#she's a baby cactus sir

[chairteeth]

"The Many Masks of Touka Satomi"

So I actually wanted to refine this certified word vomit of mine before I put it anywhere buuuut I figured this would be a good time to let it out of its containment zone. This is essentially me overthinking the crap out of everything ever and coming out of it with this interpretation of Touka in particular. Informal essay under the cut! It will have extra tangents! And I blend a bit of what we were shown in the anime into my interpretation, but this is game canon.

Whenever Touka is discussed, the words "child", "immature", "selfish", and "arrogant" are the ones most often thrown around. There is usually not much more discussion after that. Well, I'm not here to say it's wrong, it's correct for the most part, I'm just here to draw attention to the fact that there's so much more to her than meets the eye. So, hear me out, if you would.

Touka's levels of vulnerability in the Magius era. That's already interesting by virtue of it being the Magius era. That's a really interesting era. Ui was what brought Touka and Nemu together and Ui was the cornerstone of their relationship for a while, so losing that RETROACTIVELY kinda makes you wonder exactly what their memories of the hospital era became. How exactly the two of them met, became friends, came to share a room, etc. Because the quotes are from their Magius selves and so we know they very much remember being roommates for a long time and still consider each other reliable and trustworthy (also the entirety of Nemu's swimsuit costume story which spawns many questions when you stop to think about it but I will touch on that some other time). We know that in reality, the hospital trio began to share a room after Touka, in her infinite princess behavior, asked her dad to put all three of them in the same room because it was annoying to walk between the rooms so often (source: TouNemu Christmas alt quotes). Interesting choice on her part back then considering she seemingly wanted Nemu out of the way, but I will touch on that another time because the hospital era has its own analysis.

Okay then, let's talk about Touka's role as a Magius. A leader. One who shoulders the burdens of the many. She willingly exposed herself to the weight of a whole people's sorrow, pain, grief, anger. And then she chose to lead them. To avenge them. It may not have started that way but it sure as heck got there at some point (thank you anime for helping out with this point). Now, I want to stop here for a moment and remind everyone that during Arc 1, Touka was 11 to 12 years old (as per the JP script, she is 12 by the end of it). Not only that, but if you pay attention, you'll notice the stress of Nemu's declining health is killing her. Nemu is quite literally the only person Magius Touka shows genuine concern for. This one person she cares about more than anyone else, slowly dying for the plan. For the cause. And as the sort of "main leader", Touka can't back down. She just can't. It would be not only a betrayal to "her people", but also to the one closest to her, the one who has arguably sacrificed the most for their salvation. So then, with someone as full of herself as Touka, someone seemingly so arrogant... What about her own health and wellbeing? What about her own sense of self? Because I have a feeling she doesn't really have one.

The way she always emphasizes the genius aspect of herself and even uses it as an excuse and brings it up so often feels like that's all she sees herself as. Nemu gives, yes. Nemu has similar issues. But hers are much, much more obvious. Less concealed. Touka gives without measure, without the slightest care for herself. She's selfish and at the same time one of the most selfless characters. There's also the interpretation that, at their very core, Touka and Nemu both just wanted to live. But I feel like that was only at the beginning. If that was all there was to it, the plan would not have continued with Nemu's life at risk, Touka would not put herself in the line of fire. Essentially, Touka has taken on way, way too much responsibility, as well as crafting several masks. Don't forget, just like every other magical girl, she led a double life the entire time, and she financed a lot of the cult's operations. Though I don't have any doubt many of the richer members contributed to the budget with their ridiculous allowances that they do not use.

Touka had to hide from everyone. She couldn't show her true self to anyone. Not her father who loves her so deeply, not anyone else in her civilian life, not her subordinates, Alina is not the most warm and welcoming to be around... so her only option is Nemu. That's comfortable. That's familiar. But. Then there are the many, many feelings she has about Nemu. It's, complicated you see. Touka feels many ways about Nemu. For starters, if their memory of Ui is gone, it means all of the warmth and kindness Ui had must've taken another form, which explains the difference in their bond, how they seem so much... closer, as Magius. Either way, even back then, Nemu is the only one who would understand. Touka Satomi is an actress. Everywhere else is her stage, and Nemu is backstage. So, Touka can only ever be truly 100% vulnerable with Nemu. Yet she still didn't do it. I don't think Magius Touka ever really fully 100% relied on Nemu. She may have wanted to, and she does call her reliable in her quotes. But well, with Nemu's health getting worse and worse, she may have come to the conclusion that it would be for the best (health-wise) if Nemu didn't have to share her burden.

However, Nemu's declining health also brought something else. Touka took on another role: the protector. Nemu is practically helpless during the mid to late Magius era. Not completely helpless, she's still a strong magical girl, mind you, but could drop or have an attack at any time. We see this multiple times such as in Mifuyu's MGS, her own MGS, and she even has what is basically a stroke during Arc 1 Chapter 8, 4:02:36 - 4:03:43 in the video if you want to take a listen (I have a Magius Nemu essay in the works, don't you fret). Therefore, Touka has to be alert and ready to respond immediately. Which I think is why we see more of Alina outside than Touka. Touka lingers around where Nemu is and only hesitantly hands her over to Alina or Mifuyu when she absolutely must. Other than the sheer pain of watching Nemu bleed herself dry and being unable to do anything about it, not because she physically can't, but because she can't in a different sense... she also can't revert things back to the way they were, for all of her genius and medical knowledge she can't help Nemu, she can't help her best friend feel even a little better. This leads us to the undeniable fact that Touka is very, very unstable and volatile as a Magius. That's not the impression she first gives at all, of course.

Arc 1 Chapter 6 is where we first meet Magius Touka. She's calm, with a cold cheerfulness to her, calculated. Most importantly, I feel like the reason she was the one doing the lecture instead of literally just sending Mifuyu was because she recognized Team Mikazuki as a possible threat and specifically did not like Iroha, which was also why she lied. The one and only thing Touka lied about in her lecture: Iroha asked where Nemu was, Touka said they parted ways after being discharged. Blatant gigantic lie. And seriously, the only reason she'd have to lie about that and in that specific way would be to protect Nemu. At that point, Iroha and her team have wiped out a handful of uwasa, so she must have known. But yes, this is not at all how she really feels or what she really thinks. This is just another mask (I will talk about Touka's plastic smile and Nemu's poker face ANOTHER TIME). Because she needs to nip any aspirations Iroha may have in the bud, hopefully recruit more Feathers, and neutralize the threat that is Team Mikazuki.

What happens just as she's starting to go off the deep end? How convenient, it seems Yachiyo and Iroha have spent a good amount of their time destroying uwasa, thus wasting Nemu's repeated sacrifices, and forcing her to make more in order to meet their energy quota. Honestly, who wouldn't be losing it, at that point? So close to salvation, so close to freedom, so close to being done. And they're ruining not only the plan but also everything it means for her and the person she loves most. When you really think about it, Touka's mental health was, forgive the crude language, IN DEEP SHIT throughout Arc 1. Not that it was great before or that it improved too much after, but yeah, I do believe people do not give this enough thought.

Finally, with all of this in mind, as for the topic of this rant being Touka's levels of vulnerability as a Magius... There were none. She had no choice. At first it was fine. At first, before the gears turned too fast to stop, she could deal with it. She could confide in Nemu, even a little bit in Alina or Mifuyu (though not much), but it got worse and worse. Mifuyu was clearly blind to all of this the entire time (she, much like everyone other than Touka, didn't seem to care that Nemu had to give up her life force for each uwasa, and if you disagree I will point out the scene at the end of Mifuyu's MGS as one of my more than five pieces of evidence). Alina likely didn't care enough, and Nemu was probably too exhausted, although the concern must've been there. In summary, Magius Touka stands alone in her mind, and with her mind. Arc 1 was practically a descent into madness for her. When you start thinking about things from Touka's perspective, you start to see how abysmal her mental health was.

As part of my conclusion I'd like to say that honestly, it makes sense why she gave off the feeling of being lost for a decent chunk of... everything after Arc 1. What is she supposed to do without a purpose? What is she supposed to do without anything or anyone to tell her what she is and who she is? Not to mention the fucking ton of bricks to her face that must've been getting her memories back. I do not know how she didn't break. I legitimately do not know how she survived. During that little "lost" stage she had, I got the feeling she'd relapse back to her suicidal tendencies. It was... less "a feeling" and more "exactly what canon did", it's just slightly (badly) disguised.

ANYWAY. What I mean is that the children are complex and I ask everyone to have more respect and more compassion for them. I will be back with more about the performer and her backstage, hopefully in a more organized format.

#nishiposting #magia record #touka satomi #she's a baby cactus sir #idk if I should tag anything or anyone else? #uhhh #essay #yeah sure that'll do so I can find them later

[ranger-ribbons]

So, here’s the thing, I saw the cute flower prompts and was trying to pick a few, but you know me and I know you soooo… can I get the whole garden (all ‘em!) for my boyos! (Dillon/Ziggy) 💚

I do, yes. You do know me very, very well! Thanks, babe! <3 /plat

(Dillon is a big, tough, macho man until Ziggy's around, then he turns into a big softie)

Big thank you to Estel, who gave me the prompt for Magnolia.

~

Agapanthus - Love Letter

Dillon grunts a greeting to his teammates as he passes, looking for food. It's been a long day for him, and he's actually hungry, so he's gonna eat while he has the opportunity. It's hard sometimes when all he can do is taste the salt and sugar in a meal, but it's what he's gotta do while the cybernetics in his system are slowly taking over.

"Dillon!" Scott calls, making Series Operator Black look up, annoyed. "Ziggy left something for you on the table. He said you'd like it."

Dillon raises an eyebrow but heads for the table anyway. "Thanks," he says to the Red. Ziggy's been gone on a solo mission with Flynn for a few days now, something to do with power cores and mechanical parts Doctor K needs.

Dillon finds a bag of candy and a piece of the pie Summer had baked a few days ago. Summer had said it had all been eaten, but Dillon knew better than to think Ziggy didn't squirrel some away. Dillon smiles. The pie is actually pretty good breakfast food, and Dillon is glad to see it.

Next to the food is a letter. It's adorned with little black and green hearts. They're Ziggy's way of showing his love. Dillon opens the note.

Dillon,

I asked Scott to give you this if the mission ran longer than they thought it would. Turns out, getting these parts takes longer than it's supposed to, who knew? Anyway, I know you don't like big gestures of affection, but I also know you like Summer's baking. So here's my sign of affection for the day.

Love,

Ziggy

Dillon smiles, folds up the note, and puts it in his pocket. It's not your usual love letter, like the ones Summer talks about on those soap operas she won't admit to liking, but it's adorable, and Dillon loves it.

~

Basil - Hate

Dillon stares at the Green Ranger, the one who had once captured his heart. He stares at the half-dead corpse taking up space on the testing table. Dillon stares as Ziggy Grover screams and cries.

Ziggy sobs, pleading for Dillon to let him go, to come back to himself, to stop hurting him.

Dillon watches apathetically, staring with sharp eyes. He doesn't love this man, not anymore. Dillon doesn't love him, no. He hates Ziggy Grover.

In fact, he thinks he's never hated anyone more. That's why he tortures Ziggy Grover.

~

Cactus - Passionate Love

Ziggy gasps as Dillon slips his tongue between the Green's teeth. The whole kissing thing is still pretty new to Ziggy, and the Green knows Black wouldn't remember kissing anyone anyway, but still Dillon kisses like he's been doing it his whole life. Like Ziggy is the only thing in this world that matters to him.

"You okay, Zig?"

A little moan falls off Ziggy's lips as Dillon's mouth attaches itself to the younger man's neck. "Yeah," he breathes. "Ju-just keep doing that."

Dillon chuckles. "Yes, sir."

~

Daphne - I Wouldn't Want You Any Other Way

"Dillon," Ziggy says, coming towards the Fury, where Dillon works on his precious baby in the garage.

Dillon looks up, setting down the wrench. "What's wrong, Zig?"

Ziggy comes closer, which isn't unusual, but he's hunching in on himself, one arm gripping the other at the elbow, and his too-long bangs are hiding his eyes. "Dillon, do I talk too much?" he asks softly.

Dillon knows immediately what happened. The other Rangers agents shy about telling Ziggy exactly what they think of him. They've all lived through the war, experienced the loss that comes with it, and completely forget that Ziggy is just as traumatized as the rest of them. He just deals with it in a different way.

"Am I annoying you?" Ziggy asks, voice trembling.

Dillon drops his tools right there on the ground. "No, Zig," he replies. He draws Ziggy into a tight hug and feels as the Green Rangers begins to sob. "No, I wouldn't want you any other way."

~

Echinacea - Strength and Health

Ziggy yelps as he gets thrown flat on his back once more. "Dammit!" he curses, head thunking back against the ground.

"You're getting better."

Ziggy groans, "It's not good enough. Scott, Sunmer, and Flynn have all been fighting for longer than me and you... Well, you're you."

Dillon chuckles, sitting in the grass. "You're doing really good. You're better than you used to be."

Ziggy sighs. He looks up at the clouds and watches them cross the sky lazily. "It doesn't feel like it," he admits after several minutes of silence.

Dillon lays next to Ziggy, looking up at the sky just the same. "You are," he promises. "It doesn't feel like it, but you are."

Ziggy hums. "I don't know if I'm strong enough to do this, Dil."

Dillon is silent for a while, then his hand grasps Ziggy's on the grass. "If you aren't, you can borrow my strength. You've got this, Zig. You're stronger than you know."

Ziggy grumbles, but his smile says everything. "Thanks, Dillon."

"Anytime, Zig."

~

Fern - Sincerity

"Ziggy, don't be stupid! Look at him, it's not Dillon right now!" Scott shouts across the battlefield.

Ziggy's axe is in his hands, reared back and ready to strike, but looking into the eyes of his target, Ziggy can't bring himself to do it. It's not that Ziggy loves Dillon so much, the thought of hurting him is staying Ziggy's hand - no, Ziggy's way too selfish for that.

It's the look in Dillon's eyes.

Normally, when Dillon gets taken over by Venjix, his eyes go dull. They lose all spark of life, any signs of warmth are suppressed, and they're just... dead. This... this is different. Dillon's eyes are warm and full of life.

"What are you waiting for?" Flynn shouts, flipping away from a Grinder's swing.

"Just do it!" Summer adds, charging her Zip Charger.

But Ziggy puts his axe away. "No," he murmurs. "I can't."

Because in Dillon's eyes, there's a sincerity that's never been there before and Ziggy can't bring himself to snuff it out.

~

Gardenia - Sophistication

I never went to prom, actually. The words echo in Dillon's mind. Who hasn't been to prom? Prom is one of the few things Dillon remembers clearly. He'd gone to his high-school prom with this firecracker of a boy Dillon had thought he could one day love. That boy reminds Dillon a lot of Ziggy, honestly.

Let it never be said that Dillon doesn't do things for his boy. He stands in a pure black suit that's been mended several times with his hair slicked back and a flower in his lapel because there's no boutonnieres in the apocalypse. Dillon hates how stuffy it is, but the stuffy feeling is worth it if it means Ziggy gets the night he deserves.

After all, Venjix was defeated a while ago, so they should celebrate at this point.

The sophisticated get up is just starting to really get to Dillon when he finally looks up and sees. Ziggy comes down the stairs in green, green, green and Dillon smiles.

"Hi," Ziggy says.

Dillon holds out a hand. "Hey," he murmurs.

It's just as powerful as "I love you."

~

Hibiscus - Delicate Beauty

Late at night, sometimes, when Ziggy can't sleep, he likes to watch Dillon. Dillon doesn't sleep much, so Ziggy has to be quiet anyway, and if Dillon wakes up, it usually leads to sex, which means that Ziggy doesn't really care either way, and it's his favorite time of the night.

Something about the way the moonlight hits Dillon from the window makes him look fragile. It's captivating and Ziggy wishes he could take a picture.

"You gonna stare all night?" Dillon asks without opening his eyes.

Ziggy laughs, snuggling closer. "What can I say, I like what I see."

~

Iberid - Indifference

It happened again. Dillon was overtaken by Venjix once more. Ranger Black fights against Scott, Summer, and Flynn with ferocity he only displays on the battlefield. However, he won't touch Ziggy. Ziggy can fight him, and he'll defend himself, but Dillon always escapes away to another part of the fight, back to Rangers Red, Blue, and Yellow.

Ziggy thinks that hurts more than Dillon getting taken over by Venjix again.

~

Jasmin - Amiability

"He's a little social butterfly, ain't he?" asks the man Dillon didn't bother to get the name of.

They sit together at a table in some ratty old bar Ziggy had recommended. Apparently he'd worked here once before Venjix. What kind of person would give a bartender job to a kid barely 17, Dillon doesn't know, but he guesses that doesn't really matter.

"Yeah, I guess so," Dillon replies, knocking back his shot and signaling the bartender for another.

Ziggy is fluttering from table to table, a little drunk, but no less aware. For Ziggy to be only a little drunk in the three hours they've been here is a feat all of its own. Ziggy is an extrovert (according to Doctor K) and he likes people, so it's easier for him to get drunk when people think he's cute and buy him shots.

The stranger pours himself another drink from the whiskey bottle in front of him. He knocks the shot back, then asks, "He yours?"

Dillon smiles, downing the shot the bartender sets in front of him and putting a hand over his glass when the bartender makes to pour the third drink. "Thanks," Dillon says to the barman. Then he turns back to the stranger. "Yeah," he says with a brilliant smile, "he's mine."

~

Kalanchoe - Persistence and Eternal Love

It's been years, too many years, since Dillon took off in the Fury after nearly killing Ziggy in a PTSD fit. Ziggy's been looking for him ever since.

It isn't Dillon's fault that Ziggy had been having a bad day, nor is it Dillon's fault that Ziggy chose to take it out on the backyard fence. Dillon had come home and seen Ziggy with a pipe in hand and the flashbacks kicked in. Dillon was doing the only thing he thought he could do, which was to eliminate the threat. It's not Dillon's fault, but still he felt it was. Ziggy's been trying to track Dillon down every single day since.

It's almost six years to the day when Dillon left that Ziggy finally tracks his husband down.

Dillon sits in a jailcell with his head down. His hair's been cut and his eyes are dull. His nose is crooked and still leaking blood, but he's still the most handsome man on this gods-forsaken planet. "Dillon," Ziggy murmurs as the guard leads him to the cell.

Dillon flinches, but doesn't look up.

"You got five minutes," the guard warns, then he heads back out the door.

Ziggy looks at the Black Ranger in front of him. "Dillon, what happened?" he asks, putting his hands on the bars. "Talk to me, please."

"Shouldn't you be at home," Dillon asks gruffly, still not looking up.

Ziggy frowns. "No, my place is with you. Please, Dillon, talk to me."

"Ziggy, please," Dillon says, finally looking up. One eye is black, and the other has deep bags under it, making Ziggy believe Dillon hasn't slept in days. "Don't make this any harder for me that it already it."

"Tough shit," Ziggy snaps back, eyes going sharp. "We're married. I love you. You abandoned me, now the least you could do is talk to me and tell me why." His eyes go soft once more. "Please, Dillon. I love you. Just talk to me."

Dillon hesitates, then sighs. "Alright."

~

Lantana - Strictness

"No," Dillon snaps, grabbing Ziggy's belt and holding fast. "You know damn well you aren't allowed to throw yourself needlessly into any kind of danger."

Ziggy curses, squirming in Dillon's hold. "Lemme go, Dillon!" he curses.

"No."

Ziggy groans. "You and your rules."

~

Magnolia - Dignity

Dillon storms through the base, a letter in his hand and a snarl curling his lip upward. He stalks past Scott and Summer, past Flynn and the twins. He only stops once he stands in front of a door with green letters labeling it as Ziggy's room. Dillon knocks roughly on the door.

Ziggy opens the door and pokes his head out. He smiles. "Hey, Dillon. Come on in!" The door creaks open and Ziggy disappears behind it.

Dillon slips inside the room and closes it behind him. He breathes out a sigh. "Zig, we gotta talk," he says.

Ziggy bops his head in agreement, sitting down on the edge of his bed. "What's up?" he asks.

Dillon only hesitates a second, wondering if he should tell his boyfriend what happened. Ziggy needs to know, he tells himself. "This came for you today," Series Operator Black says, handing over the letter.

Ziggy raises an eyebrow, taking the letter. He reaches for the flap, and pauses when he sees what Dillon's done. "You opened it," he says factually. When Dillon nods, Series Operator Green swallows nervously, and slowly pulls open the envelope. The pictures fall out first, the ones that show Ziggy in undignified ways. The ones where Ziggy is naked and looks terrified.

Ziggy goes quiet. "Where did you get these?" he asks in a quiet, shaky voice.

Dillon shakes his head. "Some guy with a scorpion tattoo gave them to me. Said they were from Fresno Bob."

"Fresno Bob wouldn't do this," Ziggy snaps, voice full of venom and fire. "He wouldn't do this to me!"

Dillon nods, though he's not so sure Fresno Bob wouldn't do something like this. Most cartel and mafia bosses are all the same, and Dillon wouldn't put anything past any of them.

Ziggy makes a terrified noise, biting back a sob. "These are supposed to be gone," he whispers. The pictures get tossed to the floor. Some many of them feature Ziggy covered in various body fluids and blood.

"I can destroy them for you, if you want, Zig," offers Dillon, fully ready to rip the pictures into shreds and light the remains on fire.

Ziggy nods and Dillon snaps up the pictures, shredding them into pieces without a second thought. Then he grabs all the pieces and puts them in Ziggy's trashcan. "I'm gonna take this now," he says, indicating the trashcan with a shake of his head, "and you don't have to worry about it anymore. Okay?"

Ziggy nods. Dillon sits on the edge of the bed with him and hugs him tightly. If Fresno Bob ever comes back, Dillon will tear him apart like the pictures.

~

Narcissus - New Beginnings

Dillon looks out into the desert, surveying the dust and dirt, watching tumbleweeds blow by. He watches the world around him move. His bones still ache with the weight of the cybernetics that Doctor K couldn't remove, but with most of the cybernetics gone, Dillon finally feels like he can breathe again. Dillon listens to the wind, the sounds of static on the radio, the silence that settles in the cab of Dillon's car.

The car door opens and the car rocks lightly before the car door closes. "Alright! Where are we headed?"

Dillon smiles without looking up. He reaches for the car keys in the ignition and turns the key smoothly. The car sputters to a start and the motor purrs. "Anywhere we want," Dillon replies, glancing to the passenger seat.

Ziggy grins, leaning back and buckling the seat belt. "Let's go, Dil," he says.

Dillon smiles back, turns back to the road, and puts the car in gear.

~

Orchid - Refined Beauty

Ziggy whistles. "Now that is a nice-looking vehicle," he says appreciatively, looking at the beautiful yellow motorcycle Summer had brought home when her first one crashed into some Grinders at 70 miles per hour.

Dillon agrees with a slow, "Mm-hm."

Glancing at each other, Dillon and Ziggy both simultaneously agree not to tell Summer, snag the keys off the bar table, and zoom out of the garage without a backwards glance. She'll find out eventually, but until then, they'll have their fun.

