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epicbuddieficrecs · 29 days

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Weekly Recap | April 15th-21st 2024

Warning you now that there won't be a recap next week because I'm gonna be on a birthday trip! (hello don't mind me I'm turning 30 this week 🙈). ((now that I think about it I could always post the recap on saturday. oh well. we'll see 😆))

Enjoy!

Complete

i'll fit you inside my future by withmeornotatall/ @chronicowboy (S7E5, BuckTommy | <1K | General): "Why'd you choose that abomination of a coffee for me?" And Buck groans just to hear Tommy laugh. "Really? What even was that?" "Black coffee four sugars," Buck mumbles, kicking a stone across the sidewalk sheepishly. "Jesus, Evan." Tommy's laugh is something special, loud and unrestrained and the sound of sunshine maybe. "Why?"

wild again, beguiled again by Maira/ @mairaiscarrierofthepaperclips (Post-S7E4, BuckTommy | 1K | General): The kiss had taken him out at the knees, a rush of lips and heat and just the barest hint of teeth, the graze of stubble not his own thrilling him in a way like nothing had before. Which was ridiculous, because the kiss hadn’t even been that long. He’d had longer kisses, hotter kisses. Kisses where Buck had very nearly forgotten his own name by the time they’d ended. And yet, this one kiss still had him smiling like a fool. ... or, the one after the kiss.

I gotta get that feeling by elless (Post-S7E5 | 1K | General): Buck watches his mouth as he speaks and the way his adam’s apple bobs when he swallows, and reminds himself to pay attention, because all of this is important. He wants to know everything. OR: what happens at the cafe after Buck's an eager beaver and asks Tommy to be his date at the madney wedding.

The New Normal by Tizniz/ @tizniz (Buck/Tommy/Eddie | 1,7K | General): While he had had a few drinks at the bar, Eddie hadn’t even been tipsy when Buck had blurted out those words: I think I’ve been dating both of you. That statement had settled in the middle of Eddie’s chest and burrowed into its new home, feeling so incredibly right in a way he’d never experienced before. (Part 3 of Buck's Boyfriends)

a good ally by thewolvesof1998/ @thewolvesof1998 (BuckTommy, PWP | 2K | Explicit): Tommy figures out Buck's humiliation kink by accident during sex and they explore it a bit.

everything’s growing in our garden by fleetinghearts/ @shitouttabuck (Post-S7E5, Pre-Buddie | 2K | Teen): eddie’s growing a garden. buck might be the most firmly planted thing in it.

every part of you (simple as that) by withmeornotatall/ @chronicowboy (BuckTommy, Madney Wedding | 2,8K | General): OR: buck comes out to chris, talks to tommy about the future, has realisations about the past and finds a little peace at the wedding

Lactose Intolerance by Rianne/ @rianneeyre (Drunken Confessions | 4K | Teen): After last night's tequila shots at the karaoke bar, Buck had just gone home and rolled into his too-big, too-comfortable, too-empty bed in his too-quiet loft, and he’d— Texted Eddie. He thinks. The memory is kind of vague.

Tell Me Anything by AnnaNSmith/ @annansmith (Near Death Experience, Love Confession | 5K | Teen): Or, how Buck shattered Eddie's entire world one night by confessing his love to him.

we don't know where this is going now (don't be afraid of heights, let me open your heart wide) by wikiangela/ @wikiangela (Post-S7E5, Tommy POV | 5K | General): Tommy cuts their first date short, but to his surprise he gets a call from Evan just a few days later.

Despite it all, I'm Happy by InsaneJuliann/ @marvelingjules (Established Buddie, Post-S4, Secret Relationship | 6K | Teen): Something's up with Buck, but he's not telling. No one else even seems to notice all the faked smiles and laughter, not like Eddie does. But he's afraid of pushing too hard. He's happier, lately. Chris, his family, the team - and especially Buck - make him happier than he's been in a long time. Eddie doesn't want to put that all at risk. Not now, while it still feels so new. (Part 12 of The Evolution of Buddie)

Be Yours if You'd be Mine by InsaneJuliann/ @marvelingjules (Established Buddie, Post-S4 | 5K | Mature): Things with Buck are good. Sure, Eddie's pretty sure that some days Buck is still hiding something from him, and sure, their relationship is still a secret to their friends. But there are moments where Eddie can only feel how right it is, Buck in his life, with his family and with Chris. And Eddie may not be able to put a word to the feeling he's been having lately, but he knows that his relationship with Buck isn't going anywhere. At least, Eddie was sure of that until he potentially fucked things up. Now, he's not sure where they stand, precisely. He's not sure if he's what Buck really wants, or if Buck's second guessing. They need to talk. The thing is, talking and vulnerability has never been Eddie's strong suit. (Part 13 of The Evolution of Buddie)

somebody i can kiss by Rianne/ @rianneeyre (Christmas, Getting Together, Post-S5 | 7K | Explicit): Buck might be a little touch-starved. And he knew that, but he was not prepared to deal with how the knowledge would interact with his newfound awareness of his crush on—no, realistically, his undying love for Eddie. Because now, whenever he sees Eddie, Buck just wants to shuffle close, bury his face in Eddie’s neck, and hold him. Every second he spends with his best friend, he’s either picturing that, or he’s imagining Eddie’s mouth on his dick, Eddie’s hands on his skin, Eddie’s fingers in his mouth— Anyway. The point is, he should not spend Christmas on a fucking sleepover with Eddie. But he’s gonna.

A Brief Interruption by Leslie_Knope (S7E5 Spec, BuckTommy but Buddie Endgame | 8K | Teen): The restaurant door squeaks again, which Buck ignores, but it’s accompanied by a little noise, just a hitch paired with a small intake of breath, which would be completely unremarkable if not for the fact that Buck has heard that sound a thousand times and would recognize it anywhere. He turns his head, abruptly enough that Tommy’s mouth briefly mashes against his cheek. “Eddie,” Buck says, his voice squeaky and weird. His brain is just pure static, partly from the kiss and partly because Eddie is standing six feet away, eyes wide, staring like he’s never seen him before.

Take These Little Pebbles One by One by giselleslash/ @gigi-gigi (Post-S7E5, Endgame Buddie | 9K | Teen): Eddie tells Buck nothing will change between the two of them, except it does. He feels Buck quickly slipping away so he starts to steal pieces of him back. Literally. Or, the one where Eddie has a couple of come to Jesus moments courtesy of Christopher and Tommy, a bit of an emotional breakdown, and a lot of feelings about Evan Buckley’s dentist appointments and where his socks belong.

all I want (your eyes on mine) by bigfootsmom/ @bigfootsmom (Buck/Tommy/Eddie, PWP | 10K | Explicit): Buck is lying there, Eddie instantly recognizes the head of honey blond curls resting on the arm of the couch. But the head of short brown curls between Buck’s shaking thighs takes a second longer to place. But then they look up, blue eyes going comically wide as they lock onto Eddie. Tommy Kinard is on Buck’s couch. He’s on Buck’s couch between Buck’s thighs with his lips wrapped around Buck’s cock. The one where Eddie yearns, Buck pines, and Tommy just wants to have a good time.

🔥 give your heart and soul to charity by 42hrb/ @exhuastedpigeon (Post-S7E5, Sexuality Crisis | 12K | Teen): “It’s been a while since you asked for an emergency session,” Frank says, voice even as always. “Can I ask what brought this on?” “I think I just dumped god,” Eddie says and then he bursts out laughing. He can’t control it, he knows he sounds manic, like he’s somewhere between laughter and a breakdown, edging closer to the breakdown. “Holy shit I did dump god.” “I’m going to need just a little more than that,” Frank says and his face looks torn between concern and amusement. OR Eddie dumps God, gets some more therapy, accepts parts of himself he was taught to hate, loves his best friend, and loves himself.

Buck up, Buttercup by etlagiapet/ @etlagiapet (Canon Divergent, ~S5 | 14K | Mature): “God, you’d probably make a good writer for an advice column. You’re so earnest and optimistic, and you want to help people literally all the time.” Buck blinks at her, frozen with his beer halfway to his lips. His stomach does this thing, an excited little lurch that happens when he gets ahead of himself, but he can’t help it. He clears his throat and manages to ask, “Uh, really?”

Breaking news: LA firefighters in love by AnnaNSmith/ @annansmith (Taylor POV, ~S5, Getting Together | 19K | General): “In an incredible turn of events firefighter Buckley is alive and mostly unharmed. What could have ended in a devastating tragedy finds its happy ending after all. What an absolute relief that firefighter Buckley made it out alive and that we now see-” Taylor turns around, only to come to a stuttering stop at witnessing the spectacle in front of her “-my boyfriend kissing his best friend.” Or, Taylor gets a second shot at accompanying the 118 for another segment and notices that her boyfriend is a lot closer to his best friend than she remembers.

🔥 drink the river dry by Rianne/ @rianneeyre (Post Shooting, Getting Together | 32K | Explicit): It wasn’t until they were discussing his discharge paperwork and painkiller schedules that it really sunk in for Eddie that Buck would be staying with him and Christopher. That he would be around 24/7 except for his shifts at work. That he’ll sleep on the couch, where he’s been sleeping for days now to look after Christopher. The worst part is that it’s necessary—Eddie isn’t going to be able to do a damn thing for himself for the next couple of weeks. He’s lucky if he can put a shirt on by himself a month from now. Yeah, that’s going to be a problem. Or: Eddie gets shot, breaks up with his girlfriend, and pines like there’s no tomorrow.

🔥 The Heart Opening Sequence by Leslie_Knope (Post-S3, Getting Together | 34K | Mature): Eddie’s handsome, that’s obvious, Buck clocked that the second he met him. Part of him still can’t really believe that the guy he was so threatened by at first ended up as his closest friend, which is why these weird twinges are so unsettling. Buck isn’t sure if they’re real, for one, these odd flashes of what it would be like to lean over and kiss Eddie while they’re watching a movie or brush a hand over his back while they’re in the kitchen. And for two, it’s so far out of the realm of possibility that it’s barely worth thinking about.

🔥 everything (nothing) has changed by bizarrestars (Post-S4, Love Confessions | 48K | Explicit): After Eddie gets shot, Buck confesses his love. From there, things get a little out of hand.

🔥 let it pour out of your soul series by Rianne/ @rianneeyre (Magical Realism AU, Witch Eddie | 3 works | 71K | Complete):

collectively unconsciously composed (S4E6: Jinx | 46K | Explicit): Or: in which the author re-watched Buck Begins and Jinx and thought: what if this was gayer and had actual magic?

that systematic drug (PWP | 5K | Explicit): Eddie’s mouth goes dry when he opens the door and sees Buck. He’s clean-shaven and with his hair carefully styled back, smiling at Eddie sweetly and a little teasingly. Buck is wearing his dark jeans and his light blue v-neck polo shirt, the one that’s tight enough that it shows off the bulge of his biceps and the definition of his pecs and abs. Eddie knows this shirt. Buck's favourite, because he knows he looks good in it.

something binding us together (Established Buddie | 20K | Teen): Or: Eddie plans a long-avoided visit to his parents, discovers some things about his magic, and begins to build his family a home in LA's witching community.

Podfic

🔥 [podfic] tomorrow will always and forever now be today (tomorrow is our always and forever) by Matriaya // fic by @chronicowboy (Post-S6, Time Loop | 5-6h | Mature): "Think I can get a hug from my best man on my wedding day?" he asks, quietly hopeful in a way that makes Eddie want to tear off his skin. "Sure," Chris replies with a shrug, turning to throw Eddie a cheeky grin. "Dad, Buck needs a hug." (OR: eddie gets trapped in a time loop on the day buck marries natalia)

🔥 my certainty is wild, weaving [Podfic] by blackglass/ @blackestglitter for tuckergreeen/ @henwilsonmd (Post-S5A, Hurt Buck | 45-60min | Teen): “Eddie,” Carla says softly. “You could have called. We would’ve met you at the hospital.” He shakes his head. “No. I didn’t—uh. I didn’t go to the hospital.” He feels the way Carla’s hand goes still. “Eddie.” It’s not nearly as soft-spoken this time. “You didn’t go see him? Or Chim? Your team?” “They’re not my team,” Eddie says, almost without thinking. He winces as soon as the words are out. Or: Buck is hurt, Eddie is worried, and everything is broken.

[podfic] i was supposed to sweat you out (i think there's been a glitch) by half_bakedboy/@half-bakedboy // fic by @loserdiaz (Canon Divergent, Fire Academy | 45-60min | Explicit): "What's your problem, man?" "You. You're my fucking problem, Diaz." There were a lot of problems with Eddie Diaz, if you ask Buck. The guy is obnoxiously good at everything without even trying, he's too perfect, too confident. And the biggest problem of them all: Eddie's an attractive asshole that features more often than not in Buck's filthiest dreams. or; The Buck and Eddie meet at the fire academy, rivals to lovers fic.

🔥 Like Any Unloved Thing [Podfic] by ReformedTsunderePodfics/ @film-in-my-soul // fic by @hmslusitania (Urban Fantasy/Noir AU, PI Eddie, Ghost Buck | 1.5-2h | Mature): After the war, Eddie Diaz opened his own private investigation business here in LA and usually he does alright for himself. But this case, the one with the Buckley siblings, is going to crawl under his skin and stay there. It's going to change his life. He has no idea how.

[Podfic] If I Risk It All (Could You Break My Fall?) by liketherestofla, MistMarauder/@gracieryder for Princessfbi/ @princessfbi (James Bond AU | 4.5-5h | Explicit): “This is Buck,” Bobby said when Buck’s tongue refused to unstick from the top of his mouth. “Your new quartermaster.” Eddie’s eyes— brown with just a glint of green if you caught them in the right light— widened before he scanned Buck with another sweeping assessment. “You’re—” Buck had heard it all before. “Not all of us nerds are the skinny kids that used to get picked on in high school.”

🔥 Hot Ghost Problems by ebjameston [Podfic] by Rhea314 (Rhea)/ @rhea314 // fic by @ebjameston (Canon Divergent, S2, Ghost Buck, Witch Eddie | 5-6h | Teen): Eddie is the newest firefighter at the 118. Buck is the ghost haunting the 118. Unfortunately for both of them, Eddie's also a witch and needs to put Buck's spirit to rest, because that's what witches do. Turns out, Buck's spirit? Super not interested in being put to rest. Very interested, however, in flirting with Firefighter Diaz, who is just trying to survive his candidate year. (Also turns out, Buck? Super not dead.)

WIP

Kiss Me Once Cause You Know I Had A Long Night by I_still_dont_understand_13 / @dangerpronebuddie (Prompt collection | 30/? | 19K | Teen): 100 kiss prompts.

30. 70. what if i told you none of it was accidental: An accidental kiss that confuses you both, but only a moment passes before you crash your lips back against each other's

What’s Your Order? by JJK/ @trenchcoatsandtimetravel (Post-S7E5, BuckTommy | 3/6 | 6K | Teen): 5 Times Buck Guessed Tommy’s Coffee Order + 1 Time He Didn’t Have To

🔥 Cowboy With a One Track Mind by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergence, Not A Firefighter Buck | 2/4 | 11K | Mature): Spin-off Sequel to Evan Buckley & the Coma-Verse of Madness - Chapter 7 (Land): Grieving and tortured, Evan Buckley has been living alone in Montana in a remote cabin for nearly a decade. After an incident that leaves him missing six months of his life, and suddenly in connection with a group of strangers from Los Angeles, Evan must decide whether to remain in his self-imposed exile, or take a chance at life again.

🔥 Any Other Way by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, S2 | 9/18 | 49K | Mature): In a switcheroo alternate universe, Buck spends young adulthood in the military, while Eddie, who has no idea Christopher exists, spends his twenties messing around, finally enjoying freedom away from his family’s expectations. When they both end up in Los Angeles, at the 118, some things are different, and others will be the same in any universe.

