#seriously her bowl is always so small in the art. i think we can fix this one guys.
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#norse mythology#norse mythology memes#sigyn#loki#lokasenna#i spent twenty minutes on this hopefully someone else will this it's as funny as i do#seriously her bowl is always so small in the art. i think we can fix this one guys.#tag 5
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Parent Trap
PART 2
Marcus Moreno x Reader
It’s hereeee! Children’s shenanigans. Yearning. A kiss.
The Artist
The rest of the week went smoothly. Artemis was very excited to have a new friend and talked about Missy often.
Friday came around, and Shade had to inform the school that she was running late in picking Artemis up. A seller was taking his sweet time, in trying to decide which of the 2 pieces he wanted, before deciding he didn’t want either.
She was annoyed; it wasn’t uncommon for a seller to act like they wanted her work before making up some excuse as to why they were no longer interested. Nor was it uncommon for a person to try and haggle for lower prices, claiming ‘you should be grateful someone even wants your business.’
She was tired to say the least.
She finally, after 45 minutes, pulled up to the school, and made her way to Artemis’s class to pick her up. She was surprised when she saw Missy sitting with her.
“Missy? What are you still doing here honey?” Shade asked concerned.
“My dad’s running late, but I have no way of contacting him to find out what’s going on,” She admitted quietly.
Shade nodded in understanding, before pulling out her phone. Marcus had made sure to give her his number the other day when they saw each other dropping their kids off.
She called him. It took about 4 rings, before he answered, out of breath “Hey Shade.”
“Hey. So. I’m here with Artemis and Missy, are you uhh.. on your way hon?” She asked politely.
She hears him swear in the background before stating, “I promise I didn’t forget about her. It appears that someone has changed every clock I know. I haven’t been able to tell time for 90% of the day.”
“Haven’t been able to tell time eh? Funny. Had something similar happen the other morning when my alarm went off an hour early. Weird how these clocks… have just magically changed for both of us,” She noted staring at the two girls suspiciously.
Both of them shrugged acting like they have no idea what she was talking about, before looking away.
“Listen, can you tell Missy I am on my way, I swear,” He requested with a sigh.
“How about this… How about I take Missy home with me, and she can stay the night? In the morning, you can bring her a change of clothes, and pick us all up for our date,” She offered with a smile.
“Are... are you sure? It’s no problem for me to come and get her, it would just be a few minutes?” He questioned hesitantly.
“It’s not a problem. We will see you in the morning, yeah?” She assured.
“Sounds good, can I talk to Missy real quick?” He politely asked.
She handed her phone over to her, and they talked for a moment before she hung.
“Alright. Let’s get outta here,” She nodded her head toward the door.
The girls grabbed their things and the three of them were off.
She gets them home and told them to get to work on their homework. She checked on dinner that was cooking in the crockpot. It was crockpot chicken and noodles.
The girls finished up their homework and were currently helping her set the table an hour later. They were both giggling and whispering to one another.
“Alright you two, enough with the whisper party. Go wash your hands, while I serve up dinner,” She tells them, shaking her head.
She grabbed their bowls and ladled them a healthy portion for all of them. She had made some fruit salad to go with it and gave them a small plate of it.
By the time their plates were ready, the girls were bouncing back into the dining room. They took their seats, and she joined them.
Missy began asking questions about Shade’s work.
“So, what kind of art do you do?” Missy politely asked.
“I do mostly pencil sketches and paint occasionally even though I don’t think I’m very good at it. Been working on some new stuff, but... Mh. not sure how I feel about it so far,” Shade explained to her.
“Ooh. What kind of new stuff?” Missy asked excitedly.
Shade went to wave it off as nothing when Artemis piped up, “She’s been drawing the Heroics and their most famous battles! Kinda like a comicbook! It’s so cool!”
“What!? That’s awesome! Can I see it sometime? I mean. If you’re okay with it?” Missy asked amazed.
“Hmm. Possibly. If…” Shade began.
“If what?” Missy questioned.
“If… you promise to fix your dad’s clocks, and not mess with them again. I understand that both of you are excited to be friends and want us to get along too, but messing with clocks and alarms is not okay,” She bargained looking at both of them.
They both looked down, wincing as they mumbled apologies and swearing that they would fix things.
“Apology accepted. Finish eating and I’ll show you my workshop,” She stated with a smile.
Both of them perked back up and began eating again happily.
Once they all had eaten and cleaned up, Shade led them to her workshop. She slid opened the double doors and presented it to Missy.
There were several desks, covered in pencils, graphite and colored, pens, paints, and brushes. There was an easel and some blank canvases resting in a corner. She walked over to one of her sketch books and opened it about midway.
“Just, uh, don’t touch the ink too much. It takes a long time to dry,” She informed them setting it down on the small table where Artemis held her art supplies.
Missy was amazed. She stared at all of the drawings of Miracle Guy, Sharkboy & Lavagirl, Tech-No, and many other Heroics. She noticed one thing though.
“You haven’t drawn my dad yet?” She mentioned looking up at her.
“No. I haven’t. I for whatever reason… cannot seem to draw him. Every time I do, I worry I’ll mess it up. Your dad meant a great deal to me at one point,” Shade tells her, thinking fondly of Marcus.
Missy and Artemis looked at each other, a plan forming.
They spoke a little more about art and what Shade does before the girls ran upstairs to go play.
Or so Shade thought…
The Hero
Marcus was finishing up some paperwork that had piled up over the week when Miracle Guy stepped into his office.
“What are you still doing here, man? Shouldn’t you be at home? With your kid?” Miracle asked him.
“Can ask you the same thing, MG?” Marcus countered, referring to his nickname.
“Had a job I just came from. Mission report. Saw your light was still on, figured I should check on our fearless leader,” Miracle lightly teased.
Marcus simply hummed in response.
“So. What’s been going on with you? You’ve been jittery all week. I had thought it had something to do with the incident at Missy’s school, but now… not so sure,” Miracle brought up, sitting across from Marcus.
“Remember… when we first started out? I was with that artist?” Marcus began, biting his lip.
“Yeah. The really pretty one, that you wound up breaking up with, right?” Miracle recalled.
“Mh. Her daughter is now best friends with my daughter… and we have a date tomorrow… and I honestly… don’t know how I feel,” Marcus confessed, setting his pen down, the report no longer distracting him.
“Wh-… What? Seriously? Wow. What a small world? I mean… this is the first time you’ve gone out since Isabelle died right? I think it’s only natural that you’re nervous. But… it’s also with someone you’ve been with. I doubt she’s changed that much in 15 years,” Miracle noted with a shrug.
“Yeah. I just… hmm. I don’t know. I am nervous… but I’m also…excited? Happy? I mean… I wanted to marry this girl back in college, but life… got in the way. I guess… I’m just worried I’ll mess it up,” Marcus admitted with a sigh.
“Oh? You never told me that part? Listen. It’s one date. If you don’t feel sparks fly or whatever then, it’s not meant to be. But if you do, explore it. You deserve to be happy Marcus,” Miracle stated.
Marcus opened his mouth to reply when his phone rang.
He answers noticing it was Shade’s number.
“Hey, what’s-” He began.
“Dad! You should get over here! Like quickly! As fast as possible!” Missy voice came, rushed.
Marcus goes to question her, but the line ends.
Marcus quickly gets up, grabs his things and runs out to his car. The drive under normal circumstances was 20 minutes, but he was there in half that time.
He ran up to the door, banging on it, panicked.
When the door opened, Shade stood there, looking extremely confused.
“Marcus?” She greeted staring at him concerned.
“Are the girls okay? Missy called and told me I should get here,” Marcus explained quickly.
“Yes. They’re fine. They went upstairs to play?” She answered still confused.
“But they had your phone? And she sounded worried?” Marcus recalled the phone call.
She suddenly patted her pockets, looking around trying to find her phone.
The Artist
It slowly dawned on her what happened.
“GIRLS! GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW” She yelled up the stairs.
A moment passed, and neither of them heard movement.
“I am so sorry Marcus. Artemis… must have grabbed my phone while I wasn’t looking,” She apologized, moving to go upstairs.
Marcus stopped her.
“Hey, so long as everyone is okay. Even though a CERTAIN YOUNG LADY IS GROUNDED. I’m sorry for almost busting your door down with my knocking,” He tells her, shouting part of his sentence up the stairs.
A loud groan could be heard in response.
“AS IS ANOTHER CERTAIN YOUNG LADY,” Shade mentioned loudly.
Cue another loud groan.
“Would… would you like some water?” Shade offered, twirling a lock of her hair.
“Yes. I would actually,” Marcus accepted gratefully.
The two of them stepped into her kitchen. Shade grabbed him a glass and filled it with water, before handing it to him. He downed about half of it, before setting it back down, wiping his mouth.
“So. What… what happened?” Marcus asked trying to understand.
She thought about it, trying to retrace the evening.
“Oh…. I showed them…some of my artwork… and Missy asked me why I hadn’t drawn you yet,” She realized.
“Oh? Ahem. So… Why…Why haven’t you drawn me yet?” He asked hesitantly and trying to hide his curiosity.
“I told her it was because… I was worried I would mess it up and that you meant a great deal to me… which is somewhat true… I have drawn you…but I always feel like… they didn’t do you justice,” She quietly admitted to him, not making eye contact. “Kind of hard to draw someone you were in love with for years. Especially when those feelings never quite went away.”
The Hero
He was surprised to hear that. He didn’t quite know how to respond. He did… know one thing though.
He moved around the island over to her.
“Forgive me… if this is too forward,” He whispered to her.
He gently cupped her face into his hands, and pressed a small, hesitant kiss to her lips. When she didn’t pull away or slap him, he kissed her again, but just a smidge longer.
He felt her arms move, sliding around his neck. He was extremely relieved when he felt her kiss him back. He lightly pinned her against her the island, his hands moving to her waist. They wrapped around her, pulling her close.
Their kiss lasted for a minute and would’ve gone longer if it weren’t for the fact that they heard giggles coming from the stairway.
They pulled away slowly.
“I told you that my daughter’s favorite movie was the Parent Trap, right? We’ve been Parent Trapped,” She whispered against his lips.
“You also said her number one favorite was The Mummy, which I guess it’s a good thing they didn’t unleash an unspeakable evil to get us together,” Marcus joked.
“This is true. You 2 are still grounded by the way, and Mrs. Moreno will be informed of that fact tomorrow when we leave you with her to go on our date,” She threw over shoulder.
There was a sound of 2 pairs of feet scurrying back upstairs.
“You… you still want to go out tomorrow?” Marcus inquired, hopeful.
“Yeah. Yeah, I do. If you still want to,” She mentioned, biting her lip.
“Yeah. I do. Though… I think I should go grab my little delinquent, and take her home, so you can sleep without anymore “emergencies.” Plus, I apparently need to talk to her about boundaries,” Marcus noted as he slowly stepped away from her.
“Yeah. I apparently have to have a similar conversation. We’ll see you tomorrow?” She said with a smile.
“Yeah. Tomorrow. Umm. Just one last thing,” Marcus hurriedly said.
He pulled her into another kiss, that she returned with a sigh.
When he finally pulled away again, he simply said, “One wasn’t enough.”
He called for Missy to come downstairs and get her things. He told her that a slumber party will have to wait for another time. As he took Missy home, he couldn’t help the smile on his face, as he thought about Shade.
He knew his evening was far from over, but he couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
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Summer & Snuffles from Rick & Morty // Cosplayers: eileen.chase & aachase1401
So, how did you come up with Snuffles exo-suit?
SNUFFLES IS MY SLAVE NAME! YOU MAY CALL ME SNOWBALL BECAUSE MY FUR IS PRETTY AND WHITE!.......It's a pretty awesome character and one of my favorite TV shows. I always loved Snowball, probably because I love dogs so much.
Coming up with the logistics of a costume that isn't really proportional to a human person was a challenge. I figured the best way was with a black puppeteer suit and to create the illusion of a non humanoid. The LION KING Broadway show did this really well with the animal puppets. So that really helped inspire me to go that route.
Luckily, cosplayers before me have come up with great builds that served as source material to chose from. I had lots of cosplays to reference when it came to the over sized hand puppets. Keegan Sommer and his dad did a Liberty Prime cosplay last year and were kind enough to send me some build photos of the arms. For the legs I used various Velociraptor costumes as inspiration. The head was tricky, I got lucky that my idea worked.......barely worked. I finally got it to work the morning of Con!
That exo suit looks like it took time to put together! Could you talk about it?
I started with a base. A cardboard box for the torso with arm and leg holes, and jumped off from there. I did a small mock up of the legs to try out joint movements, and get the positions correct before I put together the PVC skeleton.
The joints were made of PVC....fun fact, when making a pin for joints...USE A BOLT! the wire i used initially snapped under the weight 20 min before contest judging. THANK THE STARS FOR MEGACON COSPITAL!
They were a godsend and helped me fix the foot joint with a much thicker Pin. The structure around was expandable foam from the hardware store. I covered the PVC in it and carved the foam down into the foot and calf shapes.The Hands were balsa wood and Insulation foam. I made a base/grip for the glove that worked the outer fingers.
The puppet fingers were made in three parts, with balsa wood, fishing line on the inside, and elastic on the outer side. I put thimbles in the fingertips of the gloves to lessen the "give" of the string as it pulled.
This part took a lot of tweaking to get the desired result.LEDs: I had never worked with a soldering iron before, so I was worried about getting the lights to properly work. So i took shortcuts where possible. lol. The light in Snowballs Helmet is a twisty Tea light that people use for decor.
The LEDs in the hands were strip LEDs that are used to decorate bedrooms and even came with a remote so i could change the color and pulse if I wanted too. But I did end up doing some custom soldering that I'm very proud of. The lights in both shoulders and collar are ones I put together.SNOWBALL: This was the most fun. The centerpiece of the costume is what needed to be right. Everything else could suck, but this had to be good.
I've never needlefelted before, but I knew it was the best way to create a custom animal. I really have to say, it's my new favorite hobby! Seriously, it was an absolute blast creating this piece. If you're looking to add a cute animal or felted piece to your cosplay, take up needlefelting!
I've become a huge fan of the medium and was surprised at how easy it was to get used to, especially if you're already a sculptor. Normally you can't really felt onto a piece of Styrofoam because the wool will just fall out. But i needed the base to be solid for the puppetry to work, so what i did was glue felt pieces onto the styrafoam base and then felted a base layer of wool onto that felt. It worked pretty well.
The fur will never be as solid as if the entire piece was felted, but it worked well for this cosplay. I build the face up the most, added glass eyes and a nose sculpted from thermoplastics. The arms and legs were wire with wool wrapped around them.
The helmet was an upside down bowl I found at Party City. It was the size and color I needed, so i cut away until it looked like a visor attached to a shorter helmet, painted the non visor parts, added foam and then glued on some Dixie cups. The light is just a party cup I thought looked cool.It's easier to describe the build process when i have the accompanying photos. So i'll be creating a step by step guide on Instructables.com like I did with my Power Loader. Hopefully it will make more sense, and other people who love the character can see my successes and mistakes and improve on the design.
Any interesting or funny response from congoers while walking around Megacon in the exo-suit?
Well, i made a child cry.......so there was that. It was actually kind of cute. He was fine until the head moved. That spooked him. Another funny thing was when my sister and I were filming a recreation of the "where are my testicals" scene and I accidentally hit her in the face because my vision is limited in the suit.
How has cosplay impacted your life since you’ve started cosplaying?
There's a great line in the book "The subtle art of not giving a f***" That says we are happiest when we are setting goals for ourself and overcoming obstacles to achieve them. It's a great feeling and I think if you have the chance to challenge yourself, go for it. It's a great feeling that lasts well past Con even when all the attention has worn off.
It's also great to learn new skills. I learned how to work with electronics this time around, LEDs and many more that I'll continue to use outside cosplay. The other ways it's affected me is by severely limiting the amount of closet space I have available.. Big cosplays take up big space. I'll probably need to get a storage unit at some point.
https://www.allisonchasemakeup.com/
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Rick & Morty on Amazon https://amzn.to/3s1tsa8
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Let my hands guide you
Pairing: Akaashi x reader
Genre: fluff! And strangers to lovers
Summary: You meet Akaashi at a pottery store. (PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT I NEVER DID POTTERY IN MY LIFE, SO PLEASE DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY PLS)
Word count: 1.3k
a/n: ...... ok so I’m not sure I like this, the scenario in my head is way better so I might do a different one with pottery!Akaashi because I can hahaha; I hope you lovely people had a nice weekend and here’s a fic to handle the week! Enjoy!
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You opened the door to enter the shop. It was a pottery store where they taught classes for beginners, sold from every type of work from mugs, plates and vases to original decorative art pieces some students were willing to sell.
It was your first time to come here, a little intimidated by the beautiful artwork displayed. You shook that feeling away, determined to simply enjoy yourself and have fun creating something. A feeling of excitement washed over you, ready to try pottery for the first time.
A kind girl greeted you, showing you the way to the back, the workspace for classes and artists. You put on an apron and followed her to your assigned molding stand for hand building method of making pottery. She showed you the three main techniques; the pinch pot, coiling and slab.
Once she taught you every method and the use of each tool, you thanked her as she left you alone to concentrate on your work. It was fun and relaxing. Concentrating on the details of your pieces and handling the tools. It was strangely therapeutic. You made one bowl, one mini pot for one of your plants and, with the clay that was left, you made a small ladybug to go on the pot as decoration. You were proud of what you accomplished and turned to notify the nice girl but you couldn’t find her. You were nervous to explore and leave your familiar workplace. Thankfully, another staff member saw your distress.
“Do you need anything?”
He took your breath away. You couldn’t believe you got the chance to lay your eyes on his beauty. He glanced at your workspace and you remembered what your goal initially was.
“Oh, I just finished my clay and I was wondering if I could know how to finalise it?”
“Yes no problem. They are wonderful for a beginner,” he complimented you, making you even more confident in your new hobby,”I can take care of this for you. So first we’ll -”
He then proceeded to show you how to finalise your pottery, explaining everything methodically and clearly. You listened as he kept on talking, entranced by both of his looks and his words.
He notified you that it would take three to eight hours for the clay to harden. They would supervise your work, taking good care until your next visit. He accompanied you to the front desk as you paid for today’s expanses.
“I would also like to book another session, preferably one with an electric wheel?” you asked.
“Of course,” the pretty staff member smiled at you and proceeded to book you your next appointment.
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You realised that you never asked for the pretty staff member's name. When you picked up your artwork, you didn’t see him for the entirety of painting your mug and pot. But even at that, you enjoyed brushing the paint on the clay and continuing your newfound hobby. Akaashi was forgotten at the back of your mind, too busy enjoying your new favourite activity.
You painted your mug your favourite colour and added some details to your liking. For your pot, you chose a nice blue colour to mimic the blue sky, a contrast to your plant’s different hues. Your ladybug sat nicely on the side of the pot. It might not look hyperrealistic, but it was still one you were proud of.
Your day finished well as you returned home with your new acquired creation. Putting your plant in the new pot, it was well decorated and a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction overcame you. Pottery made you happy and you were eager to start new projects in the future.
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For the next few sessions, you made various mugs and tableware for the shop. Making these allowed you to not pay for anything as you were producing for the shop. But of course, once in a while, you would create for your own place. Pottery soon became a regular activity of your weekly routine.
With how much you spent time there, you met the pretty staff member again, often at that. His name was Akaashi and he was the one who always put your clay to harden. He always complimented you on your work and helped you if you needed any advice. Akaashi quickly became a friend to you.
The nice girl who first taught you the basics, Yukie, was also a friendly person you could depend on.
Currently, you were frustrated because the clay wouldn’t do as you guided it to do. The shape you wanted to achieve was a challenge and the shape you had was all deformed and abstract. You turned off the power of the wheel and let out a sigh.
“Do you need any help?”
You gave Akaashi a desperate look, your eyes clearly saying yes. He smiled a little and pulled a seat facing you. He fixed the oddly shaped clay, and let your hands work. When you started to mess up the shape, Akaashi joined his hands over yours, guiding them to the proper movements of your shape. His hands were covered in clay, as were yours, but the gentle way his hands held yours made your heart skip a beat. His long fingers corrected your mistakes as he explained what you were doing wrong.
For the first time, your ears didn’t listen to him. You were surprised by how he held your hands so easily. His gaze was focused on the clay as he kept on rambling about pottery, but yours were on him. You noticed that everytime he talked about his passion, he got more talkative, having this eager tone that made his eyes light up.
Sensing that your hands were not moving and that you didn’t respond, he looks up, meeting your eyes. None of you could look away as nothing was said. The wheel continued to spin, the room was still noisy from other workers, but it seemed that the both of you were frozen in time, neither of you moving.
Then, someone bumped into you, from behind, making you fall forward into Akaashi. This seemed to wake you up from your trace as you quickly excused yourself and went to pack your stuff to go home.
Akaashi was still in the same position, looking at the door you left, wondering if you felt his heartbeat quickened.
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You proceeded to avoid Akaashi for the next few days, too embarrassed to face him again. You came when he didn’t have a shift, Yukie keeping you company.
Pottery helped to take your mind off of him. You concentrated on making various creations, new pots for your new plants. The spinning of the wheel drifted your mind elsewhere, your surroundings fading away. Maybe that’s why you didn’t notice him.
“Can we talk?” You froze entirely. You already felt bad avoiding him, you might owe him an explanation.
You agreed, following him to a more private area of the store, your hands still tainted of clay.
Akaashi on the other hand was dressed casually, the first time you saw his style. Of course he knew how to dress with style too. His only sign of nervousness was him playing with his fingers.
“I’m sorry if I crossed a line when I touched your hands, I should’ve asked first, I-”
“That’s not it Akaashi,” he looked at you curiously, the script he memorised completely unnecessary, “When we held... well touched hands, I felt something that may cross the line of friendship. I needed time to myself-”
“What if I told you I also felt it”, your look of surprise met his, “If you are willing to try, for a relationship, I’m willing to try.”
You didn’t know what to say. Were you ready to be in a relationship with Akaashi? Would you risk your friendship? You did think he was handsome, and kind, and easy to go along with, and easy to open up to, and your heart was clearly affected by him. But was that enough? Maybe it was.
“I’m willing to try.” Your affirmation put a smile on Akaashi’s lips. Maybe, just maybe it was worth it.
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Ok. So I LOVE the Felix and Bridgette anime Miraculous AU In this AU Felix, who is Cat Noir, has to get a kiss from Ladybug to break his bad luck. He then unintentionally falls in love with Ladybug. So I wrote this after being inspired by art on pinterest Anyways here it is;
FELIX:
Your hair is dark as night, your pretty bluebell eyes. I wonder who you are beneath that strong disguise. Everyday we see each other and I hope that you’ll be mine. Together, our love could be so true, please will you be my valentine.
I cannot believe I wrote this. When did I become such an incompetent idiot. This girl is turning me into a completely love sick airhead. Ladybug is never going to see this. I crumble up my lame attempt at poetry and throw it in the trash as I leave the classroom. I’m pathetic. Ladybug could never love me.
“Hi Felix!” I’m always waiting for the moment when she finally leaves me alone. Bridgette hasn’t gone a day without trying to engage my attention since the day we met. I really do try my best to disregard her pleasantries. However, she makes it rather difficult.
“It’s such a coincidence we keep running into each other.” Bridgette grins.
“Yes, particularly because I purposely choose a different cafe every day.” I turn back to my book trying again, my very best to ignore her.
Just as I’m getting to the interesting part of my novel I can feel it being snached from my grasp. I’m over this. She’s standing in front of me with my book in her hand, stretching it up as far as she can reach.
“Bridgette you’re a complete klutz.” I stand up from the chair I was reading on, so very clearly towering above her. “Were you seriously trying to raise it above my head?” Bridgette wouldn’t be taller than me if she stood on a step stool. It would be almost adorable, if she were anyone else. I pluck the book from her hands and stash it in my schoolbag. “You’re going to have to try a little harder than that. Bridgette, you’re simply not fit for intellectual accomplishments.”
Bridgette bounces up to the other side of the table and sits. She stares up at me, the same optimistic face she has on whenever she has something to tell me. Which is everyday. It’s quite miraculous that this girl hasn’t run out of things to blab on about yet. “What do you want.”
“I’m here to ask you on a date Felix. After all, it is Valentines day.” She beams up at me. That certainly wasn’t what I was expecting.
“Bridgette, no offence but the stars will fall from the sky before I agree to go on a date with you.” For some reason, she seems almost thrilled by my response.
“Promise?” She asks, smile never faltering.
“What do you mean promise? Don’t tell me you intend on believing you have a chance.” I can’t help but snicker at the thought of Bridgette desperately begging the stars to fall.
“Anything is possible Felix. We’re made for each other, you'll see that soon enough.” She holds out her pinkie and gives me an expectant glance.
“You’re so childish.” Still, I bring forward my pinkie and lock it with hers, holding on to the thought that even she, determined as she was, could not make the stars fall from the sky.
“Seems as if we have an agreement Cutie Pie.” She nods as if settling my fate. How is she so self-assured? I shouldn’t have agreed to this.
“Don’t ever call me that again.” I snapped. Bridgette smiles and runs in the other direction.
“I’ll see you tonight Cutie Pie!” Bridgette giggles. “Wear something nice okay!” She’s completely absurd.
“You should seriously give that girl some more credit Felix. Bridgette seems like the kind of person with bright ideas.” Plagg articulated.
“Plagg if you shut up I’ll give you some camembert when we get home.”
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Thump. There’s Bridgette. Right in the middle of my lonely pity party. Flying through my window.
“Damn it Bridgette you’re an idiot you’re going to get hurt. Get up.” She was laying in the middle of my floor. Which means that she got up onto the roof, scaled the wall, and climbed through my window. She’s unbelievably dense.
“Hi Felix! Aren’t you surprised?” She gets up and brushes dirt off her dress. It’s a deep blue and ends just above her knee. Silver constellations printed across the skirt. Bridgette got up onto the roof, scaled the wall, and climbed in through my window. In what looks like a designer item. I’m not fazed by anything she does anymore.
“I told you to wear something nice!” She pouts.
“That’s what this is about Bridgette? I told you that I’d go on a date with you when the stars fall from the sky. Leave me alone.” This time she doesn’t drag me. She just smiles, and walks towards the window. Just my luck. A meteor shower.
“You promised.”
The thought of going on a date with someone like Bridgette seems absolutely repulsive. The stars aren’t falling, they're simply relocating. But, I have nothing better to do tonight. So, I follow her out my bedroom window.
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BRIDGETTE:
“You’re absolutely insane.” We were on the roof, a rope placed so we could get down, after I fixed it there as Ladybug.
“Yes, probably.” I can’t help but smile at the look of Felix’s face. Calm and collective as always, never daunted by my clever ideas. I had to find some way to get him out of the house without his father or bodyguard noticing, and it’s not like I could just carry him there as Ladybug. So we climb down.
Felix goes first, making it seem surprisingly undifficult. He’s stronger than he looks. All he does is read and practice piano all day. Strange. He gets to the bottom quickly with ease, leaving me to go next. I think I’ll make this a bit more entertaining for myself.
“Here I come!” I grab hold of the rope and jump off. Sliding down, I knock Felix to the ground, landing on top of him.
“Get. Off of me.” He shoves me off of him and gets up, sweeping dirt and grass off his jacket. Then, reaches his hand out to help me up.
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FELIX:
A rooftop dinner overlooking Paris. Why does she like me? Even Bridgette could find someone better than me. I’m not good for anything. Why go through so much trouble? She gestures for me to sit. There are candles, hearts, and roses everywhere. It’s tasteless.
“Happy Valentines day Felix.” Bridgette sits on the other side of the table and sets a large bowl of heart shaped chocolates in the middle. I don’t care for sweets.
“Are you in love with me Bridgette? This is quite extravagant for an evening conversation. You should try this with someone who actually likes you.” My question took her by surprise.
“I’ll have you know that there is someone head over heels for me. He’s just not my type.” she scoffed.
“You’d have to be a complete moron to be rejected by Bridgette Dupain-Cheng.” I laugh.
“What do you mean?” She seems a bit hurt by my comment. Does she honestly not know how she acts?
“Damn it Bridgette you’re pathetic. Following me around like a love sick puppy. I would never love someone like you. Give it up all ready.” It’s almost hilarious that she really hasn't caught on. “You know you’re the only one that hasn’t left me alone? The only one left that cares about me. You’re also the one person I couldn’t care less about. So leave me alone!” She’s always gotten on my nerves. Her determination makes my blood boil.
When I look over, I can see tears welling up in her eyes. Odd. no matter how many times I’ve offended her she’s always bounced back right away. That’s just who she is. A small ray of sunshine in an otherwise pitch black world. She’s still staring at me in shock, tears streaming down her face.
This time I went too far. I don’t think I ever really wanted to hurt her. I just wanted her to stay away from me. When you trust someone like me, you get hurt.
“I really did believe in you Felix.” Without another word, she gets up from the table and starts walking away. A black butterfly flutters towards her as she walks.
“Bridgette! Watch out!” I try to put distance between her and the akuma but it’s too late. The butterfly takes place in a chocolate that she was still holding and begins to overtake her emotions. I do the only thing I can think of, and pull her as tight to me as I can.
“Get your hands off me.” She’s struggling to get away but I can’t let her, so I wrap her into a tighter embrace.
“Please Bridgette, you can fight this. You believe in me, I believe in you too.” All I can do is plead as she fights against my hold. There’s still time, the akuma hasn’t completely taken over yet.
“Back off! Stop it!” She’s screaming now, tears furiously running down her cheeks. I can’t help her. “Get away from me! I hate you, I hate you.”
This girl is unbelievably strong. She’s fighting hard against her emotions, I can see that. Just need to hold on for a bit longer. I did this to her. Bridgette is in pain because of me. Why do I care? I didn’t yesterday.
“I hate you! I hate you! I ha-” She gives up struggling against my hold and sinks to the ground, crying as I hold her.
“I’m sorry.” I mutter. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry.” Bridgette’s negative thoughts must have faded because the butterfly surrenders and tries to leave. Dumping the bowl of chocolates from the table, I trap the akuma.