~

Peony - Anger

"Don't touch me!" Ziggy snaps, knocking Dillon's hand off his shoulder.

"Zig," Dillon tries to say.

Series Operator Green shakes his head vigorously. Dillon shuts his mouth for fear of Ziggy making his concussion worse. "You don't get to be all sad and upset over this right now!" Ziggy says firmly. Her eyes blaze with restrained anger. "You're the one who did this! How many times did you tell me that I can handle myself? Then you go an' try to protect me in a fight I can handle myself! What the hell were you thinking, Dillon, huh?"

"Ziggy, I... I..." Dillon doesn't answer fast enough for Ziggy, apparently, because Ziggy only gets more upset.

Ziggy sits up, the bruises on his face shining dully in the low lighting. "Your dumbass decided to protect me and got me hurt in the process because I was so worried about protecting you because you LEFT YOURSELF OPEN TO ATTACKS!" Ziggy yells.

Dillon tries to speak, to tell Ziggy that he doesn't know what happened, that he'd really meant to stay in his lane and give Ziggy the space to be the fighter Dillon knows he can be. The words get stuck in his throat and Dillon can't speak them.

Ziggy scoffs. "Get out," he says, eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to see you right now."

"Ziggy..." Dillon tries to say.

"GET OUT!" Ziggy roars, grabbing the spare pillow and tossing it at Dillon with unnerving accuracy.

Dillon ducks, making a hasty retreat before Ziggy's patience ran out. "I'm sorry," he whispers as he closes the door behind him. The only answer he hears is a choked sob.

~

Quince - Perseverance During Adversity

"Ziggy?" Dillon asks, quietly opening the door.

"Get out!" Ziggy shouts back, just like he does every time, still angry at Dillon and unwilling to talk. "I don't want to see you! Get! Out!"

But Dillon is prepared this time. He comes in anyway. "I'm not leaving, Ziggy. Not this time."

"I don't want to talk to you," Ziggy replies, voice full of venom and fire.

"Well, too bad," Dillon replies. "Cause I want to talk to you." He comes closer. Ziggy glares at him beneath his too long bangs. Tears glitter in hazel eyes. Betrayal that hits hard, even though it's not really betrayal. Dillon sighs, "Ziggy."

"Say what you're gonna say and get out," Ziggy snaps coldly.

Dillon decides it's better to show than tell. He takes a chip out of his pocket and sets it on Ziggy's side table. "Doctor K found that in my neck when she checked me over after the battle. She said it was programmed to make me recklessly protective."

Ziggy looks at the chip with disgust. Then realization dawns on him, and he looks up at Dillon. "Someone put that in you?" he asks.

Dillon nods.

Ziggy's face falls and he scrubs a hand down his cheeks. "I'm such an idiot," he says regretfully. Looking up at Dillon, Ziggy continues, "I'm sorry. I should've known better."

Dillon shakes his head. "It's okay. You were hurt. I'm sorry too."

Ziggy offers a little smile. "Thanks, Dil."

~

Rose - Love

Of the many things Ziggy loves about Dillon, his lack of self-preservation is not one of them. "Dillon," he says, snappish and angry. "You're not allowed to throw yourself into dangerous situations either."

"Ziggy," Dillon warns, voice rough.

"No," Ziggy growls, stomping forward until he's toe-to-toe with Dillon, staring up the several inches between their heights. "You listen!" he demands. "Because you can't seem to get it through you're thick skull that I care about you, you idiot!"

Dillon, stunned silent, says nothing. He lets Ziggy stare up at him with sharp eyes and doesn't move, doesn't speak.

"I love you, you absolute dumbass," Series Operator Green says. "I love you, and you're not allowed to do dangerous things. I love you, and you're not allowed to leave me behind while you go off and play hero, like a dumbass."

Dillon's lips twitch upward.

"I love you," Ziggy continues, "and I couldn't stand it if you left me, so don't fucking leave me!"

Dillon sweeps Ziggy into a tight hug, which cuts off Ziggy's next words. "I love you, too, Ziggy."

~

Sage - Good Health and Long Life

"So," Ziggy whispers, "it's gone?"

The doctor nods, making a few notes in Ziggy's chart. "That's correct, Mr. Grover, the cancer has fully cleared and your cells are working at a normal rate. I'd like to get some blood work and scans, but you are officially in remission, Mr. Grover. Congratulations," the doctor replies, looking up with a smile.

Ziggy smiles, biting back a choked sob, then unable to help the next. Next to him, Dillon squeezes Ziggy hands. "Congrats, Zig," Dillon murmurs, pulling Ziggy into a hug.

Ziggy laughs through his sobs, face buried in Dillon's shoulder. If Dillon minds that his shirt is suddenly soaked, he doesn't say. Ziggy cries, Dillon holds him, and for a moment, nothing else matters.

~

Trillium - Modest Beauty

"Damn Ziggy, you look good!" Summer compliments from the couch, arm thrown around Flynn.

Ziggy grins. "You like it?" he asks, twirling around. He's wearing a cute green skirt that he'd picked up on one of their last trips to the clothing store. It had called to him on the rack. It was pretty modest, high waist, and the hem just under his knees, not exactly what Ziggy usually would wear, but-

"You look gorgeous," Dillon murmurs, arms wrapping around Ziggy's waist. "Beautiful."

Ziggy grins, twisting to meet Dillon's eyes with a smile. "Thank you," he says softly.

Dillon nods.

~

Ursinis - Trickery

"Dillon!" Ziggy shouts, skidding to a stop in front of Series Operator Black. "Dillon, we gotta go! Boxarok captured Scott, Flynn, and Summer, we gotta go save them!"

Dillon blinks, shaking his head. He looks at Ziggy and nods. "Yeah," he replies. "Let's go!" But something about his voice is off.

"Dillon, before we go," Ziggy says, paranoia born of dealing with people who would sooner trick and kill him. "What's my deadname?"

Dillon blinks, then gives the answer without hesitation. It's wrong. Of course it is. Ziggy never told Dillon his deadname, Dillon didn't care to know. Ziggy's eyes fill with tears. "Dillon," he whispers.

Dillon's face suddenly stretches into an unnatural smile. "That's not the right answer is it?" he asks.

Ziggy shakes his head, stepping back.

Dillon sighs, "Dammit." He lifts a hand and clicks his fingers. Ziggy's world goes black.

~

Vervain - Pray For Me

"Oh, god," Ziggy mumbles over comms. "Oh, god, oh, god, oh, god."

"Ziggy?" Dillon asks, concerned.

"I'm over the vent," Ziggy replies. "I see Venjix. God, if this doesn't work..." Ziggy doesn't have to finish the sentence. If this doesn't work, Ziggy will probably be dead.

"It's gonna be okay, Zig," Dillon assures him, though he's not even sure himself.

"Pray for me," Ziggy whispers. "Here we go."

~

Waterlily - Birth and Resurrection

Ziggy grumbles under his breath, listening to the preacher go on and on about the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He hates churches, they're always so stuffy and full of hypocrites and assholes.

~

Dillon makes an agreeing noise at Ziggy's side. "I know," he murmurs. "It sucks, doesn't it?"

Ziggy nods, sinking deeper in his seat. "This is stupid. Why did Mom want to meet here?"

Dillon snorts softly. "Who knows. The hardcore religious people won't ever make sense to me."

Ziggy snorts. Then, he leans closer. "Thanks for coming with me," he says.

Dillon smirks back. "I had to," he replies teasingly. "You can't stay outta trouble by yourself."

Ziggy almost interrupts the sermon with how hard he laughs.

~

Xeanthemum - Eternity and Immortality

A little known fact about the Morphin Grid? It offers its Rangers immortality. It's the one thing that Ziggy hates, even all these years later.

He and the other RPM Rangers meet up every couple years, but Dillon hasn't been seen in several years now. Scott, Summer, and Flynn think he must've finally pissed off the wrong person and gotten himself killed. Ziggy knows better. Ziggy would feel it if Dillon had died.

So he's not shocked in the slightest when Dillon strolls over in the middle of one of the RPM meet-ups, twists a spare chair backward, and sits in it casually. Leaning forward, Dillon steals a French fry off Ziggy's plate and hums, "These are good."

Scott, Summer, Flynn, and the twins are all a little shocked. It's been years since any of them had seen Dillon, but here he is. Alive and well.

Ziggy smiles, grabbing Dillon's hand. With a serious look, his face falls, and Ziggy says, "You're telling me where you went." It's a fact, not a request.

Dillon nods. "And I'll spend the rest of eternity making it up to you," he promises.

~

Yellow Bell - Rebirth

Dillon opens his eyes after the surgery, stares up at the white ceiling. He looks around at the hospital room with confusion.

"Welcome back, Dillon," says Doctor K, going by Krishana now that she's finally found her name from before. "Your surgery was mostly successful. As I thought, we were unable to remove all the pieces and hardware, but aside from the six piece in too deep to safely remove, you are free of your hybrid parts."

Dillon smiles. A hand squeezes his. "How do you feel?" asks Ziggy, there with Dillon in the aftermath, as promised.

Dillon hums, looking at Ziggy with loving eyes. "Reborn."

~

Zinnia - Lasting Affection

Dillon and Ziggy aren't particularly affectionate people in public, but that doesn't mean they aren't affectionate at all.

Dillon hugs Ziggy close as they walk down the street. Keeping Ziggy close is always a good thing. "You okay?" he asks quietly.

"Yeah," Ziggy replies. "More than."

Dillon smiles, and they continue walking.

Happy birthday!! @estel-eruantien

#power rangers #power rangers rpm #ask #mutuals #estel eruantien #thanks estel! #writing prompts #ask game #flowers #dillon #power rangers dillon #ziggy grover #dillon/ziggy grover

[dalliansss]

Or Angbang + leaving each other post-it notes

𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙊𝙏𝙋𝙨

Mairon leaves his penthouse at 7:00 am, sharp.

His driver, Adunaphel, is waiting for him, and the sleek Aston Martin car is familiar to everybody in that high-end condominium tower. When Mairon gets into the car, Adunaphel knows the route, and the first stop of the day is his boss's favorite Starbucks drive-thru.

Three coffees, two pastries, and off they drive toward Utumno Prime, first tower in a compound of consisting of three towers total, each one about 180 floors each, total.

His office is by the 180th floor. Impressive skyline, all modern industrial design. But today when Mairon enters his office, he finds his furniture and his desk, and all his picture frames (which mostly feature Finrod and their child, a chocolate-colored British Shorthair cat with golden eyes named Draugluin) covered in little hot pink (he hates the color!) post-it notes.

Temper ticking in 5...4...3...2...1...

"T H Û R I!!!!!!!!!!!"

His secretary comes clattering from their own pantry, lovely in her corporate attire. "Sir---!?"

Mairon rounds on her, positively livid. If he could, he'd emit smoke from his ears and nostrils. "WHAT. IS. ALL. THIS?!?!?!!?"

Thûri, for her part, has a very valid excuse. "Sir!" She says, dismayed. "Sir. When I got here, Sir Melkor was putting all those post-its and told me to tell you to read them all beginning from---from---uh, that one." She points to the post-it stuck to a little cactus plant on the table by the receiving area.

"....Melkor?" "Yes, sir. It wasn't me," says Thûri. "Read that one first, he said." She points again.

The infamous temper ebbs, some. Mairon dumps his briefcase and cashmere scarf over Thûri's table (in perfect imitation of that character in that Devil movie) and snatches the first post it.

[Don't blame your secretary. It's me. -- M.] The note contained a clue onto which note he should pick up next. As it turned out, Melkor was playing a game. At first, the post-its were nothing but work-related matters, reminding Mairon to do this and that, schedule this and that, check out on this and that. It annoys Mairon to no end but the post-its have caught his attention. As his day progresses, so the tone of the post-it's messages shift from reminders of his coffee, his snack, his lunch. Hell, even a reminder to text Finrod and ask him how his day is doing.

It is bizarre, really. But Mairon finds the gesture endearing, and the last post-it of the day he removes from his PC monitor says this:

[Go home, you workaholic. Mind your Finnegan and your cat.]

So far, Mairon has collected all the notes into a stack. He decides he will keep them. As he prepares to leave the office for the night, he sends Adunaphel a text. Go find a bookstore before he picks him up, and buy about fifty post-it bundles, in baby blue, and six Sharpies in red.

@skaelds

#silmarillion #silm #my drabs #mairon #sauron #melkor #morgoth #angbang #kinda hehe #modern AU

[newmoneyrecordshop]

Tesla written by Joe Buffalo

INTRO (16 BARS) OOH, I'M READY TO GET IT ON AGAIN YEAH ALRIGHT I HAD A DREAN THE OTHER NIGHT, I WAS BATMAN AND THAT WOULD BE ME, BUFFALO AND THEN, I HAD A DREAM I WAS IN GOTHAM THAT WOULD BE CHATHAM AND, I ALSO HAD A DREAM, I HAD A BATMOBILE THATS THE TESLA

VS 1 180 HOE MY BABY HOE MY BABY FLOAT BUT DON'T TOUCH THE RADIO DON'T TOUCH SMOKIN WEED IN THIS BITCH LIKE ELON MUSK GOT A HENNESSY BAR IN THE TRUNK BALLIN THIS BITCH SLAM DUNK FAT BOOTY BITCH ITS A SLUG FEST FAT BOOTY BITCH WITH A FLAT CHEST IF ONLY I COULD FIT IN A MATTRESS STICK IT TO THESE HOES LIKE A CACTUS HOE FLYIN' OUT FROM PHOENIX THESE HOES WANT THAT PENIS THESE HOES CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' ALWAYS LOOKIN' FOR THE WEEDMAN GOT A LB BREAK IT DOWN TO SOME KD'S GOT A BAD BITCH NAMED MERCEDES IN THE TESTA SHE SO EXTRA I DON'T KNOW WHY I MESS WITH HER I DIDN'T EVEN MEAN TO TEXT HER BUT SHE GIVE OUT THE BEST FUCKS IN THE TESTA IN THE TESTA LETS BOOGIE HOE GOT COOKIE HOE? I LOVE WHEN YOU BEND IT OVER AND I HIT IT SLOW THEN I MAKE IT WHITE IN HERE LIKE THE COLORADO SLOPES BLOWIN' ON THAT DENVER WINTER DOPE ALL WINTER AT HIGH ALTITUDES BIG JOE SO COOL THESE HOES SHOW NUDES I CONTROL THE CRUISE IN THE TESLA YES SIR 180 HOE MY BABY HOE MY BABY FLOAT BUT DON'T TOUCH MY RADIO DON'T TOUCH SMOKIN WEED IN THIS LIKE ELON MUSK GOT A HENNESSY BAR IN THE TRUNK BALLIN THIS BITCH SLAM DUNK X3

#music #lyrics #rap #trap #hiphop #buffalo #NEW #SoundCloud

[lettherebemonsters]

⚔ "Reporting in sir." A familiar voice spoke up from behind Adam, his lieutenant standing behind them as their hand lowers and moves to lock her arms behind their back. She doesn't speak for a moment before letting out a soft sigh, her shoulders sagging a bit. "...I'm sorry. We... we weren't able to locate them. We've searched everywhere that we could... both here in Heaven... and... down there."

She keeps from hissing, albeit the venom is evident in her voice. Regardless, she shakes her head before focusing their gaze back on Adam's back. "But we won't stop looking for them. I- I won't stop looking for them." (lol guess who said what they weren't going to do but did- it's apple/entitytcken)

The normally wise cracking Exorcist was too quiet....an extremely bad sign. The rage coming off of him was hotter than any fire Hell could muster, the claws tipping his gloves digging in so deep that they damaged the desk he sat at.

He wanted to rip and tear apart EVERYONE in that forsaken PIT. But rage was an easier emotion than what he truly felt....grief. He hated this feeling....he never had grief or regrets or anything!

But that wasn't true.....not when it came to Cain, Abel and Seth. The three bundles of joy that had brought him indescribable happiness long ago.

A happiness now dead in him.

His claws softened at the memories, more determined than ever that his girls find his sons. He gave Lute his customary grin, allowing a feeling of darkness to wash over him.

" If you have to fuck some skulls.....better bring the biggest fucking cactus we got."

He didn't doubt for a second that Lute was going to find his kids. And if that bitch Sera pissed and moaned about their cover being blown....well,consider this HIS executive order.

He quickly grabbed one of his holy manuscripts and wrote something, folding it up and handing it to Lute.

" If those CUNTS down there try to be piss babies, show them this. It's my executive order for you to get in Hell.

And if that doesn't work....carrot and stick, babe. Carrot and stick."

#hazbinfatales #Call Me Dickmaster! (Adam)

[kyugens]

❔[ am i late to the party ]

multi-muse prompt – always accepting!

hell no! and buckle up cuz i’m super ready to throw my little gremlins at you! açlfksdçkgja

Tsunade + Tenzo

We’ve glossed over this before but I don’t think I’ve made myself clear about how much I love the idea of Tsunade raising a bunch of kids with absolutely no capacitation to do so. Nothing, zero, nada. She’s not ready and she never will be. lmao Of course she will try to do right by them, and she’s never gonna starve them or anything that terrible, but she will let her addictions get in the way of raising them. Plus she’s got this ‘tough love’ rooted deep into her bones and she’s not letting it go. She loved Dan and Nawaki way too much and she really thought they were fools and that, besides the fact that she couldn’t have saved them, is what ultimately killed them. And she’s not having it again, no sir. Either little Kinoe toughens up under her thumb or her name is not Tsunade.

Gaara + Tenzo

Gaara pestering Yamato about cacti? Yes, absolutely. He wants to know if Leaf-sensei is the real deal, if he really knows his greens and whatnot. And Yamato can’t say no because he’s the goddamn Kazekage. Yes, Gaara would 100% abuse his power just to watch Yamato grow a little cactus out of nothing. Either use your mokuton for something meaningful or get out!! 

Ibiki + Tenzo

Super awkward duo, I’d understand completely if Tenzo just flat out hated Ibiki with all his might. He’s the worst. He knows all there is to know about so many people in the village, he’s probably got dirt on Tenzo as well and he’d rub it in his nose just to get more - or just for fun bc he’s that kind of guy.

Kimimaro + Tenzo

Imagine Kimimaro was arrested and now we’ve got this super freaky, traumatized child that’s been brainwashed and experimented on by Orochimaru. Who would they call? Tsunade pulls baby Kinoe/Yamato out of her pocket and yells ‘Deal with this’, and now he’s stuck with a physically and mentally ill teen who wants to Die 24/7. He’s your problem now, Tenzo.

Itachi + Tenzo

Okay but you know how we talked about Tenzo being jealous of Kakashi/Itachi and how that sucks for him? Now imagine Itachi being completely oblivious - which he would be, 100% - and he’s fanboying Tenzo super Hard bc the guy’s got MOKUTON!!! That’s a legendary and amazing kekkei genkai and it’s so cool, and Tenzo is SO GOOD at it and Itachi can’t BELIEVE he gets a senpai that amazing and he’s glued to Tenzo’s side at all times and asking a million questions, all the while trying to keep it cool but just making things plain awkward bc now he seems dismissive and unimpressed.  ‘You have mokuton??!?!?! Ah- yeah, the same thing that killed the Shodai, right? Hm.’ And now Tenzo is about to murder a child. aç~lkçalgjasdçl

@tenzx

#[ ooc ⋅ answered ] #[ prompts ⋅ completed ] #tenzx #i can't believe that most of my muses are supposed to be a pain in the ass for tenzo and now he's gotta deal with it #/: #lmao

[jisooapproved]

hellooo !!! Can i request for threesome with nomin ? But they really really hard dom kink 🤧

Sir and Daddy

warnings- smut, daddy kink, sir kink, toys, use of sex toys, chains, (reader is handcuffed) threesome (nomin), degradation, cussing, blindfolding (reader is blindfolded), vibrator and wand use, and unprotected sex 

Requested-yes!

word count-1.2K

a/n- Jeno is Sir and Jaemin is daddy 

A loud thud sounded near you, your head snapped in that direction. You heard footsteps enter the room. But with the blindfold on you couldn't see anything, you usually could tell the difference between the footsteps but in this scenario that wasn't the case. You had been blindfolded, your arms chained above you, your legs spread apart, and a bullet vibrator vibrating inside of you wildly. It wasn't on the highest setting, but it did almost bring you to orgasm but couldn't quite reach it yet. You felt the bed sink slightly near your side near your left leg and you flinched when someone touched it. "Aww, look Jeno she followed our directions! Didn't you now slut?" Jaemin cooed, you nodded to the best of your ability but the vibrator was now slowly bringing you to your orgasm and you knew you wouldn't last long.

