#and i haven't met anyone outside of my family for over a year

[ijustwant2write]

Reunion Of Sorts-Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader

(GIF credit to @mrsbridgerton)

Requested by anonymous: ‘Hi! If your requests are open I'd love to request an Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader where the reader's Simon's sister. Prompts 14 and 15 please? Thank you so much, your works are amazing!’

14) 'It's only good news depending on how you look at it.'

15) 'I just wouldn't have expected this!'

Characters: Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader, Simon Basset x Basset!Reader (siblings), Daphne Bridgerton x Reader (platonic), mentions of Bridgerton family

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Just extreme fluff!

                                            *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Are you quite alright, (Y/N)?" Simon asked his sister as they journeyed in their carriage.

(Y/N) had started fanning herself a little faster."I don't know why I'm so nervous. I just hope to make a good impression."

"Of course you will. I'm sorry you haven't met them sooner."

"I could have at least met your wife at the wedding, if I had been invited."

"We have been through this, (Y/N)."

"Yes, and I'm not trying to argue with you, Simon. I know you married in haste, and I know why, but you must admit, you've left this far too long. You have a son now!"

"You have been cooped up in that house with your matron as father intended. I think she would have had my head if I tried to get you out of there."

They laughed together.

"Simon?"

"Hm?"

"I am very excited to meet your wife and my nephew."

As usual, the Bridgerton house was abuzz with excitement and chaos. Eloise didn't understand why she had to dress up so much for this visit, Gregory and Hyacinth were bombarding everyone with questions about Simon's sister, Colin and Benedict tried but failed to escape the madness, Anthony watched everything unfold and Daphne nervously bounced her baby boy on her knee.

"Daphne, do not fret. His sister will love you." Anthony tried to reassure his sister.

"What if she's like their father? What if she heard all the rumours about us and judges me for it? Simon has never spoken of her, I have no idea what to expect."

"I met Simon's sister many, many years ago. She was nothing like the things you are dreading. (Y/N) was a lovely, respectable young lady, I'm sure she hasn't changed."

Daphne let a small smile grace her face, trying to convince herself that everything was fine. Simon had kept his family such a secret, she just wanted to ensure that his sister would want to stay and be part of theirs.

Simon playfully rolled his eyes as (Y/N) asked how she looked, not in vain, but in anxiety. Her dress was beautiful, her hair perfectly in place, her jewels glistened but they weren't ghastly, nothing was wrong. Her nerves were getting the better of her. Just as she was about to ask again, the carriage stopped. Simon chuckled at her panicked look, already stepping outside.

He held out his hand for her."You'll be absolutely fine. Just be you."

(Y/N) took a deep breath before taking her brother's hand, being extra cautious to not fall on her face, especially since the entire Bridgerton family were stood on their front steps.

As head of the household, Anthony was ready to start introductions, until (Y/N) lifted her head, showing her dazzling features. He had only admitted to himself that he had a fancy for her when he was younger, though who wouldn't? She was beautiful, smart and didn't try hard to impress anyone; she was just joyful to be around. (Y/N) had never pined for Anthony or tried to grab his attention at every moment, or any man for that matter. He definitely considered her a friend, he was somewhat angry at himself he hadn't written to her over the years. But seeing her now, it was a mystery as to why she hadn't been married yet? That was quickly solved when he remembered Simon was her brother.

Simon stuck beside his sister until Daphne stepped forward. They shared a short but loving kiss, before Simon took their son into his arms, cooing and laughing as the baby gurgled. (Y/N)'s heart melted at the sight.

"Oh, how we've missed you." Violet beamed, greeting her son-in-law.

"I apologise for the delay, the weather was not suitable for travelling. Nevertheless, everyone, this is my sister, (Y/N) Basset."

(Y/N) curtsied as all eyes were on her."Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home. I have been so excited to meet you all."

"Well, why don't we go inside? We can have proper introductions in the warm." Daphne hid her nerves, presenting herself well.

Everyone agreed, leading (Y/N) inside. The family lined up like soldiers, with Anthony stepping forward to introduce everyone.

"I hope I don't have to reintroduce myself." he teased.

"Of course not, how could I forget you, Anthony? After all the trouble you and Simon got into?"

He chuckled, but cast a worried look towards his mother. He quickly continued.

"My mother, Violet, sisters Daphne, Eloise and Hyacinth, and my brothers, Benedict, Colin and Gregory."

"And your nephew." Simon added.

(Y/N) reached out a finger for the baby to hold."Yes, he's bigger than I thought he would be."

"Children do grow so fast." Violet said.

"But you're here now to see him grow." Daphne quickly added. "And we're all very happy that you're finally here."

Everyone knew that it was Simon who had kept (Y/N) away. He loved his sister with all his heart, which is why he never saw her; she was living a happy life, he didn't want to dampen that.

"The chefs have prepared a marvelous lunch. The table is all set if you are hungry now?" Voilet asked.

"Oh, yes, as long as everyone else is."

As soon as (Y/N) agreed, Colin, Eloise and the two youngest were off. They were starving, even though they had eaten only a few hours ago. (Y/N) giggled to the relief of the others. They slowly followed behind, but Simon was hesitant. (Y/N) gently nudged him forward.

"Go, see your family. I have all the time in the world to get to know Daphne."

Simon thanked her, still carrying his son as his other arm wrapped around his wife. Another arm appeared in front of (Y/N), ready for her to take it.

"May I escort you to the table?" Anthony said.

"Thank you, I much appreciate it."

They both knew they were being dramatic, though it was sweet of Anthony to make the gesture.

"How many years has it been?"

"Too many."

"I'm sorry your brother hasn't involved you. If the...situation between him and Daphne had been different, I know you would have been here straight away."

"I know. And I understand how stressful that all was. But as said before, I'm here now. I must say Anthony, I have missed you."

"Really? Even after all those times Simon and I riled you?"

"Yes. Although annoying, you both had your tender moments. I remember one evening, you and Simon were returning from your club, and you both had found yourselves in a quarrel with some other members. They followed you home, and I was waiting by the back gate to sneak you back inside. They were closer than expected, and do you remember some of the horrible things they said to me?"

"Unfortunately I do. And I unfortunately remember what happened next."

"It was very chivalrous for you to defend me, though you needn't have fought. Your nose wouldn't stop bleeding!"

"But you were right by my side, holding a handkerchief for me."

"Yes, because if you got blood on the carpets, you would have something worse than a bruised nose."

The pair were laughing to themselves as they walked into the dining room. Most were already seated. Anthony guided (Y/N) to her chair, next to Simon, who stood to tuck it in, but Anthony beat him to it. Simon watched his friend's moves very closely, knowing deep down that Anthony was just being polite; however, he wasn't too fond that they were sat opposite each other, able to gaze into each others eyes.

Simon tapped his glass with a knife once everyone was sat, standing with said glass in his hand."Before we begin eating, I would like to propose a toast."

Everyone immediately grabbed their own glasses, except Eloise, taking her time as she huffed; couldn't they at least toast after the meal?

"To my sister, (Y/N). I am so happy that you're here with me, with us. I'm sorry I haven't been a better brother but that will change now. And I can't wait for you to get to know this loving family, who made me one of their own, as I know they will you."

"To family." Benedict finished.

"To family." Everyone cheered.

"Now the food. Please." Eloise needed a plate in front of her.

All through lunch, Simon kept a close eye on his sister and Anthony. He was awful at keeping up with conversations, slow at eating, he just had a weird feeling when he glanced at them both. Simon constantly apologised to Daphne, blaming the long journey for his daydreaming.

However, Anthony and (Y/N) might as well have been dining at their own table. They were in full conversation, of course others chimed in to join, but they couldn't stop reflecting on the past and laughing. It was impossible to not notice how well they were getting along, and Violet had a glint in her eye as she saw how much Anthony was smiling. He never smiled this much, and the way he was looking at (Y/N) reminded her of how her husband used to look at her.

After dinner, they retired to the drawing room, sipping on fresh lemonade as Hyacinth showed off her new skill on the piano. Simon sat with his child in his lap, Daphne by his side, and although he was thoroughly enjoying the time with his family, he couldn't stop gazing over at his sister.

Unsurprisingly, (Y/N) and Anthony were cosied up, still smiling ear to ear as they continued talking. How could they have so much to talk about?

"Let's put him to bed Simon, for a nap. He's getting fussy." Daphne interrupted his thoughts.

Simon didn't want to cause a scene, agreeing to put their son down together. Even as they left the room, Simon's eyes lingered, and he immediately became tense once they were out of sight.

"Has my brother dazzled you?"

Simon was quiet as he laid down his son."Hm?"

"Well you haven't stopped staring at him all night."

He sighed."Was I that obvious?"

"You were indeed. Would it be so bad?"

"What?"

"Would it be so bad if my brother loved your sister?"

"Daphne-"

"Has he been disrespectful? Has he done her wrong? Has he done anything that we did?"

He was stumped. Although his brotherly instincts were kicking in, wanting to protect (Y/N), realistically he knew Anthony would never hurt her. Anthony was trustworthy, he knew him inside out and just from tonight, there was something there.

Simon didn't reply, but Daphne knew he wasn't ignoring her. She could see him thinking it all over as he walked to the window.

"It's only good news depending on how you look at it."

"I know, but it will be fine-"

"No, look!"

Daphne quickly joined her husband at the window, trying to see what he was looking at. Down in the gardens was Anthony and (Y/N) taking a stroll. The pair were lit by the setting sun which was casting a beautiful orange and pink glow across the garden. Although they had not stopped talking through the afternoon, now they were silent, both silently worrying that the other had no more to say.

"(Y/N)-"

"Anthony-"

The spoke at the same time, pausing for a moment before laughing. Anthony said nothing, being a gentleman and letting (Y/N) speak.

"I was just going to say how much I have enjoyed our time together. It feels as if no time has passed since the last time I saw you."

"How long will you stay?"

"Sorry?"

"Well, are you staying for a short visit? Or perhaps an extended time?"

"Simon and I have not discussed that as of yet. I am to be staying with a friend of mine who lives in the Ton, so I shall be here for a little while."

Anthony couldn't help but smile."Good, that is good news."

They were quiet again as they continued walking, only taking small steps as they wee nearing the end of the garden. They were standing close to one another, and although they had linked arms before and been sat on the plush sofas, this held more tension. Perhaps it was the way neither of them wanted to startle the other, despite their desperate want for affection. As their minds drifted off to where this was leading, their hands ever so delicately brushed. Both were startled, halting their steps and looking at each other.

"My apologies-"

"Anthony, it's fine. I...I just wouldn't have expected this."

Anthony thought for a moment, glancing down at their hands that were no longer close. He didn't like it. He wanted to be bold and take the next step, even if it was just holding one another's hand. But this was Simon Basset's sister. And it was (Y/N), who he had the upmost respect for.

"Miss Basset?"

"Anthony, why are you calling me that?"

"May I enquire into the address of your new lodgings?"

"Yes? Why?"

"So that I may call on you in the morning?"

#anthony bridgerton #anthony bridgerton imagine #anthony bridgerton imagines #anthony bridgerton x reader #anthony bridgerton one shot #anthony bridgerton fanfic #anthony bridgerton fan fic #anthony bridgerton fanfiction #anthony bridgerton fan fiction #bridgerton #bridgerton imagine #bridgerton imagines #bridgerton one shot #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton fanfic #bridgerton fan fic #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton fan fiction

[maxsimagination]

𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝗜 - 𝗹.𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗽

warnings: fluff, christmas fic, talk of homophobia

a/n: i do not condone homophobia in any way, shape or form, this is just an imagine and is not reality

• part 1 • part 2

-----

three months after my coming out to lauren and i'd gathered up the courage to tell the whole team. they'd been more supportive then i ever could've imagined, lauren telling me a simple 'told you so.'

it was december now which meant winter break and returning to families and home countries for the holidays. all the girls were excitedly talking about their plans to see relatives, while i was sat in the corner, quiet.

my family had inadvertently gotten the confirmation they wanted, or not, when i posted a '23 photo dump on instagram. there was a multitude of photos from throughout the year, but one in particular showed me and lauren out at breakfast with some of the team.

we were sat next to each other and had somehow gotten our hands on a rainbow flag. alanna was sitting across from us and thought it was cute to take a photo.

my ma and my sister had messaged me almost immediately after the photos were posted. i expected the harsh words from my ma but my sister had tears welling in my eyes.

not to say the message from my ma didn't hurt, but it was the onslaught from my sister that sent me over the edge. that was roughly three weeks ago and i hadn't spoken to anyone in my family since.

"y/n are you good?" lauren sidled over to where i was sat on the beanbags we had in the city common room. she joined me and sat on the one next to me.

"mhm, i'm okay."

"you going back to australia for christmas?"

i knew someone would ask me about at one point or another, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

"no, i don't have any plans. just staying in the uk, i guess."

lauren knew something must have been up, because of how normally bubbly and sweet i was. but this me was different, depressed even.

"so your not going to see your family?"

"no i haven't spoke to them in almost a month."

"oh, shit. why?"

"they shunned me after they found out i was a lesbian."

that statement shocked lauren, she'd never thought that they'd ever go that far to reject me.

"did you want to come with me? spend christmas with my family instead?"

i was flattered by the offer and everything in me wanted to agree, wanted to go and have a nice christmas with her and her family. but i didn't want to be a bother.

"it's okay, i don't want to impose. thankyou for the offer though."

"nonsense, you've already met my family and they love you. i'm pretty sure my mother likes you more than me."

there wasn't much i could say to that, let alone to refuse the offer. so i gave in and agreed to come with her to see her family for christmas. we had one last training session of the year before we were off the hook until next year.

when the time to fly down to north walsham came, i was a bundle of nerves. lauren took my hand and gave me a soothing smile, assuring me i was not a burden and it would be a pleasure to have me over. i blushed at her comforting words, butterflies erupting in my stomach.

the flight wasn't too long, only a couple of hours.

once we arrived, lauren's sister amy was there to greet us. we hugged and she led us towards her car to drive us back to their house.

"lauren sit in the back, i'm talking to y/n."

amy left lauren to hop into the back seat with a cheeky grin, lauren feigning hurt but hopping in anyway. i chuckled at the sisters' antics and climbed in the front.

we finally got to their house after a laughter-filled drive there. both kevin and julie were outside, waiting to greet us when we pulled in.

"it's so great to see you again, y/n! come in so we can catch up."

kevin was less chatty but happy to have me nonetheless, giving me a hug and pat on the back. we all traipsed inside, me and lauren putting our bags in lauren's room.

we spent some time just settling in and catching up, before lauren pointed out that there was a christmas market on in the town and we should go. i thought that was a great idea, agreeing to go down with lauren. julie and kevin said they'd stay back to cook dinner for everyone and amy also declined as she had something else to do.

it was just me and lauren that were going but i was happy with that. the two of us walked down since it wasn't that far from the house. there was fairy lights strung up all along the streets and the stalls selling various things scattered down the roads. it was so pretty i took a picture to upload to my story.

as we walked down the markets i was looking around in awe, we didn't have much like this on the town where i was from. occasionally mine and lauren's hands brushed up against each other, our pinkies intertwining.

i felt the butterflies in my stomach again and looked over to lauren to see her glancing down at our hands.

since coming out to her she'd been more openly affectionate. it was like some part of her had to be touching me, whether it was a hug or just resting her arm around my waist, she was never that far away.

i wasn't complaining, i couldn't deny that i felt something there for the blonde englishwoman but i was just to nervy to say anything.

however i was considering just asking her, telling her how i felt. the setting of the markets made it feel so romantic, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. so i waited a little, until we were stood under a piece of mistletoe while buying sugar cookies.

"loz, look up."

i spoke to her softly. she looked above us and spotted the piece of greenery. looking back at me, she grinned.