“Why do you even tolerate me Bridgette? I’m horrible to everyone. You’re always so positive in every situation.”
“I have you. And even if you don’t want me, you’ll always have me.” She smiles and rubs the tears off her face.
“You don’t know a thing about who I really am Bridgette. If you knew you wouldn’t be here with me.”
“Your favourite is blue. You love reading romantic poetry, even though you try to hide it. You spend all your time in coffee shops to get out of spending time at home with your father.” She pauses and looks up from the chocolate piece she was fiddling with. “You pretend you want to be alone, but you’re glad that you have someone to talk to. Felix you can decline my gifts and push me away. What I know is, the boy I love, shoving his hand in my face and telling me he’s not interested everyday, still puts his book away when I try to talk to him.”
It’s terrifying, realizing that someone knows you better than you know yourself.
#miraculous world#miraculous au#chat noir#tales of ladybug and cat noir#miraculous ladybug#ml ladybug#miraculous les aventures de ladybug et chat noir#les adventures de ladybug et chat noir
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Blue boy feeling blue (needs to have kisses to chase the blues away)
I swear I'm gonna update and post the second chapter of my LK exchange fic, but I just had to get this out of my system after seeing THIS art by @sidsinning.
AO3
He wakes up with his head feeling heavy; as if someone had stuffed his skull with cotton to replace his brain. He tries to move, but as soon as he does, he sees the world tilt and turn and swivel all around –
“Maaaa! Ju-” a cough interrupts his shout, before continuing his call with a weaker and strained voice, “J-juleka?”
It takes about 5 seconds for him to hear the thundering footsteps of his family getting closer, and a few more before their concerned faces appear.
“We heard you yelling like a scared pup; what’s wrong?” Anarka approaches her son, who’s in–between struggling to sit up and trying not to throw up, and combs through the mess called his hair. “You alright, son? You’re looking a bit *peely wally right now.”
“He’s kind of burning up, Ma.” Juleka says, her hand resting on her brother’s forehead. Luka is a little surprised to not have noticed her do that, but then again, he’s feeling too out of it to even know what’s happening to him.
“Wha…I feel awful. W-why…?”
“Tsk, you were out in the *baltic weather while drenched like a drowning cat for too long, is why and what happened!” Anarka tightens her grip on Luka’s clump of black and blue hair, but not enough to have him flinch and only to serve as a warning.
“I should’ve known that big brothers could be this stupid, especially when around – “Luka swipes at her with his weak arm, interrupting Juleka with her lecture. She effortlessly avoids getting hit, even if she knows her brother doesn’t have enough strength to make his point, and laughs at him.
“That’s what you get, really. Sometimes I hate when my stubbornness shines through one or the both of you. You should’ve stayed at the Dupain-Chengs for a while to dry and warm up like you were asked to, instead of walking back home like soaked to the bone.”
“Maaaaa…”
“Don’t ‘Ma’ me, Luka! You should see yourself right now. Even your girl was adamant on giving you a sweater she made for you, or so your sister heard. I didn’t peg you for the daft type.”
“S’was ‘posed t’be… her surprise.” Unable to stay sitting up, Luka gives in to gravity and falls back into bed,. The drop has him feeling queasier than when he woke up. “She shu’nt have.”
“Listen to yourself.” His mother shakes her head in disappointment, unbelieving at how her son is acting. And to think he was the responsible one out of the three of them. Just as her mouth opens to lecture him some more, she sees her daughter with her phone out. “Juleka, what’re you doing?”
“I’m recording him; this doesn’t happen much. I’m taking as much blackmail material as possible.”
“Your brother is sick. Your own blood.”
“Just let me have this, Ma. Besides, he’s going to need proof of what happens when he starts acting reckless.”
“Fine, but could you at least fetch him a glass of water and some medicine? Your brother’s throat is probably as dry as a desert.”
“Yeah, sure.”
As Juleka goes to find what’s needed, Anarka turns back to her son, who’s miserably trying to will away his sickness by tightly closing his eyes and clenching his fists against his blanket. She reaches out to his hands one by one and gently pries his fingers off the fabric, and massages the lines on his forehead away.
“There, there. You’ll get through this; I know you will.” She turns back to Juleka, back from the kitchen, and takes the glass of water medicine from her. “You’re a Couffaine, after all. Now drink this and go back to sleep. I’ll make some soup for you to eat when you wake up.”
“Too sick… eat.” Luka manages to say after washing the pill down his throat. He’s never felt so thirsty until now, evident from how he finishes the entire glass. “Don’ wanna.”
“You’ll be saying otherwise when you wake up and your stomach’s trying to imitate a whale mating call, dummy.”
Oh, whatever happened to his sweet little sister? Those are his last thoughts before he succumbs to the heaviness of his lids.
He wakes up feeling warm, and not the comfortable kind of warm. The moment Luka’s eyes blink awake, he tries not to move his head too much in fear of witnessing the world go round and round and round and –
“Oh, you’re awake.”
He turns his head slowly towards the doorway and sees his sister leaning on the side.
“How’re you feeling?” The slight scrunch of her brows lets him know just how worried she is.
“Uh…” he starts to get up, thankful that he doesn’t feel like his whole body is spinning out of control, and puts a hand against his stomach. Soon enough, he feels the rumble before he hears it. “M’hungry.”
He chooses to ignore the smirk Juleka gives him.
“Why don’t you take a shower? Make sure you wear something dry and warm right after, okay? I’ll heat up the soup up for you while you’re at it.”
After Juleka leaves, Luka sluggishly gets up from bed, skipping to make his bed while silently promising to do it later (when he’s all better). As he struggles to walk forward, he feels his shirt sticking to his skin. The disgusting feeling of his sweat acting as glue between his shirt and skin has him walking a little faster to the washroom, picking up a recently washed towel from the cabinet.
It takes him about 20 minutes to shower, and about 5 minutes and counting trying to find something to wear. So far, all he’s succeeded in is choosing some light blue pyjama bottoms. The sight of him standing shirtless with his towel resting on his shoulder, his back facing the doorway, is how Juleka finds him.
“What’re you doing standing around shirtless for? Are you seriously trying to make yourself even sicker?”
She approaches him to whack him on the shoulder, albeit softer than she normally would as an act of mercy.
“M’trying to find something warm to wear, but I can’t choose.”
“You could wear the sweater I made for you, if you want.”
The sound of Marinette’s voice jolts Luka awake, turning around too quick for his liking. Pushing back the nausea from his sudden movement, he takes in the sight of the girl standing outside his room, a small bag on hand.
“Oh yeah, I was gonna tell you that Marinette came by while you were in the shower.” Said girl approaches them as she rummages inside the bag she carries. “She also brought you some noodles and stuff.”
“Mhm. I put the noodles in the chicken soup your mom made. Better put this on before you get cold.” She hands him something thick and blue, and it takes him a few seconds to realize that it’s the same sweater she intended to surprise him with. The same sweater she offered him yesterday, before he woke up feeling like death warmed over him.
“I’m not taking any arguments right now so, wear this sweater and get your stubborn Couffaine ass into the kitchen.”
“I’ll change the bedding; you guys go ahead when you’re done.” Juleka offers, her hands already busy with throwing out Luka’s blanket onto the laundry basket. “With how much sweating you did, your bed’s probably gone *scabby and *howlin.”
Muttering his arguments to the two girls, Luka wears his sweater and attempts to tame his hair. He stops when Marinette takes hold of his wrists and pulls him out the room.
“Don’t bother with your hair, I can fix it for you while you’re eating.” She looks back at the boy she’s dragging to the kitchen. “Did you drink some water since you woke up?”
“Yeah. After shower.”
“Mm…that’s good.”
Marinette pushes him down the seat by the counter and sets the bowl of soup in front of him.
“Here you go.” She takes the glass of water that Anarka passes to her. “I’m just going to fetch the bag from your room. Don’t do anything rash; your mom has her eyes on you right now.”
“You’re looking a lot better now, Luke. Did you have a good sleep?”
“Uhuh…” He shoves a spoonful of the broth to his mouth, thankful that it’s not too hot that it burns him, and he hums in satisfaction as it goes down his throat. “Feel lil’ better.”
“That’s good.”
Their conversation is put to a halt when Marinette returns with her bag, her arm reaching inside of it.
“I brought you a care package, even though you brought this onto yourself.”
Luka grunts in retaliation, but finds it useless him and continues to enjoy his soup. His eyes follow Marinette’s arms whenever she puts something on the counter beside him.
“Here are some chicken and rice soup, and it’s got green chiles and ginger. I wasn’t sure if your mom – ”
“For the hundredth time; call me Anarka, dear.”
“ – Anarka, made you some soup and what kind so, I brought it into a single serving container. If any of you want some, I can always come by and bring you some more. You all know how my Maman is. Also, I have tea, some socks, a scarf, crackers, bananas, and I even made some applesauce!”
She excitedly brings the small jar of applesauce by her cheeks, and it suddenly hits Luka how worried he must’ve made the people precious to him. As he lets this sink in, his brows pinch themselves together and the skin on forehead wrinkles. He slowly drops the spoon down the bowl, shoulders dropping, and the corners of his mouth turned down.
“It’s a good thing it’s the weekend,” Marinette combs her fingers through his unruly hair, “or I wouldn’t have enough time to – oh, no! What’s wrong?”
Luka’s eyes look up to Marinette, who’s suddenly moved closer to him and looks him in the eyes.
“What’s wrong, Luka?” His mother asks, leaning a little closer from her seat in front of him, “Are you feeling something else? Is it coming back?”
“No, no. I-It’s nothing, I just… I’m sorry for worrying all of you.” He makes a face, and it’s not the one that they like to see at all. “I’m sorry for not listening and acting like a *roaster.”
Sitting by the counter, with his large, blue sweater hanging off of his shoulders lopsidedly, his hair still in need of more grooming, and pale. Luka has never felt and looked so small until now.
Unable to stand the sight of him feeling so vulnerable, Marinette cups his cheek kisses him soundly on the cheek. This takes him by surprise, as he doesn’t move nor say anything for a short while. Marinette can only giggle at the sight of an unresponsive Luka, while Anarka chuckles at what has transpired.
“You don’t have to feel bad about it, Luka. We’re just glad that you’re okay now. But promise me next time that you don’t go out in the chilly streets of Paris, with nothing but a light jacket on to keep you warm, and soaking wet.”
“Best listen to your girl, Luka. She knows what she’s doing; a definite keeper.”
He smiles at their words and blushes hard. He doesn’t bother hiding the flush on his face and continues eating his soup, and Juleka finally comes out of their bedroom and calls out to him.
“Have you finally knocked some sense into him, Marinette?”
“Yeah, I think I have.”
“Think he’s contagious, Ma?”
“He’s feeling better now so, I don’t think so.”
“Great, that means I can do – ” Juleka wraps her arms around her brother from behind, careful to not jostle him so much and spill the soup, “ – this!”
Luka doesn’t say anything, still, but pats at his sister’s arms as he enjoys his soup.
“Ooh! I wanna join in, too!” Marinette says, before hugging him from the side while trying to make sure he can still move his arms.
“Don’t forget about the captain of this boat!” He doesn’t feel his mother touch him, but knows that she’s hugging Marinette and Juleka from the sudden gain of weight on his back and side.
“Oh! Are we doing a group hug? Let me join, too!” he recognizes the voice as Rose’s, which is coming from the door, and his smile stretches wider even with the spoon stuck in his mouth.
This is what home feels like, and he loves it.
Scottish slangs marked with [*]:
Peely Wally - looking unwell, pale.
Baltic - freezing cold.
Scabby - dirty.
Howlin - smelly.
Roaster - idiot.
#Luka Couffaine#anarka couffaine#juleka couffaine#Couffaine family#Marinette Dupain-Cheng#rose lavillant#lukanette#lukanette endgame#endgame lukanette#ml fanfic#inspired by art#luka getting all the love and care he absolutely deserves#medical inaccuracies#based from that time I woke up feeling like death#group hug alert
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Wicked Game (Part 3)
Word Count: 25K total The first part is about 5K, part 2 is 7K
Rating: 18+ Slash fic Strong language, alcohol and drug use, and a misogynistic and racist comment. Sexual scenes including masturbation, toys, voyeurism, oral, and anal sex.
Summary: Ashton is ready to move on with his life after his painful divorce from Luke and the demise of the restaurant they’d built together. With the help of his protegee and sous chef Hima Singh, Ashton is ready to take on opening weekend of his new restaurant Anne-Marie’s. Calum is a reporter filling in on an assignment and is surprised when his past comes back to haunt him. Hima arranges an interview that takes an unexpected turn between the two men.
Part 1
Part 2
Ashton jumped at the sound of the buzzer. Calum sent him a text telling Ash he was on his way so he knew he was coming, but he was so jittery it startled him anyway. He checked the time, 5:15 pm. 35 minutes to get here? That's good he doesn't live too far. Ashton held a bottle of cologne up and away from him, released three quick spritz into the air before walking through the cloud of fragrance. He made his way out of the bedroom, pausing for one final glance in the mirror. He brushed the soft brown curls off his forehead, his eyes reflexively checking his hairline. He silently thanked Hima for convincing him to get treatment. You could barely see the previously thin spots. Don't keep him waiting. You're ready for this.
Ashton opened the door and barely caught himself from gasping out loud. Hot Damn. His chest fluttered in a rush as his throat constricted. He didn't know where to look. Calum was holding a gift basket with three flavors of Ashton's favorite hot sauce but that wasn't what had his mouth watering. His eyes landed on Calum's hands holding the gift before trailing up to where his bronzed biceps disappeared into a crisp, red short-sleeve button up with one of those black tank tops he favored. His gaze lingered on the small gold necklace nestled against Calum's throat before dragging his eyes up to find the other man watching him with a shy smile.
"Hima said this was your favorite," Calum blurted out, pushing the basket into Ashton's chest.
"It is, thank you so much. Please come in," Ashton blushed hot pink as he gestured for Calum to follow him into the apartment.
Calum got a whiff of Ashton's scent as he turned away from him, causing his spine to tingle at the memory of the missed opportunity that night in the club. His eyes followed Ashton's broad back, unable to resist a quick glance at his tight little butt. Hima mentioned her boss's daily yoga routine, and the black jeans he had on left very little to Cal's imagination. Pay attention Hood. You're here for an interview, not to get laid, he reminded himself. Por qué no los dos? a tiny voice asked that definitely wasn't from his brain.
Ashton was equally grasping to get his thoughts together, but having Calum in his house made everything much more real.
"Go ahead and have a seat," he motioned for Calum to sit down at the bar while he entered the kitchen. "Would you like something to drink? I have pink lemonade, mango infused sweet tea, and wine."
"Sweet tea sounds good. I'll have that if you don't mind," Calum sat on one of the tall stools facing Ashton in the kitchen.
Ashton garnished the drink with a slice of fresh lime, and Calum grinned as he handed it to him.
"Always the artist," Calum remarked. "Hima was going on about that. She's very observant, and you're lucky she loves her job because she'd make an excellent reporter. I might steal her away yet."
"Good luck getting past her mom," Ashton giggled. "All of them really, she's got a twin brother who's crazy overprotective and more cousins than I can count. My family was just me, mom, and the kids so it's a bit much."
"Where's your family from?" Calum asked.
Ashton leaned against the kitchen island, his eyes fixed just above Calum's head.
"I was born in Sydney, Australia. My dad fucked off when I was a baby, and my mom moved us around a lot. She got remarried when I was ten and had my brother and sister. We moved to the US soon after, and when they moved back I was a junior in high school, I decided to stay here. That's when I got a job in a kitchen doing dishes and grunt work."
"Did you know right away you wanted to be a chef?"
"Hell no," Ashton laughed. "I was miserable and living with three guys in a grimy apartment. I was trying to go to school and worked till close most nights. I got into a really bad fight with one of my roommates. He was a big, ugly bastard, ignorant homophobic piece of shit. He accused me of stealing his weed and attacked me. I was in the hospital getting stitches when my boss showed up and dragged me home with him. They put me up in the basement, bought me a bus pass, and he gave me a raise. Did you ever get to eat at Bordeaux?"
Calum shook his head. "Never had the money or the clout. Didn't they sell it?"
Ashton stepped up to the sink to wash his hands, setting his rings in a crystal tray on the edge of the windowsill. "Yeah, after his heart attack, his wife Brigitte made him give it up. She's a force of nature, that woman. She taught me everything I know about baking and pastries. Baking is when science meets art. Cooking leaves wiggle room; you can improvise. But baking doesn't allow for carelessness or impatience."
He dried his hands before he pulled an object out of the fridge and placed it on the counter, unwrapping the plastic wrap.
"I made mushroom Wellington for dinner, and getting the puff pastry dough right takes time. It's an all-day process because every couple of hours you have to roll it out and fold it so the butter gets folded layer over layer. That's what makes it rich, fluffy, and delicious. There's no way to shortcut that." He placed the pastry in a shallow baking pan and pulled a small bowl out of the fridge. "I'm brushing it with egg wash so it'll get nice and golden brown in the oven." He pulled out a small knife from the block and twirled it between his fingers. He narrowed his eyes, the tip of his tongue peeking out from between his lips as he concentrated, making several small quick shallow cuts. He grabbed a couple of bottles and carefully sprinkled seeds and spices on the surface before looking back up at Calum.
The intensity in the other man's eyes stopped him short. "Am I talking too much?" Ashton asked, feeling his face flush yet again.
"No, not at all. I uh, almost forgot I'm supposed to be interviewing you," Calum stammered a bit, embarrassed to be caught staring. "So tell me, where did you go after you left Bordeaux?"
As soon as the words left his mouth Calum wanted them back. That would be when he met Luke, you dumbass. Of course, his brain was a step behind his mouth. To his relief, Ashton shook his head with a sharp laugh.
"Yeah, that old story. Why don't you tell me a story I don't already know?"
Ashton pulled another pan from the fridge and set it next to the oven. "Both of these have to bake for about thirty minutes. You can tell me a little about yourself while I make the salad. I don't like to talk while I'm using a knife, but I'm a great listener."
"Are those figs? I'm starting to think you're trying to impress me," Calum's eyes crinkled in a smile and Ashton's chest fluttered once again.
"Maybe I am. Is it working?" Ashton spoke before he thought about it. Ooh, look at you flirting.
"Oh it's working alright," Cal's voice took on a husky edge that gave Ashton a victorious little thrill, knowing he wasn't imagining the heat between them. "Do you need me to help with anything?"
Ashton smirked, dirty thoughts racing through his brain. His dick twitched in his pants, eager for Calum's help, but then those dark eyes went wide as he realized what he said. The reporter nervously licked his lips and looked away while Ashton gripped the countertop to keep his knees from buckling.
"I'm good, thanks," Ashton replied, needing to keep Calum at a distance if he wanted to have any concentration to make it through dinner. "Are you trying to get out of talking about yourself?" He cut a thick slice off the largest fig, speared it, and offered it to Calum off the point of his knife.
Calum plucked it from the blade and popped it in his mouth, his eyes rolling back in pleasure as he chewed. Ashton had to cough to suppress a whimper at the sight, his jeans now uncomfortably tight.
"One of the best things about being a reporter is not having to talk about yourself. My mom taught me to choose my words and my friends carefully. However, to be a good journalist, I have to be able to completely open myself up to each experience while not making it about me. I want to be the reader's guide to the story, not the star of my own show. I leave the primadonna bullshit to my coworker Felipe, or someone like Kevin Mackie."
Ashton chuckled, "Did you see his review of Anne-Marie's? Ass-kissing prick, he's banned for life."
"Did you really throw him out of your restaurant? What did he say?,” Calum leaned forward, eager for details. “Hima wouldn't tell me. I wish I could've seen that."
"She doesn’t know it all. I didn’t want to tell her, but he insulted her personally. He even managed to be racist and condescending while doing it. He's a twat. I was willing to grit my teeth and endure it because it's Mackie, and we all have to deal with him, but you’re not going to insult my friends. I can't even think about it without getting angry again" Ashton spat out the words and Calum's eyebrows went up in surprise. Ashton continued, trying to steer the conversation away from having to repeat the vile things he'd said. "You already know he brought up all the past drama and even asked me if I'd gone to the Galway Grill."
"You're kidding," Calum couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously, though, that place looks awful."
"It really does. You can tell they rushed the opening. Those tacky plastic decorations, if you thought Lune Rouge was gaudy," Ashton had to stop working because he couldn't stop giggling, which only got Calum laughing harder.
"Did you see the fucking menu? The Irish puns, it's so bad. The best part is that it's not supposed to be awful," Calum said.
"No, yeah, exactly it's supposed to be clever and fun, but it just comes off like a pretentious dickhead."
A loud alarm caught them off guard, and Ashton quickly silenced his phone and grabbed an oven mitt. He checked the temperature of both dishes before turning them around and putting them back in the oven. Calum had the hiccups and asked for a glass of water between breaths.
Calum hiccuped while trying to take a drink and began to sputter and cough. Ashton grabbed a towel as he came out of the kitchen and around to the other side of the bar. Calum covered his face and tried to catch his breath, but as he did, he became aware of Ashton's hand rubbing his back. His eyes still watering, he glanced over to see nothing but concern in the other man's face. Calum saw up close that Ashton's eyes seemed to shift color depending on how the light hit his face. He noticed the dimple on Ashton's chin and the rough patches of skin bearing faint scars from his teenage acne, the little bit of stubble under his bottom lip he'd missed when he shaved that morning, lips that were almost irresistibly close. Calum remembered he probably looked a hot mess and needed a minute to himself.
"Can I use your bathroom?" He asked from behind the towel.
"Sure, it's the first door down that hall," Ashton stepped back and let him pass.
Calum closed the door behind him and took a quick look in the mirror. His face was still red but it was slowly fading. He took a piss and blew his nose before washing his hands and splashing some water on his face. The towel hanging on the rack was super soft and Calum could tell it was expensive even if he didn't recognize the brand. He took a second to look around, and while the rug looked as soft as the towels, everything else seemed to be made of bamboo. In fact, the only plastic Calum saw was a bottle of mouthwash on the sink. It was rude to look in the medicine cabinet, but he peeked in the shower. He smelled sandalwood and citrus, noticing they not only used the same brand of shampoo bar, but the shower enema attachment was identical to the one in Calum’s shower. He began to worry he was taking too long, so he took another look in the mirror before opening the door.
Ashton was setting Calum's salad up on the bar next to a fresh glass of tea when he sat back down.
"Ooh thank you so much. This looks fantastic, is that feta?" Calum asked, suddenly realizing he was hungry.
"It's actually honey-basted goat cheese. The dressing is a turmeric and honey vinaigrette. I like the extra touch of sweetness. I grew the lettuce in my little balcony garden out back, along with most of my fresh herbs." He stopped talking and watched Calum eat. He'd never seen anyone go through such a range of expressions while eating. He was clearly enjoying himself. Ashton felt like he was being intrusive for staring, nevermind the thrill he got watching the other man's bliss. If he makes these faces while eating, I'm dying to see what he looks like when he's cumming, he thought.
Calum opened his eyes and caught Ashton blatantly staring. He met his gaze as Calum ran his finger along the underside of his bottom lip to catch a tiny drop off dressing from spilling down his chin and slowly licked it clean. He smirked when he saw Ashton blush and look away. Aren't you supposed to be working? A little voice reminded him, but he ignored it. "That was delicious, I can't wait to taste what's next."
Ashton smirked and started to reply when his phone rang. He started to hit ignore until he saw it was his mother.
"Sorry, it's my mom. I have to answer this," Ashton swiped up to answer. "Hey Mom, hold on one second. I'm sorry about this," he said, covering the mouthpiece.
"Thanks, and don't apologize. It's your mom, I get it," Calum told him.
"Yeah Mom, I've got company. Yes the interview, mmm-hmm, yeah. No, I'm home, but he's here. Yes, right now. No Mom it's not like that. I'll call you later. Love you too, bye." Ashton hung up and turned back to Calum. "Sorry about that."
"Please, it's no big deal. I talk to my mom every day, too, and it's not like I didn't know you were a Mama's boy," Calum grinned. "Hima told me, and you did name your restaurant after her."
"Hima talks too much," Ashton rolled his eyes with a laugh. "Yeah, my mom is my lucky star. We've been through a lot together, and she's the only one who's always had my back. I rely quite a bit on the women in my life, honestly. Lauren, my sister, is one of my best friends, along with my cousin Sophie. You've met Hima; Mom calls her my work wife."
"I could see that," Calum teased, "until she opens her own place."
"That's why I gave them a stake in the business. My mom suggested it. Hopefully, they'll want to stick around, maybe take over someday, who knows?" Ashton shrugged.
"Mom knows best right?" Calum smiled, pulling out his wallet. He pulled out an old picture of a woman who could be his twin with a chubby-cheeked toddler on her lap. "This is my mom, Joy. She lives on the east coast now, and every morning my alarm goes off at 5 AM so I can text her good morning as she's having her morning coffee."
"That's so sweet. You must be her favorite child," Ashton had the warm fuzzies watching Calum talk about his mom. The way his entire face lit up when he smiled melted him into a puddle.
"My sister would agree with you, except she has Vanessa now, so she cares fuck all what I do," Calum said unlocking his phone. As soon as he did multiple messages popped up from his editor/best friend/total pain in his ass asking how his date was going.
"Go away Sham," he mumbled, and Ashton looked at him and then his phone
Calum quickly hid the messages. "My editor, Sham. She's my work wife and constantly in my business."
"Didn't Hima tell me she sets you up on dates? Like the pocket-sized lawyer from the club?" Ashton asked, suddenly jealous.
"Hima talks too much," Calum grumbled, and Ashton lost it which set Calum off again.
It took several minutes to regain control until Calum had tears on his face, and Ashton was about to piss himself. He excused himself, and when he returned, Cal showed him a picture of the same woman from the first photo only older in this photo, her dark hair streaked through with silver. Standing next to her was a young girl who was obviously Calum's daughter. They were both dressed in Polynesian-style floral dresses. She had the same dark flashing eyes, broad nose, and strong jawline as her father, but her face had a more heart-shaped appearance.
Calum swiped to the next picture. "My sister, Mali, she's older and my best friend in the world." He pointed to the woman standing next to Vanessa, wearing a similar dress and tying a scarf around the little girl’s cloud of curly hair., The scarf was open a bit at the top, allowing her hair to work free of the silk forming a halo of curls for added effect. Whereas Mali had a bit of a sunburn causing her shoulders and cheeks to look pink against her warm golden tan, the sun had only added an extra glow to Vanessa's deep copper skin tone which was only highlighted by the vibrant blue and yellow pattern of her dress.
"Your family is gorgeous. You definitely take after your mother. Your daughter is a real cutie, were you guys in Hawaii?" Ashton asked, curious about the outfits.
Calum shook his head. "New Zealand, actually. Mom's whole family is from there. We went for a family reunion of sorts and so Vanessa could get to know her Maori heritage. She had a blast. We all did. Nicole came with us, and so did her husband. Well, he was her boyfriend then."
"Sounds like y'all have a good relationship," Ashton could tell Calum put his family above everything just as much as he did.
He swiped to the next picture and Ashton's jaw dropped.
"Wow, that's your daughter's mother?" He looked up at Calum and he nodded. "She's beautiful and that bone structure, my God. The camera loves her, and you can tell she knows her angles too. Damn, you're gorgeous, but you leveled up there," Ashton didn't realize what he'd said until it was too late. He looked back at the picture to avoid looking at Calum. When you put Vanessa next to her mom you could see a strong resemblance there as well.
Calum's ears burned with the compliment, and he was at a complete loss for words when the timer went off again, saving them both from the awkward silence. Ashton pulled the pastry out of the oven, flooding the room with a heavenly aroma that had Calum practically drooling. He grinned when he caught sight of the mushroom design Ashton had crafted out of paprika, coriander and sea salt. The mac and cheese was next, producing an insane cheese stretch from the pan to the plate as Ashton served it up. He finished the plate with a pile of oven-roasted celery and leeks topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper.
Ashton sat at the edge of the bar, at an angle from Calum so they could easily converse while keeping him steps away from the kitchen. At first, they were quiet, the food demanding their full attention, although Ashton had already decided watching Calum's expressions was his new favorite thing. The obscene amount of pleasure he took from his food had Ashton so distracted that he poked himself in the face with his fork.
Calum was in heaven. He didn't know what cheese blend Ashton concocted, but he'd never had anything like this pasta dish in his life. The vegetables were still firm to the bite, and the fresh citrus was a nice contrast to the creamy, heavy cheese sauce. However, the mushroom Wellington was the real stand out, and Calum had never had anything like it. He opened his eyes and caught Ashton staring again. When he looked away quickly and his ears turned red, Calum was hopelessly smitten. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had cooked for him, and never, ever anything like this. He can cook, and he's handsome as hell, with a big dick and his own money?? He's definitely getting his dick sucked tonight. Calum almost burst out laughing hearing Sham's voice in his head. This time it was Ashton's turn to catch Calum staring, but Cal didn't look away. Instead, he gave the chef a wink and a smile before taking another bite.
When dinner was finished, Ashton shooed Calum out onto the balcony so he could pick up a bit. He offered Calum an after-dinner smoke from his case of pre-rolled Raw cones. Ashton used to smoke weed all day long when he was a teenager before quitting cold turkey. The past couple of months, Rafi got him into a couple of decent blends to help him relax in the evening that didn't get him too wasted.
He made sure Calum was out of sight before quickly brushing his teeth in the kitchen sink. Ashton wanted to be prepared in case he got the chance to make a move. He'd even made a peppermint sorbet for dessert to cleanse the palate. He scooped out two small cups and topped them with freshly grated dark chocolate before heading out onto the balcony.
Calum was sitting with his back towards the door, a small cloud of smoke wafting above his head. Ashton opened the door, and the cloud dissipated in the rush of cold air that followed him outside. Calum glanced back over his shoulder and offered the joint to Ashton as he took the icy treat from him. Ashton inhaled deeply one time before gently stubbing it out in the ashtray as he sat across from Calum. Overcome by nerves Ashton began to point out the various herbs and flowers in his little balcony garden. He could tell he was talking too fast, and his palms were sweaty but watching Calum eat ice cream might was obscene,
The peppermint was stronger than Calum expected but left a lingering cool sweetness accentuated by the bittersweet chocolate. He scraped the cup, and ran his finger along the edge before licking it clean. He shivered, and he wasn't sure if it was the chill from the sorbet or nerves as he tried to plan how to ask Ashton out on a date, a real one.
