#and every Saturday he’d make a big breakfast for all of us and then we’d go to the park or watch a movie or something

[shirakumos-sandwich-shop]

🍂Zhongli x fem reader 🍂

🍂Single Dad, modern au. 🍂

Feat. Xiao as a kid cause why not.

(Idk why I wrote this, let me just die of embarrassment while I post it anyway.)

“Did you have a good day at school Xiao?” You asked the tiny four year old.

“No.” He said bluntly.

“Why not? Did something happen?” You crouched down to his level.

“Ajax was mean to me again.” The little one whimpered. “He said my hair was stupid.”

You made a mental note to tell the child’s father once he got home.

“That’s not nice of him.” You tousled the boy’s colorful locks. “Don’t listen to him, your hair is perfect.”

“You think so?” He gave you big round golden puppy eyes that made your heart melt.

“Yes of course I do!” He smiled at your words. His little arms held out asking for you to pick him up. You scooped him into your arms and carried him off to the car. He was tiny but still heavy.

“Y/n?” He questioned.

“Yes Xiao?” You smiled.

“Why doesn’t daddy pick me up from school?” He said sadly.

“Your daddy has to work.”

“Oh…” the little one sighed. “Why does daddy work so much?”

“He has a very important job.” You answered.

You got to the car and buckled him into the car seat.

“Ajax said my dad works for dead people! Is that true?”

“What?” It took you a second to realize he meant the funeral parlor. “No sweetie, he doesn’t work for dead people.” You didn’t want to traumatize him with the details at such a young age.

You got into the driver's seat and drove out of the school parking lot. He was quiet all the way home and just stared out the window. After a short drive you pulled into the driveway of the large house. You let Xiao out of his car seat and he held his arms out to you to be held. He certainly was a clingy child. You carried him through the quiet house to the living room and set him down.

“I’m gonna make you a snack, is there anything you want?” You asked him.

“Almond tofu!” He exclaimed.

“You can’t have that for every meal, Xiao.” You chided.

“Oh..” he thought hard. “Apples then… but can I have just a bite of almond tofu?” He persisted.

“Would you rather have some now or save it till dessert? Cause I know you’ll ask for it again after dinner.”

“Fine… I’ll wait.” He sighed.

You patted his head and went to fix him a plate of sliced apples, you added some crackers and juice for good measure and brought it to him. He nibbled on the snacks happily and then decided it was time to color.

Time went on like this till nightfall. Xiao drew a dragon that he wanted to give to his dad. He was really just the cutest. You checked the clock, Xiao’s father should be back soon. It was getting late and Xiao was getting peckish again so you decided to get dinner ready for them so they could eat when he came back from work. You went to the kitchen and started preparing a good meal of chicken, rice, and vegetables.

“What about almond tofu?” The persistent child asked.

“I’ll do that next.” You calmed him. You went ahead and got started on the dessert so it would be ready later. Cooking wasn’t really required in your job description but you did it once in a while. The boy’s father always seemed to be so tired when he got back.

You heard the door open and Xiao scrambled to run to the door.

“Daddy!” You heard his exclaim from the other room. “Look what y/n helped me draw today!”

“That’s amazing!” You heard him reply. “Let’s go put it on the fridge!”

Zhongli entered the kitchen with his son dragging him by the hand. He looked very tired but tried to be energetic for his excited child.

“Hello, y/n.” Zhongli said softly.

“Hello, I went ahead and made dinner for you.”

“Oh you didn’t have to..”

“It’s okay, I wanted to. There is enough for leftovers. Let me just finish Xiao’s favorite and I’ll be on my way.”

“Would you just like to stay for dinner?” He asked.

“Oh no I couldn’t impose.” You blushed nervously.

“You're not imposing, you made the dinner after all.” He smiled at you awkwardly. “We’d love to have you stay, right Xiao?”

The little one jumped up and down and ran to hug your leg.

“Please stay, y/n.” He gave you the irresistible puppy eyes again.

“Of course, I’ll stay. I can’t say no to you.” You ruffled his colorful hair.

Zhongli smiled to himself while he witnessed the interaction. No one had been able to get Xiao to open up like you had. He used to be such a quiet child until you came along. Maybe it was just his imagination but he felt that you were having a similar effect on him as well.

You felt a bit awkward at dinner, Zhongli had never invited you to stay before. Your crush on him was driving you crazy, thinking of all the reasons he could have asked you to stay. You were just Xiao’s nanny so you didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. Throughout dinner Zhongli grew more comfortable as the evening continued. It felt natural having the three of you there together. He wondered as he always did when he saw you, if you might be the answer he was looking for. Xiao had always been begging him for a mother. Zhongli wanted to make him happy, he tried to go on dates but no one seemed to fit. No one except you. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t considered asking you out, but every time he considered saying something it didn’t seem like the right time.

“Y/n! Come read bedtime story!” Xiao was already dragging you off by the hand to his room. Zhongli cleaned up the dishes and then followed you to the boy’s room. It would be a difficult task getting you out of Xiao’s clutches so you could go home and get some rest. He was also feeling the fatigue of the day and felt like he could fall asleep any second. He found the pair in Xiao’s room looking at books. The little boy already had a stack of all his favorites that he wanted to read with you. The little one looked up happily at his father when he entered the room.

“Xiao, I’m sure y/n needs to get home and rest. Why don’t you save the books for another time?” Zhongli told the boy.

Xiao’s eyes widened and nearly teared up. He looked at you for confirmation.

“Y/n? You don’t have to leave yet do you?” The little one whimpered. He gave you the adorable puppy eyes once again.

“I can read one book with you.” you looked up at Zhongli. “Is that okay? I’d hate to disappoint him, he’s so excited.” Zhongli smiled at you and wondered how he could possibly deserve someone like you.

“As long as your not too tired.” He agreed.

Xiao looked at his bed skeptically. It was not big enough for all three of you. He was accustomed to his father laying on his bed with him while being read to. With you there now there was simply not enough room. He came to a quick conclusion on how to fix the problem and grabbed onto both your hand and Zhongli’s and led you off to his father’s room. He climbed up on the big bed and waited expectantly. You blushed at the idea of even just sitting on his bed. Zhongli had similar thoughts and looked away awkwardly. Xiao had already opened the book and was sitting there expectantly. Neither of you wanted to disappoint him so you went and sat on either side of the child.

Xiao nestled into the crook of your arm and gave you the book to read. As you started reading you felt yourself get more comfortable and sleepy. You were so sleepy you became unaware of Zhongli’s arm behind your shoulders or the adoring glances he gave you.

Zhongli was drifting off as well, it had been a long day for him. And now with you leaning against him and quieting his mind with the story you were reading he felt at peace. Your head fell onto his shoulder and he sleepily pulled you closer. The scent of your hair was the last thing he remembered before drifting off to sleep. Xiao stood up on his tiny legs and patted your head and then Zhongli’s.

“Lumine said that only mommies and daddies sleep in the same bed..” his little brain tried to work out what this meant. He climbed off the bed and jumped on his own bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

Zhongli woke to find you cuddled against his chest with his arms around you. He gently tucked your now messy hair out of your face and your eyes fluttered open. You gasped when you saw who you were snuggled against and jerked back from his touch.

“I’m sorry.” You squeaked. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“Y/n.”

“I’m sorry, I should go.” You scrambled out of bed and made for the door.

“Y/n wait!” He jumped up and hugged you from behind. You felt like your heart was going to burst out of your chest. “Y/n, I really like you.”

You twisted around in his arms to look at him.

“I like you too Zhongli.”

He smiled softly at your words and looked at your lips. You melted into his arms as he leaned down to kiss you. It was short, sweet, and perfect. He pulled away and gave you an unusually mischievous look. You squealed as he scooped you up and carried you back to the bed. He peppered you with kisses and held you close. You snuggled against him as he pulled the bed covers up over you.

“It’s Saturday, I don’t have work. Want to stay here for a while?”

You nodded at his request and pressed a kiss to his lips. At this moment Xiao came in search of the two of you. He climbed up on the bed and you gasped in surprise. He bounced his way into your arms and giggled. The little boy snuggled between you and Zhongli.

“Does this mean you’re my mommy now?” He asked seriously. You blushed furiously but Zhongli just looked at you happily.

“I hope so.” He told his son.

You blushed even harder and hid yourself in his chest. And so the three of you cuddled in bed until Xiao announced he wanted breakfast.

#zhongli x y/n #zhongli fanfiction #genshin fanfic #genshin impact #zhongli x reader #xiao headcanons #genshin impact fanfiction #modern au #help me why did I write this #fluff #genshin fluff

[boymeetsparadise]

masterlist

Mentions and contains: female reader x Kim Seokjin, fluff, !angst!, arranged marriage! au, break ups and running away, lying, betrayal, anxiety, language, pregnancy and children, vomit, infidelity suggestion, TINY suggestion at mature content

Word count: 7k

an: this took a while and lots of editing. italics are the memories or the flashbacks, whatever you'd like to call em. i’m always gonna find things to fix here and there but for now, enjoy. ALSO special thanks to my friend (S) for proofreading and being a great supporter, ily <3 lemme know your thoughts! requests are open but slow!

songs listened to while writing:

~someone new- banks

~mystery of love-sufjan stevens

~ TTU x young and beautiful. listen to the beautiful work here

this came up on my recommendations and I immediately fell in love.

“What are you here?” Confusion and hurt evident as his brows furrowed.

The former lovers stood face to face, away from sight in a small nook of a garden. On a warm spring afternoon, the flowers had bloomed and birds chirped. Far up ahead was the arriving crowd, waiting to celebrate the sight of a couple coming together; for in sickness and in health, for better or for worse… for life.

“You know me,” You let out a shaky chuckle, trying to calm your nerves. “I never think things through and maybe it was a mistake but, “But I wanted to see you one last time. One last time before I leave.”

Seokjin stared back, chest feeling heavy at your words. “Going where?’

“Somewhere,” You bit the inside of your cheek, refusing to make eye contact with the man you once loved.

“Do you think we’ll be together forever?” Curiosity got the best of you as you tried to take a bite of your ice cream. The two of you sat on the cool grass under the night sky as civilians strolled down the pavement, taking in the cool summer breeze.

“I don’t see why not.” Seokjin smiled as he looked down next to him, taking in the sight of his lover staring off into the river that was just up ahead. “I love you and you love me right?” He raised a knowing brow just in time to see you smile to yourself. “I’m guessing that's all we need baby.”

“I suppose so.” You agreed with a simple shrug. “To be quite honest, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Seokjin hummed as he mimicked your nod, butterflies swarming his stomach and cheeks growing warm, he wrapped an arm around your shoulder- pulling you closer with a relaxed sigh.

“I can’t wait till we have a home to call our own, I can see it now.”

“Oh really?” His head peeked with interest, “And what do you see with this home?”

Your cheeks took on his favorite color on you: red.

“I see this cozy home, nothing too big or too small y'know?” prompting Seokjin to hum in understandment.

“You want kids right?’ You shyly asked. They have been warily brought up as the relationship grew and grew, possibilities were endless for a young couple in love.

“That I do!” Seokjin chuckled with a nod. “I want as many as you do.”

“Even if it’s 500 kids?” You teased with a giggle.

Seokjin took this as his opportunity to tease you back.“You could ask for two or 3 billion, either way I wont be able to complain about that process now would I?”

“Stop that!” You blushed as you playfully slapped his shoulder. You leaned in to hide in his embrace, all while his chest vibrated with your favorite sound- his laughter. “What if someone hears you?”

“Not like they don’t know the process.” He smirked, enjoying how easy it was to playfully fluster his love.

“Ok” You plowed through- fixing your hair, trying to ignore the heat that spread across your cheeks. “Kids, maybe a dog too.” You smiled again. “I’d wake up early to make us breakfast, you know how much I love to make breakfast.”

Seokjin nodded.

“We’d go to work and come back just in time to make dinner together. Imagine when we start a family: relaxed mornings and fun dinners. Oh and the traditions we could start!” You jumped up just a bit from your seat, clearly excited.

“Like?” He raised his eyebrows.

You let your joy speak for you. Husband and wife. You’d live in a cozy home. Nothing too big or too small. The weekends were your favorites. Saturdays meant breakfast on the couch as you let the childhood favorites play on the tv, relaxing after a tiring week. Sundays was an extension and you loved going to the grocery store with him, taking turns every time pushing each other as one sat in the cart. That was something you’d continue until it was no longer possible.

You thought that as you got older your work schedules will allow more designated time together. Coming home around the same time to prepare dinner and stroll around the neighborhood as a couple. Holidays spent in a place you could grow out into and call your own. A safe place of love.

You talked more about a family. Making him chuckle as you already knew he’d be extra careful and baby proof your home before the child was even born. The joy of decorating a nursery and waiting for the first signs of an active baby. Late nights cuddled on the couch and reaching for his hand when the little bundle decided to start kicking, joking about how your baby was already as hyperactive like their father.

You rambled on about how you could wait till it was your first christmas as a family, a tiny bundle of love that was the perfect mixture of their parents. You imagined tiny hands clapping as flour created small clouds, chubby fingers reaching to squish the cookie dough, making a mess. The way you’d be holding his hand as you see them opening their first gift, excited for their reaction, despite not understanding and finding everything oh so amusing.

First steps on the living room as the two of you cheer and clap. Trips to his uncle’s strawberry farm. A toddler perched on his lap as he taught em the art of online gaming.

Seokjin mentioned he was looking forward to the day he has to scrub off scribbled crayon from the walls and the way his back won’t be the same after endless piggy-back rides but it would all be with love.

He shook his head with a chuckle at the mention of his dad jokes holding more meaning.

Birthday parties in the backyard surrounded by the people you love most. You were grateful for the friends you both made, excited for the future. You had no doubts your child(ren) would be surrounded by the best people...by love.

The rest of your lives would be spent in harmony. You imagined sending your children away to college and the world. Warm afternoons spent in the park and summer nights on the balcony reminiscing over the most embarrassing moments of when you first started dating. Laughing when bringing up past holidays. Slow dancing in the living room and late night talks in the dark.

A beautiful rollercoaster you’d ride over and over until your last breath.

Seokjin was ready for it all. The laughs, the cries. In his mind, it was everything he ever wanted and envisioned the moment he realised you were the one. He’d follow you to the ends of the earth and defy all odds, knowing what you two had would break all chains.

“You know it doesn't have to be this way right?” Seokjin whispered.

“Like what?” You focused your attention on a random flower bush even though you very well knew what he was referring to.

“I don’t have to go through with this. You don't have to go through with this.” He began to softly plead. It’s been such a long time since he has seen you, heard your voice, looked into your eyes. He’d spend his last breath begging for you.

With a sigh you reminded him with a soft voice. “We do Seokjin.”

“[Y/N]” He took a step towards you, your body taking you a step backwards as he stretched out his hand.

“Don’t come near me please.” You spoke in a broken whisper. You knew if he stepped any closer all will would be lost and you’d fall into his arms. Today wasn’t the day. That day will never come again.

“Please look at me.” His voice cracked. “I missed looking into your eyes so much, please”

A silence followed as the two of you stood in the garden. His hand was still reaching out for you as you held yourself, too afraid to reach out.

“Are you busy tonight?” Seokjin had his phone pressed to his ear by his shoulder as his hands flipped through endless hangers.

“Depends on what.” You responded as you laid back onto your bed. You had just started packing, school had ended and you finally found a nice cozy place to rent with some of your friends.

“Come with me to a family event please?’ Seokjin asked as he began to hold shirts up to his chest in the mirror, sighing in discontent and picking up another. “I’d feel much better if you were by my side.”

He nervously bit his cheek, as he paced between bed and mirror, glancing at the time. He would rather much ask to hang out with you and go somewhere he’d actually enjoy. Something he thought would be worth the effort.

“What are they making you do this time?” you let out a small chuckle, understanding his tone. He was never really fond of these events. He loved his family but sometimes, it seemed their intentions were different from his and it was best to stay apart when possible but tonight- seemed unlikely.

“Some stupid dinner between families and companies.” He muttered with a roll of his eyes.

“Sounds exciting.” You giggled, “Business talk is the best talk huh?”

“Oh but of course. Old men in suits talking about stupid numbers between this place and that. Terminology I can’t even begin to be bothered to learn. Not like my mother and her friends help make these events any better.” Seokjin was sure that if he rolled his eyes any harder they would roll right out of his skull. “So what do you say [Y/N]?”

“What time?”

“Six.” He jumped up from the edge of his bed, spotting the perfect button up. He knew that once you asked for time, you were on his side.

“M’kay. I’ll be waiting.”

“Love you.’ Seokjin smiled to no one but himself.

“Love you too.” You returned it before jumping out of bed, the shower calling your name. “Now go get handsome!”

That evening started out like any other, Seokjin’s hand on the small of your back as he guided you through the stuffed room.

Music played and all around were some of the most powerful business people in the country, along with their families. For a business dinner it seemed like just a normal celebration of some sort, laughter and screams all around, despite everyone being worth a couple million dollars of course.

Seokjin stayed by your side for most of the night: arm around your shoulders, hand on your back, arm in arm or hands intertwined. He knew you weren’t used to this type of scene but also for the sake of his own comfort, being able to put up with it all as long as he stayed by your side, the closest thing to peace he had.

“Seokjin” His father grinned as he made his way over to the table you sat at. Seokjin played around your hands on the table as you both mindlessly talked about what you wanted to do the next morning.

“Father.” Seokjin nodded with a grin as his father’s hands were on the back of your chairs.

“Hello [Y/N]!” He gave you a friendly smile, the lights giving away his tipsy state, it was nice to see him enjoying himself. With a nod, he continued to speak. “You look lovely. Are you two having fun? Isn’t it lovely?”

“It’s great father.” Seokjin spoke for you before you could even open your mouth to respond.

“I have some important people I want you to meet Seokjin.” His father grabbed his shoulder, gesturing to the small group of older men just up ahead. “Get to know before you take over, yeah?” His father suggested as he began to pull him up from his seat.

Seokjin began to stutter protests, he had no interest in his father’s business. He never had the slightest desire to take over one day and therefore tried his hardest to stay away unless an occasion called for the entire family for representation.

“I’m sure [Y/N] doesn’t mind. Do you?” Mr. Seokjin raised a suggestive brow. You simply nodded and let go of Seokjin’s hand, agreeing.

“It’s okay. Just do him this quick thing okay?” You have Seokjin a loving grin as he shook his head, dreading the conversations that awaited him.

“I’ll be back quickly okay?” He placed a gentle hand on the top of your head as his father held his arm, waiting to pull him away. “Just stay here and wait.”

“I promise” You let out a small giggle, “Now go before you lose an arm.” You teased.

With a hesitant face Seokjin let himself be dragged away, the loud chatter and music made it difficult to hear your own thoughts as the amount of people suddenly felt like too much. You tried to look across the room to the glass door that led out to the balcony you hung out earlier when you first arrived, surely he’d understand if he found you there on your own. You sat and mindlessly looked around, waiting for an opportunity to get up and move.

Seokjin forced a tight lipped grin as the older men laughed and took turns to pat his shoulder and back. His father beamed about his youngest son’s most recent accomplishments: had just graduated college; top of his class, bought a new car and was planning on moving out very soon after he had just scored a very well paying job.

“Who was the pretty lady by your side Mr.Seokjin?” Seokjin looked over to his right at the first nudge to his side, a grey haired man in a suit raised a suggestive brow as Seokjin looked at him in confusion. Was he referring to you? But of course as he hadn’t left your side all night.

“Is she single?” Another asked with a wink and chuckle as the other men began to tease, wondering if she came from a successful family, making sly suggestions of young promising sons and nephews who would more than likely love an opportunity to swoon her over and welcome them into their respective families.

Seokjin was having none of it, trying to deny all advancements as nonchalantly as he could as he scanned the room for you. His eyes landed on you as you stared off into your own little world and smiled to himself, you looked adorable in his eyes.

“She’s my son’s ex-girlfriend, best friends since childhood.” His father interrupted as he swung an arm around his son’s shoulder. “They were together in highschool but she's been so supportive of his engagement to lovely Gaeon, I’m so happy she’s here tonight!” He threw his head back, taking a large sip of the beer in his hand.

Seokjin froze at the mention of his ‘engagement’. He had never proposed in the first place, it was more of a forced marriage between their families. Sure Gaeon was a nice girl but he could never see himself falling in love with her. She felt the same way, the only difference is she saw this as a business deal and nothing more, refusing to bring shame to her family. Seokjin on the other hand, thought of it as cruel and unfair, remembering the day his fate was decided.

He was sixteen and ecstatic. He had walked home with a hop in his step afterschool, thanking his stars for the boldness from earlier in the day. You had been his best friend since you were kids, the teacher had sat you two next to one another, hoping maybe the two quietest kids would open up to each other. She was right and it resulted in a beautiful friendship that lasted all the way into highschool. He was your right hand and you were his, a dynamic duo that was known across the school over the years. You had outgrown the extremely timid nature and had a steady group of friends. It didn’t take long for Seokjin to realize his feelings. You were always a flushing mess around your best friend, hardly realizing he was the same way around you, crushes that grew as time went by.

Earlier in the school day, he was leaned up against the lockers, arms crossed. He made conversation with shaky hands, waiting for you to finish up whatever you were doing in your locker, ready to walk with you like he did with your other classes, whether you had them together not. It was lunchtime so there was no rush as your group of friends sat at your usual table. They were all aware of the unspoken feelings between you two, silently rooting him on as they hoped today would be the day.

With red ears and cheeks he nervously suggested that your usual weekend hangout would mean something more, if you wanted it to of course. You had slammed the metal door in shock, causing the hallways to go silent in sudden shock.

“Wait are you serious?’” You hesitantly asked, causing Seokjin to freeze. Was this a possible rejection? He gulped with a nod and quickly muttered a ‘yes’. With apologies to those around you, you shyly agreed. Two reddened teenagers hugged in glee, he couldn't believe he had finally done it.

He remembers how your friends like Jimin and Jungkook couldn't stop teasing him.

“About time hyung!” He slapped his older friend on the back. “Now when's the wedding?”

“Shut up, it’s just a date.”

“You say that as if you wouldn’t marry her one day.” Jungkook stepped in.

“Exactly.” Jimin smirked, causing Seokjin to blush and chuckle- focusing back onto his schoolwork.

He couldn’t wait till the weekend. Seokjin couldn’t help but think it was the start of something beautiful, as he made his way through the home, throwing himself onto the couch and looking up at the ceiling with a sigh.

“Had a good day at school boy?” His father walked into the living room with a smile as Seokjin sat up, fixing his now messy hair.

“Yep!” He smiled as he began to collect his things, ready to freshen up before dinner before stopping by the staircase at the mention of his name.

“Wear something nice.” His father, Mr. Kim grinned. Seokjin raised a confused brow as his father continued, “Exciting news to share with you at dinner.”

As his father made his way into another hall in the house, Seokjin thought for a moment, shrugging to himself before heading to his room. It wasn’t anyone's birthday or anniversary, no other occasions came to mind. He figured his dad had probably struck another successful business deal.

Seokjin was dead wrong as he had stormed out of his house during dinner later that night. His mother dismissed his actions as childish, claiming he had to show appreciation at the fact that one day he would be set for life and helping his future partner do the same.

“That kind of stuff only happens in movies.” Seokjin scoffed with a chuckle as he stuffed a forkful of food into his mouth. “Anyways great dinner mom.” He said with stuffed cheeks, picking up more food.

“Think about it Seokjin.” She gave him a smile as she reached across the table to hold his hand. “It’s not like you have a girlfriend or something. Plenty of time to establish a relationship with the Choi’s.” She dismissed her son’s stare with a small wave.

“I just asked [Y/N] to a date on saturday, sorry.” He shrugged, growing annoyed at his mother's suggestion.

“Well, cancel it.” His father chimed in. Seokjin hushed as he blinked a few times- taking in the reality of the situation. “You’re going to be preparing as we invited the Choi’s over for Sunday dinner.”

“Sorry, I have plans.” Seokjin was stubborn. Surely they had to be joking despite the annoyed serious looks spread across their faces.

“Son,” His mother sighed tirelessly as she rubbed her temples. “Think about it. It’s a great opportunity. A beautiful girl from a nice family, nice background, you have plenty of time to fall in love and you’d never have to worry about any setbacks.”