“Are you sure Jaemin? I wouldn’t mind teaching this bitch a lesson.” he scoffed. You felt his intense stare at you you could only squirm against the chains. You were about to open your mouth the beg for the vibrator to be turned off but before you could the vibrator went silent. “Good girl, such a good girl” Jaemin growled in your ear as he turned on the vibrator making it come to life at the highest setting. You screamed out in pleasure as you could hear snickering from the foot of the bed. “You like this slut?” a harsh slap from a whip was delivered onto the right nipple and you yelped at the contact. “Yes! Yes daddy!” you screamed as another slap was felt on your stomach. Your orgasm came before you could even say it. You let out a long high pitch moan as the pleasure washed over you. Your legs shook as your walls clenched around the object. You slowly came down from the orgasm and your head cleared. The blindfold was removed as you were met with an angry Jeno and a disappointed Jaemin. “Y/n... did we tell you... you could cum?” Jaemin caressed your cheek as Jeno rolled his eyes. Hating how Jaemin was being soft. You shook your head in response to his question, a tear slipped from your eye, landing on Jaemins thumb. “Well since you seem so eager why don’t we just get to the main course huh?” Jeno scorned as he removed his clothing, the younger coping his actions. Once both of their clothes were discarding onto the floor Jaemin nodded at Jeno letting Jeno crawl onto the bed and spread your legs wide open so your cunt was on display for him. His long thick fingers dug into you yanking out the toy and throwing it away out of your vision. You whined at the loss as he stood back on his knees and pumped his length. Lining it up with your entrance he was able to slide in with ease as your wetness from your previous orgasm coated his cock. Your walls involuntarily clenched around him due to the sensitivity. He groaned before snaking his hand to your breast then to your neck, holding it with a firm grip. “You fucking kill me when you do that slut” he hissed as he started to move, sparing no mercy for your dripping hole. “Daddy!” you yelped as the grip around your neck got tighter. He thrust into you at an animalistic pace making your eyes roll back, breaking the rule to maintain eye contact with them at all times. “Look at him,” Jaemin gritted his teeth. His patient for you was slowly running out. You managed to keep your eyes on him as Jeno continue his pace until he stilled. His hot seed spilling to you, pulling out he pushed the excess cum that has leaked out back in with his finger. "Aww come on dude, I wanted to eat her out!" Jaemin whined as he crawled onto the bed. Jeno only shook his head before looking at the pink-haired boy. “You can still eat her out it’s just you will taste my kids” he mused, Jaemin rolled his eyes and you chuckled at the sit-com-like situation playing in front of you. When you did laugh the attention was now on you. Their burning gazes drilling a hole in you. “You’re enjoying this slut? I Jaemin I think she is done resting now what do you think” “I think you are absolutely right Jeno”. Jaemin smirked before he went to the drawer and pulled out a Hitachi Wand and Jeno spread out your legs. Your eyes widen at the toy and tears filled up in your eyes, as a flashback from the last time the toy came into play flashed across your mind. Jeno noticed and caressed your cheek. “Don’t worry baby, remember how much fun it was last time?” he cooed and you slowly nodded. Jaemin turned on the toy, he lowered it so it was just above your clit, ghosting it. He looked up at you. “Safeword?” “Cactus” you replied obediently, he smiled and kept eye contact as the toy came in contact with your clit. “Ahhh, Daddy! Sir!” you screamed at the new sensation. You were still sensitive from your last orgasm but with the toy, you felt the knot from at the bottom of your stomach. You threw your head back as your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Without moving the toy from your clit Jaemin positioned himself in between your legs and slowly entered you. The remaining of Jeno’s cum and your slick that was leaking out helped Jaemin slide in easier than he expected. Once he bottomed out he hunched over you, letting out a sexy deep groan. “Damn y/n, your so wet,” he whispered lowly in your ear. You moaned and clenched around him at his words. He hissed before removing the toy from you and handing it to Jeno. Once the toy was out of his hands he placed one hand on your boob giving it a good squeeze as he started at a rough pace. You wrestled against the chains a he got fast and faster. You forgot about Jeno for a few moments until you heard the wand turn on again, as it settled on your clit. “SIR! i-” only after a few short seconds you came, your legs shook as Jaemin followed after not being able to go on much longer after your velvety walls spasmed around him. "Aw fuck y/n" Jaemin whined, he slowly pulled out of you and moved aside to release you from your chains. "Wait... Y/n come here."  Jeno commanded. Once free from the chains you crawled your way to the end on the bed where Jeno was pumping his semi-hard length. "Open." you opened your mouth and took him in. Going slowly at first until you decide to fully engulf him- hitting the back of your throat in the process. He let out a deep groan, grabbing your hair making a make-shift ponytail, he started to thrust into you. He went faster and faster, tears pricked your eyes. Until you felt the warm liquid coat the back of your throat as now Jeno’s semi-soft cock was right in front of you- a string of spit and cum connecting his cock to your lips.

“good girl” they cooed in unison. You smiled as you swallowed the salty cum. 

Taglist-

@johnsamericano @sluttyyong @winwiniee

#nct #nct smut #nct smut au #nomin smut #nomine #jaemin smut #jeno smut #na jaemin #lee jeno #kpop smut #smut #nct hard hours

[golden-barnes]

Plum tarts and red carnations

Pairing: Florist! Bucky Barnes x F! Reader

Summary: Bucky is enamored with one of the employees of the bakery in front of his store.

Category: Fluff

Warning:s some self-doubting thoughts and cursing .

Word count: 2.5k

Author’s note: I have been thinking about this since that one anon and thank you @buckycuddlebuddy because you helped to inspire me further with this. Also think of Bucky as Beefy because I'm a softy for a gentle giant. Comment and reblog pls and thank you!

“Damn Jerry. You’ve been growing nicely. A little bit more, and you will be ready to find a new home, bud.�� Bucky whispered to the little sprout he was watering. Bucky loved his morning routine.

Before opening up his shop, he would check on his nursery. Water the plants in his greenhouse, checking them to see how they have grown. He liked talking to them; they never judged him or ignored him. He even named them. Sam would help, too, though he treated it more as a joke.

After checking on the nursery, he would focus on making bouquets and arrangements for the store. Nobody knew he was the one who made those beautiful arrangements, and he liked it.

It was like therapy for him. Matching the flowers and creating bouquets with meaning was a talent Bucky didn’t know he had. By this point, the shop was opened and ready for business.

While preparing a rose bouquet, he saw a woman in an apron running out of the new coffee shop from the table next to the cash register. Oh shit, she’s pretty. He thought. He kept staring at her and forgot the fresh roses next to him, grabbed one carelessly.

“Fuck.” He accidentally pricked his finger with a thorn. He applied pressure to his wounded finger.

“Oh, are you okay, sir?” The pretty woman from the bakery asked. Bucky didn’t notice her entering the shop, and now she was here. Looking disheveled but incredibly beautiful.

“Yeah, happens all the time. What can I help you with?” He said, trying to sound as composed as possible. He could hear Sam’s voice in his head. “Play it cool, Buck.”The woman let out a sigh.

“I’m co-owner of the coffee shop, and it’s our opening day. I was encharged of the decorations, and I ordered some flowers from this other place, but when they got here, they were horrible. Like really bad. And oh god, I’m rambling, but I need a brand new arrangement.” She said all in one breath. Bucky had to fight a smile from appearing. Adorable.

“It’s okay. What colors did you want?” Bucky asked. The woman smiled at him.

“We wanted white and purples. Something simple. But honestly, I know nothing of flowers. I don’t understand why Wanda put me up with this? Now we are late, and I still have to finish decorating the cupcakes.” She explained while Bucky started to search for the flowers in his shop.

“Lilacs, with white peonies and lavender roses, would make a nice bouquet. How does that sound?” Bucky showed her the flowers he was referring to. The woman gasped.

“Oh, they are so pretty! You, sir, are a genius.” She gushed, still looking at the flowers. Bucky felt his cheeks getting red from receiving praise.

“I can bring it to you,” Buckywhispered, afraid that she might not like that idea. “You know, because you still have some stuff to finish, so you can do it, and I’ll bring it to you in less than 10 minutes.” She looked at him and went to hug him. Bucky tensed, not expecting the hug, but soon relaxed.

“You are literally my hero. Just ask for Y/N,” She said, walking towards the exit. “Wait, what’s your name?” She added, opening the door to leave.

“Bucky.” Y/N smiled at him. “See you later, Bucky.”

Bucky has never worked on an arrangement as hard as this one. He was already meticulous, but he really wanted to impress Y/N. Can you blame him? The pretty girl needed his help, and he wanted her to be happy. He even added some baby’s breath and this new white ribbon that had come in for weddings. He was very proud of it but also very nervous.

With a deep breath, Bucky entered the coffee shop. A brunette was at the door, cleaning the tables.

“Sorry, Sir. We are still aren’t open.” She said. Bucky gulped.

“Uhm. I’m looking for Y/N.” He told her; she looked at the flowers in his hands and understood. She yelled for Y/N, who came out of the kitchen with icing on her check, giving him the brightest smile.

“Hey, Bucky! That’s beautiful! How did you make such a pretty arrangement in less than 20 minutes?” She grabbed the vase out of his hands and set it on the counter. Bucky blushed and scratched his neck, shying away.

“It’s nothing.. I’m just happy you liked it.”

“How much do I owe you?” She asked. Bucky put his hands up.

“Oh, it’s on the house. Don’t worry. Call it a welcome gift.” He explained; Y/N jumped and gave him another hug. This time Bucky wrapped his arms around her.

“You are the nicest person on this fucking planet. I have to make it up to you. What’s your favorite fruit?” She pulled away from him and looked at Bucky in the eye. Bucky felt his breath hitch, and his palms get sweaty.

“I-I like plums.” He stuttered. She gave him a big smile and handed him a cookie.

“Hmm, I can make something with that.” She winked at him.

-

“I still haven’t named you, but honestly, I don’t know. You look like a Janelle, but also, I feel like that doesn’t fit.” Bucky said to the new cactus that arrived yesterday, in the afternoon.

“I think she looks like a Lucille.” Bucky turned around and saw Y/N with a box in hand.

“Oh, hi.” He felt embarrassed. She had heard him talk to his plants. Not even Steve had seen that. It was his private thing.

“She’s cute. What type of cactus is it?” She looked at it, not looking weirded out or anything.

“It’s called a Bishop’s cap. They grow to be very pretty and sprout a yellow flower. Not very popular in the shop, but there’s this new cactus crazy going on, and I thought to stock up.” Bucky explained, putting the cactus down next to the others.

“Do you name all your plants?” Bucky gulped and turned around to face her.

“Yeah, and talk to them too.” Bucky fought the urge to punch himself. Why would he say that? Fuck, now she is gonna think he is a fucking weirdo.

Much to his surprise, she smiled at him. She suddenly remembered the box she brought and opened it.

“For saving me yesterday, I made you a plum tart.” She opened it and pulled out the tart. Bucky felt his heart beating faster, and his hands get clammy.

“You didn’t have to.” “Ah! I beg to differ. Everyone that walked into our shop loved the flowers. They were really something. Like I couldn’t stop looking at them. So I had to show you my gratitude the only way I know how. With treats.”

“I couldn’t possibly eat that all alone. Want to share?” Bucky asked, giving her puppy eyes so she wouldn’t say no.

“You drive a hard bargain, Bucky. Has anyone ever told you can get away with murder with those eyes?” Y/N joked.

“I think my grandma’ probably said it. I have some silverware in the shop’s kitchen. When you have to be at your shop?” Bucky said, signaling her to follow him.

“I’m on break—perks of being the boss.” She explained while Bucky grabbed a few paper plates, forks, and a knife. She grabbed the knife and cut a big piece, and gave it to Bucky. Then she cut a piece for herself.

Bucky took a bite and accidentally let out a moan.

“I take it; you like it.” She winked at Bucky. He diverted his gaze from her. Why the fuck did I do that? Bucky screamed internally.

“It’s delicious. I can see why your shop has been packed since yesterday. Reminds me of my ma’s.” Bucky admitted.

“I’m glad, but I can’t take all the credit. You should see the coffee mixes Wanda came up with. They are the real star.” Bucky smiled at her. Nice and pretty… She let out a cough.

“How did you get really good with plants? Like sorry for the personal question, but you have a talent.” She inquired.

“Well, uhm. After getting discharged, my friend Sam suggested that I take classes to handle stress and PTSD. One of the classes was gardening, and I just found it so calming. So I started taking more courses and learning ‘till I decided to start my own business. I don’t think I could ever work anywhere else.” Bucky noticed her staring at him. “What?” He said, smiling awkwardly at her.

“Nothing. Just thinking about how you are the nicest man I’ve ever meet.” She said nonchalantly. Bucky chuckled.

“It’s nothing major. I just found my calling.” Bucky stated.

“I feel the same. I baked a lot in college, and then suddenly I was like fuck, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” She recalled. Her eyes glowed under the light of the kitchen.

“I felt the same way when I started this shop.” Bucky admitted, she bit back a smile.

“By the way, I like the name—Howling’s flowers. Oh, and how pretty this store is, it looks like I walked in a magical forest.” She complimented.

“I- thanks. I named my store after my squad and the decor well; that’s kind of an embarrassing story.” Bucky chuckled nervously. She rolled her eyes.

“Oh, please. I own a coffee shop named Magic café, and all of our items are named after magical things. I am the last person to judge.” Bucky bit his lip nervously while listening to her.

“I based it on The Hobbit. It was my favorite book when I was younger, and I just couldn’t imagine decoring this store anyway else.” Y/N looked at him with an open mouth.

“Okay, are you government android? Because you are friendly, great with plants and well-read. You are too good to be true.” She laughed. Bucky needs to find a way to blush less in her presence because this is like the fourth or fifth time it has happened.

They finished eating their pieces of tart and talking for a while. Y/N decided to go back to the shop, not realizing how much time she spent there. Before leaving, Bucky gave her some more lavender roses.

“Oh, Bucky, you don’t have to.” She protested.

“It’s just to add to the arrangement. I feel like it was missing a few more roses. You’ll be doing me a favor.” He assured. She grabbed the flowers and smelt them before smiling and giving him a small thanks.

Little did she know that lavender Roses mean love at first sight.

They played that little game for weeks, almost 2 months. Y/N would take her lunch break at Bucky’s shop. Feed him some food and pastries that she was experimenting with, and he would give her flowers.

“To put on the counter. Your store deserves fresh flowers every day.” Bucky claimed. But in actuality, all the flowers meant something. The white camellias? He was telling her that he admired her. The amaryllis? That he found you beautiful. The white and purple stocks? A silent plea for bonds of affection from your part. But he couldn’t bring himself to say these things out loud.

Speaking to Y/N in flowers was much easier. Maybe because she didn’t know and couldn’t reject him.

“Bucky, you gotta tell her, man.” Steve would try to reason with him. “She likes you; you like her. Just tell her that you like her or ask her out on a date.”

“You don’t get it, Steve.” Bucky would argue, which led to an entire discussion on how Bucky is being a coward that ended with him telling Steve and Sam to fuck off.

But they were right; it was simple. She has been an absolute doll with him. She doesn’t mind hearing his rants about the new book he read and helped him water his plants. She even bought waterproof labels to put their names on their planters. She even asked (more like demanded) Bucky to send her the pictures of every bouquet and arrangement he made. She loved seen his creations.

And he loved being her test subject. She would bring him new pastries to try. He was her official taste tester. Anything new in the store, Bucky had already tried it in every one of its variations. Y/N would speak to him of all of her special interests and all of her new hobbies. He had even met all her friends, and they loved him.

So why was this so difficult? Bucky groaned while arranging the flowers at the front of the shop.

“What’s got you all groaning and gloomy, Bucky-bear?” Y/N asked him. She looked radiant in her work clothes. Ugh, Bucky had it bad.

“Nothing, j-just thinking.” He nervously replied.

“Don’t overthink. You might over-heat your brain, bubs.” She joked, entering Bucky’s shop. And like the hopeless romantic he is, he followed.

“Soooooooo I have been trying out this new pasta recipe, and you are the only one I trust to give me the truth.” She said, opening the Tupperware she brought. Bucky’s heart fluttered at her words. He felt light-headed; maybe that’s why he couldn’t stop himself from opening his mouth.

“I like you.” He blurted out. He slapped his hand over his mouth. Y/N turned to him, widen eyes, and mouth gaped.

“Bucky, do you mean that? Because if you are playing with me, I will fight you with this.” She warned Bucky, threatening with a spoon.

“I like you a lot. Actually love you. I- that’s what those flowers meant.” Bucky explained. Y/N put down the spoon.

“What flowers?” She asked, in the softest tone he has ever heard her speak in. Bucky turned his gaze to the floor, embarrassed that this was his confession.

“All of them. They all meant love in one form or the other.” He admitted. Y/N stood in front of him and put her hand on his cheek. He felt his heart do backflips.

“What flower means I’m in love with you, Bucky?” She asked, caressing his cheek.

“Maybe red carnations.” He joked, leaning into her touch.

“I’ll ask this handsome florist with a heart of gold to make me a bouquet to give you.” Bucky chuckled while she let out a little giggle.

“I would love a bouquet, but I would much rather have a plum tart from the sexy baker on the store out front.” Y/N hummed.

“I think I can make that happen.” She said, pulling him closer. “Can I kiss you, Bucky?” She asked; Bucky could only nod.

She grabbed his face and pressed her lips against his. Bucky wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer, molding her body against him. Their lips gliding over each other smoothly, as if they were made for each other.

They pulled away to take a breath, and they both had the same dopey smile. Tarts and carnations. Who knew they mixed so well?

#bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you

[ashiemochi]

aphrotitty - xviii

✠ Aphrotitty ↳ Don’t do anything stupid ↳↳ does something stupid

~~ pairing: OC x Leon S(exy) Kennedy. ~~ genre: fluff, a slice of life, angst, gore at some point, smut/suggestive themes ~~ word count: no

NOTE: ✠ = time skip ✠✠ = switching povs/characters

prev -> next

The eighteenth time Leon saw her, it was on the same night, around eight o’clock. He had to reassure himself that he won’t be alone with her tonight, her brother would be there. So, that should be enough for him to constantly remind himself that they won’t happen. Instead, he convinced himself that it was a fun little dinner, nothing more, nothing less. Wearing his red wine shirt beneath his black button-up shirt, he threw his leather jacket on along with black blue jeans and his usual black shoes.

He took the new bottle of red wine from his cabinet and did a once over around the house, his other hand tapping his pockets to make sure he didn’t forget anything. Glancing down at the bottle in his hand, he made his way out of the house, making sure to shut down all the lights.

Leon slipped a small-sized paper into the split between the top of the door and the door frame, in case someone breaks in, then he jogged down his porch and went made his way to her lawn. As an involuntarily urge, he looked over his shoulder. There wasn’t anything or anyone suspicious; it was just a habit he had picked up from his dozens of operations where a bioweapon or a spy would sneak up behind him.

Going up to her door, he knocked, his eyes trailing around to her porch, remembering the night he was first here; the night he was going to tell her everything. His ears picked up faint footsteps that grew louder before the door slid open, revealing So Ah and she had a toothy smile, though her eyes looked panicked.

“Leon, you made it!”

He lifted the bottle up with a cheeky smile, “One red wine for the lady,” He said and her eyes darted down to it before letting out a small giggle.

“Oh, yes, of course, thank you, kind sir.” She returned the feigned posh accent, wiping her hands against her baby blue and soft orange apron then gently took it from his hands, skin brushing skin just the faintest bit.

“Make yourself at home!” So Ah called over her shoulder as she hurriedly made her way out of the entrance room, most likely to the kitchen. Leon walked in, closing the door behind him as his eyes immediately took in the place. Small canvases and paintings were hanging on the walls, going well with the family pictures she had.

The house looked so comfortable yet empty but filled with house plants here and there. He looked down to the table beside the door, seeing a small potted cactus next to a picture frame faced down, and he got curious, fingers already reaching for the picture.

“Dinner will be done in a bit! I’m just having a bit of difficulty with... Something!” He heard her speak loud from the kitchen and he looked up a bit then back to the frame, picking it up.

He couldn’t recognize the married couple in it, but he did recognize the little girl with them; he could recall that toothy grin from anywhere. He guessed those were her parents in their prime days.

“It’s okay, do you need a hand?” Leon called out, returning the frame down and then made his way to follow the delicious, mouth-watering buttery smell coming from the kitchen. She looked at him from her bowl mixer, seemingly still internally panicking.

“No, no, you’re a guest. Dinner will be done in a bit and everything will be fine.” She squeezed out the last word, giving him the fakest smile he had ever seen.

Taking a look at the kitchen, Leon could see it was a bit on the messy side. Some ingredients were spilt over here and there; the four slabs of uncooked steak were on a tray but untouched. Her apron had splashes of flour and – is that chocolate?

Leon looked back at her as she was staring down at the bowl, hesitant fingers hovering over the buttons with furrowed eyebrows, muttering in her mother tongue beneath her breath, eyes going back to the manual next to her. She didn’t know how to use it, and the stand mixer looked fairly new, the box being in the corner of the kitchen’s countertop.

Leaning against the door’s frame, Leon felt a smile tugging at the corner of his lips before he made his way towards her.

“Here, let me,” Leon said, hands already reaching for the bowl and she moved aside, eyes refusing to meet with his but instead stuck onto his gorgeousgorgeous hands as he twisted the bowl, getting that satisfying click sound before he closed the lid and pressed the on button, filling the room with its buzzing noise as it began mashing and smoothing out the boiled potatoes.

“Ah, so that's why it wasn’t starting...” So Ah muttered, glaring at the manual for not giving her this tiny piece of information and he chuckled, getting a pair of red cheeks from her.

“I’m still new to some recipes, like, I bought this book online.” She turned around, fingers sliding over the touch pad’s laptop, and the screen lit up. He got closer to check the screen, seeing countless of American food’s recipes, and there was a section purely just for steaks.

“And when I realized I didn’t have the mixer, I had to buy one and the instruction manual doesn’t even say much.” So Ah complained, eyeing at the turning mixer then finally looking up at him, suddenly noticing the height difference, him towering over her by eleven inches as Leon looked down at her with a quirk of his lips.

Instantly, So Ah escaped his gaze, much to his dismay, and scrolled through the book to the steaks section that she had on before, “I...” She started quietly, glancing over at the steaks then up at him with an apologetic smile, “Maybe I do need a hand.” She said, her hands linking together in nervousness, eyes soft with shyness as her voice wavered the slightest bit, clearly hesitant – and his heart skipped a beat.

Shrugging off his jacket, Leon set it on the door’s handle and began unbuttoning his sleeves then rolled them up, giving her a wink with a cheeky grin as he went to walk past her to the stove, “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

✠

The house was once again filled with the delicious buttery smell, now mixed beautifully with the pan-fried steak. So Ah was straining the broccoli, moving her face away a bit due to her glasses fogging up and he noticed it, feeling his lips twitching slightly for a smile.

As Leon was manning the steaks, tilting the wide pan to scoop up the sizzling melted butter and pour it over the meats, she popped up next to him, eyeing at the way he was working in awe.

“It looks so good, even better than the pictures.” She praised, almost whispering as to not ‘interrupt his focus’ and he smiled gently at that. Her eyes caught the butter popping out of the pan, hitting the stove and almost staining his jeans. Hurriedly, she went to get another apron and returned to him, surprising him.

Leon jolted, almost dropping the pan when her arms wrapped around his hips, pulling onto the strands of the apron and he looked down to his side, trying to catch a glimpse of her. She was so close that the scent of soft lavender captured his nose, making his heart skip a beat once again.

His arms hovered slightly as she adjusted the sides, “There, now you won’t ruin your clothes.” She said with a proud smile, tightening the straps into a bow, straightening them. He was going to say something just as she headed to the book open on her laptop but then stayed silent, knowing it’d be better to shut up than to think through his heart.

“How’s the gravy goin’?” Leon asked, returning his attention to the sizzling pan and she perked up, glancing at the time then the door knocked, causing her to let out a big sigh of relief.

“I’ve got it!” She left the room, allowing him to be alone with his thoughts.

As long as he can stab away his red feelings with his combat knife to keep them at bay, then that’s what he will keep on doing; anything to keep her safe from his side of the world; to keep that light shining in her soft maroon eyes.

Meanwhile, So Ah gently took the warm container of gravy from Diane’s hands, thanking her profusely as Diane shook her head a bit with a wide smile.

“No need for that at all, So Ah! Consider it a thank you for the dress you gave me.” She said, pulling her jacket close to her body to keep her warm.

“Ah,” So Ah smiled shyly at her, “You’re welcome to join us for dinner. We’re having steak.” She offered; widening the door a bit as an invitation but Diane shook her head, waving her hand slightly.

“Maybe next time, but thank you. I’ve got to go and make sure my husband doesn’t burn down our kitchen.” Diane rolled her eyes whilst giggling a bit, “It’s his turn for dinner tonight.”

“Awh, that’s sweet. What’s he making?” So Ah asked, tilting her head slightly.

“He’s trying to make spaghetti with meatballs, and I’ll have to help him out anyway.” Diane let out a tired sigh but she could see in her eyes that she was appreciative, and deeply in love.

So Ah let out a light chuckle, “I hope you both eat well; and thank you so much, again for the gravy.” She gestured to the warm container, bowing down slightly and Diane’s smile reached her face.

