#I volunteer to help decorate and i get really like. OK IS IT THAT HARD TO LINE UP THE CIELING LANTERNS WITH EACHOTHER. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jujutsubaby · 3 months

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🩷 sex drive 🩷

☆ pairing: toji fushiguro x afab!reader ☆ summary: you go to a valentine's day blood drive at work. maybe it's just that you've been single for too long, but isn't the volunteer drawing your blood kinda...? well, let's just say you wouldn't mind exchanging a few other bodily fluids with him, too. ☆ tags: modern au, workplace au ☆ warnings: 18+!! MINORS DNI!! dirty talk, oral sex (f!recieving), slight exhibitionism, daddy kink ☆ a/n: happy valentine's day (again)!! another quick little treat for u all hehe...inspired by my real life experience of going to a valentine's day blood drive (except for the fun parts ofc lmao).

you knew you should have made up an excuse and stayed home today. you hate to be a cliche bitter ass single woman who's not getting any younger on valentine's day, but it's hard not to play to type when the whole office is decorated in cutesy pinks and reds. it definitely doesn't help that your boss, suguru, keeps getting visits every 15 minutes from his boyfriend satoru.

"ugh, what's with the pda?" you grumble at what feels like satoru's 30th visit to suguru's open cubicle. "haven't you two been together for, like, a thousand years already?" your coworker utahime helpfully makes gagging noises to emphasize your point.

"hey now, y/n, you KNOW that i'm the head of marketing and suguru's the head of sales! i can't help it if he and i have lots of important things to discuss," satoru protests with puppy dog eyes.

"i didn't realize important marketing meetings involve sitting on coworkers' laps now," utahime mumbles, and the pair of you giggle conspiratorially.

however, as the day goes on and utahime keeps receiving increasingly elaborate flower arrangements delivered to her from her doctor girlfriend shoko, you find yourself feeling more glum than ever. you decide to go out for a stroll, hoping the cold february air will slap some sense into you.

unfortunately, not even five minutes after you set out, droplets of threatening rain turn into a torrential downpour. you curse; in your mopey mood this morning, you totally forgot to check the forecast!

you really don't want to go back into the lovefest of your office right now, so you start looking desperately around for a rescue — an underhang to stand under, anything.

that's when you see a bright red sign advertising a blood drive for valentine's day being held at your neighboring building. that could be an interesting idea. at least this way, you can tell yourself you did a good deed on valentine's day instead of just complaining the whole time. even more appealingly, you see that it'll take about an hour, which is one less hour you'll have to spend around satoru's soppy nicknames for suguru. after shooting a quick text to your team's group chat informing them of your last minute appointment, you decide to brave the rain and head over, hoping there's an opening for a walk-in.

you enter the room where the blood drive is taking place, praying you don't look too much like a drowned rat. your self-consciousness melts away and you smile brightly when you see a familiar face.

"shoko! you're volunteering here today?"

"oh, hey y/n," your quiet friend replies, giving you a small smile back. "yeah, utahime and i have a date nearby this evening, so i thought i might as well sign up. what time was your appointment for?"

"well, uh, i didn't exactly make an appointment..." you say awkwardly. "are walk-ins ok?"

"no problem, we got a lot of no-shows today anyway," shoko replies with a subtle roll of her eyes. she then hands you a clipboard and a pen. "just fill this out, and i'll get you screened and set up and everything."

you gratefully take the clipboard and head into the tiny compartment curtained off at the side of the room, presumably to give donors some privacy as they get screened. you fill out the form (trying not to think of your stupid ex boyfriend when you encounter the questions about your sex life), and once you're done, you poke your head back outside of the compartment.

"i'm ready now, shoko," you call. when your friend doesn't answer, you crane your neck around to the desk where she had been sitting. "shoko?"

"she just went on break," a husky, masculine voice replies from behind you. "i'll be taking over." you look back and are immediately floored by what just has to be the finest specimen of the male form you've ever seen, clad in obscenely tight scrubs that emphasize every bulging muscle. focus!!

"oh thanks doctor...um...fushiguro," you read from his nametag. he's so tall that it happens to be at your eye level, giving you quite a nice eyeful of his firm, muscular chest. what business did men have being this tall, anyway?!

"just call me toji," he says casually, grinning down at you. he takes the clipboard from your outstretched hands and jerks his head back towards the compartment you had been waiting in. "let's head back there so we have more...privacy." maybe it's just your imagination, but you could have sworn he smirked when he said that. you take deep breaths to suppress the unholy thoughts you're having, and you follow him back into the side room.

when you push the curtain aside and go in after him, you see he's already settled into one of the two chairs crammed into the tight space that he's clearly a little too large for. as you daintily resume your position in your own chair, he shifts and splays his long legs out, brushing your thigh with his knee. you inhale sharply.

he clears his throat and pulls out a pair of reading glasses from his breast pocket before reading your questionnaire. he nods at your answers (although you can't help but turn beet red as his eyes scan over the section about when you last had a new sex partner).

"looks fine to me. let's take your blood pressure now...y/n" he says, positively purring when he sounds out your name. "beautiful name for a beautiful girl," he says with a roguish wink, making you turn even redder than you ever knew was possible. was he making you uncomfortable on purpose?!

"mind taking your top off?" he asks, rummaging around in the drawer in front of him.

"i'm sorry?!" you choke out. that was a freebie! happy fucking valentine's day to you!

"oh, sorry, i meant so i can put the bp monitor around your arm. i don't know if you can roll your sleeves up in that blouse," he says, looking up from the drawer. you notice his eyes on your breasts, and you realize that you of course had worn your white button down over your lacy black camisole on the day mother nature decided to get you soaking wet. you must look like such a hussy!

you quickly unbutton your blouse and show him your arm to wrap the thick velcro band around, trying hard to avoid eye contact. it doesn't matter, though; you can feel his eyes boring into you like lasers. why does he have to be so hot?! you hope being in his presence won't throw off your blood pressure reading...you can feel your pulse going a little haywire.

As he tightens the band and starts the measurement, toji starts making small talk.

"so, you doing anything for valentine's day?"

ugh. anything but this topic.

"no," you reply simply, hoping not to broker further discussion.

he presses on, not taking your cue (or if he did, he ignored it.)

"no? what, your partner doesn't celebrate?"

toji reads out your bp measurement to you, but you don't even pay attention to it as you notice his hand brushing the side of your breast as he unwraps the bp monitor's band from your exposed arm. you gulp as you realize only the thin satiny layer of your cami is keeping his hands from touching your tits.

"uh..ah.." you say, hoping he doesn't notice the effect his one brief physical touch had on you, "n-no...my ex-boyfriend and i broke up a few months ago already." you don't mention how you saw him in your bed on your birthday in the arms of another person.

toji looks up at you from darkly hooded eyes.

"his loss...i know i'd treasure valentine's day with a pretty little thing like you."

just like that, toji snaps back into professional mode again, leaving you reeling once more from his flirtatious behavior. he was way too handsome to be acting like this on a dime! a girl like you could get ideas...

"i'm going to do a thumbprick now to get a quick reading on your blood. is that ok with you?"

you nod, and he grins at you.

"that's my girl," he hums in a low voice.

then, before you're even able to process what's happening, he takes your hand and engulfs it in his own. he then begins rubbing your hand back and forth, and you feel a small frisson of pleasure at the sensation of his callouses against your small, soft fingers.

"noticed your skin was a little cold, so i thought i'd warm your hand up before taking the sample," he explained, but you're hardly able to even listen to him as you enjoy the blissful sensation of his hands rubbing yours. his fingers were so long and thick, and so dextrous... how would those fingers feel somewhere else...no! stop! what are you thinking?! you've definitely been single for too long.

"all right, y/n," toji murmurs gently. "you're just going to feel a small prick...sorry about that..." he takes the sample and puts it into a machine for processing. he then reaches back into the drawer and withdraws a digital thermometer.

"while we're waiting for that to finish, let's take your temperature." you nod and extend your hands to take the thermometer from him, but he ignores you and instead roughly takes your chin in one of his huge, warm hands, tilting your head up towards his chest.

"open up for me now, y/n" he purrs, your name sounding like the sweetest and most beautiful sound you've ever heard when it's coming from his mouth; you can't help but comply. he gently inserts the thermometer under your tongue, and you note his eyes lingering on your lips for much longer than they have to. embarrassingly, you notice heat pooling between your legs, and tension twisting by your belly button. you could get used to this...all too soon, though, the thermometer beeps, and he takes it out. toji clicks his tongue as he reads the small display.

"99 degrees even," he reads out. "now that's a surprise."

"what? why's that?" you ask, confused. how could a body temperature be surprising?

"well, our cutoff is 99.5, and i was sure you'd be way too hot," he says with a laugh and another wink. you giggle back demurely; you can't help but act all girlish and coquettish with someone like him. you've never seen a man in real life wink so much, but you find you don't mind. it suits him.

"all right, y/n, let's go get some blood drawn!" he says enthusiastically, rising from his chair. you follow suit. he reaches around you (did his arm just brush your breasts again?) and opens the curtain for you. "after you, princess."

you used to hate when your ex called you "princess"...but when toji called you that, it sounded like the doors to the heavens opened and angels were singing. you'll definitely be thinking about that for awhile. probably before bedtime, and probably while touching yourself. you sigh and exit the small room before hopping up onto one of the cots that were brought to the building for the blood drive.

toji pops a small stress ball into your hand. "now, make a fist for me," he says, using his fingers to close yours, "and start squeezing that." he squeezes his fist around yours. it wasn't so confusing of an instruction that you needed a demonstration, and you're beginning to suspect that toji's making excuses to keep touching you. not that you mind, exactly.

you keep squeezing, and he examines the tender inside of your elbow. "that's a gorgeous vein you've got there, princess. this'll be easy for me," he murmurs seductively, and you blush. you've never been complimented on a vein, of all things, before.

soon, toji pierces your arm (pursing his lips sympathetically as you emit a sharp gasp, which of course makes you stare at his lips), and your blood is pumping merrily into a bag. you decide to make conversation with him, this time.

"how about you, toji? i'm sure someone like you has big plans for valentine's day, right?" you ask, raising your eyebrows suggestively.

"oh, yeah," he chuckles. "if you count getting high and watching magnolia for the millionth time big plans. i don't really go for that stuff," he says.

"i love paul thomas anderson," you say huskily, trying to flutter your eyelashes at him. it's been a long time since you've flirted, and you're probably embarrassing yourself. "you know what the perfect film of his for today would be, though?"

"what's that, princess?"

you smirk. "there will be blood."

toji lets out a huge laugh in spite of himself, and you smile proudly. flirtation successful!

soon, your blood has filled the small bag, and toji removes the needle, pressing gauze to the wound. the feel of his hands pressing into your arm is one of the most blissful things you've felt all week. he asks you to continue maintaining the pressure, and you feel like whining that it won't feel as nice as when he does it before remembering where you are and complying. you watch as he picks up your sample and sorts it in with the others; you feel a bit shy, seeing him manhandle your little blood bag like that. it feels so intimate.... you gulp as you imagine him manhandling you like that.

"all right, y/n, now you just need to rest for twenty minutes, and you'll be good to go." you start climbing out from the cot, feeling a little disappointed that your short, exciting interaction with toji is coming to an end. oh well. some excitement is better than none.

"we have some cookies for the donors in the seating area," he continues. "lucky you...i'd love a little taste of something sweet right about now..."

ok, it definitely wasn't your imagination — he positively growled that last sentence, and he was eyeing you. as you get up, you notice you're a little shaky on your feet; you realize that you actually hadn't eaten lunch before coming, since you'd been in such a rush to get away. you list and sway dangerously to one side, but a pair of strong arms braces you. you let your head fall back onto a perfectly firm, taut chest.

"careful, there, sweetheart" toji whispers in your ear, his breath tickling your sensitive skin as he lifts you up. you try not to think too much about how your back is pressed into him right now. "i think i'd better keep an eye on you." he walks you over to the front of the room, bracing your back against himself the whole way over. he leads you to the front of the room, where there are folding chairs and a card table with a small platter of supermarket cookies as promised. as shoko had alluded earlier, the blood drive was not busy at all. in fact, it was completely empty currently; just you and toji, alone in this room... you feel yourself getting faint again, but not for the same reason.

"y'know, princess..." toji says, sitting again with his legs splayed out over the chair across from you as you nibble a chocolate chip cookie. "my shift's ending right about...when your observation period ends."

you tilt your head inquisitively at him, hoping you knew why he was saying this. he leans forward, the flimsy plastic chair creaking under the weight of his solid muscle. what you'd let that muscle do to you...

"i don't think that i, as a medical professional, can let you go back to work today..." he continues. "i think you'd better go home after this." then, he smiles deviously. "and i think i'd better take you back, just to give you a...full examination."

it takes all of your restraint not to fling the rest of the cookie down and jump his bones right then and there. instead, you reply,

"i think i'd appreciate the house call." you do your best to make your voice ooze with suggestion so he knows you're picking up what he's putting down.

after what feels like the slowest fifteen minutes of your life, it's finally time to leave. just as toji's shift is about to end, shoko returns from her break, and you take the opportunity to ask her to have utahime bring your things back home from the office for you. since they're your neighbors, you can pick them up later tonight. or perhaps, tomorrow morning...just in case tonight gets a little too busy.

"something came up," you explain to her breathlessly, but you know shoko notices toji's hand creeping up the small of your back.

"have fun," shoko says to the both of you, only slightly judgmental but mostly encouraging.

since you took the bus to work that morning and toji refuses to wait a moment longer than he has to to commence your "examination," he insists on driving you back in his car. you both practically sprint through the parking lot, and he breaks at least three traffic laws zooming back to your apartment in the rain as you yell directions. for a doctor, he sure is awfully reckless.

finally, finally, after an agonizingly long wait, you're at your building. you're about to climb out of the car, but toji is way ahead of you, opening the door for you. you are about to climb out and jokingly thank him for his chivalry when he unceremoniously scoops you out of your seat and swings you over his shoulder. you shriek with laughter.

"toji! put me down!"

you're also all too aware that you're wearing a pretty short skirt that day.

"sorry, princess," he says smoothly. "it's protocol. i can't have you walking back in just in case you pass out, or something."

you're about to ask if he's even been to medical school when he shoves your key into your apartment door, slams it open, and, equally roughly, slams your back against the wall. the breath is shoved out of your lungs as he immediately captures your mouth with his, swallowing any potential protest you might have had (which you didn't, you absolutely didn't. not even close.). he carries your entire weight easily as he shuts the door behind him with his foot; you're hardly paying attention, though, as you're too busy widening your mouth and entangling your tongue with his. you greedily bite down on his lip, and he growls in response.

"let's get you to the examination table," he groans. you wrap your legs around his narrow waist, and he carries you haphazardly to your dining table, crashing into and knocking over furniture along the way. carrying you with one arm, he carelessly clears the table with his other before plopping you onto the tabletop. he kneels before your legs and tears off your tights in one swift motion.

"i hope you're planning to help clean up—" you start, but your breath hitches in your throat as he begins kissing up your ankle, then your calf...then your thigh...he gets slower and slower as he gets closer to where you most want him to go. you try to shift forward on the table to bring your throbbing center closer to him, but he holds you firmly in place with two powerful hands clamped on your hips.

"patience, princess..."

you close your eyes and start taking deep breaths, but the moment is disrupted by an annoying loud vibration against the wooden tabletop.

"who the fuck is 'ryomen sukuna?'" toji scoffs, "and why do you have a heart next to his name? you been lyin' to me, princess? have you been naughty?"

"no," you breathe, and it comes out as a whine. "no, daddy, i've been a good girl, promise. please..."

"'please' what, princess? help daddy out here," he purrs with a wicked grin. just then, your stupid phone vibrates again, and you're about to pick it up and throw it out the window when toji wrests it from your grip.

"your idiot ex, i'm guessing?" he asks. all you can do is nod, the words robbed from you.

"well, my professional recommendation is...for you to tell him to fuck off."

"i will, toji, i promise," you pant. "please, just ignore him, i promise, he's nothing to me."

"you're not listening to me, princess..." toji says in a low, dangerous voice. "i want you to tell him to fuck off. right. now." he slides the answer button on your phone and hands it to you before you can protest.

"h-hello?" you say, trying to keep your voice steady. "sukuna?"

"heyyyy, y/n....missed hearing your voice, boo," sukuna coos, clearly inebriated. you scoff in disgust; it's only four in the afternoon. sukuna was such a mess.

"what do you want, sukuna? i thought i w-was..." you start out assertively, but your resolve is breaking as a practiced tongue once again starts swirling its way up your legs, alternating between your left and right thighs. you clench your toes and grit your teeth before continuing.

"i was ... clear...that ... that we're o-over," you say, the last word coming out as a moan as you feel a set of teeth pulling off your panties ever so gently.

"baby, i told you!" sukuna whines. "uraume's nothin' to me, babe! they're just a friend! you're my one and only, baby!"

even in the midst of the sensory overload occurring in your bottom half, you still roll your eyes. yeah, "just friends" made out in bed naked all the time, right?

"i want you to...to...s-stop.." you pant, as sukuna finally picks up on your strange manner of speech.

"hold on, y/n, is someone there with you?" he snarls, his famous temper rising to the forefront. "you whoring it up with another guy already?"

at that, toji grabs the phone from you and growls into it, "seems like she finally decided she needs a real man, not some cheatin' asshole who can't appreciate her properly!"

the moment he finishes talking, toji leans back into your thighs and finally plunders you with his tongue, raising the phone to your mouth in time for you to moan sinfully into it as sukuna is arguing back. toji doesn't even bother hanging up as he throws the phone across the room.

toji grips your thighs tightly enough to leave bruises as he feasts on you, and you wrap your legs around him, tangle your hands in his short hair, and squirm in delight. it doesn't take you very long to come undone under his practiced mouth.

he rises back to his feet, licking his lips.

"finally got to satisfy my sweet tooth today," he says mischievously. you grab the v-neck of his shirt and tug him closer to you aggressively.

"take me to bed. it's your turn next," you declare authoritatively. then, you kiss him fiercely, tasting yourself on his lips and tongue.

"your wish is my command, princess," he replies with a dark chuckle, before lifting you, bridal style, to your bedroom.

this was shaping up to be a great valentine's day after all.

#jjk #jujutsu kaisen toji #toji fushiguro #toji zenin #toji x reader #fushiguro toji #jjk fanfiction #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen smut #toji fushiguro x y/n #toji fushiguro x you #jjk modern au #toji fushiguro x reader

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lalizah · 8 months

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This is more than enough (Adam x Val)

thanks to @wayhavenficexchange for organizing such a lovely event and for letting me have the opportunity to write Val and Adam goodness for the amazing @grapecaseschoices. Hope you enjoy it!

Author’s note: Hi lovely! I know my ask said kdrama au but unfortunately life had other plans and I decided to write this instead. I hope you like it because I loved writing Val, they have completely made a home in my heart. Have a great great day love, and I hope you enjoy it!

Characters do not belong to me

Warning: Fluffyyyyyy

TW: Bobby Appearance

Adam masks his discomfort with an indifferent and stoic expression as he surveys the town’s annual summer fair. The town square is decorated with the most vibrant flower arrangements, balloons and strings hanging off of every surface, high and low, and all the town’s people dressed in their best, most colourful attires. Stalls line the streets, the town's residents playing vendors and customers for the day, and cheerful conversations occuring between the town residents as they applaud and appreciate their friends' efforts. How he was cajoled into attending this loud, sense-piercing event is beyond him. He was supposed to be the very picture of infallible leadership, he was meant to be seen as a force you couldn’t just mess with, meant to be in the training room or the battlefield- didn’t matter either way because that is where he was meant to be.

Val walks up to him and hands him a scoreboard and there he realizes that despite his best efforts to be intimidating and stoic, this one person can break his walls, his resolve and whatever reservations that hold him down. He finds it frustrating, and he finds himself particularly pathetic. When Val had announced that they'd be attending the fair and also manning Tina’s water gun shooting contest stall, he’d volunteered to help watch over the detective simply because he believed Felix and Val would end up getting distracted from their tasks and really, Adam was nothing but efficient and wanted to keep an out for the detective. That was it. Picture of professionalism. Professionalism led to Adam begrudgingly agreeing to help Val set the stall as the rest of Unit Bravo went to explore or to go brood under a tree. Felix had left with a smug grin as well as an unnecessary comment about how Val had Adam wrapped around their finger, prompting Mason to say something very inappropriate that made Adam grumble, prompting a laugh from Val. His resolve, as well as the furrow settled on his brows had softened at that sound; the thought -that he’d do anything to see them smile like that, to see their beautiful blue eyes light up that way, especially if he was the reason to illicit their joy- crossed his mind and he found it slightly alarming that the thought didn’t disturb him in the slightest. In fact, he found himself looking forward to the prospect. The stall was tiny, incredibly so and he had to fight to keep his focus on setting it up as he and Val brushed hands, legs and sides whilst working. “You sure you’re ok with this? I can manage it fine by myself, and you can keep watch over there.” Val juts their chin towards the lone spot where Mason has settled, smoke curling from his cigarette. I want to be here, next to you, he thinks. “Whether I find the task favourable or not isn’t important. It is to be completed and I will do so.” Adam reassures, trying hard to ignore the warmth spreading through his chest at their concern.

“Only if you're sure.”

“I am certain. I didn’t see you happy about it either. However, it doesn't matter. I find my present company makes this duty less bothersome.” The admittance earns him a slight gape from Val before they smile that sweet smile and Adam is suddenly very glad he didn’t keep it to himself. Val clears their throat before they send a cheeky grin their way. “I’m grateful for you being here too. Never know when I’d need someone to hold me back from ‘accidentally’ ruining the Mayor’s day.”

“My role is to see to your protection, not his, so please do not depend on any refraining from my side.”

They are rudely interrupted- well not really rudely if that's what they’re meant to be doing- by people lining up in two teams of two, couples and friends alike, ready to compete against each other to fill the balloons with as much water as they can to make them pop. Adam does a fine job of keeping score as Val hands the winners their prizes awkwardly. He finds it a bit surprising that despite his imposing glare and Val’s terrible people skills, the town residents don't deter from queuing up and gossiping, not even bothering to conceal their excited whispers. Adam notices some people whispering excitedly amongst themselves and he feels his cheeks turn slightly pink as he catches …are definitely together and …made for each other. He’s about to send a disapproving glare their way when he notices Bobby looking at him with a narrowed gaze. He walks over to their stall, much to Adam’s displeasure, with a woman Adam doesn’t know of. “Hi ang-I mean Detective Montemer. I see you’ve got plenty of help, though I am sorry I couldn’t be of much use. I have been…busy being the centre of someone’s attention.” Bobby throws his date a wink before his grin drops to a scowl when Val chimes, “You never really have proven yourself useful before, Bobby. I don’t see how you’d start now.” Adam doesn’t bother hiding his pride at Val’s witty retaliation, which only spurs Bobby’s annoyance. “Wouldn’t want to be manning this cheap set-up anyway.”

“If your presence here has no purpose, I’d suggest you step aside. Buy the ticket or go.”

“Calm down, Angel, no need to be so tense. Besides, it was her idea, not mine. And since I’m ever so generous, I’ll pay for two please.”

Adam hands Bobby his gun with a little more force than normal, making Bobby stumble forward slightly. Bobby looks up at him accusingly and Adam ignores it just as easily. Val hands his date a gun before sarcastically wishing them good luck. Bobby manages to shoot well before Val pipes in with “That’s shit form” and “Having him must be like losing ten good men” to his date. Bobby’s ego definitely doesn’t take it well, especially when his score is less than that of his partner. “Detective Montemer, would you be so kind as to show us what good form is?” His scowl has lessened and he’s attempting to put a charming front, but Adam can sense the human’s jealousy, as well as his annoyance with the whole situation in general. “The detective and I would be very happy to show you how to shoot a water gun. It is, after all, quite a difficult skill to master.” Adam quips wryly before he looks towards Val and asks with silent permission.

“I think his definition of friendly competition is way different from yours,” Val says uncertainly before they looked at Bobby’s shit-eating grin. “Actually, you know what, fuck it. He’s been asking for it.”

They take their place at opposite ends, Adam and Val playing against Bobby and someone else he’s managed to rope in. His ego really didn’t know how to take his partner’s win well. Someone shouts “Go!” and all four of them begin to shoot furiously at the targets. Adam’s gun has other plans as it simply refuses to shoot. He grits his teeth and presses the damn thing harder and then-

CRACK!

What remains in his hands are the broken remnants of the small, plastic gun. His furious action earns him a mocking laugh from Bobby, and Adam’s resolve to win only strengthens further. Before Val can say anything, he stands behind them and holds onto their gun. “We are meant to be a team, and I cannot grab a replacement quickly.” The excuse sounds terrible to his ears, but Val doesn’t protest and gives him a determined nod before they both work in sync and take down as many as they can. Adam feels lightheaded, and it has all to do with the close proximity between them. Adam can hear Val’s heart drum louder on the contact as well, and he has to steel himself to focus on the game instead of them. All efforts at being unaffected render futile when it comes to Val, but Adam reminds himself that this too is for Val. “Last one left.” Val point with their gun. “Whenever you say, Val.” Adam notices the shiver that runs through Val at the use of their name, and he ignores the pleasurable feeling that it elicits from him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After successfully beating Bobby at his shit bet, and after hesitantly untangling from Adam’s warm embrace, Val decides to clear the stall up. Adam had excused himself, saying something about seeing to the rest of the team. Val is left alone with their thoughts about the evening, about the attractive brooding vampire who’s taken up all their headspace and lets out a confused sigh. Val knows Adam’s hesitant to act on his feelings -they aren’t exactly forthcoming about the idea either. It is scary. To love and to lose. Val wonders if they even know what love truly is. Adam has been making them question their feelings and their standpoint on everything. There is always a rebuttal from him, be it during work or in their personal life. Val lets out a tired laugh at that observation. He’s always arguing back, intentionally and unintentionally, never really making things easy for them. He’s been like that from the first day, evading all their attempts at finding common ground and an attempt at establishing camaraderie. But Val has never backed down from it, from him, and neither his fears nor his denial will change Val’s determination. To show him that he is not hard to love, in fact, Val could say loving him is like breathing. So natural, so easy, so intrinsic to their being. But what do you know? A dark, nasty voice taunts. And maybe it's true. What do they know? Rebecca was never really around to act the part of a loving, doting mother, and Val naturally didn’t learn how to love either. They didn’t learn this shit, and it isn’t really their fault and-

Their train of thought stops when a nice, big cup of lemonade appears in their vision. Adam places some boxes on a makeshift table and offers them a seat. “I observed you did not take the time to replenish your energy during this entire ordeal,” Adam says with a slight wrinkle of his nose, mouth twisted in worry.

“Ordeal? You make it sound like we went through war.”

Adam smiles his dimples on full display. “I admit, I did exaggerate. It wasn’t entirely dreadful.”