"do you want to? we don't have to."

"no i want to."

and with that she leaned forward to connect our lips in a slow kiss.

it was way better than anything i've ever felt before. her lips were soft and sweet, moving against mine. we pulled apart slightly breathless and rosy-cheeked.

"does this mean you can be my girlfriend?"

"yes lauren, i can be your girlfriend."

i laughed slightly at her way of asking but agreed nonetheless, it was a long time coming.

#woso #woso x reader #woso community #lauren hemp #lauren hemp x reader #lauren hemp imagine

[lexlec]

the bottom of my life

summery : Billy finds out about your cuts on your arms, and tries to talk about it.

TW's – selfharm, depression

❕MASTERLIST❕

The peculiarity of depression is that it has a bottom. Stone bottom. And finding that bottom – is like a hidden blessing. When you reach that bottom, it won't get any worse. Life is as shitty as it gets. It feels like you should stay down and just wallow in this suffering, but you find a reason to fight. You always find a reason to fight, no matter how hard it is. Whether it's the parents you're fighting for, maybe it's a pet, a friend, or maybe just for the sake of finding out what's going to happen tomorrow. But you're fighting. You're always fighting. However, lately it has been harder than usual.

— Hi, Y/N. Are you going to take something for the weekend? — Steve greeted you when you walked through the front door of the Family Video store.

He leaned against the counter and looked bored out of his mind, and you smiled brightly before approaching him.

— No, I'm just returning it.

You handed over the tapes of Risky Business, Free, and Return of the Jedi that your family rented last week.

— Wow, I never knew you liked such a wide selection of films. — he commented, looking through the notes.

— Well, I'm full of surprises, Harrington. — you responded with a smile that you knew didn't touch your eyes.

Steve's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he looked at you, seeing through everything.

— Are you all right? — he asked, his voice soft but serious, and you nodded. — Y/N..

— I'm fine. I promise.

It was clear that Steve knew whats wrong. You've been best friends since third grade. There are some secrets that you haven't told each other. Steve knew you better than anyone, but he didn't know about the scars on your thighs or the fresh cuts under your sleeve. The bell on the door rang when another customer entered the store, without giving Steve the opportunity to ask any more questions.

— Hello. — Steve shouted, looking over your shoulder at the customer.

— Harrington.

You froze, instantly recognizing that voice. It was Billy Hargrove. You and Billy have been dating for months. At first, Steve didn't like it too much, he was like a brother when it came to you. But he and Billy didn't fight anymore, not like they used to. They weren't real friends either, but they put up with each other for you. Billy was a nice guy. On the outside he behaved like a real macho and rude, but on the inside? He had a heart of gold. He wasn't like anyone you've ever met, but lately you've been avoiding him. You didn't want Billy to see you like this. Of course, you could pretend. Having depicted a radiant smile, laugh, joke and pretend that everything was fine. You've been doing this for years, but you've just been so exhausted. It was easier to avoid him than to pretend that everything was fine. Taking a deep breath, you hid your expression and turned around to see Billy coming through the door, his face lit up when he noticed you.

— Hey, Princess.

— Hi, Billy.

He came up to you, cupped your face with his palm before gently kissing you. For the first time all week, you found yourself smiling sincerely, responding to his kiss.

— I haven't seen you lately. — he said, pulling away from you, his hand on your shoulder. — You're not avoiding me, are you?

— No, no, no. Of course not. There's just some shit going on. I was busy.

You felt that Steve was watching you warily from behind the counter, but you focused your attention on Billy.

— Are you sure? What is it? — he asked hesitantly. — If I did something..

— Billy, you didn't do anything wrong. — you insisted, knowing how worried he was about some things like this. — I was just busy.

He didn't seem to believe you, and you knew he'd try to change the subject. But you weren't in the mood to talk about it. So, you turned back to Steve, who quickly looked away, acting as if he wasn't watching everything that was happening. You rolled your eyes and pointed at the tapes on the counter.

— I just came to return them. Have a nice day, Steve.

— You too.

You looked back at Billy and smiled gently at him.

— I have to go. See you later.

Without waiting for an answer, you turned around and left the store, heading straight to your car parked at the entrance.

— Y/N, wait. — Billy shouted, and suddenly his hand grabbed your wrist, stopping you.

You let out a pained hiss when his fingers grabbed your sleeve. The fresh cuts beneath them throbbed with pain, and you were pretty sure one of them had started bleeding again.

— Oh, I'm sorry. Are you okay? — What is it? — he asked, instantly releasing her. — Damn, I didn't mean to hurt you. I am so sorry.

He didn't grab you hard that hard. If it weren't for the cuts, it wouldn't hurt at all. Billy may be known in the city for his cruelty and anger, but he has never shown cruelty in your presence. In any case, he was too gentle, always afraid that he might accidentally hurt you, despite the fact that you constantly assured him that you were not some fragile piece of glass. Although right now it was exactly what you were feeling. A fragile piece of glass. The glass that had already cracked and was damaged and was ready to shatter at the slightest touch.

— Are you okay?

You realized that you hadn't answered for too long and nodded quickly.

— Yes, yes. I am well.

You knew your voice sounded unconvincing, but you gave him a reassuring smile anyway. Billy looked at you for a moment with his bright blue eyes full of concern.

— Why are you wearing a hoodie? It's about 28 degrees celsius here.

Fuck.

— Uh, I spent most of the day at home. I didn't think it was so hot here. — you lied easily with a shrug.

Billy didn't say anything for a few seconds, his eyes dropped to your sleeves before an awkward expression appeared on him.

— Show me your hands.

— What?

— Your hands. Show me your hands. — he repeated, taking a step forward.

— Uh, no. — you said, taking a step back at the same time. — why?

— Please, just show me your hands.

You held his gaze as he raised his eyebrows impatiently before lifting the sleeve of his right arm, which you knew was bare.

— Here. Are you happy now? — you asked, pulling your sleeve back down. — I have to go.

— Your other hand. — he said quickly before you could leave. — Show me your other hand.

— Billy, I love you, but not now.

— Y/N.

—No. — you snapped, hating the way your voice cracked when you blinked away the tears burning in your eyes.

Damn it, why were you on the verge of tears? Haven't you cried enough in the last few days?

— Is everything all right here? — Steve's patronizing voice suddenly rang out.

He was standing in the doorway of the store, holding the door with his foot and looking from the two of us to you.

— Fuck off, Harrington. Billy growled. Steve crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him, forcing Billy to straighten up and look back at him.

— It's all right. I was just about to leave.

You were relieved to hear that your voice sounded almost normal, not wanting them to fight before you turned around and climbed into the car.

***

The trip to the quarry was like a fog, both figuratively and literally, because the tears did not stop pouring. You parked the car and got out, taking a deep, convulsive breath of fresh air before leaning against the hood, admiring the quarry in front of you. Now that you were sitting in the sun, it was hot outside, so you pulled the hoodie over your head and put it on your lap with a heavy sigh. The cuts along the inside of your arm were now visible when you looked down in disgust. The skin was covered with a mixture of fresh and old cuts, some healed and scarred, others were bright red and still bleeding sluggishly. You covered your wrist with your hand and squeezed, rejoicing in the pain when the fresh cuts started to sting, but it wasn't enough. The pocket knife in your jeans seemed to burn the fabric before you reached into your pocket and pulled it out. Your hands were shaking when you pulled out the blade. Dried blood was still staining the stainless steel when you pressed the tip of the blade to the unhealed area of skin on your wrist. Tears started to burn your eyes when you cut the skin as if it was oil. Bright scarlet blood instantly came out and flowed onto the hoodie on your lap. You watched the drops fall. The cut stung when fresh air blew on it, and you closed your eyes, trying to calm down. The pain has chained you to the ground. It was totally fucked up, you knew it was totally fucked up, but you couldn't stop. It was the only way you knew how to handle everything. You needed it. You needed physical pain to drown out everything else, because during those few seconds when that blade touched your skin, your mind was calm. You didn't think about anything else, you didn't feel anything else, and you liked it. That's how you realized that you really screwed up because you liked it. You really liked the pain.

The sound of the car door opening brought you out of your reverie. You turned your head towards the noise so fast that you almost got whipped when you saw Billy getting out of his Camaro.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck

You put the knife back in your pocket and pressed the inside of your hand against the hoodie lying on your lap, trying to hide the blood and cuts. Billy came up to you, and you turned away, staring at the quarry, wishing he would just leave.

— Y/N..

— Please, just leave. — you said, barely recognizing your own voice.

— And leave you here cutting yourself? — he asked bluntly.

Yes. That's what you thought. But, nevertheless, you didn't say it out loud. And Billy didn't leave. Suddenly his hand was on your shoulder, making you flinch, not realizing how close he was.

— How did you know I was here? — you asked, breaking the silence.

— Steve said you like to come here when you want to be alone.

Well, he didn't listen to the part where it said "alone." You looked up at him, but he wasn't looking at you, his wide-open eyes were glued to your hand, which you tried to hide, but clearly not very well. You looked down again, and there was no mistaking the crimson spots that had soaked into the fabric.

— How long? What is it? — he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. — How long have you been cutting yourself? Days? Weeks?

— Longer.

You didn't look at him when you spoke, not wanting to see the disappointment and pity on his face.

— Damn it. — he whispered to himself.

Billy let you go, you no longer felt his touch on your shoulder and fought the urge to reach out and not let him go. Instead, you raised your hands and buried your face in your palms, trying to hold back tears. You listened carefully for footsteps on the gravel, but you didn't hear anything. There were a few seconds of silence before Billy snorted loudly and leaned against the hood of your car next to you.

— Princess, look at me.

You expected to hear that he would be furious, that he would be angry or furious, but he didn't. His voice sounded almost sad.

— Please. Fuck, please, Y/N, look at me. — he was practically begging.

Reluctantly, you took your hands away from your face and looked at him with tear-stained eyes, and you had to double-check when you saw that his own eyes were glistening with unshed tears. Seeing that Billy was about to cry, that was something. A furious sob escaped your lips as you cried, and Billy's expression changed.

— I'm sorry.. Please don't hate me.

Billy's arm instantly wrapped around your back, lay on your waist and pulled you to him, which made you cry even harder when you snuggled up to him.

— No, no, honey. I don't hate you. I could never hate you. — he insisted, hugging you tightly.

— I'm sorry. I'm.. I'm so sorry. — you whimpered, burying your face in his chest.

— Hey, hey. Listen, it's okay. It's okay.

He gently kissed the top of your head and just hugged you while you were crying. Eventually Billy dropped his hand, and you sniffed, sat up and rubbed your face with trembling hands, trying to calm down. He stripped off his leather jacket before pulling off his white tank top, revealing the upper part of his sturdy body, still kissed by the California sun. He quickly pulled his jacket back on, not bothering to zip it up before grabbing your hand, causing you to frown in confusion before you realized what he was trying to do. Billy stopped for a second when he got a good look at the inside of your arm for the first time. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and you fought the urge to pull your hand away from him. It was too late. He had already seen it, the damage had been done.

— Fucking hell.. — he swore softly under his breath.

He pressed the shirt to the deepest cut. The one you just made was still bleeding slowly, instantly turning the white material dark red. None of you said anything while you were sitting there, Billy's hand was squeezing your hand along with your shirt, while you were looking at the quarry, the sun was starting to set over the horizon. Billy was looking down at your hand with a frown on his face, which was better. A frown was better than tears. You could put up with Billy being mad at you. Anger that you could handle.

— Have you cleaned 'em? — Billy asked.

His question caught you off guard when you blinked and looked at him, his gaze was fixed on your hand.

— What?

— Have you cleaned them? I don't want you to have any infection.

He was worried that it might lead to infection. It didn't even occur to you, but it should have, but it didn't happen. Your silence was enough for an answer, and Billy sighed before wrapping the T-shirt around your arm and tying it so that it was securely fastened.

— My dad is not at home, and I have a first aid kit in my room. Come on, let's get everything in order. — he said, pushing off from your car and stretching out his hand to you. — Come on.

You stared at his hand for a moment before shaking your head.

— It doesn't matter. — you whispered, looking at the ground. — I don't care if there is an infection.

— Well, I fucking care.

— You don't have to help. — you muttered softly, staring at the stone on the ground as if he had personally insulted you, instead of meeting Billy's gaze. — I mean, look at me. I fucked up.

— You didn't fuck up.

You giggled almost hysterically and shook your head.

— I know i did. I fucked up. I'm broken, Billy, and I... I can't be changed. I know that, I mean, who does something like that? And do you know what the real mistake really is? To me. I'm loving it. I like the pain and I know I need to stop, but it's the only thing that helps. This pain. The pain helps, but I don't...

— Hey, hey, breathe. Just breathe. — Billy said quickly, and you realized you weren't really breathing.

You couldn't breathe. Damn, you couldn't fucking breathe. Deep down, you were aware that it was a kind of panic attack. But this information did absolutely nothing to help, because you unsuccessfully tried to get air into your lungs.

— It's okay, just breathe. Copy my breath. — he said, grabbing your good hand and placing it on his bare chest, taking deep and measured breaths. — Just repeat after me, okay? Take a deep breath. and a deep exhale.

You were looking at his necklace, focusing on the gold pendant, and imitating his breathing. Billy continued to help you regain your breath, your eyes were glued to the pendant, and after a few minutes your breathing slowly began to even out. He pressed your hand to his chest, not showing the slightest intention of letting go of it, until you looked away from his necklace, meeting his gaze with his beautiful blue eyes.

— Im so sorry. — you sighed. — You don't... you don't have to help. Just go away. Im so sorry.

You took your hand off his chest and fiddled with the fabric around his wrist, too afraid to look at him when silent tears flowed down your cheeks.

— It doesn't change how much I love you. Y/N, hey, hey. Honey, look at me.

When you didn't move, he raised his hand, taking you by the chin with his thumb and forefinger, and gently lifted your head until you were forced to look at him.

— I'm serious. It doesn't change anything. I'm sorry I didn't realize how much it hurt you. When you started avoiding me, I thought I had done something wrong, so I gave you some space. I didn't understand. Fuck, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.

— I didn't want you to know.

— Why?

You shrugged when Billy sighed, cupped your face in his hands and gently wiped away the tears with his thumb.

— I love you, Y/N. And the next time you feel the same way, don't push me away. I want to help, let me help you.

You just nodded, not trusting your voice at the moment when a new wave of tears washed over you because of Billy's kindness, causing his expression to soften before he took you in his arms.

— I just want you to be okay. — he whispered, gently kissing you on the forehead. — I love you so much, Princess.

#strangerthings #stranger things 4 #strangerthingsedit #billy hargove smut #billy hargrove #billy hargrove fanfiction #stranger things au #hargrove billy #billy hargrove x female reader #billy hargove imagine #billy hargrove x y/n #billy hargrove fandom #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove x original character #billy hargrove x reader

[merrybloomwrites]

You Can Start a Family (Chapter 2)

Summary: Movie night with the Rowland family shifts gears for the trio.

Thank you to everyone who read part one! I could not believe how many notes that received in just one day! If you haven't read it yet you can find chapter 1 here

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Tammy’s next two surgeries also went as planned and left her family breathing a sigh of relief. She spiked a post-op fever after the final surgery which extended her hospital stay by a few days, but once she became stable again, she was able to go home to finish recovering. She would be assessed to see if there were any more abnormal cells in her labs. If there were, she would likely begin a course of treatment but if not, she would be considered cured.

You had started to see Mitch and Sarah around more often. Once Tammy came home, they would all sit out on the front porch, since the fresh air made her feel better. Any time you were outside with Ryan you would pop over to say hi. You hadn’t met Mark and Tammy previously but were now very invested in her recovery. You would occasionally bring over more baked goods and sometimes a tray of food for their dinner. It had always been ingrained in you to help take care of the people around you.