“What if the setback is that I don’t want it?” He spat as he pushed out his chair. He wiped his mouth before throwing the napkin on his plate, their eyes following. “I’ve had enough food for today, thanks for the meal mother.” He said as he stormed out of the house.

The Kim’s sighed into their hands, he’d come around one day.

The day never came.

And as the years went by, your relationship grew. You made plans for a future, never having the slightest clue of his secret. Everytime his parents mentioned it he brushed them off as a joke. He dreaded every interaction between his family and the Choi’s. At one point feeling pity for the young girl his age. How on earth was he supposed to crush his parents' joy without sadness? Of course he loved them but he always felt in control of his life. An arranged marriage was not in his plan, not in lifetime, in this century. Not when he was so desperately in love with you, [Y/N L/N].

His parents soon grew fed up with his resistance, prompting him to start keeping your relationship a secret from them, having them believe he had finally grown up and was taking this whole setup seriously. To him it didn’t matter. Soon he’d graduate from college and move out, maybe cut off all communication from his family and live how he wanted.

Soon enough the reality of everything kicked in. Coming home after your fourth anniversary only to find Mrs. Choi and his mother next to one another on the couch as Gaeon sat on the couch opposite of them, bridal magazines and fabric samples spread across the coffee table.

Seokjin felt as if the room was closing in on him; a planner with phone numbers and addresses to boutiques and bakeries of the sort, possible ceremony dates, a list written all over the lines of the book.

He was even more determined to get out of his home and away from this mess.

“Have you said hi to your fiance yet?” his dad asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. Seokjin made a face, he had no idea the Choi’s were even in the venue, not a single sight of them the entire night.

“What a wonderful night for a celebration!” Another man yelled as a waiter with a tray of shot glasses passed by the group. Drinks were passed around as Seokjin held his shot close, looking around the room trying to identify any of the Choi’s in the room.

The small group cheered as they threw back their drinks with a pucker, congratulating the family.

Seokjin’s eyes widened, everything started to add up and soon enough panic kicked in. This wasn’t some sort of fun business party... This was an engagement celebration. With desperate eyes he looked around the room, spotting the senior Chois but Goean was nowhere in sight.

A sudden wave of heat washed over him as he heard a muffled tap and a chirp of a mic. Almost immediately the room had gone quiet, rising to their feet as they looked in the direction of the sound, Mrs. Kim stood with a proud smile at the front of the room. The Chois made their way to the front as Gaeon finally made her appearance, pulling away from the crowd.

Seokjin stood on his toes, using the shoulders around him as extra support, trying to catch a sight of you before it was too late. He had to get out of here and fast. ‘Fuck!’ He thought as sweat began to make it way down his forehead. “How the fuck do I get out of here?” He asked himself.

“You alright son?” His uncle pulled him close, noticing the way Seokjin’s face fell.

“I think I’m gonna pass out.” Seokjin confessed, using the sleeve of his grey blazer to wipe his forehead.

“It’s alright Seokjin” His uncle tried to cheer him up, suggesting it was probably just the butterflies of love as Seokjin shook him off. He began to mumble excuses as he faced the floor, pushing his way through the crowded room. For a large room, it felt like it was suddenly closing in, did more people arrive?

“I am so overjoyed as you could all join us tonight!” His mother stood at the front of the room, his father suddenly at her side, cheeks flushed from the alcohol.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Seokjin bit his lip, pain feeling like a pinch due to how uneasy he felt. He continued to push through with you on his mind. He looked over to the exit, making a plan but shock grew as he spotted your group of friends come in.

What the hell did his mother do.

Taehyung and Namjoon spotted their hyung and waved with smiles. The other boys shot him a thumbs up, eyes focusing on his mother up front.

You stood with a smile, trying to get a clear view of his family, noticing he was nowhere to be seen. You were confused but shook your head, why didn’t he tell you tonight was a celebration? You guessed that his family, along with the one next to his had struck some sort of fantastic deal. Seokjin didn’t give much detail about tonight but his family had always been successful in the world of business.

You turned to look around the room and spotted your friends. You’d thought it’d just be you and Seokjin but you were ecstatic that your friends were invited. Perhaps he did it to feel more comfortable. Perhaps the news was so grand it had to be celebrated with everyone.

“I’m sure you all know why we are here.” His mother giggled, beyond proud of her family. “First I’d like to give the ever-so-great Chois a warm welcome!” The room exploded with applause.

You clapped along.

“Second and most importantly,” Mrs. Kim took a deep breath, “We are here to celebrate the wonderful engagement of my son and the only Choi daughter.”

Again you clapped along, but this time with a confused face, you haven't seen Seokjin’s older brother around but guessed he was probably around here somewhere.

It seemed it all happened in slow motion.

After so many pushes, Seokjin finally had a clear view of you, cupping his hands over his mouth.

“[Y/N]!” He waved his hand frantically, praying you’d see him.

“Will you do the honors Mrs. Choi?” Mrs.Kim placed a soft hand on the woman’s back as she took the mic, giving her the audience’s attention.

“I’m so honored and pleased to announce that after all these marvelous years- the engagement of my lovely daughter Miss. Choi Goean and Kim Seokjin. The wedding is next year and we hope to see you there!”

His friends gasped, Jungkook started choking on the cupcake he had picked up from the desert table as Hoseok rushed to and back with a cup of water.

Seokjin tried calling out to you again, failing, the crowd erupting with cheers. Like in the movies, your face suddenly changed into one of shock and then hurt. You felt as if you had just been dunked into ice cold water and time had slowed down.

‘The engagement of who?’ you thought.

With teary eyes, Seokjin finally made eye contact with you, eyes growing wide once again as he saw your expression.

It was unreadable but it was an image that would haunt him forever. You felt shortness of breath kick in, your stomach in the depths of your gut. You were surprised to find that your legs didn’t give in as you jumped out of your seat, desperate for the exit.

Seokjin lunged himself forward but was too late, missing the near grasp of your wrist as you pushed your way through the crowd.

“[Y/N]” Namjoon called out to you as they waited by the exit, “What's going on?”

“Are you okay?” Jimin asked as he softly held your shoulders. The boys and your best friend looked at you with a concerned confusion. Surely it was some sort of mistake or joke.. Right?

“[Y/N]?” Your best friend waved her hand in front of your eyes; nothing.

“[Y/N]! Wait!’ you recognized his voice and snapped back into reality.

You ran.

You ran and didn’t look back.

Ran as fast as your feet would carry you before they gave out. Your surroundings became blurry with tears threatening to spill and your hearing became muffled.

Luckily the building wasn’t too tall and you weren't as high up, ditching the elevator as you stomped your way down, running out into the busy streets.

You had to get out of here.

The sounds of cars and people passing by blocked out any voiced attempts made by Seokjin as he followed you down the street once he spotted the color of the dress you were wearing.

“[Y/N]!” He cupped his hands over his mouth once again, panting. “Stop for a second!” He leaned, palms on his knees- surprised your heels could carry you so far. With you on his mind he didn’t hear the fast steps of your friends chasing after you two.

He called out again as you turned a corner. Tears clouded your vision as they ran down your cheeks, the lights looked like blobs as your legs suddenly felt like jelly.

You sobbed into your arm, running into an alley. Dimly lit by a few spare lights, you felt your stomach come back up your throat. ‘God this feels like some sick joke.’ You didn’t have time to take another breath as you started to retch, hands against the wall before you.

Seokjin finally managed to catch up and carefully made his way over, trying to control his speeding heart. His heart- broken at the sight of you bent over, heaving. He began to hold your hair, the spare hair-tie he held for you on his wrist because you always complained about it making you hot, ready.

“Don’t.” You rolled your shoulders back, shrugging him off as you wiped your lips. “Don’t touch me, Kim Seokjin.”

Seokjin grimaced at the use of his full name, the way your voice was laced with hurt.

“Listen [Y/N]-” He began to stutter as you shook your head.

“Tell me this is some sort of joke.” You spat as you turned around to face him.

“I-”

Your friends caught up, Jungkook being a fast runner, lead. But as the scene unfolded he shushed his friends and ushered them into a nearby cafe, giving space.

“Say they fucked up and meant your brother. Tell me you're not really about to get married to someone else when you haven't even proposed let alone broken up with me Kim seokjin. Say it.”

“[Y/N] please listen to me.” He reached for your hands, shaking.

“Say it Kim Seokjin.” You pulled away. “Say it!” you challenged him.

Seokjin stayed silent as you stared at him, hot tears threatening to spill once again.

“Why aren’t you saying it?” You broke down again as your lip quivered. “Say it Jinnie! Say it!”

“I- They- Fuck.” He bit his lip so hard he tasted blood.

“She said years. How long Kim?”

“Listen to me-”

“Seokjin-”

“Just-”

“Seokjin.’ You sternly said, wiping tears away. He let out a sigh as his head fell.

“5 years.” He confessed, fresh tears rolling down his face.

“We’ve been together for almost 5 years Seokjin…” You hiccuped. “Jinnie-”

“I’m sorry!’ He sobbed at the use of his nickname again, the way you said it reminding him of a broken record. One he never intended to break. “Please just hear me out!” He pleaded, stepping closer, but with each step forward you took another back.

“Why didn't you tell me? How could you?”

“I didn’t have a choice, I never thought they were serious! But I will always choose you [Y/N]. It has always been you. Please just listen to me.”

“I can’t do this Seokjin. I don’t deserve this at all.” Angrily wiping your tears you turned around, feeling his hand grab onto your wrist.

“Please just give me time to explain and then you’ll understand. I thought this was some sort of sick joke too but baby please.” He tried to reason through his sobs. He knew he fucked up in not telling you and perhaps it was too late to even try to reason but he was gonna fight tooth and nail for the thing that meant most.

“Please don’t call me that again. Don’t look for me. I’m sorry Seokjin but this is goodbye.” Harshly yanking your wrist, you ran out of the alley and into the busy streets once again. Seokjin chocked through his sobs, snapping back into reality to try and chase after you but as soon as he left the alley- you were gone. He leaned against the cold, dirty wall, sobbing into his hands as his knees gave in.

He heard the soft steps, black dress shoes before him. He had been faced with his friends, [Y/B/F] was crying also as Yoongi laid a comforting hand on her back, her heart breaking at the sobs her friend had let out.

He knew he had a lot of explaining to do to his friends but most importantly you.

Almost a year later and you didn’t think you’d be searching for him.

“We can run away.” and for the first time that afternoon you looked up at him in confusion. “Say you’ll run away with me [Y/N]. We still have time. I can get us out of here and to some place far far away.” He began to let a couple tears fall, desperate to convince you.

A fresh wave of emotions hit you as you took in what he had just said. A small weak part of yourself tried to think about it. Running away? On his wedding day?

“We can’t do that Seokjin” You gulped with a sad shake of your head.

“Yes we can!” He interrupted before you could continue. “We don’t need any of this. As long as I have you I’m more than okay.” Once again his voice cracked as a tear rolled down his cheek, wiping it away he took another step. “Just take my hand.”

There was another moment of silence. There was so much you wanted to say before you had even arrived and now standing before the man you loved, everything vanished. Your eyes burned with tears you refused to let go of as your throat ran dry. Seokjin took your silence as a cue to desperately continue.

“I didn’t tell you this at first.” He began, taking a deep breath. “But remember how we wanted to be a family? To live happily ever after?”

You continued to look at him, emotions unreadable.

“I saved up.” Seokjin took another step. “Little by little, I took amounts my parents wouldn’t notice much and saved them into my own secret account.” He confessed as shock ran through your body. “I never mentioned it. The funds are ours. For a home. For a family. I saved up for us. It’s more than enough to get us by for a while. To run away and be happy without all these outside voices. You don’t have to worry about a single thing, all you have to do is take my hand and say you still love me. Please [Y/N].” With the back of his hand he roughly wiped away the free falling tears as the other finally took a grasp of your free hand.

“Why didn’t you tell me this?” You ignored the heat that ran down your spine, the first physical contact you’ve had with Seokjin in months. “Why did you do that?”

“I did it for you. For us.” He licked his lips, throat running dry with pleads. “We don’t have much time, c’mon [Y/N]. We can still make it out of here in time.”

“No Seokjin.” You hiccuped and pulled your hand away.

“What do you mean no?” Shock evident on his face. “Why else would you be here?” His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, eyes scanning over your face looking for any signs of regret.

“I’m sorry it was a mistake.” You bit the inside of your cheek.

“Why did you come here then?” Seokjin challenged as you turned around to face him again. “You can’t expect me to believe me you came here because you don’t love me anymore. You obviously do.”

Seokjin began to grow angry. First he lost control of his own path, second lost the love of his life and now third- she was back but it wasn't for him? Was life really that unfair?

“I don’t want this and I’m sure as hell you don’t want this either.” Seokjin sat across his promised fiance one day, meeting at a cafe.

“You’re right.” She agreed, taking a sip of her coffee.

“Then why go through with this?” Seokjin shook his head. “Let’s tell our parents this is a no-go and you can live your life while I’ll live mine.”

“No.” Goean made no effort to look at him as she brought her napkin to her lips.

“What do you mean no?” Seokjin furrowed his brows. “You literally just agreed with me.”

“I may agree with you,” She paused, taking another sip.

“But..?” Seokjin leaned forward. Of course there was a but.

“My grandfather did not start this empire from the ground up only for it to crumble two generations later. You have love and I have pride Kim.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Seokjin sighed, throwing himself back into his chair, hands on his head.

“I’m very serious.” She was expressionless. “I’d be fine with anyone else, so don’t think this is a name thing. Just so happens your parents suggested my family and mine agreed. No harsh feelings. In fact no feelings at all.” She spat as he scowled.

“So am I.” Seokjin challenged. “I lost the love of my life and I’ll do anything to get her back.”

“Why weren’t you honest with her from the get go?” She tilted her head, taunting him. “Better yet you could’ve run away. My parents would’ve found anyone else.”

“You suggest that now?” He spat in anger.

“Obviously since you didn’t think of it sooner Seokjin.” Goean finished the remainder of her coffee, standing up. “You had years. That was your mistake, not mine. See you later Kim.”

You thought it over for a moment, cowering under his stare.

“I don’t know why.” You confessed, hands behind your back. It was truthful. You really had forgotten why you even came in the first place. At first you thought it was to see him one last time. To wish him well and say goodbye. The closure you needed but was too afraid to get. A needed reality check after running for so long. Something to finally wake you from this nightmare. This is real life whether you liked it or not. Seokjin was off to be a married man and sadly it wasn't you.

“Pathetic.” Seokjin scoffed. “It’s pathetic.”

“Pardon?” You stuttered with wide eyes.

“You don’t get to come here on my supposed happy day and not know why. Tell me the truth.” He spat.

“I’m being honest, Seokjin. Something you never were. I don’t know why I decided on coming here but now I realize how selfish I was. I made a mistake.”

“Why can't you be selfish just this once?” His voice cracked. “I get I messed up, horribly I know. But can’t you see I love you? It has always been you. I’ll always choose you.” Seokjin reasoned.

“Jinnie-” His nickname slipped from your lips as he let out another batch of tears.

“[Y/N] please. It’ll hurt even more to let you go. Stay with me. Run away with me. Choose me.”

“I’m sorry-”

-DING DONG-

The large clock tower let out a large ring as the hand moved into the new hour. Music began to play and only increased in volume. It was time.

“I have to go.” With a sob, you stepped away from Seokjin who stared at you with his jaw dropped. The clock tower let out another chime as his head snapped up at the sound. He uttered a curse word and looked back at you- you had left.

“[Y/N]!” Seokjin’s hand came up to his mouth, an all too familiar feeling. He looked around the garden, spotting the flow of your dress disappear behind a hedge.

His feet carried him, fate gave him another chance and this time he was going to take it.

The clock let out a third chime and he wanted nothing more but to knock it down, shut it up for it reminded him of his mistake. He could still see a soft blurb of color, cursing your speed. Suddenly he found himself in front of a fountain, he reached deep into the garden. He desperately looked for you and broke down when he realized you had slipped away again. Another cursed chime of the clock and he fell to his knees as he kneeled over into the grass, crying into his arms. The fountain disguised his cries and hid yours as you were a few meters away, behind a bushed fence, violently sobbing into your hands.

#bts au #seokjin scenerios #jin x reader #seokjin angst #bts x reader #bts jin #kim seokjin #Kim Seokjin imagine #bts angst #bts fic #bts imagines #Kim Seokjin au #seokjin x reader #Kim Seokjin drabble #Kim Seokjin angst #kim seokjin fanart #bts x oc #bts x y/n #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #arranged marriage au #break up au #bts #bts rm #bts suga #bts jhope #bts jimin #bts v #bts jungkook #bts imagine

[let-me-love-you-loki]

Surprising Too Late Part I

Part 1

Nick

           “Matt, hand me that shelf.” My brother and I were practically dripping in sweat as we helped our dad put in a partition wall in the garage that had once been our home gym. It still was, technically, but we’d moved some of the pieces around to make room for a new purpose.

           Y/N’s birthday was in a week, and we had a surprise for her. When we’d met almost nineteen years ago—God, had it been that long—she’d been an art student. There were so many times when she’d beg the two of us to sit for sketches. I remembered the first time she showed me one of her paintings. It was a breathtakingly beautiful self-portrait. She’d given it to me as a present on our first anniversary. But in the years that followed that gift, our wife spent less and less time chasing her joy of art. It was as if the moment that Mattie was born, Y/N set aside everything except for our newborn daughter and us.

           “Is that going to be big enough?” he replied, holding out a piece of varnished and polished wood.

           Our dad poked his head around the corner. He was working outside, making sure that the window AC unit was sealed. “What are you putting on it?”

           I pointed to a spread of jars filled with a variety of paintbrushes and tubes of acrylic paint along with a bento box Kenny had given her where she kept her chalk. Dad looked between the objects and the shelf in Matt’s hands before he nodded.

           “Yeah, just tack an extra screw at the back of the bracket top and bottom.”

           I grinned and dug into my pocket for two more screws. “This is going so much better than the swing set.”

           Dad practically cackled. “You two helped me build your ring when you were teenagers. How you couldn’t follow some simple instructions is beyond me.”

           “To be fair,” Matt said as he passed over the electric screwdriver and the level. “We were stubborn.”

           “You were showing off,” Dad called back.

           “True,” I snorted. “Matt, hold this down.”

Matt

           It was hard to keep a straight face in the days leading up to Y/N’s birthday. We spent those final days in a panic. We ended up having to be in Jacksonville an extra day for a taping, and we ended up making panicked calls to our dad to get some final hardware stuff handled. From Friday to Saturday night, I don’t think either my brother or I slept more than a few hours. We took turns keeping our wife occupied while the other slipped away to the other house with the kids or to the garage to hang shelves or photos or art.

           I spent Saturday night—the night before her birthday—going through boxes of drawings the kids had done over the years. Nick had gone out that morning and picked up a dozen picture frames. I picked out two drawings from each of the kids and tucked them carefully into a frame to hang on the wall or sit out on the tables in the space we’d made for her.

           Nick had crept into her charcoal pencils and sketched the outline of the Tokyo Dome. It had taken a while, but the story of that first time he’d kissed her came out in the early days of our life together. It was a moment I didn’t begrudge them and I memory I hoped they kept with them forever.

           I’d spent hours trying to figure out what my addition would be. After a while, I decided to do my best to replicate that moment when our lives together really began. I went through my iCloud and pulled up the photos from our honeymoon. There was half a dozen of that day on the coast where Nick and Y/N had exchanged their rings. It took three tries, but I finally produced something that looked like the lighthouse on the edge of Oahu.

           It was the early hours of the morning of Y/N’s birthday when I finally slipped back into the house, bleary eyed and exhausted. Nick stood in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, and chugging a bottle of water.

           “Everything’s ready,” I said around a yawn. I thought about making a cup of coffee. “Is she still asleep?”

           “Everybody is. RJ was having nightmares, so I slept most of the night in his room.” My brother smiled a little. “Go get in bed. I’ll be there as soon as I check on little man.”

           I reached out and hugged him. “Thanks, Nick. For everything you’ve done all these years.”

           Nick locked his arms around me and squeezed me hard. “Thank you for letting me be here. For taking me back.”

           I squeezed my eyes shut. I wasn’t going to cry. “You and Y/N are the most important people in my life. And this life is the one for us, no matter what anyone says.”

           I padded down the hallway to the master bedroom. Y/N was curled beneath the blankets in the center of the king-sized bed. For a moment, I stood there watching her sleeping. I remembered the first time I saw her, the first time I kissed her. My wife was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, and I couldn’t believe that I’d been lucky enough to have the last almost twenty years with her.

           She snuggled close to me when I slipped into bed beside her. She pressed her lips against my cheek and tucked herself under my arm. Her head pillowed on my chest. I kissed the top of her head and closed my eyes.

           Sometime later, Nick crawled into bed on her other side. He curled up behind her, his arm tucked around her waist. Together—just like we faced everything else in life—we went to sleep.

***

           I woke up to a faint knocking. Sleep fell away slowly. I was warm and comfortable snuggled between Matt and Nick. They were both sound asleep, made evident by Nick’s slightly open mouth and Matt’s soft snores.

           The knock came again. I sighed and sat up, crawling down to the end of the bed to avoid waking either of them. Rubbing my eyes to wake up, I opened the bedroom door to find my sixteen-year-old daughter.

           “Happy birthday, Mom,” she said with a grin. “We made breakfast for you and Dad and Papa.”

           I smiled, tears in my eyes. “I think Dad and Papa are out of it for a while. But we’ll save them a plate.”

           She led the way to the kitchen where thirteen-year-old Nicole was piling eggs on the plates of her brothers. Ten-year-old Lee was carefully pouring orange juice into a line of cups. He turned and gave me a smile that looked exactly like Matt’s.

           “Morning, Mama! Happy birthday!” he said as he carried one cup at a time to the table. He handed six-year-old Ty his favorite cup, earning a wide grin from his youngest brother.

           The kids pulled me toward the table and tucked me into my normal place between Mattie and Nicole. The boys lined up on the other side of the table. Seats at the head and foot were empty, waiting for Matt and Nick to join us.

           Mattie looked around the table and frowned. She stood up and practically stalked down the hallway back to the master bedroom. I hid my laughter behind my hand as I heard her pounding on the door, yelling for her Dad and Papa to get up right now you’re ruining Mom’s birthday breakfast!

           Ty grinned, his smile pushing into his cheeks, and giggled. “Mattie’s yelling at them!”

           RJ looked over at his baby brother and nodded. “Serves them right. It’s Mama’s birthday.”

           My heart swelled at the sweetness from my sons. Lee looked after his sister and scrambled from his seat to run to join Mattie. He stood next to her, pounding his fist on the door in time with hers.

           “We’re coming, we’re coming,” Nick growled playfully as he swung open the door. I saw him grin at our eldest daughter before he leaned over, picked her up, and threw her over his shoulder. “Do you think we’d miss your mother’s birthday breakfast?”

           Matt appeared right behind him, swinging Lee up onto his back. “We were up late getting Mama’s present ready.”

           “Present?” I asked, arching my brows. I followed their movement as they carried our eldest son and daughter back into the kitchen. They deposited them in their seats, slipped around to press a tandem kiss on my cheeks, and smiled as they sank into their seats.

           “Who made this?” Matt asked, looking down at the plate in front of him.

           “Nikki,” Ty said proudly. She was his favorite, and he loved everything that she did.

           Matt’s brow lifted as he beamed at her. She blushed and looked away. “It looks amazing, Bug,” he said before taking a bite. “You cook like your mother.”

           Nicole glanced up at me, pride on her face. I kissed the top of her head. “You can help me make Thanksgiving dinner this year,” I whispered.

***

           After breakfast, Matt and Nick tied an Elite bandana around my eyes. Then they took me by the hands and led me through the house. I could hear the children following along, whispering and giggling at each other. I looked around, trying to get an idea of what was happening, particularly when we left the house for the late September sunshine.

           Nick talked quietly as he guided me over the uneven bumps and dips. I followed a map of our property in my head as I tried to figure out where they were taking me.

           “Okay,” Matt said from my left. “Mattie, you got the camera?”

           “Yep,” I heard her reply.

           The bandana fell away, and I squinted in the bright light. We stood outside the garage that the boys had converted into a home gym when they bought their homes next to each other. I stared at the door, not sure what was happening.