“Awww, you’re learning to have fun now. Maybe I should let Tina know you’ll join us for her Halloween party this year since you’re loosening up and all.”

“Absolutely not.”

The immediate response, coupled with his disgusted expression, makes Val laugh. Adam smiles back at Val, eyes shining with affection. So much endearment in that gaze, that Val shifts and looks towards the food containers placed on the cardboard box they’re now using as a table.

“And it's fine, I wasn’t really hungry.” Val’s stomach grumbles to disagree and they look up at Adam sheepishly.

“If you are going to take these things so nonchalantly, I’m afraid I’ll have to keep a check. You shouldn’t place yourself as the last priority. I won’t let you be.” Adam quietly says the last part more to himself than Val, but Val hears it all the same and it hits them: perhaps they don’t know how to love, and perhaps Adam doesn’t either. It doesn’t matter though; this is more than enough.

Val watches endearingly as Adam sets up the small table and lines them carefully with plastic utensils and paper plates in a way Nate would be proud of. His face shows nothing but clear focus on his task and Val smiles. He gestures for them to begin, and Val shoots him a grateful look. Adam sits next to them and looks relieved, fretting less than before. This is more than enough.

#the wayhaven chronicles #wayhavenficexchange #Adam Du Mortain #twc detective #Val Montemer

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ursa-tan · 9 months

Text

Metamorphosis

No ship, just fluff!

Requested: No

When Howdy closes the Bugdega unexpectedly, all of his neighbours are extremely worried. The reader is a puppet in this, ever so slightly shorter than Frank and Eddie, who are both ~4 feet tall.

I'm getting fics out so fast because I broke my phone and have nothing else to do until I can get it fixed - then I can go back to doom-scrolling TikTok

Word count: 3,455 Reading time: ~12 mins

TW: None

Somehow, Julie had managed to drag you into helping her out with a party she was planning. Really, she had dragged everyone into it. Drag was the wrong word actually, you (much like everyone else) had volunteered yourself and then got assigned a job. The job in question? You were to bake a cake - or cupcakes, or anything you wanted really, but you had decided to bake a cake. Normally it's something Poppy would've done, but Julie had asked her to help with something else, so you were stuck on baking duty.

You had made the decision to get Wally to help you. He was an artist after all, how hard could baking be? And at the very least, you could get him to decorate the cake and keep you company while you baked it.

"Wally!" You shout, standing outside of Home. He had promised to be out at 11:30 am sharp and it's currently 11:45. You could all see the clock tower from your respective homes, so he had no excuse to be late.

A loud creak and banging of a door sounds from inside Home, closely followed by the sound of Wally's voice. It's too muffled for you to make out anything, but you can hear that it sounds relatively impatient. The sounds are then quickly followed up by what sounds like Wally running and nearly falling down the stairs. It’s a sound that makes you wince slightly.

The door whips open, although it’s obvious Wally wasn’t the one to open it. He’s still standing a little way away, signature cardigan half on as he tries to do his shoes up.

“What happened to ‘11:30 sharp’ huh?” You ask, hands on your hips as you stare down at him.

“Sorry neighbour, something came up,” He mumbled, fully pulling his shoes on and finally exiting Home.

"Ok, well, I take that its all sorted now?" You ask, looking down at him as you begin the short walk towards Howdy's Place. You make sure to take smaller steps so he can stay by your side. Its not like you're that much taller than Wally, just enough so that you have to slow down ever so slightly.

"Yes, all sorted," He smiles, not looking up at you. He keeps pace with a little effort, having to walk slightly faster than usual.

The both of you chat pleasantly as you walk. It's the same thing that happens every time on the short walk. A pleasant little chat where you and Wally catch up on each others life. What is usual, however, is everyone crowded outside of the bugdega, chattering in hushed voices.

"Is everyone ok?" You ask, concerned as you come to a stop between Eddie and Barnaby. Wally slips in next to you.

"Howdy hasn't been seen since yesterday," Eddie mumbles, toying with Frank's fingers as he does, "He hasn't even called anyone, were all a bit worried."

Frank nods, humming in agreement with their husband. "Poppy tried calling him this morning, but he wouldn't pick up."

You look down at the ground for a moment, catching Wally's eyes as he tilts his head to look up at you. There's a look of curiosity in those deep black pits, one of concern too. It drives you forwards, taking the largest steps you can without seeing strange until you reach the door.

Realistically you know its impolite and completely improper, but you have to try it - so you place your hand gently on the handle and give the door a small push. It doesn't budge at all. You push again, hoping the door is just stuck in its frame for whatever reason, but again it doesn't budge.

"It's locked," You mumble, not turning around. No one answers, you're not sure if its because they had already tried or if they're ashamed for not having tried it. There isn't time to wait for an answer - not in your mind at least. Howdy never shuts the bugdega, ever, especially not without saying something to someone.

You press your face against the window, cupping your hands round your eyes. It gives you a slightly better view into the darkened space behind them. You look for the faint white glow of the fridge, but you can't find it. The fridge has been turned off - or maybe not turned back on after it turned itself off? Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. Howdy is responsible, he wouldn't let his stock go bad, even if he was sick! Something in your gut is sitting horribly wrong.

"Did anyone notice the fridge isn't on?" You turn yourself back to the group, all of whom look up at you when you speak.

"It isn't?" Barnaby asks back, walking up to join you by the window, also pressing his face against it for a moment before pulling away. "You're right, it isn't..." He trails off, looking down at you in concern.

"Does anyone know what we should do?" It's Eddie's turn to speak up again, still messing with Frank's hand - this time smoothing his thumb over the wedding ring.

"Maybe we can take turns sitting outside and waiting for Howdy to come out?" Julie, who had been seemingly deep in thought up until this point, looks up at her best friend and their husband.

"We have to do something more than that," You say, once again turning back to look into the darkened Bugdega. Something is telling you that Howdy needs to be checked on.

"You can't get in, the door's locked, darling." This time, it's Sally's turn to speak up, as she approaches the door. She easily ushers you and Barnaby out of the way, head held high as she speaks in a quiet yet clear voice, shooing you both away.

No one speaks as she leans forwards, resting her cupped hands against the glass door to help her look inside. You're sure she quickly comes to the same conclusion as you, as she leans away and looks back towards the crowd. Surprisingly, she doesn't speak, only solemnly shaking her head and walking away to stand by Poppy.

Quiet chatter breaks out amongst the group once again, everyone seeming to break off into their own conversations as you collectively try and figure out how to get into the Bugdega.

You feel a soft tug on the back of your jumper just as you're about to say something to Barnaby. It's Wally, except he's not looking at you - another unusual thing to add to the list of the many things that have happened today. He's looking up at one of the windows on the second floor of the Bugdega, which is cracked open ever so slightly.

"Right," You mumble, patting Wally's shoulder. You know exactly what he's suggesting, even if he hasn't said it

Ideally, you'd want Howdy for this job. Even if he isn't the tallest neighbour, he does have very lanky arms and you know that you could easily reach the window if you stood on his hands. But he isn't here, so your next best bet is Barnaby.

"hey, Barn?" You ask, tilting your head away from the window and towards the massive blue dog beside you.

"Yeah, kid?" He breaks his eyes away from the Bugdega's door, looking at you. You can tell he's trying his best to hide his concern for the missing caterpillar.

"You think you could lift me up high enough to get into that window up there?" You once again look towards the window, pointing up at it.

"If you think you can squeeze in there," His words strike you, making you re-think your plan. The gap is pretty small, and even if you're one of the smallest neighbours, you doubt if you can squeeze in through a gap that small. "Maybe Wally could fit?"

The smaller puppets look up at the mention of his name, eyes moving slowly between you and the larger puppet. He doesn't seem to have heard Barnaby's proposition.

"You think you can fit through there Wally?" You ask, looking down at the little puppet.

He seems to hesitate for a second, looking up at the open window and thinking before looking back to you and Barnaby. He seems to be a little concerned.

"I'll follow you in," You say, smiling, placing a hand on his shoulder and keeping him close, "I just need you to get in there and open the window. Then we can look for Howdy together, promise."

"Ok neighbour, I'll do it." Wally nods, now waiting for Barnaby to pick him up.

"Right, up we go then." As Barnaby picks him up, the rest of your neighbours turn to face them. Wally is standing on Barnaby's hands, just about managing to reach the windowsill when Barnaby stands up on his tiptoes. You can see that it takes a lot of effort for them both to get Wally up there - the Bugdega is a massively tall building, and Wally has to hook his fingertips into the window to pull himself up.

"Ok kiddo, your turn," Barnaby mumbles, turning towards you and scooping you up next. It takes you a moment to get steady on his hands, but by the time you're as far up as he can get you, Wally has fully pushed the window open and is leaning out to grab your hands.

As soon as he can, Wally is gripping your wrists and pulling you up. He might not be very strong, but with the combination of being anchored at the windowsill by the waist and Barnaby giving you a final push from underneath, you manage to tumble into the window.

"Are we sure that's a good idea?" You can faintly hear Eddie ask from down below, probably feeling like breaking into Howdy's place isn't a great idea.

"It'll be ok Eddie." You hear Frank's vice next, comforting his husband. It's nice to know they always stick together.

"Ok Wally... Time to find Howdy," You mumble, standing up from where you were on the floor. Wally just nods, standing up and taking your hand. He seems a bit uneasy, and if you're honest, so are you.

All of the curtains inside are drawn, including the one in front of the window you just crawled through. Everything is also eerily quiet. You can't hear a single sound from anywhere inside the building, bar the soft tapping of the curtain as it flutters in the wind still coming from the open window.

You reach out and take Wally's hand, pulling him until his body is pressed into yours. The same something that told you Howdy needed to be checked on is also now telling you that you shouldn't check alone.

"Maybe we should check his bedroom?" Wally asks, looking up at you. His voice is still monotone but has lost that sleepy quality it usually has to it.

"Yeah... Seems like the right choice..." You mumble in response, beginning the slow search of Howdy's flat.

Much to your surprise, you don't find anything at all. There are no traces of Howdy anywhere you look. His bed is made, the kitchen is clean, and his bathroom sink is dry. As far as you can tell, it looks like Howdy kinda just... stopped existing.

"I think we should check the actual Bugdega... There's gotta be some evidence of him down there..." It's the first time either of you has said anything since you agreed with Wally on checking the bedroom. It feels wrong to break the near silence of the flat.

"Ok... I'm following," Wally murmurs, obviously not wanting to go first.

You have to move carefully down the stairs as you only have one of your hands to help support you. Wally is gripping tightly onto your hand as you both descend straight into the stock room. The smaller puppet is partially hiding behind you when you both step onto the cold concrete floor. You can hear the sound of your feet meeting the hard surface echo out.

"Howdy's in here..." Wally's voice is muffled as he hides his face in your back.

You hate to admit it, but you know he's right. Howdy is somewhere in the stock room - even if you can't hear him breathing or moving about, you know he's somewhere in here.

"Howdy?..." You call out, hesitant to make any noise in the near-silent room.

Wally continues to hide behind you as both of you explore the Bugdega's storage room. He seems to be trying to keep his face pressed into your back as you both explore. You can't blame him - if you had someone braver than you here, you'd probably hide your face in them... Probably Frank. Frank would think about this logically.

"Hey, Wally... Maybe we should find the keys and open the door to let everyo- AHHHH!" You interrupt yourself with a scream, loud enough to pierce the absolute silence of the storeroom.

Wally peaks out from behind you and promptly gasps in horror, probably already prepared for the sight due to your scream. You can hear someone pounding on the door faintly and the sound of someone else shouting in panic. You think you can vaguely make out the sound of Frank telling Barnaby to pick him up and help him through the window that you left open. But none of that matters.

In front of you is a massive cocoon. It's bigger than any of your friends and looks horrifically sticky in whatever light is keeping the storeroom from being pitch black. You hate to think about it, but you're pretty sure something inside it is moving. You reach forwards to touch it, despite it looking to be covered in some sort of goo, only to be tugged back by Wally.

"That looks like a cocoon," He mumbles, continuing to tug you backwards and away from it, "We should talk to Frank, they know a lot about bugs..."

"Ok, let's get Frank..." You're relieved that Wally brought it up, you don't want to be along in here any longer.

You both rush to find the keys and open the front door. Everyone seems to fret over how panicked the both of you look, especially Poppy. But you don't have time for that, not as you rush Frank in and towards where you found the cocoon. Wally doesn't know what to say, but you're convinced that whatever is in there ate your friend and shopkeeper.

Frank gets as close to it as he can without touching it, circling around it and inspecting it. They seem to reach a conclusion after a few minutes. They stand up and walk back towards you, wally and the neighbours who are now crowded behind you and murmuring quietly. Apart from Eddie, who is waiting outside because he hates bugs.

"I think you're right (Y/n), Howdy is in the chrysalis," They speak with clarity, standing up straight and puffing his chest out slightly, "I think Howdy is pupating."

"And... What does that mean for the big guy?" It's Barnaby's turn to speak now. It doesn't seem like anyone else can find the words, to be fair.

"He's becoming a butterfly!" Frank practically shouts, excitement evident. "O-Or a moth, of course! He could always be a moth."

"How long will it take? This whole," Barnaby pauses a moment to gesture to the chrysalis, "thing."

"Well, it can vary. Some species only take a few days to pupate and emerge, some take weeks or even months! And some even take years! I- We know nothing about what kind of butterfly- or moth! - Howdy is rather large, he could-"

"Frank. How long."

"O-Oh, uh, hmm. My best guess would be around a month, but i could be entirely wrong."

"Let's work with that then," Barnaby huffs, putting one hand on his lower back and one on his head. He lets out a long sigh and closes his eyes for a moment before opening them again, "Someone needs to run the Bugdega while howdy is out of commission, we can't go a month without it."

"I can do that," You pipe up, smiling kind of nervously.

"Ok then kiddo. You sure you can manage that?" He's looking down at you like he doesn't think you can do it. You're determined to prove him wrong.

"Yes, I'm sure." You're not actually sure. Howdy is a lot bigger than you, has 4 arms, 4 legs and significantly more energy than you. But you have to try now, you said you'd do it.

And try you do. For the first week, it seems pretty easy. Very few things need restocking, and everything that does need to be restocked is light and easy to carry. You have to use a ladder to reach some of the shelves on account of them being built for someone who easily doubles your height and them some. But you manage. You run the bugdega.

However, as time goes on and the days roll by, the work gets progressively harder and harder. There's always something to do to keep the place in tip-top shape. You find that you barely have time to stop and eat, only ever managing quick snacks and things that you don't really need to cook. You also find that you're taking unwanted naps while tucked under the counter between customers due to staying up late to keep everything running smoothly.

On the upside, the apron makes you look cute. Even if Poppy had to make a custom one for you so you weren't tripping over the extra fabric.

"You look rough, kiddo," Barnaby chuckles to himself as he walks in, ringing the bell above the door and startling you from your half-snooze.

You jump up from where you were slouched on the counter, causing you to topple off the stool you had been sitting on and onto the floor. Barnaby pads towards you, leaning over the counter and chuckling when he looks down at the mess you've become.

"Have a nice trip? Don't forget to send me a postcard!"

"How does Howdy always have the energy to laugh at your jokes?... I'm utterly exhausted..." You pull an arm over your face, placing it so that the crook of your elbow rests over your nose.

"I'm just hilarious, that's all," The dog reaches over the counter and offers you a hand. You take it, albeit reluctantly, and allow him to pull you back to your feet, "funniest pooch around!"

"Normally I'd agree... But I'm not sure when the last time I got a full night's sleep was."

"Looks like never, if I'm honest," Barnaby doesn't stop when you're on your feet, keeping a hold of your hand and easily lifting you until you're sat on the counter, "If I'm being nice? Maybe about a week ago."

He chuckles as you lean forwards, your face buried in his chest fluff. His breathing nearly lulls you back to sleep immediately. It would've if it weren't for the familiar voice from behind you.

"Uniform looks good on you (Y/n), maybe I should hire you full-time."

It's Howdy, he's back and now significantly different. For one, he's not wearing a shirt, for another, he has a massive pair of butterfly wings coming from his back. Although those aren't the only things. He looks fluffier. Taller too. His limbs - from what you can see at least - fade into a darker, more forest green as they reach his hands. His antennae are also longer and curl around more, practically creating a small spiral. He also seems to be taller, on account of him ducking under the stockroom's door to get into the actual bugdega.

"You're back!" You call, scrambling off the counter with what energy you have and rush towards him. You stand on your tiptoes and hug him, burying your face into his fluffy belly.

"(Y/n)? You ok?"

"I tried running the bugdega while you were out. I couldn't do it." Your voice is muffled against Howdy's stomach as you hug him. You don't want to let go. Not only is your friend back, but now you get to go home and sleep properly for the first time in about a month and a half.

"I think you did a splendid job, the bugdega looks great." Howdy places a hand on your back, allowing you to rest against him for a moment.

Slowly, everything returns to normal. Sure, Frank won't leave Howdy alone unless Eddie physically drags them away. And yeah, Howdy has to have all of his clothes altered to fit his new stature. But over all, everything returns to normal, now with a slightly taller and prettier shopkeeper.

#howdy pillar #wally darling #reader #you #fanfic #fanfiction #julie joyful #sally starlet #frank frankly #welcome home #eddie dear #barnaby b beagle #poppy partridge #I guess technically mind horror?#Might get a little spooked #recently downloaded Grammarly #never realised how bad my writing was /j

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our-neighbours-cat-is-a-menace · 2 years

Note

I've been summoned, really love that there's no limit of requests <3

So here it is: How about obey me brothers with MC who have social anxiety and in public they instantly reach for their hand because it makes them feel safer and calmer?

@cookie11037 for an introvert like me, this request is so relatable

Lucifer

Diavolo held a ball for the exchange students

Most people were excited about it but not you

If you could just stay home, that'd be great, but you can't decline since the party was thrown for you and the others

With much nervousness, the day of the ball came

Stepping inside the great hall, you would've appreciated the decoration more if it wasn't for the enormous crowd

Before you know it, your hand reached out for your boyfriend's hand, who was also worried knowing how bad you are at crowds

He thought this would be a good opportunity for you to get used to crowds but seeing you like this is not just worth it

He came in front of you, blocking the view of the crowd, you looked up to your boyfriend who put on a comforting smile with eyes saying it'll be ok

Seeing him comfort you made you want to try harder and just when you were about to proclaim this new profound courage

"it's ok, you don't have to force yourself, let's take one step at a time, ok, let's go home" he softly said caressing your face

You can't help but nuzzle to his touch

Mammon

He invited you out on a date

You wanted to decline but seeing how excited he is to treat you out fro dinner, you said yes

Asmo was rooting for both you and his brother's relationship so he volunteered to make you all pretty

"You're gorgeous" Asmo blurted the dialogue mammom had in his mind looking at you for 2 minutes now

The tsundere can't help but blush

Everything was going smoothly and you were relieved

But that soon changed when you guys arrived at the restaurant, people were staring at you and you didn't like the attention you were getting

Your hand instantly reached out for your boyfriend's, in hopes to feel calmer

Mammon seeing your cowering form beside him made him regret taking you in a crowded place

As an encouragement, he squeezed your hand and gave you a comforting smile

When you both reached your table, mammon asked the waiter for a more private table

The waiter was glad to endorse a vip table, you protested that it's not necessary but mammon still went with it, eventhough it cost him a lot

Cause seeing your carefree smile in front of him with no laced anxiety is worth every grimm

Leviathan

Both of you don't like going out

So it's safe to say, most of your dates was spent in levi's room

However levi sometimes go out to buy over the counter merchs or anything anime related stuff

You thought this was a good chance to go on an outdoor date with your boyfriend

You proposed your idea, tho levi was a bit hesitant to agree since he knows you have a hard time getting used to crowds but he also liked the idea of you and him going on a date outside, so he said yes

You soon came to realize that the streets were filled with demons and anxiety start kicking in

You intertwined your hands with your boyfriend who was frantically worried about you.

He immediately took you to an isolated park, and made you sit on the bench while he was kneeling in front of you, reassuring you that everything's ok

"I'm sorry, i really wanted to go on a date with you but i-" you sobbed

"it's ok, you don't have to push yourself too hard, let's take baby steps, ok, don't cry, i don't like seeing you cry" levi gently said wiping the tears and encasing you in a hug

Satan

Your boyfriend's birthday is in a few days and you wanted to give him a gift

You saw a book satan wanted and you want to give that to him as a present

You contacted the seller who was more than glad to sell the book to you but he can't deliver it, so you need to pick it up

Really wanting to surprise your boyfriend, you forced yourself to go out and pick the book

Satan was currently out so you just left him a message that you are going somewhere

When you met the seller at a cafe, you didn't think, he would be with his friends, a group of 6 friends

You wanted to seal the transaction fast and go back home but everyone was throwing questions at you one after another

Feeling dizzy from everything, you heard your name being called out, looking towards the direction of the voice, you saw your boyfriend walking towards you

Within arm reach, you took his hand and relished on his presence

He was the one who finished the transaction with you just clingin on to him

On the way back, he suddenly stopped and faced your downfallen form

"MC, i appreciate how you wanted to give me a present but pls not on the expense of your well being"

You can't help but tear up and hug him which he reciprocated with an i love you whispered into your ear

Asmodeus

It's already midnight and Asmo's still not back, he's not answering his phone too

You were worried thinking of what could be the reason why he's still not home

You were extremely worried so you followed his location and arrived at a club

You don't wanna go in, the loud music, the waves of people, and the smell of sweat and sex its all overbearing but you have to make sure your lover's ok

You forced yourself to go in, and look for your boyfriend

When your eyed locked on Asmo's form, you immediately went towards the demon but was stopped when someone held your wrist

You came face to face with a drunkard and was about to say something when someone pried your wrist of his hold

Looking back, you saw your boyfriend, looking at you worriedly

He immediately took you out of that place taking your hand in his since he knows that helps when your feeling anxious

Now out in the cool night air, Asmo apologized for making you worry, a superior at his modelling gig dragged him to go drinking and forbid the use of phone during the drinking session

While he was babbling apologies, you just cupped his face shutting the demon up

"I'm just glad your ok" you smiled

God he loves you

Beelzebub

Beel was on a rampage at hell's kitchen

And lucifer asked you to put a stop to him since he listens to you

Worried about beel, you quickly went to hell's kitchen along with mammon since lucifer know better than to let a human go alone

When you arrived at hell's kitchen, everything was in disarray, and the other customers and workers was standing in the sidelines afraid of what may happen

You quickly went to beel asking him to calm down but you soon noticed the number of eyes staring at you, you could feel your anxiety kick in

You reached out for beel's hand and hung your head low

Feeling your hand on his, beel soon came to stop with his rampage and look at your cowering form, he soon realised why when he saw the crowd

He quickly picked you up bridal style and disappeared out of that place leaving mammon to deal with the aftermath

He took you to a rooftop and gently placed you in his lap hiding his face in the crook of your neck mumbling I'm sorry

"I'm really sorry you had to go through that, i wish lucifer didn't make you come"

"don't say that, i can't have you destroying hell's kitchen and besides lucifer sent mammon with me since he was worried too"

"I love you"

"I love you too beel" you said kissing his forehead

Belphegor

School was commencing and an assembly was going to be held

You didn't like the idea of demons being in one single place but you still have to go

Arriving at the assembly hall you soon found the brothers and went to the sloth leaning unto beel, belphie soon straightened up when he saw you approaching

With every passing second, more and more students were arriving and you could feel your heart beating faster

You unconsciously reached out for belphie's hand

He knew you were feeling scared from the look on your face and from how cold your hand was

He quickly gave you a slight tug, earning your attention and completely dragging you off to the school rooftop completely abandoning the assembly

Lucifer didn't make any protests already knowing that the youngest was doing it for you

He made you lie down on his lap and instructed you to sleep

"but I'm not sleepy" you reasoned out

"wanna exchange positions then" he suggested, secretly hoping you'd say yes

Smiling at his words, you guys changed positions and moments later, he fell asleep

Playing with his fluffy hair, you mumbled a small thank you

"Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal."

- Albert Camus.

Masterlist🌻

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bokunosoul · 3 years

Text

Class 1 - a reacting to reader that is like Violet evergarden

TW : Killing

When they first met you.They were shocked to see an foreigner from a country in America.Oh god how can i explain, your beauty is out of the world even though you have an stoic expression plastered on your face.

Mineta be like : oh fucc an angel 🤩😇✨.You are'nt.

One time deku accidentally bumps into you and he suddenly felt a metalic thing from your hands.He just assumed that it is related from you quirk and he apologizes to you said that it was fine.

That when you changed into your UA P.E uniform.

You indeed have robotic arms attatched from your shoulders.

Everyone was like is'nt that cheating?

Bakugou was even confused on how tf did you even passed the test and got a high score and also got into class 1 - a even though you are a person with disability.

Aizawa said that your disablity does'nt matter and it is also an exception and you passed with your skills even though you dont have arms and mostly relied on your prostetic ones.Honestly he's impressed on you

h̶e̶w̶o̶n̶t̶a̶d̶m̶i̶t̶i̶t̶h̶e̶s̶e̶e̶s̶p̶o̶t̶e̶n̶t̶i̶a̶l̶i̶n̶y̶o̶u̶.

The other students are impressed on how meanwhile you kept an stoic face. Your quirk is also cool and you can keep up with the harsh standards of UA.

Iida likes how responsible and always in the state of mind even when you are criticised or made fun of.

The girls asked about your backstory and everyone is all ears one hearing it e̶v̶e̶n̶m̶r̶.l̶o̶r̶d̶m̶u̶r̶d̶e̶r̶e̶x̶p̶l̶o̶s̶i̶o̶n̶

You said that you lost it while saving your commander who raised you in an battle a couple of years ago.

You admitted on killing a bunch of your enemies and helping out the military in a battle field you said that you train everyday to get better and to be a and deliver a bunch of weapons on the battlefield.

The government lets you off the hook because it's considered an self defense and you are also young.

You were basically an emotionally detached soldier that settles into postwar life.

Everyone has mixed emotions like sad, scared, fazed.Iida asks if you need a psychiatrist you said you already have one (lmao man is reliefed and so is the others and t̸h̸e̸f̸a̸c̸t̸t̸h̸a̸t̸y̸o̸u̸k̸i̸l̸l̸e̸d̸s̸o̸m̸e̸o̸n̸e̸ haunts them) .

They are also ready to throw hands when someone makes fun of you.

Mineta is 😃scared😃of😃you😃.Kirishima thinks your manly and gets tearful in your backstory💪.

You also said that you were highly experienced on using military weapons like bombs, guns, hand in hand combat and teamwork.

You also complimented Bakugo on how his quirk reminded you of the explosions in the battlefield (man is shookt and he is like : is that an insult? ) he ended up blasting a loud ass explosion you just standed there not scared and seemed to bd used to it.

you be like : 👁️👄👁️ yea im used to it.

