#I have a migraine today and sure enough she is HERE for the snuggles | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

inevitably-johnlocked · 3 years

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((my account is @mymiddlenameslove tumblr is still being weird lol)) do you have any fics where john and sherlock hold hands for the first time? i just love the build up/panic that leads to some good fluff thank you (*´∇｀*)

Hi Lovely!!!

Bah, sorry about Tumblr being dumb!!!!

What a fun fic req!! I know for SURE I’ve missed a lot, so these are either fics I remember have hand-holding, are tagged with it, or I’ve just re-read and found it in there :D Hope you Enjoy!!

HAND HOLDING / for COMFORT

The Four Incidents by TheGirlWithRedHair22 (K+, 1,064 w., 1 Ch. || S1 Compliant, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, John Whump, Accident, John POV, Hand Holding, Worried Sherlock, Sherlock’s Self Esteem) – The first time John was present when someone insulted Sherlock, he brushed it off as a strange coincidence.

Peacock by ClassyGirlsWearPearls (T, 1,189 w., 1 Ch. || Romance, Cranky Sherlock, Soft John, Hand Holding, Soft Sherlock) – A study in Sherlock and John.

Here to Stay by MockJayPhoenix12 (K, 1,574 w., 1 Ch. || Post Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Headache, Bed Sharing, Care Taker Sherlock, Hand Holding, Fluff) – On Sherlock's first day home, John wakes with a migraine.

Random Numbers by songlin (T, 1,671 w., 1 Ch. || Ace Sherlock / Straight John, Cuddling / Snuggling, Massage, Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Post-TRF, Slice of Life) – A collection of moments in the relationship of asexual!Sherlock and straight!John.

Giveaway Fic #9 - Angsty Sick Fic/Sherlock is Sick by ConsultingPurplePants (T, 1,734 w., 1 Ch. || Sick Fic, Hypothermia) – The next time he awakens is even more chaotic. Two doctors are shouting at each other in the corner, and John is holding his hand so tightly Sherlock is worried he’ll break it. Part 9 of 1000 Tumblr Followers Giveaway Fics

Once is Enough by Jominerva (T, 3,030 w., 1 Ch. || Love Confessions, Domestic Fluff, Whump) – Just as the earth rises to meet the sun at every mountain crest, John reaches out for Sherlock and takes his hand in his own."Tell me it won't end like this," he says, blue eyes holding grey while he laces their fingers together. Sherlock lets out a shaky laugh and shakes his head. "I wish I could."

holding steady by darcylindbergh (E, 12,724 w., 4 Ch. || Post S4, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Growing Old, Gone Fishing, Mood without Plot, Soft Sherlock, Caring Sherlock, POV John Third Person, Anxious Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Touching, Feeling Old, Sherlock Worship, Crying Sherlock, Cuddles, Comforting, Introspection, Retirement, Hand Holding, Forehead Kisses, Caring John, Bed Sharing, Emotional Love Making) – Sitting on a thick wool blanket at the end of a rickety dock side-by-side, legs dangling over the edge, a styrofoam container of wet, dark dirt between them, they’re fishing. John knows what this is about. This is about finally figuring it out.

A Gossamer Dream by CarmillaCarmine (E, 15,985 w., 4 Ch. || Writer/Teacher AU || First Meetings, Friends to Lovers, Writer John / Teacher Sherlock, Fluff, London, Holding Hands, Online Friendship / Romance, Phone Sex, Anal Sex, Happy Ending, Alternating POV, Scottish John, Online Relationship, Internalized Homophobia, Hand Holding, Forehead Touching, First Kiss/Time, Texting/Sexting, Rimming, Toplock, Sherlock Speaks French) – Sherlock had never realised one could care so much about someone they'd never met in person. Now he is about to meet the friend with whom he's been chatting online for months and his anticipation is reaching a crescendo.

How To Unfold a Heart by elwinglyre (E, 25,477 w., 7 Ch. || Post S4 Fix It, BAMF John, Mentioned Eurus, POV First Person Sherlock, Case Fic, Fluff, Slow Burn Topping from the Bottom, 3 Yr Old Rosie, Introspection, Sexual Fantasies, John Worship, Ogling, Hand Holding, Kidnapping, Domesticity, Sherlock Whump, First Kiss/Time, Doctor John, Caring John, Soft Sherlock, Sensuality, Touching, Crying, Love Confessions, Anxious Sherlock, Rimming, Toplock, Fingering, Bossy Bottom John) – To Sherlock’s dismay, John’s return to Baker Street with Rosie is only temporary. Sherlock’s daily visits to Regent Park with John and Rosie illuminate his lost childhood memories and missed opportunities. But with each trip to the park, Sherlock also feels a growing sense of hope. That is until the past horrors return unexpectedly in a cryptic note folded in the shape of a heart. To decipher the message, Sherlock must uncover the nature of the hearts around him, including his own.

Insanity in the Middle by DotyTakeThisDown (E, 28,010 w., 8 Ch. || Equestrian Sports AU || Alternate First Meeting, POV John, Pining John, Bottomlock, Clueless Sherlock, First Kiss/Time, Passionate Kisses, Hand Holding, Caught Making Out, Bed Sharing, Spooning, Blow Job) – John is a world-class eventing rider with a gold medal and several four-star wins to his credit, but he's never won at Rolex. Sherlock is an up-and-coming rider taking the sport by storm.

Lucifer's Gardens by ampersand_ch (E, 32,679 w., 12 Ch. || GERMAN VERSION || Romance, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Murder, Poison / Drugging, Mystery, John Undercover, Academic Club, Therapy, Rituals, Jungian Archetypes, Doctors & Physicians, Grief/Mourning, Esotericism, Hospitals, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, John Falls In Love With Another Man, Jealous Sherlock, Crying, Doctor John, Hand Holding, First Kiss/Time, Mysticism, Hugging, Touching) – John goes undercover for an investigation as a favour to Lestrade in a village in Suffolk. The events surrounding the case awaken deep-seated fears in Sherlock. While John begins to come to a realisation of what he needs in Lucifer's Gardens, Sherlock tries to find a way to reach John – in more ways than one.

A Promise Made to Be Broken by PlantsAreNeat (E, 37,018 w., 7 Ch. || Fake Relationship, Pining, Slow Burn, RST, Eventual Relationship, POV Sherlock) – A young John makes an ‘if we’re still single at 40, we’ll get together’ pledge to a woman who ends up all wrong for him. She keeps reminding him of the promise, and won’t let go of it. John asks Sherlock to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding, so as to dash her hopes permanently. Sherlock, who has at last acknowledged his feelings for John, reluctantly agrees despite knowing how painful it will be to ‘have’ John, but not keep him.

A Love with No Name Series by aceofhearts61 (G to M, 49,955 w. across 20 stories || Asexual Sherlock / Straight John, Est. Rel, Queerplatonic Relationship, Romance, Cuddling, Fluff, Platonic Romance, Domestics, Rape/Non-Con) – In which Asexual!Sherlock and Straight!John are platonically in love life partners.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by SilentAuror (E, 50,635 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4/S4 Divergence, Case Fic, For a Case / Reverse Fake-Relationship, Conferences, Marriage Equality, Travelling / New York, Pride, Homophobia, Bottomlock, Marriage Proposal, John POV, Sexuality, Love Confessions, Emotional Love Making, Public Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Passionate Kissing, Needy/Clingy Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Touching / Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Little Spoon Sherlock, Intense Orgasms) – John and Sherlock go to New York to attend a conference run by the National Defence of Traditional Marriage Coalition in order to investigate the potential bombing of the annual Manhattan Pride parade. As the conference unfolds, John finds himself repulsed by the toxic ideology being presented, which becomes relevent to his own unacknowledged issues and his friendship with Sherlock...

Repairing the Broken Things by BakerTumblings (M, 75,252 w., 15 Ch. || S4 Compliant, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Trauma, Hospitals, Big Brother Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Realizations, Severe Accident, John Whump, Pneumonia, Medical Procedures, Bed Sharing, First Time, Healing, Happy Ending) – "I'm calling today to notify you that there's been an accident."

Not Broken, Just Bent by Schmiezi (E, 87,585 w., 43 Ch. || Pining, Love Confessions, Rape/Sexual Assault, Torture, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Villain!Mary, Suicidal Ideations, Main Character Death, Sherlock First Person POV, Parentlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Love Making, Possessiveness, Depression, PTSD, Kidnapping, Virgin Sherlock, Eventual Happy Ending) – "For a second, I allow myself to remember teaching John how to waltz. There is a special room in my mind palace for it. A big one, with a proper parquet dance floor. For a second, I go there. I remember holding him, closer than the World Dance Council asks for, excusing it with the fact that we are training for a wedding, not for a competition. For a second, I feel his hand on mine again, smell his sweat, hear the song we used. For a second, I allow myself to love him deeply. For a second, only a second, that love reflects on my face." Fix-it for S3, starting at the end of TSoT. Evil Mary.

Northwest Passage by Kryptaria (E, 95,157 w., 27 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Canadian AU || BAMF!John, Canadian John, PTSD, Anal / Oral Sex, Rimming, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Drug Rehab, Falling in Love, Pining Sherlock, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Violin, Panic Attacks, Switching, Anxious / Protective Sherlock, Hugs for Comfort, Suicide Mentions, Healing Each Other) – Seven years ago, Captain John Watson of the Canadian Forces Medical Service withdrew from society, seeking a simple, isolated life in the distant northern wilderness of Canada. Though he survives from one day to the next, he doesn't truly live until someone from his dark past calls in a favor and turns his world upside-down with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes." Part 1 of Tales from the Northwest

The Lost Special: Family Matters (As Do Relationships) by ShirleyCarlton (M, 144,688 w., 40 Ch. || S4 Fix It Fic / Meta Fic, Unreliable Narrator, John’s Mind Bungalow, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending, Demisexual Sherlock, Holmes Family, John Whump, Gay Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Drug Addiction, Parenting, TFP is a Nightmare, Virgin Sherlock, Slow Burn, Minor Character Death, Switchlock, John’s Past, Sherlock’s Past, Eurus, Love Confessions) – Sherrinford is not really the name of some high security prison. That was just a figment of John’s frantic coma dream. And Eurus is not actually Sherlock’s sister. That’s just something random she said to John before shooting him. Sherlock and John were never actually estranged. That was just their act to cover up what really happened to Mary – or Rosamund Moran, as her real name has turned out to be. Sherlock does have a secret sibling, though, and his name is Sherrinford. After finally eliminating Moran – though in a rather dramatically different way than they had envisioned – and exposing the truth about Eurus, John encourages Sherlock to delve into his past and to find out whether the reasons to keep Sherrinford away from Sherlock were the right ones, and to discover what really happened in 1981. Along the way, Sherlock and John gradually, finally, stop keeping each other at a distance, and eventually become a proper family of their own.

Against the Rest of the World by SilentAuror (E, 151,714 w., 20 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Hiatus Fic, POV First Person Sherlock, Present Tense, First Kiss/Time, Big Brother Mycroft, Escaping from Capture, Soft Sherlock, Toplock, Insecurity, Infidelity, Travelling, Introspection, Pining Sherlock, Depression, Fantasies, Yearning for the Past, PTSD Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation) – Sherlock has been away from London for nine hundred and twelve days and counting, and has no idea what sort of reception to expect when he finally returns.

Unkissed Series by 221b_hound (T to E, 184,100 w. across 45 works || Established Relationship, Ace Sherlock) – Sherlock returned from the dead a year ago. John returned to Baker Street six months ago. They've been in a couple since then. or at least, not NOT a couple. For two smart men, they sure can be dumb. Luckily, an art thief tries to drown Sherlock, Sherlock has a fever dream and things are about to change.

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #holding hands #fluff fics #my fic recs #Anonymous

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sparklingichigo · 3 years

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OVA III - Beel's courting

A/N: This chapter is inspired by a headcanon made by @diavolosthots you can find the actual writing here!

This happens during the times where Beel and Ichigo are not together yet. It was the time where Beel finally realized that he genuinely likes Ichigo and wants to pursue her. Of course, it wouldn't be easy since this girl is friendly and kind to everyone, even him. It's to the point that's he's confused if she's flirting or just being nice to him.

Belphie: So you like-like her?

Beel: I do, but I do need some advice from you since she's actually friendly to everyone :(

Belphie: I think it is safe to pursue her since she's a single pringle.

Beel: True...

Belphie: You can do it Beel! I believe in you!

Beel: Thanks a lot, Belphie!

After talking to Belphie, Beel tells the other brothers that he's about to enter that phase, just if anything he said would be harmful and so that they won't disturb him during such phase.

With that, the courting phase begins. From the looks of it, Ichigo notices that Beel always appears in the same places as her. When she gets out from magic class with Solomon, Beel is waiting for her outside her classroom. It was unfortunate that Beel has a different schedule from her despite having the same exact major.

Solomon: Oh, Hey, Beel!

Beel: Hey, Solomon^^

Ichigo: Beel!! [runs to give him a hug]

Beel: O-oh hey ^^

Ichigo: Did you come to get me? Am I invited to your taste trip again?

Beel: Yeah, I actually want to take you out for lunch today. I know you like exploring Devildom's food, right?

Ichigo: I do! It's interesting actually^^

Solomon: Well, I'll get going. Have fun, you two.

Ichigo: Bye, Monsolo!!

As soon as Solomon leaves, the two go to the restaurant that Beel wants to take her to. It's called Devil's chicken. Devil's chicken just opened days ago, and it seems to be a really famous chicken restaurant in devildom.

Ichigo: These are actually good! I like it!

Beel: You do?

Ichigo: Yeah, I'll give it a 5/5!

Beel responds with a smile listening to her remarks. He's already whipped since day one, especially after Ichigo saved him and Luke from Lucifer's wrath. That's where he starts to admire her. Sure, at first he thinks she's just a delicious meal, now she's not only a delicious meal, but she's also something more. Plus, he admits that Ichigo is good-looking, Asmo has stated, but he hasn't paid any attention until they stayed together in his room. That's when he starts getting attracted to her!

Ichigo: Beel?

Beel: Yeah?

Ichigo: You're blanking out... are you okay?

Beel: Yeah. Oh, there's something on your face

Ichigo: Hm? What is it?

Beel: Here, let me help.

Beel helps Ichigo get rid of the chicken crumbs on her face as the pink-haired girl smiles shyly at this action. Ichigo herself does find Beel attractive because who wouldn't be attracted to that handsome face, tall body, and- *cough* friendly nature.

Anyways, the more they got closer, the clingier Beel got. Luckily it doesn't bother Ichigo since she has some space to herself as well. But it gets a bit troublesome when Beel reaches the next phase, the protective phase. How do we explain this? This man has always been protective, but this time it's troublesome because he actually replaces Mammon as Ichigo's study partner and actually the one taking her to school.

Mammon: Wait! Beel! Hold up!! [chasing after them]

Beel: It's okay, Mammon. I'll be the one taking her. Besides, you have a different major, right?

Mammon: Well...yeah, but still! Lucifer might kill me!

Beel: He won't. I'll explain to him. Don't worry!

Mammon: Alright then... be careful, human!

Ichigo: Don't worry! Beel is a good protector~

Mammon: Shut it! I'm literally your first!

Ichigo: Yeah, yeah~

Another time, Beel actually hangs out inside Ichigo's room, more often confusing everyone. Not only that, they all get glares and growls from this man just because they're entering Ichigo's room except for Haruka since it's her room too. The first victim is Asmo since he wants Ichigo to model for him for another clothing line he's doing, but as soon as he opens the door....that man literally glares at him.

Asmo: [opens the door unannounced] Bestie~! Let's go! I need you for-

Beel: [glaring at Asmo]

Asmo: What's wrong?

Beel: Get out.

Asmo: Why should I?! Plus, Ichigo has promised that she'll model for me!

Beel: Get. Out!

Asmo:... oh my goodness! Are you in that phase?!

Beel: Asmo, please don't make me repeat it!

Asmo: Alright, okay! Understandable! Good luck, Beel!

The door slams close as the girl beside him glances at Beel confusedly.

Ichigo: What's wrong?

Beel: It's nothing. I'm just in a terrible mood...that's all

Ichigo: Oh, do you want to do something to cheer you up?

Beel: Having you near me is enough actually^^

Ichigo blushes a little by that statement, but she doesn't say a thing and just snuggles into Beel's hold once again. Yes, they're actually just laying down on her bed with a movie playing in front of them.

Another time, Satan wants to return a book to Ichigo because they've been exchanging them a lot. Once he opens the door, he finds Beel glaring at him. Satan, being the avatar of wrath, is clearly offended.

Satan: What?! Can I not return my book?!

Beel: Then make it quick.

Satan: What?!

Beel: Just put it there, and go!

Satan: excuse me?! Okay, first of all, you piece of sht, you've monopolizing her! I can't even exchange books freely with her because as soon as I did that, you dragged her away into what?! Some unimportant bullsht like this!

Beel: Satan, please don't-

Satan: And you know what?! Just because you're pursuing her doesn't give you the right to be an asshole!

Ichigo: Sa-Satan...calm down...it's okay....just put the book there...

Satan: Shut it, human! This is none of your business!

And that does it, f in the chatroom for Satan's cheek because Beel literally just punched him there.

Satan: Did you just punched me?! Oh! So that's how it is, huh?! Let's do this then! [demon form mode on]

Ichigo: Guys...there's no need to fight.....

Beel: Let's go then- [completely ignoring Ichigo's words]

Ichigo: Beel, get back here! The movie is still going!

Beel: But-

Ichigo: Please? [puppy eyes]

Beel instantly went soft and did what Ichigo told him. Satan rolls his eyes and places the book on Ichigo's table, and gets out of there. The next victim is Mammon, who walks in unannounced. Oh, boy, that's just worse.

Mammon: Hey, human! Guess what!

Beel: [glaring at him]

Mammon: What?!

Beel: [still doing that]

Ichigo: [points at the door awkwardly]

Mammon: Right...that horrible phase of courting....dang it! [exits the door]

Once Mammon exits the door, he sees Asmo and Satan giving him the "I told you so" look. It's not like he didn't believe them, but it's Beel! He's the kindest demon of them all. How could he scold his own siblings?

Satan: First of all, he did. Didn't you hear us shouting there?!

Mammon: You probably did something fatal to him!

Satan: I was just returning a book! How is that fatal?!

Asmo: And Ichigo has promised to model for me today! Now I have to postpone every single set in existence!

Satan: I'll just do this reasonably. Who here, when they have a crush on someone, would go overprotective?

Mammon: [is silent]

Asmo: Mammon, don't play this game with me. You are too protective for your own good!

Mammon: Fine... [raises his hand]

Satan: So am I, and I'm well aware of that [putting his hand up]

Asmo: I'm guessing Levi, Lucifer and Belphie is also part of that. I'm more on the flirty side, you know~

Satan: We know-

As the three of them discuss this, Haruka sees them, and she asks them what's going on out of curiosity.

Satan: [sigh] That friend of yours is stuck in that room with Beel! He won't even let us in, look! He even punched me!

Haruka: Perhaps you did something incredibly wrong?

Satan: How is returning my book wrong?!

Haruka: Why are you shouting at me?!

Satan: Because I'm still pissed?!

Asmo: Why are you guys getting loud?!

Satan and Haruka: SHUT IT!

Suddenly they hear Levi's door slam open with an angry avatar of envy right there.

Levi: What's with yall?! Why are you so loud in the middle of the night?!

Satan: None of your business, you, snake of a demon!

Levi: Okay...?

Asmo: [sigh] Beel has been scolding us for no reason and has been overly protective of Ichigo. When I say over, I mean OVERLY and UNREASONABLE!

Levi: I'm sure something you guys did may harm that girl. It ain't that big of a deal.

Asmo: It does! It does to my career!

Satan: ...it's not a big deal, but it still pisses me off because he dares to act like an asshole just because he likes someone.

Levi: Wait...

Satan: What?

Levi: BEEL LIKES ICHIGO?!

Mammon: You haven't noticed?!

Levi:...no?

Mammon: Do his acts not reminded you of every single romance show you watched?!

Levi: Sort- OMLD!

Another door was opened by an annoyed Lucifer, shouting at them to shut up because their loudness gave him a migraine.

Lucifer: Can you all keep it down?!

Satan: Well, blame your younger brother then!

Lucifer: ???

Belphie: zzz.....Beel is in the courting phase....zzz...

Lucifer facepalms at this, but it's best not to disturb him since Beel is on his courting phase. It might create more problems, so Lucifer doesn't bother confronting that gluttony of a demon and just goes back to his office.

Haruka: Are you sure he literally did not let anyone in?

Asmo: Solomon once got smacked by a pillow when he was trying to return something.

Haruka: Really?

Asmo: Yeah, I'd probably justify it if it's out of shock. But nope, Beel actually goes to that portal and Smacks Solomon's head as soon as it pops up.

Haruka: Wow, he's not only protective but violent as well?

Satan: Yes, yes he is [sigh]

Without hesitation, Haruka goes to her room. Of course, the brothers try to stop her out of concern, but Haruka doesn't listen to them because it's her room too.

Haruka: [knocking on the door] Ichigo, you there?

Ichigo: Yep! Right here! Beel is with me too!

Haruka: Can I come in?

Haruka waits for the answer until she hears the door unlock and Beel's voice answering her.

Beel: Yes, you can.

Haruka: Oh, Thank God- [entering the room] oh! You guys are watching a movie?

Beel: Yeah!

Ichigo: Do you want to join us?

Haruka : If Beel allows me^^

Beel was a bit hesitant about this idea, but he lets her watch the movie with them. Meanwhile, in Lucifer's office, the rest of the brothers (namely Mammon, Satan, and Asmo) complain about Beel's attitude causing the eldest to slam his desk to shut them up.

Lucifer: Then don't disturb him!

Satan: What?! Okay, first off, just because you're pursuing someone doesn't mean you should be an asshole to others!

Lucifer: Don't play this game with me, Satan. You know well that this phase isn't something he can't control!

Satan: Oh? So we're talking self-control, huh?! How about you control that pride of yours, huh?!

Asmo and Mammon gasp at Satan's comment because, oh wow, this is getting personal. Lucifer glares at his brother/son while Satan looks as smug as ever.

Lucifer: Mammon, Asmo, take him out of my office.

Mammon: Will do-

Asmo: Okay-

The two brothers dragged Satan away from the office, leaving Lucifer sighing and thinks he might need something to relieve his stress.

About the phase, there's something odd about it. Because Beel surprisingly allows the angels to meet Ichigo! The target of his pursue! One time, Simeon and Luke both visit because Simeon needs to meet Haruka and Luke wants to meet Ichigo to share food together.

Beel: Oh well, Haruka is in her room with Ichigo.

Luke: Ooh! Is she busy?

Beel: Not really^^ [sniffs the air] Oh, those smell good-

Luke: No! [puts the basket away] These are for Ichigo! >:(

Beel: Alright, alright^^ [pats Luke]

The other brothers witnessing this are confused. Why is Beel allowing the angels in?!

Satan: Are you for real?!

Asmo: I'm so confused-

Mammon: He let them in, and he's friendly with them?!

Satan: That doesn't make sense! We're all men, and we can't enter her room yet when it's Simeon and Luke they can?!

Asmo: That's so unfair!

As Beel takes them into the room, the chaotic trio (yes, Satan is now as chaotic due to his rage) chases after him. The three of them basically trying to enter.

Satan: Beel! Open up! This doesn't make any sense! You're allowing them in, but we can't?!

Asmo: Bestie, Ichigo? Can I come in? I won't do much. Cross my heart!

Mammon: Heh! Courting phase, my ass! You're just monopolizing her for your own benefit!

Haruka, who is also inside, is concerned because THEIR DOOR IS ABOUT TO BREAK FOR THE NTH TIME!

Haruka: That door is going to break! We need someone to stop it

Simeon: ... I didn't know your phase would go this bad, Beel...

Beel: I told them I'd be in my courting phase, and I even apologized beforehand for my actions, but here we are...

Ichigo: You're in a what-

Luke: What even is going on? What phase? Why am I here?

Beel: No-nothing! I'm just-

Haruka: [sigh] Whatever, we need someone to prevent the door from breaking apart. The last time that broke was because SOMEONE is too SENSITIVE of his FOOD!

Beel: Can we stop talking about that... it's been months!

Haruka: Just stop that! I don't want my door breaking out again!

Beel: Fine-

Ichigo: Wait, no-

Haruka: ??? Our door is going to break, and you still hesitate?!

Ichigo: I know what to do- [calls Lucifer]

With that, Ichigo calls Lucifer to help them with the door. Lucifer sighs for the nth time. How many times does he need to deal with this?!

Lucifer: For the last time! STOP BOTHERING HIM!

Satan: It isn't fair! He even lets Simeon and Luke in!

Lucifer: They're angels-

Satan: Yeah? Tell that to Solomon, who got smack by him because he's trying to return something.

Lucifer: Solomon is suspicious, and I'm sort of proud he did that. Now get off the door before I use physical force on you.

Asmo: But-

Lucifer: NOW!

Asmo and Mammon back away while Satan scoffs and just leans on the door. We have no idea why he's so persistent. Either he's into one of the girls, or he just wants to piss Lucifer off.

Lucifer: [sigh] Fine, physical force it is. [drags Satan by force]

Satan: What the?! Let go! Hey! LET GO!!

Lucifer: I TOLD YOU TO BACK AWAY BUT YOU DIDN'T!

Satan: This is none of your business!

Lucifer: Clearly is, Beel's my brother, and obviously, our honored guest needs my help.

Satan: Just let go of me, you prideful prick!

Back inside, the rest are listening to the chaos out there. They did hear Lucifer scolding them but finally, it's silent.

Haruka: Oh God, finally!

Beel: Finally, indeed...

Ichigo: Can someone just tell me what's going on?!

Beel: I can't.... not now, at least...

Ichigo: Why not?! Beel, I don't know how the demon system works, sure, but you have to be honest with me!

Beel: If I tell you.... it would just fail. Can you please trust me on this? This is not a bad thing, okay...