Ashton abruptly stood up and walked to the far end of the balcony looking out at the city. Calum, sensing something was off, hesitated until he saw Ashton kept glancing at him and then looking away. He pushed himself up out of the chair and made his way over to Ashton and stood next to him looking out into the distance.
"You ok? I can go if you want me to. I don't want you to be uncomfortable," Calum didn't know why he said it, but he suddenly panicked.
Ashton looked up, stunned. "No, no, I'm fine. I'm just," he rubbed the back of his neck and looked up at the sky. "I-uh I got nervous."
"Oh?" Calum asked, his pulse picking up.
"Yeah, I don't know how to do this anymore," Ashton mumbled looking at his shoes. "Kissing you is all I've thought about since the moment we met. And wow I said that out loud. Ok so maybe.." Ashton's sentence ended in a squeak as Calum's fingers brushed along his jaw and tipped his chin upwards to find Calum's face inches from his. He leaned forward as Calum's lips found his. The kiss was soft and slow, Calum's hands cupping his face as they melted into each other. Ashton's hands slid up Calum's chest before snaking around his neck and pulling him closer.
Ashton felt as if he were suspended in mid-air, floating and flying as the heat grew in his chest. He had butterflies in his stomach as he pressed himself closer. He felt Calum's strong arms wrap around him, giving him a cheeky squeeze on his ass. They both giggled and pulled away for a moment to breathe. This time Ashton went in first, he'd been dreaming about this moment, and it was better than he'd imagined. He was relieved Calum wasn't trying to rush. Still, he couldn't resist pulling back to nibble on Calum's jaw before scraping his teeth along the hollow of his throat. The whine that escaped Calum's lips, as a result, was almost enough to make him cum in his pants.
"Let's go inside," Ashton took his hand, and Calum followed him into the living room. Calum sat on the couch and tugged Ashton's belt loop to get him to sit down. Ash started to sit next to him, but Calum shook his head and grabbed his thigh, guiding him down so Ashton was straddling him.
Ashton's head was swimming as Calum's gently bit his earlobe and ran his tongue along the curve of his jaw. He moaned and Calum growled in response, grinding his hips into Ashton's where his bulge strained against the fabric of his tight trousers. He reached up and began to unbutton Ashton's shirt, his fingers brushing against the cool steel of the chain he wore around his neck then dropped down, leaving a trail of fire in the wake of each touch. Ashton's breath caught in his throat as Calum began to ease his shirt off of his shoulders while peppering his skin with kisses.
"I should've shaved," he mumbled.
"No," Calum assured him. "I like the chest hair," he whispered before scraping his teeth across his skin.
Ashton moaned, his head rolling back as he concentrated on Calum's mouth and hands, his own fingers grasping the other man's messy black curls. He pushed Calum back against the couch, finding his mouth again and sucking on his bottom lip, electricity coursing between them. Music started playing out of nowhere and he was puzzled when Calum stopped kissing him and wrapped one arm around his waist to hold him in place while he fished his phone out of his pocket.
Ashton frowned at the interruption and shifted his weight, sliding off his lap as Calum looked at him apologetically. "I'm really sorry, but it's Nicole. I think something's wrong."
Ashton's annoyance was immediately replaced by concern. Calum reached over and squeezed his hand, giving him a smile as he answered the call. It was brief, and Ashton heard every word. Nicole wouldn't give details over the phone but Vanessa's school had called and there was to be a teacher-parent meeting the very next day.
"I need you here. You need to be a part of this," she told him.
"I'm on my way," Calum replied without hesitation. He hung up, and Ashton could tell he was pissed and very worried.
"I hope everything is ok," he stood up and headed for the kitchen.
"She's been having a problem with a girl at school. We thought putting her in private school would make her life easier, but these rich kids are nasty little shits. Where did you go?" Calum stood up and straightened his clothes. When he looked up, he was confused by Ashton's sudden disappearance.
"I wanted to send you home with a doggy bag," Ashton replied, coming out of the kitchen with a paper bag in his hand.
"I thought we ate most of it." Now Calum was really perplexed.
He walked Calum to the door. "We did, but these are smaller versions I made for you to take home and cook yourself. I wrote instructions on a card that's in the bag, and there's a piece of flourless chocolate cake I made for dessert." He had to stop for a second and look away, suddenly shy at the way Calum was smiling at him. He took a breath and kept going. "I hate that you have to go, but it's sweet how much you care about your family. I had a really good time tonight, not just because of," he waved towards the couch, "you know, that. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. So maybe, I mean if you want to hang out sometime..."
Calum reached out and brushed his thumb across Ashton's bottom lip. "You're so damn cute when you're nervous." Calum leaned down and gave him a soft kiss goodbye. "I want to take you on a date, a real one. I have to go, but I'll text you. Goodnight." Another kiss and he was gone.
********
They were slow for lunch inside the restaurant. Daniel and Gloria were handling takeout, so Rafi and Hima were doing some extra prep for the weekend. She was helping make challah bread for brunch on Sunday when she spotted her boss gliding into work. She burst into laughter at Ashton's goofy grin despite the dark circles and bags under his eyes. Rafi saw him too and whistled and hooted until Ash flipped them both off and disappeared into his office.
Twenty minutes later, Hima set a plate of cookies down on his desk.
"We want you to try these. We're working on expanding catering to boxed lunches," she told him, sitting across from him.
"We've been open less than a month," he told her, trying not to spit cookie crumbs everywhere.
"We're already doing decent business on takeout, so we're just floating ideas for new revenue streams as word of mouth gets going. The reviews have been glowing, and I've been monitoring social media. We've been getting good exposure so far. I've had some offers to trade a free meal for exposure, but nobody has been worth our time."
Ashton nodded, as he'd learned long ago to trust her instincts. The cookies were perfect, absolutely delicious, but he knew that's not why she was in his office.
"How's my new stepfather? I've never seen you look so joyful, it's almost disturbing." Hima teased, but she was thrilled for him. Ashton deserved to be happy, and if she couldn't snuggle up to Calum “tall, dark, and handsome” Hood, having him as an in-law would work. Ashton took another big bite, chewing intently as if deep in thought. However, the blush creeping up his neck, not to mention the little hickey she spotted under his ear.
“So I take it the dinner went well. How was breakfast?" She asked, batting her eyes innocently.
"You're incorrigible, I swear," he laughed and leaned back in his chair. "He didn't stay the night. We kissed, but he got a phone call and had to leave."
"That fucking sucks," Hima pouted.
"Tell me about it. It was just getting good when the phone rang," Ashton felt himself getting hard thinking about it.
"Oh God, your face right now. You're so lost. Were you in the kitchen? All Hallmark-movies-of-the-week style?"
"No, I was straddling him on my couch if you may know," he told her just as she took a drink of water.
She tried not to choke and succeeded in dribbling water down her chin as she sputtered. "The mental image I just got. I hate you, you know that right?" She wiped her face with a towel she pulled from her apron and then threw it at Ashton.
"He's really a great guy," Ashton giggled. "Have you watched him eat though?"
"I know right, the faces," Hima almost yelled, catching herself and taking it down a notch. "I've never seen anything like it. Makes you wonder eh?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him. "Seriously though, I'm really happy it worked out. You guys are gonna make such a cute couple. Now we have to find someone for me."
"Why? Is Dakota not working out?" It was Ashton's turn to look innocent as he watched the comment land.
Hima blinked rapidly before looking him straight in the eye. "I was not expecting that. How did you know?" She asked, but the answer came to her at the same time. "The cameras are on your phone. Am I fired?"
"Are you kidding? No, I'm just teasing, but yeah that caught me by surprise the other night," Ashton felt awful when she burst into tears. "You're not in trouble. Hima, look at me, we're friends. I'm not mad. I'm not going to tell your family." He came around the desk and pulled her out of her chair and into a hug.
Hima started to laugh, and he could feel her shaking in his arms. "Oh shit, sorry," she wiped away tears, as she eased away from him.. "I don't know why I reacted like that. I felt like my dad caught me lying and there was this rush of blind panic."
"I'm sorry, I was just fucking with you," Ashton didn't know what to say.
"I shouldn’t have done it, but I’m wanting to try things. But if I’m feeling guilty I can’t enjoy it. Can I tell you?" Ashton nodded and she continued. "I met him on FetLife, more on that in a second. He's got a girlfriend, but he wanted to try something new. Maisie won't let me use her place to meet up when her roommate is there. I had fun, but I didn't feel good about it after so it's a one and done. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Calum is on FetLife. He has a pain kink, nipple clamps, and light bondage from what I saw on his profile. I checked this morning and his profile was deleted. I'll send you the screenshot I took the first time. I don't know his tattoos, but you might."
There was a loud knock at the door, and they both jumped. Rafi opened the door before Ashton could answer, and Hima was taken aback by how angry he looked.
"You're not gonna believe this boss," Rafi said, a flush creeping up his neck. "Luke's here, he wants to see you."
Ashton jumped up followed by Hima hot on his heels. Gloria stopped them in the kitchen, blocking Ashton's path as they began to go back and forth arguing in Spanish with Rafi and Daniel cutting into the conversation.
Hima was the only person in the room who hadn't come over from Lune Rouge and wasn't included in the conversation. She took advantage of the distraction to slip past them and out through the prep area to the bar. She was looking towards the hostess podium, not expecting him to be sitting two feet from her looking straight at her as she came through the swinging doors. She'd seen enough pictures to recognize him right away, but he was even better looking in person. His blue eyes were sad, and for a second she thought he’d been crying. He turned on the charm instantly, giving her his best smile and extending his hand.
"I recognize you," he told her. "You're Hima, Ash's girl wonder. I've heard so many good things about you. I went to Johnson and Wales for a bit myself. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Hima instantly saw how Ashton had been so thoroughly bewitched by this man, and it amazed her that Luke had the balls to walk into their restaurant. She opened her mouth to tell him so when Ashton came out of the kitchen on the other side of the bar. Rafi came out and stood next to her behind the bar until Ashton glared at them and they ducked back inside.
"What do you want?" Ashton asked, folding his arms across his chest.
"Listen, I didn't know how else to reach you," Like started.
"There's a reason for that. What do you want?" Ashton repeated the question.
"Can we sit down and talk, somewhere private? It's been so long" Luke whined, the sound grating on Ashton's nerves.
"Nope, I'm busy and I don't want you here. Please leave, don't contact me again," Ashton turned to go.
"Wait its Mom," Luke played his ace card. "She had surgery. I'm worried about her."
Ashton turned back around slowly, looking at Luke, who couldn't quite hide the triumphant smirk knowing he still had leverage over his ex. Ashton’s anger felt hollow now, not the gut-wrenching agonizing pain that once was there every day since he caught Luke cheating. It was gone, all of it. The realization was liberating. Knowing the seething hatred didn't follow him like a storm cloud, and the spell of attraction was irrefutably broken. Ashton knew right then that he didn't love Luke anymore, and he couldn't ever get it back even if he wanted to.
"Luke, your mom had her thyroid removed last Thursday. She's fine, we're having lunch next week. Get the fuck out of my restaurant," Ashton hissed.
Luke looked like he was going to start something, but Ashton stared him down, watching as he left the restaurant, got in his car, and drove away. He then pushed back through the kitchen doors, past everyone without a word, locked himself in his office, sat in his chair, and wept for almost an hour. The adrenaline rush of seeing Luke, the relief of knowing it was done, needed a release. When he was finished, he cleaned up a bit and finished the cookies Hima had left on his desk. There were a couple of text messages on his phone. The first was from Hima
You ok boss?
Never been better, I'll be out in a bit
Under that was Calum
Can't wait to see you again but I have to go out of town tomorrow. There's an event at the observatory for the meteor shower so I'll be up in the mountains. Let me pick you up Monday afternoon if you don't have to work
He did have to work, but Hima was off and she'd switch with him for this.
Sounds good, let me know what time
I can't wait 😉 I wanna pick up where we left off before we were interrupted. I'm almost at school. I have to go to the principal's office, some things never change. Looking forward to Monday
Ashton read the message, not knowing how he was going to stand the anticipation. He got up to find Hima. e could not work Monday. This was too important.
*********
Calum pulled into the parking spot, looking up at Ashton's building. He sent a text letting him know he was outside. As he waited, Calum glanced into the backseat at the picnic basket full of goodies Hima had helped him select. He'd sent her an email on his way out of town headed to where he would have little to no cell service. There was a little park that, if you knew how to wind through a subdivision full of dead-end and one-way streets, was about twenty minutes away from Calum's house. There was a duck pond next to a jacaranda tree that he'd always thought would be perfect for a date. He glanced up at the cloudy sky praying the weather held throughout the day.
Calum wiped his palms on his jeans and took a deep breath. He'd been looking forward to this all weekend, even sitting in the observatory atop Mt Hamilton watching shooting stars streak across the sky. He'd been impatient to get back to Ashton. Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered. The lyrics to a song he hadn't heard in over a decade bubbled up into his brain, taking him back to his grandmother in Scotland cleaning her kitchen and singing along to the FM radio above her sink.
I'm wild again, beguiled again. Gran always told his sister to "find a brawny lad who can make you laugh and works hard." Calum grinned, watching Ashton emerge from his building wearing a green, long-sleeved Henley shirt and black skinny jeans that clung to his physique. Brawny lad indeed.
Calum turned the music down when Ashton opened the car door and climbed in. He was completely caught off guard when the other man handed him a small bundle from behind his back. Calum looked at the small bunch of plants tied together with kitchen twine and a small ribbon.
"You brought me flowers?" He asked, feeling his face get warm. "That's so thoughtful." Calum's throat was tight, and he knew he was blushing crimson. He smiled at Ashton, trying not to get too emotional. He focused on the bouquet which allowed him to take a second to regain his composure. As he did, he realized this was unlike any bouquet he'd seen before. "Are these from your garden?"
"Yeah," Ashton giggled, giddy and nervous. He shifted in his seat. He pointed to the small purple flowers on one. "These are chive blossoms, sage, and thyme." His fingers brushed the delicate white bell shaped blossoms. "Sweet marjoram, and this is borage, both great additions to a salad or stew. I added some daisies and rosemary for color and fragrance. I'm glad you like them." Calum looked up and Ashton looked away, shy again.
"If you're trying to impress me, it's working. I love them, thank you," he said brushing his fingers along the back of Ashton's hand. He reached behind his seat and grabbed a handful of napkins and a cup out of the picnic supplies. He carefully wrapped up the little bundle and placed it in the cup. "We should get going before the weather turns on us."
"Where are we going?" Ashton asked, buckling his seatbelt.
"It's a surprise," Calum winked at him.
"How was the meteor shower?" Ashton asked.
"Out of this world," Calum shot back and they both erupted into laughter.
Ashton leaned back in his seat, watching Calum's face as he concentrated on getting through a construction zone. His eyes landed on a small faint bruise on Calum's neck. He felt his cock twitch in his pants at the memory of leaving the mark, knowing he had every intention of leaving more later tonight.
Calum glanced over, and this time Ashton didn't look away, instead giving him a wink and a sly smile before Calum had to tear his eyes away to focus on the road. He gasped when Ashton reached over and put a hand on his knee. Ashton jerked his hand back at the sound, but Calum caught it. He gave him a squeeze then placed Ashton's hand on his leg again, slightly higher than before.
"Almost there, this place is a maze, but it's a nice quiet park," Calum made a series of turns and Ashton spotted the park up ahead. They passed the first parking lot near a playground where several kids were running around before making another turn and parking in a smaller lot.
Calum got out and walked to the back of the Rover. Ashton came around right as he was opening the hatch.
"What can I carry?" Ashton asked.
Calum frowned and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He had his phone set to only allow for two numbers to ring through.
Ashton's heart sank watching Calum's expression. Please not another family emergency. He felt guilty, but he wanted Calum all to himself today.
"It's my mom, she's probably calling to chat but I have to answer. Give me just a second, I'm so sorry," Calum apologized.
Ashton nodded and smiled, hoping it was nothing serious. "I'm a Mama's boy too," he reminded him. "I'll look around a bit."
Ashton wandered off towards a lovely pond where he spotted a family of ducks swimming together. There was a tree overlooking the pond giving off shade and a little privacy. He heard Calum laugh and say his goodbyes to his mom, and he was relieved to see everything was fine. The ducks quacked out a warning before turning and swimming in the other direction. He started to turn back to go help Calum unload the car when the first raindrop hit his nose. Ashton looked up as it started to sprinkle. As he headed back towards the parking lot the drizzle increased to a soft steady rain. Then a streak of lightning split the sky with a deafening crack causing Ashton to almost jump out of his skin at the incredible noise. Unfortunately, this caused him to lose his footing and slip on the wet grass. He crashed hard into the ground and fell again when he tried to get up. Calum hurried over and reached Ashton just as he struggled to his feet, his left side streaked with mud and grass clippings sticking to his skin and hair.
"Are you ok?" Calum reached out to steady him.
"Yeah let's get out of here," Ashton snapped. "Sorry, I'm not mad at you."
"It's fine, really," Calum opened his door for him before going to his side and getting in. "We'll go to my house, I live ten minutes from here."
Ashton hesitated, not wanting to dirty up Calum's car, getting soaked standing there.
"It's fine," Calum reassured him.
Ashton thought for a second and then pulled his shirt, which got the worst of the mud, off over his head, wrung it out as best he could, tossed it on the rubber floor mat, and got in.
Calum turned the car on and flipped the heat on low so Ashton wouldn't get chilled. He wanted to say something, make small talk, anything as they drove in silence.
"I'm sorry about that," he began.
"Why? Rain is rain, it's not your fault. I might need to borrow your shower though. The grass is starting to itch," Ashton reached over and put his hand on Calum's knee again. Calum pulled it a little higher, and Ashton responded by sliding his hand all the way up Calum's thigh as far as he could go without actually touching his dick. Calum didn't say a word but Ashton smiled as he heard the sharp intake of breath and felt the car accelerate in response.
They pulled up to a small bungalow at the end of a winding road as the rain started to pick up. Calum grabbed the basket and handed Ashton a bag and they both made a dash for the front door. They were greeted by Brutus barking and bouncing on his back legs at the sight of Ashton. Calum was stunned when the little dog launched himself at the newcomer’s ankles, immediately flipping over for a belly rub.
"Somebody's friendly," Ashton cooed, leaning down to pet him.
"Not usually," Calum told him. "I'll get set up in here. Follow me, I'll show you where the shower is." He walked down the hall, Ashton and Brutus trailing behind him. He stopped at a closet and grabbed a couple of towels before opening another door. "This is the bathroom. I've got a couple different kinds of body wash, use whatever you need and I'll find you something dry to change into. You want a t-shirt or button up? Pants or shorts?" Calum asked trying not to gawk at Ashton's bare chest.
Ashton shrugged. "Something that's comfortable and easy to take off sounds good. It won't take long. It's not safe but I've gotta rinse off." The lights flickered and they both looked up.
"You'd better hurry. I'll leave the clothes outside the door," Calum told him before leaning in for a quick kiss.
Ashton frowned when he pulled back but Calum winked and disappeared into his bedroom across the hall. Ashton was tempted to follow but he needed to stop itching first.
*******
Ashton was halfway down the hall when the lights went out. He'd changed into the pajama pants and t-shirt Calum left hanging on the doorknob. He followed a soft glow until he found himself in the living room. Calum had set up some food in a spread on the coffee table, but he was nowhere to be seen. Ashton sat down on the couch and began to nibble on some strawberries when he heard a door slam and Calum came out wearing similar drawstring pants and a black shirt fully unbuttoned so the candlelight reflected off his bare chest making him look like a golden god.
"Oh hey, that was quick. I didn't know how hungry you were so I put the cold stuff in the fridge. I thought you might want to have a drink first. I have wine."
"Sounds good, we can eat later. I'm not really thinking about food right now," Ashton replied, food the furthest thing from his mind.
Calum sat down next to him, handing him a glass of red wine. Ashton took a sip and recognized it as a German ice wine he loved that was not easy to come by.
"How did you know? How did you find it so quickly?" Ashton looked up in disbelief.
"My wife called your wife about the feature and next thing I know I've got a box on my doorstep with this wine and some salami I've never heard of. There was also a caramel brownie cake that looks like it's gonna go straight to my hips. I did my own research for the rest of it. I know this date isn't going exactly how I wanted it to, but I wanted to make things special. At least the food will be good," Calum sighed.
"You didn't have to do all that," Ashton told him.
"Yeah I did," Calum responded. "You really went all out the other day. Everyone I’ve talked to while writing this feature has gone on and on about how kind and generous you are. You’re always put so much effort into other people and you deserve to have someone make that kind of effort for you. You're so warm and caring, and funny too. Anyone who doesn't see how special you are is an idiot," Calum stopped talking, afraid he'd said too much. He took a big gulp of wine only looking up when Ashton reached over to take the glass from his hand. He set both their glasses on the table and turned back to Calum.
Without a word, Calum reached for him pulling him onto his lap, Ashton's knees on either side of his hips. Ashton slid Calum's shirt off his shoulders as their lips met with a heated urgency. Calum nipped Ashton's bottom lip before their tongues tangled. Ashton pulled back and grazed his teeth and tongue down Calum's throat. His long fingers traced around Cal's dark nipples before giving them a sharp tug. Calum grunted and bucked underneath him in response making Ashton try it again. Leaving slow sucking kisses down his neck pinching the stiff rosy buds after each one as Calum began to grind his erection up against Ashton. Breathy cries escaped his lips as he got more aroused, more desperate.
Calum was tugging at the drawstring on Ashton's pants and slipping past the waistband. His hand closed around Ashton's length and he moaned in anticipation. It was bigger than he expected and thicker than anything Calum had imagined outside of porn and his wildest dreams.
"Let me suck you off," Calum begged as Ashton continued to mark up his neck.
Ashton shook his head, his soft curls brushing against Calum's jaw.
"Can't let that happen, sweetheart," Ashton answered, barely lifting his lips from the patchwork of red welts and slight purple bruises. "I'll cum too fast if I let you put those pretty lips around my cock. I've thought about it so many times."
Calum shivered as much from the heat of the other man's breath on his skin as the words he'd said.
"Mmmm I like that," Calum hissed. He arched his back as Ashton's head dipped lower, sucking a trail down his chest and latching onto his nipple. "I've wanted this, need you, Ash."
Ashton pushed hard against Calum's chest and stood up. Calum whined at the sudden lack of contact, his kiss swollen lips pursing into a pout.
"What's wrong?" He asked, looking up at Ashton who was peeling off his shirt revealing his lean physique, chest heaving with a sheen of sweat, tattooed flames peeking out underneath his ribs. Calum started to get up but Ashton stopped him.
"Nothing's wrong, everything is perfect," Ashton told him, bending down for a quick kiss. "I wanted to take my time but hearing you moan my name like that is too much. Slide your pants down, let me taste you." Ashton carefully moved the table back far enough they wouldn't bump anything as things got crazy.
"Oh God," Calum gasped as Ashton kneeled between his thighs, tugging impatiently as he raised his hips and kicked his shorts off.
Ashton licked around the tip of Calum's cock feeling it twitch seeking his mouth. Calum reached for him but Ashton pinned his hands beside him on the couch. "Not yet," Ashton teased, fluttering the tip of his tongue along the ridge.
"Oh fuck Ashton, please," Calum's eyes rolled back and his jaw dropped open as Ashton took him all the way down his throat. He had to concentrate to keep himself from exploding right then. Calum tried to squirm away but there was nowhere to go. Ashton let up instantly.
"Are you ok? Do you want me to stop?" Ashton's hazel eyes were searching Calum's face.
Calum grabbed Ashton's hand and placed it in his inner thigh. "I don't want you to ever stop. I'm just trying not to bust too soon."
Ashton grinned and leaned forward. His mouth hovered just above Calum's shaft, close enough he could reach out with the tip of his tongue, if he wanted to.
"Don't want that to happen do we?" Ashton smirked, grasping the base of Calum's shaft applying pressure just above the balls and pulling it back away from Calum's stomach.
"Keep doing that," Calum moaned, waiting until the pressure turned to slight pain. "Let go, let go," he cried and Ashton released his grip letting his dick spring back, slapping against his stomach. "Fuck babe, do that again," Calum whined, pulling his nipples his dark eyes intensely focused on Ashton.
Ashton flushed under Calum's stare feeling the knot in his stomach twist with desire as Calum moaned with each stroke, each release. They were both sweating now, the dim light giving Calum's broad chest as Ashton pushed up and met Calum's lips for a kiss.
Ashton stood up looking down at Calum seated on the couch. Reaching down he cupped his hand around the massive bulge straining against his pants before pushing his hips towards Calum's face. His dark bushy eyebrows raised in a smirk Calum began to tease Ashton with nips and sucking kisses. Ashton hissed at the feeling of teeth grazing his shaft through the flannel. Calum groaned against him as Ashton impatiently slithered the waistband down past his hips. Calum's mouth was on him in a flash, lips parted and taking him down past the back of his throat resisting the urge to gag around his length. Ashton cried out as his hands tangled in Calum's soft curls leaning his weight against Calum to keep his knees from shaking.
Calum looked up at the man hovering over him, their eyes met and the need intensified. Ashton bent down for a kiss as Calum's hands reached up pulling his hips down once more. In between the flurry of passionate kisses and hands roaming and grasping desperately to feel as much of the other’s skin against their own Calum could barely gasp out the words.
"How do you want me?"
Ashton's head spun at the sound of the words. He'd imagined this so many times, gotten himself off so many times thinking about this moment. Now that it was here he didn't hesitate to answer.
"I wanna ride you until you cum for me," Ashton told him.
Calum looked shocked and Ashton started to explain, "normally I'm a top but with you I thought-"
He couldn't finish the sentence before Calum stopped him with a kiss. "Don't have to explain. I wanna try everything you wanna try. Let me grab something really quickly," Calum helped Ashton shift so he could get up. He grabbed a towel and pulled open the drawer on the coffee table where he'd stashed lube and condoms just in case. Ashton chuckled but his breath caught in his throat as Calum turned back towards him. Fully nude, the candlelight cast a golden glow across Calum's chest and thighs as he walked back towards the couch, sliding the condom on with a stroke and Ashton couldn't remember anything sexier. They settled back on the couch with Ashton straddling Calum his knees on either side of his hips. Calum moved his hand down as Ashton raised his hips as Cal's fingers moved past Ashton's balls to tease his tight hole.
Ashton sighed and relaxed back against Calum feeling himself being spread open as he worked another couple of fingers in. When Ashton had gotten used to the stretch he began to rock his hips impatiently and wanting more. Calum chuckled against Ashton's chest as Ashton took the lube from him and made sure Calum's cock was nice and slick before easing the head of it into his eager entrance. Calum held his breath, clenching his stomach and thighs to hold still while Ashton carefully worked Calum's length inside him. The pain gave way to a throbbing ache as Ashton began to rock his hips. Calum was thick, so he felt the most delicious stretch. Calum's hands roamed everywhere. He ran his nails along Ashton's thighs, stroking over the phoenix tattoo on his ribcage, and grazed through Ashton's chest hair before tugging at his necklace. Ashton's hips moved faster as he leaned back to balance his hands on Calum's thighs. Calum wrapped his hand around Ashton's cock matching thrust in time. There were no words needed as they moved together moans and groans punctuated with the occasional soft little sigh because it just felt so good.
Calum's hips bucked and he knew he couldn't hold back much longer. Not with the way Ashton was bouncing on him now, his thighs pumping as he sought his own climax. Ashton leaned forward whimpering into Calum's neck, nuzzling and nibbling. His tempo increased, his nails dug into Calum's scalp and his long fingers pulled his curls. Calum kept one hand on Ashton's shaft while the other clutched Ashton's hip spurring him on.
A growl ripped from Ashton's chest as his orgasm exploded from his core shooting electricity through every nerve ending in his body. Calum felt him erupt between their bodies spilling through his fingers and onto his chest. Ashton clenched around Calum's cock sending him crashing into ecstasy as Ashton's hips stuttered and jerked, milking every drop from Calum as he thrust up into Ashton, his eyes rolling back in his head. Ashton sat up pulling Calum's head into his chest, Calum's arms wrapped around Ashton's waist as they traded breaths and their heartbeats slowed back down. Ashton eased himself off Calum causing both of them to groan a little at the lack of contact.
Calum got up and staggered into the kitchen to throw the condom away and wash his hands. He came back with a bottle of water for each of them, flipping the spout up before handing it over. Ashton sat up and guzzled the entire bottle as Calum grabbed the towel wiping himself off quickly and tossing it on the couch. Ashton excused himself to clean up and when he came back Calum had moved the table back by the couch and was munching on a cluster of grapes.
"Sorry, but I'm always hungry after sex," Calum looked sheepish and Ashton noticed he hadn't bothered to get dressed yet. Not that I'm complaining. Ashton ran his hand up Calum's thigh as he settled next to him on the couch.
"Don't apologize," Ashton gave him a wink. "You need to get your strength back for round two."
"Oh yeah?" Calum raised his eyebrows and bit into the fruit, letting the juices dribble down his chin.
"Keep looking at me like that and see what happens," Ashton smirked but he was hungry too.
Calum pulled a throw blanket and some cushions on to the floor so they could stretch out. Ashton poured more wine while Calum grabbed the food out of the fridge. Ashton's mouth watered when he saw the espresso baked brie and the spinach croquettes. Calum had done his homework and Ashton was incredibly touched by the effort.
Calum sat down with his back against the couch and Ashton propped himself up at a slight angle to him, close enough to touch, with the food places between them, their legs stretched out and tangled together. They ate in comfortable silence exchanging smiles and glances between bites. They found little ways to touch each other, unable to keep their hands off each other. Calum fed Ashton a bite of chocolate only to find the other man's lips pressed to the inside of his wrist. Ashton wiping crumbs off Calum's bottom lip before finding his thumb captured between Cal's teeth. Calum laughed and started to say something but Ashton had spaced out on him.
