#i could go back to blueberries but that feels too safe (have eaten blueberries in my cereal for months and months) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

undertale-writing-times · 3 years

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I saw the mermaid ask so why not ?:3 instead of mermaid what about skelly with a naga s/o or y/n ? Naga is half snake half human,they like to cuddle then ,nuzzle ,take sun baths and give affection

I already got a naga ask, but that's fine! I can totally do another one :D

Thanks for the ask!

Sans- Well honestly when he first met the Naga, he kind of wanted to study them. Were they a hybrid between a human and a monster? A monster? Or something else? If they were a monster, why did he never meet them before? He's been all around the underground so he should have met them if they were there. If they weren't there, how did they get away from being underground? So many thoughts went through his skull almost making him get a skullache! Headache? Eh whatever.. After they got together and they were so cuddly? He loves them! When they wrap their body around his, it gives him an excuse to be lazy funnily enough. When they're sun bathing he'll make puns like "The light of my life, I hope you're having sun out here but we should head inside so you can eat” sometimes when they do eat things that are too big and unlatch their jaw? It’s... kinda scary. He wonders if they’re able to eat him?

Papyrus- He would be one of the few that are annoyed with how they try to wrap around him, but only because the great Papyrus does not like to be kept in one place for too long! Though all the attention and affection he gets from them is quite nice... he shall deal with the wrappings as long as he continues to get nuzzles! Please. Another thing that annoys him is when S/o does those sunbaths because they look quite... lazy when they do that and he wants them to continue to move around! If they tell him that they need to do it or they'll get too cold then he'll understand and might even lay in the sun with them! He loves his snake datemate. Snakemate. Datesnake? Whatever he loves them and wants to spend all sorts of time with them. The only thing that creeps him out a tiny bit is when they open their mouth too wide to fit something in, it makes him uncomfortable.

Blueberry- It really depends on how big they are and what kind of snake they're based off of to be honest. If they're a whole lot bigger than him, like more than five feet, he's going to be a tad worried about being eaten but then get mad at himself for thinking that and try to get his mind off it. Whenever they curl around him like that he gets nervous yet most of the time he's able to ignore his nerves and just cuddle with his datemate enjoying the warmth that their scales give off and whenever they flick their tongue out like a snake does at his cheek he'd giggle and call those little snake kisses. He loves his datemate so much and wants nothing more than to trust them fully but something in the back of his head isn't letting him. It makes him feel like a bad datemate. Is he scared of snakes or something? Oh also let him ride on your back if you're big enough he'll love you.

Stretch- Yet another person that would want to study them at least a little bit. He wouldn't ask, he would just study them based off what they do and set up little things that would happen normally and he'd make a mental note on them. He just kinda wants to learn about them to make sure everything is okay for them! Plus, you know, food and all that. He likes how cuddly they are and will often lay in the sun with them, resting his head against their scales his hands in his pockets, humming under his breath. S/o would have to let him lay on top because of how heavy they were compared to him, but he doesn't really mind, he likes laying on top of their coils with some wrapped around him. It makes him feel really safe, like a weighed blanket! When he's too nervous or panicked he'd ask them if they could do that and he'd just hide away until he started to feel better all while S/o would try to help him feel better. It means a lot to him.

Axe- Because of how big he is, if they're not too much bigger than him, he's going to get them to rest on his shoulders as they walked or hold them with their tail wrapped around his shoulders and arm if they're long enough for that. He likes the idea of being so close to his datemate. He also likes how much you eat! It makes him happy to see people eat now that they have enough food for it so expect him to bring home some animals for them to eat instead of just like normal food. If S/o tells him that they want normal human food he'd be a little sad because he liked being able to bring stuff home for them like that but will agree. Sometimes wrapping around him without asking first would make him panic so make sure to ask before you do anything! One thing that does annoy him though is the fact that S/o smells like a human, and a monster, it makes his brain confused. He'll sniff at them a few times most likely. When he sees them sunning he'd go to join lightly dragging his hand across their tail like he was petting them. It feels nice for him to feel something so... smooth.

Noodle- Yet another person that would bring his S/o a lot of food! He saw how wide they could stretch their mouth, then they get this cute little bump in their belly and he likes that! He'll bring them a lot of stuff to see what they like and dislike, that's his love language; pretty much. Noodle loves seeing them eat, it's cool looking but also makes him happy because that means that they're healthy! When they wrap around him, it does sometimes hurt if they do it too tightly, but he doesn't complain because he likes the attention. He will tell them if it becomes too much for him to handle. He likes to see them sun and will do it with them. The warmth feels great on his bones! If they're a type of snake that eats other snakes like a king cobra, king snake, Coral snake, Coachwhip, or a few different types. He'd be interested and bring them different types of snakes to see if they're types that they would like to eat. It's like spaghetti but dangerous! Gasp :O Danger Noodle.

Red- Just like the other one, S/o frightened him sometimes. At first he was threatened by them and didn't really understand why? Maybe it was because they were a half human and half monster? He didn't quite understand that, and he tried to not think about it too much. When he learned that they could open their mouth really wide, it made him nervous even more so! They could totally eat him if they wanted to do that but... it's fine. He won't think about that too much! Ha as if he thinks about that when he's trying to sleep and has nightmares... heh... heh... um... yeah. Whenever he sees them sunning out, stretched out without a care in the world? It makes him a little happy because they feel safe with him around to do that and will sometimes go to join them, more just to lay with them but he'd often fall asleep before too long and wake up with them curled around him slightly in a protective way. At first it made him panic but nowadays, it makes him really happy and calm. What a weird feeling.

Edge- Will they ever eat people? Literally, if he killed someone, would they eat the body? Answer the question! He really wants to know that but if they tell him that no, they won't eat dead bodies, he'll be a little grumpy but not for too long. He wishes that they wouldn't sun so often because he wants to be able to do things with them and he can't when they're like that; but also he wishes they would do it more often, because then he'd get to see the sparkles sparling in the light and see how the sun kisses at their skin. Ugh so not fair. More often than not he finds them really interesting and wishes that he could get to know them more, learn how they work and all that, and he loves how scary they can make themselves look! Just open their mouth and show off their fangs. One time they let go of their jaw while scaring off some monster hating humans and scared them away! That's when Edge knew that he loved them. Shut up, he has weird kinks okay? Hehe I'm sorry. When they wrap around his body it annoys him, mostly just because he wants to continue moving and they are taking that away from him!

Lord- Lord will not admit it, but damn he loves them. He likes how threatening they look compared to some of the other types of monsters, because he wants people to fear him and his datemate! The most annoying thing is that they’re not threatening in personality though. As they weren’t underground they didn’t have to go through all the stuff that the other monsters had to... or maybe they did? He didn’t know, he never saw them underground but he didn’t see a lot of monsters there or at least paid them no attention. They were kind and playful, always liking to cuddle with him and when they wanted to cuddle him and he said he was too busy, they would wrap around him and pull him close to them while peppering kisses over his skull which caused his whole skull to go a bright purple color and try to kick his legs to try to get out but they wouldn’t let him go and he’d get so embarrassed. Ugh! This isn’t fair. He won’t admit it again... but he really really likes all the attention just he doesn’t know how to react to it.

Mutt- Well to be honest when Mutt first met S/o, he didn’t really know how to react to them. Lord always told him that some snakes were dangerous after they got above ground but then he met someone that was half human and half snake? Humans were dangerous, snakes were dangerous, but this one seemed really nice! They were so kind to him, he couldn’t help but start to like them! He loves how they wrap around him whenever he wants to sleep, and when he’s having a panic attack they’ll help him relax and calm down. Like his favorite blanket... though honestly sometimes when he sees them eat something too big and their mouth opens so wide? It... kind of scares him and he shows it too much on accident. He doesn’t want them to think he’s being mean! It isn’t his fault. He’ll make it up to them by taking them to his favorite spot where they could sun! It’s really nice.

Wiseguy- He finds them pretty interesting to have around. At first he saw them just as another worker, but after a while he started to really like being around them. He loves how cuddly they are, and damn are they pretty. Often, more often than he’d like to admit, he gets caught staring at them watching their scales in the light and it embarrasses him! His brothers seem to just lovvveeee making fun of him. After they get together and he gets wrapped up in their coils so often? He’s in heaven. It’s now one of the only ways for him to really fall asleep without any nightmares. So annoying but so cute as well. When he sees them open their mouth so wide to fit things in? It’s a little creepy but eh, he’s seen worse and he wants to see just how wide they can open their mouth.

Books- He has so many questions! He wants to know everything that they're able to tell him, how much food do they need to eat? What kind of food do they eat? How wide can they open their mouth? Do they have to swallow their food whole or since they're more human on the top, can they bite it? Did they have venom or were they a type that didn't have that? More crushies? There were some snakes that can have babies without the aid of a male were they one of those types? Of course he'd wait a bit before asking all that and would get a little embarrassed if they told him to relax because he was talking too quickly. He feels embarrassed, but he really wants to know! He finds the fact that they're half human and half snake very interesting! Were they a monster? More human? Or a hybrid? It's just... so much he needs to know so sometimes, without thinking about it, he'd ask them so many questions. Normally it's when they have their body wrapped around him and he has his notebooks to write in. It's honestly pretty cute to see how excited he gets. Whenever he sees them doing something interesting, he'll take a picture and put them into a book it's... mostly for him to keep track of how different they are from normal snakes but also because that's his datemate and he loves them. Just uh don't ever sneak up on him and try to scare him, he will he a little violent on accident. It isn't his fault! He's part of the mafia, it's his job to always be on edge.

Error- He's one of the few people that wouldn't really like the idea of them wrapping around him, mostly because he has Haphephobia which is the phobia of touch! Whenever they would try he would wrap his strings around them and move them a bit away. It isn't that he doesn't want to cuddle with his datemate it's more... he just feels awkward and nervous whenever they tried to. Start off slow, and he might agree to some hand holding or something small like that but no curling around him! Sometimes if he's bored and not thinking, he'll drag his hand over their scales to feel them against his bones, because they feel kind of nice... because they're both most of the time in the void, they can't sun that often but sometimes if they ask and if he's feeling nice he can open a glitch into a different world where they can sun all they want! Whenever they do that and he gets to see, he finds it so pretty and adorable because they look so happy. Sometimes he feels bad for keeping them stuck in the void with him but it's the only place he feels truly safe anymore. Don't ask because he won't tell, but he really likes seeing them open their mouth so big, it's fun when people see and get freaked out, he'll laugh at them.

Fresh- Ay yo man Fresh thinks that his datemate is the dopest thing up here. They're so rad to him, cause they're so interesting! A half human and half monster? How fresh is that. Whenever people get scared of them, he tells them that that's some crunked up thing... S/o wouldn't hurt no fly so chill broseph! He likes it when they wanna curl around him like that, as long as they aren't trying to eat him or something, otherwise he doesn't really care. As long as it isn't some of that srs sicknasty business... he does understand that they need to eat other things though and will help out the best he could. Sometimes seeing them eat gets him interested just cause... well... they open their mouth a whole lot and that's pretty brutal brah. If they're really colorful with their scales and stuff he thinks that that's so radical and might even get some clothes made with their colors just in that eye bleeding style he normally keeps up and going. And when they pull their cute bomb sun bathing? You bet your butt that he's gonna be there too watching em. It's a freshtacular day when he can see them doing that because they just seem so happy and sometimes... he gets jealous. He wants to feel just how nice that feels on their scales, he wants to know what it's like in their body.... if only they didn't mean so much to him, he would figure out by himself. Yet that would be soooo unradical.

Nightmare- I'm going to say that they're a death adder just for this one, because I like the idea of him having a really threatening S/o that's also a sweetie. Well they had been together for quite a bit of time now, and when his 'friends' the ones that worked under him found out that he had a datemate? They kept bugging him to meet them and finally he snapped at the rest of the killers and finally agreed. Yeah, it didn't really go that well, one of them tried to tease S/o and they got wrapped up so quickly. The death adder is one of the fastest strikers of all snakes, able to attack, inject venom, and go back to the striking position in under 0.15 seconds! Nightmare has never been more proud. Well now that S/o lives there his boys get to see him all wrapped up in his datemate's coils asleep sometimes, and they find it honestly pretty cute. More often than not they'll see him wrapped up or at least with S/o's tail wrapped around his leg a tiny bit. He hates it when the boys see because he knows that they're going to tease him later, but he also doesn't want to tell S/o to stop because he likes the attention so he's annoyed and embarrassed all in one. How fun. He also likes seeing them eat things because if anyone else is around he can sense their discomfort and it makes him happy. Ahhh negativity. Good.

Dusty- When Dusty met S/o for the first time, he didn't really know how to feel about them. They were the newest member and Nightmare told them to be 'nice' not really but that's what Dusty assumed because he wasn't paying too much attention listening to Paps talk about whatever he was talking about. It's been a while since then and now that they were dating, Dusty could say that he loved how cuddly and wholesome S/o was! They would curl around him so often mostly when they wanted to sleep and didn't want him to go it was so cute. Sure, sometimes Paps would yell at him and tell him that he had work to do but Dusty would try to ignore him and just focus on his S/o snakey. Whenever he sees them sticking their tongue out doing that flicky thing that snakes do, he finds it so cute and will often poke their tongue which makes them look at him disapprovingly but he would just grin and tease playfully. Sure, sometimes he worries about being with this monster human, because what if they, one day, decide that they don't want to be with him anymore? What if they leave him? He doesn't want to be all alone anymore... sure he isn't really, you know, alone but still! It's something that worries him. Papyrus tells him that he'll end up alone and he wonders if maybe he will be? If S/o finds out and tells him that they'll never leave him, because they love him, he'll get embarrassed but happy and hug onto them tightly.

Killer- At first he found them a good worker and teammate to have, because they were powerful and scary looking to most. They could crush people easily with their tail then swallow them without so much as a struggle! Yet... When they wrap around him when they're sleeping together? He feels no fear. When they playfully nip at him when they're playing, he feels no fear. Why should he? They were his datemate, and other than Nightmare they were the person he trusted the most. Even though they were pretty much half human and he doesn't have the best... history with humans. It was strange, to feel something when they were around each other, to feel happy for such a long time he had no emotions because of Nightmare. Now he was getting better which he was happy about. Whenever he sees S/o sunning themselves, he has to stop himself from smiling too much he doesn't want to give nightmare an excuse to take away his emotions again! Right? It can't be like... no, he can't think about that anymore. If S/o is ever sunning and wrap their tails around him to pull him towards them? He'll have to smile a little bit, because that's so cute. It does get annoying sometimes though if he's trying to work and do things so he'll tell them when is a good and when is a bad time. Sometimes without thinking too much about it he'll get them way too much food, just because he knows how much snakes normally eat.

Echo- Echo sometimes compares himself to them without meaning to. They're so pretty, they're so strong, they look like they can do anything they want all while he's... here. He's almost dusting all the time, his soul is so broken down, he's gross, he's ugly looking but they still want to be with him! He doesn't really understand why they want to do that. Why force yourself to be with someone that is so much lower than you? The thought always makes him sad. They have to wrap around him, making sure to be gentle, and remind him just why they ended up getting with him in the first place. He loves all the cuddles and snuggles that they give him, they make him happy. A lot of times he'll rub his hands over their scales just to feel how smooth they are; all while telling them over and over how amazing or beautiful they are. Damn him and his sweet talking mouth... so cute.

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yandearest · 3 years

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MTOBEIYF Planned Ending

Apologies for not writing in a long time. I haven’t been able to work on my fic due to personal reasons. Not sure if I will have time in the future but didnt want to leave people hanging so here is the planned ending:

May come back to this one day, so obvious spoiler warning

CH 8 Hide and Seek

The girl from 6 attempts to kill YN but YN wakes up hearing the sound of twigs snapping as she climbs the tree. She feigns being asleep only to swing her knife when 6 gets close, causing her to lose her balance and fall from the tree to her death.

At the sound of a canon Hoseok awakens – immediately seeing Athena, Namjoon and Yoongi all still in the tent. Realizing it could only be 6 or YN Hoseok rushes out and starts screaming her name over the edge of the fall. When there’s no answer, he immediately grabs a bag along with bow and arrow, and leaves camp. Namjoon says he’s coming too and this time they won’t return without her – brings a sword.

Athena notices the boys leaving and follows without them realizing.

Back in the forest YN hasn’t eaten since the games began and is beginning to starve. In desperation she makes her way back towards the cornucopia to gather food but comes across a bush filled with berries. Remembering the training she spent on foods she can’t decide if the berries are blueberries or nightlock and decides to nibble just a little bit first. The taste is initially sweet so she swallows the mouthful before a numbing effect on the tongue and throat- making her realize it’s the poison nightlock. Quickly she shoves her finger down her throat and induces vomiting to bring up as much of the poison as possible, but some is still in her system. She forces herself to throw up again before drinking all the water left in her bottle to try and rehydrate only to throw up again. Makes a run for the river.

Athena sees the nightlock and vomit and thinks YN has gone to the waterfront to try and wash it out of her system given there was no canon – so she’s still alive – but no one is there. Athena tracks. Meanwhile Hoseok and Namjoon are both near the bottom of the hill – they make a truce to not attack each other until Yoongi and Athena are dead before splitting up to cover more ground. Namjoon takes the forest, Hoseok goes towards the water.

YN drags herself in and floats on her back, scooping water into her hand to try and drink before Athena suddenly appears above her. YN is weak, with no will to live, and can tell Athena is about to kill her and asks for a quick death to which Athena promises a stab to the heart. Athena tells her she really does look like an angel and YN responds that Athena is her angel of death, a mercy killing saving her from a much worse fate with Namjoon or Hoseok. Athena agrees and steadies her with one hand under her rib cage, YN holds onto her arm with her closest hand and stares up to the ‘sky’. But before Athena can strike a blow an arrow is launched into the side of Athena’s head and her dead body falls onto YN, who is too weak to push her off. Hoseok sprints out from his hiding place to rescue YN, meanwhile Namjoon, watching from inside the forest, decides to head back to camp before sunset – knowing Hoseok and YN will be safe together.

YN is barely conscious as Hoseok drags her out of the water. Shouldering her bag with the blanket inside, along with his own bag, he carries her over to the waterfall and to 7’s old camp inside. He lays her down before running off to fetch dry twigs and branches in order to build a fire. As the sun sets and the temperature drops YN is still wet from the river and beginning to freeze. Hoseok strips her of her clothes and wraps her in the thermal blanket before another gift from a sponsor arrives of a container of hot soup. Hoseok feeds her and YN becomes more conscious but increasingly depressed about having survived.

She blames him for taking away her painless exit from the games and he asks her what kind of death she wants. Remembering how sweet the berries were she tells him she wants to die by nightlock. She asks him to promise to let her eat nightlock if they are the final 2 and he doesn’t answer. She then asks how he would want to die and he says he doesn’t plan on it and tells her to instead imagine being old together. She jokes about growing old and living in the arena forever before saying the capital would force them to kill each other somehow.

Still shivering under the blanket Hoseok strips off his remaining clothing to warm her up with skin to skin contact from behind. Initially starts with rubbing her arms before his hands circle around to her breasts.

YN feels ashamed at how quickly she responded and tries to push Hoseok away only for him to push her onto her back. She puts her hands against his chest unsure if she was trying to pull him closer or away. Looking her in the eyes he sees them glassy and in shock as he tries to sooth her, running his fingers through her hair lovingly. The other hand holds hers before moving his hand to wrap her thigh around his hip, kissing her as he pushes in. Hoseok wipes a tear from her cheek, a combination from the shame and how good the sex is feeling. Her eyelashes flutter close and she sighs her head tilting to the side resting her forehead against their joined hands letting out whimpers whenever he pushes inside of her.

His other arm braces himself by the side of her head, caging her underneath his body. She stares up at him entranced by the warm light of the fire casting a golden glow on his tan skin, as the shadows emphasize his sharp cheekbones, pointed nose, and strong jawline. If she was an angel then Jung Hoseok was the devil himself and she was being dragged to hell. Hoseok uses his shirt to wipe her down before holding her tightly against him as they both fall asleep by the fire.

CH 9 A fate worse than death

They’re awoken by the sound of a canon early in the morning and quickly realize that they’re now down to just 3 people. YN wants to stay in the cave and wait for the last person to try and find them here but Hoseok wants to confront them at camp, telling her to wait for him. She refuses and follows him. He warns her of traps they set around the camp and holds her hand to guide her through the forest.

Nearing the camp they see Yoongi’s body floating face down in the river, ‘Namjoon wants us to know it’s him’ YN wants to walk through the river to avoid leaving tracks but Hoseok says it’s too visible and steers them back into the forest to take another way around to the camp, along the area he set the traps up in. Hoseok becomes suspicious the traps he set have been moved only to trigger a rope trap that he dodges only for YN to be caught in a net. As Hoseok tries to find the rope to cut her down Namjoon appears, severing the back of his leg with a knife. YN screams and Namjoon remarks that he looks forward to hearing more of that sound after he finishes with Hoseok, saying sharing time is up and that he wants to have his way with his district mate before securing his victory. He toys with Hoseok, making deep cuts that are painful, but not lethal – taunting him. It becomes increasingly clear that Namjoon deliberately toned down his skills in the training and assessment and is even smarter and stronger than his 10. Meanwhile YN is inside the net cutting a hole. As Namjoon teases Hoseok, telling him he’s going to force her to watch him die, then he’s going to fuck her and finally gut her like a fish from their district, YN falls out from the net and breaks her arm on impact – alerting Namjoon. Namjoon decides he wants to force Hoseok to watch and stabs his him through the hand with an arrow pinning him to the ground.

‘Silly little dove,’ Namjoon taunts as he reaches her laying on the ground – falsely thinking she’s cradling her broken arm – but she really has a knife. When he grabs her by the hair and yanks her up she swings her arm and slashes him across the chest, drawing blood. Namjoon sneers and goes to hit her but remembering their sparing session from training YN dodges the attack and is able to land another slash in with the knife, this time across his arm. Namjoon acknowledges his mistake in underestimating her and promises it won’t happen again. YN attempts to surprise him by attacking first but he blocks the knife and slams her wrist against a boulder until she drops it. YN slams her knee up in Namjoon’s groin who retaliates by gripping her broken arm and slamming her against the boulder. In too much pain from the broken arm she can’t defend herself when NJ backhands her across the face, sending her to the ground. She reaches for her knife but he steps on her arm and she screams in pain as Hoseok snaps the arrow in half and pulls his hand out of the broken stem, biting down on his shoulder to try and smother his scream. Namjoon leans down to grab her knife, holding it to her throat as he straddles her waist and tells her he’s going to claim her as his, and if she behaves then he’ll give her the quick death. YN sobs as he reaches for her pants only for Hoseok to appear behind and stab Namjoon in the neck with the tip half of the broken arrow. Namjoon drops the knife in shock and YN quickly picks it up and stabs him in the heart mockingly saying she’s granting him a quick death. She kicks his body off of hers and he floats down the stream towards the edge of the waterfall before disappearing off the side. – a canon sounds

Both injured, YN and Hoseok collapse into each others arms. Hoseok has multiple stab wounds, a bad one on his leg and the hole in his hand from the arrow. YN has her broken arm, a bruise on her face from the hit and a cut on her throat from where the knife had been held. Hoseok confesses he loves her as he cradles her in his arms, YN with her eyes closed and leaning against his chest can’t bring herself to admit her love but instead asks him to let her eat a nightlock berry like she tried to make him promise. Hoseok holds her tighter and asks if she trusts him. She says yes and Hoseok leans down to kiss her one last time which she returns. ‘close your eyes angel’ she does. With his injured hand he wraps his arm around her neck to cut off circulation, his good hand covers her nose and mouth, smothering her. She tries to struggle but passes out within 10 seconds, he keeps the hold for another 10 and the canon sounds

Hoseok is declared the winner of the games

YN awakens inside of a medical bay. Confused she wonders if she is in a strange version of hell, or if the capitol has somehow found a way to harvest souls, before a nurse realizes she is conscious. She is informed that the trackers injected into the body detect when the heart stops beating which sounds the canon. Hoseok had refused to leave her body and demanded she be taken with him on the ship that came to claim him as the winner and remove him from the arena. Immediately on board he began to resuscitate her and is able to start her heartbeat again. He convinces the capital workers to let him keep her. She had died, he had won the games, if he could revive her afterwards it wouldn’t make a difference to them, they could continue to let everyone think she had died. The capital agrees on the conditions she is to live with him and never able to leave their mansion in the victors’ village and Hoseok is to comply with any future demands of the capital to do with his obligations as a winner. He accepts and the medical team take them both away. YN asks where she is now and the doctor tells her inside of the train. Hoseok is on victory tour of all the districts and refuses to let her be taken away from him – fearing the capital will dispose of her. He fears she could still be killed whilst inside the train but he would also raise hell during one of the stops if that happened. YN is confused, distraught and traumatized when Hoseok walks in to see her awake. He runs to her side and envelops her in a hug, kissing her. He repeats how much he loves her and that nothing can ever take her form this world without him following right behind her. YN is in shock, not believing she is alive, not believing Hoseok is real and struggling to speak. The doctor tries to explain to Hoseok she may have brain damage and it’s a possibility she could never recover. The only thing Hoseok cares about is that she is alive.