H̶e̶t̶h̶i̶n̶k̶s̶y̶o̶u̶r̶s̶o̶m̶e̶e̶m̶m̶o̶t̶i̶o̶n̶l̶e̶s̶s̶w̶a̶r̶f̶r̶e̶a̶k̶.Y̶o̶u̶r̶s̶t̶r̶o̶n̶g̶t̶h̶o̶a̶n̶d̶r̶e̶s̶i̶s̶t̶a̶n̶t̶t̶o̶h̶i̶s̶q̶u̶i̶r̶k̶.

Deku inspires a whole ASS 3 page in his notebook about you and questions your experiences in the battlefield while fighting if you want to

You agreed and he just started interviewing you while scribbling on his notebook.You were also interested on how he documents every students or heroes analysis.You also help him on how to write more specific details to add to his hero journal.

Present mic is also ✨amazed✨ on how you can speak english fluently. Everyone in the class is kinda having a bit trouble in that subject so during break time you ended up teaching them on how to improve on that subject.

You also rivals iida's intelligence and basically beside him on the rank 2 h̶e̶f̶e̶e̶l̶s̶t̶h̶r̶e̶a̶t̶e̶n̶d̶.Nonetheless you two get along since you two are the most responsible students in the class.

One time you ended up getting paired with shoji and hagakure to apprehend Mr.snipe and to be able to pass to go through training camp.

DAMNNN girl your basically the only one who can be able to dodge Mr.snipes quirk.SHEESH he's having an hard time targeting you since your fast.You ended up knocking him out from behind and the team wins because of you.

He complimented you and you replied in the most calm voice "I like how your bullets tried to target me too bad i ended up dodging it." he be like : 😃🤠🗿🔫 what? (overall he's so impressed on how you had no problem dodging his bullets)

KSKSKKSJA one time monoma tried copying you quirk on the sports festival he ended up touching your robot arms not your actual skin 😂 lmao he ended up loosing to you.

The whole class 1 - a : 👁️👄👁️,😃,😂🤭,😶 tf did i just witnessed.

Bakugo said that it is the most hilariously stupidest thing that he's ever seen.

Mei hatsume from the support course department adores you.One time your arms got deattatched she ended up reparing it and upgrading it to be more easy for you to use for your everyday life.

You also like her active energy and most of all you like the way she never gives up even tho her inventions failed and she tried again and again until she improves.

The fun started when you move into the dorms.Mineta almost passes out when he sees you armless.You were like : eh whatever you will get used to it 🗿.And everyone was like that how you clean or adjust your arms 👁️👄👁️.

They asked if you needed help.You said no thank you💀 (that's a bit harsh lmao).

They were like watching you clean in and attatch it they were like : 😬,🧐,🤔😮 , they also asked if it its painful and heavy attatching it (you said no thanks to mei she ended up making you easier to move everyday)

You thanked them for being concerned and explains that it does not hurt and you just fell basically numb.

When they also got to know you better you were such an calm nice person and you only kept to yourself.One time they tried making you laugh you just kept an face like this : 🗿 s t o i c.

They also noticed that you love writing waxed letters in your typewritter. A

Everyone in the class be like why dont you just use a phone.You said you did'nt have one they were like : 👁️👄👁️ uhm.They respected your opinion tho.

You also said that you also prefer writing your letters like this because most of your comrades back when you were working in the battlefield they use it as a way communicate to their family living far away from them.

They were so touched 🥰🥺💞.

BONUS : It was valetines day and UA is throwing kinda like an Valetines festival.Aizawa said that we can do anything like throw a party, create love booth anything valentines related.

So basically iida is at the front and everyone was making suggestions on what to do while you help him write your classmates suggestions on the board.

You suddenly said that why dont we do something diffirent and not that much common.Iida allowed you to speak so you did

" I was thinking on opening an confession booth where you can express your feelings to the one you love it can be basically to anyone for example a student,your friend, a teacher or your either your parents and we will write a love letter to them and help them declare your love to each other.Probably we will need a bunch of papers, envelopes, a typewriter and a bunch of people who is skilled in writing also we need someone that is skilled in baking to make heart shaped cookies like sato ."

Everyone was : 👁️👄👁️

"I think that is too much i humbly apologi-----." before you can continue iida interrupts you and said that it is the most amazing yet unique plan to capture someones heart in valentines day.

Everone likes your idea and Momo ended up volunteering buying the items and ingredients that you mentioned and Sato volunteers to bake the cookies and Deku volunteers on making the letters with you.

Meanwhile the others helped on decorating the so called "Love Confession Booth" that is located in your classroom.

The day comes and the whole upperclassmens are stoked to see what their underclassmens valetines booth are like.

An certain student from the general studies requested an love letter to give to the one she likes . You interview her whilst typing on your typewriter and she just spatted on how she really likes him and adored him.You ended up finishing the letter she requested a few minutes ago and putted it into an pink envelope and a heart shaped red cookie that sato maked.

She thanks you and a few moments a later she broughts in a boy and said that the love letter that you made worked and they ended up together.

Now the booth was empty bakugou was like : "NOW WHAT YOUR IDEA IS SO STUPID AND CHEE------."

The ground started rambling and a crowd appears mostly a bunch of upperclasmens and underclassmens mostly of them are begging you to make them a letter and even paid you.You said it is free and there is no need to pay.

Requests started pouring in and many of your upperclassmens praised the class on making good bussiness even the upperclassmens in the bussiness course loves your strategy in thinking of such an amazing idea that is eye capturing yet diffirent.

The class is overwhelmed but all of them and you managed to survive after a long day.

Thanks to you there are many upperclassmens dating now (lmao the teachers are like : is that even possible HSHHSHSHS) the seniors also gave you the nickname :cupid💘 (JSHS lmao)

Meanwhile the whole day your face is just like this : 🗿🗿🗿ok while writing cheesy love letters.

After a long day you opened your shoe locker and ended up getting a bunch of thank you letters, flowers, stuffed toys and a ton of chocolates.

You don't like sweets that much so you ended up giving some of them to your classmates as your valentines gif

Everyone was like blushing (●’◡’●)ﾉ when you handed them a thank you letter with a bunch of heart shaped chocolates.You even gave Mineta one.Lmao he ended up crying due to joy(e̶v̶e̶n̶t̶h̶o̶u̶g̶h̶y̶o̶u̶r̶s̶h̶i̶t̶t̶y̶y̶o̶u̶a̶d̶d̶s̶p̶i̶c̶e̶t̶o̶t̶h̶e̶a̶n̶i̶m̶e̶a̶s̶w̶e̶l̶l̶a̶s̶t̶h̶e̶m̶a̶n̶g̶a̶

Note : the gif not mine a̸n̸d̸s̸o̸a̸r̸e̸y̸o̸u̸

ORIGINALLY by : bokunosoul

#bnha x gn!reader #mha imagines #mha x reader #class 1 a x reader #mha drabbles #mha x y/n #mha headcanons

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captainamericasbeard · 3 years

Text

Empathy Ch. 1

Pairing: Bucky x Empath!Reader

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: None in this first chapter

Summary: Y/N is an empath tasked with helping the Avengers but healing only comes if you want it.

A/N: I’m incredibly proud and excited to be bringing you this story! If you’d like to be tagged just send an ask and I’d be happy to knock up a list.

Empathy MASTERLIST ll MASTERLIST

The sound of your heels clicking on linoleum filled your ears. You smoothed down the front of your skirt and tucked a stray hair behind your ear as you walked briskly down the long hallway. You reached the door to Nick Fury’s office sooner than you would have liked and you took a steadying breath as you raised your hand to knock. Tap tap tap and the door opened immediately. Nick Fury was standing there dressed all in black with his eye patch perfectly in place. You’d seen Fury from afar before, passing through a room, on tv, but you’d never been in close proximity before. He was taller than you expected.

“I’m guessing I shouldn’t shake your hand?” He asked with a chuckle.

“Not unless you want me to know exactly what you’re thinking and feeling.” You reply, a mischievous grin curling your lips.

“Maybe next time,” Fury said inviting you in with a wave of his hand.

“I’m just kidding. I don’t automatically read every person I touch, unless their emotions are running high.” You explain as Fury escorts you to a leather chair across from a small couch.

“I know a girl who can’t touch anyone. It’s… not a fun way to live,” Fury says as he sits in the chair leaving the couch open for you. You smooth your skirt behind you and sit down crossing your legs.

“I can imagine. When I was a girl my powers were so overwhelming I wasn't able to touch anyone. Years of hard work and practice and I’m a mostly functional member of society. Director Fury, I’ve been with 3P since I was 12. Why are we pretending you don’t already know everything about me.” You drop any naiveté and fix the director with a knowing look. Fury had never taken an interest in your powers before, why now?

“Common courtesy,” Fury said with a shrug.

“Well, thank you. Why don’t we talk about why I’m really here,” you said.

“I’ve got a job for you, if you want it,” Fury offered.

“I’ve already got a job,” you reply with an arched eyebrow. You had an inkling as to where this was going.

“You do. In my linguists department. Because after being experimented on and tortured you decided to get your PhD in ancient languages and try to contribute some good to society,” Fury said, diving once again into his seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of your life.

“Yes sir,” you confirmed.

“And as a result of that torture and experimentation you have telempathetic powers and super strength,” Fury said.

“In a nutshell, yes.” Let him think he knows everything, even you didn’t know the true extent of your powers.

Fury leaned back in his seat and fixed you with an inscrutable glare. Penny in the air.

“I have a select group of high functioning people with specific skills I’d like you to work with,” Fury stated. And the penny drops.

“I’m not interested in becoming an Avenger, sir” you said.

“Not becoming one of them, helping them. No field work. I’ve got enough super soldiers.” You smiled at that. It was true, you had no desire to throw yourself into the fray and save the world. But helping, that was something you were good at.

“Helping how?” You asked, your curiosity piqued.

“The team gets themselves into some pretty sticky situations and it’s not always easy for them to bounce back, mentally or emotionally. You would be there to… lighten the load, as only you can,” Fury said

“I’m not a therapist,” you said firmly.

“I’ve got therapists. The team goes regularly. Requirement for being on the payroll. I’m asking you to take it that step further. Help ‘em sleep at night.” You were beginning to catch on.

“I understand. Help their minds rest a bit so things like therapy can be that much more effective,” you said.

“That’s the idea,” Fury said.

“I think I can be of assistance,” you consent. “What about linguistics?”

“What about it? You keep at it. You’re one of our best and I’d hate to lose you,” Fury stated. It was true, you excelled at languages. You worked twice as hard and with higher accuracy than your counterparts. You took a moment to consider Fury’s offer and what it would mean for your life and career. You had reservations but ultimately the thought of using your powers for good won out.

“When do I start,” you ask.

“You have dinner with the team at 8:00 tonight,” Fury said as he stood up. You stood too and followed him to the door as he held it open for you.

“8:00. I’ll be there. Thank you Director,” you said.

“No, thank you,” Fury said as you stepped out of his office. You gave him a smile and started down the hallway.

“Oh and Y/n? Maybe you can do something for Barnes,” Fury called after you.

“Sergeant Barnes? What do you mean,” you ask, turning on your heel. “Let’s just say, he’s a troubled man," Fury said with one last glare. With that he shut the door and you were left to ponder what he meant. You started down the hallway and were met by Fury’s assistant who informed you you would be moving into the Avenger’s quarters.

“Go home and pack a bag for a couple of days and we will come by for the rest of your things,” he said.

…

The Avengers occupied the top 4 levels of the main building of the compound. Sprawling common spaces, private rooms, and a gym made up the bulk of the quarters. Tony had a lab and his own private quarters with Pepper. Natasha, Sam, Bucky, and Steve had their own rooms and shared the common areas.

The elevator carried you up and up and up and as you rose your nerves rose too. You clutched your overnight bag in your hand and your knuckles went white. You took a few deep, steadying breaths as the elevator arrived. The doors opened and there stood Steve Rogers, arms crossed and a neutral look on his face. You could feel the apprehension rolling off him but you knew mentioning that would start you off on the wrong foot. You put on your most winning smile and extended your hand. He glanced at it but made no move to shake it so you let it fall. You were used to it.

“So, you’re Y/N,” Steve stated.

“That’s me,” you replied.

“You can leave your bag here. Kitchen’s this way. Don’t expect a warm welcome.” Steve led you through a tastefully decorated common room to the kitchen where the rest of the team sat chatting quietly. The conversation, clearly about you, died away with your entrance. The team turned to greet you. For those who smiled it didn’t reach their eyes. You could feel fear, panic, judgement. You knew you had some huge walls to scale.

“Don’t worry guys, I don’t bite,” you said holding up your hands defensively.

“Don’t mind them,” Sam said approaching you with a hand extended, “they’re a little wary around people who can read their thoughts.” You gratefully shook Sam’s hand.

“I’m not reading anyone’s thoughts, certainly not without their permission. Though you guys are going to have to calm down if you don’t want me knowing how much you dislike me,” you added with a light chuckle.

“Not dislike. Distrust.” Natasha clarified.

“No, its a bit of dislike too. And that’s ok. We have to start somewhere,” you countered, keeping a charming smile on your lips.

“Hungry?” Sam asked, “It's spaghetti night. My speciality,” He said with a toothy grin.

“Famished,” you replied and sat down and the team followed. “Let’s hold off the questions until after we’ve eaten though. Interrogation’s not great for my digestion.” A few laughed at that and you soon settled into a conversation lead mostly by Sam with Steve and Nat chiming in here and there. Bucky remained stoic, eyes down picking at his food. You tried to catch his eye at first to give him a reassuring smile but he was actively avoiding your gaze.

As the meal ended the light hearted conversation faded away. One by one the team leaned back in their chairs and fixed you with interrogative stares. You were careful not to adopt a defensive stance, keeping your body open and your mind clear. You knew Steve would want to take the lead so you turned to him with a smile.

“Why are you here, Y/N?” Steve asked abruptly.

“I told you, I’m here to help. No ulterior motive,” you replied simply. Steve and Natasha exchanged a quick glance and that’s when you knew these questions had been rehearsed.

“Are you a spy? You report back to Fury?” Natasha asked.

“Not a spy and I don’t report to anyone. Everything I do stays between us.” You knew you couldn’t lie to Natasha even if you wanted to.

“So what’s your deal,” Sam asks, “Telempathetic? What does that even mean?”

“It means I can read and manipulate emotions. I can make a group of people feel one thing or I can focus on just one person. I can heal emotional damage or cause it. I can tell what you’re feeling and even thinking to an extent.”

“What else you got?” Bucky asked in a gruff voice. This you could see caught the others off guard. Bucky was reading you and he was doing a damn good job.

“My physicality is much like yours and Steve’s,” you answered. Steve’s eyebrow went up at this. You felt like you’d been caught in a lie.

"How do you mean?” Steve asked.

“Increased strength and agility. Increased healing factor. Longer than average life span. That sort of thing.”

“So you're a super solider?” Bucky stated. He was watching you with arms crossed and brow furrowed. You had your work cut out for you with this one.

“Super without the solider,” you explained.

“Fury doesn’t want you in the field?” Steve questioned.

“No, and I don’t want to be there. I’m not here to be an Avenger. I'm just here to help,” you said.

“Help how?” Natasha asked.

“When a mission is too much, or even life is too much, I can help. I can ease your burdens. It's… hard to explain.”

"Show us. Show us what you’ve got.” Sam challenges.

“I'll need a volunteer from the audience,” you said with a coy smile.

“You said you could do a group. Do all of us,” you felt fear spike in the group and you didn’t need to ask where it came from.

“Not everyone here is comfortable with what I can do. I’d like a willing volunteer,” you said.

“I asked so I guess I'll do it. Why not. You’re not gonna mess with my memories or anything, are you?” You catch Bucky visibly squirm in his seat at this question.

“No, no, not at all. Nothing like that. If you feel me going somewhere you don’t want me to simply close that door and I’ll stay out. Can I touch your shoulder?” you ask and Sam nods.

“Do you have to be touching the person?” Steve asks curiously.

“No, but it helps,” you say with a soft smile. You reach out and gently lay a hand on Sam’s shoulder. You feel his tension, and his distrust. Suddenly a giggle erupts from Sam’s lips. He claps his hand over his mouth but more soon follow. Steve and Nat glance at each other and Bucky’s scowl deepens as Sam keeps laughing. He’s roaring now, doubled over with tears streaming down his cheeks. Steve chuckles and shakes his head.

“Alright, alright,” he says. You take your hand off Sam’s shoulder and his laughter slowly abates. He chuckles and wipes the tears from his cheeks.

“That was a trip! I’ve never felt anything like that! How’d you do that?” Sam asked. “That I can’t answer. I don’t know the how behind it.”

“But you were experimented on. I mean, you weren’t born like this.” Bucky asked.

“Come on Buck, she doesn’t have to go into that,” Steve said surprising you.

“No, it’s ok. Yes, I was experimented on. By Hydra. My father, he was a scientist and a genius but his experiments were of the unethical variety. Hydra found him disgraced and gave him a home. They gave him the freedom of human experimentation without consequences. And who better to transform than his own daughter.” A ripple of disgust passed through the group at your revelation. “He thought he was creating a god but I only thought I was a monster. I escaped and sought refuge here at Shield with 3P. I put myself through school, college, all under Shield’s protection.”

“3P?” Sam asked.

“Shield’s Powered Protection Program. They take in people with abilities who for one reason or another aren’t safe out in the world,” Natasha answered for you and you nodded.

“Alright, that’s enough for one day. Let’s let Y/N get settled.” Steve said ending the interview. The team seemed finally satisfied. They didn’t trust you yet but they weren’t going to throw you out of the compound. Steve rose and you followed him to the elevator to pick up your bag and on to a hallway lined with doors. Yours was the second on the right.

“Bucky’s on your right and I’m across the hall,” Steve said waving his hand.

“Thanks Steve.”

“Is that all you have,” he asked pointing to your small bag.

“For now. Logistics is bringing over the rest of my things in the next few days. I just live on campus,” Steve’s face softened a bit at this.

“You know for most of us, this is the only family we’ve got. We’re just protecting what’s most valuable to us,” he explained apologetically.

“I understand. And I’m not offended. I’m here if any of you need me,” you replied.

“Well, don’t hold your breath on that. I’ll leave you to settle in,” he said with a small smile and closed your door.

#Bucky Barnes #bucky x reader #empath #empath!reader #bucky x empath!reader #sam wilson #natasha romanoff #Steve Rogers #nick fury #fanfic #marvel fanfic #bucky barnes fanfiction

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rose-edith · 3 years

Note

Ok not sure if you've done this one before but the four seasons in Kembleford with the gang ☺️☺️☺️☺️

Hope you like it!

Seasons in Kembleford with the gang:

Spring:

• ahh, the finest season of the year- in Mrs McCarthy’s mind anyway! She likes to plant bulbs and seeds in these months, so that her garden is awash with colour in the summer.

•there’s so much to do for the church- Lent, Easter etc, so Father Brown really appreciates any and all work you can do to help. (The two of you often share an extra, secret Easter egg together.)

•also there’s a bake sale to raise money for the church every May, and Mrs M always always always manages to get you to volunteer to help at the sale, and she’ll even turn a blind eye if you steal a cake at the end of the day.

•Bunty and Lady Felicia buy their summer wardrobes in the spring, so they love to do a little fashion show to show off their new buys! They’re always beautiful, and they can’t wait to show off their new fashions! They’ll even insist on taking you shopping and manage to find a way to buy you something new without it seeming crass or insensitive, it’s just something nice they do.

Summer:

• time for the infamous WI baking contest! So naturally Mrs McCarthy goes all out with baking, not only does she make her award winning strawberry scones, but she also tries her hand at all manner of delicious baked goodies- and lucky you and Sid, you get to be taste testers!

•you all have picnics together as often as you care to plan them. Father Brown loves it when you all go out for a walk together and then set up a casual, impromptu picnic to enjoy the beautiful weather- he loves being surrounded by the sights and sounds and smells of summer.

•cocktail parties at Montague Hall that start at twilight- Lady Felicia has the Hall beautifully set up with lots of romantic candles, a classical string quartet and lots of roses in vases all over the place. The overall effect is stunning and romantic. These parties are always relaxed, and they’re always a night to remember!

•outdoor poetry/book reading events in the luxurious gardens at Montague, with plenty of champagne! It’s not only Lady Felicia’s work that gets read, she knows A LOT of up and coming authors and she likes to introduce them to the Kembleford gang and the rest of the town.

•Father Brown and Mrs M will often go on bird or nature rambles- they’re not as bad as they sound! But Bunty always complains something chronic when she’s dragged along too.

Autumn:

• it’s a busy time for weddings surprisingly, so you often find yourself getting the church ready for weddings- by tidying up or helping with the flowers, or setting up bunting, you name it and you’re there helping!

•harvest festival time! Sid will convince you to help out at the harvest picking- I mean you’ll get paid- but it’s hard work! And Father Brown will bless the harvest, and then Mrs M will make a fabulous roast dinner with all the trimmings to celebrate a good harvest.

•it’s too cold and wet for picnics now, but it’s the most perfect time for woodland walks in your wellies. Sid and Father Brown will often come with you, and might even convince you to have lunch in a pub- but it’s far too messy an affair for Bunty, Lady F and Mrs M.

•the very best place to hang out when it’s raining is Sid’s caravan, the two of you will just lay on his bed and listen to the rain as it patters on the roof of his home, it’s so calm and peaceful, it never fails to re-energise you.

Winter:

•as the nights draw in some people get worn down and miserable, but you don’t! You spend afternoons and evenings at the Presbytery with Father Brown, the two of you will either sit round the wireless to listen to programs or else you’ll sit near the warm fire and read all manner of interesting books.

•a lot of time is devoted to preparing for Christmas and making plans as to whom is eating with whom, what to give as a gift, how soon to decorate. But everything always works out in the end- even if Sid takes the opportunity to chase you and Bunty and any person of a certain age around with a sprig of mistletoe; he gets more slaps than kisses though.

•Lady Felicia has a New Years party at Montague and it’s the highlight of the social calendar for the whole year! She spares no expense, there’s lots of good drinks, good music and fine company. She also makes sure to deliver the invitations to you all in person, and reassures you that your presence is absolutely essential!

•when it snows Sid becomes a menace, he and Bunty team up to throw snowballs on unsuspecting people, and more often than not Father Brown will join them. It was all fine until they got the Inspector! You’ve never seen the man run faster than when he was chasing the troublesome duo!

•it may be cold outside but with the Kembleford gang you’re very warm in your heart.

#father brown #father brown headcanons #father brown imagine #father brown x reader #bbc father brown #mrs mccarthy x reader #mrs mccarthy imagine #mrs mccarthy headcanons #mrs mccarthy #lady felicia headcanons #lady felicia #lady felicia imagine #bunty windermere headcanons #bunty windermere imagine #bunty windermere #sidney carter #sid carter headcanons #sid carter imagine

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juliandev0rak · 3 years

Text

Into The Wild

Chapter 5: Honeysuckle

✧ Into The Wild Series ✧ playlist ✧

Words: 3023

At the beginning of the summer Asra and Willa did a tarot reading, just for fun and mostly as an excuse for Willa to show off the cards she’d designed and painted herself. It had been a simple one card pull to symbolize the theme of the summer, and she’d pulled the star— symbolizing hope, faith, and rebirth. She hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but now, looking back at the last few weeks of summer, Willa has realized just how correct that prediction was.

She can’t remember the last time she was this happy and excited for the future. The last few years have been hard on her own, and joining the staff of Camp Vesuvia had been a last-ditch effort to fix things, to make something of herself, to find a place to belong. And as her tarot deck had predicted, she’d done all of those things. Though there was no way the cards could have predicted Muriel, or how much Willa has grown to like him in just a few short weeks.

After the movie night, specifically after the cuddling in the dark and goodbye cheek kisses, she’d been afraid he would disappear. But Muriel had kept his promise to be around more, and they’ve spent the last few days almost entirely together. He’s joined her at meals, sat with her every night at the campfire, and even helped her with work. volunteering in the arts and crafts cabin when his own work was slow.

And Willa had been just as eager to see him, she’d even followed him around on a patrol one evening. It should have been scary to be in the forest after dark like that, but she’d never had so much fun in her life holding the flashlight and listening to Muriel tell stories about his work to pass the time. That’s another change, he actually talks to her now. And whether it’s due to her persistent encouragement finally wearing him down or the tentative trust they’ve built up over a few weeks of friendship, Willa is very glad for the change.

In all of the busy days of work and evenings spent sitting close together by the fire, time has moved fast. Only one week remains before the end of the summer. Only one week remains until Willa has to drive back down the mountain and back to whatever remains of her solitary life in the city. She supposes she’ll have to look for a new job, and that she’ll simply have to forget about how wonderful things have been here at Camp Vesuvia.

Willa doesn’t want to think about forgetting Muriel yet, the thought hurts too much to consider though the deadline for accepting it grows ever nearer.

With only seven days left till the end of camp, it’s time for the culminating event of the summer— the annual talent show. It’s all the campers have been able to talk about for days, and most camp activities have been halted to allow them to practice their talents. Willa had been asked to judge, but she decided to leave that job to Asra and Julian. They’ve been bickering all day about the criteria used to find a winner and what “defines talent”. The winners will get prize money, a trophy, and most importantly— the glory of winning Camp Vesuvia’s talent show.

The air is full of excitement, and as Willa enters the amphitheater she can’t help but be swept up in the festive mood. Lucio has been busy with the decorations, he’s got an eye for dramatic decor and somehow managed to turn the outdoor stage into a real theater experience. There are lights strung through the trees, a red curtain creating a backstage area, and he even managed to convince the kitchen staff to bring out the popcorn machine.

As the campers file in, Willa takes her seat in the back, making sure to save the seat next to her for Muriel. When she saw him earlier in the day he’d promised to be there even though “talent shows aren’t his thing”, as he’d told her in no uncertain terms. Nadia takes to the stage to start the show and Willa searches the crowd, not spotting Muriel anywhere. Portia waves Willa over to sit with her and Asra, but she shakes her head. She’ll wait a little longer for him.

The first act goes up, one of the older campers sings a Taylor Swift song. She’s actually really good and Willa gives her a standing ovation when she finishes. The camper gets a ten from Julian and an eight from Asra which causes a squabble between the judges which Nadia has to break up. The judges are almost better entertainment than the show itself, and by the time the second competitor takes the stage Willa’s nearly forgotten the empty seat next to her. But sometime in the middle of the next act Muriel arrives, silently taking the open seat.

“Sorry I’m late,” Muriel says.

Willa scooches over to make more room for him on the bench, giving him a smile in greeting. “I’m glad you made it.”

“What did I miss?”

“The first camper sang a cover of ‘You Belong With Me’, and then Julian and Asra fought over the scores. Someone needs to take those score cards away from them before a physical fight breaks out,” Willa laughs, eyeing the judges warily.