"What's on your mind?" Calum cringed when he realized he'd spoken out loud.
"I'm trying not to think about things too much, it's never a good idea," Ashton admitted. He was already in too deep, whether he said it out loud or not.
Calum pulled Ashton in close, folding the other man into his arms so his head was resting just above Calum's heart. Ashton closed his eyes, listened to the rhythm, and the rise and fall of Calum's chest.
"I know what you mean. This is going to sound corny but I feel like I should be nervous, I'm not though. I really like you and I'm not going to try to find something wrong. I'm too excited to see what happens next." Calum finished his thought with a string of kisses along Ashton's hairline before adding," I have to Venmo Hima $100 before I forget."
Ashton pulled back laughing, he grabbed his phone off the table. "I can't say shit, she pulled the same scam on me."
Calum laughed and leaned forward to get his phone as well. Ashton eyed Calum's bare ass noticing the slight tan line just above his hips. Calum saw his expression and wiggled his hips. "Like what you see?" Calum's tone was playful but Ashton could see his dick getting hard again.
"I will take you right here Hood," Ashton growled reaching for a condom.
Calum's phone rang, it was Hima on FaceTime.
"Answer it, I dare you," Ashton pulled Calum onto his back and placed his hands on the back of Calum's thighs.
"Hima, what's up?" As soon as Calum answered the call he felt Ashton's tongue teasing between his cheeks. He fought to keep a straight face as he told Hima about the disaster in the park despite Ashton probing and licking against his hole. Aston buried his tongue and Calum ended the call without saying goodbye and tossed his phone to the side.
Ashton made Calum beg to be fucked before he finally relented and replaced his tongue with the head of his dick. Ashton kept Calum's knees to his chest as he took his time easing his cock into Calum's ass, adding lube as he went. Calum had never been with anyone this big and he pulled his own nipples as Ashton stretched him as far as he could go. The thrill of the pain was unlike anything Calum had experienced and Ashton made him beg before he pushed further. Calum gasped as Ashton bottomed out, seeing his arms flex as he held himself in place, the light reflecting off the red blood moon tattoos and bold black star. Ashton moved his hips, barely pulling out and rocking against his ass to hit a spot deep inside him that Calum never knew existed. The surprised moan that filled the room spurred Ashton to maintain that control, giving long slow deep strokes, and hitting that spot each time.
Calum's hand closed around his dick, trying to keep from cumming before he was ready. Ashton switched positions, biceps curling around Calum's thick thighs as they moved together, chasing their climax together.
Calum arched his back, his spine contracting and releasing slamming his hips against the floor. Ashton rutted his hips, pushing deeper into Calum. His vision blurred as Calum's name fell from his lips. Calum cried out underneath him and Ashton watched Calum's release spattering his chest and stomach with white streaks. Ashton collapsed on top of him shaking uncontrollably as he came undone.
"Oh my God Ashton, that was incredible," Calum whispered when he found his voice again. They untangled from each other, both sticky and sleepy, overheated from exertion.
Calum made sure the candles were blown up and there was nothing left out that could hurt Brutus before he led Ashton into the bathroom where they fumbled around in the shadows taking turns rinsing each other off and exchanging clumsy kisses. Calum took them into his bedroom, pulling the covers down on the bed as the electric came back on. The AC started with a whoosh turning the room chilly very quickly. They scrambled under the covers quickly, fighting for the covers and giggling like little kids. There was a bit of awkward positioning before they ended up laying face to face unable to stop staring at each other, chatting for what seemed like hours, hands, and legs intertwined before they finally dozed off.
**********
When Ashton woke up he was alone in a strange bed. The smell of Calum tickled his senses and the bed was still warm. There was a light shining from the hallway. He listened and heard tiny scraping sounds coming towards him before a small dog burst into the room and launched himself on the bed. Brutus attacked Ashton with doggy kisses as Calum followed him into the room.
"Brutus, get down," Calum scolded him. "Sorry about that. He needed to go out and I was trying not to wake you."
"What time is it?" Ashton looked around for his phone.
"It's a little after midnight, I can drive you home if you need to go," Calum offered, unable to hide his sudden disappointment.
"There's nowhere else I want to be, come back to bed," Ashton yawned and stretched out.
Calum slid under the covers, cuddling into Ashton's body heat, Brutus curled up on the duvet between them. Calum rested his head against his shoulder and Ashton's fingers aimlessly snaked through Calum's soft dark curls. The rain began again as they drifted off to dream together.
@sublimehood @tea4sykes @be-ready-when-i-say-go @scribblesos @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @wildmichaelflower @castaway-cashton @damselindistressanu @notinthesameguey @cashtonasfuck @irwinkitten @mermaidcashton @malumsmermaid
#calum hood#ashton irwin#cashton#cashton smut#calum hood smut#ashton irwin smut#5sos writing collab#5sos#calum 5sos#ashton 5sos
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A Cat-astrophe, Speak More
Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader/OFC
Summary: Wanda doesn’t seem to understand what she has. You wouldn’t say she’s neglecting you, but you need her to understand that you’ve got choices, okay? So, post-winning and taking down a villain, Wanda gets the aftermath. Now as a feline, she’s beginning to realize maybe the two of you talk too little.
[In which, Wanda gets turned into a cat & realizes she’s got competition]
Warnings: Potentially a crack!fic lmfao
Genre: Fluff/humor/romance
Notes: HAPPY 200 FOLLOWERS! Seriously, I’ve just started this account over from scratch, so I’m amazed we’ve reached this point already. Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, and follows! I’ve been drowning in too much angst lately, and this cute thing popped into my mind. Please enjoy :)
P.S. ya’ll know Wanda would be the most majestic cat you’ve ever goddamn seen. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
Count: 5614
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“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“You know, I’ve seen weirder shit.”
Natasha and Tony bickered a little more while everyone was huddled around Wanda. The new height difference was making Wanda jittery, it was like giants crowding around her.
“Guys, back up a bit,” Steve said while putting his arms out to give Wanda some space.
Wanda felt her shoulders relax as she sat upright.
“So, this is happening,” Clint said, eyeing the fur.
“Wanda got turned into a cat.”
A small mewl could be heard.
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“You can fix this, right?” Natasha asked, looking at Bruce. He was eyeing Wanda with a squint as he circled around her with his hand on his chin.
“I mean...I can try...” Bruce said, a little unsure. It’s not like he had encountered his problem before.
Steve sighed as he watched Wanda stretch her legs. “Well, we interrogated the guy. He’s claiming that nothing can fix it, but it would wear off on its own. He kept saying he didn’t know how long it would last.”
Natasha pursed her lips but had to accept the answer. She bent down, stroking Wanda’s head while the witch looked thoroughly unhappy but let Natasha do as she wished.
“This is troubling. Should we tell your girlfriend?” Natasha asked.
Wanda had been dating you for six months now. She had told you she was an Avenger and was basically on the run about two months ago.
You took the news relatively pretty good.
Wanda meowed her objections to tell you, shaking her head as she did. The last thing she wanted to do was make you worried about her.
Still...
She kept meowing over and over while Natasha scrunched her eyebrows together, trying to discern what it was her teammate wanted.
“Girlfriend?”
Wanda meowed and nodded her head.
“Don’t tell,” Natasha clarified.
Wanda meowed and nodded her again.
“Did you...want to see her?” Natasha guessed, eyes flittering over as Wanda’s tag swayed back and forth on the ground.
Wanda meowed happily, standing on all four paws.
“What? No way,” Steve said. “That’s too dangerous.”
“Oh, hush, grandpa,” Natasha said as she opened her hands for Wanda to come in so she could carry her. “If anything, Wanda will be fine with her girlfriend. Everyone in this compound is too damn nosy, anyways. It’ll keep her out of sight.”
“Oh? And what do you propose when Wanda turns back into herself while she’s with her girlfriend?”
“That doesn’t sound like a me problem,” Natasha said, looking at Wanda in her arms.
Wanda opened her mouth again, but then closed it.
She’ll figure it out later.
“Come on, Wanda. Let’s drop you off,” Natasha says, turning away and walking off with the fluff of fur in her arms.
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You were in the middle of working on your paper when you heard knocking on your door.
You took your glasses off, rubbing your eyes a little bit before heading over to the door. When you opened it, you were surprised since it was so late.
“Natasha,” you greeted as she gave you a half-smile. “What are you doing here? Where’s Wanda?”
“Wanda got assigned a no-contact mission, it’s indefinite at the meantime,” she said easily, and you nodded, still unsure what she was doing here.
Your eyes traveled down to the cat in her arms.
“Anyway,” Natasha says, bringing your attention back to her. “I need you to look after this little she-devil. Your landlord lets you have pets, right?”
You scrunch your eyebrow together looking at the cat again who’s swishing her tail and looking at you.
“Uh, I mean, yes, but--”
“Great!” Natasha says, passing the cat over into your arms. She meows disgruntedly, and you swear she glares at Natasha. “It’s just temporary. It can’t stay at the compound at the moment. She already ate. I’ll come back for her later, thanks.”
Without saying anything else, Natasha left your front step, and you were alone with the cat. You looked down at her as she was cradled in your arms, purring and swishing her tail back and forth lazily.
“Okay?” You said more to yourself, going back into your place and shutting the door behind you. You set the cat down, and she walked around your house as if she’s already been there.
You go into the kitchen, grabbing a bowl and putting water in it before setting it down. The cat comes over, looking in the bowl, but then looks at you, not drinking.
“What?” You ask but internally roll your eyes because it’s not like the cat will answer you.
The cat just stares at you before meowing.
“Um,” you say, still not sure what she wants. Maybe she’s just not thirsty?
The cat sticks its paw into the water delicately and then presses its paw to you.
You’re weirded out.
This is what Wanda does every time you give her water without ice, except she sticks her finger in and flicks it at you.
“Ice...?” You ask, almost unsure because you seem crazy. The cat meows again.
You confusedly open the fridge and get some ice, plopping a couple of it into her bowl. She waits a few moments, and you’re convinced you’re crazy for sure.
But then, the cat starts drinking from the bowl.
This is so weird.
But it was just a coincidence...right?
“You’re kind of picky,” you mumble, and the cat looks at you, licking her lips.
“I’m going to call you Princess,” you say, and you swear the cat grins at you, but you’re convinced that you’ve just stayed up too long doing this paper.
You stand up, mumbling to yourself and resolving to go to sleep.
Wanda watches you as you retire to your room. She walks around a little, checking out the whole place and satisfied when everything is in order. Going to the table and jumping up onto it, she sees you’ve been working on a paper.
Wanda internally smiles. You were always so cute when you were working hard.
Then your phone starts to buzz, she looks towards the room, but you’ve already knocked out.
Wanda stretches her neck over, trying to see who was texting you.
Just out of curiosity is all.
She sees it’s from Brian, your TA.
You’ve set your phone to show who the text is from, but not the actual contents, always saying that it distracts you when you’re doing other things. You get tempted to read what they’ve said and ended up not doing any work.
Wanda sighs, leaving it as is. She’s not about to snoop into your privacy.
Licking her lips again, she wonders what she can do since she wasn’t tired yet.
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You start to stir when you smell a familiar scent of cinnamon and dry leaves, thinking that maybe Wanda has already returned.
You opened your eyes to see the cat lying next to your head, awake and purring. The cat seems to notice that you’ve woken and licks your brow bone.
You make an unidentifiable sound, turning fully over and pressing your face against the cat’s soft fur.
Seriously, this is the fluffiest cat you’ve ever seen. She was majestic.
You chuckle softly, albeit a little depressedly at the same time.
“Wow, morning kisses? I never get those. You’re a sweet little thing, aren’t you?”
You had your eyes closed, so you didn’t see Wanda’s face contort in confusion at your comment.
Did she really never give you good morning kisses?
You sigh a little tiredly. You wished you could go back to sleep, but it didn’t seem like that was going to happen. You slowly got up, your dainty sleeping shirt falling off one shoulder as you did.
Wanda licked her lips.
“C’mon, princess,” you say, your voice slightly hoarse from just waking up. “Let’s find some breakfast.”
You get up, starting your morning routine while Wanda follows you around the house. You think it’s a little strange, people tell you cats are...particular creatures.
This one seems to be very affectionate.
Or obsessed with you.
You were fine with that. Not like you were exactly getting any attention from the person you wanted.
This cat was extremely fussy. She didn’t want to eat anything you thought a cat would eat. She seemed to want to eat what you did. After researching on Google to make sure what you were giving her wasn’t going to kill her, you gave in.
“This is why you’re called Princess. You’re fussy. Kind of like my girlfriend.”
If cats could look affronted, you would say her face right now looked exactly like that.
To Wanda, this wasn’t anything new. You’ve teased her about it before, which was where the nickname came from...amongst other things.
Still, she meowed at you, enjoying your chuckle as she did.
You decided to go out for a bike ride this morning. The weather was beautiful, and your friend wasn’t coming over until later, so why not?
Your bike had a basket that you could put her in.
The only thing was...
You walked off, rummaging through some drawers while Wanda tilted her head.
You came back with a thick red ribbon and a tag from one of the general art classes you took. Squiggling some words on the tag, you hooked an extra keychain ring around it before looping the ribbon around it.
The cat was surprisingly very cooperative while you put on her makeshift collar.
It had her name on it and then your name and contact number in case she decided to run off.
You’re sure Natasha wouldn’t appreciate you losing the cat.
“There we go,” you mumble, straightening out the bow before gently stroking her face at her whiskers.
Wanda purred, hopping into your arms as you placed her in your basket, setting off.
The day was incredibly beautiful. The two of leisurely biked through the park, enjoying the gentle breeze and crisp air.
Wanda sat upright with her paws on the edge of the basket, the wind blowing through her whiskers and fur.
This was nice, she thought. She rarely got to spend time with you like this.
She supposed it wasn’t completely awful to have been turned into a cat.
It was going well until someone called your name, bringing you to a slow stop in front of a flower cart. There stood a guy, maybe early 20s, just younger than you.
“Hi, Jacob,” you greeted easily. “How’s your dad?”
“Oh, uh, he’s been doing good. Might be able to make it back to the shop soon,” Jacob stuttered lightly.
Wanda watched as the two of you made small talk, the entire thing making her slightly irritated as she watched Jacob shyly lifted his muscled arm to scratch the back of his head with a boyish smile.
It made it worse when Wanda caught a glimpse of his loud thoughts that his father was actually just fine, and he begged his dad to work here just a little longer to see you in the mornings.
You had to have noticed it, right? This boy clearly had a crush on you.
“So,” Jacob said, grabbing a yellow daffodil from his cart. “This is for you, thought it might suit you.”
You grabbed the flower with a smile, smelling it. “Thanks, that’s really sweet of you.”
Wanda has had enough.
She starts meowing.
Loudly.
And repeatedly.
It draws the attention of both of you to her, irritating Wanda even more that it seemed like Jacob just noticed there was a creature there with you.
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a cat,” Jacob said, lifting his giant hand in an attempt to pet her. Wanda backed her head, immediately hissing at him.
Jacob yanked his hand back quickly, looking at you.
You only smiled sheepishly.
“Uh, yeah,” You say, “I just got her. She doesn’t like to be touched by strangers...I guess.”
Jacob just nods, looking at the cat again and he swears that it’s glaring at him as it meows and hisses.
“Well,” you say, “I got to go now, but it was nice seeing you.”
Without waiting for Jacob’s reply, you use your foot to push off the ground, setting off again.
The moment you left, the meowing stopped. Wanda rolled her eyes as you placed the flower in the basket next to her, keeping it at a slanted angle as the top leaned out the basket.
She waited until you had picked up enough pace before using her paw to push the flower out of the basket. At the speed you were going, you ended up running over it when it fell under your wheel.
“Princess!” You scolded, but she merely turned around looking at you with her big eyes, and you couldn’t even stay mad.
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It was weird, Wanda thought.
There always seemed to be someone who stopped her girlfriend along the way, wanting to say hi to you.
Or give you a free bagel. A free coffee. A free animal balloon.
She was so close to clawing out the barista who so openly flirted with you, scribbling her number on your coffee sleeve.
It made her even more annoyed when you didn’t throw the sleeve out...even if holding the coffee would burn your hand.
You had to have noticed, right?
Was it always like this?
Wanda tried to think back to all the times she’s been with you. The only thing was that even though you’ve been dating for six months, being an Avenger kept her busy most of the time.
When she did have time, she wanted to keep your company all to herself, locked in the bedroom, feeling your skin against hers.
There were a couple times you went out together, but it was never like this. Was it because she was a human, holding your hand?
Maybe being a cat wasn’t all great.
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By the time the two of you got home, Wanda clung to you. You settled on the couch, opting to watch movies and TV shows for the rest of the afternoon while Wanda rested against your stomach, purring.
“You are a strange cat,” you murmured to yourself as you stroked her fur. She nuzzled her head against your stomach, finding herself falling asleep.
It wasn’t until dinner time that you got up, forcing Wanda to get off of you disgruntedly as you walked into the kitchen to start dinner.
Halfway through, the doorbell rang.
Wanda tilted her head, wondering who could be at the door. She hadn’t met any of your friends, really just soaking up your company alone when she did have time off.
She kept telling herself that she would get around to it eventually, but eventually just hasn’t come yet.
“Hey, girl,” a tall blonde greets as she comes through the door.
“Hey, Emily,” you greet with a smile, pulling her into a brief hug before helping her with the bags she brought.”
You head back to the kitchen, resuming your cooking as Emily walks through, tussling her hair lightly.
Her eye catches Wanda, who is sitting on the kitchen island, not too far from you.
“Oh?” She drawls curiously. “When did you get a cat?”
“Not mine, just watching her for a friend. I call her Princess.” You cut up some vegetables before throwing it in the pan.
Emily hums, debating whether or not to pet the cat, but she opts not to. If she wants to be pet by her, she’ll come.
Dinner is served, and Wanda eats hers lazily, listening to the conversation you were having with your friend.
It wasn’t really anything she was interested in.
Standard catching up, plans over the break they were on currently, idle gossip in their friend group.
After dinner, the girls moved over to the couch, turning on a TV show but not quite paying attention. Wanda trotted over, placing herself next to you with her head resting in your lap, greedily soaking up the soft scratches you were giving on her head between her ears.
It wasn’t until Emily brought up a particular subject that Wanda’s head whizzed up.
“So,” Emily says, sipping on her wine as she finished her dinner. “Guess who is single again?”
“Who?” You ask, not really caring but indulging for Emily’s sake.
“Dylan,” Emily says with a smirk.
You narrowed your eyes a bit, scrunching your brows. The new did surprise you a bit.
“Really? Shit, he’s like a serial dater. That man hasn’t been single for longer than a week. Every time he dates, he dates them for a long ass time,” you comment, your eyes glued to the TV screen.
Emily nodded.
“Mhm,” she hummed. “Well, some of us were hanging out the other day, and he was looking to get your number, actually. He definitely wanted to know your situation.”
You finally turn over to Emily with a brow raised. “And you told him that I’m not single, right?”
“I told him what I thought: I think you’re not single.”
“Why would you tell him that?” You groan.
Emily shrugged, “because that’s what I think, girl.”
“We are so not going through this again, Em,” You groan again.
Wanda is now sitting upright, alarmed at what she was hearing.
What were you not going through again?
This was a conversation that has come up before?
“Hey, I’m just saying this mysterious girlfriend of yours has yet to show herself. I’m beginning to think you’ve made her up.” Emily raises her hand with the glass of wine in it slightly higher to show she means no harm.
You sigh, lulling your head back onto the couch.
“She’s very real. She’s just...busy.” The way you said it made Wanda look at you. What did that tone mean?
“Alright,” Emily concedes. “Let’s say she is real--”
“She is.”
Emily gives you a look. “If she’s real, based on what you’ve told me, it doesn’t really sound like she’s investing that much time in you other than in the bedroom.”
Wanda would look so affronted if she could, only able to drop her jaw a little without drawing attention to herself.
Wanda looks to you even more affronted when you’re not saying in objection to that.
You simply shrug your shoulders. “I don’t mind that she wants to spend all our time in bed.”
Wanda isn’t sure if happy you feel that way or heavy-hearted that you’re essentially confirming to other people that she has no other interests in you outside bedroom activities.
“Does she even know what’s going on in your life outside of work or school?”
Wanda wants to scoff. Of course she does! She’s your girlfriend.
But then moments pass and Wanda is drawing a blank.
Shit, does she know?
You shrug in response to Emily.
“Like,” Emily says, pausing for a moment to think. “Does she know that Annalise from your Psych 4401 is seriously so obsessed with you? Like, I’m pretty sure she’s this close to following you home.”
Emily pinches her index finger and thumb together, leaving the tiniest space in between to emphasis her point.
Wanda immediately panics, eyes wide as she puts her paw on your thigh.
Who?!
“Or how Derek from your general studies class sticks a flower to your locker every day?”
“That one isn’t confirmed it’s him, no one knows,” you defend weakly.
“I saw him do it the last day before the break actually,” Emily rolls her eyes.
Wanda’s mind is reeling.
Who are all these people? Why are they hitting on her girlfriend?
“You know why they keep doing that?” Emily asks, and you don’t even want to answer her.
“It’s because you mention you have a girlfriend and no one has met or even seen said girlfriend. They totally think you’re lying and playing hard to get.” Emily says even though you hadn’t bothered asking her why.
You simply shrug again, “I don’t really know what else to do. I really do have a girlfriend.”
Emily drops the subject after and the rest of the night is filled with chatter about different things and binge-watching TV shows.
That night after Emily left and you went to bed, Wanda trotted after you, hopping into bed as she rested on the pillow next to your head.
She purred you to sleep, occasionally licking the side of your forehead. Eventually, she nuzzled her own face against yours, trying to cuddle you up as much as she could.
Wanda really hopes that tomorrow morning when she wakes, she’ll be human again.
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Wanda doesn’t turn back the next day.
She is thoroughly disappointed.
You woke up again to the smell of cinnamon and dry leaves. It really disorientates you because you keep thinking you’re going to wake up to your girlfriend with you, but she’s not.
You get up after lightly falling back asleep for another 20 minutes.
The day starts off as usual, though you did find your cat wanted more of your attention than usual (usual being the 3 days you’ve had her now).
You get changed into more appropriate clothing, putting your hair up in a messy bun as Wanda watches you with curiosity.
You had your TA, Brian, coming over today to help you with your paper. It was assigned to you over the break, and there were just a couple things that you needed help with.
As your TA, Brian was more than happy to help.
Just after lunch, Brian showed up at your door. He was tall, had a toned body that showed through his well-fitted long-sleeved shirt, mussed hair, and a strong jawline. He wore glasses and gave you a boyish grin.
Wanda already didn’t like him.
In fact, she decided that she hated him.
The two of you sat on your couch together while Wanda hovered by you closely.
He read over your paper, pointing a few things out that you could improve. You asked your questions, and he gave his opinions.
You bit your thumb lightly as you stared at your paper, strands of your hair falling softly out of your bun, framing your face.
You were beautiful, Wanda thought.
And clearly, Brian thought so too with the way he gazed at you without you even realizing.
She didn’t even mean to, really.
But then she heard his thoughts about how perfect you are. He was wheedling on whether or not to ask you out.
Wanda has had enough after hearing that. She’s maybe a goddamn cat, but there’s no way she can just sit there while someone is trying to put their moves on you right in front of her.
She immediate crawls into your lap, forcing her way between your arms as she stands up on her hind legs, putting her front paws on your shoulder. Wanda leans her furry little face in and begins to lick at your face.
“Princess!” You shout, caught off guard by your cat’s sudden affection.
Brian is looking at the exchange, heart warmed at first by scene, but then the cat looks at him, and he gets that feeling like he’s being warned to stay away.
So, Wanda is using her powers to project her thoughts onto the guy, but how else was she going to send him a message. It wasn’t like she could tell him in words to back off.
You try to pet her to calm her down, but she doesn’t seem like she’s going to be stopping any time soon. It was definitely weird for you, but you didn’t really think of anything of it.
Until she lightly bit your nose affectionately before licking the corner of your mouth. You end up having to pick her up in your arms, holding her away from your face as you cradle her.
“Sorry,” you apologize to Brian. “Strangely, I think she’s obsessed with me.”
Brian just laughs, “Don’t worry, I totally get her feelings.”
Wanda wants to roll her eyes and gag.
You just laugh off the comment, not really sure what to say to that.
You’ve got all the help you needed for your paper, and Brian seems to take notice of that.
He stands up, thinking about how maybe he could ask if you wanted to go have coffee right now or go for dinner later.
But every time he opens his mouth, Wanda yowls.
When she stops, he opens his mouth again, but then she yowls before he can say anything.
He stares at the cat, she stares right back at him.
He opens his mouth as a test, but she slightly opens her jaw too, and he snaps his mouth closed.
You are nearly dying of embarrassment at your cat’s strange behavior.
“Sorry,” you say to Brian to grab his attention. “She was fine yesterday with Emily. I’m starting to think she might not like men.”
You recall this happened when you were speaking with Jacob. Wanda internally scoffs.
Not just men, she thinks. She’ll have plenty of problems if this Annalise ever shows up.
Brian just awkwardly chuckles and tells you it’s okay.
“I’ll see you back in class,” he says, glancing one more time at the glaring cat and leaves.
Once he’s gone, you adjust your hold to under her front legs, while the rest of her body dangles.
“Oh my god, Princess!” You groan. “You’re such a troublemaker!”
Wanda meows at you, trying to tell you how dissatisfied she is with all these people hovering over like they’re about to snatch you.
You put her down, thinking back to when she bit your nose.
When you and Wanda were in bed, she would bite your nose lightly before kissing the corner of your mouth if you were being particularly naughty for whatever reason, and she was giving you a warning that you were in trouble.
The ice in her water bowl, the scent of cinnamon and dry leaves, and now this?
The coincidences were starting to pile up too high.
“You know,” you say at you stare at your cat suspiciously. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re actually Wanda trapped in a cat’s body.”
You notice your cat actually tense.
“Shit? Really? What the fuck!” You exclaim, wondering if you have actually gone batshit insane.
“Is it actually you, Wanda?” You ask, feeling incredibly stupid for asking a cat.
But then your cat actually looks nervous, batting her eyes to the side, ears flattened to her head.
“Oh my fuc--Where’s my phone?” You turn around to look for your phone, finding it on the counter as you grab it aggressively and dial.
“Hey. Is the cat giving you trouble?” Natasha picks up on the other line, knowing it’s you.
“Natasha...I’m just going to ask this once, and if I find out later you’re lying, I’ll tell Clint about that one time I caug--”
“Whoa, hold it right there! Jesus, I regret training you on blackmail,” Natasha says over the phone, mumbling the end part.
“The cat you dropped off--is that my girlfriend?” You ask straight off.
There’s silence on the other end of the line for a moment.
“There may have been a mishap after we defeated our last threat,” Natasha says finally.
You curse loudly.
“On the bright side, it’ll wear off on its own. Supposedly. The downside, we just don’t know when. Bruce is working on it if it takes too long, though. Wanda just didn’t want to worry you,” Natasha says the end so softly in the tone you just hate when she’s trying to reason with you.
“Oh, we’re past worried now,” you say, hanging up the phone. You turn around, and it’s like Wanda visibly gulped at seeing your expression.
“What the hell!” You immediately say to your girlfriend who still has her ears flattened, and tail close to her body. “Why didn’t you just tell me you were a cat! Do you know how incredibly invasive you’ve been in the past couple of days? Especially with the conversation with Emily yesterday. Not cool.”
Wanda looks scolded and goddamn, you have to hold your ground because it’s that much harder when she has such a cute face right now.
She gets up, shuffling over to you as she stops at your feet, nuzzling her head against your legs, and meows like she’s apologizing.
You roll your eyes because fuck, that’s so cute and totally not fair.
Resolving to not say any more about it, not because you’re not mad, but because there’s no point in arguing with your girlfriend who can’t even speak doesn’t seem productive.
“Don’t think this is over,” you warn her.
Wanda is relieved she’s escaped fighting for now.
The rest of the day, you try to carry on as usual. It’s super weird, you’re not even sure how to handle it.
It’s not like you can continue to treat her as you were.
You try to make conversation with her, asking only yes or no questions so she can nod or shake her head.
By the time bedtime comes, Wanda isn’t sure if she should follow you like she has been the last couple of nights.
She sits pitifully on the ground, a couple feet away from your room as you walk past the door.
Wanda thinks maybe she’ll try to sleep on the couch tonight, but then she sees you pop your head out your door.
“Are you coming?” You ask.
Wanda grins happily, getting up, and trotting into your room.
The two of you settle in your comfortable positions. Wanda decides she’ll behave tonight and keep her paws to herself.
It’s quiet.
The night was settling in.
But it felt like neither of you could sleep.
“I feel like...maybe we should talk about what Emily said the other night,” you say, breaking the silence as you turn over, and face your girlfriend.
“I guess,” you say at first, “it doesn’t really bother me at first that all we do is spend time physically connecting, not so much emotionally connecting.”
Wanda is silent, letting you say your piece.
Not like she could say anything herself.
“But now, I guess I want to hear your voice more, and not when you’re just panting my name or making your incredibly attractive sex sounds. I would like to hear you talk about your day, or how work was, or if something was bothering you.”
You stared into Wanda’s big blue eyes as you spoke.
“It would be incredibly nice to have you in other parts of my life. There’s quite a lot of other people who are looking to do that,” you mumbled.
Wanda scrunches her nose up. Oh, she was quite aware now about how many people wanted to steal her position.
“I really miss you.”
Wanda internally sighed as she moved her head over to nuzzle the top of your head. She moved her face lower and began to lick your cheek.
You closed your eyes, but when Wanda started licking closer to your mouth, you drew the line.
“Stop it, I’m not a furry.”
⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷
Wanda had waited until you fell asleep, watching you as your breathing slowed.
She was both happy and sad when you told her those things.
Wanda wanted those things too.
Maybe she does talk too little with you.
That’s her own fault, though.
Perhaps she was too scared to try to get intimate with you in a different way.