You no longer fangirled when you saw Mitch and Sarah. After just a few quick conversations you were very comfortable with them, and they felt just like any of the other neighbors on the street. You actually felt closer to them than anyone else you had met in town. In the year you lived there you hadn’t had a lot of opportunities to meet people. Plus, the area you were in was home mostly to retirees. If you went to the center of town you were surrounded by the local college students who seemed so young. Even though Mitch and Sarah were a bit older than you and were pretty famous musicians, you felt like you got along with them quite well.

They felt the same way around you. Each time you stopped by they found themselves smiling, excited to talk to you and hear how your day has been going. They always invited you to stay for dinner when you brought them food, and after declining a couple of times you decided to take them up on the offer. While you didn’t eat with them all the time, you had been to their house on a few occasions over the past couple weeks. You enjoyed everyone’s company, and it was nice to have people to share a meal with again.

One evening about a month after first meeting Mitch and Sarah you were helping get dinner ready while Tammy and Mark were at a doctors appointment. Just as you were putting the last dish on the table they walked in the door. “I’m officially cancer free!” Tammy shouted immediately.

There was a second of processing time and the next thing you knew everyone was cheering and laughing out of pure relief. You found yourself hugging each member of the family. Each hug was fleeting, and after they ended you found yourself craving more. Aside from the occasional cuddle from baby Ryan, you rarely had any physical contact with anyone. Before that moment you hadn’t realized how starved you were for human affection.

You pushed that thought aside and focused on the conversation around you as everyone sat down for dinner. They all complimented you on the meal, as it was one you hadn’t made for them before.

“Thank you! It was always one of my favorites that my mom made. Took me a few tries to get it right, but I think I finally figured out all of the ingredients.” Sarah was watching you closely as you mentioned your mother and noticed how you once again spoke of your family in past tense. It had happened a couple of times, but Sarah had yet to ask any personal questions that would confirm her suspicions.

After dinner everyone moved into the living room to watch The Princess Bride since it was one of Tammy’s favorite movies. She and Mark sat on the loveseat and Sarah took the right end of the couch. You sat on the other cushion while Mitch set up the DVD player to start the movie. Once it was playing, he walked back to the couch, and you realized you were in the middle of the open space. You went to slide to the other edge, but Mitch sat there before you could move that way, pushing you to the middle between him and Sarah. It wasn’t exactly a large couch and you tried to make yourself as small as possible but that didn’t stop their limbs from occasionally brushing against yours.

Each point of contact sent a feeling of warmth through you that seemed to stay even after they moved away. You really thought you had gotten over your nervousness around the couple, but you were definitely feeling it again tonight. Shortly into the movie you started to think that this specific tension you were feeling had less to do with the fact that they were celebrities, and more to do with the fact that they were two people you found quite attractive.

It would be a lie to say you hadn’t formed slight crushes on both of them, even before you all had met. It was impossible not to, they’re incredibly talented and very easy on the eyes. You actively tried to squash out the crush now that they were real people in your life rather than individuals who just existed in videos on the internet. But in this moment, you simply couldn’t ignore the way they were making you feel.

Seeing you shiver, both from the feeling of Sarah’s thigh rubbing against yours and because you were legitimately a little cold, Mitch got up and grabbed a large blanket. He sat back down even closer than before in order to lay the blanket across the three of you.

In an effort to keep from freaking out about the now constant contact, you glance over at Mitch’s parents and realize Mark is very busy with something on his phone. A few minutes later the movie ends, and you immediately learn why.

Mark turns to his wife and says, “I’ve been texting with Susan and Jim. If you’re feeling up to it, they’d love for us to spend the weekend at the cabin with them. You could tell them the good news, and we can celebrate together.”

“I would absolutely love that! Thank you so much for coordinating this, dear,” Tammy replies and leans in to give her husband a kiss.

"And you're sure you feel up to it?"

"I can sit around the cabin resting just as well as I can sit around here resting. As long as you're not planning for us to hike a waterfall I'll be fine."

“Well if that's the case they'll pick us up tomorrow morning around 10.” “Oh gosh then we’d better pack and get to bed. It’s been too long since we’ve had a weekend away. And even longer since we’ve hung out with Sue and Jim. This is such a wonderful surprise.”

They walk over to the stairs and Tammy turns around saying, “Good night kids. Don’t stay up too late!”

“Mom, we're adults, I think we can handle a later bedtime on a Friday night.” Mitch replied with a smirk.

“I know, I know. A mother’s habits never go away. Y/N, feel free to stay over if it gets too late. These roads are terrible at night.”

You all finish saying good night and Mark and Tammy head upstairs. Mitch picks the remote up and starts playing Schitt’s Creek. You had seen it a couple of times before and it had quickly become one of your favorites. Upon learning that Mitch and Sarah hadn’t watched it yet you insisted that it be the next show they start.

The second episode of the night started playing and Sarah shifted next to you, putting her arm on the couch behind you. At first you thought she was just readjusting to be more comfortable, but a minute later you felt her fingers start to comb through your hair. You tensed at first but quickly relaxed, allowing yourself to enjoy the attention. After a few minutes of her fingers playing with the ends of your hair, she slid her hand to the left side of your head. You felt her put pressure on the side of your head, pushing you gently towards herself. Hoping you were guessing correctly, you leaned your head onto Sarah’s shoulder. She immediately placed her head gently on top of yours and began to scratch at your scalp. It felt heavenly and you practically melted at the attention.

Mitch was watching very carefully out of the corner of his eye to see your reactions to all of this. So far everything seemed to be accepted and welcomed. Mitch and Sarah shared a look communicating that it was time for the next test. You reacted positively to friendly touch, but what about something a little more intimate?

At the start of the next episode, Mitch slid his hand to rest on your knee as casually as he could. You again immediately tensed, first due to the surprise of the sudden contact, then because no one had ever touched you like that before, and finally because you realized this attention was coming from a married man. You had a brief moment of panic, wondering what he was doing. You looked down at your leg and realized it was a rather thin blanket, and you could easily see that his hand was resting on your knee. Which meant that Sarah could also see what was happening and chose that moment to place a soft kiss against the top of your head. It felt like a signal that everything was fine.

You once again relaxed, allowing yourself to simply be present in that moment and forced yourself not to overthink what was happening. Clearly Mitch and Sarah had some sort of agreement where this kind of physical touch with another person was okay.

You focused on the way Sarah’s head rested so gently on yours and on the shapes Mitch was drawing on your leg as he casually ran fingers back and forth. You knew this was all platonic, but you couldn’t stop the passing thought wondering what it would be like if his hand moved higher on your thigh. You tried not to think of that and instead got lost in the sensations once again.

You were no longer paying attention to the show, practically falling asleep as Mitch and Sarah lulled you into a mindset of peace, comfort, and safety. Suddenly the trumpets from the credits’ music jolted you awake, and you lifted your head off Sarah’s shoulder as Mitch’s hand slipped off of your leg. You looked at the clock on the wall and realized it had gotten quite late.

“I should probably be getting home,” you said, choosing to look at your own hands rather than at either of them yet.

“Like my mom said, you’re welcome to stay here. It's so dark on these streets and everyone drives like idiots.”

“Thanks, but if I don’t get home and feed the cats, they’ll poop on my pillow to teach me a lesson.” As much as you wanted to stay, you needed time alone to process whatever it was that just happened.

Sarah stood up from the couch first, grabbing the blanket to fold it and put it back in the basket.

As they walked you to the door Sarah asked, “Are you busy this weekend?”

“Aside from my normal weekend tasks of cleaning and going to the grocery store, my schedule is wide open.”

“Would you like to spend the weekend here with us? It’ll be pretty quiet with Tammy and Mark away,” Sarah continued. Mitch suspected what she was up to but kept his thoughts to himself for the time being, curious to see how you would respond.

After a brief pause you replied, “Yea, that sounds nice!”

“Great! Why don’t you come by around noon? We can start with lunch and see where the day takes us. Oh, and make sure to pack a bag, I’m thinking a slumber party could be quite fun.”

“Okay, but only if I get to braid Mitch’s hair,” you replied cheekily, causing Sarah to laugh and Mitch to roll his eyes with a hint of a small smile.

“Sounds like a plan,” Sarah states before pulling you in for a hug. Your arms wrap around her waist while hers tighten around your shoulders before she gently rubs your back. It was a longer hug than you were expecting, one that you had been craving since dinnertime. “Sleep well darling,” she says softly before giving a final squeeze and letting go. Mitch pulls you in next, holding you in a tight embrace that again goes on for longer than you expect. He places a kiss to the top of your head before saying a quiet “Get home safe.”

You blush and duck your head before glancing back up to say goodbye. You finally turn and walk to your car, your head full of confusing, but ultimately happy thoughts.

As they watch you leave, Mitch stands behind Sarah and wraps his arms around her waist. He leans down, pressing a kiss to her neck before leaning to her ear and saying in a low voice, “Are you plotting something?”

“You make me sound so devious Mitchell. I’m simply creating an opportunity for something to happen naturally.”

“And what exactly is this something that you hope will happen?”

“I guess we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.” With that, Sarah turns around and pulls Mitch in for a deep kiss, breaking apart before they get too heated. After all, their room was directly next to his parents. That would simply have to wait until Tammy and Mark were out of town.   

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A/N: Thank you for reading chapter 2! The next chapter should be out in a day or two.

I've seen other people do tag lists so readers can get notified when new chapters are out. Would anyone want that? LMK!

#sarah jones x mitch rowland x reader #mitch rowland x sarah jones x reader #mitch rowland x reader #sarah jones x reader #harry styles x reader #mitch rowland x harry styles

[kocherry]

Blume-ing Relationship

Cyno x GN!Reader

Cyno is really becoming my favorite character so far in the Windblume Festival so I wrote this ♡ Also this is Gender-Neutral Reader insert :>

Tags: Fluff, First Meeting, Pre-Established Relationship, Mutual Crush on First Meet, Horrible Puns

< 1.5k words >

The Windblume Festival is a season of giving gifts to your loved ones. May it be platonical, familial, or romantic anyone could receive gifts. You always have something to give for platonical and familial gifts. As for romantic... well you don't really hope to receive or give anyone this year.

Despite that you always held that tradition in giving to your Alchemy colleagues that you consider as your friends now. Speaking of them... Sucrose and Albedo are the ones you haven't given their gifts.

Luckily you spot them both but they camping outside the walls of Mondstadt near Cider Lake. They were all in a circle surrounding a campfire with a lot of travelers. It was bad timing anyway, you could see how they were all interacting like they knew each other for a long time.

As much as you wanted to give your presents, the festival won't end today. So you turn your back and as you were about to head to the city, you step on a branch snapping it in half.

"I noticed you were spying on us, who are you?"

The sudden appearance of a tan skin and medium length grey hair gentleman surprised you. His red-orange eyes pierce through your own as if he's looking at you like some sort of predator ready to pounce on his prey. He wore almost nothing but his jackal ears hood. He is on guard to every movement especially to the small boxes on your hands.

"Wait Cyno, that person is our friend." Sucrose panicked since Cyno's whole demeanor changed.

"(Y/N)? What are you doing here? Did you need something?" Albedo asked as he is surprised to have seen you this late in the city.

You didn't face Sucrose and Albedo because you were too busy admiring the features of the man in front of you. He stood a little taller and he is lean. His red orange eyes went from being stern to soft as he realizes his mistake.

"Forgive me I shouldn't have assumed that you were an enemy spying on us." Cyno scratch the back of his hood as he apologizes for his brash actions.

"I-It's okay! Really... I would have done the same and uhm are you from the Akademiya?" You ask because the silver haired man is oddly familiar especially in TCG, many from sumeru used a card of his image. So you wonder if he is the General Mahamatra that they would talk about.

"No. I am Cyno the Adventurer."

Cyno's deadpan tone made you snort, you could tell that he didn't want to be addressed by his official work title.

"Ignore him, he's just on vacation mode. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit (Y/N)?" A gentlemen dressed in dark reen clothes with fox ears greeted you as his eyes narrowing at his companion in annoyance.

"Oh I came to give this to Albedo and Sucrose, I was about to leave when they seem busy but Cyno suddenly appeared." You held out two boxes for the two alchemist who recited their gratitude towards you.

Tighnari, the fox eared man, elbowed Cyno to at least be courteous and invite you to eat.

"Again, I apologize for..." Cyno handed you out a small bowl of what they were eating. "...Soup-rising you like that."

A collective groan could be heard from that pun. Although it made you laugh, which surprises Cyno himself and his companions.

"I don't mind because you're a DandeCyno."

You gave him a thumbs up replying him with a pun that you also thought about. Then Cyno seems to be surprised at the joke you just made. Maybe he didn't get it... "You know like a Dandelion plus Cyno's name. Him suddenly appearing like a wind in front of me!" You explained to make sure everyone got the idea of your pun.

Cyno places a hand over his mouth and lets out a hearty chuckle. There is a small dark blush on his cheeks as he turns to you with a smile. "I'm quite glad to have met someone who shares my sense of humor." He extends his hand and you happily shake it.

"To think someone actually laughed at my flower puns, I think our friendship will definitely blume during the festival." He lets out another pun in his deadpan tone which made it funnier to hear.

"I cecilia hope it would." You reply with a pun as well while winking at him.

"Oh no there's two of them..." Tighnari groans as he puts a hand on his temple.

The others well... they just look like they want to be swallowed by the ground. Only Albedo seems amused and crossed his arms raising an eyebrow towards the two of you.

"Are you going home after giving us these?" Albedo asks while holding out his gift. "Perhaps Cyno could accompany you back since it is quite dangerous to go out at night even if it's festive season." In all honesty the Chief Alchemist is amused by all of these and he wants to see where this would go.

Cyno just nodded at Albedo's suggestion, not even hesitating to oppose. Mainly because he seems to have a feeling that you two would get along. "I don't mind escorting you home (Y/N), besides I think I owe you this much for scaring you earlier." His hood covered the top half of his face as he remembers how intensely intimidating he is earlier.

You met the General Mahamatra and not the Adventurer Cyno. So he does want you to see him in a different way.

"Sure! Plus I want to get to know you more Cyno, you seem really fun to be around." In all honesty, you could handle yourself especially with a vision hanging on your belt.

But you don't mind walking in the night with a handsome fella who shares your love for humor.

Tighnari folded his arms and lets out an amused sigh, "I can't believe you set them up Albedo now we both have to endure their bad puns."

Albedo lets out a soft chuckle, "I think they're pretty funny." Most of them disagreed.

So back to the two of you who were walking towards Springvale.

Cyno notices a familiar box in your bagpack. His eyes brighten up at this and his lips quirk up a smile. "Do you play TCG?" He asks while pointing at your card deck that was seen through a small opening of your bag.

"I definitely do! My colleagues often play it during our free time. Do you want to play sometime?" You ask excitedly but then got embarassed since you don't want to ruin his plans especially when he's from Sumeru. "If you're... up to it I don't really want to intrude your vacation in Mondstadt."

"Aside from accompanying my friends here, the other reason is to commission the talented Calx to design my cardback." Cyno does share the excitement of playing TCG with you. "Having to play TCG with a newly found friend is surely enjoyable this season."

You sigh in relief upon hearing that, it looks like the feeling is mutual. "I can hardly wait for our duel Adventurer Cyno." You elbow him at the side gently then notice that you were already in Springvale. "Oh this is my house, thanks for the walk back."

"You're welcome, as much as I wanted to make a pun... I'll just give this."

In his hand there is an unfamiliar flower, not native from Mondstadt. You saw in books once, a Kalpata Lotus, being placed onto your head. Cyno smiles at you softly and takes a step back, "I figured you might like this particular flower back from my home." He definitely will have to say sorry to Tighnari later for stealing this flower.