A summary of the tour continuing with YN recovering although her speech is permanently impaired (aphasia). When they finally conclude and return to 2 she is moved in a van that is disguised to look like a delivery and transported inside of a box from the van to the house, so no one can possibly see her.

Inside the blinds are shut and all the doors are locked before Hoseok appears again and forces an ‘engagement’ ring on her finger, but there is a device inside that tracks her location. YN begins to panic, she went from being trapped in one arena to trapped forever in this house. She tries to run but there’s nowhere to run to. She runs to the kitchen to search for a knife but Hoseok restrains her before she can injure herself. She goes limp in his arms losing all hope as he whispers in her ear how much he loves her and now they can always be together forever.

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ackerfics · 3 years

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Hi can i please request a soft coffe date with Levi and after the date reader and Levi go in the park sit on a bench reader falls asleep on Levi’s lap or shoulder (u choose) and he caries her bridal style to home he just slips in bed beside her but he wakes her up accidentally and like he says sorry like so many times but she just kisses him and snuggles in his chest.After that they are both asleep.Love your works so so much!💕

best part — levi ackerman

— levi ackerman x female reader (modern au)

— warnings: none, just fluff <3

— summary: it’s your first anniversary with levi and he made it a day to look forward to in the coming years.

— word count: 2.8k

— author’s notes: aaaaa thank you so much for loving my works, that means so much to me !! i slightly altered the request and made it a picnic date with some coffee on the side. i had fun writing this bc it screamed single in my face. [sighs] i feel like i’m torturing myself by writing these scenarios sksklfjwe anyways happy reading !!

reblogs are greatly appreciated !!

Feelings were something that Levi couldn’t get a grasp on since he could remember. He was a stoic and reserved man, even among his peers — that was until he met the woman who made him weak in the knees. The first time he met her, he had to regain his composure when she gave him a small smile. The two of them were in front of the counter in the nearby café, with him ordering his daily dose of tea while she told the barista her favored blend of coffee. Levi remembered shaking his head at the unnecessary love for coffee — tea will always remain superior in his opinion. He apparently murmured that out loud, with the most beautiful pair of eyes shifting to meet his caught his heart and took his breath away.

Who knew that being regulars of that café and by visiting the establishment at the same time could make their fates align as if they were woven together.

Today was one of the rare times he had free time from university and the best part is that today marks their first anniversary as a couple.

Levi had no idea what to do. Since he was an absolute goner in the feats of romance, he tried consulting his friends. It was something he mildly regretted. Erwin was the same as him, always focused on academics that he doesn’t have any time for relationships. The fucking giant suggested he should stay true as possible in his intentions, planning just a small date that can fit their little world together — not grandeur at all, to which Levi slightly took note of. Next, asking Hange was an absolute disaster. Knowing that you shared a major with this buffoon, they announced to the whole lab that Levi’s taking you on a date on your anniversary. It was a good thing they don’t know what he was planning.

So Levi decided on a small picnic date, with food and drinks from the café you two frequented.

Everything was packed safely and securely in a basket on the front seat of his car. To be honest, this was the first time he stood the longest in front of his closet. Planning what to wear was a total waste of time but he wasn’t complaining about his outfit for the day even though it was similar to the outfits he donned every day. He kept stretching his turtleneck in the anticipation of seeing you after your lab. While he waited in the parking lot closest to your department building, Levi was scrolling through his social media accounts.

It always warmed his heart every time he visited his feed on Instagram, every single post featuring you. Hange said it was simp behavior and Levi didn’t talk to them for an entire week. (Well, after having a reflection at one of your dates, staring at you like you were his salvation, he concluded that Hange was right.)

A message appeared on his screen, making his lips quirk up in the smallest yet endearing way possible.

i’m going out of the lab now, i’m so excited for our date

Levi looked up from his phone, seeing your bubbly smile lighting up the parking lot. Even though the windows are tinted, he reciprocated your wave. He unlocked the door of the passenger seat and suddenly, the fruity scent of your perfume enveloped him in a warm blanket of comfort. The next thing he knew, his shoulders relaxed in a droop, meeting your eyes as you lit up at the sight of the basket.

“Hi,” you greeted him, taking the basket and putting it on your lap as you made yourself comfortable on the front seat.

Levi turned to face you and leaned forward, hands pulling on the seatbelt and securing you beside him. He stopped with only a few inches separating your faces, his half-lidded silver gaze going back and forth between your lips and eyes. After a few seconds, uttered so softly against your lips, “Hi, beautiful.” The feeling of your lips moving against his always gave him a torpedo of butterflies, today’s occasion only spurring the insects to flutter their wings that it felt so electrifyingly good. With a little swipe of his tongue on your bottom lip, he hummed as he pulled away with red cheeks and a small smirk on his now shiny lips. “You put on blueberry.”

“Yeah,” you agreed with a small laugh, kissing him again quickly that he pouted.

“You know I can’t stop when you have that flavor of lip balm.”

You playfully narrowed your eyes. “I thought we have a date to go to.”

“Just one more?”

You grinned at how clingy Levi was becoming. It was rare for him to be like this and every time he acts like a touch-starved partner, it was too much for your weak heart. You held yourself back from pushing his cheeks together and marveling how adorable this side of him is. Leaning to fit your lips against his, you gave him what he wanted. “There. Now, let’s go on this date you’ve been planning.”

Levi chuckled as he straightened on his seat. He placed a hand on the back of your seat, looking behind him as he steered the car out of the parking lot and into the cityscape. The whole ride, his other hand was covering one of yours on top of the basket, his thumb rubbing soothingly across the back of your hand. You hummed along with the song playing on the radio, missing the adoring glances Levi gave you every once in a while. Fifteen minutes flew by so quickly and the car stopped in the small parking area of the local park. The two of you got out of the car, Levi pulling your hand in his, and leading you to a nice spot in the emerald plains.

With both ends held between you two, the picnic blanket was carefully draped on the grass, then making yourselves comfortable on the laid-out blanket. Levi took out everything nestling inside the basket — some wrapped sandwiches, a container of berries, shawarma wraps, and a small tin of oatmeal cookies. You were starving since you ate a salad from the university’s convenience store early in the morning for your lab meeting. As each container was revealed by Levi, you were anticipating the moment you will have your fill. Your stomach seemed to agree with your line of thought, interrupting the comfortable silence with a low gurgle. Levi looked up from tidying everything, eyebrow raised in slight amusement.

You felt your face become warm. “Oh, shut up. I haven’t eaten anything since nine in the morning. I’m bound to be hungry after not eating lunch.”

Levi clicked his tongue, pushing the sandwiches in front of you. “Who told you to skip lunch anyway?”

You leaned forward, fluttering your eyelashes with an innocent smile. “I have you to bring me my go-to order in the café anyway.” You bit down on a clubhouse sandwich. Everything became light when your palate was immediately satisfied. You couldn’t help but eat the sandwich as quickly as possible because being hungry enhances the taste of food.

“Hey, slow down,” Levi lightly scolded you. “You might choke.” The next second, you were coughing after gobbling the sandwich in a new record. Levi turned to the basket and took out a large cup of iced coffee, handing it to you to wash down whatever was lodged in your throat. “Here, drink it off.”

You would’ve cooed at the sight of your favorite blend of coffee if not for your life on the line with all your coughing. Slurping the cold liquid until you felt your cough subsiding, you let out a contented sigh as you slumped against Levi’s side. You smiled when you felt a pair of lips brushing on your head. You took a drink of your coffee before muttering, “What would I do without you?”

“Probably die of choking. I told you to slow down every time you’re hungry but it will always end with you having food down the wrong pipe.”

You laughed. “I still have you to remind me that.” You looked up at him, catching the adoring look Levi was giving you. You took it as a moment to admire him as well. His eyes will always remind you of the stars, their silvery glow so bright against any source of light. A lot has happened in the year you were together and you were starting to wish you could paint your love in the most vibrant hues. Leaning up, you pressed a kiss on the corner of Levi’s lips. “I’m so happy it’s you,” you murmured on his cheek, forehead pressed on his temple.

Levi stared at you with half-lidded eyes, hand lifting to brush a thumb on the apple of your cheek. Your name dripping from his lips made your heart flutter. His throat bobbed, his mouth opening and closing as if he wanted to say something. Just as you were about to ask him what was bothering him, Levi dipped his head until his lips stopped beside your ear. He always did this whenever he has to say something that was meant for your ears only. You patiently waited for him to muster his courage, rubbing the hand cradling your jaw. However, you breathed out a gasp when he finally said the words that you were never afraid to tell him.

“I love you. So fucking much.”

You could only stare at his embarrassed face, surprise taking away your voice. On normal days, you would’ve teased him for the blush creeping his face, reaching his ears that had you swooning. But now, the sight of his reddened cheeks and restless eyes made your face heat up. Your heartbeat was so loud in your ears, the effect of your lover’s confession spurring your senses in overdrive. You felt so many things at the moment, you felt proud of Levi for voicing out his feelings to you and you felt all the love dedicated to him gathering in your chest.

“I know it took me a whole year to say these words to you and I’m not that great with feelings unlike some people you know,” Levi rambled, silver irises flicking at anything but you. “B-But,” he cursed at his stutter, “I really do love you. I’m so fucking happy that it’s you, too. You are so patient with me and I’m starting to think that I don’t deserve you.” He said your name again in that fluttering way that made your heart clench. “Happy anniversary to us finding home in each other. I want this to last and I hope you won’t get tired of me.”

“I would never,” you reassured him, cupping his cheeks in your hands. “You took the words right out of my mouth, Levi. I love you, too. Everything in my life involving you is the best part of it.”

Levi planted his lips on yours, kissing you like it was the last time he could ever do so. “You’re making me weak and I don’t mind if you do it for the rest of my life.”

You suddenly perked up; eyes bright as you remembered the gift you tucked in your bag. “I got something for you.” You took out a small black box and handed it to a wide-eyed Levi. “I know it’s not much but it reminded me of you.”

A silver simple bracelet was placed on top of a small cushion, a thin plate connecting the two ends of the bracelet. Levi didn’t buy any gifts for you except for planning the date and it made him feel guilty. His eyebrows were furrowed as he stared at the piece of jewelry, his apology clear in his eyes. “I didn’t buy any gift for this day. Fuck.”

You chuckled, unclasping the bracelet and putting it on Levi’s wrist. Your fingers touched the bracelet gingerly, a wistful painted on your lips. “This date and you saying you love me for the first time couldn’t amount to what I just gave you.” You kissed him on the cheek. “You’re already the best gift I could ask for, a simple bracelet is nothing compared to you.”

Levi smiled breathtakingly before nuzzling his face in the crook of your neck, eliciting a series of giggles from you.

“Okay, now let’s dig in. I’m still hungry, you know.”

“You’re always hungry, love.”

“Thank you for the coffee, by the way.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now eat some more.”

You look so peaceful sleeping with your head on his lap.

It was nearing sunset by the time you were getting drowsy. The food was already finished half an hour ago but that didn’t stop you two from continuing the picnic date by exchanging stories. You were in the middle of telling Levi your encounter with your juniors when you yawned. Levi suggested you try to get some rest after a busy week in your major, taking his advice with a hum as you laid down on the blanket. The cups and containers were all tidied up in the basket beside him and Levi thought that it will be getting late the more time you spend in the park.

He decided against waking you up so he put on your backpack, tucked the basket on the crook of his elbow, and slid his arm on your back and under your knees. He carried you carefully until he reached his car, slowly placing you in the front seat, and buckling your seatbelt. He kissed your forehead before putting the basket and bag in the backseat. The drive to your shared apartment was spent with Levi glancing at your sleeping form and the bracelet that reflected against the sunset.

Entering the apartment building after parking the car in the basement lot, carrying everything, including you, proved to be quite difficult until he reached the door to your apartment. Levi had to stick to the wall to prevent you from falling to the floor as he pressed the passcode to your and Levi’s living space. Leaving his shoes in the rack by the entrance, Levi padded to your room.

As he placed you on the covers, he realized he was staring too much with your bag on his back and the basket still tucked in his elbow. After taking off your backpack, he hastily returned to the kitchen to leave the basket on the counter. The events of the day suddenly entered his mind and a smile instantly pulled on the corners of his mouth. You were the best thing that happened in his life. You encouraged him to pick himself up after finding himself stuck in limbo. Your smile was one of the prettiest things he ever saw on the planet, which says something because Levi never described anything as pretty in all his life. (Except for his mom but that’s already a given since he would get a scolding whenever he visits home.) Sure, he was bummed that he didn’t give you anything for your anniversary but today will be one of the days he will look forward to celebrating.

That’s all that matters.

Going back to your room, Levi changed into his pajamas and slipped into bed with you.

Levi froze for a moment when you shifted your position, humming as you opened your eyes drowsily. You smiled at him but that didn’t stop Levi from feeling guilty about waking you up. He knew how much you needed sleep. He was a witness to your sleepless nights and caffeinated rushes so taking away the one thing you find solace in was shitty.

“Are we home?” you murmured in a voice painted with sleep.

“Shit, baby, I’m sorry for waking you up,” Levi fussed. “Yeah, we’re home but I didn’t wake you up because you’re sleeping so well. I’m really sorry.”

You only laughed, leaning up to kiss your lover. Levi poured everything in the kiss, opening his eyes slowly to the feeling of your body snuggling in his side. “I love you, Levi.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart.”

He didn’t mean to wake you up so Levi laid on his back and pulled you closer until your head nuzzled his chest. His eyes never looked away from you, roaming and soaking in your peaceful features. You were easily the most beautiful person in Levi’s mind. How your eyelashes touched the top of your cheeks, how your eyebrows relaxed at the physical contact with him, how your lips quirked in a small smile at the feeling of him enveloping you. He could admire you all evening but his eyelids were already tugging downwards. Maybe it was the way your saccharine scent calmed his senses or maybe it could be the way you felt so right fitted to him like this.

It could be so many reasons but all Levi knew was that he had never felt so comfortable in his life, pulling him in a dreamless sleep filled solely with your warmth.

#levi #levi x reader #levi x you #levi ackerman #levi ackerman x reader #aot x reader #aot #attack on titan #attack on titan imagines #levi attack on titan #snk imagines #snk #shingeki no kyoujin x reader #levi ackerman x you #rorywrites

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misscaptainamericana · 2 years

Text

eighteen

word count: 5048

content warning: (MINORS DNI) marijuana/weed use, edibles, alcohol/drinking, talks of having children, light smut

a/n: has not been proofread, so sorry for any mistakes

It was the day after Christmas and the trio had just eaten a big breakfast of blueberry pancakes and were set up on the couch watching Little Women. The credits on the movie started to roll when Scott let out a sigh before turning to Chris, “Is it okay if I smoke some in the guest room?”

Chris shrugged, “Yeah, if you’d like.”

Nicole tilted her head to the side, “You’re going to smoke cigarettes inside just because it’s cold?”

They both chuckled before Scott informed Nicole that he meant weed not tobacco.

“Oh…”

“Unless you’re not okay with it, Nicki. It’s your house too now.”

“No, no, it’s fine. You can go ahead. I’ve just, I’ve never, so I didn’t know what was happening.”

“You’ve never gotten high before?” Chris looked over at her.

“Nope, not even once.”

Chris' lips formed into a stunned smile, “Do you want to?”

“Maybe? I guess? I never thought about it. Alcohol was just always what was closest so I guess that was my vice.”

“You don’t have to, I just have some THC stuff here for New Years in case you wanted anything.”

“I mean, it might be fun.” Nicole said with a light laugh and a shrug.

He looked over at his doe-eyed fiancé with a big smile, “Do you want to smoke it or do you want to eat it?”

“Uhm, I guess I'll eat it? I don’t really like smoking. I tried when I was in my Lana Del Rey era and it did not go well.”

“Fair enough. Uh, Scott if you wanna smoke down here you can, we’ll be right back.”

Chris took Nicole into his office and opened up a safe before holding out an array of edibles to her. “We have gummy bears, taffy, brownies, hard candy, suckers, and caramels.”

“Well… Which one do you suggest?”

Chris looked over all the options in his hand, “I think the best options are either going to be the gummy bears or the suckers. You might not be used to the taste though so I’d say a gummy bear would be the way to go.”

“A gummy bear? I only get one?”

He laughed as he put the rest back, “Listen, you can have one and if after two hours you’re still alright you can have another one, okay?”

Her lips fell into a pout as she held her hand out, “Fine.”

The trio sat in the living room discussing their excitement for the new years eve party and their plans for the new year. The conversation somehow snowballed into wedding planning with them wanting to rent out Disneyworld. The two hours went by a lot faster than Nicole assumed they would and she was feeling pretty good so she decided to take a second gummy bear when Chris did. She didn’t know then but that one inch tall squishy bear would soon put her in the deepest sleep of her life. Within thirty minutes, Nicole had wiggled her way into sitting on Chris’ lap as he and his brother spoke about certain acting gigs. As she nuzzled her face against his neck she couldn’t help but smile as she started to tease him. Her lips placed soft kisses against his neck and occasionally soft nibbles caused his penis to twitch against her. Chris let out a loud exhale, “Well, it looks like the second gummy bear was a mistake for wifey.”

“Is she asleep right now?” Scott said in a hushed tone.

“Almost. She keeps nodding off and hitting my shoulder.”

“We could draw a mustache on her.” Scott proposed causing them both to laugh.

Chris shook his head, “Maybe another time. I’ll text you in the morning and we can head to brunch, yeah?”

“Sounds good.” His brother nodded before getting up and walking behind the couch to head towards his guest room.

Chris leaned back against the couch before whispering to her, “You’re naughty, you know that?”

“I know you are but what am I?” She taunted back, causing him to shake his head with a laugh, “Let’s get you to bed.”

“But I don’t wanna go to bed!” She protested.

“Yes, you do.” He insisted as he made it into their bedroom and shut the door behind them.

“No, I want you. Please, please, please.”

Chris gently laid her on the bed, “Baby, I don’t even think you’d stay awake long enough for anything fun to happen.”

“You don’t know that.” She crossed her arms with another pout causing him to laugh.

“I do know that.” He insisted with his hands on his hips.

Nicole lazily reached out with her leg, rubbing his outer thigh with her foot, “I mean, if you do your job right I shouldn’t go to bed, right?”

“You’re pushing it, you know that?”

“Pushing it enough to get taught a lesson? Maybe?” She asked with a raised brow.

He clicked his tongue with a slow nod. “Alright, but the moment you nod off even a little bit I’m done. You got that?”

Nicole let out an excited giggle as she started to excitedly shimmy out of the shirt she was wearing. Chris pulled her sweatpants and underwear off before laying down on the bed himself. Sliding his arms underneath her thighs, he pulled her closer to him before beginning to gently kiss her thighs. He wanted to tease her for how much she teased him be he couldn't resist pleasing her. As her fingers got lost in his hair, slowly and softly tugging on his brown locks. It took her longer than usual to orgasm which he should've expected but she still made the cutest gasps before her hands slowly fell back to the mattress, he looked up at her with a smile, “Was it good?”

“So, so good…Jesus, fuck.” Her hands moved up her body to grab her breasts with a little giggle.

Chris crawled up on the bed to better look at her, “You ready for bed?”

“I can stay awake a little bit longer.”

He reached up to gently stroke her cheek, “Are you sure? We don’t have to. I can take care of myself.”

“I want to, it’s okay.”

She reassured him before leaning up to kiss him. The kiss was soon broken as his member slid into her, causing her to gasp. He pressed his forehead against hers and let out a low groan, “Fuck, sweetheart. You always feel so good.”

He closed his eyes, savoring every bit as he slowly thrust in and out of her. Her nails left faint kitten-like scratches on his arms as her lips let out soft whimpers. Their love making tonight wasn’t loud or overly long but it may have been the most intimate they had up to this point. Forehead to forehead with their noses brushing accompanied by soft moans and panting until Chris released inside of her.

After taking a moment to regain his composure, he slowly pulled himself out of her before grabbing his shirt to clean her up slightly knowing they were both too tired to make it out of bed. Crawling back up to hover over her, he leaned down to kiss her one last time. Nicole slowly ran her hand down his chest as he pulled away with a smile, “You’re quiet tonight.”

“I…I feel like I’m floating.” She admitted with a light laugh.

He let out a chuckle before resting on his side of the bed and wrapping his arms around her, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay and not panicking about anything.”

“Should I be panicking?”

“No, no, no need to panic. Your reaction is fine, this is good. Some people just get paranoid when they get high but this is good. I’m glad you’re having a great time.”

“Well of course I’m having a great time…I’m with you.”

“Yeah? I make you that happy?”

“You make me so so so so so happy. I feel like this has just made the outside feel like the inside.”

Chris waited for her to elaborate as she settled against his chest, “You know, like you make me feel so beautiful and carefree and happy but those chains on my mind drag me down and just keep me in my body. Worrying if you’ll wake up one morning and hate the scar on my left thigh, or the birthmark on my right shoulder. I’ll get too heavy, I’ll get too thin, I’ll obsess over the perfect number too much. Maybe you’ll get bored of my sense of humor or I will just be too much to handle.” She took a deep breath before exhaling with a smile, “But with this, my only thought is you…It’s love and it’s all for you. I get to be your wife.”

“And I get to be your husband.”

With a light giggle she held onto him a little tighter, “We get to have kids.”

“We’re bringing kids into this?”

“I mean, yeah. I mean, if you wanted to. You brought them up on Christmas and I thought-”

“How many do you want to have?” He said with a smile, interrupting her miniature doom spiral.

“All of them. All of your kids. I just want to produce so many cute and squishy little Evans babies and I want to have all the fun making them.”

“We are going to have a lot of fun making all of them, baby.”

“I can’t wait. I… really… Showing our love in every way possible is just, it means so much to me. I love loving you. I love being a part of your family and I’m going to love adding to your family. Being an Evans just feels how family should feel. You know?”

“I know.” He said before kissing the top of her head.

This caused her to sigh, “I know you know. You’ve lived it forever, I’m just happy to be a part of it now.”

“You’re really high aren’t you?”

“I’m so so high.” This caused them both to laugh before Nicole let out a small sigh, “I don’t know if I’m tired anymore.” her face fell into a small pout, “Lay down with me so I can see those eyes.”

“These blue things?”

“Yeah!” She said with a tired form of exclamation. “Please?”

He fake groaned, “I don’t know how this is going to help you sleep but sure.” He adjusted himself on the bed to lay face to face with her.

Her hand delicately rested on his cheek, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me this feeling of safety. I’m…I’m so relaxed because I know that I’m loved and I’m safe.”

“I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“I love you the most.” He reassured her before kissing her forehead.

“Do I make you as happy as you make me?”

“You have made me the happiest man on the planet. You are such an incredible partner, Nicki. Truly my better half." Nicole gave him a sleepy smile causing him to chuckle, “Go to bed, sweetheart.”

“But your eyes are so pretty. I want to look into them forever.”

“You can look into them when we wake up, okay?”

“Mmkay…I love you.”

“I love you too.” He told her before kissing her forehead with a smile.

When Nicole woke up the next morning Chris was smiling at her while twisting one of her curls around his finger, “Good morning, doll.”

“Morning.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Thirsty.”

Chris laughed, “I figured you would be.” He kissed her forehead before reaching behind her to grab her water bottle. “Here.”

Nicole flipped up the straw lid and took a few big drinks before putting it back on the nightstand. Rolling over she rested back on him, wiggling her legs in between his and hugging onto him. Chris kissed the top of her head before resting back against his pillow, “How was last night?”

“Well, I had a great time despite the fact that I just realized on top of our hefty to do list I now have to wash and braid my hair tonight too. But as for the weed, I’ve never experienced pleasure like that before. I’m sorry that I wasn't all over you like usual, I just couldn't feel anything but at the same time I could feel everything.”

“So you had a good time?”

“I had a great time. I love you so so much.”

“I love you too. I was just curious if you remember anything about last night?”