The corner of Muriel’s mouth quirks up in amusement. “Sounds like them.”

The next act features a bunch of card tricks involving audience participation. “Is this your card?” the boy asks, holding up the King of Hearts for another camper to inspect. It turns out that it wasn’t the right card, and the judges give out a measly 5 and 3 as scores.

Willa sneaks a glance at Muriel as the judges deliberate and finds him already looking at her. Instead of looking away they both stare for a minute, only breaking eye contact when applause signals the next act taking the stage. Willa clears her throat, hoping the moment of staring wasn’t as awkward as she fears it was.

“Did you ever compete in a talent show?” Muriel asks, his voice pulling her out of her thoughts. He keeps his volume at a polite whisper so as not to disturb the performance.

“I was homeschooled so I didn't have much of a chance, but my brothers and I would put on our own talent shows,” Willa whispers back. “We used to charge our parents a dollar to watch the show.”

“What was your talent?”

“Singing, I wanted to be on Broadway when I was a kid. As I got older I realized I’m not that great of an actor,” Willa says, smiling at the memory of her younger self tap dancing her way across the barn.

“I think you’d be good at it.” Muriel sounds earnest, as if he really means the compliment.

“Thanks, but I think you’ll have to hear me sing first before you make that judgement,” Willa laughs.

“I’d like to hear you sing.”

Willa blushes at the comment, ducking her chin into her scarf to hide her face. “Maybe someday.”

“But I’m not going to karaoke.”

“That’s ok, it’s a bit much even for me,” she says, trying to keep her tone even as he continues to look directly at her.

A strong breeze moves through the trees around them and Muriel suppresses a shiver, his shoulder bumping hers. Willa wonders again why he doesn't bundle up in more clothing, maybe the cold doesn’t bother him like it bothers her. The thought reminds her of the present she made him and Willa turns to him excitedly.“I brought you something.”

“Huh?”

Willa reaches into her tote bag, digging past her water bottle and various scrunchies and nearly-empty packs of gum. Finally she locates the gift and pulls it out for Muriel to see. “I made you a scarf!’’

“You… made this?” Muriel takes the green knit scarf out of her hands, inspecting the repeating pattern with interest. “Why?”

“I wanted to! It gets cold here at night. I know you have to patrol outside a lot and I thought you might like something to keep you warm.” Willa reaches for the scarf again and he lets her take it. “May I?”

Muriel inclines his head slightly and allows her to wrap the scarf around his neck. When he lifts his head he’s smiling and Willa exhales in relief. He likes it.

The talent show goes on, though Willa and Muriel admittedly don’t pay much attention to it. There are musical acts, dancing, and every sort of talent in between and though Asra and Julian continue to bicker a little, as the night continues they seem to get it together. They manage to at least avoid breaking out the score cards as weapons.

With only a few acts remaining the tensions are high, and the crowd has only gotten louder. Willa looks over at Muriel and notices how uncomfortable he looks at the increased volume and chaos. He seems like he wants to leave, and Willa can’t blame him, it is a bit much. Since she’s not technically on duty tonight, and she wants to spend more time with him, Willa concocts a new plan for the evening.

“Would you like to go get some cocoa? The kitchen should still be open,” she suggests.

Muriel looks up, eyes wide in relief. “That’d be nice.”

“Let’s go then! I need a snack.” Willa grabs his hand on the pretense of pulling him up from his seat, but he doesn’t pull his hand away once he’s up. As they leave the amphitheater his fingers weave through hers and he holds her hand more tightly.

“Are we allowed to be in here this late?” Muriel asks as they enter the kitchen building. It’s warm and brightly lit, a nice reprieve from the dark path they’d had to navigate to walk here.

Willa crosses over to the cabinet where mugs are stored, reaching up on her tiptoes to grab two mugs. “Wellll… not technically, but I’m friends with the kitchen staff so it’s fine!”

“I don’t want you to get in trouble.” Muriel stands by the door, uncertainty clouding his expression.

“Muriel it’s fine, I promise. Come here and help me measure the cocoa,” she beckons him over, holding a spoon out for him to take. They make their cocoa, stirring warm milk and chocolate powder together until it's smooth.

Willa holds her mug up to her nose, inhaling the chocolate scent. “Do you want marshmallows?”

“Only if they aren’t burnt to a crisp. Maybe I should handle them,” Muriel laughs, and Willa turns to him with a surprised grin.

“Wait, was that a joke?”

“I can be funny.” He plops two marshmallows into his mug and puts three in Willa’s.

“Thanks.” Willa holds her mug up, clinking it against Muriel’s in cheers.

They sip their cocoa in silence, enjoying the quiet after a night of too much noise. Out of the corner of her eyes Willa notices Muriel watching her and she wonders if he’ll say something or if she should first. He beats her to it, setting his mug down on the counter before he turns to face her more fully.

“What will you do after this summer?” he asks.

Of course he would bring up the one topic she most wants to avoid. “I’m not quite sure, I guess I’ll move back to the city and start looking for another job,” Willa sighs.

“So you’re leaving.”

Willa takes a sip of her cocoa, trying to decipher his tone as she thinks of a response. He sounds almost sad, and she can’t imagine it’s on her behalf. “I think I have to, I can’t stay here with no campers around, I wouldn’t have a job.”

Muriel’s hair falls into his face, leaving half of it in shadow, but Willa can still see him frown. “Why are you spending time with me, why aren’t you out there with your friends?”

“You are my friend and I like spending time with you, I like you,” she says. “We’ve been over this.”

“Why do you give me things? I don’t ever give you anything in return,” Muriel looks frustrated now and Willa fights the urge to reach out and take his hand. She gives him his space, keeping her hands firmly planted on her mug.

“You give me plenty, Muriel. I know this will sound cheesy but your friendship is a gift, being around you is the best part of my day,” Willa explains. “You don’t have to give me anything.”

Muriel still looks frustrated and confused, and Willa sighs in defeat. She’s leaving in a week, it’s now or never. If Muriel isn’t getting the picture she’ll just have to draw him a new one. Though part of her wants to just bury these emotions and not risk ruining things, she's never been one to shy away from her feelings. Even if he doesn’t feel the same way as her it’s only fair that he knows how she feels.

Before she can overthink it any more Willa blurts out, “The truth is Muriel, I like you.”

He tilts his head to the side in confusion. “You already said that?”

“No, I like you, as in romantically,” Willa pauses. Muriel stares at her blankly as if he doesn’t understand her words, but now that she’s started talking it’s hard to stop.

“I’ve liked you for weeks now, actually, ever since that night when you taught me how to roast marshmallows. And I know summer’s ending soon so I feel like I have to tell you now or I’ll never get a chance and I know I’ll regret it forever if I don’t. I don’t want to be an old lady still thinking about that crush I had in my twenties that went nowhere because I was too afraid to tell him so uh, here I am telling you…” Willa trails off, wondering if Muriel might need medical attention, he looks very pale.

“You like me?” he repeats.

“I do,” Willa nods.

Muriel continues to stare at her in silence and Willa doesn’t know what to say. Finally, the tension breaks and Muriel grabs his jacket off of the coat rack by the door. “I should go.” Before she can process what he’s said Muriel opens the door, practically running outside.

“Muriel, wait!” Willa stands in the doorway calling after him, but he doesn't turn. She briefly considers going after him but that might only make things worse.

Instead, she takes a seat on the doorstep, feeling like she wants to disappear into the dirt. For a second, tears well up behind her eyes but she blinks them away, feeling silly for caring so much. He’d run away. She’d told him she liked him and he’d left, there could be no clearer sign of rejection.

“Well, that went well didn’t it,” Willa mutters sarcastically, using her sleeve to wipe at her damp eyes. “I need to go clean something.”

She heads back into the kitchen, trying to ignore the well of emotions she feels as she washes the mug Muriel had been holding only minutes ago. She watches the cocoa wash down the drain, feeling like her own life might be headed in that direction.

Her tarot reading from the beginning of the summer feels like a sick joke now, she should’ve pulled the tower instead, that would be a more accurate depiction of the summer. At least she’s leaving soon, Muriel won’t have to worry about bumping into her anymore. And she won’t have to see him, she won’t have to walk around camp being reminded of him and how she’d ruined things.

After a few minutes of listlessly scrubbing already clean kitchen counters, Willa takes a seat on the doorstep again. The sudden sound of footsteps approaching startles her and she turns towards the path, wondering if perhaps Muriel has come back after all. She’s surprised, and a little disappointed, to find Nadia instead.

The camp director gives her a soft smile in greeting and gestures to the step, “Is there room for one more?”

“Of course.” Willa scoots over to make room for her.

Nadia looks at Willa with a raised eyebrow, taking in her tear-stained face and red eyes. “I saw Muriel on the way here, he looked quite disturbed.”

“That’s my fault, I scared him off.” Willa fiddles with the edges of her scarf as she speaks, picking at a loose thread.

“I’ve known Muriel for many years now, and while he is a very capable, kind person he does not always know how to react to people. Especially not pretty girls,” Nadia smiles, nudging Willa with her shoulder.

Willa tries to laugh, though the sound comes out as more of a weak sniffle. “How did you know I liked him?”

Nadia laughs, “Oh Willa, the whole camp knows.”

“Of course they do,” Willa shakes her head in dismay. “Well clearly Muriel doesn’t feel the same way, he ran away from me after I told him.”

“As I said, he doesn’t always know how to react. Give him some space, give him some time,” Nadia counsels. Willa would normally agree but she has no more time, she can’t be patient.

“I’m out of time, Nadia. Camp is over in a week,” Willa frowns. “And I think it’s pretty clear that he doesn’t like me.”

“He likes you,” Nadia states, her tone the no-nonsense matter of fact one she uses when directing campers. “I’m certain of that.”

Willa stares down at the dirt, wondering how Nadia could possibly be certain of that. “Even if he does like me there’s no point, it doesn’t matter if I'm leaving.”

“Where’s that eternal optimist who stepped into my office at the beginning of the summer?” Nadia asks, putting a comforting hand on Willa’s shoulder to draw her attention. “Would it change anything if I told you that you don’t have to leave Camp Vesuvia?”

“What?”

“Would you like to stay?”

✧

#willa wednesday #only one more chapter to go i can hardly believe it #but as summer comes to an end so must this mini fic series #im love them #willa clary #muriel the arcana #apprentice willa #milla

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agerestorybits · 4 years

Text

Looking at me

Virgil had worked too hard to be accepted like he had been to ruin it now. He had a reputation to uphold. An image that he worked too hard on to mess up. Hardcore edgy was easy to mess up. It didn’t help that Patton insisted on treating him like a kid. That did NOT help. Because...well...

He age regressed to cope with stress.

It was way too ‘cute’ and childish, if any of the others found out he had no idea what he would do. They would never take him seriously again! So when in the middle of an argument he found himself starting to slip he just...left.

He didn’t really have a choice. He claimed that he was done dealing with all the stupid and sunk out before anyone could stop him. It wasn’t the first time he had done that, but it still made him nervous that they would follow him every time.

What if Thomas called him back? Would he be able to snap out of it before everyone figured out that something was off? What if they came into his room again?

That’s why he never got dressed in one of his onesies. Despite really really wanting to wear them. Or use the pacifiers he had carefully spent hours decorating till they were just right. All used purple and black with either spiders, bats, or just cobwebs. Or cuddled with any of the stuffed animals he had hidden in the back of his closet.

No. He couldn’t let them know. Nor could he let himself ever completely regress. It had only happened a couple of times and both times he had almost been caught. He had to be careful. Still that didn’t stop him from coloring and chewing on his thumb.

There was a knock at his door. He got up from the floor and forced himself into an older headspace. More of a teen than a child, but old enough that no one would notice anything off.

“What?” He demanded opening the door.

Logan was unmoved by his hostility. “If you are not doing anything important Patton has called a family meeting.”

Virgil rolled his eyes. “No thanks.”

“There will be baked goods.” Logan said.

Virgil hated that that worked. “Alright. Fine. Fifteen minutes tops.”

Logan smiled, “Don’t worry it won’t take long.”

Virgil paused at that. That was weird. Logan rarely just...smiled. Whatever they were going to talk about must have been good news.

At least he hoped it was good news.

They figured it out and they’re going to kick you out now! His brain screamed at him.

No way that was happening. He had been too careful….hadn’t he been?

He walked in and Patton was whispering something to Roman who was grinning. Ok this was starting to freak him out. He jumped up so he was sitting on the countertop. “Alright. I’m here. Start talking.” He grabbed a muffin from a tray close by.

“Well you see-” Roman started.

“We’re dating!” Patton yelled.

Virgil choked on his bite of muffin. He managed to swallow and clear his throat without dying and gasped out a rough, “What?”

Logan took a breath, “Yes. We three have entered into a relationship and wanted to inform you.”

“Cool.” was Virgil’s reply. “Was that it?”

“You are being surprisingly chill about this.” Roman said, narrowing his eyes.

Virgil rolled his, “What you three do doesn’t really matter that much to me. If anything this means you won’t be bugging me as much.”

“An...interesting way to look at it.” Logan said.

Patton was watching Virgil carefully. Virgil jumped off the counter. “Err….Congrats? I guess?”

“That wasn’t the only thing we wanted to talk about.” Roman said.

“What else is there?” Virgil asked, ready to leave. He was going to drop again soon and he needed to be in his room before that happened.

“We were.. Are worried about you. You’ve been acting...off lately.” Roman continued.

Virgil froze like a deer in headlights. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you’ve been biting your thumb more.” Logan said.

“Your insults have gotten more childish.” Roman said.

“And you seem more on edge.” Patton said.

“That’s...nothing. Just...me being me.” Virgil excused lamely.

Stupid! He cursed himself internally. He had been messing up without even noticing. But they had noticed. How much had they pieced together?

“If something is wrong feel free to come to any one of us about it.” Logan said. “We won’t judge you.”

Virgil stared pointedly at Roman who blinked after a second. “I swear I won’t make fun of you for whatever it is. I just want to make sure you’re ok.”

Virgil took a breath. He really really had to get out of here. “Thanks but no thanks.”

“Virgil.” Patton said. “We’re here for you.”

“And that’s great! Really! Just that...nothing’s wrong! I am fine. Great even.” Virgil said.

“Why are you lying then?” Roman asked.

Virgil glared at him as his heart beat picked up. “I’m leaving now. Enjoy making out or whatever.”

“Virgil-”

He flipped them off as he left.

---

He locked his door and sat down on his bed. He kept looking at his closet.

Fuck it! He pulled out a onesie and a stuffed red panda. It was a soft blue bear onesie that was a bit larger than it needed to be so it made him feel extra small. He curled up on his bed and hugged the red panda to his chest.

He felt like sleeping. Or maybe he felt like crying.

The worry from earlier was wearing off and left him exhausted. To the point of passing out. Since he was little he didn’t see any problem sleeping now even if it was mid afternoon.

He woke up getting summoned, He panicked and just managed to snapped himself into his normal clothing before rising up.

“Oh good you’re...why are you wearing your old jacket?” Roman asked.

“Felt nostalgic.” He lied smoothly.

“Or maybe...you aren’t Virgil!” Roman pointed at him.

“You honestly can’t be saying I’m Janus.” Virgil said grumping at being woken up.

“Well…”

Virgil rolled his eyes, He waved his hand and Janus rose up. He looked around, “Virgil. You are the First person I expect to call me.” Janus said surprised.

Virgil gestured to Janus, “See? I’m me? Can we move on so I can get back to work?”

Janus laughed. “You were totally working!”

Oh..right. Janus could tell when someone was lying.

Virgil shifted, “I think you can leave now.”

“You called him.” Logan said.

“Yeah so everyone would know it was really me! Which I am! So...shoo!”

“You are acting really weird.” Logan stated.

“Come on Virge just tell us what's wrong.” Thomas said.

“Nothing!” Virgil said.

“Lying.” Janus said looking at his gloved fingers as if inspecting his nails.

Virgil hissed at him.

“If there’s something wrong then we can help!” Patton said.

“Just… come on. What’s wrong?” Thomas said.

“Nothing.” Virgil grit out.

“If it’s nothing then there should be no problem telling us!” Roman said.

“Ok You really don’t want to know.” Virgil said.

“Yes. We do.” Logan said.

“Well I don’t want you to know.” Virgil said. “How’s that?”

“Just tell me.” Thomas said.

“I...can’t.” Virgil said sharply.

“You must really like me being around so much if you are lying so much.” Janus said.

Virgil took a breath. Everyone was staring at him. He couldn’t lie. What was he supposed to do?

“Look if I tell you..You’re never going to look at me the same way again.” Virgil said. “It’s better if you all just..drop it.”

“Do you have spider legs?” Patton asked.

“What? No!”

“Are you secretly a cat? That would be so cute!”

“NO!” Virgil said, “I’m not..it’s not cute.”

“So it is cute.” Roman said.

“I just said it wasn’t!” Virgil said.

“You have been lying.” Janus said.

“WOULD YOU LEAVE?” Virgil yelled at him.

“What is it?”

“I-”

“Is it dangerous?”

“No… well I mean-”

“Are you doing something stupid?”

“No! It’s a coping thing!” He slapped his hand over his mouth.

Logan snapped his fingers, “Coping, biting thumb, childish behaviour. It’s age regression.”

“N-no!” Virgil said panic was rising further. Janus just looked at him.

They all knew. They all knew!

Roman laughed. “You...like being a kid again?”

That did it. Virgil teared up as he sunk out.

---

He refused to leave his room for three days. He was sure he would face more ridicule if he did. He cried on and off. One time he could have sworn he heard someone outside his door but he was crying too hard to really tell.

Everything was ruined now! Everything...they all knew and they were never going to respect him again. He was going to be a walking joke or treated like a kid all the time at best. At worst….He didn’t want to think about that.

“Please come out?” Patton asked through the door.

“Go away.”

“Roman is sorry he laughed.” Patton said.

“I don’t care!”

“Virgil...we need to talk about this.” Patton said.

Virgil opened the door. “Fine. But if anyone laughs again I swear-”

“No one will.” Patton promised.

Virgil followed Patton to the common room where Roman and Logan were waiting. He noticed Roman winced a little when he saw him. Maybe he wouldn’t laugh again.

“I truly am sorry I laughed.” Roman said.

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s just get this over with.” Virgil grumbled as he sat down away from all of them.

“We were wondering...If you needed someone to watch you when you were little.” Logan said.

Virgil blinked, “What?”

“A caregiver...or caregivers.” Logan clarified. “We don’t know if you regress young enough that you would need them but-”

“Hold on. Are you volunteering?” Virgil said.

“Well yes. If we can help you with your method of coping in any way then we will.”

“We’re here for you Kid- Virgil.” Patton said.

“Indeed.” Roman agreed.

Virgil hadn’t expected that question or for it to make him feel so...small. “I...I don’t know. I never really...I didn’t think you would be so...ok with it.”

“It took a bit of research to get use to the idea.” Roman admitted.

“But you don’t have to hide it anymore.” Patton said. “We support you fully!”

“I...thank you.” Virgil said. “But I don’t think I really want any of you to see me...Regressed..at least not yet.”

“That is understandable.” Logan said. “When or if you change your mind we are here.”

Virgil nodded.

---

It was about three months before Virgil felt ready to just wear a onesie around.

“So are you regressed right now?” Roman asked as he watched Virgil pour cereal.

“No...well yes. I’m in teen space.” Virgil said.

“About how old?” Logan asked.

Virgil shrugged, “Fifteen? Old enough that I can still take care of myself if that’s what you're asking.”

“How young do you get?” Patton asked as Virgil sat down with his cereal.

“Normally it’s around five, but I’ve been younger before.” Virgil said. “It’s rare. I don’t normally let myself…At least before I didn’t.”

They all nodded. Before returning to their own food.

There was a bit of silence before Roman spoke up, “It must have been stressful. Your only way of coping being hidden all the time.”

“A bit. Yeah.” Virgil said.

“Would you ever be willing to be further regressed around us?” Roman asked. Virgil looked up to find Patton and Roman staring at him excited.

“Ummm...maybe?” The thought was terrifying.

“You don’t have to.” Logan said shooting the other two a look that said back off.

“Of course only if you want to.” Patton said.

Virgil poked at his cereal. “I...guess It’s worth a try.”

“Great!” Roman beamed.

Virgil swallowed before forcing a pained smile.

---

He could do this. Just walked out there and let himself drop. He had been on the edge for the past two hours. Just go out there and….and.

He was pacing to the door and back, over and over as he tried to work up the courage to go out there and just….

“Ugh! I can’t do this!” He collapsed onto this bed.

He pulled the red panda to his chest. “Why is this so hard Kiki?”

Kiki being a stuffed animal, said nothing. Still Virgil groaned “You’re right. I promised I wouldn try.

He got up still holding the stuffed animal for comfort and opened the door. He inched his way to the stairs. He managed to get to the back before he saw anyone. This was fine. He was just regressing downstairs. Maybe no one would even show up?

“Greetings Virgil!” He jumped.

“Oh...hi.” He said hiding a little behind the panda.

“Oh..That’s a cute panda! What’s their name?” Roman asked.

“...Kiki.” Virgil said dropping.

“Nice to meet you Kiki. I’m sure you are taking great care of Virgil for us!” Roman said shaking the paw of the panda.

Virgil giggled. “Yeah.” He hugged the Kiki tighter.

Roman smiled. “So. What do you normally do about now little one?”

Virgil bit his lip and looked down. He shrugged. “Hide.”

“Oh…” roman said. “Well no need to do that! How about a game?”

“Mkay.” Virgil agreed. “What we play?” Virgil asked.

“Oh. You baby talk.” Roman said without thinking.

Virgil’s eyes widened and he backed away from Roman. “Sorry.”

“No No. It’s fine! I was just… surprised.” Roman said trying to comfort him.

“It stupid. Like me.” Virgil said.

“Don’t say that. Patton will have to fight you.” roman said joking.

Virgil began to panic more not getting the joke. “What? No. I don’t wanna fight!”

“Kidding!” Roman said. Geez this was harder than he thought it would be.

Virgil sat down on the couch cuddling Kiki. “Oh...Where is Paton?”

“Oh. Patton?” Roman called.

Patton heard his name and popped his head in from the kitchen. “Oh! Are you being little now?”

Virgil nodded, “Sorry.”

“No need to be sorry.” Patton reassured him. He and Roman inched closer.

“Can I watch a movie?” Virgil asked.

“Sure. Nightmare before christmas?” Roman asked.

Virgil agreed though he didn’t seem all that excited about it. Logan came down mid way through the movie and didn’t need to ask to tell Virgil was little. He was hugged a stuffed red panda and bitting his thumb. Logan summoned a pacifier and gave it to him.

Virgil’s eyes lit up as he looked at it. “For me?”

“Well I’m not going to use it.” Logan said.

“Thanks.” Virgil popping it into his mouth. He smiled around it as he leaned over against Roman who almost started vibrating from excitement.

He looked at Patton and Logan, “Are you seeing this?” He mouthed.

Patton shot him a thumbs up. Logan rolled his eyes fondly.

Slowly Virgil dozed off.

---

He woke up still leaning against Roman. The credits were rolling. “You awake?” Roman asked.

Virgil shot up. What did he have in his mouth. He spit it out. “Oh geez. I’m so sorry!”

“Oh. You aren’t regressing anymore.” Roman said, slightly disappointed.

Virgil paused, “Well yeah. It doesn’t last that long for me.”

“Oh. Well...ok.” Roman said standing.

“Why? Did something happen?” Virgil didn’t remember anything bad happening.

“No. Just..wanted to hang out with little you more.” Roman said.

Virgil shifted. Why did that make him feel so weird? “Well It’s not like I’m going to not be around anymore. Since today went so well.” Roman looked so happy at that.

So why did it make Virgil feel bad? Was he missing something?

---

A pattern was quickly becoming clear. Roman preferred being around and taking care of regressed Virgil over normal Virgil.

That was...fine. Virgil didn’t really like hanging out with Roman normally anyway. But then Patton started to like regressed Virgil more too...Then Logan.

“I just don’t want them to like me only when I’m regressed. You know?”

Kiki stared at him from the bed.

“I should just stop regressing.”

Blank beady eyes.

“You’re right. I need this! Maybe just go back to regressing alone.”

Those cold dead eyes.

“Ugh! Fine! IF they like me better regressed maybe they’ll have to deal with me only when I’m regressed!”

Plan in place Virgil set about getting everything ready.

As soon as he regressed he would wander out of his room looking for one of the others, as soon as he wasn’t regressed anymore he disappeared. It got to the point that the only time they saw Un-regressed Virgil was when they were all with Thomas.

“I’m getting concerned.” Patton said as Virgil played on the floor nearby. “It’s like he’s always regressed.”

“I think he just doesn’t like us when he’s not regressed.” Roman said.

“Perhaps we did something?” Logan suggested. “Made him feel like we didn’t want him around.”

“What though?” Roman asked. “We’ve been as supportive as we can be!”

“I mean I like Regressed Virgil but I miss our Virgil.” Patton said looking over at Virgil’s back.

Virgil had stopped playing as he listened. He felt awful.

They all heard a sob and rushed over. “What happened?”

“Did you get hurt?”

“What’s wrong?”

Virgil looked up at them. “I sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“To what?” Patton asked.

“I think you like me little better.” Virgil explained.

Logan frowned, “So you haven’t been showing up normal because you think we like you little more?”

Virgil nodded, “Sorry.”

“Oh sweetie.” Patton hugged him. “No. We like you anyway you are. We promise.”

“Mkay.” Virgil said.

Roman carefully whipped the snot and tears from Virgil’s face. “Now Let’s get you some food ok?”

Virgil agreed.

The balance between being little and big took time but he managed.

---

“Family meeting.” Virgil said walking in to the common rooms where the other three were. They all looked up at him. He took a deep breath. “Ok. So..it’s been almost six months since I started regressing around you..and you guys are kinda of already doing it but…”

“But?” Roman prompted.

“Will you three be my caregivers?” Virgil blurted out.

“Of course!” Patton said.

“It would be my honour.” Roman said.

“Yes.” Logan said.

Virgil smiled. “I love you guys.”

“Awww. We love you too!” Patton said getting up and hugging him.

Maybe being looked at a little differently wasn’t that bad.

---

Janus watched from the shadows as Patton and others hugged Virgil. Ever since Virgil had been found out to age regression Janus had been looking into it more.

And he didn’t like what he found.

How many symptoms of regression matched up to his own ‘illness’ that he had been fighting with. He knew Virgil had the same thing as him and was hoping that if he pushed Virgil to tell the others Logan would figure out what it was and he could learn how to cure it.

He didn’t like the answers he got from Logan about age regression. That involuntary regression wasn’t that easy to push off or avoid. That it was something that could be outgrown or it stuck with the person for the entirety of their life.

He guessed Virgil figured it out before Remus or he did. But he never imagined it to be so...embarrassing. Something deadly and dreadful? Yes. Something that made them...like kids?