           Nick stepped in front of me, his hand on the doorknob, and grinned. “You’ve given up so much for us, Y/N. Your passions and your hobbies. It’s time you got those back.”

           The kids filed in behind Nick, Mattie walking backward to keep her cell phone trained on me. Matt pushed me forward with his palm on the base of my spine. The moment I stepped over the threshold, I started to cry. The space was no longer a gym. Somehow, the boys had created a whole new room. It was painted a soft heather grey and stocked with every art supply I owned. My bento box with my chalks. Mason jars of brushes and acrylic. An easel and canvases of every size. Parchment paper. Everything I could ever want or need to draw, sketch, or paint.

           The walls were hung with frames of every size and shape. Some held pictures the kids had drawn over the years, signed at the bottom with their names and ages. Two of them were clearly by Matt and Nick. A rough black and white sketch of the curving roof of the Tokyo Dome. Another carefully drawn outline of a lighthouse along a coast.

           A palette had been turned into a photo frame—I suspected Brandon’s wife had something to do with it. It was splashed with bright colors, and circular holes had been cut into the wood. A picture of each of my children had been placed inside. A larger oval had a picture of the three of us at the wedding, the two of them standing in their suits on either side of me. A photo we were desperately grateful for after the fact.

           I turned around in circles, one after the other, trying to take in everything. My heart pounded in my chest and the tears poured down my cheeks. Mattie followed my every move with the camera, her hands shaking as she cried, too. Nicole sniffled.

           “Do you like it?” Matt asked softly.

           Nick leaned his chin on his brother’s shoulder. The two of them watched me apprehensively, almost terrified.

           “I love it. So much,” I whispered, trying to take a breath. “You… you did this… It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.”

           A moment later, I was wrapped up in their arms. “We love you,” Nick whispered in my ear as Matt cradled my head in his hand. “Happy birthday, Sunshine.”

Tag List

@mox-made-me-do-it​ @not-that-kinda-gurl08​ @lilred91​ @imagineall-the-fandoms​ @maelleoute​ @librathepheonix13​ @justamess44​

#the too late tales #too late tales #surprising too late part 1 #matt jackson #matt jackson fanfiction #nick jackson #nick jackson fanfiction #young bucks #young bucks fanfiction #aew #aew fanfiction #matt x reader #nick x reader #matt x reader x nick #polyamory #polyamorous relationships

[krisdreaming]

hey!! love your writing! big fan of the angst so could i get one where semi is too busy with volleyball practice that he doesn’t really get to check up on the reader anymore that the reader soaks up all of the attention she gets from other guys because he’s too busy and he tries to confront her over it and she just bursts out telling him that she feels neglected and the ending is all up to you! hope this isn’t too complicated! thank you so much!

Omg thank you, I’m glad you enjoy! First time ever writing for Semi and I’m just trying really hard to not write him as budget Akaashi (LOOK AT HiM FOR PETE’S SAKE it’s like Akaashi but the printer ink is low i stg), so I sure hope it’s good! Here ya go.

-

You pull your jacket a little closer around you as a gust of wind blows your hair into your eyes. With an irritated huff, you shove it roughly away from your face. It’s already dark, and even though you’ve been waiting for Semi in your normal spot for almost an hour, he still hasn’t shown up. You’re not sure what you expected to happen. He’s been so wrapped up in volleyball that you haven’t even had a real conversation in days.

“Hey!” Your train of thought is interrupted by another classmate, who grins and veers to walk in your direction. “You up to anything right now?”

You glance from him and back in the direction of the volleyball gym. No one’s coming. “Nope.” You stand up and paste on a smile.

“Perfect.” He rests his elbow on your shoulder. “How about we go grab some coffee before the dining hall closes? Then if you wanna come back to my dorm, we can play some Mario Kart, since it’s Friday.”

You grin, and this smile feels more real. “You’re on.” 

Later, staring at your own ceiling, you can’t help but remember the countless evenings you’ve snuck into Semi’s dorm. In fact, that’s really how you perfected the art. For more than a year, you had spent more evenings in his dorm than your own, talking and laughing for hours. Soon the evenings turned into late nights as the two of you squeezed into his tiny bed, nose to nose and tangled together like you were meant to be that way.

Tonight, it wasn’t Semi’s dorm you snuck into. It was your classmate’s, and after a few rounds of Mario Kart he’d put a movie on Netflix and you had let him put his arm around your shoulders.  It’s not cheating. He’s just a friend, and besides, it’s not like Eita would probably even care if he knew. You hug your pillow to your chest. Lately, Semi doesn’t seem to care about anything that isn’t a volleyball. You try to ignore the ache in your chest as you squeeze your eyes shut.

The next morning Saturday, you lay in bed soaking up the morning off until your phone vibrates. Your heart leaps, but when you check the screen, it’s only a text from another male classmate. Breakfast at 10? You decide you haven’t got anything better to do, so you drag yourself out of bed and tap out a quick reply. Sure, seeya there! After you pull on some jeans and a sweater, you make your way to the dining hall. Just as you reach for the door handle, you hear a too-familiar voice call out your name.

You spin around, and Semi is jogging toward you. “Hey.” He greets when he’s finally standing in front of you. “You weren’t in your room last night.” His tone is too accusatory.

“What’s it to you?” You huff hotly. “I waited for you for an hour, you know.” You feel a small measure of satisfaction when his lips part in surprise.

“Practice ran long, but I headed to your dorm as soon as it was finished. Your roommate told me where you were.” Now he’s scowling at you. “I got snacks, I thought we’d hang out like we used to! But then I have to find out from your roommate that you’re hanging out with some other guy?”

By now, you’re beyond irritated, and the two of you have drawn an audience of a few curious onlookers, so you turn to stalk off. He grabs your arm, but you shake him off and keep walking.

“So now this is my fault?” You throw over your shoulder at him. He’s hot on your heels. When you’ve finally found a spot without any curious eyes, you whirl around to face him. “You’ve barely spoken to me for a week, so I spend one evening with a friend instead of being alone, and suddenly it’s my fault that we never spend time together?” He opens his mouth but no words come out. “I’m sick of being neglected by you, Eita! I just can’t figure out why I don’t matter to you anymore!”

You’re surprised to see his lips quiver. “You do matter to me.” He says, voice low and hoarse.

“Could’ve fooled me!” You growl. He rakes his fingers through his hair, grabbing a fistful as he takes a shaking breath.

“This is all my fault.” He says, surprisingly evenly. “And you have every right to break up with me.” Your heart drops into your stomach. “I can’t blame you. But can I be selfish and pretend you’re still my girlfriend for a few minutes?” He looks so lost you almost pull him into your arms right there. The only thing that stops you is the lingering sting of anger.

“Okay.” You agree softly with a small nod. Your fingers twist together.

“Sometimes I hate myself for losing my starting spot to a second year. Sometimes the only way I can live with myself is to work harder than anyone else to be better.” He pauses for a few moments and looks you square in the face. “I can’t even bear to face you! Every time you come to a match only to watch me sit on the bench, it gets harder. So I guess I’m a coward.”

Your anger has all but dissolved. “I don’t think you’re a coward.” You whisper. “I just - I miss you. I never cared about that. I just want to spend time with my boyfriend.”

He takes a step closer to you, and you don’t move away. “Is it too late?” He murmurs. “To spend time with you?”

Slowly, you reach out and grab his hand. He squeezes yours in return. “Not if you promise to stop overworking yourself so much.” You finally agree. “I want my boyfriend back, and I want him healthy.”

He smiles in relief and pulls you into his arms, tight against his chest. You melt into his touch. “I’ll do better.” He promises, pressing his lips to the top of your head.

#Haikyuu #Haikyuu imagines #Semi Eita #Semi Eita x reader #Semi x reader #request #queued

[fallout4holmes]

Nuka-World 6

We had a visitor the next morning. Mags Black left her two cronies at the base of the artificial mountain as she took the lift up herself. I don't know what she said to Gage to get him to stay put on the ground, but he wasn't happy about it.

Holmes had just finished his morning cigarette and a minimal breakfast. He stood as she stepped off the lift, "Ah. Ms. Black."

The raider boss raised an eyebrow, "Miz? It's like you're trying to stand out. You're the Overboss now, Mister Holmes, you get to be on a first name basis with everyone."

Holmes lit another cigarette and said with exaggerated politeness, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Mags smirked, "You can blame it on giving the Disciples The Galactic Zone. I don't know what you're planning, but I want my people to come out on top at the end."

"At the moment, avoiding the animosity of an amusement park full of raiders is my primary concern."

"Bullshit," she said pleasantly. "You're the General of the Minutemen, the frozen vault-dweller that destroyed the Institute. I heard about your almost-war with the Brotherhood too, how you kicked them out of the Commonwealth after destroying their toys." She gestured to me, “Most of the raiders in Nuka-World are from west of here, where the Institute never had a presence. They think your friend is just a nifty robot bodyguard. Creepy, but nothing more. Those of us from the Commonwealth though?” She smiled, sinister, “We know exactly what he is. William and I know better than most. You never did find that janitor that went missing, did you Nick? What was her name, Amelia?”

“Annette,” I corrected, tried not to rise to the bait. “Not usually a fan of kicking folks out beyond the Wall, but in the case of you and your brother I’m glad Diamond City did.”

“Funnily enough, so are we. This suits us much better.” She said it smoothly, nothing but charm, but you don’t last long in my line of work if you can’t tell a bluff when you see one. She turned her attention back to Holmes, “Either your rumored nobility is all an act to get you into a place of power, or you’re going to throw a wrench into the fragile gears of this place. If it turns out to be the first one, you may want to consider showing my people a bit of favor before ugly rumors of synths and interfering Minutemen start circulating the park. If it’s the second one, well. Just know that every Operator in this park is watching.”

Holmes glowered, “I don’t respond well to threats.”

“As long as you respond,” Mags said, and took the lift back down.

As soon as she was down, Gage came up. "Mags pissed?"

"A touch upset," Holmes offered me a cigarette, which I took. "I was a little surprised she remembered you, Valentine."

"Guess it's hard to forget a face like this," I said dryly.

"What the hell are you two goin' on about?" Gage sighed.

"Nothing important," Holmes said, "just the Operators being unhappy with me. They can have the next park, it doesn't matter."

"Giving 'em the next park might look like you were intimidated," Gage said.

"What is the next park?" Holmes asked.

"Figured we'd hit Dry Rock Gulch."

"Hm, the American 'Old West' theme. A fake gold mining operation should suit the Operators, don't you think, Valentine?"

I chuckled, "I think the implication is gonna go over their heads, but we might as well check it out and get it over with."

Holmes agreed and we headed off. We made it to the park’s gate when I heard something moving through the earth, sort of like the sound a mole rat makes just before it leaps out and bites you. Only these weren’t mole rats.

A handful of big red worms with mouths that took up the whole head attacked, surprising the hell out of me and Holmes and earning an annoyed growl from Gage. They weren’t much of a fight, but, “Well that was unpleasant,” I said.

“You never seen bloodworms before?” Gage asked, skeptical.

I shook my head, “We don't get these things back east.”

“Better get used to ‘em, they’re a fucking menace around here.”

Hopefully we wouldn’t be staying long enough for me to get used to them, but I kept that to myself. I glanced around as we entered the park, the Old West frontier outpost aesthetic turned kitsch.

“How’s it go,” Gage sarcastically drawled, “This town ain’t big enough for you and me… ah, never mind.”

Holmes chuckled. “Let’s ask the local law enforcement for information,” he pointed to a protectron wearing a sheriff’s hat.

“Hope y'all are having a good day here at Nuka-World. Ready to saddle up and ride into the old wild west?” the protectron said.

“Great,” Gage grumbled, “More dumb robots.”

The protectron was unperturbed, “I'm the sheriff of these parts, and I need your help getting rid of those no good outlaws holed up in Mad Mulligan's Mine!”

“This is why I hate robots,” Gage huffed. “They don’t even know the world ended, this playtime shit is annoying.”

The protectron’s park personality programming stopped, “Processing: Hostile visitor. Ignore and continue explanation for the sake of the other guests.”

I laughed.

The sheriff continued his job, “The door to Mad Mulligan's Mine is locked up. I got a spare key in a safe by the theater, but wouldn't you know, I plum forgot what the combination to the safe was! You'll need to talk to my three amigos: Doc Phosphate, One-Eyed Ike, and the Giddyup Kid. Prove to them you're tough enough to take on the outlaws, and they'll give you their part of the combination. Good luck, little doggie! And don't forget your complimentary deputy uniform, courtesy of Nuka-Cola!”

The sheriff handed Holmes a costume, who promptly handed it to Gage, who scowled before realizing, “You got a weird ass sense of humor, boss,” and tossed it away. As we walked he asked, “We really gotta do all that, talk to three other robots just to get a key?”

“I suppose we could simply hang a banner and be done with the place,” Holmes said.

Gage shook his head, “Not with the bloodworms. Gotta torch the nest first, otherwise whoever moves in is gonna be pissed to hell you gave ‘em an infested base.”

Holmes made casual eye contact with me. He’d been hoping for a raider-bloodworm showdown.

“I mean,” Gage was still talking, “why do we need this fucking key in the first place? Can’t we just blast the door open?”

“I try not to do anything rash if I can avoid it,” Holmes said, “and surely you don’t think we’ll be bested by a few challenges designed for children?”

“I’m starting to second-guess making you Overboss,” Gage grumbled.

“Perhaps you should have considered that possibility before enthroning a stranger you know precious little about, against his will,” Holmes steely replied.

“I can deal with an ass of a boss,” Gage played it cool, “as long as he gets done what needs to get done.”

We did the tasks for the park protectrons, fighting bloodworms, overgrown crickets, and giant ants along the way. Once we had the key, we headed for Mad Mulligan's Mine… a roller-coaster.

Gage had kept pretty quiet til then, "People actually stood in line and waited for this crap?" He scoffed, "Bunch of suckers."

"Roller-coasters were a popular attraction,” I commented flatly, “though I can’t say I ever saw the appeal.”

Holmes gestured for quiet as we headed into the ride. The lobby held a souvenir shop and the entrance to the tunnels that would lead folks to the boarding area, decorated to look like you’re walking through a mine out of a Saturday morning western. Back then it probably lacked the dead bodies, of course. Holmes and I had heard rumors of traders who hid from Colter’s raiders in Dry Rock Gulch. We found ‘em. Bloodworms saw to it they didn’t have long to enjoy their freedom.

The boarding area was a massive pit littered with brahmin corpses, bulging with bloodworm larvae. In the middle of the pit was the massive queen herself.

“I believe we’ve found the nest,” Holmes said.

“No shit, boss,” Gage scoffed.

“Valentine and I will take care of the queen, you exterminate everything hiding in those brahmin.”

Gage nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”

I might be getting too old for fighting overgrown monsters in caves… but every time I think that, I know it’s not really true. Or it is, and I’m too stubborn to admit it. Anyway, we got the job done but the queen did a number on my leg. At least we know that Nuka-Town’s got a competent mechanic. I could walk, which is saying something, just going to have a limp until whatever got whacked out of place could get realigned. Gage was going to make a remark, but wisely shut up when Holmes glared at him.

We let the Sheriff know the job was done, got paid, which was a nice surprise, and Holmes climbed up to the top of the theater to hoist a flag with a black heart in a bullseye, bleeding gold.

“Gave in to the Operators after all, huh?” Gage said once Holmes was back on the ground. He didn’t sound accusatory, which was kind of weird, just like he was making conversation. Which was also kind of weird.

“If I have to secure Mags Black’s silence with a token gesture,” Holmes said, “then so be it.”

Gage shrugged, “Just let ‘em know you’re the Overboss, not some do-good General.”

“Gage, you conned me into this mess for the purpose of bringing the gangs together, yes? How does strutting around threatening violence serve that purpose?”

“Because we’re raiders?? That’s the language these idiots speak. You gotta treat ‘em right, but make sure they know you can end them at any time.”

Holmes made a considering sound and headed out of the park, “I often thought that if raiders could ever organize, they would be a force to be reckoned with. It seems I was right.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” Gage exclaimed, relieved as if Holmes had finally come around. He didn’t know that every time the topic came up, it was followed with a list of possible ways the Minutemen would eliminate that threat.

Unfortunately, none of the hypothetical scenarios ever involved the General and his partner effectively being held hostage, with no way to call for help.

#fallout4holmes #fallout 4 #nuka world #nick valentine #sherlock holmes #fan fiction #catching up on past posts

[revisionaryhistory]

Three Days ~ 41

~*~Emma~*~

 After our extended makeout break I grabbed my laptop to finish my lesson plans and newsletter. I sat on the chaise part of the couch. Sebastian stretched out with his head at the other end and his feet tucked under my thigh. He was reading, but I would catch him looking at me.

 "Done!" I closed my laptop and sat it on the floor. I grabbed my tablet from the end table.

 Sebastian said, "Good," before swinging around to lay his head in my lap. Well, I think reading will have to wait a few minutes. I ran my hand over his scruffy beard on both sides of his face before pulling at the gray hairs on his chin. "When is the photoshoot for the watch?" I continued to stroke his beard while we talked.

 Sebastian cut his eyes to me. "Wednesday. Thursday if needed."

"Can you send me what you look like?"

"I can. I’ll send you before and after."

 I pulled my eyebrows down in question.

 "When I show up before makeup and stylists get a hold of me and after."

 "Ooo, fun. It will almost be like being there."

"I like photoshoots. I like getting to wear different clothes and try different looks. It can get tedious, but usually the photographer is trying to keep me relaxed and in a good mood."

 "I love trying on new clothes. Dressing up."

He turned his head a little, "Dinner next week. Any place or type of food you want?"

 We talked about different cuisines and decided on a few options. Tables could be hard to come by. We also talked about me going to the gym with him on Saturday. His gym. The idea of watching him work out for real was infinitely appealing. That would far outweigh any nervousness about my comparative fitness level.

 "When's the last time you saw Angie and Eli?"

Easy question. "First weekend in May." Always the first weekend in May. "They came up here. Angie and I went shoe shopping then Eli did a short acoustic set at a bar."

 "What do you think about having drinks or something?"

Unexpected. I'd thought about it, but it was the first time I'd been to his place and I didn't feel right making plans. I moved my hand to his chest, "Are you sure?"

 He picked up my hand, kissed it, and put it back on his chest. "Friday is mine. After dealing with my gym friends if you may want some sanity."

I smiled, "Ok. What do you want to do?"

"Don't care. Talk it over with them. They're your best friends. I want to meet them."

 This was the first time I'd gone out with basically a total stranger. We weren't really long distance, but we weren't in the same town either. Usually, whoever I dated already knew my friends. With Sebastian, we'd been here and met my friends. I’d met his family, which was all kinds of backwards, but it was important to me to meet his friends, to know him with them. I realized all of that was because I wanted to be in his life, not just an hour north of it.

 "I want to meet your best friends too."

"I'll be checking who's in town. I want to show you off. You already know Kirk. I'll be quizzing him to find out which of my traitorous friends know you and didn’t introduce us."

 It made me laugh, how he'd been thinking. "What happens if you find out we already met or someone tried and you said no?"

 Sebastian cringed, "I'll be figuring out a way to kick my own ass."

 I went back to stroking his beard. Almost like I was trying to get each little hair to go in the same direction.

 "You seem fascinated with my beard."

"It's soft. Softer when it's grown in more, but it's still soft. Do you want me to stop?"

 "Nope."

 We read in silence for a long time. I continued to play with his beard and he continued to smile. One of us got bored and we switched to TV. Sebastian's pick was an early 2000's British comedy, "Coupling." It was a relationship sitcom with three men and three women who hang out in a local pub a lot. It was funny, dirty, and I loved it. We laughed through the evening until it was time to go to bed.

 I took to the bathroom first. While I was gone Sebastian stripped down to his boxer briefs. He kissed me before ducking into the bathroom. I flopped over the bed to retrieve his t-shirt and put it on. It was long enough to cover me and I left the covers at the bottom of the bed. My text notification went off. Amy. We'd traded a couple of texts before Sebastian came out. I heard him make a low guttural noise when he saw me. I looked over with a smile and turned my phone toward him, "Amy. She's had a rough day. Katie has an ear infection."

"Ouch. Tell her I hope Katie feels better.”

 I nodded, but that was something I couldn’t do. He crawled into bed beside me, shoving a couple of pillows behind him and unlocking his phone. Amy and I finished and I put my phone on the charger before scooting closer to the man in my bed. He stopped his typing to lift his arm. Once I was settled, he went back to typing. "What are you doing?"

"Gratitude journal."

 "I tried that, but I couldn't come up with anything. I was writing things like red nail polish, deep conditioner, and toast."

The last one made him laugh, "Doesn't have to be anything big. If I’m having a bad day I can look back to see the good stuff and maybe do or find something to feel better. Toast is a lot more useful than walk on the beach." He kissed my head, "Look, here's today."

 I read the words dessert, building security, and family. I said one out loud. "Building security."

"In case Ed comes after me." He scrolled back, "Here's the weekend we met."

 Friday said chocolate chips, first dates, Emma. Saturday was line dancing, holding hands, goldfish. Decent recovery time, condoms, linen closets were under Sunday. Those were the days on the screen. Every one was us. My name is in there. He's grateful for me. And he shared this part of him with me. I pointed to my name, "Me."

"Very grateful for you. Everything I wrote those days was really you. Just different words."

I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I pointed again, "Decent recovery time?"

 He smiled and raised an eyebrow, "I’m not as young as I once was."

 "I have no complaints."

"That's good to hear."

I had something serious to say, "Thank you, Bastian, for sharing your journal with me…"

 He said, “You're welcome” before I had finished.

"and saying you’re grateful for us. All of those are grateful for us. On day one you were grateful for us." He nodded but clearly didn’t understand. "I feel very special that we, that I take up those days. Thank you."

 “Your acting like you didn’t know you were special to me."  He was craning his neck to see my face.

 That was the last thing I wanted him to believe. I ran my fingers over a spot in the middle of his chest, petting him, and shook my head, "No, I knew, I know. But seeing a list of simple little things . . . of us. I feel very lucky.” I looked down where I was touching him, fighting tears. I felt very lucky and thankful for him and it was pulling hard on my emotions.

 If Sebastian noticed he didn’t say anything. I felt his fingers under my chin, turning my face up to his, “I’m the lucky one.”  His lips touched mine in an incredibly soft kiss that grew more intense but stayed soft. He rolled over on top of me and his hand gripped my waist under his t-shirt. “You’re wearing my shirt.”

 “I am.”

 “I want you out of my shirt.”

 I woke up in the morning about a minute before my alarm went off. Sebastian was on his stomach with his arm over my stomach. Where he touched me was warm. I rolled to my side and kissed his perfect lips, "Time to wake up."

 "Five minutes." He pulled the pillow out from under his head and put it over his head.

 I ran my hand along his back," Five minutes."

 It was closer to ten when I got out of the shower. Sebastian had made the bed and was star fished across the duvet." How do you manage to be cute and sexy at the same time?" I kissed him upside down.

"Practice."

 I dressed in a pink and white polka dot A-line sleeveless dress with a round collar that hit above my knee. My white sandals completed the sweet look. Sebastian was sitting at the breakfast bar with a cup of coffee when I came down the stairs.

A smile lit up his face, "First grade teacher day two. You look so cute."

 I pulled out the sides of my skirt and curtsied, "Thank you." I looked at the time, "We're early." I opened the refrigerator, "Do you want something to eat?"

 I felt his warmth press behind me and his arms wrap around my stomach, "I do. You."

In a flash, he'd spun me around and his mouth was on my neck. He walked me backward, lifted me onto the breakfast bar, and started pulling up my skirt. "Lay back."

 Sebastian's voice dripped with desire. I kept eye contact and lay back on the counter. He stayed locked on my eyes while he stripped off my panties and pulled me closer to the edge. I lifted my feet to the counter and spread my legs for him. His eyes left mine and focused on what I was showing him. He put his hands on my knees, ran them down my inner thighs, and spread me.

 "Oh god." I arched my neck with the feel of his mouth on me. He neither teased nor rushed me. His tongue circled and lapped at my clit while his fingers moved inside me. Two weekends and he knew how to play my body. Knew how to lick and touch me to get me off or prolong the pleasure. He slid one of his hands up my body and I twined my fingers with his, holding on. "I'm coming." I moaned out his name, squeezing his hand as I came. He squeezed back.