#epic buddie fic rec #buddie fanfic #buddie fic rec #buddie fic #buddie fanfiction

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creatingnikki · 4 months

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at seventeen, I don't think I ever thought about the future in a way that then seemed so distant, a future that in my vision did not exist — ten years later, me at twenty seven.

had I thought about it then, I don't have much clue now as to what I would have pictured. but would it be this:

three days after turning twenty seven listening to the scientist by Coldplay, fetching out my hardbound gold and black edition of looking for alaska by john green on a Saturday evening. wearing a bottle green cropped hoodie, hair in a messy bun, clutching the book to my chest, crying as random snippets of being in high school having such an innocent and unsullied idea of the world and the people in it flash in my head.

grieving. isn't that what this is? life is a labyrinth of suffering — I had read it back at 17 and I didn't realize this in its true essence. so I guess this is me grieving my loss of innocence.

but it's not all so sad and tragic. the answer to how do we ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering is not one I yet have but I'm finding moments that have begun to answer it nonetheless.

friday game nights with new friends, post dinner walks where we talk about the films we love and the books that found a place in our hearts and stayed. why else do I come back home on Saturday and go through my book collection to pick this particular book that I haven't touched in a decade?

I used to always get mad at people when they hated on the sitcom how I met your mother's ending because they missed the point — it was never quite about the mother but who Ted had to become in order to meet her. and just in that fashion have I not missed the point of all the books and TV shows and movies I've ever loved:

the point of love and friendship is not to protect you like some guardian angel though often it can have that effect. nor is the point to fulfil you though they are integral in contentment and satisfaction overall. the point of friends and lovers is not to preserve your sanity when it is racing to its death like a burning cigarette though it can many times help.

I do not know what the point is, if I'm being honest. but I know that the point of this life of mine is to be a friend and lover to myself. how? maybe I need to reread my favourite books again to come closer to that answer. maybe I need to face the truth more bravely. at twenty seven, I'm sure I've mustered that much courage, perspective, and compassion for myself.

as I light my favourite candles and end my birthday week, I know this — the seventeen year old me did well, the twenty seven year old me will do better, and the thirty seven year old me will do even more fantastically.

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bellaireland1981 · 11 months

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Starting Over | 9

Summary: You come home to work to find your husband of three years in bed with your supposed best friend. It’s the wake up call you finally needed to take your two year old daughter and get the hell out of Texas. With nowhere to go you head to your big brother in San Diego. The Dagger squad takes you under their wings, and shows you what having a family means. You get a fresh start… will you find your happily ever after?

Characters: Jake “hangman” Seresin x Sister! Reader, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Seresin! Reader (Eventually), Hangman x Phoenix , Adorable OC Gracie! The Dagger squad

Word Count: 10454

Warnings: Angst, fighting, cheating husband, emotional abuse, eventual fluff, SMUT, Sweet uncle Jake, Adorable Rooster with a toddler… if I miss any please let me know. MINORS DNI

A/N: I don’t own the characters or storyline for Top Gun Maverick. All OC’s are mine. I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR ANYONE TO COPY OR REPOST MY WORK TO ANY OTHER PLATFORM! DON’T STEAL! Reblogs, likes and comments ALWAYS welcomed. THANK YOU @waywardodysseys and @beyondthesefourwalls as always for reading over my work and helping me flush out ideas!!

Taglist is open! If I missed anyone who asked to be tagged, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM to be added. It’s getting to hard to keep track of asks.

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8

You’d fallen into a new normal fairly easily. Gracie was loving daycare and the friends she’d made. You’d even managed to set up some playdates for her outside of daycare. You were developing a routine at the Hard Deck, setting up your own system for doing the inventory and falling seamlessly into the work there. You actually really enjoyed it too.

It’d been almost a month since your divorce. Things with Bradley were perfect. You knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was your forever love. He stayed over at the house with you and Gracie often, other nights you’d stay at his house. Neither of you liked sleeping apart.

Trent’s initial court appearance for the violation of the order of protection had been pushed back at the request of his lawyer. You’re not sure what the endgame was, he’d broken the order twice, he was only postponing the inevitable. Your lawyer assured you that you had nothing to worry about. The hearing for custody was scheduled for the following week on Thursday... It had taken longer than you thought to be scheduled, but you tried to stay positive. Gracie’s third birthday was two days later on Saturday and you were already busy planning a party. Jake insisted she needed a huge princess party. Bradley had agreed wholeheartedly, as had the entire Dagger squad.

“Sweetheart, I think we need a castle bounce house.” Bradley said, scrolling through inflatable rentals for the area on his phone.

“Where exactly do you think we’re putting this bounce house, Babe?” You asked, “The backyard is decent sized, but not bounce house sized.”

“You’re right.” He agreed, “We need a bigger venue.”

“You and Jake are out of control.” You laughed, “She’s 3.”

“I know, but this is the first birthday she’s had all of us.” He reasoned, wrapping his arms around you, “And it’s our first birthday with her as a family.”

“You make a good argument, Lieutenant.” You smiled, your arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him down to claim his lips. “I love our little family… and I love our big extended chaotic family.”

“I love YOU.” He said, smiling against your lips, “And our family.”

“I love you too, Brad.” You replied, kissing him once more before pulling back, “Ok, we’ll find a bigger venue…and get the castle bounce house.”

“We can see if Mav and Penny would let us use their yard?” Bradley suggested, “Or Mav’s hangar?”

“I don’t want to impose on anyone.” You said.

“Sweetheart, I promise they’d jump at the chance.” He assured you. “I’ll ask Mav tomorrow at work.”

Obviously, they’d been more than happy to host the party. Bradley called on his lunch break to let you know. It was your off day from the Hard Deck so you’d taken Gracie to go play at the park and run some errands. You were just getting ready to take her home for a nap when he’d called.

“Hey, Sweetheart, how are my girls?” He asked when you answered the phone on speaker. “We’re just heading home so Gracie can nap.”

“Daddy WOOSTA!” Gracie yelled from the backseat, “Mommy, can we pwease go see Daddy?”

“Hi, Princess,” Bradley replied to her, “Daddy has to go up in his jet in a little bit, Baby Girl. I promise, I’ll come see you tonight when I get done with work, ok?”

“OK, Daddy.” She said, “Wuv you!”

“I love you too, Princess.” He replied.

“Mav and Penny are happy to have her party at their house so we can finish planning with the bigger space in mind.” Bradley said, “There was zero hesitation too, Mav was like a kid at Christmas when I asked.”

“You should have seen Jake’s face last night when I told him there was a possibility of inflatables.” You laughed, “He’s a big kid.”

“We were picking out the perfect one before I called you actually.” He laughed, “Him and Phoenix just ran to grab a quick lunch together. They’re on the ground this afternoon so they get to eat a bigger lunch.”

“Come over tonight when you’re done, I’ll make sure you have a nice big dinner to make up for it.” You promised.

“And cuddles with my girls after?” He asked.

“Definitely.” You agreed.

“I’ll see you after work, Sweetheart.” He said, “Love you.”

“Love you too,” You replied, “Fly safe, Bradley.”

“Always.” He promised.

Party planning continued to go smoothly, although with Jake and Bradley helping, you found yourself having to reign them in constantly. You’d already had to veto the live ponies dressed as unicorns, which you learned later had been Mav’s suggestion.

“Penny, he’s as bad as Jake and Bradley!” You laughed, while unboxing an order of alcohol and stocking it on the shelves in back. “He suggested ponies dressed as unicorns!”

“You should have seen him in the Disney Store the other day when we went to get Gracie’s presents.” Penny replied, shaking her head smiling, “Between him and Amelia, I’m amazed we made it out of there without buying out the entire store.”

“I have to admit though,” You said, pausing from stocking the shelves, “I love seeing how much Bradley loves her, Pen. The amount of excitement he has over making this birthday so special for her, absolutely melts my heart.”

“One thing you will never have to doubt, Sweetie, is how much that man loves and adores that little girl.” She said, “In his eyes, Gracie is already one hundred percent his little girl and it doesn’t matter if there is a piece of paper that declares it, or DNA that proves it. He’s her daddy.”

“I love him so much it sometimes scares me.” You admitted, “I’m almost afraid I’ll wake up and this will all have been just a wonderful dream and I’ll be back in that nightmare of a marriage.”

“That part takes time, Y/N.” Penny said, “But I assure you, this is absolutely real. You’re free of him. Next week, I’m confident the courts will free Gracie from him. Trust that this is now your life and it’s not going anywhere.”

“Thank you, Penny.” You said, smiling, “For everything. You’ve been absolutely amazing.”

“You’re welcome, Sweetie.” She replied, “We’re family. I know you’ve heard it a lot since moving out here, but I’ll keep reminding you. This is just what you do for family.”

Once you finished work that day you picked Gracie up from daycare and headed home. Jake’s truck was already in the driveway when you got there.

“Looks like Uncle Jakey beat us home.” You said, pulling in next to him and turning the car off. You got Gracie out of her carseat and you made your way inside

“We’re home!” You called, walking in. You set your keys in the bowl next to the door and kicked your shoes off, before taking Gracie’s backpack and hanging it on the hook.

Jake came out of the kitchen, still in his flight suit but the top part off, tied around his waist. He must have just gotten home ahead of you.

“There’s my Princess G.” He said, holding his arms out for Gracie. She went straight to him to be hoisted up into a tight hug. You could tell he must have had a rough day.

“Hey, you OK, Jakey?” You asked, concern etched on your face.

“Yeah, I’m ok, Tulip.” He replied, offering a small smile. “Just a long, frustrating day where nothing went right.”

“That why you’re home early?” You asked.

“Yeah.” He sighed, “My plane’s grounded for repairs for a few days. I had a close call in the air today. It shook me.”

You stepped forward wrapping your arms around your brother and daughter as best as you could.

“I’m glad you’re OK, Jakey.” You said, “We’d be lost without you. We love our Jakey.”

“We wuv Unco Jakey.” Gracie agreed.

“I love you girls too.” He said, hugging you both tightly. “Life kinda sucked before y’all showed up on my doorstep. I’m really glad you’re here.”

“We’re really glad we’re here too.” You agreed.

A few hours later, Bradley and Phoenix showed up, both concerned about Jake. Phoenix had been in the air with Jake when he’d ran into problems, her heart in her throat until he’d been safe on the ground. Bradley had been listening from inside his plane, waiting to go up.

“I’m glad you’re OK, man.” Bradley said, “Scared the shit outta us. Thought you’d have to punch out there for a minute.”

“Me too.” He said, “I’m lucky I was able to get the engine to refire so I could save it.”

“Now I know how you felt when I had the bird strike.” Phoenix admitted. “It’s not a great feeling.”

“Darlin’, watching you punch out and your plane actually crash about killed me that day.” Jake said, pulling her into his arms. “I couldn’t get to you fast enough. Then it killed me not to be able to hug the shit out of you and reassure myself you really were OK.”

“New rule.” You said, knowing it wouldn't be enforceable, but needing to say it nonetheless, “No punching out, no crashing, no getting hurt. If you take a plane into the air, you land that plane safely on the ground or carrier you took off from.”

“We’ll do our best, Sweetheart.” Bradley smiled, pulling you against him, kissing the top of your head. “None of us want to punch out or crash. It kinda sucks.”

“It doesn't feel great.” Phoenix confirms. “Even when it’s textbook, that shit hurts.”

Jake and Phoenix ended up heading over to her place that night. Jake knew he’d be in for a rough night and he didn’t want Gracie to see him upset.

After dinner, Bradley and Gacie were playing in the living room while you finished getting the kitchen cleaned up after dinner.

“What are you building, Princess?” Bradley asked her while they built with her legos.

“I making a big big castle.” She replied, “Fow you, mommy and me. So we wiv togever! And Unco Jakey and Aunty Nix too.”

“That is a big big castle.” He smiled, his heart melting. “You’d like it if you, mommy and I all lived together?”

“Yes, Daddy!” She beamed, excitedly at him, before continuing to build.

“Princess, Daddy would love that too.” He replied, his voice thick with emotion. He’d already been thinking about asking you to move in with him. Truth be told, he really wanted to marry you, but he knows you just got out of a really bad marriage and you might not be in a hurry to jump into another marriage. He made a mental note to talk to Jake tomorrow though, he wanted to get his blessing to proceed, knowing it would be important to you.

Later that night long after Gracie was tucked into bed you and Bradley were laying in bed cuddling before going to sleep. You were tucked into his side, your arm draped over his middle, fingers tracing patterns over his chest.

“Have you noticed that lately Gracie has started to drop the Woosta and just call you Daddy?” You asked, tipping your head up to look at him.

“I have.” He replied, a smile playing on his lips, “I’ll admit, as much as I loved hearing her say ‘Woosta’ and being ‘Daddy Woosta’, just being ‘Daddy’ is a whole new and amazing feeling, Sweetheart.”

“I know it happened really fast and we didn’t really talk about it in depth…” You said, “You’re really OK with her calling you Daddy? I just don’t want you to ever feel like you were forced into that role…”

“Sweetheart.” He said, stopping you. He pulled you up and flipped you both so you were lying eye to eye on the bed. “I am one hundred percent on board here. Being Gracie’s Daddy is an honor that I am so grateful you’re trusting me with. From now until forever, that little girl is my little Princess. I’m her Daddy.”

“I love you Bradley Bradshaw.” You whispered, tears falling down your cheeks.

“I love you too, Y/N Seresin.” He replied, gently wiping the tears away and leaning in to kiss you. “From now until forever.”

Bradley’s POV

The next day at work, he went to find Jake in one of the classrooms before he had to go up in the air to fly maneuvers. He’d already talked to Phoenix earlier that morning, needing her take on the situation before tackling the conversation with Jake. She assured him that it wasn’t crazy to be thinking about moving in or marriage this soon, that sometimes the right people meet at the right time and it’s just meant to be. She also said that he had nothing to worry about with Jake.

“Hey, you have a minute?” Bradley asked, walking into the classroom Jake was using that day.

“I’ve got nothing but minutes until my plane’s fixed.” He replied, “What’s up?”

Bradley made his way in and hopped up on one of the tables at the front, fidgeting nervously.

“Rooster.” Jake laughed, “What’s up, man? Why are you acting so damn flighty?”

“I was playing legos with Gracie last night.” He said, deciding to start with the easier of the two questions. “I asked her what she was building and she said it was a ‘big big castle’ so that her, Y/N and I can all live together. With room for Unco Jakey and Aunty Nix of course… that might be negotiable though.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure with that one.” Jake said laughing, “Princess G is a determined little one and would find a way to make it all happen. What did you tell her?”

“I just told her it’s something I’d really like too.” He replied, “I didn’t want to make any promises I couldn’t deliver. She’s started to call me Daddy though more and more instead of Daddy Woosta… and I REALLY like that.”

“Have you talked to Tulip?” Jake asked, “What’s her take?”

“On the title or living arrangements”? He asked.

“Both.” Jake clarified, “I’d say both are pretty big.”

“She’s the one who asked if I’d noticed the change in my title with Gracie last night, and asked if I was really Ok with her calling me Daddy.” He said, “I definitely reassured her that I’m more than happy that Gracie calls me Daddy because as far as I’m concerned she IS my little girl.”

“Ok, so that’s good.” Jake shrugged, “And did you talk to her about moving in?”

“That’s part of what I wanted to talk to you about today.” Bradley admitted. “Seemed like something I should run by you… both because you’ve become my best friend and because you’re the most important person in Y/N’s life.”

“Bradley, I’d have already run ya off if I had a problem with you being with my sister.” Jake said, smiling, “You’re probably the only one I WOULD trust with her heart and with Gracie. I pretty much knew from the beginning that they were going to steal your heart and that you’d be the one to claim Tulip’s. Moving in together is the logical next step. As much as I love them being with me, at least I’ll know that with you they’re both happy and safe…and in the same damn town.”