“You too, have a good evening.” Diane waved her hand slightly and made her way down the porch and straight to her house where her Chihuahua was sitting and staring from a distance.

So Ah closed the door and went back to the kitchen, seeing Leon was cleaning up the counters a bit, eyes focused on a certain stubborn stain. She didn’t know what was making her heart leap. Was it the way he had the black apron around his hips with his sleeves rolled up to his arms and a towel draped over his shoulder? Or was it just him?

“I got the gravy.” She announced her entrance, setting the medium-sized container onto the island and opened the lid, letting the smell dance to her nostrils. She opened a cabinet and got out the newly bought gravy pot. After washing and drying it, she poured the gravy into the pot as carefully as possible, watching the perfectly thick consistency fill up the pot.

The room was silent, having only the faint sizzles of the pan and the occasional hums to the song playing on her phone filling the kitchen. None of them said a word, quietly getting things done as they enjoyed each other’s company. It was... A comforting silence; then the door’s bell rang twice and opened.

“I have come forth with a gift!” Her brother’s voice echoed before his footsteps grew louder and he reached the kitchen.

“Hey, look who decided to show up.” Leon said; drying his hands with the towel as Jaehyun walked in, holding a white plastic bag in his hand.

Jaehyun fist-bumped Leon, “Sorry I’m late, I had to get something for that midget.” Jaehyun nodded at So Ah who looked up from cleaning the spills of gravy from the side of the pot, eyes immediately locking onto the plastic bag.

Leon glanced at the bag as So Ah took it from her brother’s hand, noticed the infamous green emblem; Green Life. So Ah peered into the bag, counting the items.

“So, what are we having?” Jaehyun looked at the counter, seeing plates ready to be filled with delicious goodness, a pot of boiled broccoli, a rimmed baking sheet with roasted green beans, a bowl of potato puree and finally, the stove had the steak on low heat.

“Something American,” Leon said, recalling So Ah’s words and Jaehyun snickered.

“You’ll have to excuse her; it’s like her second time being in America. Last time she was here, she was this big.” Jaehyun set his hand below his hips, showing how small she was, “And they went to Disneyland.”

“Hey, you forgot something.” So Ah interrupted and Jaehyun crossed his arms, frowning a bit.

“No, I didn’t; I got that delivered straight from the pharmacy as always.” He said and she deflated a bit, moving towards him to get him to look inside.

“You forgot my contact lenses.” So Ah said as he scanned the items before letting out a sigh.

“Okay, maybe they forgot about it.” Jaehyun said, giving her a knowing look and she went silent, looking down into her medicines then sat it aside.

“Do they ever remember anything?” She switched languages, visibly upset and Leon was quiet, looking at her then back at Jaehyun who was still frowning, eyes looking at the counter, catching the sight of the red wine Leon came with, eyes widening a bit as he picked it up, smile widening.

“Well, well, Mister Kennedy, you’ve got taste.” Jaehyun chimed, eyes scanning the bottle. “Cabernet Sauvignon.” He mimicked a heavy French accent before nudging So Ah’s side with his hip, “Come on, I’m starving.”

Jaehyun left to the dinner table, cradling the bottle as if it’s a newborn baby. So Ah shook her head slightly and got out a scooping spoon for the meals.

“Well, he’s got character.” Leon said, trying to lighten her up and she did, only for a little bit. She let out a faint giggle, putting potato puree in each plate then he took the plates to put the steaks in each one, clicking the tongs after each steak just for the fun of it.

“He’s always been a wild one since we were young, being the middle child and all.” So Ah shrugged, grabbing a spoon, putting the green beans in the plates before setting the baking sheet aside, containing a handful of green beans.

Leon noticed how the frown returned to her face, brows furrowed a bit; her mind was clearly racing as she finished plating the food, picking up two plates to take outside to the table.

“Hey, you okay?” Leon gently asked, slowly moving to stand next to her, hand coming out slightly to stop her. She blinked up at him, and for once, she couldn’t escape his blue puppy dog eyes. Compared to his usual icy stares, this one was comforting and gentle, showing genuine concern.

So Ah smiled softly at him, feeling her heavy heart lift a bit, “Yeah, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

✠

“No, because if she hadn’t fainted that day, I would’ve been caught red-handed for sneaking out.” Jaehyun laughed and So Ah’s cheeks turned red, pushing her almost done steak to the potato puree. Leon let out a chuckle, glancing at So Ah who spared him a shy glance in return.

“What was so exciting for you to be sneaking out at 14?” So Ah shot back and Jaehyun rolled his eyes playfully, taking a long sip from his red wine while Leon moved his food around, having finished his steak first.

“Why’d she faint?” Leon asked, moving a forkful of potato into his mouth and Jaehyun spared a glance at So Ah who only took a sip from her wine. He swallowed down the drink, returning his attention to his plate.

“We don’t know, honestly. She’s been like that since she was this big.” Jaehyun pinched his fingers together, leaving only a two-inch gap and So Ah let out a huff, rolling her eyes.

“You’re such a dick.”

Though Leon didn’t laugh, his mind focused on the fainting sessions.

“Did you get it checked out?” He asked So Ah who darted her eyes down to her plate.

“Our family doctor prescribed me pills and said that without them I’d be a lot worse than I was.” She shrugged lightly, though her tone was a bit troubled.

Leon went quiet; for a daughter of successful parents working in a famous pharmaceutical company, they sure had a way with dealing with these things.

“Ah~” Jaehyun downed the rest of his wine before leaning back against his chair. “This was the greatest and the juiciest steaks I’ve ever had.” He let out a satisfied sigh and So Ah nodded before looking at Leon who had his arms on the chair’s arms.

“Thank you so much for this meal.” So Ah said with a soft smile and Leon shook his head a little with a smile of his own, taking a sip from his glass.

“If anything, it was all you.” He subtly winked at her and her cheeks went red as she wiped her mouth to cover her growing smile. Jaehyun glanced between them, sensing a tension before wiping his own mouth then released out a sigh before plastering a smile, looking at them.

“What’s for dessert?” He asked and both of them froze a bit before So Ah looked at him.

“I...” She stood up, taking her phone with her, “I’ll make a call.”

✠✠

“Thank you so much, and sorry for such a late call.” So Ah apologized politely, taking the cool box from the delivery man’s hands, giving him the money with a generous tip for the inconvenience.

“It’s no problem, ma’am. Have a great night.” He said, returning the smile at the tip before he returned to his car and she closed the door.

She could hear the chatter in the living room and Leon’s laughter at one of Jaehyun’s jobs’ stories. She felt herself smile a bit, setting the box onto the kitchen counter and opening it, setting her eyes on the chocolate mousse.

So Ah looked at the living room from the kitchen, seeing Jaehyun was over-exaggerating his actions, holding an invisible camera and using his hands to communicate more while Leon was on the other couch, arm over it as he listened to another one of Jaehyun’s stories, occasionally taking a sip from his glass of wine.

Looking back down at her store-bought dessert, she deflated. She leaned onto her elbows, rubbing her face, muttering a string of why are you the way you are? And, your own guest practically cooked dinner tonight and you didn’t even remember to make dessert?

Some great host you are, especially to the man you want to impress.

“Hey, So Ah, come here! We’re playing charades!” Jaehyun’s voice snapped her out of her self-criticizing moment and she hurriedly added forks to each plate, putting them on a tray and she took it out with her.

Gently putting it onto the coffee table, she missed a loving gaze coming from a certain agent as she picked up two plates, one of chocolate mousse and the other of vanilla soufflé. She sat down next to Leon but kept a good space between them as she handed him the plate of vanilla soufflé, receiving a smile when their fingers brushed again.

Jaehyun took his plate of strawberry shortcake, stabbing it with a fork and taking a bite before humming in delight then sat his plate down, excited and, most likely tipsy, to play some charades.

“Okay, okay, two words!”

✠

“Are you sure you’re sober enough to drive home?” So Ah called out gently from her door as Jaehyun made his way to his car.

“Yeah, it’s not that far anyway.” He waved the back of his hand at her as he got into the car and it roared to life.

“It’s like a 30-minute drive.” So Ah muttered to Leon who was standing next to her and he raised an eyebrow, looking back at her big brother.

“Hey, Leon,” Jaehyun called out, rolling down his window and tilting his head out, “Remember our deal?”

Leon nodded, crossing his arms, “Clear as day.” He confirmed, giving him a small quirk of lips and he received both a proud look and a confused one.

“Alright, have a good night both of you! And So Ah,” Jaehyun looked at her, catching her attention from Leon and she hummed, nodding her head at him as an indication that she was listening. He was tipsy as fuck, but he could easily read So Ah.

“I’ll talk to them.”

That was all he said and the faint smile on her lips dropped, fingers tugging and pulling onto her oversized black jumper’s sleeves.

“Alright, I’m out.” Jaehyun threw out a peace sign, looking ahead – then the car moved backwards and down the street, two pairs of confused eyes following it.

“Should I drive him home instead?” So Ah asked Leon, though her eyes still on the distant reversing car. Then it stopped before it moved forward and past them, and they caught a glimpse of Jaehyun waving at them behind his window.

“He can handle this...” Leon trailed away, looking down at her and she returned his gaze, “I think.” He finished, receiving a chuckle from her and she walked back inside the house, him following as she closed the door.

✠

“You know, you didn’t have to clean up with me.” So Ah said, dusting her apron as she hung it on the handles stuck to the wall.

“I know.” Leon simply said, putting away a plate before turning to face her, towel drying his hands as he leaned against the counter. She blinked at him, feeling a bit small being in the same room as him and her eyes darted around, locating the red wine, to which she was sure that it was half empty now.

Leon caught her stare before easily turning around and picking up two wine glasses then he went up to her, holding them out as an offering with a smile as if reading her mind.

“Wanna have a drink with me?”

✠

And there they sat next to each other at the kitchen’s island, chatting amongst themselves as she laughed at one of his stories of the day he went to that barbecue party. He took a big sip of the red wine as she took a sip, finishing her glass.

That was another similarity with her brother, both of them would finish their glasses quick for no reason; and he noticed that. Leon also noticed that her eyes were a bit droopy yet she kept talking normally, no slurring whatsoever.

“My family’s barbecue parties were always chaotic, especially when my step-aunt keeps trying to set me up with her son.” So Ah let out an exasperated tired sigh, rolling her eyes before setting them on her empty glass.

“Well, that sounds like a great story.” Leon raised an eyebrow, chuckling lightly when she scoffed at him, pouring another glass of wine and she silently gestured to his but he waved his other hand, rejecting the offer. He could hold his alcohol in very well, but he also wanted to be sober enough for the environment around him; sober enough for her.

So Ah took a sip from her glass, “Oh, no, it’s not.” She giggled, setting down her glass, “It’s actually quite embarrassing for them.”

Leon only tilted his head at her with a curious smile and look, urging her to go on and she sighed, cheeks blazing red at the alcohol.

“Ever since I turned 20,” She started, “My step-aunt would try to get her son to hang out with me and take me out on ‘friend dates’, which were just romantic dates to her.” She rolled her eyes and he snickered a bit.

“In the end, after years of her attempts, I kind of waxed off his moustache with duct tape.”

“Say what?”Leon gawked at her and she only laughed, covering her mouth a bit to hold back a hiccup. “And how did that happen?”

“It was at one of my family gatherings and he was being fucking annoying, then he grabbed my arm and I just... Happened to have duct tape in my hands.” She shrugged, taking another sip, pretending to be unbothered but he could see that she was proud of it.

“Alright, fun.” He gave her a sarcastic smile, “Remind me not to piss you off.” He said, chuckling at her as he downed the rest of his wine.

She pouted, though still giggling, “Nooo, I would never do that to you.”

His entire body froze for a second, almost instantly the moment her soft hand made contact with his cheek and jaw.

“You’ve got a nice stubble.” She nodded with a soft smile, fingers slowly caressing his scruffy stubble, eyes trailing down to his slightly parted red lips.

His tongue darted out slightly to wet his lips and, “What were your parent’s thoughts on the weirdly persistent step-aunt?”

Her eyes made their way back to his eyes and her hand dropped as if just realizing what she was doing – she was drunk.

“Oh, I wouldn’t know about that, I guess they were against it.” So Ah said, returning her attention to her glass. Leon recognized that distant look and the slight sad smile; it had made its appearance every time Jaehyun would bring up her parents.

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

She stayed silent before letting out a sigh, taking one big gulp, hissing slightly at the taste then she shook her head a bit, looking up at him with the soft smile she always gave him.

“No, but do you wanna meet minty?” So Ah perked up at her own words and he blinked at the sudden change in mood.

“Minty?” Leon repeated her word and she nodded, almost giddy before she jumped off of her seat, hands grabbing into the counter when she lost balance.

“Woah.” She let out and his hands immediately shot out to grab her, but then halted in mid-air.

She giggled, regaining her balance and she gave him one pointy finger, “Just a sec.” She slurred a bit before going out of the kitchen and he watched her make her way across the living room and to the window where he always saw her through. She picked up her potted leaves and came back to him, standing right in front of him with a giddy smile.

“This is minty.” So Ah said, as if introducing a puppy, “My harabeoji gave it to me before I came here.” She added, setting it gently onto the counter next to them.

“Your...” Leon trailed away, giving her a perplexed look.

“Ah, my grandfather.” So Ah translated as she sat down, giggling once again at her slipup and he raised an amused eyebrow at the drunk version of her, finding it a bit funny and cute.

“He said that it was droopy when he first got it.” She pouted, gently poking one of the lively leaves, “And told me to nourish it back to health and keep it company.”

She leaned onto her arms, “But in all honesty, it was keeping me company during my first days here.” She pointed out with a toothy smile, laughing a little and he lightly chuckled at that, leaning on his hand that was propped up onto the counter, adoring this side of her.

“Does it talk back about its days with you?” Leon teased; getting a quiet giggle from her and her eyes grew hazy, getting droopy by the second as they became half-lidded.

“Maybe...” So Ah teased back, her voice going softer before her maroon orbs looked up at him, “But I like it more when you do that...” She murmured, unaware of what she had flurried as her eyes closed completely, seemingly falling asleep.

Leon sat there with reddened ears, eyes wide a little at what she had just said. Heart was beating harder than before, lips parting a bit at that. The hidden pink emotions were turning into a loving red, almost burning his insides at how strong they were getting.

His teeth dug slightly into the flesh inside his cheek, mind screaming at what he just heard. Letting out a sigh, seemingly defeated, he looked down at her, eyes gentle. With the tips of his fingers, he moved a strand of hair away from her face, receiving a slight sound from her, deep asleep already.

“Now look what you’ve done...” Leon muttered to her, though he knew she wasn’t listening, most likely in her dreamland now.

Then he stopped himself, pulling himself together as he frowned. Heart squeezing around nothing, he glanced at the couch in the living room then back at her.

“So Ah, c’mon,” Leon gently whispered, slowly wrapping her arm over his shoulder and pulling her up to her feet, where she whined at the loss of comfort.

“Leon...” She stretched his name in a slur and he slowly made his way out of the kitchen room, though stumbling a bit at both the height difference and her feet barely working.

“Almost there,” Leon assured, stopping to focus on getting her feet standing fine but when he moved forward, she lost balance.

His grip on her waist immediately tightened, the one on her arm following suit, as her face was pressed against his chest, her hand coming up to weakly grip onto his shirt, and her body shook a bit, sounds of giggling escaping her.

Leon let out a breathily chuckle, “Yeah, you laugh now...” He stated and she only giggled more.

Letting out a big sigh, his arms changed positions, lifting her up in bridal style which emitted an excited woo from her, “Up you go.” He huffed a bit, now easily making his way to her couch.

“You’re warm...” So Ah mumbled against his chest and he felt her hot breath seep through his button-up shirt.

Silently, he lied her down and she let out a comforting sigh, though slightly annoyed as her hand trailed down to the hook of his jeans, finger weakly curling around it.

So Ah murmured something but it was incoherent at this point, and he pulled the covers over her body. His hand gently grabbed into hers, feeling her soft skin against his – all while his heart was beating hard yet heavy with the promise he made. Untangling her finger from his belt, Leon gently set it down next to her face and her hand slightly gripped onto her cushion, still mumbling nothingness into thin air.

“Goodnight, So Ah.”

#leon kennedy x reader smut #resident evil infinite darkness #leon kennedy x reader #ocs #leon scott kennedy #leon kennedy #leon s kennedy x reader #resident evil #leon s kennedy

[utterchaos]

Measure of a Man by @inadaze22

Chapter 24 The Passage of Time

A chaotic summary in GIFS

Warning may contain spoilers

Ready? You sure? Let the wild rumpus START

Hermione trying to process how she missed all of Draco’s subtle clues of mutual attraction, you may want to go grab a snack this may take a few moments.

Hey Siri add time for courting to my calendar.

Hey Siri find a replacement word for courting.

Draco reading Hermione’s contract to make sure he’s legally within his right to turn on the smolder.

Scorpius throwing himself in front of the cactus.

Scorpius Malfoy’s Shit List

Pansy

Catherine

Fathers locked office door

Luna and her overalls! Authors Note: Why don’t the two plants like each other? Maybe they should go to therapy and get to the root of their problems!! (no more plant puns I promise)

Scorpius, the baby bumble Bee he is, on a mission to find the perfect flower for Hermione.

Ugh Cormac go away

Scorpius Malfoy’s Shit List (amended)

Cormac

Draco to Cormac

Oh what I wouldn’t sacrifice to the Cheese Toastie Gods to see more impulsive jealous protective Draco (fans self)

French Task Force: “Sir, why do you have a potato on your desk?”

Scorpius doing a little bit of *light* reading (shout out to the lil man for being an unintentional wing man for his dear ol’ dad)

Draco/Astoria/Theo/Cho a summary: ow

🚨 Warning the following gif contains Explicit Content 🚨

(Clutches pearls: you’ve been warned)

Let’s be honest I could have just summed up this whole chapter with just this

(*insert dramatic faint*)

Until next time you wonderful humans

In the mean time…go share your tangerine 🍊with a friend, if the world is just a little too loud put on your ear muffs 🎧 and go get lost in a book 📖

How do you fix a broken tomato?

Tomato paste. (Sorry 🤣 I couldn’t resist)

Next Chapter 25 Summary

Previous Chapter 23 Summary

#measure of a man #moam #dramione #hermione x draco #draco x hermione #chaotic summary #inadaze22

[sansvoresstuff]

Another Liberal Owned

So this one day, on a sunny Sunday, I get back from church and I'm walking home and I cross Gay street in order to get to my house. As I'm crossing the street, a crowd of gays are next to a planned parenthood, protesting against the good abortion bans, so I head in through the back of the planned parenthood and find the fetuses that they save to put in the vaccines. I begin to eat them like the new crispy pretzel chicken fries at Burger King crispy crunchy pretzels outside tender juicy white meat chicken inside. New crispy pretzel chicken fries only at Burger King. I continue to eat them until a lesbian worker approaches me. I know she's lesbian because she is wearing a buttoned up shirt and smells like a cactus like lesbians usually do.

Cactus lesbian: excuse me sir. Those aren't edible. You can't eat them.

Me: you're a liberal. Shut up.

She then begins to scream at me, her lesbian haircut growing out long as fur begins to grow out from her body and nails and suddenly, she becomes king Kong.

We begin to fight and king Kong throws punches but my republican state of mind knows better and I dodge. I gain all my power from being unvaccinated and eating baby fetuses but suddenly, my anus suddenly clenches so tightly in fear. King Kong begins to sing about having gay intercourse with Freddy mercury and I make the run for it, dashing out the back door and towards my home, avoiding the gays and gay street all the while losing king Kong behind me. I make it back inside to my home and turn on the TV, watching fox News for the rest of the night, knowing I'm safe from the liberals.

#liberalmoment #straightpride #only2genders #homophobic #cispride #superstraight #americafirst #bluelivesmatter

[zodiyack]

Kiwi

Requested by @simonsbluee​: hi! can i request a Tommy Shelby story that’s based off the song Kiwi by Harry Styles? all good if you can’t :)

Pairing: Thomas ‘Tommy’ Shelby x Female!Reader

Warnings: Lyrics, angst, swearing, indications to smut

Song: Kiwi by Harry Styles

Words: 1,216

Summary: (See Request?)

Note: I had no idea what on earth to do for this so my apologies and also, fun-fact, I thought I remembered what kiwi was until I listened to it when I started writing and then had to pause and check what song it was- 😅

Edit: After having a friend proof-read it for me and getting their “go-ahead” to post this, I’ve decided to listen to them rather than sit and cringe at myself so uh... Here ya goooo

Key: Bold + Italic = Lyrics | Italic = Memories and sometimes emphasis

Taglist: @captivatedbycillianmurphy​, @stydia-4-ever​, @peakyxtommy​, @cai-neki​, @simonsbluee​, @matth1w​, @redspaceace-writes​, @peakysputain​, @fandom-puff​, @darling-i-read-it​, @marquelapage​, @jenepleurepasbaby​, @thewarriorprincessxo​, @sebastianstanslefteyebrow​

Masterlist | Peaky Blinders Masterlist | Cillian Murphy Masterlist

She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes, Hard liquor mixed with a bit of intellect. And all the boys, they were saying they were into it. Such a pretty face, on a pretty neck

Anyone could spot her in the Garrison, even if they had no clue who she was. Her outer demeanor was intimidating, with or without her husband. Y/n Shelby was one of the most feared yet yearned for woman in Small Heath, side by side on the list with her aunt-in-law, Polly Gray. No one dared act a fool when she was around. Then of course, that depended on their definition of the cringe-eliciting behavior.

Men constantly tried their luck with her. Easy to spot, she sat at a table in the middle of the bar with a cigarette in her hand and a glass in front of her as she conversed with her husband’s brothers. Every time a man came around, she shot them down without hesitation. This time no different.

“Are you without partner, miss?” A male on the younger side asked with a warm yet shy grin.

“Are you without brain, sir?” Her response was serious but held slight sarcasm. Everyone who knew of the blinders knew she was married to one of the many people they didn’t want to mess with. Insulting the poor man was far better than having his eyesight removed.

“N-no?”

“Hm, quite a surprise.” She looked down to her cigarette before flicking her eyes back up to the man. “Nevertheless, a man without brain nor eyes is the same as a man with brain and no eyes.”

The quiver in his voice almost made her feel bad for the quips she’d spat. But alas, it was only almost. “What...what is that supposed to mean?”

“It means yes, I do indeed have a partner.” The brothers around her chuckled and mocked the now cowering man, Y/n herself giving an amused smile and taking a drag of the stick between her fingers.

Tommy stood behind the man, looking at him with a blank expression once he’d turned around after backing into him. He lifted a brow, not once breaking eye contact. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she.”

The man trembled, confused. “Y-yeah-” He stuttered as he shook with embarrassment.

“Her body, face, lips... Smart one too... She’s perfect. Too bad she’s spoken for.” Tommy muttered before walking over and sliding into the seat next to her. Y/n took the cigarette from her mouth and placed it between Tommy’s soft lips, lifting her eyes to his as she watched him endearingly.