 I dropped my feet off the counter and stretched my arms out, holding onto the edges. Sebastian slipped my panties over my feet and up my legs. I reached out and he pulled me up before lifting me off the counter to set me back on my feet. He knelt to pull my panties the rest of the way up and straightening my skirt. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he stood and kissed him. "The things your tongue can do."

 "If we talk about this, I'm going to start thinking about how responsive you are to me and thinking about your body. Then I'm going to get hard." He looked down, "Well, harder and we don't have time for that and it’s a long train ride where I can't take care of it myself."

 I half growled half laughed. Thinking of him touching himself was going to haunt me all day. I stepped back, taking his hand, "Let's get out of here."

 Sebastian drove to the train station. I hit shuffle on the "SING" playlist and we camped it up, even taking a lap around the parking lot before he pulled into the drop off lane. "Meet you around front."

 We walked right into each other’s arms. I could feel his lips pressed to my head, "Another amazing weekend."

"Yeah, it was." I leaned back and we kissed. "Next weekend will be too."

He smiled with the slightest nod, "I'll talk to you later." He kissed me again before letting go. A few steps onto the sidewalk he turned, "Congrats on the win, again."

I blew him a kiss and watched him smile as he walked inside.

 I smiled all the way to work. I fought the urge to go home, curl up around his pillow, and soak everything in. Soak him in. But I did not. I had a busy day and lying in bed daydreaming of sex with the man who said yes when asked if he was my boyfriend is not the way to be productive. He probably just went with it to get Drew to back off. Sebastian didn't mention it again. Neither did I. I am not the "let's define this” girl and we've known each other for a whole eleven days, but I did like when he said “yes”.

Doesn't matter what we call it. Doesn't change the feelings.

 I made it through the first half of my day with a buck ass wild group of children. There were eight days left of school and they were excited. I wanted to tear my hair out. I took my lunch to Mallory’s room and decompressed with friends. They were having the same day I was. Mal brought up the tournament, "I wish I could have come."

I waved her off, "There will be more. Oh, remember that guy Drew I went out with a couple of times?" She and the ther teachers nodded. "He tried to pick a fight with my date. Everybody was drunk, but we're not in high school anymore. It was ridiculous."

"Go back to the date part."

I grinned, "His name is Sebastian. We met last weekend. He lives in the city and came back this weekend. I'm going to him next weekend."

"Is he hot?"

Cindy added, "Is the sex hot?"

"Both." I popped a grape in my mouth and wiggled my eyebrows. I picked up my tray, "Hot. Very, very hot."

 My kids had gym today so I was hoping they would calm them down. Someone knew when I had planning and texted me.

 Sebastian ~ If you woke up one morning with me going down on you... would that be a good thing?

I closed my eyes and winced. This is going to hurt.

Emma ~ Yes, a very good thing.

Emma ~ How do you feel about waking up with me sucking your cook?

 If he's asking for permission I should too.

Sebastian ~ Hard. I feel hard. Thx

 Emma ~ FYI. If I were to wake up with you inside me... also good.

Sebastian ~ I did this to myself.

  Even though I had volleyball practice tonight I headed straight to the gym. The kids’ behavior hadn't improved over the rest of the day and working out would release some of the tension in my muscles. Tension that most certainly was not present when I got to work.

 When I got home from the gym, I set up my iPad on the breakfast bar. I smiled remembering what had gone on here this morning. I pulled out the salad I’d picked up on the way home and hit the button to call Ed. Harper answered, "Hey Sissy. I got awards for most improved reader and most friendly."

Her smiling face wiped away any leftover tension from the day. "That's fantastic, Harper. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Sissy, I'm going to go play." Poof. She was gone.

 Ed's face showed up and he took a dramatic drink from a beer bottle. "Ok, I'm ready. Tell me about him."

I gave him the version between the one my teacher friends and Angie and Eli heard. More detail, but less sex. Besides the last two, Ed was the person I trusted most in the world. Even though he tipped the dial into overprotective I could tell him anything and trust him for an objective opinion. I called my parents if I wanted unconditional love (even if I was wrong) and Ed if I wanted the unvarnished truth. He'd been the first one to tell me Jimmy was cheating on me. Naturally, I didn't believe him. When I showed up in Hawaii after we broke up, he never said I told you so. He filled me with tequila, my favorite Kalua pig sandwich, and let me cry. The next day we sat on our surfboards far out in the water figuring out my next steps. I applied, interviewed, and accepted the long-term sub from a chaise by our pool.

 After we'd gone back and forth for a while, he said, "I like how he treats you."

"Yeah, I do too." I took a breath, "He's different, Ed."

"That's because you like him. You've dated guys, but you haven't really liked someone since the fucking asshole."

I laughed. Ed never said Jimmy's name. He was The Fucking Asshole. More of a title than a name. “True, but still Sebastian is different."

"How?"

"He's kind."

"People think you're kind. You are kind."

"I know." I thought a second. "He's real. Flawed. He owns it. We've talked about what's hard for him, what he struggles with. Like how he overthinks. When he told me what he was doing, where he was stuck, I knew how to make it better."

Ed took another drink of his beer, for thirst this time, not bracing himself. "I always prefer real people with real issues, no matter how messy. People who say they got nothing are liars or so unaware they're not worth the trouble."

 Very true. Those people just have issues that fuck you up when you’re least expecting. "When he’s working on a character, he does a lot of research. For Last Full Measure he read about Army vets, PTSD, battle fatigue. Bucky taught him about brainwashing, torture, and escape. He says his research affects him, he takes it in and it changes him, how he treats people."

Ed was smiling, "I’m back to you really like him. You introduced him to me, after all."

"I did. I thought it would fun and it was." We both laughed. “I like how I feel with him. It’s not all about what he says or what he does. Part of it is I know that I make him feel good too.”

 "Does Amy know?"

I clenched my teeth and hissed in a breath. "I'll be in Georgia in two weeks. I'll deal with it then. She’s been doing well, I guess we'll see."

'You know to call anytime."

"I do."

"Want to know what I've been doing all afternoon?" He didn’t wait for my answer. “Getting texts from your boyfriend with pictures and videos from the games. I told him you were snaking him with those shorts. They didn’t have to be that short, Emiliana."

"They worked." For the game and Sebastian. I ignored the boyfriend comment because Ed would just argue with me and I wasn’t sure he was wrong.

#Sebastian Stan #sebastian stan fanfiction #fanfiction

[shions-songbirds]

Icing on the Cake

Also posted on ao3

Todoroki didn’t celebrate his birthday. He never really had, considering, well, his home life. That had changed in their first year, because Midoriya wouldn’t stand for him not celebrating it, but, in the end, he didn’t really care about his actual birthday. And he didn’t really like that Midoriya made such an event of it. That didn’t mean the gesture wasn’t sweet or that he didn’t appreciate it, he did, very, very much, but it just wasn’t really his thing. It wasn’t so much that he minded being the center of attention, he was training to become a hero, that came with the territory, he more just didn’t like his friends going through all that trouble for him. For a day that had never really mattered. Sure, Fuyumi would give him a gift, would do her best to spend some time with him, more than usual, but it didn’t actually mean anything. January 11th was just another day. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it was bad, but ultimately, it was just another day, for whatever that meant. 

But, every year without fail, a few days before his birthday, Midoriya would throw a little party with the help of their friends and classmates. He’d enlist Satou to make a cake, ask Iida to help him organize everything, get Uraraka’s help decorating, so on and so forth, dragging everyone in to be a part of it. It made every part of Todoroki scream at the thought of how much needless effort his friends put in to make an impressive birthday party. He knew if they had the option they’d drag him out of the dorms to a nice restaurant or something, but dorm security made that nearly impossible, and so instead they endeavored to make something impressive of their shared living quarters. 

Which Todoroki really didn’t need. He didn’t need anything impressive, he didn’t need all his friends to put in some much effort on his behalf. He had never needed his birthday to be anything special, it never had been, so really, they didn’t need to worry about it. But they did, they always did, and though he’d told Midoriya time and time before that they didn’t need to plan anything special, the class still came together on it every year and Shouto was left feeling touched but tired. 

And he was always tired afterwards. That many people all with their attention centered on him drained him pretty quick. The party was as grand as a party hosted in a dorm common room could be, a too big cake sitting on the counter, decorations ranging from a “Happy Birthday, Todoroki-kun!” banner to a bunch of tacky streamers and dumb little things hanging up and about that he was sure took hours to take down, now that he’d ever been allowed to help with that. They’d also go out of their way to make some “special” dinner for the class, usually just cold soba, where a couple of classmates would generally start trying to make it, Midoriya included, only to be chased out of the kitchen by Bakugou, barking at them that he wouldn’t let them “fuck up his damn boyfriend’s dinner”. Or so Todoroki had been told. 

A lot of planning went into it. Unnecessary planning. But every time, when he entered the dorm commons and saw it decked out in things for his birthday, like right now, he felt a smile appear on his face despite himself, felt touched that his classmates and friends would go through all this trouble. 

He walked up to Midoriya, bumping their shoulders together. “You went too far, again,” he told him, shaking his head. 

“But you’re smiling,” Midoriya pointed out, “which means you aren’t upset about it.”

“Oh I am, you put in way too much effort, but,” he paused to pull him to his side in an awkward side hug, “it always feels nice to see how much you care. Even if you didn’t need to do all this.”

“Of course I did. And I made sure it couldn’t possibly get in the way of yours and Kacchan’s date this year, so I think I did just enough.” 

He shook his head at the reminder of the ordeal last year, where the time of the party had directly coincided with when Bakugou had planned to take him out for his birthday so they’d have all day out without it interfering with their classes. That hadn’t been pretty, and trying to prevent his boyfriend from murdering one of his best friends was really not how he had wanted to spend the day. And it had lead to a trashed party and ruined date plans, which made pretty much everyone unhappy, considering the party was a class wide effort. Avoiding a repeat of that was really the only birthday present he needed. 

“Good that’s… good. The last thing I think I’d ever want is a repeat of that disaster,” he told Midoriya, getting a very hasty nod in return. 

“Kacchan wouldn’t talk to me for an entire week afterwards,” Midoriya admitted.

“Like that’s a new thing?”

“Well, he hasn’t really been like that since our first year, so I thought we’d be fine but… yeah, no, he wasn’t happy.”

“Are you surprised?”

“....” he said nothing for a moment. “No….” 

Todoroki laughed, and the two kept on like that for a little longer before Midoriya shooed him off to go spend time with their other friends. Which was fine. He’d kind of been intentionally avoiding that because that meant talking to a lot more people and he didn’t really have the energy for that, but it was nice all the same. Observing the Bakusquad’s shenanigans as they bickered over whose gift was better (Todoroki didn’t know, he hadn’t opened any yet) was fun. He enjoyed watching people take glances at the cake on the counter, as though wondering if they were allowed to get into it, which, he didn’t care, if they wanted to they could. He’d never had much of a sweet tooth, so the cake was pretty low on his list of interests. He knew they wouldn’t, knew they valued the tradition of birthday boy getting the first piece over their own desire to eat it, but he really didn’t much care. 

He and Momo talked for a little bit about essentially nothing, and she handed him a new dumb romance novel she had found, and he genuinely hoped that was the only gift she had to give him. She had the tendency to go overboard. They all did, actually, but she had the finances that allowed her to do more than everyone else and he did not trust her. Not at all. 

And then there was Shinsou. The local cryptid found him first, but that was always the case. Trying to find Shinsou was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, there was pretty much no chance. If he didn’t want to be found, he pretty much didn’t exist. 

“You look like you’re having fun,” his friend chimed sarcastically. Todoroki shook his head. 

“Too much going on,” he said in reply. He’d been down here barely an hour and he was already exhausted. 

“You can always just leave.”

“Do not be the devil on my shoulder, I will succumb and I don’t want them to think I don’t appreciate it.”

“I’m always the devil on your shoulder. Because honestly, what’s stopping you? God? Societal norms? Courtesy? Ha, they’re meaningless. Powerless. I say just leave.” 

“Shinsou, you’re terrible and I don’t know why we’re friends.” Todoroki huffed. Shinsou laughed. 

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he replied, and obviously the conversation was over, because he walked off without another word, disappearing into the shadows. How he did that Todoroki would never understand. 

The afternoon went on much like that, with brief conversations with friends, and the pile of gifts he had yet to open growing and growing. They ate dinner together, Todoroki watching his friends goof around with a fond smile on his face, and after they got into the cake Satou had made. It was a good birthday, all around, and he was happy to be there with them, but oh he was tired. The party exhausted him like it always did, left him dead on his feet.

He hauled himself up to his room and collapsed on his bed, burying his face in his pillow. He was tired. So, so tired. But he was happy. He’d had a good night. His social energy was less than none but that was fine. He was touched and that was what mattered.

He kept mostly to himself over the next couple days, focusing primarily on recharging in some much needed isolation, or lying against his boyfriend and watching a movie, stealing energy from him, until Saturday. January 11th. His actual birthday. The friends he saw around showered him in more happy birthdays, and it made him smile, honestly. 

And then he saw his boyfriend. 

“C’mon Icyhot, we have plans today,” Bakugou told him, swinging an arm around his neck and dragging him off towards the doors of the dorms. “I already got us permission to leave for the day, before you say anything.”

“Oh. I hadn’t even thought of that,” Todoroki admitted sheepishly. 

“You’re an idiot,” he said, though his tone was laced with affection. Or what affection sounded like from his boyfriend who had practically no actual tone differentiation. With that wonderfully affectionate comment, the two of them walked to the gate of the school and out.

“So… where are we going?” he asked Bakugou after a moment, as they walked down the sidewalk, watching the cars drive by. 

“You’ll find out when we get there,” was all he got in reply, which, fair enough, he supposed, though he’d prefer knowing. 

“Helpful,” he said instead. They were holding hands as they walked, moving past a myriad of cute businesses and restaurants, places that seemed interesting but if that wasn’t where they were going then so be it. And if they weren’t stopping at a bus stop or going to take a train, then obviously it was somewhere near enough to walk to, which left so many and yet so few things. He didn’t figure they’d be going out to breakfast, and frankly he hoped not, because he had already eaten earlier that morning. They weren’t nicely dressed, so it obviously wasn’t going to be anywhere particularly fancy, not that a fancy lunch or dinner seemed much Bakugou’s speed. He just felt horribly confused as to where they could possibly be going. 

He was both shocked and confused when he found himself outside of what seemed to be an arcade. Bakugou refused to look at him. 

“Shitty Deku told me that you said you’d never been to an arcade before but you wanted to, so this is our first stop for the day,” he told him, still refusing to meet his eyes. It took Todoroki a moment to realize that he was embarrassed, that it embarrassed him admitting that he’d wanted to take him out to do something he hadn’t ever done before. He smiled gently, squeezing his boyfriend’s hand, because that was so cute and sweet and he was just… touched. He was touched. 

Bakugou didn’t acknowledge it, but his face was red, bright red. How cute. He dragged him inside the building, getting some tokens from a machine and then letting go of his hand, letting Todoroki look over the area around him. 

“Whatever you wanna do. It’s your birthday or whatever,” he said. Todoroki grinned before grabbing his boyfriend’s arm and dragging him off towards what looked like a fighting game. 

“Then we’re doing this, first,” he told him, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. Bakugou scoffed, a little ‘tch’ of a noise.

“You think you can beat me? Good luck with that. But hey, for your first time, I’ll go easy on you,” Bakugou said and he said it so suggestively, it had Shouto reddening. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, put your money where your mouth is,” he replied, trying to mask his embarrassment. It didn’t work. But Bakugou did indeed put his money into the machine, and Todoroki, admittedly, was awful at the game. They played a good couple rounds, and he hadn’t managed to squeak by with a win even once, always getting completely crushed by his boyfriend’s skillful play, which certainly did more than his hasty button mashing in his desperate attempts to keep up. Annoyed at his losses, his competitive streak sparked, he dragged Bakugou away from the fighting game, ignoring his laugh because that was so not fair. He had never done this before, he deserved to be cut some slack, thank you. He refused to be laughed at. 

So he dragged him over to a racing game next, getting the same taunting laughter and the promise that he would lose. Which annoyed him, even if it was probably true. Neither of them expected him to absolutely kill it in the racing game. 

His first victory was, perhaps, a fluke. Neither of them knew how he’d managed to pull off a win in the last few seconds of the race, but he had, and they were both left in shock. Bakugou didn’t allow him to get a word in about his victory before huffing quickly that “we both know that was a fluke, let’s do that one more time” which Todoroki really couldn’t argue, because he was right. That definitely felt like a fluke.

But he won again. And he won again. And he won again, watching his boyfriend get huffier every time, even though he tried to be supportive and a good loser. He tried, which Todoroki appreciated, he just failed monumentally. 

“Good job, even though you only barely managed to scrape by with that one, how about--” Todoroki cut him off before he could propose one more round.

“How about, instead, we go and try one of those stuffed animal crane games?” he offered, pretty sure that something that was decidedly without competition was probably the best bet for this little adventure of theirs, if they didn’t want to end up here literally all day, which he was almost certain his boyfriend would not have the money for. And that sounded bad, but he knew Bakugou wouldn’t let him pay a dime today, far too stubborn for that, and he just really didn’t want to waste all of his boyfriend’s money on a racing game for hours. 

Not that the crane game was any better, he decided after a moment of playing. They were gunning for a cute but goofy looking stuffed pomeranian that Todoroki was exceedingly fond of. He didn’t say it was because the little thing reminded him of his boyfriend, but that was absolutely the reason. And they kept getting so close to snagging the little thing. So close. And yet. They had put far too many tokens into the damn thing at this point, and for what? They remained empty handed. But neither of them wanted to admit defeat to the sinister, villainous machine that was most definitely rigged, a fact that they were most definitely not about to acknowledge. 

Honestly, Bakugou looked about ready to blow the machine up, his face scrunched up in a dedicated sort of anger, and Todoroki found himself more than willing to help him, if it came to it. Would that technically make them criminals? Yes, but honestly, he thought the cops could understand where they were coming from on this one. These plush toys were way too hard to get, and this was costing them far more money then it was worth. 

But as they watched the claw tighten snag the little pomeranian by its neck and tighten its hold, he felt that the gods were smiling down upon them. The fluffy creature didn’t slip from the claw’s grasp, it was carried slowly but seamlessly over to the drop, and both he and Bakugou watched it with rapt attention, hoping that it wouldn’t once more elude them. And when it slid down with a thunk, he pulled his boyfriend into an excited kiss, uncaring of any other company around them in the arcade. Bakugou didn’t protest, kissing him back just as eagerly, and when they pulled apart a little bit later, he pulled the fluffy plush toy out of the hatch, holding it close to his chest. 

“We got it,” he said, still a little breathless from their kiss. Bakugou nodded. 

“We got it. Little fucker’s all yours now.” Did they waste too much money on it? Absolutely. Was it a complete waste of time? Without a doubt. But did Todoroki love this plush puppy more than he loved himself? Unquestionably. This fluffy monstrosity held against his chest was the best thing he’d ever gotten. And if, in his head, he named it after his boyfriend, well that was between him and his plush toy, thanks. 

The arcade took longer than Bakugou had planned, on account of the puppy currently settled within Todoroki’s arms, but it wasn’t late enough to require a change of plans. Snagging his boyfriend’s hand, the one not currently gripping the plush toy like it was something sacred and beloved, he pulled him out of the arcade. Their next stop still wouldn’t require the taking of a bus or train. In fact, it wouldn’t even take much of a walk from the arcade. It was a small place, a tiny restaurant tucked out of the way of heavy foot traffic. A cozy, simple little place, where they sold a food Bakugou felt his boyfriend would enjoy. It wasn’t particularly unique, or special, but the experience of doing it together, well, maybe that would make it something a bit more special.

The place was a simply monjayaki shop. Todoroki was pretty certain he had never been in one, his father having never been too big on going out to eat, especially not to get something as simple and cheap as monja. And as they started actually making it, he became all the more certain that this was definitely not a part of his childhood. This was far too commoner for his father’s “refined” tastes, and he loved it. He loved every second of it. Loved watching Bakugou as the two of them made their food, loved watching it cook before his eyes, loved all of it, loved everything about it. He loved this. 

He loved Bakugou. 

Oh, did he love Bakugou. 

And oh, he had just said that aloud, if the vibrant flush on his boyfriend’s face was any indication. He wasn’t sure if he should acknowledge it. Wasn’t sure if he should say anything more, but Bakugou made that choice for him.

“...I love you, too,” he said quietly, barely loud enough for Todoroki to hear. “And if you’re gonna be making confessions like that then you should be callin’ me Katsuki,” he said it like it was just something that may as well happen, not like it was an important admission, not like it meant that he wanted to be called Katsuki. Todoroki was definitely red himself, his heart melting in his chest, staring at his boyfriend with what were undeniably heart eyes. 

“Then call me Shouto, Katsuki,” he told him, subtly trying the name on his lips, feeling it on his tongue, as he stared at him a moment longer, before the smell of burning food hit his nose and he realized they had definitely left their monja to cook for too long in their moment of simply staring at each other. They scraped the burnt mess off of the skillet, stared at it, both of them decidedly not hungry for it any longer. 

“Want to go back to the dorms?” Katsuki asked (Katsuki, Katsuki, Katsuki), to which he hastily nodded. 

“... when we get back, do you want to watch movies together in the common area?” he asked in return as they paid and left. Katsuki hesitated a moment before nodding.

“If I get to chase everyone out of there, then sure,” and that sounded more than perfect to Shouto. And if the entire walk home he pressed himself a little closer to his boyfriend’s side, if he quietly whispered Katsuki’s name the entire way back, getting an elbow in the side when he kept at it too long, well that didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but the two of them, and how close he could be to his boyfriend, how much he got to relish being in the same space as him not just for this but for the rest of the day, and longer, hopefully longer, much, much longer. That’s what he wanted. Everything he needed. 

And exactly how they spent the rest of the afternoon. Curled up on the couch, exchanging kisses as they sat cuddled together, watching random movies Shouto had never gotten to see in his childhood. The feeling of Katsuki pressed against his back, every little kiss they traded back and forth, the shine of the tv and the din of cutesy movies and overly extra action scenes, old super hero movies and movies that were apparently a hallmark of the childhood he hadn’t had, and he found that this was the most at peace he had ever been. This was what he wanted for his birthday, what he needed, just a quiet couple hours between the two of them, a loving day in. Everything about this was perfect, idyllic, this was everything. Being together with Katsuki was everything, all he could ever have wanted. This was perfection. This was the best birthday he had ever had. 

And if the next morning, he woke up to a hundred livid texts from his father, and a couple from his friends, links to articles that were posted about him and Katsuki being a thing, well, that was just the icing on the cake.

#todobaku #bakutodo #todoroki shouto #bakugou katsuki #shouto day #happy birthday shouto! #it's still his birthday in my timezone! barely #so it's not too late yet! #anyway #my writing #fanfic #birthday fic

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

The Nuptial Necessity - Chapter 19

A 12xRose Human AU

Despite an unglamorous job description, Rose loves the work she does with The Thistle Foundation, a charity founded by her best friend’s great-uncle.  It doesn’t hurt that her boss, her friend’s father, is easy on the eyes.  With a great job, wonderful friends and a loving family, life couldn’t be better – except for having someone to share it with.

All of that is threatened, though, when the great-uncle dies – and sets a strange condition for his nephew to inherit, jeopardizing the Foundation and Rose’s future, sparking a chain of events that might just get her everything she dreamed of and more.

Chapters will be posted on Saturdays and Tuesdays.  Many thanks to my beta, @stupidsatsuma

Rated: Explicit, for eventual smut

@doctorroseprompts

AO3  |  Masterlist

—

Saturday (the morning after)

The blaring alarm startled Rose awake, and groaning, she swatted blindly at her bedside table until the noise stopped.  Once again in peaceful silence she buried her face deeper into her pillow, pouting slightly at having been woken up.  She’d been having the most marvelous dream; after the Gala, she’d persuaded Malcolm to come to bed with her, and they’d spent half the night making glorious love.