“Thanks, Jake.” Bradley said, “That means a lot. Honestly, it was game over for me the first day when Gracie threw her arms around me and called me ‘Woosta’. I’d have given that girl anything she wanted that day.”

“Remember that when she’s a teenager, sneaking in after curfew and trying to use those big eyes and dimples against you.” Jake laughed.

“Oh Shit” Bradley groaned, “I’m never letting her leave the house. I know what teenage boys are like. They can’t go near her.”

“Good luck with that.” Jake said, “Give me a call though, I’ll be backup. What was the other thing you wanted to talk to me about?”

“It’s more of a asking now for later kinda thing.” Bradley said. “I don’t know if or when Y/N would be ready to even think about marrying again… but if she’s ever on board to give it another shot… would you be OK with me asking your sister to marry me?”

“Of course I am.” Jake said, standing and yanking Bradley off the table into a rough hug, clapping him on the back before stepping back, smiling widely. “She might surprise you, Man. You probably won’t have to wait as long as you think until she’s ready. You may want to start thinking about rings. I see the way my sister looks at you…it’s the same way I look at Nat. Between you and me and the walls… I’ve been thinking along those lines myself lately.”

“No shit!” Bradley exclaimed, “Proposing or moving in? Both?”

“Both.” Jake said, “It’s been on constant repeat since yesterday with the not so nice reminder that with this job we never know what the next day will bring. I just don’t know if it’s too soon. I don’t want to spook her.”

“I acutally was talking to her this morning before I came to talk to you.” Bradley said, “Kinda needed reassurance that I wasn’t about to die for one, and that I wasn’t rushing things. She told me not to buy into the whole social norm timeline for relationships bullshit. Two people meet or come together when they’re supposed to and it doesn't matter what the timeline is. Plus, let’s be honest, the two of you have been flirting with the idea of being together long before you made the move to BE together so that counts towards the bogus timeline right?”

“So… ring shopping this weekend?” Jake asked, chuckling, “To be prepared…”

“I have my mom’s ring that I was planning on giving Y/N, but I will absolutely go with you.” Bradley said. “How do you think Gracie will take the news that we won’t have a castle for all of us to live together?”

“We promise her Disneyland.” Jake said, “And weekend sleepovers with her favorite Uncle and Aunty Nix.”

“So…bribery?” Bradley clarified.

“Yup!” Jake laughed.

Your POV

By the time the weekend rolled around, you knew that Jake and Bradley were definitely plotting something. There’d been a lot of hushed conversations and text messages back and forth. Friday you and Phoenix had enlisted Bob’s help at the weekly dinner to try to ferret out information without any luck. You’d even contemplated using your own daughter.

“Those two plotting together makes me nervous.” Phoenix admitted while you were cleaning up the kitchen together after dinner on Friday night.

“EXACTLY!” You exclaimed, “Whatever it is, probably means trouble. I think I saw them bringing Mav into the mix too.”

“We may need to ask Penny to see if she can put out feelers.” Phoenix suggested, “If anyone can reign in Mav and the boys in it’ll be her.”

“Or at least find out what’s going in.” You reasoned.

“If nothing else, I’ll work on Jake tomorrow night while we’re hanging with Gracie.” Phoenix said

“Am I being kicked out for a super fun fort night again?” You asked, confused. Before she could respond Bradley and Jake came in carrying the rest of the dishes.

“Not being kicked out.” Jake laughed, “So dramatic, Tulip.”

“I asked if Jake and Phoenix had plans, and if they minded if I stole you for a date night ahead the upcoming week.” Bradley said, wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his chin on the top of your head. “I know this week is going to be a rollercoaster, so before it gets crazy, I wanted to carve out some time for the two of us.”

“And it’s a win-win, because we get time with Princess G.” Jake said.

“Speaking of…”Phoenix said, “Where is the little nugget?”

“With Mav.” Bradley chuckled. You turned in his arms so you were facing him, wrapping your own arms around his neck and stealing a quick kiss.

“I’d love time for just the two of us tomorrow night.” You told him, “I’m really hoping that by this time next week everything will be settled and we won’t have anything left to worry about.”

“You and me both, Baby.” He replied, kissing you softly.

The next morning Jake and Bradley disappeared for several hours. You definitely made a mental note to ask Penny if she knew what the two were plotting. You decided to call Phoenix to see if she wanted to go shopping for some birthday party supplies.

“Since our men are off on a top secret mission, do you want to go get some party supplies for Gracie’s birthday with me?” You asked her.

“Absolutely!” She agreed, “Give me like twenty minutes and I’ll head over.”

“We can pick you up.” You suggested, “Save you a trip.”

“I’ll need my car tomorrow anyway, this way I’ll already be there when it’s time for you and Bradley to go out.” She said.

“Makes sense.” You agreed, “Maybe we just need one giant house at this point instead of three separate dwellings.”

“You might be onto something.” She laughed.

Once Phoenix had arrived you all headed out to the party store. You put Gracie in the cart and headed straight to the Princess aisle, gathering up plates, cups, napkins and other decorations you’d need. Phoenix insisted on a helium tank and enough balloons to float the house. By the time you left the store your trunk was loaded with supplies.

“How about we run to the Disney store and let Gracie pick out a princess dress to wear to her party?” Phoenix said. “We’ve got time before the boys are done on their mission I’m sure.”

“Those dresses are super expensive.” You said, “Any luck getting info from Jake on that?”

“It’ll be my treat for her. She needs a princess dress for a princess party.” Phoenix insisted. “And nope, he kept changing the subject then distracted me.”

“Bradley did the same thing.” You laughed. “And, are you sure? We can find a princess dress cheaper I’m sure…”

“Y/N, Disney Store. NOW.” She replied, playfully glaring at you, before turning to look at Gracie in the back, “Sweet girl, do you want to go pick out a Princess dress from the Disney Store for your birthday party with Aunty Nix?”

“YES!” Gracie exclaimed, “I wuv you Aunty Nix!”

“I love you too, Gracie!” Phoenix said, turning back to smile widely at you. “See? My girl wants a princess dress.”

“When she’s a teenager and still expecting the princess treatment, I’m sending her to you and Jake.” You laughed.

“We’ll take her.” She agreed, getting a soft dreamy look on her face. “Honestly, I love the idea of still being with Jake when Gracie is a teenager.”

“I have no doubts that you will be.” You assured her. “My brother is absolutely in love with you, Nat. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is with you, nor have I ever seen him as content. He’s himself with you, he lets his guard down and is the most at peace around you. He’s never been that way with anyone else before.”

“I love him too.” She said, “Completely in love with him. Not going to lie… it scared the crap out of me at first. I started to see cracks in the cocky Hangman exterior after that last mission, but it was when you and Gracie got here that I really got to see the softer side of him. You say it’s me that brings it out in him, but I think it’s you and Gracie that brought that out in him.”

“So we call it a group effort.” You compromised, chuckling. “The point is… He’s not going anywhere. His heart belongs to you, Nat.”

“That’s good because mine belongs to him too.” She smiled.

Jake’s POV

They’d left that morning once the jewelers had opened. Phoenix had gone back to her apartment late the night before, saying she needed to get some laundry and stuff done there. It made it easier only having to get past Tulip. He knew she was suspicious, but hopefully she’d just think they were plotting something for Gracie’s birthday.

“How can I help you gentlemen this morning?” An older man asked, greeting them from behind the glass counter filled with rings. He was smiling at them as they stepped closer to the cases.

“We’re shopping for engagement rings.” Jake replied, already starting to feel overwhelmed by the sheer options.

“Well congratulations.” He said, looking at Bradley, “What do you have in mind”

“Not me!” Bradley laughed, “I’m here for moral support.”

“My apologies, Sir.” The man said, turning red. Jake looked over at Bradley laughing, relaxing immediately.

“It’s fine.” Bradley said, “That’s definitely going into the best man speech!”

“Of course it is.” Jake chucked, shaking his head. “Nat’s gotta say ‘yes’ first though.”

“She will.” Bradley said confidently, his eyes wandering over all of the options. “What are you thinking for her?”

“She’s not really into flashy jewelry.” Jake said, “I’ve never really seen her wear anything more than earrings and occasionally a simple necklace when we go out.”

“And she’s not going to want anything that’ll get in the way when we’re flying.” Bradley pointed out. “If she decides to wear it while flying. She may opt to put it on dog tags or leave it on the ground.”

“Maybe we should have let Tulip in on this mission and brought her along.” Jake groaned. “What does your mom’s ring look like? Maybe that’ll give me a starting point?”

“It’s a solitaire set in a gold band.” He replied, “It’s pretty simple, but it meant the world to her. I’m actually thinking I’ll bring Y/N in and we can get wedding bands to match it, that way she still gets something new.”

“Rooster, you know she won’t care about it not being new right?” Jake asked, “The fact that it was your moms and has meaning to you will make it the most precious thing in the world to her.”

“I know.” He shrugged, “I just figured that after everything she’s been through, she deserves a little bit of new and spoiling.”

“I have no doubt that she and Gracie will be plenty spoiled.” Jake said, “OK, so let’s start with solitaires.”

“Those are over here.” The man behind the counter said, directing them over to the case with all of the solitaire sets. “We have several options to choose from, as well as matching wedding bands.”

“Shit there are a lot of choices.” Jake sighed, “Ok, so set or solitaire and band? What’s the difference?”

“The set can be welded together so it would become one ring after the wedding.” The man replied, “Some prefer that as opposed to having two separate rings.”

“Ok, that makes sense.” Jake replied, “I think she’d probably rather have that.”

“I think so too.” Bradley agreed. “Less to keep track of.”

“Perfect. Set it is.” Jake said, “That narrows it down some.”

“Does she wear more gold or silver jewelry?” Bradley asked, “I never really pay attention.”

“I think gold.” Jake replied. “I know the necklace she normally wears is a gold pendant.”

“Ok, I’d go with a gold band then.” Bradley suggested, scanning the case of rings.

They both looked over the solitaire case but nothing really jumped out at either one of them.

“Perhaps, something a little more detailed than a solitaire set but not overly showy will be more to her taste?” The man suggested, “We have some lovely sets over here that showcase a larger center stone with smaller stones to the sides that also have matching wedding bands. They’re simple, elegant, and quite stunning.”

He directed them to a case further down the row with rings that were a little more elaborate than the solitaire sets yet still not overly flashy, just as he’d described.

Jake let his gaze wander over the options trying to picture them on Nat’s finger before falling on that looked perfect.

“That one!” He exclaimed, pointing to the set closest to him in the front. “May I see that one, please?”

“Certainly.” The man smiled, pulling the set from the case and gently setting it in front of Jake. It was a yellow gold set, the engagement ring had a larger center diamond just like the man had said then tiny diamonds making up the band about ¾ away around the band. The wedding band was contoured to fit with the engagement band and had tiny diamonds paved into ¾ of the band as well. It was beautiful and elegant without being gaudy and overly flashy. It was simple but not plain. It was perfect.

“This is the one.” Jake said. “I’ll take it.”

“Umm, shouldn’t you maybe find out a price on that first?” Bradley asked, chuckling.

“Doesn't matter.” Jake said, shrugging, “She’s worth it.”

The man went to start the paperwork and process the sale. Jake felt like his heart was about to beat out of his chest. It felt like his body was on fire and breathing was becoming very difficult.

“Jake.” Bradley said firmly, seeing the change in him. He turned to the salesman, “Do you have a bottle of water at all?”

“Yes.” He said, hurrying to the back room and returning quickly with a bottle of water in hand.

“Jake, take a drink man,” Bradley ordered, “Slow deep breaths and concentrate on taking a few sips of water.”

Jake took the bottle, sipping slowly, trying to stay focused on just taking oxygen into his lungs and slowing his heart rate.

“If you’re not ready for this, we can totally come back another day.” Bradley assured him, “You don’t have to jump into anything. There is absolutely no rush.”

“It’s not that.” Jake whispered, “I am ready. I love her. I want to marry her… it just… it got real… and every time I’ve ever gotten really close to actual happiness or my life being really good… it’s all gotten yanked from under me. I guess… I just… panicked.”

“I get that.” Bradley said, putting his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “It’s easy to panic when things go well and everything falls into place when you’re so used to it all going to hell or the floor dropping out from under you when you think you’re on solid ground. But one thing I’ve managed to learn since coming back to Top Gun and even more recently since meeting your sister… is sometimes… it’s ok to trust the good stuff. Life doesn’t always have to suck. People don’t always leave. It’s ok to let others in.”

“The world won’t come crashing down?” Jake asked, a small smile finally making its way to his lips as he glanced over to Bradley.

“Nope.” Bradley replied, returning the smile, “The world just gets bigger and brighter. It gives you even more reason to come home. Hell, man it makes this life MORE worth living. Because let’s face it, were we REALLY living before we let those women in? Honestly?”

“I’d call it more existing.” He agreed. “Ok… this is me… trusting that the universe is not going to turn against me here. I’m going to buy the ring, and when the moment is right, I’m asking Nat to marry me.”

“And we’ll all be there to celebrate the two of you when she says ‘yes’.” Bradley said, clapping him on the back. “Come on, it’s time to go drain your bank account.”

“Worse case scenario, we find that really big house that Gracie wants and we all live together to help cut down on other expenses.” Jake teased, walking over to the counter. “Sorry about that, Sir. What’s the damage?”

“Nothing I’ve not seen before, I assure you.” He smiled gently, before giving him the total. It wasn’t nearly as bad as either of them imagined. Needless to say Jake would not need to empty any accounts. He did however decide to use his credit card because while it wasn’t an exorbitant amount of money, it wasn’t chump change either. Growing up the way they had, he never felt comfortable running his accounts too low now.

Once the ring had been paid for, the salesman polished the rings and placed them both in separate ring boxes then into a small bag. After thanking him for this help, Jake and Bradley headed out of the store and towards Jake’s truck.

“Alright, now I have to hide this until the right moment…” Jake said, “And try not to panic and word vomit the second I see her.”

“That would not make for a very romantic proposal story for your children one day.” Bradley laughed. “I word vomited after buying Mommy a ring…”

“I think that’s why I love when we get to keep Gracie for Tulip when y’all have date nights.” Jake admitted, “I love watching Nat with her… it’s easy to imagine how it’ll be with our own kids one day.”

“I get it.” Bradley smiled, “I get the same feeling when I’m with Y/N and Gracie. I’d love to have more kids with her too.”

“Gracie needs a baby brother.” Jake agreed, smirking, “Maybe name him Bradford Bradley Bradshaw?”

“You know, I’m really happy nobody suggested that to my parents when they were naming me.” Bradley said, glaring at Jake. “We will not be continuing that trend…I won’t do that to my kid.”

Your POV

After the trek to the Disney store, where Gracie had indeed found the perfect dress and matching accessories (Nat had insisted they were needed), you all stopped for lunch before heading back to the house. You ended up pulling into the driveway at the same time as Jake and Bradley.

“Where did you lovely ladies adventure to?” Jaked asked, getting out of the truck.

“Unco Jakey!” Gracie called from the backseat, “Out! Out! Pwease!”

“You’re being paged, Uncle Jakey.” You laughed, as you got out and went around to the trunk. “We went to get party supplies for Gracie’s party and then Aunty Nix insisted on a trip to the Disney Store for Gracie Girl’s outfit for the party.”

“Let me grab the bags, Sweetheart.” Bradley said, coming over and stealing a kiss, “Missed you this morning.”

“Missed you too,” You smiled, kissing him back. “Did you and Jake have fun?”

“Yeah, it was good.” He replied, smirking, “We accomplished our mission.”

“You’re not gonna tell me what it was are you?” You asked, laughing.