Ichigo: Not a bad thing?! You're literally keeping me away from your brothers! Are you sure this isn't a bad thing?!

Luke: ?? Why are they fighting??

Simeon: I'm not sure.... let's just leave them...

Haruka: I think that's a good idea... sure, let's do that...

Days have passed, and Ichigo is still a bit salty about this. Because clearly, Beel has gone a bit overprotective for his own good. Even when she's hanging out with Belphie, that man would literally growl at his own twin. I repeat, his OWN TWIN BROTHER! Even the youngest groans in frustration hearing him.

Belphie: Beel! This is my room! Come on!

Beel: Fine....just don't come near her. [actually keeps Ichigo close]

Belphie: I won't! Chill out, twin bro!

Beel: Okay...

Ichigo: What's happening? Why are you still like this?!

Beel:...

Belphie: He's in-

Beel: [glares at Belphie]

Belphie: Well, alright then- :))

The last case is when Lucifer calls Ichigo into his office. Beel is hesitant to let her leave, but this is Lucifer, so he has to. Once she's there, it turns out that Lucifer found out about Beel's actions and asked about them.

Lucifer: So, I heard Beel is on another phase, is he?

Ichigo: A phase? What phase?

Lucifer: A phase where he turns into an overprotective demon.

Ichigo: That's true... I'm not sure why, though.

Lucifer: Of course not. You're not a demon, Ichigo. You have 0 idea how the system works.

Ichigo: True...

Lucifer: He's actually on his courting phase.

Ichigo: Courting phase?

Lucifer: Yes, just like in the human world. He's courting you.

Ichigo: ...what?!

Lucifer: I'm not surprised. Honestly, he's already whipped. But here's the issue with that behavior. He'll most likely abandon his tasks for you or the other way around, pulling you away from your tasks. Now we don't want that don't we?

Ichigo: Certainly not, sir-

Lucifer: Indeed. I'm not sure when it'll end, but you need to catch up on your tasks and your report soon once that phase ends.

Ichigo: Of course

Jokes on you all, there's more. Because that one time, Ichigo, Haruka, and Levi are watching TSL. Levi even invited Simeon and Solomon to watch with them. Ichigo is so engorged in that movie that she didn't realize Beel has joined them.

Simeon: Oh hey, Beel! You're here to join us?

Beel: Yep^^

Levi: Probably here for the snack. Here, have them. [gives Beel popcorns]

Beel: Thanks a lot, Levi!

The movie went on as the TSL fans (Levi and Solomon) focused on the film. Haruka and Ichigo are not big fans, but they must admit it's a good movie. Suddenly, Ichigo feels a head on her shoulder. She turns her head to the right and finds Beel leaning on her shoulder. He's even nuzzling on her neck.

Ichigo: Beel, that tickles- [tries not to laugh]

Beel: Oh...can I still lean on you?

Ichigo: Sure, that's okay^^

Beel: Thanks, you're really cozy [gives her a slight ruffle on her hair]

Ichigo: Hey! You're going to ruin it!

Beel: No, I didn't!

The others stare at them, yes, even Levi because these two are kinda loud. Levi rolls his eyes and scolds them for talking during a movie.

Levi: Can you two normies take the flirting somewhere else?!

Beel:... :(

Ichigo: Sorry Levi- ;-;

Haruka: Don't mind them, Levi. We can still watch the movie.

Levi: Fine...

Solomon holds down his laughter because he can clearly see these two are pinning. The way Beel clings to her and how Ichigo reacts to it, that's quite obvious to this sorcerer. Haruka also notices, which is why she justifies their action. They're in love; let them be!

Now back to the movie, they all watch it silently this time, but because of how late they're watching, Ichigo turns sleepy and accidentally sleeps on the couch. Everyone looks back and sees the pink-haired girl asleep with a blanket on top of her, hugging her water bottle. Levi and Beel both went soft on her, plus knowing how many tasks Lucifer has given her, yeah, no wonder she's tired.

Haruka: Beel, can you get her into our room?

Beel: Of course^^

Haruka: I feel bad that she's sleeping on the sofa like this...

Beel: Yeah...

With that, Beel carries Ichigo back to Haruka's and Ichigo's room. Once they're gone, Solomon, Levi, and Haruka sigh while Simeon is just there staring at them confusedly.

Solomon: Those two are clearly in love!

Haruka: I know, right?! I can see it!

Levi: Beel be acting as the male lead of some shoujo manga or something-

Simeon: He reminds me of a book character, such a sweetheart^^

Haruka: I agree entirely. Hope they'll get together soon. They're just adorable together~

Levi: This normie talk makes me wanna puke!

Solomon: There's a toilet. Use it. [deadpan]

Levi: Shut it!

Weeks later, the courting phase has died down, and Beel finally musters his courage to tell her his feelings. He looks for her everywhere and finally finds her in the kitchen making instant noodles in the middle of the afternoon since it's Sunday and there's no food around.

Ichigo: Oh! Hey, Beel!

Beel: Hi [awkwardly]

Ichigo: What's up? Hungry by chance?

The orange-haired man nod as he goes to the fridge to get some snacks. Perhaps an ice cream Mammon bought for him when he went grocery shopping. Once he gets his snack, Ichigo is also finished with her instant noodle. The two finally sit together in silence, yet it's sort of awkward because Beel keeps on fidgeting.

Ichigo: Beel, what's wrong?

Beel: I'm fine... the noodles smell good, by the way

Ichigo: I present to you, Indomie! It's a human-world instant noodle. Do you want some?

Beel: If you don't mind...

Ichigo: Of course not, let me get a plate for you- [goes to the pantry to get one]

Beel: Wait!

Ichigo: Hm?

Beel: I have to tell you something...

Ichigo: Oh? What is it [going back to her chair]

Beel: I like you.

Ichigo: I know, we're friends. We're literally close!

Beel: Friends don't kiss...don't they?

Ichigo: They can if you live in France...I don't know how devildom works, though...

Beel: Ichigo, I like you, as a lover-

Ichigo: A-A lover?!

Beel: Please tell me you reciprocate my feelings.... you do, right?

Ichigo: I do... but I'm not ready for a relationship... is it okay if we take this slow?

Beel: I'm totally okay with that. I just need to let it out since my courting phase has died down.

Ichigo: Well, that's true. That was a wild ride- [laughs slightly]

Beel: It is...

Ichigo: Have you apologized to them?

Beel: I do...Satan smacked me with his thick novel for it, though.

Ichigo: Really?! Where did he hit you?! Is it painful?!

Beel: Quite painful, but I'm fine now. He hit me around this area, I think... [points to that area]

Suddenly Beel feels Ichigo's fingers go through that area, rubbing it to soothe the pain.

Ichigo: I can still feel the bump in there. I think it's not fully healed.

Beel: Really?

Ichigo: Yeah... you poor thing :(

Beel: I'm okay, really

Ichigo: Still, I was the cause of all your conflicts with all your brothers-

Beel: Hey, hey, don't blame yourself for it! It's not your fault!

Ichigo still feels guilty, causing Beel to sigh and pulls her into his lap, earning him a surprised yelp from the pink-hair girl. Beel looks up to her as Ichigo instinctively wraps her arms around his neck to keep her position.

Beel: It's not your fault, okay. Every demon experiences this. It just differs between demons. We do get protective of the beings that we love. Some are overly protective like me...some do it more subtlety, but everyone is different.

Ichigo: So it's just your way of courting me?

Beel: It is. If anything, I'm sorry. You're probably overwhelmed by it...

Ichigo: It's okay, and I'm sorry for snapping at you that one time. Plus, if that didn't happen, we won't be here, don't we?

Beel: True, very true, and I'm totally okay with that. You have no idea what's going on.

Ichigo smiles sweetly at the man beneath her, and he returns it. Until they hear footsteps coming to the kitchen. The two of them stare at the intruder, and it turns out to be Satan, about to cook some lunch for everyone.

Satan: What the fck-

Ichigo: I can explain!

Satan: Please do! Because I'm sure such affections can be done in the bedroom!

Ichigo rolls her eyes and gets off Beel to finish her indomie while Beel just throws the ice cream package on the trash can. Well, that's an awkward ending, but that's pretty much how Beel courts Ichigo, and with her, they create a beautiful relationship together~

#obeymefanfic #obey me shall we date #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #roleplaybased #oc roleplay #obey me simeon #obey me solomon #obey me luke

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finleyfray · 3 years

Text

Bittersweet Memories

Part 2

Part 3

Huge thanks to @captain-josslett for helping me with English and making this have more sense

TW: smut(ish) just a little, some angst, laguage, think that’s all!

Finley struggles to open the door to their apartment. She was tired and her head was hurting so much. She just wants to snuggle with her girlfriends and fall asleep.

“Hey.” Fin looks over and sees Alex walking towards her and embraces her in a hug. “You look like crap.” Fin rests her head on Alex's chest and chuckles.

“Thanks darling, I’m happy to see you too. Is Maggie home yet?” She yawns and Alex leads her to the couch. “I have a killing headache.” Fin sits on Alex and rests her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder.

“She’s picking up some food. Did you take your migraine medicine today?” The redhead asks Fin with a stern look on her face.

“Shoot, I forgot.” The black haired woman whines.

“Here we go again.” Alex sighs. “Did you drink water today? Eat anything?”

“Oh come on, don’t harass me like that. Of course I did drink and eat... we had breakfast, didn’t we?”

“That was yesterday, Finley, this morning you woke up too late and ran off to work. Making a huge mess. Leaving your clothes on the floor. And your wet towel in the bathroom on my clothes. I swear to God, how much water did you drink?” Alex scoffs.

“Well...I didn’t see your clothes, I’m sorry. I didn’t drink water... but I’ve had coffee! And a can of Monster! Or two…” Suddenly her girlfriend stands up, resulting in Fin falling off of her. “Ouch! That hurt.”

“That’s not... I swear I’m going crazy with you!” They hear the door open and Maggie coming into the living room looking at them.

“What are you yelling about?” She frowns and looks at Alex, who looks angrily at Fin. “Maggie, I’m glad you’re here.” The redhead says with a smile. “See, our girlfriend here was wondering why her head hurts so much! Fin, care to tell Maggie how you took your medicine this morning, drank plenty of water and ate three meals?” Her voice is full of sarcasm and Finley curses mentally.

“Oh come on. I’m going to eat now, and drink water and take meds, I swear I just forgot!” She tries to defend herself, but Maggie already looks at her with her stern mother look. “Don’t be mad at me.” Fin puts on her puppy face. “Pwaaseee.” She pouts.

“No, no, don’t give me this face, you know the deal. How can you forget to take care of yourself almost every day?!” Maggie growls flustered. “These are literally the basic things in life. You have to eat, and you have to drink water to survive, and you know after that mission where you hurt your head pretty bad, that you have to take your migraine medicine, otherwise you’ll be in pain. And you should remember it, how you keep forgetting to take care of yourself is beyond me.”

“I don’t know...” Finley looks down, because she did know. She wasn’t taught how to take care of herself. In the orphanage they didn’t care if the kids ate something, they didn’t care if they had something to drink, or walked around in dirty, damaged clothes.

So Fin learnt how to go days without eating, only drinking some sink water. It was normal for Fin. So she grew up, was then thrown out on her 18th birthday, and went to college. She didn’t think of that either. Having not enough money to eat every day, or buy new clothes, having to survive on minimum wage that she was earning with her job. It was hard to manage to study and work 16 hours a day, but she had to stay positive. So when Finley started working in the DEO and earning so much money, she decided she had to save it. Save it in case something goes wrong and she loses her job. But, this drove her girlfriends insane. How she couldn’t do the basic thing, like putting her dirty clothes away. How every time she tried to make laundry, it went wrong on some level. She’d mix dark clothes with white. Sometimes she forgot to add laundry detergent. Or she forgot she put the washing machine on but forgot to dry it. So the clothes stayed there until Alex or Maggie saw it. Finley really tries, she does, but it just escapes her mind every time.

“I’m sorry.” Fin sighs, she wasn’t going to tell them, she doesn't want their pity “I guess I’m just getting distracted.” Maggie scoffs, but goes to hug their girlfriend anyway. Soon Alex joins and they stay together for a bit.

“I did buy dinner, so let’s get you some food, and water, then you’ll take your medicine and we can go to bed.” Maggie kisses her softly and Finley smiles into the kiss.

***

Later as they were in bed, after eating and showering, Finley lay on top of Alex while Maggie was still in the shower.

“Are you still mad at me?” Fin asks, looking in her girlfriend’s brown eyes.

“I’m not mad Finnie.” Alex sighs cupping Fin's cheek. “I was frustrated, of course, I will still be when you do this. But I’m not mad.” She kisses Finley softly, her other hand going to Finley’s back holding her close. The blue-eyed woman sighs happily and wiggles on top of Alex to get more comfortable.

“Fin...” Alex breathes heavily “Stop moving.”

“Why, does it bother you?” Finley smiled devilishly, pressing her leg against Alex’s core and moving her hips. The redhead kisses her girlfriend hard and bends her leg so it was now against Finley too. The shorter woman moans at the sudden pressure, and moves her hips faster.

“Oh, I see you’re better.” Maggie stands there watching her girlfriends making out and humping each other for a few minutes. “So I’m glad I decided not to put any clothes on.” Her girlfriend’s stop and looks at her. Maggie's hair was still wet from the shower, and she only had her towel on. “Can you two just be naked already?” She drops her towel on the floor. “That was quite a nice show you did for me. But, I’m afraid I need to cuff both of you for breaking the rules.”

“B… But... “Alex’s face was almost as red as her hair “We didn’t… We still have all clothes on! We didn’t had sex without you!” She looked at Finley, who already had taken all of her clothes off, she sure was ready. “You’re such a bottom!” Alex scoffs, sure the black-haired woman was so ready for Maggie to cuff her, but Alex tried hard to remain her tough face.

“Agent Danvers, I’m afraid I insist.” Maggie smirks at her redheaded girlfriend, swaying her hips as she approaches the bed.

***

Finley yawns as she opens her eyes and looks at the sleeping face of her girlfriend. The redhead was snoring lightly and she looked so peaceful and cute. Fin snuggles closer and rests her head on her girlfriend's chest.

She knew Maggie had already left for work, feeling a cold spot behind her. The blue-eyed woman was tired after all the fun they had yesterday and didn’t want to get up.

“Shouldn’t you be training rookies at work today?” Alex’s sleepy voice asks. Fin gasps as she realises that the redhead is right, she springs from her bed and looks at the clock.

“Ohhhh shit, J’onn is going to kill me!” She quickly undresses by dropping her clothes on the floor and goes for a quick shower. As fast as she can she dries herself and drops the wet towel on the floor, puts on her combat clothes and runs to work.

It was no fun being at work without Alex, but her girlfriend deserved a day off. They were supposed to have lunch together, but after some robbery that Kara helped Maggie take care of, the blonde informs Fin that her girlfriends can’t make it, so the black-haired woman takes care of all her paperwork that is due soon, and heads to the DEO gym to train a bit.

Finley was getting tired from all the punches and running, so she decided to stop and go take a shower. Suddenly she sees a blur and her girlfriend’s sister stands before her.

“Kara, hey, something wrong?” Finley asks as the blonde frowns and looks at her.

“Ohhhh shit. I forgot, I left my phone at home this morning. What’s the time?” Fin facepalms and looks at Kara.

“Well Alex asked me to look for you, cause you didn’t answer your phone. You do know what time it is?”

“Where the fuck have you been!? We tried to call you thousands of times, why didn’t you answer!?” Maggie tries to stay calm, but her voice is full of anger.

“It’s 10:30, and your girlfriends are going crazy, come on.” She lifts the black-haired woman and speeds her home.

“Thanks Kar.” Finley sighs and opens the door quietly. It doesn’t really help her as she sees Maggie and Alex in the hall waiting for her.

“I’m sorry! I was in such a rush this morning, I forgot my phone! And I went to work out after sitting down doing paperwork and the time just flew.” Finley tries to calm her girlfriends, but she clearly saw that they were beyond pissed.

They turn and go to the living room, and Fin follows them waiting for their forgiveness. Alex sits on the couch and drinks the rest of her whiskey.

“Guys, come on, I’m sorry, you know I just forgot-”

“That’s it, that’s exactly it! You always forget. Forget to eat, to drink water, to take your medicine. You forget to put your clothes away, forget to do the laundry, forget to go to sleep! Forget to take your phone, to let us know you’ll be late, to let us know you’re okay! Forget to do the groceries, forget to buy some new clothes, to put your towel away instead of dropping it on the floor!” Alex was standing now waving her hands angrily. “Well maybe you got that from your parents, seeing as they forgot you at the orphanage!”

Finley blinks as Alex suddenly goes silent. Her blue eyes are suddenly wet and she turns around and rushes out of their apartment.

***

Maggie looks at Alex in shock. She can’t believe her ears. Alex did not just say that.

“Danvers, what the fuck was that!?” Maggie rushes to the door to follow Finley, and stop her, they need to talk, this is not a good situation. But as soon as she’s outside, Finley is gone, there is no sign of her. She goes back to their apartment and searches for her keys.

“Why are you just standing there like that?! Do you realise what you’ve just done?! That was way too low, I can’t believe you just said that!” Maggie yells at her girlfriend, she was beyond mad. Yes, Fin drives her crazy sometimes, but that doesn’t explain Alex’s behaviour.

“I... I didn’t mean that! It just slipped!” Alex tries to explain herself, but her mind is still processing what just happened. “I didn’t want to say that, I’m sorry!”

“It’s not me you need to apologise to. It’s her, but guess what, she’s gone! And we need to find her, and you really need to try hard, because that, Alex, that was just unbelievable.”

“Where do you think she went?” Alex asked, trying to calm down her nerves. Her mind repeats the words she just said and Alex realises how awful she’d been. But she really didn’t mean to, she wasn’t thinking at the moment, her mouth just shot out the words on its own.

When Maggie and Alex started dating Finley, the younger woman never said anything about her family. Of course the first one she met, outside of them, was Alex's younger sister. With it being autumn, and thanksgiving, she soon met Eliza and Maggie aunt Vivian. And she saw how Fin was in awe seeing how both women cared for their children. When Alex and Maggie asked her about it, she told them that she had spent most of her life in an orphanage, but refused to say any more. So they agreed they’ll just wait till Finley is ready and tell them on her own. This was 2 years ago, but Finley still hadn’t talked to them about it.

And now Alex fucked up, and told her girlfriend, an orphan, that her parents forgot about her. She isn’t sure how Finley is ever going to forgive her. Hell she doesn’t even know if she can forgive herself. Maggie looks at her, and Alex realises that she failed her too. Sure, the shorter woman tries not to give away her anger, but she sees her eyes, and the Detective is really mad at her.

“I don’t know, she doesn’t really have any friends... Kara? No, that would be too oblivious, she probably doesn't want us to find her now, she wouldn’t go there... You think she would go to any of our friends?” Maggie took a deep breath trying to calm herself enough to think clearly.

“No, I don’t think so. She can’t be that far, she just left. You think she went to a motel?”

“No, she hates spending her money. Doesn’t DEO have sleeping quarters?” Maggie asked.

“Yeah... it does...” Alex begins but her phone rings, she answers it “Danvers... Yes, we'll be coming in now.” She ends the call, and looks at Maggie “There’s an emergency at the DEO, your unit has been informed, J’onn said to bring you along.”

“Shit, alright. You’re good to go?” Maggie looks at her girlfriend, remembering Alex had been drinking earlier.

“I’ll be good, you drive.”

***

Finley walked to the DEO, trying hard to wipe her tears away. She didn’t want others to see her crying, that would be humiliating, but she couldn’t stop it.

Her mind kept repeating Alex’s words, she was not prepared for a woman she loves to hurt her like that. Why would she, she trusted them with her whole heart. Maybe that was her fault, maybe she should have kept that in mind. By now she would know that everyone in her life ended up hurting her.

It was like every time she was happy, it all came crashing down around her. She remembers the day she entered the orphanage for the first time, she was eight. There were so many kids there, just walking around, those kids were sad, but Fin? She was hopeful, she was actually happy that her father wasn’t there to hit her, she felt safe. But that feeling went away so fast, and her life was still a hell.

“Hey.” Fin jumps at J’onn voice. “You got here fast, where are your girlfriends? We have a debrief in five, we have to deal with this emergency quickly.”

Oh, so there is an emergency. That’s why he’s here. She nods and walks to the bathroom cleaning her face. Fin won’t let them all see her tears, she’s stronger than that. She enters the room and J’onn begins. Normally she would stand with her girlfriends but Fin hangs back.

“Cadmus is containing a shipment of hundreds of alien’s. We need to stop them. The NCPD unit is already informed, but it’ll take them a bit longer to arrive, so Detective Sawyer will go with you. Agent Danvers will be leading. Dismissed.” Finley avoids looking at her girlfriends, and walks as fast as she could to the armoury to prepare for the mission.

“Fin" Alex rushes after her.

“No!” Fin growls. “Right now I don’t have time for your bullshit Agent Danvers. We have a mission and that is my focus.” She didn’t mean to snap at Alex like that, but her sorrow was becoming her anger and she can’t be distracted. Distraction means slower reaction time, and that means injury or death. She wasn’t in the mood to die today.

***

The mission was going to plan and Fin kept up her professionalism. But with any mission, things can go wrong. It happened so fast, one second Fin is beating down a Cadmus agent when suddenly an explosion goes off above them. Finley hears the crack of concrete and looks up as a huge block of concrete starts breaking away. Right above Alex. Fin doesn’t think. Her only focus is on saving her girlfriend. Whatever it takes. So she sprints towards the redhead and pushes Alex as hard as she can out of the way. Fin falls to the ground as a huge bang fills the room. Fin tries to gasp when pain surges through her body.

“Fin!” Alex yells as she looks at her pinned girlfriend. She rushes over and is at Fin’s side in a second. “Why did you do that?!” Alex panics and tries to move the concrete to free her girlfriend, but it is too heavy. She looks at Finley, noticing that the concrete didn’t crush her whole. She allows herself to calm slightly. If her sister comes fast enough, it should be okay, Fin has a chance to survive. “Supergirl, come in, I need your help!” But she’s met with silence. “Supergirl! Maggie!?” Alex yells desperately.

“Yeah, what’s wrong?” Maggie responds worriedly.

“I can’t reach Supergirl, we’ve had an accident, Finley is trapped!” She hears Maggie gasp.

“I’m coming!” Maggie yells and Alex focuses on Finley, trying to comfort her. Soon Maggie is by their side. Alex looks up at her scared girlfriend and sees her tears as Maggie tries to suppress a sob.

“Fin. Finley talk to me.” Maggie kneels beside their fallen girlfriend.

“Hurts.” Fin chokes out.

“Alex, we need to move it! It’s crushing her!” They try to push it as hard as they can. “It’s not moving! Supergirl, come in! Please…” Maggie begs but she too is met with silence. “Damn it!” she pushes the block again.

Alex sobs and goes to sit behind her girlfriend, placing Fin’s head in her lap and stroking her short hair gently. She listens to Maggie as she yells trying to reach Kara.

“Why would you do that? Risk your life for me?” Alex looks at Finley’s blue eyes, and gently strokes her cheek.

“I... I’ll always save you...” Finley smiles sadly. She can’t feel her leg anymore and she feels dizzy. She doesn’t regret saving Alex, she would do anything to keep her girlfriends safe. But it’s getting harder to stay awake, and Fin doesn’t have the energy to try anymore. She is tired, so tired, she really hopes they would be okay, even without her. “I love you both… So much…” Finley whispers and her eyes flutter close.

“No. No, don’t close your eyes. Come on, Finley, please. KARA, COME ON!”

#sanvers x reader #maggie sawyer x reader #alex danvers x reader #sanvers x oc #maggie sawyer x oc #alex danvers x oc #alex danvers x maggie sawyer #polamory

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johannstutt413 · 3 years

Text

(requested by calligomiles; continuing from this)

Natalya carried Anna back to her room, listening to her softly breathe as the heiress’ own heart continued to race. This whole turn of events was...some part of her was supposed to say ‘unfortunate,’ but all that came back was ‘exhilarating,’ ‘fortunate,’ ‘sudden but expected.’ Why did the thought of breaking that stony heart of Sonya’s actually make her feel good? What kind of karma was it that the advisor, whose heart she’d broken first, was her accomplice?

And would she ever stop over-fucking-analyzing this stuff? Seriously, what was her damage that she couldn’t just relaaaax? That’s probably why she lost the General, honestly-

“Natya?” Oh, Rosa’d never been more grateful to hear someone’s voice. “Heh. Wun’t a dream, then?”

“Unless it’s a particularly vivid one, and we’re somehow sharing it. Which pocket is your key in? I don’t want to spend too long searching.”

Istina smiled. “I wudn’t mind...Left jak’t pok’t.”

“Old habits?” She slipped her hand in, fished out the key, and made her way across Anna’s threshold. “You’ve always kept your important things in that pocket.”

“Not all of ‘em,” the advisor protested softly.

Natalya patted her head as she looked around the apartment. “Enough of them. Are you tired?”

“Nope.” She yawned. “You?”

“More than a little. May I stay the night?” They were walking to the bedroom, with no sign of stopping.

Anna sleepily giggled. “Heheh. Fine with me~”

“Thank you.” Rosa set her on top of her covers, kissing her forehead, before turning back around. “I’ll be right back. Something I need to do first.”

“Whateva you say...Zzzz...”

Moving quickly, the heiress pushed the couch over to the front door, wedged a small table against it to be doubly sure the entrance was impregnable, and just to be sure, she set a tripwire with a lamp and its plug as a final warning system. She knew the General would try to find them here, and might even try to join in on the snuggling Natalya was about to give the advisor, but not tonight. Not tonight, or ever again, as far as she was concerned; maybe this was just the booze and her frustration talking, but even if this was just a one-night stand, she was taking back control of her love life.

It was that self-empowerment she clung to when she walked back to Istina’s bedroom, and the reception she got was “Zzz...”