Rolling over at the sound of her door squeaking open, she became aware of several things at once; she was naked, she was sore in delicious places, and Malcolm was walking towards her carrying a tray loaded with breakfast and wearing a dressing gown.

“I hope you don’t mind, I thought we’d share breakfast in bed,” he murmured, stopping at the side of the bed, looking adorably flustered and shy given what they’d shared.

Wide awake now at the scent of bacon Rose nodded eagerly, pulling back the covers from the other side of the bed, accidentally flashing him in the process.  “Oops,” she giggled, pulling the sheet up to cover her breasts; he didn’t look particularly offended, instead running his eyes over her like a starving man.

“Let’s eat,” was all he said, handing her the tray before moving to climb back into the bed.

“Erm-”  When she nodded towards the dressing gown on the chair next to him he passed it over, and she gave an apologetic grin of thanks as she pulled it on while he got in.

“This looks lovely,” Rose observed, picking up one of the forks and diving in.  “Smells good, too.”

“Thanks.  On the weekends, I try to do a full fry-up – especially if Clara’s here.  I’ve gotten away from it over the past few years- seemed a waste to do all this for myself- but… now that I’m not alone here, it might be time to resume it.”

Grinning, she nudged his foot with her own.  “You can make me breakfast anytime.”  Then, realizing what she was implying, she blushed and shoved a forkful of eggs in her mouth.  He’s your husband, you shagged, don’t be so weird.  She stopped chewing as it occurred to her that just because they’d been… intimate, that didn’t automatically make them a couple.  Little conversation had occurred, other than him checking every so often that she was good with what they were doing.  No declarations of love had happened, nothing to indicate anything had changed between them except they’d now seen each other naked and… done things to each other.  Amazing things, granted, but…

She suddenly felt very exposed and vulnerable.

“So, what’s the plan?” she asked, nibbling on a piece of toast and drawing her dressing gown tighter around her with one hand.

He finished chewing, taking the time to set his fork down and have a mouthful of coffee before answering.  “We fly out of Heathrow up to Inverness, and the estate driver will meet us there.  Then it’s just roughly an hour’s drive north, and we’re there.”

“Sounds simple enough.  How long’s the flight?”

“About an hour and a half- Graham’s picking us up at nine, and we should arrive a little after two.  It’s part of why I made such a big breakfast- we’ll have lunch when we get there.”

Rose nodded in agreement, before biting her lip.  “Um…”

“What?”  Malcolm looked at her, concerned, and she tried to find the right way to phrase what she wanted to ask without offending him.

“Uh, do you- what would- any idea what the… menu will look like during our trip?” she asked nervously, pushing a runaway lock of hair behind her ear.  “Will it be…” she bit back weird, trying to find an alternative- “traditionally Scottish?”

He stared at her for a long moment before his lips twitched.  “No one’s going to try to force you to have haggis, if that’s your concern.”

“What about black pudding?”

“Nor that.”  His smile broke free.  “Fish, beef, lamb, venison… all possible, and perfectly normal.  I didn’t think you were picky?”

“I’m not,” she said, slightly defensively, “but… there are certain things that just…  Ugh.”  She shivered, making a face.  “And I don’t want to be rude, but it’s easier if I know going in.”

Leaning forward, Malcolm patted her leg.  “Relax.  I’m sure it will be fine.  Besides, I already called ahead and told our chef, Ianto, that we’d like fish and chips for lunch and lamb chops for dinner.  How’s that sound?”

“Brilliant,” Rose relaxed, thoroughly distracted by his hand on her leg; even through the sheet she could feel the warmth, and it was heating her blood.  “Sorry, I just- I’m nervous,” she confided in a rush.  “I want them to like me, and accept me, and I don’t want to embarrass you…”

“They will,” he said confidently, rubbing her thigh.  “They’ll love you, trust me.  How could they not?  And it’s far more likely that I will embarrass you.”

“True.  Thanks.”

She just hoped he was right.

-

 They settled into their seats, Rose still arguing with him.  “Are you sure you don’t want the window?”

He sighed, counted silently to ten, then said, “I’m absolutely certain.  I’ve got some paperwork to look over, and I want you to enjoy.  Look out the window, watch the country fly by.  I insist.”

“Fine.”  She huffed, belting herself in and fluffing her hair before looking around.  “You really didn’t need to book business class- it’s not even a two hour flight.”

“It’s not that expensive, and I wanted the extra room.  Besides, you’re going to spend the next week getting called ‘my lady’ – might as well start with the star treatment, eh?”

She gave him a shy smile, making his heart flutter.  “If you insist.”

“I do.”  He wanted to lean forward and kiss her, but wasn’t sure she would accept it- things were weird, a low-simmering tension between them.  When he’d woken they’d been spooned together, and it was heavenly, but he’d been nervous about how she would react when she woke up.  He had no idea if she felt the same as he did, if this was the start of a real relationship, or if she’d just been bored and horny and he was the closest bloke.  Based on all the evidence he suspected it was closer to the first than the second, but he didn’t know how close.  The last thing he wanted was for her to wake up and say it was a mistake.

So he took the coward’s way out.  She hadn’t seemed bothered by his rejoining her in bed, or sharing breakfast, but… that left a lot of room between where they seemed to be and where he wanted to be.

Because he wanted everything.

-

Over the past eight years of working together they’d taken a handful of business trips together.  Typically Rose would make all the arrangements for that and he would let her lead, but for this, he’d handled everything himself, and felt an absurd sense of self-pride that things had gone well.  The last thing he wanted was for their trip to get off to a rocky start.

Walking out through security, he spotted a lad with a sign reading Gallifrey and headed for it, wheeling their suitcases behind him as they approached.

“You Ross?”

“Lord Gallifrey?”  The young man looked startled, bowing his head lower than necessary, and Malcolm hid a smile at his nervousness; it had been a good ten years since Wallace was well enough to travel back to Scotland, so this would be the first time the lad met the owner of the Estate he worked on.  “An honor, my lord, may I take those?”  Then he craned his neck around Malcolm, who glanced back to see Rose practically hiding behind him.  “Er, Lady Gallifrey?”

“Hi,” Rose said sheepishly, wriggling her fingers in his direction as she came around to stand at Malcolm’s side.  “I’m Rose.”

“Yes, my lady.”  To his credit he didn’t bat an eye, keeping to the proper address, and Malcolm’s opinion of him soared.  “If it pleases you…”

Malcolm passed over the rolling suitcases, keeping his ever-present backpack with him, noting out of the corner of his eye Rose kept her purse and carry-bag as well.  It was a short walk to the car, and Malcolm found it upon himself to keep the idle chitchat going, the other two too nervous or uncomfortable to speak much.

Seeing the car he smiled, not bothering to tamp down his boyish joy.  For many years, his sole reason for looking forward to inheriting the estate was this car- he’d learned to drive in it, and had always admired how cool and elegant it looked.  He wasn’t a car man by any means, but this- this one he knew every inch of.

A canary-yellow Edwardian roadster, it had been lovingly restored several times by the family, and had been called Bessie for over fifty years.  It was as much a part of the family as he was, at this point; moreso, he’d argue, as it never really left the Estate.  He was sorry to see the top up, though it would be the more practical way to travel.  I’ll have to take Rose out for a ride on the grounds with it down.

“Still running well?” he asked when Ross joined him at the bonnet, which he’d popped to take a look.  “How often is she driven?  Is the Silver Dawn still around?”

“Yes, my lord, beautifully.  I tend to her everyday- I hope you find her to your satisfaction.  Take her through the property two or three times a week. Same for the Silver Dawn.  We have a modern Land Rover that’s used for more daily needs.”

Malcolm let the hood down, nodding.  “So far, yes, I’m satisfied. We’ll see how she handles- she was old when I was young.”

Rose snorted, leaning on the side of the car.  “Must be positively ancient, now, then,” she teased.

“Bite your tongue,” Malcolm rolled his eyes, returning to her and opening the door for her to enter.  “I’m not that old.  Still in the prime of life, me.”

She waited until he was situated next to her to respond.  With a coy grin and a hand on his knee, she said, “Oh, I know,” in a terribly flirty voice.

No question- this would be an interesting trip.

-

Rose stared out the window, watching the farmland go by.   She’d tried to listen as Malcolm peppered Ross with questions about how the Estate was doing and people he knew, but was almost instantly lost.  It didn’t help that his accent had grown thicker almost immediately; it was normally strong, easy to tell he was a Scotsman, but now…

She liked it.  A lot.

“What do you think of Scotland so far?” Malcolm asked, squeezing her hand and drawing her attention back to him.

“It’s beautiful,” she said honestly, giving him a bright smile.  “What are all the golden fields?”

“It’s rapeseed.  You make vegetable oil or protein meal out of it.  You’ll find it all over Scotland- I believe we grow some as well, don’t we Ross?”

“Aye, my lord, we do,” Ross confirmed.  “Is this your first trip to Scotland, my lady?”

Malcolm had to nudge her.  Right, that’s me.  I’ll never get used to this.  “Uh, yes, it is.  So far, I love it.”

“In just a little bit we’ll pass through some of the hills, and you may be in luck- I believe I spotted some heather on my trip down, which would be a treat.  By the end of the week, it should be out in full force.”

“Can’t wait.”

-

“Rose, we’re here.”

“Mhmmm.”  Blinking, she lifted her head from where it had apparently fallen on Malcolm’s shoulder to look out the window.  “We are?”

“Well, almost,” he conceded, “we’re about a mile from the gates, but I didn’t want you to miss your first look.”

Yawning, she rolled her head around to stretch her neck.  “Thanks.” Taking his proffered hand and linking their fingers together, she watched diligently out the window for any sign.

Only a minute or so later they came to a minor fork in the road, where it seemed the main road went left and a side road off to the right; a little cottage sat just behind the stone wall, which ended in pillars.  No gate crossed the road, but it had a distinct private feel to it.

“Here we are,” Malcolm confirmed, as they turned onto the side road.  “The house is about half a mile up.”

“Okay.”  She couldn’t see anything yet as the road was tree-lined, but her excitement was growing, as were her nerves.

He nudged her, and before she could ask what, they came around the curve to see a gorgeous house waiting for them.  The front of it contained three solid sections; the middle was Georgian-style, with a light-red brick front and a rounded portico.  The side sections were white-washed and bright.  The overall effect was of a beautiful, clean, well-maintained house, and her heart soared.  Knowing that neither Malcolm nor Wallace had been there in so long had had her concerned about what the state of it would be, imagining a damp and dreary rundown house in the middle of nowhere.

This was infinitely better than that.

“Oh,” she gasped, squeezing his hand.  “It’s spectacular.”

“Thank you,” Malcolm laughed.  “Want to see the inside?”

She nodded eagerly, and still holding hands, they made their way inside.

#bbatcfic #ficandchips #Doctor Who #doctorroseprompts #Human!12xRose #Human!Twelfth Doctor #Rose Tyler #Human AU #AU #The Nuptial Necessity

[myeternalsin]

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hello everyone! 2020… WOW. Can I just say that it has been a complete and utter rollercoaster! IT’S BEEN AWFUL! I am making this post to explain multiple things about myself, my stories, my accounts, etc, so grab a cup of your favorite drink and finger snacks because this is gonna be one long a*$ post! (Excuse my French, but considering everything I’m about to explain I felt like I needed to write that!)

First off, 2020. I believe everyone thought that 2020 was going to be their year. Everyone had their hopes and spirits high to the skies. I was one of those many people. I celebrated New Years Eve with my boyfriend of 3 and a half years and thought this year would be perfect. Valentines day on a Friday, my 21st birthday on Easter, 4th of July on a Saturday, etc. COVID-19 happened. I live in Cedar Rapids Iowa where honestly, my governor had and still has done sh*t about COVID-19. 

Around the end of March I was hit with some very hard information. 

The daycare I worked at, 8-5, as a full time job during the week of spring break had it’s numbers DROP. I went from a class of 12 children to a minimum of 4 a day to a maximum of 7 children. I was even given Wednesday off along with my teacher assistant as we were TOO overstaffed at the center. Usually when I leave work at 5 o'clock, there’s about 20 to 25 children left by the end of the day since we close at 6. I should have known that Monday that the week was going to get worse. There were only 6 CHILDREN at the center when I left EARLY at 4:30. The next day I came home at 10 since we were overstaffed again, and was called at noon that our daycare was shut down. I’m laid off. Start filing for unemployment. 

I was completely HEARTBROKEN. I was truly hoping to stay open, not for the pay or to “get the virus so I can stay home” as some of my co workers joked-but to stay open for the CHILDREN. I was praying that they could get through this and that this whole COVID-19 would blow ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL over soon… boy, was I WRONG! 

I celebrated my 21st birthday at the apartment with my boyfriend instead of bar hopping since everything was shut down. I was completely and utterly BOARD. I had no clue what to do with myself! During this time, my boyfriend was also stuck in the apartment instead of at the office. While we were at the apartment, there was this trend on TikTok called the “towel drop challenge”. I was honestly thinking that since were both cooped up in this tiny apartment that was could, ya know, get it on~

Three and a half years. I was with this boy for three and a half years without ever losing my V-card! I mean, we’d tried on multiple occasions but I just never got my cherry popped. I was told by my mom that any boy would have taken my virginity by now and not waited this long. I even asked him a year after we were together if he was possibly gay or asexual. Which wouldn't have been a problem AT ALL! I have no hate against him however he identified sexually, I just wished that he would have told me or he would have done something about it. 

That fateful day, I let him know that I wanted his time and attention. He could have walked away from his computer. There were times where he’d either be on his phone with his head down while “working”, or he’d come out into the living room to play a video game for half an hour while still “logged in and working”. I was hoping to just get ten minutes of his time. I was lying in my bed, naked and waiting for him. I know he saw me too, yet he didn’t do anything. It was the end of his work work shift, and I was waiting with anticipation for him to just POUNCE on me. 

He gave me a kiss on the forehead and said, “I’m going downstairs to do laundry.”

My whole entire being shattered. I was completely DEVASTATED. I always asked myself after every time we tried having sex if something was wrong with me. Was I not pretty enough? Is it because I got bigger throughout the years we were together? Was it because I was inexperienced? Was I performing wrong on him when we would do stuff? I was pretty sure I was attracted to him both physically and personality wise. So what was wrong?

I got so upset and started screaming and yelling at him while crying everything out about not only what he just did, but about everything. In the end, I just collapsed on the bed and said “I want to go home.” I was like a broken record, uttering that saying over and over again.

So, I moved out. I am still living with my parents, and honestly it was rough and still is. I became so depressed. This boy was my best and sadly only friend I ever had. I had pushed away all of the friends I used to have because of him. I tried contacting some old friends, but they had all moved on with their lives. Everyone’s getting married, engaged, having kids, having pets, graduating college. I had nothing, or at least it felt like it at the time.

No friends, no boyfriend, moved in with my parents, and no job.

That’s right. The owner of the daycare never hired me back on, along with six other staff members. Around the beginning of July, I was wondering why I hadn’t been contacted to come back to work. I was willing to travel even though I didn’t live in that city anymore because of the breakup. I was notified by a coworker that they were back to work already a month ago and she was wondering where I was! I called the daycare and never went through to anyone about why I wasn't back.

I felt so useless. A failure. Disappointment. I wanted to not exist. 

I knew that I shouldn’t have had these thoughts, and it scared the shit out of me that my mind was not only thinking it-but the feeling and urge to actually follow through with it.

So, I contacted my doctor. Got some antidepressants, and am trying to get a therapist at the moment. My doctors building with their therapist are practically booked with everything going on. It’ll still be a little bit before I can talk to someone. I was told by my doctor to try to find something to do that peaks my interest. I thought of my work and you guys. I’m proud of the writing I have and can’t believe I left you guys hanging, both on request and stories. I found something I could do to lift my spirits up yet again!...

PHSYIC!

August 10th 2020, I woke up at 10 in the morning. I made a hearty breakfast and an iced coffee for the first time in FOREVER! I was pumping myself up to get on here and to start writing again! After I was done eating, the city sirens went off.

“Is there a tornado?” I asked my parents. They themselves didn’t know either because both cable and the electricity went out as soon as I asked. We all hurried downstairs with all three and a half dogs as the wind picked up and the rain became more heavy. (I said a half because M,W,F we babysit my sister's little beagle dog.)

We sat and waited for the storm to be over and we were wondering what was going on. My dad was about to get up when BOOM! The house shook and vibrated all around us.

My mom started crying hysterically, my dad tried to comfort the dogs and create a barrier for them not to go upstairs, and I just kinda sat there. It was like I wasn’t really registering what was going on. Maybe it was because I was trying to stay positive? Maybe a couple branches just smashed the siding of the house or window? Were the antidepressants not allowing me to cry and freak out? I wasn’t sure what was going on with me at the time. 

The rain stopped and my parents went upstairs to check everything out while I stayed downstairs with the dogs.

“Drip!”

“Argh! What the!?” I exclaimed as I showed my flashlight on my phone to the ceiling. It was dripping from the heating and cooling vent. I saw other droplets of water along the Styrofoam tile ceiling, and followed the trail towards the small kitchen area where there was water IN the ceiling light!

“Uhhhh, guys?” I yelled to my mom and dad upstairs.

“Wait a couple minutes sweetie!” My mom responded back as I started to hear their hurried feet running around upstairs.

“We got water coming downstairs!” I hollered as I grabbed a couple of empty solo cups I had downstairs since I was living down there to start collecting the water.

“Yeah? That’s ’cause we got a hole in the house!” My dad yelled.

The big tree in the backyard that was planted from the previous owner back in the 1950’s crashed into the living room from this storm we later learned 3 days later called Derecho. We’ve been recovering for about a month now. Almost everything is back to normal. 

We got power and water back 2 weeks ago from today, the internet back a week ago, and cable has been kind of wonky. We’ve been wanting nothing but the news and were able to have cable for ONE DAY. It crashed and we still don’t have cable. We’ve tried antennas but they just aren’t working in our location. 

The downstairs floor is ruined. We had to rip out the carpet and the floors now have asbestos. I live upstairs now in the guest room and we’re pretty much confined to the entry way since we still have a huge hole in the living room. No comfortable seating either. We’re hoping to hear back from the insurance claim sometime this week… but there's a possibility that we might just have to move if the damage is too much. 

To put the good old fashioned cherry on top, one of our dogs may no longer be with us this week. She hasn’t eaten in the past couple of days and is only drinking water. We’re taking her to the vet tomorrow to see what’s going on, or if she’s suffering too much.

Honestly… 2020 can F#@! OFF! It’s been such an awful year! But! I am ready to get back into the swing of things and get back to writing and writing for you guys again!

I was going to explain some things about my accounts and rules but I feel a tad bit drained after writing this all out, and I haven't typed on a keyboard in so long! My wrists HURT! Give me a couple of hours and I'll be back with a PSA part 2! I will be posting this to all of my accounts so no one is left out of the loop. Be back soon! 

~MyEternalSin

#author update #update #psa #public service announcement #x reader #oneshots #my hero academia #mha #my hero acadamy #boku no hero x reader #my hero academia x reader #bnha #fanfiction #part 1 psa

[axelsagewrites]

Magnus Bane*Trial

Ship(s): Magnus X Reader

Request?: Nope

Warnings?: Nada

Type: Angst, fluff (I think. Its kinda sad)

Masterlist HERE

Wattpad HERE

“Hungry?” Louise sat next to me on the pavement under the bridge. She held out a breakfast bar with a smirk.

“I’m fine,” I shrug, going back to my book.

She rolls her eyes and tosses it onto my book, “Don’t worry, I grabbed two,” She pulled another out from her coat pocket. “Besides you know I’d always share,”

“That’s what worries me,” I said, putting a bookmark in my page and shutting the book. Putting the book in my backpack along with everything else I owned, I opened the breakfast bar, “Cheers,” we clinked our bars like champagne glasses.

My mind jumped back to the last time I had champagne. I was in Paris, France, in 1912. it was just before the war, luckily, we’d left France just before to visit friends in Indonesia. Magnus and I never cared for the high-class company of Paris, but we cared deeply for the food and drink. It must’ve been a birthday, maybe an engagement, not that we cared.

“You alright?” Louise snapped me from my daze.

“Yeah fine,” I gave a weak smile, turning to the breakfast bar. Despite how hungry I was I picked off small bites. Make it last longer. “We can’t do this forever,” I sighed.

Louise shrugged. “Well, its only a couple months till I’m 18. Then I’ll be able to get a place and you can stay with me,” she smiled. Louise was nice but naive. A runaway in the same torn coat from when she was 15. There was no point telling her to go home. By the sounds of things, the street was safer than her home.

“What about money? They’ll want to prove you have a job and you’ve got savings,”

Her face screwed up, “You worry too much. Look we’ll figure it out. How’d you even know all this?” I shrugged. “How old even are you?”

“17, same as you,” I lied like second nature. I’d stopped aging around 18, 19 but being underage gives me a reason to be homeless. Well, not technically homeless, I own a couple different homes I just can’t live there. The clave would find me. “Look I’m a pessimist. You know this,”

“Well, what I also know is that I want more than a breakfast bar. Lest go diving,” She grinned, jumping up and holding out a hand.

I took it and let her haul me up, “New day, another crime, yay,” I rolled my eyes.

“How’d you think I got the breakfast bars?” she rolled her eyes, “Besides when I’m a big shot with an even bigger paycheck I’ll come back and make it right again,”

We had the same routine every day. Louise apparently ‘perfected’ its last year. This way we got to eat every day. I relocate every couple of years or so and start a new cycle to avoid questions. The claves less likely to find me and people don’t realise I’m not aging. I’d come to Glasgow a couple months back and met Louise. She ‘took me under her wing’ as a runaway, not realising I’d been doing this since 1939.

The dive was a way to eat or get money. Louise walked up to a bin, me trying to shield her from view, and fished out a tub of thrown away food. Chips, burgers, nachos, something like that. Then you deliberately walk into someone and make it look like an accident then, crash!

Louise fell to the floor, dropping the chips everywhere. The businessman on the phone checked his suit then looked at Louise. I helped pick her up, “What’s your problem mate?” I asked, loudly to draw a slight crowd. “Like knocking little girls down?” Louise looked young and as thin as a twig so the small crowd of 5 or so looked annoyed.

His face flushed, “Are you okay?” he took the phone away from his ear for a brief second.

“It's okay,” Louise said, a fake waver in her voice, “I wasn’t that hungry anyway,” A woman tutted him and another gave him a pointed look. “Honest,” Louise was selling it.

And the man was paying. He fished out a couple notes and put them in her hand, “Go get another one,” he said, rushing off to finish his call.

The crowd dispersed soon after and as they were out of earshot Louise turned to me, “Sweet,” she grinned holding up two £5. I rolled my eyes and followed her to get our own food. If she knew about my world, the magic I had, we wouldn’t need to do this. But I can’t let her know I’m a warlock. No one can.

Louise and I took shifts sleeping. We both looked like easy targets, even though I wasn’t, and it meant we could keep a fire going longer. As she slept, I looked through my bag for my journal. The bag had the most important things I owned. Even if everything else was stolen I’d be okay if I had my journal.

I was over 300 years old. For all the stories I do have there are others I’ve just forgotten. Every time I had a new story, I wanted to remember I’d write in down. I have tons of journals in one of my homes, but this was the most important, the one I grabbed before the clave came.

If something big was happening I’d get a special journal. One of my special journals was Magnus. A couple of journals are dedicated to people, lovers, friends, family, a book of one-night stands (I’m old, don’t judge). Magnus journal was the one I cared about

Every little thing was in it; when we met, first dates, first fight, moving in, and the stories. I have tons of stories, some romantic, some funny, some once in a lifetime sort of experience. He’d always intrigued me. I started the journal the day after I met him, not able to get him out of my head.

I flicked through the pages, reading the stories and looking through the mementos. I’m sappy I know, but I had pressed flowers from bouquets he’d gotten me, train tickets, and a couple love letters. I had more love letters at home but these three were important ones. I miss him.

It’s all the claves fault.

A warlock’s word means nothing to them. Not in life, court, or death. I’d never do the things they said I did. Never. They accused me of rituals I couldn’t pronounce the names of and casting spells I’d never even though possible.

Mundane have serial killers and sure they’re scary but a warlock serial killer is worse. Spells, potions, rituals, demons, an extensive list of ways to kill and not be detected. Did it matter I had alibied? No. did it matter I didn’t have to resources to do it? No. did its mater I had no motive? No. I was a warlock and that was motive enough.