“Nope.” He confirmed, “Not happening, Baby.”

“Worth a shot.” You shrugged, smiling, “Come on, let’s get this inside. Gracie needs to go down for a nap.”

Phoenix came around and helped the two of you carry all of the bags inside while Jake carried Gracie into the house. You put all the bags with supplies in the laundry room for the time being so they were out of the way.

“Gracie, it's time for your nap, sweet girl.” You said, finding her sitting on Jake’s lap on the couch, telling him all about the Disney Store.

“You can show me your dress when you wake up my sweet Princess G.” Jake promised.

“Ok, Unco Jakey.” She agreed. “Daddy, you take me nite nite?”

“I sure will, Princess.” Bradley smiled at her, walking over to scoop her up into his arms. “Give Mommy hugs and kisses first.”

“Sweet dreams, Gracie girl.” You said, hugging and kissing your daughter. “Love you.”

“Wuv you too Mommy.” She replied, hugging you back. “Wuv you Aunty Nix and Unco Jakey.”

“We love you too.” They replied as Bradley carried her off to bed.

Bradley left after Gracie woke up to go get ready for your date. He hadn’t wanted to leave while she was sleeping and risk upsetting her. As promised she immediately demanded to show off her new princess dress and accessories to Jake as soon as she’d woken up. You and Phoenix helped her into the outfit and she paraded into the living room to show her uncle. You knew right away you’d have your hands full once she hit the teenage years.

“Wow, Princess G.” Jake exclaimed, “You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart! Just like a real life princess!”

Gracie beamed at the praise, twirling in the living room to show off the dress, full of giggles. All three of you had your phones out snapping pictures and taking video.

“You’re going to be the prettiest princess in all the land and especially the prettiest at your party, Sweet Girl.” You told her. “Let’s take it off though for now so it doesn't get ruined before your party ok? Do you want to put on one of your costume Disney dresses?”

“Yes pwease!” She exclaimed, not quite ready to be done with dress up, but not wanting to ruin her new dress either.

A while later, Jake and Phoenix send you off to go get ready for your date, taking over with Gracie. You’re not exactly sure what Bradley has planned but you know it doesn’t involve blanket forts this time. You took a quick shower and freshened up, opting to not wash your hair as that would take too much time to style afterwards.

You went through your closet, not really sure what to wear. You really needed to think about expanding your wardrobe, but really hated to shop for yourself.

“Nat!” You called out from your open door, a towel wrapped around you, “I’m having a wardrobe crisis!”

“On my way!” She yelled from the kitchen where she was helping Jake cook. A minute later she slipped into the room, “Alright, what do we have to work with?”

“Not much.” You sighed, “I don’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing and I don’t have a whole lot of options.”

“Ok, no worries.” She assured you, “We’ll find something. You’ve got some pretty dresses, we can glam up or make them casual depending on what we need. Want to text Rooster to find out what the evening calls for?”

“Good idea.” You replied, “I’ll just call him though. It’s faster.” You grab your phone from the bed and call Bradley.

“Hey, Sweetheart,” He answered, “Everything ok?”

“No.” You replied, sighing “I have no idea what to wear because I don’t know where we’re going and I’m currently hating my closet.”

“Ok, well that’s an easy fix.” He laughed, “I’m sorry you’re hating your closet, Sweetheart. We can go shopping and find clothes you don’t hate. I’ll even happily carry all your bags and will make sure you have an unlimited supply of iced coffees while we shop.”

“I love you.” You replied, smiling, all of the anxiety that had been building suddenly melted away, “I’m sorry for the mini freak out.”

“I love you too.” He replied, “And you’re allowed any sized freak out whenever. You don’t have to apologize for that. As for the date tonight… I’m picking up take out and we’re having a picnic on the beach. Then coming home to get comfy and cuddle in bed and watch a movie and eat snacks. Does that help?”

“Yes.” You replied, “It helps a lot. And it sounds absolutely perfect.”

“I’ll pick you up in a little bit, Sweetheart.” He promised, “I love you.”

“I’ll be ready.” You replied, “Love you too.”

After hanging up you took a deep cleansing breath then turned to Phoenix.

“Ok, we need something for a beach picnic.” You said, “Then we’re going back to his house and watching a movie and eating snacks, so I’ll just steal one of his tshirts at that point. The man is literally perfect.”

“He definitely knows how to read you.” She smiled, “Last night he was trying to decide between a big fancy dinner date or a more low key just the two of you no pressure kinda date. I’m guessing the phone call just now may have tipped the scales.”

“Oh God, you mean he may have had reservations somewhere and just completely threw his plan out the window because I’m a basketcase?” You said, on the verge of another freak out.

“And even if he did,” Phoenix assured you, “He would be absolutely fine in canceling it and changing it last minute if it meant making you happy. That man will do literally anything in his power if it puts a smile on your face. But more importantly, that’s what we do for those we love… we adjust as the situation calls for it. Jake and I would do the same for one another. It’s normal, Y/N.”

“I’ve never had ‘normal’” You admitted, “But, I would do the same for him.”

“See? Perfectly normal and healthy relationship.” She smiled, “Now, come on, let’s get you ready and on your way to your perfect date.”

Twenty minutes later you were dressed in a simple maxi skirt with a tshirt knotted at the waist and a pair of sandals. You were alerted to Bradley’s arrival by Gracie’s squeal of delight at her Daddy walking in the front door..

You made your way out to the living room to find Bradley already on the floor playing with Gracie. Jake and Phoenix were in the kitchen finishing up getting dinner ready for the three of them.

“You look beautiful, Sweetheart.” Bradley said looking up and smiling from his spot on the floor.

“Thank you.” You replied, smiling back at him, “You’re looking pretty handsome yourself.”

“Princess G, dinner’s ready.” Jake said coming out of the kitchen, looking over at you he smiled, “You look beautiful, Tulip.”

“Thanks Jakey.” You smiled back, “And thank you again for keeping Gracie tonight.”

“No thanks needed for that!” Jake replied, “I never turn down time with my favorite Princess.”

Bradley stood up and scooped Gacie up with him, hugging her and giving her lots of kisses making her giggle.

“Daddy!” She exclaimed, “That tickles!”

“Just getting all the kisses to power me up!” He reasoned, chuckling.

“Come give Mommy hugs and kisses, Gracie.” You said, holding your hands out to her and taking her from Bradley. “I love you, Sweet girl. Be good for Uncle Jakey and Aunty Nix and Mommy will see you tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok, Mommy.” She said, hugging you back, “I wuv you too!”

You set her down and she ran off to the kitchen.

“Have fun you two.” Jake said, winking, “See you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, man,” Bradley said, “Ready to go, Sweetheart?”

“I am,” You replied, “Let me grab my bag quickly.”

Bradley drove you to a semi private beach and pulled the Bronco into a parking spot. He came around to open your door and help you down from the passenger seat before reaching into the back to grab a blanket and a picnic basket before taking your hand and leading you down to the beach.

“Where did you find an actual picnic basket?” You asked him, as you walked to a secluded part on the beach.

“I borrowed it from Penny.” He replied, setting the basket down to spread the blanket out on the sand. You helped him to smooth out the corners, slipping your shoes off to set at the edge.

“Did you change plans last minute because I was freaking out?” You asked, wanting to confirm Phoenix’s theory.

“I decided in the moment that this would be more in line with what you needed is all.” He replied, smiling softly, “I know this week is going to be a lot for you and the last thing I wanted was to add to the stress and anxiety. This way it’s just the two of us, no stress or pressure.”

“I love you so much, Bradley.” You beamed, leaning over towards where he was seated and softly kissing him, “You’re so good to me, I’m so lucky to have you.”

“I love you too, Sweetheart.” He replied, kissing you back, “And I am the lucky one. You’ve literally given me a family, Baby… so much more than I ever thought I’d have in my life.”

“We’re not going anywhere.” You smiled. “Gracie and I are all yours.”

Bradley pulled out the food from the basket along with glasses and a bottle of wine. He’d picked up Italian take out from the restaurant you’d gone to on your first date.

“Recreating our first date?” You asked, smiling.

“The good parts.” He replied, filling your glass of wine. “Let’s change the ending though.”

“I’ll drink to that.” You laughed. “I’d say your odds of getting me in bed tonight are VERY good, Lieutenant.”

“I can work with those odds.” He smirked, “That would make for a much better ending than the first date for sure.”

“It would indeed.” You agreed. “Although, technically you got me in bed that night too.”

The two of you ate your dinner, talking, laughing and flirting with one another. You only drank a couple glasses of the wine, Bradley only drinking one because he was driving. You put the cork back into the bottle to save it for later.

“Want to go for a walk before we head back to the house?” Bradley asked, once you’d both finished eating.

“That sounds perfect.” You replied.

He stood up and reached his hand down to help you up. You both left your shoes on the blanket, walking barefoot in the sand along the water. You walked hand in hand just enjoying the beautiful evening. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting a pinkish glow to the horizon.

“The other day, when Gracie and I were playing, I asked her what she was building…” Bradley said, stopping and pulling you around to face him. “She told me she was building a big castle for you, me and her to live in… and Uncle Jake and Aunty Nix.”

“That would need to be a pretty big castle.” You smiled.

“I don’t think we’ll find any big castles in southern California near the naval base.” Bradley said, “But… I would really love for you and Gracie to move in with me…or for us to find a place closer to Jake if need be for Gracie…I just really want to live with my girls. Will you and Gracie live with me, Sweetheart?”

“We absolutely will!” You smiled widely, wrapping your arms around his neck, your fingers threading into his hair, “Your house is already perfect, Bradley. There’s no need to find anything new. We just want to be with you too.”

“I talked to Jake about it already,” He admitted, “I wasn’t sure how Gracie would do with being separated from him again. We came up with a plan… it involves occasional sleepovers at Uncle Jake’s on the weekends and a trip to Disneyland to soften the blow.”

“So bribery?” You laughed.

“Yup!” Bradey agreed, “Also, I figured we’d recreate her Princess room for her at our house… so it’ll be a win-win for her.”

“I think the fact that she’ll be living with YOU full time will be enough of an enticement.” You smiled, “I like the sound of that though, ‘our house’.”

“As of right now Sweetheart, that’s exactly what it is.” He said.

“In that case,” You said, “How about we go collect our stuff and go home, Lieutenant?”

“That’s a fantastic idea.” He agreed, leaning down to capture your lips before spinning you both around and heading back down the beach towards your stuff.

Bradley pulled the Bronco into the driveway, shutting off the ignition and getting out to come around to help you out. Instead of helping you down from the Bronco, he swept you up into his arms, carrying you bridal style towards the house.

“Bradley!” You exclaimed, laughing, “What are you doing?”

“I’m carrying you over the threshold into our home.” He replied, winking at you as he carefully maneuvered to unlock the door without dropping you. “It’s tradition.”

“I don’t think that applies to moving in together.” You answered, smiling at him, “That’s marriage.”

“Well, we’re making our own rules here.” He said, stepping into the house and kicking the door closed with his foot. “Welcome home, Sweetheart.”

“I love you,” You said, pulling his head down to kiss him gently.

“I love you too.” He replied against your lips, “I can’t wait to move you and Gracie in here” He let you slide down so you were standing in front of him, but kept you wrapped in his arms. Leaning down again to place gentle kisses along your jawline, moving to your ear and down your neck.

“And when do you think you’re wanting that to happen?” You ask, your fingers threading into his hair, your head tipping to the slide to allow him easier access to your neck.

“Tomorrow too soon?” He asked, nipping at your ear, causing a shiver to run down your body.

“We might need more than a day to get things ready and to make that happen.” You replied, your voice shaky, “But we’ll go with soon.”

“ASAP.” He said, kissing his way back up before claiming your lips, his tongue slipping into your mouth meeting your own. His hands moved down over the curve of your hips, around to your butt, pulling you tighter into him.

Your hands wandered down to the buttons on his shirt, undoing them one by one until you could slide the shirt off his shoulders, letting it pool on the floor at his feet. He was left in a white fitted tank top that you quickly pulled from where it was tucked into his jeans and pushed it up and off of him with his help, throwing it to land with his other shirt. You let your fingers wander over his broad shoulders, gently tracing a scar on his left shoulder…moving up on your tiptoes to gently trail kisses where your fingers had been, drawing a soft moan from Bradley. His hands are resting on your hips, giving you free reign at the moment. You continue to trail soft kisses over his chest, sternum, and collarbone, moving up to your tiptoes to kiss along the scar on his neck , letting your tongue lick along the raised edge.

“Shit, Baby, you’re driving me crazy.” He groaned, his voice thick with need, “You’re so fucking hot.”

“You’re pretty damn hot yourself, Roo.” You said, nipping at the sensitive skin on his neck by his ear. “Feel like moving this to our bedroom?”

“Jesus, Sweetheart.” He rasped, lifting you off the ground, causing you to laugh and wrap your legs around him as best as you could with your skirt in the way. He hurried up the stairs to the master bedroom, not stopping until he was in the room and falling with you onto the bed, causing you both to erupt into a fit of giggles.

“Hi.” You whispered, once you’d both stopped giggling. You were lying under him on the bed, he was bracing himself on his arms to keep the majority of his weight off of you.

“Hi, Baby.” He replied, leaning down to peck your lips in a soft gentle kiss, before moving down to slowly trail kisses to your neck and the shell of your ear, whispering “I think you’re wearing too many clothes.”

“What do you plan to do about it.” You asked, squirming against him, trying to gain friction where you needed it the most.

In reply, he sat back up, pulling you with him. He continued to kiss over your neck as he hands ran over sides, to the knot at the front of your tshirt undoing it and pulling it up over your head. He tossed the shirt off to the side, not caring where it landed.

“You’re so damn beautiful, Sweetheart.” He said, his eyes roaming over the skin he’d exposed. His hands ghosted over your breasts, moving to your shoulders, bending his head to allow his mouth to follow the path of his hands. He reached around to undo the clasp of your bra, before gently peeling it away from your body and tossing it to join your shirt on the floor. “Lay back, Baby.”

You laid back against the pillow, giving him easy viewing access to your now half naked self.

“Bradley” You moaned, “Please… I need you…” You could feel an ache building deep inside that only Bradley would be able to satiate.

“What do you need, Sweetheart?” He asked, leaning down to plant kisses over your collarbone, moving down towards the tops of your breasts. His hand moves to your right breast, gently squeezing before his thumb rubs over the sensitive nipple.

“Need you to touch me” You begged, your hands threading into his hair.

“I am touching you.” He teased, chuckling. He dipped his head down, his hot tongue licking over your nipple before taking the whole thing into his mouth, sucking hard and effectively stopping any train of thought you were capable of. You gasped, moaning his name, your fingers tightening in his hair.

“Brad…” You cry out, releasing your fingers from his hair and moving your hands down over his shoulders to his back, fingers digging into him wherever you can reach. “Fuck… feels so good.”

He moved his hands down to the waistband of your skirt, his mouth following over your skin, trailing kisses down your torso before he’s sitting up, and tugging off your skirt and panties in one motion. You let out a breathy giggle at his sudden impatience to have you completely naked.

“Now you’re the one wearing too many clothes, Lieutenant.” You teased, sitting up. You move your hands to the button of his jeans, undoing it and slowly lowering the zipper, your hands brushing against his arousal in the process. With the newly found access, you run your hand over his hardened cock now only covered by his boxers, wrapping your fingers around as best as you can, stroking him with his pants still around his hips.

“Baby, as fucking amazing as that feels,” He moaned, “I have other plans that don’t include me coming in my boxers with you stroking me off.”

“Hmm and what do these plans include then?” You asked, smiling at him innocently, continuing to apply pressure but moving lower on his shaft.