“I expected as much.” She sighed, shedding her coat and other extraneous articles of clothing before tucking her under the covers. “Well, I have your permission to stay the night, so hopefully when you do wake up, you haven’t forgotten that. Sleep well, dear Anechka.”

“Mmkay.” Istina rolled over to face her bedfellow, albeit clearly still out of it.

The heiress tucked herself in, gave the unaware bear one more forehead kiss, and resigned herself to a peaceful night’s sleep.

-----

That night, going back to Anna’s place, the General found the door locked and, after pushing on it a bit, blockaded as well; not only had they presumed she’d come for them, but they’d also made sure she couldn’t get into the room. Well, then...Still feeling the three bottles of vodka, Sonya made her way to Rosalind’s room.

The halberdier was definitely feeling tired after four bottles, but she nonetheless was awake enough to open the door. “Oh heeey, Gen’ral! Trouble at home?”

“She’s done with me.” Zima walked inside and collapsed on the couch. “I figured it’d happen soon enough, but moving on to Anna, of all people? Never would’ve guessed.”

“I think it worked out pretty well, though.” Leto fell onto the couch from the opposite side, propping the other Ursus up with her shoulder.

The General sighed, setting an arm around her shoulder. “Could be worse...Yer not worried, are ya?”

“You leave, I follow, Gen’ral,” she reassured her, “even if that’s after a break-up.”

“Well, third time oughta be the charm. You cold, Rozz?”

She chuckled. “Maaaybe. Wanna help me warm up?”

“Damn straight.” Or exactly the opposite, as Sonya plucked her from the couch and carried her off. “Let’s make up for lost time.”

------

Istina woke up the next day with a splitting headache - as to be expected, after all the drinking she did. There was something else about last night, wasn’t there?

“Nngh.” A wince next to the advisor startled her, and opening her eyes in spite of their protests, she saw Rosa lying next to her. It looked like she was having a nightmare. Had...Did she steal the heiress away last night?

‘What would Rada do at a time like this?’ was her first thought, and luckily, the chef was such an open book, it wasn’t hard to figure out. After popping a migraine pill from her nightstand (a necessity for a philosopher like herself), Anna curled around the distressed Ursus, careful not to wake her but still make sure her presence was felt. ‘What was that tune she used to hum, when we were tossing and turning early on? I don’t remember anymore.’

As it turned out, she didn’t have to, because Natalya’s eyes creaked up not too long after. “Good morning, Anechka.”

“Something happened last night if you’re calling me that.” Rather than be bothered by the possibilities, however, Istina found herself rather happy to be lying there. The heiress made a lovely pillow.

“Yes and no.” Rosa shifted a little to shrink the space between the two of them by millimeters. “I did stay the night, but you fell asleep at the bar and didn’t wake until now. You did kiss me at the bar, if you don’t remember that.”

She did remember that, actually; it was what came after that was a bit hazy. “You took me home, and Sonya didn’t say anything about it?”

“What would she say about it? She doesn’t own me.”

“...So that’s what happened, then.” Istina smiled. “When they said revenge is a dish best served cold, I don’t think they meant in the aftermath of two bottles of vodka. You blockaded the door, I assume?”

The heiress nodded. “Just in case.”

“Then I suppose we’re not going anywhere else today.” The medicine was definitely doing Anna some good right now.

“Oh, definitely not,” she agreed. “I’ve been waiting for a second kiss since the first one.”

Well, that was an easy fix.

#arknights #arknights fic #rosa (arknights)#istina (arknights)#zima (arknights)#leto (arknights)#GOD #just so you know this is the one i got stuck on #i have NO idea why #but with it finally written #i can move on to other things #like welcoming some new friends...#(bought the 6-star thing and got Eyja btw)

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theincuhusbands · 3 years

Text

Snuggling in the dark - (Diana x Reader)

Summary – When Y/N gets sick and Diana’s working in the Abyssal Planes, one phone call is enough to send her right back home to look after her sick Y/N.

Warnings – Strong language, fluffy, kissing, sick reader, self-conscious reader

Word Count – 1398

There was a long pause as the tension in me grew. The soft glow of the phone screen lighting up my darked-out room, even on its lowest brightness setting it’s too bright. The ringing of the phone seemed to go on forever. I sat and stared at it, squinting, as it rang wondering wither I should just give up and hang up.

Ring.

“Hello?”

I jumped slightly not actually expecting her to pick up at this point. I dropped my phone off my bed and scrambled quickly to pick it up, sitting up unnaturally straight, the quickness of it all making my head pulse. “Em hi…” There’s a shuffling on her side of the phone. “Oh, sorry didn’t mean to bother you if you’re busy.” I bite my lip gently, mentally kicking myself for calling her.

My girlfriend Diana, had been working for the last couple of days down in the abyssal planes, usually she tries not to go, getting Sergeant or Saero to deal with the problem but this one seemed pretty important. Something to do with the human new year’s about to mess with something the abyssal planes. Diana doesn’t talk too much about demon politics and I don’t press her on it, usually. She is supposed to be coming back on Friday, two days from now but no matter how I try to rationalise with myself, it still seems like an eternity away.

“No no no- I- I’m not busy.” I hear the hushed angry voices of her threatening them out the room while I cringe slightly knowing she probably is busy. “Whats wrong N/N?”

I gulp now. “Well I-“

“Why aren’t you out? Today isn’t a human holiday is it?”

I try to get my answer out, failing miserably as I stumble all over my words. “I- I um… I took a s-sick day?”

There is a long pause over the phone as she seems to process what I said. It takes a couple seconds before she says quite flatly “you’re sick?”

I pull the sleeves of my jumper over my hands, bundling it up slightly. “Yeah, I mean it’s-“

I’m cut off by a blinding light appearing from the middle of my room, as I wince, I watch a glowing purple pentagram appear in the middle of the floor and Diana rise from it. She stands for a second facing away from me breathing in the air before she turns to me rushing to my side. “Are you alright?!”

I laugh slightly cupping her face with my hands and pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m fine, you don’t need to worry.” She freezes for a second before wrapping her arms around me and hugging me back. I smile widely leaning into her ear. “I missed you.” I pull back and try to make out her face. I meet her beautiful red eyes and I feel my palms get sweaty as I feel uneasy.

She looks around my pitch-black room before looking back at me. “Why is it so dark in here?” I flop back on my bed and onto my pillows. “I have a migraine… and an uneasy stomach, haven’t been able to keep food down…”

I feel the bed next to me shift as she lays down, wrapping her arm around my waist pulling me closer. Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pierced into a thin line. She looks almost… guilty. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

I grin wildly as I lean in and give her a short peck. “Just you being here is enough.” When I pull back, her face still looks worried. “This isn’t your fault you know” I gently lean my head on her chest, listening to her heartbeat and feeling her chest slowly rising and falling. I feel her arms wrap around me even tighter. “I should have been here”

“You’re here now.”

I feel safe and at ease snuggled up, practically on top off Diana although she doesn’t seem to mind. Feeling her warmth and her soft arms resting on me. She smiles weakly at me, looking away embarrassed “I’m not sure what to do for a sick human…” I look up at her adjusting my head on her chest. “What do you do for a sick demon?”

She shrugs slightly, taking in a deep breath as she tucks a stand of hair behind my ear. “I mean we don’t… we don’t really get I’ll but if we do… I mean magic.” I nod as I snuggle deeper into her. Silence fills the room as we sit still for a moment before I clear my throat. “Depending on what the human is sick with… medicine or giving them hot soup helps.”

Diana nodded thoughtful before asking “Have you had medicine?” I think back to this morning, which since I was shattered, is a bit hazy. “Yeah, I had some aspirin…” She purrs in response to that as I feel her fingers lightly start to tap my waist. “And soup?” I shake my head letting out a breath I didn’t even know I had been keeping in. “No… I really couldn’t be arsed making any.”

She smiles as she gently pushes me off her standing up. “Then that’s what I’ll do!” I groan as I lean back on the much colder mattress. “NooOOooOooo…” She cups the side of my face with her hands making my face burn bright red as she plants a kiss on my forehead. “Baby, I want to help you… so I’m going to go make you that soup…” I look into her eyes which are filled with a mix of worriedness of sadness.

Guess she must feel pretty helpless when it comes to human health. I start to get the feeling it’s more for her own sanity than mine. “Ok fine…”

She smiles widely as I grab a pillow and hug it tightly, pouting. She walks to the door and out into the hall. “Can it be F/S?” I don’t have the energy to shout so it comes out as more as a loud talking.

It doesn’t take long after she’s gone for the gears to start turning in my head. If she’s gonna do something nice, then I can try too!

------

Diana’s back in a shockingly quick ten minutes which surprises me, but then again cooking succubus magic? I clear my throat, but it still comes out as a grimy “Come in.”

When Diana walks in she’s watching the bowls of soup trying not to spill them. She walks in slowly, then tries to shut the door behind her. The level of concentration trying not to spill the bowls was causing her to pull one of the cutest faces I’d ever seen. I smile to myself as she turns round finally looking up at me. So, surprised she almost drops the bowls. I had set up a couple of scented candles I’d bought since all the shops had been having their huge sales on trying to get rid of Christmas stock. I’d taken out the warm apple and cinnamon scented candles and let them on a turned over box which I’d thrown a blanket on to make a little table. I had thrown my hair into a messy bun and stuck it on the top of my head.

Diana was speechless before she coughed and looked down at her feet a bright red blush covering her cheeks. “Em I hope you don’t mind I made myself a bowl?” I nod laughing a bit as I wipe my nose. “I’m surprised you’d even want to eat around me.”

She looks up at me as she walks over sitting down across from me and setting the bowls of soup on the table. “You kidding? I love eating with you Y/N”

The bowl of soup smelled amazing. I couldn’t wait. I quickly grabbed a soon and dug in. The soup was astoundingly good! I couldn’t get enough of it. I looked up to see she was sitting eagerly, biting her lip. “Well? Is it good enough?”

I beam brightly. “It’s fantastic. Thank you”

She blushes as she starts to dig into hers and we enjoy our makeshift dinner-date. It may be on a box, on a Wednesday afternoon, in my blacked-out bedroom and I may be all snotty and disgusting while she looks perfect but its our little dinner.

#seducemetheotome #seduce me the otome #seduce me the demon war #seducemethedemonwar #diana #diana anderson #diana x reader #diana x mika #mika #mika anderson #Ezaeur #Ezaeur x reader #fluffy

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athingthatwantsvirginia · 4 years

Text

This Ernest Hemingway Thing

PART FORTY OF THE DO YOU SEE HER FACE? SERIES

Pairing: Jess Mariano x Original Character (Ella Stevens)

Warnings: major discussions of parent death/death in general, plentiful pop culture references

Word Count: 5.4K

Summary: Ella struggles in the wake of her father's death.

“If you don’t shut up about this bar...” Jess warned, shooting daggers at Chris over the top of his book.

It was a slow day, and the three of them sat in the common area of Truncheon. Jess read his Sylvia Plath novel as he sat atop the welcome table in the front of the store. Chris was on a rant about why they should buy up the vacant space down the road and open a bar, while Matthew rolled his eyes. Snow fell in thick blankets, the coldest of the winter so far. Jess had opted to drive to work, rather than trudge through the crunchy, icy layer caking the sidewalks. The storm had blown in the night before as a bit of a surprise, leaving the city little time to salt the roads. The lack of customers at the book press was no shock. The large, ornate clock ticked slowly over the door. Only a few more minutes, and it would be time to close up for the day. Jess was glad; he’d be home to Ella soon enough. No matter how much she insisted she was fine, he couldn’t help feeling antsy when he’d left her home alone in the morning. His bottom lip was beginning to feel chapped from how much he had been gnawing on it.

Chris sighed heavily, throwing his hands up in exasperation. He was wearing a maroon cardigan over a pullover sweater, and Jess wondered how he wasn’t suffocating underneath all the wool. Chris took another sip of his disgusting chai latte before he continued.

“But it wouldn’t be just any bar! It would be Cedar Bar Redux!” he exclaimed.

Matthew rolled his eyes, not bothering to look up from the inventory sheet he was reviewing. “Just saying the name over and over isn’t gonna convince us.”

“Listen, we’ve already got this Ernest Hemingway thing going here,” Chris said emphatically, gesturing to the room around them. “Now, we can have a Charlie Parker thing down the road. We’ll play only jazz music there, and only serve drinks with whiskey. It’ll be super classy. Super hip.”

“Please don’t ever say ‘hip’ again,” Jess deadpanned, his eyes back on his reading.

Chris grinned confidently. “One day you’ll stop and think, ‘Wow, Chris has been a genius all along. Why did I ever doubt him?’”

Jess scoffed doubtfully.

“Sure, man,” Matthew said with a mocking nod.

“Hey, you’ll see, guys. Just you wait,” Chris said, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting at their dismissal of his idea. “If Ella was here, she’d agree with me.”

Shaking his head a bit, Jess snorted a laugh. “No, she wouldn’t.”

“I think she’s just pretentious enough to get behind it,” Chris argued, shrugging flippantly.

“Actually, I think she’s just pretentious enough to call you out for being a poser,” Matthew countered, his voice dejected as ever as he continued scouring the inventory sheets for any mistakes he might have made on them earlier in the day.

Chris narrowed his eyes at Matthew, getting ready to rebut. However, Jess spoke up first. He rose from his seat, stuffing the Plath book in the back pocket of his jeans and going to grab his coat and scarf.

“Speaking of Eleanor,” he said, “I’m going home. It’s closing time, boys. Have fun with the marketing pitch, Matthew.”

“Thanks, Jess,” Matthew replied sarcastically, still not looking up. On inventory day, he was basically a robot, glued to his paperwork. Not like Jess could blame Matthew, though, considering Jess would have run the business into the ground during the first week had Matthew not been there to deal with the numbers.

“What do you mean ‘speaking of Ella’?” Chris asked, his interest piqued.

She hadn’t been around much recently, and he missed her, despite their occasional bickering. It had been over a month since her father died, and she had hardly let them know how she was doing once she got back. He could count on one hand the number of times they’d seen her. It wasn’t as though he didn’t understand; she could take as much time as he needed. But Jess wasn’t exactly helping to ease his (and Matthew’s) concern, offering little more than an assurance that she was fine and just needed time for herself. It was hard for Chris to imagine Ella coping by isolation, but he had never known her in tragedy.

Jess shrugged on his coat, and began tying his scarf around his neck. “She stayed home sick today. I wanna make sure she at least eats dinner,” he explained shortly. They were all familiar with Ella’s bad habit of skipping, or forgetting, meals when she was stressed or upset.

“She okay?” Chris asked.

Finally, Matthew looked up from his sheet, patiently awaiting an answer. Chis wasn’t the only one who had noticed Ella’s recent absence. She had quite a presence, after all. He and Mabel were beginning to worry. Leo, too.

Jess shrugged, evasive. “Yeah. She’s fine. Just a winter bug or something.”

Chris nodded skeptically. “Okay.”

“Tell her we hope she feels better,” Matthew cut in diplomatically, hoping Chris got the hint that he should let sleeping dogs lie.

“Just call me a carrier pigeon,” Jess quipped, smiling thinly, before he excited the shop into the frigid evening air.

. . .

Eyelids heavy, Ella focused on her breathing. The falling snow twinkled in the soft light of the cloudy evening, and she watched it. Flakes floated down haphazardly, sometimes tossed along the wind. Watching it made her feel mindless, but almost in a good way, as she laid on her side. The pain in her head had numbed, though an ache still throbbed dully in her skull. She was just too tired. The kind of fatigue which comes with a fever, though she knew she didn’t have one. She just needed to sleep. Sleep and sleep, she told herself, until the pain went away. After a good rest, she hoped, she would awake renewed and inspired. Her sketchbook sat closed on her nightstand, not used since the night before her father died, the night of Jess’s publishing party.

In her worst moments, that night came back to her in flashes. Not because it was bad, but because she had been just so happy. Tipsy and in love and hopeful. The naivety almost made her want to laugh out loud. How could she possibly have thought she would have the chance to patch things up with her father? Life didn’t work that way. It never did. She didn’t know when she had lost sight of her realist views, but she was reminded why they were important. Always planning for the worst meant no disappointments and no ugly surprises. She drifted in and out of vague dreams, almost unsure of when and if she was awake. She felt sweaty and stale beneath the blue quilt, but she still snuggled into it deeper. It made her feel safe in some innocent, childish way she wished she could hold onto. She knew when she got up again, she would feel cold. And she would have to continue on as normal with a new, unwelcome tightness in her chest.

At the sound of the doorknob to the bedroom turning, she shut her eyes completely. She pretended to be asleep, breathing deeply and making her expression go slack, as Jess came in. Better to have him believe she was actually resting, rather than staring off into the middle distance feeling sorry for herself. Ella didn’t know quite what time it was, but she thought he was early, judging by the light outside. She knew he was worried about her; she could see it, even if he never said it out loud. But she was just so tired. She simply lacked the energy to reassure him, or to reassure herself. She could hear him quietly take off his shoes, his watch.

Then, he exited the room again. She heard him put on an album by The Cure at a low volume. It made her want to smile, almost. The apartment felt better when he was in it. She felt less claustrophobic. Maybe since he was finally there, she would actually get some sleep. But sleep never came, and she knew why. She’d been lying in bed all day, in a zombie-like state. In the two weeks since returning to work, she’d come home every day exhausted. And, worse yet, angry. Not in a yelling and punching the walls kind of way, though. Instead, she would cry hot, frustrated tears at the smallest mistake in her work. She would feel the urge to go smoke or drink, though she hadn’t given in. She felt like she was crawling out of her skin, but she couldn’t do anything about it. She could only sit back and watch as she struggled tiredly through her lectures and bit her nails ragged.

But the worst part was not the anger. The worst part was the inability to truly feel it. She knew she was angry, and she knew why, but she couldn’t get it to sink it. She couldn’t work through it or make it better, she could only feel it in the moment. When it passed, she would go back to her sleepy, sluggish state. And the storm of emotion would sit dormant in her belly. She tried to think about her father, and tried to cry for him. She couldn’t. She could only wait for the random bursts of emotion at meaningless moments. When she thought of her father’s death, or even her mother’s, it was like she could feel the key turning in the lock on her heart, and the switch flipping off. Not since the night Jess had held her on the Gilmore porch had she been able to shed a tear about any of it.

Staying home had been both a necessity because of the migraine she’d woken up with, and an attempt to wake herself up. Maybe if she could sleep off the constant fatigue she had been feeling, she could sleep off the hazy fog in her brain as well. But, as the day began to come to a close, she could only lie in her bed feeling defeated. In a way which was familiar, but still so new. When her mother had died, it had been such a shock. It had been more cut and dry. She had loved her mother, and her mother died. But her father was a different story. And he had been her only parent left.

After a few minutes, the bedroom door creaked open again, and she heard Jess’s soft footfalls on the carpet. The other side of the bed dipped down as he sat, and placed a gentle hand on her back, beginning to rub circles there.

“Elle?” he asked. “Hey, honey, wake up.”

Ella took a deep breath in, feigning slight surprise as she opened her eyes and rolled over, away from the window to face Jess. He had a small smirk on his face, but it didn’t reach his eyes as he looked down at her. With a light touch, he brushed the stray strands of hair away from her forehead.

“Hey,” she said, her voice slightly hoarse and groggy.

“Hi,” he replied.

She was pale and exhausted. It was as though her face had drained of all color the moment her father had died, and it had yet to come back. He couldn’t make her blush like he used to. Some sort of elemental lightness had left her, one which he hadn’t noticed she had until it was gone. And he was more or less at a loss about what to do. She was going about her day, going through the motions, but she was still somewhere far off in her mind. Unable to deal with anything that didn’t lack all emotion. He was beginning to wonder if she was ever going to snap out of it, or if a part of her was missing that could never be replaced. But, he was trying for her. He was taking care of her in a way he had never gotten a chance to before. Not from sickness, but from sadness. She had always been the one to patch him up emotionally, when things fell through with his father or he had a panic attack or he couldn’t get the dark clouds to lift from above his head. She was not exactly a ray of sunshine, but she wasn’t one to wallow either. She was an expert at getting through, attacking life the way it attacked her, picking herself back up. This time, he thought, maybe she just needed a hand.

“How’s your head?” he asked quietly, his thumb caressing her skin.

In the morning, she’d barely been able to open her eyes, her migraine was so bad. He wasn’t surprised though. She hadn’t taken a day off since going back to work. Everything was bound to catch up with her eventually. She was trying to hold it all back again, but he didn’t know why. Maybe because she’d had a bit of time; she wasn’t in shock anymore. She had more control over her emotions, maybe too much.

She shrugged. “A little better.”

“Good,” he said, leaning down and pressing a long kiss on her forehead.

When he pulled away, Ella took in a deep breath through her nose. She let her muscles release tension she didn’t know they’d been holding. She was glad he was home, even if she was embarrassed at his seeing her lying around.

“I made some green tea. You wanna watch a Stephen King movie with dinner? Or do your eyes still hurt?” he asked.

She felt her stomach do a flip. She didn’t deserve him. And his tenderness made her feel squirmy, like at some point he would realize how lazy she was being, how pathetic. Even one day off of work was making her feel so useless. She cleared her throat, averting her eyes from him.

“I’m actually not that hungry,” she said sheepishly. She hadn’t eaten all day, but she just couldn’t bring herself to want anything.

Jess sighed. “Elle-”

“No, I know,” she cut him off. “I promise I’ll eat later, really. Just not right now.”

Biting at his lip, Jess seemed lost in thought for a moment before he finally nodded. “Okay.”

Still, she couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye. “Did you finish that Sylvia Plath?”

“Not yet,” he said.

“You wanna come lay down and read me what you have left, James Dean?” she asked, tone lighter than it had been.

He let a smile ghost over his lips. “Always, Daria.”

Swallowing thickly, Ella muttered a thanks to him as he left the room again. She rolled over and stared at the ceiling, so blank and dull white. Like a canvas she wanted to paint. But just thinking of the empty pages in her sketchbook made dread rise up in her throat. She shook the thought away as Jess came back into the room with two mugs of tea and a book under his arm. As they drank their tea, he told her about his day, about Chris and Matthew, how slow it had been. She laughed at the right moments, nodded at the right moments, smiled when she should have. But her heart wasn’t in it. She didn’t add anything, she barely even looked at him. He wanted to ask her what was wrong, and he almost did. But she looked so tired. He decided to wait until at least the morning. She needed rest more than she needed an interrogation, he figured. When they were done, cups on nightstands, he laid down next to her, warm under the covers as the snow kept falling in sheets outside, the light of the streetlamps making the flakes sparkle. The approaching darkness was almost gloomy, though, and he wasn’t particularly sure why. She laid her head on his chest, as she often did when he read to her. She liked to hear the vibrations of his words against her ear.

As he began at the page where he stopped, she felt warmer. His voice and the feeling of his body against her made it easier to breathe, easier to get her mind to shut up for a moment. But it lasted not for long, as a quiet thought whispered in the back of her mind. Then, it was louder and louder, until it became a shout, a scream. Someday, she would end up like her father, like Fiona. Losing the person you loved most in the world destroyed you. Ella didn’t know why, but all of a sudden she felt certain she would lose Jess. He would die, and he would die suddenly. As soon as she let her guard down again, she would lose him. She would lose the person she belonged to, the person who belonged to her.

The love she felt for Jess was unlike what she had felt for anyone else before, and some part of her knew she would never feel that love for anyone else again. And she felt like she understood her father better than she ever had before. He’d lost her mother in the middle of the night; the person he belonged to. Ella had been able to move on, but she thought that maybe her father’s life had been over the moment her mother died. And it would happen to her, unless she did something about it. The thought was so jarring and terrifying, for a moment, she felt like her throat was closing up. But she tried to handle the pit in her stomach as it formed and sat coldly in her core.

Jess was so sweet to her, always had been. Even when he was an angry tenager who was lost and acted like he didn’t need anybody. When she’d thought she couldn’t love anyone. He was smart and thoughtful and he knew her better than anyone else ever had. She could smell his familiar scent of pine and must, which had never worn off even long after he moved out of Luke’s. She listened to his voice lilt over the words of a book she owned, which she’d given him in high school. He was rereading the copy which contained their notes to each other, back when they were still falling in love without knowing it. A glance up at his face, and tears stung her eyes. Jess with his kind brown eyes and the dark shadow on his jaw. Jess with the faded scar on his left palm, which she’d watched get stitched up. Jess with the strong arms that held her in the ocean in California. The person she’d been in love with since she was sixteen. He was beautiful, in every sense of the word. A deep, awful regret filled her. She’d let herself fall so completely in love with him. She never should have. What was she going to do when he was gone?

Before she could stop herself, she began to cry silently. Jess furrowed his brows, feeling her tears wet his t-shirt. It was Plath, after all. A pretty sad novel, but he’d never known her to cry at a book. Or at much of anything, for that matter. He stopped reading immediately, lowering the book and bringing one hand to touch her freckled arm gingerly.

“What’s wrong?”

She sniffed and cleared her throat, wiping beneath her eyes. “Nothing, Jess. Just keep reading.”

“Eleanor-”

“Jess, please just keep reading,” she said, voice shaking and broken.

His breath caught in his throat, the words dying before he spoke them. She sounded helpless. He couldn't ignore her pleas, no matter how much he wanted to. Not when she sounded like that. He kept reading.

. . .

Gnawing on her nails, Ella sat alone in the cold morning light. The world outside was sparkling with snow in the sunlight. But soon, the grime city would corrupt it. The soft mountains of white would grow dull and gray, caked on the side of the road. She could only think about the melty gray slush as she looked outside, at the beauty the storm the day before had left in its wake. Her hands were slightly shaky, her elbows on her knees. She couldn’t remember the last time she had woken up so early, unable to fight wakefulness anymore as she packed a bag in the early darkness. The day had since brightened, from a deep blue to a warm orange and then finally, a bright yellow. But Ella still couldn’t bring herself to wake Jess up.

Instead, she waited. And she didn’t have to wait as long as she thought she would have. Jess emerged from the bedroom in his pajamas, rubbing tiredly at his eyes, at around half past six. His brows were furrowed at her empty spot in bed before he even saw her in the living room, sitting on the couch fully dressed with a packed suitcase on the floor next to her.