Janus hated it. He hated how confused and helpless he was when it happened. How...vulnerable he was. He still wasn’t on the best terms with them and after pushing Virgil so much they liked him even less.

He disappeared into the dark and back to his room. He threw his hat into the corner and collapsed onto the bed. He ran a hand through his hair before tugging on it in frustration. He had been waiting for next to a year for Virgil to ask Logan to help him figure out how to stop regressing. For Logan to tell him something he wouldn’t tell Janus. For him to stop doing this!

No instead Virgil wanted them to be his ‘caregivers’ to take care of him when he was just a stupid kid! Where was the Virgil who hated feeling dumb? Who agreed that it was something that they shouldn’t have to deal with? Where was the Virgil that wanted it gone??

Coping.

Maybe for Virgil. Maybe even for Remus. But for Janus it was a nuance. A waste of time. A vulnerability he didn’t want nor need. He hated it.

He could feel it creeping in on him. The edge of his thoughts getting dimmer, slower. His frustration about it turned to fear and shame. He curled up on his side, tears filling his eyes and slid down onto the blankets under his face. He hated this. He sobbed.

He was alone and small and tired and…

Scared.

He was so so scared. He shook at the sound of someone walking outside his door. Freezing and covering his mouth to muffling his quickening breath.

There was a knock. “Dee?” Remus called.

Janus didn’t answer.

He wanted Remus to come in.

He wanted him to go away.

He wanted a hug.

He wanted to be alone.

He sobbed at the confusing thoughts. Why did he want to be alone? Alone was all scary and big and awful.

“Help.” He whimpered. The door opened and Remus looked him over before sighing.

“It’s happening again?”

Janus nodded and held out his arms. Remus come over and crawled into the middle of the bed so he could pull Janus into his lap to hold him. “Shhh. It’s ok. It’ll be over soon.”

“I scare.” Janus whispered.

Remus pressed a kiss to the top of Janus’ head. “It’s ok. I’m here. I’m going to stay here till you’re better again ok?”

Janus sobbed and nodded.

He hated this.

---

Remus watched as Janus slowly let himself slip into an unrestful sleep. He tightened his hold on his friend. He wanted to do more but there wasn’t much he could do. He could barely hold himself together when it happened to him, how was he supposed to help someone else?

A coping method.

Remus didn’t cope, he was the problem. Why would he need to cope?

Admittedly it was nice. He loved the simplicity of it. It was easy when it happened. He had a thought and he acted on it! No ands if’s or buts.

Heh butts.

He shook his head. Before looking at Janus fondly. He didn’t think it was as bad as Janus thought. It could even be fun. Terrified of everything and distorted thinking? That was right up his alley.

But it wasn’t for Janus. Janus needed to be able to think clearly. It was important to him. So it was important to Remus too. Remus didn’t know how to stop regressing, but he knew someone that might know.

So he tucked Janus in gave him a body pillow for him to cuddle with and left to go ask Logan some questions.

---

Logan jumped when he opened his bedroom door to see Remus sitting on his bed staring at him.

“Ah...Remus...What are you doing in my room?” Logan asked.

“I need your help.” Remus said.

Logan was sure he didn’t hear that correctly. “You….you need my help?”

Remus clapped his hands, “I need to fix Janus.”

“Why? What’s wrong with him? Did something happen?” Remus made a mental note of the concern in Logan’s voice. He wasn’t too surprised that Logan cared. You had to love that snake! He was the best! Who else was so down for murder at the drop of a hat?

“He….well we age regress and we wanted to know how to stop it.” Remus said cutting to the chase.

Logan took in this information. “Both of you...I see… Well I’m not sure you can stop if it is involuntary.”

“Can’t you like, whip up some kind of science pill that stops it?” Remus asked.

“That’s not how...ok. Look if you are both regressing due to a need to cope with stress then it might be possible for you to replace it with a separate coping method.” Logan said.

A dozen thoughts flooded Remus’ head. All of them more bloody than the last. Well he could try those but Janus wouldn’t want to give any of them a shot. He knew Janus too well to even suggest them to him.

“Thanks for the help!” Remus said. He paused at the door, “Could you...not mention this to anyone?”

“I will not tell anyone about your regression unless you tell me you want someone to know.” Logan promised.

Remus beamed. “Thanks! You’re the man.”

“Is that meant to be a compliment?” Logan frowned.

“That’s for me to know and for you to figure out. Byyyyye!”

---

Janus woke up with Remus gone. He frowned and got up to go looking for him. He carried the pillow with him and ran into Patton.

“Oh yeah! Is it nap time?” Patton asked looking at the pillow.

“Where’s Remus?” Janus asked trying to sound big and falling. Lucky Patton didn’t seem to care.

“I just saw him walk by! I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Can I offer you a cookie while you wait?” Patton asked.

Janus smiled and nodded eagerly. Patton laughed to himself as he led Janus into the kitchen for the snack. He was going to have to give Janus more sweets if this is how he responded to them!

Janus sat down at the table and kicked his feet as he waited. Patton thought he looked a bit like Virgil but couldn’t quite place why. Janus grabbed the cookie and took a large bite out of it. “Thanks.” He muttered around the mouthful.

Patton beamed, “Of course kiddo.” He ruffled Janus’ hair. Oh! He wasn’t wearing his hat! Maybe that was it!

Patton left Janus alone to finish his cookie. Janus watched him go slightly sad that he was leaving. He really didn’t want to be alone anymore but...maybe Remus would show up soon.

It was pretty quick for Remus to find him.

“Oh! What are you doing out of bed?” Remus asked.

“Got lonely.” Janus shrugged, standing and grabbing Remus’ hand. “Paton gave me a cookie dou.”

“Did he?” Remus asked.

Janus smiled, “Ahhuh! It was cha-co-lat!” Janus said, focusing to pronounce the word. Remus laughed.

“That’s great!” Remus said.

Janus was bouncy when they got back to his room. “I don’t wanna sleep more.”

“But if you do you’ll get better faster.” Remus reminded.

Janus sighed. “Oooook.” He crawled back into bed.

Remus smiled at him and kissed Janus’ forehead. “Sleep well.”

“Mmm.” Janus hummed closing his eyes.

Remus watched him a stab of unease went through him. Did he really want to get rid of this? Janus looked so relaxed and...happy. When was the last time he had been like this outside Little space?

---

Janus took the news that there might be a solution well. He was eager to get started, “Finally we can stop with the annoying brain rot.”

“I like brain rot!” Remus protested.

“I mean the regression.” Janus said.

“...yeah. Let’s do this!” Remus said a beat too late. Janus ignored it and moved on.

“A different coping method.” He pondered.

Remus was silently thinking. Did he really want to stop regressing? Janus did...which meant he should too..right?

They didn’t expect Virgil to show up. Yet there he was watching them.

“Virgil.” Janus said, finally noticing him. Remus stood up.

Virgil took a breath. “I noticed that you were...a bit bouncier earlier. And I realized something.” He looked Janus dead in the eyes. “You’ve been regressing too.”

“Of course not.” Janus lied. “This is something else.”

“Come on Dee.” Remus whispered.

Janus looked at Remus surprised before rolling his eyes, “Fine. We regress too.”

Virgil nodded to himself. “Alright well...I don’t know about the others but..I’m here if you ever want to...regress around someone.”

Remus lit up at the suggestion. Janus spoke first. “Thank you for the wonderful offer but unlike you we won’t be doing this for much longer.”

Virgil frowned, “What do you mean? You can’t just..stop!”

“Why not?”

“You don’t think I didn’t try to? It never works.” Virgil said, shaking his head.

Janus stiffened. That’s...that can’t be true! There has to be a way to stop. There has to be! “Just because you failed-”

“But I’m willing to help you try.” Virgil said.

Janus narrowed his eyes, “Why are you being so….nice?”

Virgil looked uncomfortable. “Maybe I want us to not be at odds all the time.”

“So you’ll help us?” Remus asked.

“As long as he give regression an honest shot first.” Virgil said.

“You’re kidding right?” Janus laughed.

Virgil crossed his arms. “No. I mean it. It’s really helped me and I think it can help both of you.”

“Fine.” Janus spit out. “But when we don’t like it You’ll help us get rid of it!”

Virgil held out a hand. Janus shook it. Remus just watched. Wondering why Virgil was so smug looking. There was no way he was going to convince Janus to actually like regressing...no. No way.

---

Janus and Remus sat on the couch in the common room Virgil and Logan both there to help them regress. “So you want me to do this on purpose?” Remus asked.

“Well we could wait for it to happen naturally.” Logan said.

Janus huffed, “Let’s just do whatever gets this over with!”

The next two hours were a disaster.

Remus had managed to catch multiple things on fire before Logan managed to wrestle the matches from him. Janus was stubborn and refused to properly regress instead got half into the headspace and just pouted.

It wasn’t until Patton wondered that he brightened up.

“What’s going on?” Patton asked no clue that they were regressed.

Logan and Virgil looked at each other. “Just...a...test of sorts.”

“Oh. Are you two winning?” Patton asked Remus and Janus.

“Yeah!” Remus said. “I’m winning!”

Janus shrugged. Then he spoke which he had been refusing to do. “Of course I am!”

Patton nodded, “Well I’ll leave you too it-”

Virgil caught him. “Actually could you stay and watch them for a couple minutes? I need to talk to Logan in the other room.”

“Why would I need to watch them?” Patton asked.

“Because...umm…” Virgil started.

“Remus has been setting things on fire.” Logan said flatly.

“Oh! I can make sure that doesn’t happen anymore.” Patton promised.

Virgil smiled. “Thanks!”

Virgil dragged Logan around the corner and waited for Patton to go about looking after Janus and Remus before Peeking around the corner.

“What are we doing?” Logan asked.

“We’re testing something. Janus and Remus both lit up and focused on Patton when he came in the room. They may feel safer around him and will lower their guards.” Virgil whispered.

“That is...a brilliant idea.” Logan said.

“Thanks.”

Janus was too busy watching Patton to notice Logan and Virgil peeking out around the corner. Remus saw them but just didn’t care.

“So are we going to be starting any more fire?” Patton asked.

“No?” Remus answered.

Patton smiled at him. “Exactly!”

Why did Janus want Patton to smile at him like that. “Hey..um..” He said.

“What do you need kiddo?” Patton asked.

Janus was quickly falling deeper into little space. “Hug?” he whispered.

Patton beamed. “I never thought you would ask!” He hugged Janus.

“Hey! ME too!” Remus said tackling them.

Patton and Remus laughed as Janus smiled.

Virgil shook Logan’s shoulder, “Are you seeing this?”

“And he still has no idea they are regressed?” Logan asked slightly concerned about his boyfriend’s intelligence.

“What are we looking at?” Roman asked popping his head around the corner. Virgil jumped and fell down.

“Don’t scare me like that!” He snapped before he noticed that Janus and Remus could see him.

Janus had an unreadable expression on his face as he pulled away from Patton, grabbed Remus and left.

“Ah shit.” Virgil said.

“Langue.” Patton frowned.

---

Janus groaned. He didn’t succeed in getting rid of his regression nooo instead he turned seeing Patton into a trigger! Luckily Patton and Roman had no idea what was going on. Unluckily Virgil and Logan did.

“This is a mess.” Janus said.

“This is art!” Remus snapped as he cooked.

“I wasn’t talking about that but yes that is a mess.” Janus said.

There were eggshells and paper in the soup thing that Remus was making. “You should regress to get your mind off it.”

Janus looked at Remus. “Are you serious? That’s ridiculous!”

“Why not?” Remus asked. “It helps.”

“It only helps idiots and cowards who can’t face their problems!” Janus snapped.

“It helps me.” Remus said cooly.

“Remus...I didn’t mean you.”

“Oh so just Virgil? Who has been nicer than we deserve?” Remus said.

“Where is all of this coming from?” Janus asked bewildered.

Remus just shook his head. “You were supposed to give it a fair chance.”m he took his soup dish thing and left. Janus stared at the spot he had been standing in.

Remus was...disappointed? In him???

Janus groaned.

---

“I’m surprised you came to me for help.” Patton said.

So was Janus. But if he was going to give this a fair shot then he needed to do it correctly. The only snag in that plan was that he still didn’t want Patton to know. Hell he didn’t want Virgil or Logan to know! But what was done is done.

“I don’t suppose we could do something while we talked?” Janus asked. Hoping that would give him something else to focus on to keep him steady.

“Sure! You want to help me and Roman cook dinner?” Patton asked.

“Roman?”

“Oh..would that be a problem?” Patton asked concerned.

Janus wanted to say yes it was! But..it was just an extra reason to not slip up. Besides it wasn’t like this was the first time he had been little around them without either of them noticing.

“Not at all. Just not sure he would want me around.” Janus said.

“Let’s ask him.” Patton said.

Turns out Roman was thrilled that Janus was making an effort to get along and was more than happy with him joining them.

Yay.

It was going well. Janus half in half out of his head space when he turned and collided with Roman and dropped the glass he was holding. It shattered and he accidently cut his foot. He dropped both to the floor and into his head space. He started crying.

“Whoa. It’s ok! It’s just a glass little-” Roman caught himself. Had he almost called janus little stormcloud? That was for Virgil when he was….little.

Roman picked up Janus and set him on the dinner table so he could see his foot and left Patton to Clean up the broken glass. “It’s ok now. I’ve got you.”

“Owie.” Janus whimpered.

Ok. yeah he was little. Roman looked over the wound and smiled up at Janus, “It’s just a small cut. Nothing a big boy like you can’t handle!” He said in the same soft tone he used when Virgil was scared or hurt.

“O-ok.” Janus said hugging himself as he watched Roman clean the wound with a rag before putting on a bandage.

“You did such a good job staying still! Do you want a sticker or sucker for being a great patient?” Roman asked, holding out a snake sticker and a red sucker.

“Stick please?” Janus asked.

“Of course!” Roman said. “Would you like it on your shirt?” Roman asked peeling it off.

Janus tapped his human cheek. Roman smiled as he stuck it on. Janus giggled. “Tanks.”

“Awww. Is Janus a little too?” Patton said stepping over now that the glass was cleaned up.

Janus ducked his head. “Sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.” Patton said.

“I lied. I didn’t say it to you.” Janus said. “So...sorry.”

“It’s ok Sir scaly.” Roman said, picking Janus up and holding him. “You weren’t ready to tell us.”

“I didn’t wanna let anyone know.” Janus said. “I don’t like it.” He frowned.

“Oh? Why is that?” Roman asked.

Janus hid his face in Roman’s shoulder, “Scare an con-few-en.”

“It’s ok if you get confused.” Patton said. “You just have to ask someone else to explain it to you.”

“And you don’t have to be scared. We’ll protect you.” Roman promised.

“Weally? But I’mma bad guy.” Janus muttered.

“You aren’t a bad guy. I promise.” Roman said, tightening his grip on Janus. Janus hummed before yawning.

Patton laughed, “Is someone tired?”

“Mmm.”

“Why don’t you take a nap on the couch and We’ll wake you up when dinner is ready. Ok?” Patton asked.

“Ro go too?” Janus asked.

Roman could not say no to that.

Which is why Virgil came down and found Roman holding a sleeping Janus on the couch. “What’s going on with them?” Virgil asked Patton as he walked into the kitchen.

“Oh! You’ll never guess!” Patton beamed.

“Oh?” Virgil asked.

“Yeah! You aren’t the only little!” Patton said. “Oops. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to tell you that.”

“It’s fine. I knew.” Virgil said.

“You did? Why didn’t you tell me?” Patton asked. “No wait I get it. If he asked you to keep it a secret then it’s ok.”

“Glad you agree.” Virgil peeked back in on Roman and Janus. Roman shot him a thumbs up. Janus curled up half on him.

Virgil pushed down the jealousy he felt. It was stupid to be upset when he wanted Janus and Remus to get help.

“Are you ok? You’re frowning pretty hard there.” Patton said. “Don’t want it to get stuck that way.”

“I...Is it bad that I’m angry at Janus?” Virgil asked.

Patton paused, “Why are you mad?”

“I...don’t want him sleeping on Roman.” Virgil said.

“Sounds like someone is going to have to learn how to share caregivers.” Patton said softly.

Virgil huffed dropping. “But daaaad. I don't’ wanna!”

Patton hid a laugh. “Sorry Kiddo. I’m afraid you’ll have to get use to it.”

“Ugh!” Virgil groaned and threw himself down into a chair.

“Think of it this way. You have a little brother now.” Patton said. “Someone else you can play with when you're little.”

Virgil thought about that. “Yeah...yeah!”

“So will you be a good big brother?” Patton said.

“I’mma gonna be the best big brother!” Virgil said. “To Remus too!”

Patton stopped, “Remus is little too?”

“Oops.”

---

Remus was sitting on his bed eating his soup. His anger had cooled off and was replaced by wishing he hadn’t stormed out. He should go talk things through with Janus. He didn’t want to stay mad at his best friend.

“Remus?” Logan’s voice called through his door. Remus waved his hand and the door opened.

“What are you doing here?”

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” Logan said.

Remus raised his pot of soup. “Got food. Thanks though.”

“Ah..well it’s more of a...family meeting with food than dinner.” Logan said.

“And Moi is invited?” Remus said before throwing the pot so it hit the wall and jumping up. “Well I’m not going to miss this!”

“I should inform you that Janus regressed in front of Roman and Patton both of whom have figured out he and you regress.” Logan said as they started on their way to the kitchen.

“Oh thank fuck! I did not want to keep that hidden anymore.” Remus said relieved.

“Not..the reaction I expected.” Logan chuckled.

Remus shrugged and sped up. “Come on! Speed it up! I want to see Virgil’s face when he hears about this.”

Logan grabbed Remus’s arm stopping him. “I should warn you that Both Virgil and Janus are regressed and that you should be more..kid friendly.”

“Fine.” Remus rolled his eyes.

---

When Remus and Logan walked in the room Virgil shrunk into Patton’s side. Patton whispered something to him before Virgil nodded and sat up again. Janus was sitting next to Roman. Remus ended up sitting between Logan and Patton.

“So what’s up?” Remus asked.

“Virgil did you have something you wanted to say?” Patton asked.

Virgil shook his head and poked Patton’s arm, “You say it.”

“Ok. Virgil wants to try a playdate with you two.” Patton said looking between Remus and Janus.

Janus tilted his head to the side. He frowned and looked to Roman. “I got a con-few-en.”

“Confusion? About what?” Roman asked.

“Virgil not like me...but playdate?”

“I like you!” Virgil said. “I’m going to be careful and everything.”

Remus held up his hands, “I think we should have this conversion when Janus isn’t...I mean it isn’t fair to have him agree to something when he’s like this.”

“Why not?” Logan asked.

“Well cause we don’t remember as much?” Remus said. Logan, Roman and Patton looked at each other. “Isn’t that the same with Virgil.”

Virgil shook his head, “I remembers.”

“Huh.” Remus said.

“Remus about how young do you both regress to?” Logan asked.

“Around...4 for me? Or younger? I know that Janus is younger.” Remus said.

“Very helpful.” Roman said flatly.

“I don’t know how age works for children!” Remus shot back.

“Well we can test some things out to see. In the meantime we’ll put off the playdate.”

“Awww.” Virgil looked down and kicked his feet.

Remus felt bad about ruining Virgil’s fun. “I’m up for it.” Remus said. “Even if Janus isn’t.”

Virgil smiled at him. That felt better.

Janus was watching slowly the younger look in his eyes faded till Remus could tell it was just Janus sitting there. He sat up more, looked sideways at Roman and stayed quiet as Remus watched him try to figure out what the hell happened and what was happening now.

“So mind explaining how Janus regressed earlier?” Remus asked for Janus’ benefit.

Patton told the story excitedly. “He was so cute!”

Janus looked down at his lap, his cheek red under the snake sticker. “I’d like a playdate.” He said.

“You’re bigger now?” Roman asked.

Janus couldn’t meet Roman’s eye. “Yes.”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to.” Patton said.

Janus took a deep breath. “I thought that Age regression was just...dumb. That I was dumb for doing it. I can see that I was wrong now. And...I want to give it an honest shot.” He said looking right at Virgil.

Virgil smiled at him. He gave him a thumbs up and everyone else laughed.

---

Janus sat in Roman’s lap on the floor, playing with a rattle, a paci in his mouth as he wore a fluffy onesie. “Having fun?” Roman asked. Janus giggled and bounced a little. It was clear that he was barely able to talk at all. 0-2 years old.

Remus liked to crawl so that he ‘fell over less’. He was wearing a pair of green and black pajamas. He got a paci but after chewing off the rubber tip Logan got him a chewy necklace and a teething star wand. He sat leaning on Roman and holding one of Janus’ hands.

Virgil sat down showing Janus and Remus his favorite toys. “This is kiki the red panda! They are really really soft.” He held kiki out so Janus and Remus could pet the panda stuffie softly.

“Sot!” Janus babbled around his paci. “Soft!” Remus said, managing to say the word.

Virgil looked up at Patton and Logan. “I do good?”

“You’ve done excellent.” Logan said.

Virgil smiled. He turned back to Janus and Remus and kept showing them toys.

---

Janus knocked on Virgil’s door. Virgil opened it and blinked in surprise. “Oh. Hi. What do you need?”

Janus took a breath. “Thank you...for convincing me to give it a shot.”

“Oh well..you’re welcome.” Virgil said.

Janus turned to leave before turning back to Virgil. Virgil watched him debate something in his head. “Just spit it out.”

“It’s dumb.” Janus said.

Virgil rolled his eyes. “I’ll forget about it if it is ok?”

“Can I...give you a hug?” Virgil was surprised.

“Sure.” Virgil said with a slight smile. Janus still hesitated and it was fast one armed hug but..it was still a hug. “Feel better little brother?” Virgil asked.

“That’s only when we’re little and you know that!” Janus hissed at him.

“Oh come on! Can’t your big brother be proud of the progress you’ve made?” Virgil said.

“I take back everything. I hate you.” Janus said, turning to leave.

“Already a moody teenager. They grow up so fast.” Virgil said.

“Stop! I will tell Patton about this!” Janus warned. It was a hollow threat and they both knew it.

Virgil laughed. “Oh no! Don’t bring Patton into this.” Janus sighed heavily but a smile pulled at his lips as he listened to Virgil laugh.

“Hey...Virgil.” Janus said.

“Yeah?” Virgil said smile falling.

“I’m proud of you too.” Janus said before turning and walking away listening to Virgil sputter behind him.

Remus watched the whole thing from the end of the hall. He gave Janus a high five. “I knew you had it in you Dee.”

Janus rolled his eyes, “Let’s just go. I don’t feel like getting a heart to heart with Patton right now.”

“What about a heart for heart. I rip both your hearts out and switch them.” Remus began rambling.

Janus smiled fondly at his best friend.

Yeah. Maybe Regression isn’t as bad as he thought it was. Maybe it was nice to have that sense of family and safety. Relaxation and comfort. Maybe it wasn’t dumb.

Alright it wasn’t dumb. It was coping.

Janus could get used to it if it was always like this.

#Agere Virgil #Agere Janus #Agere Remus #Cg Roman #Cg Logan #Cg patton #roman patton and logan are dating #little space #thomas #little remus #Little Virgil #little janus #mild angst #happy ending

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densi-mber · 3 years

Text

Deck the Bar with Boughs of Holly

A/N: This fic is for today’s prompt: Decorating the bar. Features a somewhat unenthusiastic Callen.

***

“No, move it to the left!” Deeks shouted through a face full of pine needles. “My left!” Kensi made a frustrated sound and gave her end of the Christmas tree a shove. Deeks narrowly avoided falling by bracing himself against the banister and managed to move up another step to the bar’s second floor.

“Deeks, just move,” she said.

“Now you’re running me into the wall. Oh, this is not how I intended to die.” He didn’t need to see Kensi to know she was rolling her eyes.

“What the hell are you two doing?” Callen asked, appearing at the top of the stairs. Deeks shifted his end of the tree to look over his shoulder and grinned.

“Hey! We’re decorating for Christmas. Yeah, you uh, somehow missed the first couple years,” Deeks told him.

“That was by design,” Callen commented, watching with his arms crossed as they finally got the tree safely on the floor and upright.

“That’s because you’re smart,” Kensi said, making a face as she tried to wipe some sap off her sweater. It left a sticky white mark on the dark material.

“Oh come on, you know you’ll love it,” Deeks coaxed as he manhandled the tree into its metal stand. Maybe Kensi has been right when she said it was a little on the large size.

“I’m pretty sure I won’t.”

“Yeah well, it’s too late now.” Kensi blocked the stairs, crossing her arms. “You should have left when you had the chance.” Chuckling, Callen apparently accepted his fate and grabbed hold of the tree’s trunk, rescuing Deeks from being crushed to death.

“Does that look straight to you?” Deeks asked for the fifth time several minutes later. He popped his head out from under the tree, his hair sprinkled with pine needles and shirt scrunched up from scooting around on the floor.

“Yes,” Callen and Kensi said together.

“Kens, you’re not even looking.” She nodded, continuing to root through a box of decorations.

“That’s because it looked fine the first time and no matter what I say, you’re going to keep messing with it.”

“It was crooked,” he defended himself, looking to Callen for support.

“I’m siding with Kensi. It’s fine,” Callen said unapologetically. Sighing, Deeks rolled out from under the tree, getting to his knees with a groan. Kensi reached over to help him stand, a snow globe in one hand and roll of garland draped around her neck.

“Ok, but if the star isn’t straight, I’m blaming you two.”

“Surprisingly, I’m completely ok with that.”

“You guys just do not have the Christmas spirit,” Deeks said, shaking his head, but didn’t protest anymore. Honestly, though he would never, ever tell Kensi, he did not feel like getting back down on the ground.

He tilted his head as he gazed up at the tree. The top branch almost scarped the ceiling; it was a good thing they decided to use this one at the bar instead of at home.

“So is that it?” Callen asked, sounding mildly hopeful. Though Deeks noticed that he wasn’t exactly running away.

“Oh, I love your naivety, Grisha Callen.” He tossed a ball of sparkly garland at him, which Callen easily dodged. “We’ve only just begun.”

“And unfortunately, he’s not joking,” Kensi commented, although she was smiling so Deeks figured she wasn’t too miserable either.

“You can help Kensi string lights on the tree,” Deeks delegated, starting back downstairs. He paused on the second step and added, “And, uh, you can tell which ones Kensi put away last year because they’re nice, neat, completely impossible to untangle, balls.”

“That was one time,” Kensi protested loudly.

“Then why do I keep finding new ones every year?” Deeks asked and Kensi gave him a dark glare. Callen chuckled under his breath, busy rooting through a box.

“Oh Kens, this could be considered criminal,” he said, holding up a wad of lights-there was no other word for it. Kensi turned her glare on him.

“It’s not that bad. Look, you just have to know how to untangle it.”