So, maybe she did try to keep it physical mostly. Kept putting off meeting your friends. Giving you only the intimacy that required no words.
Skin on skin is easy.
Soul to soul is scary.
But she ready to be scared now.
She doesn’t want to not be able to talk to you. She is realizing how important words can be. There’s only so much she could do with everything else.
Wanda stays awake the entire night.
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You wake up to the smell of cinnamon and dry leaves.
A soft, warm hand is pressed to your cheek as you wake, lips dragging over your own.
Wanda is completely naked, the red ribbon still tied around her neck with her name tag hanging.
“I love you,” Wanda says, grinning as she did.
“I wanted to say that more than anything. I want to meet your friends, visit you at school, talk about our days, talk about anything. I just want to be in all the parts of your life you let me be in, and for everyone to know that.”
Your eyes immediately water as you smile widely, burrowing yourself in her arms as Wanda kisses your shoulder.
The two of you talk endlessly about mundane things as you make breakfast together.
⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷
Wanda is very dedicated to making sure everyone in your life knows she exists, and you are hers.
Your friends are incredibly happy for you that you didn’t have an imaginary girlfriend, except Dylan, maybe.
She bikes with you when you stop by Jacob’s flower cart, buying you gardenias, and telling you she’ll plant them in the garden of the house you’ll one day buy together.
She gives her name to the daring barista for her drink as, ‘Her Girlfriend,’ with a deadpan look.
Wanda comes to visit you at school, walking you to class hand in hand, obnoxiously kissing you in front of Brian.
She briefly met Annalise, eyes glowing red for a brief second as a warning.
Wanda still spends a dedicated amount of time to worship your body, make no mistake.
But she makes sure she talks to you about her day, her dreams, her fears, and all the mundane things in between.
It’s her absolute favorite.
#wanda maximoff x reader#wanda x reader#wanda maximoff x ofc#Wanda Maximoff Imagine#Scarlet witch x reader#Scarlet Witch Imagine#Avengers#avengers imagine#Avengers AU#avengers reader insert#marvel imagine#marvel mcu#Modern Avengers AU#mm: my fics#series: drive her crazy#genre: smut#genre: romance
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Meme: OTP Parents Meme
Status: Open to past, current and plotted rom!ships only
URL: @brooklynislandgirl
who’s the one to wake up the kids:
Maybe some day he won’t wake up an hour or more before dawn. Regardless if he has to report for duty or not. But today is not that day. But also today? He’s off duty. And that comes with certain extras. Extras like having enough time for morning coffee, getting his run in on the beach, a shower while the butter comes to room temperature on the counter. Getting to actually watch the sun come up while he makes breakfast for his two favorite girls.
Flatcakes, bacon, eggs. The painstaking process of replicating those bite sized hashbrowns Eire loves so much. Though while the smell and noise alone is enough to wake up her mother, it’s not quite so for the youngest in the house. So while Beth -- after good morning kisses-- moves to make the plates...he shifts out of the kitchen and into the hall. Silent feet on the hallway runner, to push the little girl’s door open. And maybe he’s guilty of a small pause. Guilty of watching the mess of dark hair peaking out from under the covers, still sound asleep. But it’s only a moment. She’s got a volley ball game today after all. And she needs to get up and get going.
So inevitably a hand finds it’s way to the top of her head. The smallest of shakes. A smile in response to the gremlin like noise he gets in return.
“Up ye ge’ bitten. Breakfast be done. Made ye favorite.”
Five more minutes, da....
She never sees it coming, but the neighbors definitely hear the shreaking laughter of being quite literally tickled awake.
who makes the breakfast:
Most days he’s gone before any semblance of a proper breakfast can take form. Most days it’s left to Beth to fill in the gaps in the morning. Sometimes there’s texts that ping his phone. Complaining mom won’t let her have a bowl of the sugary cereal on the top shelf. That she doesn’t want to eat the monster snot that everyone else calls oatmeal. And those are the mornings he laughs. The mornings that remind him how very different her childhood is and will be in comparison to his own. Those are also the mornings the wee girl is given the same response without fail.
[ Text: Bitten ] Listen ta ye mother, Eire.
who’s the one cried to for everything:
There are moments that only a mother can handle. Just as there are moments only a father can. And when it comes to Eire, they do their best to be a team. A united front and singular safe haven. But sometimes that just isn’t how the real world works. Because sometimes? Sometimes Da just isn’t there. And Mom steps in to fill the gaps he leaves. Until most often it becomes instinctive for Eire to seek her mother out in times of upset. Yet still there are still moments only Da can fix. And he does to the best of his ability. Because if Da can’t fix it? No one can.
who’s the more disciplined parent and who’s the more lenient one:
They’re both guilty of folding to the little girls wants as much as they are of putting their foot down. It just depends on the circumstances. What it is Eire wants. Granted while he’ll never admit it, Luka does tend to fold more than Beth over most things. Eire was a gift in more ways than one and when it comes down to it, he does like to spoil her. Give her the things he missed out on. Make sure she knows that he loves her. Through and through, no matter what. Because he is a lovingly doting father but also because deep down...he wants her to have as many good memories of him as she can. Just in case one day, he doesn’t come home. Though really what is the real harm in having desert before dinner every once in a while?
who helps with the science fair:
When it comes to school projects the assitance usually comes from Beth. Though when he is home, Luka will chip in to do any necessary heavy lifting. Beth is smarter than he is, there’s never been any doubt of that. And Luka has no problem following orders when it comes to making sure his daughter gets a good grade. Besides...he was never in a science fair back in grade school. And it’s best to leave such things to the professionals. Though he did have to drag Uncle Creek out of the garage once before Beth could register the fact he’d just offered to wire the volcano to literally explode.
who does baby talk:
Neither. Between reading every parenting book Beth handed or sent him during pregnancy, and Beth’s only personal opinion---Luka quickly picked up the popular understanding that baby talk only holds them back. Though that didn’t stop him from perhaps doing it every now and then in Gaelic. Because what real harm could it do? She couldn’t understand it yet anyway.
who wakes up for midnight feedings:
As often as he was home, they shared the responsibility. Getting up in shifts to feed Eire. Or full fill any other need the child needed. Though sometimes Luka would get up more than his share, to make up for the time he wasn’t there too help.
who’s the one who always worries:
Worry comes in different shapes and forms.
Worry is phone calls when you can. Worry is text messages at 2am and not getting onto the little person on the other end becuase they should be asleep. Worry is sadness you can’t be there for her first futball game. Worry is arranging small packages to be sent to your own front door. Little presents to remind you still care no matter how many oceans lie in between. Worry is facetime calls when the connections working, and packing in every ounce you can into that fifteen minute call.
Worry is knowing that empty seat next to you hurts the little girl that just scored. Worry is care packages sent with as much of home as you can pack into it, sans yourself. Worry is reminding yourself to believe he’s okay. Worry is knowing one day you might have to be stronger than you actually are. Worry is filling the gaps at missed birthdays and christmas. Worry is putting everyone else before yourself.
Worry is...alot like love. And they both have enough of both in equal measures.
who picks up the kids early from school for some fun:
There are days that are just meant to be spent playing hookie. Days that jail breaks are aboslutely a requirement. Especially days when daddy is going to be home! Those days are special days. Days that small daughters are picked up from school early for personal reasons, and wisked home to get ready for his arrival.
Where cupcakes are picked up from the bakery, and left on the counter for dessert. Poster signs are crafted with the upmost of care, matching t-shirts are doned. A snack picked up from the cafe on the way to the strip. And it doesn’t matter how hot it is they stand vigil and wait. Because dinner’s been ordered and timed just right so it will arrive just after the three of them pile in the door.
Yes somedays jail breaks are most certainly required.
who’s the competitive parent:
I still do not understand this question. I apologize.
who kisses the ouches:
He wasn’t there the first time she road a bike. He wasn’t there when she fell and scraped knees and bruised elbows. He wasn’t there when she fell out of that tree in the back yard and broke her arm. He wasn’t there when she took a ball to the face and got a shiner for her successful block. He wasn’t there when that boy in her class broke her heart. He wasn’t there for so many ouches....but her mother was. And everyone knows mother’s have the best remedies for all sorts of hurts.
who’s the sucker for the puppy eyes:
Mom is immune to her charms. So she waits until her father comes home. Waits til his boots are set by the door, the cover and jacket hung neatly. She waits until he’s had his shower. Until dinner’s been eaten and cleaned up after. She waits until he’s settled on the couch. Book in hand and ready to sign off entirely for the day.
She waits only a little while more before pouncing. The big eyed little pout that she got from her mother. Hands tightly clasped together as what she wants comes spilling out of her mouth.
“Da...can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasee get a puppy? I promise to take care of it.”
who makes the “dad jokes”:
Uncle Andy, and they are the worst of the worst dad jokes. Seriously he got whip cremed once. And it was unanimously decided it was well derserved. Even if Uncle Baz frowned at the waste of sweet goodness.
who embarrassed their kid for fun:
Eire is never embarrased on purpose. For any reason.
who’s the over protective one:
The state of the art alarm system isn’t over protective. It’s responsible. The motion triggered lights in the back yard aren’t over protective. They’re prudent. Cadence who sleeps in the hall between bedrooms isn’t over protectiveness. It’s safer. The GPS in Eire’s watch isn’t over protectiveness. It’s rational. The corner guards still stuck to the marble bar end since she was born isn’t over protectiveness. It’s common sense. The outlet blocks, the calling when you get there rule, the we have to mee them first stance. None of that is overprotective it’s just sensible.
No one in the O’Rian house is overprotective.
Not one bit at all.
Why in the world would you think that?
who’s the “take a sweater!” parent:
The words ‘take a sweater’ had never crossed their lips until they visited New York for christmas that first year Eire was old enough to travel properly. But the moment it did was kodak. Excited to see the snow and make snowmen she’d run for the door hopping into brand new boots bought special for the trip. Her mother half tripping to get a hat on her head (Auntie Jay managing a glove) as she runs by. A little hand almost completely round the door knob before a choir from from behind her has her stalling. All six adults standing in the kitchen with varying versions of stop right there written into the lines of half smiles and withheld laughter.
“Take your jacket!”
#brooklynislandgirl#morgansmornings#tarnishedhalo#[ tagged for mention ]#He Doesnt Know How Heaven Could Be Better Than Her || Beth and Luka#Traveling Soldier || Military AU [ Closed ]#Return to Sender || Answered Asks
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i am very excited for refactoring!! i already love the characters. can you tell us more about the main cast? like personality and interests and stuff.
AW YES IM SO GLAD THAT YOURE EXCITED!! i got this ask this morning and it seriously made me want to stay home from school and just infodump. im putting this under a cut since it will probably get a bit long i just kind of wrote down some fun tidbits and etc
mavis
absolute jock-passing nerd. she dresses like she Does Sport even though she did like quiz bowl and whatnot instead.
shes quite chill and thoughtful (its the taurus rising) but gets easily bored and needs constantly new forms of stimulation to stay motivated. she loves a challenge and basically feeds off of that kind of stuff. this really only cancelled out when its something deeply stressful (like being teleported to an entirely new dimension and all that). she CAN settle down into one spot and feel comfortable with that so long as she isnt BORED because GOD FORBID SHES BORED.
mavis likes science but especially astronomy, and despite everything shes actually really into horror movies and the paranormal too. a definite Halloween Enthusiast and also listens to lemon demon dare i say.
whenever shes stressed or frustrated or anxious her knee jerk instinct is to try and joke about it and move on. she isnt really direct about how she feels and whatnot and when she IS its usually via punchline.
silas
silas is probably one of the easiest people to read in the cast. its basically impossible for him to lie or say that hes doing well if he isnt. hes a very honest person and expects that kind of honesty from others also, and it becomes really frustrating for him when people arent direct about how they feel
BECAUUUUSEEEE hes also very empathetic. both of the hao siblings are but he goes about it in a very different way than catriona. hes much more like “I have to know everything about why you are upset or else ill die” because if he sees someone sad and doesnt know why it basically eats him up inside until he knows.
hes also a bit of a jokester not about his feelings or anything but just in general! rather than using it as a defense he just really enjoys making people laugh. silas is very sociable.
sometimes he can be a bit of a try hard.... he is really doing his best and i love him. him and lea and mavis all share a need to establish themselves as something greater than they are and his mainly stems from Youngest Sibling Syndrome with a side of boredom with his own life too. mavis and silas really bond over that but silas didnt really take on any escapist tendencies like mavis did. he pushes himself to take action and try many things and considers many paths.
catriona
she has a teddy bear in her room that she hides in a reading cubby because its still important but she feels that her image as Mature and Put Together matters too much to really share that soft side with others. and i think that basically sums her up as a character.
really just needs some fuckin sleep. she is fueled by various caffeinated beverages (her favorites being an overly elaborate coffee order and arizona green tea). shes articulate, but because shes usually running on 4 or 5 hours of sleep she can sometimes miss small details or starts talking faster than her own thoughts+stumbling over her own words.
shes a bit suspicious of other people because shes had her trust tested a lot. catriona is very like kind and warm still though its just that like... you know. if you wrong her its very hard to win her back and she likely wont trust you with anything again.
shes also much more of a “fix it” kind of person when it comes to problems. she will absolutely provide a shoulder to cry on when you need it but at the end of the day she provides very practical support by trying to provide options. she takes the same approach with her own feelings too.
kirabo
basically like “*softly* dont”. they are very cautious and dont take a lot of risks unless theyre absolutely sure that it will work out and there will be a benefit. however, theyre still optimistic and theyre always able to see the best in other people and in any situation. not really in that toxic kind of positivity way... but as in like they are able to appreciate the small things and whatnot
^ that world view is basically why they are so into botany. its very precise but its something small that you can really appreciate and see your own success in little by little. they also like arts and crafts.
they are incredibly diplomatic despite their initial virgo stubbornness. theyre really open to other perspectives and theyre very patient/understanding. kirabo and catriona are basically opposites in this respect and so they balance eachother out a lot here.... they are like bestest buds.
they are very big on like Emotionally Productive Self Care. kirabo WILL put on a face mask and will be like “dont @ me i am chillin”. and they will be like “enough is enough i am going to knit a fucking scarf a second”. they just have a lot of little hobbies to keep them busy like that because they are super fidgety. anxious energy... the mercury-ism
minka
absolutely hates being underestimated in any capacity. minka is fully aware of her intelligence and capabilities and expresses no qualms with it whatsoever. alot of her insecurity ends up lying in her social life and etc. shes just been through a lot and really just wants to share her passions with other people.
really likes to decorate and APPEARS messy but is super organized. she has that sort of “chaotic order” thing going on where she can locate something even if its under a huge pile of random stuff. she has lots of stickers and lots of color-coding methods too.
will do the “are we there yet” thing and the “why? why? why?” thing. mostly out of curiosity to see how far she can go. she is always so curious about how far she can go with everything. so once she finds company she basically never wants to be alone. shes very talkative and inquisitive.
a baby bi.... she is still figuring it out a little though
lea
a little >:3c and i like love that for her. she has a lot of charisma and energy and those are things that she really NEEDS TO HAVE with being a video game streamer and all but deep down shes just really mischievous and playful too.
i consider her a vriska by technicality. she has a lot of issues revolving around her identity and how people perceive her because so much of the time she deals with people projecting an idea of what shes like onto her. so alot of her thing is allowing herself to just be rather than feeling like she needs to put on a show.
^ shes actually probably one of the hardest people to read in the cast because of that. its not that shes not being herself... its just that she feels like she needs to be a pretty altered version of herself. the neptune in 1st struggle. she also kind of tends to have one foot out the door on everything but it makes her very adaptable. pretty much opposite to mavis in that its hard for her to settle down in any sense.
has a scorpio mercury but a libra venus so basically like “good luck my deep lovecore affections for you will be hidden behind several proxies”. also it just makes it to where she comes off very Intense at first as is the scorpio placement way. but really its fucking great and i love her.
trinity
well theyre a scorpio sun AND a scorpio moon aka theyre like “i will know everything about you but you will never know anything about me ever” and also theyre like *rebirth* *rebirth* *rebirth*
despite what the emotional constipation and capricorn rising may tell you they are seriously A Lot. they make very quick decisions based on any instantaneous assumptions that they have so deep down theyre just very emotional and impulsive. AND intuitive which is partially because they are analytical of others but all around theyre mostly guided by like Vibez.
their precognition is kind of like if you randomly started having dreams during the day and only saw them through your left eye. so more than anything they get kind of like... weird deja vu when they talk to people or go to places that theyve seen in their visions.
really they are just like. okay in theory by first impression they would be a vriska but in actuality they are a rose lalonde because like. come on. theres a certain self-aware yet chaotic and dramatic and repressed je ne sais quoi here
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Join Your Family
(I heard the slasher fandom likes self-insert fiction. Well, this is my first attempt at writing some! I hope you like it! :) )
CW for slurs and typical Sawyer family-related shenanigans.
--
You, like so many before you, had stopped at a dinky little gas station about an hour outside Dallas. You, like so many before you, had run out of gas and you, like so many before you, had groaned and despaired when the aging attendant told you there was no gas-- no shipment till tomorrow. So you, like so many before you, had taken his invitation to come home to dinner; the barbecue you had sampled while idly contemplating your next move had been delicious, and if the man could make gas station food taste good, he was surely a wizard in a kitchen.
So you said sayonara to your little blue four-door as you hopped into the passenger side of his truck. The man, though you’d initially been put off by his rough and weasel-like appearance, seemed nice enough. As you drove the short distance back to the house, he told you about his family, about his brothers and the grandfather they lived with. He ribbed on his brothers, offhandedly mentioned how they needed him for everything. You nodded and laughed. Yes, you commented, wasn’t that how little siblings always were?
By the time you made it to the house both of you were laughing. You stepped onto the front porch, but just as you were about to head in, he stopped you.
“Wait here,” he said. “I wanna make sure those idiots aren’t burning the house down or running around naked before I bring a guest in.”
And as he went inside you had to slap your hands over your mouth to keep from bursting out into another fit of giggles.
You waited patiently, watched the door, whistled softly. You were so focused on the door, in fact, that you failed to notice a rather unstealthy person creep up behind you. You noticed, even less so, the sound of a hammer cutting through the air as it made contact with your skull.
--
You woke up at the end of a shitty-looking dining table, three sets of eyes piercing into you. Still emerging from your brain fog, you groaned at them. Recognizing the blurry shape of the attendant, you asked him, “What happened?”
He wrung his hands, and even through the haze of your vision you could see his body pouring with sweat. “Now don’t you worry your little head. This’ll all be over before ya know it.”
“What will?” You asked. You got no reply from him, just a hoot of laughter from the second blurry shape at the table, and a burst of giggles from the third.
Something was wrong, of that you were sure. You wanted to leave, but as you tugged your weary body up to go, you noted that you couldn’t. You looked down at yourself and saw that both your arms and legs were roped to your chair. That cut through the fog very, very quickly.
You struggled against your bindings, but it was nothing more than a formality; you knew you were going nowhere. You swallowed hard, tried not to let the panic get to you.
“What do you want?” You asked. “I don’t have any money and neither does my family.”
“Money!” The man who’d laughed at you earlier, who you now saw in all his long-haired and crooked teethed glory, shouted. He seemed tickled to bits about this whole scene and that was almost the worst part. “I don’t want no Goddamn money! I just want my supper!”
“You won’t get a lick of supper if you don’t shut’cher ass up!” The attendant squawked, slapping the greasy man upside his head. “Honestly, you’d think I never taught ya any manners!”
Supper. You hadn’t noticed it before, but the mention of the word had brought to your attention a sour, sickening smell. Spread across the table were several plates of, well, meat. Indiscernible, unidentifiable meat. None of it looked especially good, and you could swear by the stench that none of it was good either. The sea of brown, grey and red-- pocked by buzzing flies and uninterrupted by a single splash of color-- made bile rise to your mouth and tears rise in your eyes. You screwed your eyes shut and swallowed as fast as you could, hoping they didn’t notice, but you weren’t quick enough.
“What? Don’t like supper? Does it smell bad?” The greasy man pouted his bottom lip at you, brows knitted. “Well, why don’t we just put you out of your misery, you poor, ungrateful little thing?”
There’s another hootenanny, and a fucking cacophony of obnoxious fucking voices rang in your ears. It didn’t seem as though there were four of you in this room-- rather, two hundred souls were crowded around the table, all of them pointing, laughing, reveling in the misery you’d yet to find the joke in.
From his (Her? Their? Its? You can’t tell really tell.) place at the table, the person with the oddly discolored skin rose. No, no, no, wait-- wait. As he approached you noted, it wasn’t a condition that affected the skin of his face, he simply had a different face on. You tried to get a better look as he walked behind you, but he was quick and your brain was still having some trouble focusing. You prayed, prayed to God in heaven that is was just a cheap, poorly made latex mask that he wore; prayed that this whole set-up was an elaborate Halloween prank that they took just a little too seriously.
He grabbed a fistful of your hair and buried his(?) face into your scalp. He stayed there for a moment, and you felt the vibration of words against your head, though you couldn’t understand a thing. Then he kissed your head, sighed in relief and violently tugged your head backwards. He mumbled something to the other two at the table, but he might has well have been speaking Mandarin for all that you could discern.
“What!” The greasy man shot up suddenly, pulled a knife from his furry pouch and pointed it at the man with the mask. “I don’t take orders from you, you hide-wearing sonuvabitch! I ain’t gonna waste blood or pity slittin’ no trespasser’s neck!”
The man in the mask whimpered and muttered something else.
“He’s right,” the attendant said with a sigh. “Technically, our friend here isn’t a trespasser. Just a guest.”
“Don’t encourage him!” The greasy man said, pointing his knife between the two other men. If you had to, you would assume these were the brothers the attendant mentioned, though they looked young enough to be his kids. You decided not to waste the brain power on contemplating that, electing instead to beg Jesus to forgive every transgression you could think of.
There was some back-and-forth between them, quickly growing loud and heated. You’re able to ignore it for a while, focus on the black space behind your eyelids and the sound of your own voice in your head-- until the blade of a knife is pushed to your throat.
“Fine!” The greasy man snarled. “We’ll do it your way, you pussy-willows! I’ll just cut out this little punk’s throat and then we can all shut the hell up and eat!”
The knife flew from your throat to point at the man in the mask, who at some point during the argument had moved away from you. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and get Grandpa, since you were too stupid to do it before dinner!”
The man in the mask, who you swear looked close to tears, ran off. While he was gone, the other two occupied themselves with another shouting match.
“Ya think yer a tough guy now, do ya, Mr. van Gogh? Ya think you get to call the shots around here?” The attendant spat at his brother, who spat right back.
“I reckon I am tough! Tougher’n you are! Sittin’ behind a counter and workin’ in a kitchen all day’s made you soft! Someone’s gotta be a man around here, and we both know it won’t be Bubba!”
“Big words comin’ from a man who can’t do nothin’ useful! Maybe if you stopped workin’ on your queer little art projects all day, I could find time to get my hands dirty again!”
“If I wasn’t in my right mind I’d scalp you, you old fucker!”
“You don’t got the balls!”
Your head began to hurt. Well, hurt even worse than what the blunt force trauma had made it. Luckily for you, the masked man returned back downstairs, pushing what you assumed was supposed to be a person, but looked more like a mummy. The idiots at the table fired off their last few words as the mummy was wheeled over to you, then the tension seemed to just fizzle out.
As his brother had before, the greasy man stood behind you and grabbed your hair, exposing your neck to the others in the room.
“Oh shit!” the attendant muttered; he briefly disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a large empty bowl. “If we’re doin’ it this way, we better make sure we save as much as we can. You make sure the cut’s clean and we can feed Grandpa for a whole month!”
“Feed him?” Your voice betrayed you; you sounded so small. “Is he gonna drink my blood?”
“Yeah, Einstein! You figure that out all on your own?” The greasy man said.
Something dawned on you just then. The drinking of blood, the weird mask-- the piles of meat. Your eyes flickered to the table. The piles of meat.
“It’s-- that’s people.” You muttered, your eyes still fixed on the table. “That’s human.”
You were surprisingly calm when you spoke, and not the fake kind of calm that can’t hide panic. If you were paying any attention to them, you might have seen that the men around you seemed just a touch shocked.
“Well, you’re not wrong.” The attendant admitted. “That bit of jerky you had earlier was too.” He said something about the meat being the finest cuts, but you didn’t really care. That wasn’t what was important. What mattered was that it was human.
You looked slowly back to the attendant, then to the masked man, meeting their eyes.
“If you’re gonna kill me, fine. But… I have one last request.”
The greasy man snorted. “You’re cute. What is it?”
“I want dinner.”
All the noise seemed to stop at once. The laughing souls dissipated, the noisy crickets quieted, the owls and night creatures ceased their sounds. But most importantly, the men were silenced. They looked to each other, dumbfounded, the truly unusual circumstances robbing them both of words and of actions.
After a long, quiet minute the man in the mask grabbed the plate from his setting, piling a little from each separate mound of meat onto it. Then he set the plate down in front of you and smiled nervously, lopsided. He looked away and began to pick at his fingers when the attendant sighed.
“All right, cut ‘em loose.”
“What!” the greasy man bellowed, much too close to your ear.
“Just the hands, you nincompoop! No one’s running away.”
With a great deal of reluctance and no shortage of curses, the greasy man unbound your hands and took his spot at the table. He pouted but you refused to give him the time. Before you dug in, you simply smiled at the man in the mask, who hid his face in his hands and giggled. Cute.
Unsure where to start, you simply plucked up what was on top: a section of rib, smoked and unglazed. The smell still wasn’t great, but knowing what it was, you found you could ignore the smell. You brought it to your lips and sunk your teeth in, a splash of juice bursting forth and running down your chin.
The meat, despite its funky smell, was delicious. It was everything you’d ever dreamed it’d be and more! It was fatty, juicy and tender. It was sandwiched, tastewise, somewhere between pork and mutton, but there wasn’t any gameiness to it. You suspect this had at least a little bit to do with the way it was smoked-- applewood, you’d guessed, low and slow. You think maybe it had been cured beforehand. You didn’t care, just like you didn’t care about the tears that burned the corners of your eyes.
When you finished the rib, you tossed the bone to the floor. Hungrily, your appetite whet now, you snatched up a fat link of sausage and devoured it. It had a nice snap to it, as all good sausages do, and you were sure they used authentic casing-- no gelatin here. There was a nice blend of spice inside, peppery but not too hot, with garlic and… something sweet you can’t quite place. Brown sugar? Maple syrup? Something subtle that offset the garlic. Again, this was smoked, and while it wasn’t as good as the ribs, you wouldn’t have said no to seconds.
“Is there anything that isn’t smoked?” you asked, curious. You didn’t hate smoked meats, but you wanted variety.
The attendant, who was thoroughly amused and laughing by this point, said, “Well, sure! The chops are pan-fried, and we also got a pot of chili in the kitchen if yer interested!”
Chili! Your eyes lit up and you nodded vigorously. “I’d love chili!” you said around the sausage in your mouth. The attendant elbowed the masked man in the ribs and he sprang up to get you a bowl. When he returned with it-- as well as a thick-cut chop-- you smiled at him, meat juice running down your chin. Curiously, he used his tie to wipe it away. You thanked him and he scuttled away.
The chop was amazing. This weren’t no deep-fried chop, no sir! This was fried in a cast iron skillet, in melted lard, just like your grandma made them! Rubbed with salt and pepper then dusted with flour, it was simple (and probably could have benefitted from some hot sauce), but it was still so, so good. Admittedly you wolfed it down, eager to eat, but also eager to finish, for the bowl of chili was within arm’s reach, and it was doing its best to seduce you with its warm, thick aroma.
You damn near pounced on it like an animal, for you were not unlike an animal in that moment. Any outsider with a lick of sense would certainly call you a beast. But you would disregard their sharp comments because you knew that, like you, they wanted to try this, wanted to rip into the flesh of men with their teeth the way they ripped in with their words or their knives. They could give you all manner of designation but anyone would be a fool not to jump at the chance you had.
So you cup the bowl of chili in your hands, let the warmth of it burn your fingertips to a comfortable numbing. You return it to the table and you indulge. It was good, you were thankful. The attendant mentioned that it was award-winning and you could see why.
You polished off the bowl and you cleaned your plate. Everything hit some previously untouched spot that you didn’t know you had in you, satisfying something positively carnal. With a pat of your stomach, you tipped your head back, marked yourself as spent.
The others took their time, finished in relative quiet. You focused on the warm feeling that grew and spread inside of you. You felt good. You felt fulfilled. It was so brief, but this was something you’d always wanted, and it had been glorious.
“Good?” You heard the greasy man ask.
You aren’t sure if he was asking if the food was good, or if you were. Either way, you answered, in a voice soft and plush, “Yes.”
“Good.”
You barely had time to register the sound of him standing before your chair was pulled out and his knife was plunged into your stuffed and aching gut. You gasped, unable to contain the choking sounds he ripped out from you.
“Goddamnit!” The attendant cried as he leapt to his feet. “Ya said you were just gonna bleed-”
“I was gonna till you pissed me off, ya old coot! Now you get to clean guts off the floor.”
Guts? You looked down at yourself just in time to watch him rip the knife upward in jerky, tearing motions. Oh. There were your guts. They spilled out of you, fell in meaty curtains from the bursting balloon of your belly. You can’t remember if you felt any pain, but you do remember feeling absolutely distraught that your stomach had ruptured. The only tally you’d crossed off your bucket list, wasted-- strewn, chewed and partially-digested, on the floor. More than any actual pain, that was what brought the tears to your eyes.
You reached down for what had fallen onto the floor, delusional in your dying state. Try as you might, though, you simply could not retrieve what had been yours just moments ago. Someone, watching you struggle, laughed.
When you finally realized it was impossible to put the food back inside of your ruptured stomach, you decide to try the next best thing: putting your guts back inside yourself. You knew you had to work fast, for time was of the essence, but everything had become so slow. You were trapped on the in-between frames of a stop motion cartoon, jerking your body in ways that even you could not consciously comprehend.