“What’s going on? Are you okay?” he asked, stopping in his tracks in surprise.

Ella ran an anxious hand through her hair before she looked up to meet his eyes. “I think...I think we should take a break for a little while.”

“What?” he said incredulously.

She sighed through her nose, looking down into her lap. “Jess, I just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be together right now.”

“Eleanor, what are you talking about?” he continued, as though he simply couldn��t get her words to make sense in his head.

Again, she sighed in frustration. Without thinking about it, she rose and began to pace. Jess watched her with a worried gaze. She wasn’t behaving like herself at all, and just looking at her suitcase packed and ready to go made him feel sick to his stomach.

“Look, Jess, I just...I think we need to take a step back from each other for a while. Get to know ourselves when we’re not with each other, you know?” she said, her excuse flimsy and her voice uncertain. But she told herself this would be the hard part. Rip the bandaid off and leave, to get rid of the constant dread inside her. Without Jess, without anyone, it would simply be safer. More practical. And hadn’t being practical always worked out for her in the end?

Jess shook his head slowly, trying to get a handle on his thoughts. “That’s bullshit. We’ve already been apart from each other, and you and I both know that doesn’t work. What’s this actually about?”

“I just need a break, okay? I’ll call in sick again today. Fiona said last time I called that she needs me to clean out my room before she puts the house on the market. I’ll get back to town on Sunday,” Ella said, speaking quickly, flatly, wanting to get the words out and get them over with.

“And on Sunday?” Jess asked, eyebrows raised askance.

After a moment of tense silence, Ella could only shrug. “I don’t know. On Sunday...we regroup. Think about things.”

Jess ran a hand over his mouth. “You can’t be serious, Eleanor.”

“I am,” she replied simply.

“You honestly wanna break up? After everything?” he asked, sounding as though he still hadn’t quite been able to process what was going on. He’d known something was wrong, of course. Especially after she’d wept her way through his reading of Sylvia Plath, eventually falling asleep with her face still pressed against his t-shirt, her cheeks damp.

“Not break up!” Ella said immediately, raising her voice. “Not...forever.”

Again, Jess shook his head, voice matching her volume when he spoke again. “This isn’t like you, Eleanor. You don’t just run away like this. That’s my move, and it’s a fucking bad one. What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing. I told you, Jess, I just-”

“Need a break?” Jess interrupted finishing for her, with hints of both anger and fear in his tone.

For a moment, she couldn’t speak. He looked so crestfallen, so quickly. She wanted to throw her arms around him, cry into his shoulder, let out the tears she hadn’t been able to release. To tell him what she’d been feeling, the constant pain rivaled only by the strange, unexplainable numbness. But she bit at the inside of her cheek, hard, to snap herself out of it. She had made her choice. And she had to stick to it.

“Yes.”

He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, taking a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “Please. Just tell me what’s going on. Whatever it is, we can figure it out.”

“Nothing’s going on,” she repeated, finding it hard to keep her voice from cracking.

“Is this about your dad?” he asked. They’d been dancing around the conversation for weeks, as he watched her retreat within herself. Finally, he couldn’t ignore it, couldn’t tell himself she needed space, couldn’t just tell himself she was grieving the way she needed to. The truth was, she wasn’t grieving. Not really.

She heaved a sigh. “Jesus, Jess. It’s not about my dad, okay? Can’t I just need a break from us? From all this?” she asked as she gestured around them to the apartment, to the life they had started to build together. She sounded angry. But anger was better than nothing. Jess kept going.

“No, not when you started crying last night and wouldn’t tell me why, not when you keep forgetting to eat, not when you’re tired all day, even after like twelve hours of sleep, not when you don’t even want to draw anymore,” he said, in vehement disagreement. “I can talk to my therapist and see if she knows someone who’s covered by the University insurance. I bet she knows a lot of grief counselors.”

“Jess, stop,” she said, refusing to make eye contact with him as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Trust me, Eleanor,” he continued, almost pleading. “You’ll feel so much better if you talk to someone about all this. About your dad, your mom, your brothers, Fiona. I’m sure you could think of a few choice words to say about me too.”

She shook her head at his attempt to joke. She wasn’t having it. More tears stung her eyes, and they only made her angrier. She was so sick of needing to cry and not being able to, of dealing with her family’s bullshit, of everything. Of being afraid of everything.

“Van Gogh must have had hundreds of hours of therapy in his life, and you’ve seen his paintings. I really think it’s all gonna be okay if-”

“Stop it, Jess!” she shouted, reaching for a necklace she hadn’t worn in years. An old tic Jess hadn’t seen since high school. Seeing her fingers go instinctively to grab at a small key pendant made his heart ache in such a deep way, so fundamentally, he almost wanted to cry. “Stop being so fucking nice to me! Stop trying to take care of me! Every time I tell you that, you never fucking listen!”

“Elle, what-” he began, eyes widening at her outburst. But she was on a roll, and hardly noticed when he spoke.

“I mean, it’s like you can’t even hear me sometimes,” she continued, pacing furiously and gesturing around again with her hands. For a moment, she was worried the neighbors would complain about her yelling at such an early hour. But she forgot about them as the emotions bubbled up in her throat, words spilling from her mouth. “You just keep doing whatever the fuck you want! Reminding me to eat, and reading to me, and kissing me, telling me you love me, and I just can’t fucking do it anymore, Jess! Not when you’re just gonna be gone someday!”

“Eleanor, I’m not-”

“Yes, you are!” she interrupted, finally facing him again. A fire burned in her eyes, cold and green and devastated. “Whether you like it or not, you’re gonna have a heart attack or crash your shitty fucking car or get struck by lightning! And I can’t keep doing this when one day it’s all just gonna be gone! It hurts bad enough calling it quits right now!”

Taken aback, Jess sighed. His face softened. He wanted to take a step forward, to go to her, but he fought the urge. Instead, he spoke in a calm, soothing voice. “Honey-”

She let out an infuriated scoff at the affectionate nickname.

“I know you’re scared,” he began, but she cut him off again.

“No, you don’t!” she countered, voice more venomous by the second. “You don’t know! Jess, I know your parents aren’t exactly perfect, but guess what? They’re alive. You didn’t wake up one day and figure out they were fucking dead! You can still talk to them whenever you want. You didn’t have to watch-”

She paused as her voice broke, clearing her throat before she went on. “You didn’t have to watch your dad fucking destroy himself because he missed your mom so much. And you don’t have to watch your stepmom go through the same thing!”

“Eleanor-”

“Don’t ‘Eleanor’ me, Jess! Please don’t. I...I love you. But I just...I just wish I didn’t.”

She was crying now, big, childish tears rolling down her skin as she spoke. Jess felt his heart drop into his stomach. Of course, he’d known she was in pain. Her father had died, after all. But he didn’t know she was scared. He didn’t know she was absolutely terrified. Not when she’d always seemed fearless. Before he could stop himself, he went over and embraced her. His hug was tight and warm, one arm encircling around her waist and one hand in her hair, cradling her head. And for a second, she relaxed into him. She let his touch soothe her and heal her. But then she snapped out of it again. Back to reality. She remembered how badly it hurt when she lost good things. She disentangled herself from his hold.

“No,” she said. “Please...don’t touch me right now.”

Her words sounded so defeated and final that for the first time it occurred to Jess she might actually be serious about leaving, about breaking up. The thought was so heartbreaking, a lump instantly formed in his throat.

“Just wait a second, Elle. Can we...can we talk about this more? Please?” he asked, his voice almost a whisper. His own eyes began to grow shiny.

She shook her head, grabbing her suitcase and making for the coat rack. “I have to go, Jess.”

“But you don’t! You can stay and we can figure this out!” Jess said, following her to the doorway.

Her face was stoic and guarded again as she donned her coat, hat, and scarf. “I need...I just need to be alone. I’ll be back on Sunday.”

He ran a hand over his mouth again. “Do you promise you’ll be back on Sunday?”

“Yes,” she said after a moment, opening the door. She stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure whether to say goodbye, if it was a goodbye at all.

Jess sighed heavily, relenting to her leaving, as begrudgingly as possible. “Just…please be safe driving up there.”

“I will.”

“I love you,” he said, not being able to help himself.

A tiny, sad smile passed over her lips. “Right back at ya.”

On any other morning, he would have laughed at her response, a joke at the expense of his own shyness. But instead he stood motionless as she went out the door and shut it softly behind her. He was unsure if she would ever truly come back, if she was already gone, if she had been for weeks. Jess was crying before she made it out the front door of the building.

#gilmore girls #gilmore girls fanfiction #gilmore girls au #jess mariano #jess mariano fanfiction #jess mariano au #jess mariano x oc #gilmore girls xoc #original character fanfiction #fanfiction

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1zashreena1 · 4 years

Text

Princess and the Migraine -7

18+, m/f, technically OCxDiego Jimenez [Power]

Summary: When Princess needs his help Murder Panther undergoes a trial by fire and comes out soft and gooey. Like a marshmallow. A really sexy, highly dangerous marshmallow.

WARNINGS: Ridiculous descriptions and 'the code is more like guidelines' outlook on grammar. Is it OOC if the character was given essentially zero development in canon???

NO SMUT, usage of names, mild groping (he’s still Diego), illness and medical establishments, plus size woman+fit man, secretly competent Diego!, helpless Princess, bad boys with too much money and not enough impulse control, secondary OCs, excessive swearing (???), illegal business dealings... I mean, its DIEGO

A/N: Princess took on a life of her own and has essentially become an OC. There are infrequent mentions of her description (specifically as plus size) and her actual name in later pieces (its Bicki). She started as self-insert so she looks like me (plus size, white, short, blue eyes, curly hair). If that is not your thing, I totally understand. And do not feel obligated to read this, I will not be offended!

I'm not a fan of "plot" so be aware that most of this series is just meandering through their relationship, angst-fluff-smut whiplash style. But with dick jokes.

TAGLIST: @chelsfic @symbiont13 @nicke0115 @bunnykjm @rosee-sensuelle @girlpornparadise @mandoplease @heresathreebee @xxsteph-enrixx @jetiikad @joalsglasses @mutantcookiesecrets @demoncatstone @squidlywiddly87 @lockedoutofmyotherblog @poeedamerons

gif by @nicke0115

Diego had received the normal text from his Princess, a simple and efficient 'here' attached to a selfie. This Friday the selfie was in his bed, that mane of ringlets tossed up over the pillow and those deep blue eyes half closed in relaxation. There was nothing sexual about it, hell, he couldn't even see her lips, and it still made him half hard. What if I could see that every day? In person, right next to her? I must convince her to quit that stupid little job.

Groaning softly, he flips the phone to be held horizontally in his left hand while the right presses the heel of his palm into his burgeoning erection. He cannot wait to bury himself into that soft little body; fingers, tongue, dick, anything. She is the softest woman he has ever touched, even her tiny little feet are soft, it is maddening. He slouches down into the backseat to relieve some of the pressure from his pants.

"You want me to stop anywhere, boss?" Bastian asks from the driver's seat. Bastian is a good kid, he follows orders, he is efficient, he even anticipates needs like this, offering to get food on the way home. He looks nothing like his uncle. Julio always did say that his little sister liked blondes and Bastian was living proof.

"No, I will see what she wants to do first." Diego wants to get his hands on Princess more than he wants food.

Julio chuckles from the front seat, "His dinner is already at home, eh?" He's been with Diego for twenty years, he knows how this goes down.

"One can only hope." Diego mutters as he flips through the 'Pretty Princess' photo album in the phone's gallery. Sure, there are the expected compromising pictures (much to his delight, she enjoys posing seductively at any level of undress), but many are shots of her laughing, being excited at a new restaurant, snuggled into his side at some scenic location perfect for a couples' pic.

A couple. Is that what they are? Does he want that? (Yes) Can I have that? (I will). He hasn't wanted any of what used to be his regular girls in… six months. Sure, Franchesca and, and whatever-her-face-is accompanied him to some club events, he even let Franchesca blow him in the car. But it wasn't until he closed his eyes and saw another gaze, drowning blue and dark as ink, that he came. Vocally. Franchesca at least knew better than to comment. That was the last time.

He wants this. He wants Princess. His Princess. How, he has no idea, but he assumes he'll figure it out. He has figured out how to survive his sister and his profession all the way to age 42. He has figured it out so far and he has no plans to stop now.

That book about relationships and autism spectrum really helped, maybe there are other similar books that he can get. Is there a book on how to get women to admit feelings? There has to be a book on something so… unusual, yes?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The elevator dings and he steps out before the doors are fully open. The common area is dark and quiet. "Princess?" He calls. Nothing.

Maybe she is still in the bed waiting for me. The image throws him into rapid motion; the jacket is tossed over the back of the sofa and he pulls the gun out of his belt to place it on the breakfast bar as he passes by. With huge strides, he hurdles up the stairs and into the bedroom.

The small lamp on the nightstand is at the lowest setting, turned to a faint aqua color. She does love fiddling with the ridiculous color options. Her bag is on the floor in front of the closet along with her purse, shoes, and a trail of clothing to the bed.. Odd, she always places everything just so. Never just, just dropped… anywhere.

Princess is in the bed… but she is asleep.

Diego pushes his shoes off and pads over to her side of the bed. Her glasses are on the nightstand and next to them the gemstone ring he gave her is threaded onto one of the diamond tennis bracelet for safekeeping. It makes him smile, how thoughtfully she cares for his gifts.

"Princess?" She winces at his soft rumble and cracks one eye open. "What's wrong?" He reaches out to touch her hair and she flinches away. Ouch, what the hell?

She holds out a hand, he takes that instead. "Baby?" Her voice is so quiet he can barely hear her. Something is very wrong.

Kneeling to the floor, Diego rests his chin on the bed directly in front of her face and waits. He has learned that if it's something physical that is bothering her he can simply wait her out. Each time that he has tried this it resulted in a shorter wait period the next time and a less agitated Princess. He's not sure if he is training her or if maybe it's the other way around.

Her fingers curl around his thumb, small but strong. Finally, she opens her mouth, "I have a migraine. Was fine earlier, but police lights. On whatever bridge. We sat for like ten minutes, Bastian couldn't get out of the traffic. I took medicine, but I need to sleep." She pauses, her eyes closed tightly and brow furrowed. Her breathing is shallow, like she is trying very hard not to cry. "I'm sorry, baby." She whimpers, and then a real tear does escape.

"No no no, Princess. No crying. Please do not." The absolute last thing Diego can deal with today is that pretty little face all red and messy with tears. She sniffles but doesn't move away when he wipes the tears with his thumbs. Those blue eyes are watching him very closely.

"Are--" she licks her lips and tries again, "Are you mad at me?" Her high voice cracks at the end and she blinks back more tears. Apprehension is coming off of her in waves.

Diego cocks his head, trying to understand where this question comes from. "You… think I will be mad at you for being ill?" Slowly, he leans closer to her while she nods tightly with a tiny 'mm hmm' of affirmation. When she huddles into herself, almost hiding under the covers, understanding begins to bloom. "Have other people gotten mad at you for becoming ill?"

Princess swallows hard, her eyes slide away from his. She is embarrassed. Someone has managed to shame her into feeling guilty about a hereditary illness she has no control over. He can feel rage climbing up inside his chest.

"Y-y-yeah. It's really inconvenient. I ruin p-plans like this. I'm sorry." Her voice is muffled by the covers. She picks at the stitching on the sheet, snapping her nail back and forth over the threads in a nervous tic.

Right now, I am doing the training because this needs to be broken. Immediately. He takes a deep breath, "No, Princess. No one can be mad at you for suffering from a condition you cannot control. That is ridiculous. I could never be angry at you for getting sick." He tries very hard to sound soothing and not like he's about to reprimand a ludicrous child. Slowly, he pulls the sheet down until her entire face is visible. Her eyes flick back to him, then away again. "Aqui." She obeys the command thoughtlessly, locking on his gaze. Diego raises a brow in question.

Princess huffs a soft sigh, then whispers, "Okay." Her face smooths out, eyebrows straightening and lips relaxing back to their normal fullness. Her little nose even unwrinkles as she eases. She must decide she buys it, because next she timidly asks, "Will you bring me a Coke?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diego gets her settled with her phone (which he silences) and the small bottle of Coke (opened downstairs so the noise doesn't hurt her). When she pulled herself upright to drink he realized she was still dressed so he got her into pajamas, it was odd putting clothing onto her instead of taking it off. She kept her eyes closed and allowed him to move her around like a ragdoll, relaxed and trusting.

The tightness in his chest only worsened when she crawled into his lap and nuzzled into him with a plaintive, "Hold me." Princess wasn't really a cuddly type of girl, so he knew this was bad. After ten minutes she was done with the 'mushy stuff' as she referred to it. He let her get situated then went downstairs with instructions to check on her in two hours.

Diego spent the time researching migraines, her medication, and other possible treatments. Julio came and went with dinner, cheesesteaks that Princess had mentioned long before the police strobe lights.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The required two hours have passed, Diego swears it was two days long, so he heads upstairs to check on her. Princess is on her stomach, head turned to the left, and her mouth hanging open. His hand lands softly on her shoulder while he calls her, "Princess?"

Nothing happens.

He tries again, just a little louder, "Princess? Hey, mirame." Still no response. She is a light sleeper, this is highly unusual. And he is beginning to be concerned.

Diego nudges her shoulder, then, when he gets nothing, pushes until she rolls over. She doesn't even make a sound. Shit. Shit shit shit.

"Hey! Bicki! Wake up, come on." Her lashes flutter and she makes a whiny noise. Sitting on the bed, he hauls her into his lap so she leans back against his left arm. Tapping her cheek with his right hand gets a semi-verbal response.

"Dieg.. Where. I'm. Can't." She slurs and burrows into his chest. "Too brigh. Is brigh." Her voice is so quiet he can barely understand her. Her tiny hands are fisted in his shirt, hanging on for dear life.

He grips her jaw in his right hand and turns her head to face him. "Princess? Can you tell me?" She's struggling through his name, like her tongue is too big for her mouth. "Yes, it's me. It's your Diego. We're home, in bed. You're safe." Her brow furrows as she processes this information. It takes three times longer than it should, he hasn't seen anyone this fucked up in a long time. Its terrifying.

Finally, her hands in his shirt ease their grip and she looks around the room. "Diego?" She is squinting hard, blinking slowly.

"Right here, Princess." Turning her to face him, he can see that her eyes are completely unfocused, pupils so small they're barely visible in a sea of grayish blue. Her hands come up to touch his face and she makes a tiny noise of distress.

"Baby. Can't see. I can't." Her whisper fades as she goes limp, eyes rolling up. Her breathing stays even, if shallow, so he doesn't panic. Yet. She said she does this, that she will black out. Her whole family does it. Her sisters, her niece, her mom… HER MOM.

Hit by sudden inspiration, Diego whips around to her phone on the nightstand and snatches it up. Her mom. Her mom would know what to do, right? Easing her deadweight back to the bed, he makes sure she is breathing easily, then turns back to her phone. He unlocks her cell with his left hand while digging his out of his right pocket. There, at the top of her contacts labeled 'Emergency', Mom. Dad. Diego. He ignores the sharp flutter in his chest at seeing himself as her emergency contact, and opens up the Mom item. Before he can second guess himself, he taps in the number in on his own phone and hits the green button. She better know who I am or this is going to be a disaster.

It rings twice before a remarkably similar voice answers, "Hello?"

Shit, now what?

"Hello, is, is this Kat?" Fuck. Shit. Damnit Diego.

"Yes…?" It really is startling how similar their voices are.

"I do not know if you know who I am, my name is Diego and I--"

"Diego! Ohhh, I know who you are." She laughs lowly, just like Princess. He notes the fact that she recognizes him instantly for later discussion.

"I apologize for calling like this, but I need your help." He tries not to sound scared. He does not get scared.

"What's wrong? Is she okay? Are you okay?" Apparently he failed. Her mom, Kat, knows instantly that something is amiss.

"She said she had a migraine and took her medicine. Now, I cannot get her to wake up fully and she keeps repeating that she can't see. I don't know what to do, I've never seen her like this. Please." It all comes out in a rush, he hopes she can understand his rapidly thickening accent.

"Okay, first of all, take a deep breath." Do I sound that panicked? Should I be panicked?!? "This isn't that unusual for her more severe migraines. As long as she keeps breathing. Is her breathing fairly normal?"

He watches her chest rise and fall at regular intervals. "I, err, yes? It's a bit fast, but even."

"Good. That's good, Diego. She is not going to like this, but you have to take her to the ER."

"Okay. I can do that. Yes." Wait, what do you do when you take someone to the ER?

"Okay, listen. You have to tell them that she's had these since she was a kid. She takes the highest tablet dosage of imitrex, tell them what time she took it. She needs the shots, yes she has had them before, no drug allergies. Under no circumstances do you tell them that she blacked out or they will admit her. Also, no chance of pregnancy, they'll ask that. If they think she might be pregnant then they won't treat her."

THEY WHAT.

"What do you mean? Won't give her the shots? If she might be pregnant? What shots?" Diego is very confused. This is a lot of information in a very short time and all of it is very important. Why would that matter?

"Hospitals will not give medications to pregnant women. Only tylenol, generally. And that isn't going to help." Her mom sounds like this topic has been thoroughly debated in their household.

"Okay. No pregnancy. No black out. Have been having these her whole life, need shots, have had those before. I have the bottle of ...imitrex? I should take it along?" He ticks each item off on a mental list. "Actually, could you text all of... that?" He most definitely does not want them to admit her.

"Of course. And taking the bottle is perfect, that's quick thinking. What time did she take it?"

What time did she take that?? She had already taken it when he got home. "Sometime before seven…? Yes. Between six and seven."

"One last thing, I want you to be prepared. Its two shots, a sedative and a pain medication, but they'll put it in her butt."

That's… interesting. "In her butt?? She won't even let me put something in her butt." He mutters petulantly.

Her mom is sputtering with laughter. "Oh, I see why this relationship works. Wow. This is perfect."

"Err, is there anything else? I've never been to an ER, so. Um." Something about the way she sounds just like Princess puts him at ease, like he doesn't need to worry about impressing her.

"No. I'll text you the list after we hang up. Just let me know how she is tomorrow, okay? I know you'll take care of her, Diego."

"Yes, I will. Thank you." He ends the call and texts Julio to get up here now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ER is pandemonium and Princess is extremely unhappy to be there. She is curled into his side, trying to hide from the noise and the light, while Bastian fills out forms for her. Julio thought to bring her purse, it was a very good idea since her entire identity is in there. When Bastian hands over the forms to the desk the nurse sees Princess's hospital work badge in his hand with her ID and she magically shoots to the top of the waitlist.

The nurses come to take her into the back, they bring her a wheelchair which she grumbles about but goes willingly when Diego pushes her into the seat. He wants to go with her, but he isn't family. If this were anyone else he would do whatever he wants, but this is his Princess. The thought of breaking her trust by violating her privacy is unbearable, anything like this has never been discussed.

They barely disappear around the corner before a nurse comes right back.

"Alright. Which one is Diego? She will not shut up and she will not calm down. Come with me." The nurse grabs his arm and practically drags him for a few steps until his longer legs catch up.

They go into a curtained room where one nurse is trying to manhandle yoga pants down well-rounded hips and another is opening prefilled syringes. Princess is swiping at the unfamiliar hands on her body, unbalanced and jumpy. Little noises of fear escape from her lips in high pitches, her head is down and her eyes are closed tightly against the florescent lighting. Diego suddenly remembers that she can't see. She is terrified.

"Princess?" The second he touches her with one hand she dives into him. Her own little hands claw into his shirt and she tries to mold her body to his. "I'm here. You're safe." Wrapping arms around her, he holds her still tightly. She nods against his chest and relaxes a tiny bit.

The nurse with the syringes looks pointedly at Princess's butt, then back up at him. Oh. Right. Sliding one hand down her back, he inserts fingers into the back of her pants and eases the elastic waistband down. "Its just me," he whispers into her hair as she trembles in his hold. The strong muscles of her butt twitch, but she doesn't fight him. She trusts me.

Its over in under five seconds, both shots and both bandaids, one set on each side. She jumps with each injection but can't seem to process what happened fast enough to respond appropriately.

The nurse doesn't even bother to look up from cleaning the table. "Okay, take her home and put her to bed. She'll sleep for the next eight hours."

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "That's it?"

"Yep, thanks for your help."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Princess succumbs to the sedative halfway home and Diego has to carry her to bed. She really does sleep for most of Saturday. He keeps going in to check on her, she is completely limp and doesn't change position once. Its a bit disturbing how helpless she is like this. Has she had to do this alone before? Or, worse yet, with the awful ex?

He stays right beside her after that.

When she finally wakes her eyes are normal again and she immediately reaches out for him. "Diego?"

Her little question makes him smile warmly.

"Right here, Princess. Welcome back." He rumbles softly, unsure if sound still hurts her. Stroking one hand down her back makes her arch up into his caress. So beautiful.

She squints up at him through the curtain of her hair. Slowly, Princess rises to all fours, then eases back to sit. "I…" she blinks at him. "I have to pee."

Okay, so awake but not totally coherent yet. She requires a little assistance in the bathroom, mostly a steady arm to lean on, but they manage it with only mild to moderate giggles and one bruise-inducing bump to the corner of the counter.

She stumbles back to bed, collapses face down, sticks her left arm out in his general direction, and wiggles fingers at him then back at herself.

"Take the stupid bandaids off. Shit itches."

Oh yes, finally time to touch the butt.

Diego sits on the bed beside her, one hip pressed up against her own. He firmly strokes both hands down her back just to hear her deep moan of pleasure. She arches up when he reaches the curve of her ass. Oh good, she is feeling better. Fuck that, she feels amazing, he chuckles at his own joke but doesn't pause in gently groping her. The silky panties slide easily over her cheeks, the sight makes his mouth water. The pale skin is only marred by the bandaids, so he pulls them both off in rapid succession then smooths fingers over the red marks.