When he puts the flower in your hair, his face is incredibly close to yours. You remain quite on the outside while your inner voice is already losing its shit. Despite being flustered, you have to give Cyno a gift back.

After all, equivalent of exchange is a rule in alchemy.

"Wait I think it's unfair that I didn't give you anything." You grabbed his hand before he could take a step back.

"You don't really have to—"

You take a step forward tiptoeing to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "See you tomorrow Cyno." You smile brightly and the blush on your cheeks spread throughout your face.

Cyno stare at you dumbfoundedly as you shut the door close. He place a hand on the spot where you kissed him. The beating of his heart began to thump louder as the smile you gave him is imbued into his mind.

A smile crept up his lips as he turns around wondering how to not make a fool of himself tomorrow.

On the other side of the closed door, you were sitting on the floor placing a hand over your chest. You couldn't believe you already kissed Cyno on the cheek when you just met him. Then again... he seems to he smiling when you did that.

The Windblume Festival is a season of giving gifts to your loved ones. May it be platonical, familial, or romantic anyone could receive gifts. You always have something to give for platonical and familial gifts. As for romantic... you hope Cyno would be the one to happily accept it someday.

#cyno #cyno x reader #cyno x gn reader #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin fanfic #anyways i just love cyno so much i want to eat him up #love at first puns lmaoooo

[glittter-vamp]

Ohio Is For Lovers | J.B

CHAPTER 15

Joe Burrow x Reader.

Warnings:18+ MDNI. Mention of Pregnancy. Angsty. Mention of Miscarriage. Alcohol. Raunchy jokes.

Word count: 4.7k

6 Months Later:

Getting your luggage at baggage claim in the sea of people at this busy airport, you make your way outside. The freezing cold winter weather smacks you in the face waking you up and sending shivers down your body. You had just flown into Cincinnati from Providence for the holidays. After what happened 6 months ago you got your shit together as quick as you could, stayed at your parents for a few weeks before you left to Providence and left your old life behind. You never found out who set fire to your apartment because the apartments surveillance system wasn't functioning properly and you also never found out who was behind the hit and run but you wanted to move on from that and you did, focusing on your new life in Rhode Island. Things had been going really well for, you loved your new Job, loved the new city and have met some pretty cool and nice people along the way.

You wait for a bit outside in the freezing cold weather, the crazy traffic and honking overstimulating you a bit but you finally spot the familiar car. "Hey bitch!!" Peyton yells and honks not caring about being annoying to those around you as he pulls up with Sasha riding shotgun. They both hop out of the car and hug you tight. "Oh I've missed you so much!!" Sasha says. "Me too bitch! Spending thanksgiving alone this year fucking sucked, I missed out wine and Chinese take out." Peyton says. "I missed you guys too and I told your ass I'd send you a ticket to come to me for that weekend!" You say to Peyton as you guys hop into the warm car, Peyton taking your luggage and putting it in the trunk. "Here, we got you some hot cocoa!" Sasha says passing it to you in the back. "You guys are the best, thanks." You smile taking a sip of the delicious chocolate and milk. "So, how was the plane ride?" Peyton asks as he gets us out of the crazy airport. "It was fine, lots of crying kids on board but thankfully I had my headphones." You nod.

"I hope your mom and dad aren't too upset you didn't go with them to Paris and decided to spend the holidays with us." Sasha says sipping on her own hot beverage. "Nah, my sister and her little family went, so they're enjoying that and have forgotten all about me by now." You shake your head. Your parents were yet another trip for the holidays, this time they invited you but you really didn't feel like traveling far for the holidays and skipped out on it, plus you were spending a lot of money on your new place. "Are you hungry? There's this new Mexican place in downtown where that Thai place was." Peyton asks. "I'm so down for some food, I haven't ate anything since last night." You agree. You guys talk about what you had been up to the last few days and end up at the Mexican restaurant sooner than you'd thought you'd be, which you knew was courtesy of Peyton's speeding. Walking into the restaurant it wasn't too busy, few people every other table. 

After you guys get seated and given menu's Sasha speaks up. "So...meet anyone new?" She wiggles her eyebrows at you. "No, you know I told you I don't want to date anyone for a while." You sigh. "Okay well maybe not date but have you hooked up with anyone? What are the guys like over there?" Peyton grins. "I haven't hooked up with anyone but I have gone to a few gay bars over there and the guys are cute! You're going to have a great time when you go." You smile nodding. "You're hanging out with other gays out there!? Oh, I should of let your ass walk here, how dare you replace me." Peyton scoffs making you and Sasha laugh.

"What about you guys? Anyone you guys are hiding from me?" You ask looking at your two best friends, Peyton shaking is head no. "I've been out with this guy a few times from work...his name is Jason." Sasha smiles. "Oh yeah you mentioned him to me a couple weeks ago, you guys hooked up yet?" You ask and she blushes. "Yeahhhh!" You and Peyton laugh making her blush even more. "Okay... okay! Hush there's people around!" Sasha says getting embarrassed. You guys enjoy your dinner and then head over to their apartment. Sasha and Peyton had moved in together since the whole weird note situation and my place getting burned down. They thought it would be safer for the both of them since they both lived alone. The place was super cute, spacious and just outside of the downtown area with good security.

"So, what do you guys want to do tomorrow?" Sasha asks Peyton and I after we all shower and change into our pajamas. "Wellll, I kind of promised Tee and Ja'Marr I'd hang out with them before they leave for the holidays." You bite your lip. "Wait...you still talk to them?!" Peyton asks as he makes us some drinks from the bar they had near a window. "Yeah...they text me all the time before games and keep tabs on me. We have a group chat & they are always asking when I'm coming to a home game so I thought we can go to one tomorrow if that's okay with you guys."  You say, your friends looking at you weird.

"You're not scared that they're telling Joe about what you're up to and how you're doing?" Peyton asks. "I don't... really care, What are they gonna tell him? That I'm doing good and I'm happy?" You shrug. "What about running into him tomorrow or having to see him?" Sasha asks. "I watch him every week on my tv and I have no issue ignoring him if I have too." You shrug. "Does he know his friends and teammates still talk to you?" Peyton asks. "Probably, Tee posted us on his story, it was a picture from when we volunteered last year, I don't really think they care much for Joe's opinion on this. After I basically told Joe to get out my life...the guys reached out and we had drinks one night before I left Ohio and they heard my point of view of things. They supported my decision, they knew Joe and I weren't compatible no matter how much we all wanted . " You shake you head taking the drink Peyton was making for you out of his hands.

"Do you... like either of them or something? Did you hook up with his teammates?" Sasha asks and you snort rolling your eyes. " Oh bitch, please tell me you did!" Peyton grins. "No! First off, one of them literally dated Mariana... no fucking thanks. Second, I am never ever getting involved with another professional athlete much less another football player that still plays with Joe and are really good friends with him. That's weird." You shake your head. "I mean, you could do the funniest thing ever and hook up with his teammates and kick Joe while he's been down, you know I like supporting women's rights but I also loveeeee supporting women's wrongs." Peyton smirks making Sasha laugh and you roll your eyes at him.

"Like I said, I'm not putting myself through that shit again. Once is enough." You shake your head taking a sip of the drink. "Can I ask you a question? You don't have to answer but I'm pretty intrigued to know." Sasha speaks up and you nod. "Do you miss Joe at all?" Sasha asks and Peyton rolls his eyes as her question. "Oh girl c'mon on, let's not ruin Y/N's night here." Peyton scoffs. "What?! It's a valid question! She almost had a baby with the guy! ad everything happened so quick!" Sasha defends herself making you laugh as you sit on their couch.

"I'll be honest, even though he did bring unnecessary drama in my life for a while and things were never perfect between, he was still a very comforting person for me so I miss that, I think that's why I stuck it out so long with him, things felt at ease when  was around him...and maybe I miss the sex." You bite your lip making your friends chuckle. "That makes me sad that you guys ended the way you did and felt like this about him." Sasha pouts. "It is what it is, I'm sure he's moved on plenty since us." You shrug. "I heard he was dating a swimsuit model now, seems like he can't fathom being alone." Sasha snorts. "Can straight men ever?" Peyton laughs. "Good luck to her." You breathe shaking your head. You guys talk a bit more and enjoy your drinks while watching a Christmas movie before you all go to bed, you sleeping in their guest bedroom which was super cute and cozy.

************************

In the morning Peyton made you guys a delicious breakfast with French toast, eggs & bacon and you texted the group chat with the guys letting them know you were in town and if it was possible to get three tickets for tonight's game. Tee almost immediately texting back that he would get back to you as as he could about them.

"I say we go ice skating tomorrow." Sasha says as we sit around enjoying our breakfast. "I'm not that type of gay." Peyton says making you and Sasha laugh. "Oh come on! It'll be fun, maybe you can fall into the arms of a big strong guy." Sasha wiggles her eyebrows. "Girl, I'm 6 foot 5, I am the strong the guy?!" Peyton shakes his head making us laugh. We finish our food and as Sasha and I cleaned up since Peyton made breakfast, your phone dings. Drying your hands quickly on a towel nearby, you pick up the phone and see it was the guys, they had gotten tickets for you and your friends for tonight's game.

"The guys got the tickets." You say to your friends as you respond to the guys and thanking them for pulling some strings so last minute. "You know its supposed to be cold as shit tonight right guys?" Peyton says. "That's why whiskey exists!" You smile and he rolls his eyes. "Hey, you don't have to come if you don't want grandpa." Sasha says to Peyton. "Oh, I'm going!  You bitches aren't leaving me behind." Peyton says leaving us in the kitchen in the sassiest manner making you laugh. "You need to have your revenge dress moment tonight." Sasha says to you as you start the dish washer. "What are you talking about?" You chuckle looking at her weird. "In case you run into Joe! Which I'm sure might happen, you need to look good to see what he could of had if he wasn't such a dumbass ad respected you." Sasha nods. "Girl, it's going to be like 15 degree's tonight. I'm gonna be warm, I really don't care about making Joe feel some type of way." You shake your head. "Ugh, have some fun will you!" Sasha scoffs making you laugh.

************************

It was afternoon now and you guys had just finished getting ready for the game. As always, you just wore whatever you wanted not really caring too much about team colors. You just wore mostly black layers, cozy boots and some thermal blue jeans wanting to stay as warm as you could tonight. "The uber is here!" Sasha says walking into the living room from her room. We all head out into the cold air and make our way to the car the SUV that was waiting for us. "Do you know who they're playing today?" Sasha asks me as we ride in the back of the car. "Not a damn clue." You shake your head. "Go sports!" Peyton says making you guys laugh. You guys make it to the stadium, happy that you guys left when you did because the place was super packed with people making it hard to find your seats after you got through security.

"I'm getting us drinks!" Peyton says to Sasha and I. You guys not and Peyton leaves to the concession stand which wasn't that far away. "This is exciting!" Sasha smiles. "Last time I was here, it was with Mariana and then Joe and I had fight in the locker room." You snort shaking your head. "Crazy how time flies." Sasha shakes her head. Soon Peyton returns with some strong drinks for everyone and you take a picture of you three posting it on your story. After a bit, the game eventually starts and pretty much you three just cheer when everyone else cheered. It was a bit a weird for you to see Joe playing on the field right now, you guys hadn't talked since the day at the hospital when you lost the baby. 

You remember going out for those drinks with Ja'Marr and Tee and them trying to convince you to at least talk to Joe but you knew if you did in that moment, you probably wouldn't have left to Rhode Island and be where you are now. Part of you felt guilty for a bit after that, but it was really the only way for you to get out of every situation that had you unhappy plus, getting threatening notes and your apartment set on fire just wasn't something you wanted to stick around and play with to just attempt to be with Joe.

"I really... don't understand this fucking game, I'mmmm getting us more drinks." Peyton says making you laugh. "Get me vodka this time please!" Sasha says to him before he leaves us. "I don't know much about football but it seems like no one is having a good time out there, people keep getting hurt and they look so cold." Sasha says. "We are so undeserving of these tickets." You laugh shaking your head. All of a sudden you guys then spot Tee and Ja'Marr getting into it with some players of the opposing team on the field after a dirty hit on the field.

"What the hell is going on out there?" Peyton asks handing us drinks. " The other team is playing dirty and the guys aren't having it." You shrug. Taking a sip of the new drink, the game continues until half time. "We should get sushi after this!" Peyton says over the loud music that was playing, Sasha and I nodding in agreement.

You guys talk amongst yourselves and take plenty of pictures during halftime and before you knew it the guys were back on the field. They were pretty much neck in neck with the other team so this game could really still go either way. You spot Joe running on the field getting into position and instead of throwing the ball to one of his teammates he makes a run for it with the ball. "He's really... not that fast. Reminds me the rat from Ice Age with the acorn" Peyton says making your snort. "That's a squirrel not a rat!" You laugh as Joe runs with the ball almost making it to the end zone but out of no where this huge player from the other team tackles him, hard. The hit looked painful and it wasn't long before everyone spotted Joe holding his elbow in pain. "Oh fuck." You stand up feeling your heart sinking in your chest. "That doesn't look good." Sasha shakes her head standing next to you. "Are you fucking kidding me?! That was a baby hit!" You hear some guy behind you angrily yell to which you rolled your eyes at, as did many other fans around him.

Soon you heard the sea of people becoming disappointed and worried over Joe, the medics soon were on the field checking him out and every time they attempted to move his arm Joe would immediately wince in pain. "Oh baby... he's out. There's no way he's gonna keep playing." Peyton shakes his head. They get Joe up from the ground and he walks towards the tunnel looking extremely upset and in pain. The crowd cheers for him but even behind the cheers you could tell they were as upset as he was.

The energy in the stadium after that had did a complete 180. Luckily Joe's injury didn't cost them the game but people were still sad over what happened. As we were leaving two security guards approach us and you already knew the drill. " Y/N Y/L/N?" One of them asks me, Peyton already looking at them weird and getting defensive. "Yeah, let me guess. I gotta follow you." You raise an eyebrow at the man and he nods. "C'mon guys." You tell Sasha and Peyton who look at you weird. "It's the guys sending for us, we're not in trouble." You tell them and they nod still suspicious of this but still following you guys to the golf carts.

"This makes me feel like Beyoncé when she's backstage." Sasha says making you and Peyton look at each other and start laughing. "Humble yourself honey." Peyton snorts, Sasha flicking him off. You guys get taken the room you haven't seen since you had basically hated Joes guts. You all thank the guys and they let you know the drill with snacks and drinks. There was a few women in there probably waiting on their husband or boyfriend but you guys find a spot somewhere and sit down. "This is pretty cool." Sasha looks around. "They said anything was for grabs right?" Peyton says eyeing the snacks. "Go crazy." You chuckle as he gets up and heads over to the snack table.

"You think Joe is okay?" Sasha asks you. "Probably not." You shake your head. After a little while you hear two familiar voices call your name. Smiling you get up from your seat turning around seeing Tee and Ja'Marr. "Hey guys!!" You smile at them giving them each a hug. Sasha and Peyton greet them as well and you guys sit down at an empty table. "So how have you guys been?" Ja'Marr asks us. "Pretty good... Thanks for the tickets, that was quite the game." Sasha smiles. "No problem and yeah, this one's a tough one. Critical timing too since the play offs start very soon." Tee shakes his head. "At least you guys won though! Something good came out of it." You smile trying to lighten their mood. "Yeah but Joes out the rest of the season, he tore his UCL so if we were to make it to the Super Bowl... he can't even play. That's gonna fuck us up so much." Ja'Marr shakes his head. You couldn't help but to feel horrible for everyone especially Joe.