You gathered up your intestines as best you could and pushed them back inside of yourself. You held them, held held held, as though God might see your efforts and seal your tummy back up. He didn’t, surprisingly, and in that moment you knew your fate was truly, end-all be-all sealed.
You released your guts then, let them fall out haphazardly once more. Unlike the meat on the table, you noticed that they were all in lovely hues of red, purple, salmon, with pretty blue veins coursing through them, breaking up the single-color monotonies. Like a layer of varnish, they were all covered in this milky white veneer, which shown glossy and caught the light just right. You were beautiful inside, and it pained you to know that soon your insides would join in the sea of brown-red-grey.
As things got harder to process, the men at the table stalked in on you, grew closer and closer with each breath. They laid their hands on you, prodded and stroked and pulled and touched-- you think you felt the knife again, on your arms or in your mouth, but you couldn’t be sure. There was a small comfort to their touches; you didn’t think they were trying to make you feel better, trying to ease you into the blackness behind your eyelids, but they were and that was enough.
Maybe, you realized, it wouldn’t be so bad when they ate you. You would lose your color, yes, but you would gain so much in taste. Your meats would no longer be bland and wet and tasteless, unpalatable to anyone but the lowest of dogs. You would become peppery and sweet and you would nourish a family. What they didn’t eat of you would go to the hogs, and what didn’t go to the hogs would go to the dirt and the flowers, and what didn’t go to the hogs or the plants would go to the family.
In a way you would become a part of them, even if it was only for a little while. That was better to think about than dying. So when the voices and the crickets and the snuffling hogs, the men and the owls and the night creatures were all quiet on that summer night, you resigned yourself to happiness. You were ready to join your family
#Texas Chainsaw Massacre#Self Insert#bubba sawyer#nubbins sawyer#drayton sawyer#leatherface#My Own Writing#Gender Neutral Character
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Grief
{All Might x Reader}
//This oneshot takes place after the death of Nana Shimura. You and Toshinori are two U.A. students but you can’t help but worry about your best friend as he hasn’t been showing up to classes. Especially since he just lost his mentor.
//Art not mine :)
You slam open the door of classroom 1-A. Your eyes scan over all of the students in the classroom. All of them were staring at you in bewilderment but you didn’t care about what they thought. Your eyes landed on the empty desk next to yours. Your eyes narrowed ‘Damn it, Toshi...’ you thought. Your heart sank to your stomach, it was the fifth day that he’s missed school.
You already knew what was wrong with him, it was the loss of his master. You had met her several times and she was always so kind to everyone. Toshinori was very fond of her, stuck to her side like a loyal puppy, it was adorable. You were snapped out of your thoughts by the sound of your homeroom teacher. “(L/n)!” Your head shot up. “Please take your seat” your teacher motioned to your seat, third row, far right. You shook your head taking a few steps back. “I’m sorry! But I can’t! I have to do something” you shout over your shoulder as you turn back down to the hallway.
You began to run, shoes hitting the linoleum floors with a loud rhythm. You ran down the stairs the voice of your friends and teacher fading away the further you went. You were worried about Toshinori, you were his best friend and you knew everything about him, and you knew he definitely wasn’t acting like himself. You got out of the doors of U.A. and grabbed your bike that was parked to the side of the entrance. Then you were off to go and help Toshi, knowing that he needed it.
The wind blew past you, your hair flowing back behind you. You cycled to your neighborhood, luckily you and Toshinori met as kids. You guys grew up together and you guys lived fairly close to each other. You huffed to catch your breath and your legs burned from the speed at which you raced down the streets of Japan. You went past your own house and kept going, there was no point in taking a break now. Eventually you made it to a small rather plain looking home, a nice and cozy atmosphere surrounding it.
Jumping off your bike you soon realized that wasn’t a great idea as your legs felt like jello. You pushed yourself up and forward, ignoring the weird feeling of your legs. You got up to the door and pounded on it “Toshi! Open up!” You yell loud enough for him to hear. You waited around for a few minutes and scoff ‘I’m missing class for this...’ You thought. You walked around the side of the house and looked up at what you knew to be Toshinoris bedroom window. Picking up a small pebble you threw it at his window a small clink could be heard as it bounced off the glass.
Shuffling could be heard from inside as Toshinori poked his head through the curtains. His eyes looked down and then widened ‘(Y-Y/n!)’ you saw him mouth though you couldn’t hear his voice from there. You smiled and waved at the boy and watched him disappear from the window. Walking back around the house you got back to the door at the exact moment that he opened it. Without a second thought you walk forward through the door and hug the slightly taller boy. Toshinori let out a small noise of surprise, “What are you doing here?, You should be at school” he said and you scowl. The boy immediately shut his mouth as you shoved a finger into his chest.
“I should be the one saying that to you!, you haven’t been to school in the past week!” You said angrily. “I was worried about you, you seriously are asking me why I’m here?” You say eyes looking over the house. It was dark, the light turned off, the only source of light being the small amount of light shining through the window’s blinds. Your eyes softened, the place was a mess, stuff lazily toss where they don’t belong. A pile of ramen noodle cups laid empty on the counter. You pick up one of them, “Is this all that you’ve been eating?” You ask looking over your shoulder. He had a guilty look on his face, like a puppy that just got scolded.
You frown “Toshi...” you say placing the cup down. You begin to see his shoulders shake and his chest heave. His head was hung and his hair was covering his face. You reach up arms around his neck and hands placed on the back of his head. You pull him downwards into your embrace, his arms wrapping around you tightly. Clinging onto you as if you were the last thing in the world. “I’m so sorr-” you stop him, “Hush, It’s okay, Don’t be sorry because it’s not your fault.” You say rubbing the back of his head and other hand dropping to rub his back.
He let out a small sob, hands gripping onto your school uniform. “I-It hurts, it hurts so much” he said in his broken voice. You felt tears welling up in your own eyes. His face buried itself into your neck letting out more cries. You placed your head on top of his “I know, just let it out” you said soothingly. Here you stood holding the broken remnants of your best friend. You both stood there for what seemed like forever, his sobs and cries slowly becoming small whimpers. You pulled away and looked at his tear stained face.
You wiped away his tears from his red, puffy eyes. His blue eyes looked dull, no longer the lively bright blue they once were. “You’ll be alright, I promise, we’ll pull through this” You smiled. “Now, would Nana want you to wear such a sad smile?” You ask and your hands go up to his cheeks. You pulled the corners of his lips into a smile, something you always saw Nana do to Toshinori. Despite the tears in your eyes you smiled, you wanted to be strong for him. He needed someone, and you decided that you’d be that person. “Smile for her Toshinori, Don’t let her work be in vain!” You say to him and he nods.
You let go of him and walk over to the windows opening them up to let the light in. “Alright! First things first, we need to do something about this mess” you say gesturing to the wide open room. Toshinori stared at you with a bit of admiration, thankfulness and also a bit of confusion. “(Y/n)!, it’s fine you don’t have to do this!” He said but you smirk and put your hand up. “I’m not hearing it today! You’ve been so gloomy lately Toshi, and I’m gonna put a stop to it, even if I have to fight you” you grin and wink at him before turning around to begin cleaning up.
ヾ(๑╹◡╹)ﾉ"い ~Several Hours Later~ ヾ(๑╹◡╹)ﾉ"い
You fall back into the couch cushions beside Toshinori with an exhausted sigh. “Finally done!” You groan leaning You head back with a content smile. You and Toshinori were able to make the whole place completely spotless after a lot of hard work. Toshi looked over at you studying your features a small smile on his lips. You were always going over the top for people, being kind and generous, sticking your own neck out of the line for others. A small chuckle left his lips which caused you to open one eye and glare over at him. “What’re you laughing at moron?” You asked quirking an eyebrow up at him. Your attempt to insult him only made him laugh even more. “It’s nothing, you really haven’t changed have you?, You’re still the same as when we were kids” he said turning to look towards the ceiling. His arms folded behind his head as he mindlessly thought.
You smiled shaking your head “Of course I haven’t changed, neither have you, You’re still that weird little kid I met all those years ago” You said to him. “But, I like that about you, we were both weird in someway, I guess that’s just what makes us click” you say your heart skipping a beat in your chest. “Remember when you beat up that kid for bullying me?” Toshinori asked with a smirk. You nodded and laughed “I remember it just like yesterday!, the little brat got what he deserved, of course I got grounded afterwards and was forced to apologize” You trailing off with a slight grumble.
// So precious! Our quirkless little bean!
The reminiscing and laugher soon ended at the sound of a stomach growl. You definitely knew it wasn’t you and your gaze looked over and noticed a slightly embarrassed Toshinori. You stood, “Come on, I’ll fix us some food!” You say grabbing his hand. He blushed “N-No! It’s alright, I think I still have more Ramen left and-” You flicked his nose. “I’m cooking, you can either eat what I cook, or starve” you say “No more Ramen, you need an actual meal!” You hiss at him. He sweatdropped and let out a defeated sigh, ‘But this is my house...’ He thought, but he knew better than to go poke a sleeping bear and soon dropped the subject.
You began to grab vegetables and set them aside. You put the rice on to steam and then turned towards the stove. At the stove you prepared the pan and the meat turning the burner on a low setting so the meat could simmer. You glance over at Toshinori who stood there in shock. “Toshi, I would suggest closing your mouth, you might catch a fly” you joked and he blushed.
“I just didn’t expect you to start cooking a full meal like this! I don’t know anyone our age who knows how to cook like this, that’s all” he said rubbing the back of his neck. You smile as you chopped the vegetables up “My mom taught me when I was younger, she said that I was to make sure that I could take care of myself when I was older” you say putting the chopped vegetables in a bowl and placing it to the side. You grabbed two bowls and set them out one for you and one for Toshi. You went to cook the meat the rest of the way along with the chopped vegetables. Once you we’re done and the steamed rice had finished you prepared the plates.
“Here, Toshi” you say holding a bowl out for him “ I hope you like it!” You say and he gladly accepts it. The both of you sat at the table together and began eating the meal. “So, I guess I really need to thank you for everything you’ve done” he said to you. You looked up from your bowl “It’s no problem Toshi, You needed it!” Looking back down at your bowl. “You know you can talk to me about anything right Toshi?” You ask and he nods. A small frown made its way back to his face “(Y/n), Once we graduate, I’m going to be leaving Japan for a while” he says and your eyes widen.
“What? Why?” You ask and he bites his bottom lip. “The villain that killed Nana is still out there, That monster...” Toshinori growled “He saw me there on that day, and he’ll most likely target me next” he said to you. You saw a fire in his eyes, “I’m going across seas, to America in order to train for when I return, where I’ll have to face him” he said to you. You didn’t want him to go, but you didn’t want him to die either. Years in another country, your heart hurt at these words and you didn’t know why. “I understand...” you say looking down at your lap.
Toshinori watched you and he leaned across the table and lifted your chin up. Your faces were close, so close that you could feel the heat radiating off of him. He gave you a small smile “I love you, (Y/n)” he said leaning his forehead against you. “This day has made it even more evident for me, and I wish I had known sooner” he said and you blushed. Leaning your head upwards you pressed your lips against his, hand reaching up to caress his cheek. “I love you too Toshi” you say with a grin.
The next words that left Toshinoris lips made your heart flutter.
“Come with me to America, (Y/n)”
// Ahhh, sorry for the crappy oneshot! I hope you enjoyed it at least!
#toshinori yagi#bnha toshinori#mha toshinori#bnha#boku no hero academia#young toshinori#young all might#all might#all might x reader#toshinori x reader#mha#my hero academia#nana shimura#toshinori yagi x reader#bnha angst#light angst#fluff#fluffy ending#bnha fluff#mha one shot#bnha oneshots
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Love Don’t Cost a Thing
Summary: Emma thought she was living her happily ever after until she wasn’t. Now Neal is living his with someone else and Emma has a plus one option to the wedding from hell but no one to fill the space. Enter Killian Jones, devastatingly handsome male escort and the answer to Emma’s problems. She hires him for the wedding because he’s the safe choice. The temporary choice. Falling in love wasn’t on the invoice.
You can also find this on AO3 and FFN!
A/N: So this is a day late, I’m sure you’ve noticed, and I am so super sorry for that. These last couple of days have gotten away from me and my attention was on a billion other things. Hopefully this chapter makes up for it cuz it’s (fake) date night part one! Woo! Super huge thanks to @superchocovian for being an awesome beta for this story (her help was seriously invaluable) and also to @artistic-writer who makes the AMAZING art specific to each chapter for this fic. And she took time out to be my third set of eyes on this fic as well! Basically, she’s the best. And thanks to y'all for reading this! Your comments really make my day and I’m so glad you’re liking it so far. Thanks so much!
Chapter 4
Emma had taken the rest of the week off from the office, working from her laptop at home when necessary and forwarding her calls to her cell, but things were thankfully quiet. Perks of being your own boss. She’d barely been able to get her kid at the table with a bowl of cereal and a cup of reheated coffee into herself, looking forward to a relaxing morning before she dropped Henry off with Elsa that afternoon so she could go meet Killian, when there was a knock at her door. Groggily, she dragged herself to the door to answer it, regretting it immediately once the door swung open.
“Good morning, sunshine!” Ruby singsonged, grinning from ear to ear. Emma shook her head, not sure if she was actually seeing Ruby, or if she was hallucinating.
“Ruby, it is nine in the morning. How are you even functional?” Emma asked and Ruby scoffed, pushing her way into the apartment.
“I was supposed to work the breakfast shift this morning. Granny scheduled Ashley too and we were a little slow so she told me to go. So I thought I’d do brunch with my favorite Swans,” she said, making her way into the kitchen and ruffling Henry’s hair.
“We’re your only Swans, Aunt Ruby,” Henry said rather than a greeting, mouth full of Cocoa Puffs. Emma gave her son a warning look for talking with his mouth full and he ducked his head with a small smile.
“That doesn’t make you any less my favorite,” she replied, fixing herself a cup of coffee.
“I can’t, I’m supposed to meet-” she stopped short and glanced at her son, realizing she almost mentioned Killian in front of the curious boy before changing course and continuing, “uh, someone for coffee at two.” Ruby’s answering smile could have powered Times Square.
“Oh my god! What are you going to wear?” she squealed.
“I don’t know, just whatever, I guess. It’s just coffee,” Emma said dismissively, definitely not wanting to discuss her potential fake date clothes with the Queen of Fashion Ruby Lucas. She really didn’t want to discuss this at all in front of Henry.
“Just coffee?” She wrinkled her nose in disapproval. “Is it too late to turn this into a dinner date? Ooh, we could go shopping!”
“You’re going on a date, Mom?” Henry asked as he placed his bowl into the kitchen sink. If Emma’s eyes got any wider, they would have fallen out of her head. She looked, terrified, between Ruby, whose face was coloring rapidly, and her son, whose eyes were looking back up at his mother expectantly.
“I mean, it’s not really a date, per se,” she said evasively. Her son quirked an eyebrow, a behavior she knew he got from her, that said he did not believe her in the slightest.
“Just tell him, Emma,” Ruby said softly. Emma glared at her friend who looked apologetic but encouraging all at once.
“Tell me what…?” Henry asked slowly. Emma let out a large sigh, gripping her son lightly by the shoulders.
“Yes, I’m going on a date, Henry,” she said softly. Henry's face fell slightly.
“Oh.”
This wasn’t the reaction she imagined. She thought there would be a reaction, at least.
“Are you okay with that, Henry?” Ruby asked. Henry nodded, eyes cast to the floor.
“Hey, what’s the matter, kid? You know you can talk to me,” Emma prompted, kneeling to the floor in front of him. He brought his hazel eyes up to meet her jade and Emma was surprised to see there were tears gathering at his lash line.
“Dad is dating Tamara and he doesn’t want to spend time with me anymore. And now you won’t either,” he said, lower lip starting to wobble. Emma felt like someone punched her in the gut. Fucking Neal. She shuffled closer to Henry, and put her hands firmly on his shoulders.
“Henry, listen to me very carefully. No matter how many dates I go on, no matter what happens in my life, even if I'm dating, you will always be the most important person in it. I will always have time for you,” she said, meeting her son’s watery gaze.
“You promise?” Henry whispered. Emma nodded immediately, earnestly.
“Swear,” she whispered back, then seized her son in a fierce hug, which he returned just as tightly. Emma heard sniffling behind her and found Ruby with her back turned, wiping furiously at her eyes. When the brunette turned back around, her heavy makeup was smeared, making her look slightly raccoon-ish. Emma stood and faced her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think,” Ruby said, and Emma knew she meant it. She softened and hugged her friend. They pulled apart and Ruby looked at Henry, smiling gently. “What do you say I treat you and your mom to lunch in the park and your mom can reschedule her date for tonight, and while she’s doing that, you can spend the night at Aunt Ruby’s?” Emma made a noise of protest at the sudden change before her son cut in.
“Really? Can we stay up late and watch a movie? With popcorn?” Henry asked excitedly.
“Whatever you want, buddy. As long as it’s okay with your mom,” she added and Henry looked up to his mother, eyes shining brightly.
“Please, Mom? Please?” he begged and Emma couldn’t say no to the look on his face. If Killian was busy, she would just occupy herself another way.
“Alright, kid, turn off the puppy dog eyes. Go get dressed and then we can go in a little bit. I’ve got a couple calls to make and then we can go in a little bit,” she said and Henry whooped before running to his room.
“I’m gonna go clean all this up,” Ruby said, waving a splayed-finger hand in the direction of her face and the ruined makeup on it. “Be back in a sec.” Emma nodded and retrieved her phone as soon as she left the room to call Killian. He answered on the second ring.
“Swan,” he said in greeting. “I was just about to call you. Are we still on for coffee, love?”
“Hey, yeah, uh, so something came up and I don’t think I can make coffee this afternoon but I wanted to see if you were free tonight? For dinner…” she added unnecessarily. There was silence on the other end of the line. “What am I saying, of course you’re busy, uh, forget I asked. We can do something another time,” she babbled.
“Swan!” he interrupted. “I was just surprised, is all. I have no plans. I would love to take you out for dinner, on one condition,” he said and Emma held her breath. “You let me plan the evening.”
“I can plan a date,” she grumbled.
“Oh, of that I have no doubt, Swan, but I know how to plan an evening as well, and I have something in mind. Trust me?”
“Okay,” she relented after only a moment. “My son will be at my friend’s house tonight so you can just meet me here. I’ll text you the address.”
“Sounds perfect, love. I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said. Emma confirmed and hung up as quickly as she could, her heart pounding in her chest harder than she expected it to.
This felt a lot like a real date, and that prospect terrified her. If she was going to do this, she might as well do it right though. She didn’t know if she had anything remotely date worthy in her closet besides the red dress he had already seen her in.
This was getting too close to real.
Before she could expand on that thought, Henry, fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and Ruby, makeup now immaculately back in place, reentered the room.
“Looks like it’s just you now, Emma. Get dressed and we can go get some grub,” she instructed.
“Yeah, about that,” Emma said, pausing to chew her lip nervously. “What if we made this a shopping-slash-lunch date after all?” Ruby’s face lit up like Christmas.
“Of course! I am so excited!” She rushed Emma back to her room to get ready to go.
Eight hours, two pizzas, seven stores, and an anxious mess of an Emma Swan later, it was six thirty. Emma paced the floor as Ruby followed her around, holding up various pieces of jewelry against the black lace dress she was wearing. The gold slip layer underneath just barely peeked through the sheer black fabric, the skirt swishing around her thighs. The sleeveless design gave her the option to wear her red leather jacket with it, but she probably wouldn’t. It was warm outside and the jacket was a little bulky. She should be fine.
“I think just the earrings, don’t you think?” Ruby held up a pair of dainty dangling silver earrings and Emma nodded absently. Ruby frowned. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just nervous, I guess,” she said. Although, why she was nervous, she had no idea. This wasn’t a real date, as she had reminded herself several times throughout the day. Ruby smiled gently and fluffed the golden curls cascading over Emma’s shoulder.
“Don’t be nervous. You’re going to knock his socks off,” she replied with a grin.
“You should be gone already,” Emma said, diverting the conversation away from herself. “He’s going to be here in half an hour and Henry is supposed to be gone.”
“I know, I know, I just-”
A sharp knock sounded from the front door. Emma looked at the clock (6:49 it read), then back to Ruby. Where had the last nineteen minutes gone?! Emma looked at Ruby, panicked.
“It’s fine. It’s okay, just breathe, I’ll keep Henry in the bedroom until you leave and I’ll lock up after I go,” Ruby soothed and then darted off towards the bedrooms. Emma put her earrings in as she walked and opened the door to a sinful looking Killian Jones.
Clad in black head to toe, he looked every inch as gorgeous as the day at the diner almost a week ago. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, the button down front open a few buttons below the collar but above the ‘v’ of where the black leather waistcoat wrapped around his middle. His jeans were just on the right side of tight and Emma could see why he had chosen the profession he had. The man was walking sex if she ever saw it.
“You look stunning, Swan,” he murmured genuinely and Emma smiled softly back.
“You look…” she trailed off, lost for words.
“I know,” he replied, a cheeky grin creeping over his features and Emma rolled her eyes.
“I just need to grab my purse and we can go,” Emma said, turning away.
“Mom?” A small voice came from the direction of the kitchen and Emma felt her heart drop into her stomach.
“Henry!” Ruby’s voice came from the direction of the bedrooms on the other end of the apartment, but it was too late. Henry walked towards his mother, a green plastic cup of water in his hand.
“Is this him?” Henry asked archly, appraising Killian from head to toe. Emma flushed bright red and she sputtered a few vowel sounds out, not knowing how to respond. Before she could fully answer, Killian was sinking down on one knee in front of the boy.
“Hello, Henry, I’m Killian,” he said, holding out his hand for Henry to shake. Henry looked at his outstretched appendage for a moment before grasping it in his tiny hand that wasn't occupied with his cup and shaking. “That’s quite a grip you’ve got lad,” Killian said with a smile.
“Are you taking my mom on a date?” he asked, still wary of this strange man in the doorway, setting his drink on the table next to him. Emma and Ruby both stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
“Aye, lad. If it’s alright with you that I borrow her for a few hours, of course?” It came out as a question, putting all the power in Henry’s hands. Henry contemplated it for a moment.
“What are you guys gonna do?” he asked. Killian smiled warmly at him.
“Well first,” he pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing the single red rose in it that Emma hadn’t noticed before, “I’d like to give this to your mum.” He looked up at Emma but didn’t rise, only extending his hand to offer her the flower. She accepted it with shaking fingers. “A beautiful flower for a magnificent woman,” he said to Emma, adding a wink. Emma flushed the color of the rose at the display. “Then, I’d planned on taking her for a nice meal and I thought we would do some stargazing,” he continued. Alarm bells were going off in Emma’s head.
Did he do this with all of his clients?!
A soft “Aww!” came from Ruby in her corner and Emma shot her a death glare.
“Are you gonna kiss her?” Henry asked, face twisted in disgust at the thought of kissing, making Emma’s head snap back to the scene before her.
“Perhaps, if she wants to be kissed. But I promise to return her home to you no later than eleven,” he said, holding up his hand in a vow.
“That’s late,” Henry said. “But I’m spending the night at Aunt Ruby’s tonight. So I won’t be here. We were supposed to leave already but Aunt Ruby goes crazy when she gets to dress my mom up.” Killian laughed at that.
“Well she has dressed your mother very nicely tonight, don’t you think?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye as his gaze swept appreciatively over Emma’s form.
“Mom always looks pretty. But she is really pretty tonight,” he said and Emma smiled at her son’s words. Killian slowly rose from the floor and brushed the wrinkles from himself.
“Aye, that she is. I think it’s about time we go, lad. By your leave, of course,” Killian said.
“I guess so. But if you make her cry like my dad, my uncle David will beat you up,” Henry said seriously and Emma wanted to dissolve into the floor. Killian looked back at Henry just as seriously.
“I have no intention of ever hurting your mother, Henry, you have my word,” he promised. Henry seemed satisfied with his answer and nodded before wrapping himself around his mother’s waist. Emma hugged him back tightly, cradling his head close to her stomach. Ruby met them in the entryway and took the rose from Emma's hand to go put into water.
“Be good for Aunt Ruby,” she said, leaning down to kiss the top of his head. He unwrapped himself and gave her a small smile before walking over to where Ruby was setting the flower on the kitchen counter.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Ruby called out to them and Killian chuckled next to Emma.
“Nice to see you again, Ruby,” he called back to her, placing his hand on the small of Emma’s back. Her skin tingled at the contact, even through her clothes.
“Call me if you need anything, I’ll have my phone on,” Emma said and Ruby rolled her eyes.
“I’ve watched Henry a thousand times before Emma. Get outta here. Have fun!” she practically commanded, steering Henry out of the room by his shoulders, leaving Emma and Killian alone.
Emma looked up at him, frazzled to her core, before snatching her clutch purse from the table next to Henry’s forgotten water cup and darting out the door. She was thankful that went as well as it did, but she was still apprehensive about Killian’s reaction to the whole thing. She supposed she should have been more wary of how easily he slipped into the role of doting boyfriend, especially in front of her son and best friend, but on the other hand, that’s exactly what she was paying him for. At least she was getting her money’s worth.
“I meant it, Swan, you truly look stunning tonight,” Killian said softly to her as he walked closely beside her down the hall.
“Thank you,” she said, feeling his gaze weigh heavily on her skin as they got into the elevator and she pressed the button for the ground floor. “And thank you for being so nice to Henry. I really appreciate that. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“So I gathered, love,” he replied with a chuckle. “It was no problem. Henry is a wonderful lad.”
“He is,” she agreed with a fond smile. “But still, you shouldn’t have had to put on an act so soon. I wasn’t planning on having people over when you arrived.” He looked at her her, a puzzled expression sweeping over his face as the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened.
“An act?” he asked. “Did I say something wrong?” His genuinely confused tone gave Emma pause as they left the building. She stopped and looked up at him in the moonlight.
“No, no, you said all the right things, it’s just, you know, this isn’t real,” she said, the words feeling a lot more blunt in her mouth than intended. Killian’s face softened and a flash of something close to longing flickered through his gaze.
“I’m aware, Swan, but I didn’t need to put on an act. Everything I said to the lad was true, love,” he told her, and Emma’s eye widened as his words sunk in. Before she could protest (or run back upstairs and away from this), he replaced his hand at the small of her back and guided her to a car that was parked on the street. Emma stopped dead in her tracks at the vehicle.
This is a seriously nice car, she thought to herself, looking over the gunmetal gray and black striped ‘68 Chevelle parked on the curb. She shouldn’t have been surprised. A guy that looks like Killian Jones and does what he does can afford a car like this. He didn’t seem to notice how enamored she was with his vehicle as he swept around her and opened the passenger door with a bow.
“Your carriage, milady,” he said, smiling. Emma suppressed a smile of her own, thanked him softly, and sat down in the passenger seat. The inside of the car was just as nice, well maintained, and it all looked original. Emma was a big fan of the vintage vehicle already.
Killian came around and got in the driver’s seat, smiling widely at her, and started up the car. Emma clenched her thighs together at the low rumble of the engine. Holy shit this was a sexy car. About as sexy as the man driving it. Wait, what?
She chanced a glance at Killian, his blue eyes intently focused on the road, the sunset illuminating his features perfectly. The orange light highlighted the ginger whiskers in his beard and his hands were locked loosely around the steering wheel, his forearms flexing whenever they made a turn. He was painfully attractive.
In another life, maybe, she thought wistfully.
“Admiring the view, love?” He smirked and Emma blushed at having been caught staring.
“I was just wondering how a guy gets a car like this,” she deflected easily. His expression sobered slightly with the question and he took a deep breath.
“She was my father’s car. He left when I was eight. My mother gave her to me for my sixteenth birthday and I restored her myself,” he said, pride swelling in his tone.
“‘Her’?” Emma teased and Killian looked at her slyly from the corner of his eye.
“Aye. Sleek, beautiful, powerful, The Jolly was bound to be a woman.” He winked.
“‘The Jolly’? You named your car?” she asked and Killian’s cheeks developed twin red spots on the apples of them that sent a thrill through Emma. Now it was her turn to make him blush.
“Aye,” he admitted. “I’ve always had a fondness for pirates, and what better name for the finest vessel in all the lands than The Jolly Roger?” A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips and Emma couldn’t help but smile back as they pulled into the parking lot of a very chic looking restaurant Emma had never been to before.
Wonderland was a building made of glass and wood that was set against the backdrop of the nearby harbor. Emma was immediately taken aback by the upper class atmosphere. She didn’t think at any point in her life she had been to a restaurant this nice. Growing up in foster care didn’t afford her those kinds of luxuries, and struggling with Neal, there was never another opportunity. She did well for herself now, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to drop $100 a plate on cuisine. Killian seemed to sense her apprehension and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.
“Trust me,” he murmured in her ear before pulling away to open the door for her.
When they entered the room, Emma had to stifle a gasp. There was a huge chandelier hung in the center of the room, bathing the space in a soft glow. There were several people dining already, all of them dressed to the nines, leaving Emma feeling slightly inadequate. The black and white decor was very modern chic and there was a large white piano in the center of the room where soft music was being played by a man in a tuxedo, complete with top hat. Killian led her past the several people waiting straight to the hostess podium. There was a slightly bored looking blonde who couldn’t have even been 21 yet making notes in the reservation book, but her eyes lit up in recognition as Killian and Emma moved closer.
“Mr. Jones! It’s been forever!” she gushed and Killian gave her a fond smile.
“Grace? Look at you! I can’t believe how grown up you are!” Killian grinned and the girl stepped around the podium to accept a hug from him. “Home from university, then?” he asked and Grace nodded.
“Only for the summer. Freshman year was amazing, but I missed home. And you know Dad, he gets a little crazy when I’m not close.” Grace rolled her eyes and Killian chuckled.
“He loves you very much. And I’m sure he’s thrilled you’re home.”
“He’s around here somewhere, let me go grab him and we can get a table set up for you and your… date?”
Killian reached for Emma automatically.
“Where are my manners? Grace Hightopp, this is the lovely Emma Swan,” he introduced the two and Grace beamed at Emma, reaching out to shake her hand. Emma had remained in awkward silence to this point, but returned the handshake warmly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said.