The trial began in 1937. Technically it lasts till today. It began with an arrest for using magic in front of a mundane but then the charges pilled on. Originally, they kept me in the silent city but high warlocks, including Magnus, that I knew were able to pull strings to get me on house arrest.

Magnus stayed with me during this time till July 1939. He went to the shops for me and the shadowhunters patrolling my house didn’t let him back in. they didn’t even tell me for 2 weeks where he’d gone.

August rolled around and I was alone. I was able to get a weekly visitor after apparently an explosive argument between Ragnor Fell and the inquisitor. Normally it was Magnus who would bring me letters from my friends for me to read once he left. one night there was a knock at my door.

Magnus came every Thursday at 10am. It was 3am on a Saturday. I opened the door and as soon as I did Ragnor pushed in and shut it, “Get a bag and get ready to run,”

“What?” I yawned, never being up at this time.

“They’re coming for you. They’ve had secret trials without any Downworlders, and the silent brothers are coming. Rodrick heard rumours about it, but he just called me. We need to leave,”

“But I haven’t done anything!”

“Do you think they care!?” He yelled, “They’re raiding this place is 20 minutes. Get a bag, grab some cash, and get moving,”

“What about the barrier? The spells?”

Ragnor rolled his eyes, “How do you think I’m here? We can only hold it for so long. Get moving or we’ll all go down,”

I nodded and did as I was told. Despite everything, I was glad to go. I’m starting to hate this house. I slung my bag over my shoulder and looked at Ragnor. “What about Magnus?”

Ragnor looked down, “He asked me to come. Magnus is a smart man, don’t tell him I said that. No matter what you cannot go back to him,” I went to speak but he continued, “The clave maybe stupid but not that much. They’ll find you and this will be for nothing. We need to go,”

I nodded and followed him out. “Follow me,” he said. We ran and ran and ran. As we got over a hill, we could hear the noise of a portal forming somewhere near, “That isn’t us!” Ragnor said and we sped up.

At the bottom of the hill was a portal. Luckily it was downhill. As I went to run through the portal, I could see something through the portal. Warlocks, with there hands in the air as if they were casting a spell. I could recognise all of them. I saw Magnus. He didn’t see me. I ran through the portal with Ragnor, but I came out alone.

The tears on my face were quickly wiped away when I heard footsteps. Sure, there were a ton of homeless people nearby but none of there shoes sounded like heels. I squinted to see the figure turn onto the pavement leading to us.

A tall, lean, person stood there, looking at a map? Who uses a map? As I looked closer, I saw he wasn’t holding the map. It was floating there.

My stomach flipped and my breathing was faster than ever before. There was a reason I stayed with mundanes. The clave wanted me, they put out wanted alerts everywhere with money on them. My first week on the street I got ratted out and narrowly escaped.

World war 2 was a curse and a blessing. The mundane world was in chaos. Shadowhunters could put out fake wanted warnings out to mundanes with different names but the same face. No one cared in 1940.

After ww2 the clave had lost track of me. Last time I saw a shadowhunter was 1944. They wanted to avoid the war as well. Downworlders I saw often but they didn’t see me. I pretended to be mundane and they never looked twice.

When the figure began walking down the pavement, filled with street sleepers, he began looking at everyone’s faces. Slowly, I began to stand up. As he crouched to look at someone I bolted, bag in hand.

I heard him chase after me. The sound of feet slapping the pavement and wind rushing past me. I managed to get my bag on my back. I knew Glasgow. I could do this.

Public, I needed to be in public. It was a Sunday night though, so the regular drunks were few and hardly any cars lit up the street. Before the streets, I hadn’t been very fast. They made me fast.

Eventually, I turned a corner stopped, needing a breath, and I couldn’t see him. The journal was still tightly grasped in my hand. As I caught my breath, I quickly glanced through it and saw the letters had fallen out. They could be anywhere.

Taking a few deep breaths, I looked around the corner. I walked back onto the pavement and looked down it. I couldn’t see any. I’d have to retrace my path. But what if he was there.

I double-checked my journal, hoping to see one. No. I sighed and looked up to only see the man running around the corner, letters in his hand.

I wanted to cry. It took a couple seconds for me to turn and run but I’d been on my feet all day and I was tired. “(Y/N)!!” They cried after me.

Despite all the warnings, despite what everyone says, I looked over my shoulder. The streetlights lit him up. A tall lean man with spiky black hair, half unbuttoned red shirt, and too much jewellery for my liking. Magnus?

My look caused me to trip. As I hit the floor, I went to get back up, but he was by my side. “(Y/N), it’s me I- “

“You can’t be here,” I scrambled to get away, “It's not safe. The clave. If they- “

“(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N)!” He tried to cut me off but eventually just grabbed my arms. My breathing was heavy, and my eyes were locked on his, “I’m here. The clave dropped the charges,”

“What?” I asked.

“0There was new evidence. I never stopped trying to prove your innocence. We proved it. They dropped the charges 13 years ago. You can come home,” Magnus pulled me into a hug.

On our knees, on the wet pavement in Glasgow, I hugged Magnus for the first time in decades. “I missed you so much,” I whispered as I buried my head into his neck. I felt his tears on me, but I didn’t care, “13 years. I could’ve come home,”

“It doesn’t matter now,” Magnus said, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you,”

#shadow #shadowhunters #shadowhunter cast #shadowhunter smut #shadowhunters imagine #tmi #tmi imagine #the mortal instruments #the mortal instruments imagine #magnus #Magnus Bane #MagnusBane #magnus bane one shot #magnus bane imagine #magnus bane x reader #bane #bane x reader #bane imagine

[goddessnemain]

The Guy From The Party- Part 4

Wouldn’t you know it, it’s 5 days after the Friday night he drove all the way down here just to see me and he came down again. It was Wednesday, my pool league night, which is fine. He picked me up. He took me for dinner. He went to pool league with me. I play pool on the same team as his buddy who’s bday we met at, so we were on a date/I was doing a scheduled activity/hanging out with his/my friend(s). We had fun! When pool was over more friends showed up. I have a woman I’ve known for 18 years. She spent almost 20 years in a very abusive relationship, and this woman can spot a red flag in a man before anyone else does. She’s pretty protective of me. She LIKES Party Guy. Likes him so much in fact, she hugged him before she left the pub. LIKES him so much in fact, she whispered in my ear as she hugged me goodbye “I like him, he’s a good one”. That’s pretty high praise. 

I decided that since Party Guy had put so much effort into driving 90 minutes each way- twice- that the following day, the Thursday, I would drive into the city and make him dinner. He couldn’t believe that I would be willing to drive to the city to see him, and he was even more shocked that I’d be willing to cook him dinner. He was as shocked that I would come and cook him dinner as I was that he would drive down to see me twice. It was February 13. I walked into his cute little basement suite with a backpack of clothes, a cooler full of food, and there he was with a single red rose in his hand and a little box of chocolates. He looked at me with a big smile on his face “Happy early Valentine's Day”. I was stunned. Embarrassed. Blushed. He handed me the rose and gave me a sweet little kiss. 

Melt!

It turned out he’d also gone to 3 different liquor stores looking for a hard to find bottle of Jack Daniels that I liked. He didn’t find it, bought a regular bottle in a nice box, but the fact that he went to 3 different stores to try and find this whisky for me!

Melt!

I made dinner, and we talked about our families, he told me about his sisters, his parents, his very normal childhood, a childhood of stability, loving parents, no moving around all the time. Just a very normal childhood. It made me feel insufficient because I couldn’t relate to the things he was saying.              

Making dinner was an experience. He doesn’t have an actual stove, just an element (we thought he had two but it turned out one didn’t work), a convection oven and a microwave. I made it work. He just watched me cook and kept talking. We laughed when we tripped the breaker trying to run too many appliances in the kitchen. We laughed when he had to go find an extension cord so we could use the microwave. And he slowly ate that damn dinner like it was his last meal. Turned out, he doesn’t really cook, doesn’t really know how to cook- with a devoted mom and 3 older sisters, he didn’t really have a reason to learn and just never has, but apparently, he can operate a BBQ like a wizard- and it had been 7 months since he’d had a home-cooked meal. He was over the moon about this damn dinner. 

We spent the rest of the night watching a movie on the couch. We watch a couple of stand up comedians. We just laughed and laughed and laughed.         I wound up staying at his place for a total of 10 nights.                                        

We went to the dog park every day- he’s got a huge black lab he takes to a dog park 20 minutes from his place every day. We’d walk through the park, he’d reach for my hand. If he had to let go for some reason, he reached for my hand as soon as he was back beside me. Even held my hand IN HIS POCKET one of the chillier days. We went grocery shopping- he’d been holding my hand as we walked through the parking lot, but I let go once we got in the doors, saying it felt too “relationshipy”, and he replied that he’s “not big on PDA”. Coulda fooled me. There were way more people at the dog park than the grocery store. He brought me breakfast and coffee every day from Timmy’s. On the days he would have to work that night we would cuddle and nap on the couch for a couple hours. I found myself feeling very comfortable and content in his space quite quickly, and I shocked myself when I realized it.                                          

After 10 nights, he came home with me. The first Friday he’d come to see me, he’d gotten 3 minutes out of my town when his car broke down. So coming home with me that Sunday made sense, so he could pick up his now fixed car the following morning. I had to be home that Sunday because it was my kiddo’s 19th birthday and I wasn’t about to miss it. We brought his black lab with us to my place to see if he would get along with my female chocolate lab. And they did. Aside from trying to hump her a lot, they did better than I expected.             We were lying in bed the Monday morning, I was half awake, half asleep, still groggy from my sleeping pills (I’d only packed enough meds for 2 nights when I went to see him the day before V-Day, so the first night back on my meds kicked my ass) when he says “Come back to the city with me today in my car, bring your dog, and I’ll bring you back tomorrow night”. I realized afterward what he had said, but at the moment, it was kind of a Charlie Brown “whah whah whah” situation in my head and I found myself agreeing just to make him stop talking. So, I packed a night's worth of meds, a change of clothes, everything I needed for my doggo, and away we went in his car back to the city. I was afraid. I didn’t have an escape plan. I didn’t have my own vehicle. If he refused to take me home, I didn’t know what I would do or where I would go. So when Tuesday evening rolled around and he was hesitant to take me home, I started to panic a little. As it got later into the night, he insisted we stay that night and he would take me home in the morning. What choice did I have?None. So we stayed, and he did take me home the next morning.                                   

He’s teaching me some pretty serious lessons in trusting people. Let’s face it, if you’ve gone ahead and read any of my other posts, you’ll know that I often find myself in situations where I get screwed over. And those are just the situations I write about. That’s not including the $200 I lent ‘You’re Safe In My Arms Now’ guy when he was broke and needed to buy firewood to heat his house when it was -40 outside, on the promise he would pay me back, and then refused to pay me back because he’s convinced I lost a $30 tool he’d left at my house (he never left a tool at my house). Or the $200 I lost on my birthday after the person that was supposed to be throwing me a bday party brought a new girl he was seeing, didn’t say 2 words to me all night because he didn’t want to make her jealous, didn’t pay me for what I picked up for him, and still won’t pay me. All the times I’ve had friends promise to show up and they don’t. The examples are countless. But Party Guy is teaching me that it’s okay to trust people, I just have to be more selective about it. 

I give him a hard time about his “other girlfriends” (that don’t actually exist) and say things like “your other girlfriends will be happy I’m finally going home” or “better warn your other girlfriends I’m coming to the city Friday night” or “I won’t just show up at your place out of the blue, I don’t want to catch you with your pants down and a naked chick on top of you”. He gets frustrated and says he’s “not a cheater” and that he’d “never ever do something like that”. Sure, all humans say that, but I actually believe him that he wouldn’t cheat. I understand why he gets frustrated, he’s a good guy, he’s a genuinely good person. He interrupts me all the time when I talk and I often can’t finish a story because he’s interrupted and talking about something else and it drives me kinda crazy, but he really is a genuinely good, kind, honest, respectful person.                                                                                                  

So here I am, right this minute, sitting at his place, chilling with his doggo while Party Guy is at work. I did have plans to go out with a friend tonight but plans changed last minute and I don’t care to make new ones at this point. However, tomorrow we’re doing all his running around and then we’re crawling in his car and going to my town where I just came from today, to spend tomorrow night drinking and hanging out with my friends/our mutual friends at the pub. We’ll spend Saturday night at my place and then back to his place early Sunday morning. It worked better for me to come into the city today, 1 so I could see my friend, 2 we get to spend more time together and 3 we can drive his car back and forth, it’s way cheaper to fill than my truck, and I won’t be trapped here, I can leave on Wednesday afternoon without an issue.                                          

I found out the other day that he and I are dating. So I suppose I’m in a relationship now. And I haven’t been in a functional relationship in over 5 years, let alone had a boyfriend. A normal, kind, caring, sweet, honest, will bend over backward to see me, boyfriend. The weight of those words are hitting me like a Kenworth truck and I am realizing I’m scared. He’s trying so hard to wiggle his way in and I’m trying so hard to keep him at arm's length. I’m going to have to give him some of the room he wants, and that’s scary too.

#the guy from the party #scary #im a little scared #kind #honest #dating #Valentines Day #boyfriend #Party Guy

[trashcanmarvelfan]

Best. Job. Ever 10/13

Summary: Reader gets a job on the set of Spider-Man: Far from Home for the 3 weeks they are shooting in New York City as what she thinks is a production assistant, but a twist of fate has her reassigned as Tom Holland’s personal assistant. As she & Tom grow close during filming, will their budding friendship turn to more or will they go their separate ways after filming concludes?

Warnings: Language, but that’s pretty much it? This is basically a PG-13 rom-com. (Legal) alcohol use as well but since it’s legal do I really need to tag it?

Word Count: 1307 for chapter 10.

Author’s Note: As this was written WAY before Spider-Man: Far from Home was released (actually before Avengers: Endgame was as well) I’ve kept plot details and which scene was being shot on what day extremely vague. Also, I’m American but tried to write Tom as British as possible, although I do think he’d try to stay(ish) in character and use as much American slang as he could while he’s still playing Peter.

Chapter-Specific Author’s Note: We’re getting closer to the end!

Requests are always open!

Cross-posted at AO3.

Y/N woke up late the next morning feeling miserable. Her last conversation with Tom came rushing back to her like a speeding train. Ugh. Get over it. It’s for the best.

She picked up her phone and unlocked it, quickly scrolling through her social media. To her immense relief, it didn’t appear that anyone had figured out that she was the woman in the picture of Tom at the nightclub. She flew through a shower and sent Tom a quick text. Running a few minutes behind. I’ll be there ASAP.

After a few seconds, her phone chimed with a text. Ok.

A lump formed in Y/N's throat. Who knew that such a short text could make her feel like she'd been stabbed in the gut? That's the problem, she thought. Tom never sends such short texts.

She groaned and chastised herself. Quit acting like a mopey teenager. Just get through this next week.

She ran downstairs, got her & Tom’s coffee, and ran back upstairs to Tom’s room.  She knocked and Tom answered the door looking like he hadn’t slept a wink.  He took his coffee from Y/N with a mumbled ‘thank you’ and a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

The ride to set was quiet, with Tom texting on his phone the entire way there. When they arrived to set, Tom finally spoke. “Could you please bring me another coffee with my croissant?” he asked quietly.

Y/N nodded. “Sure. We made good time getting to set so you don't have to be in hair and makeup yet, so I'll… meet you in your trailer?”

Tom nodded. “Ok.”

Y/N let out a deep breath as Tom walked away. This week was going to be hell.

She got Tom's breakfast and coffee and knocked on his door.

“Come in,” he replied.

Y/N set Tom's breakfast down and sat across from him.

Tom thanked her and took a sip of his coffee, but mostly picked at his pastry.

Y/N wondered if she had upset Tom somehow but then pushed the thought out of her mind. He must just be having an off day.

After a while they headed to hair and makeup where Tom's stylist took a look at him and said, “you're making me actually work today.”

Y/N had been reviewing the day's shooting schedule again so she missed Tom glancing over at her in the mirror when he said, “Yeah, just didn't sleep well last night.”

Once Tom was ready they headed to set and got through filming the morning's scenes. By lunch Tom was almost back to his cheerful self, except that he was more professional and a bit less overly friendly than usual toward Y/N.  

The afternoon filming went as scheduled and soon it was time to head back to the hotel.

Y/N had ordered food to be delivered to the front desk and had paid with her credit card so they just picked it up on their way in and headed straight to Y/N's room.

They ate and made small talk, but it still wasn't quite like the rapport they had built up over the last few weeks. Finally the long stretches of awkward silence started to get to Y/N.

“Hey, are we okay?” she blurted out.

Tom looked up from a bite of lo mein in surprise. He swallowed and asked, “what do you mean?”

Y/N bit her lip. “You've seemed… off… today, and it kind of only seems to be around me. If I've done anything to upset you--” she stopped as a thought hit her. “I didn't tip anyone off to where we'd be Saturday night, if that's what you've been thinking.”

Tom shook his head. “No, I didn't think that. I know you wouldn't invade my privacy like that. More than likely someone just recognized me and posted the picture on Instagram and it got picked up by the gossip blogs.”

“I'm sorry you have to deal with that.” Y/N placed her hand over Tom's, then quickly removed it when she realized what she had done.

Tom gave her a wan smile. “Part of the job, I guess.” He shrugged. “But to answer your question, yes, we're fine. I'm just dealing with some things.”

They finished eating and cleaned up.

“Look, I'm going to turn in early because I'm totally knackered, but I'll see you tomorrow?” Tom said.

Y/N nodded. “Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Tom turned as if to go, then turned back around and gave Y/N a brief hug. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

Y/N smiled as she hugged him back. “'Night, Tom.”

As Tom left, Y/N thought that maybe the final week of shooting wouldn't be so bad after all.

She checked her phone and upon seeing a missed call from Laura, realized that she had forgotten to take it off of silent after they had left set that afternoon.

She hit the call back button and Laura answered almost immediately. “Hey, Y/N!”

“Hey, Laura, sorry I missed your call. I forgot my phone on silent.”

“That's okay,” Laura said. “Soooo, tell me more about your hookup with Mr. Hottie McBritish.”

Y/N laughed. “First off, it was just a kiss; definitely not a hookup. Secondly, nothing happened. I told him that we could just forget about it, that it was a drunken mistake.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I panicked, okay? He wanted to talk about it and I just knew that he was going to give me the ‘let’s just be friends’ speech, so I panicked and out came the word vomit.”

Laura sighed. “Oh, Y/N. You blew off this incredibly hot guy who's totally into you because you think he’s too good for you and that someone like him could never be interested in someone like you, right?”

Damn Laura for knowing me so well. “Why would he be interested in someone like me? I’m nobody.”

“How could he NOT be interested in you?” Laura replied. “You’re smart, you’re funny, you’re one of the best people I know, you’re kind-hearted, and you’re amazing at anything you put your mind to.  Besides, I don’t think that most celebrities spend THAT much time with their assistants. From what you’ve told me, you two have pretty much spent every waking moment together for the past two weeks, and even some non-waking moments as well. I definitely think he’s interested.”

Y/N groaned. “I really screwed up, didn’t I?”

“Yes. Yes you did.”

“Gee, thanks for being so honest, Laur.”

Laura laughed gently. “That’s what I’m here for, sweetie.”

“But I mean, what were we supposed to do, date for a week? Filming will be over then Tom will be going back to London to live his life while I’ll be going to California to start my job. And I’m his assistant. There has to be some sort of ethical violation here.”

“You know, there are these wonderful inventions called telephones and computers that are used to communicate, Y/N, and these big steel things called airplanes that fly from London to L.A. and back. And please, loads of people hook up with their assistants. Besides like you said yourself, you're only his assistant for another week.”

“I don’t know, Laur. I think it’s best if I just leave well enough alone.”

Laura groaned. “Shoot, I have to go but I just wanna say real quick that I think you’re making a mistake not telling him that you’re interested in giving it a go with him, because you know what they say: drunk words are sober thoughts.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Laur.”

“Bye, Y/N.”

Y/N hung up and shook her head. Tom would be better off with someone from his world. She figured just being friends was the best.

TAGLIST: @laureharrier @thoughstofaredhead & @greenarrowhead

#tom holland rpf #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland fanfic #tom holland x reader #tom holland x you #marvel fanfiction #avengers fanfiction

[pooteeweet]

Untitled Story (draft 1)

Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have known, mom said the day after sinkhole opened up the park three blocks from our house. Even after the ground fell, the mouth widened a little bit and by early September it’d eaten up the basketball courts and a Honda from the teacher’s parking lot. A couple of days a week, I followed the kid out behind the school and perched at the lip of it. His dad had just left, and my mom said he needed the company.

Sometimes we’d climb into the cave and sit on the rocks above the brackish pool filled with little bits of limestone. The kid would hit his hands down hard on the water, sending all of the particles and rocks swirling around, dancing up into the air. We’d watch as it settled back down to the bottom, and then without a word the sediment would CLAP! back to life with the kid’s open hand. The kid got a cold the day after he fell in and his mom didn’t let us come back.

Autumn came early and gave me a remedy for everything that wasn’t mine. I drove while the kid stood in the truck bed with his arms splayed out. He would close his eyes as we made our way out of town, listening to the bright sound of wheels on pavement washing the silent day. I was always afraid that he’d fall out, but that only happened once or twice. One time we got pulled over with him in the bed and I got fined thirty bucks but that never stopped us from doing it, only from getting caught.

We’d go back to the hole and sit, making sure not to fall in or else drying ourselves off before going home when we did. The kid pretended that we were in our own small, underground world. The air was too toxic to stay above ground, but we were safe, just us two, in our hollow dugout.

We found peace in Autumn, in warm drinks and wood-burning stoves, in fake TV fireplaces and real love. We found it, too, in really great weed. Every hit sloshed our brains from one side to the other and we felt okay floating. Hard edges blurred, spirals loosened, and we could feel ourselves coming undone.

The peace left us with the first frozen days of Winter, when the town filled up the hole to make room for new parking spots.

I invited the kid to my friend’s New Year’s Eve party. It was the first time he’d ever gotten drunk. He was all belligerent and yelling, but I knew he wasn’t going to do anything about it. He was getting close to this girl, and the guy didn’t like that too much and threw a couple swings. We had to wrestle them to opposite ends of the house to cool down, but the kid just kept spraying spit everywhere, started yelling things like “RELIGION ISN’T FASHIONABLE!”

He was finally coming back to parties by St. Patrick’s Day, but only vacantly. He stood on the wall and made his way through a pack of American Spirits. He took slow drags, and let the smoke rise from his open mouth, creating thick bulbous clouds like cartoon speech bubbles containing every word he couldn’t say.

Summer came and brought long, drawn out days. The tree branches were dressed in their bright greens that kept us cool and happy. The air was so thick that I woke up feeling like I couldn’t breathe. My shirt was soaked the moment I decided to move, and I would have spent millions just to get that breeze back on my face.

My mom got on me about getting a job, so a few days a week I walked dogs around the neighborhood. I’d make sure to walk past the kid’s house on those days. I couldn’t see him, but I could hear him. Quiet folk music drifted out of his open window, carrying with it the smell of something that felt familiar. One day I heard a loud CARACK! from the kid’s backyard as I walked past, where a few southern magnolias were toppled over in a hole, partially swallowed by the ground.

It was warm enough by the end of May that we could go down to the lake and have a swim. With the extra day off on Memorial Day, we could spend the whole weekend there. I think it was Friday when I first saw it, or Saturday around breakfast. A few purple welts trailed up his arm. It was almost funny, it was as big and dark as a bunch of grapes and he was so pale.

It’d been on my mind a lot, and I’d been meaning to talk to him about it, but there were more bruises by July 4th and he was burning miniature American flags in his driveway and I didn’t want to mess with him.

On Labor Day I was at school. He should’ve been too, but he decided not to. Something about money or whatever. He didn’t really talk about it. I tried to talk to him about it, but he started getting all weird on me and crying and I can’t deal with him like that.

School landed sharp like the cold setting in, hitting the back of my throat. I met a girl in the dining hall with a short blonde pixie cut and felt at home in the warmth that I had not known previously existed.