“Uhm…We watched Little Women, we had gummy bears, we talked about our wedding and then we had sex and I think that’s it.”

“We actually had a serious conversation last night.”

“More serious than the wedding planning?”

“Indeed.”

Nicole huffed, “Did I get really metaphysical or spiritual?”

“Not exactly.”

“Food related?”

“Do you really not remember?”

She paused before letting out a soft ‘no’. Her fingers anxiously danced across his chest before asking, “Was it embarrassing?”

“I don’t think so.” He said with a big smile while his fingers lightly ran up her back. As she leaned up to look at him, she wasn’t expecting his smug smile.

Chris rested his hand flat against her lower back before exhaling with a smile, “You told me you couldn’t wait to have my kids.”

“Oh.” Was all that came out of her lips a little over a whisper before she nuzzled back against his chest.

“Did you mean it?” She simply nodded and he smiled before beginning to rub big circles on her back, “Then why are you hiding?”

“Because it’s embarrassing.”

“Why?”

“Because we started dating not even a year ago and I get all wide-eyed and excited looking at baby clothes when I walk into a store. I thought about a future with you before but ever since the ring I just can’t stop thinking about it. But it’s not the time for us to do all this.”

“Why not?”

“You have movies and shows and things to do. It’s not an opportune time for us. And that’s fine, I’m not upset about it. You should be able to do the projects you want and when you’re ready we can settle down here and… you know.”

“I could back out of things if I needed to…Or just stop taking on new roles.”

“I don’t want you to have to do that if you still have more you want to do. We have a while to do what we want…Well, not a while but you’ll have longer than me.

“Not if I die first.” Nicole teased and Chris quickly shook his head.

“Nicole, that’s not funny.” He told her before pulling her closer.

“I know, I’m sorry…I just don’t want to think about living without you.”

“Same here…You ready to go get brunch?”

With a yawn and a small stretch, she nodded, “I guess I could eat.”

After the group got ready, they drove a bit upstate for brunch with giant omelets and crepes. Granted brunch may have been a little bit of a mistake as Scott and Nicole were tipsy by the time they left which was a little unfortunate due to the errands they had to run after. They had a lot of setting up to do to get his house ready for the New Years Eve party and the guest they would be hosting. Carlos flew in on the morning flight while Scarlett and her partner Colin flew in the afternoon before New Year’s Eve. As nice as it was meeting Chris’ friends, Nicole was over the moon to have her best friend in Massachusetts with her. They all had dinner together which soon evolved into game night which caused them all to stay up a lot later than they wanted to.

Chris’ phone alarm went off at nine causing them both to groan. They had a lot of balloons to blow up and final touches to make along with getting ready before their additional guests arrived at six. The party was roaring twenties themed to kick off the new decade in style. Nicole was more than excited to dress up like Daisy and Gatsby with Chris. She knew that their story ended in tragedy but it was her favorite book in high school and she was a sucker for it. They had spent the first two hours of the party walking around and meeting everyone. Chris certainly had a lot of friends, more than she could ever think of having herself. As it appeared that everyone had arrived and been greeted, she told him that she was going to make a pit stop in the kitchen.

“I’ll be right there, sweetheart.” Chris assured her, kissing her hand before letting it go and continuing his conversation about football.

It was like a maze moving through all the people and she was almost tempted to step outside into the cold just to catch her breath. She decided it would be best to at least grab some food. She was only a few steps into the kitchen when Scarlet surprised her, “Hey girlie, you got a minute to chat?”

“Oh, uhm, sure!” Nicole said with a small smile and grabbed a plate, “You enjoying the party?”

“I sure am, I love when Chris throws these crazy parties. I can only imagine what your wedding is going to look like.”

“Oh, you and me both.” Nicole joked.

“Have you guys talked about it?”

“Not necessarily? We talked about it while high a few nights ago but that was just a joke. There’s no way that he’s going to actually rent out Disney World.”

“He might!”

Chris gave them both a look as he walked into the kitchen, “He might what?”

“Rent out all of Disney World to profess your love for her.” Scarlett joked causing Chris to laugh.

“We’re just spitballing, the actual wedding planning will come after these two movies I’m doing.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, we haven’t had much time to talk about it other than this break.” Chris said with a sad twinge in his voice before grabbing another beer out of the fridge.

“I thought you guys had been together for a while, no?”

Nicole sucked in air through her teeth looking over at Chris leaning against the counter, “Did I just get you in trouble?”

“No, I just talk about you like I’ve known you forever so she assumed it's been longer than it has…You want another drink, wifey?”

“Yes, please!” She said with a big smile handing him her cup before continuing. “Well, we’ve been together since August? September?”

“I didn’t officially ask you until September but I’d say we’ve been together since July.” Chris said with a smile before sliding her drink over to her.

“There ya go. It kind of all just took off.” She felt her cheeks start to get hot and rested her elbows on the counter to rest her head on her fists. As Scarlett was counting on her fingers, “So, about five months?”

“Yeah, I guess it is technically five because we met on the twenty-second. I know it's soon but he-”

“It’s not soon, never try to explain love’s timing I’m just upset he kept this from me for so long! You met the family, got a ring, and I didn’t even know your name until yesterday!”

Chris handed Nicole a red solo cup full of vodka, sprite, and cranberry juice. “Well, Scar, introducing her to my family in less than six months and proposing was already a lot. I wanted to seal the deal before I sprung anything else on her…And if we’re being honest, I did tell you about her and show you pictures I just didn’t give you her name.”

“That is true.” Scarlett said toasting glasses with Nicole before they all took a drink.

“I guess now that I have someone that knows him that isn’t his family I should ask the question that’s been on my mind. He said he’d been waiting all his life for me, do you think that’s true or does he say that to all the girls?”

Scarlett laughed, “Well he is a romantic, but I also know he would never say something he didn’t mean.”

Chris pulled Nicole back against him with a smile, “See, told you.” He teased, causing her to playfully roll her eyes.

The rest of the night was a blur of karaoke, beer pong, and dancing and they loved every minute of it. It wasn’t until almost two in the morning the party had disbanded and some of their guests had gone to bed. Chris was putting on quite the show, tap dancing and waving goodbye to Scar and her husband in the kitchen before picking up Nicole and disappearing past the French doors out of sight. He set the giggling girl down so he could close the doors and by the time he turned around she was kicking off her heels. Chris initiated a sloppy make out session down the hallway to their room, stumbling over discarded clothing and dogs running between legs causing bouts of laughter. Nicole stumbled back into their bedroom as he opened the door causing her to squeal before he reached out and grabbed her. Dodger and Kennedy quickly ran in before Chris closed the door behind them. Chris smiled at her and gently pulled her closer to him so he could cup her face and kiss her the way he wanted to all night. He was kissing her like he had just been away for a year and he wasn’t going to let her go. As Nicole pulled away breathlessly, she laughed, “Hey! Slow down. Hey, there’s a lot of puppy energy happening right now.”

“Oh you want me to be an animal? Is that what’s happening?” He jokingly asked before lifting her up and throwing her onto the bed. Between their laughing and moaning, she was convinced that whatever guests stayed behind would hear them but was teetering the line so intoxicated she didn’t mind.

After Chris finished inside of her, his head fell into the crook of her neck. All seemed normal as he normally always held her until they both calmed down but as Nicole’s heart rate and breathing slowed she realized his grip wasn’t loosening and he was crying.

“Chris?” She asked softly to no response. After a few moments, her hands moved to his hair hoping the feeling of her playing with it would comfort him, “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, so sorry. Fuck.” He said softly, lifting his head up and wiping his wet face against his forearm before moving his hands to either side of her and propping himself up to look at her.

Nicole took a breath and tried to hide the fact that her voice was shaking. “It’s okay, I- are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He said looking at her before forcing a sad smile causing her to frown.

“What’s going on? Talk to me.” She moved her hands to cup his face and started to delicately brush away his tears with her thumbs, “Please?”

Chris closed his eyes as a few more tears fell, “You know that I love you…”

This was it.

Her breath caught in her chest.

Her heart sank.

The end that she feared was coming.

Chris cleared his throat before continuing, “It’s so stupid, so stupid that I’m even hung up on this right now, but… I love you so much. And this was our first hosted party together and we were just us. Then after that, we came in here. We came into our room and it was just so perfect. It was a perfect end to a perfect year and I’m so upset how many years I didn’t get to spend with you. I’m thinking about all the moments this past decade that I wish I had you and I know it’s not about that… I need to be happy that I have you now and I am happy. There’s just a lot of emotions in me tonight. I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize. There’s no need to be sorry for that…I just got scared is all. It’s okay, honey, really.” She told him while giving him a warm smile before rubbing his arms, “C’mon, lay down with me. It’s okay.”

He nodded, almost defeated, before rolling off of her and opening his arms up for her to embrace him.

Nicole was lazily running her feet up and down his legs, partially trying to warm them but also liking the feel of his hairy legs against her soft feet.

“Are you trying to play footsie or make a fire?”

She let out a soft giggle, “Maybe, my feet are cold.”

“You want some socks?”

“No, no, I can’t sleep with socks on. Feels weird…. Unless I’m bothering you.”

“Nah sweetheart, just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m okay, are you okay?”

There was a long pause and he took a deep breath before answering, “Yeah, I-I’m okay. I’m just truly taking in that we’re starting the new decade and the rest of our lives together. It’s symbolic and I’m sentimental.”

“It’s okay to be sentimental. I wish I spent a lot of moments with you too.”

“You do?”

“Yeah…Especially hearing all the happy stories from your family and friends. Wish I could’ve been there and seen your reaction myself.” She admitted before squeezing him a little tighter, “I love you and I’m happy I’m with you now. I’m happy I get to see what else you achieve.”

“I’m happy about that too.” He said with a small smile before kissing the top of her head. It wasn’t long before they had both fallen asleep.

Six hours later, the sun began to peek through the curtains. Nicole rolled over and hugged Chris with a small smile. He was still softly snoring and Nicole slightly giggled as Kennedy wiggled his way up the bed for attention. She patted her dog’s head with a few small scratches behind the ear before resting her hand on Chris’ side, “Go back to bed, Ken.” She told him softly and he eventually obeyed, laying back down beside Dodger. Closing her eyes again, she focused in on his heartbeat, delicately running her fingers up and down his side. The calming repetitive movements almost lulled her back to sleep before Chris spoke, waking her back up.

“What are you thinking about?”

Nicole slowly stopped stroking his side before smiling against his chest, “You.”

“Oh yeah? What about me?”

“Us. Our future together. Continuing from your realization last night.” She answered before kissing his chest right above his heart and looking up at him, “I’m just really happy.”

“I’m happy too, sweetheart. What does our future look like to you?”

“This house, some kids, hosting lots of parties… Disney trips and Hawaii trips and holidays with your family… The living room is a mess from school projects that Kennedy tried to eat for some attention while Dodger judges him from the couch.”

That caused Chris to laugh before he kissed the top of her head, “I think I like this future.”

“Me too.” She said, hugging him a little tighter.

He was twirling strands of her blonde wig around his finger for a few minutes before his phone buzzed on the nightstand causing them both to groan.

“It’s Scott, he wants to know where the bacon is.”

“Of course he does like he hasn’t been staying with us all week.”

Chris sighed and rubbed his face in a better attempt to wake up, “I guess our guests are up and we should start cooking.”

Nicole yawned while sitting up with a little stretch, “I’m gonna take a quick shower to get my makeup off and this wig off.”

“Alright, I’ll go entertain and stall for as long as I can.”

Nicole kissed his cheek before making her way into the bathroom. She took the blonde bob wig off before taking a quick shower to rinse off all the dried sweat and make-up that felt caked on her body. She wished that she had time to take her hair out of the braids but decided just to roll with it. Jumping into some sweatpants and tugging on one of her graphic tees, not wanting to get one of Chris' dirty, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and made her way to the group.

As she walked into the kitchen, Scarlett eyed Nicole's neck with a big smile before looking at Chris. “It looks like you two had fun last night.”

Chris raised his eyebrows with a smirk before going over to the fridge. Nicole started making herself a cup of coffee, “Yeah, I guess so. The beer pong really got to me I think. How did you guys sleep?”

“We slept alright. Probably could’ve slept better if we didn’t hear half of what went down in your room.”

Nicole tensed up and Chris’ hand quickly met the small of her back, “She’s kidding.”

Nicole forced a laugh before turning around to face the group staring at her, “Funny.”

“No shame here. At least not from me. I might tease him though.” Scarlett said with a laugh before drinking more of her coffee.

“What have you guys been talking about while I was in the shower?”

“Well, Scott has been catching us up on all the gossip.”

“Of course he has!” Nicole said with a laugh placing the container of pancake mix on the counter, “At least he hasn’t shown you the video yet. He shows that to everyone.”

“Ooh! Their video! Scar, let's go watch that!!” Scott said excitedly, pulling them over to the couch in the living room.

Nicole walked over to Chris and hugged onto him from behind, “I’m going to make a bunch of pancakes for everyone but when you finish prepping the eggs and bacon could you make me some waffles?”

“Yeah? Is it a waffle day?” She nodded against his back causing him to laugh quietly, “Of course honey, once I get these in the oven I’ll start on the waffles. You’re doing pancakes and toast right?”

“Sure am.” She said before lightly patting his stomach and pulling away to go find a mixing bowl and whisk.

(Next Chapter)

#rewrite the stars

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multimilfs · 3 years

Text

Lilith Clawthorne x Fem!Reader: First Time Beasts and How to Take Care of Them

Summary: Anon requested “PostS1- How about cursed!reader taking care of Lilith after experiencing her first transformation?”

A/N: I made myself hungry... RIP

Warning(s): None

Rule no. 1 one of transformations? Expect more than you’re likely to get.

Rule no. 2? Well… expect a lot. Transformations are no easy gig.

Over the course of time with your own curse, it’d become easy enough that you forgot these rules. Big mistake. That landed you with a yard full of feathers and enough sprinting to make a seasoned runner drop. You would be feeling it tomorrow.

When Lilith had first taken on half of Eda’s curse, you thought that her beast form would take on some of her personality. Calm, curious, and snuggly. The only trait to ring slightly true had been the snuggly bit. Unfortunately, she couldn’t calm down long enough to actually snuggle at all.

Lilith’s beast form was erratic and terrified. Of everything. You sneezed and she took off into the woods, only leaving behind tufts of feathers and claw marks in the ground. It would have been funnier if someone else were chasing after her.

Eventually though, you caught her for long enough to get the real Lilith back.

Now you were carrying said witch up to your shared bedroom, laying her gently on the bed. She let out a pained noise that made your heart ache.

“Hey, it’ll be okay,” You soothed, “I’ll get you something to eat and then you can sleep the rest of it off.”

“Screw food. Get in bed.” Lilith grumbled.

Her eyes glared at you from beneath the blankets stacked on top of her. You bit your lip, doing everything you could not to laugh. Her glare grew more intense every second you didn’t join her. And though you planned to, she really did need something to eat.

“Food first, then I’ll snuggle with you.”

Lilith let out a growl. The noise startled you, but it seemed to startle her too. Her eyes were wide and her ears were turning red. You left the room before she could see your grin.

You tried to recall what it’d been like for you after the first transformation. It had startled you, left you feeling raw physically and emotionally. You’d also been starving. Running around in a larger form burned a lot of calories.

The best route, you decided, was to have her eat something and then you’d hold her for the rest of the night. It was best for her to feel supported and safe. With as paranoid as her beast form was, she would be the same way for the rest of the night. Emotions and adrenaline were still surging.

Feeling pressed for time, you began mixing up something simple. Human pancakes. Luz had introduced the food to the residents of the Owl House and they’d quickly become a favorite of Lilith’s. She preferred hers with mashed fruit and a chocolate drizzle. Though the latter was a guilty pleasure.

“Hey, Luz?” You called out after arriving in the kitchen.

“Yeah?” Luz replied distantly.

“Can I get your help with these human pancakes of yours?”

There was the sound of feet before Luz stood in the doorway, a bright smile on her face. Her eyes sparkled in that way they did when she was happy to be included.

“These are going to be the best pancakes ever.” She gushed.

You couldn’t help but grin, holding out a bowl to her. Luz was a good kid. She had a natural joy for being around people and helping that brightened the house. Without her, you weren’t sure that you’d even be here in the Owl House. You counted yourself lucky to know a human like Luz.

“Are we making normal pancakes?” Luz asked, pulling her ingredients out of the cabinets.

“There are more than one type?”

“Of course there are! There are blueberry, banana, peanut butter, chocolate chip-”

“Woah, okay! You human’s really stick with something when you create it, huh?” You laughed, “Do you think Lilith would like chocolate chip?”

Luz nodded quickly. Lilith’s love for chocolate was the worst kept secret in the Owl House. None of you were brave enough to tell her that, though.

The two of you descended into a calm silence, only pierced by Luz giving you instructions on something. It was nice. If Lilith had been feeling better, she would have sat on the chair in the corner, watching the two of you work. It reminded you to be quick about getting back to her.

“Thanks for your help, Luz.”

“Anytime! Tell Lilith I hope they help.” She said sweetly.

You couldn’t help but reach out and ruffle her hair affectionately. What a good kid.

“I will.”

When you returned to the bedroom, Lilith had managed to sit herself up against the headboard, tapping her fingers impatiently. Her eyes lit up interestedly upon seeing the food in your hands, before tuning it down. She was supposed to be annoyed with you.

“Took you long enough.” Lilith sniffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Luz and I made you some special pancakes though.” You said with a smile.

Lilith glanced over at the plate, which turned into her staring at it. Every few moments she would glance away. Trying, and failing, to pretend that she was uninterested.

“No? Alright, I guess I can eat them, then.”

You began to cut the pancakes up, before Lilith rolled her eyes. She slowly held out a hand for the plate. You made no effort to hide your triumphant smile.

“I’m only doing this because I have no desire to hear you berate me later.” Lilith reasoned, glaring at you.

“Of course, honey.”

You sat down on the bed, lifting your arm so Lilith could snuggle up to you. She ate her chocolate chip pancakes while humming. And every now again, she’d generously offer you a piece.

When she’d eaten all of them, she let out a sigh. Lilith then wrapped both of her arms around your middle. You had to ignore the pain in your chest when she froze against the soreness in her body. It hurt you to see her in so much pain.

“Better?” You asked.

“Mhm.”

“Let me move the plate and then we can sleep.”

You tried to stand and move the plate, but Lilith had latched onto you. She had waited long enough. There was no way she was letting you get out of the bed, not until she’d gotten the snuggles she’d been waiting for.

“Lilith-”

Lilith grumbled, covering your mouth with her hand. She gave you a devious glare.

“Just lay down and shush, okay?” She said.

She’d put on her Coven Leader voice, which still worked, even after all this time. You laid down fully, holding her close while being careful not to hold her too tightly. She’d already moved more than she should have. You didn’t want to make it worse.

The two of you lapsed into a comfortable silence. And eventually, you felt her breathing even out. She wasn’t in too much pain to stop her from falling asleep. Good.

Carefully and slowly, you covered her in the soft blanket, placing a kiss on her forehead. It would be hard for the next few days, with soreness and mood swings. But the worst had passed. For now, all there was to do was sleep.

#lilith clawthorne #lilith x reader #lilith clawthorne x reader #the owl house #the owl house x reader #lilith toh #the owl house imagine #lilith the owl house #lilith clawthorne imagine #wlw #wlw imagine #dec2020 #multimilfswritings

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genesisrose74 · 3 years

Text

Christmas With the Karasuno Boys (HC’s)!!

Part 2: Kageyama, Hinata, Tsukishima, Yamaguchi, Kinoshita, & Narita

Part 1 (Daichi, Suga, Asahi, Nishinoya, Tanaka, & Ennoshita) here!

A/n: Tumblr said my word count was too much so I’m splitting this bad boi up into two parts :p Enjoy!!

*****

Kageyama

This boy has a secret soft side for Christmas istg

He HATES showing it to other people on his team and shit

But holy bejeezus he is mesmerized by the holiday in every way possible

Lights, sweets, snow, just like,,, the general magic of December is the most awe-inspiring thing to him

Since he is still a sporty and pretty active mofo, you decided to fuel that on your holiday-themed date as Kags had noted that he’d never gone sledding before

Your jaw was on the FLOOR when he first told you because he would 10000% enjoy the hell out of it

And so you dragged him out to this popular sledding hill that you frequented as a child and taught him what to do

Not gonna lie, he was kind of nervous

“Well you’re experienced at it. I don’t wanna mess up”

🥺🥺🥺 bubby

“You won’t, Tobio! I can already tell you’re gonna be a sledding pro”

Feels a little better after that, but he asks you to help him out for his first run down the hill

He sits behind you with his arms secured snugly around your waist and his head nestled on top of your shoulder

Which would probably seem really funny to passerby because this boy is tol and intimidating in most other situations

As soon as the sled started down, Kags tightened his grip and made this cute little yelp of surprise

But you were laughing insanely hard at the combination of going really fast downhill whilst also having your boyfriend cling to you for dear life

And then when the sled stopped safely at the bottom he started to chuckle

FULL ON, GENUINE SOUND OF ENJOYMENT

That shit is rare

Y’all stayed at that hill for half the day because it was so fun

You got him a new, very high quality athletic roller for Christmas because his old one was just not cutting it anymore

And you also gave him this really cute bracelet with a volleyball, his jersey number, and a little strawberry milk set of charms attached to it

It matched this really pretty and subtle chain he’d bought for your birthday

His blueberry eyes got all wide with affection dfjdskfjsdk—

Got super blushy and couldn’t get a handle on his speech for a fat minute

He thinks you’re the coolest person ever no I do not take criticism

Geez you’re both adorable together, ideal “stoic boy becomes warmer during the holidays around his love” movie plot and I love it

Hinata

He is all in on Christmas. Not a chance this boy doesn’t get excited as hell

Will openly go into holiday mode as soon as November is over

Was secretly already listening to his Christmas playlist before then

He is one of the sweetest gift givers, that is FACTUAL

If you want something really badly, he will take notice and get it as your present immediately

He’ll also gift you an extra thing that’s handmade 🥺

Like some pastries that his mom helped him make, or a specially made basket of soaps with your favorite scents in it

It’s absolutely adorable and you cherish those ones especially

Is happy if you simply get him something; mans doesn’t care what it is

New practice volleyball? A brand new sweatshirt? Elated either way

You had seen an advertisement for a friendly match between Japan and Poland’s men’s volleyball teams, so you waited online on the ticket sales website until the minute it opened

Spoiler alert: you got some banger seats 😌✨

Shoyo may or may not have tackled you when he read the ticket details, letting out his excited giggle (you know the one)

“I can’t believe you got these, angel! You’re coming with me, right? You’ve gotta! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Gives you sweet little kisses between each individual ‘thank you’

“Of course I’ll go with you, Sho! I’m really glad you like it!”

He will give you the brightest smile of all time — that shit makes Christmas lights pale in comparison

“Have I told you how much I love you?”

RIGHT BACK AT YOU BBY

Hold his hands to warm up together when temperatures drop pls :)))

It’s become a weekly December tradition to watch a Christmas movie with Natsu at the Hinata household

She’ll sit in your lap while the three of you are cuddled under a blanket together, and Shoyo will lace his fingers with yours all discreetly

In conclusion, I am a sucker for holiday Hinata 🥺🥺🥺

Tsukishima

His room is decorated to the very minimum simply because his mom and brother had insisted on him being festive

You know those holiday instrumentals that are really calming and jazzy and stuff? Yeah, that’s the only Christmas music he will tolerate in his house

While he’s still got his usual icy demeanor, this blond bitch does get slightly less snippy with the Karasuno boys

Is always on the nose with getting you the exact thing you wanted for a present

Like,,, TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL

You don’t even have to bring that shit up beforehand, he just KNOWS

“Tsukki, how did you—?”

“It’s pretty obvious, with the way that one ad kept showing up on your phone.”

b r u h

How does he pay such good attention without even letting on??

As for his own present, you’ll usually get him two: one gag gift and one more serious gift

His dino plush collection size is partly due to the former’s contributions this time of year

Yes the dinos have names

You exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve with all the team (you made him go) and he saved your more serious one for last

It was a scarf that you’d gotten custom made, which had a Spotify code knitted into the fabric

Scanning the code opened the app to a playlist you’d created especially for him

He got pretty quiet when figuring it out and scrolling through the playlist

Would let out a certified Tsukki Nose Exhale™ when he came across certain songs

The more subdued reaction was expected because it’s Tsukishima

His little chuckles and warmer eyes were enough of a giveaway to tell you he very much enjoyed your gift

But on the walk home, he took the scarf and wrapped it around you both, and then brought his arm around your waist

“Thank you.”

