do this and everything I said about you before is true,” you stated, “That it’s true you're just a selfish, immature, reckless, little boy who only ever thinks about what will happen to him now rather than what will become of him in the future. Walk away Zuko or it’s all true.” His eyes were burning into yours. A moment of silence passed over the both of you. Then, he stepped back. You sighed shakily before taking a step towards him and connecting your lips with his. A tear falling down your cheek. You pulled away, giving him a watery smile. “Till next time,” you said softly.

And, you left. Taking away any chance he saw of ever going back home and of ever being with you.

That’s what he saw at least.