The kid looked smaller and I kept forgetting to call him on weekends and I really only talked to him a few times in the semester. Had I known, I would have talked to him more. Of course, I would have. But I was at school and I couldn’t have known.

The day after Thanksgiving he called me and quoted W.H. Auden and two weeks later on a cold December day as his neighbor cleaned the leaves off of the roof we were left wondering when the dam broke after he took a leap of faith into oblivion off of his desk chair.

* * *

Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have known, mom said. Perhaps, I’d say, but I’m not sure. Perhaps, I thought, we had known. The geoscientists told us that the water was growing through the limestone and starting to dissolve larger pockets. But we lived on the surface, walked on top of it, and didn’t believe them until the ground escaped below our feet.

        Was he free? Was he happy? The answer to every question now lives in the bin of things I can’t recall. The only thing that I will ever know of the kid was of when we would sit for hours without words, staring at the dank puddles of water, waiting until the ripples folded and we could see our reflections again.

#short fiction #short story #writing #creativewriting #writer #writeblr

[drtanstravels]

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in because we’ve had a relatively quiet two months, until now that is. We had been anticipating our first venture back to mainland USA since we left New York three years ago for quite a while, but for slightly different reasons than the usual excitement that comes with a big trip; the bulk of our stay was going to be in the state of Wyoming for another one of Anna’s conferences, this time the Midwest Ocular Angiography Conference being held in the small town of Jackson. We were going to be in a white, working class state that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump and one where a licence isn’t required to carry a concealed weapon so we figured the two of us together might draw a bit of attention. Then there was the fact that Wyoming is the least populous state in the United States so when we were looking for information about where we’d be staying, among the endless memes such as these, we also found a lot of people, mostly ironically, even calling into question the state’s existence:

Our plan was to fly out on the night of Friday, July 5, taking a 15-hour direct flight to Los Angeles, California, but due to the time difference, landing around the same time we left. We would then stay a night in LA, fly out to Jackson, Wyoming where we would spend the following four nights before spending a similar amount of time traveling around both the Great Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Let’s get this show on the road!

I think someone wanted to come with us

Friday, July 5, 2019 I had a lot of loose ends to tie up during the day, then Anna returned from work and we began to pack. This was no easy task as the temperature in Wyoming is a little scattered. With the exception of a couple of colder outliers that were in the mid-teens, most days were going to be between 27°C (80.6°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), however, the nights would be quite cool, every evening in single digits, sometimes dropping to 0°C (32°F). This meant we would have to pack for both summer and winter, especially due to the fact that Anna had also planned to spend two nights “glamping” in a tent. Anyway, we went through our boxes of winter clothes, got everything packed, dropped the dog off at Brownie Buddies, and made our way to the airport.

There’s been a recent trend of disasters occurring around the same time we are in, or not long after we leave, a country:

We were in Honolulu, Hawaii (I realise it’s not a county in itself, but part of the US) for an ophthalmology conference from April 29 – May 2, 2018. The Kilauea volcano erupted the day we left, followed by several earthquakes including one at a magnitude of 6.9, as well as multiple lava flows. 700 houses were destroyed.

We then stayed in Tokyo, Japan from May 2 – May 7 on the way back from the Hawaiian conference. Two months later Western Japan suffered its worst natural disaster since the 2011 earthquake and the worst weather-related disaster in 36 years with flooding and landslides killing around 200 people and two million more evacuated after July 5. Another two months after the typhoon, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 occured in Hokkaido, killing at least 39.

We visited Chiang Mai, Thailand for another conference from June 27, 2018, I returned on June 30 and Anna on July 2. In what was only a relatively small story when it broke, 12 teenage soccer players and their coach became trapped in a cave in neighbouring Chiang Rai on June 23, not being rescued until 18 days later, one volunteer rescuer suffocating in the process.

We were in Hangzhou, China from September 12 – 15, 2018, with Anna arriving on the 13th from Hong Kong. The day I landed in Hangzhou, Hong Kong, also technically a “special administrative region of China”, was hit by Typhoon Mangkhut, leaving 400 seeking medical care and 1,500 taking refuge in temporary shelters.

Later in the month we had a holiday in Turkey from September 24 – 29 and they didn’t escape lightly, either. Not only was there a hurricane warning for Turkey on the day we left to return to Singapore, but Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by his own government just two days later as well.

This year we spent February 1 – 5 in Sri Lanka, a mere two months before a series of bombings in churches and hotels in Colombo killed 257 people.

So, what does all of this have to do with our trip to Wyoming? Well, we had a one-day layover in Los Angeles and a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit about 240 km (150 miles) north of LA just before we departed from Singapore, that’s all.

We caught our flight, landed, and it is alway amusing people-watching at Los Angeles International Airport, including the middle-aged woman we encountered resembling Lolo Ferrari who wouldn’t be able to sleep on her back for fear of being crushed under the weight of her own ridiculous breast implants. Once through immigration we caught a shuttle from our terminal to our hotel at the airport and an extremely strong female driver who appeared to have just returned from the manicurist picked up our exceptionally heavy suitcases like they were nothing and loaded them onto the shuttle. When we got to the hotel we grabbed our bags and I asked her how she managed to do that and keep a full set. She just gave me a cheeky smile, winked, and drove off. We checked into the hotel before making our way downstairs to a bar where we pulled up a seat for a few drinks, but the staff all seemed a little freaked out, talking about the earthquake. It seemed a little fresh in them all until I looked up at a screen showing CNN and the numbers didn’t quite add up. It turned out that another 7.1 magnitude quake with several aftershocks hit about an hour before we landed at LAX. They weren’t dwelling on the previous day’s occurrence, this stronger quake that everyone was nervous about had only just occurred. The staff just wanted to get out of there and check that their homes were still intact, plus we were pretty tired so we just had a couple of drinks and went back up to our room.

Saturday, July 6, 2019 You never get a great sleep when you make a flight as long as the one we had, constantly waking up during the night, struggling to get back to sleep, then waking up early again. This left us a fair bit of time to kill in LA before we had to fly out later that night so we decided to catch a cab to a nearby shopping mall, but first we grabbed some breakfast in the hotel cafe. One thing we were aware of, but to the degree of which we had completely forgotten, was the portion sizes in the US. Case in point, we got a breakfast burrito each and probably wouldn’t need anything else until dinner! Time to walk this one off in Westfield Culver City.

Add “NBA record most missed shots in NBA history” to that list

This mall had a ton of sporting goods stores selling NBA jerseys, caps, and other stuff, predominately Lakers gear. I’ve mentioned before that I loathe, hate, and despise the Lakers, think Kobe Bryant (left) is the most overrated player to ever lace them up, and believe that LeBron James’ spoilt, overprivileged attitude is ruining the league. This offseason the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans, a deal that could ruin the franchise for years to come if it doesn’t work out and left them wanting to sign another star player Their eyes were set firmly on free agent Kawhi Leonard, whom had just led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship. Instead, Leonard announced that very morning that he intended to sign with the Lakers’ crosstown rival L.A. Clippers, a team that also managed to trade for Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George, and Lakers fans were PISSED! There was a guy who ran one of the stores, an overweight dude in a Kobe Bryant throwback jersey and all other Lakers attire who was close to tears. “If only we still had Kobe, man,” he said longingly of a player that retired three years ago. “He’d be 41, but we’d still have a chance, with Kobe you always had a chance.” He’s talking about a guy who couldn’t stay healthy toward the end of his career, playing a grand total of  107 of a possible 244 games over his final three seasons, the Lakers’ three worst regular seasons in franchise history for that matter, all while pulling in a cool US$78,953,000 in salary over that time. Yeah, he’d get it done today.

We spent the bulk of the afternoon wandering around Westfield, finding quirky objects such as Twix chocolate bar packets that claimed to contain four of only the left-side bars. We are attending Anna’s cousin’s wedding in Vancouver, Canada in September so I managed to pick up a three-piece Calvin Klein suit plus a shirt from JC Penney for a grand total of only US$355.88 (AU$506.49) plus tax, well under half-price and it actually fits. This isn’t boasting, but the price will make a bit of sense when I use it as a comparison later in this post. Anyway, take a look at some photos from our less than one day in Los Angeles:

The TV while we were in the bar on Friday night

Breakfast is served

These things were enormous

For those who believe the right Twix bar is unlucky and need twice as many in total

And vice versa

Anna had a weird craving for In-N-Out Burger, but we didn’t have time and before long we were back in the airport, ready to take a short flight from LA to Jackson, Wyoming. There is only one flight per day to Jackson and I was beginning to think there may be some truth to the conspiracy that Wyoming may not even exist when we boarded the plane and there were a grand total of 12 passengers onboard. Anyway, a bit of background information on our alleged destination:

Jackson is a small city in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 9,577 at the 2010 census, up from 8,647 in 2000. It is the county seat of Teton County and is its largest town.

The town gained significant fame when a livestream of the town square went viral on YouTube in 2016, leading to much fascination with the town’s elk antler arch, its law enforcement, and its prevalence of red trucks.

As of the census of 2010, there were 9,577 people, 3,964 households, and 1,858 families residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 79.8% White, 0.4% African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 15.2% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.2% of the population.

Upon finding out those demographics, I immediately set myself the goal of getting a photo with one of those nine or 10 Pacific Islanders if Wyoming did indeed exist, especially if they drive a red truck. Failing that, a guy in a MAGA hat shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. I can honestly vouch for the existence of Wyoming as we landed in the Jackson Hole airport. No memories planted by the government, just real visions of a tiny airport decorated with discarded elk antlers. Anna had hired a car, but we wouldn’t be picking that up until the following day. Instead, we had a driver collecting us to take us to our motel about 10 minutes outside of town. When we arrived at the Flat Creek Inn at 8:30pm, sitting directly opposite the National Elk Refuge, the place had an appearance resembling kind of a much larger version of the motel where Earl and Randy lived in My Name Is Earl. In fact, if the motel were located in any major city in the US, it seemed almost inevitable that at least one hooker or backpacker would have been murdered there and stuffed into a wall cavity. Realistically though, it was a nice enough place and pretty much suited our needs. Our flight, the airport, and our home for the night:

Our packed flight

Flying over “Wyoming”

Anna out the front of the airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Outside our room

The store where we’d be buying dinner

In our room

A little dingy, but it’ll be fine for the night

Anna sitting on the bed

Me trying to give the room a sexier vibe

After we had checked into our room it was time to try to find something to eat and that is where any semblance of normalcy ceased. This was truly an area where you couldn’t achieve anything without a car and, despite being only a 10-minute ride, a taxi into Jackson was US$40.00 (AU$57.00) each way so we were limited to the convenience store that was linked to our hotel, one that closed at midnight. Now, one thing that needs to be made clear here for anyone who hasn’t suffered from jet-lag before is that it is simply agony, especially when it is the result of an excruciatingly long flight from South-East Asia to North America. Traveling to the west coast of the US isn’t quite as bad as the east, but it’s still awful — You are unable to keep your eyes open at 4:00pm, it’s almost as if you suffer from narcolepsy and you have no problem falling asleep once you go to bed if you make it to what would be the time you would normally sleep back home, but then you find yourself wide awake a couple of hours later at 3:00am, unable to switch back off. The one upside of that late-afternoon and onward period where it’s tough to stay awake is that you are also a little delirious and anything can become absolutely hilarious. That is the position in which we found ourselves at this point. Anyway, we went down to the convenience store, but there wasn’t a lot of food options and no alcohol, however, there was a microwave and an electric coffee maker in our room so we bought two packets of instant noodles, a large frozen pizza, some jerky, and a small turkey pot pie, as well as some Tabasco sauce and two bottles of sparkling water. Dinner would soon be served. We took our instant foodstuffs back to the motel, I went to the bathroom while Anna heated some water in the coffee maker for our noodles and upon return was informed of some unpleasant news — Our room was devoid of all cutlery and crockery. Never mind, she came up with the brilliant idea of using two coffee stirrers for chopsticks. This method worked perfectly between her Kermit the Frog-like fingers, but wasn’t conducive to particularly successful eating in my massive mitts, although I eventually managed in the end, much to Anna’s amusement. But this was nothing, things were only getting started. It was time to prepare our second course, a large, frozen, pepperoni pizza. This one we did have the equipment for, or so we thought. Our pizza was vacuum-sealed so I had to tear the inner package open with my teeth. Once done I also discovered it was a little large for the microwave, but on the other hand the microwave had a button specifically for pizza. Our pizza spun and spun, smearing cheese and tomato paste all over the inside of the oven and then it occured to me; This was America and that button was for reheating cold pizza, not cooking a frozen one. This was not some dual convection oven, this was a basic microwave and if you’ve ever tried to cook an unbaked bread product in a microwave before, you’ll be more than aware that it essentially just steams it. Our microwave was getting cheesier and pastier as time went on so we had no choice but to remove the pizza and cut it in half, sans knife. Anna’s inner-MacGuyver kicked in and she thought cutting through our steamed pizza with the cardboard base upon which it had come would be the best approach. The only problem was that there were no plates to put the two halves on so Anna gnawed half of her portion of the floppy, steamed pizza from the cardboard, laughing to the point of crying at how ridiculous the situation was, while at the same time lamenting that her half wasn’t cooked properly and quitting halfway through. I started to eat my share of the pizza from the glass base of the microwave, but agreed that it needed further steaming. Nothing an extra minute of heating couldn’t fix, I even got the crust to rise a little. We gave up on the idea of even attempting to eat the pie so I cleaned the cheese and tomato paste from the inside of the microwave using makeup-removing wipes, followed by washing the microwave base in the bathroom sink, leaving an oily, red ring around the basin. What better way is there to follow a hilariously bad meal than with a hilariously bad film? RoboCop was on TV so it seemed that our night had just planned itself. Some of the offerings on hand that evening:

On the menu tonight

Easy for the daintier among us

Not so much for the larger of the species

We tried to make it fit

Pure ingenuity

Going…

Going…

Gone.

Nothing some medicated wipes couldn’t fix

My half turned out okay for a steamed pizza

Sunday, July 7, 2019 It was tough staying asleep again that night and we were awake early so we did a check of the room to make sure there were no lasting repercussions of the steamed pizza episode, checked out of the motel, and waited for our ride to take us into town to pick up our rental car, snapping a few pictures in the process. Anna had done a little research and found a cafe and bakery called Persephone so we drove down once we had our Toyota Carola and pulled up an outdoor seat for brunch. The cafe was run by hipsters so it would probably be one of the only places around to get a half-decent cup of coffee, plus we had learnt our lesson the previous day so we only ordered an appetiser each, instead of bloating ourselves on a enormous main meal when we don’t usually even eat breakfast.

Before long our brunch was finished, but it was too early to check into our new hotel so we decided to have a look around the shops. We had never been to this part of the US so I was expecting it to be a bit like Fargo, either the film or the series, but I was pleasantly surprised, however, one thing needs to be said — There is a ton of taxidermy around these parts! Go into almost any store and there is going to be anything from stuffed jackalope creations on a small table, to stuffed and mounted elk and bison heads on the wall, to full bearskin rugs with the head still attached. Add to that the wide variety of redneck t-shirts and and cowboy gear on offer, fossilised animals, and bear shit-shaped chocolates and we had an interesting afternoon ahead of us. Anna likes to find a ring for every place she visits and although there were mainly ones with ugly turquoise stones, she managed to find a unique, black gold ring in a jewellery store that has an ancient elk tooth that is actually a remnant of a tusk from when elk hadn’t fully evolved into the animal we have today. I picked up a Wyoming t-shirt with different regional animal turds on the back. Once done, before checking into our hotel, we went to a supermarket because we wanted to see what you would find in a small town US supermarket in a sparsely-populated state and we weren’t left disappointed; there was an entire bar of different flavoured fried chicken wings, you could get 80 fl.oz (2.36lt) jars of pickles, but I guess that’s because there isn’t a lot else to do in this town, especially in winter, but eat. We just bought a foam cooler for later in the trip, as well as some other supplies, but we were delayed on the way back to the car when a gust of wind came up and blew the lid off the cooler, hitting an older Mexican man in the head in the parking lot. He felt guilty for some reason and chased after it, returning the lid to us.

We then went back and checked into our home for the next three nights, the Four Seasons Resorts and Residence Jackson Hole. It was a really nice place, our room was massive, and there was food and drinks for Anna’s conference in one of the downstairs conference rooms, as well as outside by some fire pits, so we just spent the night snacking and drinking with old colleagues and some new friends. I didn’t get any pictures from the evening, but here’s the motel from the previous night, the vibe of some of the stores, and our new room:

Our motel from the previous night

The Elk Refuge across the road from the motel, sans elk

On the way into town

Hanging out with what was once a bison

This stuff was everywhere!

Anna was worried she wouldn’t see any bears on this trip so she wanted this taken

As soon as I saw this book my post had a title

One of the finer volumes ever published on the topic of wild faeces recognition

Seriously, almost all shops are like this inside

You could just settle for a fur

The perfect gift for your coprophiliac friends

Anna was a fan of this Dolly Parton picture

Fossils for sale

Some of the redneck attire available

Part of the wing bar inside the supermarket

More wings

I should’ve put something else with these pickles for perspective

Looking into a small portion of our bathroom at the Four Seasons

Part of the room

The view from the bed

Monday, July 8, 2019 Anna’s conference began early each morning and finished around 1:00pm, which wasn’t an issue for either of us because of the jet-lag and even if we did manage to nod off again after waking up in the wee hours, we��d be wide awake again about 7:00am, just in time for the conference. Anna would go about her business in the morning and we had a Nespresso machine in our room so I would drink coffee and watch the NBA Summer League until she returned, but today didn’t look like it was officially the third week of summer, it was one of those outliers I mentioned at the beginning of this post; cold outside, about 13°C (55.4°F), and pouring rain. When Anna returned the rain had stopped, but it was still cold. We went and had lunch in neighbouring Teton Village and then took the arial tram up the mountain into the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort:

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) is a ski resort in the western United States, at Teton Village, Wyoming. In the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, it is located in Teton County, 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park. It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley and is known for its steep terrain and a large continuous vertical drop of 4,139 ft (1,262 m).

Jackson Hole’s original aerial tram was closed to the public in the fall of 2006 and replaced with a new tram that opened in 2008. The tram’s vertical rise is 4,139 feet (1,262 m) to an elevation of 10,450 feet (3,185 m) above sea level.

That explains a whole lot, because the previous day we had both felt a bit out of breath at times, but we didn’t realise that we were at that elevation. Denver, Colorado is known as the “Mile High City” due to its elevation and I experienced a little bit of breathlessness when I was there, but nothing like this. However, it turns out that at 5280 feet (1609.3 meters) above sea level, Denver is barely half the elevation of the Mountain Resort and only about three quarters the average elevation of the entire Jackson Hole valley, something we definitely weren’t prepared for.

Once we were at the summit it became abundantly clear that I was glad we had come in summer. People were saying that it had been snowing as recently as a week prior and before we arrived the previous day there had been a storm of enormous hailstones out of a clear sky! There was still a bit of snow on the ground and a fair bit on the peaks so we went inside the cabin there to have a cup of awful coffee and then started to explore around the area. People around here are completely oblivious to the cold, as was proven to us time and time again on this journey, the first evidence of this was locals walking around near the snow in shorts and t-shirts! We were only out a short while when an announcement came over stating that everybody needed to get back on the tram or be stranded in the cabin for an unknown period of time, because there was a thunderstorm coming and if lightning struck the metal platform for the tram, everyone standing on it would be fried. Instead of packing onto the tram, we sat in the cabin, drank more shitty coffee, walked around and got a bit wet outside, and waited for the next opportunity to leave, embracing the lack of children in the cabin and the space in the tram, all the while the operator played classic rock on our descent and we spotted foxes and marmots on the mountain. Our day up until that point:

A little grim outside our hotel window that morning

A challange in the restaurant in our hotel. That’s almost a 1kg burger and a litre of beer

Heading into Teton Village

“Hey, let’s go up there!”

Beginning our ascent

A panoramic view of the summit

Anna was complaining that the wind was making her teeth hurt

These people are fearless

Coming over a bit bleak

Making the most of everyone else fleeing

It’s nicer up here alone

A fox running around

Now beginning our descent

Another fox in the snow

About halfway down

Most shops and restaurants in and around Jackson close at 10:00pm so we decided to take the opportunity to drive into town and get our outfits for the Western-themed dinner the following night. It was also essential that we remembered to refer to the clothing as our “outfits” and not “costumes,” because this is how a large portion of the local population actually dress every day, including some of those in attendance.

We found several stores selling what we needed and it soon became abundantly clear why cowboys used to rob banks and shoot people back in the day — It was so they could steal money to buy their clothes! The reason I mentioned the Calvin Klein suit that I had purchased in Los Angeles a couple of days earlier for US$355.00 was for a comparison. For my “outfit” for the dinner I figured I’d get a Western shirt, some boots maybe with a fringe running up the side, a hat, possibly some chaps, but those dreams were all shattered when I saw the prices. A shirt was at least US$100.00, most pushing US$200.00. It was impossible to get a pair of boots my sizes for much less than US$500.00. I even found the sweater The Dude wears in the film The Big Lobowski, marketed as such and it was US$239.00! For a zip-up woollen sweater! Fortunately, I was able to snag a shirt for US$59.00 on a post-fourth of July sale rack and when you see it you’ll realise why, plus a cheap hat for another US$39.00 (all plus tax, of course).

We looked around a few of the areas of town that we didn’t explore the previous day and soon it was time for dinner. We’re not used to this cooler weather, plus we both love cheese, so what better option could there possibly be than fondue? We found a place called Alpenhof Lodge that had fondue back in Teton village near our hotel, then settled into a bar claiming to be “World famous” called the Mangy Moose Steakhouse and Saloon for a few beers and some live country music, or “Farm Emo” as I like to call it, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last time we’d be listening to it on this journey. A pattern we would discover while in this part of the country was that bars close at 11:00pm no matter what day it is, but we still managed to have a good time that night before walking back to our place to try to get some much needed sleep. How the rest of the day looked:

In another arch made from discarded elk antlers. There are a few of these around

I see what they did there….

The main street of Jackson

I love ‘The Big Lobowski’, but I’m not paying that much

$567.00 is the sale price for a very small pair of boots

That’s the original!

All the cars here are enormous!

Someone’s excited for fondue

There was a ‘Galaga’ machine where we had dinner, too

Settling into the Mangy Moose

Our entertainment for the night

They inexplicably have an original 1950s Las Vegas showgirl costume framed on the wall near the toilets there…

…as well as what looks like the evolution of bear traps

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 It was our last full day in Jackson prior to moving on to the holiday leg of our stay and the weather was nice so we had to make the most of it before I made a complete fool of myself in front of a bunch of strangers that night. I did my usual routine — a coffee and NBA Summer League — before Anna returned home, we had a bite for lunch, and then she confirmed what she had been considering the previous day as a way to fill in today; we were going to go whitewater rafting on Snake River:

The Snake River is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest region in the United States. At 1,078 miles (1,735 km) long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, in turn the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean.

Formed by the confluence of three tiny streams on the southwest flank of Two Oceans Plateau in Yellowstone National Park, western Wyoming, the Snake starts out flowing west and south into Jackson Lake. Its first 50 miles (80 km) run through Jackson Hole, a wide valley between the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range. Below the tourist town of Jackson, the river turns west and flows through Snake River Canyon, cutting through the Snake River Range and into eastern Idaho.