You all catch up for a bit, them asking you a billion questions about Rhode Island and asking if you'd ever return here to Ohio. Ja'Marr had asked you about Mariana, specifically if you've heard anything from her and you'd tell him no which was the truth. You didn't know exactly why he was asking but you didn't really want to ask. That was his business and you weren't getting into anything that had to do with her ever again. "I need to pee." Sasha says to you, Peyton nodding in agreement. "Bathrooms are over there to your right." Tee points. They thank him and they walk off leaving just you, Ja'Marr and Tee.

"So... have you talked to Joe at all?" Ja'Marr asks, both men looking at you for an answer. "No, I debated on reaching out a few times but I heard he was dating someone and I'm not getting into that type of drama again like that. Hell no." You shake your head. The guys look at each other for a moment and then bust out laughing which had you confused. "Dating who?! Dudes only focus has been football and stalking you on social media all these months." Tee laughs. "It was all over social media that he was dating some model & why or how would he be stalking my social media?" You ask confused since it was private. "That was just a stupid rumor started by some dumb gossip website and we've caught him on your Instagram a bunch of times. I think he has a fake profile which we've told him how weird that shit was by the way and his excuse was that he just wanted to make sure you were happy and safe." Ja'Marr shakes his head rolling his eyes.

"Did he leave already?" You ask. "Nah, he's in a medical room dealing with his emotions and shit. He doesn't wanna see anyone, he's going through it." Tee shakes his head with a disappointed look on his face. "Although... maybe he wouldn't mind seeing you." Ja'Marr smirks and your eyes open wide. "Hell no, no way." You shake your head. "No way what?" Sasha asks coming back to us, Peyton following her. "They want me to go talk to Joe." You shake your head. "Oh?" Peyton looks at you and you shake your head no. "He's down this hall to your left. C'mon guys, let's get some snacks and talk about how much Rhode Island sucks." Tee says to your friends and you scoff. "What? Guys! No—assholes." You mutter annoyed at them as they all ignore you and leave you standing out in the hall like an idiot.

Sighing you make your way to the door where Joe was behind, taking a deep breath before knocking and opening the door. Immediately you heard his voice. "Get out." He says in a very monotone way. You peek your head in and see he was laying down on a stretcher facing up in a dimly lit room with his good arm draped over his face. "I guess I deserve that attitude." You nod closing the door behind you. Your stomach flip flopping from nervousness. Joe freezes and peeks under his arm towards you.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Joe asks slowly sitting up. His injured arm in a sling. "I'm in town for the holidays and the guys gave me tickets to the game tonight." You awkwardly say stuffing you hands in your back pockets. He looked like he had been crying. "Of course they did." Joe scoffs. "I know I'm the last person you wanna see right now or ever but I just wanted to check up on you." You bite your lip awkwardly. "Yeah right, like you give a shit about what happens to me." He scoffs, it sucked hearing those words come from his mouth but you couldn't blame him, you weren't the nicest to him the last time you saw him. Plus, he was upset cause of his injury which is understandable.

 "I know I shouldn't have bothered you but I just wanted to apologize on how I left things... and your injury tonight...but I'll uh, leave you be." You nod reaching for the door again awkwardly. "Wait!" You hear Joe say before you could even touch the door. "I...shouldn't have snapped at you like that, I'm sorry. I'm...I'm not even mad at you." He shakes his head as he sits looking down at his dangling feet. He was still in half of his uniform and even though he was a grown ass man well over 6 foot, he looked so small to you in this moment. "You don't have to lie, I know the way I handled things was beyond fucked up." You sigh leaning against the door. "Honestly, you had every right. I was being a stupid jackass, my parents knocked some sense into me after I came clean with everything. You put up with too much shit with me and I was worried too much about myself and not enough about you. I'm surprised you didn't come fined me and ran me over with your car" Joe admits. "Well...to be fair I didn't have one at the time so, maybe that worked in your favor." You tease making him chuckle. 

"Maybe it was just a classic case of right people, wrong time." You shrug. "You really think we could of been right for each other if things weren't so fucked up around us and I wouldn't have fucked up most of it?" Joe asks. "I'd like to think so, we pretty much ignored every red flag between and around us Joe... I think that ultimately fucked everything up because we choose to ignore and ignore." You say, Joe nodding. "How's Rhode Island?" Joe asks and you snort. "You should know...the guys told me about your Instagram stalking." You tease seeing Joe's freeze and his face turn a light shade of pink. "Fucking assholes." Joe mutters shaking his head making you chuckle. "I didn't mean to be weird, I just still feel paranoid about your safety with everything that happened. M=Ja'marr thinks Mariana was behind everything, he found some weird folder with information about us two...I think she was going to try and blackmail us if news hit about the affair she was having on Ja'Marr. She's disappeared. We think she left Ohio." Joe fills you in and you scoff. "That fucking crazy bitch." You shake your head. 

"Things are pretty good, I like the city, co workers are pretty cool." You nod changing the subject. "I'm really happy to hear that." Joe says giving you a small smile. Before you could reply there was a knock on the door followed by the voice of a man you didn't recognize. "Burrow, your parents are looking for you dude, pack it up, get some rest." The guy says. "I should... get back to everyone, I'm sure they're hungry and waiting on me." You say to Joe and he nods looking sad. "I'm really sorry I couldn't be the man you deserved Y/N, I kill myself over it everyday." Joe says somberly. "People aren't perfect Joe, don't beat yourself up over it, but I really do hope you recover as quickly and good as possible. I would tell you to not be too hard on yourself while you recover but I might as well talk to a brick wall for that." You joke making Joe chuckle. "Take care of yourself and you should come to more games, helps motivate the guys." Joe says glossy eyes which almost triggered your own emotions that you were pushing down. " I will take it under consideration, take care of yourself." You smile at him before leaving the room and letting out a deep breath trying to control your emotions before you meet everyone up again. 

**************************************************

A month later:

The holidays came and went. You spent time with your best friends and you were now back in Rhode Island in your home. Winter had officially struck the north east as it was snowing today. Cuddled up on your couch with the fire place on and a glass of wine in your hand you were on facetime with your friends. "So, when are you coming back?" Peyton asks you. "Uh! no Sir, it's time you guys come to me. We can do something this summer...I just finished the guest bedrooms and we can hit all the bars out here, maybe even drive to Boston for a weekend." You suggest. "I'm down for some Boston cheeks." Peyton smirks making Sasha roll her eyes and you laugh. "Did you spend the homegoods gift card we got you for Christmas?" Sasha asks changing the subject. "I did! I got stuff for the guest bathroom and a few holiday clearance stuff for next Christmas." You nod. You talk more with your friends about what you guys had planned for the next few weeks until your doorbell rang. It was 7PM on a snowy Friday night and you weren't expecting anyone over. "Uh oh booty call! We'll let you go so you can have your fun." Peyton winks. "It's probably my neighbors stupid doordash again, she keeps putting my door number for some reason, but I'll talk to you guys later." You sigh getting up. You hang up your phone tossing it on the couch and setting down your wine glass on your side table. You go to your door opening just a bit expecting some poor delivery driver in this snow but you almost choke on your own spit when you saw who it was. "Wh-what are you doing here?" You stand there frozen in place. 

"I'm... done ignoring." Joe responds. 

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

A/N: I know I said this last chapter was coming Sunday but I couldn't wait that long lol Ohio Is For Lovers has officially wrapped up and I just want to thank you guys sosososososo much for reading and supporting this series. I haven't written a series in years and the love and support you guys have shown me has meant soooo much! If you haven't checked it out already I have been working on a new Joe Burrow series called Cherry Waves, so check that out if you'd like and if it's not for you I plan on doing a small holiday series in November. Thanks again for the support 🖤🖤🖤

#joe burrow imagine #joe burrow #joe burrow x reader #joe burrow fanfiction #joe burrow fic #joe burrow fan fic #joe burrow x you #joe burrow x y/n #joe burrow series

[iad0ru]

Sweet Secret

Pairing - Princess!Wonyoung x princess!reader

W.C: 1.4k

Warnings: the smallest implication of homophobia

This ball was not the place for you. Your feet ached from your heels, you ribs strained against the corset, your skull pounded with a headache at the bright lights and loud chattering. It was a celebration of the illustrious princess' 18th birthday.

Of course, as with any royal family, this was something to be celebrated with no expense spared. Everything was decked in white, pink, and diamonds. Her parents had invited every royal family in the kingdom, including a few from outside of the kingdom, but only those with eligible bachelors for sons.

Being of noble blood, your family was invited, and your father was delighted at the prospect. You had a brother, just a year older than you, and thus, only a year older than the princess. You however, were not so excited. 

No one had ever seen this princess, with only rumors of her beauty and politeness to go off of. Why would someone be so excited to meet and marry someone they had never met?

Stepping away from the wall, you dragged your feet on the way to the food table, grabbing a glass of wine and sipping lightly at it. Cringing at the taste, you just hoped that you'd be able to ignore it long enough to numb the pain in feet, ribs, and head. 

From behind you, there was a lull in the music, and quiet feel over the previously booming ballroom. Turning around in confusion, you looked up at the balcony, where everyone else was staring. Standing there was the King and Queen of the land, proud smiles on their faces, and with a loving look to each other, they stepped to the side.

Stepping between them was a figure dressed in mainly white, with the long ballgown fading into pink at the end. A stunning diamond tiara was placed securly on her head, matching with the diamong necklace resting on her sharp collarbones. 

Smiling down at the crowd, she picked a long, dainty hand to wave and performed a small curtsy. The crowd erupted into cheers and after she walked down the flight of stairs to the ground floor, the music and dancing started back up again. 

The princess weaved through the crowd, an effortless dance as the reflective lights made her glow. She seemed to be headed towards the food table, which made you panic at the thought of conversation and turn away, busying yourself with your wine.

A gentle hand made its way onto your shoulder and you had to stop yourself from screaming. Whipping around, your wide eyes locked with the princess' gentle ones. She gave you a deep curtsy, and when she rose back up, she introduced herself,

"My name is Jang Wonyoung, it's very nice to meet you...", she trailed off, waiting for you to finish her sentence by introducing yourself. Scrambling to remember your manners, you curtseyed back, telling her your name,

"I'm ___, it's nice to meet you, too. Happy birthday, by the way!", you said, motioning to the bustling room in her honor. She smiled, but her smile didn't reach her eyes,

"Thank you, truly. But if you don't mine me telling you, I personally think that this is too much. It's just a birthday, I don't see why I should be dressed like I'm meeting the Pope for a passage into adulthood.", she said, words spilling out her mouth faster than she could control. 

Slapping a hand over her mouth, she bowed her head in apology,

"I'm sorry, I've said too much!", she said, averting her deep brown eyes, eyebrows pulling up in the middle. You smiled at her, understanding where she was coming from, seeing as your family did something similar when you had turned 18. 

"It's alright, Princess. You haven't offended me, and there isn't anyone listening to get offended, either.", you said, smiling up at the taller girl, "Besides, you look beautiful. And that is certainly deserving of some flaunting."

Wonyoung's cheeks bloomed with pink, the color standing out greatly against her pale complexion. She stuttered for a second but managed out a squeak of a 'thank you'.

Refilling your glass, you lifted it toward her, sending her a coy wink as you drank from the glass, the blood red liquid staining your lips. Wonyoung almost choked on her spit, but she didn't because she wanted to look good in front of you.

You were like a breath of fresh air. You treated her like a normal person and not someone to treat like glass, avoiding certain words or phrases, avoiding her eyes. You didn't care about her position, you were just here to have fun.

"Hey, do you-", you were cut off by your father walking up to you, fixing you with a look that told you quite clearly to leave. So, bowing your head towards Wonyoung, you go to make your leave.

But, her hand holding on to your flared sleeve cuff stops you in your tracks. Wonyoung's doe-eyed gaze meets your curious one. You father gives you another scathing look, but he allows it, not wanting to seem rude in front of the party's host. 

"Princess Jang, I'd like too introduce you to my son, Seobin", he said, his fake charming grin on his face. Seobin, your older brother, bowed deeply, a smile on is face, but a bored look in his eyes. Your brother wasn't one to settle down, or stick with one girl for long. He often went around, sleeping with random girls and coming home late at night. Something you doubt Wonyoung would appreciate.

Locking eyes with your brother, you shook your head 'no' subtly. He only blinked in your direction, but there was understanding in his gaze. He may not have been the best older brother, or person in general, but he cared about you. More than anything.

Stepping closer to Wonyoung, you brushed your hand over the back of hers, making her look at you from the corner of her eye. You motioned towards the garden outside with a tilt of your head, and she smildd nodding, allowing you to step away from the conversation and out of the back doors.

The garden was lit up with lanterns, silk streamers strung through the trees. There were a few people milling about, but the further you ventured into the garden, the less people there were. Settling down on a bench, you smoothed your pale pink dress down, adjusting your satin choker to make sure the pearl situated in the center was visible.

A fair few moments later, you hear your name being called. Wonyoung's soft voice echoes throughout the empty garden, making you stand up and walk to greet her.

Her face lights up at the sight of you, her almost tripping over herself to grab your hands.

"Oh, my fair maiden! It has only been a few hours, and I already can not bare to be parted from you for long! Promise me that even after this is over, you'll still come see me? Even just think about me?", she said, hands moving from yours to your upper arms. 

You were taken aback, not expecting the sudden confession, but you smiled anyways,

"Princess Jang Wonyoung, I'll be the happiest maiden in all the lands to see your heavenly face even just once more after this night.", you replied, pulling her arms off your shoulders and pulling her into your arms. Her lengthy arms wrapped around your midsection. 

Pulling away slightly, the tall girl placed her forehead on yours, eyes opening to look at you,

"My sweet secret, indulge me in this shared deception, and grant me your lips on mine.", she whispered, making you smile again, closing your eyes and pressing your lips to hers. 

The night ended with tender kisses and teary goodbyes, as well as a secret promise to remain by each other's side, no matter the man they were with. 

On the carriage ride home, you could only look out the window and wish you were back in your lover's arms, turning your pretty faces away from the 'high society'  you lived in, and live in peace with her for the rest of your days.

#🫧 iad0ru #🌑 — thalia writes #☘️ reupload #sweet secret #wonyoung x reader #wonyoung #ive x reader #princess au #kpop x reader #100+ notes

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

aita for bailing on my friend who i havent seen in a year?

i met someone (who i'll call John) through a mutual friend (Lacy) who i had met through school. John didn't live in the same state and visits yearly, as he has family here. overtime lacy and i stopped hanging out. I was the quiet kid who wanted good marks and she was loud and didn't care about school. she would also ask me if i wanted to hangout, then ignore my questions of when,where,etc and hangout without me(this happened more then 5 times). lacy would also treat people outside out friend group with no respect (insulting their appearance, calling them weirdos, etc).

at the same time of all this, i was growing closer friends with John, chatting regularly. .. the tip of the iceberg that made me cut ties with lacy when she called me "fat" for grabbing a salad of all things at a party. i was (and am) struggling with body issues so i decided then to try to ghost Lacy in a respectful and kind way. i don't want ANYONE's feelings hurt and still want to be on good terms with lacy, just not close friends anymore.

this week, John came over and is staying with lacy. i don't want to see lacy and therefore won't see john either. even though i dont think John is a bad guy, i don't wanna be friend with him anymore as long as he friends with Lacy. I haven't told him about my experience with Lacy because A. he will choose Lacy's side as theyve known each other for a really long time and B. he will tell Lacy and Lacy will take it the wrong way and try to ruin my social life (she did that exact thing to another friend.)

im being called an AH for not going out to see John and am starting to reconsider visiting him while he still here

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

[our-aroace-experience]

I'm aromatic and that's all I've ever told people I'm probably on the ace spectrum but I've never ever once TOLD a person I was ace. I've identified myself with aro and I'm comfortable in it and my identity but every and I mean EVERY person I've known and told about me being aro will tell others and when referencing me to myself says ace. I had a friend who had many labels and I thought they'd understand that I'm aro not ace cause they used they/them and neopronouns but EVERY AND I MEAN EVERY TIME XE INTRODUCED SOMEONE TO ME They'd say I'm ace.