“Yeah, Deeks gave me one of these travesties a couple years ago. I had to cut it apart.”

Deeks silently left, grinning as he heard them continue to bicker all the way to the main floor. Hopefully no one would get hurt in his absence. He returned several minutes later to find them starting on a second strand.

They didn’t notice him watching and he stood back for a couple minutes. Kensi was in charge of the wrapping while Callen held the strand for her, following her around the tree. Deeks noticed several discarded tangles of lights put to the side.

“Hey, that looks great!” Kensi turned towards him, smiling in a way that sent a warm feeling into the pit of his stomach.

“It turns out that Christmas decorating isn’t quite as awful as I thought it would be,” Callen said.

“So you’ve really never decorated before?” Deeks asked. They’d discussed it before, but he’d figured he was exaggerating.

“Not aside from whatever Nell cons me into helping with every year at the mission. Usually I volunteer for the hard labor. And Anna’s of the opinion that anything more than a couple snow globes and a pre-decorated tree is unnecessary.”

“That does have a certain appeal,” Kensi mused, looking around at all the boxes.

“Oh come on, you guys were enjoying yourselves.” Deeks jabbed a finger at each of them. “I saw both of you smiling and laughing.”

“Ok, I’ll admit it, I don’t hate decorating that much,” Callen allowed. “But that does not mean this is becoming a regular thing.”

“Understood,” Deeks agreed as he pulled out his phone to snap a quick picture. “You know, I almost forgot the last essential component of any Christmas decorating party.”

“What’s that?” Callen watched suspiciously while Deeks fiddled with his phone a little. A second later the sound of Bing Crosby singing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” filled the room.

“And everybody join in on the second line.”

“Not a chance, Deeks,” Callen said adamantly. Kensi shook her head with what Deeks chose to interpret as fond exasperation and grabbed another set of lights.

“Just be glad that it isn’t “Feliz Navidad.” At Callen’s horrified look, she added, “And yes, he attempts to sing in Spanish.”

“How dare you, my Spanish accent is delightful,” Deeks said, unable to keep himself from grinning.

“In deference to Christmas, and my love for you, I’m going to refrain from commenting further,” Kensi told him, reaching over to pat his shoulder.

“Merry Christmas, Deeks,” Callen said cheerfully, plopping a Santa hat on top o his head.

#densi-mber 2020 #densi-mber 4.0 #ncis la #ncis la fanfiction #densi #densi-mber day 2 #g Callen #fluff

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daydreaming-jessi · 4 years

Text

Day seven: free day

The final beetlelands week piece, made it just in time. Here’s to many more!

It was a bit of an atypical day. Sandy had, for homesickness related reasons, brought a metric ton of Saturn sand to the backyard of the Deetz-Maitland home. Lydia wanted to keep it, because it was sand from Saturn, but the sand had to be taken care of lest it ruin their hard worked upon garden. Adam volunteered to help clean it up while Barbara and Beetlejuice elected to stay in and do some spring cleaning in the attic. Well, Barbara was doing spring cleaning.

Beetlejuice, however, seemed to be determined to distract Barbara from said cleaning. “Babs. Hey. Hey Barbara. Ba-arb, look!”

Barbara blew a distracting strand of hair out of her face, carefully wiping dust off the coffee table while Beetlejuice continuously tried to vocally prod her from the couch. She smiled triumphantly at the pock marks being successfully wiped away. It’s taken her quite a few tries to successfully put proper pressure on the cleaning cloth, but with some practice, it was getting much easier to do.

Suddenly arms wrapped around her hips, startling Barbara into dropping the cloth. She hadn’t even heard Beetlejuice get off the couch. “Bee, I’m trying to clean here. If you’re gonna distract me, then go do something else,” she huffed, twisting her head to glare at the demon grinning up at her.

“But Barbara, I wanna cuddle,” Beetlejuice crowed, yanking them both side to side. He batted his eyes adorably, in the way he knew that Barbara had a hard time resisting.

“We could cuddle sooner if you helped me clean up in here,” Barbara replied steadily, raising an unimpressed eyebrow.

“You and Adam are such neat freaks. What’s wrong with a few decorative cobwebs? Makes it feel homey in here,” Beetlejuice finally let her go to float backwards into a corner of the attic where a home of spiderwebs lay.

Barbara jolted at the sight of the webs. “Because it shows other people we don’t care about our home!” She said, coming over with a new dust cloth to clean the silk up. Beetlejuice stayed stubbornly in place, forcing Barbara to try and reach around his body. She was quickly stopped by a second pair of arms sprouting out from Beetlejuice, grabbing her hands and spinning her.

“A, who is gonna come see our attic, and dos, who cares what other people think? All that matters is that we look creepy and have an excellent aesthetic,” Beetlejuice said, moving to spin Barbara around the attic. She couldn’t help but giggle at the impromptu dance, partially glad for the distraction.

Cleaning the attic wasn’t exactly necessary, Barbara and Adam usually kept it well maintained, and even Beetlejuice kept from tossing things wherever he pleased for them, but Barbara had been drilled by her parents to always keep her home spotless. She didn’t keep to the part that the task was only a woman’s job, she and Adam shared the work equally, as one should, but it was hard to shake off the rest of the teachings.

The two finally stopped their spin in front of the couch, where Beetlejuice swayed back and forth, his eyeballs actually rolling in his eye sockets. Barbara snickered at his antics, but took a step back. “Alright, enough distracting me, you. I still need to sweep under the furniture,” she said.

Beetlejuice leaned backwards with a groan onto the couch, making it creak and sag dangerously. “You literally sweep up here every two days, Babs. There’s not gonna be anything there to sweep,” he pointed out.

Barbara shrugged self consciously. “It’s important to do, in case there is any dust buildup,” she argued.

“Literally, who cares? It’s under furniture, we don’t ever have to deal with it. You know normal people don’t clean attics, right? Chuck and D aren’t, like, expecting you to clean up here, and Adam has sawdust all over his workstation all the time, he ain’t some kind of neatfreak. You’re literally just doing this for nothing,” he pointed out, shooting Barbara a pout.

She tried to think of a counter, but found she had nothing that would satisfy Beetlejuice. “It’s just something I’m gonna do, alright?” She finally said, turning to grab the broom.

Beetlejuice frowned and crossed his arms and legs, looking like a sulking child. “Fi-ine, whatever floats your boat, Barbie.”

Barbara froze, before slowly turning back to Beetlejuice. “What did you just call me?” She asked, her voice strained.

Beetlejuice shot her a strange look, before answering, “Uh, Barbie..?” Barbara’s shoulders rose up, and realization lit up Beetlejuice’s radiation green eyes, and a grin began to stretch across his face. “What, you don’t like it?”

“It’s awful,” Barbara replied flatly, crossing her arms.

“You don’t wanna be called Barbie?” Beetlejuice cooed.

“Why would I wanna be called that dumb dress up doll brand?” Barbara replied, her cheeks blazing red.

“Holy shit, you hate it! That’s hilarious!” Beetlejuice cackled, falling onto his back.

“What’s so funny? I don’t even look like that doll! It doesn’t make sense,” Barbara huffed.

“Oh my god, I am so using this, this is fantastic! You’re so mad!”

Barbara gasped. “Don’t you dare!”

Beetlejuice paused his laughter and shot her an evil grin. “Oh really? Whatcha you gonna do?”

Barbara pointed a finger at him warningly. “I will not hesitate, Lawrie.”

Upon hearing her nickname for him, Beetlejuice’s grin impossibly widened, cracking his jawbones. It was a strange name the ghost couple had come up with, but he loved how warm it made him feel. Beetlejuice raised his hands reassuringly, looking away innocently. “Ok, ok, I’ll be good. No more of that nickname from me,” he said.

Barbara shot him a suspicious look, slowly turning back to her previous task. “Alright…”

“Yup. Not even gonna think of the word, trust me Barbi-“

“That’s it!”

Barbara tackled Beetlejuice on the couch, tucking his legs firmly between her thighs as she sat upon his lap and the air filled with his crackling laughter. She began to dig her fingers into his sides, making the demon jump from the sudden, tickling sensation.

“Weh-! No! No fair, I can’t actually feel your ghost fingers, no!” He wheezed, trying to shove her away.

“I told you, this is just what you get for not listening!” Barbara grinned, using one hand to clamp the demon’s hands above him, her dancing fingers moving from Beetlejuice's expansive belly to his armpits.

“No, stop! Oh my god, stop!” Beetlejuice howled. He managed to wriggle onto his stomach, but found it didn’t help, as she had more access to his neck, and began to kiss it as she dug into his sides, knowing it was just as ticklish as any other spot. “Knock it off, you wraith!” Beetlejuice wheezed, rolling back to his previous position and shoved his feet to press against Barbara’s chest. She giggled, and lurched forward again, her fingers wiggling threateningly towards his sides.

Beetlejuice pushed her back and Barbara found herself hanging against Beetlejuice’s feet above the demon. “Aw, c’mon, that’s not fair!” Barbara laughed, wriggling against Beetlejuice’s surprisingly strong calves.

“I don’t care if it’s fair, I never play fair, Barbie!” Beetlejuice grinned.

Barbara squawked in mock outrage, making grabbing motions at Beetlejuice. “I will get you back for that dumb nickname, you jerk!” She threatened, her smile wider still.

Beetlejuice laughed at how futile her attacks were, watching her for a moment.

Her blond hair was flying around wildly, roughed up from the play fighting, her face was red and she was huffing, slightly out of breath, and her eyes. They were crinkled up with laugh lines, shining brighter than the surface of UY Scuti, bluer than the depths of the ocean, and filled to the brim with care, and they were directed to him. She was laughing so beautifully, filled with adorable snorts and chortles, it made his long dead heart quiver like it was struck with heart attack inducing arrhythmia. He loved these moments, loved how easy and warm they were. Loved that he was never afraid of her and Adam, never had to hide himself from them. He could just lose himself, freely tease them and just enjoy his afterlife. He loved Barbara and Adam so much…

Wait.

Beetlejuice froze, his face falling into one of shock, and Barbara paused upon seeing this. “Lawrie? What’s wrong?” She asked.

Beetlejuice stared at her for a long moment, his hair starting to darken to a gorgeous magenta she’d never seen before. His eyes traced her face, the demon unnerving,h silent, before blinking out of his stupor.

“I love you,” he said, voice breathless.

Barbara froze, staring back at him in shock. He… he said that. He actually said that.

The door opened, causing the two to look up. “You would not believe how much sand a sandworm can carry from Saturn, I’m more dust than ghost right now,” Adam huffed, patting his clothes down as he came in. He looked up and paused upon seeing the scene, before smiling a fond grin.

“What are you two doing now?” He asked, leaning back and crossing his arms. His hair was highlighted with a warm copper tone, dusted a gray-yellow from the Saturn sands, his body framed by the golden sun filtering through the attic windows. His green eyes were twinkling, so fond and happy of the sight before him.

“And I love you,” Beetlejuice said, his voice in awe at the long known realization finally washing over him.

Barbara whipped her head back around to stare wide eyed at a Beetlejuice again, and Adam nearly choked on the sand still built up in his throat.

Beetlejuice seemed to have realized that the room was now silent. His hair became a flustered pink, white and blue. “I-“ he gulped, pale. He’d ruined it, he ruined everything. He went too fast, veered too far off course, he fucked it all up like he always did-

Suddenly Beetlejuice was almost knocked off the couch with an arm full of Barbara. She had his cheeks squished together and was pressing hundreds of kisses to his face. “Love you too, god, I love you too!” She whispered between kisses, reassuring and happy.

They were both enveloped in Adam’s arms as he scrunched into the couch behind Beetlejuice’s back. He pressed a warm, long kiss to Beetlejuice’s ear, grinning widely. “Love you too,” he added, resting his forehead against Beetlejuice’s hair. Barbara chuckled at his long gesture, before looking back to make sure the other colors were gone from Beetlejuice’s hair.

The magenta was back, and the tension was gone. He looked dazed, but there was a huge, drunk grin on Beetlejuice’s face, looking like he’d just been told that hallucinogens were reintroduced to modern medical treatment. “Cool,” he rasped, his voice somehow even more gravelly than before, and his body was lax. He didn’t need to hold onto the Maitlands tight, they were right here, they weren’t leaving. He had all the time in the world to just soak in their softness.

#jessi doodles #beetlejuice #beetlejuice the broadway musical #beetlejuice broadway #beetlejuice the musical #adam maitland #barbara maitland #lawrence beetlejuice shoggoth #beetlelandsweek2020 #beetlelands #goldenbeetle

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poc-movie-supremacy · 3 years

Text

Party Preparations

@psycho-crazy-pineapples

MERRY CHRISTMAS NIA! ILY <3 I hope you like this fic :)

Beth and Rick happily prepare for the Chapel Family Christmas party. Afterwards they unwind with some fun Christmas movies.

---

It was a quiet afternoon in the Chapel house. Snow softly fluttered down, blanketing the windows and the earth. The fireplace crackled with a light fire and Christmas music was played from a playlist on YouTube. The kitchen was a mess from various cooking stains. Usually Beth was neat when cooking, but not with amateur baker Rick Tyler. There was flour over the counter and faces, egg goo on the floor and chocolate chips scattered around. Various cooking utensils were scattered around the kitchen.

In the middle of the mess was Rick Tyler and Beth chapel. The duo was standing pressed side by side giggling. Rick was stirring cookie batter as Beth told him about a family incident a few years back.

“That didn’t happen!” Rick exclaimed in shock.

Beth covered her mouth to try and stifle her giggles. Rick wanted to move her hand away to hear the pleasant sound but his hands were full. “It did, I’m not pranking you. My uncle got so mad at my other uncle that he pushed him into the pool!”

Rick smiled as Beth continued to laugh. “I can’t believe, Over stark trek versus Star Wars?”

“My family is very passionate about these things.” Beth told him teasingly.

“Clearly,” Rick sarcastically agreed. “Will they be over here for the Christmas party?”

“The uncle who likes Star Wars will, Star Trek uncle can’t make it though. I’m a little sad but at least Uncle Ted can geek out about Star Wars with me.”

“That sounds like so much fun Beth. Have I been stirring this for too long?” Rick shifted the bowl in his arm to give Beth a better look. She peered into the bowl, scrutinizing it. Rick watched her quietly. Her scrunch makes the apples of her cheeks stand out more.

“Yup! This should be good. Now we scoop it out, put them into the oven and let them bake!”

The cookies were for the Family holiday party the chapel’s were throwing. Most of the decorations had been up, but there was still a lot of baking to be done. When Rick heard, he immediately volunteered to help bake. Yolanda snickered at him when she heard. He knew Courtney and her would tease him about this later, but helping Beth was worth it.

The baking had gone semi-smoothly. They had to bake a tiramisu, brownies and chocolate chip cookies. The brownies were finished first, and easiest. Tiramisu caused the most struggle, and headaches. They had to try it three times to get it right. This depleted all their ingredients, to the point that Beth feared that they didn’t have enough for the cookies. Rick didn’t give up though. He let Beth take a break from cooking (she did most of the work) while he carefully mixed the ingredients, making sure to not make any mistakes. They couldn’t afford to since neither wanted to go to the grocery store in the snow.

“What are you planning on doing for Christmas, Ricky?” She let her head hit the cupboards behind her as she listened to Rick make the cookies. Her eyes blinked open and closed slowly as she let herself relax. The heater in the house was on, and had been on for a while making the house toasty warm.

“Nothing much beside the Dugan-Whitmore Christmas Party,” Rick said after putting the cookies into the oven. Then he set the timer and took off his apron, setting it down neatly onto a stray chair. Rick let himself sigh in relief. They baked all the sweets they needed to. Rick walked over to Beth, leaning his forearms on her thighs. Beth set her hands on his shoulders and let her thumb rub circles into his neck. The Youtube playlist ended and they were left to their own silence.

It was a nice silence, a warm silence, the kind of silence earned from well-grown friendships. In their silence they said I am content to be with you, always. They let their silence dwell until Rick’s words irked Beth so much she spoke.

“Nothing? You’re not doing anything?” She asked him in disbelief.

“Not really. My uncle doesn’t do shit, and I have no other biological family to spend the holidays with.”

“What did you do with your parents?” Beth asks hesitantly, afraid to unintentionally hurt him.

Rick’s quiet for a second while he thinks about how to best answer this question. “When I was very young, My dad would always put on Home Alone and we would watch it as we baked christmas cookies. It was fun. Sometimes he’d try and put on Die hard, but my mom would stop him.” Rick let out a weak chuckle. It sounded like he’d been crying. “She’d always say that I was too young for it.” Rick quieted, and they lapsed back into silence. Beth went back and forth on what she was going to say. Rick’s childhood was a touchy topic, and she didn’t want to say the wrong thing.

“Well, we don’t have Die Hard,” Beth said slowly, fingers unconsciously moving into the hairs on Rick’s neck. “But, we do have movies that we can watch. Wanna watch something with me?”

Rick stepped away from her to give Beth room to jump down. “Sure Bethy.” Beth slid down and walked into the living room. Rick followed her obediently.

“We don’t have many dvd’s left. We do have Netflix though. I think we have a good childhood classic,” Beth mumbled to herself as she rummaged through the Chapel dvd box. Rick waited patiently behind her. He was about to say something when she spoke first. “A-ha! I found it! It’s Christmas Charlie Brown! A classic. Wanna watch this one? If not I think I saw The miracle on 31 street and It’s a Wonderful life.

“It’s Christmas Charlie brown, is good Bethy.”

“Ok!” Beth said happily. “Go sit down, I’ll get this movie queued up.” Rick went to sit down on the white couch in view of the tv. He watched as Beth set up the dvd and played the movie. Once the classic music started Beth turned around to sit with Rick on the couch. She grabbed a throw blanket to spread across their laps. Curling close into him, they happily enjoyed the movie as the snow fluttered outside and the cookies baked.

#beth chapel #rick tyler #hournite #stargirl #ella's stargirl fics #we're all fic writers here #surprise

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anon1412 · 4 years

Text

Peter Parker (PS4) x Reader - Personalities

Peter knows, of course, that his girlfriend is wealthy. It’d be irresponsible not to! I mean, he’s her boyfriend after all. She’s already from a wealthy family, but she has her fashion line around the world. It was a big deal. But she was unassertive, respectful, and kind to all those around her. She volunteered to help at F.E.A.S.T, that’s where they first met after all. He didn’t even know who she is. She wore a simple flannel and high waisted jeans. She was approachable and kind as well, he had a crushed on her for that. She always has that bright smile on her when she helps the people at F.E.A.S.T, or when she helped May cooking. He’d always come on the weekend to meet her, then, they get to know each other, and eventually, May pushed them to have their first date at the local cafe.

Secrets can never be kept though, and the fact that he’s Spider-Man is laid out clearly before her. She didn’t fret or get angry at him, just tell him to always be careful, because she loves him. It was a sweet moment that Peter swore he’d never forget.

When he first visited her house, well… her penthouse, baffled was too light of a word to even used. He was not expecting her to be this… wealthy? There are shades of grey in everybody, he knows, but most millionaires he met were,…opposite of her. They were a bit proud and overbearing. But then again, most millionaires he had ever met was a villain anyway.

From then on, he often swings to her house at night to stay with her and watch movies after every patrol. He’s not using her though, god knows he’d never do that! She just pleaded him for late-night movies, with lots of snacks and blankets. And that’s the first time he ever learned, from those movie nights, that she’s a very emotional person. She’d cry and laugh as if she wears her emotions out in the open. He loves it. It’s adorable, he might say. He stayed over a few days and learned that her office is right under her house. ‘That’s convenient’, he thought.

He’d wake up in the morning and she’s already gone to her office, she often left notes saying she prepared breakfast and to eat before he goes web-swinging around New York. He’d always think that she’s a sweet person, in her sweatpants, watching movies and would cry into his chest whenever she’s sad.

She was the sweetest person he had ever known in his life. Until that incident happened. Well, she has nothing to hide, she didn’t even care about it, so it’s not technically an incident. But it changed his whole point of view of her.

* * *

They were cuddling at night on her couch when she said she’d like a lunch date tomorrow with him. And told him to come to her office and wait. She’d be finished quickly anyways. ‘Nothing too hard to do.’ he thought. So he agreed.

It was horrifying. When he walked into the office, he was welcomed with modern and minimalistic looking designs. Everyone is on fleek, busy walking around with files in their hand and talking from a sort of formal language that made him feel like an alien. He felt underdressed and weirded out.

“Ms. L/N will be with you shortly, meanwhile, would you like to wait in her office Mr. Parker?” her assistant told him. It seems like Y/N already told them about his visit. But “Mr. Parker?” Not only that it’s too formal for a person such as himself, but it’s also a little bit weird hearing people addressing him as “Parker”, it’s been a long time…

He sat down on the white couch anyways as he inspects the room closely. Her office overlooked the busy New York below and there is a big window that reached from the floor to the ceiling. Her table made out of dark wood as her laptop and files set neatly on there. Her office was decorated elegantly and beautifully.

Then, she walked into the room with a big frown on her face, her eyebrows pinched together. Her assistant trailing behind her as she gave him a polite nod and a slight smile. “Hi, Pete!”, (Y/N) said as her frown turned into a soft, sweet smile when she sees him. “Can you wait for me a little? I’m almost done. Then we’ll get something delicious, I’m starving.”. She continues to walk. Her long ponytail swaying as the curled ends pointed outward messily.

“No problem at all! I-I’ll wait for you!”, he replied, nervously. He gulped when he sees her outfit. A (f/c) suit, deep cut down the middle of her chest, sharp shoulders and a soft silk belt wrapped around her waist. The soft material of her long pants, with a slit from the calf down, making her look taller. She wore pumps today. He had never seen her wearing pumps before, it has always been sneakers at F.E.A.S.T and fluffy bunny slippers at her house. It’s pretty, and he loves the new style.

He stared at her dreamily for a while before her voice brought him back. “No no, this isn’t right. They were supposed to finish up the designs today? I extended their deadline! Do they know that this is a serious test for them to work here? Jesus, interns these days… Lucky this is JUST a small test for them.”, her eyebrows pinched together again.

“Yes, Ms. (L/N), but the interns have,… issues. As they called it... Seeing as it’s nothing but an excuse to extend the deadline again.”, her assistant replied, obviously agitated with the interns currently at their company. Peter was confused, he didn’t know what was happening. But what he did know, is that (Y/N) looked very agitated and he had never seen her like this before.

“Well, they’ll most definitely have a big issue when we denied their resumes and kick them out of this company. Did they know that we were serious about this? Don’t make me laugh with the busy excuse.” (Y/N) said, scowling. Making a quotation mark with her fingers when she says “busy excuse”. Peter was genuinely intimidated by this. He had always thought she was this sweet, kind, and adorable person. But then again, being lazy while interning at a big company is something that’d make anyone’s blood boiled. (Y/N) was seriously mad at this. The employees that work with her long before obviously respect her a lot. But those interns, they have a problem. He assumed that they’re some very young adults. And he’d be right.

Peter stared wide eyes at her, obviously shocked. “Call them in?” she said as she slumps down her big, leather chair. Her assistant gave a curt nod and walked out as she pushes up her glasses. Once the door is closed, (Y/N) gave a long sign. Peter wanted to do something about this situation, even though he knows he couldn’t help. He stands up and walks to her table, massaging her shoulder, and asked “Are you ok? You seem really stressed out.”. (Y/N) nod and lean into his arm. She suddenly turned around and hug his waist. “I’m fine… It’s just another day… I missed you a lot though, y’know?”. Peter’s cheek and ears flushed up as he hugs (Y/N) closely, running his hand along her back to comfort her.

Three loud knocks interrupted them and Peter retreated to his seat on the couch. Eyes following and narrowed at the assistant and the three intern girls to see them better. They dressed in short skirts and a white cropped top. If anyone hasn’t known yet, this is not appropriate attire for the workplace. Fashion company or not, they’re not dressed formally. Peter slowly understand why (Y/N) seems distressed about this. It’s her company that she took the time to build up to this point. She can’t just trust some dingy-looking interns to work for her and ruined it all. Both Peter’s and (Y/N)’s eyes narrowed at them, but Peter decided to sit back and let his girlfriend handle this. Deciding to watch the show.

“Did you know you’re late for the one assignment I gave you this month? MONTH! I gave you a month to give me your best idea. Any ideas. What were you doing with your time?! Partying?!—” (Y/N) pinched her eyebrows together and close her eyes. The interns retract themselves as she yelled at them. “You’re lucky because this is only a test,” she said, as she frowns at them. Anger plastered on her face. She was about to let them out before one of them spoke up.

“What’s the point of testing, if… we finished university? I mean… I- If this is serious work, we would’ve done better.” A girl said, as her friends nod in agreement, still, with fear in their eyes. Well… They can’t even look at their boss in the eyes.

After hearing that, (Y/N) looked straight at them. Staring holes into their dense head. Peter was shocked with his mouth agape, his eyebrows raised to the top of his head. ‘Wrong move’ he thought, ‘You've made a wrong move!’. If them being late for deadline didn’t pull the plug for (Y/N), this is it. She was furious. Her blood was boiling and her eyes lit up with hellfire.

“Are you serious right now?” she asked, low and slow voice sending chills up and down everyone’s bones. “What’s the point of testing?! If I haven’t tested you, I wouldn’t know you are all this lack-lusters, dense and useless pieces of humanity am I?! What would my company become if I have hired you?!? And ‘serious work’ you say? So you’re not seeing me, your BOSS at a company you wanted to work at, as not serious enough for you now?!”, she stood up, towering over their curled bodies. Slamming the files onto her desk harshly, she startled them and Peter himself. Her assistant just watch and shook her head slowly.

“Everyone in this company has been assigned a task, and they do it. If they’re smart and useful enough, they’ll be appreciated. You lots? Dense! No ideas where you are, what you’re doing, and frankly, why you’re here. From the start already! You’re not even hired yet and you dare ask me that? Your attitude towards working is o-1, no effort at all. Everyone has been kind enough to show you around, teaching you tips and tricks and you just, what? Threw them away?!”, she was met with silence, the three girls are on the verge of tears, slightly hiccuping and Peter was just astounded.

“The company doesn’t need people like you to be employees, you better pack your bags and head out today. This is my final decision.” she continues, they all suddenly speak up now and pleaded their boss for mercy. Spewing lies and lies of they’d “do anything!” from now on. But (Y/N) turned around to her window as her assistant drag the interns outside. The commotion caused a lot of attention, but people knew too well to even look at (Y/N)’s office. Then, it was just her and Peter in the room.

(Y/N) turned around as she tiredly treads to Peter, slumming her body against the couch and Peter’s chest. “Sorry Pete, you have to see this. Didn’t planned for it to turned out this way.” She let out a tired laugh, closing her eyes. Peter turns to her and hugs her body closer to him, kissing the top of her head.