"Mmmmm," she moans with the gentle treatment, "Thank you for taking care of me. That's the first time someone other than my parents did that for me. How did you know to take me to the ER, anyway?" Her voice is muffled in the pillow, soft and sleepy and content.

Diego absent-mindedly runs a finger down the crack of her ass, feather light. "Your mom told me what to do when I called her."

"YOU CALLED MY MOM?!?!"

Judging by her volume, apparently no, sound does not hurt her anymore.

#damnit diego #actually thank you diego #murder panther #soft murder panther #zash writes #stupid fluff

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big-toe-energy · 4 years

Text

Baby doll

Parings: Billy Hargrove x Henderson! Reader

Warnings: Language, mentions of smut, mostly fluff, and crying.

You had a really bad day and everything keeps going wrong and you’re just frustrated and you leave school early and then billy comes to check up on you and he holds you and it’s fluffy!!!! It’s been a while so i might be a little rusty!

You weren’t in a good mood at all today, you woke up already in a bad mood due to tossing and turning in all night, and you woken up with a pulsing migraine. You had hoped that your day would potentially get better when you had got to school, but sadly It didn’t. Instead when you got there someone had taken your parking spot, and you were 10 minutes late to your first class of the day.

As you went through your first 2 classes you were excited to meet up with your boyfriend, Billy, like you did everyday before 3rd period. You waited patiently outside of the boys locker room for him to come out,and as you saw him approach through the window in the door a big smile started to grow on your face, but he walked out and walked right passed you. He was talking to Tommy and laughing. ‘Wow, am I invsable?’ You thought. You were catching the hint that your day was not going to get any better, so you decided to just head home. On your way out though you stopped by the library to find Nancy.

“Hey Nancy, would you mind telling Dustin not to wait on me today, I know he rides his back, but he usually likes racing me home.” You rubbed your eyes

“Sure thing, y/n! You okay?” She smiled at you

“I’m okay, just not feeling to good. Thank you!” You gave her a sheepish smile then headed to your car.

~~~

Once you got home it was 11:45 am, and there was still almost 3 hours left of the school day, you walked right to your room, took off your pants, and took some Advil and went straight to take a nap.

An hour or so had past when you heard someone frantically ringing your door bell. You stretched and rushed to put some pants on then went to see who it was, and there stood billy with a concerned look on his face.

“Baby, hey what happened, were you not at school today?” He furrowed his eyebrow

“I was, I left early. Wasn’t having a good day.”You huffed

“Oh.” he looked down at his boots

“I waited for you today before 3rd,but you walked right past me.” You wanted to cry, you didn’t really know why though.

“Baby.. I’m so sorry. Can I come in?” He looked into your eyes and you melted

“Fine. Come on.” You crossed your arms

Once he entered and you shut and locked the front door behind him You walked back to your bed room and he followed taking off his jacket along the way. Once you got to your room you removed your pants again,and layed back in the bed. Billy took off his boots and removed his blue jeans and snuggled into bed with you.

“Wow didn’t know this was a pantsless party baby or I would’ve brought a rubber.” He winked

“I can’t stand you.” You giggled hitting him with a random stuffed animal that was laying on your bed.

“Hey y/n,I’m really sorry me and Tommy got caught up with talking, we were talking about our plans for prom this year, and I got caught up in talking about you baby.” He brushed your hair out of your face and placed a kiss on your forehead and pulled your body closer to his.

“Aww Babe. That’s so cute it’s like you like me or something??” You giggled turning your body to face his.

“No shit.” He chuckled deeply.

You two kissed eachother deeply then he pulled the blanket over your body’s more.

“What time will the dweeb be home?” He winked

“At 3:30, maybe later, why?” You looked up into his baby blues

“Just wanted to make sure that you have enough time to take a nap and enough Time for us to put our pants back on before he walks in here.” He rubbed your back while you curled into him more.

“Fair enough.” You smiled

You shifted so you could hug him tighter, you loved his hugs. You loved being with him, he made you feel so much better.

“Sleep well baby doll.” He kissed your forehead

“You too lover boy.” You placed a kiss on his chest.

And you both fell asleep that was until Dustin bardged into the house yelling for you.

#billy hargrove #billy hargove x reader #dacre montgomery x reader #dacre montgomery #stranger things imagines #strangerthings #stranger things #dacre montgomery imagine #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove fluff

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blackhakumen · 4 years

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Mini Fanfic #554: Cuddling with Your Two Aunts (Sonic)

6:34 p.m. at Antoine and Bunnie's House.........

Tails: (Sighs Relaxingly while Sitting and Cuddling Next to Bunnie on the Sofa Under a Long Blanket) This is nice.

Bunnie: (Giggles Softly While Hugging Tails as Well) Already having fun, 'Sugah Cubes?

Tails: Yeah. I know it shouldn't be a big deal or anything, but.....(Smiles Softly while Snuggling onto Bunnie's Embrace) I really do missed this. Thanks again for doing this for me.

Bunnie: (Gives Tails a Kiss on the Cheek) You're always welcome, 'Sugah-

'Door Opens Loudly'

Sally: (Angrily Points at the Cuddling Duo) You!

Tails: (Very Surprised by Sally's Sudden Appearance into the House) Aunt Sally?!

Bunnie: (Casually Waves at Sally) Howdy therw, Sal.

Sally: Don't you "Howdy there, Sal" me, Bunnie Rabbot! You and Tails had the entire day to yourselves today and now you're already decided to have a Cuddle Session without me?!

Bunnie: Oh, come on now. I texted you to come along once Tails and I gotten back home.

Sally: The only thing that text message says is that "Tails and I are having a Cuddle Session at your house"! You never said anything about inviting me!

Bunnie: True. (Smirks Playfully at her Gal Pal) But it did made ya leave out of that castle quicker than a jack rabbit on relay race, now did it?

Sally: (Scoffs as She Closes the Front Door Behind Her and Locked it) Whatever. I'm still joining the Cuddle Session with you guys and no one's stopping me! (Makes her Way to the Sofa)

Bunnie: (Giggles Softly) Whatever ya say, ya highness~

Sally: (Sat Next to Tails on her Side Under a Blanket and Hugs him Lovingly) Hi, sweetie.

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly While Hugging Sally Back) Hey, Aunt Sally. How are you today?

Sally: ('Sighs a bit Heavily') A lot better now than I was at the castle that's for sure....

Tails: It was that stressful?

Sally: Yep. I had to sign a mountain size of paperwork with dad. To tis day I'm still not sure how he was able do this all day without having a single migraine.....

Bunnie: Maybe it's because he's been king for so long that stuff like doing paperwork, never really bothered him as much.

Sally: Maybe...... But honestly, I don't wanna think about all of that right now. I just want to enjoy this night, cuddling with my Gal Pal and my favorite nephew in the whole world.

Tails: Sally, I'm your only nephew.

Sally: (Giggles Softly) I know you are, sweetie. But you're still our world. (Gives Tails Three Kisses on the Cheek)

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly While Playfully Rolling his Eyes) I know. You guys are my world too.

Bunnie: Soooooooooo, Tails. This might be a silly question to ask, buuuuut......

Sally: Which one of us is your favorite aunt?

Tails: (Facepalms while Sighing) Ah geez. Are we seriously doing this right now?

Bunnie: Why, of course we are, 'Sugah. We gotta know who it is sooner or later.

Sally: She's right. (Starts Acting Smug Like) Though, I totally understand if you don't wanna to openly admit that it's really yours truly.

Bunnie: ('Scoffs') Please, girl. Surely you know that Tails here has already think that I am the best Auntie around this Mobius. Rotor and I practically taught him everything he knows about technology.

Sally: (Glares at Bunnie) Yeah? Well, I'm the one who raised him first and I'd always read him bedtime stories when he was only little.

Bunnie: ('Groans') Oh you have got to be...... (Glares Back at Sally) I read him those bedtime stories too!! We both read them to him together, remember?!

Sally: Oh crap. We did read it to him together, didn't we?..... W-Well, at least I've always give him the best cuddles!

Bunnie: No. I give him best cuddles!

Sally: No! It's me!

Bunnie: No! Me!

Tails: Guys! I'm not choosing between the two of you.

Sally/Bunnie: (Turns to Tails in Shock) What?! But why?

Tails: Because you two mean the whole world to me, remember? You did everything you could to raise me and give me all love and cuddles I needed at the time and even now to this day. I wouldn't even be half the person I am now if neither of you were a part in my life. You're already family to me.

Sally: You..... really mean that?

Tails: (Smiles Softly) Of course I do, Aunt Sally. I will always love you and Auntie Bunnie no matter what.

Sally: (Heart Begins to Melt as She Starts to Tear Up) Sweetheart......

Bunnie: (Tearing Up as Well) ('Sniff') I promise myself I wouldn't cry...('Sniff') 'Specially not in front of my baby fox....

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly) Come here, you guys. (Gently Pulls Both his Aunt's into a Big, Loving Hug) Don't cry. It's okay. I'm here.

Sally: (Giggles Softly while Hugging Tails Back on Her Side) Don't worry, Tails. We won't cry that easily this time. ('Sniff') We promise.

Bunnie: (Smiles Teary While Hugging Tails Back on her Side) Yeah, 'Sugah Cubes. ('Sniff') We're just gettin' little overwhelmed here. No worries.

Tails: If you say so. You do know I meant every word of what I just said, right?

Sally: (Happily Nodded) Definitely. We honestly couldn't be more happier than we are before.

Tails: I'm just glad I get to cuddle with you guys again. (Snuggles onto Both of his Aunties' Embrace) Not sure if you could tell by now, but I really do missed it a lot.

Bunnie: (Giggles Softly) We know you do, honey bun. But like I said before, Sal and I are gonna do our very best to give you Cuddle Sessions a lot more often from this day forward.

Sally: (Smiles Brightly) That's right. (Playfully Pokes Tails' Cheeks) So don't you worry cute little head. Your aunties got you covered.

Tails: (Smiles Brightly) I can't thank you guys enough for all of this. (Gives Both Sally and Bunnie Each a Kiss on the Cheek) I love you.

Sally/Bunnie: (Gives Their Little Tails a Big Kiss on Both of his Cheeks on their Respective Sides) We love you too, Sweetie/'Sugah Cubes.

@26shann

@italian-love-cake

@keyenuta

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@ma-lemons

@sonicsflowers

@miki-13

#sonic series #miles tails prower #sally acorn #bunnie rabbot #lots and lots of fluff here #sweet family moment #cuddling & snuggling #sally and bunnie are the best auntie duo!#and tails love them very much #takes place after tails and bunnie outing together #humor #have to edited it again to make it perfect. sorry about that

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phantasticworks · 4 years

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If You Don’t Love Me, Pretend - Chapter Sixteen

hello everyone!!! Sorry for the late update, I’ve been working all week and didn’t get home until late today. If anyone is interested I might do a q&a about the story or a sneak peek or something later tonight as an apology for the late chapter! I hope you enjoy reading! ;)

read on ao3

Words: 10k

Summary: Phil has a sick day and Dan takes care of him.

Plus.... the moment you've all been waiting for

Warnings for this chapter: swearing, sickness

There’s a baby crying. Dan doesn’t know where, but he’s positive he can hear it. He’s trying to find it, walking in the direction of the noise, but it seems like the louder the cries, the slower he moves. It’s like he’s moving in quicksand, but when he looks at his feet, there’s nothing. No ground, no legs. Just the sound of the baby crying. He’s panicked, looking around for someone, anyone, to help. He’s about to call out for help, when his world is jostled. It ruins the atmosphere, everything fading in and out shakily.

The cries are still there, but now he’s not sure it’s a baby. It sounds like-

Dan hears an annoying trill in the background of his subconsciousness, drawing him from his dream. He can sort of piece together that the noise is probably his phone, but he’s still not entirely sure he’s awake. He snuggles down into the warmth of the bed, content to let the noise continue and drift back into his dream.

That is, until he feels a sharp prod to his side, followed by a voice. “Dan. Turn your alarm off.”

“Hm?” Dan murmurs into his pillow.

“Dan.” There’s a pause, and Dan’s finally beginning to think he might be able to go back to sleep, but then he feels a sharp pain in his side.

He jolts at the feeling, rolling over to blink at his apparent assailant. “That fucking hurt!” he hisses.

“Turn the alarm off, Daniel.” Comes Phil’s sharp reply.

Dan blinks sleepily, rubbing at his eyes as he flails about for his phone. “Fine, god.” He stops the alarm before yawning, taking a moment to wake up a little as he sits up. He glances over at Phil, frowning when he sees the blanket pulled over his head.

“What’s wrong with you?” He mutters, still a little annoyed that his wake-up call was a rather pointy elbow to his ribs.

“Nothing,” Phil grits out.

Dan rolls his eyes at the obvious lie. He was too exhausted right now to be seriously concerned. Phil wasn’t a morning person all the time, and maybe the whole parenting thing was getting to him.

“Whatever,” Dan mumbles before going to shower.

When he comes out of the bathroom a little later, Phil is still wrapped entirely in blankets. Dan hums to himself as he grabs a shirt from his side of the closet, sliding his arms in and working on buttoning it up. He scrounges around in one of his drawers, wearing nothing but a pair of pants and the shirt as he looks for some trousers or jeans. He sorts through two drawers before he finds a pair he likes, going to his top drawer to grab some socks, still humming.

“Can you please hurry up?” Phil’s voice is weak and strained, and Dan startles at hearing it in the otherwise silent room.

Frowning, Dan glances over at where Phil’s face is barely peeking out of the blankets. “What is your problem, mate? Why’re you being so tetchy?”

Phil closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. Something about that doesn’t sit well with Dan, but it’s teetering between guilt and annoyance, and he’s not sure which to give into. “I don’t feel well,” Phil says finally. “Just… Can you be a little quieter?”

Dan shrugs. “Yeah, whatever.” He heads into the bathroom to brush his teeth and do something with his hair to the soundtrack of Phil letting out a shaky breath.

After finishing up in the bathroom, Dan heads back into the bedroom. His eyes are immediately drawn to the bed, where he can just barely see Phil’s shoulders shaking, just slightly.

Slowly, quietly, Dan makes his way over to Phil’s side of the bed. He sits carefully on the edge, trying not to jostle him too much. “Phil? Are you okay, bub?” His hand hovers near Phil, a little unsure if he wants the physical comfort right now.

Phil draws in a shuddering breath but makes no attempt to hide the fact that he’d been crying. “I’m fine,” he says, strained.

Dan gently lays a hand in Phil’s hair, stroking gently. Phil doesn’t flinch away, so Dan continues the movements. “Hey… what’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

Dan has to bite his tongue on a sharp rebuttal. “Is it a migraine?” He asks, his chest sinking at the thought.

Phil’s hesitation is answer enough, but he finally says a soft, “Yeah.”

Leaning down, Dan presses his lips to Phil’s temple. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault,” Phil whispers, his tone bitter.

“Not what I meant,” Dan mumbles. He kisses again. “Need anything?”

“No. I just… I wanna be alone.”

And that hurts, just a little. But Dan knows he can only make it better if Phil wants him to, so with another kiss and a soft murmur of, “Okay,” he leaves the room.

The twins are already awake, and he tells them that whoever can be the quietest will get a treat later. He knows it is bribery, but he already feels guilty enough about being loud earlier, so maybe this will atone for that guilt. Levi is practically dead to the world, so it takes a moment to get him up.

“I’m up,” Levi groans.

“Breakfast is gonna be on the road today, buddy. And Phil’s feeling a little under the weather, so try to be as quiet as you can until we leave, yeah?”

Levi nods, waving him off. “Yeah, yeah. Got it.”

Dan heads back downstairs, stopping in the kitchen for a glass of water and a few paracetamol tablets. Phil’s no longer got his head covered up, but his eyes are clenched shut too tightly for him to be asleep. Dan sets down the water and medicine gently before settling on the bed in front of Phil again. He runs a hand down Phil’s arm, rubbing his skin gently. “I brought you some medicine and water, babe.”

“Thanks,” Phil breathes.

Dan feels his gut twist. He hates seeing Phil like this and knowing that he didn’t make it any easier on him earlier makes him feel even worse. “I’m sorry you’re ill,” he whispers, leaning down to kiss Phil’s shoulder.

Phil’s hand finds Dan’s and he squeezes his fingers. He doesn’t speak, and Dan knows he’s probably not making him feel better by sitting here talking. Still, he closes his eyes and just sits there for a moment, stealing that little moment for the two of them before he has to leave. After a moment, he sighs, leaning to kiss Phil’s cheek.

“I’ll call in for you. We’ll be home later, but call me if you need anything, yeah?” Dan rubs Phil’s knuckles with his thumb.

“Yeah,” Phil agrees softly.

Dan nods, mostly to himself, since Phil isn’t looking at him. He moves to leave the room when he hears Phil’s quiet voice behind him. “Hm?”

“The notes,” Phil says, voice wobbly. “I have some notes for the kids in my drawer.” He gestures vaguely to his nightstand.

It takes Dan a moment to process what he means, but when he does he can’t help the fond smile on his face. He quietly pulls the drawer open and finds four stacks of sticky notes. There’s about three or four notes in each stack, but each stack is labelled with a different name. He grabs one note for each of them, making sure his eyes don’t stay too focused on the one with his name for now.

“Alright,” Dan says to indicate he got them. “Get some sleep, baby.”

“Drive safe,” Phil murmurs, his arm covering his eyes. His lips twitch, and Dan hesitates. It was barely a pucker, but when he sees Phil do it again, he steps closer impulsively. Quickly, so that he won’t feel too guilty or awkward about it, Dan leans down and briefly presses his lips to Phil’s in a kiss so fleeting it’s barely a brush.

“Bye, love,” Dan whispers.

He ducks out of the room quickly then, but not before he sees Phil’s lips quirk up, just slightly. The memory warms his chest the entire rest of the morning- through calling in sick for him, to stopping at a café to get the children some breakfast, to dropping them off and strolling into work, a stupid grin on his face.

Louise stares at him suspiciously when he walks in. “What’s got you so smiley?” She demands.

Dan grins at her, shrugging. “I’m just happy, I guess.”

~~~

Happy apparently doesn’t last, as it turns out.

The kids are bubbly and full of life after school, and even Levi is more of a chatterbox than usual. Dan is enjoying it thoroughly, the sounds of them laughing and talking together filling a void in his chest he never realized was empty. They’re still loud and rambunctious as they walk into the flat, although Dan reminds them to use their inside voices in the same breath he uses to chastise the twins for throwing their backpacks down rather than hanging them on their hooks.

He’s humming to himself as he kicks off his own shoes and hangs his bag up, thinking back to the very few messages he’d exchanged with Phil throughout the day.

9:37 AM

Dan: hey bub just checking to see how you’re doing

Phil: I’m okay I guess. Tired :/

Dan: do you need me to come home?

Phil: No

Dan: oh

Dan: okay well ily and I hope you feel better soon x

12:04 AM

Dan: try to eat something for lunch please

Phil: k

1:26 PM

Dan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbDV7uxjqlI

Dan: v important content

Phil: read at 1:27 PM

Dan was nervous walking through the flat to their room, already fearing the worst, as if Phil’s texting behavior today was just a signal that today was about to prove to be a bad one. He nudges the door to their bedroom open gently, noting that the lights are off, and the curtains are drawn. He tiptoes to the bed, eyeing the outline of Phil’s body beneath the duvet.

His chest is rising and falling slowly, a sure sign of slumber. One of his arms is curled around Dan’s pillow, tucked into his side, and the other is splayed above his head. As Dan gets closer he notices how shiny Phil’s skin looks, making him pause. Dan’s careful as he creeps forward and cautiously lowers himself to the bed, laying a gentle hand on Phil’s forehead to check for a temperature.

He nearly swears when he feels how uncomfortably hot Phil’s face is, and his anxiety spikes as he notices the shivers that wrack his body sporadically. Dan has no idea how long he’s been asleep or if he’s already aware that he has a fever, but with a renewed sense of anxiety, he reaches for Phil’s shoulder and gently shakes him awake.

“Phil. Phil, bub, c’mon, wake up.” Dan watches as his eyelids flutter open.

“Huh?” His voice is thick with sleep, and his eyes hold a mixture of panic and confusion as they flit around, finally focusing on Dan’s face. “Dan?”

“Yeah, buddy. C’mon, you need to get in the bath, you’re burning up.”

Phil nods vaguely, his eyes fluttering shut again. “Mm,” he mumbles.

“Phil. Hey, wake up. Come on, you have to get up,” Dan reiterates, tugging Phil’s arm. Phil makes a noise of protest, but Dan just tuts at him. “Let’s go, bath.”

“Don’t wanna,” Phil slurs.

Dan sighs, pulling him up and dragging him off the bed, doing his best to hoist him up and guide him into the bathroom. “I know you don’t, but your fever is really high, and I don’t know what to do and I’m freaking out.” The word vomit erupts from his mouth, and he’s selfishly a little glad that Phil seems too out of it to process what he just said.

He lets Phil lean against the sink, quickly moving to fill the bathtub up with water and throwing in some of the peppermint salts that Phil likes. He spins back around when he hears Phil gag, covering his mouth as his panicked eyes find Dan’s. Dan is quick to guide him to the toilet, brushing Phil’s hair back and cringing against the sound of him emptying the contents of his stomach. He’s always hated listening to other people get sick, and to relieve the nausea he feels swirling in his own stomach, he presses his face against Phil’s shoulder blade, trying to minimize his breathing and focus on the sound of running water.

“Shh, shh, you’re okay,” He mumbles, pressing kisses against the damp t-shirt below his mouth as Phil dry heaves. Dan waits for a moment, until he’s almost certain Phil’s done, then quickly pulls away to flush the evidence away. Phil’s face is nearly translucent and haggard as he stares up at Dan, his eyes swimming in tears. “Hey, it’s okay, baby. C’mon, let’s get you in the bath, see if we can get the fever to break.”

Phil nods slowly, standing on baby deer legs and allowing Dan to tug at his shirt. When he hesitates at the waistband of Phil’s pajama bottoms, the older man shrugs. He closes his eyes, looking defeated and exhausted. “It’s not something you haven’t seen before.” Dan chooses not to respond, nodding tersely and making quick work of Phil’s pajama bottoms and pants, keeping his eyes focused solely on his hands. Phil stumbles a little trying to pull his feet out, his hand flying to Dan’s shoulder to hold himself steady. “Er- sorry,” Phil mumbles.

“It’s fine,” Dan replies quietly. He tosses Phil’s clothes into the corner, guiding him over to the tub and helping him lower himself in. The water level has risen almost too much since Dan turned it on, so he’s quick to twist the knob to make it stop.

“Dan,” Phil whines softly as he settles in the water. When Dan looks at him, he’s shivering, his cheeks decorated with streams of tears. “It’s cold.”

Dan feels his heart ache. He hated, more than anything, to see Phil in pain. He brings his hands up to cup Phil’s cheeks, wiping away the moisture there and leaning in to kiss his forehead. “I know, love. But your skin is burning up, I don’t know what else to do.”

Phil’s teeth chatter as he draws his legs up to his chest, hugging his knees. Dan feels this is partly to maintain warmth, but likely because with the cold bath waking him up completely, Phil is aware of his own nakedness. “O-o-kay.”

“You don’t have to stay in here very long,” Dan assures him, brushing a hand through Phil’s hair. “Just about ten minutes, and then we’ll get you back in bed, okay?” Phil only nods, dropping his head to his knees miserably. Dan swallows back the emotion in his throat, petting the back of his head. “I’m going to go check on the kids, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Phil whispers.

Dan’s quick about heading upstairs, where he can hear the kids playing and arguing over something, probably a game. He’s not very surprised to see a Super Smash Brothers game going on, Levi and Jaiden shoving at each other on the sofa, trying to knock each other’s remotes out of their hands. Amelia is cheering them on from the arm chair, but she’s not very loyal to either side. They don’t notice him there at first, but when Amelia sees him she yelps and jumps up, skipping over to him and holding her arms out.

He scoops her up and gestures to the TV with his vacant hand. “Hey, pause that for a minute, guys.”

Levi presses the button and turns to look at him, while Jaiden protests beside him. “What’s up?” Levi asks, glancing towards the stairs. “Where’s Phil?”

Dan tries not to show how worried he is as he nods to the stairs. “He’s in our room. He’s pretty ill, so I’ve gotta go back down there in a minute and take care of him. I think we’re going to have a takeout kinda night, so you guys think about what you want for dinner, okay? And try not to be too loud up here, if you don’t mind.”

They nod, and Amelia presses her cheek to Dan’s shoulder. “Is Dad gonna be okay?”

With a smile, Dan presses a kiss to her cheek. “Sure, lovebug. He just needs to get some rest.”

“Were we being too loud?” Levi asks, looking guilty.

Dan shakes his head. “No, not at all. So, just keep the volume where it’s at, okay? And when you guys decide what you want, text me and I’ll order it.” He directs the last part to Levi, who nods. “Alright, I’ve gotta go back downstairs, but I’ll be back in a bit.”

The children respond with vague acknowledgements that they’ve heard him, the boys already going back to their game. Dan presses another kiss to Amelia’s head before setting her down and heading back down to his room.

Phil’s still in the bathtub, but he’s not shivering quite as violently as he was before. “Alright, let’s get you out of here,” Dan says quietly when he walks in, trying not to startle him.

Phil still jumps, just a little, but he looks grateful when he looks up at Dan. “Okay.”

Dan grabs a towel and helps Phil stand up, drying him off quickly and reaching out to flick the tab so the tub will drain out. He brings one end of the towel up to Phil’s damp hair, rubbing it against his head gently. Phil giggles a little as Dan does this, and Dan offers him a fond smile. They’re stood so close together, and Dan’s eyes flick down to his lips for a half second. Suddenly, Phil’s not laughing anymore, just staring at Dan with something like expectancy in his eyes.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Dan steps away. “I’ll be right back, I’m going to grab you some pajamas.” Dan’s almost out the door when he hears Phil’s soft voice calling him back. “Hm?”