"oh this is dense she's ace"

"I'm actually aromatic"

"same thing".

"I know your so done hearing me talk about dating people and having crush being ace and all"

"I'm aromatic not ace and it doesn't bug me"

"Okay~"

They said "okay" in a weird way and looking back I think they were trying to make me jealous that I can't love and then didn't believe me when I said I didn't care.

This next instance made me never talk about my identity around or with them ever again.

"happy birthday!!!!!"

"I'm finally legal let's GOOOO!"(I just turned AOC)

"don't make jokes about you having sex it make me uncomfortable cuz your ace"

"I'm not ace I'm aro and you know that and you make sex jokes at me all the time and make them with others I can make sex jokes if I want"

"well I don't like it and it's the same thing. you know your just a little baby in my mind which makes it weird hearing you say that and your my best friend so I don't want to think of you with others.

I ghost xem after but reading that almost make me puke. IM, ME AM NOT ALOUD TO MAKE SEX JOKES CUZ U SEE ME AS A BABY CUZ YOU THINK IM ACE AND SEX REPULSED, FUCK YOU.

Another thing is my family, we're a very open family having no problems with pronoun or name changes or being gay the only problem is my aunt married a conservative American

My younger cousin maybe 8 at that point made a gay dating joke after my aunt said something about boys maybe to impress me since I'm 8 years older then him and I told nah that's not me I'm aromatic which means I don't like boys or girls my aunt chimed in saying "we don't need to be talking about this with HIM, he doesn't need to now this "I told her "he is the one that brought it up so he obviously knows and just like how you talk about girls dating boys I could talk about me not dating anyone it makes no difference especially when he is making innuendos. Wait have you even had sex Ed?" "No" he replied, then my oh so fun chimed in saying "he's too young for sex ed it's good he hasn't had in it." "No I'm more surprised he hasn't had sex ed it's important he should have it." "No he's too young" "remember how I was sexually assaulted when I was six and I had no clue what happened to me until I had sex Ed and was told that it was bad and to tell my parent them told my mom and got help do you want him oblivious if it happened to him" "it's different." "How?" He stopped talking and went outside I asked my cousin is he wanted to play Minecraft he said yes so we did that but a few hours later to the bathroom my aunt grabbed me and asked if I was serious about was I said about boys and girls I told her "yes I'm aromatic and don't like boys or girls or anyone like the opposite of being bi." "Are you sure maybe you just haven't met the right person"(I was kinda floored by this she would've said that if I said I like girls) "yes I'm sure I'm seventeen and have never have a crush or ever wanted to be with someone" "but what if one day you fall in love" "and what if one day aliens take over the planet it's possible but I'm not going to bother myself thinking about it." "Well I just don't want you trapping yourself in this label stopping yourself from liking someone." "I never have and probably never will like someone but if magically one day I do I won't stop myself does that sound good to you?" "Yes".

I just love negotiating my identity to keep people happy I've had that exact talk maybe 11 times now and im so done with it, I'm known for my patience explaining sexuality stuff to my older family cause I know their just curious but please stop checking in to see if I've change my sexuality like a clown fish I'm so done.

This was mostly a long rant but I just wanted it out there and to leave it on a good note my mom loves me for who I am and makes fun of my family and people who just can't get it through their head that I'm not going to ever date someone I'm her star child with no drama ✨ which I always find funny.

Love to all that have a hard time with it I love you and your valuable and valid

i’m so sorry to hear about your friends and family, you mum sounds lovely!

#our aroace experience #aroace asks #aromantic #asexual #aro #ace #aroace #aro pride #ace pride #long post

[blubushie]

Is there a reason you're so open about your sex life?

Yeah actually. I've had a lot of shit happen to me in my life.

The first person I ever had a crush on was another boy, and my best mate. We'll call him Nate. I knew I liked boys before I knew I liked girls, cuz up until I was 12 I'd never really spent time with girls at all—I didn't even know any girls my age—but I did have Nate. I met him when I was 10, and he taught me to ride horses and work stock. So growing up that was one helluva secret to hold. And he knew that I liked boys, and he jokingly called me a faggot and a queer and we laughed about it. And when other kids would hang shit on me at school, he didn't. In private, sure, with love. But in public, he stuck up for me. Cuz I was one of the Good Ones™, and his friend.

When I was 12 I was abused by a man in his 40s. And I heavily repressed my feelings towards other boys because I figured that that was the path it led down. "Gays are paedophiles. Queers wanna touch kids. They're dangerous." And I figured that if I just ignored it, I'd never end up a monster like he was. And when I told Nate about this, he said the same thing. "They're all like that. They're dangerous. You need to be careful or people will think you'll do the same. And I know you won't, cuz you're one of the Good Ones™. But you have to be careful." Nate was the first and only person I told about my abuse until it went public. He kept my secret for 3 years. He held me and I cried.

Nate was the last man outside of family who's held me. I haven't been held by another man since I was 12. I haven't been hugged by another man outside my family since I was 15.

At 14, I met another kid we'll call Lake. He was fun, and cheerful, and bubbly. And he was also gay. Very very openly gay. The feminine kinda gay. Talks like a girl kinda gay. Not my type, but I admired him. And I envied his bravery in being so out and not caring about what people thought of him.

Or the risk.

At 15, Nate got me drunk. We'd been working calves all day on the local station where his parents lived as hired hands. He snuck a slab from his parents' outshed on the station and we took our horses out and sat in the shade of a gum and drank. I'd never had alcohol before except at Mass, and I got pretty tipsy. And the sun was setting and it struck these orange streaks through his hair, and reflected real pretty off those eyes, and I decided he was very very handsome in that moment and in drunk brain, I should kiss him. So I leant over and pecked his cheek.

He went off on me.

It turns out that it's ok to be gay, as long as you're gay for the right people. And the right people is anyone who isn't the person you're talking to. Cuz he turned to me and I saw a rage in his eyes that I knew meant whatever kinda friendship we'd formed over 5 years, it was dead in the water the moment I kissed him. He looked at me the same way he looked at all the other queers, same way he looked at Lake, with that "I don't mind gays but I wish they'd be a little quieter about it" face. And then he slogged me.

We scrapped. And at first I thought he was just being an idiot, cuz I was 15 and he was 17 and we were both teenage boys and we biffed sometimes. But after a few seconds he got on top of me and stopped pulling his punches, and I was trying to tell him to stop and that I was sorry and he didn't. He kept hitting me. And he called me a faggot, and a queer, and a freak, and that there was something wrong with me and he had to beat the faggotry outta me cuz I had a skull too thick for my own good and if he didn't teach me a lesson now I'd do it again and the next bloke might just kill me for it.

He gave me a good slog to the side of the head and rung my bell real good, and then he kicked me in the stomach and got on his horse and rode back to the station. I laid there maybe ten minutes trying to breathe through all the blood in my nose and making sure he didn't knock any teeth out. That was the first time I really genuinely got a bashing.

I never talked to him again. I saw him once on station, and tried to talk to him and apologise, but he just walked away. I stopped visiting the station after that.

I made friends with Lake. We both went to Catholic school, so he got picked on a lot for being gay. But he never let it get him down. And I started standing up for him when I saw kids treat him like shit. Because he was my friend, and he was one of the Good Ones™. But deep down I envied him. I wanted to be him. I wanted to be able to walk with my chin high and strut like a fucken peacock knowing I'm hot shit and that nobody could touch me. But internalised homophobia is a hell of a thing, and deep down I also knew I'd never be like him. Because my issue isn't just me being attracted to men, but also being intersex and a dozen other different little things. But to Lake, that didn't matter. To Lake I was cut of the same cloth. We were confidants.

Eventually with time I realised that there's no such thing as "one of the Good Ones™." Being attracted to someone the same sex or gender as you isn't a fault. It doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. But I still hid it. I wasn't brave enough to be open about it, I was scared of judgement, I was scared of punishment for something I couldn't control, so I kept it a secret.

The third person I told was my girlfriend. She took it in stride. I thought she was afraid that I'd made her my beard when I was definitely attracted to her too, but she was actually the one who explained bisexuality to me. And everything clicked. But she was also aware that I was squashing down my attraction to men because I was afraid, so she made me watch Brokeback Mountain, and that's actually how I ended up genuinely coming to terms with my sexuality. I didn't want to be so afraid of loving that I'd never loved at all.

I never acted on my attraction, cuz I'm a loyal bastard, but when she and I split I stopped trying to hide what I am. I am a man who happens to be attracted to men. I am also attracted to women. And that's ok. That's not something to be ashamed of, it's not something I need to hide, it's not something I have to keep secret.

I'll never be the loudly out gay man. I'll never be the loudly out bisexual. I don't wear pride pins, I don't flaunt my sexuality, I don't wear rainbows. If anyone looked at me they wouldn't assume I like men, let alone immediately know.

I'll never be like Lake. But I don't have to be like Lake. I just have to be me. And through talking about my experiences, maybe some other young man who's in the same shoes I used to be in will look at me and realise that all he has to be is himself. And if that man likes men, then so be it.

#blu whos #bisexual #gay #mlm #tw homophobia #tw csa

[andiwriteordie]

Hey andi!! Hope your day is good so far 💕

For your Byler Valentine’s Day prompt, one of them could surprise the other with a picnic at a rebuilt Castle Byers or at their swing set (I couldn’t decide; both are really good to me) They could exchange gifts and sing a cheesy song together.

OH I LOVED THIS PROMPT OMG

mike rebuilding castle byers is So Personal to me, and honest to god, idk why i haven't written it yet. so thank you for giving me the opportunity to do that! i hope you enjoy!

—

4: so why don’t we go (somewhere only we know)

If there’s anyone in the world that Will Byers trusts, it’s Mike Wheeler.

That’s not to say that Will doesn’t trust other people, because honestly, Will is probably too trusting of most people in the world. He’s always had a gentler personality and always worn his heart on his sleeve and always been quick to give people second chances, even if they don’t necessarily deserve it. It’s just in Will’s nature to trust other people until they absolutely cannot be trusted.

But there’s no one else in the world that Will trusts more than Mike Wheeler. 

Mike’s been there for nearly his entire life, after all. He’s stood beside Will through thick and thin (with the exception of that messy year between middle school and high school), and he’s always been the person who knows and understands Will better than anybody else does. Trusting Mike comes easily to Will—in the same way that breathing comes easily to him. It’s not something that he even has to think about anymore. He just inherently trusts Mike with everything.

…

Well, almost everything.

“Mike, I swear,” Will grumbles, after tripping over what feels like the twentieth tree branch in the last ten minutes. “If I trip and fall on my face because of you, I’m breaking up with you.”

“You’re not going to fall,” Mike bemoans, and he tightens his grip on Will’s shoulders, carefully steering him in a different direction. “Will you stop being such a drama queen?”

“Oh, I’m the drama queen?” Will huffs a little, probably too overdramatic laugh. “I’m the drama queen. You’re kidding, right?”

He’s met with silence from his boyfriend for a few long, uncomfortable moments.

Then:

“You’re the worst,” Mike declares, and suddenly, Will is being pulled backwards and is tripping over his own damn feet, right back into the loving arms of his boyfriend. A little yelp escapes Will’s lips, and Mike just laughs—bright and beautiful and so full of life. It’s adorable enough that Will momentarily forgets the fact that he’d almost definitely fallen over in the woods (multiple times) and also the fact that he still has no idea where Mike is taking him.

“You love me,” Will replies, muffled and quiet since his face is pressed up against Mike’s shoulder. Now that he’s managed to not stumble over his own two feet, it’s not a bad place to be in, and Will leans in closer, breathing in the familiar scent of the detergent that Mrs. Wheeler has used since they were kids mixed in with the cologne Mike’s parents had gotten him for Christmas this past year. 

“I do,” Mike says, soft and a bit breathless, and he leans down, pressing his lips against Will’s forehead in a gentle kiss. “You know I do.”

Will can’t help but hum, and he wraps his arms around his boyfriend, content and warm and safe in the embrace. For a February day, it’s surprisingly warm outside, and the sun is out for the first time in what feels like an eternity. 

“So, did you blindfold me and bring me out to the woods just to hug me?” Will mumbles.

“Would you be mad if I did?” Mike mumbles back, his voice soft and teasing, and Will just laughs.

“Maybe a little,” he teases, pulling back enough so that he would be looking at Mike, if he weren’t blindfolded. “Especially since we could’ve just cuddled on your couch. It’s a lot warmer in your family’s basement than it is out here.”

A quiet laugh escapes Mike’s lips, and he kisses Will’s forehead again. “It’s not that bad out today,” he points out, and he hugs Will closer. “Besides, if we get cold, we can just huddle together for warmth.”

“Mm,” Will hums, leaning into the embrace, “good point, good point. Is that your way of saying there really was no other reason you brought me out here?”

“It’s like you don’t know me at all,” Mike deadpans, and Will just laughs, pushing against his chest. “Sure, let’s just waste our Saturday afternoon wandering in the woods like we’re twelve again. Or like we’re sixteen and on patrol.”

“Romantic,” Will remarks. “You really know how to woo a guy, Mike Wheeler.”

This time, Mike just groans, and he pushes Will away slightly, before taking him by the shoulders again. “I’ll have you know I am very good at wooing guys,” Mike huffs as he carefully steers Will through the woods.

“Oh?” Will teases. “Says who?”

Mike lets out a little indignant squawk. “You are so,” he sputters, “so—”

“So?”

“Annoying,” Mike grumbles, but there’s no real heat to his voice. “And mean.”

“Annoying and mean,” Will echoes, fighting the urge to grin. “You’re really doing a great job at this wooing me thing, babe.”

Once again, Mike just lets out an exasperated groan, and he keeps walking forward, still holding Will close. “One of these days, I’m going to catch you in the act,” he warns. “And I’ll make sure everyone sees the real Will Byers. Everyone thinks you’re the nice one of the relationship, but look at you.”

Will just laughs, and he tilts his head back, just enough so Mike can see his smile. “Nobody’s ever going to believe you,” he teases. “Except maybe Jonathan. But God knows he’ll side with me just to piss you off.”

“You and your entire family are going to be the death of me,” Mike deadpans. Then, before Will can even think of a response, Mike brings both of them to a stop, and he squeezes Will’s shoulder gently. “I hope you know how much I love you.”

Once again, Will turns his head, and he blindly reaches up, placing his hand on Mike’s cheek. “Of course, I do,” he says softly. “And you know I love you too… terrible wooing skills and all.”

“Asshole,” Mike grumbles, but he leans forward, kissing Will—soft and sweet. “Anyways. We’re here. Be prepared to eat your words, William. I am excellent at wooing you, thank you very much.”

Will laughs softly, and he kisses Mike back, pressing their foreheads together. “I’m excited to see why you brought me out here,” he whispers, and he means it. Even with all the teasing and the flirting, Will knows Mike is the most thoughtful, intentional person in his life. At the end of the day, there’s no one who puts more effort into loving the people around him than Mike does. 

Mike exhales a soft, breathy laugh, and he steps away. “Okay,” he says, sounding a little bit more nervous now. “I’m gonna take your blindfold off now, got it?”

Will nods. “Got it.”

Mike takes another nervous breath, and his hands go to the blindfold around Will’s eyes, carefully and gently undoing the knot. “Happy Valentine’s Day, love,” he murmurs, just as the old green bandana falls from Will’s eyes, finally allowing him to see…

Oh.

Oh.

Will blinks—once, twice, thrice—and his breath catches.

Because there, standing right in front of him, is a new and improved Castle Byers.