Only one man could make the infamously feared woman smile in such an angelic manner. One man and one man only. His name, Thomas Michael Shelby.

She's driving me crazy, but I'm into it, but I'm into it, I'm kind of into it, It's getting crazy, I think I'm losing it, I think I'm losing it, Oh I think she said "I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your, it's none of your"

In hindsight, Tommy should’ve listened to his aunt’s words of wisdom. She’d told him love is crazy and makes you crazy, even Y/n mentioned it a multitude of times. Being together was only half the happy ending. Driving each other up the walls, it only drew them closer. Y/n, Tommy’s better half and Tommy, Y/n’s.

Love really did have an impact similar to the legend shrouding it’s definition. And they loved love for it.

But then the darker side of Tommy’s occupation found time to object every good thing his life had to offer. Although it didn’t tear a hole in the romance, it knocked it into a spiral that was supposed to register it as perfectly normal, sane, and very boring. 

However, it hadn’t done anything large than strike a little worry into their hearts. What their enemy forgot was that nothing involving the Peaky Blinders was “normal” or “casual”, especially not boring.

It's New York, baby, always jacked up, Whole tunnels, foreign noses always backed up. When she's alone, she goes home to a cactus, In a black dress, she's such a such an actress

She's driving me crazy, but I'm into it, but I'm into it, I'm kind of into it, It's getting crazy, I think I'm losing it, I think I'm losing it. Oh I think she said "I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

Tommy sent Y/n with his brothers and sister while he took care of things at home. He remembered holding her in his arms with a sincere apologetic but loving look in his blue orbs. The smell of her lingered on his collar. She refused to let go of him until John shouted that the train would be leaving without her had she stayed put.

“Wipe your eyes, my love. I’m not worth the tears-”

The sound of her palm coming into contact with his skin made Ada jump with a shriek from beside her other brothers. “Thomas Michael Shelby, don’t you dare fucking say that. That is...that is... It’s bullshit!” Tommy chuckled softly. Y/n couldn’t help but join in, “Stop laughing at me, you fucking- fucking bloody handsome asshole.”

“Alright alright... Promise me you won’t cry...at least, not anymore than you already have. For if you cry, it’ll break my heart and then I fear I won’t have the heart to see you off.”

“Tommy Shelby? Not having a heart? Are you sure me crying will be the cause in this scenario?” She jabbed with a giggle.

“Say what you’d like, Y/n, but my word remains true.” He pulled her closer and their lips collided. There, only for a moment, it felt like time had stopped just for them. “Go with them, stay safe and hidden, always carry your gun, and only have close friends deliver messages. They’re fucking listening on the telephones...”

It was the same things he’d said since they’d started planning this. Always with the essentials that probably really had no purpose to be labeled as essential, plus the minor setbacks that were more than likely never to happen.

Tommy was paranoid, but she couldn’t blame him. Thinking ahead and being prepared for the worst was better than not doing so and dealing with the consequences of unwanted surprise.

“I know. We’ve been over it a thousand times or more, Thomas. I’ll be fine,” she held his face in her hands as she took him in for the final time before her journey, “I promise.”

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your, it's none of your"

She sits beside me like a silhouette, Hard candy dripping on me 'til my feet are wet, And now she's all over me, it's like I paid for it, It's like I paid for it, I'm gonna pay for this

Their lips crashed together and thus began their dance. Practically made for each other, everything of Y/n fit perfectly with everything of Tommy. Their lips, bodies, personalities, everything. A rough performance, full of passion and lust, was regularly preformed after long days, trips, or times that didn’t cause the couple to be apart for agonizingly long periods of time, sometimes death-run-ins were audience enough for their show to sell.

Tommy refused to wait for words or sighs of relief. He would let her know verbally in the morning, if he was done with her by then. Thomas felt at ease once she was back in his arms, like the piece of himself that had been missing for far too long was finally where it needed to be.

If Y/n was to deny her liking of Tommy’s pleasant surprise, she’d be a liar.

Rarely did Y/n become the one in charge, so when she was handed the reigns, she didn’t miss a beat before getting into character. She was always his “right-hand-man” and now she had the chance to show that she was much more than the simple role.

By the end of the night, both had their fun and chance to participate as the leader to their waltz. Heavy breaths and messy exteriors, the two had shown each other the burning passion they held for each other that never died out. Tom swore to himself never to send his wife away unless her life absolutely depended on it.

It's none of your, it's none of your

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business"

The night she sleepily entered their home for the first time since they’d parted ways at the train station, he’d given her passion. He’d given her all of him. He’d given her his control. He’d given her all the love he had. He gave her his child.

#tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby imagine #thomas shelby x reader #cillian murphy x reader #cillian murphy imagine #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders reader insert #song fic #harry styles #kiwi #kiwi by harry styles #harry styles kiwi #x reader #reader insert #all readers #zodiyack

[gravelyhumerus]

Criminal Minds College AU - Chapter 8

Title: “I may just take your breath away” / Sweater Weather AU

Relationship: Jemily

Word count: 35,604

Summary:

Penelope hacks the college. JJ pets a cat. There are three blowjobs. Need I say more?

Slow-burn Jemily college AU where they live across the hall and despite all odds, the universe pushes them together. AKA they’re silly gay babies who pine after each other for months.

Read it on AO3

Tumblr:  One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, (bonus scene), Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty, Epilogue

JJ adjusted the textbook in her hands, rolling onto her side to get comfortable with it. Behind her, was the calming sounds of Penelope’s pop music and her dancing fingertips as she typed code into her computer. 

She had only a few pages left to read, but she was having a hard time focusing. JJ’s brain kept drifting to the events of that weekend. On Halloween, they played spin the bottle. JJ’s spin landed right on Emily, meaning that they had to kiss. 

But it was not chaste. As Penelope most eloquently put it: “you two were seconds from ripping each other’s clothes off in front of us.”

JJ couldn’t wrap her head around it. 

Emily had really kissed her. There was tongue. It was not a peck to play the game; they had gone at it like teenagers in the backseat of a car at a lovers’ lane. 

It made reading her textbook difficult when she knew what Emily’s tongue felt like against hers. It made doing her essay challenging when she could remember the taste of her lips. It made doing just about anything next to impossible when JJ was desperate to kiss Emily again. 

“Did you know that it’s Hotch’s birthday tomorrow?” Penelope asked, spinning in her chair to look at JJ. 

“Wait, what?” JJ asked. She looked up from her textbook.  

“So... I’ve hacked into the college database,” Penelope said, turning back to her computer, her hands were once again typing a mile a minute. “Because of the whole thing with Reid not telling us about his birthday, the poor thing, and I didn’t want to miss anyone else’s.”

“Maybe we could do a co-birthday?” JJ mused, thinking about the logistics of that. 

“You read my mind, my beautiful sporty friend,” Penelope replied. “I’ve almost got everyone’s, just a minute.”

JJ stood up, walked over to Garcia’s side of the room. Somehow, her side of the room was cleaner than JJ’s, despite the sheer amount of things. Her desk was covered in trinkets, decorations and her wall covered in posters, art prints and photographs. JJ’s, on the other hand, had significantly less stuff, and way more mess. She was a busy girl and her desk was basically useless with all of her books and loose paper and miscellaneous things she needed to deal with ages ago. 

“Did you know that Morgan is a gemini?” Penelope asked. 

“Figures,” JJ replied, hoping that was the right response. 

Garcia had two monitors on her light, wooden desk, and a large desktop computer that she had built herself tucked underneath. On one monitor, was a file that she was slowly adding to, of birthdays written in white text on a grey background. Her own was there, alongside Spencer, Hotch, Derek….

JJ then watched as Garcia typed out Emily’s birthday: October 12. They had missed it too!

“Oh my god,” Penelope said, “why don’t they tell us these things?! How did we befriend such secretive people.”

“Wait, when was that?” JJ murmured, grabbing her wall calendar and flipping through the pages. “Oh my god I saw her that day. She was baking cookies, alone.”

“Alone?” Penelope whimpered. 

JJ thought back to that night. She had barged into the kitchen, talked all about her impending break up with Will, and ate Emily’s cookies. She felt awful. Obviously they didn’t know each other as well then, but why was she alone?

“She didn’t even tell Derek,” Penelope said, “oh that sweet summer child. Who hurt her?”

JJ always celebrated her birthday. Be it a family dinner or a full on birthday party when she was a kid, JJ was used to a fuss made about her each year. It was harder after Ros, but her parents refused to let the day pass without at least a cake and a present. 

As she befriended Penelope last year, their birthdays were filled with presents and friendship and alcohol, both girls making sure to give the other a thoughtful gift and make a fuss for the day.

Her heart was breaking that three of her new friends were about to let theirs pass without anything to show for it. 

“We should have a party,” JJ blurted. 

“You read my mind.”

JJ frankly welcomed the distraction from her circular thoughts about her kiss with Emily.

 ——— 

JJ left another store empty handed. She had first placed an order at a store downtown for a birthday cake, with three names on it which confused the baker, then began to wander downtown searching for presents. 

She had another half hour before she was supposed to meet back up with Derek and Penelope, who were at the dollar store buying decorations, and she had hoped to find something for Emily by then. 

The three of them were quite efficient at party planning, and they had to be with such a quick turnaround time. JJ had been tasked with finding a present for Emily.

For Hotch, they wrangled a bottle of the nicer whiskey that he liked, because even at the age of 21, he was somehow already an old man in his tastes. Spencer was also easy, because Penelope was working on knitting him a scarf. Apparently it was from the show Dr. Who, but JJ didn’t really know much about that besides that it was British and both he and Penelope were big fans. 

Emily was a lot harder to shop for. 

What could JJ get for her with the thirty dollars that they all had pitched in to fund her present? Not much. Especially since JJ knows that Emily comes from money. If she wanted something, she could probably just buy it for herself, right? 

It was also difficult because it would be from her. It would be a token of her affections. What were her affections? Did she want to simply sleep with her? Date with her? Be her best friend? JJ’s thoughts were a mess.

JJ had been in just about every store downtown, browsing clothes, gift stores, even a plant store in which she contemplated the meaning of getting Emily a cactus. Nothing was quite right.

She had almost given up when she wandered past a used book store. She had never been in before but always meant to. Out front was a stack of old milk crates filled with books, mostly romance novels and thrillers, and inside the window, beautifully bound antique books were resting in the display. 

A bell dinged as she walked in, and an elderly man waved at her from the counter before returning to his own book. 

Inside, the smell of old books filled her senses, mixed with the smell of apples and cinnamon and the earthy smell of all the old buildings in her college town. 

Stacked floor to ceiling were mountains of books, towering over her head. 

There were a few other patrons in the shop, some sitting and reading, others wandering the stacks, pulling out the occasional book. 

JJ slowly made her way through the maze. It was larger inside than she expected, with thousands of old books surrounding her, no matter where she looked. At times, she had to step over a pile of books in her path. 

The books were organized by topic, but within that, JJ couldn’t discern a clear system. 

She climbed the creaky staircase and pondered what kind of book Emily would like. Is buying her a romance novel too forward? JJ wondered. She probably wouldn’t be able to find one with two women anyways. 

Did Emily like fantasy? Sci-fi? Non Fiction? Should JJ get her something she’s read? JJ realized that she hadn’t read anything that wasn’t for school in ages. 

JJ felt overwhelmed. Was she thinking too hard? 

She did a double take at the window sill, realizing that the movement that caught her eye was a black cat basking in the sunlight. 

JJ reached out her hand tentatively to pet it. The cat nuzzled her hand, and began to purr. JJ smiled, spending a few minutes giving the cat much needed attention. 

The cat then stood, apparently growing bored, and ran off to investigate something or chase a mouse or whatever bookstore cats got up to. 

Where it lay was a small book. It was old, but not as old as some of the other leather bound texts in this store. Its white cover had a simple drawing of a boy, and written in a looping script: “Le Petit Prince.”

JJ smiled slightly, picking up the thin book. She leaned against the windowsill and carefully flipped through the pages, admiring the illustrations and trying to decipher the premise with her limited understanding of French. 

It seemed like it was for children, with whimsical art of a boy on a small planet, a king, a rose and a fox, among other things. She read the first few pages, about a boy falling in love with a flower, and decided it was perfect. 

It was a sign, JJ thought, the cat led her to this book. 

The cat—which reminded JJ of Emily with its standoffish exterior but affectionate personality—had clearly shown her that this was the perfect present. 

There was no price on it, and JJ worried that it would be out of her budget. Holding it to her chest, she descended the steps and brought the book to the clerk. 

“Hello sir,” JJ greated him, setting the book down on the table, “How much is this book? ”

He was seated in a comfortable looking chair behind a counter with an old-fashioned cash register. The sign on it read, ‘cash only’  and there was a tip jar in the form of a cat mug. 

“Oh this is an excellent choice!” The man lifted the book up, examining the cover. “On ne voit qu’avec le cœur.”

That was French. JJ didn’t know what it meant, only catching the word “heart” at the end. She nodded nonetheless. 

“You speak French?” He asked her. 

She shrugged. “I’m learning.” 

“This book will teach you more than just French,” the man said. “Trust me.”

JJ didn’t know what he meant, but nodded. He still hadn’t told her how much it was. 

“It’s a gift,” JJ explained, “for a friend.”

He handed her back the book, smiling at her. He gave it to her for fifteen dollars, seeming to make up the price on the spot. The black cat waited for her near the door, letting her pet him on the ears before she left. 

JJ left the door, hugging the book to her chest. 

 ——— 

Wrangling three of their friends into attending a surprise party was harder than it looked.

With three student athletes, nights during which none of them had games, or practices were scarce, so it took them until the next Friday before they found a free evening. Then, they had to go through the ordeal of convincing them to show up at Derek’s room at the right time. 

JJ felt giddy with the secret, greatly enjoying the party planning and doing something special for her new friends. On her Wednesday afternoon study date with Emily, her excitement for the party almost overpowered her nervousness with the girl due to their recent kiss. JJ caught herself looking more at Emily than her notes, alternating between imagining them kissing and imagining the look on Emily’s face when she received her present. 

By seven that Friday night, they had fully decorated Derek’s tiny dorm with streamers, balloons, and just about anything Penelope could find at the dollar store. A happy birthday sign was strung over one of the windows, with the addition of their friends' names written in marker on poster boards taped underneath.  

Their presents were wrapped messily, as JJ wasn’t particularly good at using wrapping paper. The cake sat on Derek’s desk reading “Happy (belated) birthday Emily, Hotch and Spencer!” in red icing on white cake. 

The three of them were frantically blowing up balloons and checking their phones. JJ felt slightly light headed by the time they were done. 

Hotch and Emily were coming for a “study date” with Derek, and Spencer was expecting a Dr. Who marathon with Garcia. All were supposed to be there any minute.

There was a knock on the door. 

“Get ready!” Garcia squealed, “someone’s here!” 

She opened the door, and instead of the birthday kids, it was David Rossi, who JJ had met for the first time a few weeks prior. He was 22, only a few months older than Hotch, in his first year of his masters. He and Hotch were close, and Emily and Derek knew him well since he TA’d one of their classes. 

“Rossi?” Derek said, “you came!”

“I never turn down an invitation to a party,” he said. 

“I have to admit,” Derek said, “it’s not that much of a party.“

“It’s more of a magical birthday get together,” Penelope said as she ushered him in. 

“Good thing I brought enough alcohol to make it a party,” he said. 

He pulled a very expensive looking bottle of vodka out of his backpack, and more beers than should fit in a normal sized bag. 

“I take it back,” Derek said, “this is definitely a party.”

There was another knock on the door.

“Come in!” Garcia said, picking up a balloon to throw. 

Spencer opened the door trailed by Hotch and Emily, all looking confused as they were bombarded by a dozen balloons cascading down from above and a series of hugs from the group. All were looking around with a mix of shock and happiness on their faces.

“It’s technically none of your birthdays today,” Penelope said, “Because you are all such awful private people, BUT I got the goods and figured it out. We thought we would celebrate all of you guys, and our amazing friend group, with this little shindig.”

“It’s wonderful Garcia,” Hotch said, almost smiling, “Thank you.”

“Don’t just thank me!” she said, “It was Miss Jennifer’s idea, and she got the cake. And my beautiful Derek helped me with the decorations and loaned his room, which might I say, is strangely large for a single room.”

Derek chucked, “It was my pleasure, happy birthday you three.”

He pulled Spencer in and ruffled his hair. 

“We’ve ordered pizza too!” JJ announced, “It should be here any minute now.”

“You’re too good to us,” Emily finally spoke up, after standing in the doorway with a dazed expression on her face. 

Penelope guided them in, and the group exchanged hugs and laughter, and Hotch got a very Italian kiss on the cheek from Rossi. Penelope put silly birthday hats on their heads, and took photos like a proud mother. 

After a few minutes of chatter—about the decorations, how they managed to keep it a secret, and most importantly, the illegality of Penelope hacking into their personal data on the university server— JJ’s phone pinged and she ran to the foyer to get the pizzas. 

Munching on greasy food, there was a companionable silence with the cheery sounds of the music in the background. 

As pizza wrapped up, their chatter resumed and the room filled with overlapping conversations. JJ noticed Rossi had snuck off to fish something out of Derek’s mini fridge, pouring something out into shot glasses. Then she heard the sound of whipped cream. 

At that sound, all heads turned towards him. He had three cups filled to the brim with whipped cream and he looked like he was about to burst into laughter at any point. 

“BIRTHDAY SHOTS!” Penelope squealed. 

“No way,” Hotch said, “I’m not doing one of those.”

“One of what?” Spencer asked nervously. 

“It’s not a blowjob is it?” Emily asked with a laugh. 

“A blowjob?” Spencer asked even more nervously. 

“It’s a shot, kid,” Derek assured him, “you just can’t use your hands and there’s the-“ 

He gestured at the whipped cream with a laugh.

“White stuff!” Emily said, tying up her hair into a ponytail in preparation. 

Rossi had to explain the premise several times, before it sunk in that they had to fish out the small shot and drink it all without using their hands. Reid looked at them suspiciously but he warmed up to the idea after Hotch offered to go first so he could see how it’s done. 

The older boy had definitely done a blowjob shot before, efficiently grabbing the plastic shot cup and downing it, his cheeks covered with whipped cream. 

Emily was enthusiastically buried in the whipped cream but struggled on the follow through, spilling most of the vodka into the larger cup before she drank it. 

Reid seemed nervous to get the whipped cream on his face, reeling back and wiping his cheeks then trying again. 

Eventually, Derek reached his hand into the cup, retrieved the shot and held it up to Spencer’s mouth.

“Look ma, no hands!” Morgan quipped before rubbing some leftover whipped cream on the younger boy’s face as the group laughed. Reid was laughing happily, beaming as he wiped his face. 

With the celebratory shot in their system, it was time for cake. JJ carefully used Penelope’s bright pink lighter to ignite candles on each piece for her three friends as they sang Happy Birthday to them.  

“Happy birthday to you!” They sang, “happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Hotch, Spence and Emily! Happy birthday to you!”

They blew out their candles. All were instructed to make wishes. 

As the night progressed, JJ got more and more nervous about the present. What if Emily hated it? Would she ruin the whole night? Penelope and Derek had assured her that it was a good present but what if they were wrong too?

JJ busied herself with cutting the cake, distributing pieces and making sure everyone had forks and napkins. 

Rossi, who was their unofficial bartender, was stationed near the mini fridge and passed out fresh beers when called upon. 

“Gifts!” Penelope exclaimed once they had made good work of the cake, dragging the presents out from their hiding space under Derek’s desk.

She handed them over to Emily, Hotch and Reid. 

“We all pitched in,” Derek said. 

All three looked perturbed at the fuss, murmuring “you shouldn’t have” as they looked at the gift. Spencer opened his and laughed, wrapping the incredibly long striped scarf around his neck and thanking Penelope. Aaron actually did smile at his present and expressed his gratitude by pouring them all shots. 

Emily held hers for a moment, staring at the wrapped book with an unreadable expression on her face. JJ watched, holding her breath as she turned it over, then placed it back down. 

“Will you excuse me for a second?” Emily said, her voice tight and sounding very… formal. 

JJ gulped as Emily stood, and exited the dorm, shutting the door behind her. She immediately thought that she had done something wrong.

The group looked back and forth, not quite sure what to do, as the commotion happened mid way through Hotch doling out shots of whiskey and some were already half raised. 

A moment passed as JJ thought about whether it would be worse for her to follow or leave her be. Maybe she wanted to be left alone? Maybe JJ was the last person Emily wanted to see?

She knew there was a lot about Emily that she didn’t know. Like JJ, the other girl kept a lot close to her chest. Over time, JJ had learned some details of her childhood, but not all, and what she knew didn’t look good. Maybe all of this was a bad idea? Emily might have had a reason that she didn’t celebrate her birthday. This could have been an awful plan and it would have been all JJ’s fault. 

She stood and grabbed the book, deciding to follow Emily. She slipped out the door and walked slowly down the hall, unsure of what she would even say to Emily once she faced her. Hey I just gave you a gift and you all but ran out of the room before you opened it, did I offend you somehow? Or I’m sorry?

JJ wasn’t sure what she was sorry for. She just knew something was upsetting Emily and the last thing JJ wanted to be was the cause of that. In fact, she wanted to make Emily happy and make sure nothing ever bothered her ever again. It would probably be weird for her to say that, right? 

She assumed that Emily had gone to the communal bathroom, as she left her lanyard with her room keys behind her in Derek’s room. If she had left the floor she would have been locked out. 

JJ took a breath outside the door, then pushed it open. 

Emily was standing in the bathroom that all of the girls floor shared, with its small row of stalls, old fashioned sinks and blue tiled floor. A frosted window that looked out into the courtyard. Many mornings JJ found herself brushing her teeth next to the other girl. 

Emily had her arms braced on the sides of the sink, leaning forward and looking at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing was coming in quick breaths. 

“Em?” JJ said softly. 

Startled by the noise, Emily looked away from her, quickly pulling up a corner of her shirt to wipe her eyes. 

“You ok?” JJ asked, tucking the present behind her back. 

“I’m fine,” Emily said, standing up straight and giving her a half smile. Her posture was stiff, her smile forced.

“You don’t look fine.” 

Emily stepped back, leaning against the window sill. She crossed her arms, still avoiding any eye contact. 

JJ walked forward, slowly closing the distance. 

She leaned on the wall beside Emily, trying not to stare at her and make her feel uncomfortable. 

“Did I do something wrong?” JJ asked. Her voice sounded small in her ears. She immediately kicked herself, upset at how this might sound like she was making it all about herself. 

“No!” Emily exclaimed, shaking her head. “No. It wasn’t you it’s…”

She trailed off. 

“I’ve never had all this before. The friends and the party and the gifts. All this attention… it’s a lot.” 

She slid to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest. JJ did the same, turning to face the other girl. She didn’t want to push too hard lest Emily flee from her again.

“It’s all so nice,” Emily whispered. 

“Then what’s wrong?” JJ asked softly. 

Emily sighed and began to bite her nails. Her posture was hunched over, curled up on the cold tile floor. 