“It’s so good to meet you, too! You are really pretty, Killian is a lucky guy!” she replied and Emma felt a deep flush settle under her skin. It seemed ‘tomato’ was the shade she would remain at for the evening at least. “I’m going to go get my dad. I’ll be right back!” Before they could reply, Grace scurried off in the direction of the piano.
“This is a lot, Killian,” Emma murmured after she left, shifting on her feet. Killian looked down at her, studying her expression.
“I know it seems that way, Swan, and I'm asking you to put your trust in me often tonight, but there's nowhere else I could take you that would be what you deserve,” he said so sincerely that Emma's breath caught in her throat.
“I've never been somewhere this nice,” she admitted softly.
“You deserve it, love,” he insisted, sparkling blue eyes boring into her anxious green. “And it's my treat.”
“Well, technically, it's mine,” she muttered, thinking of the envelope tucked into her purse. His expression wavered slightly at that, almost ashamed, and Emma felt slightly guilty at the unintentional barb.
“Killian Jones!” A bright voice rang out over the din of conversation and clinking utensils around them, breaking the awkward tension that had settled between the two. The man with the top hat who was playing the piano previously made their way towards him, Grace by his side, grinning broadly.
“Jefferson,” Killian greeted, a smile of his own in place, and the two men seized each other in a hug that only two good friends would share.
“It’s been way too long, my friend. How's Liam?” he asked, his tone serious, as they broke apart. Killian's expression turned slightly forlorn.
“He's doing better. Much better,” he said, something darker and pained flitting over his features.
Emma studied him, concerned. She had yet to see him anything but bright, happy, and flirtatious. Tonight, though, he had been an array of emotion, and she felt almost as if she was seeing Killian Jones for the first time. She briefly wondered who Liam was, and what happened to him, but now was not the time or place to ask.
“That’s very good,” Jefferson replied, clapping Killian on the shoulder. “Bring him in sometime, yeah? And who is this?” he said, not unkindly, turning his attention to Emma with a wide smile.
“This is Emma Swan,” Killian said, looking down at her affectionately, leaving Emma feeling unsettled and warm.
“Mr. Jones’ date,” Grace piped in helpfully. Jefferson gave his daughter an adoring smile before his grin turned sly as his eyes, then his head, turned towards Killian.
“Enchante, mademoiselle.” Jefferson scooped up Emma’s hand and bowed his head to it, leaving a firm kiss on the back of it. “Such a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well,” Emma returned politely. “This place is… amazing,” she complimented, gesturing to the restaurant.
“It’s my greatest accomplishment in life. Next to my Grace, of course.” He released Emma’s hand and pulled his now blushing daughter close by her shoulders. “She’s going to be a lawyer, you know,” he said, his chest puffing out with pride.
“If I survive regular college first,” his daughter said, embarrassed.
“Nonsense. You’re a Hightopp. You can do anything,” he scolded playfully. “Let’s get you two set up for your meal then, eh?” He turned his attention to a nearby waiter and gave instructions to lead them to a table. “On the house, Jones! Your money's no good here!” Jefferson commanded with a wave and a wink over his shoulder as he walked back to the piano in the middle of the room. Emma looked up at Killian who looked just as surprised as she felt. The waiter gestured for the two of them to follow him.
“I honestly didn’t expect that, Swan, I swear to you. I’m not trying to seem cheap,” he insisted as they walked, his hand once again finding its place on her lower back as if it belonged there.
“Killian, trust me, the last thing you seem in a place like this is cheap,” she said with a chuckle, trying to ease his tension. She felt him relax slightly and he stepped around her to pull out her chair for her as they reached the table. She gave him a thankful glance that quickly turned exasperated when he waggled his eyebrows at her. The Casanova mask was back in place. Instead of seating himself across the table from her, as expected, he chose the seat next to her, scooting the chair closer. The waiter waited patiently to the side, placing menus in front of them.
“What can I start you with?” he asked, pad and pen at the ready.
“Whatever dry white you recommend, and a glass of water please,” Emma asked, looking at Killian for his turn.
“Just a water for me, with a slice of lemon,” he said, tongue playing at the corner of his mouth, eyes never leaving Emma’s. She glanced down at her menu to avoid the intensity of his gaze, thankful for the cover it provided over the flush creeping up her collarbones. The waiter smiled and made his way to fill their drink order, leaving the two of them alone again.
The sounds of the other diners in the restaurant surrounded them, breaking through the silence that had descended between them. Emma hemmed and reached for her purse on the table next to her, Killian’s eyes following the movement.
“So,” she pulled the plain white envelope from the clutch and slid it across the table to him, “here is half of what we agreed on. Like a down payment, I guess? And I will give you the rest when this is done. Is that agreeable?” Killian arched a dark eyebrow and pulled the envelope to him, slipping it into the inner pocket of his vest. His face gave away nothing of what he was thinking and he barely gave the envelope a second glance.
“That’s fine, love, as I said. No rush.” He smiled at her warmly and reached over the table space to cover her hand with his, the metal of his rings smooth against her skin. Her brow furrowed as she surveyed his lack of expression.
“You’re not going to count it?” she asked curiously. He hummed an almost laugh and his blue eyes crinkled in levity as he shook his head.
“I trust you, Swan,” he said dismissively. “It’s not of any consequence. I’m enjoying your company and I don’t want to sully the mood by focusing on the business angle of this arrangement.”
“There is no other angle, Jones,” she reminded him. “This effectively is a business meeting.” Killian’s smile faded a bit at her words, but he recovered quickly with a nod.
“So you keep reminding me, darling,” he said, a sour note coloring his words that he was obviously trying to hide. Emma found herself equal parts intrigued and surprised that this continued happening when they spoke. As if he wanted more…
“Okay! Here are your waters,” a voice said, and Emma looked up to find the waiter had reappeared and was now setting two glasses on the table, one garnished with a lemon slice, then turned to wheel a bucket of ice closer, an expensive looking bottle of wine nestled among the cubes. “The bottle is at the insistence of Mr. Hightopp,” he said with a grin as he pulled it free, uncorking it with a flourish. “Would you like to sample it before I pour?”
“No, no, this is fine, I’m sure,” Emma protested, and the waiter didn’t seem fazed at all as he turned over the wine glass in front of her and poured. “That’s plenty, thank you.” She stopped him about midway. He smiled with a nod.
“Tonight’s specials are oysters on the half shell with a ceviche topping, and a smoked salmon and citrus salad with poppy seed dressing. Are we ready to order?” he asked, removing the pad and pen from the black apron at his waist and looked at them intently. Killian placed his folded menu near the waiter and Emma did the same.
“The salad is fine, please,” Emma said and the waiter hurriedly scribbled it down, looking to Killian next.
“Aye, the oysters sound perfect,” Killian replied.
“Very good, I’ll have those out for you in just a bit.” And then he was gone before they could even thank him.
“Are you sure you don’t want any wine? I can’t possibly drink that all by myself,” she said, lifting her glass to her lips. Flavor exploded on her tongue with just the small sip and her eyebrows shot up on her forehead. “Plus, that is really good.” She put her glass down and licked her lips, savoring the taste. She looked back to Killian, his eyes now a shade darker and fixed to her mouth. It was almost as if he had to force his gaze back to meet hers.
“Ah, no, love. I’m fine. Driving,” he reasoned with a shrug. “You can have as much as you like.”
“Trying to get me drunk, Jones?” Emma teased and Killian brightened at her tone.
“Afraid you'll find me even more irresistible after a few libations, love?” Killian's grin was downright lascivious. Emma rolled her eyes and took a long pointed drink from her glass.
“I think you're safe from my wanton advances,” she snarked. Killian chuckled.
“Of course, Swan. All business, I've forgotten myself,” he teased back and sat straighter, knitting his nimble fingers together. “Have at it, then. Tell me everything I need to know.” Emma was slightly taken aback by the change in course from flirty to business, but she cleared her throat and sat a little straighter herself before speaking.
“Alright, then. I think we should keep things as close to the truth as possible. That should make this whole thing easier. We met in a bar, you offered to buy me a drink, I hated your horrible pick up lines, but thought you were cute enough that I called you the next day and we've been seeing each other in secret ever since.” She nodded briskly, satisfied with this story.
“You think I'm cute?” Killian's eyes were glittering with mirth, making Emma groan.
“That would be the part you picked out. This is serious.”
“Of course, love, apologies. And what of this ex boyfriend? Neal, was it? What do I know of him?”
Emma shifted uncomfortably at the mention of his name, the jab at Neal's maturity not going unnoticed.
“Ah, well… obviously you know he's Henry's father.”
“And he is clearly a sodding imbecile for tossing you aside after ten years and a child together,” he nearly growled, and Emma's head popped up at his change in voice. He seemed to remember himself fairly quickly and smiled at her again. “Go on,” he encouraged.
“Uh, yeah. Well, nine years. I'd been with him since I was seventeen. Ran away from foster care and met him while I was trying to steal a car. One he'd already stolen and was sleeping in the backseat of.” She couldn't help the embarrassed chuckle that spilled from her lips and avoided Killian's gaze as she took another sip of liquid courage.
“No family, then, love?” he asked softly and Emma felt unbidden anger rise up in her chest.
“Hey, I have family,” she snapped, stabbing her finger into the tablecloth to mark her words. “I have a brother and friends and Henry and they're all the family I need. Blood doesn't mean shit.”
“I meant no offense, Swan, truly,” he said soothingly, taking her hand in his again and unfurling her tightly grasped fingers. He smoothed his fingertips over her palm. “I've little family myself. My own brother is the last bit of blood I have left. I understand. Please, continue.” His eyes were large and sincere and Emma felt herself relax slightly.
“Yeah,” she cleared away the tightness in her throat with a cough, “well, David's not my blood either. We were in foster care together. He looked out for me, I looked out for him. We reconnected after Henry was born while Neal was gone but I was stupid and almost lost him again a couple of years ago.”
“When Neal was gone? I thought you've only been separated for a year?” he asked, confused. Emma blushed again.
The waiter picked that moment to return to their table. He deposited their plates in front of them and quietly excused himself, seemingly noticing he was intruding on a sensitive moment.
“Uh, ha. I keep revealing these things to you out of order. Let's just start from the beginning,” she said, pushing the food around on her plate. “Just… let me get it all out, though, okay? It’s not a fun story to tell, and I don’t think I’ve told it to anyone all at once.” Killian nodded, his expression serious, and when Emma was sure he wouldn’t interrupt, she began.
She told him everything, from the fact that she was found on the side of the road as a newborn, and never met her parents, to bouncing around in foster homes, to allying with David, meeting Ruby and Elsa, to meeting and falling in what she thought was love with Neal. She told him about almost giving Henry up, Neal leaving and returning, cutting out her friends for him, and working her ass off for a better life because she wanted to give him what he wanted. She told him about Tamara. She told him about the affair and how soon he proposed and sent out wedding invitations. She told him everything.
By the end of it all, Killian had pushed their untouched plates aside and took one of her hands in both of his. She was trembling, having just relived some of her worst moments in life. Killian had listened in rapt attention to all of it, his eyes lighting up in fury in some moments, darkening in sorrow the next, even twinkling with affection and fondness when she spoke of her brother and friends. But never pity. And, true to his word, he never interrupted. It felt very… freeing to tell someone without judgement or fear of repercussions.
“So that's it. Now you know it all,” she said with a forced lightness in her words. She smiled tightly at him. He regarded her for a long moment and she tried not to squirm under his gaze.
“Tell me a good memory you had. One memory that doesn't involve someone else. Just you,” he said suddenly, taking her by surprise once again. Out of all the things he could have said, she wasn't expecting that. She thought for a moment.
“I remember the first time I went to the beach,” she said, eyes glazing slightly at the memory. “I was fourteen and I remember we travelled three hours to the Maine coast in a minivan that smelled like wet dog and throw up with six too loud kids piled on top of each other. The sky was getting overcast by the time we got there, and we almost turned around and went back to the group home. One of the counselors convinced the other that we came all this way so we might as well enjoy it while we could. I remember the second my feet hit the sand, I was running. I ran until my toes hit the water. I'd never felt so free and happy. It gave me something to hang on to, and I escaped to the beach whenever I could. It still makes me feel free.”
“That's what makes you amazing, Swan. You can always find the light in the darkness,” Killian replied, smiling warmly at her. She blushed, and picked up her fork and they ate in companionable silence, Killian's hand still wrapped firmly around hers.
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12 - Friends and Emotions
Max is leaving David’s house in the morning, after a good night’s sleep, and a big mug of black coffee.
“Can I ask something before you leave?” David asks at the door, and Max only nods in response. “Will you save my number and call me sometimes? Add me on Whatsapp or something like this so we can actually keep in touch?”
“I’m not really a fan of phone calls,” Max says but he reaches for his phone and unlocks it before giving it to David. “But if you swear not to send me lame good morning images we can talk on Whatsapp.”
David smiles as he enters his contact on Max’s phone, when he gives it back he makes the Camp Campbell salute. “I swear not to send lame good morning images!”
“You’re unbelievable,” Max says fondly and he leans up to give him a quick kiss. David melts a little. “I must go now, Christine said she wanted to discuss the new outfits and performances for the club today.”
“What is wrong with the performance and outfits you have now?”
“Nothing really, but she likes to create and Sid always gives her free reign of the ‘artistic direction’ of the club.” Max shrugs and smiles anyway. “Well, she enjoys it so it is okay to me.”
“Tell her I said hi, and that I’m curious about the new performance.”
Max grins and raises his eyebrows suggestively. “Do you want to see me dancing again, David?” To emphasize his point Max crudely grabs at his own crotch making an overly dramatic face.
A deep blush overtakes David’s face and he splutters a little before speaking.
“You are both very good performers, I am curious. That’s all!”
“Well, If I know Christine, and I do, she must have everything set up for next week. You should show up next weekend to check it.” Max’s demeanor is suddenly coy as if he isn’t sure David will accept his invitation.
“Oh, I will!” David says all too enthusiastic. “But just to make sure I don’t forget or anything, you should message me some time to remind me.”
“Loser,” Max says softly but he smiles as David leans down to kiss his cheek. “I really must go now…”
“Okay, I have some work to do too and I don’t want to keep you here too long. Don’t want to make Christine wait for you,” David says with a pleasant smile. “Take care, okay? And send me a message when you get home so I know you’re safe.”
Max is half annoyed, half endeared by David’s motherly behavior. “Yeah, mommy, don’t fret,” he says without much heat. “I’ll be careful,” he adds when he sees David’s smile turning into a little frown.
David is still pouting a little bit but Max quickly fixes it by kissing him, sweet and brief, before stepping out of the house. When Max reaches the gate he looks back and David is still at the threshold watching him with a silly smile on his face. Max waves him goodbye and David’s smile goes bigger as he waves back.
Max’s heart is full of fluttery feelings and he bursts into tiny fits of giggles as he remembers the previous day. He attracts a lot of attention on the bus home, but most people just look at him fondly - one old woman sighs dreamily once she sees his blushing and giggling. When he gets off the bus his ears are red with a strange sort of embarrassment.
When he arrives home he sees that Christine has taken the entire table in the kitchen as her workplace. There are at least three sketchpads, her laptop opened on a youtube video, and a box full of art supplies Max has absolutely no hope of ever learning the name and use for. She is deeply focused on the video but when she notices his presence she pauses it and practically tackles him as she makes a million questions in under thirty seconds.
“My god, Christine, don’t you breathe?” Max extricates himself from her clutches and makes it to the sink where he drinks some water.
“You’ve been keeping me in the dark on purpose, Max!” Christine whines and pouts as she sits back on the chair. “Seriously, I am so curious!”
“I know you are, let me enjoy torturing you a little longer,” Max says smugly which just makes Christine make pitiful little noises.
“Max, please, I am serious,” suddenly, her behavior turns serious and she looks at him with a worried expression. “Was he nice?”
“The nicest,” Max says as he takes a seat in front of her. “I mean it, Chris, he was absolutely… perfect?”
Christine raises her eyebrow slightly but the look on Max’s face is so soft when he speaks it placates her worries efficiently. She rests her chin on her palm as she studies him.
“He cut your hair,” she observes and Max makes a show of pointing to his shaved head.
“He cut my hair! And we watched movies together on the couch and he was so into the cuddling and watching TV he never realized I sat in front of him and not by his side because I was hard for him the whole evening…”
“Really?”
“Yes,” Max rubs his neck, a little self-conscious. “Can you believe it? And when he finally got hard he was so fucking cute! We were back at his room and he was still asking if I wanted it and he kept saying how good it was. But it wasn’t gross or condescending, it was just spontaneous, you know?”
“Max, you are so very much in fucking love,” Christine says, at last, a smile on her disbelieving face. “I’ve never seen you talking like this about anyone else before.”
Max doesn’t reply immediately. Is he in love with David? Surely he does feel something but he can’t call it love. Not yet. David has shown him much more respect, care and attention than he’d ever received in his life and maybe that’s why he doesn’t know what to do. He has never truly known affection, how can he properly gauge the situation when his referential is null?
“Do you really think I’m in love with him?” He asks in a small voice. Christine holds his hand across the table and squeezes it lightly.
“I’m sorry, Max, I shouldn’t have said it,” she says in a very serious voice. “You were very cute talking about him, and you looked very happy on the selfie you sent me yesterday but I have no right to label your feelings. David seems like a very nice guy but your feelings are your own and you have as much time as you need to figure them out. I’ll be here for you if you need but the conclusion is only yours to make.”
“He is very nice,” Max says defeatedly.
“He is.”
“I have to text him.”
“You do?”
“He asked me to text him when I get home,” Max picks his phone with his right hand, the left still holding Christine’s hand as if taking strength from her. “He told me to take care.”
“Isn’t it a little possessive?” Christine furrows her brows as Max searches for David’s contact on his phone. He smiles a little and turns the screen to her - the contact is saved as David *pine tree emoji*.
“I don’t think so, when he asked he had a genuinely worried look on his face,” Max types a short message and places the phone, screen down, on the table. “I think he still blames himself for losing me when I was a child, all that camp thing I talked about the other day, remember?”
“Oh, yes, when you were kidnapped by your own mother.”
“It sounds unnecessarily ridiculous when you say it like this, Christine,” Max frowns and Chris laughs.
“Talking about your mother, does Hannah know about him?”
“Not yet,” Max says pensively. “I’ve been meaning to tell her but I don’t know what to say.” Max makes an imaginary phone with his hand and talks on it with a nasal voice, “Hi Honeybear, there is this guy who took care of me for a while when I was a kid and now we’re maybe dating and I’d like you to meet him because he is amazing but the nuns would probably say we’ll both burn in hell.”
“Now who is making things unnecessarily ridiculous?”
Max groans and deflates. “I am sorry. I want Hannah to know about him but until I figure out what I feel for him I think it would be best to keep it to myself.”
Christine pats his shoulder sympathetically. “Take your time, darling. I am sure David can wait; and so can Hannah.”
Silence falls over them for a moment, both immersed in thoughts until Max suddenly stands up and starts to rummage around the kitchen cabinets.
“I’ll make lunch today,” he says, suddenly full of energy. “How was work yesterday, anyway?”
“The usual,” Chris says, turning her attention back to her sketchpads. “Guess who was there asking for you?”
Max groans. “Sam?”
“Ding ding ding! Right answer.”
“And what did you tell him when he figured out I wasn’t there?”
“Well, I’d have said you were home with a terrible virulent sickness that would make you untouchable for the rest of your life,” Christine says dutifully and Max thanks her. “Unfortunately, Ivan was there and he told him the truth.”
“Damn you, Ivan,” Max mutters with a frown. “And how did he react?”
“As well as you can imagine,” she says darkly. “He literally asked for the other client’s number so he could call and ask what time you’d be free and where he could pick you up.”
“Man, that guy is a lost cause,” Max shakes his head. “He acts all ‘oh look how manly I am’ and then he cries when he takes it up the ass!”
Chris snorts a little but she quickly goes back to a more sober demeanor.
“Ivan managed to calm him down yesterday and he left without incident but I swear I was a bit scared,” a cold shiver runs down Christine’s spine at the memory. “I hope he and David never meet.”
The same cold drips down Max’s back. “Oh, please, no!”
***
From: Gwen
Hi David! Are you free tonight?
To: Gwen
Yes *smiley emoji*
Do you want to go out? We could go somewhere new.
From: Gwen
Nah, I don’t want to go out *weary face emoji*
From: Gwen
How about dinner in your place?
I can drop by the supermarket after work pick wine and cake and then go to yours
To: Gwen
Merlot and dark forest?
From: Gwen
Of course
To: Gwen
8pm?
From: Gwen
Deal
David smiles at his phone, it’s been a while since he and Gwen got to hang out together. Actually, the last time he’d seen her in person was when she took him to The Fruit Bowl. After that, they’ve only texted and talked a bit on the phone. Once again the urge to tell her about Max starts to itch but he steels himself and starts to make a mental list of topics of conversation that would lead away from dangerous subjects, like the bar.
It isn’t difficult to get a long list, he and Gwen still have a lot in common despite the different paths they’ve taken in life. They rarely ever talk about Camp Campbell, but they have plenty to talk about their jobs, their friends, Gwen’s pet snake, David’s travels… The list goes on and on.
It’s barely past noon when Gwen sends the first message, so David has a lot of time to tidy up the house and cook. David enjoys cooking despite knowing only three recipes, luckily Gwen likes all three of them. Since she offered to bring wine he decided to make salmon with vegetables, a good combination according to the fancy site he and Gwen liked to scroll through when they were still dating.
David has a meeting with an editor of a magazine in a few days so he works on his portfolio until about three in the afternoon. After some deliberation, he adds two of Max’s photos to the file alongside with many landscapes and some product images he produced in the studio earlier in the week. With a satisfied groan, David finally turns off his computer and goes downstairs to prepare for the dinner.
Being a naturally organized person has its perks. Tidying the house takes him very little time, some sweeping in the living room and a little cleaning product on the floor of the kitchen and he is done. He turns his attention to the food after this.
He prepares the fish and vegetables efficiently and cleans most of the utensils he uses in the process. Gwen will surely ask to do the dishes since he’s cooking and he doesn’t want to leave too much work for her. She will probably be tired from her shift at the clinic and the traffic across the city to David’s house, so it won’t hurt to take it easy on her.
David is satisfied with his preparations. He sets the table with his good plates and a pretty towel and puts the timer on the oven as he goes upstairs to take a shower.
***
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, trust me,” Christine smiles. “Sid said we’ll have a lot of bachelorette parties in the next month, so we think an all-male performance to open the nights will be a good idea.”
“Okay, it makes sense,” Max concedes. “But you know I don’t like dancing without you.”
“I know, Maxy,” Christine pinches his cheek. “It is adorable but I need you to work with the guys on this one. It will be a short number, just to open the nights, okay?”
Max groans. “Okay.”
“Good, now, pay attention here.”
Christine shows him a video clip with a group of four men dancing in some sort of prison corridor. The narrative of the video is confusing at best and nonexistent at worst but the visuals are very strong, the beat well defined and the choreography amazing. And insanely complex. Christine’s eyes shine with a touch of maniac glee as they watch the video.
“And this is what you want us to do?” Max asks, incredulous.
“Yes,” she answers decisively. “I mean, we’ll have to make our own version, but this is the idea, yes.”
“They are wearing high heels, you crazy bitch,” Max deadpans. “You want me to sprain my ankles? Ivan won’t fill in for me if it happens.”
“Oh, please Max,” she rolls her eyes. “Just give it a try, okay? I’ve learned to walk on them, surely you and the guys can too.”
“I’d rather not,” Max pouts.
“Don’t be a baby, Maxy,” she says rolling her eyes.
“I invited David to go to the club next weekend,” Max says pensively. “Do you think we’ll have it ready until then?”
“Oh, you want to impress your boyfriend!”
“Shut up, Christine!” Max pushes her away and she almost falls from her chair, but she is laughing all the while.
“I don’t know, do you think you can stop bitching and work with me?”
“Yes…”
“Good! So, pay attention again because after this we’ll go to the club talk to the guys and hopefully have it all set until next Saturday so you can make David’s heart throb. And hopefully, other parts of his anatomy too.”
***
“Sorry, David, the traffic was awful,” Gwen says as she hugs David at the door. She is barely fifteen minutes late but she knows how much David values punctuality.
“Don’t worry, you sent me a message so I knew you’d be late,” they separate and David takes a good look at her. “I hope you’re not too tired to enjoy the evening. You surely look exhausted.”
Gwen rubs her eyes lightly but shakes her head in a negative.
“I’m fine, don’t worry. It was the traffic, you know how much I hate those slow drivers who think they are on a field trip in fucking rush hour.”
“Yeah, I know,” he smiles a little and rubs his hands together excitedly. “But you are here now, and dinner is about to get ready.”
Gwen smiles at him and there is something off about it. It is small, so subtle he isn’t quite sure if it even exists. This is a rare occasion nowadays, after so many years David and Gwen are pretty proficient at reading one another. David can’t tell what is more alarming if it is the fact that he can’t immediately tell that there is something wrong, or that something happened and Gwen is trying to hide it from him.
They move onto the kitchen and David decides to put it aside for the moment. Maybe Gwen only needs some time to relax and gather her bearings before telling him what is the problem. Or maybe after some conversation, he’ll realize there was nothing wrong to start with.
In the kitchen, he busies himself with the fish and Gwen goes to the drawer get a corkscrew to open the wine. She pours two glasses and sets the bottle aside before putting the cake on the fridge to cool down a little, the hot weather had melted some of the frosting. David places the tray on a heat mat in the center of the table and Gwen brings the wine with her as she sits down.
“How you’ve been?” She asks, taking a sip of the wine.
“I’m very good,” David says with enthusiasm. “I’ve just set up a studio upstairs. It is small, just a background on the wall and some floodlights but it is mine and I am very excited about it.”
Gwen smiles benevolently at him. “This is very good! Are you planning on quitting the tour guides?”
David frowns a little as he serves Gwen a generous piece of salmon.
“No, I wouldn’t be able to quit the tour guides,” he says fondly. “You know how much I enjoy them, but I want more options and it is important to widen my repertoire.”
“Do you have anything in mind?”
“I’ll have a meeting next week,” he tells her. “It is a new magazine, focused on alternative fashion and culture. I am very optimistic.”
“What a surprise,” Gwen says with a little eye roll. She takes a bite and makes a pleased sound as she chews on it. “Oh, this is better than I remembered.”
“Thank you,” David starts to eat his own food. Gwen is right, it does taste better than the last few times he’d made it. His good humor might have infected the food.
They eat in silence for a while. A few times, David is certain that Gwen will finally tell what is wrong, but she just shakes her head slightly and continues eating. He doesn’t remember the last time they had such a silent meal. David’s plate is still half full when he gently sets his knife and fork down to look directly at Gwen.
Her eyes are sunken, and she is looking very tired. Not ‘tired from work’ or ‘stressed because of traffic’, but a deep kind of tiredness that David is all too familiar with. It is the exhaustion of a person being consumed by a problem that seems too big to face. David had had this look for ten years, but Gwen had overcome it when she started to work at the clinic and made her peace with Max’s disappearing. If she is back at this kind of mental space, something really serious might have happened.
David clears his throat to call her attention. Her reaction is slow, it takes a long second for her eyes to meet his.
“Gwen, is there anything you want to tell me?”
Gwen looks down and she tightens her grip on her cutlery. Silence stretches between them, dense and dark for a long while. Gwen gently places her knife and fork down before cleaning her mouth with the napkin.
“Did I tell you about Simone?”
David frowns. This isn’t what he was expecting.
“I am afraid not,” he says carefully. “Who is Simone?”
“Simone is an eight years old girl who was abused by an uncle,” Gwen tells him with a heavy expression on her face. “She was taken to the clinic by a social worker because they needed her testimony on the trial but she refused to speak. I’ve been working with her for a few weeks. In fact, the last time we met I had to leave earlier because they needed me to go to the court see her for the first time.”
“I am sorry, this is a very sad story,” David says, genuinely heartbroken.
“It took me a long time, but she is finally talking more freely with me,” Gwen continues. “Two days ago she said she wanted to talk on the court because she was worried about Bianca.”
“Who is Bianca?”
“Bianca is her ten years old sister,” Gwen explains and something happens to her face when she says it. Her expression hardens all of a sudden, but the vulnerability in her eyes becomes more evident by the change. “Bianca went on a trip with this uncle one year ago, but she didn’t return. Simone thinks the uncle might have hurt her sister,” the emphasis on the word make her meaning clear.
David swallows dryly, any trace of good humor gone. He knows this is the kind of reality Gwen faces on her work, and he wants to be there to help and support her, but it is so difficult. It is such an awful, terrible thing, and despite being a different situation he can’t help but think of Max and how close to this he was during his childhood. David’s throat close.
“So, two days ago I started to look for signs of Bianca,” Gwen says. voice breaking. “And you know that I have quite the experience with missing children. I still remember all the sites, all the forums. I still have all the usernames and passwords.”
Tears start to form in her eyes and David wants to hold her and comfort her but he is too paralyzed to act.
“And since I was there I decided to look our old topics looking for clues about Max… David, why did you close them?” Gwen’s tone is not accusatory, it is confused and somehow betrayed. She is shaking slightly, her lip trembling and her eyes glittering with unshed tears.
“Gwen… I….”
“I am sorry I gave up,” she says pitifully. “I wish I was stronger but I couldn’t keep up with that life. But I did it because I knew you’d be strong for the two of us. I knew you’d never give up,” her voice breaks in a big sob and David’s chair falls when he stands up to go around the table and hold her.
“I’m sorry I abandoned you,” she says between wavering breaths. “I’m sorry I left you alone on this, I’m sorry you had to give up too.”
“Gwen, Gwen, please stop crying,” David holds her in a tight embrace and she weakly holds the front of his shirt in reply. “Gwen, you were right, I’ve never given up.”
“But you close the topics,” she whines. “Now you’ll never receive new information, we’ll never find him!”
“I found him.”
Time seems to stop when David says those three words. It stretches like molasses, slow and heavy around them. David’s brain catches up with what he’s said a fraction of a second too late; at exactly the same moment Gwen processes the information.