“You’re a minx.” He growled, grabbing your hands and pinning you back against the bed, his lips capturing yours in a heated kiss, his tongue pushing into your mouth to dance over your own. After a moment he pulled away so you could both catch your breath while he took the time to finally divest himself of his jeans and boxers before moving back up over you. “My turn, Sweetheart.” he said, sliding his hands up your thighs, his thumbs moving to your inner thighs, pulling your legs apart to expose your already wet center.

“All this for me, Baby?” He asked, running one hand over through slick folds, drawing a moan from your lips. He maneuvered himself down onto the bed so he was now lying between your thighs, his broad shoulders now keeping you spread open, his arms coming around to brace himself and cradle your sides. You nearly jolted off the bed at the first swipe of his tongue through your folds, the only thing keeping you secured to the bed was his body. “Fuck you taste good, Sweetheart.”

“Brad…” You whimpered, arching towards him, needing him to sooth the deep ache he’d created in your core. Your hands fisted in the sheets at your sides, desperately trying to anchor yourself to something. “Please…”

“I’ve got you, Baby.” He promised, dipping his head again and licking a stripe through your wet folds once more before latching his mouth to your clit and sucking, causing you to cry out his name. He continued to run his tongue over your pussy and clit, alternating between licking and sucking, driving your pleasure higher and higher. Your hands moved from the deathgrip they had on the sheets, to your fingernails scraping over his shoulders, to finally threading your fingers into his hair, holding his head to you.

“So close…” You gasped, “Bradley…. Gonna cum.” You panted, trying to suck in oxygen, the band of pleasure tightening in your belly, each swipe of his tongue driving you impossibly higher.

“Let go for me, Baby.” He said, looking up at you. He latched his mouth onto your clit, sucking hard as he thrust his ring and middle fingers into your pussy, curling them in a ‘come here’ motion, hitting your g spot. It was enough to snap the band and send you soaring over the ledge into an intense orgasm, your inner walls clenching down around his fingers.

“Bradley!” You cried out, “Oh fuck!” He continued to slowly move his fingers in and out of your pussy while you rode out the orgasm, waiting for you to come down, kissing your inner thigh and whispering words of praise.

“You doing, OK, Sweetheart?” He asked, smirking up at you from his position.

“Up here… now.” You replied, reaching for him. He happily complied, moving so he was once more leaning over you, his lips coming down to claim yours. You let one hand move to wander over his back, the other moving between you to stroke over his now very hard cock, precum leaking from the tip. “I need you inside me… want you to fill me up, Bradley.”

“Fuck, Sweetheart.” He growled, attacking your lips in a fiery messy kiss, tongues battling for dominance, teeth nipping at your lower lip, before he pulled back to gasp, “Guide me home, Baby.” He returned to kissing you fiercely, bringing his hand up to thread into your hair, his other arm supporting his weight so as not to crush you. You stroked his shaft from base to tip twice before lining him up with your entrance, his tip slipping into your folds, gathering your slickness before he pushed in further. You brought your arm around so both hands were now moving over his back, fingers digging in. You wrapped your legs around his waist, opening up and allowing him more access.

“Don’t tease, Bradley.” You whined, when he still hadn’t pushed all the way in. “Need you, please!” you started to beg.

Unable to deny you, he thrust fully into you, his hips slamming against your own as he fully seated himself inside of you, the tip of his cock hitting your cervix. The movement caused you both to let out a deep moan, clinging to one another in desperate need. He gave you a moment to adjust to his size, even though you’d been sleeping together now since your divorce was finalized, Bradley was still well endowed and you needed a moment to adjust each time.

“I’m good.” You gasped, letting him know he could move now, arching up into him and clenching your inner muscles.

“Oh, shit you feel so damn good, Sweetheart.” He groaned, “Taking me so well…” He started to pull back until he was almost all of the way out and then slammed back down, pushing all of the way in again. He set a steady pace, moving in and out, driving you both closer and closer to a mind shattering orgasm.

“Don’t stop….” You begged, your nails digging into his back, surely leaving crescent shaped marks for later. “So close…please.”

“Not stoppin’, Baby.” He promised, slightly out of breath from the exertion, “You feel so fucking amazing… can’t get enough.” He continued his brutal pace, slamming into you, his cock hitting your g spot with every thrust. He reached between your bodies to rub his thumb over your clit, “Give it to me, Honey, cum on my cock…let me feel it.”

The combination of him hitting so deep, his thumb relentless on your clit and his words, pushed you over the edge. You felt your walls clench down around his cock, trying to lock him inside of you, every muscle in your body tensing up as pleasure washed over your whole body.

“Mmm, shit, Bradley!” You gasped, the pleasure of the second orgasm overwhelming you, this one more intense than the first one, “Fuck… love you… so… much.”

“Jesus you’re squeezing me so tight…” He moaned, close to his own orgasm. His rhythm becoming more erratic, “Love you so fucking much Sweetheart…. So close….. Fuck…. Cumming…” he brought his mouth to yours, capturing your lips in a desperate kiss as ropes of his hot cum painted your inside walls, filling you impossibly full.

Once spent, he collapsed onto you, careful not to crush you. You wrapped your arms around him holding him tightly to you, enjoying the feeling of being connected as you both returned to Earth. After a few moments, he rolled over, taking you with him, so you were now lying on top of him, your head resting on his chest, content to listen to his heartbeat.

“We need to get cleaned up, Sweetheart.” Bradley said quietly after a few minutes, “I should probably get the leftovers out of the Bronco too.”

“I don’t wanna move.” You complained, snuggling in closer to him, causing him to chuckle.

“How about we grab a quick shower, I get the leftovers dealt with, then we cuddle in bed the rest of the night.” He suggested, holding you tighter, “And every night after that… because you and our baby girl are moving in!”

“We are…” You tip your head to look at him smiling brightly, “I can’t wait. I’ll get to go to bed with you and wake up with you every single night…except when you deploy…those nights will suck.”

“Those will be few and far between, Sweetheart.” He said, “We won’t worry about those just yet.”

“Ok.” You agreed, not wanting to focus on anything depressing. “How about tomorrow we talk to Gracie about moving in… maybe we can start looking at some bedroom furniture for her and make a plan on when we can make it official.”

“Sounds perfect.” He said, “Let’s take her to pick out her new bedroom decorations and we can start decorating her room. The sooner that’s ready to go, the sooner I get my girls home.”

“Someone’s impatient.” You teased, turning your head to kiss his chest. “But I get it. I’m ready too. I love you Bradley Bradshaw.”

“I love you too, Y/N Seresin.” He replied, tipping your face up to his and leaning down to gently kiss you, “You’re my whole world, Sweetheart.”

A/N: Sorry this one took so long to get out! Next chapter we return to court! It’s time to free GRACIE! Let me know what you thought of this one! We had a lot of new developments in here <3

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#bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #Miles Teller #top gun fanfiction #big brother Jake Seresin #jake seresin #glen powell

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feralchaton · 3 months

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I am a private person. I also believe that joy, like misery, loves company but it definitely throws better parties. Along with keeping much of me and mine to myself; I usually don't 'allow' myself to get excited. But. I am over the moon, bouncing off the walls, can barely contain myself excited/ happy/ elated at finally having our wedding.

The cute part of the story is that this was originally planned for 2015. The date would have been 11/11/15. In previous years, I was told that pregnancy would be next to impossible for me, and I was okay with that. Our son's birthday is about a week after that date. I'm more thankful for him. I also appreciate how, over that time, our guest list has gone from close to 250 to less than 10. Happily so, no fuss, just us.

I'm finally (officially) marrying my best friend!!! The one who let me know love at first sight is not only possible but very real. The one who taught & showed me what unconditional means and stood, stands, beside me as I consciously separate and navigate from all things conditional and toxic.

The trials and tribulations have been many, and we grew closer and stronger together not only through difficult times but the many good and great ones, too.

We see each other, meet each other where we are, and choose each other while choosing to keep going and keep growing. We are partners in every sense and yet wonderfully individual and separate, still finding ways to surprise one another. We do not tolerate each other's differences; we celebrate them. We don't hide our anger or misgivings; we talk and work through things together. We match, fit, and click in close to every way possible.

I can't imagine what has been close to the equivalent of half my lifetime spent with him any other way. Many remark on how lucky he is, but it takes two, and he helps me feel like a four leaf clover dancing on a rainbow each and every day.

"Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday, no luck at all"

Tying the knot (literally) 🍾🥂💐✨️🫶🏼💖🤭🥳💌

#feralchaton #healing is a process #keep going #it's happening #finally #Candace & Christian #02/28/24 #222 #28/02/24 #beach elopement #down by the shore everything's alright #love at the inlet #🥰

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solarwonux · 5 months

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I think I have boy problems????

Well...would it still be considered boys problems if I am the one creating them in my head??

Anyway, buckle up for the ride if you want to know all about my boy problem/not problem.

Backstory...I've stayed away from dating for a long time for a lot of reasons. And to be honest I am very happy being single. It's fun, but until recently people have mentioned or asked if I had a boyfriend bc I just look extra happy and pretty. And I'm like nah it's just me, I am just happy. But it did get me thinking should I go back to dating??? It's something I've been toying with for like a months or so. And my friend constantly wants to set me up with someone. I don't know how I feel about apps, but for now it's a no for me. Now, that that is out of the way...here's the situation.

More backstory, a couple of weeks ago. A co worker of mine who has been dating was like "I'm going on a date with this guy I met from bumble." She had previously told me about him but then I asked to see a picture. And let me tell you the world is fucking small. The guy that she was going on a date with is friends with my friend. And I have previously only heard about him and I've seen pictures of him. So I told my Co worker this and then she told him when they went on the date that they had somebody in common. She did tell me about her date and she said that honestly he gave her more like friend vibes and that she isn't looking for anything serious but he is.

Flash forward a couple of days I meet up with my friend because we are going to Hong Kong together so we were finishing planning our trip. She tells me that she hung out with the guy during the weekend, and that he kept asking about my Co worker, but my friend doesn't know her, she's only met her once. And he tells her that they had planned to go on another date, but that something came up and they decided to move it to another day. As of right now, I'm positive they still haven't gone on that date.

Now flash forward again to Saturday night. My friend is celebrating her birthday and this is the first time that I officially meet this guy. The first thing he says to me is "hey you're _____ co worker." And I was like yeah. We start walking to the first destination of the night it's cool we are vibing. But whenever I meet someone for the first time I am always really reserved, until I feel comfortable. Then we go to dinner and one of our other friends there says "hey you guys are matching you should send a picture to (co worker name), it would be funny." Tbh I laugh it off and move on.

Then we get to the first bar, but on our way to the first bar I think he asks me how my co worker is and im just like "fine," idk if he wanted more deets on her but hes the one talking to her he should just as ask her straight up. But anyway at the first bar after a while he comes up to me and was like "Let's take a picture so I can send it to _____." And so we take the picture (tbh I'm offended that he didn't even send me the picture it's kinda cute.) Then we start to get more comfortable with each other.

We go to the club and this is when things start to get a little complicated. Mind you we didn't leave the club until like 4 am. But anyway, I don't drink anymore when I go out for a lot of reasons. But he asks me and I'm like "oh I think I have an allergy to alcohol " which honestly it's not a lie. My nose gets really runny when I drink and I get really red. Then everybody is dancing, we are all having a good time. He's a dancer but so am I so we start having like idiotic dance battles with our other friend. And the vibes are good.

Then at some point I do ask him to dance with me. It started out very innocently but then things get very heated and touchy. We last like this for a long time, maybe like 4 songs. Then I try to teach him how to salsa and bless his soul he's trying. But this lasts for like another couple of songs. But then I see my friend crying so I was like "bye my friend is crying," so I went to see what happened and I do have a vague idea of what happened, but I just sit down quietly next to her. And he comes to sit down next to me.

Flash forward an hour later we do the whole dancing thing again. We are touchy, I try to get him to salsa. But then it's time to leave. On our way to the restaurant we are walking alone together and just talking. He's asking me how long I've been living in korea and how long I've been studying korean. And maybe you could classify this as flirting but tbh I am clueless when a guy tries to flirt with me.

Moving on we eat dinner/breakfast bc at this point it's like 5am. But it's finally time to go home. All our other friends call cabs. But me, my friend him decide to just take the bus or train home since the first train was going to open in like 30 mins. We are walking and I said "I almost fell in spanish." And then he says something that can insinuate do you want to kiss me in spanish. But not like that it's pretty complicated but earlier in the night while we were eating dinner my friend and I said "saliva" in spanish, which there are a multitude of ways. So basically he brought that up again.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. I said "lol stop saying that." And then my friend was like "omg you're insinuating that you want to kiss Laura." And I don't know if he was trying to deflect it at first but she kept like joking with him about it and I can't remember if my friend was the one who brought up my Co worker or if he did. But I did say "she wouldn't care if you did." Because in all honesty it just seems like she wouldn't especially if she has hinted that he's not really interested him.

Now my problem is...I think I now have a stupid crush on him. I have the means to contact him in a bunch of different ways. But first idk if I should because even though I am interested in him. I just don't think he would he interested in me, just given my track record nobody ever is. And if he was I think he would've at least tried to say something by now. Also it could be very possible that I'm the only one that remembers what happened bc I was the only one who was sober. So he might not know what happened, which makes me feel terrible. But there's also like my Co worker, like I don't want to be that person who steals somebody from someone.

So it's just a frustrating situation because I can see myself getting to know him. And he's also the first guy i feel comfortable with. Like i let him touch me and it didnt feel bad but good. And i dont know if you guys know me or remember but if you're new here just know that last year in april something very bad happened to me involving a guy. And since then I've been repulsed by men. But he's the first one that I haven't felt that way with.

And like idk what to do but I already cried about this so many times. Like should I make a move or just send him a message or forget about it because I'm delusional and like he is not interested in me.

Ugh I'm sorry for ranting. It's just my real friends from back home were not helpful at all. And it's to long to explain to my friends here over text so I rather tell them in person when I see them. But for now I just needed to get it off my chest.

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metamorphosisff · 1 year

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|Chapter 9| Kinda, Sorta...Maybe

My fingers toy with the braided orange and white yarn bracelet around my wrist as I wait for Papi’s summer camp orientation to be over. The young counselors in the front are going through what the program will look like for the next eight weeks and behavioral expectations. However no one is truly paying attention. Tired parents, wrangle with groups of children, and their own boredom while clusters of kids throughout the cramped auditorium talk excitedly amongst themselves. I sat in the back fighting against sleep myself after my graveyard shift since Mari couldn’t make the ten a.m. meeting. As they finally begin to enter the last week of camp on the powerpoint my pointer finger traces over the one bead that was in the middle of the bracelet that was marked with the letter X.

Xavier had slipped it into my hand last Saturday while we waited for the Uber to take me back across the bridge. Apparently his sister and her friends have quite the side hustle in selling the custom friendship bracelets. For ten dollars he got her to make us some. At first I told him I’d never wear mine but then I saw him with it on at community service yesterday. It was right behind the Apple Watch he always wore with my initial facing outward. Jazz had clocked it before I had, which earned me another earful about letting him in.

When he Facetimed me last night the first thing he saw was it on my wrist. The simple joy that spread throughout his eyes from me participating in the peak of his corniness made it worth it. Xavier never asked for me to give more of me than I was willing even when I could tell he wanted to. This was the least I could do to show him that his energy was not for nothing. That even though I swore to be a kind of decent friend, I knew he was a true one to me. In a short amount of time he managed to be a great one. So now a part of me wanted to be that in return. My train of thought was interrupted by Papi thrusting a folder into my lap. I raised a brow in question.

“It’s the program’s calendar and a few slips for you to sign for our trips,” Papi explained.

“Got it. When are these due?” I asked.

“I have to bring them with me on the first day next week,” he replied.

Nodding my head, I stuffed the folder, and stood to my feet. I had a few hours before I had to be up for community service. “C’mon let’s go home.”