You deadass almost combusted because it was so unexpected??

“You’re welcome. Merry Christmas, Kei”

Way to respond calm and collected 😌👍

But on the inside your body was in freak out mode

He wears the scarf all the time jdfsklfjdsk

Yamaguchi

Take the most tooth rotting fluff you could imagine

And then double that and put a fucking cherry on top

That’s the equivalent of what Christmas is like with Yama Yama

Y’all are like kids in a candy store — literally

For your Christmas dates it’s all about sweets and shared giggles, so frequent trips to the candy and baking isles of the grocery store is a must

Making gingerbread houses, peppermint tasting (mostly trying those different and wild ass candy cane flavors), you name it and it’s there

Stomach aches? I don’t know her

Yeah you do but they go away with enough butterfly kisses 🥰

Tadashi is exceptionally good at decorating gingerbread houses for whatever reason

He put a poll on his instagram between yours and his final products and he won by a landslide

It’s not like yours was necessarily bad, more like he’s just an icing master

You also might have eaten too many gumdrops which left your rooftop lacking in ✨spice✨

But it’s okay because Tadashi donated some of his leftovers to you

He’s such a sweetheart uwu

Please for the love of everything get him something heartfelt as his present

You know those long distance bracelets for couples?

Basically if your s/o taps the icon on the bracelet it’ll send a little vibration to the other person’s as a notice that you’re thinking about them

This boy seeks constant reassurance, and you love to give him his deserved love and validation, so it was the perfect present

It takes a second for him to figure out what it is, but after reading the directions and testing it out, the most adorable smile erupted on his face

And then since you already had yours on, he tapped the little icon again with a giggle

“Hey there”

It becomes common habit to tap it at least once every couple hours

GOD HE IS SO CUTE

He is just so soft this time of year, give him all the love and he will return it tenfold ☺️

Kinoshita

This boy is absolutely an awkward cutie and an avid romantic

Give him the cliches and he will eat em up, no doubt

It naturally gets more apparent around the holidays

He’ll take you on pretty winter walks, give you lots of little gifts (while blushing a hell of a lot), and is just a professional at stumbling upon some mistletoe

Wow wonder how it got there, Hisashi

He’s quite a bit more confident when simply alone with you than in a crowded space

And that definitely shows when he takes you out on a secluded sleigh ride around town

Yeah you heard me

A fuckin’ sleigh ride

Horses and blankets and everything

Don’t even ask how he managed to pull it off, because he loves watching the cogs turn in your head and simply will not give you a straight answer

Of course there’s the nice driver guy who’s there, but in the back alone Kinoshita’s confidence goes 📈📈

Lots of flirting, tons of skimmed touches and shared giggles throughout the ride

I legitimately simp really hard for him

Anyways it was a gorgeous ride through town and super fun

On Christmas Eve you both exchange gifts together and tbh whatever you got him will leave him happy and flustered regardless

But when he opens the wrapping paper to find an entire set of vintage VHS tapes, he’s stunned

He owns a VHS (actually canon!) and honestly loves it to death, and the fact that you’d get him tapes of pretty high quality for his collection meant a lot

Gosh he’s so underrated but a definite sweetheart, give him all the holiday love

Narita

Another underrated bby 🥺

He’s so chill and is pretty open to anything during the holidays, so long as he gets to spend ample time with you, his friends, and his family

Definitely more of an indoor person despite being accepting of most situations

Hence why you thought a cute little indoor winter picnic would be right up his alley

Which it absolutely was 😌✨ nice work

You’d made plans while in secret communications with his family members about the whole thing

He’d been pretty stressed lately with trying to handle his schoolwork, while also helping out others with theirs

Despite being a wonderful tutor, it was clearly becoming a bit overwhelming as he tried to grapple with so much at once

So when he came home one day to find a pristine house with you settled on a blanket in his living room, he was quite surprised

There’s a cheese plate, soda cans in a cute ice box, sandwiches, snacks, a presparked fireplace — you and his family went all out

Really adorable I cannot lie

“I thought you said you were going gift shopping today?”

“I might have maybe lied :P”

So he gives the sweetest little smile and sits across from you

Y’all stay there and talk for hours

After finally getting through everything previously laid out on the blanket spread, you slid him a little rectangular box that he looked at curiously

“Already? I haven’t wrapped yours yet!”

“Mine can wait a bit! Just open yours”

And so he does, and you watch with a face-splitting grin as he looks down in awe

You got tickets to see his favorite rock band in concert while they were on tour

He sprung onto you and pulled you into the tightest hug ever

“Holy shit you’re the best I love you so much how do you get even more loveable every day—!?!l”

It’s a jumble of words but you’re able to put it together and it makes you giggle

He deadass sprints upstairs to go get your gift and make sure that you feel as equally appreciated as he does

In simple words: wholesome holiday sweetness 🥰

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cantteachanoldguardnewquotes · 3 years

Text

It's Too Early For This

No warnings apply

Read on AO3

"Who took the car out?" Joe asked walking into the kitchen and giving Nicky a quick good morning kiss on his forehead.

"Hmm? I'm not sure, you're the first person I've seen since I got up around seven."

"Maybe Nile and Quynh took it. I thought they were planning something last night but I figured they'd tell us before they went anywhere."

"I'm sure they'll be back soon." Nicky said.

"I doubt it." Booker said joining them in the kitchen and getting a coffee mug from the cupboard. "Look at the text Nile sent me." He showed them his phone, revealing a selfie of Nile, Andy, and Quynh outside a restaurant with the caption 'this better be worth the four hour trip.' under it.

Joe huffed. "They drove all that way and didn't even ask if I wanted to go?"

Nicky tried not to laugh at his husband's dismay but couldn't stop his amused grin. "I'm sure they meant no offense, maybe next time you can join them."

"When did they even leave? Who goes and gets food that far away? I mean they still have to drive all the way back." Booker shook his head in disbelief.

"I can see Nile and Quynh doing something like that, but Andy?" Nicky asked.

"I'm sure Quynh didn't have much trouble convincing her." Joe said with a grin.

"True." Nicky and Booker said at the same time.

"Guess I get the remote all day." Booker said.

"Not if I get it first." Joe took off for the living room with Booker close behind him yelling threats in multiple languages.

Nicky chuckled and went back to making breakfast.

(Earlier that morning)

"Andy." Andy heard Quynh call her name but it was such a faint whisper she was sure she was dreaming.

"Andy." Quynh said again this time with the lightest shake of her shoulder.

Andy sat up with a jolt. "What's wrong? Is someone... Nile? What do you need?" It was so dark out Andy didn't have a clue what time it was, only a faint glow from the hallway allowed her to see Quynh and Nile's outlines.

"Shh shh, nothing's wrong everything's fine." Quynh reassured her. "We just wanted to let you know we're leaving to get some breakfast, you're welcome to join us but you don't have to.

Andy rubbed her eyes trying to process what was going on. "Breakfast? What time is it now?"

Nile bit her lip. "It's, uh, four a.m." She said sheepishly.

Andy groaned and flopped back down on the bed. "I hate you both."

"Quynh pecked her on the lips. "No, you don't." She said with a sly grin.

Andy cracked an eye open, half her mouth quirking up in a smile. "No, I don't." She sighed looking back and forth between the two of them. "You're crazy. What's even open at this hour?"

Nile's grin somehow looked even more sheepish. "The place doesn't open till eight but that's fine cause it's four hours away and it will be open when we get there."

"You're telling me going to drive for four hours? For breakfast?" Andy asked shaking her head.

They nodded in unison, neither of them giving any indication they would change their minds.

"It's alright." Quynh gave Andy a reassuring pat. "Like we said we only wanted you to know where we are, no need to get up."

"Oh, you're not getting rid of me that easily." Andy said, as she pulled off the covers and stood up. "Let me change and then we can go."

"Yes!" Quynh asked too loud in her excitement.

"Shhh. You'll wake the guys." Nile said bringing her finger to her lips.

"Sorry." Quynh whispered. "Really? You're not too tired?" She asked.

Andy snorted. "Yes, really, I might be mortal but I'm not an invalid. Besides, I have to see for myself if this food is worth it or if you both are going on a wild goose chase."

Quynh laughed and kissed Andy's cheek. "It will be an adventure either way!"

"I'll go start the car." Nile said with amusement.

After hours of would you rather, guess my animal, who can finish the alphabet first by collecting letters from license plates and signs, and non stop singing, Andy was finally pulling off the much anticipated exit they needed.

They all needed to go to the bathroom and Nile and Quynh were so hyped up on energy drinks Andy didn't even know how they were sitting still anymore. She'd only had two coffees the whole trip and was feeling every second of the long car ride.

"There it is!" Nile shouted poking her head between the driver and captain seat pointing in her excitement.

Andy cocked her head to the side at the sudden noise in her ear, but chuckled all the same at Nile's unbridled enthusiasm. She parked and they all got out, happy to stretch their legs and backs.

"I hope you're hungry, dear." Quynh said grabbing Andy's hand and leading her towards the door.

It was eight in the morning, but the restaurant was already busy.

Andy flipped open the menu to study it. They hadn't even told her what type of food this place served.

"So, the reason Quynh and I picked this particular restaurant is because it has a huge breakfast and if you finish it in an hour by yourself you get it for free, and we wanted to see how far we could get. Of course you can get whatever you want that's just what they're famous for." Nile explained eyeing the menu as well.

"It ends at ten so we wanted to get here early, since they can get really busy and we didn't want to wait." Quynh added.

"Well if that's what they're known for I'll give it a shot." Andy said.

"Should we choose a prize for the winner?" Quynh asked, leaning forward like she was conspiring.

"The losers each have to buy dinner for the winner, whatever meal they want." Andy suggested.

Nile laughed. "We're not going to want to look at food for a week after this."

"No, expiration date. We'll want to cash in eventually." Quynh grinned.

"Deal."

They ordered and the food just kept coming even Nile and Quynh who had read about the breakfast seemed surprised by the large portion sizes. They were served eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, pancakes, waffles, fruit, hash browns, and coffee. It all looked delicious and smelled heavenly.

"You have an hour to finish if you want your name on the wall." Their server said gesturing to the far wall. It already had a few names on it but not many.

They all shared excited glances, then dug in.

"They have different flavored syrups too." Nile said happily dousing her pancakes in blueberry syrup.

"Is blueberry syrup your favorite?" Quynh asked.

"I like them all, it just depends on what I'm feeling."

"Would you like some coffee with that cream?" Andy teased as Quynh added a ton of vanilla creamer to her coffee.

"You have no room to talk, you put ketchup on your eggs." Quynh shot back grinning and handing her the bottle of ketchup.

"That's how they were intended to be eaten." Andy argued with a smirk.

Nile made a disgusted face. "No, eggs are best with cheese."

"You can still put ketchup on that and it's delicious."

Quynh and Nile shared a 'not on a million years would that taste good' look and laughed.

They ate so much they all felt like they might explode. They were forty-five minutes in and only Andy was still going strong.

Quynh was still giving it her best shot but she had slowed down a lot.

Nile was only picking at her food by now but she had finished a lot more than she thought she'd be able too.

Right before their hour was up their server came over to check on them.

Andy was just putting the last bite of waffle in her mouth.

Quynh and Nile still had some food left over unable to take another bite.

"Looks like we have a winner!" Their waitress said. "Just follow me and you can sign your name on the wall."

Nile and Quynh followed Andy over to watch.

Andy hesitated for a split second trying to decide which name to write then chose Andromache.

"Yay!" Nile cheered and clapped.

Quynh gave her a kiss and congratulated her.

"And if it's alright, we'll take your photo and keep it on the wall for a month." The waitress said.

Andy shook her head. "No pictures, but thank you."

Before Andy could reach the car Nile said. "I'll drive home."

Andy nodded, climbing into the backseat, and laid down. "Thanks, I'm not going to be able to stay awake after all that."

"We'll keep the noise down." Quynh reassured her, sitting in the front seat so Andy would have some more room, and she could keep Nile company.

"Appreciate it." Andy mumbled already drifting off.

Quynh smiled fondly, giving Andy's knee a gentle squeeze. "Sleep well." She murmured.

They started the long drive back to the safe house talking about nothing in particular, music playing softly.

"Was it worth the trip?" Nile asked Quynh.

Quynh thought about how much fun they'd had on the way down, the delicious meal, all the shared laughs, and Andy sleeping peacefully in the backseat. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."

"Me too."

#The Old Guard #Nile #Andy #Quynh #immortal wives #Joe #Nicky #Booker #fic #Twi writes sometimes

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benji-writes · 3 years

Text

Sammy, and I, and the Soda Pop Shop

Pairing: Sam Wilson x f!reader

Word count: 5.2k

Summary: Best friends since childhood, you and Sammy need to fall a part before you can come back together again.

Warnings: hurt/comfort, mentions of death

Sammy and I always made time for the Soda Pop Shop. On the corner of Smock and Singleton, the Soda Pop Shop was a local institution. Across from Colby Cook Memorial Park, locals would pop in for a soda, a Pop Pop Burger, and a bag of Hot Hot fries. The Pop Hot Combo was not to be missed out on, and Sammy and I would get 2 orders of Pop Hots every Friday night, and head across the street to eat them at the picnic table by Magnolia Trees. They were a treat, and a sacred ritual from the time we were kids till the time he left.

Wednesday nights we’d sit at our favored booth in the Soda Shop and order Slush Puppies – Green Apple and Grape. Sometimes we’d sit at the counter stools and talk to Mama Nell, who had owned the shop and worked behind the counter as long as anyone could remember. Nobody had a lot of money where we came from, but Sammy always took care of me. He’d buy our slushees and our Pop Hots. He’d do extra chores around the house when we were kids, hoping to get a few extra dollars to spend. When we were older, I’d see him mowing lawns or running errands for the neighbors. I could never understand why he did it. I had an allowance when we were little, and as a teenager I babysat the younger kids in the neighborhood. I could easily have bought my own food, but that was just who Sammy was.

I tried everything I could to show Sam how much he meant to me. I’d bring him breakfast to school in the morning, even when he told me not to. His favorite was always the blueberry bagels. I’d leave him notes in sidewalk chalk on the pavement outside his house. I cut the strings off the community center yo-yos and braided them together to make us matching friendship bracelets. Sammy and I never took them off. Not ever.

For birthdays and Christmas’s, I’d save up everything I could. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I gave him tickets to what would become our first concert. Or the Christmas after his sixteenth birthday, when I bought him a video camera.

The best gift I ever gave Sammy though was the day before he left for the Air Force. It was years of photographs, mementos, flowers. All those special things that I’d saved over the years. I had never been so nervous.

We’d gone out that night to the Soda Pop Shop. Everyone came by to see him: to say goodbye, to reminisce, to laugh and laugh, and to cry.

Mama Nell told wistful stories about Sammy. She lived in the house next door, and had watched me and Sammy play in the streets, and run around the park since we were practically in diapers. She had watched us grow up, always made time to ask us how school was going, and what our plans for the weekend were. Gave us free slushees whenever she could sneak us one without the other customers noticing.

When the night wound down, and even Sam’s family had made their way home, Sammy and I were still sat in our booth by the window. Just sitting there. Quiet. Unwilling to go home. It was then, with the tables up on the chairs, and all the stores on the block closed for the night, that Mama Nell came over and sat down with us. She placed two orders of Pop Hots down, alongside a Green Apple and a Grape Slush Puppie. We’d hardly eaten a thing all night, too caught up in everything to even think about it. Just grabbing a handful of fries, or an onion ring off of somebody else’s plate.

The food was still steaming. We hadn’t ordered anything, but somehow Mama Nell knew we were hungry. Not just for food, but for more time. For this moment together. For one last Pop Hot before everything changed.

She sat for a second, all of us just there in the still of the moment, food in front of us waiting to be eaten when she said, “Kids. I’ve never seen anything quite like the two of you,” She took a deep breath, and shook her head. “Won’t be the same round here.”

With that, she dropped the keys on the table and stood. She was walking towards the door, not even looking at us, “Lock up when you kids are ready. Just drop the key in the mailbox.”

And then she was gone. Just me and Sammy, alone for the first time all night. On the precipice of a brave new world. One we would have to face alone.

I was the first to reach for my food. We ate quietly, but together. Sammy would be gone in only a few hours, uncertain as to when we would get to see each other again.

When I was done eating, Sammy was still making his way through the last of his fries. Eating slow, trying to make it all last. It was then that I finally spoke.

“Hey, Sammy?” It came out quieter than I wanted it to. He didn’t look up. Just kept eating.

“Sammy?” I said louder this time, and he shoved another fry in his mouth.

“Sam.” That got his attention. I never called him that.

“Don’t call me that, baby.” He whispered so softly. The way he called me baby made my heart fold in on itself.

“Then look at me,” I ordered. And he did. A moment went by where we just looked at each other. “I have something for you. I want you to have it.” He wiped his hands off with a napkin and pushed the food wrappers aside while I reached into my bag to pull his present out. It was wrapped delicately in glittery tissue paper. I placed it in front of him, and he looked at it so seriously. And with such care, and the gentlest of hands, he undid the tissue paper.

A black scrapbook. Nothing on the cover to indicate what would be on the inside. Ever so carefully, he flipped open the cover to see a picture of us two as kids, hugging and smiling for the camera. Underneath, in my handwriting, read the words “ The Adventures of Sammy and I.”

I saw his jaw clench tight. As he flipped from page to page. Picture strewn across each of them, little notes along side.

“Wishing well we found. Two pennies thrown in. I know what I wished for...”

“Sittin’ on the dock of the bay. Watchin’ the tide roll away.”

“Taken after Sammy saw his first pair of tits at Mardi Gras.”

“Biker wannabe. Sammy during his leather jacket phase, leaning against the Soda Shop, trying to catch the babes.”

“Prom. Sammy couldn’t get a date, so I figured I might as well take pity...”

“Under the stars. Slush puppies in the summer time. Biggie on the radio. Nights were never better than this.”

He ran his fingers across the pages. His eyes watered, but no tears would fall. He laughed at some of my descriptions. Let out a long sigh as he ran his hand down cream soda bottle tops, movie stubs, old sticky notes left for one another. The sun-wearing-sunglasses magnet from my school locker that he always made fun of. Magnolia petals that would fall from the tree and onto our picnic table. The fortune from a cookie he gave me that said “Believe it can be done.”

Precious artifacts that wove together the story of our friendship. Of our everything.

“Y/N... baby, I-“ the words caught in his throat.

“I know, Sammy. I know” I grabbed his hand from across the table.

He looked up at me. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I had a feeling it was about all the things we’d left unsaid. All the things that would stay unsaid.

“You’ll stay safe out there, won’t you Sammy?” The words came out like a prayer.

“I’ll always come back to you.”

We sat in the park that night. Stayed out till he had to leave for basic training in the morning. We walked to the bus together. His mom and sister were already waiting there with his bag. He hugged them so tight. His mom wept. His sister pretended not to. He took a deep breath, and refused to let his chin wobble. That was my Sammy, alright. Brave face. Always trying to take care of everyone but himself. He hugged me last, shoved his head right into the crook my neck. He breathed in deep, as if he wanted to savor every piece of this last moment. As if he knew things would never be the same. He kissed my forehead, “I love you.”

I so badly wanted him to mean it the way I meant it, “I love you too, Sammy.”

He got on that bus, and as it pulled away a feeling settled. It was uneasy. It was empty. Something greater than loss, something more profound than grief. It was a feeling took root in the very fabric of my body. And I just knew I would never see Sammy again.

And I didn’t.

Not for many years.

Not until today...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mama Nell didn’t have any kids of her own. No husband to speak of. Just a handful of scrappy kids that came in and out of her shop over the years. She’d helped us out when we needed it. There were months where we spent more time with Mama Nell than with our own families. She was special to us. Family.

After Sammy left, I spent more time with Mama Nell than I did with anyone – more than my family, more than Sammy’s family. I would help do chores around her house, stuff she “couldn’t” do anymore: wiping baseboards, washing the woodwork, replacing sheets and blankets, scrubbing the tub, vacuuming, dusting, and so on goes the list. Really Mama Nell was just giving me a reason, a guise, to be over at her house all the time. I was helping out. And she enjoyed having the company. We’d play hours of scrabble, and I’d usually lose. I’d show her new movies (anything with Denzel was her favorite). According to Mama, “Men had no right lookin’ that good.” We’d gossip and chop onions, and tomatoes for the Shop.

I would spend hours with Mama at her house. But I couldn’t bring myself to actually walk into the Pop Shop. Not alone. Not without Sammy. Not for a long time.

It was probably six months after Sammy had left before I even considered going into the shop. It was eight months before Mama Nell convinced me to help her bring over some containers of vegetables.

Nine months had gone by, without so much as a phone call from Sammy. Not a single letter of mine replied too. Even his mom had only talked to him on the phone a few times. Said there was a lot going on he couldn’t talk about. But I didn’t care if he couldn’t talk about what he was doing in the military. I just wanted to hear his voice, hear him say my name, or crack a joke. I wanted to tell him about how me and Mama Nell had gotten even closer, and that I missed him. I wanted to see his chicken scratch handwriting, where you needed context clues to tell if he was trying to write a “g” or an “s.” I just wanted him. Something. Anything. I felt like a dog, begging for even the smallest of scraps. But nothing ever came. Any updates I got were passed on by his mom. He was supposed to come home after a couple of months, but he never did. And that feeling I had felt in my stomach the day he’d left, from the moment he stepped on that bus, only grew deeper and deeper. It became more. I was sick to my stomach with the knowledge that my Sammy was gone.

It was his birthday – just over nine months after Sammy had left – that I really went back to the Soda Pop Shop. I sat down. Alone at our booth. Everything felt too still. Too quiet. The place was closed, but Mama Nell had long since given me a key, not that I’d ever really needed it before. Part of me still wonders if she knew this day would come. Where I’d need to finally have this moment.

I sat in our booth, like we normally would. I made myself a Pop Hot, just the way Mama had taught me. I poured a Green Slush Puppie. I fiddled with the bracelet on my wrist.

I ate alone.

The next day, I started working behind the counter with Mama.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“How was school today, Andy?” I asked from behind the counter, handing him a chocolate shake.

“Stupid.” It came out all mumbled, and huffy, the way it always does when kids are asked about school.

“You’re not getting picked on are you, honey?” I couldn’t help but worry about him. It was hard not to worry about the kids that came in and out of here.

He took a long deep breath, “No... it’s just stupid, and I hate math, and it’s almost summer. So it’s just stupid.”

He took a sip of his milkshake, and shrugged his shoulders. I nodded, because I remember what that was like. Me and Sammy would sit in this very spot after school, and complain to Mama Nell about how dumb school was. And she’d nod along sagely. And then, if it was one of those rare quiet days, a day like today when no one was around, she’d give us both Pop Hots – on the house.

“Well kiddo, how’s a Pop Hot sound?” I said smiling at him.

“Amazing! But can you wrap it up for me? I gotta be home before Ma gets mad.” He put his elbow on the table, and rested his cheek on his hand, still sipping on the straw of his milkshake.

“Sure thing bud, I’m getting ready to close up shop anyway.”

A few minutes later, I was wrapping up his burger in foil, and throwing his fries in a baggie. Dr. Pepper was his favorite, so I pulled one out of the fridge and stuck that in there too.

I handed him his bag, and he pushed the empty shake glass towards me, “Be good, alright. Stay safe on the walk home, and I’ll see you soon. Flip the sign ‘closed’ on the way out.”

He thanked me and was almost out the door when I shouted, “Tell your mother I said hello!”

“OKAY!” I heard him yell back, muffled as the door began to close in his way out.

He was a good kid. They all were. All the little ones that came running in and out of the shop. It was easy to see why Mama Nell always took to the little rugrats that came in and out of this place.

I grabbed his glass off the counter and turned around to start washing. The dishwasher was already running for the night, so I turned the faucet on and waited for the water to warm. That’s when the door opened, the bell above it giving a little ring.

“Sorry pal, we’re closed for the night.” I kept washing, but whoever it was didn’t say anything, and the bell hadn’t rung again so I knew they were still there.

I let out a little sigh, shut off the faucet, and grabbed a rag to dry my hands.

“I’m sorry but we’re –“ I turned around, but the words caught in my throat. My rag fell to the floor, and I lifted a hand to my face.

There was no one I expected to see less. But there he was. Taller, more angular. He’d lost his baby face, and before me stood a man. He looked sharp, like he’d just been to the barber, and for all I knew, he had. He had on a button down, and a pair of jeans. Nice leather shoes. He was even more handsome than I remembered.