“It’s fine… I love that I have a cool girlfriend now. I’m happy—” they both laughed at each other. Peter felt a warm sensation in his chest. He loved how she only showed her emotions to him and cry in front of him, he felt happy that she trusted him enough and he felt honored. The love of his life, sweet and adorable. But also, beautiful and tough. He loves it, he loves her even more now. “I love you soooo much Pete!!!”, she said as she kisses his cheek, making a loud ‘Mwah’ sound. His heart just popped. Then, she stands up.

As she separates from his arm to grab her bag, he looked at her warmly, a big smile still plastered on his face. Their fingers intertwined as they walk out of the office. Smiling at each other, (Y/N) whines about how starving she is and she hasn’t eaten breakfast. Peter smiles lovingly as he rubs her belly “Let’s get something delicious for you to eat then!” He said. She let out a small “Yay!” and skip her way to the car. Peter was so happy that he decided to come today, he loves his adorable girlfriend so much more now.

Ps: Hey! Author here! It’s my first ever story. Hope you liked it and give me plenty of feedbacks so I could improve my writing. Thanks a lot for reading this.

#ps4 peter parker x reader #peter parker x reader #peter parker fluff #ps4 spider man x reader #ps4 spider-man #insomniac spider-man x reader #spiderman x reader

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soberqueerinthewild · 4 years

Text

You square all the corners, I straighten the curves

Five times Buck and Eddie pretend they’re dating (and one time they don’t)

Have some fake-dating fluff for the holidays! Since I wanted to skip the angst, this is set next Christmas, giving everyone a chance for some therapy. Anyways! I intended for this to be a ridiculous ficlet, but it kind of got out of hand once I decided to make it a 5+1 and it ended up being over 11k somehow. Thanks to @seeaddywrite for letting me whine a lot when the last few parts refused to write themselves and for reading to make sure it didn’t suck. Thanks to @jumbled-nonsense, @chamblerstara, and @christchex for yelling at me to finish when I asked for some motivation this morning.

***

The first time it happens (well the second, if he’s being technical), it’s by accident. It’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the kickoff day of the firehouse’s annual Holiday Assistance Program. Every year, they put up holiday decorations on the first day it's socially acceptable, and have a small event with cider and cocoa to encourage members of the community to sign up to participate in the program, to either give or receive meals and gifts during the holiday season. It’s his second year on supervisory duty, manning the sign-up table. Last year, Bobby assigned it to him as a punishment. Well, he actually didn’t say that, he said it was just that Buck was, “so good with kids,” and “did such a great job with Halloween.” Last year, Buck was willing to do just about anything to get back in the good graces of his team. It had ended up being a fun day though, since Bobby and Eddie let Christopher be his assistant. He didn’t realize it was going to be a yearly commitment, but there are worse ways to spend his day than watching Christopher in a Santa hat charm pretty much every person that set foot in the firehouse for the event.

Really, Buck would be having an awesome time, if not for the fact that he’s been hit on rather aggressively at least a dozen times so far today. There was a time when this would’ve been a highlight for Buck, rather than a detractor, but he isn’t that person anymore and doesn’t have any desire to be. But though some things have changed, namely his desire to fuck any woman who looks his way, some things haven’t and he’s still a people-pleaser by nature. He hates not being able to give people what they want, despises when he feels like he’s let someone down, or not lived up to what they expect him to be. It’s one of the reasons why the lawsuit was so brutal on him last year. Seeing the look of disappointment on Bobby’s face, on Eddie’s, had nearly killed him. And though of course it’s worse when it’s someone he cares about, Buck still feels shitty about disappointing even strangers, so rejection is hard for him. When he was Buck 1.0 he managed by, well, making it clear he was only looking for a one time thing and then basically not rejecting anyone. Then he was with Abby, and then Ali. Turning someone down because of a girlfriend softened the blow. People respected and understood that, knew it wasn’t about them in particular. Now he has no such crutch to fall back on, and so he turns into a stuttering mess, and has been doing what he can to avoid and deflect all day.

The woman talking with him now, he thinks her name is Emilia, is particularly tenacious. He’s tried to redirect her a dozen times, trying to get her to fill out one of the two forms, or to buy one of the stations calendars. When that hadn’t worked, he’d left the table to get Christopher a snack, even though he ate thirty minutes ago and didn’t really need one, but she was still there waiting when he returned. Now, she’s got a tight grip on his bicep and is batting her eyelashes coquettishly. Every sentence she utters is laced with innuendo, and Buck can tell she’s working her way up to asking him out, and he breaks out in a sweat as he struggles to think of a gentle way to let her down. He recognizes the lonely glint in her eyes. The holidays can be a difficult time for people. They have been hard for him in the past, particularly the years Maddie was with Doug. Growing up, he and Maddie hadn’t had many happy holiday memories, but they had each other. The years she was out of touch, he tended to skip holidays all together, or tag along with friends, which didn’t quite quell the loneliness. Now that he has Maddie again and the 118, particularly Eddie and Christopher, he’s felt more like he has a place where he belongs. If Emilia feels even a fraction of the loneliness he felt in the past, he doesn’t want to pile on with a cruel rejection. He may not want what she’s offering, but he also doesn’t want to hurt her feelings.

He thinks he might be saved when the part of the squad that is actually working today returns from a call. Emilia glances over as the team disembarks, and Buck holds out hope that maybe she’ll set her sights on someone else, but she stays put, taking one step closer so she’s practically on top of him again. With the table behind him and Christopher next to him, he doesn’t have a lot of space to maneuver. He’s considering yelling to one of the team hoping they’ll see his distress and rescue him, when Christopher beats him to the punch, shouting, “Daddy!” gleefully the second Eddie clambers down from the truck. As Eddie makes his way towards them, Buck’s breath catches as he notices the gash on Eddie’s forehead. He hates to think of Eddie getting hurt on a call, especially when Buck wasn’t there to watch his back. When Eddie swoops Christopher up into his arms, Buck can’t stop himself from reaching out to graze the cut. Eddie covers Buck’s hand with his own, removing it gently from his face.

“I’m ok,” Eddie says softly. “It’s superficial, no big deal.” He tries and fails to look annoyed at Buck’s fussing, but fondness seeps through. Buck knows Eddie appreciates that Buck worries, just like Buck appreciates when Eddie worries about him.

“Can’t trust anyone to look out for you when I’m not there.”

“Well, try to stay on Bobby’s good side then, so you don’t keep getting stuck doing shit like this.”

Before Buck can retort, Christopher interrupts, “Daddy, I have to go to the bathroom.” Eddie drops Buck’s hand, which Buck hadn’t even realized he was still holding, and they both turn their attention to Christopher.

Now that he feels assured Eddie’s ok, he realizes Emilia is still looking at him expectantly, and he remembers he was looking for a diversion, and thinks this might be the perfect one. “I can take him, Eddie, if you’ve got to debrief from the call.”

Eddie must miss the desperate look in his eye, because he just claps Buck’s shoulder and replies, “Nah, I’ll take him. We’ll both be back in a few and I’ll hang out with you both until we get called out again.” Buck’s mood is slightly lifted, since these days nothing seems to brighten his spirits more than having Eddie and Christopher nearby, but it doesn’t help out with his current situation. With a sigh, he turns back to Emilia, expecting her to sidle closer again, and resume her flirtation, but to his surprise she’s taken a few steps back, and has a wistful, rather than heated, look in her eyes as she watches Eddie and Christopher leave.

“I’m sorry.” She looks embarrassed and a little shy all of the sudden, such a difference from the boldness from a few minutes before. “I didn’t realize that you were with someone.” Buck wrinkles his nose in confusion, not following her words at first. She continues, “You have a beautiful family.” He follows her gaze to Eddie and Christopher’s retreating forms as realization hits. She thinks he and Eddie are together, and Christopher’s their son, just like that elf woman had two years ago. He nearly opens his mouth to correct her, when he realizes this is a perfect out. She doesn’t look pissed or hurt, just a little melancholy.

There’s no harm in letting her think they’re together, so rather than deny it, he just smiles and says instead, “Thank you. I’m a lucky guy.” It doesn’t feel like a lie rolling off his tongue. She may be imagining their relationship a little differently than the reality, but he feels like Eddie and Chris are his family, and he does feel lucky to have them. Emilia quickly fills out a volunteer form as Buck had been trying to get her to do for the past 15 minutes, and walks off, pausing briefly to say a few words to Eddie as he’s on his way back with Chris, before walking out to the street. Once she’s outside Buck heaves a sigh of relief, hoping that’s the end of his awkward interactions for the day.

Apparently that’s not to be as Eddie returns to the table with a confused look on his face. “Buck, why did that women just apologize to me for accidentally hitting on my boyfriend?”

Buck drops his head into his hands and groans. The universe cannot give him a fucking break. When he drags his gaze back to Eddie, Eddie is still looking at him expectantly, and Buck realizes he’s not going to let it go, so he has no choice but to try to explain and hope Eddie isn’t weirded out.

“That woman, her name’s Emilia, I think, umm she was, I guess, flirting with me. Pretty aggressively actually —“

“She was touching his arm a lot!” Christopher pipes up helpfully.

“—and I was trying to figure out a way to let her down nicely when you showed up. I think she had it in her head that I was Christopher’s father, so when he called you dad, she made some assumptions. She thought we were together, and backed off. And well, I kind of let her...” He waits anxiously for Eddie’s reaction, searching his face for any signs of discomfort. He looks surprised for a minute before barking out a laugh.

“Wait, so you were too chicken to turn down a woman so you pretended we were dating? That’s one way to do it I guess.”

Buck laughs a little too, though he’s a bit defensive about the chicken comment and oddly offended that Eddie seems to find the idea that they could be dating so ludicrous. Does Eddie think Buck’s not attractive enough to date? He’s not sure where that thought came from, but is clear it’s not one he should say out loud, so instead he explains, “First of all, she assumed, I just didn’t correct her. And I don’t like hurting people, it’s hard for me!”

Eddie’s gaze softens. “Yeah, I know it is. You’re a good guy.” He pauses for a moment before asking hesitantly, “Why were you looking for a way to turn her down anyways? I know you haven’t dated in a while, and she seemed cute enough. And obviously interested.”

“That’s not enough for me anymore.” Buck answers honestly. “I’m looking for something more than that. Someone I can actually connect with, and that’s not what she was angling for. I want something that’s actually real.” Buck’s suddenly struck by how true that is. He’s exhausted by the prospect of dating and meeting lots of different women. He’s content to wait until he finds something that feels meaningful.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Well, feel free to use me as an excuse to escape the women who are just looking for Buck 1.0.” Buck gets the sense that Eddie’s joking, but he thinks he really may do just that.

The second time Buck and Eddie pretend they’re dating (Buck’s decided the first time two years ago doesn’t count since Eddie doesn’t know it happened), it’s on purpose, but it isn’t even Buck’s idea. They’re out for Chimney’s birthday, and he’s insisted they go to the bar where he and Maddie like to do karaoke. It’s crowded and loud, and the moment he steps through the door, he wants to walk back out. It’s been months since he’s been in a place like this, and he finds he doesn’t miss it. He spends most of his free nights these days with watching movies with Eddie and Christopher, or quiet dinners in with Chimney and Maddie, or Bobby and Athena. Cringing, he recalls the time he was in this bar, shortly after he finally accepted things were over with Abby, and he had sex in the bathroom with Taylor Kelly. It’s not a fond memory.

He spots Chimney and Maddie on stage of course, wanting to kick off the festivities with their sickeningly cute routine. He doesn’t think anyone else yet from the 118 is here yet. Bobby and Hen were both planning to come in after they checked in at home. Eddie texted a few minutes ago that he’d dropped Chris off at a sleepover and was headed this way, but as Buck scans the bar, he doesn’t see Eddie’s tall familiar figure. He does see someone else though and lets out an involuntary groan. Of fucking course. As though the mere thought summoned the devil herself, Taylor Kelly is suddenly standing in front of him.

She’s as attractive as ever, gazing up at him through long eyelashes, and flashing the same teasing smirk that had Buck stumbling after her into the bathroom against his better judgment two years before. But strangely it has no effect on him now. Rather than feeling lust pooling in the pit of his stomach, all he feels is a vague sense of nausea, thinking about how he’d nearly reverted to his old ways with Taylor. He may have only had one aborted therapy session in his life, but he’s smart enough to see that his Buck 1.0 actions were motivated by a desperate attempt to find connection and affection, something that was severely lacking in the Buckley household growing up. Though he was always chasing after it, Buck never knew what to do when he had it, so he hadn’t ever stuck with anyone for longer than a few days until Abby. Seeing Taylor now, he’s reminded of the desolation he’d felt in the days after he finally accepted it was over. Even though by that time, he’d built something more for himself, more community and support, it had been hard for him to see that, to trust that the 118 and even his sister would stick around for him, when even Abby hadn’t. They’re not pleasant memories and not ones he wants to revisit tonight, after a long shift and while he’s feeling a little melancholy as he always does around the holidays.

But either Taylor’s not reading the cues of discomfort he’s throwing off or she doesn’t care. She takes a step closer, twirling her hair around one finger, and offers to buy him a drink and “reminisce about old times.” The familiar dread about rejecting someone creeps in before he remembers that this is the same girl who threw him out of her news van half-dressed. She’s probably the one woman where he doesn’t have to feel bad or worry about her feelings. She certainly never worried about his. He opens his mouth to decline the offer, but before he can, he feels an arm wrap around his back and a hand settle on his hip. He knows before he even looks up that it’s Eddie, as tension he didn’t realize he was holding leaves his body, replaced by the sense of calm that Eddie’s warm, steadying presence always seems to give him.

For a minute he’s a little confused as to what’s going on. He and Eddie are generally tactile friends; they hug pretty often, Buck has been known to throw an arm around Eddie’s shoulder when the situation calls for it (and honestly recently, whenever he feels like it, which seems to be more and more these days.) Eddie has a tendency to grip Buck’s shoulder to bring his focus back to Eddie when Buck’s anxiety is spiraling, but even for them, an arm around the waist is, well, the word that comes to mind is intimate. What’s stranger still is that while it should feel weird, it doesn’t. The gesture feels possessive in a way, and Buck finds he kind of likes it.

As Eddie reaches out a hand to greet Taylor and reminds her they’ve met before, the edge in his voice and the arch of one of Taylor’s perfectly shaped eyebrows finally clues Buck in to what’s going on here. Eddie is rescuing him, just as he’d done unwittingly at the firehouse a few days ago. It’s so sweet that Buck can’t help but grin fondly at Eddie, which, he realizes belatedly, probably helps sell the relationship. It seems to convince Taylor anyways.

“Oh, I see. So this is a thing now?” She gives them both an appraising once over, and Buck wills himself not to blush at her scrutiny, instead choosing to drop his arm around Eddie’s shoulder. “I always thought you didn’t like me much,” she gestures towards Eddie, “I guess I see why now. You know, though,” she says thoughtfully, the heated look returning to her eyes. “There doesn’t have to be animosity between us. I don’t mind sharing if you don’t.”

Buck nearly swallows his tongue when he catches her meaning, and he feels his whole body heat. A threesome with Taylor Kelly is not appealing to him at all, but the sudden flash that goes through his mind of what it might be like for him and Eddie...well it does confusing things to him, so he banishes the thought, as Eddie shoots Taylor a sharp glare that has her throwing her hands up in capitulation. “Ok, relax. I was just kidding.” She winks at them both before turning on her heel and flouncing away. Buck could swear he hears her mutter “kind of” under her breath as she walks away, but he can’t be sure. He wonders briefly what it says that Taylor, who has a little more context than Emilia, has no problem believing instantly that he and Eddie were together. But whatever the reason, he’s just glad to have her gone.

There’s no reason now for them to keep their arms around each other, but the affection feels nice after the day he’s had, so Buck knows he’s not going to be the one to pull away. He might not be ready to examine too closely why he craves Eddie’s nearness lately, but he’s also not going to turn it down when it’s offered.

He realizes he should probably actually say something to Eddie rather than stand here in silence enjoying the way Eddie’s body feels pressed against his. “Well that was effective...again.” He laughs to himself as he recalls the initial look of shock on Taylor’s face before she schooled her features to her typical cocky smirk.

“Well you seemed like you could use an out.” Eddie replies, returning his smile, before his expression morphs to one of uncertainty, as he drops his arm from where it’s still curled around Buck’s waist. Buck follows suit, missing Eddie’s warmth the minute he takes a step away. “You did want an out, right? I didn’t just cockblock you?” Eddie asks worriedly, blushing like he’s never said the word cock out loud before. Unbidden, Buck’s brain floods with thoughts of other situations in which he might use that word. He shakes his head trying to knock out the inappropriate thoughts that seem uncontrollable today. He recognizes that he probably should consider why these thoughts are plaguing him, but this is not the time or place, especially when they’ll be joined by other members of the team soon.

He tries to keep his expression neutral as he responds to Eddie’s question. “No, I definitely wanted an out. I told you, I’m not about that anymore. She always kind of made me feel like shit, you know? And, even when I was attracted to her, I didn’t like her. She’s not a very good person, and I think we bring out the worst in each other. I want to be with someone I like, who I respect, who respects me, you know?” And he does want that, even if he feels exhausted at the prospect of trying to find it at this point.

“I hope you find that, Evan, I do,” Eddie responds sincerely, though a shadow Buck can’t quite interpret passes over his face. Maybe grief over Shannon still, or maybe he’s just uncomfortable because despite their closeness they don’t tend to confide in each other much about their love lives.

Aside from a few conversations about Shannon when Eddie was trying to make things work with her before her death, and Eddie’s teasing about Buck’s “invisible girlfriend” when he wasn’t ready to let go of Abby, they don’t tend to talk about women with each other. He’s never really wanted to ask about Eddie’s dating life, if he even has one right now. It’s been nearly 18 months since Shannon died and Buck doesn’t think Eddie’s been on even one date. And Eddie hadn’t ever seemed eager to discuss Buck’s relationships either. He hasn’t really had one in over a year, since things ended with Ali. He’s had a few dates here and there since then, but nothing with even a hint of a future. But Eddie never bugs him about it, like Maddie and Chim constantly are. He doesn’t even participate much in the razzing Buck gets from other members of the team when women hit on him during calls either. It’s an absence he hadn’t thought about much in the past, but now he wonders if there is a meaning behind it. He’ll add that to his list of strange things to contemplate about their friendship at a later date.

But for now, he catches sight of Chim and Maddie headed their way after another successful karaoke duet. As Eddie follows him to the table Chimney and Maddie have snagged, his outlook on the night is brighter, the noise and the crowd feel a little bit more manageable. It might not be his ideal night anymore, but Taylor hasn’t reappeared, his sister is here, his best friend is by his side, and the rest of the 118 squad is on their way, so he thinks it just may end up an enjoyable night.

The third time, Buck swears he’s just returning the favor. It’s Harry’s birthday party, and everyone who isn’t working has been invited along with their families. Buck, Eddie, and Christopher arrive together, since Buck crashed on their couch last night, a common occurrence lately. As they enter the backyard, Christopher makes a beeline for swing set.

Eddie, his hands full of the presents they brought for Harry, as well as a few snacks Athena asked them to pick up, nudges Buck, “Hey, will you get him set up over there and make sure he doesn’t kill himself trying to keep up with the bigger kids while I figure out where Athena wants this stuff?”

Buck is more than happy to comply. He loves feeling useful. When he’s feeling low sometimes he worries that Eddie invites him over so often out of pity for him, knowing he doesn’t have that much going on, but times like this, he feels like he can actually be helpful to Eddie, give him an extra set of hands, and ease his burden as a single parent just a little bit. Plus, any minute he gets with Christopher is a good one in his book.

He sets Christopher up on the swing, pushing him slowly until May offers to take over. She adores Chris, and is always careful and gentle with him so Buck acquiesces, taking a minute to look around for Eddie, who hasn’t made his way over to them yet. It seems he’s been waylaid by a woman, probably the mom of one of Harry’s friends, near the gift table. It’s hard to tell from where Buck’s standing, but Buck is pretty sure she’s got her hand on his arm, and is standing closer than is usually socially acceptable. His focus narrows the place where the woman’s hand meets Eddie’s arm, and he has an irrational desire to stalk over there and remove it. That, he tells himself, would be inappropriate, and he doesn’t actually want to cause a scene in front of Bobby and Athena’s friends. He’s contemplating his options when Eddie glances his way, and though it’s hard to tell from a distance, Buck swears Eddie gives him a desperate look. At the very least, he doesn’t look happy to be the object of this woman’s attention, which gives Buck a more subtle idea for how to make the woman back off. Really, he’s just returning the favor after Eddie’s helped him out a few times. His motives are pure and if it lines up with what Buck wants to do anyways, well so much the better.

Decision made, he asks May to watch Christopher for a few minutes, and marches across the lawn. Before giving himself a chance to think better of it, he drapes an arm over Eddie’s shoulder and reaches out a hand to introduce himself, not caring that he interrupts the woman mid-sentence. She shakes his hand warily, introduces herself as Sonia, and asks, “Do you two work together?” while her gaze ping pongs between Buck and Eddie, seemingly trying to discern their relationship.

Apparently, the arm over the shoulder isn’t enough to telegraph a romantic relationship, or this woman is particularly oblivious, so on impulse, Buck replies, “Among other things,” and presses a kiss to the side of Eddie’s head. Eddie stills at the contact, and at first he thinks he may have gone too far, but after a moment Eddie relaxes into him. Buck continues, “Christopher’s looking for you, when you’ve got a minute.” Eddie nods at him and makes his excuses, looking, Buck notices, a little glassy eyed and out of sorts as he makes his way over the play structure. Buck turns back to Sonia and flashes his biggest smile, “Sorry to steal him away.” He’s pretty sure she can tell he’s not sorry at all, but she just smiles thinly back at him before scampering away, looking a little disappointed and embarrassed.

Buck’s feeling pretty pleased with himself, when it suddenly occurs to him that he and Eddie engaged in that little display in the middle of a backyard full of all their coworkers. He spins around to see if any of his team members are nearby, but the only one who might have witnessed the events is Michael, who is standing over by the table stacking presents. Buck nearly convinces himself that Michael didn’t see anything, when Michael catches his eye, smirks knowingly at him, and sends him a wink before resuming his task. Buck doesn’t know Michael well, but he has a feeling he can count on his discretion about whatever he thinks he knows. Which is a relief, because he’s not sure he’s ready to explain why he and Eddie have been pretending to date over the last two weeks. He knows rationally that they’d probably find it hilarious, and any teasing would be lighthearted, but it feels private, like it’s something he wants to keep just for himself. Besides, Eddie doesn’t handle the teasing as well as he does, and Buck worries if Eddie gets too embarrassed, he‘ll pull away, which is the last thing Buck wants. Buck admits he’s enjoyed the closeness and intimacy he feels with Eddie in the moments when they’ve been pretending to be a couple.

The truth is, Buck is starting to realize that he enjoys any time he gets to spend with Eddie more than just about anything else. Even with this party, he hadn’t been much looking forward to it, until Eddie confirmed he and Christopher would be attending. It’s not that he doesn’t like spending time with other members of the 118 and their families, but sometimes he can’t help but envy that they have loving partners and children, while he doesn’t. Because the fact is, he wants kids, even though the thought of parenthood is always a little scary for him. He never had any good parental role models growing up, but still he knows with a bone deep certainty that he wants a family of his own. But knowing he wants it, and getting it are two different things. He can’t find a woman he wants to go on a date with, much less settle down and have kids with. And it’s not that he doesn’t meet women. He does. And not all of them are like Emilia and Taylor, looking just for a fling. In the last year, he’s met at least a dozen women who seemed nice, and like they’d be open to dating, to taking things slow, and trying to build something real. At first, after his relationship with Ali ended, he was preoccupied with his recovery, with getting his job back, and then reingratiating himself to the 118. But even he has to admit, things have been stable for a while and there’s no good reason for him not to be dating more. Except every time he thinks about asking someone out, instead of being excited by the idea of a date, he finds his mind wandering to what Eddie and Christopher might be doing that day, and feeling disappointed by the idea that they might want to come over or have him over and Buck would have to turn them down if he’d committed a date. He never has that envious feeling when he’s with Christopher and Eddie, maybe because he never feels on the outside looking in when he’s with them. And he never gets sick of them, in fact every time he walks out their door, he’s looking forward to the next time he can see them again. He’s started to wonder what it means that there hasn’t been a woman he’s met in ages where the prospect of a date with her sounds better than a movie night with his best friend and his son.

Well, actually, Buck has a sneaking suspicion that maybe he does know what it means, and it’s getting harder and harder to ignore. It feels like if he acknowledges these feelings, they might get stronger, to the point where he’ll actually have to do something about them, and he’s kind of at a loss for what that might be. He’s never been in this position before. And it’s not just that Eddie’s the first man he’s been cognizant of crushing on, (In retrospect, he’s pretty sure he had a thing for his high school Spanish teacher, one of his coworkers from the bar he worked at when he first got to LA, and possibly a few others), it’s more that he’s never had feelings for someone he was friends with. With Abby, yes, they got to know each other before jumping into bed together, an important step for him, but they both knew that’s where they were headed, that they were working towards a romantic relationship. With Eddie, they have such a strong friendship, and it feels like if Eddie doesn’t reciprocate, he could lose that.

He thinks of those awful months last year with the lawsuit, and the brief silent treatment that followed, and how hard it was for both of them, and he’s not sure it’s worth the risk, especially when these feelings are so confusing, even to Buck himself. Plus, it’s not just Eddie he stands to lose if things fall apart, but Christopher too, and Buck’s just not sure he could survive that. He usually attacks things head on, but the stakes here are so high that for once he’s exerting some caution. So he hasn’t said anything to Eddie, hasn’t actually said anything to anyone. But considering his visceral reaction to watching someone flirt with Eddie, and the fact that he can’t stop replaying the moment where his lips touched the side of Eddie’s head over and over in his mind, Buck doesn’t think he’ll be able to hide how he feels for much longer. But he can today at least, he thinks, as he rejoins Christopher and Eddie. He resolves to enjoy the afternoon, enjoy feeling like part of a family, because even if he doesn’t have everything he wants from Eddie, what he does have is pretty damn good.

The fourth time it happens, Buck’s not really sure what’s going on. They’re at Christopher’s parent-teacher night about a week-and-a-half before Christmas. Buck was so touched when Christopher asked if he would come that he nearly cried. He’s only been to Chris’s school a few times to pick him up, and hasn’t had a chance to explore, and he’s amazed at how beautiful the campus is, and how dedicated the teachers seem. They’ve toured the individual classrooms, and now are in the gym where the kids’ science projects from the recent science fair are on display, so the parents can look at the projects and mingle with the teachers before leaving for the night. Eddie stops to chat with woman Buck believes to be Christopher’s art teacher. Chris soon gets bored of the conversation and drags Buck away to look at the projects, while Eddie stays behind. Christopher excitedly explains his project to Buck, and Buck can’t believe he’s lucky enough that this kid wants him around. Christopher decides he wants a picture of him, Buck, and Eddie in front of his project, and Buck can tell Christopher’s flagging a little, so he encourages him to sit for a minute, while he runs to the other side of the gym to grab Eddie.