“Actually, I was kind of hoping to hang out with Jayce and Tim,” he said, nodding over to two boys who were waiting for him not too far away. We lucked out by finding a program other boys from his school had heard about as well.

“Jayce is the one with the older sister right?” I asked.

“Yeah, Jessica,” he replied.

“Then fine, you can go,” I replied, knowing that Jayce’s sister routinely checked in on her brother and his friends. “But you better beat me home later.”

“I got you, later Auntie,” he said, giving me a quick hug before running off with his friends.

“Later.”

While he ran off to get sweaty, I made the twenty minute trek back to our building.In no time I had stripped down, tossed myself into a shower, scarfed down the bagel I bought on the way home, and was crashing into my sheets when my phone began to vibrate. I groaned at the sight of Lonso’s name next to a text notification. Clicking it, I quickly scanned the message.

Ma’s having a birthday party. You coming?

Ms. Lena had a birthday party every year and I had gone all of one time to know I’d never go to another. It hurt too much to see what was so blatantly missing from my life. There was so much love on his side of the family that he never went a day without it. Meanwhile, savoring their joy felt too much like stealing to me. Instead of responding directly, I sent him the screenshot of the calendar reminder I had which read ‘Call Ms. Lena’.

Within seconds he replied.

That better be a Facetime with your no-show ass.

Go recite the anthem or whatever they pay you to do instead of playing on my phone.

Ain’t nobody playing. That’s your problem right there. Just come home.

See? He never got it. Never got me. Virginia was not my home because they left me behind when they were crafting it. Their house was a reminder that I was tolerated at best and I didn’t need the pity. Shaking my head, I typed out what would be my last response: I am home.

I rolled my eyes and tossed my phone to the side so that I could finally go to sleep. That was enough Lonso for one day.

It’s been eons since I have stepped into a lecture hall but I do so this afternoon as Xavier has invited me to watch him teach. As I sit in the back, I notice as a few people regard me with curious stares wondering why I’m there. I’m looking around the room wondering the same thing when my eyes lock with the professor’s. He sends me a silly smile and beckons me forward but I shake my head. I don’t want to sit any closer because knowing Xavier he’ll try to get me to participate. I’ve agreed to listen, nothing more, sensing my stance he grins but nods his head in acquiesce. Baby steps. We’re taking baby steps at getting me to be a more social being in general. I pull out one of Papi’s old notebooks that still has a few blank pages in the back and a pen. On the screen is a slide that reads: PSY518 Macro Human Behavior. Underneath that is the subtitle: Chapter 2 - The Social Psychology of Group Behavior. I write down both along with my name and the date as if I’m actually a part of the class.

After a few more minutes, when the hall is filled with about eighty or so students, Xavier calls the class to attention. He stands in the center of the floor, right before where the teacher’s desk is, and his belongings sit atop.Today he wears jeans and a powder blue short sleeve button down with a sweater that the blasting air conditioning makes necessary. I eye the students, armed with notebooks, tablets, and computers ready for the words that are to spill from his lips. Their hunger for knowledge makes me lean forward and swing my eyes back to the man in the middle of the room. He had their respect and undivided attention, I could give him that too.

Clapping his hands together, Xavier starts, pacing as his voice fills the room. “Over the last two weeks we have been breaking down chapter two, the social psychology of group behavior. Tonight we will wrap up this discussion by examining ourselves, our awareness of self, and how that can affect our worldview, and professional practice. To kick us off, can somebody please refresh us on what Albert Bandura’s social learning theory is.”

Multiple hands shoot up into the air. Xavier chooses a girl dressed in overalls splattered in paint and a ruffled crop top. Her bright pink hair makes it easy to find her when she says, “Social learning theory basically stresses the importance of observing, modeling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.”

“That’s it precisely and quickly can somebody connect why that theory applies when we look inward to ourselves,” Xavier said, scanning the hall once again before calling on a lanky kid whose limbs were spilling out of the seat. “Dante go ahead.”

“Because we are what we have been raised or not raised to be. Humans are very monkey see, monkey do. If we see our parents work hard, we work hard. If we see them doing drugs, we are likely to follow suit, so on and so forth,” Dante replies.

That response makes me sit up because it strikes close to home. I never wanted to do drugs because of my parents but something in me lately had been drawn to setting my life on fire. Now, here I was shifting through the ashes, wondering when I had become a pyromaniac. Had the instinct lied dormant within me or did I learn how to pick up matches from watching them?

“Correct. To expound on Dante’s example, if we see our parents work hard, then we may think, why can’t other people do the same? You might think your client is being lazy or not trying their best. That can cause you to miss a potential area of assessment. Maybe your client has ADHD or SPD. If you hold onto these biases, and we all have them, then you will not be serving your client to the best of your ability,” Xavier continues.

“Professor Taylor, are all biases harmful?” someone else calls out. I miss the face because I’m too busy jotting down notes to revisit later.

“I would say yes but to varying degrees. Like stereotypes, biases are a form of personal truths, of what we believe to be true based on experience. We fall short when we don’t take into account that not everyone has the same shared experience,” Xavier replies.

“What if all of your experiences are harmful but you don’t want to replicate the behaviors you witnessed in your home or community?” another student asks.

I can feel all of the thoughts zinging around the room as this class gets into its analyzing state. These kids are keeping Xavier on his toes and he loves it. His eyes light up when he gets this question.

“Great point, the answer is you have a lot of work to do on yourself. It is hard to break free of the behaviors we witness in our formative years. They are embedded in us in ways we don’t know are possible until certain situations arise. It is hard but it is not impossible,” he says, his eyes landing on me the exact moment he finishes his statement.

It’s an echo of our conversation from the day of the food truck festival. A subtle reminder to me that change is possible. I’m on the fence but for the next ninety minutes I open my mind to the possibility. I watch students role play different situations where awareness of self would be crucial in helping their future clients. I watch as Xavier gently guides and corrects where some groups fall short. I fill the remaining blank pages in Papi’s old notebook with phrases, words, and theories I plan to look up when I get home. As he dismisses his students, I look over what I’ve written with some understanding of my childhood, and the decisions I have made in adulthood because of it. I’m lost in thought when Xavier approaches me, bag slung over his shoulder.

“Those notes mean you enjoyed the lecture?” he asks.

“I did. Feed me and I’ll tell you my thoughts,” I say, putting away my stuff in my bag.

He chuckles as he steps aside as I get up from my seat. “C’mon there’s a bomb pizza spot not too far from here.”

We walk side by side under ominous gray clouds that are threatening to spill at any moment. This impending storm was not on the weather forecast this morning so I’ll most definitely be getting caught in it since I’m umbrella-less. For now though, I push the thought to the back of my mind as we make it to the pizzeria that was only four blocks away from the side of campus we had been on. There are a few tables in the back available between the crowd of students and families. I snag one while he gets our slices, a penne and regular one for me, and two pepperoni’s for him. We eat for all of five seconds before he decides to start probing me about his class.

“Aight, I’ve fed you, spill it. What did you think?” he asks, taking a bite out of his pepperoni slice.

I grin at the nervousness in his demeanor before saying,“That you both enjoy and know what you’re talking about. I was able to follow along like I’ve been in the class the whole semester.”

Nodding his head, he said, “That’s exactly what I strive for. Texts are hard enough to break down on their own without me being more confusing on top of that.”

“I wish I had more teachers that followed that philosophy. Why don’t you teach full time?” I ask next.

“I love teaching but I also like feeling like I’ve made an impact. Helping Hands allows me to serve people in a real way. The need to help is in my blood. Most of the men in my family serve by enlisting but that wasn’t my path,’” he answers.

“Mine either. My brother enlisted too. He wanted to be the complete opposite of our father and thought I should want that as well,” I said.

“We can only walk our paths. Not the ones other’s want for us,” he said, speaking from experience as well.

“Correct. I’m glad you listened to your gut because this is so clearly your calling,” I said.

“Thanks,” he smiled before asking, “It took me a minute to find it but I literally can’t see myself doing anything else.”

“Why do you think it took you so long?” As someone who was also taking a long time to find their purpose I couldn’t help but wonder how long it might take me.

“About five years. I spent a lot of my teen years and early twenties angry, at first because me and my father could not see eye to eye. Then because of Sabrina. Anger…distracted me. That’s why when I figured it out, I hit the ground running trying to make up for lost time. One of the reasons why my ex is my ex, she thought I needed a new career when I had just found this one,” he said, with a shake of his head.

“Not to be disrespectful but it sounds like she did not know you. Anyone with eyes can see how much you love what you do,” I said.

“Not anyone, just those who matter,” he said softly, taking a glance at me while taking a sip of his soda.

I feel my cheeks heat up and quickly drop my gaze to what’s left of my penne slice. He snickers but allows me to retreat in peace. We fall into a comfortable silence as I finish off most of my food. When I’m done, I wipe my hands on a napkin as I observe him typing out an email. His glasses are still on and the muscular body underneath the button down reminds me of an actor I can’t place at the moment.

“The professor's look suits you,” I said, popping the collar of his short sleeved button down, drawing his attention.

“Aye man quit,” he chuckles, but does nothing to stop me. Instead, he looks over at me as he chews the latest bite from his pizza. “Tell me about your day.”

Like that we fall back into an easy conversation as I fill him in on Papi’s first day of camp which was yesterday, the jobs I’ve been applying to, and the episodes of Captain America I’ve finally watched since he’s given me the login information for his Disney Plus account. By the time we leave the pizzeria to head towards the train station the sky has opened with a steady rain but we walk as if the sun is still out. Anytime our in person time is coming to an end both of us subconsciously fall into sync to make it last as long as possible. Our shoulders brush as he listens to me complain about having to be up in seven hours for work.

“That just means you’ll have to go to bed as soon as you get in,” he says.

“If I go to sleep, I’ll miss more of your students' awful grammar and syntax,” I chuckle. Lately he had taken to reading me some of their papers aloud as he graded. They were interesting bedtime stories that sometimes affected my dreams.

“There will be no shortage of that trust me. They will still be bad tomorrow night,” he says, looking over at the train station entrance not too far away before looking at me. There were a thousand emotions swirling in those brown eyes. All of them were easily translated but still I couldn't help but to question for clarity.

“Why do you look at me like that?” I ask, as he peers down at me through long lashes that are clumped together due to the rain.

“Like what?” He says stepping closer to me in the way he does when he thinks he will somehow miss my words.

“Like…like I’m the only one you see…like I’m everything,” I said, speaking as the answer came to me bit by bit.

His attention for me is all encompassing and wraps around me like a cloak. We both find comfort in it and it’s why he is looking at the train station with such disdain. He does not want to part from me and if I’m being honest, I’m not ready to part with him either.

“Because you are,” he says.

Words are trapped in my throat as if I swallowed honey. He uses my lapse to lean in closer to say, “And you look at me the same way.”

“I…what?” I sputter out which causes him to chuckle.

“You heard me Mila. You see into me like I see into you which is what has made being your friend so amazing. This connection between us…it can be more,” he said, giving voice to my most inner thoughts.

The thoughts I tried to bury and deny. The thoughts Jazz said were inevitable for me to have. He has them too.

“More,” I repeat softly as his brown eyes hold onto mine. Not giving me the opportunity to escape this time. He’s holding me accountable at this moment.

While it’s true I want Xavier to be my friend, I also want more because somewhere along the line I caught feelings. It’s sudden and unexpected but being around him makes me less afraid. Makes me want to take a risk which I do by grabbing his face and kissing him. His hands instantly reach for my waist, pulling me flush against him. Being in his embrace is the most sense of belonging I have ever known. It’s instantly right as his eagerness takes over the kiss. I don’t mind letting him lead, considering it a reward after taking a leap of faith. What feels like all too soon, he’s easing out of our kiss with small pecks as his breath fans against my face.

“I just wanted to pause and say technically you kissed me first,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I did,” I said, pressing my lips against his once more. “You kissed me back.”

“I did,” he repeats, kissing me again, this time firmer as he pulls me closer. I tilt my head, giving him more access to sweep his tongue against mine and for the cool drops of rain to slide down my throat. We both taste like the Coca Cola we washed down the slices with. I find myself gripping onto his shoulders to keep his body pressed against mine. The rain is picking up but I can’t pay attention to anything but the way my heart is beating against my chest and the way Xavier feels clutched against it. This feels like a movie but whenever our eyes catch between kisses I’m reminded of how real this is, how I don’t ever want this to not be our reality, and how scared I am of what this means for our future. He eases from our kisses with a few nibbles and pecks before resting his forehead against mine. “I’d like to keep kissing you from this day forward. Cool?”

“Cool.”

“We don’t have to rush anything. We move at the same pace,” he says, nuzzling his nose against mine. It's as if he feels my anxiety rising and knows just what to say to keep it at a simmer instead of boiling over.

“Okay,” I said, nodding my head and because I think he deserves to hear it too, I add, “I want more too but you’re my friend first. I need you to be.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says, sealing our agreement with another searing kiss that is a stark comparison to the monsoon we’re under.

It’s a simple acknowledgement of our shifting dynamic. One that helps to ease my racing thoughts for the time being as he links his fingers through mine and leads the way down into the station.

Today was finally the day where we said goodbye to the snazzy orange vest crew for good. The most embarrassing period of my life has finally come to a close. What better way to celebrate than getting drinks at T.G.I. Fridays and eating sizzling fajitas like Jazz and I were currently doing. So far we had been talking about pop culture with Jazz catching me up on the shows I never had the chance to watch anymore. When my phone flashed with a text from Xavier, she caught the smirk on my face as I read over the message inquiring when I’d be available to Facetime.

“Something changed between you and Mr.Clipboard. I saw the way he grabbed your hip before we took off,” Jazz said, pointing a long marble painted acrylic nail in my direction.

It honestly trips me out sometimes how much Jazz notices in the said and unsaid. She reads between the lines like no other so I don’t bother being vague anymore. Not when I needed someone to talk about this with being that Mari was perpetually busy.

“We kinda’, sorta’, maybe…might have kissed the other night,” I said, causing her to start clapping.

“I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. That boy looks at you like you are the second coming,” Jazz says, with a nod.

“He does,” I admitted, causing her to smirk because it wasn’t that long ago that I was denying that was the case.

“What made you see it for yourself?” Jazz asked.

“I don’t know if it was any one thing you know?” I replied, biting into a fry.

“Yeah I do. It’s the culmination of all that he is and all that he has the possibility to be. It is in the thoughtfulness of every gesture and the sizzle of chemistry in every embrace, it’s-

“Not that. Not yet at least,” I said, cutting her off before she can say the four letter word that is dying to spill from her lips.

“No not yet,” Jazz agrees, taking another bite of her food as well. “But soon enough. That scares you, don’t it?”

“More than I think I have the words for,” I admit with a chuckle.

I have never been in love, not for real, so while I’m not an expert on what it is, I’m sure as hell knowledgeable in what it isn’t. Xavier has presented none of those red flags but then again he doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not. He owns up to where he falls short and strives to make the most out of his life encounter by encounter. He is admirable and approachable where I am jaded and enclosed. How do we meet in the middle without changing one another?

“He’s so sweet, and real, and I’m so afraid that I am going to fuck this up,” I continue, finally spilling some of what had been humming underneath my own excitement. Kissing Xavier was wonderful but what it meant scared me. “I feel the urge to-

“Run,” Jazz finishes for me. “I’ve been there chile and I did run. There hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t regretted either. That is why you Birdie, are going to stay the course because I’ve seen what’s on the other side so you don’t have to.”

“How do I not get in my own way?” I asked.

Jazz sends me a small smile as she says, “You are already making sure you aren’t. There is nothing wrong with having discernment about the new and exciting. That my dear is healthy so as long as you don’t let it hold you back. Xavier has made you entertain what you already considered to be impossible with friendship. This will only be slightly different but the same kind of beautiful.”