But those eyes. Those eyes that had always been so soft and hopeful. They looked so tired. Worn. Aged.

Aged... because we had aged... it had been years. It had been fucking years since I saw him last. I long since made peace with the fact that I would never see him again. Not a word from him after he left. Not a letter replied to, not a question answered, not a sight to be seen. He never came home. He never wrote. He never called. Never passed a message along to his mother, never wanted to listen to the messages I asked his mother to pass along. None of it. He promised. He was my best friend – half of my whole, all I had ever wanted, and needed, and begged for from the universe in the late of the evening.

When we had sleepovers, he would hold me so close. We’d wake up and eat cereal in bed and watch Looney Tunes, or Family Matters, or MTV. After our lucky charms, we’d share orange slices, and grapes, and hang out for hours. I’d go home that night, and pray. I was never religious, but something about Sammy always drove me towards the unknown. I didn’t know who I was praying too, who I was begging. But I was desperate for it to work. All I’d ever wanted was my Sammy. It was always just Sammy and I, falling together in the Soda Pop Shop.

But now...

Now. I was angry.

“Get out.” He looked down and nodded, but made no effort to move, “When my mom said I’d find you here, I didn’t really believe her. But when I dropped by your moms house, and she pointed me here, I figured it must’ve been true.”

“Get. Out.” The words came out through clenched teeth.

But he just started taking steps toward me, “Listen... I know... I know what I did, okay? I know. But, baby-“ I

cut him off, shaking my head, “Samuel.”

That got his attention. His eyes shot straight up to mine. He looked at me for a minute. Then he nodded, real solemn, and stopped. “

I’m staying at my mom’s for a while.”

I didn’t say anything.

“I just... I wanted to see you.”

My breath was shallow, “Well, you’ve seen me.”

He shook his head, and said “Can you at least tell me where I can find Mama Nell? I figured she’d be here too.”

I looked down, unable to believe my own ears. It was too much, it took everything in me not to break down as I said, “Luling Cemetery. Row 46, 18 down from the Oak tree.”

He didn’t say anything, just looked at me for a long while. Then he sniffled, looked down, shook his head, and shook it some more, before he turned around and kicked a chair.

“What the fuck, Sam!” I walked out from behind the counter, and picked up the chair he’d kicked over, but he just kept walking. Walked right to our old booth. Sat in his old seat. Covered his mouth and cried. Sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. And I stood by the chair, I’d just picked up before I took a real deep breath.

I was mad at Sammy. Mad didn’t even begin to describe it. Heartbroken, and infuriated, and in so much pain. But somehow he hadn’t known about Mama Nell. How hadn’t he known?

I had written him letters after she died. Pleaded with him, please come home. I had never known such depths of emptiness. I had lost my Sammy, and I had lost the woman who had taken me under her wing, and showed me how to live for myself. I felt like I had nothing left to give. At first I just asked him to write me back.

“Just write me back, Sammy. That’s all. Just this once.”

Then I asked him to call.

“Just let me hear your voice, Sammy. I just need to hear your voice, Sammy. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Then I asked him to come to the funeral.

“Sammy, we have to bury her. Sammy, please. Please, Sammy. I need you here for this. I can’t do this on my own. I love you, and I need you now. I need you, Sammy. Please. Please, Sammy. Please come home.”

Then I broke down.

“Sammy... Please Sammy... We read the will today.

She gave me the Shop Sammy... I own the Shop.”

He never replied. Didn’t attend the funeral. Why didn’t he come? Why wasn’t he there? How didn’t he know?

I let him cry for a while. Figured he needed it. Just finished cleaning up, and put all the chairs up on the tables. I walked back around the counter, and filled a glass with water, grabbed a box of tissues from underneath the back counter, and headed over to sit. For the first time in so many years, I sat across from Sammy at our old booth. It didn’t feel real.

I pushed the water towards him, placed the box of tissues next to it, and let him cry it out.

I’d never seen Sammy like this, not in all our years. I’d seen him shed tears, I’d even seen him cry a little. But sob? Never in my life had I seen him just weep. He looked like a little kid. But more than that, he looked like a broken man.

When he started to breathe a little more evenly, and had wiped his face dry, I finally spoke.

“Oh, Sammy,” I whispered. “How could you not know?”

He shook his head. Closed his eyes, “No one ever... No ever told me. My mom she didn’t... Why didn’t you write me?”

He sounded crushed, a devastation in his voice that felt so foreign coming from his mouth.

“Sammy,” I was absolutely reeling, “I wrote you so many times. Sammy I wrote you for years before I stopped, and when Mama Nell died, I wrote you over and over and over. I... I begged you to come home, Sammy.” It all came out like such a broken whisper.

He looked at me real hard, “No.”

“Yes, Sammy. I did.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No,” He was running his hands through his hair. “No you didn’t. I got three letters from you, right in the begging. And yeah, I was an ass for not replying, but I already felt so guilty for leaving, I just didn’t know what to say. But then they stopped. Hard stopped. So don’t tell me you wrote me for years, because it was radio silence from you.”

I couldn’t believe my own ears, “Sammy, I wrote you hundreds of letters. Hundreds, Sammy.”

He shook his head, “I don’t... I don’t understand.”

“Sammy, are you telling me you didn’t get my letters?”

“Just three. I...” He shook his head, having a hard time trying to process everything. “Pretty early on they pulled me. They were starting a new program, and I was one of the guys they wanted to train for it. I was always asking them if I got any mail. Only thing they ever gave me came from Mom. Eventually I just stopped asking. I never thought...”

We were quiet a while. Neither of us really knowing how to handle this information.

“I promised you I’d write...” I finally got out.

“ I know,” He said. “I know.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sammy stuck around after that, just like he said he would. He stayed with his mom, and started going to meetings at the VA, trying to process what had happened to him. To us. To Riley, and Mama Nell.

He told me not long after he came back. He was helping me clean up one night. He’d been helping out around the shop whenever he could. It was so strange to turn around and see him again.

He walked behind the counter, everyone gone, and only sweeping left to do, and poured himself a big grape Slush Puppie.

He took a loud sip, “Oh man.”

Then another “Mmm mmm mmm. I forgot how good these were.”

I couldn’t help but smile, “Yeah, it’s been a while since I had one myself.”

As soon as the words were out my mouth his cup was left to sit on the counter, and he was turning around to pour me one. A green apple Slush Puppie just waiting for me. He held it out to me like a present. Like a peace offering.

“Come on baby, you’ve done enough sweeping. Get on back here and sip.” He was so confident it made me roll my eyes.

But I listened. Walked over, hopped up onto a stool, and let Sammy serve me. He watched as I took the first sip, and as soon as that cool icy slush hit my tongue, I closed my eyes in sweet bliss. It was so much sweeter than I remembered. The kinda sweet only a kid could like. But it tasted like good memories, and I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for that.

After a minute or two he said, “I got in contact with my colonel, y’know.”

I took another sip, “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Told him that I was looking for some letters... Since I’m out now, he said he might as well tell me. Since it was such an experimental program. Something kept under wraps, no one got letters from anyone but immediate family. They have boxes for each of us. So he sent over mine.”

I didn’t know what to say, “Sammy...”

He just continued on, “So I finally got your letters,” He took a long shaky breath. “Baby... baby I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Sammy.”

“You promised you’d write. I should’ve fought them harder on it.”

“It’s not your fault, Sammy. You hear me? It’s not your fault. None of it Sam.” I hoped he could hear what I was telling him. He’d told me about Riley that first night. He’d just lost him, and then to find out about Mama Nell like that. It was all too much.

And I’m a reasonable person. Logical, and understanding. I understood that what happened between Sammy and I wasn’t entirely either of our faults, and that most of it was out of our hands. I spent so many years, with so much anger inside of me. So much grief. And don’t get me wrong, I was still angry. Just not at Sammy anymore.

“Baby...” he said, shaking his head.

“Sammy. It’s not your fault.”

He reached for my hand across the counter, and I let him take it.

“I got your letters. So,” he said reaching into his back pocket. “I wrote you a reply.”

He sat the envelope carefully down in front of me, one hand still clutched to mine. I stared at it. A letter I’d waited for for so long. A letter that finally arrived.

But when I looked up at Sammy, who sat watching me with anxious, awaiting eyes, I found myself asking him something, “Will you read it to me, Sammy?”

His face froze up. I saw him swallow, “Read it to you?”

And somehow his nervousness made me more confident, more desperate to hear the words come from his mouth, “Yeah, Sammy. Will you? Will you read me your letter?”

He looked very uncertain.

“Please, Sammy?” I whispered.

He closed his eyes, “Okay.”

He was being brave, and I knew it. Loved him for it. He ran his thumb across my knuckles. Then all at once, that warmth was gone and he was reaching for the envelope.

He took a moment to himself. Just slight shook his had, as if to ask himself what am I doing? And then, ever so softly, he began to read.

“Dear baby...

I got your letters today. Reading them made me homesick. Made me miss Mama Nell and the Shop. But really it made me miss you.”

He paused, and took a deep breath. The words were sincere, but they sound unnatural coming out of his mouth. They were words he never dreamed he’d say aloud.

“I wonder where the time has gone. Reading all your letters, it makes me feel like no time has passed at all, but there’s been so much lost between now and then.

I’m sure it sounds dumb. God knows most of the things that come outta my mouth are. But I’d do anything to never be a part from you again. And I know, I know, that so much has happened. Things have gone wrong, and I’ve changed, and you’ve changed. I know we’ve grown up, but I think about tomorrow and it hurts to imagine you not being there...”

He cleared his throat, “I want you to know that I never stopped loving you. I’ve always loved you, and not a thing that comes between us could ever change that.

All I know is that I want to learn you all over again. Learn who’ve you grown into. I miss talking to you, and holding you. I miss sneaking kisses on your cheek, and tucking you in when we’d fall asleep watching Good Times.

I want to earn those times back. I mean it when I say I love you. I’ve always loved you, and no matter how many times I’d try to pick up chicks at the mall, I always belonged to you.

I never knew if you could see how much I loved you. Or if you, like me, couldn’t see past your insecurities. I think I know now. I wish I could find more words to tell you. But I hope you feel it, baby. I need you to.

I love you. I miss you. Write back soon. Your Sammy.”

He was quiet for a long while after that, and so was I. We sat together, in the silence, sorry for ourselves and all the time we’d lost. I’ve never been more grateful for anything than all the newfound time we’d have together.

And all at once, I was out of my seat and holding on to, Sam, his arms wrapped around me, and he picked me up to place me on the counter. He stepped between my legs, and just held me, trying to get closer, as if we didn’t become one entity in that very second, we would be torn a part forever.

It felt good. But more than that it felt right. And now that I had this again, I would never let go. Not ever. No. From now on, it was just gonna be me and Sammy. I loved him so much. And I could feel it in my very bones, just how much he loved me. We had a long road ahead of us, but with him by my side, I knew we’d make it. Just me and Sammy. Just Sammy, and I, and the Soda Pop Shop.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A/N:

Hey guys!

Been gone a super long time, probably a little over a year now. But I’ve been reading some fanfiction recently, I’m in a super positive and loving relationship, and overall, just got inspired and wanted to write again! Wrote this for myself really, just to get some creative juices out, and I’ve been sititng on it for a while. I have a feeling I’ll be writing more soon, and I’ll be sure to share.

Also thanks to everyone who continued to read my work, even during my very lengthy absence, and like/reblog/comment. I promise I’ve seen them, and they have warmed my heart like nobody’s business. I love you all so much, and am so grateful.

#sam wilson #sam wilson x reader #sam wilson x you #tfatws fanfiction #falcon x reader #marvel #marvel fanfiction

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kikis-writing-world · 4 years

Text

Broken Art

A/N: Told y’all I was struggling lately 🤣 I’ll admit, I tried to keep this neutral reader, but I was pretty in my feels when I wrote this so if I missed something please call me out - although I did force my love for Gene Kelly onto the reader lol

Pairing: Marcus Pike x Reader

Word Count: ~1700

Rating/Warnings: PG - Heartbroken Marcus, unrequited (?) pining, very vague mention of sexytimes. As usual, not proofed

Summary: Last night you’d gotten a call from Marcus - his girlfriend broke up with him. Today, you’re going over to look after the love of your life- your friend.

You let yourself into Marcus’ apartment with the spare key he’d given you for emergencies. You were unsurprised to find the blinds drawn and lights off, despite that it was already late in the morning. Marcus was usually an early riser, but you had expected this today. You sighed, having known this would be what you found as you entered - you kind of hated that you were right.

You set the shopping bags down in the kitchen on your way to his bedroom. Your eyes were still adjusting to the dimness inside the apartment, but as you pushed the door open you could see the outline of the lump under the blankets.

“Oh, honey,” you sighed softly to yourself, padding across the soft carpet. Marcus didn’t stir as you pulled the blanket up, sliding in behind him.

“What are you doing here?” He asked quietly, voice cracking. The sound made your heart break, you knew it wasn’t just sleep and disuse causing it.

“Came to see you, silly.” You answered obviously, curling around the man, spooning him. You felt him take a deep breath, your arm curled around his bicep and chest.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know.”

Silence took over the room as the two of you lay there. His hand found your arm, trailing down your skin until it wrapped around your own hand. Linking his fingers with yours, he gave it a thankful squeeze. You rested your head on your other arm, stretching it out so your free hand could play with his hair.

You let time tick by like that, being there for the sweet, broken-hearted man pressed against you. The phone call from the night before, hearing him choke back tears as he told you his girlfriend had left him for another man, played through your head. You had no idea how this kept happening to the most amazing man you’d ever met. You thought that Lisbon woman he’d told you about had been crazy, but somehow it had happened all over again with Brittany.

“Have you eaten yet today?” You whispered into the darkness.

“Not hungry.” He mumbled back, wiggling against you as he burrowed deeper into his pillow.

“You have to eat something, sweetheart.” You sighed. “How about I make you some pancakes? I brought blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, strawberries. I can make any kind you want.”

He didn’t answer, but you didn’t let that discourage you. You knew this man could rarely decline the offer of pancakes. You gave him the time to consider it.

“Banana and chocolate chip?” He finally asked, voice soft and unsure. Like you could ever say no to him.

“Of course.” You grinned. You sat up, pressing a kiss to his cheek before climbing out of his bed. “I’ll be back soon with them, okay? Coffee?”

“I think I’m out.” He admitted.

“I’ve got you covered. Do you want some?”

“Yes, please.”

You closed the door behind you and fought the urge to collapse against it. You were trying to stay upbeat and supportive for Marcus, but seeing him like this was soul crushing. He deserved so, so much better than this.

You shook your head clear and moved to the kitchen to get started on making breakfast for the two of you. You tried to focus on the task at hand, not letting your mind wander.

It was dangerous to let your thoughts dip too deep into what you would do to Brittany if you ever saw her again. It was even more dangerous to let yourself wander into the realm of how you would have never done this to him.

It was almost too easy to imagine you were making breakfast for yourself and Marcus under different circumstances. Maybe you’d stayed the night after he took you on an amazing date - candlelit dinner followed by a walk through the park. The night breeze just a little chilled so he’d wrap his arm around you, or offer you his jacket as you strolled together. Or maybe a night in, watching old movies as you cuddled up on his giant, plush couch. Possibly you’d woken up first after truly tiring him out last night, and now you were making breakfast in bed, where you were sure to get into round two (or maybe at that point, three or four) once you’d eaten.

No. That was very dangerous to think about.

Of course you were in love with him. You weren’t sure how any warm-blooded woman wouldn’t be. He was the perfect gentleman, he was Disney-prince handsome, he was smart and funny. He wasn’t scared of commitment or talking about feelings, he worked hard both in his professional and personal life. Seriously, he was a cute animal sidekick away from being a movie character.

You’d never admit this to him. You couldn’t stand the thought of the pity on his face as he explained he didn’t feel the same. How the awkwardness would grow between the two of you until there was too much distance to recover from. How the texts and calls would slowly stop, you’d see him less until he wasn’t a friend but an ‘oh yeah, I used to know that guy.’ You’d take a friend like Marcus Pike in your life any day over losing him completely.

You banished those thoughts as you piled two plates with pancakes, adding some of the fruit you’d brought over on the sides. You dug out a serving tray from his cupboard, loading the plates, syrup, cutlery, and two coffees. No need to bring cream and sugar, you knew how Marcus liked his coffee - of course you did. It was a little pathetic how much you loved him.

You groaned at yourself, having a mental conversation to get it together as you picked up the tray. You could pine over him later. Now, he needed a friend.

You carefully balanced the tray on your hip, taking one hand off of it to open the door.

“Breakfast.” You sang, shuffling in carefully. “Lights.” You warned before flicking the switch.

The overhead light illuminated the room, Marcus whining as he tucked his head under his blanket. You could see his clothes from the night before tossed carelessly on the floor instead of neatly put in his hamper. That just told you how desperate he had been to crawl into bed once he got home from his date.

“C’mon Marcus. You gotta sit up and eat.” You told him, kindly but firmly, as you sat on the bed beside the lump in the blankets.

You heard him sigh before he moved, sitting up and letting the blanket fall to his waist. His eyes were red-rimmed, his hair was a mess from hiding under the blankets - and probably not helped by you playing with it earlier. He had on a white undershirt, probably the one he’d been wearing last night and hadn’t bothered to change. Stubble was starting to grow in along his jawline and upper lip.

You didn’t mention his appearance, focussed on balancing the tray between the two of you, making sure the coffee didn’t spill or the blueberries roll off the plate as you settled it onto the bed.

“Thanks.” His voice was hoarse as he reached for the coffee. You organized the tray while he drank, passing a set of cutlery his way. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“Of course I did,” you disagreed. “That’s what friends are for.” The words tasted bitter, so you chased them with a sip of your own coffee.

You spent the day with Marcus, trying to take his mind off of his recently failed relationship. You made sure he ate and stayed hydrated, but otherwise did nothing of importance. The two of you lounged around, chatting and watching TV as you tried to just be there for him.

The fact that he hadn’t slept well the night before was obvious, even before he fell asleep on you midway through An American in Paris. The two of you had been nearly cuddled together under the throw blanket from the back of his couch - more so leaning against each other than cuddling - when his head started to droop onto your shoulder. You teased him for falling asleep, but he insisted he was wide awake. You didn’t call him on the lie as he slowly slumped lower, leading to you wrapping an arm around his shoulders to find a more comfortable position for the both of you. Soon enough, his head was pressed into your chest as slow, deep breaths escaped his barely parted lips.

The movie played on, forgotten in the background as you stared at his profile the best you could from this vantage point. Not just any man could steal your attention from Gene Kelly, but this wasn’t any man. This was your Marcus.

He looked younger in his sleep - the worry from the last two days, plus the usual stress of his job fading away. His lower lip jutted out farther than his top in an adorable pout.

You wished you could kiss those lips. Kiss all his worries away until he looked this relaxed while awake. Kiss him to show him just how much he was loved and cared for despite the string of girls that barged in and out of his life, each stealing a new piece of his heart. You wanted to wrap that heart in bubble wrap, pack it up with a giant “fragile” stamp on it, until it was safe like the beautiful pieces of art Marcus spent his time hunting - like the beautiful piece of art it was in it’s own right. Lock it up in a vault until only experts were allowed to touch it with reverent, gloved hands, restoring it from it’s past traumas.

But no, you couldn’t. What good was art when it was hidden away from the world? His heart wasn’t yours to claim and protect. You’d be there to restore it though, however many times he needed.

You sniffled, trying to stop the tears that were threatening to spill down your cheeks. Instead of continuing the melancholy train of thought, you smoothed his hair down, pressing a kiss to his temple. Closing your eyes, you leaned your head gently against his. His heart wasn’t yours - to have, to keep safe - but as you dozed off, you couldn’t help pretend just for this moment that it was.

Tagging: @wickedfrsgrl

#Marcus Pike #Marcus Pike x reader #Marcus Pike imagine #Pedro Pascal Character fanfiction #Marcus Pike fanfic #The Mentalist Fanfic #WookieTales

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whump-town · 4 years

Note

Ok hi idk if you’re taking request or just want to talk about ideas. BUT I thought of like reader getting injured and then being with Garcia when bau are on a case and like hotch calls to check up on her continuously and Penelope is just 🥺🥺🥺🥺

I have no clue how this work but I did my best so have a little mercy because I am very new to this:

Garcia hates it when her little babies get themselves into trouble and this time is no different. Mercifully, she does range from smothering to angered but right now, she’s out getting food for you both. Which, of course, couldn’t come easily. You had to have a very in-depth conversation about your schedule for painkillers and what food you have or haven’t eaten. Which is zero because it’s twelve at night and you’ve both just come from a round a table meeting.

And Hotch fucking grounded you.

Asshole.

A few busted-up ribs haven’t stopped anyone else! Why should you have to stay?

“--and I’ll get right back with you, suga’.” Garcia comes back into the room with a bag of bagels. She comes to a stuttering halt, frowning and glances at you out of the corner of her eye. “Well, sir,” she toys with her lips with her teeth, grimacing at whatever Hotch is saying. “I would, sir. I really would but-- yes, sir-- I would say very mad.”

That makes your cheeks hot, uncomfortably so, because you know they’re talking about you. Pushing your hair back out of your face, you end up lowering your head as you play with a stray strand of hair. It’s starting to get a little too long for your taste. Maybe you’ll get it cut.

“Sir, I can’t--” Garcia sighs and you know Hotch has won whatever little pouting contest he’s put on. “Fine,” Garcia caves. “Yeah, yeah--” you smile as Garcia rolls her eyes at Hotch’s sweet-talking. “You owe me,” she tells him but smiles and shakes her head again. “I will give it my best shot, sir.” She raises her hand and nods her head as he keeps talking. “Okay. Be safe. I love you, sir.”

Garcia shakes her head and tosses her earpiece onto the keyboard.

“What did he say?” the worst part is that you can still feel how hot your cheeks are and it only gets worse as the question leaves your mouth. Stupid Aaron Hotchner and his stupid charming ways. Why does your boss have to be so damn hot? It’s… it’s pretty much a fantasy but also your worst nightmare.

Garcia ignores the question and sets out on her mission of making you eat. She wins brownie points for the black tea that she replaces your normal coffee with (it should be Hotch points considering he was the one that told her about your love for black tea). “One blueberry bagel with strawberry icing,” she says placing it in your lap.

You start to remove the paper but there’s no way you’re going to be able to eat knowing that she’s talked to Hotch about you. “What did he say, Garcia?” The eye contact you make is just to break her and she doesn’t stand a chance against your commitment to finding out what was said.

With a sigh that deflects her entire body she caves. Of course, she does, she loves you.

“Fine,” she grumbles half-heartedly. She puts her bagel on her desk and stares at the ground for a moment, deciding exactly how she’s going to tell you what they talked about. It’s unnerving. “He was just…” she frowns. “He worries,” she says. “He worries way too much but he blames himself for what happened--”

What happened? It’s far from his fault that you couldn’t handle a simple undercover mission. Emily wouldn’t have blinked an eye. She wouldn’t have gotten beaten up, either. Even Reid does better undercover and he hates it.

“He blames himself and he knew you were mad at him for making you stay home--”

“I didn’t need to!” you justify yourself hotly. Okay, a little over the top but still. He wouldn’t have made anyone else stay home.

Garcia raises a hand, stopping you from going any farther. Right, you breathe, you’ve already ranted to her about this. But he does always treat you differently. He didn’t even want to send in undercover but Emily had advocated for you and you couldn’t even do that right… so maybe he is right.

Maybe you’re not meant for this job.

“Woah,” Garcia waves a hand in front of your face and you have to swallow around the thick emotions swelling there. You open your mouth to divert her attention back to the subject at hand but she’s not having it. “What in the wanky world was that sweet cheeks?”

You shake your head… “Uhm--” no. That’s not what Hotch thinks. You know that. He thinks you’re capable. He thinks you’re smart. He thinks-- You’re phones ringing.

Fishing it out of your pocket, grimacing at the pull on your sore ribs. “Son of a bitch,” you mumble, flashing her the screen. It does seem pretty silly to be mad at him when his contact photo is that goofy picture on his I.D. badge. That thing hasn’t changed in years-- not that it should.

You roll your eyes and accept the call. Of course, you don’t bring the level of sass you’re feeling into your answer, “sir.”

It’s hard to tell what’s going on but you can hear the low murmuring of the others in the background. It takes a moment but the noises die down and Hotch has managed to find somewhere quieter on the jet. The way he says your name is a simple, soft sigh. Relieved. “I hope you’re not too terribly mad with me.”

The worst part is that you aren’t.