“Something of yours?” Phil asks, his eyes big and round and hopeful.

Dan bites his lip to hide a smile. “Sure. Be right back.”

~~~

After Phil has gotten dressed in a pair of Dan’s sweatpants and a striped t-shirt, Dan tucks him back into bed before going on a search for a thermometer. He comes back into their room waving it triumphantly, sitting on the edge of the bed and facing Phil, who’s sat against the headboard with his knees pulled up close to his chest. Phil crinkles his nose distastefully but obediently tucks the stick under his tongue and allows it to process. When it beeps, Dan narrows his eyes at it before letting out a sigh of relief.

“36,” He informs Phil, tossing the device onto his bedside table in case they need it again later.

Phil frowns. “That’s still kinda high, isn’t it?”

Dan shrugs. “It’s less than it probably was before.” He leans in then, pressing his lips to Phil’s forehead. He lingers there for longer than is probably necessary, but his hand is itching to run through the hair above Phil’s ear, and Dan can’t help himself. “You’re not as warm as you were before, so I think it probably broke,” he says when he leans away, his hand still stroking Phil’s hair gently.

There’s a strange look on Phil’s face but he nods. “I feel a little better, I guess.” He sounds like he resents this fact, and Dan has to laugh. Phil always was such a baby about cold baths.

“Well, good. I was freaking the fuck out, honestly.”

Phil’s eyebrows draw together. “Why?”

Dan tilts his head and quirks an eyebrow in disbelief. “Come on. You know why.” When Phil gives him a vacant look, Dan makes a noise that’s something between a snort and a cough. “I just… I worry when you don’t feel well. And it makes me sad to see you hurting.”

Apparently, this is the right thing to say, because a grin slowly stretches across Phil’s lips. Dan’s already cringing, prepared for Phil to come up with something ridiculous to say to that, probably something mildly insulting. Instead, he leans forward, resting his head on Dan’s shoulder and pressing a kiss to Dan’s collarbone. “Thank you for taking care of me, bear.”

Dan’s heart clenches at the nickname. He raises a hand, carding his fingers through Phil’s hair and kissing his head. “Of course,” he says, his voice softer than he’d intended. He’s just about to ask if Phil wants to lay down for a nap when the sound of a ringtone interrupts him.

Phil’s nose crinkles as he looks to the side, where the sound is coming from his phone. He leans away from Dan, sighing deeply. “It’s my mum.” He sounds exhausted, even more so than before, staring at the phone like he wishes it would erupt into flames.

“Want me to answer for you?” Dan asks, eyeing the mobile.

Without a word, Phil hands it to him.

“Hello, child. I was starting to think you weren’t going to answer an old woman’s call.” Kathryn’s playfully reprimanding voice greets him when he swipes to answer.

Dan can’t help but grin, moving on the bed to settle himself beside Phil as he chats with the other man’s mother. He loves Kathryn dearly, always has. “Hi, Kath,” Dan laughs. “This is Dan, actually.”

“Dan!” She sounds genuinely pleased to hear it’s him. It makes Dan’s heart warm. He glances at Phil and finds him staring at him with a soft look. “How are you, love? It’s been too long since you’ve called, you know.”

Even as playful as the reprimand is, it makes Dan hang his head in real embarrassment. He actually does try to call her from time to time; there’s just some maternal comfort there that he doesn’t quite find with his own mum. “I know, sorry about that. It’s been rather hectic around here lately.” He glances up at Phil again, his lips twisted in silent question. He didn’t really know what all Phil told his mum about their situation, so he wasn’t really sure what he needed to say.

Phil just shrugs, then nods. His mother is already chattering away in Dan’s ear, giving away what she knows without hesitation. “-and he said you had the older one now, as well. Luke, was it?”

“Levi,” Dan corrects gently. “They’re all lovely kids, really sweet.”

Kathryn coos at this. “I’m so glad Phil and you finally sorted yourselves out. Can’t believe you managed to keep it from us for so long, though.” She laughs then, and Dan awkwardly follows. He very carefully does not meet Phil’s gaze. “I suppose I should ask about my son, while I’ve got you,” she says, her voice teasing.

Dan actually laughs at this, giving Phil a cheeky smile when he furrows his eyebrows. Reaching up unthinkingly, Dan brushes his thumb across Phil’s eyebrows, smoothing them out with gentle strokes. Phil smiles at him, tilting his head and nosing against Dan’s palm, prompting him to stroke his cheek instead. It’s weirdly intimate, but Dan doesn’t drop his hand. Instead, he answers Kathryn, his eyes focused on Phil’s face. “Well, he’s ill today, actually.”

“What’s wrong?” Kathryn’s voice has lost all humor and is coated with that distinct Mum Concern that she’s patented. “Is he alright?”

Phil must hear this, because he rolls his eyes, shifting back. Dan’s hand falls out of reach, and he laments the loss for a second. Only a second, because when Phil’s comfortable he drops his head to Dan’s shoulder, and yeah, that’s better. “He’s fine, I think. Had a migraine this morning and when I came home he had a fever.”

“Poor lamb,” Kathryn coos. Dan can’t tell how serious she is. Phil is a grown man, after all. “Did you get the temperature down?”

Dan nods before remembering she can’t see him. “I did, yeah. He hates me for it, but I reckon a cool bath won’t kill him.”

“It wasn’t cool, it was freezing,” Phil complains loudly.

Rolling his eyes, Dan’s about to respond when he hears Kathryn laugh. “Well, if he can complain about it, he must be feeling better.”

“He is, he’s just a baby,” Dan teases, mainly to see the adorable way it makes Phil glare at him. “Did you want to speak to him? I think he’s feeling well enough for me to hand the phone off.”

Phil gives him a pained look, but Dan grins, knowing already that Kathryn will say no.

“Oh, that’s alright. Let him rest, I can talk to him tomorrow. But love, do call me every now and again, yeah? And maybe visit soon?” She sounds so hopeful, and Dan knows already that he can’t say no to her.

He also can’t blindly promise he’ll do something like that, though, so instead he just makes a noncommittal noise. “Of course, Kath.”

“Tell Phil to get well soon, that’s an order. I love you both, Dan. Don’t forget about that visit.”

Dan laughs. “Sure thing. Love you too. Bye.”

After he’s hung up the phone, he sighs, leaning over to drop it on the nightstand before looking at Phil. He’s got a thoughtful look on his face, but his eyes aren’t meeting Dan’s. He decides to let that go for now. “You alright?”

Phil nods, his gaze refocusing and shifting to Dan’s. A small smile tugs at his lips as he drops his head back to Dan’s shoulder. “Thanks for talking to her for me. I don’t feel like talking to anyone right now.”

This makes Dan freeze a little. Of course, Phil needs to rest. Dan doesn’t need to sit in here keeping him from taking a nap. He slowly shifts, moving to climb off the bed, but then Phil’s arm is around his waist, holding him there tightly. “Not you, you don’t count,” he protests, rolling his eyes.

His heart and face warming, Dan settles back down, gingerly moving his arm to rest around Phil’s shoulder. Maybe he does this to play with Phil’s hair, but that’s his business.

They sit like that in silence for several long minutes. Phil eventually sighs contently and slowly pulls away, causing Dan’s hand to slip away from his hair. “How’re the kids?”

Dan then remembers that he promised to order them some takeout of their choice. “Hungry, probably,” he laughs, reaching for his phone to check for a message from Levi. “I told them to let me know what they wanted for dinner and I’d just order in tonight.”

Levi: twins said they want pizza

Dan: are you good w that

Levi: yep

“Do you think you could eat some pizza?” Dan asks, glancing up at Phil after reading Levi’s message.

Phil’s nose scrunches up in distaste. “I’m not really hungry,” he admits.

Dan narrows his eyes. “What did you have for lunch?” Phil’s silence is all he needs to know that he hasn’t eaten at all today. “You have to eat something. I can order you some soup?”

“If I have to,” Phil pouts.

“You’re so whiny,” Dan teases, pulling up the website for their favorite pizza place on his phone.

Phil knocks his knee against Dan’s side gently. “Don’t bully me, I’m ill,” he protests weakly.

Dan smiles fondly. “Oh, you poor baby,” he simpers.

“Shut up,” Phil giggles, sticking his tongue out at Dan.

After getting some pizza and soup ordered, Dan texts Levi to let him know that the pizza was being delivered soon. “Do you think you’ll want to eat in here?”

Phil shakes his head. “I want to eat with you guys,” he says. He leans his head back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. “I already feel like an invalid, I’d really like to eat dinner with my family.”

Dan frowns at the bitter tone in his voice. Leaning forward, he rests his cheek against Phil’s knee, his hand coming up to stroke his thigh gently, staring at the Game of Thrones logo there. “You’re not an invalid,” He murmurs. “You’re not well today, but that isn’t your fault.”

There’s a long pause, and Dan thinks Phil probably won’t respond. Then, there’s a hand in his hair, scratching at his scalp perfectly. “Thank you,” Phil breathes. “I… Yeah. Thanks, bear.”

With a smile, Dan tilts his head, pressing a kiss to Phil’s knee through the fabric of the sweatpants. “Anytime.”

~~~

After a sort of subdued dinner with the kids, Phil announces that he wants to watch a movie. Dan, quick to comply to any of Phil’s demands today, agrees easily. He’d watched Phil grow steadily frustrated as the kids constantly shot him worried looks, staying quieter than usual, per Dan’s request. He feels a little guilty for telling them that Phil was sick, but he knew they were just trying to do what they thought was right, and he appreciated that deeply.

Still, he could tell it was wearing on Phil.

“What movie do you wanna watch?” Dan asks him, standing to clear the table.

Phil shrugs. “Can we use that little mini projector we bought a few months ago?” He asks, sounding hopeful.

Dan thinks back to earlier this summer, when Phil surprised him with a mini projector for his birthday. Dan had a sneaking suspicion Phil just wanted it for himself but didn’t want to buy it for himself, so buying it for Dan was the compromise. They’d used it a few times, since it allowed them to be lazy and lay in bed while they shot it across the room to the wall opposite the bed, or even onto the ceiling. It was really a good investment, if he was being honest.

“Sure, bub. Do you guys wanna watch a movie with us in our room?” Dan asks the kids, glancing over at the table from where he’s begun stacking the dishes in the dishwasher.

Levi looks up from where he’d been gathering trash, a sort of deer-in-the-headlights look on his face. Before he has a chance to respond, though, Amelia beats him to it.

“Yes!” She cheers excitedly.

“What’re we watching?” Jaiden asks, tapping the table as he waits for the answer.

“That’s up to Dad, he’s the sick one,” Dan says with a shrug.

Phil snorts, whether at the casual way Dan calls him that or the fact that he’s being elected the decision maker based on his health status, Dan’s not sure. “We can watch Wall-E?” It’s a suggestion, but his voice lilts up nervously at the end like a question.

Dan pauses unintentionally, glancing over at him with a raised brow. He hadn’t seen the movie in a while, but back when they first met, when Dan first visited Phil at his parents’ house in Rawtenstall, they’d watched that movie and cried together. It’s still one of Dan’s fondest, unblemished memories of them.

“Sure, baby. We can watch Wall-E,” Dan murmurs softly, closing the dishwasher and setting it to run for a cycle. He moves over to the table, stopping behind Phil’s chair and wrapping his arms around his neck, leaning down and kissing his temple. It’s more affectionate than he’d usually allow himself to be with their current audience, but he’s feeling particularly fond today, especially with Phil being sick and letting Dan actually take care of him for once.

Phil’s hand comes up to stroke at Dan’s forearm, so Dan stays there for a moment, reveling in this rare moment of intimacy. It’s nice, he thinks to himself. “Levi?” Phil calls softly. “Would you like to come watch the movie with us?”

Levi glances over at them, looking away quickly. Dan gets a bitter feeling in his gut, something akin to guilt for making him uncomfortable with the PDA. When he goes to pull away, though, Phil tightens his grip. Dan stays.

“Er, I think I’ve got some homework I should probably do,” Levi excuses himself.

“Oh. Well, alright,” Phil says. He sounds disappointed. “Well, if you change your mind, you can always come join us, yeah?”

Levi nods vaguely before rising from his seat and gesturing to the stairs. “Yeah, sure. Can I go to my room?”

“Sure,” Dan answers, nodding. “If you need any help on your homework, let me know.”

The teen just nods before exiting to his room. Dan feels his stomach sink, disappointed that Levi still doesn’t feel like he’s part of their family. He tries to push that feeling away for now, turning to grin at the kids.

“Who’s ready for a movie night?”

~~~

The projector is fantastic, Dan thinks. They can settle it on one of their nightstands and point it to the wall and it’s just the perfect size. It connects to a phone, so Dan has it connected to his, keeping it on the charger while the movie plays. The twins were so excited when they realized it was a projector, and Dan honestly wished they could really make a movie night out of it and have popcorn. However, he was unwilling to make the bed after eating popcorn in it, and as much as he loved the kids, he didn’t trust them to not get popcorn crumbs and kernels in his clean sheets.

Still, he thinks they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Amelia had wanted to be sat beside Phil, and Jaiden had pretty much crawled onto Dan’s lap the moment they got on the bed. It was comfortable and domestic, being squished together with his family on his bed. And the choice of movie had his eyes going a little misty every time he looked at Phil or thought back to that first weekend they spent together, when things were so unsure, and when he thought there was a chance that they might go in a different direction.

They never had, obviously. But Dan can’t say he regrets becoming Phil’s best friend, because that’s been one of the best things that’s ever happened to him. He has to say that fostering these kids is definitely competing with the top spot these days.

They’re probably less than half an hour into the movie when Dan catches movement out of the corner of his eye. Levi is hovering awkwardly at the door, like he’s unsure if he should come inside or not. Dan smiles at him, motioning for him to join them. “C’mon, there’s room for you too, bub.”

Levi offers him an embarrassed smile, glancing at the wall where the movie is being projected. “Sorry,” he whispers, coming closer. Phil glances over at him and smiles brightly. “I just… got kinda bored. Didn’t wanna be alone.”

“You don’t have to be alone, Levi. C’mere, we’ll move over so you can sit with us.” Dan turns to Amelia and pats her knee. “Mia, love, scooch over to sit in Dad’s lap, so Levi can come sit down.”

Amelia does as she’s told, scooting over and sitting atop Phil’s thighs. He moves to the edge of the bed, allowing Dan to scoot in beside him. Dan gets a little closer than is probably necessary, trying to give Levi as much room as possible, and also just to feel closer to Phil. As soon as they’re situated, Dan pats the bed.

Levi looks a little apologetic as he walks around to Dan’s side, settling himself on the bed and sitting a little stiffly beside him. Jaiden barely gives him a chance to get settled, crawling over to sit in Levi’s lap.

“Traitor,” Dan teases.

Jaiden giggles, sticking his tongue out at Dan. “Sorry, Daddy,” he chirps.

Dan scrunches his nose up with a smile. He watches as Levi settles a little more calmly, probably due to Jaiden’s presence in his lap giving him something to focus on other than feeling awkward about being in there in the first place.

Turning back to the movie, Dan spares a glance over at Phil. He’s already looking at Dan, but a soft smile melts onto his lips when their eyes meet. Dan feels that new familiar warmth blossom in his chest, and this time he lets it consume him, warming the tips of his ears and tingling in the pads of his fingers. To settle himself and ground that feeling, he lays his head on Phil’s shoulder. Phil’s head falls to rest against Dan’s, and it’s so, so nice.

“Still love this movie,” Phil whispers to Dan.

“Mhm. Me too.”

“Sleepy?”

“Mm. No. Just happy.”

Phil raises his head, tilting his face to look at Dan’s. Dan nearly laughs at the surprised smile there. “Good,” Phil says softly. He kisses the tip of Dan’s nose gently before settling his cheek back against the top of Dan’s head. “I’m glad you’re happy, bear.”

“Me too.”

It’s no surprise, really, that Amelia shushes them, but it is funny. They apologize profusely, which she reminds them is also distracting. Pretending to zip his lips, Dan settles back against Phil with a contented sigh and a warm chest.

~~~

When the movie ends, Dan accepts the snuggles that Jaiden and Amelia seem keen on giving him. Amelia wedges herself between he and Phil, wrapping an arm around Dan’s torso and shoving at Jaiden when he tries to join in. Dan tuts at her and she withdraws, although she doesn’t look particularly happy about it. Levi looks over at them, his mouth twisted like he wants to be mad about it but isn’t sure how.

“Can you tell us a story, Daddy?” Amelia asks, looking up at Dan with wide eyes.

He starts to protest, intending on telling her that it’s time for bed, but he catches the expectant look on Phil’s face and immediately caves. “Sure. What kind of story would you like to hear?”

Amelia shrugs, closing her eyes and settling in. “Dunno. Just make something up.”

Dan rolls his eyes fondly, his gaze falling to Jaiden. “Jai-bird? Any requests?”

He seems to consider it but shakes his head. “Just animals,” he says simply.

“Alright, I can work with animals.” He leans his head back, trying to think of a story idea. He liked to think he was alright at this part of the whole parenting thing, but he wasn’t actually positive about that, honestly. His gaze falls to Phil, who’s watching him with soft, half-lidded eyes. Suddenly, he’s got just the story. “So, once upon a time, there was a little bear. We’ll call him Bear, for now.”

Levi shifts on the bed then, distracting Dan a little. When he looks at him, though, Levi gestures for him to continue. Something about that, about Levi willingly spending time with them under objectively childish circumstances, really warms Dan’s heart.

“So, Bear was really lonely, and he lived in a cave all by himself. He had a family, but they lived in a different cave on a different mountain. One day, Bear decided to go out in the woods, and he found a stream. Beside the stream was a lion.” Dan purposefully avoids Phil’s attempt at making eye contact. He swallows hard. “We’ll call him Lion.”

“Lions don’t live in the woods,” Jaiden observes quietly.

Dan has to laugh at that, and even Phil lets out a chuckle. Leaning down, Dan kisses Jaiden’s hair. “Well, that’s why it was such a big deal for Bear to find Lion. Bear felt like he was all alone in the forest, but here was this other person- er, animal,” he corrects himself. “Who liked the same things. They liked the same berries, and games, and they even had a favorite star-leaf tree they would meet at to hang out.”

“Lions don’t eat berries,” Jaiden says solemnly.

“Jai, shut up,” Levi says good-naturedly, poking his brother in the back. “Dan’s trying to tell a story.” He grins at Dan, and Dan’s heart swells.

Jaiden lets out a long-suffering sigh, but gestures for Dan to continue.

“Well, don’t worry, Bear and Lion hunted together. They did everything together, actually. And so, there Bear was, thinking he was all alone in this big forest, but he realized that really, Lion was just like him.” Dan feels Phil’s head resting against his shoulder then, and he pauses, closing his eyes for a second and leaning his head against Phil’s. “One day, Bear decided he wanted to leave the forest, so he told Lion he wanted to move to the city.”

“The jungle, you mean,” Phil says quickly, saving the story when Dan is clearly slipping.

“Right, the jungle,” Dan nods. “So, Lion tells Bear that he doesn’t want him to leave, so Bear asks him to join. Lion agrees. They have lots of adventures on the trip, of course.” Dan rambles for a moment about the adventures, making it up as he goes. It doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense, if Dan is being honest with himself, but if the kids have any sort of problem with it, they don’t say.

“So, Lion and Bear finally made it to the jungle, and after all that time, they decided they’d find themselves a little cave all by themselves, away from everyone else.” Dan is finally at the conclusion, and he can feel Amelia’s deep, even breaths against his chest. Jaiden doesn’t look to be that far from sleep himself. “They built their little home together in the jungle and lived happily ever after. The end.”

Jaiden blinks sleepily. “They love each other?” he asks, his words sort of slurred together at this point.

“Hm?” Dan asks.

“Lion and Bear,” Jaiden says, gesturing vaguely. “You said, “Happy ever after” and that’s a love story thing.”

“Not always,” Dan says, laughing awkwardly, hyper-aware of Phil pressed against his side.

Jaiden shrugs, closing his eyes. “’S okay. If they do.”

“Yeah,” Dan hums. “Yeah, that’s okay.” Before Jaiden can fully drift to sleep, Dan nudges him. “C’mon, bubby, time for bed.”

“I’ve got him,” Levi says, standing up and leaning back down to scoop his brother up.

“Thanks, Levi,” Dan says gratefully. He carefully scoots to the edge of the bed before leaning back in and cradling Amelia to his chest. His eyes catch Phil’s and the older man offers him a sweet smile. “I’ll be right back,” Dan whispers.

Phil nods, waving him off. “Take your time.”

Dan follows Levi down the hall, going to deposit Amelia on her bed when they’ve walked in the room. She makes a noise in her sleep, but Dan shushes her, and she quiets right back up, curling up in the bed immediately after he lays her down. He carefully lifts one of her little arms and tucks her favorite plushy, currently this is a stuffed elephant, under it, pulling the duvet up and tucking her in. “Night, love,” he breathes, kissing her hair.

He turns to do the same with Jaiden, only to find Levi sat on the edge of his bed, watching Dan carefully. Dan offers him a smile, unsure if Levi is upset by his displays of affection or just confused. “Do you always do that?” Levi asks, his voice quiet.

Bringing a hand up to rub at the back of his neck, Dan shrugs. “I mean, most nights. Sometimes we swap, and Phil does that, but usually he wakes them up and I put them to bed.”

Levi nods, looking past Dan to his sister. “Our parents didn’t do that,” he whispers.

Dan’s heart stops. He’s sure of it. This is the first time Levi has been particularly open about their parents, and the twins had said next to nothing about their previous home life. Hazel had told him this sometimes happened when the children wished to repress memories. Levi being fifteen and therefore not in that repressive stage, Dan was surprised it had taken him this long to mention them.

“Yeah?” Dan says gently, trying to leave space for Levi to say anything if he wanted to.

“They didn’t tuck them in. I don’t even remember them ever tucking me into bed, either.” He swallows hard, his eyes slowly drifting over to Dan’s. “They definitely didn’t tell us stories and carry us to bed after a night of family bonding and watching movies.” His voice is bitter, and Dan tries not to take that personally.

“I’m sorry,” Dan murmurs. He steps over to sit carefully on the opposite end of the bed, giving Levi some space. “I hate that you and your brother and sister had that experience. I wish… I wish it didn’t happen.”

Levi shrugs, looking down at the floor and kicking a stuffed rabbit idly. “’S whatever. We’re here now, so I guess it doesn’t matter.”

Dan tries to phrase his next words carefully. “Well, something can hurt you more after it’s over than when it really happens. It’s kind of like being put to sleep for surgery. You may not be totally aware of what’s happening as it happens, but it hurts like a bitch when you wake up, right?”

There’s a surprised look on Levi’s face, probably at the swear, but he nods slowly. “Yeah. I guess.”

They sit there in silence for a moment, as Dan’s run out of wise things to say and is honestly a little afraid of waking up the twins with all the talking. “Well, it’s late, buddy. I think we should both head to bed.”

Levi nods, sparing a last look at his brother and sister before standing. “Okay,” he mumbles. He moves to hover by the door, and he waits there as Dan tucks in Jaiden and kisses his forehead, leaning down to pick up his bunny plushie and lay it next to him. When he steps out into the hall behind Levi, he finds him standing there with a thoughtful expression. “You’re not so bad, you know.”

Dan smiles at him. “I’m glad to hear that, actually. Sometimes I wonder.”

The teenager smiles and laughs quietly. “Night, Dan.”