When Anna gets her mind set on something her intent is always to do it properly, however, I didn’t have to worry about her inadvertently signing up to do the full length of the river, just a stretch of about eight miles (12.8km) through Snake River Canyon, an area known to have some of the best whitewater rafting in the US. There were several options regarding the size of rafts and the amounts of people thereon, but we wanted to keep it intimate so we opted for one with room for eight people plus our guide. Our journey down the river was going to consist of Anna and myself, as well as Adrian, one of Anna’s colleagues that works in Sydney, Australia, and Nicole, an ophthalmologist we had met at the conference that we got on well with from Chicago. The other four spots would be taken up by some randoms that wanted to join us, which ended up being a family of four from Oregon. We took a shuttle bus for about an hour to the point in the river where our journey would begin. For a few dollars extra you could rent a wetsuit, but it was a nice, warm day so everyone besides Adrian and Nicole decided they didn’t need one, a decision we would all regret in hindsight. We all put on some sunscreen, the combination with Adrian’s black wetsuit making him look a pale shade of blue, as if he had a vitamin-D deficiency or maybe it was just his first ever time in actual sunlight, but he would have the last laugh. Once we had donned our lifejackets we pushed the raft out into a calm part of the river, boarded, and Hunter, our guide who was also clearly a massive stoner that had his own radio show with his friend, gave us our instructions as we floated downstream, informing us on how to react to each command, what to do if we have an “out of boat experience,” that type of thing. You could tell from a million miles away that this dude spent the nine months of the year that weren’t summer completely baked in neighbouring Colorado, just punching decriminalised cones and snowboarding. One thing that he said, however, had me a little worried; he told me I was going to freeze in my cotton t-shirt. Should’ve opted for the wetsuit. After receiving our advice and instructions we started to hit some small rapids, but it was when the first wave sprayed over our boat that we truly realised that this river was formed from glacial runoff and was absolutely freezing. The four of us were seated in the back two rows of the boat, the family in the front two with the father and the teenaged son having volunteered to be at the very front of the boat. Every time we hit a rough patch that sent water over us the teenaged kid seemed to cop it the worst and from the very first time you could just see him perpetually shivering and his teeth audibly chattering the entire ride. It was a really great time, the scenery was stunning, and it was hilarious when we would see a capsized boat or people doing something stupid and a possibly still-stoned Hunter would make chicken noises and yell either “Utah” or “Florida” at them, the latter an obvious reference to the less than stunning track record people from that state have in the common sense department. Not all of the people in the water were in there accidentally, though. Some of them were swimming! I mentioned earlier about how these people are impervious to cold and some thought a dip in the frigid waters was rather refreshing, one group even turning their inflatable boat upside-down and used it as a slip-n-slide. Me? I was soaked in my t-shirt, probably shouldn’t have worn socks either, my hands and feet were wrinkled and completely devoid of any colour whatsoever. In my own defence, it wasn’t the kind of boat I was expecting and I didn’t think I would get quite so wet, but we had an absolute blast and I’m just thankful I didn’t have an “out of boat experience.” Here’s a few shots from inside the boat, some of our group, and a couple more of our beautiful surroundings:

Heading down to the water behind the family that would be joining us

Yup, we’ll be on a small one of those

All aboard!

And we’re off

Going to have to put the camera away and paddle soon

Adrian, Anna, Hunter, Nicole, and my saturated self

The upside-down boat is the slip-n-slide

It doesn’t look that rough, but it certainly was

Another area of the river

Looking back on from where we had come

We got back in the shuttle bus and made the one hour trip back to the hotel, trying to get the feeling back in our lower extremities the entire way, as the moment we had spent a large portion of the previous day shopping for was almost upon us; when we arrived back at the hotel it would be time for us to start getting ready for the Western-themed dinner. I was a little nervous about the dinner for the sole reason that when I purchased my cowboy shirt, it was one of those seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time moments. You see, as I mentioned, the shirt was on a discount rack for fourth of July stock that the store now needed to get rid of, but this wasn’t just any old shirt — It was an extremely ugly shirt with a design based on the good ol’ stars ‘n’ bars. Yes, my shirt was a particularly patriotic-looking one that resembled the American flag and I was worried the irony would be lost on some at the event. Admittedly, it really was the cheapest shirt I could find, but my concern was that some people wouldn’t find it anywhere near as funny as we initially did. At least there would be others that would look just as stupid as I would, as Adrian had just ordered a generic cowboy costume online and this was his first time even trying it on, although we had to remind him to refrain from calling it a “costume,” because it closely resembled the wardrobes of some in attendance.

When we arrived there was a live country band churning out some more Farm Emo so Anna started to do the rounds, chatting to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances and I hit the bar, which had some really good local microbrews available. Soon it was time to sit down for dinner, but not long after we were seated some of the organisers wanted to get everybody up again to do line-dancing and they were relentless! They just wouldn’t take a “no” for an answer, but fortunately they also weren’t going to get a “yes” out of myself. It was a good thing too, because the end result wasn’t pretty:

As you can clearly see some people got a little more into the line dancing than others, possibly even enjoying themselves, as is also evident here:

The food started to come out and the line-dancing devolved into just regular dancing to country music for those that refused to give up the dance floor. Dinner was good, but there weren’t a whole lot of options and there was one woman on our table who had allergies to seafood and nuts, as well as being lactose intolerant, ruling out the bulk of what was served to her. The night continued on, but one thing that occurs when drinking at high altitudes is it takes you nowhere near as much to get drunk so the crowd started to peter out a little as people began to realise they were getting sleepy and went back to their rooms. As for Anna, Nicole, and myself, we decided to hit up the Mangy Moose again, joined by a cool pharmaceutical representative from Chicago we had met, Tony. We hung around in the Mangy Moose until they were going to close, the girls getting served special, albeit exceptionally strong, house Slurpee cocktails. When the Moose closed, we headed back to our rooms, myself content in the knowledge that I would never need to wear that shirt ever again. Or so I thought; one of our plans for this trip was to attend a rodeo and Anna was insistent that I wear it, fully aware that it could possibly get me killed. Anyway, here’s how the dinner and drinks looked:

This is what I’d be rocking

More Farm Emo

On the menu tonight

Some really got into the line-dancing

The table centrepiece

It was a fun night, but I couldn’t dress like this all the time

Back at the Mangy Moose

The next day we had lunch with Tony and then drove out to Grand Teton National Park to begin the holiday leg of our journey.

Stay tuned for the conclusion to this story to see us exploring the US Pacific Northwest and “glamping” in Grand Teton National Park, as well as staying in the world famous Yellowstone National Park, encountering more than our share of geysers and wildlife along the way. If that doesn’t interest you, at least check to see if I have my Borat moment at a rodeo:

via GIPHY

Hanging out in Wyoming, an American state that some don't even believe exists It's been a while since I've checked in because we've had a relatively quiet two months, until now that is.

#airports #America #antlers #bars and pubs #conspiracy #disaster #earthquake #elk #exist #flag #food #Four Seasons #Jackson #Jackson Hole #jet-lag #Kobe Bryant #LA #Lakers #LAX #line dancing #Los Angeles #Midwest Ocular Angiography conference #mountains #music #pizza #shirt #shopping #snow #T Factor #taxidermy

[notarelationship]

One Big Happy Family

Another entry in the series: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

Summary: It's never the right time to meet the in-laws, is it? Kurt and Blaine have surprise guests.

Rated: G Characters: Kurt Hummel, Blaine Anderson, Burt Hummel, Carole Hudson-Hummel, Pam Anderson Words: 3529 AU, Mashup with the 1960′s US tv series Bewitched Warnings: None Chapters: 1/2

Notes: It has always been my intention to get back to this, but no one is more surprised than I am that I am finally doing it! I have a half dozen or so prompts in this universe that I am hoping to get to this year, so cross your fingers!

This picks up directly after the events in I Married A Witch, and you really need to read that one to get into the universe, so if you haven't I recommend doing that right now! It's funny! You'll like it!

This one is two chapters, the second one will post tomorrow.

I Married A Witch - AO3, tumblr

One Big Happy Family - AO3

ETA: OF COURSE thanks to my beta @honeysucklepink!   Never post a fic while eating pizza. Too many things to remember.

--

Kurt has no idea how long the doorbell has been ringing, but now there’s knocking too. He’s not hungover after last night, not from alcohol anyway. But he’s tired as hell and wants to spend the day in bed with his still-new husband. Maybe order breakfast from the deli and watch reality TV all day.

He pushes his leg between Blaine's knees and burrows his nose against his neck, smooshing his lips against Blaine’s skin while he mumbles.

“We jus’ got married. No’ne can leave us’lone? Time 'sit?"

"Dunno." Blaine tucks himself further into Kurt's arms and Kurt can't help smiling. "Too early for you to be drooling on my neck like that."

"Mmmm somewhere else you'd like me to drool?" He nips at the back of Blaine’s neck and grinds his half hard dick against Blaine's ass.

"I think that sounded better in your head, Kurt—" The doorbell rings again. Several times.

"What is wrong with Brooklyn, Blaine? Who is ringing the bell at 9am on Saturday?"

"Probably the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The neighborhood is crawling with them. If you don't answer they'll go away."

Kurt doesn't answer and the knocking stops. Two minutes later his phone starts vibrating on the bedside table. Sighing with a mix of frustration and exasperation Kurt gives in and rolls over to reach his phone. He tries not to go into shock when he sees the message.

"Oh shit," he hisses, wide awake now and pulling on his yoga pants and a shirt from the top of their laundry pile that turns out to be one of Blaine jogging tanks. He pulls it over his head as he skids down the hall barefoot. When he opens the door he stares at the couple on the other side for a full minute before he can speak.

"Dad! Carole! What are you doing here?"

--

Kurt doesn’t know why he’s panicking, but somehow he can’t help feeling like he got caught sneaking in after curfew.

"I got a couple cheap last minute flights and we thought we'd surprise you," his dad explains as Kurt opens the door and lets them in. The look on Carole’s face as she follows Burt down the hall is all apology.

“Oh! Great!” Kurt plasters a smile on his face. He’s not sure why; he’s old enough to know he can be upset at his father if he wants to. Burt is standing in the hallway looking around and it takes Kurt a minute to realize this is not an apartment his dad has ever been in, even though it’s home to Kurt now. “Second door on the left, Dad,” Kurt says, and Burt takes the lead walking down the short hall. Kurt doesn’t want to wake Blaine, but he definitely needs to warn him. He hangs back a step as Burt disappears through the doorway, gently tugging Carole by the elbow to hold her back.

"You could have called," he hisses, still more panicked than angry.

"He woke me up in the middle of the night and said we were going to New York, that he’d already packed our bags.” Carole whispers back. “I sent you a text." Kurt glares at his phone screen. There is indeed a text from Carole at 6 am. "I guess he doesn't trust either of us," she says with a frown.

Kurt leads Carole into their tiny living room, adjacent to the kitchen, where Burt is turning in circles taking the place in. With three adults and two suitcases in the space it suddenly feels very small. Suffocating even, Kurt thinks.

“This is nice, Kurt,” Burt says. “It’s charming.” Burt turns to look at Kurt, and Kurt can tell from the forced lightness in his dad’s tone that he has a lot more to say.

“Yeah, um, Blaine has a really great deal on the rent, so we thought we‘d stay here until we found someplace that had enough space for both of us.” Burt just nods. “My apartment’s only a one-bedroom too.”

“Have you got someplace I can wash up? I’m a little dusty from the flight,” Burt asks.

Kurt shows Burt where the bathroom is, returning to the sitting area to pace in front of his step-mother.

“How pissed off is he?” Kurt asks Carole. He really needs to know what he should be preparing for.

Carole shakes her head, throwing her arms up helplessly as she sits on the small sofa. Kurt sits next to her, leaning into her side for reassurance. “I don’t know. He was surprised by your call.” She turns to him with a look that clearly says ‘what did you think would happen?’ “He didn’t want to wait to meet Blaine, honestly Kurt I think he was worried about you. We were supposed to sit down today and try to plan a trip out here sooner rather than later.” Carole sighs. “I guess he decided he couldn’t wait.”

Kurt is hugging himself, entirely not sure what he should do first. Should he explain to his dad alone? Should he wake Blaine so they can put up a united front?

Carole sighs and he can feel her relax next to him. “Can I ask you something? Before he comes back?”

Kurt nods.

“Do you really love him? Blaine?”

Kurt feels the stress drain out of his shoulders. This question he knows the answer to.. “So much Carole. He’s everything I could have ever wanted, and nothing that I would have dared dream about.”

“Then your dad will come around.” She pats him on his shoulder, pulling him in for a hug. They’re still hugging when Burt returns from the bathroom.

“So Kurt, where’s this new husband of yours?”

Kurt jumps to his feet and sucks in a breath to center himself. “He’s still sleeping, Dad.”

“Hmm. Well I guess it is a weekend -” Burt starts, rubbing a hand over his face.

“Isabelle threw us a dinner party last night,” Kurt interrupts. “We didn’t get home until after one am so honestly Dad we’re -”

“Kurt? I heard voices. You didn’t let them in did you? I know they can be persistent but -” He’s rubbing sleep from his eyes but stops talking when he realizes there are people in the room with Kurt. Kurt is silently thankful that Blaine actually put pajama pants on before coming out to look for him - though a shirt would have been nice too, under the circumstances, but his eyes go wide at the sight of the hickey placed on his hip, just over the elastic waistband of his pants.

“Blaine!” Kurt steps around Burt and Carole who both turn to get a look at their new son-in-law. “Blaine, honey, um, these are my parents, Burt and Carole Hummel,” Kurt manages to say. “Dad, Carole, this is Blaine.” Kurt slings an arm around Blaine’s shoulders. He can feel the awkwardness of the situation but isn’t sure yet how to fix it.

Blaine utters a soft oh, then seems to realize then that he’s shirtless and immediately crosses his arms in front of his chest in nervous attempt to cover himself. A second later he’s untangling his arms and holding a hand out to Burt. “I’m sorry, it’s so nice to meet you both.” Carole narrows her eyes at Burt, who hasn’t quite caught up, and takes Blaine’s hand.

“It’s lovely to meet you too Blaine,” Carole says, and Kurt is grateful for his step-mother’s warmth and acceptance, not for the first time in his life. Burt manages to remember his manners as well, after Carole elbows him in the ribs, and shakes Blaine’s hand when he offers.

Blaine recovers from the shock of meeting his new in-laws before Kurt can figure out what to do next.

“How about I go put a shirt on then I can make some coffee?” He points toward the bedroom and is about to leave when Kurt notices his dad staring in the direction of Blaine’s hickey.

“That sounds like a great idea!” Kurt says, much too brightly, then winces. “Dad, Carole why don’t you guys have a seat and I’ll be right out and we can get you settled.”

Kurt hustles Blaine down the hall and into the bedroom before Burt can say anything. He knows his dad is harmless really, but it sometimes takes an excessive amount of bluster for him to just accept something, and he had a feeling there would be a lot of blustering about him running off and getting married without so much has a phone call. Not that Kurt is sure he doesn’t deserve it, but it is entirely too early in the morning for that, and he thought he’d have a little more time to prepare. And Blaine certainly doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of any of it.

Once they’re in the bedroom with the door closed Blaine spins around - and is fully dressed in pale pink chino shorts, a white polo shirt, and a yellow bow tie with tiny dachshunds all over it. Kurt blinks hard and shakes his head because it’s not only a surprise, but Blaine must be really anxious - the look really doesn’t go well together at all.

“Warn me when you’re going to do that please?” He whisper-shrieks. “Also it’s too much. Lose the tie.” Kurt waves a little dismissively.

Blaine blinks and the tie disappears. “Those are not Jehovah’s Witnesses Kurt! That is your dad out there!” He’s whispering, but only just barely. Blaine is really freaking out because his hair is still going in thirty-seven different directions.

“You forgot to uh -“ Kurt points a twirling finger to the top of Blaine’s head.

Blaine huffs and wiggles his nose and his mess of curls is instantly transformed into the slick style he wears every day. “Kurt.”

“I didn’t know they were coming!” Kurt protests, but now that he’s had a moment to think he feels like he can at least get control of the immediate situation. “But here’s what I think we should do - we don’t have enough room for them here, so I’ll take them over to my empty apartment and set them up there for however long they’re staying. It can’t be too long; Dad won’t leave the garage for more than a few days in a row, even with back-up.”

Blaine sits down on the edge of the bed and takes a deep centering breath, closing his eyes as he exhales and nods.

“Give me about an hour. I’ll try to convince them to take a nap or something, then we can meet up with them later for lunch or a walk around the neighborhood later. I promise my dad will behave. And besides Carole is amazing and can totally keep him in line, I’m sure he knows this is a bit over the top. How does that sound?”

“Okay.” Blaine makes a small whimpering noise, but collects himself. “Okay. That sounds okay.” Kurt pulls on some shorts and a patterned tank top, and pockets his keys and wallet and phone. “Is he going to murder me?” Blaine asks as Kurt gets to the doorway.

That actually makes Kurt laugh. “You? No. Me? Jury’s out.” Kurt kisses Blaine on the forehead, and Blaine follows him back out into the apartment.

“Sorry about earlier,” Blaine apologizes the minute they’re in the living room. “We weren’t really expecting anyone this early.” Kurt sees his dad look at Blaine and frown, like he doesn’t recognize him with the new hair.

“Don’t worry about it at all,” Carole reassures them. “We should be apologizing for waking you so early without warning. Isn’t that right Burt?” Her words sound pleasant, but Kurt knows his step-mother and he can tell she’s had words with his father already about barging in at this hour. He’s going to have to send her flowers, or an Hermes scarf from the sample room.

Burt frowns, but he’s appropriately contrite. “Yeah, I guess calling would have made some sense.”

“It’s all fine Dad,” Kurt tells him. “But Blaine and I were talking and as you can see we really don’t have a lot of room here. We could put you up on a blow up mattress in Blaine’s music room if you want, but I think you guys will be a lot more comfortable in my apartment. It’s only a few blocks away and all my furniture is still there. You can sleep in a real bed.”

Carole is instantly supportive of this idea. “I would much rather sleep in a bed than on the floor Burt,” she says. “And I’m sure your back will agree.” Burt’s uncharacteristically quiet, but he nods in agreement. “Thanks Kurt, Blaine.”

“You sure you don’t want me to help?” Blaine asks as Kurt herds his dad and Carole toward the door.

“No, no, it’s fine. I’ll get them settled and then text you and let you know the plan.” Blaine gives him a quick kiss, and they leave.

Along the way Carole enthusiastically agrees that Kurt’s suggestion of a nap sounds perfect, and they stop and pick up some bagels and coffee and juice so they have something to eat when they get to the apartment.

“Blaine and I moved all of my things over, and I’m pretty sure we cleaned out the fridge. We can go out for dinner later, or pick up stuff and cook - whatever you want,” Kurt tells them as they walk the couple of blocks to his apartment. “And I’ll put some clean linens on the bed. We stripped it, but I think I left some sheets there. We haven’t really had a chance to decide what things we’re keeping and what should go.”

“Have you started looking for a new apartment yet?” Carole asks.

“No, everything’s sort of happened so fast.” Burt grunts, but Kurt ignores him, “School ends in a couple of weeks and then Blaine will have a lot of free time and we are planning to sit down and figure out what we want in a new place, if we should stay in this neighborhood, how much room we’ll need, that sort of thing.”

“Do you think you’ll lose money on your apartment?” Burt asks, as Kurt holds open the lobby door of his building.

“I don’t think so,” Kurt answers as they step into the elevator. “The property values go up around here by the hour. And honestly, if I break even that’s fine. I really didn’t like this apartment much. Blaine’s place has so much more character. It would be great to find something in one of the older neighborhood buildings.”

Kurt opens the door and Carole and his dad go in first, dragging their rolling suitcases with them.

“This is nice Kurt,” Carole exclaims.

“Yeah, are you sure you don’t want to live here?” His dad asks.

Kurt shuts and locks the door before turning around. “I definitely don’t,” he says. “Blaine said he would do anything I wanted, but I think --” Kurt stops when he turns and finally looks at the apartment. It’s spotless. And full of gorgeous furniture that Kurt is sure was not there before. Also they definitely did not leave this apartment spotless two nights ago when they picked up Kurt’s clothes.

“I thought you said you cleaned out the fridge?” Burt says.

“I did. We did.” Kurt joins his dad in the kitchen, where he’s staring into a fully stocked refrigerator.

Half a gallon of milk, packages of cheese and ham and what looks like roast beef. A dozen eggs, six containers of Kurt’s favorite yogurt. A whole rotisserie chicken. The shelves in the door hold an easy dozen different sauces, mustards, and salad dressings. Kurt sucks in a sharp breath.

Burt just looks at him. “Maybe you forgot.” He reaches past Kurt for the milk, checking the date then unscrewing the cap and sniffing. “Smells fine.” Burt replaces the cap and sets it back on the shelf.

“Maybe….” Kurt leaves the kitchen and finds Carole in the bedroom unpacking. The bed is neatly made and turned down, with sheets Kurt has never seen before in his life. “I know I stripped the bed,” he says to himself, but definitely out loud. “Blaine.”

“What about Blaine dear?” Carole interrupts.

“What?” Kurt comes back to the room. “Oh, nothing. Blaine must have put clean sheets on for the realtor.” He’s relieved that he could come up with ‘realtor’, even though they haven’t called one yet. “They like to show a fully made up apartment, it’s easier to sell.” Carole nodded and went back to unpacking.

When Kurt rejoins his dad in the living room he’s trying to figure out which buttons turn on the television, and Kurt hopes that he can leave him with some sporting event of some kind to distract him. Kurt shows him which buttons get him where he wants, and they make small talk for a few more minutes, but Kurt notices his dad looking around his apartment like he’s going to be quizzed on it later. Kurt knows his dad is working up to something - either chewing him out or hard questions just to see how satisfying Kurt’s answers, and he might call him on it under different circumstances, but there’s a piece of Kurt that wants to see just how passive aggressive his dad is capable of being about his getting married.

For one brief second Burt opens his mouth, and Kurt thinks, this is it, this is the lecture Kurt’s been waiting for since he woke up in that Las Vegas hotel room, but Burt just frowns instead, saying nothing. Carole comes out of the bedroom before Kurt can decide to just ask Burt to let it out.

“I think I’m going to lie down for that nap now. The early hour has caught up with me, I think. What do you think Burt?” Burt gives her his attention, but has a slightly concerned look on his face. After a long second he nods.

“Probably right, like always honey.” Burt blinks and he seems more relaxed. “We can get a little nap and get cleaned up.”

Kurt claps his hands together. “Great. How about I call you in a couple hours. Blaine and I will pick you up and we can take a walk around the neighborhood?”

They all agree that sounds like a good plan, so Kurt hugs them both tight and leaves them to get settled.

—

“Blaine!” Blaine can hear Kurt shouting in the hallway. “Blaine what did you do? Did you do something to the apartment?”

Blaine rushes to the hall. “Kurt are you okay? What happened?” Kurt looks panic stricken.

“What did you do to the apartment?”

“Oh.” Blaine isn’t sure why Kurt is upset. He just fixed up the apartment so it would be comfortable, so he tells Kurt this.

“Well, I told them on the way over that the place was practically empty. The fridge was full of food, Blaine. No one lives there!” Kurt throws his hands up in the air in what seems to Blaine like a slightly too dramatic gesture, considering all he did was save Kurt a trip to the bodega for some supplies.

“Did I put the wrong stuff in there? I tried to go for the basics; milk, juice, some stuff for sandwiches, I didn’t think -”

“Why would there be food if we don’t live there? It was like a month’s worth of supplies. There were four kinds of mustard Blaine. My dad is from Ohio, In his entire life he’s only seen one kind of mustard.” That seems unlikely to Blaine, but Kurt is on a roll, so he lets him go. “And the bed was made! Those were 500 thread count sheets!” Kurt is practically shrieking at this point, although it does seem more out of fear than anger at Blaine. “And I’m 97% sure none of that furniture was actually mine.”

Blaine frowns. “I didn’t put new furniture in your apartment Kurt. At least I didn’t mean to. And I find it hard to believe your dad has only ever seen one kind of mustard. Ohio is not Idaho. Although,” Blaine pauses. “I’m pretty sure I didn’t intend to put any mustard in there at all.”

“Well it was there. Maybe you need a tune-up, or whatever witches get -”

“Hey.” Blaine looks at Kurt sharply, and that seems to pull him back from the edge. He doesn’t admit to Kurt that the extra things Kurt found in the apartment have made him a little uneasy.

“I’m sorry. I was just really caught off guard. And my dad kept looking around like he expected someone to jump out from behind a door.” Kurt sighs and pulls Blaine into his arms. “I promised them a walk around the neighborhood later,” Kurt says, somewhat calmer now that he’s let it all out.

Blaine nods and buries his face in Kurt’s neck. “That seems harmless enough.”

“And they have a flight out tomorrow afternoon. So we just have to manage tonight. It’ll be fine.” Blaine wraps his arms around Kurt’s waist and agrees, but he’s not so sure he believes it.

#BBB: one big happy family #klaine fic #klaine fanfiction #betwitched au #bewitched bothered and bewildered