Eddie’s still deep in conversation about the PTA and doesn’t notice Buck approach, so he touches his hand to Eddie’s lower back to alert him to Buck’s presence without interrupting. Eddie leans into the touch, and smiles at him while finishing his thought. When there’s a pause in the conversation he asks, “What’s up, is Chris ok?” But there’s no real urgency in his tone, Eddie knows if Chris wasn’t ok, Buck wouldn’t be politely waiting for the conversation to finish.

“Oh yeah, he’s fine. Just wants a picture of the three of us with his science project whenever you’re done here.” Buck turns his attention back to the teacher Eddie was speaking to. “So sorry to interrupt, there’s no rush really, we can wait a few minutes if you need to wrap up here.” He realizes she probably has no idea who he is or why he’s here, and he can’t really think of a succinct way to explain that wouldn’t sound weird. Most kids don’t bring their dad’s best friend to parent-teacher night, so he settles for just giving his name.

To his surprise, the teacher’s eyes light up in recognition. “Oh, you’re Buck? I’m Mya. Well, Ms. Soto to the kids. Christopher talks about you all the time. It’s great to put a face to the name! I mean Christopher’s artwork is pretty good, but I’m still not sure I’d have been able to pick you out of a lineup based on his drawings.” Before Buck has time to melt too much over the fact that Christophe draws pictures that include him, she continues, addressing Eddie now. “You know, Mr. Diaz, I’m impressed with the way you’ve handled everything since Chris’s mother passed. I know so many students who have never warmed to their parents new partners even after a divorce, much less a parental death. The fact that Christopher and Buck are so close is really a credit to you and the ways you’ve helped him with his grief. It’s a credit to both of you, really.”

Buck feels momentarily touched at the sentiment, before realizing that Eddie’s going to correct her any minute. They aren’t actually together, and here, there’s no reason to pretend. He can’t deny the fact that he wishes it were real, wishes he could wrap his arm around Eddie any time he wanted, not just when one of them is trying to let a woman down easy. Wishes he were going home with them tonight, instead of to his empty apartment. But it isn’t real, and even though it shouldn’t, Buck knows that hearing Eddie say it is going to hurt.

He braces himself to hear the denial, but instead, Eddie just smiles and says, “Thank you, that’s really nice to hear.” He glances over to where Christopher is sitting by the science projects, head on his hands, nearly falling asleep at the table. Eddie smiles softly, a smile Buck knows is reserved for Christopher, though Buck has been lucky enough to have it thrown his way a time or two as well.

Mya follows his gaze. “I’ll let you two get back to Chris before he falls asleep over there. Nice to talk with your both.”

As she walks away, Buck remains rooted to the spot. Why had Eddie let Mya assume they were dating? There was no reason to do it, and Buck can think of a few complications that could arise from Christopher’s teachers thinking they were a couple, like mentioning it in front of Christopher and confusing him, or mentioning it to Eddie’s aunt who sometimes does pick ups, or God forbid, Carla, who would think it was hilarious, but would never ever let it go. And he can’t think of any reasons for Eddie not to correct her, unless, the optimistic part of his brain pipes up, maybe the thought of denying it hurt Eddie the same way it hurt Buck. As he’s come to accept that what he feels for Eddie is more than friendship, he’s tried not to let himself hope that Eddie could feel the same way. They’ve had a few moments, sure, but as far as he knows, Eddie is straight, and he’s never given any overt indication that he wants more than friendship, but maybe this is his subtle way of testing the waters, and he’s waiting to see how Buck reacts.

It’s not until Eddie tugs gently on his arm that he remembers that they are supposed to be making their way over to Chris, but before they join him, Buck decides he has to ask. He covers Eddie’s hand with his, and Eddie stills, looking at him quizzically. “Hey, how come you didn’t correct her? No reason to pretend here, is there?” Buck’s heart speeds up, unsure of exactly what he’s hoping Eddie will say.

Eddie blushes, and looks down at the floor. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“I don’t. Not at all. I just wondered if I missed something.”

“Oh...umm…” Buck’s not sure he’s ever heard Eddie stumble over his words like this before. It is, he finds, completely adorable. “Well, I’ve gotten a flirtatious vibe from her in the past. Since she’s Christopher’s teacher, and I have to see her again, I thought it might be awkward, so letting her assume was the easiest thing to do.” Buck looks over at Mya dubiously. He hadn’t picked up on anything at all flirtatious in the conversation with Eddie, and he’s pretty sure he remembers Christopher saying that Ms. Soto has a wife, so he’s having some trouble believing that what Eddie says is true. Either he’s really bad at judging when someone’s flirting with him, which, well, Buck guesses he might be, or he’s lying. When he looks back at Eddie he’s still avoiding Buck’s gaze.

The traitorous part of his heart where he holds onto hope wants to think Eddie’s lying, and just clinging on to any excuse to pretend, but he tries to temper it. Either way, Buck’s getting what he wants, at least for right now, and he’s not about to waste the opportunity. Instead of challenging Eddie, he pulls Eddie’s hand from his arm, but instead of dropping it, he laces their fingers together. When Eddie looks searchingly at him, he shoots him his most winning smile. “Well, we’ve gotta sell it, right? Just in case she looks over here.” Eddie doesn’t argue, just tightens his grip on Buck’s fingers and leads the way over to Christopher. Buck doesn’t let go of Eddie’s hand for the rest of the night.

The fifth time Buck and Eddie pretend to be dating, it’s premeditated. It’s less than a week before Christmas when Eddie approaches him nervously while Buck is cleaning the rig after a call. Since parent-teacher night Buck swears something has shifted between them. Or maybe it’s just Buck’s perception that’s shifted. Outwardly, nothing has changed. They spend most days together, either at work or at Eddie’s house, but every word they speak to each other feels more significant somehow, like there’s so much more they aren’t saying. Every time their arms graze it feels electric, and Buck feels a loss each time they move away from each other. He finds himself reaching unthinkingly for Eddie’s hand when they’re walking side by side, or sitting on the couch together, and at times he’s barely been able to yank his hand away before Eddie notices.

And at times he thinks Eddie feels something too. Eddie seems goes out of his way to touch him at times, putting his hands on Buck’s hips to maneuver around him in the kitchen, or pressing into his side on the couch. Sometimes Buck catches Eddie staring at him, a soft look on his face. He flushes when their eyes meet and turns away. Those are the times, Buck is convinced Eddie might feel the same way. But other times, he feels Eddie jerk away quickly from a hug, adding a bro-ish back-slap for good measure, when Buck was hoping the hug might linger. Times when Eddie peppers his language with the word “friend” so much that Buck worries his feelings are beginning to show and Eddie’s trying to subtlety convey that he’s not interested in anything beyond friendship.

And Buck loves their friendship, but the scary truth is, he knows he wants more from Eddie. Though it isn’t what he thought his future would look like, he can no longer imagine a future without Eddie. At first he thought this just meant that he and Eddie would be best friends, the kind that stay in each other’s lives forever, but when he thinks about a future for Eddie that includes some faceless woman, it feels so wrong. He feels overwhelming jealousy at this imaginary woman, who would get to have moments with Eddie and Christopher that he would miss. It’s obvious that he doesn’t want to be Eddie’s friend, he doesn’t want to be Christopher’s “fun uncle Buck.” He wants a permanent place in their lives. He wants them to be partners, in every sense of the word. He just has to figure out how to make it happen.

Every time Eddie takes a pause before he speaks, Buck hopes maybe he’ll make a confession of his own, or give Buck a clue as to the way forward, but so far he hasn’t. Now Eddie stands in front of him, looking nervous, and Buck’s heart beats faster in anticipation foolishly hoping this will be the moment where things will change.

“So, I need a favor.”

Hmm not exactly a promising start, but Buck’s answer is automatic. “Of course, anything.”

“My aunt is throwing a holiday party tomorrow night and she made sure to specify that it’s adults only. That Christopher isn’t invited.”

Buck doesn’t understand Eddie’s nervousness in asking for a babysitting help. He’s done it for him 100 times before. “And you want me to watch him? You know I will.”

“No, Carla’s watching him that’s not the problem.” Eddie takes a long deep breath in, like he’s stealing himself, and Buck wishes he’d just spit it out, the anticipation is killing him. “Well, it was weird, them not wanting me to bring Chris, so I got a little suspicious and finally got my Abuela to admit that my aunt’s trying to set me up with someone.”

Buck’s smile drops as he contemplates Eddie on a date to a family party, when all Buck has to look forward to is a night of Netflix and takeout. He hates her already, this nameless woman. He realizes maybe Eddie’s waiting for him to respond. “Hmm, a setup huh? How do you feel about that?”

Eddie gives him a strange look, like the answer should be obvious. “Not looking to be set up, obviously, but my family, well, they aren’t that good at hearing no. So this is where that favor comes in.”

Buck’s so relieved that Eddie sounds horrified at the idea of a set up, that he’d forgotten that Eddie was trying to ask him something. “Whatever you need.”

“Maybe you should wait until you hear it. Because in the moment, I was a little flustered? I guess? Terrified more like it, contemplating spending a night trying to make small talk with some stranger that thinks I want to date them, so somehow I ended up telling my abuela that I was seeing someone. And then she insisted that I bring them to the party, and I’m pretty sure I said yes. So what do you say of another evening of pretending to date?”

Well, it might not be everything he hoped Eddie would say, but a night spent together with an excuse to touch Eddie as often as he wants sounds pretty good to Buck. He agrees immediately before realizing that there might be a small flaw in this plan. “Wait, so I’m completely happy to do it, but won’t it end up causing more issues with your family? Won’t you showing up with a guy as your date make them ask a lot of questions?”

Eddie looks at him confused. “Why? My family knows I’m bisexual.”

Buck thinks his brain must have short circuited because there’s no way Eddie just said what he thinks he said. Because if Eddie was going to tell Buck he was bisexual, he wouldn’t just drop it into conversation so casually right? He definitely misheard him. “Wait, what?”

“I’m out to my family. In fact, I may have already told them you’re the one I was bringing as my date. They’ve always been fine with it.”

Ok. So he didn’t mishear. Eddie is bisexual. And out. Just not to Buck. “How come you never told me that?”

Eddie’s brow wrinkles again. “That I’m bisexual? You knew that...didn’t you?”

“Nope. Pretty sure I would’ve remembered something like that.” If he’d known Eddie was into men as well as women, he’d likely have figured out his own feelings a lot sooner.

“But...I mean my aunt asked if we were dating the first time she met you. And I’ve talked to you about my ex-boyfriend before.”

“What, I don’t remember that at all. Are you sure she asked that? And what ex-boyfriend?”

“Alex? I dated him before Shannon. I know I’ve talked about him.”

“Oh. Umm I thought Alex was a woman.” Truthfully, Buck hadn’t listened too closely when Eddie mentioned exes, which wasn’t often, since he didn’t like thinking about it. It’s entirely possible he missed a pronoun or two.

Eddie’s confusion shifts to worry and doubt. “Uh, well, surprise? It’s not a problem for you is it? I’d understand if you’d rather not come to the party now. I guess...I just...I thought you knew is all.”

“No, no, no. Of course it’s not a problem.” Buck trips over his words trying to reassure Eddie. A part of him wants to add that he’s bisexual too. He’d been planning to tell him basically that at some point, but hearing Eddie use the label so confidently and talk about having had a relationship with a man, he suddenly worries he doesn’t have the same claim to the word. He knows intellectually that he doesn’t need to have sex with a man to be bisexual, but this revelation has put him off balance and his head is spinning too much to make any decisions other than assuring Eddie he still wants to be his date—his fake date to this party. “I’d be insulted if you brought anyone else. I’m so there.” He smiles brightly at Eddie, hoping he can’t sense any of the uncertainty he’s feeling.

Eddie smiles back at him, weakly, and Buck senses this conversation has thrown him for a loop as well. Buck bumps Eddie’s shoulder with his own. “This is gonna be awesome. Christmas with your fam, I can’t wait.”

***

As Buck gets ready for the party, he’s more nervous than he’s ever been for a real date in his life. Even more than his first one with Abby, which given how that turned out, doesn’t bode well for him. All day his mood has swung wildly between hope and gloom about his chances with Eddie since learning about Eddie’s bisexuality. On the one hand, having confirmation that Eddie is into guys is good news, but Buck had kind of thought that maybe Eddie liked him but hadn’t made a move because, like Buck, having feelings for men was new to him, and he was grappling with his sexuality. That obviously isn’t the case, so Buck is left to think that Eddie sees him as just a friend and that’s why he has never tried to make a move. Except...well there are moments where Buck swears he sees something in Eddie’s eyes, a softness that’s only there when he looks at Buck and Christopher. And Buck’s pretty sure that Eddie was lying about Christopher’s teacher hitting on him last week, which would mean that Eddie didn’t have any real reason not to disabuse her of the notion that he and Eddie were dating, but instead he’d chosen to hold Buck’s hand all night. That has to mean something, doesn’t it?

By the time the doorbell rings, he’s dressed, but no less confused. But he has a whole night ahead of him with Eddie and he’s not going to waste it. Maybe after tonight he’ll have some clarity. He just has to not do anything stupid. But as he opens the door, and sees Eddie standing there in a button down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his forearms, a part of the body he had no idea he was drawn to until this moment, he knows the likelihood of getting through this night without making a fool out of himself is slim.

He manages to greet Eddie and make it to the car without any embarrassing incidents. They pull up to Eddie’s aunt’s house, Eddie walks around the car and opens his door, holding his hand out to Buck. Buck’s breath catches at how much he wants. Wants to hold Eddie’s hand, wants to feel his arm around him, wants this to be a real date, wants a relationship, wants a future. As he grabs Eddie’s hand and let’s him pull him out of the car, Buck makes a decision that they will have that future. He’s Evan Buckley, and he goes after the things he wants. He starts by lacing his fingers through Eddie’s, like he’s been longing to do since parent teacher night, and revels in the quick squeeze Eddie gives his hand as they walk up the path. He’s still unsure about what Eddie feels, but if Eddie doesn’t think of him as boyfriend material, well Buck has tonight to show him what kind of boyfriend he can be.

***

It turns out being Eddie’s boyfriend is pretty easy. Basically Buck just allows himself to do everything he’s been wanting to do, but consciously and subconsciously holding himself back from, because they don’t fit into the confines of a friendship. He’s always attuned to Eddie, from the years of working together and friendship, so it’s easy to play the doting boyfriend, filling his drink as soon as it’s empty, making sure to snag extra sweet potatoes for him when they come out, noticing Eddie’s caught in conversation with his abuela and might not get any before they’re gone, pulling him out of a conversation with his uncle when he notices the muscle in Eddie’s jaw working overtime, the way it does just before his patience snaps. And of course, he takes every possible opportunity to touch Eddie, twining their hands together when walking from the living room to the dining room, looping an arm around Eddie’s waist and putting his head on Eddie’s shoulder when making small talk, putting a hand on his thigh when they sit next to each other on the couch. Though Eddie gives him a few bemused glances, he plays along, pulling Buck closer to him when the moment calls for it, thanking him for the food and drinks with a soft smile and a wink.

The act definitely works on Eddie’s family, who, just as Eddie had claimed, have no problem with Eddie bringing a man as his date. They welcome Buck into their home with open arms and cluck about how cute he and Eddie are, and how they’ve been wanting Eddie to bring someone home for ages. More than one person pulls him aside to say they’ve never seen Eddie so happy. And it does seem like it’s true. He’s smiling easier and looks more relaxed than Buck’s seen him around anyone other than him and Christopher. Buck’s rarely been happier either. It’s odd because when he was with Abby, Buck felt like he was playing a part. Trying to prove he was mature enough, serious enough. He always worried that if he relaxed and was himself, she’d decide he was wasn’t what she was looking for, which she’d done in the end anyways. But tonight, even though technically they are putting on an act, Buck’s never felt more like himself. It’s just so easy, and Buck can only hope that someday Eddie sees it too, how good they could be for each other.

The nights winding down, and they start making the rounds to say goodbye, so Eddie can relieve Carla. As they’re saying goodbye to Eddie’s cousin, Buck sees Eddie’s abuela gesturing for them to come to her on the other side of the living room. They’ve already said goodbye to her, so Buck’s not sure what she wants or why she and Eddie’s aunt are giggling to each other, but Buck’s already learned that in this family, you do what Abuela tells you to do, so he tugs Eddie in her direction.

“Abuela, what do you need?” Eddie asks, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “You know we’d love to stay, but Christopher’s waiting on me.

“I know, I know. I’m just so happy that you finally brought Evan to visit with us. You must bring him back with you the next time you come.”

Buck smiles and says sincerely, “Of course, I’d love to come back anytime you’ll have me.” He hopes like hell he can keep that promise.

She smiles sweetly at him, before casting her gaze on Eddie. “Before you go, just one more hug.”

Eddie obliges, but eyes her suspiciously. Buck now notices her smile seems a little bit too innocent, and his aunt is still trying to hide giggles behind her hand.

Buck’s not sure exactly what’s going on, but he’s a little wary even as Eddie steers him towards the front door, a hand on his lower back. As they are about to pass through the entryway, Abuela’s voice calls out, “Eddie! Stop.” Eddie stops in his tracks, and Buck looks back to see her pointing at something above their heads. A mix of anticipation and dread flood through him because he has a feeling he knows what she’s pointing at, and if Eddie really doesn’t have any feelings beyond friendship for Buck, this is going to be awkward as fuck. A quick glance up confirms his suspicions: yup, mistletoe. He and Eddie seem to make the realization at the same time and their eyes meet. Buck’s not sure exactly what Eddie will see in his eyes, but hopes he’s not looking too eager. Because honestly, after this night, really after the last few weeks, Buck wants Eddie’s lips on him anyway he can. Eddie looks...conflicted, though, and the last thing he wants is to force Eddie into something he’s uncomfortable with, even if a rejection will crush him.

Abuela’s voice breaks through his reverie. “Mijo, you know how important holiday traditions are to me.” Her tone is a little teasing, but he still wouldn’t disobey her if he was in Eddie’s shoes.

Eddie seems to be thinking the same thing, and quirks a questioning eyebrow at Buck, seeking permission. Buck nods in a way he hopes is subtle, though he can’t be sure as he’s overcome by nerves. As much as he feels certain he wants nothing more than to kiss Eddie, he’s suddenly not sure he wants their first kiss, his first kiss with a guy, to be for show in front of Eddie’s entire family.

But as Eddie slides a hand gently down his jaw, until it settles at the back of his neck, everything else floats away, until he can’t see anything but Eddie. His heart threatens to beat out of his chest when Eddie moves towards him, and lays a gentle kiss to his cheek. It’s just a brief press of lips, but Buck’s entire body lights up. He doesn’t even have it in him to feel disappointed by the cheek kiss, not when Eddie pulls back slightly and looks at Buck with such warmth, like Buck is the only one he can see too. For a minute Buck considers pulling Eddie back in, kissing him for real, but the moment already feels like enough. He’s pretty certain he sees all the confirmation he needs in Eddie’s eyes, but this is too important to gamble on. When he kisses Eddie for the first time, he doesn’t want there to be any doubt about his intentions.

“Oh alright, good enough. I guess you always were a bit shy.” Abuela’s well meaning tease breaks the moment, and Eddie’s hand drops from his neck, though Buck doesn’t let it go far, grabbing his hand again as he has all night. “You boys can go on home now. Give Christopher a hug from us.”

They’re quiet on the way back to Buck’s apartment. Eddie looks deep in thought and Buck’s still flying high from the whole night, how warm and right it felt, that he doesn’t want to say anything that might break the spell.

He’s surprised and pleased when instead of dropping him off, Eddie parks and insists on walking him up to the door of his apartment. They linger briefly there and Buck wonders if they are just going to stare at each other in silence for an eternity.

When Eddie speaks, its with an uncharacteristic nervousness. “Thank you, you were the best date I could’ve asked for.” The barest hint of a smile crosses his face, but he’s not speaking in the joking tone Buck might expect given the statement.

“Of course. It was easy.” He means that in the best possible way. It was easy and fun. Showing him everything that a relationship could be between them.

“So, I’m taking Christopher to see Santa tomorrow night. Do you want to come?”

His answer is immediate. “I’d love to.” He smiles widely, anticipation at another night with Eddie thrumming through him. The night really couldn’t get more perfect, except it does, when Eddie leans up and presses a kiss to his cheek, here in Buck’s entryway, no mistletoe, no nosy relatives, just the two of them.

The stars are out, the night is crisp, and Christopher is bouncing with excitement, and fifteen minutes in, it’s already Buck’s best date ever. Because Buck has decided, this is a date. And if Eddie doesn’t know it now, Buck’s going to make sure he does, by the end of the night. Because all of this is getting ridiculous. They are perfect for each other, Buck knows it and he’s pretty sure Eddie does too, and all they need to do is get out of their own way.

“Daddy, is it time to see Santa yet?” Buck smiles fondly at Christopher, thinking for the millionth time how lucky he is that he gets to be a part of his life and knowing he wants to be with him every day.

“Yeah buddy, let’s go.”

As they leave Christopher in line, insistent as always that he wants to do it himself, Buck recognizes the elf they saw here two Christmases ago. His laugh at the memory draws her attention and she looks at them both, eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place them. She looks to the line at Christopher and back to them, before her face brightens in recognition.

“Oh, it’s you guys!!” Buck can’t help but smile at her, matching her enthusiasm, though he knows this conversation will probably be confusing for Eddie. “You guys were here last year, or was it two years ago, maybe? Gosh the Christmases all blend together.”

Eddie looks doubtful. “You remember us? You must see thousands of people in this job.”

“Yeah, but you guys stuck with me. Your son is so adorable and you guys just look at him like he’s your whole world. You look at each other that way, too. It’s just nice to see, and I’m so glad to know you all are still together and in love as ever. Gives me hope, you know?” She smiles mistily at them.

Before Eddie can speak, Buck grins at her, and just like he did two years ago, on an impulse he didn’t understand then, but does now, he simply says, “Thank you.” He takes this as the sign he’s been waiting for. He grabs Eddie’s arm to drag him to the fountain, tucked a bit away, where they can still see Christopher, who is about 10 kids from the front of the line, but are removed from the crowd.

“What was that about?” The question doesn’t sound annoyed or even bewildered. There’s hope and anticipation there, the same kind Buck feels buzzing through his veins. This is the moment when something is either going to happen or it’s not. Either way, he had to know. His thoughts are going a million miles an hour as he tries to figure out the right words to use, how to convey what he feels, what he wants. Eddie takes his silence as confusion and clarifies. “Who are we pretending for here, Evan?”

“Who’s pretending?” Buck takes a brief moment to send up a prayer that he’s not reading the heat that flickers in Eddie’s eyes wrong, as he takes Eddie’s face into his hands, pausing long enough to give Eddie a chance to back away if he wants to, before he presses their lips together. Buck had intended the kiss to be short. Just the answer to a question. He’d planned to kiss Eddie because he just had to know what it would be like, and then planned to back off, gauge Eddie’s reaction, and talk, but that option flies out the window the minute their lips touch because Buck can no longer think about what’s sensible, he can’t think about anything at all, except Eddie’s mouth beneath his. He leans into this kiss, sliding one hand into Eddie’s hair to pull him closer. And suddenly Eddie is kissing him back and there’s no hesitation or tentativeness in the way his mouth opens up under Buck’s. Eddie quickly takes control of the kiss, licking into Buck’s mouth, his hands gripping Buck’s hips and pulling them flush against his own, drawing a low groan from the back of Buck’s throat, as sparks ignite from every point their bodies are in contact.

As lack of oxygen forces them to pull apart, Buck whimpers at the loss. As soon as he gasps in a breath, he leans forward once more, planning to capture Eddie’s mouth again. He can’t believe how much time they wasted when they could have been doing this, but weren’t. Now that they have he never wants to stop. But though Buck’s lust addled brain probably would’ve pushed Eddie against the nearest flat surface, and kissed him until they both forgot their own names, Eddie’s always been the sensible one, and he interferes with Buck’s plan, stilling Buck’s movement with a gentle hand to the chest.

Buck forgets to be mad when he sees the tenderness and want in Eddie’s eyes, as he brushes one more soft kiss to Buck’s lips pulling back. As normal functions return to his brain and he remembers their surroundings he’s forced to admit that this isn’t an appropriate place to get carried away the way he wants to. Besides, they probably should talk.

“So…” Buck ventures. “No more pretending, right?”

Eddie laughs. “No more. Good thing, too. I’m not sure how many more opportunities for fake dating I could make up.”

“Make up? Which ones did you make up?”

“Just the last two.”

“So your family wasn’t trying to set you up?” Buck asks incredulously.

“Not exactly. They were giving me a hard time begging me to bring you. They’ve been convinced for a while that there’s something between us. That you know, I was…”Eddie blushes, something Buck thinks he’ll never stop finding adorable.

“Super into me?” Buck shoots Eddie his best cocky grin, before his features slide back into the lovesick expression he’s sure he’s been wearing all night. “Obviously the feeling is mutual. But why didn’t you just tell me? Ask me out for real? We wouldn’t have had to do any of this pretend stuff.”

“I wasn’t sure you were into guys at all, let alone me. I thought you knew I was bisexual, and that I’d signaled my interest in you pretty clearly. I figured if you were into men and into me, well, the ball was in your court. I wasn’t really sure what was going on with the fake dating stuff, but thought maybe you were trying to figure out your own feelings, and I’d just wait to see where you wanted to take things. It wasn’t until the other day when I discovered you were oblivious as hell and didn’t even know I was bisexual, that I realized maybe you might need more overt signals.”

Buck feels like Eddie also could’ve just kissed him at any point over the last month or really over the last two years and that might’ve been easier than all this, but everything they’ve been through has led them to this point, and he can’t bring himself to regret a second of it. But he doesn’t have time for misunderstandings and he thinks they might both be oblivious idiots so to be on the safe side he thinks he should spell it out. “So to be clear, we are together now. Dating, boyfriends? Right? Just to avoid any more confusion.”

Eddie laughs, which is quickly becoming Buck’s favorite sound in the world, kisses him firmly once more, and agrees. “Right. Now come on, boyfriend, we better not miss Chris’s pictures with Santa.”

Buck winds his arm around Eddie’s waist, and as they watch Chris babble animatedly in Santa’s ear before smiling wide for the camera, he realizes he can’t think of a single thing he’d ask Santa for right now. With Eddie and Christopher by his side, it feels like every fervent wish he’s ever made, for connection, belonging, for family, has already come true.

#buddie fic #911fox fic #so much fluff #fake dating ridiculousness #buddie #5+1 fic #it kind of got away from me #i just wanted some holiday trope-y fun #soberqueerinthewild

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