“It was unfair of me to ask you to stay back,” he whispers. “I apologize.”

You glance at Garcia-- she’s leaning back in her chair and watching the exchange out of the corner out of her ye. Giving you privacy without actually leaving or even pretending not to be eavesdropping.

“I was being a pain in the ass,” you reply. “Neither of us was being very helpful.”

He grunts and you know you’ve managed to pull a corner of his mouth into a smile.

“Besides, I can use all the reprieve I can get from Derek’s ugly mug.” Where Garcia makes a horrifying little noise, Hotch stifles a chuckle, and now you can’t help your own grin.

It’s enough to make him keep calling. It feels like every freaking ten minutes but Garcia figures out the schedule pretty simply: each time he sends the others out to check a scene or visit the morgue. Each time he as a second for free time.

“What can I do you for,” you grumble as you pinch the phone between your shoulder and chin.

His reply comes deadpanned, “I’m sorry? Are you busy?”

Dumb question but you don’t point that out verbally. You roll your eyes and pull your attention from your laptop. You’d been sending Emily text updates about what you were finding out about the women. Garci’a system is complicated but with the teacher there to help, you found you’re actually pretty good at this deep web stuff.

“No,” you push yourself back from the desk and wave to Garcia as she comes in.

Her jaw opens and she raises her eyebrows in surprise. “Again,” she mouths.

You nod. “You don’t have to keep calling,” you tell him, accepting the tea that Garcia hands you. “I am fine. Everything’s fine here.”

He makes a sound and you realize that it’s two in the morning in Utah-- that’s still about four in the morning here in Virginia but you’d snagged a nap.

“I-uh,” his voice is rough. “I just…” a nightmare, you deduce. Why else would he be calling at two in the morning? The others are in bed, Morgan had sent you and Garcia to bed a few hours earlier. She’d taken the couch in her own office and you’d taken the one in Hotch’s office. Not that he needed to know that.

But this knowledge makes your throat tight. “Are you okay,” you ask.

He shakes his head but manages a rasped yes.

“I bet you wish you’d let me come along now, huh?”

He does because if you’d come he could just knock on your hotel door and see you. “You’re safe in Virginia,” he says, starting to sound a bit more like himself. True but still. “I, uhm,” he clears his throat and you can hear how uncomfortable he suddenly is with his vulnerability.

“Go get some sleep,” you interrupt.

He nods, “okay.”

You smile at your phone, at him. “And Hotch?”

“Hm?”

“When you get home I’m going to give you a hug, okay?”

He smiles, “okay.”

#criminal minds #aaron hotchner #emily prentiss #spencer reid #david rossi #derek morgan #jennifer jareau #criminal minds fanfiction #reader insert #hotch x reader

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here-for-jaskier · 3 years

Text

Jaskier (the bard named after a flower)

Read it on AO3

Jaskier means buttercup. Familiar was the small, stubborn plant found along roadsides and in meadows. As if dressed up, it shone in a bright yellow between the pale daisies or the puny grasses. Before the young bard, who followed him out of a tavern to the end of the world and had just that name, Geralt had not paid any attention to them.

It had taken Geralt some time to ask himself for the first time why his companion had chosen this name as his own. He had plucked off a single stalk because it had grown together with the wolf's bane. Wide-open was the chalice, gracefully formed from yellow curved leaves that shimmered in the sun while Geralt turned them in his hands. As the flower slipped from his fingers, slowly sailing to the ground, the question also disappeared from his mind again.

Not until on a night that stretched over their heads like a black cloth decorated with thousands and thousands of pearls that the witcher had managed to bring the question over his lips. For a split second, Jaskier's facial expression slipped away, but a blink of an eye later he smiled. A sad smile that resembled more a grimace and did not reach his cornflower-blue eyes.

"People remember it better," he had simply claimed, "Short and memorable. No one appreciates musicians with a long name."

They were loose words. Anyone would have been satisfied with that answer. The short twitch in Jaskier's hands, the way his fingers restlessly ran over the wide ring on his left hand, Geralt revealed that there was more behind it.

"But why Jaskier?", he checked once more, felt the heavy heartbeat next to him under the starry sky, intoxicated and full of uncertainty. The witcher did not receive an answer. Instead, Jaskier only reached for the opened bottle of wine, the sweet and sour taste which was still on their tongues and which wrapped their senses in cotton wool.

"More wine, Geralt?"

---

Geralt often thought back to that evening. Mostly of her conversation before that, of the jokes, of the smile Jaskier had given him and which covered him in daylight even in the darkest hours of the night. Only after his question did it fade away, as if dark clouds had slid in front of the sparkle in his iris. He had not succeeded in pushing these shadows aside that night. Only the next morning, when the sun climbed up the horizon sleepily, did Jaskier blink between his long brown lashes.

Their breakfast had consisted of leftovers from dinner and blueberries, whose sweet juice had welcomed the beautiful day as much as the birds' emerging chirping. As if he had dreamed of the strangely tense mood at night, Jaskier was awake and alert. Lively and loud as always, despite the alcohol.

Geralt couldn't remember every detail, but he knew he didn't want to see Jaskier's sad face again, the way his shoulders bent under the load like the leaves of a flower threatening to break under the weight.

But there were things that Geralt could not prevent. Every flower faded at some point. Slowly time robbed them of the color of their blooms, let them wither and eventually the wind would carry them away into nothingness. Forgotten and that after only too short a time. Jaskier would not fare any differently. During their time together Geralt had realized that the human body seemed fragile like glass. A simple cold, a wrong step, a wound could make him splinter and the shards would bore deep into Geralt's heart. Into his much too soft heart, which lay in Jaskiers fragile and mortal hands. Desperation devoured him over the weeks, the closer Jaskier came to him.

Until he knew no other way. That day on the mountain, far from civilization, between rocks and softly whispering grass, Jaskier had looked again like the flower whose name he carried. Like a flower that had been stepped on too often, suffered too much, and which at some point looked like the muddy ground with torn blooms and leafs. Every color had disappeared from Jaskier's face when Geralt's words hit him like kicks. The glow in his eyes went out, while tears rose in them. With a feeling as if a rope had been pulled around his chest, Geralt remembered the sound of Jaskier's last words, which he whispered muffled before turning away. Even his favorite instrument had been stolen from him by the witcher.

In return, Jaskier took Geralt's heart with him that day. If he had believed that he would not have to bear the pain if the bard disappeared from his life, Geralt had been mistaken. He felt empty and burnt out. Like a lump of coal whose energy had evaporated, the cold took over. He was incomplete, where he walked and stood. His thoughts hung on the bard, with the name of a flower, while Geralt did his daily duty without anyone waiting for him after the hunt or sharing his bed. Jaskier's scent, a mixture of pinewood and honey and something very own that belonged to him completely, evaporated from his things and his mind, was blown away, no matter how hard the witcher tried to keep him safe.

With every morning Geralt woke up alone and realized that it would go on like this for the rest of his days, he wanted to scream but he couldn't make a sound because he thought he was drowning in the cold of the loneliness that lay like dust on everything.

Until that day when their paths crossed again.Unspectacular, unexpected as if the cunning fate of Geralt wanted to play a trick that evening.Like the breeze on a warm summer day, the familiar voice welcomed him as he pushed open the door to the tavern and saw Jaskier.

He laughed, he sang. He didn't appreciate Geralt's agonizing hours not one look, while the blue eyes flashed across the room and followed the clapping and dancing of the crowd. Only his pulse told the witcher that his presence had not gone unnoticed. Meanwhile, his gaze rested on Jaskier, greedily grasping every detail as if the bard could vanish into thin air at any moment and disappear forever.At the same time, the shame was boiling in Geralt. For all the angry words resting on his chest and squeezing the air out of him like an ugly animal. Guilt weighed on him and the question if Jaskier wasn't better off without him, had more joy in a real-life without mutants, gnawed at his entrails.

But more burning was the desire under his skin. The longing for the bard, for his petty touches that brought butterflies to life in his stomach area. The desire to kiss him spread the wings in his heart suppressed everything and filled him with ease. There was nothing he wished for more than to run his tingling fingertips through his dark brown soft hair, to look into the blue eyes that were more intense than Geralt remembered and reminded him more than ever of fallen pieces of the sky.

He want Jaskier, at his side, as long as fate gave them and if he had to let him go, he wanted to hold his hand until that moment, knowing that never again would a flower attract his gaze like Jaskier.

All this was stronger than Geralt's cowardice. So his shaky legs followed the younger one, who had finished his performance and was heading for the back exit until suddenly they were facing each other.The blue doublet's fabric glittered in the dancing candlelight as Jaskier raised his head and tensed his shoulders as if preparing for a thunderous storm that was about to hit him at any moment.

"Jaskier..-", Geralt began, in a rough voice."What is it, Geralt?", Jaskier replied violently and crossed his arms in front of his chest. With this, he could not hide the trembling of his fingers.

"I..-", Geralt produced, indecisive as he could pronounce what he felt. How sorry he was could hardly be put into words, just as he felt. Ashamed, he lowered his head, fixed the worn-out floorboards on which various footprints were visible.

"Do you know why Jaskier suits me so well?", the bard asked out of nowhere. Abruptly Geralt looked up and when their eyes met, the fire cast soft shadows on the younger one's face. His eyes spoke of pain and shimmered moistly as he continued.

"Buttercups are useless," he said, almost spitting out the words, "You can tear them out as often as you want, but they always grow back where you don't need them."

The first tear made its way across his cheek, mysteriously reflecting the light before Jaskier wiped them away in anger."My parents were right, weren't they? It fits," he said bitterly, turning to leave. Without hesitation, Geralt grabbed his arm, held him tight.

Startled, Jaskier looked at him. More tears rolled, hanging on his lashes as he looked down, unable to look into the eyes that reminded him of splinters of amber."That's not true", Geralt croaked. His heart was beating up to his neck, "I need you."Doubt and shock were visible on Jaskier's face. He bit his lips for a moment when Geralt's hand was already in his neck.

Goosebumps trickled over his skin as he ran his fingers carefully through his unruly hair.

"Buttercups still glow at dusk", Geralt whispered, "They are poisonous and are therefore rarely eaten", he continued, with every word they came closer to each other.

"They do not displace, they do not grow over, they protect when they are close to other plants."With his thumb, Geralt wiped away the last tear, as timidly as if Jaskier could break under the touch.

"They can be found even in the darker swamps", Geralt said, while they stood there leaning forehead to forehead. Jaskier trembled all over his body, his fingers clawing into Geralt's shirt. He became dizzy from the proximity and the scent that enveloped him. He breathed in deeply.

"They give light and hope," he whispered. Warm, hectic breath brushed against his throat. For a second he sank into Jaskier's eyes of the deep shimmering blue that made him forget everything.

"And they are beautiful."With these words he bent over, his hand still on the bard's cheek, sealing her lips in a kiss.He tasted salty tears and hot embers, the surprise and all the colours of this world and every fibre in his body trembled. Carefully they breathed through his nose before Jaskier pulls him closer.His lips curled into a smile, the first in a long time, as a warmth spread through him as if someone had dipped him in hot water.

He only dared to breathe as they parted tentatively, hearts pounding, drunk with happiness. When Jaskier smiled at him, embarrassed and with a twinkle in his eyes, Geralt knew that spring had returned to his life. But what did he care about the other flowers?

He had found his. His only and favorite one.

#jaskier #geraltxjaskier #geraskier #geralt x jaskier #fanfiction #geralt x dandelion #imagines #buttercups #behind jaskiers name #geralt is soft

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shwazzberryswriting · 3 years

Text

Sweet Treats

Pairing: Jeno x Original Female Character|Reader

Genre: Meet-Cute (sort of), Fluff, AU - Non-Famous Jeno

Word count: 2.4k

Rating/Warnings: Teen (12ish+)/Kissing

Prompt: Random Word Generator

*Must be about Jeno

*Must be 2k words (overshot it ROFL)

*Use these words (random word generator):

-main

-mutual

-organ

Author’s Note: Thank you to my friend for their patience with me taking forever to get this prompt fufilled! It wasn't from a lack of inspiration. Hot Sauce era gave me a lot of fuel for Jeno!

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If Suyuan could make a dessert to represent her cousin’s bake sale, she’d bake a Keylime Pie. The middle school’s front entrance was lined with thick green grass that glistened in the sunlight. The late spring breeze carried the scent of the lime trees nearby, tingling her nose.

The PTA was throwing a Mountain Retreat Bake Sale to raise funds for a weeklong mountain retreat for the 6th grade class. Fen, Suyuan’s cousin, should have been setting up the baked goods under the tent, but the 12-year-old was having too much fun playing with her friends. They were currently bullying a man who seemed to be related to Fen’s best friend, HaeWon.

He wore black skinny jeans and a loose white and black striped knit sweater. His black hair fell over his eyes as he grimaced a smile. He was trying to dance along to an Itzy song, but the kids were booing him as he refused to do “aeygo”. Suyuan grinned as she recalled how she and her classmates would tease their older cousins to do cute dances to entertain them. It was a circle of life to be forced to do cute dances at various points in one’s life.

“Fen, I think we have to set up the lemonade, too,” Suyuan called out, setting a sign down on the table as she stood up. “Give that guy a break, too! We’re helping you for free, you know. I should have told you to buy me Starbucks.”

“Jeno Lee! Jeno Lee! You can’t dance!” Fen and HaeWon chanted. The main bullies had even started a dance where they sashayed their hips. They stopped once their friends began to retreat back to pick up their tasks.

“Thanks,” Jeno Lee said with a shy smile as he walked away from his red motorbike to join her under the tent. “I’m Jeno.”

“Suyuan,” she replied, waving her hand. “I’m Fen’s cousin. How’d you get roped into this?”

“My aunt and uncle helped me with my bake sale when I was 13,” he replied. He began helping Fen and HaeWon line up trays of cookies on one of the white topped plastic tables. “HaeWon should buy me some Starbucks, too, I think.”

“I don’t even have a credit card,” HaeWon replied, looking over her shoulder to glare at him.

“Suyuan helped me bake these strawberry macarons!” Fen exclaimed, setting the cookies down beside the blueberry jam thumbprint cookies. “My mom and I made the shortbread cookies.”

“Did you have to do this?” Jeno asked as he sat down to help make the signs to indicate the prices of the baked goods.

“No, for our school trip we pitched our trip to family members, Shark Tank-style,” she replied.

“What?” he sounded incredulous as he stopped writing on the white board to stare at her. “Your school turned it into a Economy project?”

“It was fun. I mostly used cute pictures of me in my slides and I kept saying, ‘You’re investing in my future and well being,’ enough to make my parents emotional. It annoyed my siblings and other relatives enough that they handed me at least a couple dollars before I could finish my pitch.”

“Smart,” he said, looking impressed. “Do you know how to write DanPatBbang?”

“My mom made a huge batch!” HaeWon spoke up as she pointed to the golden buns wrapped in clear plastic bags.

“Um, no,” Suyuan replied. “We can write Sweet Red Bean Paste Buns. We’ll find someone to write it the correct way. They look amazing, HaeWon! Your mom told me you made the paste.”

“I also brushed the egg wash on,” she said.

Fen and HaeWon took over all the tasks Suyuan and Jeno started. Soon enough, Jeno and Suyuan were seated behind the pastries and water cooler filled with lemonade, chitchatting. They exchanged war stories about their 6th Grade Mountain Retreat. Jeno’s class were locked in their dorms for a few hours as a family of bears foraged around their camp for food the first day they arrived. It sounded more exciting than what really happened, he claimed.

Jeno seemed captivated as Suyuan told an elaborate story about her group’s river raft ride. Their raft capsized partway through the ride, and her group had to walk their way back to camp with nothing but an old compass as help, all of them soaked to the bone. Suyuan had sprained her ankle, and cried her entire walk back to camp, which had been roughly a half mile walk.

“It’s funny now,” Suyuan said as Jeno chuckled into his fist, “but I was miserable for the rest of the trip.”

“How many days did you have your ankle sprained?” he asked, picking up a sugar cookie and taking a bite.

“That’s a dollar fifty,” she said, holding out her hand. His eyes widened as he stopped midchew.

“All I have is my debit card,” he replied, spitting out crumbs into his fist.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” she scolded gently, leaning over to grab a napkin that sat behind him. Her chin bumped into his shoulder and she jumped back immediately.

“Sorry!” they exclaimed in unison. She threw the napkin over his mouth as he spat out more crumbs.

“Let me get you some water,” she said, standing up to walk over to the cooler near a table where HaeWon and Fen were standing. They were talking to some of their classmates, Fen staring at the blue haired kid holding a skateboard. “Can I buy a bottle of water?”

When she returned to Jeno, he was biting into strawberry danish. He thanked her for the water, and gave half of the danish to her.

“I’m going to spend $10, and I’ve eaten $3’s worth of pastries so far,” he reasoned, picking up a scallion pancake Suyuan’s mom made for the bake sale. “These are good. I’d love some kimchi with this.”

“Do you think someone’s auntie brought her own jars of kimchi to sell here?” she asked, sitting up straight to crane her neck around.

“I’d smell it before either of us see it,” he said, pointing to his nose. “Maybe in an hour? It’s good to have people filter in late. My uncle says it keeps the flow going and the food fresh.”

“Your uncle gave you economics lessons anyway,” she said, impressed.

As the day wore on, Fen and HaeWon began whistling Red Velvet’s “Red Flavor” whenever they came around Jeno and Suyuan, to the point that Suyuan had to bribe Fen with $20 in cold hard cash to leave them alone. Jeno was very kind and gentle, but his absentmindedness led to a chaotic energy. Jeno’s card was declined when his aunt showed them how to use electronic transactions on her iPad.

He realized he’d been using his Student credit card’s PIN when the card was declined for a third time. Suyuan poured Jeno a cup of lemonade as he had to call his bank to explain why his card had been declined three times. His face was flushed as he took a sip from the purple straw in the cup she handed him.

“Thank you, yes, I’ve got it,” Jeno said after 15 minutes of transferring to 2 different departments of customer service. “Auntie, I think I’ve solved it. I’m going to buy $10 extra for these pastries.”

“It was that bad?” Suyuan asked as Jeno picked up one of the bao buns Suyuan had made with her aunt and mom. “Those buns are $2.”

“OK,” he said through a mouthful of food.

“You never learn,” she said with a grin, handing him a napkin. “Chew, then speak.”

“These buns are so good, I love the barbecue pork,” he said, staring at the red filling. “This bake sale is probably more legit than the China Town in the city.”

“I haven’t been there in years,” she said. “I heard they opened a Korean patisserie near that tacky karaoke bar.”

“Jeno,” HaeWon called out, waving from the playground behind the tents they’d set up, “how do you shoot from the three-point line?”

Some of the kids had arrived with a basketball, and they watched as Jeno made shot after shot on the basketball court. After making a basket from every angle the kids requested, Jeno handed the basketball back to HaeWon. Despite teasing Jeno earlier, it was obvious that HaeWon looked up to him a lot. She showed it in her own special ways.

“Did you want to go get some boba?” Jeno asked, holding his hand out to Suyuan. “My mom and aunt are relieving me of my duties soon.”

“My mom’s on her way, too,” she replied, taking his hand. “Perfect timing.”

When Suyuan’s mom arrived, she eyed Jeno on his red cruiser motorbike.

“Be safe,” her mom said pointedly before hugging her. “I heard Jeno’s quite polite, but...be safe.”

“Oh, mom, calm down,” Suyuan sighed, giving her mom a grin. “You know Jeno’s parents well enough.”

“A motorbike,” her mom mouthed silently as Fen and HaeWon walked by. She rolled her eyes.

“I’ll text you, mom. Bye, Fen! See you, HaeWon!”

“Don’t kiss him too much,” Fen uttered out and HaeWon laughed as the pair ran off at the sight of Suyuan glaring at them.

Her annoyance disappeared as she saw Jeno sitting against his bike, holding out a helmet to her. His grin made her chest feel like it was growing, and she thanked him in a soft voice as she took the helmet. True to the rumors her mom heard, Jeno politely helped Suyuan secure her helmet on, and checked with her that she felt secure before starting the engine to his motorbike.

She pressed her body close to him as his body warmed her. She smelled the blueberry on his shirt, perhaps due to the slice of blueberry pie he’d accidentally spilled onto the left sleeve of his sweater. It took everything in her not to sit up and kiss his cheek as they stopped at a red light.

Once they reached the boba shop near the church one of her aunts volunteered at, Suyuan slowly slipped her hands away from Jeno’s body. She was afraid to admit to herself that she enjoyed her time on the ride with him. It was better than her time with any significant other she’d ever been with, even her boyfriend of 8 months during her freshman year in college.

The church organ music playing in the distance reminded her to stop her imaginations from going too wild as she watched Jeno brush his hair out of his eyes. As they sat on the picnic table near the boba shop, Suyuan asked Jeno questions about his bike, and how he got into riding motorbikes.

“My Engineering final had me do a group project,” he explained between sips of his watermelon slush. “We refurbished an old Honda Fury. We were docked a grade for turning our Shop project into our Engineering project, too.”

“That’s bullshit,” she said with a grin. He laughed in agreement. “Is it easy to ride a motorbike?”

“Easy enough,” he said with a shrug. “You have to go in without so much doubt and fear, and then you’ll be confident in your riding.”

“You’ll have to teach me,” she said, sidling up close to him. “How were we able to miss each other when we were teens?”

“You traveled in the bookish crowd, and I was with the jocks and gamers,” he replied.

“What does that mean?” she asked, feeling her cheeks turn warm.

“We had Algebra 101 together but you were home sick for the first 3 weeks,” he said. “I had a small crush on you, but I never worked up the courage to talk to you. I wanted to ask you to help me with my homework. I’m not good at math.”

“We went to school together?” she asked, shocked that she had assumed that they were mutual strangers when they met that morning. “I’m sorry. My teen years were my confused queer years. I spent all of high school crushing on girls and boys, and I didn’t know if it meant I was a lesbian or bi...or something else along the queer spectrum.”

“So do you have it figured out?”

“Um,” she grinned at him as he threw his arm over her shoulders, “I’m OK saying I’m bi, but I know that things are never set in stone.”

“I’m glad we spent today together,” he said, resting his hand on her chin, pulling her close to him. He kissed her. “I had to wait for my cousin to tease me for you to notice me.”

She laughed against his lips, kissing him as she rested a hand on his shoulder.

“You wouldn’t have liked angsty me anyways,” she admitted, pulling away from his kiss. She wiped her lipstick stains off his lips with her thumbs. “I wasn’t prepared for a relationship as a high schooler. Did your crush return today?”

“It was when you stood up to my bullies,” he said, his cheeks flushing pink.

“Our cousins?”

She laughed before planting a wet kiss onto his lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and requested he take her home.

“For the record,” she said, taking his hand and kissing it quickly, “I think I crushed on you at the same moment. You were putting up with the kids’ bullying so well.”

She held on tight to him, relishing the feel of his back as she pressed her cheek against it, hearing his heartbeat against her ear. His body felt firm, and his sweater was soft, although a bit itchy. Once they reached her apartment complex, she got off the bike and handed his spare helmet back to him.

“Thank you for bringing me home safely,” she said. Before he could respond, she kissed him, pressing her tongue against his lips. He pushed back immediately, his lips capturing hers.

“Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?” he asked when he broke their kiss. She licked her lips, tasting a hint of sweet red bean paste. “No pressure.”

“Pick me up at 6:00 PM?” she asked. She kissed him, and his hand reached up to touch her cheek.

“It’s a date,” he breathed out as they rested their foreheads together. “I should let you go home. I want to be a gentleman today.”

“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” she said before caressing his earlobe. She kissed him. “Text me when you get home?”

He kissed her one last time before they broke apart. As she walked up the stairs to her apartment her mind clouded with thoughts of Jeno’s lips on hers. He was warm, like the bright spring sun. The scent that radiated from him was grassy and refreshing, energizing her in the same way the scent of limes did. Jeno Lee was her perfect Keylime Pie.

------

Thank you always for reading!

#nct scenarios #jeno fluff #nct jeno #jeno x reader #jeno x oc #kisses

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hold-me-sickfics · 3 years

Text

Okay guys, as promised:

Day 1: Namjoon💜

Prompt: Namjoon’s been up since 2:00 a.m. with a stuffy nose and a pretty rough cough. His throat is killing him, and can someone please bring him the lotion tissues? His nose is bright red from how many times he’s used that old t-shirt in the floor. Thankfully, he’s been given permission to stay home and rest for the day, but that’s just impossible for him. He’s supposed to be the leader of the pack, so how can he just abandon them right before an interview? What if they need him? What if the interviewer only speaks English? What if Jungkook loses his shirt 5 minutes before they go in? What if Jimin and Taehyung accidentally reveal what the new album is called? What if… well everything happens? Or… what if… just maybe… the leader needs loved and coddled but instead he’s all alone at the house all day...