She slowly pushes him off, her face a painful puzzle of feelings.
“You what?”
“I…” David takes a deep gulp. “I found him.”
Check this chapter on AO3.
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hiya! if its not a bother, can you please do headcanons on how the rfa(plus saeran and v bc i adore them) helps mc out of a really bad slump. i've been out of it lately and it would really help, thanks!
Oh man, I feel you buddy. I’m sorry this is so late. I reeeeally feel you lolol ^^;;
Zen:
You have never been pampered like this boy will pamper you
Two words: Spa day.
Whether that means going to an actual spa together or sitting at home and letting him pamper you himself is up to you. He’s fine with either option.
Spa day, makeup day, hairstyle day, he can and will do it all for you.
After all, how can you be upset if you’re busy feeling beautiful?
The fact is that you’re always beautiful of course, but he understands if you’re not feeling it. And even if you are, it never hurts to pile more beauty on.
He’ll do your face, your nails, your hair, you’ll look like a mythical deity when he’s done with you.
Or, you know, exactly like you but with colorful eyes and nails.
He’ll let you paint his nails too, if it makes you feel better.
You can braid each other’s hair~
Once you’re all beauty-ed out, he’ll offer to take you on a scenic ride on his motorcycle too (as long as you wear all the proper protective equipment)
(Safety first)
Or he’ll take you on a relaxing walk around the city, maybe even on a picnic.
You’re not sure how but Zen knows all the best spots
Of course, your outing will take you through at least some crowded areas. Nothing boosts your confidence like having people halt to a stop to stare at you with awed eyes and slack jaws.
When you finally get home you’ll definitely get some massages from Zen.
He looked up a how to video online
You two sit together on the couch while he puts on whatever you want to watch
(Preferrably something he can sing along to. Bonus if you’ll sing with him~
And you can plop whatever body part is most in need of de-stressing right into his waiting hands
Take that as PG or R as you’d like
Yoosung:
Oh boy. He gets it.
You’re talking to a depressed university student here, he totally understands what it’s like to be in a slump.
He decides that you need to take your mind off things for a little while.
And the best way to do that? Video game day!
It’s the closest a poor university student can get to taking a vacation hahaha
On our menu today we have a light appetizer of some Mario Party, followed by your choice of Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros depending on what you want him to kick your ass in
Honestly he’ll play whatever game you want. He’ll probably even try and go easy on you.
Key word: try. He may or may not be a little bit competitive. He’ll do it for you though.
Unless you notice and are offended. Then he’ll stop.
He just wants you to have fun.
He’ll even let you be player one in all the games, because you’re player one in his heart E>
Yoosung stop that’s cheesy
Once you’re all gamed out and refreshed he’ll hold you and play with your hair
And he tells you that he knows you can do anything you put your mind to
So don’t worry
This’ll pass
And he’ll be by your side through all the ups and downs to support and encourage you
He’ll make you dinner too, to energize and refresh you with his love. Every night. Whatever you want. Pick your favourite food, he can look up a recipe for it if he doesn’t know how to make it.
He’ll let you help if you want. Cooking together is a great mood fix!
He’ll even find a way to arrange your food in smiley faces and decorate it with hearts to try and cheer you up because he’s a dork like that
Jaehee:
This woman lived in a permanent slump for years when she worked at C&R.
A slump formed of endless exhaustion and over-exertion
And yet even when she’s at her absolute worst she’s still the hardest worker you know
So obviously she’s the best one to go to for this.
Step One: Coffee.
(Most of Jaehee’s plans start with coffee, to be honest.)
She’ll use all the fancy tricks she’s learned from running her coffee shop to make you the perfect cup of coffee.
Some days she’ll change it up and make you a latte instead
Because she’s been practicing latte art
And how can you not feel energized after being presented with such beautiful art?
Especially beautiful art that’s filled with caffeine?
She also has a ton of little tips and tricks on how to make it through the day when all you want to do is scream into a pillow and go to bed
One of them happens to be scream into a pillow when you first wake up. Let all the frustration out so you don’t end up snapping and blowing up right in the face of your rich ass slave driver of a–
…Jaehee are you okay?
Ahem. As she was saying, stress release is very important.
She’s also an advocate for exercise as a form of stress relief.
She invites you to go for a run with her (she won’t even invite Zen to come along unless you request it, which is super flattering. She wants to run with just you~)
Even if you’re not feeling up for it the sight of her in a tank top and shorts with her slowly growing-out hair tied back in a short adorable ponytail and her bangs held out of her face by a golden yellow hairband that brings out the soft, gold glow of her eyes is a sight that would brighten anyone’s day
You tell her as much and her responding blush double-brightens your day
If you’re not up for it, she’ll encourage you do to some kind of exercise around the house.
Preferably while listening to one of Zen’s musicals, but she’ll put on whatever you want. She only suggests it because she knows one that’s particularly inspiring.
If you are feeling up for it she’ll make sure she matches whatever pace you’re up for going, even if that means not going above a brisk walk.
This outing is for you, after all.
She’ll reassure you that wherever you’re at right now, you’ll be back on your feet eventually.
Until then, she’s more than happy to take care of you, whatever that may entail.
Jaehee wins girlfriend of the year.
Every year.
Jumin:
Slump? What’s that?
“Slump” is not in this man’s dictionary.
(Which is kind of a lie, although it’s pretty rare for him. If there is work that he wants to be done he always feels like doing it, since not doing it would bother him more than his other problems do.)
(He does suffer from prioritizing other things over work sometimes when he’s stressed but that doesn’t really stress him out since he just? Doesn’t care about work at the moment?)
You tell him you’re just feeling really low, and that you’re having trouble doing the things you need to get done.
He’s like
Why don’t you just… do the things?
Forgive him he’s trying
He’s honestly not quite sure what to do?
First of all, if he can, he’ll do the things for you or hire someone else to do them. He certainly understands the frustration of things not being done when they need to be done
Outside of that, though… he’s not sure.
Tell him what you want and it’s yours?
He’ll make you strawberry pancakes even if it is dinnertime.
And wine, because, well. Wine. It’s a cure all.
Pancakes and wine, the finest of fine dining
At night he’ll hold you close and whisper reassurances in your ear until you fall asleep.
He’ll basically do anything and everything he can to fix the problem
(He’ll even rub your clothes with catnip while you’re asleep so that you get extra cuddles from Elizabeth the 3rd the next day. Kitty cuddles are another of his cure all.)
He might back down slightly if you tell him that it’s not something that needs to be fixed so much as it is a time you need to work through
Then he’ll switch from speedy problem solving mode to unconditional love and support mode.
(There will still be wine and kitty cuddles though.)
Seven:
JOKES
MEMES
PRANKS
~*~*Defender of Justice 707*~*~ will pull out all the stops to make you smile
“What do you call it when Batman doesn’t go to church? Christian Bale!”
“How many ears does Spock have? Three! A left ear, a right ear, and a final frontier~”
Yeah, that’s right, he’s bringing out the big guns.
Seriously he’s spent his life fighting off constant slumps using humour and damn if he’s not gonna use his leet memer skillz to help you through yours
He also decides he’s going to make you dinner
Oh God please no
Don’t worry, it doesn’t take him long to realize that he does not, in fact, know how to make dinner.
He does, however, make a kickass mac and cheese.
He knows all the tricks to make it perfect.
Adding just the right amount of milk, and putting real melted cheese on top...
Yeah, that’s right, he even has real food in the house. Look at him, it’s like he’s a real adult.
Except that it’s only there because you bought it.
He garnishes each bowl with a couple Honey Buddha chips. (You know, like fancy restaurants use those leafy things? Except it’s a sprinkle of crumbs and one single chip sticking up in the middle.)
Also he built you a small robot watch that generates one (1) meme per hour.
(It looks kind of like the Apple watch except the screen is shaped like a pop-tart/cat it’s nyan cat okay and the band is a rainbow.)
It’s called the iMeme
He also builds you a cat robot that’s sole purpose is to compliment and encourage you
(Well, “built”. He just reprogrammed one of his old projects and taped a picture of his face on the front).
It’s called the iSaeyoung
And he also–
Saeyoung stop building things
For serious though, he’ll support you through it. Whatever you need, he’ll get it for you. If you need a day off, he’ll arrange it so you’re both free to lounge around and watch or do whatever you want. If you need a shoulder to cry on, what a coincidence, he has two. If you need encouragement, he has tons for you.
If you need someone murdered–
Saeyoung no
Saeran:
Oh god you’re upset what is he supposed to do
When he’s upset he usually does unhealthy and self destructive things he has no positive coping methods to suggest (especially none that he can think of when he’s actively stressing out like this) and he’s certainly not going to suggest any of his bad ones to you
(He’s a hypocrite that way)
What do normal people do when someone they care about is upset???
Saeyoung would probably make you laugh
(Although he’s not sure Saeyoung is the best example of a “normal person”)
(It’s all he’s got to go on, he’s not exactly Mr. Popular)
“Uh, hey.”
Okay, so he’s got your attention. Now quick, think of something funny.
“Imagine if clouds could like… fall on people.”
…what the fuck, Saeran.
“I mean like, if blankets of cotton just fell from the sky and squished people.”
Oh my god stop talking, quick, think of a joke
“I-I mean… How do you make seven an even number?”
abort abort why is that the first joke that came to his mind goddamnit Saeyoung oh my god he needs to walk away right now immediately before you respond–
“…I don’t know, why?”
great. no escape now saeran, you have to answer. well, having friends was nice while it lasted.
His response is quiet, muttered out like he had to forcefully drag it out of his increasingly flushed stupid face with a tow truck.
“…you take off the S.”
…
He tried, okay? And it’s not his fault. He has a really good memory and his idiot brother keeps filling it with trash. He hates that his brain has a database of shitty 707 jokes more than you could possibly know.
But then you laugh.
And he turns even more red because he’s still embarrassed and holy shit you are godsend how could his shitty attempts cause such a wonderful sound?
You realize that this is his way of trying to cheer you up and the fact that he cares enough to tell you such an embarrassingly bad joke
Saeyoung is offended
is enough to lift your spirits even if only slightly
This is your chance to explain to him that you’re fine, you’re just… down lately.
Which gives him an opportunity to awkwardly ask what he can do to help, since he obviously doesn’t know. And he’s still working on this whole communication thing.
You tell him to just… be there.
And he nods. He can do that. He’d love to do that.
“And watch my back in case of falling clouds, okay Chicken Little?”
He doesn’t even get the reference but he is so red
It becomes an inside joke, which eventually leads to a day of Saeran sitting out of sight somewhere and throwing cotton balls at people while you point and scream “the sky is falling!”
Saeyoung is super proud
V:
V notices that you’re not feeling your usual self.
He almost immediately arranges a nice sit down conversation about it over tea
(V has the best tea. You don’t know how he can make tea taste so good but he does? Maybe it’s because he has fancy rich people tea?)
He expresses his concern for you.
He tells you he’s here for you, whatever you need.
He tells you he understands. He’s been there.
Which is a little surprising to hear, since you can’t imagine the man before you flopping down on the couch and whining the way you are.
(He casually does not mention that he has in fact done exactly that before. Just ask Jumin.)
But he’s had artists block before
Another surprising one, considering how great literally every picture you’ve ever seen of his turns out
Seriously even his selfies are goddamn art.
You ask him how he gets past things like that
He smiles and tells you to that you just have to step away from the situation for a while and approach it from a different angle
And sometimes it’s easier to do with a cup of tea in one hand and the hand of someone you love in the other
V how do you take pictures if your hands are full, huh?
…It’s a metaphor.
When you’re done your talk, you’re surprised by a sudden flash of light.
You briefly wonder where the camera came from, but it’s V. Somehow, he always has a camera within reach.
At your confused look he’ll give you a smile (you know, the one that looks like angels painted it on his face themselves)
And explain that it’s a “before” picture. He’ll take a matching one “after” you find your way back out of the slump into the sunlight. To show you how far you’ve come.
Hopefully his cheesiness and ever present faith in you will lift you up.
If not, then he’ll just be there for you to fall down on.
(You’re working on him not feeling responsible (and guilty) for all of your problems. He’s trying his best.)
Vanderwood:
Vanderwood would notice immediately that something is up with you
They are a secret intelligence agent after all
And 707′s babysitter
So they’re used to recognizing the changes in someone’s behaviour
(Not that they’re overly focused on you or anything
You’re just.
You know.
You’re there.
So.
Of course they noticed.)
…now what
They’re good at the noticing part. They’re not so good at the doing emotions thing.
They’ll just spend more time around you.
They show up at your door muttering some story about how they were bored or needed somewhere to stay or whatever
They bring you their favourite books (which is saying a lot like they only own like two books and they’re giving them to you???)
They kind of… awkwardly drop (read: neatly stack) the books on the nearest table with some excuse about how they’re a pain to move around from place to place so you should just have them
and then they just
Stand there.
Which leads to them cleaning the nearest cleanable thing
(One upside, no matter how down you’re feeling your house will always be clean. Cleaning is Vanderwood’s thing.)
While they’re cleaning they would talk without looking at you because that makes it less awkward
“This’ll pass, you know.”
Their voice is just the slightest hint softer than usual.
“You just have to keep on going and it’ll pass. Everything does. Just ride it out and things will get better.”
“And, uh. Remember that you’ve got people who can help you. Like the RFA. And you have m–…”
They’re red now. Their voice raises as they continue, as though the volume can hide their embarrassment.
“And clean your goddamn house once in a while! Geez, anyone would be upset in this mess. I guess I’ll keep doing it, if you won’t.”
They don’t mind, really. If you look guilty or anything they’ll quickly tell you that. They like cleaning. And it gives them an excuse to come check on/hang out with you.
They will not tell you that last part.
Also, while they suck at talking about feelings they’ve actually gotten pretty good at listening to them so if you ever need someone to talk to, Vanderwood is your person.
They even give good advice, Sometimes.
They have lots of life experience. Although their life experience is, uh. Not always transferable to the average everyday person.
It’s occasionally slightly illegal advice. But still pretty good.
#livtheweeb#Seven's jokes are my favourite jokes btw so you all better laugh#mystic messenger#707#luciel choi#yoosung#yoosung kim#jaehee#jaehee kang#zen#hyun ryu#jumin#jumin han#v#jihyun kim#saeyoung choi#saeran#saeran choi#vanderwood#mysterious headcanons#the crossed out lines in v's are what i would be like in a relationship with v#it would be exhausting and he would go gray within the year I'm sure
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Actually, That Was a Good Thing
The day has come for Peridot to return to her home, her mind more at peace save for the stuff with her mother. But she’s in a good enough place to be able to live with Lapis. With any luck Lapis also benefited from their separation and isn’t constantly angry.
You can also read this on AO3.
Chapter 8
“Are you sure you’re ready to go back?” Garnet peered over her sunglasses at Peridot’s reflection in the rear-view mirror. “You can stay for longer.”
“Thanks but no thanks, as odd as it sounds I miss Lapis,” Peridot kissed Max. “And I think this little guy does too.”
Garnet raised an eyebrow. “Okay, but remember, you’re welcome back any time.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Good.”
The rest of the car ride was largely silent apart from the radio, Garnet’s not much of a talker and Peridot’s fine with silence.
Garnet parked infront of Peridot’s duplex and helped her bring her belongings inside.
Max immediately ran off to find Lapis, it took a bit for her to come. She smiled when she saw Peridot.
“It’s good to see you again.”
Peridot returned the smile. “Good to see you too. How are you feeling?”
“Not bad actually,” Lapis replied. “I broke up with my girlfriend.”
“I kind of had a feeling, you got another piercing.”
Sure enough, an eyebrow piercing was added to Lapis’ extensive collection.
“Geeze, didn’t know I was rooming with Sherlock Holmes,” Lapis said with a smirk.
Peridot laughed. “It actually took a few breakups for me to figure that out.”
“So you’re saying you should stick to coding?”
“Yeah probably.”
The two shared a light-hearted chuckle but not for long. As soon as Garnet came in Lapis’ expression darkened.
“What is she doing here?” Lapis snarled.
“Lapis,” Garnet remained calm.
“I’m a bit lost,” Peridot was caught in the middle.
“She is why I was falsely imprisoned FOR MONTHS!”
“Which I deeply apologize for,” Garnet was unfazed. “Even a day would have been too long.”
This didn’t calm Lapis down a bit, if anything she got even angrier.
“Calm down,” Peridot put her hands on Lapis’ shoulders. “Let’s talk about this.”
“What is there to talk about?” Lapis snapped at Peridot. “Why do you even know her anyway?!”
“Amethyst lives with Garnet.”
“Lives wi- seriously?! You’re dating one of my enemies!”
“Wha-” Peridot was taken aback, “-enemy? Amethyst had nothing to do with that! She just lives with someone who made a mistake. And Garnet apologized and I’m sure she cleared your name.”
“I did,” Garnet was as calm as always. “Lapis, you shouldn’t take this out on Peridot. She didn’t know, and neither does Amethyst.”
“Rumours spread, people talk, especially in this tiny-ass town! Nobody will hire me!”
“That’s very unfortunate.”
“Ya think?!”
“Maybe I should make us tea,” Peridot said awkwardly. “You two can sit down and talk and sort this out.”
“Tea doesn’t fix everything!” Lapis was livid.
“I know but talking will,” it took a lot of fortitude for Peridot to stay calm. “This likely won’t be the only time you two will see each other. You need to get to the point where you can look at her.”
“Tea sound nice,” at least Garnet agreed.
“Stop being so calm, it pissed me off!” The other party... not so much.
“And you need to calm down,” Garnet’s tone actually changed. “Your roommate is doing what she can to absolve this. But that won’t work if you don’t make an effort.”
Lapis gave in. “Fine, I’ll do it for Peridot. I’ll be civil. But I’ll never forgive you.”
Garnet shrugged. “I’ll take what I can.”
The shrug didn’t help Lapis’ mood one bit. But she did agree to be civil.
It didn’t take long for Peridot to pass tea around to everyone, but that stretch of time was tense to say the least.
Lapis took a sip of the tea. “You’re too good at this, you made my favourite.”
Peridot smiled. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”
“Yeah, because you’re living with a crappy person.”
“Don’t say that. And it’s not like you’re the only person I’ve played therapist for.”
Lapis sank into the couch with her arms crossed, she glowered at Garnet. “So, where should we start?”
“We could talk about what you’ve been up to,” Garnet replied and took a sip of the tea. “Tea’s lovely by the way.”
“Nothing. I paint pictures and sell them, I can’t get a job but at least people will buy my art,” it took a lot for Lapis to not snap at Garnet.
“It’s better than nothing.”
You could cut the tension with a knife, Peridot tried to ease it a bit. “Lapis, why don’t you show Garnet some of your paintings? Who knows, maybe she knows somebody who might be interested.”
“It’s possible,” Garnet said.
Lapis’ eyes narrowed. “No, I’m not that desperate.”
“That’s a shame,” Garnet’s tone was as even as ever.
The room got quiet again.
It lasted an excruciating ten minutes until Garnet stood up.
“Thank you for the tea. I need to go to work.”
“Oh, okay, bye Garnet,” Peridot waved.
“Goodbye Peridot, Lapis.”
Lapis didn’t say anything and Garnet left.
Peridot sighed. “That could’ve gone better... then again, it could have gone worse too.”
“I guess she’s not completely horrible,” Lapis muttered. “Still infuriating though. Does her tone ever change?”
“Nope,” Peridot replied with a giggle. “That’s just one of her quirks. I can see how it annoys you.”
“And you spend three days with her.”
“You know I enjoy my silence. Garnet’s great to have around when you’re reading or working.”
“I’ll bet.”
“So, are you ready to talk about why you broke up with your last girlfriend?”
Lapis rolled her eyes. “You’ve always sucked at changing subjects. And you know why we broke up. We were really bad for each other. I took everything out on her. At first she yelled back but eventually she stopped and started to practically grovel at my feet. It made me feel like garbage and confused me so I decided to break it off.”
“Do you know why her grovelling made you feel bad?”
“Probably because I’m horrible enough to break somebody. I broke you too.”
“You didn’t break me, we were both going through some things so I needed to step away for a bit to regroup.”
“How’s your aunt doing anyway?”
“She’s stable,” Peridot frowned. “I’d like to visit her but it’s just not in the budget. My grandma and dad have been keeping me up-to-date at least.”
“Being broke sucks.”
Peridot nodded to the sentiment.
“Well, she’s your aunt, if your stubbornness and tenacity are genetic I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“The women of the Diamont family don’t die easily, that’s for sure.”
Lapis snorted. “The name doesn’t lie.”
“There’s actually an interesting story about how they got that name...”
The rest of the day continued like nothing had happened.
Peridot slowly opened her eyes feeling like something was missing. Without thinking about it she glanced to her side.
It was then that she realized that the ‘something missing’ was Amethyst’s body not being next to her.
Funny, how quickly she got used to her girlfriend’s presence.
With a small sigh Peridot gently coaxed Max off of her tummy then checked her phone.
Amethyst’s never up this early but she could have sent something very late at night.
Sure enough, she did.
Ams: How was you fist day back home?
Peridot smiled and sent her reply.
Peridot: FINE GARNET MADE THINGS A BIT MESSY BUT LAPIS GOT OVER IT QUICKLY ENOUGH
She read and re-read the text hoping to catch any errors. But she was still groggy.
Peridot decided that if Amethyst couldn’t read it she would ask for clarification.
After a few of her morning stretches Peridot put her foot on then headed for the kitchen.
On the way there she looked to see if the light to Lapis’ art room was on.
It wasn’t.
With a frown Peridot stood outside of Lapis’ bedroom door and listened.
It was silent.
Did Lapis disappear again?
That wouldn’t be good... Lapis tends to get into trouble when she does that.
Max started wagging his tail like crazy and bounced his way to the kitchen with Peridot close behind.
In the kitchen was Lapis mixing something a bowl near the counter.
Lapis hardly ever makes breakfast...
“Good morning Lapis,” Peridot was careful not to startle her. “Have you gotten any sleep yet?”
“Yep,” Lapis almost looked cheery. “I went to bed just after and and it only took two hours to fall asleep.” Her new cheeriness faltered a bit. “I’m trying to be less of a piece of shit. Maybe then I’ll be able to successfully date.
“You’re not a piece of filth.”
Lapis burst out laughing. “You’re physically unable to swear, aren’t you?”
Peridot giggled. “That’s just my upbringing.” Her expression turned serious. “You know, you don’t have to completely change yourself to find the right partner.”
“Isn’t that what you did?”
“I re-evaluated and changed myself for my own sake. The constant anger and frustration on top of all my stress was bad for me. And lashing out just made me lonely which didn’t help my mental state either.”
“Maybe that’s why I want to change too.”
“The fact that you brought up dating worried me is all.”
Lapis sighed. “Yeah. That’s part of it. But yeah, all the anger and frustration sucks. I’m done with it.” The fatigue of years of lashing out and anger showed on her features. “I’m tired, Peridot.”
Peridot hugged Lapis. “I know, it’s exhausting. If there’s anything I can do to help, just tell me.”
Lapis’ body stayed limp. “Just teach me how you relax. I’ll try anything.”
“I already have, but you’re welcome to join me. Just keep in mind that not everything will for for everyone. There’s no magic cure or formula.”
“I won’t ever get better, will I?”
“You’ll always have good days and bad days,” Peridot conceded. “Depression doesn’t just go away. Your goal should be to have more good days than bad.”
“Geeze, you’re not very optimistic, are you?”
“I’m a realist.”
Lapis smiled. “I might need a realist right about now.”
“I’d be happy to be your realist.”
“Thanks Peridot.”
They ended their hug and Lapis put pancakes on the griddle.
They were delicious.
The day was mostly normal but Lapis hung around Peridot more than usual to get a better feel for what she does in her day.
It was really boring, Lapis decided that a life like Peridot’s would probably drive her nuts.
The horrible headache from being up so early didn’t help matters either.
Lapis, Peridot, and Max watched TV together in the evening.
“How do you do it?” Lapis asked. “How do you wake up every morning at eight, go through your boring routine, then go to bed at eleven?”
“Well, my life’s always been regimented so it’s pretty easy for me,” Peridot raised an eyebrow. “And my routine isn’t boring, I played with Max and after our shows I’ll play video games.”
“Okay fine, playing with Max was fun; but everything else,” Lapis blew a raspberry.
“Rome wasn’t build in a day, changing your lifestyle won’t be easy.”
“I dunno, maybe copying you isn’t how I should do things. You just have everything sorted out so I thought that if I did what you do I can be like that too.”
Peridot had one of those smug little smirks of hers on her face. “I’m glad you realized that. Take cues from my life but don’t copy me exactly. You need to find your own way.”
“I hate this,” Lapis groaned. “My life wasn’t always complete shit but one little thing kicked off this spiral down the toilet.”
“Ah, that was almost poetic. Perhaps you can unwind by writing proses.”
“Fuck off you smartassed gremlin,” Lapis started to chuckle. “You’re the only decent thing to happen to me. Max looked up at Lapis, she sighed a good-natured sigh. “And the dog too. Can’t believe that mop wriggled its way into my heart.”
“D’am, you love us.”
“I can still kick you out, you know.”
Peridot didn’t retort like she normally would and this set off warning bells in Lapis’ head.
“Hey, something happen?”
“Not yet, my mother used to tell me that she’d make me ‘disappear’ whenever I didn’t meet her standards, and you reminded me of that just now.”
“But I’ve made that joke before.”
A heavy sigh. “My mother’s been on my mind lately. She might be coming to town.”
Lapis sat up with her back straight. “Oh shit. You don’t know for sure though, right?”
“No, I don’t. But the possibility is looming over me,” Peridot’s expression showed a tiny bit of hope. “It’s been over a decade, maybe she’s changed and wants to apologize. I could just be getting worked-up over nothing.”
There was no hope on Lapis’ face. “Anything’s possible but I don’t think somebody that awful can change. You need to be careful.”
“I know, I’ll minimize how much I travel alone, and if she arranges to meet me I’ll take precautions. But she’s so big, Lapis. I don’t know anybody who can protect me from her.”
“You could always get a gun.”
“I’d probably hurt myself or somebody innocent. Or go to jail! She can afford better lawyers than I can!”
“You wouldn’t have to fire it, just point it at her to scare her off.”
“Lawyers, Lapis!”
Lapis raised her hands. “Okay, okay, no gun. Just stay near people for the next while. And you’re practically a hermit anyway so she can’t get to you.”
“I... I know, I’m being irrational, I-I just-”
Lapis put her hand on Peridot’s shoulder. “It’s okay, I’d probably react the same way if a certain ex of mine told me she’s coming to town. Your mother did terrible things so being scared is natural.”
Peridot sniffled and wiped her eye with the heel of her hand.
“Look, I know things suck right now and you’re scared,” Lapis blushed, “but there are people here for you. You’ll be fine.”
Without a thought Peridot hugged Lapis very tight. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Lapis’ blush got worse. “Now why don’t you take your mind off of it? Poor Max’ll have his work cut out for him if you don’t cheer up a bit.”
Peridot released her grip on Lapis. “You’re right,” she kissed Max on the head, “he’s good at his job but there’s no reason I shouldn’t try to make it easier for him.”
“Okay,” Lapis grabbed a controller, “what game do you want to play?”
Peridot made her choice and they played until late in the night.
Jaune Diamont’s possible arrival still lingered in the backs of their minds.
But the gaming session did ease it some.
As Peridot was brushing her teeth she heard her phone ringing. She rushed out of the washroom and answered it.
“Hello?” In her rush she didn’t spit out the toothpaste.
“Peridot?”
Peridot pulled her phone away from her mouth so she could spit. “Hey dad.”
“Did I call at a bad time?”
“No, I was just in the middle of brushing my teeth. So, uh, how are you?”
“I’m doing well,” he sighed, “but I have news. Some good and some bad. Which should I start with?”
“You know I like to end on a high note.”
“Okay,” he paused. “How do I say this? Well, your mother’s company is opening a store in Ocean Town now that it’s not on fire. Your grandma told me that Jaune knows you’re in Beach City so there’s a chance that she’ll show up.” Angel sounded as nervous as Peridot’s been feeling.
“I actually already knew that she knows where I live,” fear sat in the pit of Peridot’s stomach. “But I didn’t know about the store.”
“Please dear, be careful. I can’t help you and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt again.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t plan on walking alone and the residents of Beach City take care of each other.”
“You’re not scared?”
“Oh I’m terrified, but panicking won’t help anything. What will help is careful planning.”
Angel let out a sigh of relief. “You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders. But please keep me up to date. I’ve never met your friends so I can’t help worrying.”
“Garnet is a police officer and don’t ask me how, but the mayor owes Steven some favours. I have friends in high places.”
“Sorry, who’s Steven again?”
“He’s,” this explanation was actually kind of tricky. “It’s complicated. He’s the son of Amethyst’s friend but this friend died so Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl are his guardians. But not technically because his dad has custody. But it’s hard to raise a child in a van so Steven doesn’t live with him.”
“Why does the father live in a van?”
“Honestly I have no idea. Apparently he sees no need to live in a house. Steven visits almost every day so he still spends time with his son.” Peridot laughed. “I somehow got myself involved with a ‘unique’ family.”
“Sounds like it. Oh! Speaking of family, how about I give you the good news?”
Peridot smiled. “Does it involve Aunt Auréle?”
“You’ve got it,” Angel was obviously smiling. “She gets released from the hospital tomorrow. Auréle made a full recovery, which is amazing considering her age.”
“I’m glad to hear it. That’s actually a lot off my mind.”
“I had a feeling it would be. Well, I should probably let you go. It’s kind of late where you are. And I just got home from work so I need to eat.”
“Oh, okay. Goodnight, love you.”
“I love you too, goodnight sweetie.”
Peridot hung up with her spirits lifted.
Her mother’s arrival being practically confirmed sucked but at least things weren’t all bad.
Maybe she could pull through like her aunt did.
#SU Fanfic#Amedot#Perithyst#SU Amethyst#SU Peridot#SU Garnet#SU Lapis Lazuli#Human AU#Kujo Writes#Not Such a Bad Thing Universe
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