“Goodnight. Sweet dreams, kiddo.”

~~~

Halloween comes in a flurry of decorating, pumpkin carving, and costume buying. Of course, with two small children whose minds changed every other day, it took longer than Dan thought it seriously needed to for them to decide on a costume. Finally, after much debate (mostly between the twins and Phil, who was much more invested in the decision making than Dan was) a decision was finally made.

“Daddy!” Amelia squeals from the bottom of the stairs.

“Yeah, love?” Dan is sat on his bed, folding clothes. He knew Phil had been upstairs with the kids after dinner watching a movie, but Dan had just wanted some quiet alone time. Doing laundry was the only excuse he could think of in the face of Phil’s pout when he asked Dan why he didn’t want to stay and cuddle.

Amelia comes bounding in his room, a grin on her face. “We picked our outfits!”

It takes him a second to remember what she’s talking about. “Oh! You decided on what you want to be for Halloween?”

She nods, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Guess what we’re gonna be!”

Phil walks in then, toting a sleepy looking Jaiden.

“We?” Dan asks, quirking his eyebrows at the older man and trying to keep the apprehensive look off his face.

Phil sees right through him, leaning against the wall and stroking Jaiden’s back gently. “They decided we should do a family costume.” He’s got a mischievous glint in his eye, and Dan’s already nervous as to why.

“Okay…” Dan says slowly, dropping the socks he’s just matched onto the bed and straightening his back, cringing when it pops. “What’re we gonna be?”

Phil grins. “You’re gonna love this, babe. Mia, tell him what you’re gonna be.”

She smiles so wide Dan’s surprised her little face doesn’t split. “Bulbasaur!”

Immediately, Dan bursts into fond giggles. “What? Really?” He glances up at Phil, who wears a mirrored expression.

“They’ve been playing Pokémon with Levi apparently.” He shrugs, but Dan can almost feel the excitement coming off him in waves.

“’m gonna be Squirtle,” Jaiden mumbles from where he’s nestled in Phil’s arms.

Dan nearly coos. “Aww.”

Amelia hops up on the bed then, climbing into Dan’s lap. “Are you excited?” She asks with wide eyes.

He nods with a bright smile. “I sure am! What are Phil and I going to be?”

She grins then, but the expression is so similar to the one Phil had made that it nearly knocks the breath out of Dan’s chest. “Well… Dad said he wanted to be Ash.”

Dan rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “Of course he did.”

Phil sticks his tongue out. “Wait till you hear what they’ve decided you’ll go as.” He sounds almost giddy.

“Well?” Dan asks, looking down at Amelia, who looks ready to burst with her little secret. “What am I going as?”

“Pikachu!” She shouts, bursting into giggles immediately.

Dan stares at her, blinking slowly, before slowly swinging his gaze to Phil’s. “I’m… your sidekick?”

At this, Phil gasps. “A…sorry, a sidekick? Daniel! How could you? Pikachu is Ash’s best friend! His companion through life! Like… like…”

Rolling his eyes, Dan stands from the bed, hoisting Amelia up on his hip. “Like his actual soulmate?” Dan quirks an eyebrow.

Phil huffs. “Shut up.”

Dan walks past him, stopping to drop a kiss to his temple. “Yeah, alright. I’ll be your Pikachu. But don’t expect me to forget about this, Lester.”

There’s the sound of Phil breathing a laugh as they carry the twins to their room.

“I think you’ll be a good Pikachu, Daddy,” Amelia says sweetly when he lays her down in bed.

“Mhm. I’m sure.” He scrunches his nose up at her and she giggles. She holds her arms out for a hug, which he gladly obliges to. “I love you, sweetheart. Have sweet dreams.”

“Love you too, Pikachu.” She giggles hysterically when he shoots her a mock glare.

“Goodnight, Mia.”

“Night, Daddy.”

Phil is waiting to switch places as he’s already tucked Jaiden in, and as Dan moves past him, he reaches out and squeezes Phil’s hip. He receives a smile and a relaxed roll of the eyes, and it warms Dan’s heart.

“Hi, bubby,” Dan says softly when he sits on the edge of Jaiden’s bed.

“Hi,” Jaiden replies with a sleepy smile. “Are you excited to be Pikachu?”

Dan smiles and nods. “Wanna know a secret?” he whispers conspiratorially. Jaiden nods in excitement, so Dan leans in. “Pikachu’s my favorite. I’m pretty sure I already have a Pikachu costume somewhere.” In truth, the costume he’s speaking of is actually a onesie, and actually Phil’s, but Jaiden doesn’t have to know that.

“Really?” Jaiden says gleefully.

“Mhm. So, I’m well excited about Halloween. How about you?”

Jaiden nods. “I love Halloween. Dad said we’d go trick-or-treating!”

Dan smiles fondly, brushing Jaiden’s hair back with a nod. “That’s right, bud. We’re going trick-or-treating on Saturday night.”

The six-year-old smiles, looking down at his hands. “I’ve never been trick-or-treating before,” he admits quietly.

A lump grows in Dan’s throat, cutting his breath a little short. “Well,” he starts, stopping to clear his throat. “We’re going to have a lovely time trick-or-treating. Promise.”

Jaiden smiles, his eyelids already fluttering close. “Good,” he says quietly.

Dan leans down, pressing a kiss to Jaiden’s forehead. “I love you, Jai-bird.”

The boy doesn’t answer, probably already drifting into sleep. Dan makes sure his plushie is on his bed before standing, going to join Phil where he’s stood at the door, watching Dan with an affectionate smile.

“Levi in bed already?” Dan asks quietly as he pulls the door closed behind him.

Phil nods. “He went to bed when we came downstairs.”

“He okay?”

“Mm. Yeah, I think so. We asked if he wanted to dress up as Charmander and he said he’d think about it. I don’t think he wants to go trick-or-treating with us, to be honest with you.”

Sighing, Dan shrugs. “That’s fine. We can’t make him go.”

Phil makes a noncommittal noise. “We’ll talk to him about it, see what he wants to do.”

Dan nods, leading the way into their room. He starts clearing the laundry off the bed, rolling his eyes as Phil spreads himself on his side, moving the piles of clothes to Dan’s side rather than putting them away. “You could help me put those away, you know.”

“I could, but you’re doing such a great job, I think I’ll just leave you to it.” Phil smiles cheekily.

Propping his hand on his hip, Dan quirks an eyebrow at him. “You know most of this is yours, right?”

Phil glances around at the clothes spread around him. He can’t even deny it, since all of it is far too brightly colored to be Dan’s. “Well, I dunno…” He trails off, plucking a familiar green piece from the neatly folded pile near Dan’s pillow. Phil unfolds it, much to Dan’s chagrin. “I think you wear this one more than me, don’t you reckon?”

Dan glares. “No,” he mumbles. A lie.

Phil smiles at him, a soft, fond thing. “C’mere.”

Against his will, but not really, Dan shuffles forward, allowing Phil to pull him in closer with a hand gripped on the front of his shirt. Phil pulls him until he’s got no choice but to sit on the bed, pressed flush against Phil’s thighs. Dan watches as Phil spreads the bottom of the hoodie open, bunching the fabric up in his hands.

“Arms up,” he says softly, blue eyes prompting Dan to obey.

Phil tugs the hoodie over Dan’s head, helping him push his arms through before tugging the fabric down on his torso. With the offensively bright fabric wrapping Dan up in that nostalgic embrace, he feels a little careless, a little happy, and a lot emotional. “Thanks,” he whispers, his eyes still locking with Phil’s.

A hand comes up to brush his curls back into something a little neater, and Dan can’t help but reach up and catch that hand when it falls away. Phil watches him as Dan carefully guides Phil’s hand up to his jaw, leaning into the feeling when Phil gently begins stroking his cheek with his thumb. The air is static around them, and Dan’s certain his heart is about to burst completely out of his chest with the way the tension in the air is squeezing his ribcage.

He doesn’t mean to do it. At least, he doesn’t plan on it, exactly.

One moment he’s sitting there, staring at his best friend, and the next thing he knows, he’s leaned in, brushing his lips tentatively against Phil’s. There’s a shaky exhale released against his mouth, but then there’s fleeting pressure. It’s gone and it’s back and Dan’s eyes flutter as Phil hesitates.

Dan’s veins are thrumming. He feels like his whole body is set on vibrate with all the tension there, bubbling under the surface as he waits for the other shoe to drop. Will he or won’t he, will he or won’t he, will he-

And Dan doesn’t actually think that he will, of course. They’re best friends, and Dan is starting to feel things he’d long ago buried, but he doesn’t seriously think that Phil will kiss him.

He’s wrong.

For all his delaying, Phil finally just commits, his other hand coming up to cup Dan’s neck as he fully frames Dan’s lips with his own. Dan is shattering into a million pieces and being put back together all at once, and his hands can’t help but reach out and touch. They fall to Phil’s arms, but it’s enough contact for Dan to feel warmth spread through his chest. His head swims for some sort of explanation or some sort of way out, and he’s shushing that part as he tries to take this moment just to feel something.

And what he feels are Phil’s lips, softer than his own (“because you bite yours constantly,” says a voice in his head that sounds suspiciously like Phil’s), pressing and pulling all at once. Dan can’t do much more than make a feeble attempt at copying that pressure, but he feels more pliant than anything. He thinks maybe he’s still a little in shock, his mind both racing and taking a slow-motion film of this moment, of Phil gently, gently pressing their lips together once more before letting out a short breath against Dan’s mouth.

“Dan.” He sounds choked.

“What?” Dan whispers. If he tilted his head just a little, he could kiss Phil again. God, again… the word sounds so bizarre in his head now.

“I… I can’t do this, I’m sorry.”

Phil’s off the bed before Dan can even respond, headed for the bathroom and shutting the door. The lock slides into place in the deafening silence of the room, and all Dan can do is stare.

What the fuck just happened?

~~~

“Phil? C’mon, please come to bed.” Dan’s been sat outside the bathroom door for no less than an hour, quietly imploring that Phil come out and at least sleep in their bed. He’d like to also discuss what just happened, considering the fact that about five minutes after Phil locked himself in the bathroom Dan burst into tears, but he knows that for right now, that can probably wait.

For the first time since he sat down here, he hears a noise on the other side of the door. He scrambles to his feet when he hears the sound of the lock sliding out of place. When the door opens, he comes face-to-face with Phil, stood there with red-rimmed eyes and his contacts replaced with his glasses. He’s staring at the ground, avoiding Dan’s gaze entirely.

“Excuse me,” he whispers, inching past Dan like if they touch it might burn his skin.

Dan shifts out of the way, staring at Phil in complete surprise. This is not what he expected. At all. That being said, Dan has no clue how to react. “Er… Phil?” He decides on a whim to just go for it, straight for the elephant in the room.

Phil is climbing into bed on his side, rolling over to face the door, his back to Dan. “What?”

Slowly, so he doesn’t startle him, Dan gently settles himself on his own side of the bed. “Do… Could we maybe… Talk about what happened?”

Dan’s watching him so closely that when Phil takes in a shuddering breath, he nearly jumps. His chest tightens, and his breathing comes a little harder as the guilt starts to settle in. He’s messed up this time. Like, really.

“I… Soon? Just… not tonight.” Phil’s voice cracks.

Dan swallows hard. “Right. Okay.” He stares at Phil’s shoulder. “Do you want me to sleep somewhere else?”

“No!” Phil sounds positively wounded by the very idea. “I just… I need some time to process what just happened.”

Trying to guard the floodgates in his eyes, Dan nods. “Okay.” He lays down, a little stiffly, staring up at the ceiling. He’s well aware of the valley of space between them, but even breathing too heavily that his chest expands just a little closer to Phil makes Dan’s skin crawl with guilt. He stays as perfectly still as he can, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that the person next to him was his best friend an hour ago and is now his best friend who he’s kissed. It makes his head spin.

So instead, he thinks about the laundry he’d shoved on the floor to climb into bed. He thinks about the lamp that he needs to turn off to cast the room into the darkness it takes for both of them to really properly go to sleep. He tries not to think about the fact that he just kissed his best friend. He thinks about ordering the twins their Halloween costumes. He thinks about the ring on his finger, heavy where his hand rests against his chest. He doesn’t think about the feeling of Phil’s lips against his own.

He’s not thinking about it. He’s not.

His ring feels like it’s suffocating him. He leans to the side, flicks the lamp off. After a moment of thought, he gently tugs the silver band off his finger for the first time in months, dropping it onto the nightstand with a little clink.

Funnily enough, it does nothing to ease burning in his throat.

He almost thinks he hears, or rather feels, Phil’s breath hitch, but then the room goes quiet and still again and he’s no longer sure.

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seven-oomen · 3 years

Text

Hi, Ben! I hope you are feeling a bit better, or that things have at least calmed a bit! (I mean I still hope you’re feeling better, but it’s okay if you’re not yet, too. You know what I mean.)

Wow, Walker sounds…interesting… I remember watching the original series with my mom, because she liked several of the actors in it. I can’t recall much in the way of specific detail, but I’m pretty sure there was definitely a lot of probably-questionable-even-at-the-time cultural appropriation-type stuff going on for both Native American and Asian cultures. And I gotta say, when I think “who can I see replacing Chuck Norris in a role?” JarPad is never the first to come to mind… I’m not even sure why they felt they needed to reboot that series, anyway, given the potential to be highly problematic.

And I’ve never seen any Winx Club, but that show also sounds very…interesting… I don’t understand the general obsession with gritty reboots lately (which is also where I feel DC went wrong). Like, let shit be bright and colorful! The real world is dark enough right now. Also not really here for a plus-size character being the butt of jokes and pranks. We’re well past that sort of thing being okay (and was one of the things I loved most about the Ghostbusters reboot. Realistically built women, and not a single fat joke to be found.)

Omg, that snippet is so cute!!! I wish I could draw, too, or at least photoshop with anything approaching skill, because that visual is hysterical. XD I can just see poor Noah fighting the urge to pick up a Sharpie and write ‘Migraine #1’ and 'Migraine #2’ on Peter and Stiles’ t-shirts. XD (Although between theoretically attempting to look at confidential police files and Mel’s probable reaction to his presence, I suspect Peter is not in for the best afternoon. [As though his outfit weren’t torment enough. XD ])

Also, I love that idea of Stiles making Peter fight a duel for the right to date his dad. Like, just imagine Noah getting home just as they’re about to start, and then hearing an explanation, and just being like “…you know what, what the hell? Let’s see what you’ve got, Hale.”, but like totally giving Peter like his tie or his badge or something to wear as a favor. (He’s totally gonna date Peter either way, but Peter doesn’t need to know that yet.)

And I don’t know if it will help any, but if you feel the need for some fluff, I got the next chapter of IYWTD up finally, complete with only one bed, cuddling for warmth, a bit of hurt/comfort, and massive amounts of pining. ;D (And wow, yeah, that ship dynamic comic fits them so well. Although right now Peter is still stuck on the seesaw between “What is all this FEELINGS bullshit?!” and “I didn’t say STOP!" XD )

Anyway, I’m starting to ramble again. I hope that your day has been good, or at least decent overall, and that tomorrow is even better! Sending lots of good energy for whatever you need it for! Take care! *Hugs!*

Hey my friend, hope you’re doing okay lately and that work isn’t too crazy. <3

My mood today has been, *sigh* well, it hasn’t been great. I think it’s because I did my T-shot at 1 am last night and my hormones are everywhere at the moment while my levels readjust. Which would also explain my moodswings and anger management problems in the last week. I’m gonna resolve that by hopefully getting my boxing bag in tomorrow, though with the Dutch Postal service PostNL you never freaking know. Because of the extended lockdown delivery times have been insane lately. But yeah, there’s that.

I did manage to take the garbage out today, folded some more laundry, and put my groceries away. So there’s that too.

With Walker, idk if it helps or hurts that I’ve never seen the original and have nothing to compare it to. But it just felt really awkward to me because of the acting. (I mean the teenage daughter is a good actress, I liked her, but Jpad is very- off in this show) There’s only one episode out so far and I kinda want to give it another shot but it also just- meh. It didn’t feel that special to me.

As for Winx, or Fate: a Winx Saga, it’s- *groan + sigh* It’s not good. It’s not good writing (the dialogue is horrendous, like a 40 year old man trying to write teenagers), it’s not the best acting, although it’s not awful either. I think the writing and the whitewashing of several characters are the biggest problems. Also the plus sized character and the gay character are bullied and made fun of and urgh.

I personally also never had a problem with the whole girls are fairies and boys are specialists thing in the original show. Because to me, that automatically extends to gender and would include trans people of that gender. But I can see why they would update that. So that, I don’t have a problem with.

It’s just the writing that is horrendous and it’s almost like the people who made it have no idea who their target audience actually is and why people watched the original in the first place.

But yeah, I might “hate watch” another episode just to see if I can poke some fun at it, but we’ll see.

Right? I really like that little paragraph. I’m trying to get this chapter out soon, but I’m struggling a little with a few things and don’t know how to continue it. I’ll figure it out though.

And Noah totally would if he could XD He has an image to uphold but guarantee you that he’s thought about it.

Peter’s having a very bad, horrendous, not so good day so far. That I can guarantee you.

And yeah, I think that image is just really freaking cute. Kinda want to include that prompt into Welcome to the Family. XD It’s adorable.

I think I’m gonna check out the next chapter this weekend. I wanna be in a bit of the right headspace for it when I do read it. And not in my ‘everything sucks and I wanna punch a hole in the wall and break every bone in my hand’ kinda mood.

But I will def check it out soon. I’m sure it’s gonna be an awesome read, it always is <3

Hope you’re having a good day B, Mo and me are sending you good vibes and lots of hugs and snuggles <3

#B #my convos with anon #ben says stuff #submission

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ilovereadingandilovebreathing · 4 years

Note

Could I request Tony having a stressful day and Peter giving him a hug? Cause heck they both deserve hugs and Iron dad does not get nearly enough ^-^ thank you so much if you do!!

Absolutely yes. I can’t remember when you sent this, precious anon, but I finally have an answer. Sorry this is WAY more IronFam than you probably wanted, but that’s where my brain went. Sorry. I hope you like it. ♥ Canon-wise....we’re ignoring it, as always. Endgame ended less painfully.

Warnings for strong language, needle reference (EpiPen), minor Good Will Hunting spoilers

Ever have one of those days where everything seems to go wrong from the moment your feet hit the floor?

Tony’s having one of those days, and he hasn’t even gotten out of bed yet.

.................................

It’s exactly 3:47am when the entire lake house is suddenly lit up brighter than Christmas; every single screwed-in bulb in Tony’s house is on as bright as it will go, and just moments later the emergency alarm is blaring in Tony’s ears.

“Holy shit-” Tony groans and pushes himself out of bed as quickly as his aching muscles will allow. Pepper shoots up beside him, her hands thrown over her ears as she looks to him in a panic. “FRIDAY, what the FUCK is going on?!”

“Security breach detected on the roof, Boss; a window at the back west entrance.”

“I swear to GOD, if Peter tried to sneak in without waking me up again-”

“Mr. Parker is not scheduled to arrive until approximately 4:47 this afternoon, Boss-”

“I know, FRI; I know. Thanks for the update.” Tony runs a hand down his face as Pepper shoots out of bed and toward Morgan’s room. “Do we have a visual on the break-in point?”

“There are not currently cameras within that vicinity, Boss.”

“Why the hell not? Clearly it’s not secure.”

“Here, Boss.”

Tony grits his teeth when his own voice accompanies the screaming emergency siren. “We don’t need to spend any more time or money on the damn security cameras, Hap; we’ve covered damn inch of the house and a whole acre around it with surveillance. Only bugs could get in here without us knowing already.”

“Okay, okay, wise ass. Turn off the incriminating evidence.” Tony grabs a bluetooth earpiece and activates his wrist gauntlet while hustling toward his bedroom door. He’s just gotten downstairs when FRIDAY pipes up again.

“Incoming call from ‘Forehead of Security,’ Boss.”

“Put him through.”

“Tony?!” Happy’s voice is somehow groggy and alert at the same time. “What the hell is going on?”

“About to go investigate, Hap. A breach on the roof.”

“Oh my god, Tony-”

“I know; I know. You told me so. Trust me, FRIDAY covered that already.”

“Tony, I don’t think you should go alone-”

“Then get someone up here ASAP. I’m going. It’s 4 in the damn morning, and I’d love to at least get some peace before my 7am meeting.” Tony slowly peels the front door open and pads across the porch and into the yard. He slowly circles the house, Happy’s breathing the only sounds in his ears. “Don’t see anything....” He murmurs before crossing to a compartment he built into the side of the house to house (read: hide) ladders. He’s just propping the aluminum against the roof when Happy speaks up.

“Wait, is that a ladder? Tony, are you sure you’re okay to-”

“It’s fine, Hap.”

“Tony-”

Tony is on the roof before Happy can protest any further. The exhausted engineer carefully creeps across the roof toward the window. “FRI, where exactly am I going?”

“According to security sensors, the first window pane facing the west; I believe it should be around the corner from your vantage point.”

“Gotcha.” Tony approaches slowly, hand extended and ready to shoot if necessary. “I don’t know who the hell you are or how the hell you got here, but-” He rounds the corner and freezes, his blood boiling from his head to his toes.

“FRIDAY. Remind me to update security protocol to ignore idiotic birds who can’t figure out that windows don’t move.”

“Done, Boss.”

-------

By the time Tony makes it back inside and upstairs, and Pepper and Morgan are waiting for him in their bed. Pepper smiles at him tiredly.

“Job well done?”

“No job to be done.” Tony grumbles. “The idiot bird killed itself before I even got to it. Not a pretty sight.”

Pepper cringes, and Morgan whines and reaches out for her father; Tony’s heart clenches at the tear tracks on her cheeks.

“It’s okay, Morguna. Just a rogue bird.”

“Careful, sweetie-” Pepper guides Morgan into Tony’s arms, taking care around his puckered skin. The girl settles in Tony’s lap, chest to chest, and snuggles against him.

“Well, so much for a good night’s sleep.” Tony grumbles as he rubs Morgan’s back absent-mindedly.

Pepper sighs in agreement and settles in beside him, pulling up the covers and switching on their television, volume down low. “At least we can have a slow morning, right?”

“A very slow morning.” Tony pulls out his phone and thumbs through the messages that have accumulated already; Morgan and Pepper doze quietly around him.

When the clock hits 5:30, FRIDAY quietly speaks up. “Might I suggest food and a shower before your meeting? You have plenty of time, so it could be an easy morning. I am sure your doctors would agree.”

“Oh but my dear, FRIDAY,” Tony whispers. “If I were well, they wouldn’t get paid as handsomely.”

The AI is silent, and he sighs. “Fine.” Tony gently nudges Pepper awake, explaining the plan, and she takes their daughter, burrowing back into the covers with her for a few more precious minutes of rest.

Tony soon finds that FRIDAY is right (not that he would ever admit that to her); somehow the steaming water makes him feel less icky (it’s early, okay?), and he’s soon in the kitchen with the stove on, cracking an egg with one hand and stifling a yawn with the other. This soon proves to be a mistake, though, because the egg misses the pan and lands on his foot with a silent splat.

“Ugh, really?! I just cleaned that foot....”

After an otherwise uneventful breakfast, Tony heads to his office to video call into his meeting which ends up being far more eventful than he bargained for, but he supposes in the end that can only be expected when government officials are involved.

“Stark, we can’t keep this quiet anymore. The public needs to know what our plans are going forward.”

“And they will once we actually have them.” Tony licks his teeth in frustration. “I’m tired of talking in circles. We’ve been at this for 3 hours, and I’m over it. I’m not wasting anymore time here today. Next time we meet, please have something drafted that we can actually look over. In the mean time, I’ll be with my daughter.”

“Stark-”

Tony hangs up and sighs, sinking back into his chair. Simultaneously, his office door creaks open. “Daddy?”

“You psychic or something?” Tony turns in his chair and opens an arm for Morgan.

“FRIDAY told me you were done.”

“Oh, how kind of her. Were you asking her constantly or was she just that nice?”

Morgan shrugs, and he kisses her temple.

“What’s the plan for today, little miss? Aren’t you happy Mommy and Daddy put you in a school where you get Friday’s off?”

Morgan shrugs again and tucks closer against his side.

“What’s up, buttercup?”

“Mommy doesn’t feel good.”

Tony’s brows crease at that.

“Yeah? How so?”

“She’s on the couch with a washcloth on her face; she told me I need to be quiet.”

“Shit.” Tony picks up Morgan with one arm and opens the door with the other. He keeps a finger over his lips as they quietly cross into the living room where Morgan has set up a barricade of stuffed animals around her mother. “Nice touch.” Tony whispers before placing a peck on Morgan’s nose. He carefully sits the girl on the floor before crossing to Pepper. “Hey, Pep.” Tony whispers as quietly as possible; his heart stutters when he sees silent tears tracing down Pepper’s cheeks. “Let’s go upstairs, huh? I’ll handle business down here.”

Pepper nods as minutely as possible.

Tony carefully slides an arm behind her back and helps sit her up; he gently coaxes her to her feet and takes as much of her weight as he can, leaning their heads together as he walks his wife upstairs. Once he’s helped Pepper into bed and loaded her up with everything she could need, Tony places the tenderest of kisses on her lips. She sighs and settles as he leaves.

“FRI, let me know if she needs anything. Even if she doesn’t ask.” Tony whispers as he heads back downstairs.

“Of course, Boss.”

“Daddy? Is Mommy gonna be okay?”

“Yeah, baby, she’ll be fine, just not right now. Mommy gets migraines sometimes.”

“What’s that?”

“You know when your head hurts sometimes?”

Morgan nods.

“Like that, but sometimes Mommy can’t see, either.” Tony decides that’s all the detail Morgan needs to know that it’s serious.

“That sounds scary.” Morgan bites her lips.

“It can be, but we’re taking good care of her, so she’ll be fine. What about you? What’s the plan for today?”

Morgan shrugs.

“It’s pretty outside today. We can play in your fort if you want.”

Morgan nods and goes to gather her drawing materials. “Can you read to me?”

“Why don’t we read to each other? You’re supposed to be learning, right? How about Curious George?”

Morgan nods again and scampers off to get the book.

Tony sighs in one of the few moments of solitude and true peace he figures he’ll get that day. At least Morgan’s fort faced away from the gory sight on the roof.

-----

Tony wishes he could trade in the ESP he’s seemed to have developed for bad days. He spends a few calm hours in the fort with Morgan; they read multiple volumes of Curious George and color multiple pictures of kittens before lunch time comes around.

When Tony has his back turned, gathering Morgan’s crayons amid the overturned box, his daughter lets out a screech that makes his blood freeze. He whips around to find Morgan squatted on the ground with one hand gripping the other tightly and tears streaming down her cheeks.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I-I-I think I g-got biiiiiiiiiit!” Morgan wails, and Tony quickly sees that she does indeed have large, red welts covering her hand as well as a few stray, tiny ants.

“Shit-” Tony abandons the crayons and grabs up Morgan, knowing that the bumps should not be that big or swollen. Tony races into the house with Morgan, and calls, “FRIDAY? Call the closest hospital and have the car ready with the route.” He digs through the kitchen medicine cabinet and pulls out the EpiPen that Tony had insisted they keep around in the rare event that Pepper came into contact with strawberries. Call him paranoid, but apparently that would pay off today.

“On it, Boss.”

“Is Pepper awake?”

“Not currently, Boss. She has fallen asleep.”

“Thank god. If she wakes up, fill her in.”

“Of course, Boss.”

“Okay, Morgs. This is gonna hurt a little, but just a pinch. It’ll make you feel better, okay?” Tony braces himself before stabbing the EpiPen into Morgan’s thigh; the girl cries and jerks but ultimately just holds on tighter as her father whispers soothing words into her ear.

They’re in the car and speeding down the road before Tony can properly breathe again, Morgan strapped in the backseat and still whimpering.

“It’ll be okay, baby; I promise.” This is his mantra all the way to the closest emergency clinic. Thankfully, Morgan’s allergy isn’t life-threatening, but after doing all the research he could about allergies and anaphylaxis because of Pepper, Tony had refused to risk it.

It’s 2:30 when they finally get back to the silent house, and Tony carries a slumbering Morgan to the couch and collapses. He knows he should put her in her bed to nap, but moments like today remind him to keep her close.

Tony doesn’t even realize he’s fallen asleep until he hears the front door open. He cracks an eye to find Peter Parker frozen in the doorway and staring at him and Morgan on the couch.

“I can go-” Peter mouths and thumbs back to where the car that brought him is idling.

“No, it’s fine, kid.” Tony groans and stretches as best he can with Morgan still clinging onto him like an octopus. “If we don’t get up, we won’t sleep tonight.”