It’s a lot bigger than the original Castle Byers—which is very helpful, considering the fact that Will’s a lot bigger than when he first built Castle Byers with his brother years ago. It looks sturdier too—built with twigs and branches, but also actual pieces of wood that’ll probably help it withstand storms and angry baseball bats and trembling hands better than the first fort did. But other than that, it looks nearly identical to Will’s childhood fort—with the familiar ALL FRIENDS WELCOME sign still hanging proudly on top of the fort. 

“I, um… I’ve been thinking about this for a while,” Mike whispers, and as he moves to stand next to Will, Will glances up, meeting his boyfriend’s eyes. There’s a shy, tentative smile on his face, and he shrugs slightly. “Ever since you, um… you tore it down, actually. But then you moved away, and the whole thing with One happened… and there was just never a good time. But I… I wanted to do this for you, both… as an apology for that day, but also just a gift for you.”

Mike pauses here, and he smiles again, warm and gentle. “One of my favorite parts about you is how you’ve never lost yourself, Will,” he says softly. “I mean… even when everyone else was trying to be someone they’re not, you kept being yourself. You were never scared to be you, and I just… I don’t know. You always make me feel brave enough and safe enough to be myself, and… I wanted to give you this. Just… to say thank you.”

Tears sting Will’s eyes, and before Mike can say anything else, Will all but tackles him into a kiss, holding him close. A surprised little “oof” escapes Mike’s lips, muffled against the kiss, and he stumbles backwards, before wrapping his arms around Will to steady both of them. 

“I love you,” Will whispers, pulling away just enough to look Mike in the eye. “I love you so much.”

Mike beams, and there’s a softness in his eyes. “Even with my terrible wooing skills?” he teases.

“I changed my mind,” Will teases back, and he kisses his boyfriend again, slower and more deliberate this time. “I definitely changed my mind.”

Another laugh escapes Mike’s lips. “Good,” he says smugly, holding Will closer. “And I didn’t even have to show you the picnic I have for us inside!”

Will can’t help but smile, and he presses his forehead against Mike’s, meeting his boyfriend’s eyes. “You’re incredible, you know that, right?” Will whispers. “You’re incredible, and I love you, and also, there is no way anything I’m ever going to be able to top this gift.”

“You don’t need to,” Mike laughs, and his eyes crinkle as he smiles. “I’m just happy that you’re happy.”

“Sap,” Will says immediately, and the two of them share another smile. “You complete and utter sap.”

“You love it,” Mike teases. “You love meeee.”

He says it like that’s some kind of massive, insane victory—like it isn’t the easiest thing in the world for Will to love him. Like Will hasn’t been falling in love with him—as a friend, as a best friend, and now as a boyfriend—since the very first day the two of them met on that swing set. Like the best thing in Will’s life isn’t getting to love Mike Wheeler and getting to be loved by him in return.

“I do,” Will whispers back, and he stands on his tiptoes, kissing Mike again sweetly. “I love you so much.”

Mike’s gaze softens, and he kisses Will back, before murmuring, “I love you too.”

(The rest of their afternoon is, in fact, spent cuddling with each other, and stuffing their faces full of picnic food that Will’s sure Mrs. Wheeler must have helped him make, and laughing about the most random things like the gossip they’ve overheard from school or the latest updates in their friends’ love lives, and singing ridiculous, stupid songs together simply because they can.

There’s nobody else here but the two of them, after all. And this place, which once crumpled into ruins as the result of harsh words and painful distance and broken friendships, begins to become Will’s safe place again. 

The rest of the world falls away when the two of them are in Castle Byers, until all Will can focus on is Mike Wheeler and just how damn much Will loves him.

It’s the greatest gift Will could’ve asked for.)

#byler #byler ficlet #andi writes not dies #ok wow #who would've though that tooth rotting fluff would be good for the soul

[sirowsky-stories]

Like Father, Like Son

Sirowsky's 600 & 700 Followers Celebration

Submitted by @yourstrulylightstar283 Prompt #5: Why are you covered in sparkly pink dust? Character: Dieter Bravo

Rating: Teen Warnings: Dieter Bravo x Original Female Character Gabriela, plus his son Mateo. Pure fluff! (I haven't seen the movie, so this is a lose interpretation of the character. Also, this fic is not overtly Halloween themed.) Word Count: 650 Masterlist of the Celebration Sirowsky's Main Masterlist

   He’s supposed to be watching his wife’s niece being celebrated, he knows that. It’s her Quinceañera. But when his beloved Gabriela is wearing a gorgeous summer dress, sitting in the bright sun with her tanned skin glistening from the heat and her dark curls falling protectively over her bare shoulders, he really can’t be blamed for having trouble looking at anything but her.

   He had never imagined that he could have this. That someone like her, who is well educated, who owns her own business, who has friends in all the highest places, this woman who could have anyone in the world, would have chosen him.    The life he’d led up until the point they’d met hadn’t been bad. Not at all. He’d chosen to live exactly as he’d wanted, refusing to apologize for the pleasures he’d enjoyed or the overall chaos that he’d seemed to thrive so effortlessly in.

   But in Gabi, he’d discovered so many new things, so many wonderful layers of life that he’d never thought existed outside of the silver screen. And suddenly, all the things that had always seemed so important had faded into the background, making room for all this instead.    Family and friendships that last and can be depended on. People he can trust completely.

   “Hey, Dee,” a voice whispers in his ear, and he recognizes it as his brother-in-law before he’s even turned around. “Mateo needs you.”

   “Is he okay?” Dieter asks, immediately concerned.

   “Yeah, just come with me.”

   The man leads him into the house where the younger kids are being prepared to take part in a surprise dance routine to delight the girl of the day, and where Dee’s three-year-old son is practicing his twirling skills.    He walks up to the boy and kneels in front of him, finding the kid smiling and giggling, so at least there really isn’t anything wrong.

   “What’s going on, mijo?” he asks, smiling along as Mateo’s joy infects him.

   But instead of answering, the boy puts his arms out in front of his chest, with his little fists closed and upturned, as if preparing to hand his father something.

   “What do you have there?” Dieter inquires with a playful tone, and the kid giggles even harder as he opens his hands and blows hard at them.

   A cloud of pink glitter hits his father in the face, over the shoulders and down his chest, and the boy collapses in a laughing fit.

   “Ay, mijo…” Dee smiles after blinking the worst of it out of his eyes. “Do I look pretty?” he asks then, and Mateo nods while still rolling on the floor, pleased with himself for this flawless execution of a glitter prank.

   He leans over the boy and shakes his clothes to share the sparkling goodness, earning even more laughter in return, before his mother-in-law calls for Mateo to come back to the group and get ready, because they’re about to give the birthday girl her surprise.

   “I love you, mijo,” Dieter says, hugging his son before he runs off to join the others.

   He throws his father a kiss as he falls into their ranks, and it feels as though his heart might crack open right there where he stands, as his love for this child overflows once more.    Returning outside so that he won’t miss the performance, he takes a seat next to Gabi, who chuckles warmly at the sight of her husband.

   “Why are you covered in sparkly pink dust?” she asks in a hushed voice, and he smiles.

   “Because our son is the sweetest little boy there is, my love.”

   She just hums at that, but when the children emerge from the house, succeeding in surprising the birthday girl who squeals in excitement, and Gabriela sees that her son is covered in the same stuff, she laughs and lovingly shakes her head.

   “Those are my boys, alright.”

THE END

Thank you @yourstrulylightstar283 for helping me celebrate, and I hope that this is at least something like what you imagined. I tried not to go into specifics about the Quinceanera since I don't know what it entails, and chose to focus on Dieter instead :)

@pedrostories @harriedandharassed

#Sirowsky's 600 & 700 Followers Celebration #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal character fanfiction #dieter bravo fanfiction #the bubble fanfiction #dieter bravo x original female character #dieter bravo x ofc #sirowsky stories

[arsontisticallyinfernal]

»»—-𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇—-««

꧁𓊈 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𓊉꧂

Summary: It's been a while since Yuu lashed out towards the first years, but Yuu hasn't showed up to any classes ever since the last overblot.

Content warnings: attachment issues, abandonment, possible ooc writing, overblot mentions, the fields are barren of anything but angst

Genre: Angst, no comfort, there is no actual happy ending and the title is a lie

Fandom: Disney's Twisted Wonderland

Characters: Malleus Draconia, Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Grim, and the first years are mentioned

Pronouns: They/them reader, He/it Malleus, He/him Ace

Writing time: fifty-four(54) minutes

•°¯`•• 𝐹𝒾𝒸 𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝓊𝓉 ••´¯°•

The sky was dark, clouds congregating over Ramshackle like a halo of shame. Sat in the lounge, was Yuu, alone in misery on the couch with their grey feline peacefully asleep on their lap. They should've felt happy, an overblot hasn't happened in months, yet something clung onto their skin like a leech that kept biting at their mental state.

Were the first years okay?

It was one of the many questions in Yuu's mind, they wanted to feel mad at them all, but they couldn't have the heart to genuinely hate anyone in the school.

As they slowly petted Grim, the sound of sudden thunder shook the prefect, whipping their head upwards and towards the window, narrowing their eyes as they noticed a figure in the yard. It was a welcomed presence, one that Yuu adored. They carefully picked up Grim from their lap and set him on a cushion, placing a blanket on top of the cat. With that, they grabbed the umbrella by the doorway and treaded outside, opening it up and making their way to the fae.

"Tsunotarou, it's been some time." Yuu spoke with clear joy in their voice, walking up to its side, a smile spreading across their face.

"Yes, it has been, child of man. I have heard you haven't been attending school?"

"Oh...yes. That. Well, I just needed some time I guess, it's been tiring."

Yuu always felt comfortable around Malleus.

"If there's something troubling your mind, you can tell me."

He had looked down at Yuu, smiling at the prefect. It's been months since they first met, yet it felt like it's been years with how close the two have grown. Malleus was blind to what the future will be, it was too busy being caught up in the present to even take a guess.

"I just...Malleus I'm gonna be going home."

What?

"Crowley finally got me a portal to get back to my world. I want to go home, really! But...I feel like I haven't done enough, I feel like I still need to apologize to everyone. And..."

They didn't want to leave behind the many people they've come to love and treat like family.

Yuu didn't want to say anything more, fearing that they'd hurt Malleus more than they already have with the news. It looked shocked, befuddled, and broken, like a shattered pot laid upon the ground to be looked at.

"You're...going home?"

He couldn't muster itself to say more, because that's all that needed to be said.

"You're leaving me?"

"Tsuno...this world, it isn't for me, I'm not supposed to be here! I feel like a bug in the system of the world. I stick out like a branch in mud, Tsuno. I don't want to leave you behind but..."

Everything is as silent as it was inside. Neither of them exchanged any words the rest of the night.

The next day, Yuu finally went to their classes, awaiting the end of the day. Once sunset came about, only Yuu's closest friends were invited to the orientation room, left to sit in silence as Yuu bid them all a bland goodbye before stepping through a portal that was a warped picture of their home.

Ace made eye contact with Yuu right before they went through, he looked miserable. Standing all around him were the first years, Ace knew that he and Deuce would be most affected.

He still had so much to tell Yuu, they all still had so many adventures to have as a group.

He hoped it'd be the same without the magicless prefect. But deep inside, he knew nothing would ever be the same.

𝔼𝕟𝕕.

@brushtailedportals

Requests are always open!

#set before book 7 #I'm back from the dead and ready to spew out bs angst #Get ready for the angst flood #genuinely sorry for being gone for so long #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland #implied malleyuu #twst #ace trappola #twst ace #twst epel #twst x reader #twst malleus #disney twisted wonderland #deuce spade #epel felmier #jack howl #sebek zigvolt #malleus draconia #twst grim #twst yuu #twisted wonderland yuu #twst mc

[liaromancewriter]

Day One (1/6)

Series Premise: What happened when Cassie met Sienna? Small moments that defined their friendship.

Book: Open Heart Characters: Cassie Valentine (F!MC), Sienna Trinh Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,325

A/N: I had this idea for a mini series to explore Cassie and Sienna's friendship over the years, and how it changes when they become family. It might just be 3-4 parts. Haven't decided yet. Submitting to @aprilchallenge prompt "laughter" and to @choicesficwriterscreations You Go Girls event.

Cassie Valentine wanted the ground to swallow her up. Her first day as an internal medicine resident and probably her last. She almost killed her first patient. Thankfully, Jackie Varma heard her panicked call and jumped in to help Cassie’s incompetent self.

But feeling inept wasn’t even the worst part. No, that was reserved for the dressing down she received from her medical hero, Dr. Ethan Ramsey.

Every day had a silver lining. For Cassie, it was meeting Sienna Trinh, a fellow dolphin in a sea of sharks. The other intern interrupted Dr. Ramsey mid-tirade, bearding the lion in his den and giving Cassie a reprieve.

She hadn’t seen Sienna since but looked forward to remedying that during drinks at Donahue’s. It was finally the end of shift, and Cassie was mentally exhausted after her last interaction with Dr. Ramsey. The man infuriated her with his arrogant attitude.

“Don’t bother. I already have,” he said, handing her a printed-out prescription order for Annie’s antihistamines.

He hadn't even been apologetic when she expressed disbelief at his actions. Simply making it clear that he’d expected her to blow it.

Cassie supposed someone that brilliant could get away with doing whatever they pleased. One day, she would be a world-famous diagnostician, and then she’d take pleasure in showing Dr. Ramsey how wrong he’d been about her.

Still thinking about their run-in, Cassie absently changed into jean shorts and a green tie front crop top. She’d hesitated this morning, uncertain about her after-work plans, before stuffing the backup outfit into her bag at the last minute. Now she was glad for the option to let loose and look fabulous doing it!

Sienna wolf-whistled when Cassie returned to the atrium. “I hope you’re single because you are going to clean up tonight!”

Cassie smiled, letting the compliment smooth away her rough emotions after a brutal day.

“Can I pay you to follow me around and compliment me?”

“For a job that easy, I’ll do it for free,” Sienna grinned.

Cassie chuckled, feeling her doubts and bad mood dissipate entirely in the face of Sienna’s cheery optimism.

Jackie and Bryce led the way out of the atrium and down the street to Donahue’s. Cassie and Sienna fell back, walking side by side with their heads together, getting to know each other.

“How was your first day?” Cassie asked.

“Good! I still can’t believe I’m a doctor,” said Sienna. “At one point, I ducked into a supply closet just so I could stare at my ID badge without anyone looking.”

“I hid in a supply closet, too, for less fun reasons,” Cassie mused.

Sienna’s looked at her in sympathy. “I’m sorry, Cassie. Was it because of Dr. Ramsey or your patient?”

“Both, I guess. I just had a different vision of my first day as a doctor.” Cassie mentally shook her head to rid herself of the negativity creeping in. “But I know what you mean, Sienna. The first time my patient called me Dr. Valentine, I wanted to stand there and bask.”

“We’re doctors!” Sienna said excitedly, clapping her hands together.

“Baby doctors,” Cassie qualified, considering their intern status at the bottom of the medical hierarchy.

Sienna waved that way with a twist of her lips. “Patients don’t care about that. They’re at their lowest point and just want someone to listen, to help. This old lady I treated today….”

As Sienna talked about her patient, Cassie reflected on how Dr. Ramsey had said something similar outside Annie’s room.

“…maybe the most important trait a doctor can have. You listened. You took the time to get to know your patient. Their story, their hopes, their fears….”

As they stepped inside Donahue’s, Cassie’s eyes adjusted to the dim and dingy interior and her ears to loud music competing with the din of voices.

She envied the way Sienna charged confidently through groups of doctors and nurses, leading them to where the other interns had commandeered a booth. Her new friend was no pushover, as Cassie soon discovered when a frat boy type almost mowed them down near the bar.