Below the surface, I believe what Jazz is saying to be true. Xavier is unlike any person I have ever met before let alone any other man. He stands in a category all by himself. I don’t have to empty out my skeletons in the closet for him to feel as if he knows me. He observes and adapts so that I’m comfortable with him without the need to.

“I hope so,” I say, as I take another sip of my drink.

“What will be, will be. Enjoy the journey Birdie,” Jazz says with a wink.

“I’m going to try. In other news I have a few interviews coming up. Fingers crossed I get a day job again,” I said.

“You will but I’m crossing my fingers all the same. I’m gon’ try to get me a lil piece of official work too. I have a friend who’s going to set me up at this shelter for women as an intake coordinator,” Jazz beams.

“That’s amazing Jazz! Sounds perfect for you as you love telling folks what to do,” I snickered.

“And do! Know the diva okay?!” Jazz hollers causing me to join in on the loud laughter. It’s been awhile since I have laughed with my whole body and it feels good to do so.

“Look at us, leaving community service on a high note,” I said.

“Here’s to making our people proud wherever they are,” Jazz says, raising her strawberry daiquiri.

I don’t know how she knows I’m in this world mostly alone but Jazz has an ‘all seeing’ way about her I have learned not to question. Instead I raise my glass with an amendment to her statement.

“And making ourselves proud above all. To looking forward.”

“Salute.”

#metamorphasisff #black fiction #black romance #slow burn romance #zendaya x mjb

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sugacookees · 1 year

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it never was you

PAIRING ✩ kim seokjin x reader fluff, a bit of angst w.c. approx. 1.5k ♫ it never was you - judy garland

As autumn leaves fall, so does the thought of you in my head.

So, on a sunny Saturday morning, I used your mug instead of mine.

“Jagi! Look there’s an antique store!”

As I drag him into the store, we both look in awe of the hundreds of trinkets and once treasures of people we will never know. Will any of Seokjin and I’s things end up in a place like this? And if they do, would anyone care to take it home with them? Out of my reverie, I turn to look at Seokjin who has taken interest in a mug. It looks like your conventional plain white mug, except for the fact that it looks like it's melting.

“I love it.” He says.

“Me too. It screams you.” And after a beat of silence, we look at each other and laugh. “We should find one for you.” He then lists the most outrageous things a mug can be; its rim shaped like a mouth so it would look hilarious when I hold it up to my lips and drink from it, or maybe a toilet bowl would be nice.

And so, we get lost in the aisles of the store, our list of groceries long forgotten. But after a while, everything I pick up and show him doesn’t seem to be enough.

“I’m beginning to lose hope.” He looks back at me in a flash, with those eyes of his that tells me I’m about to receive a lecture.

“Don’t! We’re are not gonna leave until we find you the perfect mug. Sometimes things lead us into unexpected journeys that we should take, not because we have to reach the end goal, but for what it could teach us, y’know? Like now, aren’t we having so much fun laughing at the weirdest things and what its previous owners could’ve been like? So, when we find that mug of yours, and we bring it home, whenever you’ll use it, you’ll remember this day. The day we weren’t able to get any groceries because you dragged us in here. The day we had so much fun. I’m having so much fun with you. Right now, right here. Aren’t you?”

“You’re unbelievable.” I link my arms on his shoulders and pull him close to me. “I don’t know if that was romantic, or plain annoying how you could say so much about the most ordinary things.” I laugh and peck him on the cheek.

“Well, it’s my charm. It’s why you fell in love with me in the first place.” He starts to brag. And as if there were still space between us, we pull each other impossibly close. Seokjin starts to squint his eyes on something behind me, then ever so graciously pushes me aside and rushes off.

“I found it!” He holds up a cat mug, with its tail acting as the handle. The cat isn’t cute. It looks evil like the stepmother’s cat from Cinderella. But with Seokjin holding it up so high with the brightest smile on his face, it was the most beautiful mug in the world.

When I got ready, I used that yellow sweater of yours that you really like.

Right after dinner, Seokjin’s mother hands him a big blue box with tied with a bright red bow. “Happy Birthday, my son!” along with a kiss on the cheek. He thanks her and unwraps it right away. He pulls out a fluffy knit oversized sweater. The majority of the sweater was mustard yellow, but starts to fade into a pastel yellow towards the bottom.

“Mom! I love it! Did you make this?” He screams while hugging her. “Yes. Though, it took me a while since I wasn’t sure how big you’ve grown.”

“Well, that means we’ll visit often so you’d know.” I chip in. Seokjin’s mother looks at me with adoration and holds my hands. “I would love that.”

And on that very night, he wears the sweater to sleep, saying “It’s cold, and I don’t have any other clothes left.” We’re in his family home. He brought a suitcase. Pretty sure there were enough clothes for him here for a month.

When we got back to Seoul, he would wear it to work every other week. And even on the days when we stayed in and cuddled. By that point, the sweater’s sleeves had gone so loose, I could fit my arms right in while Seokjin was wearing it, and he would still be able to move.

On my way to work, I listened to your songs even though I always fought you for it.

“Seokjin-ah, I love you. But can you please play anything else other than Coldplay?”

“No.”

I reach for his phone and he slaps my hand away. “I’m driving, it’s my music.”

“Pleaaaaase! If you let me play the music, I swear I’ll play Coldplay every ten songs.” He looks at me with doubt, and I try my very best to muster pleading eyes.

“Make it two.” He argues.

“What?! How ‘bout eight?”

“Four?”

“Seven?”

“Four.”

“Five!”

“Fine.” I cheer and connect my phone. True to my word, I did play a Coldplay song every five songs. Soon enough, we arrive at our destination.

“You know…” He starts, and I look at him questioningly.

“I would’ve agreed at ten. I just wanted to rile you up.” I hit his shoulder and he laughs. When we get out of the car, he quickly comes to my side. He holds my hand and gives it a kiss. And in my head, I decide not telling him I could listen to Coldplay all day.

And when I’m about to drift into slumber, I embrace my teddy bear tightly.

The lights and the noise of the fair started to drown out whatever Seokjin was saying. It was my first time going to something like this and I was amazed. Food booths and game booths were littered everywhere, the screams of people on the rides, everything was new and exciting. And so was my relationship with Seokjin. We have been dating for only three months, and so far, it’s been really good. He treats me well, and every conversation we have is smooth and easy. I really think this one might just last.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and look over to see Seokjin’s worried face. “Are you okay? Is it too much? We can leave if you want to, it’s no-” I stop him and assure him everything’s fine, that I was just taking it all in. He tells me again that we can leave whenever I feel uncomfortable.

Seokjin is really sweet.

He holds my hand tightly and we walk along the booths. We opt to try out some food first so we could walk out the grease and sugar from the fair foods. And as soon as we do that, we try out some game booths, one of which was a ring toss. In cliché date fashion, Seokjin promises to win me the huge bear hanging on the booth that may only be five inches shorter than me. I challenge him and say the same.

“Alright, bet. Let’s see who wins first.”

“It’ll be me, by the way. Just letting you know ahead of time.”

“Oh? Is that so? You’re too confident for your own good.”

The young girl manning the booth looks between us and laughs to herself. She gives us the rings and explains the mechanics. As soon as it starts, Seokjin tries his best accompanied with shouts that rivals that of those on the rollercoaster. Though, on my side, I wasn’t also doing well. I was so close to just throwing the rings at the bottles to shatter them. Out of desperation, I nudge Seokjin just to throw him off-balance.

“Yah! Stop cheating!” The young girl starts to worry whether we’re about to destroy her booth and make her lose a job. I go on with the game and win. Seokjin gives me a glare as the girl hands me a bear, not the huge one that looks like it could eat me, but a slightly smaller version with a yellow bowtie.

“He’s ugly. You guys deserve each other.” He jokes. “Really now? I was just thinking how he looks just like you!” I tease him more about being a sore loser, he teases me for being a cheater.

And just from that moment on, I knew my life was about to become brighter, and I started to pray to whatever god was out there in the universe to let me keep him.

Sunday morning has come, too slowly for my liking. I hope the days start to blend into each other, until the day of your return comes as a surprise, as if I wasn't counting every day, minute, and second.

Day after day of trying to imitate your warmth, your joy, and your love, I was nowhere close. All of this, everything, anything; but it never was you. It never was anywhere you.

#kim seokjin x reader #seokjin x reader #seokjin fanfic #seokjin x y/n #seokjin x you #kim seokjin fluff #seokjin fluff #seokjin angst #seokjin drabble #bts drabble #seokjin imagine #bts fic #bts x reader

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skippyv20 · 3 months

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God has been with me every step…this is what I have seen since the passing of my dear Panda Bear….🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

I had thought about getting a puppy, I would name Ellie after my dear Cathy (formerly GiGI) passed away. As the weeks passed I had changed my mind. I didn’t want another puppy, I still had Panda Bear and Oliver. I would focus on them. I was healing, and accepting the loss of Cathy as painful as it was. Oliver and Panda Bear stepped up, and were trying to do what Cathy did with me. Like following me every second the day, sitting with me in the kitchen when I cooked or baked, sitting with me when watching tv. Waiting outside the bathroom door for me. They tried, but Oliver would grow bored, and I wasn’t fast enough for Panda, as she lacked patience.

The loss of Panda was too much. It really threw me. It was so sudden. I still can’t process it, but I am trying. When my family decided I needed a puppy, not to replace Cathy and Panda, but to help me heal…I said “I need a puppy”. All of a sudden I now go from devastated to happy, back and forth all day long.

This is how I know God has been with me….

Ellie….as soon as I saw her picture I knew it was her. That is all I knew. Once we got word she was mine…. I learned Ellie was born two days after Cathy passed. Ellie looks exactly like Panda, only Ellie is black and Panda was grey. Ellie could have been picked up today, but the timing didn’t work for anyone. So we decided next Saturday. My mom passed away February 21st, 8 yrs ago….that is a very bad, sad day for me. Every year I dread it. I even thought after losing Panda, on my mom’s day it would break me. God’s timing is perfect. Reflecting about Ellie, her birthday, her face, the day she comes home…I can see God’s plan. Panda dying so suddenly, I can understand that. It was her time. God took her quickly so she wouldn’t suffer, so we wouldn’t see her suffer. God has never left me. God has given me “signs” through all of this, so I can have peace in my heart. We don’t see what God does when we are living through our trials. However, if we take time to reflect…we see what God has done for us. I have never doubted that God is with me….I just am amazed at the “signs” he leaves us. God does touch our hearts even when we don’t know it at the time. Even though I decided not to get Ellie after Cathy passed…God had already decided Ellie belongs with me…🙏🏻❤️❤️❤��❤️❤️

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nancypullen · 2 months

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Not Dead Yet

It's me, the lady who used to spread nonsense far and wide courtesy of this blog. I can't express how much I miss emptying my brain into this space. I drag home after nine hours in the book mines and it's all I can do to eat, soak in a hot bath, and go to bed. I'm sorry to the handful of readers that I have left. Don't give up on me, this isn't forever. The reason that I'm here tonight is because this handsome guy just had a birthday.

He was born sixty-eight years ago in Washington D.C. when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. His father used to tell the story of walking around and around under those cherry blossoms waiting for news that his firstborn had arrived. That was back in the stone age when fathers weren't allowed in the delivery room. Although his birthday was earlier in the week, we'll be celebrating him tomorrow when the Edgewater gang arrives. I have to work until 2 o'clock but they can't start without me because I know where the presents are. He requested red velvet cake so that's what he shall have, and there will be gourmet pizzas (Jamie's recipes, Tyler manning the pizza oven - what a team!). Hopefully Mickey will feel the love and understand how happy we are that he was born. Of all the choices I've made in my life, he might be the very best one. While looking for an old photo of us to add to this post I came across this one. This was a few days before our wedding in 1984, at my parents' home in Florida. We were opening wedding gifts and apparently very excited about some flatware.

But I have questions. Why are we dressed alike? More importantly why are we dressed like WHAM?

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Weren't they the guys who popularized wearing t-shirts under vests? I think Hall and Oates did it too. Regardless, you can bet that Mickey and Nancy were on the cutting edge of fashion, and out on the dance floor every chance we got. In hindsight, we look ridiculous. But the point of this ramble is, we looked ridiculous together. That's how we've gone through life since 1982. Now he's sixty-eight and I'm sixty and we still enjoy looking ridiculous together. Again, I'm awfully glad he was born. As the song says, he puts the boom-boom into my heart. Moving on. I'll work Saturday, I'm off Sunday, then I work three more days. On Thursday our plan is to drive up to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and spend a couple of days. It's just about two hours from us and we'd like to explore the area. I was excited until I saw the forecast for rain, rain, and more rain. I'm not sure how much exploring we can do in a downpour. Crossing my fingers that the forecast will change. We may need to change our plans if it doesn't. I'm off to bed, busy weekend ahead - work and an energetic six year old who was recently visited by the tooth fairy, twice. She lost her first tooth on Easter, and another at school on Wednesday! I can't wait to hear all about it. Is there anything cuter than a snaggle-toothed kid? Alright, sweet people, I'll sign off and go read until I fall asleep. I'm reading about shipwrecks (kind of like my life since we moved to Maryland, but you know I'll sing in the lifeboat). I hope that spring is making your heart light. I hope that whatever troubles you is small compared to what brings you joy. And, as always, I hope that you are safe and well. Sending out loads of love tonight. Take some and pass it on. XOXO, Nancy

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park-jimin-isnt-real · 1 year

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𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀

♡ pairing: hobi x reader (best friends/idiots to lovers) ♡ rating: G ♡ genre: fluff, crack ♡ au: diner ♡ tw: n/a ♡ wc: ~0.7k ♡ track: Cruel Summer ~ Taylor Swift: “And I snuck in through the garden gate every night that summer just to seal my fate, and I scream, ‘For whatever it’s worth, I love you, ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?’”

♡ summary: It was tradition that each weekend during the summer you and Hobi would go get milkshakes from the local diner to organize your schedules for the upcoming week. It was not tradition for you to kiss him (but you really really wanted it to be).

♡ an: this is such a stupid story XD special thanks to a friend of mine on discord for filling this one out for me lmao here's to you Tempt!! hope you guys enjoy! also happy late birthday to our dear j-hope (and me, we're birthday twins)!!! 14 Valen-tans Days masterlist ♡♡ main masterlist

"You two want the usual?" Seohyeon asked with a smile as you and your best friend, Hobi, walked into the diner. It was your weekly meet-up to synchronize your schedules in your matching bullet journals.

You smiled at the waitress. "Yes please!" She nodded and yelled your usual order back into the kitchen. You and Hobi took your seats in your usual booth, three back from the entrance, Hobi sitting across from you. This had been your Saturday afternoon since your parents were first fine letting you go out on your own.

Hobi had been your best friend since before you could remember. Your parents were friends with his parents, and you lived across the street from each other. You had spent countless playdates and after-school study sessions together. Hobi was even your first date when a bunch of losers made fun of you a few years ago.

You had a giant fucking crush on him and somehow this guy was clueless.

Seohyeon dropped off your large plate of fries that you share together and one strawberry milkshake for Hobi and one vanilla milkshake for you. Hobi took out his journal and pencil case while you shook the ketchup bottle and poured out the condiment.

"You've got your dance competition next weekend, right?" you asked him, pulling your own journal and pens out.

"Yeah, on Sunday," Hobi responded, munching on a fry. "So most of this week is all rehearsal." You nodded, making a note on your page. "Don't you have that volunteer trip middle of next week?"

"Wednesday," you confirmed. You took a sip of your milkshake, relishing in the cold flavor and letting it distract you from your feelings. (It didn't. You just watched him take a large sip from his strawberry milkshake and it made you really want to share it with him.)