“If you’re sure....”

“Get over here and help an old man with his clingy koala kid, will you?”

Peter laughs unexpectedly and waves the driver outside away.

“Morgan? Mo? Guess who’s here? It’s your favorite boy-”

“You’re my favorite.” Morgan mumbles sleepily.

“Faker.” Tony squeezes her tight and then releases her completely. “I’m not a boy; your old dad is an old man.”

Morgan scrunches up her nose in protest and curls back into him.

“Go see Peter; Dad needs to pee.”

“TMI, Mr.-uh, Tony.” It’s Peter’s turn to scrunch up his nose, and Tony just grins.

“I’m a fan of transparency, Pete.”

“Since when?”

Tony rolls his eyes as Peter scoops Morgan into his arms.

“Hey, monkey.” Peter all but cooes at her, and Tony suppresses a grin. No one turns men to putty like Morgan Stark. “You can cling on to me for a little bit, okay? Your dad needs a break.”

Morgan whines for show but immediately wraps her arms around Peter’s neck and burrows her face into his shoulder.

“Where’s Miss-um, Pepper?”

“Migraine.”

“Ooo.” Peter frowns in sympathy.

“Yeah. I’ve been on Morgan duty today. Fill you in when I get back.” Tony scoots out of the room, and Peter laughs after him.

“Only about the rest of the day, please!”

Tony chuckles in return. When he comes back out, he finds Morgan awake and propped against Peter’s side, a stuffed animal squished in between them as he reads quietly from Curious George.

“George is a hit today, it seems.” Tony comments and sits on the other side of Morgan.

“Ssshh Peter’s reading!”

“I see that. You know what we should be doing is eating because I know three Starks who skipped lunch today and a Parker who has a crazy big appetite.”

“Can we have s’ghetti?”

“Spaghetti?”

“S’ghetti!” Morgan insists and giggles.

“I suppose so, though I’ll make sure to include more ingredients than you do letters. Come help me.” Tony gestures and both kids rise and follow him to the kitchen.

Peter cuts vegetables for the salad; Morgan hand-shreds lettuce and butters the garlic bread, and Tony handles all things pasta and sauce; they all chat amicably between them, Tony and Peter filling each other in on that Friday’s events with Morgan pitching in to Tony’s side often.

Beckoned by the smells wafting from downstairs, Pepper manages to come down for dinner, looking tired but functional when she sees her little family settling in for a meal together. Peter quickly crosses and helps her to the table; she embraces him lightly and places a kiss in his hair before sitting, steering him back to the kitchen with a light pat on his back.

Morgan eagerly serves her mother her salad, also receiving hugs and kisses from the quiet woman, and settles in at her seat.

Peter smiles at the two and turns to the kitchen to find Tony dishing up the pasta and facing away from him. Before Peter can really think about it, he’s crossed the floor tiles and wrapped his arms around Tony’s waist, his head resting heavily against his father figure’s back.

Tony tenses for a moment before his brow creases in worry. “You okay, Pete?”

“Fine.” Peter breathes. “Just happy to be here.”

“Me, too, buddy.” Tony squeezes Peter’s arm, knowing the implied conversation that has passed between them countless times since he got Peter back. They stand like this for a moment, appreciating the quiet peace after a chaotic day, listening to Morgan and Pepper quietly talking in the next room before Peter sighs and steps back.

“Want some help?”

“What? You think I can’t carry four plates of spaghetti on my own?”

“No, and you probably shouldn’t try.”

“You’re probably right.”

The meal passes peacefully, the main issue being Morgan’s inability to eat pasta and tomato sauce in a clean manner, and soon Tony and Peter are alone in the sitting room, Good Will Hunting playing quietly on the television as they stare languidly at the screen.

“Big day, huh?” Tony chuckles as Peter settles heavily into the couch next to him. The boy’s hand and arm are propping up his head, his eyes hooded.

“Yeah. I kinda skipped the patrol details so Morgan wouldn’t freak out.”

“When did you patrol?”

“I’m on minimum day this semester.”

“Right, right.”

“Yeah, I, uh, stopped an armed robbery. A lady up in one of the swankier districts that doesn’t have super tight security.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. She was really nice. Offered me a reward,” Peter yawns and stretches. “But I couldn’t take it, you know? Didn’t seem right.”

“And you made it out without a scratch this time?”

“For once, yeah.”

“You’re improving.”

“So, ant allergies, huh?”

Tony sighs. “Yup, so we’ll have to fortify Morgan’s fort from now on. I’m amazed we didn’t find out sooner, quite frankly.”

Peter hums in reply.

“Hey, Tony?” Peter pipes up after a few minutes of silence.

“Yeah, Pete?”

“You’re a great dad....And mentor.” Peter stutters out after a moment of hesitation.

Tony looks over, but Peter refuses to look back, his eyes pointedly glued to the screen where Will Hunting is sobbing and holding on to Sean like a lifeline. Tony sighs and taps Peter’s shoulder. “Come here, kid.”

Peter sighs, making a big show of how tired he is and how troubled by Tony’s request he pretends to be, but he melts against Tony when the man hugs him against his side and remains there when Tony lets go.

“Comfy?”

Peter nods, nearly cross-eyed from trying to keep his eyes open, and Tony chuckles. “Go to sleep, kiddo. We can finish this tomorrow.”

Peter scrunches up his face in protest, but Tony feels the teen’s dead weight against his side. “Seriously, kid. I can’t sleep here, and I can’t carry you upstairs. Let’s go.” Tony turns off the television and coaxes Peter to his feet; he keeps one arm around Peter’s shoulders to guide him upstairs and to his appointed room.

“Good night, Peter.”

“Good...night.” Peter slurs before pulling Tony in for a tight hug and collapsing into his bed.

“Clingy today, huh?” Tony comments as he tucks the kid in.

Peter’s words are light and wispy as air as he breathes out, “May says...hugs are the best...remedy for a bad...day.”

“She’s a smart lady.” Tony runs a hand through Peter’s hair. “Night, bud.”

Peter just hums quietly before turning over.

Tony quietly slips into his room and into bed, careful not to disturb Pepper. He settles in with a deep sigh, and stares at the ceiling as he wills himself into sleep. As his mind wanders, he reflects on the insanity of the day but finds for once that a warmth has settled in his chest. He thinks of Morgan, safe in her bed, and Pepper, safely beside him, and Peter, safe in his room, and the quiet support from all of them, and for once, Tony Stark slips into a full night of restful sleep.

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caps-lockdown · 5 years

Text

Sweater Weather Part Five

Here’s the next installment! Enjoy!

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem!PottsRelativeReader!

Words: 4,047

WARNING THIS CHAPTER IS PRETTY STEAMY AND IS AS CLOSE TO SMUT AS I’LL BE WRITING FOR THIS FIC. Reader discretion is advised! Warnings/Ratings: R/Possible 18+ For more flirty and sexy! Steve Rogers, mentions of booze, language, a TON of flirting/adult situations. You’ve been warned, the temperature isn’t the only thing hot in this chapter! Reader discretion is advised.

Also AU in the fact NO ONE DIED during Endgame/Steve didn’t go back. Also as much as I adore Morgan Stark, she isn’t around yet. I didn’t know where this would fit timeline wise, so just ignore the timeline. Kay? Cool.

Summary: You’ve just moved to New York after a long 3 year stint travelling the world and helping with various charities, taking a new job with Stark Industries thanks to your cousin Pepper. A trip out to surprise Tony and The Avengers for the weekend turns from good to terrible when the a/c at the compound breaks. How will you beat the heat for the record breaking weekend?

In Y/N Y/L/N format, I don’t own any gifs, outfits or characters except for the Reader and her friend Kate. No beta so I DO own all of my mistakes.

Part Five

The room was cold and the yet the first thing you noticed was the very warm arm that was draped lazily across your waist, and the heat that radiated off of whoever’s broad chest that was behind you. This isn’t right. Your eyes were too heavy with the hangover that was flooding your system to open, but you managed to force your body to turn over. You were pretty sure you were giving molasses on a cold day a run for its money with how slow you shifted your weight, finally facing the sleeping person after what felt like eons. Who the fuck is in my bed?

You swam through your memories from last night, your eyes darting behind your eyelids in panic as you couldn’t remember anything past Thor helping you to your room. Oh shit. Thor is in my bed?! You brought your shaking hands up to his chest. Wait. Hardly any chest hair. Doesn’t Thor have some? You cursed internally, not having seen most of the guys shirtless in well over three years so you couldn’t actually guess. You were going to have to just deal with the budding migraine and open your damn eyes. Sunlight be damned.

You went into cardiac arrest the minute you cracked an eye open to find Steve-Fucking-God-Damn-Captain America-Rogers sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware of how his flexing arm was pulling you into him closer. This had to be a dream.

“Um….Steve?” You whispered, poking the sleeping soldier hard with your index finger, a small huff from the man who was violating your space being the only response you were given. “Steve, wake the HELL up!” A sleepy smile graced his features, the blonde snuggling you closer and putting both arms around you.

“I’m having that dream again.” Your body fully awoke at his soft statement, and you almost wanted to let him sleep, thinking it really sweet that you had plagued his sleep as much as he had yours over the time you had spent apart. “You’re so perfect. Y/N.” A beam of a smile swept over your features, allowing your hands to remain on his chest and resting your head against it, taking him in and hearing his heartbeat. This felt amazing. It just felt right.

That ended within five seconds of his large hands dropping from your waist, roughly latching onto your ass. The not polite and none too subtle squeeze of his digits into your soft flesh set you promptly the fuck off.

“STEVEN GRANT ROGERS WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!” You voice was shrill as you let out your loud screech. Your heart threatened to burst from its cavity as you pushed him hard, the good Captain jerking his eyes awake with a groan and staring down into your pissed off facial features.

“OH SHIT!” Steve launched himself off your bed and onto the hard floor with a loud thud, his eyes adjusting to the room and realizing he was in fact, not in his bedroom like he had thought previously the evening before when he drunkenly forced his way into it. “Y/N I can explain…”

“I DON’T WANT AN EXPLANATION, I WANT YOU OUT!” You cried, grabbing your pillows and throwing them in an assault on the equally hungover, but not quite awake blonde man, him scrambling to his feet and running a hand over his face.

“Doll I didn’t mean…”

“Rogers if you are not out of my room in the next FIVE seconds I will start screaming for Tony.” You handed him the ultimatum with clenched teeth, the target of your frustration chuckling nervously as he gave a timid nod.

“I’ll go but I want you to know something.” Your left eye twitched at the nerve of this man. Coming into YOUR room while you were asleep, and CUDDLING with you?! That you could deal with just fine. Quite willingly, actually. But you would NOT stand for being groped in your bed, no matter how much you had craved his hands on you before. It wasn’t right, and you were not an easy piece of ass. Not to mention the initial shock of him even being in your bed, shirtless, was enough to freak you out. What if you two had done something? Your mind was reeling at the thought. There is no way you would have and not remembered. “I’m not sorry.”

Your ears were burning, much like the rest of your face as you sputtered, “W….What?”

He sighed, blonde hair falling in his face. His blue eyes held a sense of insecurity in them as he stared at your figure, his own breath caught as you appeared to look breathless yourself. “Waking up next to you is something I never thought I’d get to do again, so regardless of the how,” A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips before he forced it away, “I am not going to apologize for finally getting to hold you while we slept in a bed instead of a couch. I won’t apologize for having the best night of sleep I’ve had in years because for a moment it felt right having you in my arms. Not once. Not ever. I’m not sorry.”

You sat, staring at him slack jawed as he turned his back and simply walked out of your room.

Kate’s number was punched into your phone without you looking, you nearly in tears as she happily answered. “Hey beautiful! You finally get some super dick last night?”

“Kate I think I fucked up. Big time.” Your conversation was muted through the door, Steve leaning against it with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had the night on repeat in his brain, trying to gauge if he had done anything unforgivable in his drunken slumber. Not counting this morning of course. He had honest to god thought it was a dream, believing whole heartedly that your frame laying next to his was nothing more than a ghost. A vision he never got to see come true. He never would have reacted that way if he had known the truth. Steve Rogers was NOT that guy. He could sense the panic in your voice an assumed you had no idea what had happened after you had gotten to your room. Rightly so he’d imagine, with all of the drinks you had consumed. He knew you weren’t really mad at him, but all he could do was give you space. He turned his head to the right, seeing Nat’s door open. A very guilty looking James Barnes emerged, his eyes wide as if Steve had grown a third head when he looked to see the man sharing the hallway with him. Steve grinned, arms crossing over his shoulders.

“Good morning pal. Sleep well?”

“Could ask you the same thing. Punk.” The former man shook his head, his face changing into one of sadness as he tried to make out your nervous and upset sentences from between layers of wood. “Damn. Tell me on the way to breakfast?”

The two began their walk of shame towards the kitchen, filling each other in on what exactly had and hadn’t happened the night prior. You hung up with Kate, dragging your body out of bed, figuring out how (with the help from Kate of course) you would let the man who you had kicked out know you would never be doing that again.

~~After Breakfast~~

“Jesus I thought it was hot before.” Sam muttered, Bucky and Steve both nodding dumbly in agreement as they watched from the large window overlooking the expansive patch of green grass outside the compound. Nat, Pepper, and now Carol Danvers, who had brought a very adorable kid by the name of Peter Parker to the compound to ask Tony some very important questions about upgrades to his suit, had taken to sunbathing. In bikinis.

“You gonna be alright when Y/N comes out in a few?” Bucky side eyed his oldest friend, the man glaring at him as he lightly shoved his non flesh arm. “Or are we gonna have to put you back on ice to cool down?”

“I’ll be just…” His voice died in the back of his throat as he saw your figure step out onto the lawn in your very curve fitting blue bikini.

His ragged breath betrayed him to his two friends, his eyes glued to the sway of your hips barely covered in the fabric. He had to advert his gaze, but only for a second when you bent over at the waist, gladly accepting the glass of sweet tea Pepper held out for you from her chair. The curve of your backside, the very same one he had managed to literally snag handfuls of this morning taunted him as you chose to lay down on your stomach on your own lawn chair, unaware of his heated stare. When Tony lightly misted your beautiful frame with tanning oil, your body jerking at the sudden coolness he felt his throat go bone dry. This just wasn’t fair.

“You were saying Rogers?” Sam chuckled at Steve’s sudden silence, the super soldier hearing nothing but his own blood pounding in his ears. “Can’t say I blame ya though, Princess Peach is looking particularly ripe and juicy today. Right Barnes?”

The brunette gave an appreciative whistle, “Very true Wilson, I agree.” His eyes weren’t looking at you though, they were gawking at a certain red head’s tight black bikini clad body. The three men collectively groaned as Tony ruined their perving session, outing them to the four women, who in turn sat up and stared disappointedly. Your scowl turned into a smirk when the two of you locked eyes. Well shit. “I guess we better start working on our apologies fellas.”

“That requires us to feel guilty first.” Sam shot out, none of them paying attention to Peter as he rushed outside with a new pitcher of tea for the ladies. They didn’t miss Pepper barely missing Tony’s face with her palm when he attempted to untie the string holding up her bikini top on her neck. At least he would be in the dog house with them. “Let’s go, Stark is outnumbered and unarmed, time to level the playing field.”

“What are we playing?” Thor asked, sidling up to the trio who began their trek to the large door that lead outside, Sam starting to take off his shirt.

“We’re setting a thirst trap Blondie, beating the women at their own game.” He tossed his shirt carelessly to the side, the other three quickly understanding and stripping themselves of their tops. “Now act like you aren’t sorry for getting caught Rogers. Y/N has already led on she can barely restrain herself around you. She told me she feels awful for kicking you out of her bed this morning. Just turn on the charm and she’ll be on you like a koala bear.”

“Easy for you to say Sam, you didn’t shamelessly grab her ass this morning because you thought you were dreaming.” The door opened and instantly Steve wanted to crawl back into the less sticky air of the compound living room.

“True, but did she once tell you to stop?” Before he could respond to his friends query, you had taken the chance at straddling your chair, your eyes glazing over at the sight of the shirtless men as they walked, no strutted into your field of vision. Sweet Jesus three years had passed and they only managed to look even more delicious. Aged like fine wine. Steve’s abs had beads of sweat clinging to them, and you would kill to have been the reason for them instead of the hot as balls weather. He was beautiful, strong shoulders and those powerful arms you had woken up in almost daring you to wind yourself back into them. You bit your lower lip as he imitated your previous smirk with ease. This just wasn’t fair.

“Good afternoon ladies, fine weather we’re having huh?” Bucky said cheerfully, the four women sending him a mixture of mock glares and middle fingers. “Wow why the hostility?”

“You were gawking at us earlier, sorry if we aren’t happy to see you.” Carol’s voice was plain and flat, the winter soldier’s smile only widening at Nat’s eyes sweeping over him the same way he had done to her just moment before stepping outside.

“That isn’t stopping you from staring at us now, is it?” He retorted.

Carol huffed, turning to stare at the fabric of her chair instead of the four shirtless gods. Peter looked confused but chose to say nothing. Tony just chuckled at the double standard of it all. You crossed your arms under your chest, trying to keep your knowing smile at bay when Steve’s gaze dropped to your assets as they were gently lifted in your bikini top. “My eyes are up here Cap.”

“Wasn’t looking at em Doll.” Steve offered lowly, your body heating up as he brazenly continued his visual appraisal of your figure. It was like all of the blood in your body had turned into liquid fire, and you barely contained a shiver as he moved to place his hands on either side of your chair, giving you flash backs to when he had dropped you on the couch a couple of nights previously.

“Well at least you’re honest.” You whispered, swallowing as he leaned down, face in front of yours, his expression dark and god damn he was going to pay dearly for all of this teasing later. “Something on your mind Rogers?” You cooed.

“I thought I warned you about your shorts getting any shorter Sweetheart.” His voice had come out as a deep growl, the rumble from his chest making your head spin and you went to grip the metal frame of the chair in response to his seductive statement. With every word you were beginning to kick yourself even harder for not jumping his ass this morning. “Might just have to teach you a lesson about what happens when you don’t listen.”

“That a threat? Or a promise?” You whispered back, eyes never leaving his.

Tony’s gagging sounds in the background reminded the two of you that you weren’t alone.

“Seriously you two, go get a fucking room already. I think m’gonna be sick.” You rolled your eyes at your dramatic cousin in law, Peter stifling a laugh at the absurdity of his mentor’s exaggerated heaving motions. Steve leaned up from the chair, shaking his head and sitting his fine ass down on the grass.

“So, how are we going to beat this heat Mister Stark?” Peter’s question stopped the older man’s performance, Tony standing up straight and looking at his nails.

“Any bright ideas Y/N?”

You already had six by the end of breakfast.

~~Later~~

“Y/N, you are an absolute GENIUS!” Nat exclaimed happily on your right, you looking at your masterpiece of the weekend. A couple of tarps, some bungee cords and a garden hose later you had turned the bed of your truck into a redneck pool.

“Yea Short Stack, amazing job. Now move over.” You stared at your cousin as if he was crazy, Tony taking a small step backwards. “I mean…ladies first?”

“Better. You heard the man, ladies.” The four of you hurriedly climbed into the truck bed, happy sighs of contentment leaving your mouths as you sunk into the cooling liquid. The plastic from the tarp was something you’d have to get used to feeling on your skin, but otherwise you were in complete bliss. The men looked upset as they realized there was really only enough room for one more body. “Now who are we gonna let join us?”

“Well it’s my tarp.” Tony started.

“But you’ve been an asshole all weekend, Stark.” Sam cut in.

“I’d like to nominate myself, as I am the best looking male here.” Bucky added, the women laughing and forcing the man to pout.

“I think you need to get your eyes checked Pal.” Steve said with a roll of his eyes.

“I’m not going to suggest any one of us, it’s entirely up to you goddesses to decide.” Thor smiled warmly at you, your heart melting only slightly. “But I might add that Bruce would not be a suitable option if you want your truck to remain intact.”

“Yea where is Banner?” Nat asked, and everyone in the group looked wrecked with guilt, having not seen the giant man since earlier that morning. “Seriously? How did we lose Bruce?”

“I’m sure he’s somewhere,” You waved away the worry, putting your eyes on Peter who stood staring at his feet. “Parker, you’re in.”

The excited teen didn’t need to be told a second time, scrambling up into the back of the truck with all the gusto raging hormones could buy. He smiled brightly, muttering “Thank you” and “You guys are so nice” repeatedly as he sat on the edge, plunging his feet into the soothing water.

“Fine. I see how it is. We’ll just make our own club and you won’t be invited!” Tony huffed, crossing his arms like a toddler and pouting. It fell on deaf ears, the five of you in the truck paying him no mind as you started splashing at each other. “Let’s go guys.”

The time flew by as you enjoyed your friend’s company, and you quickly had taken a major liking to Peter. He was like a younger brother, super sweet and engaging, and quite the amazing listener. You were a bit put off at first hearing just how he knew the team, feeling the need to protect him as he recalled stories of the battles he had been a part of. Especially during the accords situation. You heart pounded with concern as he told you about Thanos, and all of the features on his suit Tony had made him. You’d never tell but you were more than relieved to hear of the “instant kill” function your cousin had put into it.

“Well we might as well let the guys have a turn now that we’re legit becoming prunes.” Carol conceded, the rest of you agreeing and standing up from the water. It was still stupid hot outside, and truthfully you were feeling a bit bad at not allowing the guys to join you earlier. Or at the very least take turns.

“I’m thirsty, someone come with me to get some drinks from the kitchen?” You inquired, stretching your limbs before beginning your descent out of the back of your vehicle.

“I’ll go with you miss Y/N!” Peter piped up, clamoring after you. You couldn’t help but giggle at his eagerness to accompany you, suspecting that being someone new meant for new conversations. You’d never been happier to have your ear talked off before, but this kid was easily becoming your favorite.

“Huh, that’s weird. They aren’t in here.” Your statement came out confused upon entering the empty living room area, the fans and coolers mostly missing. “Where the hell did they all go?”

“Shh miss Y/N, you hear that?” Your eyes met Peter’s and he motioned towards the kitchen, where you could hear the faint deep laughter of Steve and Thor. Tiptoeing into the large kitchen, you were once again met with an empty room, your expression puzzled when you looked back at the teen who shrugged. “I know we heard…look!”

He moved to look at the small sign that was haphazardly taped to the large door leading to the walk in freezer of the compound, the messy writing no doubt the byproduct of your cousin.

“He-Man-Woman-Hater-Freezer. How original.” You let out an exasperated sigh at the lengths these childish men would go to. “They’ll get over it.”

You threw the door open to see the small group of men sitting among the floor of the freezer, Tony and Sam wearing a few more layers of clothes, the rest of the inhabits still shirtless and looking super pleased with themselves.

“Hey Short Stack can’t you read?!” Tony glared at you, Steve unable to keep his eyes in his head at your figure gracing his presence again. “You aren’t welcome here! Be gone! Before someone drops a house on you!”

“Stop being so damn dramatic Snark, we were just wondering where you went off to. We’ve decided to let you all take a dip in the pool I built, if any of you were still interested.”

“Well thanks but we don’t need your second rate pool…” Tony began, looking betrayed shortly after as Sam and Thor moved to join you. “What the fuck guys?”

“Hey, watch your damn mouth! There’s a teenager here!” You retorted in mock shock, moving to cover Peter’s ears who only laughed lightly. “Did you find Bruce?”

“Obviously not. Do you see him in here?” Sam asked, squeezing past you to take off his clothing in preparation to heading back into the heat wave. “I bet ten bucks he chickened out and ran off to find a/c.”

“You owe me ten bucks then Wilson.” The familiar voice of Bruce Banner boomed through the freezer, and all of your eyes came to rest upon a rather large pile of bagged and frozen vegetables. A large grin broke your face as you noticed an out of place green toe sticking out from under a bag of broccoli. “Also, you guys smell horrible. Make sure you shower before you taint Y/N’s hard work with your nasty man stench.”

“Thank you, but I’m sooooo calling you Jolly Green Giant from now on.” Laughter rose out of you when the man moved the container of carrots off his eyes to narrow them at you, you batting your eyelashes innocently.

“Alright well I don’t know about you suckers but I’m gonna go get in that pool!” Sam brought everyone back to earth, the rest of the guys clearing out and following Parker out to the grounds. Your hand went to grab Steve’s wrist, tugging him in the opposite direction once Tony was out of your sights, dragging the man with you until you were both standing in front of the door that led to your room.

“Somethin on your mind Y/N?” His voice was soft as you tried to steel your nerves, your pulse erratic. You had talked with Kate about what you were going to say when you finally got this beautiful man alone, but now that the moment was here you were back to being the uncertain mess you had been all weekend. “Sweetheart? You’re making me nervous here.”

Seeing the same insecurity in his stunning blue eyes that made your heart hurt when you kicked him out of your room that morning pushed all of your words out the nearest window.

“Oh screw it.” You admonished, quickly putting your arms around his neck and pulling Steve’s lips to yours. He was quick to the jump, arms wrapping around you and walking you backwards until you were against your door, smiling into the kiss and making your knees weak. You pushed all of your emotions into it, the years of longing and passion bruising both of your lips as he deepened the kiss, returning the mutual feelings with a reckless abandon. Kissing him was everything you had been dreaming over the years, his lips pillow soft as they nipped at your bottom lip, tongue darting out to meet yours in a languid dance. It was perfect, he was perfect.

A deep groan fell out from his throat when he detached his mouth from yours, moving along your jaw line and peppering kisses along the column of your neck. “Doll you are going to be the death of me.” You moaned at his hot whisper against your skin, feeling him smirk into your shoulder. You couldn’t agree with him more.

“We don’t have much time before I have to help Pepper with dinner. Maybe an hour, hour and a half tops.” You got out heatedly as he continued his assault on your neck, hands moving across your body and leaving a searing fire in their absence.

“Then let’s not waste anymore time.” He growled, pulling on the handle behind you and pushing you through the door, your giggles fading into moans as he kicked it shut behind him.

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