She began to speak, then stopped herself, gritting her teeth and blinking hard. She looked over at JJ reluctantly, seeming to think hard about how to answer that question. 

“I was always the new girl wherever I was,” she said. “I was never anywhere enough to make friends, real friends that is. Or have anything like all this. I would do anything to fit in and it never seemed to work.”

JJ’s heart felt like it was breaking for her friend. She tried to imagine Emily trying to be anyone else other than the Emily she knew and couldn’t. Fitting in is hard, let alone fitting into new countries and learning new languages. JJ knew she wouldn’t have been able to keep it together.

Emily shook her head, picking at the skin around her nails anxiously, JJ could tell that sharing all of this was incredibly difficult. 

“I lived in a dozen different countries and was barely  there long enough to make friends and when I did…” Emily sighed. “I fucked it up. I make things worse for people.” 

Emily buried her face in her hands, her breaths coming harder now. Her voice was shaky and quiet, almost whispering to JJ. 

“My mom was never around on my birthdays. She would leave me a present. Maybe. This year she didn’t even call.”

Emily paused. 

“And then you guys do all this.” 

Emily looked up, staring with unfocused eyes into the bathroom, JJ could tell she was thinking of someone else, some other day. She looked lost. 

JJ wanted to hold her hand, wanted to comfort her, keep her close. She was always called the mom friend, it was in her nature to try and make sure her friends were taken care of. Her feelings for Emily complicated things. If she was anyone else, she would grab her hand, no questions asked, but she felt herself second-guessing each move.  

Her actions suddenly felt like they had more weight to them. Knowing that she liked Emily made everything strange. If she held her hand, would it be weird? She didn’t know. Normally, she wouldn’t question holding a friend’s hand, hell, she’d already held Emily’s hand. 

But that was before she was gay, or bi, or whatever. Before she knew she liked girls. Liked Emily. Now, touching her felt scary, like she was doing something wrong, even if she was simply trying to be nice. 

Fighting against her anxious thoughts, JJ reached out, tugging at Emily’s wrist until her hand clasped onto hers. JJ ran a reassuring thumb over her hand. She sighed a breath of relief when Emily leaned into the touch. 

“You’re our friend,” JJ said, simply. “And we care about you.” 

Emily nodded, still not looking at her. 

“When I held your present in my hands,” Emily said, “I just couldn't stop thinking of my friend Matthew. He surprised me on my sixteenth birthday, pulling me out of some stupid event my mother had dragged me to. That was the only time I got a real birthday present before now.”

JJ hadn’t heard about this friend. Emily didn’t really talk about her past, beyond the general facts. JJ had to stop herself from prying, fighting back her curiosity in favour of letting Emily talk. 

She squeezed Emily’s hand in a gesture she hoped would be encouraging.  

“Your gift just brought back a lot of memories,” Emily said with a whisper. “Matthew basically saved my life. He was the only friend I had before now I guess.” 

She looked over at JJ. 

“I’m sorry,” Emily said, wiping at her eyes. 

“Don’t be.”

JJ pulled Emily into her, wrapping her arms around her and holding her tight. Emily let out a muffled sob and fell into her, with her head tucked under JJ’s chin. They sat like that for a while, JJ listening to Emily’s ragged breathing and JJ running a calming hand over her back. Emily’s face was buried in her shoulder, her soft hair tickled JJ’s face as she held her tight.  

She focused on rubbing Emily’s back, making patterns with her hand on top of her soft sweater. Emily’s arms were wrapped around her waist. 

For a moment, tears pricked at JJ’s eyes. Watching Emily finally be vulnerable to her, for her to share something, even if she left out details, was a lot. She blinked them back and focused on steadying her breathing, being a calm presence for Emily. 

After a moment Emily pulled away, creating some distance between them, wiping her face with her sleeve and sniffling. 

“JJ I don’t want you to get hurt,” Emily said, her voice cracking, “I just bring people pain.”

“What happened, Em?” JJ asked. 

Emily looked at her with teary eyes and shook her head. 

“You don’t have to tell me, Emily. But I need you to know that whatever it is, I’ll still be here. I care so much about you and just… like being your friend. I don’t care what happened in your past or if you think you’re going to hurt me. All I care about is us.”

“I like being your friend,” Emily said with a teary laugh. 

JJ smiled at her, pulling her into another hug. Holding her tight feeling like the girl would break into pieces in front of her if she let go. 

“Do you want your present?” JJ asked carefully, still hugging Emily. She could feel the other girl nod. 

JJ pulled back, taking the wrapped book from the tile floor and placing it in Emily’s lap. Emily carefully began to unwrap it, as if she wasn’t allowed to rip the brightly patterned paper.

“You know you can rip it, right?” JJ said with a kind laugh. “Just tear it open, it’s part of the fun!”

Emily looked at her nervously, and half heartedly tugged at the wrapping paper. 

“Harder!” JJ said, demonstrating by pulling on it and making a satisfying tearing noise. JJ assumed that the girl didn’t have the opportunity to tear open presents as a kid, and JJ wanted to make sure she didn’t miss out on that joy anymore. 

Emily laughed and tore at it, ripping the paper off and revealing the small book underneath. Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. 

“I read this as a kid,” Emily breathed, staring at the cover reverently.  

She opened the cover and looked through the first few pages. 

“L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux,” Emily quoted the novel just as the book shop clerk had done.

“What is essential is invisible to the eyes,” JJ translated. “I don’t really get it. I tried to read it before I gave it to you, but didn’t make much headway.”

“It’s about love,” Emily said as she flipped through the pages.

Emily slowly turned the pages, smiling down at the whimsical illustrations and murmured about it in French that JJ couldn’t quite make out.

“I could translate it for you if you want?” Emily offered.

“Is it as good in English?”

“No,” Emily said with a laugh. 

JJ beamed, happy that her gift was no longer making Emily upset. She hoped that whatever bad memories she had about birthdays were being amended with some joy from today. 

“Well then I just have to get better at French so that I can understand it,” JJ said. “I’ll need a good tutor.”

“This is an amazing present. Thank you JJ.”

They smiled at each other.

“I’ll read it to you,” Emily said, “And you can stop me and I can explain anything you don’t understand.”

JJ’s heart fluttered at the thought of Emily reading a love story out loud. Though, from what she saw it was about a boy being in love with a flower so it couldn’t be that romantic, could it? 

“Sounds like a plan,” JJ said. “Should we get back? I wouldn’t want to worry the others.”

Emily nodded, then the two of them stood up together. JJ’s legs had fallen asleep while sitting on the cold, tiled floor so she dramatically shook them out, making Emily laugh. 

God her laugh, she wanted to hear that forever. She’d do anything to keep Emily smiling and happy.

As they walked back to the party, it was Emily who took JJ’s hand. 

Maybe they could be friends. Maybe that would be enough. 

#criminal minds #cm #criminal minds tv #jemily #emily prentiss x jennifer jareau #prentiss x jj #jennifer jareau #emily prentiss #gravelyhumerus cm college au #my post #my writing #after all that i almost forgot to actually post it #hope u all enjoy xoxoox #kennedy is not in this chapter i am sorry to her fans

[dokidokey]

cabbage babies

－ when bokuto, your usual customer and friend who is a sunshine on a rainy day comes to your store looking like a hurricane brewing, he realizes that maybe getting rejected was for the better.

pairings: bokuto koutaro x kayla (reader)

genre: fluff, angst, f2l

warnings: swearing, an asshole for a customer, a pinch of jealousy, pining, bo gets rejected lol

word count: 4,941

notes: @janellion KAYLAAAAA SORRY THIS IS SO LATE this is inspired by that post u reblogged before, that hcs of hq boys bringing u flowers and bokuto gives u succulents instead! i can’t stop thinking about that :( this is a very very very late happy birthday post (*￣︶￣) happy late late late birthday kayla baby the love of my life i hope u like it (。’▽’。)♡

“Hi Y/N!” Bokuto Koutaro’s voice booms inside the small space of your shop. You look up from the small succulent you are transferring to a bigger pot and smile up at him. “Can I get one of those cabbage babies again, please?”

You throw your head back to laugh, the familiar name he adapted to calling succulents creating a wave of nostalgia to wash over you. The first time the bubbly boy entered your shop and looked for cute, small plants to give to this girl he likes, he pertained to succulents as cabbage babies.

“Hi!” His voice had boomed inside your little shop on a sunny, Tuesday afternoon. He was wearing a loose white shirt and some jersey shorts, a bag hanging on his right shoulder. He anxiously fiddled with his fingers before locking eyes with you. “Do you, uh, have those. . . those plants that look like cabbage babies?”

It felt as though your brain malfunctioned for a brief amount of time. “What?” You said, and you felt more dumbfounded than he was that moment. The boy with gray streaks on his hair looked down in embarrassment. “Ah! Forget I said anything, I’m so sorry, I’ll just leave!”

“No, no, no!” You were quick to scamper over the counter to stop him from opening the door and fleeing. You were. . . quite intrigued about these － these cabbage babies. Sure, many other customers came into your shop calling all kinds of plants these weird names but cabbage babies is new. You’ve never heard that before. You found it quite endearing.

“Can you describe these. . . cabbage babies to me?”

The man happily did with his eyes bright, hands animatedly flying everywhere. You took that time to take him in and you realize just how tall he was. You barely reach his shoulders. God, this man was huge. His arms were nearly popping out of the sleeves of his white shirt. You had to remind yourself that you were supposed to help him with this cabbage babies situation and totally not to admire just how attractive he is.

Or both. Both could work. You were a proud multitasker

He stopped mid-sentence to fish his phone out of his pockets. “Here! Sorry, I forgot I had a picture of that. . . This! These things!” He flips his phone to show you the screen and it displays an arrangement of different kinds of succulents. You almost slapped your forehead for being so slow. Yes, of course, cabbage babies. They did look a lot like cabbage babies.

So you led him to the small entrance of your shop after locking the doors. Not very convenient, you know, that if this overly-enthusiastic man is somehow hiding some ill intent, then you’re screwed. But you can’t think of him that way with the way his smile widened when he entered the small greenhouse in the back of your shop, littered with everything green and growing. He was so eager to jump from plant to plant to examine each one.

“Oh, this one is pretty!” He exclaimed, pointer finger caressing the soft pink tips of the succulent. He looked at you with a smile. “What’s this called?”

“That’s a Sunrise.”

Bokuto bought the little succulent in a pot, bouncing on the ball of his feet as he cradled it in his hands. He asked you what your name was and you asked him his, and that was when he said it was for this girl he likes. You were thinking about how lucky this girl must be, having a guy like Bokuto liking her so much that even the mere mention of her name has his eyes twinkling and his overall demeanor changing in excitement. All the while you were writing his receipt and his little reminder on the neon green sticky note he spotted on your desk and gingerly pointed to, claiming his penmanship is shit and what if she thinks it’s ugly?

He stuck the little note on the pot and went on his way, waving you goodbye. He came back the next week, talking your ear off about how much she liked the succulent. He purchased another one that day, a small cactus called Bunny Ears. He came back the week after that, and the week after, and the week after, buying a Kiwi, Mexican Firecracker, and Afterglow, in that order.

Now Bokuto is here again, his familiar bag draped over his right shoulder, clad in a white shirt and the same jersey shorts he wore the first time he came here.

“What would you want this time?” You ask, wiping your dirty hands on the apron wrapped around you and pushing the greenhouse door open. Bokuto follows you, eyes raking over the countless plants in the small space like he’s seeing it all for the first time. He hums and walks over to the rack of succulents in the corner.

He’s just staring at the pots, hands on his knees, worrying his lip. You’re worried too because Bokuto is quiet. It seems a little uncharacteristic of him to be quiet, especially if it’s about these plants that he loves giving to this girl, who you learned is their manager after a few late walks, talks, and eating out together. You also learned that he is a member of the MSBY Black Jackals, which you have heard before but aren’t that familiar with because you have little to no experience or interest in sports.

“Hey, Bo?” You’re a few steps away from him, fiddling with your fingers. “Is, um, something wrong? You’re so quiet.”

His smile is back at the sound of your voice, like you just pulled him out of this headspace and in his usual, cheery voice, says, “I. . . kind of, want to take her out on a － a date. You know,” he huffs out a breath nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “I feel like she’s not getting the hints of these gifts so might as well tell her I like her and go for it, right?” He beams.

You nod and tell him yes, that’s great, ignoring the way your chest tightens, brushing off the fact that you, unfortunately, like Bokuto Koutaro. He isn’t that hard to like, anyway. His energy is so infectious, along with these little antics that are quite too much but you very much adore. He’s told you one time how some people think he was too much, like Bokuto was something they should but cannot keep from their palms. And they are right. Bokuto is too much, but for you, it is in the best way possible.

You actually met two of his friends before when he asked you if you wanted to eat somewhere after you closed your shop, two weeks ago. He took you to this restaurant called Onigiri Miya, who he said was owned by his teammate’s twin, Atsumu. There, you met Akaashi Keiji, his old setter and vice captain from high school. In the end, Osamu didn’t let any of you pay, saying everything was in the house. You insisted though, of course, but Bokuto, with a very pleased smile, shushed you.

Akaashi even thought you and Bokuto where in a relationship, which hurt, to be frank, on your part, because Bokuto was so quick to deny it. He received quite the judgemental raise of an eyebrow from the younger boy and just a frown from Osamu when he revealed who he liked.

You came back to Osamu’s restaurant just last week, and you love every food that man makes. Literally heaven on earth.

“I’ll drop by again later. Do you want to go to Osamu’s again?” The spiky-haired man who kind of just broke your heart asks. “My treat!” He says proudly, then his smile falters. “If she, uh, agrees, that is.”

You hum, stepping closer to him to take a look at the small grasshopper resting on the large leaf of the Golden Pothos next to your rack of succulents. You were about to answer him when the bell signaling someone entered your shop rings. Bokuto forgot to lock the door, great, and you frowned at him, which he responded to with just a smile before you both went inside.

There’s a man wandering the small space of your shop, whistling as he looks around with his hands tucked in the pockets of his pants. Despite the negative energy this customer is radiating, you have no choice but to accommodate him. “Hello,” you greet politely, putting aside the plant bag where the succulent you were transferring before Bokuto came was placed. “How can I help you?”

“Oh, this shop’s got a cute owner, alright,” he chuckles, and you might as well have screamed at him to leave. But you plastered a tight smile on your face as you ask again, “is there anything you want? A plant, maybe? I have－”

You don’t get to finish what you want to say when the sound of his lighter flicking on cuts you off. Your head is quick to turn to Bokuto, who has a frown on his face. You clear your throat and point to the No Smoking sign hanging beside the door.

“Uh, sir, if you don’t mind, if you’re going to smoke, please do it outside. This is a non-smoking area.”

He puffs out a billow of smoke and it takes everything in you not to scream at him to get the fuck out. Customers that do not consider shop owners’ signs and policies are not and never will be welcome in your store. Before you can talk again and try to send him off as politely as you can, Bokuto beats you to it.

“They said get out if you’re going to smoke.”

You almost lose your mind with how serious and scary Bokuto sounds. You always see him with this giddy and happy aura around and to hear him be this serious for the first time is quite unnerving. You are so lucky to not be on the receiving end of this. . . this Bokuto.

The suspicious man clicks his tongue, inhaling and exhaling another puff of smoke. “Ah, too bad. Is the little shop owner taken?”

You purse your lips momentarily before firmly pointing at the door. “Get out.”

“Not the best way to treat a potential customer, hun,” he smirks. Your eyes zeroes in on the ash that falls on your tiled floor. If this fucking man does not leave in the next two minutes, you swear yo－

“Just leave, man.” There Bokuto is again. You thank all there is to thank that Bokuto is here. If this man came in here without him and just you, you aren’t sure what you would do. It’s not like you to judge people easily, but you are always quick to sense if the person is genuine or not.

The man just raises his eyebrows at Bokuto before his eyes flits over to you. He says nothing as he turns on his back and pushes the door open. From behind you, Bokuto notices how you visibly relax as the man slowly disappears from your line of vision. You turn to him with your eyebrows in a pinch. “I’m so glad you’re here, what the fuck, if that man came in without you I’d probably lose my mind.”

Bokuto just smiles, adjusting his bag on his shoulder before placing a large hand over your head and patting the top of your head.

“I told you, you need at least another staff here in case things like that happens again,” he looks pointedly at you before adding in a low voice, “but that should never happen again.”

“I know,” you roll your eyes, putting your hands on your hips. “But I can’t find anyone yet. That’d be more convenient because I’ll be able to entertain more than one customer at a time.”

Bokuto brushes past you to lock the door and walks back inside the greenhouse, immediately cradling a Blue Rose. A grin blooms on your face as you call, “maybe you can drop out of that volleyball career and help me instead.”

There is a brief pause in your surroundings, as if what you said stopped everything and you’re wondering if you somehow stepped over a line, that maybe Bokuto took offense in what you said, but he turns back to you, smiles and says, “yes! I love these small plants, anyways. Maybe I’ll grab Hinata with me and there’ll be three of us.”

Oh. Oh wow. Bokuto is inspecting the tiny plant in his hands with stars in his eyes. He looks ethereal under the sunlight filtering through the glass, his features looking a little sharper than usual. How lucky, you think, that in less than eight hours or so, the possibility of him getting together with their manager will become higher. There’s a little voice in the back of your head quietly wishing it will end up opposite of what Bokuto wants, and you’re berating yourself for being selfish. You’d like to keep Bokuto to yourself a little bit longer than this. You’d like to keep Bokuto without the thought of him sharing what little time he has for you with his girlfriend.

The guilt only intensifies when he locks his gold eyes with yours, eyebrows quirked upward. “Or I can also bring Miyoko-san! We’ll grow cabbage babies together and maybe expand your shop so you can have more plants.” He says it all as if it will happen. As if he’ll really drop his volleyball career to take care of plants with you instead.

You just smile softly, wringing your hands together and trying to keep your emotions at bay. “Are you taking that?” He nods, and you tilt your head to signal him to follow you back inside. You take the stack of sticky notes, which grew a lot more thinner since Bokuto showed up, waiting for whatever he will say for you to write. To you surprise, he holds his palm up, and you look up at him in confusion as you place the paper in his hands.

“I want to write it this time,” his eyes crinkles in delight, “to make it a little more special for Miyoko-san.”

There goes your heart breaking all the way. God, why can’t you have someone like Bokuto do that to you? Why can’t Bokuto do that to you? The things you’d give to experience what it’s like to have him fawn over you like this.

“There!” He rips the small note and sticks it to the ceramic pot. “I hope she says yes,” he frowns, and your melancholy is quickly flying out the window when his hair droops. Nothing in this world will make you panic more than the sight of his usually spiky slacking.

“I’m sure she will!” You’re scampering over the counter the way you did when you held him off the first time he came here. “She’s wasting such a precious person if she ever says no, you know. She’s very lucky to have you. I’m sure she knows just how lucky she is to have you like this as you are.”

Your words didn’t go to waste as Bo’s vibrant smile blossoms on his face. He’s pulling you into a tight hug before and he’s out the door before you know it. You’re left here once again.

Being alone wasn’t so. . . so lonely before. But ever since Bokuto frequents your shop before and after practice, whenever he leaves, it’s as though he is leaving behind a great hole no one can ever fill in. Like he’s taking all the space from you to make you realize just how lonely it is without him.

So you wait, like you always do. You wait for the excruciating eight hours for him to come back and talk about whatever it is that happened during their training. You expect him to come bouncing inside the store all sunshine and wide smiles, but as you’re mopping the floor, the glass doors open and Bokuto Koutaro looks the saddest you have ever seen him.

“Bo!” You shuffle to set the mop against the wall and take his face in your palms. “What happened? Why are you so－”

“She’s dating ’Tsumu,” he whispers dejectedly, his forehead finding its way on your shoulder. There’s an audible gasp from you as the weight settles on your skin, and you notice then that he is still holding the small potted plant he bought this morning, the sticky note nowhere to be seen. You gently take it from him, your fingers brushing against each other before he links his pinky with yours.

You wonder if Bokuto can hear just how much your heart is bartering against your ribcage; or if he can feel the rush of blood through your veins; or maybe he can feel just how stiff you are from your posture. But you let him curl his pinky finger with yours, your other hand cupping the ceramic pot.

“All this time. . .” His breath is hot against your skin. “They were together all this time and I didn’t even know.”

Your voice is soft as you ask, “how did you know?”

“Saw them kiss,” he mumbles.

If this is what it’s like having Bokuto all to yourself without the thought of sharing his time with his girlfriend, then you take it back. This is so much worse than what you expected and the guilt in your chest for wishing he somehow gets rejected is enough to choke you. Just how cruel can you be to ask for his dedicated time when it would mean he will hurt like this?

“Bo,” you whisper. He says nothing. “Bo,” you try again, and this time he hums. “Look at me, please.” The ruffle of his hair as he shakes his head tickles your neck. You have no choice but  to cup your right palm on his cheek to lift his head up, the back of your left hand holding the ceramic pot making contact with his other cheek. There is a glossy haze in his eyes as he stares at you, looking like a lost puppy with the way his hair is frowning.

“Now who’s this sad little guy in my shop, hm?” You pat his cheek gently. “I’ll treat you to some ice cream,” you offer, completely disregarding what he said this morning about going to Osamu’s again. You’re pretty sure seeing someone who looks like Atsumu at this moment is not a good idea. Bokuto’s lips are still curled down and you bring your thumb to the side of his mouth, softly pushing the end at an upward motion. “My poor boy.”

You’re kind of bitter, to say the least. Of what though, you don’t know. Or who. But as Bokuto walks beside you all quiet with his hands in his pockets, an aching hatred blossoms at your chest. You know it wasn’t that girl Miyoko’s fault, or anyone, really, but you don’t know how to project the bitter feeling it leaves in your stomach. Bokuto, of all people? He deserves to be happy. If happy means having a girlfriend and his time and attention for you decreasing, then you’ll gladly take it.

You push the doors of the ice cream shop a few streets away from your store, going for the booths at the back. Bokuto is still quiet and you’re close to pulling your hair out because his silence is choking you. You sit down beside him after handing him his “whatever, you can decide” ice cream.

“So. . .” You start, lightly stabbing your cup with the plastic spoon. “Are you okay?”

That is the dumbest question you have ever asked.

“No,” he mumbles, his own spoon dangling on his mouth, “but I will be.”

God, yes, you can almost cry from relief. At least Bokuto is not as beat up as you thought he is. You hum, taking a bite out of your dessert and turn to look at him. “There are plenty of other people who will be more than happy to love you, Bo. If she’s happy with Atsumu then that is good, right? Maybe she just isn’t the one for you.”

There is a faraway look in the ace’s eyes and you wonder if he even heard what you said. You got your answer when he says, “I know.” He pauses, then sighs, and looks at you. The frown on his face is gone, but he isn’t exactly happy either. There’s just the littlest hint of a smile on his face. “I know, Y/N. And I don’t know, I’ve been having these. . . these weird feelings lately?”

Your eyebrows rise at that. What now? “Like?” You softly prod.