TW: Food, this fic is more snz focused than anything (Note: if anyone sees a trigger I missed, please let me know and I’ll post a warning for it too!)

—————-

“Namjoon, why are you in here? I thought I just told you to stay in bed until I got your breakfast.” Jin lightly scolded the leader. Namjoon had been up since 2:00 feeling pretty sick.

“I know but I wadted to bake sure you didn’t deed help with breakfast.” Namjoon shuffled over to the coffee maker, and poured himself a mug of it.

“Joon, down. No coffee. You’re sick, so the last thing you need is coffee making your stomach hurt.” Jin took the mug from him, and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Here, just sit down and rest okay? How about you make a quick call and see if you can get today off. I’ll make you some hot tea. We’ll see if you feel like eating once your sinuses open up a little, alright?” Jin eased Namjoon down into one of the chairs at the kitchen table.

Namjoon had to admit, he felt terrible. His nose was stopped up and running at the same time. His throat felt like it was tight and on fire. His muscles ached, and he felt cold. His skin felt so sensitive; even Jin touching him earlier had hurt. But still, having his hyung so close did help him to feel safe and cared for, so he had endured the pain.

Namjoon picked up the phone, and dialed the BigHit office number, asking to speak to his scheduler.

Jin listened closely as Namjoon struggled to talk. He grabbed a bottle of honey out of the cabinet and poured a tablespoon into the tea he was brewing on the stove. Sympathy pain took over his chest when he hear Namjoon cough to clear his throat. The cough was wet, and thick, and had nearly even made him gag.

Just then, Taehyung and Jungkook came running downstairs.

“I AM EATING THE BACON! YOU CANNOT STOP ME!” Taehyung screamed.

“I WILL JUMP ON YOU!” Jungkook swung over the railing.

Surprisingly, the maknae managed to land perfectly on Taehyung’s back, causing him to hit the floor- hard.

“Ah!” Taehyung let out a harsh cry.

“Shhhh!” Jin pressed a finger to his lips. He mouthed the words “Joon’s on the phone”

Both the younger boys apologized immediately, and then bolted to the refrigerator. Jin couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

“Yeah, I cad’t breathe well.”

Namjoon coughed again. This time wasn’t as thick, but Jin could tell there was enough snot in his throat to fill a bucket.

Hoseok came downstairs in his bathrobe, hair still dripping wet from his shower. He too, heard the last cough, and decided to inquire about the situation.

“Jin, he sounds awful.” Hoseok glanced over at the leader. He immediately noticed Namjoon’s red nose, puffy-pink eyes, and pale skin. A sheen of sweat covered his face and upper chest. His hair was half-matted to his head in sweat as well.

“He’s been like this since 2:00. He’s trying to get today off so he can stay home and rest.” Jin took the tea off the stove and poured a decent-sized amount into a small, blue mug.

“Okay, thank you.” Namjoon hit the “end call” button, and set his phone down. He rested his head in his hands.

Jin carried the mug to Namjoon and set it on the coaster. He took the chair beside Namjoon and stroked his hair softly.

“What’d they say?” Jin leaned down to try and meet Namjoon’s eyes.

“They’re letting be stay home... but you all have an interview today... I cad’t stay here and just let you guys go alone.”

Though it hurt to have someone touch his skin, he leaned in closer to Jin, trying to take in some of his strength.

“Joonie, you have to stay home today. You look like you feel awful, and I know you do. You’ve been up since 2:00 this morning, and I know you’re exhausted. We’ll be back by dinner, okay?” Jin carded his fingers through the younger’s sweaty blonde hair.

Namjoon was about to protest when his chest broke into hacking, heaving coughs. His ribs hurt from coughing so much and his throat felt like it had been run up and down a cheese grater. Tears came to his eyes as he finished his coughing fit.

“Take it easy Joon-bug. Sip on this for me. It’s got honey in it. It’ll help ease the pain a little. And hopefully it’ll open you up too.” Jin lifted the mug to Namjoon’s hands and helped him lift it to his lips. Jin couldn’t help it, he had a soft spot for all the members, but it was really bad when Namjoon didn’t feel well. It seemed that Namjoon was all he could think about on those occasions. Perhaps since they were paired together so often in games and such. They’d just gotten really close as oldest and leader of the group.

Namjoon gratefully accepted the beverage, and sipped it down. He was visibly relieved by the warmth and smoothness of the liquid. It nearly made him forget that he had to let the group be on their own today.

Aaaaaand that’s when he remembered.

“Jin, what if they don’t have a transblator? Or like, what if Judkook can’t find his shirt again? Or what if...” Jin cut Namjoon’s worries off short.

“I’ll take care of it okay? You just rest today. And if I come home and find you doing anything but resting, I won’t be very happy.” Jin gave him a gentle look, telling the leader that he was just doing what was best for Namjoon’s health.

Namjoon wanted to debate, but he just couldn’t. He wasn’t feeling strong enough. He nodded, and they went through the rest of breakfast pretty smoothly.

An hour passed, and Namjoon was currently being tucked in by Jin.

“Okay, I put a bottle of water on your table. There are two extra blankets in that chair over there. I have cough drops over here beside the water, but if you end up needing more, they’re in the top shelf of the bathroom cabinet. I know you didn’t want to take medicine, but I left it here anyways. Send me your temperature every hour, unless you fall asleep. If you fall asleep, then take it ten minutes after you wake up. We’ll be back by 4:30 p.m. If you need me, call me. I’ll have my phone on while we’re there except when we’re shooting. Other than that, I’ll most likely pick up on the first ring. Oh and-“

“Jin?” Namjoon interrupted him.

“Yeah?” Jin realized he might have been rambling.

“Thanks.”

Jin smiled. “No problem. Just rest okay? No doing stupid things. Don’t try and do housework, don’t work on songs, don’t make calls unless absolutely necessary... or well you know, unless they’re to me.” Jin’s eyes softened. “Feel better Joon-bug.”

Namjoon nodded, and rested his head on the pillow as Jin closed the door.

He heard the other boys close the front door, and suddenly, he was alone in the house.

He felt lonely almost instantly. Turning on the tv was supposed to help, but it didn’t. After one episode of “Housewives of America,” he turned it off and tried to sleep.

He woke up slowly, and turned to face his alarm clock.

“Please be 4:30, please be 4:30...”

The clock read 10:48 a.m. They’d been gone for 46 minutes. Namjoon whined loudly to himself.

He tried to go back to sleep, but it was no use. His nose kept running and his throat hurt badly. He finally just decided to get up and get something to eat.

That task proved to be harder than he originally thought it would be. The moment his feet hit the floor, chills ran cold up and down his spine.

“Aish,” he wrapped his shaking arms around his body. Luckily, he remembered Jin’s statement about the extra blankets, and he was able to turn one of them into a nice cape for him to wear around the house. With that, he trudged to the kitchen and opened the pantry door.

“I deed food.” He sniffled as he eyed the contents of the small room.

Namjoon finally decided on a pack of blueberry muffins, and...

He glanced back at the coffee machine, recalling Jin’s strict warning about the coffee being bad for his stomach. But... Jin wasn’t here soooo....

Namjoon did a sneaky little dance of shuffling over to the machine with a mischievous smirk on his face. When he got there, he took the filter out and there was a small post-it note inside.

“Morning Joonie. I hope you’re feeling some better by the time you read this. I figured you’d come for coffee after I left, so I took all the coffee with me. There’s some tea in the refrigerator that you can warm up for your throat. Remember to rest up, and I’ll see you when we get back.

Ps. If I get home and find out you bought coffee and had it delivered, I will remove our address from every coffee shop record between now and last October. Remember to send your temperature every hour. *hugs*

-Jin”

As much as Namjoon knew that Jin was doing this in his best interest, he really wanted that coffee.

Within the next thirty minutes, he was on the couch with a coffee in hand (thankfully, they delivered). He sipped the beverage happily and took a few nibbles of the muffins he’d gotten from the pantry earlier.

The hot coffee felt great on his throat, and actually helped the muffins to go down easier.

When he’d eaten enough, he checked his phone just to see if he’d gotten any new notifications.

And that’s what he’d forgotten.

11:06 Jin: “how’s that temp bud?”

Okay now he was in trouble. Jin wanted his temperature, but if he gave it to him, his mouth would be wayyy hotter than normal because of the coffee... Then, he had an idea.

11:09 Namjoon: “I’m 99.3. I don’t feel like I’ve got a fever so I think it’s just a little cold.”

Thankfully, he’d remembered that you could take your temperature under your arms too. He meant to wait and see what Jin would say back to him, but he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, and decided to take a shower.

Fifteen minutes later, he came out of the shower feeling a lot better. Jin had texted back saying “good, make sure to stay hydrated and rest.”

He smiled at how caring his hyung was, and then turned his phone down. He thought it was best to go ahead and take a nap while he could still breathe. Maybe his symptoms would even be gone by the time he woke up!

Well, as hopeful as he’d been, he was wrong.

Namjoon woke up at 12:45, with his throat hurting more than ever. His nose was so stuffed, he had to breathe through his mouth, which felt like glass scraping his throat brutally.

On top of that, he had started feeling bitterly cold. A couple minutes passed and he took his temperature.

“101.4” Could be worse but could be better. The only problem was, Namjoon had a tendency to get really emotional when he had a fever higher than 100. This was no exception.

Namjoon’s eyes flooded with tears. He wanted the other members here... he wanted Jin here. But they couldn’t be... they had to work. He desperately wanted them home, but he knew they’d have to finish before they could come back. So, he decided to text them.

12:56 Namjoon: “I’m at 101.4.”

12:56 Jin: “Okay. Are you feeling worse? Or just the fever?”

12:58 Namjoon: “I feel bad Jin... my throat hurts, and my nose is stuffy and I can’t breathe. And my stomach hurts.”

As soon as Namjoon hit send, he regretted it. His stomach was starting to hurt because of that coffee from earlier, but Jin would be furious if he figured that out.

Before Namjoon had the chance to defend himself, Jin had texted back.

1:02 Jin: “That’s what I thought. We’ll be home in a few hours okay Joon-bug? Just lie down and drink water or tea until I get there. There are some fever reducers in the cabinet. Only take one, and then in thirty minutes it should start working.”

1:04 Namjoon: “You’re not mad at me?”

1:05 Jin: “Namjoon, you’re sick. I’m not going to fuss at you even though I probably should. I’m not entirely heartless you know.”

Namjoon wiped a hot tear from his cheek. More than anything in the world, he wanted Jin to coddle him.

1:08 Namjoon: “Please hurry home. I need you.”

Namjoon set his phone down and cried a bit into his crab plushie. He would take fever reducer, but it hurt to move. His muscles ached and his skin was so sensitive that even his pajamas seemed to prick him.

His soft cries tightened in his throat. He was in so much pain. Only one thought crossed his mind:

“Please come home Jin. I don’t want to feel this way alone...”

———-

Jin put his phone back in his pocket. His chest was tight with sympathy. There was nothing he wanted more than to hold Namjoon close and tell him it would be okay.

But for now, he had to push that aside. He had problems that were a bit more pressing...

“Jin Hyung! Have you seen my pants? I can’t find my pants.” Jungkook yelled from the other side of the guest room.

“Jin, my snack bag is gone and Hobi is gonna explode if he doesn’t get a sprite in the next 12 seconds.” Yoongi was scrambling around the room.

“Hyung, have you seen my other earring?” Jimin looked totally lost and Taehyung was trying to help.

“Aish. I’m coming just hang on.” Jin then set off to solve all the problems that had been named off. The interview was in 20 minutes and everything that had been mentioned was nearly life or death.

ESPECIALLY Jungkook’s. He really needed to find pants before he just decided to go on without them. Because, he definitely would if given the choice.

——-

Namjoon had managed to fall asleep.

Jin had rushed through everything as fast as he could, and had quickly thanked the interviewer and called for the bus early.

4:00 Jin: “I’m on my way Joon-bug. Hang in there for me.”

When Namjoon actually fully woke up, he felt a hand on his back. It hurt against his skin, but he hoped that it meant Jin was back. He turned over, and sure enough, it was.

“Grande? You had to get a grande coffee? You’re gonna take out that stomach of yours.” Jin was smiling, which told Namjoon that he wasn’t really upset with him.

“I really wadted it Jin. Like, really really.” He sniffled. His nose was back to running.

“Yeah yeah I’m aware.” Jin popped out a fever reducer pill and grabbed a bottle of water.

“Now take this for me. I’d check your temperature again but just feeling your forehead earlier told me enough.”

Namjoon did still feel chilled, even under three blankets. His throat was sore, and speaking was hard.

Luckily for Jin, this meant he couldn’t protest taking his medicine.

“Alright, open up for me.” Jin placed the tablet on the younger’s tongue and then lifted the bottle of water to his lips. When he’d taken it, he eased Namjoon back down onto the pillow.

“How’s your throat feeling?” Jin asked, taking the leader’s hand in his own.

Namjoon didn’t want to speak so he just shook his head sadly.

“Alright bug. Just wait here, and I’ll go warm up some tea. I’ll probably put a little something in it for your stomach too since I can literally hear it bubbling from the coffee still.” Jin patted Namjoon’s hand and then got up from the bed. He closed the door and started to walk up the hallway.

Namjoon just smiled. Since Jin was home, he knew he’d be better in no time.

#rpf #bts sickfic #snz fic #Jin caretaker #Namjoon sickie #lots of sweetness and fluff #Day 1 Fic #Food TW

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caffeinatedbraincell · 3 years

Text

Hi y’all I’m back with another TOG story!

Summary: Joe and Nicky raise a duckling together during their time off. They're great parents and the ducking is very cute, and absolutely nothing sad or angsty happens because we all deserve some undiluted serotonin.

(Edit: Forgot to tag earlier, inspired by this post by @silly-old-guard-aus <3)

Read on AO3

“How are they?” Joe asked, smiling softly as he held the phone to his ear.

On the other end, Booker ran a hand through his hair fretfully. “I don’t know them like you do, obviously. But I- ah, I don’t know, this might be presumptuous of me. But I think they’re gonna be alright.”

“You know Andy well.”

“Yeah, but not Quynh. This is my first time meeting Quynh.”

“How did she react?”

“She didn’t cry in front of me. Didn’t even yell. Andy broke down instantly, but not Quynh. I told her Andy was mortal now, and then I left. I thought maybe it would be easier for them to be vulnerable with each other if I wasn’t around. Do you think Andy will be safe?”

“Yes. She is always safe with Quynh.”

“But Quynh was so angry.”

“She has every right to be angry. Even though it is not Andy’s fault. Andy knows this. Their love is many millennia old, Booker. These past 500 years will not break them.”

Booker grunted noncommittally. “I’m going to go back. Just to check on Andy. I’ll sleep in a motel if they want to be alone.”

“Alright. Text me, okay?”

“Yeah, of course. How’s everything over there?”

Joe looked over at the couch. Nicky was reclining in the corner spot, watching with rapt attention what Nile had called “one of the best episodes of Queer Eye ever” on their laptop. Nile was curled into a ball at his side. A cool draft snuck in through the cracked window, and Nicky adjusted the plush throw that was draped over them both. Nile sighed contentedly, snuggling closer for warmth.

“Good,” Joe replied, voice suddenly soft. “Everything’s really good here. You don’t have to worry about us.”

“Do you all need anything from Paris?”

“Not that I can think of right now. But I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. Okay, sounds good.”

“Sebastian.”

“Yeah?”

“Take care of yourself, okay? They’ll both be alright. Don’t sweat it.”

There was a pause. Then Booker sighed. “Yeah, okay. I’ll relax.”

“Good. Text me when you figure out where you’re sleeping tonight.”

“For sure. Thanks, Joe. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Joe left his phone on the counter and crossed over to the living room. He sat down on the carpet in front of Nicky, tilting his head back to rest it against Nicky’s knees. Nicky smiled, reaching down to run a hand through Joe’s hair. He wrapped a few curls around his fingers, tugging ever so gently before letting go. He shifted his hand a few centimeters and repeated the act.

“Come up here?”

Joe shook his head, practically melting under Nicky’s loving ministrations. The floor was especially comfy when it was closer to Nicky. “I love you,” Joe mumbled, as instinctively as exhaling. After a moment, he frowned. “I love you, too, Nile.” Nicky laughed, and Joe could almost feel Nile roll her eyes.

The episode ended with Tan France demonstrating how to do a French tuck, and Nicky wondered aloud if the technique would work just as well with his highlighter-green shorts. Joe, despite knowing full well that Nicky was trying to provoke him, promptly went off on a well-rehearsed tirade about the detriments of wearing a dress shirt with basketball shorts.

“Nile, back me up here!”

“You’re right. He’s right, Nicky. Why would you even suggest such a thing?”

“You two can’t stop me,” Nicky argued, just to be contrary.

“At least it won’t be as bad as that time you wore only yellow for two months,” Joe said resignedly.

“Yellow?” Nile asked.

“Yes, he insisted it would make the duckling feel more at home.”

“Duckling?!”

Nicky clicked his tongue impatiently. “I wore various styles and shades of yellow, from pressed goldenrod shirts to an actual pastel canary dress. He has no right to complain about my lack of versatility.”

“The duckling liked me better, and I just dressed like usual.”

“She didn’t like you better. You always kept blueberries on you to bribe her with.”

Wait,” Nile interjected. “We need to backtrack. When and why did you guys have a duckling?”

Joe gave Nicky a pointed look that did nothing to hide the mirth in his eyes. Nicky sighed around a smile.

“It was an accident.” ___

“Nicky, stop moping. Booker, get up from the floor. Enough is enough,” Andy said, far more gently that her words implied. She prodded a very drunk, very anxious Booker with her foot. “Book, have you eaten at all today?”

“He hasn’t,” Nicky muttered from the kitchen counter. “But neither have you, boss. You’re telling us to get it together, but you’re equally antsy about this whole thing. Don’t deny it.”

Andy sighed in frustration. “I wasn’t going to. It was a bad call on my part. I shouldn’t have sent Joe alone.”

“It was a one-man job. You said so yourself. And he did have the best-suited skill set out of all of us. I think, tactically speaking, you made the right decision.”

“But you’re still upset about it, aren’t you?”

“Look, boss, just because it’s a one-man job doesn’t mean said one man wouldn’t prefer company. And it would be safer to have someone along.”

“It would have been a lot of extra work for Booker, security-wise. You know that.”

“Noooo, I din’ miiind,” Booker slurred from where he was curled up on the rug. He made a valiant effort to prop himself up on an elbow before collapsing back down with a thud.

Nicky put his head in his hands. “He was supposed to be back today, right?” he whispered into his palms.

“He’ll be back. He’s fine. I know he’s fine.” Andy paced back and forth restlessly. “We just need to get out of our own heads for a bit. Be a little patient. Joe will be fine.”

The stool scraped noisily against the kitchen floor as Nicky got to his feet. “I’m going to go for a walk and not think about anything for half and hour. I’ll bring takeout on my way back. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, solid plan. I’ll drag Booker to bed and try to get him fully conscious by the time you’re back.”

“Sober?”

Andy chuckled. “Don’t get too ambitious.”

Twenty minutes later, Nicky was sitting on a park bench, forlornly looking out over a pond as the sun set behind him. He’d already called a nearby Indo-Pakistani restaurant and ordered one plate each of everyone’s favorite biryani to-go, including Joe’s. Joe had to come back tonight. He had to.

Nicky shook his head in frustration. He was doing a very poor job of thinking about nothing. Suddenly, a tiny movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. He turned his head, squinting at the reeds growing on the pond bank.

The reeds rustled ominously. Nicky was just contemplating his chances of outrunning a rabid racoon, or alternatively, how long it would take him to heal from death by racoon, when the rustling stopped. Then, with a piteous squawk, a small ball of yellow fluff popped out onto the footpath.

Nicky stared in surprise. The poor little thing had landed on its back, its orange, webbed feet flailing in the air. It didn’t seem to be able to turn itself upright. Cautiously, Nicky approached the creature and very gently scooped it up. It gawked at him with wide, frightened eyes, and he heard himself mumbling soothing reassurances as he set it back on its feet. It stumbled half a meter and fell into the pond with a splash.

Nicky almost jumped to rescue it, before remembering that it was a duck and probably did not need to be rescued from the water. Was this one old enough to swim on its own? At what age did ducklings learn to swim, anyway?

The baby animal splashed around happily in front of him, clearly not drowning. Still, Nicky decided to stay for a few minutes, just to make sure it would be okay. He looked around. The mother duck and her other babies had to be around here, somewhere.

Eventually, his phone pinged with a message from the restaurant, letting him know his order was ready to be picked up. He was startled to find that it had been over forty-five minutes since he’d left the safehouse. If he didn’t get back soon, Andy and Booker might start to worry.

Nicky looked wistfully at the duckling. “Off you go, little one. Go home to your family. I’ll go home to mine.” The duckling blinked up at him quizzically. “I’ll come visit you tomorrow, if you want,” Nicky tried. “In fact, I’ll bring Joe with me. You’ll love him. He’s the sweetest person you’ll ever meet. A ray of pure sunshine, just like you.”

As he spoke, he unconsciously reached out a hand to the duckling. To his utter shock, the creature hopped right up onto his palm and settled down.

“No, you can’t come with me,” he cajoled. “You belong here. In the water. Come on, in you go.” Reluctantly, it leapt back into the water, but made no move to swim away. Nicky pursed his lips, thinking hard. Maybe if he just got up and walked off, the duckling would go back to its family. He figured it was worth a shot.

Nicky got to his feet and turned around. He’d taken only two steps away from the pond when he heard a frantic splash behind him, followed by the soft thwack, thwack, thwack, of webbed feet on concrete. He whirled around.

“No, you have to go back to your pond!” he whispered urgently. The duckling tilted its head. “The pond!” Nicky gestured dramatically toward the fading light on the surface of the water. “You know, your home.”

Nicky sighed. He would just have to walk away as fast as possible. There was no way this baby duck could keep up; it would have no choice but to go back to its family. The thought made his heart break a little, but he had no other option. Taking a deep breath, he began to stride away purposefully.

In a matter of seconds, a series of tiny, woeful quacks stopped him in his tracks. He turned to find the duckling flopped over onto its stomach, crying.

“Ehi, no, piccolo mio,” Nicky exclaimed, rushing forward to gather the poor thing in his arms. He unbuttoned the top of his coat and held the duckling against his chest to warm it up. “Don’t cry, it’s okay. It’s alright.”

He looked back towards the pond. There wasn’t one single other duck in sight. He looked down at the duckling, trembling weakly in his jacket as it calmed down. He sighed. Andy was going to throw a fit.

“Looks like you’re coming with me, little one.”

Nicky managed to smuggle the duckling in and out of the restaurant without anyone noticing. As he picked up the warm takeout boxes, the duckling poked its head out of his jacket to investigate this new source of warmth. By the time Nicky reached the safehouse, he was carrying four boxes of biryani stacked one on the other like a Christmas tree, with a sleeping ball of fluff on top where the angel would go.

Before he could even knock, the door flew open and Andy shoved her cellphone in his face.

“Look, it’s a message from Joe! He says his flight got delayed, but he’ll be here tomorrow morning!”

Nicky almost dropped their dinner (and the duckling) in his haste to grab the phone. Beneath the update, Joe had sent a selfie of himself at the airport terminal, captioned with a cheery “See, boss? I’m fine!” and a couple heart emojis. Looking at his beloved husband’s radiant smile, Nicky felt his eyes mist over involuntarily.

“There’s a duckling sleeping on my biryani.”

Nicky and Andy turned around. Booker, who must have maneuvered the takeout from Nicky’s hands while he’d been distracted by Joe, frowned dubiously at the stack of boxes.

“Do you see it, too, Andy? Or did I just drink way too much earlier?”

“Both,” Andy replied without missing a beat. “Nicky, why is there a duckling-”

“It followed me,” Nicky blurted out. “I was sitting by the pond and it fell out of the reeds right in front of me. After that, it just kept hanging out nearby. When I tried to put it by the pond and go, it started crying. What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t just leave it!”

“Okay, but what if its mother is looking for it?”

“I really, really tried to find the mom. But there wasn’t one other duck in that entire pond. I have no clue where this guy came from.” Nicky spread his hands helplessly.