Suddenly, an incredibly stupid but slightly genius idea. "Wanna hear something crazy?" You asked Hobi, choosing to doodle sunflowers around the edge of your journal instead of looking at him.

"Sure."

"Jin asked me this week when you and I were gonna go on a date." You felt your face heat up promptly at the lie. You put extra care into the flower doodle.

"Oh, Jin asked you that?" He didn't sound the least bit surprised.

Why didn't he sound the least bit surprised?

"Uh, yeah," you forced out a laugh and brushed your hair behind your ear. "Crazy, right?"

"Yeah," Hobi laughed with you. "Just as crazy as Namjoon asking me the same thing!"

Your smile dropped. "Wait, really?" Your eyes went wide at the thought. Did Hobi know you were lying? Was he just playing along? Or did Namjoon actually suggest that you two officially date?

"Yeah," Hobi said. He had a look in his eyes, despite his smile he was being serious right now. "I told him that I was down, I was just waiting for you."

You couldn't believe what he just told you. You could only stare at him, jaw dropped. I was just waiting for you. The words echoed around your head as you tried to figure out what to do.

After an indeterminate amount of time (you weren't sure) Hobi finally broke the silence between you two. "I can wait longer," he offered quietly, "or, if you don't want—"

"I've been in love with you for years." You blurted it out like the words were on fire and you needed to get them off of you. "I just didn't think—"

"I didn't think—"

"You liked me back." You and Hobi said simultaneously. You covered your face in an attempt to hide the redness.

"Oh my god, we could've been properly dating this entire time," you said into your palms. Hobi laughed.

"And our friends knew the entire time." You peeked through your fingers to see him shaking his head, a bright smile on his face. Well, if you were going to start actually dating, you should tell him the truth.

"Actually..." you removed your hands from your face to take a deep breath. "Jin never said anything to me. I just made it up on the spot." You tried smiling, but it came out more like a grimace.

Hobi bit his lip, trying to hold laughter back. "Namjoon never talked to me either."

For the millionth time during this conversation, your eyes went wide. Then you and your best friend-now-boyfriend burst into laughter.

tagging: @daydreamer-writing

thanks for reading!!

#bts #bts fic #bts fanfic #bts writing #writing event #14 valen tans days #hobi x reader #hobi drabble #hobi fluff #hobi crack #monfics #trashlibrary

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strangerfics2022 · 2 years

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Dustin’s Birthday

Hi Guys! This is my first ever Stranger Things Fanfic! I am excited to share this with you all. I hope you enjoy it! please feel free to leave a comment or a like if you enjoy it If not let me know what i can do to make it better. Thank you for taking the time to read. Enjoy!

“I can’t believe my baby brother is turning 15.” I whine as I throw my arms around Dustin’s neck. He tries to push me off. “Stop it Y/N/N you’re embarrassing me. “ He whines. I giggle and ruffle his hair as we sit at the lunch table. “So any plans for the big day?” Eddie asks as he snakes an arm around me pulling me back over towards him. “No not really. Probably just hanging out.” He says looking a little disappointed. I knew he was really hoping his girlfriend Suzie would come down to visit for his birthday, but she had told him she couldn’t make it. Little did he know I had the whole day planned starting with picking up Suzie from the airport that morning to bring her over to spend the week at our house. Dustin picked at his lunch and sat quietly. Ever since he was little I had always tried to make his birthdays special. This year I finally had enough money to go all out and celebrate him the way he deserved. I had booked the arcade and laser tag place for the afternoon and bought him a cake and some presents All of his friends were in on it. Everyone but Dustin knew what was going to happen. His birthday fell on a Saturday this year so it was perfect. I could spend the whole day doting on my little brother who had been through so much these last few years. I smiled at Eddie and he smiled back. It was hard for me to keep the secrets from Dustin. It was Friday, so after school Eddie drove us home and we dropped Dustin off. And he and I headed out to go get the last minute party supplies we needed. “I’m surprised you have kept the secret this long.” Eddie teases as we pull away from the house. “Me too. Did you see his face at lunch? The poor boy looked heartbroken. I wanted to tell him right then.” Eddie laughs. “Well I’m glad you didn’t a month of planning everything to be a surprise would be down the drain.” He nudges me. “Thanks for all your help.” “Princess I love you and your brother I would do anything for you two.” He smiles at me. I lean over to kiss his cheek. “I love you Eddie Munson.” He pulls into the supply store and we hurry inside to get balloons and streamers. We grab a few other things too that we think he would like then we take everything back to Eddie's which is where everything was hidden. I was afraid Dustin would find it if I hid it at ours so Eddie told me I could hide it at his. We go in and take inventory of the things that we had bought. Balloons, streamers. plates. cups, napkins, a table cloth, and his presents I got him a new vhs tape that he had been wanting and a few new walkies. “Okay I think we have everything we need.” I smile. “You did good princess.” Eddie kisses my head. “You think this is good just wait until your birthday.” I tease placing a kiss to his lips. I turn and gather all the things up and put them away. “Well I better head home. I have to be at the airport by 6 in the morning. “Just stay sweetheart. I’ll drive you.” Eddie wraps his arms around my waist. “Baby it’s like an hour and a half drive. I have to wake up at 4 am to get there. I know how much you hate waking up early.” Eddie groans.”Fine. Only because you're right I will not be waking up at 4 am.” I laugh and kiss his lips. “Okay so you’ll be at my house by 8 right with all of the supplies?” He nods. “Yep. I’ll be there. What time do we have the arcade and laser tag for?” “Noon. We have two hours so I figured we could do an hour of laser tag and an hour in the arcade.” I say trying to slip from Eddie’s arms. “Okay sounds good.” “Oh baby could you stop by the bakery on your way to mine to pick up the cake please? That way we have it before we head to the party.” I ask with puppy dog eyes. “Fine Henderson only for you will I be up early on a Saturday to go to the bakery.” I stand on my tiptoes to kiss his nose. “Thank you Munson.” Eddie drives me home and leaves me with a kiss. I head inside to start calling everyone to make sure they all remembered. “Hey Steve.” I say into the phone. “Hi Y/N/N. Calling to remind me about tomorrow?” “Yep, making sure you and Robin are still coming.” I can hear him laugh. “As if we would miss Dustin’s birthday party. Yeah Robin and I will meet you guys at the arcade at noon right?” “Yeah noon. See you two then. “Bye Y/N see you then.” I hang up and call Nancy. “ Hey Y/N.” “Hi Nance. Just calling to remind you and Mike about tomorrow.” Nancy laughs. “As if Mike has talked about anything else today. I don’t think we will be forgetting. We’ll see you at noon.” I laugh. “Okay See you at noon. Bye.” “Bye.” She hangs up. I then dial Lucas. “ Hello Sinclair residence.” “Oh HI Mrs. Sinclair It’s Y/N Henderson Dustin’s older sister. I was calling to talk to Lucas about Dustin’s surprise party.” “Oh hi dear, let me go get him.” I Can hear her walk away and call Lucas. “Hey Y/N/N.” I hear “Hey Lucas. Just reminding you of noon tomorrow. Do you need a ride? Eddie and I can pick you up or I can see if Steve and Robin can.” “Yeah actually can you give me a ride so I don’t have to bike.” “Of course I’ll see you around 11:30 then. Okay?” “Okay sounds good see you tomorrow.” He hangs up and now I have one last call to make. “Hello?” ‘Hi Max it’s Y/N” “Oh Hi Y/N/N. What’s up?” “I was just calling to see if you were sill coming to Dustin’s party tomorrow and to see if you needed a ride.” “Oh shit I forgot. Yeah I'll be there and could you pick me up? My mom is working so I won’t have a ride.” “Of course I’ll be there about 11:45 okay?” “Okay. see you then. “Okay bye Max.”Bye” I hang up. I walk to my room to check my list to make sure everything is all done. As I scan over the list it seems like everything is done. I quickly shower and get ready for bed since I have to be up early and tomorrow is going to be a long exciting day. I hurry up and make Dustin some dinner after I get ready so he has something to eat tonight then I climb in bed.

I wake up the next morning at 4 am. I hurry to get ready and head out to the airport a few towns over. I had never met Suzie before but I had seen pictures so I hoped I would be able to recognize her. It was a long drive but I finally made it to the airport I took a sign with me with Suzie’s name so hopefully she would see it. I don’t have to wait long before a girl comes over to me. “You’re Dusty’s sister Y/N Right?” I look at the girl “ Yeah that’s me Y/N Henderson. You’re Suzie?” She nods still a little weary which I understand. We had only spoken on the phone a few times and through letters once or twice so I was still a stranger. “Nice to meet you. Dustin talks about you non stop. He will be so excited that you are here.” I say offering her a friendly smile. She relaxes a tiny bit and follows me to the car. “So it will take about an hour and a half to get to Hawkins so I brought some snacks if you get hungry and feel free to choose any cassette tape you would like to listen to.” She nods and thumbs through the tapes I have in my car, most of them Eddie’s mixes that he has given me and a few that I had bought. She picks one and puts it in. We sit quietly not talking much. Suzie dozes off a little bit into the drive. I finish the drive listening to tapes and munching on some snacks.

“Hey Suzie. We are here.” I say trying to gently wake her without scaring her. She shifts her eyes towards the house and out front I see Eddie’s van. She quickly gets out of the car and we walk to the front door. Inside Eddie is trying to be quiet as he decorates the house. “Shit.” He mumbles as the streamers slip from his hands unraveling across the floor. “Hey handsome. Need some help.” I tease picking it up and rolling it back up towards him. “Shit, hi baby.” He kisses me. There is a light cough from behind us. “Oh Suzie this is Eddie My boyfriend and one of Dustin’s friends.” She nods.” Hi Eddie. I’ve heard a lot about you.” “Nice to meet you Suzie. The little butt head never shuts up about you.” Eddie teases extending his hand for her to shake. “If you want to go wake up Dusty you can. His room is the last door on the left. I point towards his room. “I’m going to start breakfast.” I says turning to walk to the kitchen. It’s not long before I hear Dustin yelling. “Suzie poo what the hell.” I giggle as I cook up his favorite breakfast. He runs out to the living room where Eddie is still decorating. “What the? Y/N/N? Eddie? What is going on?” I come out to the kitchen. “Surprise! Happy birthday Dusty.” I hug him. “You did this.” He points to Suzie. I nod. He wraps me in the biggest hug. “Thank you!” “Anything for you Dustin.” He pulls away a little teary eyed and then hugs Suzie. I head back to the kitchen to finish breakfast. After that is done and Eddie has finished decorating the living room we all sit down to eat. “Happy birthday dude.” Eddie says puling him into a hug. “Thanks man.” Dustin says hugging him back. We eat and after that Eddie and I head to my room so we can get ready for the rest of our day. “HI sweetheart.” He says pulling me close. “Hi baby.” I say into his chest. “You’re a great sister you know that?” I blush. “Thanks, Eds.” I change my clothes and do a quick bit of make-up. It was already 11. “Oh babe I forgot. I have to pick up Lucas and Max to get them to the arcade.” “Oh okay yeah no problem we can pick them up I have room in the van.” He says as he watches me do my eyeliner. “Awesome, thank you.” I turn to place a kiss on his cheek. Then I quickly finish getting ready and head out to the living room where Dustin and Suzie are watching T.V.. “Hey guys let’s go.” I say grabbing my purse and jacket. “What? Where?” Dustin says as Eddie pulls him up. “Surprise.” I say smiling and lead the way to Eddie’s van. We all pile into the van and head off towards Lucas’ house. We pull in and he is waiting out front. He hops in. “Hey guys. Happy Birthday Dustin.” He high fives him. Dustin looks confused. “Oh, hi i’m Lucas. Nice to meet you, you must be Suzie.” He says. “Hi Lucas, Dustin has told me a lot about you. Nice to finally meet you.” she says shaking his hand. We then head off towards Max’s. When we pull in Eddie run to his trailer to grab a few thing as I walk up to Max’s door. “Max it’s Y/N/N are you ready?” I holler as I knock. “Hey, yeah I’m ready.” She says as she opens it. We get in and wait as Eddie runs back over and tosses a few things in the back of the van and we head off. We pull into the arcade parking lot at 11:55 and the others are already there waiting for us. “Happy birthday Henderson.” Steve yells pulling him into a hug. Nancy ruffles his hair. “Happy birthday.” “Yeah man Happy birthday.” Mike says. “Happy Birthday Dustin. Are you going to introduce us to your friend.” She says gesturing to Suzie. “Thanks guys. This is my girlfriend Suzie.” He beams as she says hi to everyone. “Okay guys let’s go It’s birthday time.” I say ushering everyone into the arcade. “Hi, we're here for the Henderson Birthday party.” I say at the desk. The guy nods and gives me the things we need. I hand everyone their stuff and they all run off to play games and have fun. After a while it’s time or us to play Laser tag. “Hey Dusty. You ready to lose,” I say throwing the vest at him. His eyes light up. “No way.” He smiles as he rushes over and grabs the rest of his gear. We split up into two teams. Dustin’s team has Steve, Nancy ,Suzie , and Mike. While my team had Robin, Eddie, Max, and Lucas. We head into the dark room and begin playing we play quite a few rounds. Dustin’s team winning 4 of them and my team winning 3. “We let you guys win because it’s your birthday.” Eddie says as we take off our stuff and hang it back up. “Yeah right Munson you just don’t want to admit you guys got your asses handed to you.” Steve laughs back. “Watch it Harrington.” Eddie teases. And we all head out to the parking lot. “Okay everyone still headed back to ours for pizza and cake?” I ask They all agree so we head over to our house. “Eddie you did stop at the bakery this morning to get the cakes, right?” He looks at me pretending to have just been shot. “You wound me babe. Thinking I would forget the most important task on this important day.” I roll my eyes and smile. We get home just in time for the pizza delivery and once we get in I go to get the custom cakes I order special for Dustin in the shape of a walkie talkie and a D&D dice. When I finally find the box from the bakery I open it up. “Eddie.” I holler. He rushes in and so do the others. “Hey princess is everything okay?” “Babe did you check the names on the cake before you picked them up?” I ask still looking into the box. “Uh Yeah I think so.” He says nervous. I turn the cake towards him and it wasn’t what I had ordered it was a wedding cake. “I don’t think you did.” I say laughing hard. Dustin bust out laughing. “This is perfect.” Everyone else starts to giggle too. “Shit babe I’m sorry. It was early and I could have sworn I checked. “Eddie this is the best!” Dustin says smiling at the giant cake in front of us. I smile. “I’m glad you like it.” He laughs. “Best birthday ever.” Dustin says as he cuts a huge slice of cake. We sit around eating cake and pizza just talking. Once we are done I clear the dishes then run to my room to grab Dustin’s gifts. “Here bud.” I say Tossing the gits in his lap. He opens them excitedly. “Wow thanks Y/N/N. I love them.” He pulls me into a hug. Steve pulls a gift from robin’s bag. “Here dude this is from Robin and I.” Dustin opens it to a few bottles of Farrah Fawcett hair spray. “Thanks guys.” He says sarcastically and then hugs them. Eddie heads out to his van and comes back carrying a few small boxes. “Here dude.” He hands them to Dustin. One was a new dice set, the other was a tee shirt, and the last one was a cassette. “Thanks Eddie.” He says. After everyone else gives him his gifts we just sit around and hang out some more watching the VHS that he had gotten for his birthday. As the night goes on and everyone leaves Eddie and I are cleaning up. “Hey thanks guys for making this the best birthday ever.” He hugs us both tight. “Anything for you little brother.” I ruffle his hair.

#stranger things fanfic #dustin henderson #eddie munson #Strangerfics2022 #henderson reader #eddie x henderson!reader #Dustin Henderson's Birthday #mike wheeler #lucas sinclair #max mayfield #dustin x suzie #steve harrington #robin buckley #nancy wheeler #hawkins #stranger things season 4

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