Bokuto groans and presses his forehead on the table, his arms covering his hair. “No,” he whines, “I don’t want to tell.”

You scoff, slapping his arm. “What do you mean you don’t want to tell! You say things like that and now that I want to know more, you leave me out?”

He groans again. He honestly just sounds like a big baby, which he is, but you don’t mind because he’s slowly reverting back to his usual self. “I don’t know if I like someone else or not.”

Okay, wow, well, that kinda stings.

“Who?”

“I’m not sure yet so I’m not going to tell you!”

You huff, dipping your spoon in his cup and spooning a decent amount of ice cream off. “Okay, yeah, whatever, but you better tell me soon,” you glare.

You actually would rather not! But if that person is the key to really make Bokuto happy, then you’re all for it.

It is kind of crazy, and scary too, thinking about how Bokuto was just another customer on that certain Tuesday. The one-time buying turned into daily visits, and daily visits turned into dinners, strolls, to meeting his friends. You didn’t see that far into the future to even consider that Bokuto will be this important in your life, yet here you are. 

And there you are when he invites you to one of his volleyball practices because Hinata’s been pestering him about meeting you. You meet Atsumu and their manager, Miyoko, who is a total sweetheart. And there isn’t even tension between the teammates, all of Bokuto’s heartbreak quickly passing. Oliver, the team’s spiker, even hit you accidentally on the back of the head one time, which resulted in the whole team fussing over you.

It’s been over three weeks since Bo came back to your shop looking like hurricane personified. Today is another Tuesday, a rainy one at that, and you’re fondly looking outside the window as raindrops pelt the ground. Your surprise is evident when you see Bokuto waving at you outside.

“What are you doing here?” You ask quizzically, watching him shake his umbrella before stuffing it on the rack. He grins at you, all sunshine and happy. “It’s my day off!”

“And?” You rest your chin on your palms.

“I’m gonna buy cabbage babies again.”

It pulls a lighthearted laugh out of you. It seems so long ago since Bokuto came here, usually asking for his cabbage babies and nostalgia swallows you whole. It comes with the cold, hard realization that cabbage babies mean he is going to give this to that person he likes.

Your heart cracks in time with the lightning that lit up the gray surroundings.

“So when do you plan to tell me about this person, hm?” You inquire, standing up from your seat behind the counter and opening the greenhouse door. Bokuto follows after locking the entrance.

“Soon,” he says, giddy, “real, real soon, I promise!”

Real, real soon before your heart breaks again.

“Pick away,” you gesture to the succulents awaiting him, and he picks out an Aloe Vera and a pink succulent (not Sunrise.) “You want that?” He nods. You both go back inside and hand him the sticky note that’s been collecting dust on the corner of the counter. Bokuto is extremely hyper today, almost shaking in his giddiness. You huff, resting your face on your palms once again. “You buy cabbage babies but don’t tell me who it’s for. Okay. I’m totally not upset.”

Bokuto’s laughter fills the quiet of your little store, his head thrown back as he rips two notes and sticks it to the pots. “Real soon, Y/N, I promise. Just wait.”

You’d rather not, but you pout in reluctance, nodding. “Ju－”

“’Tsumu’s calling!” He shouts above the loud ringing of his phone that interrupted you. “What? But it’s our day off,” he whines on the phone, and you take this time to admire him again － the quirky arch of his brows, his bright, golden eyes, his lips that almost never loses that smile you love. He’s literally so breathtaking and you have to slowly let this man go despite never having him, in a romantic sense, in the first place. You have to tell yourself that having him like this, as a friend, will be more than enough.

He frowns at you as he ends the call, grabbing his umbrella. “Something came up and now we have a meeting,” he informs, and you purse your lips and nod in agreement.

“You take care,” you bid softly, waving a hand. Bokuto waves too before he’s out of your shop and into the rain. You sigh sadly, staring off outside, the gloomy weather worsening your melancholy. You don’t know how long you’ve been thinking or staring before you lean back on your seat, and it’s then you see the little Aloe Vera and succulent Bokuto purchased, staring at you. You slap your forehead in disbelief, a humorless laugh bubbling out of your throat.

“What the hell, Bo,” you mutter, curiously scooting forward to read the little notes he carefully wrote out earlier. Nothing in this world could have woken you up from your shock, your little heart stuttering in your chest. You shake your head, close your eyes, before reading his writing again.

aloe you vera much, Y/N :) says the sticky note on the Aloe Vera pot. i’d love to raise lots of cabbage babies with you ♡ says the other one.

“Fuck,” you squeak, taking the plants in your hands and reading it again. “Fuck, what the fuck.”

Your hands are shaking as you reach for your phone, ready to call him and demand just what the hell this trick he is pulling but a customer suddenly barges in, and you have you act normal through the chaos in your mind as the old woman asks you three dozens of small, ceramic pots, two dozens of brown, plastic pots, and seven pieces of large pots. After successfully entertaining your customer without breaking a pot despite your shaking hands, you call Bokuto.

He didn’t answer your seven calls.

You had to wait three ungodly hours before he came back, a soft smile gracing his face. “Hi,” he says quietly, gauging your reaction, “did you see the－”

You kiss him. After almost two months of meeting him, you finally, finally did what you wanted to do four weeks ago. His lips are soft on yours, a little hesitant at first, before you move your hands from his cheek to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. There’s a sense of urgency in his kisses, a little rushed, a little fiery, but it was perfect.

He pulls away and nudges his nose on the side of yours.

“You saw, huh?” He huffs lightly.

“I did,” you reply, just as quiet.

“Been wanting to say that since the ice cream shop.”

You pinch the skin on the back of his neck and Bokuto yelps. If you only knew this is how it will end, you would have wished he told you about it right then and there. You would have wanted to know it then. But soon never came this early, and you’re thankful you didn’t have to wait eight, long hours like when he has trainings.

“So the call?”

His eyes are crescent moons in the middle of noon. “No meetings, all plans.”

You shake your head in light mirth and disbelief, pecking him once on the lips before untangling your arms on his neck. He kisses the tip of your nose affectionately before you could fully pull away. Your heart clenches in your chest and it hurts so good. You finally have Bokuto, you couldn’t ask for more.

You grin as you stare up at him, eyes looking like two little hearts. “Aloe you too vera much,” you sputter between giggles. Red smears Bokuto’s neck and ears, and your giggles turn to laughter. He kisses you to shut you up, which is, unfortunately and fortunately, successful.

“So,” you start, wringing your hands together, just wanting to be clear between what this is between the two of you. “Are we, like, dating?”

He tilts his head. “Gotta take you out on a date first though, right?” He beams, and you smile shyly, stomach fluttering with the idea of going on cute, little dates with him.

His phone rings once again, and he scowls as he sees Atsumu’s contact displayed on the screen.

“What do you want?”

“Are ye guys finally dating?” Asks the setter, and you plant your face in your palms in slight embarrassment. It only heightens when you hear Hinata’s bubbly voice in the background.

Bokuto laughs, a warm sound that surrounds the small space of your shop, battling with the gloomy weather outside. “We are,” he smiles, softly grazing his thumb on your cheek. “We are.”

more notes: if there are errors i am so sorry i wrote the first half of this panicking because i missed kayla’s birthday and the other half earlier at 4 am because i can’t sleep lmao

#i many many lobe you kayla 😾 #bokuto koutaro #bokuto koutaro fluff #bokuto koutaro angst #bokuto #bokuto angst #bokuto fluff #haikyuu!! #hq!! #haikyuu #haikyuu angst #haikyuu fluff #hq #hq fluff #hq angst #msby black jackals #kielle writes

[lils-writes-stuff]

Foundation

spencer reid x reader

Best years part seven | part six | part five | part four | part three | part two |part one

Summary: an early morning case in arizona brings up some of the readers feelings and reminds her of her past. 

warnings: normal criminal minds things,

A/N: based on season 7 episode 18; it’s a cute one with lots of little reader/spencer moments

 Y/N laid on the plush bed, head lying on her pillow, sleeping peacefully. Spencer’s arm draped across her torso as he spooned her. The tranquil mood was what kept it so sound...until the moment was no longer so tranquil.

 Y/N jerked up as the sound of her phone ringing woke her up. 

 “What’s going on?” Spencer asked as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Y/N’s movements waking him up. 

 Y/N picked up her phone, reading the text from Penelope saying “911. Meet and debrief on the jet in one hour.”

 “Penelope, she says it's an emergency,” Y/N said, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and sitting there for a second. 

 “Five more minutes,” Spencer said, moving over so he was closer to Y/N, his arms wrapping around her waist.

 “I know, but if we don’t get up now we never will,” she began to stand up but Spencer’s arms stopped her. “Spencer, come on bub we have to get ready,” she pleaded to her boyfriend. 

 “You’re warm and I want to cuddle,” he said, his early morning brain clearly not thinking straight. 

 “I promise you when we get back from this case I will give you all the cuddles you want and more, if you get up right now,” Y/N bargained to the curly-headed man. 

 He sat up, hair a tousled mess as he looked at her with sleepy, hopeful eyes. “You promise the cuddles and more?” 

 “Yes, I promise now let’s go get dressed,” she said standing up and making her way to the bathroom, Spencer following close behind. 

--------

 “Hi, hi, hi. Sorry for the cryptic late-night text, but I promised I’d fill you in here, and I am a girl who keeps her promises so,” Penelope said through the laptop screen as everyone entered the plane. “Okay, so this boy was found two hours ago in the middle of nowhere. Well, technically he was found outside of Crawford, Arizona, my point is he has clearly been to super hell and escaped some sort of captivity.” 

 “How do we know he wasn’t just dropped off there?” Derek asked, looking through the small file in his hand. 

 “Well, he has fresh cuts on the bottom of his feet from the local cactus fields, and that’s away from any roads, and his skin is rubbed raw around his ankles from chains,” Penelope explained. 

 Y/N looked through the file in her hand, thumbing through the medical report and the small number of pictures. Her heart clenched as she looked at the picture of the boy. Cuts and bruises adorned his thin arms, and his clothes tattered. 

 “He must’ve had a chance to escape and he took it,” Derek said.  

 “Or the unsub could have had him in transit,” Emily argued. 

 “My God, guys look at his eyes,” Penelope said as she looked at the picture of the boy.

 Y/N turned back to the picture of the boy’s face, examining the yellow colors of his eyes. “He’s jaundiced,” she said her heart aching. There were two types of cases she hated more than anything, family annihilators because she could never imagine what the parents thought in the leading moments of the unsubs killing their children, and child abduction cases.

 “He probably hasn’t seen daylight in a while,” JJ said.

 “Yeah, there’s a lot of scars here,” Derek said, flipping back and forth between the pictures. 

 “And those are the ones we can see,” Rossi said, making Y/N’s stomach from knots at the thought. 

 “Well, it’s hard to tell for certain, but he’s maybe thirteen,” Emily said, looking at the photo closely in her hand. 

 “Are there any missing children in the area, Garcia?” Spencer asked.

 “None until now, but, sir-” she pointed her attention to Hotch- “you may have more information than I do.” 

 “I do, earlier tonight another boy was reported missing in Flagstaff,” Hotch replied. 

 “That can’t be a coincidence, seeing how close the two places are,” Y/N said. 

 “Technically it could, but Arizona has the lowest abduction rate in the country so the chances of these cases not being related are ridiculously slim,” Spencer said, looking back down at the folder in his hand.

 “Yeah, that’s why child abduction rapid deployment will meet you on the ground,” Penelope told them. 

 “The Flagstaff abduction is Billy Henderson, 13, his parents say he was coming back from a friend’s house after dinner,” Hotch said, taking a seat on the couch as the jet took off. 

 “But he never made it,” Y/N added, causing Hotch to nod his head.

 “Okay, they set up roadblocks, but the unsub has a head start,” Penelope said.

 “Right now our best chance of finding Billy Henderson is to figure out what the first victim knows,” Derek said. 

 “Exactly. So, Morgan, you and JJ go to the hospital, see if you can get through to him, the rest of us will set up point at the police station,” Hotch told everyone, allowing them to nod back in response.

 “Losing this kid probably has enraged the unsub,” Y/N said looking over at Hotch.

 “And there’s no telling what he’ll do to Billy,” he added. “For now, get some rest, we have a long day ahead of us.” 

----------

 Y/N sat in the back seat of the car as Hotch drove her and Spencer to the Police station. The winding roads of the Arizona roads entranced her as she thought about the case while looking out the window. 

 “You’re on speaker, Garcia,” Emily’s voice said through the car speaker. 

 “Okay, I got the whole gang on,” Penelope said. “It looks like the first victim was definitely held in captivity in Crawford, Arizona.”

 “Why’s that?” Spencer asked.

 “Because a woman walked into Crawford P.D. this morning, she says she remembers a boy in chains, in Crawford, 30 years ago, just like the boy found last night,” Penelope explained.  

 “Is she still at the station?” Y/N asked, leaning forward so she could be closer to the speaker.

 “No, she dropped that bomb of information, and then she took off,” Penelope answered.

 “What’s her name?” Rossi asked. 

 “Her name’s Samantha Allen, most documents have her listed as Sam Allen. Thirty-six, never married, born and raised and lived in Crawford her whole life, owns and operates a nursery, the plant kind,  not the baby kind. Her mother died when she was five, dad’s a real estate developer,” Penelope said. 

 “Is there security footage?” Emily asked.

 “Yes, I’m sending that to you, it’s on your tablets right now,” Penelope answered.

 Y/N watched the video on the tablet that Spencer held in his hand. Watching how Sam turned to look at something, getting spooked then running out. 

 “You see that?” Y/N asked, pointing at the tablet. 

 “Yeah, what scared her?” Spencer questioned back.  

 “Dave, you and Prentiss see if you can find Samantha Allen, Y/N, Reid, and I will set up at the station,” Hotch said. 

 “All we can hope is that Morgan and JJ get through to the survivor,” Rossi said. 

 The three piled out of the car as they arrived at the station, Spencer instinctively looking back to make sure Y/N was okay. He flashed her a small smile which she returned with a small, tired one, but her eyes sparkling none-the-less. 

 “Detective I’m Agent Hotchner,” Hotch shook the detective’s hand when he reached him. 

 “Detective Perez,” he responded. 

 “This is Dr. Reid and Agent Y/L/N,” Hotch said pointing to the two beside him. 

 “I thought your team was bigger?” Perez asked.

 “The rest are following other leads,” Spencer answered, rocking up on his toes then back on the balls of his feet. 

 “Is C.A.R.D. retracing the escape route that the boy in chains took?” Y/N asked. 

 “They’ve been canvassing all night. There’s another team in flagstaff retracing Billy Hendersons bike ride, ” Perez responded.

 “Where’s Billy’s parents?” Hotch asked. 

 “Chief's office.” 

 Y/N turned around, noticing Spencer had wandered over to the shelf that made Sam react in the video. The shelves were full of photos and small statues. 

 “Detective, you talked to Sam Allen over here correct?” Y/N asked looking over to the detective. 

 “Yes, I did,” Perez responded. 

 “In the video, it looked like one of the photos upset her, do you have any idea why?” Spencer asked, opening the door to the room before they entered.

 “Yeah, well, it’s weird,” Perez said. 

 “Why’s that?” Y/N and Spencer said at the same time. 

 “Because most of these people have passed away. That’s our old chief-” Perez pointed to a photo, then to one above it- “that one there, he built the station and some of the houses around here, it’s J.B. Allen, Sam’s father.”  

 Spencer and Y/N looked at each other, both having the same thought that that was what spooked Sam Allen out of the station. Y/N called Emily and Rossi who were still on their way to Sam’s work, telling them that was why she ran out. 

---------- 

 “Softball, basketball, and soccer, you played a lot of team sports, sounds like me,” Y/N said as she looked at Sam across from her in the interrogation room. She had come back in after Emily and Rossi went to talk to her. She had a change of heart that brought her back here. “Was your dad a coach?”  

 “No, he was always busy with work, I guess that’s why he kept me busy,” Sam responded, her hands rubbing together nervously under the table. “It was okay though, the house was too quiet after mom died.”

 Y/N nodded as she looked at the woman across from her. 

 “She had cancer. I didn’t really know what that meant growing up, just that...she wasn’t gonna get any better,” Sam finished, her eyes staring absently at the aluminum table.

 “Okay, so let’s start with today,” Y/N said leaning closer to Sam. “What brought you to the station?” 

 “I saw that boy on the news, and I saw, um-- I really can’t explain it,” Sam struggled to put what she saw in words. 

 “It’s okay, take a breath,” Y/N said hoping to calm the woman into being able to place her thoughts together. 

 “It was like a movie, in fast-forward. It was dark, so dark, and that-- that little boy he had the same chains on his ankles, and then it was over,” Sam explained. “Those flashes that I saw, that boy, was he real?” She asked, her voice scared.

 “That’s what we need to find out,” Y/N said to her. She turned around and motioned for Emily to come in. 

 “You remember Agent Prentiss,” Y/N said to Sam. 

 Sam nodded her head and Y/N stood up allowing Emily to sit down to begin her part of the interview. Y/N walked out of the room, crossing her arms as she walked up to Rossi who was watching through the one-way mirror. 

 “You think the boy’s real?” Rossi asked her. 

 Y/N let out a huff. “I do, but I don’t think she believes he is yet.”

-----------

 Y/N exited the interrogation room and entered where the crime boards were set up. Hotch and Spencer talking to Perez. 

 “If J.B. Allen is a suspect, why aren’t we kicking down his door?” Perez asked as Y/N walked up and stood next to Spencer.

 “Because it’s too risky,” Hotch answered. “If Allen’s who we’re looking for, he has a psychiatric disorder that drives everything he does.”

 “He’ll do whatever it takes to hide Billy, and even sacrifice him if he needs to protect his freedom,” Y/N added. 

 “Everything that this unsub does is methodical, he had a secure place he was able to keep Angel for years, but when Angel escaped, he didn’t mourn his loss. He drove straight to Flagstaff,” Hotch said, sternness prominent in his voice. 

 “The question is why did he choose Flagstaff? He’d only drive sixty miles out of his way if he knew someone was there to make him feel better,” Spencer looked over to Perez next to him. 

 Y/N crossed her arms over her chest, her white long-sleeve shirt bunching up at her elbows as she pushed them up. She leaned over to look at the map Spencer had been working on. Her eyes scan over all the red pen markings, trying to engrave it into her brain.

 “We don’t think Billy was a victim of opportunity, we think he was a target,” Hotch explained.

 “So this isn’t a stranger abduction,” Perez stated. 

 “He probably saw Angel before, too,” Y/N said looking over to Perez. 

 “The question is, where would he have access to both these children?” Hotch asked. Y/N and Spencer’s eyes went back to the map, looking at all the areas circled in red. “I’ll go ask the parents,” Hotch said leaving the room. 

 Y/N and Spencer were left as Perez left the room soon after Hotch. 

 Y/N let out a huff, arms still crossed as she paced back and forth in front of the crime boards, staring at them intensely like they would give them an answer. 

 “I know how you, uh, ho- how you feel about child abduction cases,” Spencer said as he looked at Y/N from his seat at the table. 

 She let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah, that’s why I told Strauss to not put me into crimes against children, that was her first choice,” she looked at Spencer, continuing her pacing. 

 It became silent for a moment, Spencer knowing nothing she could say would bring Y/N out of her mind. The only way for her to feel better was either to tell him how she was feeling (which he never pushed) or for them to solve this case right now.  

 “I just never could wrap my brain around this, I’ve studied all these killers and awful people, but my mind can never understand how someone could take a child from their family because they’re so selfish,” Y/N said, her pent up emotions now being released to Spencer.

 “I know, it’s one of the many things we can never understand, we can only go on what we know, but we’re going to save Billy Y/N, you have to trust that,” Spencer said, giving Y/N some more hope as she thought about the little boy seeing his parents again. 

 “Thank you.” She walked over to Spencer who sat in a chair, his arm wrapped around her waist that met his shoulder. Giving her a reassuring squeeze, she smiled and placed her arm around his shoulder.

-------------  

 “How’s it going in there?” Y/N asked Rossi as she walked into the bullpen of the interrogation room. 

 “She’s gone through it with her a couple of times now, but things keep getting cloudy,” Rossi explained. “I think this is the last time she’s gonna do it with her.”

 Y/N nodded looking into the room, Sam sat with her eyes closed, small tears running down her face as she explained what she was seeing to Prentiss. 

 Soon Rossi and Y/N were joined by Perez and Hotch, who walked into the room just in time to hear the last of the cognitive interview.

 “No, no, no he couldn’t have done this,” Sam said, pleading not to Emily but mostly to herself. “You don’t understand he raised me in that house, he couldn’t have been doing that all these years.” 

 “She doesn’t want to believe it, I don’t blame her,” Y/N said as she watched Sam cry to Emily. 

 “J.B.’s friends with the whole town, never remarried, raised Sam by himself,” Perez explained. 

 “That’s why this is so painful for her, she doesn’t want to believe what he’s capable of,” Hotch said. 

 “But her memories tell her very differently,” Y/N added, her eyes never leaving Sam. 

 “Exactly,” Hotch agreed. 

 “Do you believe her?” Perez asked. 

 “It’s very hard to fake visceral reactions like that,” Hotch explained. 

 “Yeah, but she’s talking about a time of serious trauma, on a night she climbed into bed with her dying mother. That plus her age,” Rossi said, trailing off. 

 “It’s the perfect storm for a recovered memory,” Y/N added. 

 “Wasn’t that a huge therapy trend in the 80s?” Perez asked.

 “A lot of women manufactured memories of their fathers doing horrific things,” Rossi explained.

 “And a lot of misguided therapists convinced them that their nightmares were real,” Hotch added.

 “It was a huge waste of our resources,” Rossi said, mind going back to the time. “I’m, uh, not sure about this.”

 “I think she seems credible enough where we could have discreet rolling surveillance, don’t you agree, Hotch?” Y/N asked, turning to the man beside her. 

 “Yes, I think that would be wise,” Hotch complied. 

 “You’ll have to use your own team, ‘cause he’d recognize members of this force,” Perez explained. 

 “If he has Billy, he won’t hesitate to get rid of him,” Hotch explained. “Y/N you go get Reid, I’ll get a C.A.R.D. team member to join you two.” 

 Y/N nodded.              

 “Allen can’t know we suspect him,” Hotch continued, then dismissed Y/N to go get Spencer.

-

 Y/N sat next to Spencer, watching from a distance as an undercover C.A.R.D. member put a wire into an electrical box, pretending to fix it.

 “He’s acting so normal,” Y/N said as she watched J.B. unload his truck. 

 “He could not be our unsub,” Spencer said, eyes pressed against the binoculars.

 “Yeah, but you should’ve seen how Sam reacted to her memory, it was too emotional for it to be made up,” Y/N explained, moving back from the spot by the door. 

 Spencer's phone rang and he pulled it out answering the call from Hotch. 

 “Hey Hotch, you know if J.B. Allen is our unsub, he certainly doesn’t seem unhinged,” Spencer said after answering the phone. 

 “Yeah, he went to the market today, and then he stopped by his daughter’s nursery,” Y/N added as she leaned closer to the phone in Spencer’s hand. 