Just then, the duckling woke up. For a frantic second, everyone held their breath as it flailed around, threatening to topple from the stack of boxes. But the moment it saw Nicky, it sat back down, contentedly preening its downy feathers.

“Oh my god,” Booker said incredulously. “Nicky, I think it imprinted on you.”

“What?” Nicky demanded.

“Oh, no way,” Andy countered. “Ducklings are supposed to imprint on their mother ducks. Nicky isn’t even the same species.”

“Yeah, but ducklings have been known to imprint on other animals, including humans,” Booker continued. “Especially if the mother is absent during the baby’s first few days for whatever reason, it will imprint on whoever it can find. Nicky, looks like you adopted a duckling. Or it adopted you. Good luck.”

“Oh no,” Nicky fretted. “I can’t raise a baby all by myself. Where is Joe, I need a co-parent! Andy, can I have some time off? Maybe, uh, a few weeks? Oh no, I don’t even know how long it takes for a duckling to grow up. I don’t know anything about ducklings. Booker, can you print out the Wikipedia page on ducklings for me?”

“Relax, Nicky,” Andy chided. “You’ve raised chicks before. How different can this really be?”

“8-12 weeks,” Booker read out from his laptop. “Nicky and Joe are going to need 8-12 weeks off to raise this duckling to full maturity. After that, they can reintroduce it to the pond.”

Andy sighed. “Fine. You two were gonna have time off anyway, since I have business in Portugal and Booker’s going to Germany because he scored tickets to the World Cup.”

“Oh, Joe didn’t want to come?” Nicky asked.

“I only managed to get one ticket,” Booker admitted. “I offered to let Joe go instead of me, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Said maybe next time, if we get more tickets.”

“Oh. I guess that works out then.”

“For the record,” Andy said as she extracted her box from beneath the duckling, “this is absolutely ridiculous. Only you, Nicky, would go out for a walk to ‘clear your head,’ and come back with a real live orphan duckling.”

In the end, it was a good thing they were in Genoa, because Nicky had maintained his ties to the port city over the centuries and, in a matter of hours, was able to take out a lease for a small cottage closer to the pond. After dinner, Booker and Andy helped him shift his and Joe’s belongings, as well as some meager furniture, into the new place.

“I think I’ll stay the night,” Nicky decided as they finished up. “The duckling is already asleep on my jacket, and I don’t want to jostle it in the process of moving back to the safehouse.”

“Sounds good,” Andy said around a yawn. “We’ll send Joe over as soon as he drops off the mission file. Come on, Book. Time to go.” There was no response. “Booker?”

Booker tip-toed out of the room where the duckling was sleeping, waving his laptop around triumphantly. “She’s a baby pekin. That’s the species. Also she’s a she, in case you were wondering. See this faded eyeline?” He pointed to a picture on the laptop. “That’s how you can tell.”

“A she,” Andy grunted approvingly. “What are you going to name her, Nicky?”

“I don’t know. I’ll ask Joe tomorrow. He’ll come up with something pretty and meaningful.”

“Your laptop was dead, Nicky, so I plugged it in to charge,” Booker said, shoving his own laptop into a bag. “You’re gonna be doing a lot of googling, I think.”

“Thank you, Booker.”

“Mhm. Andy, let’s go? If I fall asleep before we make it back, you’ll have to carry me the rest of the way.”

“I’ll leave you on the footpath.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I might. Let’s go. ‘Night, Nicky.”

“Goodnight, you both. Safe travels, in case I don’t see you before your flights.”

The next morning, Nicky woke up to webbed feet padding determinedly across his chest. He opened his eyes to see beady black eyes staring down into his soul, and very nearly had a heart attack.

“Madre de dio!” he yelped, sitting up sharply. He managed to gather his bearings and catch the little ball of yellow fluff before it tumbled off the bed. “Piccolo mio, you can’t just do that!”

The duck let out several loud, indignant squawks, stomping around in his lap. Nicky furrowed his brow.

“Are you…yelling at me?”

The squawking and stomping continued.

“Oh,” Nicky surmised. “Maybe you’re hungry. Babies usually cry when they’re hungry. Is that right, preziosa? Shall we find you something to eat?”

Nicky doubted the duckling understood any of what he was saying, but she responded to his tone, nuzzling her tiny beak into his hand. He took that as a yes. Nicky climbed out of bed with a yawn, stretching thoughtfully as he walked over to the clothing trunk to get dressed.

That was how, ten minutes later, Joe walked in on Nicky standing at the kitchen table in yellow sleeping shorts and a yellow t-shirt, slicing green grapes in half as a very energetic duckling devoured them happily. Joe felt his lips curl up into a hopelessly wide smile.

“When Andy told me you had a surprise for me, this is not what I expected.”

Nicky dropped the knife and whirled around, practically throwing himself across the kitchen in his haste to wrap Joe up in his arms. Joe gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. He clung to Nicky, burying his face in his neck and breathing him in. God, how he had missed him. Finally - finally- Joe felt like he was home.

After a few moments, Nicky pulled back, eyes shining as he cupped Joe’s face in his hands. “You stink,” he accused, before kissing him soundly. Joe’s protests died in his throat, and he grinned into the kiss, feeling full to the brim with happiness. He marveled quietly at his husband’s ability to make 900 years seem like the blink of an eye. Perhaps his body had stopped aging centuries ago, but it was only in his Nicolò’s arms that Joe still felt 31.

Eventually, a series of tentative chirps interrupted them, and they broke apart, laughing.

“Aww, amore mio, how rude! You haven’t introduced us yet,” Joe quipped, gesturing between himself and the duckling.

“Ah,” Nicky smiles sheepishly. “Joe, this is…a duckling. Duckling, this is Joe - remember the one I was telling you about by the pond? The one with a smile like sunshine, sweetest person you’ll ever meet?”

Nicky turned, and Joe kissed him again, impossibly more in love than he’d ever been in his life. The idea of his husband waxing poetic about him to ducklings in a pond was just too adorable to bear.

Later that afternoon, after Joe’s valiant but fruitless attempt to potty train the duckling and Nicky’s stoic re-sanitation of their patio threshold, they decided to swaddle the drowsy baby in a soft washcloth and watch a movie together while she napped. They sat on the loveseat Andy and Booker had carried in last night, the duckling nestled comfortably between them. Both of them elected to watch a soppy romantic indie they’d seen a hundred times before instead of the new action flick; it was Joe’s first day back, after all, and he’d really had enough of gunfire for a very long time. Nicky couldn’t agree more.

Around halfway through, Joe leaned forward and paused the laptop. He stroked a finger gently down the sleeping duckling’s back, and then looked up at Nicky.

“Did you really not pick out a name for her yet, amore?”

Nicky shrugged his shoulders with a half-smile. “I figured that’s your department, no? Coming up with something melodious, beautiful. Poetic. Some worthy descriptor for this lovely little creature.” Nicky yawned. Maybe the duckling’s need for sleep was rubbing off on him. “You’re the creative one.”

Joe gasped in mock offense. “You are creative!” he whispered insistently.

Nicky laughed softly. “Yes, coming up with ways to keep you enamored for nine centuries does take creativity.”

“You could laze about on this couch for the next nine centuries and I’d still love you more than life itself.”

Joe’s retort was very matter-of-fact, but Nicky melted like sugar in a flame. Given how often his husband said things like that, he didn’t see how it was possible to be caught off guard every single time. To be stunned into speechlessness, heart alive with emotion his tongue knew no words for. It made Nicky realize what the poets meant when they compared love to a river of fire that could only be crossed by drowning.

“I know, hayati,” he replied at length, leaning in for a kiss. “Believe me, I know.” Nicky did not add that he felt the same, that if they never so much as left this house for another millennia, their love would only continue to grow - but Joe heard it anyway.

The next evening, Nicky finished showering and, after a moment of contemplation, opted for a mustard-yellow sweatshirt and last night’s sleeping shorts. As he walked towards the kitchen to make dinner, he decided to ask Joe to run down to the local pet store and pick up a bag or two of proper duck feed. The duckling could only be expected to eat grape halves for so long. He reached the kitchen and promptly froze in the doorway.

On the counter was a large steel basin filled with water. Inside the basin was a very happy duckling, splashing around gleefully. Next to the counter was a rather disgruntled Joe, soaking wet and trying in vain to coax the duckling into staying still long enough for him to rub a little Dawn soap onto her back.

“Wallahi, Nicolina, a little soap doesn’t hurt! Come on, baths are nice. You’ll like it, I promise. Would you rather smell like pond water, or, uhh…” Joe squinted at the soap bottle. “It doesn’t say what scent this is, actually. But I’m sure it’s better than pond water, don’t you think?”

“Joe, what are you doing?” Nicky laughed from the doorway.

“Nicky! Oh, thank God you’re here.” The duckling seemed to agree, chirping excitedly at Nicky as he walked towards them. “Give me a hand, amore. Nicolina doesn’t like soap.”

“You’re calling her Nicolina?!”

“It suits her. She’s just a miniature you, see?” Joe managed to seize the duckling and hold it up next to Nicky. “Both yellow, both don’t like soap-”

“I like soap!”

“Both like to swim,” Joe continued, ignoring Nicky and putting the duckling back into the warm water.

“And I’m only wearing yellow to make the duckling feel more…at home, you know?”

“Pekin ducks are white, Nicky.”

“Well, this one’s clearly yellow.”

“That’s because it’s a baby. Mother ducks are white.”

Nicky shook his head to clear it. He’d definitely come in here with the intention of telling Joe something else, not arguing about duck colors.

“Oh, right! Joe, I meant to ask you - could you get duckling feed from the pet store while I make something for dinner? After you’re finished bathing her, of course. That way she’ll have something nutritious to eat tonight.”

Joe nodded, and then leveled Nicky with his best poker face, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes. “Who will have something nutritious to eat, amore?”

“She will.”

“Who?”

“The duckling, Joe.”

“Yes, but the duckling has a name, right?”

“ I am not calling her that.”

“Però-”

“Yusuf al-Kaysani, I swear-”

Joe put on his best puppy face. “But you said I could name her anything I want!”

“I said you could name her something beautiful and meaningful.”

“There is no name more beautiful and meaningful to me than yours, Nicolò. You asked me to find a worthy descriptor for her - and I found no better way to honor her charm and kindness than to name her after you. You stole my heart the moment I saw you, and she did the same. What can I do? It’s perfect.”

Nicky gaped at his husband. “Wha- I- You- Hayati! You can’t just say things like that!”

Joe gave a tiny smile, trying to hide his triumph and failing spectacularly. Nicky threw his hands up in surrender, circling around the counter to thoroughly kiss the smug look off Joe’s face.

“So the name can stay, then?” Joe asked, a little breathlessly, when Nicky pulled back.

“Don’t ask questions which you already know the answer to,” Nicky scolded, kissing him again. “Now go pick up duck feed before the pet store closes. Remember, if Nicolina doesn’t get dinner, then neither will you.”

Joe burst out laughing. He stashed the bottle of Dawn soap next to the sink, waving an alacritous finger at the duckling as he scrambled out of the kitchen. “Looks like you’re off the hook for today, little one!” Nicolina splashed and quacked enthusiastically in response. “Nicky, there’s a clean towel next to the basin to dry her off with. Can you-”

“I’ve got it, love. I’ll finish up here before starting dinner.”

“Grazie mille, see you in ten!” Joe called from the living room, grabbing his wallet and heading out the door. Nicky sighed, reveling in the peace of the moment, silent but for the gentle splashes and chirps of the duckling in front of him. Eventually, he picked up the towel.

“Alright, Nicolina. Let’s get you dry and warm for your nap, shall we?”

The next few weeks passed happily, with Nicolina becoming a central part of their family. She was extremely intelligent, managing to figure out potty training by the end of week two. It took until week three to convince her that soapy baths were a good thing, but she grew to love it enough that as soon as a bubble bath was prepared, she would hop in of her own volition. Both Joe and Nicky were ecstatic. By the time week four was drawing to a close, Nicolina had even learned how to turn her heat lamp on and off by herself, by stepping on the switch.

One evening, as Nicky was walking back to the cottage after running an errand, he was struck by a thought. Tomorrow, he realized, would be the one-month anniversary of having found Nicolina by the lake. Since the duckling wouldn’t be with them for a full year, this was probably their best chance to have a first birthday celebration for her. He pulled out his phone and hit recent.

“Hello, Joe?” He paused as Joe spoke. “Yes, yes, the post office was open. It went smoothly. Yeah - I wanted to ask, can you feed Nicolina and whip something up for dinner? I just remembered a thing; I’ll have to take a bit of a detour.” On the other end, Joe grumbled something about Nicky going on impromptu shopping trips without him. “I never said I was going shopping!” Nicky laughed. “But you’re right, as usual. Tell me, hayati, how am I supposed to surprise you with what I buy if I take you with me?”

The next morning, Nicky snuck out of bed before either Joe or Nicolina were awake. He decorated the living room of their cottage with baby blue and yellow balloons - some hanging off the roof and walls, others rolling around lackadaisically on the floor. Then, he puttered around the kitchen for a bit, mixing batter and putting two cakes in the oven to bake: a regular one, and a special miniature one made with all duck-friendly ingredients.

Miraculously, neither of his housemates had woken up to all the ruckus he’d made in the kitchen. Nicky tip-toed back into the bedroom and quietly slid a dress box from beneath the bed. He went to the bathroom to shower and get ready.

When he’d stopped at a clothing shop the previous night, Nicky had honestly been dismayed at the lack of birthday-appropriate formal wear available for men in any color other than dark blue, black, or tan. Certainly there was nothing even approaching some semblance of duckling yellow. Nicky had sighed in frustration - he should have brought Joe along after all. Joe would have known what to do.

Nicky could almost imagine his husband’s gleeful smile. “Amore, try this!” he would say, gesturing to the obnoxious excuse for a suit on Nicky’s right. “Or no, wait - what about this?” Nicky’s gaze had snagged on a lovely light yellow dress, on display in the women’s section across the aisle. It was a simple a-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that would probably come down to a little above his knee. There was no print, only a few tiny red flowers embroidered at the hem and on one sleeve. Also, it had pockets.

In his head, Nicky imagined Joe, who would have suggested the dress as a joke, tracking Nicky’s interest and suddenly getting on his soapbox about how men can wear dresses, too, because gendering clothing is stupid and outdated, and really, it was supposed to be hot tomorrow, did Nicky really want to spend Nicolina’s first birthday all uncomfortable in a scratchy suit, and…

Before he could second-guess himself, Nicky took the dress off the rack. He skipped the fitting room and decided to just pray that it looked good on him instead. He’d made his purchases and been halfway across the street when he realized that he hadn’t picked one out for Joe. He’d immediately turned and started walking back, earning a confused honk from a taxi driver who had to swerve to avoid him.

That was the story of how, on the morning of Nicolina’s first-month birthday, Joe came into the living room to see his husband in a stunning pastel-yellow dress, glowing like the sun itself among a shower of blue and gold balloons, playing peek-a-boo with a delighted duckling perched on the coffee table. Warmth and sunlight streamed through the open patio, and the air smelled sweetly of vanilla and cinnamon.

Joe pressed a hand to his heart, so overwhelmed with love that he was physically unable to breathe for a few seconds. Looking back, he prided himself on being able to remain standing at all. It shouldn’t be humanly possible, he thought, to fully and truly embody perfection to the degree that his Nicolò did. Joe smiled at the irony - he sometimes forgot that the very basis of their existence itself wasn’t humanly possible.

Nicolina spotted Joe first, and ran excitedly off the end of the table in a wildly risky attempt to take flight. Nicky gasped and lunged after her, managing to catch her before she hit the floor. “Nicolina, what the-”

He looked at Joe, standing open-mouthed in the living room entrance, and smiled. “Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?”

“You’re beautiful,” Joe blurted out, like a thirteen-year-old talking to his crush. He frowned. Surely, Nicky’s current state of dress deserved something more poetic.

But Nicky’s smile only widened. “I’m so glad you like it, Joe. I have to confess, I had my doubts. But the look on your face convinces me I made the right decision.”

Joe opened his mouth to say, yes, yes this was absolutely the right decision, this might have been the best decision ever - but what really came out of his mouth was “Uh. Yeah. Can I, um. I really want to kiss you. If you want.”

Apparently, he would continue to be possessed by the ghost of an incoherent and besotted teenager for as long as Nicky was wearing this damn dress. Fortunately, Nicky seemed to find this endearing, laughing as he gently deposited Nicolina in his pocket - omg, it has pockets! - and walked up to Joe. He reached out to cradle Joe’s face in his hands, gazing at him like all the stars were in his eyes. Joe, who had just gotten out of bed and hadn’t even combed his hair, couldn’t imagine what Nicky was seeing, but the next moment, their lips were pressed together in a tender, blissful embrace, and every other thought in Joe’s head dissolved like salt in the ocean.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Nicky exclaimed, pulling back all too soon. “I got one for you, too! It’s in a dress box under the bed. Would you be interested?”

Joe blinked as his brain caught up. “One for me?”

“Yes, and don’t worry, I picked something you’ll like. It’s not tacky or unfashionable, I promise-”

“I like everything you pick.”

“That’s not true, you didn’t like the t-shirt I wore two days ago-”

“I like everything you pick for me.”

Nicky paused, trying to find a counterexample. “Ah. I guess you do. Well, go try this one on, then! Let’s see.”

Five minutes later, when Joe hesitantly stepped out of their bedroom in his new dress, Nicky realized that he had vastly overestimated his own ability to remain a functioning member of society with Joe looking like that. Even Nicolina, now resting quietly on a bunched-up blanket on the couch, couldn’t seem to take her eyes off of him.

“Well?” Joe asked, giving an experimental twirl that did nothing for Nicky’s screaming brain. “Does it look okay?”

Joe was wearing a knee-length deep teal sheath dress with a dribble of silver sequins spilling down one side like stardust. A shallow v-neck gave way to a sleeveless top, and the richly colored fabric fit snugly against his hips in a way that had not been nearly so breathtaking on the mannequin. Like Nicky’s own, this dress was simple, without excess print or decoration. Still, the way it looked on Joe as he stood there, smiling a little shyly in the late morning sunlight, left Nicky stunned.

He tried to speak around the sudden dryness in his mouth, but no sound came out. Rather, Nicolina chirped up first, quacking approvingly from her comfy spot on the couch. Joe grinned, crouching down next to the duckling.

“Aww, thank you, little one. At least someone has feedback for me.” Nicolina nuzzled her beak into his cheek affectionately.

Nicky sat back down on the couch and put his head in his hands. Joe glanced up.

“Nicky?” he asked, a little worried now. He walked over and sat down next to him. “Amati, is everything alright? Do you not like it? I can change back-”

“Mashallah, Yusuf,” Nicky said hoarsely, taking Joe’s hands in his. When he looked up, Joe was shocked to see tears glistening in his eyes. “It’s just - you are the most beautiful, wonderful, miraculous being that God has ever created, and I never forget this, but sometimes I am reminded anew and I just- I am left in awe of you, of your endless love and beauty. I can’t handle any of this. You’re too handsome, too kind. I wish I had one hundred hearts to love you with.” He sniffled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand.

For the second time that day, Joe was rendered utterly speechless. On Nicky’s other side, Nicolina whimpered worriedly, climbing out of her blanket nest and nosing at his elbow. He chuckled wetly, reaching out to pet her.

“I’m fine, piccolo mio. Better than fine. Don’t worry.” To Joe, he said, “Sorry. I’m overreacting.”

“No,” Joe mumbled. He dropped his head to Nicky’s shoulder, reverently bringing their joined hands to his lips. “Ti amo, Nicolò. So much. Thank you.”

Nicolina clambered onto Nicky’s lap, snuggling close to him for warmth. Nicky caressed her downy feathers comfortingly. He turned and pressed a soft kiss to the top of Joe’s head. It had been a busy morning, and they still had big plans for the day, Nicky knew. A nice long walk in the park, visiting Nicolina’s pond, eating cake, maybe going out somewhere fancy for lunch or dinner (somewhere that allowed pets; he would have to google it). But for now, he allowed himself to just breathe, swathed in bone-deep contentment.

Over the course of the next month, they took Nicolina to the pond every single day. By week five, her feathers were growing out in earnest, and she could fly quite reliably. In week six, Nicky and Joe got comfortable leaving her at the pond unsupervised, using the time to run short errands before returning to pick her up. By week seven, Nicolina would stay out longer and longer, often loathe to leave the water even after the sun had set.

As week eight drew to a close, Nicky reminded Joe to pack an extra jacket for their trip to the pond. Nicolina ran ahead of them excitedly. The pond was always her favorite part of the day. After watching her splash about for a bit, Joe went for a walk around the park, and Nicky left to go grocery shopping for the upcoming week.

When Nicky returned, Joe was back on the bench in front of the pond. For a second, Nicky had a vivid flashback to the evening this all started - he’d been sitting in that very spot, worrying about Joe, when Nicolina had quite literally dropped into his life. He shook his head fondly at the memory.

“Joe?” He approached the bench. Joe looked up at him and smiled, patting the adjacent seat.

“How was groceries?”

“Ah. Nothing too remarkable. A lady spilled a gallon of milk in the aisle where we were waiting to pay, and then we all got distributed into different queues, so it took longer than usual.”

Joe clicked his tongue sympathetically. For the next couple hours, they sat mostly in silence, listening to the sounds of the evening and watching the last rays of sunlight fade from the surface of the pond. As it got dark, the park slowly emptied out, save for a few teenagers roasting marshmallows over a fire pit in the distance.

Nicky sighed deeply, holding his arm out to Joe. Joe scooted closer, wrapping his arms around Nicky’s waist and resting his head on his shoulder.

“She’s not coming back tonight, is she,” Joe whispered. Nicky squeezed his shoulder, pulling him closer.

“Got attached, Yusuf?”

Joe huffed. “Two months is nothing in the span of centuries, right? So why…” He trailed off, but Nicky heard what was left unspoken.

“The heart only knows how to live in the present, hayati. That is why it falls in love. That is why it cries when something ends. Even if we always knew it would.”

“You’re so composed - won’t you miss her?”

“I will. Terribly so. It just hasn’t sunk in yet, so I can offer you wisdom like a hypocrite.”

Joe smiled sadly. “When it sinks in, I’ll do the same for you.”

“I know, my love. My all.” After a few minutes, he said, “Give me that extra jacket.” Joe handed it to him, and Nicky shook it out, wrapping it like a blanket around Joe’s shoulders. “Lie down.” Joe lay his head in Nicky’s lap, stretching his feet out onto the bench. Nicky wove his fingers through Joe’s hair calmingly. “Alright?”

“Mhm. Nicky?”

“Yes?”

“Are we staying the night?”

“We can stay as long as you want.” ___

“The end,” Nicky said with a flourish.

“Wait, what?” Nile lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at him incredulously. “What do you mean, the end? You never saw her again?”

“Of course we saw her again,” Joe answered from the floor. “We walked by the pond several times a week, and she would always swim over to say hi when she saw us. It was the sweetest thing.”

“About a month later,” Nicky picked up the narrative, “Booker got back from Germany and Andy from Portugal. We took a series of back-to-back missions after that, and didn’t get to return to Genoa until early spring.”

Joe’s phone buzzed on the counter, and he got up to go check it.

“Mhm, and then?” Nile prompted.

“Well, when we got back, we came by the pond to see if the ducks had returned to their northern habitats yet. As we stood by the water, one duck, a beautiful, white bird, swam gracefully up to us and nuzzled our ankles for a bit. She looked really happy to see us.”

“Oh my gosh - Nicolina?!”

Nicky smiled in confirmation. “Do you know, she had a mate? He was quite lovely, too. They made a good pair.”

“Wow,” Nile breathed. “That’s so awesome.”

“Guys, look at this.” Joe walked back to them, phone outstretched. “A message from Booker.”

Nicky took the phone, and Nile leaned over to see. On the screen was a photo of Andy curled up next to a Vietnamese woman that Nile had only ever seen before in her dreams. Quynh, she knew. Andy was fast asleep, and Quynh smiled serenely at the camera. Her eyes looked like she had been crying, but her happiness was evident, even in the hastily taken picture. The message beneath it read “they’re letting me stay the night,” followed by a tentative thumbs up and smiley face.

Nicky grinned. “Oh, God. I can’t wait to see her. And look at them - I told you, Joe.”

Joe leaned in for a quick kiss. “I never doubted it.”

#the old guard #joe x nicky #kaysanova #found family #fanfiction #tog fanfic #kavi writes #loooong post #yeah this one got away from me idk what happened #but I love how it turned out!#feedback always welcome <3 #fluff #no seriously this is just tooth-rotting fluff be warned

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