 “Right now we’re watching him landscaping,” Spencer explained. 

 “At his house?” Hotch asked. 

 “Yeah,” Spencer and Y/N said at the same time. 

 “Is it isolated?” 

 “Very isolated, there’s a lot of land,” Y/N explained. 

 “You remember what Garcia sent us on J.B. Allen? He started his contracting business in 1975, married Sam’s mom that same year, she died when Sam was five, as we know. He never remarried and despite the newer subdivisions he built, he stayed in the same house he shared with his wife,” Spencer said, reading off of the folder in his hand. 

 “So he’s either sentimental, or he didn’t sell because he’s customized the house to hide his victims,” Hotch said. 

 Y/N and Spencer looked at each other, both knowing that was probably the reason. 

 “We’ll hit you back if he gets anything else,” Y/N said to Hotch before Spencer hung up and the two continued to watch J.B.

 Y/N picked up a newspaper and pen that sat on the table in the van. She noticed the crossword puzzle and began to fill it out. 

 “What are you doing?” Spencer asked, sitting beside her, their shoulders bumping. 

 “I’m trying to solve this crossword puzzle,” she said, her eyes staying on the page as she filled out one of the blanks. 

 “That’s wrong.” Spencer pointed to the word that Y/N hadn’t even finished filling out.

 “What, how?” She asked her head turning to look at Spencer next to her. Their faces so close she could feel his light breath. 

 “The answer’s chlorine,” he corrected. She looked back down to the paper noticing how the word ‘sodium’ indeed wouldn’t fit. 

 “Well, Dr. Reid, why don’t you answer it,” she said, handing him the puzzle and pen. 

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

 “You just have to talk to him Sam,” Emily said to Sam over the phone. 

 Rossi and Emily had joined Spencer and Y/N in the van when Sam decided that she was going to go in with a wire on. Y/N sat next to Spencer while he did another crossword puzzle, both of their eyes going back and forth between the puzzle in his lap and the screen with the live video of the front of the house.

 “You can do this,” Emily told her before Sam hung up the phone and entered the home. 

 They all watched as Sam jumped out of her truck and walked into the house. They all listened through their earpieces as Sam walked into the house and greeted her father. 

 “Chili, you want some?” J.B. asked. 

 “It smells great, dad, but I can’t stay,” Sam answered. 

 “Since when? It’s my chili,” J.B. said. 

 “He’s not trying to get her out of there,” Rossi said, two fingers placed on the earpiece. 

 “Not yet at least,” Y/N said, looking back down to the puzzle Spencer had just finished. 

 “Hey, is my old catcher’s mitt still in the basement?” Sam asked. 

 “Yeah, why?” J.B. responded. 

 “I was thinking about coaching softball down at the rec,” Sam answered.

 Y/N listened to J.B.’s voice carefully as he responded to each thing Sam said. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she tried to pick out anything in his voice.

 “Is it still in the bin?” Sam asked. 

 “Yeah, let me get it,” J.B, said, their footsteps being heard as they started to walk. 

 Emily looked back at the three behind her, making a face showing that it was suspicious as to why he wouldn’t let her down there. He then explained that he had too many boxes and he wanted to start a yard sale the next week.  

 They all listened with intent as Sam walked through the basement. 

 “He let her go down there,” Rossi said. 

 “Yeah, but he hesitated,” Emily argued. 

 “He’s not acting like he’s got something to hide, Emily,” Rossi said looking at the woman. 

 “That’s how he’s gotten away with it,” Emily continued, her mindset on J.B. being guilty of something.

 “Yeah, but we don’t know that,” Y/N said. She did have the same feeling, but with the way J.B. was acting, it told her otherwise. 

 “You find it?” J.B.’s voice was heard, scaring not only Sam but Y/N also as she wasn’t expecting to hear it. 

 Her little jump made Spencer chuckle before apologizing when Rossi looked back at him.

 “Told you it was a mess down here,” J.B. continued. Sam and her father had a small conversation as they exited the basement. They came into view of the camera again as they stood out on the front porch, saying their goodbyes, and then Sam getting into her truck.

 Emily picked up her phone when Sam called. 

 “I’m so sorry,” Sam spoke. 

 “It’s okay, you did everything we asked,” Emily replied. 

 “There was nothing in the basement, I’m sorry,” she apologized again. Her truck then drove past the van as she hung up the phone, being done with the whole conversation. 

 “Now all we’ve got is the kid,” Rossi said. 

----------

    Y/N walked into the room with the crime boards, following behind Hotch and Rossi. She looked between the two men’s shoulders to see Emily standing with Sam, who had a horrified look on her face. 

 “Guys, Sam’s father gave her gifts, trophies from each abduction,” Emily explained to the three. 

 “That’s significant,” Rossi stated. 

 “I didn’t know that’s what they were.” Sam turned back to look at Rossi behind her, a pleading look on her face. 

 “We need to find out if Angel had a puppy the day he was taken,” Emily said looking at Hotch and Y/N. 

 “I’ll call JJ,” Y/N said, pulling her phone out and calling her number. 

 The phone rang three times before JJ answered. “Hey Y/N,” she said with a sigh. 

 “Hey, JJ, listen I need you to find out if Angel had a puppy the day he disappeared,” Y/N said getting straight to the point. 

 “A puppy?” JJ asked, confused.

 “Yeah,” Hotch confirmed.

 “Ohh...that’s right,” a distant woman was heard through the phone. “Some of the neighbors were giving them away that day, they had a whole box, but I wouldn’t let the boys keep one.”

 “You guys hear that?” JJ asked. 

 “Yes, thanks, JJ,” Hotch answered. 

 “Uh, wait, Hotch,” JJ said before they could hang up. “Um, we’re trying to get a dental match. He’s got old bite marks on him,” JJ explained. 

 At this Sam gasped. 

 “What is it?” Y/N asked her as she turned to her. 

 “Oh- my dad had his teeth recapped a few years ago. He said something like, ‘that’s what happens when you get older’ or whatever. He made a joke about it,” Sam explained as she began to cry again. 

 Hotch and Rossi looked at each other before they ran out of the room to get Perez before heading to J.B.’s house.

 Y/N stood with Emily and Sam as they discussed more of her father throughout her childhood. Spencer walked into the room about five minutes after Hotch and Rossi left to go to the house. 

 “Hey,” Y/N said, turning to Spencer. 

 “Hey,” he responded, his hand grazing against her back as he stood between her and Emily to look at the map.

 Emily turned to the boards, looking over the pictures. Her phone rang loudly. “You’re on speaker, Garcia,” she said, turning back to Sam, Y/N, and Spencer who stood at the table. 

 “So I tracked J.B. Allen’s property developments over the last thirty years. They’re all over the map-- well of Arizona, anyway. Sending it to you now, hope you can make more sense of it then I can,” Penelope said. 

 “Thanks, Garcia.” Emily hung up the phone then looked at the map Penelope sent. 

 “Sam, the one thing that your memory and Angel’s escape have in common is he was getting rid of both boys,” Y/N said, bringing Sam’s attention over to her. 

 “He would only do that if he had another boy waiting in the wings, that means he met his victims before,” Emily elaborated on what Y/N had just said. 

 “How? I mean, they’re hours apart,” Sam asked. 

 “Look at the towns-” Spencer said pointing down to the map- “He had subdivisions in all of them. Construction sites are a magnet for 10 to 12 year-old-boys,” he explained. 

 Sam got the horrified look on her face again as another memory came back to her. 

 “He-- he gave kids a ride on the backhoe all the time,” Sam stuttered. “They would just line up for it.” 

 The three agents looked at each other knowing that was where he was finding them. 

 “My God-- I-I didn’t know.”

 “It’s okay you couldn’t have,” Y/N said comforting her. 

 Emily quickly called Hotch. “We found his target-rich environment,” she said after Hotch answered. 

 “The construction sites?” He asked. 

 “Yeah,” Emily quickly responded.

 “See if Sam remembers a particular one that he took her to frequently,” Hotch said.

 “Just one place?” Emily asked. 

 “He keeps his victims for years, the burial sites would be someplace special,” he answered. 

 “Is there a favorite place your dad likes to go?” Emily asked, looking at Sam. 

 She lifted her head up to look at her. “You mean like the- the lake or something?” She asked.

 “No, someplace probably having to do with his work, one he’s proud of,” Y/N explained. 

 “His first development,” she said looking up to Emily.

 “Where is it?” Emily asked.

 “In Mesa, every few years he adds on to it.” Sam’s words made the three-stop and look at her 

 “He adds another house?” Y/N asked, raising her eyebrows. 

 “He says that it’s the place that reminds him how he got started, it set the foundation for everything,” Sam explained.

 “Did you hear that?” Emily asked Hotch and Rossi on the phone. 

 “Loud and clear,” Rossi responded. 

------------ 

 Y/N watched as Hotch brought Billy into the room where his parents were. A smile on her face as she was finally able to be relieved from her worries from the case.

 Spencer stood beside her, placing an arm around her as he gave her a light hug. Her hand reached up to his chest, laying it there and resting her head on his shoulder. The two turned their heads to watch as J.B. was brought in by Rossi. Watching as Sam began to get choked up with tears as her father was arrested for all the cruel things he did that she never even knew about.   

 The team sat on the plane later that night. Most of them were asleep, but Y/N was wide awake. 

 Her eyes watched out the window, mind on the words that J.B. said to his daughter, “He says it's the place that got him started, that set the foundation for everything.” The words brought her back to her college years, specifically Caroline, and how she would always say that this was just the start. It was the first thing she said after tormenting one of Y/N’s friends for the first time. 

 “You alright, sweets? You’re crying,” Spencer asked from his seat across from her. 

 She hadn’t even noticed the stream of tears that were falling from her eyes. Her hand reached up and wiped her face. 

 “Ye-yeah, I’m good, sorry, I was just, um, thinking about what J.B. told Sam about his property in Mesa, it brought me back to something Caroline used to say,” she explained to him. 

 He looked at her with a sad expression, his hand reaching across the small table between them for hers. She placed her hand in his as he gave it a squeeze. 

 “She’s not here, Y/N, and I won’t let her hurt you again, I promise,” he told her with a serious face. 

 She didn’t take the promise to heart. She knew he couldn’t stop everything from happening, but she was happy that she had him there to be by her side no matter what. 

 “Thank you, Spence.” He gave her another squeeze as a way of saying you’re welcome. “You know, bub, you should get some sleep, those dark circles under your eyes make you look terrible,” she joked. 

 “Oh, my dark circles are terrible? You should see yours,” Spencer responded with a light laugh. 

 They sat and joked for a while before Y/N became tired and started to fall asleep in her chair.

 When she woke up the plane had just landed. It was early in the morning still, too early if you asked Y/N. After she grabbed her bag, she made her way to her car to go home. 

 “Y/N wait,” Spencer said, as he walked up behind her. “You promised me cuddles.” 

 His words were sweet and his tone was pleading as he gave her puppy dog eyes. She smiled at him, knowing he wasn’t going to back down. 

 “Okay, get it, we’ll have a movie cuddle date,” she said unlocking her car and placing her bag in the back. Spencer doing the same, then grabbing her arm and pulling her close. 

 “One thing,” he said placing his lips on hers. Her hands grabbed his sides, while his own cradled her face. The sweet kiss was full of love and tasted like lousy coffee, but the kiss made the butterflies in Y/N’s stomach fly around anyway. 

 “Ah, gross, get a room,” Emily said with a laugh as she saw the two kissing. 

 “Get some, Pretty boy,” Derek said chuckling while he passed them heading to his own car. 

 “Okay, let’s go,” Y/N said after she pulled away and got into the car, Spencer getting in right behind her.

Tag List (let me know if you want to be added!!):

@throughparisallthroughrome​ @word-scribbless​ @nintendumbfuck​ @confused-and-really-hungry​ @justine-en​ @andiebeaword​ @itsarayofsunshine​ @baby-i-am-fireproof​ @abitofeverythinggg​ @nanocoool​ @marceline-is-my-spirit-animal​ @fancyfaucet​ @im-a-raging-gay​ @atletino​

#spencer reid #spencer reid imagine #criminal minds #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds meme #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch hotchner #derek morgan #derek morgan imagine

[itsmyblogandillreblogifiwantto]

Poker and Cigar Night

Authors note: Hello everyone! This is my first time writing Fiction in about ten years, so please be aware, it may not be great! This has been in my drafts for a month or so now, and I finally wrote it as the full thing tonight! Please enjoy!

--- / Italics = Time skip

Notes:

Series 5 slight spoiler and a reference to Brooklyn 99.

Possible triggers: Swearing, smoking (cigarettes), drugs (weed & cocaine) and poker.

Word count: 2K

Another week is almost over at the FBI and the team are all wrapping up the last case, back at Quantico. Y/N sighs, one more statement to type up and she is done. She rubs her temples, and looks at her empty coffee cup, then to her boyfriend Spencer, who is working opposite her and looks just as tired as her. “Would you like another coffee boo?” She asks grabbing her mug and putting her other hand out for Spencer’s.

“Yes please pumpkin.” He replies, kissing her hand meant for the mug which makes her giggle and then he places the mug gently in her hand. Even after dating Spencer for 3 years nearly, Y/N is just both still as in love with Spencer as she was back then. Spencer has always called her ‘Pumpkin’ as she loves Halloween just as much as him, and he will do anything to make her smile, especially as they deal with such awful things at work.

Y/N goes over to the coffee machine, where Penelope and Derek are there kissing. “Come on, not in front of the coffee machine guys.” Y/N groans, pretending the coffee machine has eyes and covers it.

“Not like you and pretty boy haven’t kissed over here whilst waiting for the coffee to brew cupcake.” Morgan chuckles, as Y/N rolls her eyes. She and Derek grew up on the same tough neighbourhood, and are best friends, having always had each-others backs since they were little.

“Do you guys want a cup or are you going to continue snogging?” Y/N asks topping up her mug keeping it black and adding an unhealthy amount of sugar for her sugar loving boyfriend.

“Yes please!” Penelope says, handing you her cactus mug and Derek’s mug which you top up.

“Before I forget to tell you, Rossi is hosting his monthly poker and cigar night tomorrow, are you and pretty boy coming?” Derek asks taking a sip of his coffee.

“Can you bring a dessert if you come? I have a craving for your cheesecake.” Penelope says to you, as she sips her coffee. Everyone loves these nights, it is a chance for you all to un-wind, get drunk and stay in Rossi’s mansion. Last time Emily brought some cocaine and you all got a bit giggly.

“I’m in.” You smile, “I’ll see what Spencer is doing but as far as I’m aware, he has no plans.” You grab yours and Spencer’s mugs again, and Spencer’s desk. “Boo, Rossi is holding another poker night tomorrow, are you in? I’m going, and I’ll be making a cheesecake.” You say, putting Spencer’s mug down at his desk, noticing he changed his background (or asked Penelope to do it) to a photo of you and him on Halloween nearly 3 years ago, the same day he asked you to be his girlfriend. The photo always makes you smile, because you are both such goofs for Halloween.

Spencer adjusts his crutches by his desk, so they don’t fall on you as you sit on the edge of his desk, and sips his coffee. “Sure.” He smiles as you give Derek a thumbs up, “Would you like to stay over tonight pumpkin? I don’t like being alone in my apartment at the moment, especially after being shot.” Spencer says to you, with puppy eyes.

“Of course, boo.” You yawn and take a long sip of your coffee. Spencer kisses your hand again, as you giggle looking down at your converse.

“How many statements do you have left pumpkin?” Spencer asks. “Just one, plus a German statement translation for Rossi.” You smile, you are nowhere near as clever as Spencer, but you do speak 10 languages fluently.

Hotch walks over. “Are you going tomorrow Hotch?” You ask him, getting up from Spencer’s desk, as Hotch nods, “Of course Y/N.” He smiles at you. For some reason, Hotch only seems to smile at you, and it is clear you are his favourite.

“Ah, wonderful! I shall make pasta for all and I hope it’s lemon cheesecake Y/N.” Rossi winks at you.

At Spencer’s apartment the following evening…

“There.” You smile, adjusting Spencer’s tie. “All handsome.” As you go on your tip toes to kiss Spencer on the lips, which Spencer returns.

“You look stunning Y/N, I can’t believe you are all mine.” He smiles even wider. Whilst dating Spencer, you wore make up and he always told you that you looked beautiful without it, and for nearly 3 years now, you haven’t worn it since. “Are you nearly ready pumpkin?” Spencer asks you, as you nod booping his nose, and go back to putting your hoop earrings in.

15 minutes later, you get in the car Rossi sent for you holding Spencer’s hand with one, and the cheesecake with the other. The driver puts your bags with spare clothes and pyjamas for you both in the boot.

---

After half an hour, you arrive at Rossi’s mansion. “I’ll never tire of how big it is.” You say, holding Spencer’s hand. “Title of your sex tape.” Spencer smirks at you, making you blush slightly. “You’re such a fucking dork. I mean the mansion.” You say, giggling at the Brooklyn 99 reference, which is one of your favourite shows to watch together. You walk to the door slowly as Spencer says, “I am your fucking dork.” and uses his cane to ring the bell.

“Ah, there you cuties are!” Penelope says, as she opens the door with JJ.

“She brought pudding!” JJ smiles taking the cheesecake off you to put in the fridge.

“I also brought him. He says he is a pretty boy, so I said he can come.” You smile as Spencer blushes and nuzzles his head into your shoulder as you walk into the mansion.

“What would you like to drink boo?” You ask Spencer, helping him sit down.

“I have beer, wine and fruit cocktails.” Rossi says pouring a glass of wine for himself.

“Whatever you’re having pumpkin.” Spencer says, putting his crutches next to him as you nod, and take a beer for you both, handing one to him.

The night progresses, and Rossi knocks it out the park, as usual with a fantastic pasta dish. “Grazie Rossi.” You say as he hands out your cheesecake, as everyone tucks in immediately.

“This cheesecake is so good Y/N.” Penelope says as she licks her plate.

“Shit me it’s good.” Emily says taking another slice.

“I got to lick the bowl when she made me one yesterday, for recipe testing purposes.” Spencer says, squeezing your hand gently.

“You’re so lucky kid. A fine woman and one that makes desserts.” Derek says

“I know.” Spencer smiles, nodding as he kisses your cheek.

“I’m right here chocolate thunder. I can hear you.” Penelope says glaring at Derek.

“Poker time everyone.” Rossi says as he hands out the cards.

Two games have gone by, and Spencer has won them both. You’re all getting pretty drunk now too, as the alcohol keeps flowing. “Y/N, please don’t let Spencer win the third game.” Aaron says, in a typical Dad tone.

“Sir, I cannot control my pretty boy.” Y/N says as seriously as she can without giggling.

“Except in bed.” A drunk Spencer whispers in your ear, making you blush.

By the third game…

“Oh fuck yes, come to Mama.” You smile, as you finally win a game and take your winnings as everyone groans.

“I think that calls for a cigar.” Rossi says, “Boys, let’s go over to the tree and leave the ladies alone for a bit. Ladies, my staff will bring you over cigars.” He informs.

“Oh good, I can get these out now.” Emily says getting some joints out.

“I’ll take some of those for evidence.” Aaron says taking a couple.

“Evidence? Suuureee.” JJ slurs making you all giggle.

By the tree…

“I can’t believe I have been with Y/N for nearly three years now.” Spencer says as he lights his cigar, passing the lighter to Derek.

“Thanks kid.” Derek says lighting up. “That means I have been with baby girl for nearly 7.” He says trying to work it out in his head.

“Take it from me Derek, always remember.” Aaron says as he takes a puff from his cigar.

Rossi nods in agreement, “You love her don’t you, kid?” He asks Spencer who is staring at you from the tree.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t be walking as well as I am if it wasn’t for Y/N. She’s been to all of my appointments and therapy with me.” Spencer smiles and lets out a puff of smoke from his cigar.

The guys continue chatting meanwhile, at the girls table…

“I always feel like I am back working at a Gentleman’s club when I have a cigar.” Y/N says, remembering back to when she worked at one in her late teenage years.

“I feel fancy as fuck.” Penelope says finishing off her glass of wine and pours everyone another glass.

“You are fancy as fuck.” You, JJ and Emily somehow all manage to say at the same time, before laughing.

---

“They are clearly having too much fun over there. We should go back.” Hotch says, hearing the girls laugh at yet another joke.

“Yeah, the joints are out now.” Derek says

“Last time Y/N was stoned she wrote a poem about why she loved me and told it to me in Russian. I still have it somewhere.” Spencer says, laughing at the memory of the last Poker night you all had. “Isn’t that right pumpkin?” He asks wrapping his arm around your waist, as you giggle.

“Yeah. I don’t know what you said, but yeah. Totally remember.” You say as you pass the joint to him, which he takes a puff of and sits back in his chair and invites you to sit on his lap.

“I don’t want to hurt you boo.” You say to Spencer.

“You won’t pumpkin. I promise.” Spencer says softly, as he tucks your hair behind your ear.

“What a fun night this has been.” Aaron says, as he sips his whiskey.

“Did you use a positive word Hooch?!” Penelope says, sipping a cocktail and putting the umbrella from it in Aaron’s hair.

“Yes, I did.” Aaron says glaring at you, as you take a photo before Aaron notices it’s there.

“I’m so glad this case is over. We all needed this to unwind. Thank you Rossi.” You say to him

“You’re welcome Y/N.” Rossi smiles as he pours himself another whiskey.

You light up a cigarette and snuggle into Spencer’s arms as you are a bit cold. “Aw, you cold pumpkin?” Spencer asks you, wrapping his jacket around your shoulders as you shudder.

“Can I take one pumpkin? I left my cigarettes in my work jacket.” Spencer asks you.

“You don’t need to ask boo.” You insist and hand him one with your lighter.

An hour later, you all call it a night, and take a guest room each.

“That was such a lovely evening.” You say to Spencer as you get out of your dress, and into your pyjamas.

“It was pumpkin.” Spencer says as he takes his mis-matched socks off and gets into bed, opening his arms for you to cuddle into.

You cuddle into Spencer’s arms, “I love you Spence.” You smile looking up at him.

Spencer kisses your nose and smiles, “I love you too Y/N.” He smiles before biting his lip.

“What is it boo?” You ask, noticing him bite his lip, a sign of him being nervous about something that is on his mind.

“I was just thinking... It’s ok if you don’t want to. I’ve really appreciated you staying with me whilst my knee recovers, helping me shower, go to all of my appointments, see my Mum with me or on my behalf, helping me get ready, being a fucking amazing girlfriend...” Spencer began. “Would you like to move in with me?” He asks

“I’d love to boo.” You smile up at him. “Goodnight.” You say kissing his lips.

“Goodnight pumpkin.” Spencer smiles returning the kiss. “How did I get so lucky?” He thought to himself, as you both went to sleep.

Taglist: @pumpkin-goob​ @hopebaker​ @aperrywilliams​

*Part 2 coming soon!*

#spencer reid #spencer x reader #Criminal Minds #spencer reid fluff #Matthew Gray Gubler #my fics