Cassie didn’t see Sienna again until later in the night. She slid into the booth across from her friend, who furiously tapped on her phone. It was the first time she’d seen Sienna look less than serene.

“I’m already past my drink limit, but these cocktails are so good!” Cassie exclaimed, taking a sip of her fruity concoction. When Sienna continued to stare at her phone, Cassie nudged her knee under the table. “Everything okay?”

“Yes,” Sienna said, almost by rote, putting her phone face up on the table.

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She glanced down briefly when her phone pinged twice but ignored it, finishing her colorful drink instead.

“What’s wrong, Sienna?” Cassie asked when a flurry of texts lit up Sienna’s phone, each making her frown. “I’m a good listener if you want to talk. I promise it will stay between us.”

Sienna sighed. “I have a boyfriend, Wayne. He lives across town, and I’m staying with him.” She stopped, and Cassie could see her gathering herself before continuing. “I don’t know the neighborhood well yet, and it’ll be late by the time I get home. I hoped he’d meet me at the T station, but he said he’ll be asleep.”

“That sucks,” Cassie said. “I could have sworn you were from around here. You just look so confident, like you know where everything is, where to go and what to do.”

Sienna giggled. “That’s so sweet of you. Wayne moved here a couple of years ago, so I visited for a weekend here and there during med school. But it’s my first time living here. What about you?”

“My grandparents live in Newport, Rhode Island. My brother and I often dropped by before or after a family visit. We did the Freedom Trail and other touristy stuff. But I suppose living somewhere, day to day, is a different experience.”

“It’s a much slower pace than New York,” Sienna commented, leaning in to be heard as someone turned up the jukebox volume. “That’ll take some getting used to.”

“Is that where you’re from?” Cassie said, curious because Sienna didn’t have the vibe she often associated with New Yorkers.

“New Orleans, or rather just east of that,” Sienna said. She pronounced it New Or-lins, a faint accent coming through. “I’ve lived in the north since college, though, first Princeton, then Columbia. So my accent is almost gone. Unless I go home, and then it’s like I never left.”

Cassie cackled as Sienna exaggerated her accent with the last sentence, long, liquid vowels and softened consonants with a laid-back rhythm.

She lifted her glass. “How about a toast?”

Sienna raised her glass eagerly, pouting when she saw it was empty. “Aww. I’m out.”

“Easily remedied,” Cassie said, pouring half of her drink into Sienna’s glass and making her friend laugh.

“You’re officially my day-one person!” Sienna said, raising her voice and slightly tipsy as she tried to clink Cassie’s glass only to miss.

Cassie changed directions, angling her glass to tap it against Sienna’s. “To two dolphins kicking butt in a sea of sharks!”

“Dolphin Power!”

They tittered as nearby heads turned at their bizarre toast. But Cassie and Sienna didn’t care, throwing back their drink and doubling over in laughter as they slammed the empty glasses on the table.

Much later, Cassie leaned her tired head against the window of the T train, not really paying attention to the tunnel lights rushing past outside. Her mind was on Sienna’s idea that the five of them look for a place together. She wouldn’t mind living with Sienna but wasn’t sure about the others yet.

Cassie had a feeling she found her Day One person in this city that would be her home for the next three years. And maybe a friend for life. They were just getting started.

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

All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @openheartfanfics

#open heart #open heart choices #playchoices #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #cfwc you go girls #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #sienna trinh #sienna trinh x mc #short series #friendship goals #cassie valentine

[green-ville]

Warnings: domestic Hannix. It's all fluff.

Summary: Third installment in the unplanned trilogy of Hannix. This is the final piece and it's summarized in one sentence. A Dagger reunion after Jake convinces Natasha to do something stupid.

_________________

"You wanna do something stupid?"

"That's a terrible idea."

". . .I didn't even say the idea, but somehow I know that you know what I'm thinking."

Natasha picked up three dragon fruit, putting it in the cart. "It's a terrible idea," she repeated and moved further down the produce section in the grocery store. Jake pushed the cart behind her, eyes sparkling, forearms resting on the cart as he trailed her.

"You totally want to do it," Jake claimed.

"I do not."

"Oh yeah you do. Babe, think of the tax benefits."

She snorted, head falling so her hand could cover her face. Her smiling face.

"See?! You're smiling. You totally want to do it!"

"I do not!"

~

"Hey I've been thinking – "

"Bagboy, no."

"How could you possibly know –"

"Because you keep bringing it up?"

"Orrrr, you've been thinking about it too and so it's always on your mind," Jake challenged, setting the plate down in front of her. It was tsunami season (it was always tsunami season in Guam) and so their windows were shut as sideways rain hammered down on their apartment.

Jake sat beside her on the table, a plate of his own in front of him.

She rolled her eyes. "Walk me through your plan Captain. Please."

"Well I'd want to go big, but I have a feeling you'd wanna go small, so we'll settle for small but make it a big deal."

"How, pray tell?"

"We tell basically no one and drop it at a party."

"A party?"

"Yeah."

"And what about family?"

"Admittedly, I haven't told my parents about you."

She high fived him. "My parents don't know you exist either!"

"Great! We'll surprise them too."

"That's a terrible plan."

"They pay me to be pretty, not to think."

"That's the exact opposite of what they pay you to do Bagman."

He shrugged. "So, whatcha think?"

". . ."

~

"I just don't understand why you want to do it."

"Tax benefits, screaming 'that's my wife!' when someone dishonors you – no, I don't want you to be dishonored, I'm just looking at the brightside of a terrible situation – owe. I deserved it. For some reason we're oddly compatible and quite frankly I don't see myself with anyone but you for the rest of my life. Where you go, I'm going. Even when you get sick of me."

Her heart thudded at the last bit. She stayed facing away from him, unable to look at him right now.

"Alright fine, I lied. It's not for the tax benefits. I. . .I never gave much thought to my future outside of the Navy until Miramar. Until I met you again and we did that. . .that thing that changed me forever. Then I thought about you for five years and it wasn't just sleeping with you again, it was seeing you, going on dates with you. Doing more. Now I'm here. Now I want the next stage."

She slipped on a beige button down over her tank top. She still couldn't look at him.

"You gonna say anything or have I ruined everything?"

If she wanted to get into work on time, she should put on her pants now. Otherwise she wasn't going to stay in her clothes for long and she'd likely be late to work. Bagman had off today, he didn't have to conform to schedules.

The less smart side of her won. This rarely happened. This used to rarely happen. It won a lot more since Bagman reentered her life. She'd be lying if she said she regretted it.

Natasha pivoted on her foot, a mask of no information. She pinned him down with her stare. He was sitting on the edge of their bed, lower half covered by a sheet, upper half exposed and golden from the sun.

She walked forward and his legs naturally parted for her to fit herself between them. His hands came to her hips and her forearms rested on his shoulders, hands clasped behind his head. She looked down at him, his open green eyes. Not open in the sense they were large, rather that they revealed so much to her.

He was being honest. He was joking with the tax benefits. She had finally gotten the real reason out of him and that was what she had wanted to hear. What she had waited so long to hear.

She tortured him with silence for a few moments longer, and then she couldn't keep her grin down any longer. It slid up and she saw the hope spark inside of him, could feel his grip on her hips tighten.

"I want a ring Jake Seresin."

"It's been in my dresser since the day after I arrived in Guam."

That grin became a smile and she kissed him, slow and long. That lasted three breaths before her hips were grabbed hard and she was yanked onto the bed, a body trapping her down.

She laughed against his smiling kisses, wondering what her parents were going to think.

~

"Holy shit, it's Captain Mitchell!" Payback exclaimed, eyes widening. The rest of the group turned to the newcomers.

And it was indeed Captain Pete Mitchell, walking up alongside Bradly Bradshaw.

Bradley made a 'what the hell' motion with his arms. "I'm here too."

"Yeah, but given the rest of the group, that makes sense. What the hell are you doing here Captain?" Payback asked.

The rest of the group being the entire party from Miramar. Fanboy, Halo, Yamaha, Yale. . .everyone was here. Everyone but Hangman, Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote.

Maverick joined the group, smiling at them all behind his sunglasses. They were sitting outside of a bar on a patio, string lights hanging above them, a gorgeous beach scene playing before them. A volleyball net was calling their name but they were all respectfully waiting for their supposed host.

And drinking a lot in the meantime.

"I uh, received a letter from Hangman? Said if I find myself free to come down here and visit him?"

"Did we all receive the same letter?" Fanboy asked. "And why did we all listen? Like, we seriously flew 20 something hours just to visit Hangman? What's wrong with us?"

"My letter was from Phoenix," Halo said.

The group turned to her.

"What?" Rooster asked, head tilted.

She nodded. "Phoenix told me to visit her."

"But, why would she be here?"

"Her and Hangman weren't stationed here together, were they?"

"Shit," Payback cursed. "It's a funeral. That's what we're here for. Phoenix killed Hangman. He finally said too much and she killed him."

"Maybe we shouldn't all be wearing Hawaiian shirts then," Rooster said, looking down at his shirt. "Since when did everyone start wearing them?"

"You're not a trendsetter Rooster, don't even think it. These shirts are cheap and we all look great in them."

"Please, Rooster, a trendsetter? Remember when he wore jorts – "

Payback cut Halo off with an exclaimed, "I still have nightmares!"

A round of laughs circulated the group. Rooster rolled his eyes and Maverick smiled.

"You're all ridiculous –"

"Guess they just let anyone into Guam these days."

The party turned and there they were. Nope, not them. Coyote and Bob joined the group and seriously, everyone was wearing Hawaiian shirts. What was with these people?

"Bob, Coyote? Hell, Hangman trying to do a reunion or something?" Rooster asked, grabbing his hand and doing a manly hug. It was manly because it was a brief second accompanied by two rough pats on the back.

Bob got a fist bump which he seemed perfectly fine with.

"Hangman's here?" Coyote asked.

"Don't tell me, Phoenix sent you a letter?"

"Phoenix is here?" Bob asked.

"What the hell is happening?" Fanboy asked, looking around, entirely lost.

"What're you guys doing here? I haven't seen you all since Miramar," Bob said.

"What're we doing here? What're you doing here?! I didn't know anyone was stationed in Guam!"

"I'm not stationed here."

"Then what the hell are you doing here Bob?" Rooster asked, breathless with how unhelpful the younger man was.

"Talking with you."

"Jesus – Hey, Hangman!"

He finally appeared, the man that was somehow the center of attention without even being in the damn vicinity. He appeared from the walkway on the side of the bar, breaking the group norm by wearing a white linen shirt and beige pants.

Beside him, also wearing white, Natasha Trace. No one had ever seen Natasha in a dress before. It was a sun dress, hugging her chest and waist, flowing from her hips down. It was old fashioned, modest, skirt ending below her knees.

Her hair was down. Rooster didn't think that was possible.

"Oh my God. . .they're holding hands," Fanboy observed, eyes wide.

"They're not a thing. No way Phoenix lowered her standards."

"Aren't you all a sight for sore eyes," Hangman greeted, characteristic grin plastered on his tanned face. He was holding Nat's hand as they walked up the stairs to the bar, joining the others on the patio.

"Captain, thanks for being here," Nat said with a bright smile.

She was wearing makeup.

Rooster didn't even know she could do that.

"Anytime Phoenix. . .uh, what exactly am I here for?"

"A celebration," she answered. "Jake and I just got married. Let's go drink!"

"Woohooo!" Jake howled, and Coyote jumped on his back with a laugh, following them into the bar.

Bob smirked, shaking his head. "Yeah. . .It was a nice wedding. Their parents are gonna kill them."

Rooster blinked. He turned towards the rest of the group to see if they had heard the same thing he heard, and from the looks of it, yes.

Maverick broke through first and nodded. He was smiling, filled with disbelief, but smiling. "Well, I did not expect that. Did not expect that at all."

"Just wait," Bob said. "Nat's pregnant and hasn't told him yet. I'm supposed to record the reaction."

Rooster paled. "Oh my God a little Hangman. It's like all my worst fears are coming alive."

~

She waited for him. She waited a stupidly long amount of time. It was like the pilot was trying to piss her off. She walked faster than he could fly. It wasn't even that long of a flight, what was he doing, slowing down to let the birds pass?

Natasha checked her watch. She had checked her watch every minute for the past hour.

Her stomach cramped again and she gripped the arm rests, trying not to tear them off the chair. An eternity passed before the pain let up, and the sweat that was sliding down her pale skin was alarming considering the air conditioned environment.

The first people finally started coming through and Natasha stood. And then she tried to stand again because she fell back the first time. Acting like the incredibly pregnant woman she was, she stood, needing the armrest to stand, one hand holding her back.

God she was such a stereotype. Everyone knew she was pregnant, she didn't have to showcase it so much.

How long did it take people to walk off a plane? Were they taking time to sightsee? Did no one have anywhere important to be?

For the love of all that was righteous and holy, how slow could people –

There he was.

She smiled, raging emotions easing away.

He smiled when he spotted her, duffle bag in his right hand, a teddy bear in his left. She met him a quarter of the way there. He was able to do three times her distance giving her predicament.

"Hey there gorgeous," he greeted, setting down his bag and wrapping his arms around her. She pulled him down by the neck, hugging him as best as she could with the crockpot of a stomach in her way.

"Look at me. I'm so fat right now."

"Is this a moment where I'm supposed to deny it or support you because you're growing the heir to the Seresin name?"

She snorted, the hug ending but their arms staying around each other. His arms on her back, hers around his neck. "The heir? To the Seresin name? What is this, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets?"

"If it matters," he said, kissing her hairline. "I think you still look sexy. Lordosis and all."

She punched him in the gut and he backed away, laughing.

"You're laughing now but my water broke like, several hours ago and my contractions are so at the 'get me to a hospital' stage."

His eyes widened and she laughed.

"Are you serious?"

"Oh yeah. I need a hospital." She needed a hospital two hours ago.

"Jesus, babe, shit!"

"Let's go pop a kid out Bagman."

"You're about to have our kid and yet you're still insulting me. What a woman."

"Damn straight."

#jake seresin #natasha trace #jake hangman seresin #natasha phoenix trace #jake x natasha #coyote #bob #payback #fanboy #pete mitchell #maverick #hangman x phoenix #hannix #hannix fluff #fluff #top gun #top gun maverick #tgm

[thekuraning]

oh boy oh jeez oh man i hope you guys are ready for kura's tiger and bunny thought of the evening bc i ran across two-year-old comments on the Blue Rose page of the T&B fan wiki and i have OPINIONS

its actually a really benign old comment chain about USD versus Stern Dollars, but everyone pretty much says "yeah but it's still in the USA" and BUDDY BOY NO IT AIN'T. NO. IT. AIN'T.

I'VE GOT SOMETHIN' TO SAY ABOUT STERN BILD AND I'LL FIGHT ANYONE (but like in a silly way)

"But Kura, the creators literally said it's in New York and—" yes they did, this part is very much true and the aerial shot we see of Stern Bild is always around Tribeca/Manhatten area with a really nice shot of the Hudson, but that's not the point (though it does make it much easier to chart the various districts, more on that coming soon)

Something we know about Tiger & Bunny is that it is set in an alternate universe New York, and never once is the United States mentioned by name. In fact, there isn't much about world nations mentioned in general in T&B—the one time I can think of off the top of my head where "country" is even mentioned is in Dragon Kid's flashback of her parents sending her off to Stern Bild, where they tearfully say she is going to become "the pride of [their] country," so I guess we at least know the concept of countries exists. But is Stern Bild in a country? Is Stern Bild a country?

Actually, all evidence points toward Stern Bild being a city-state. It meets all three qualifications of being such: it's an independent, sovereign city that is "the center of political, economic, and cultural life" over its surrounding territories. We see these qualifications met across all three seasons, first and foremost starting with something you've heard characters talk about pretty dang often but probably never thought too much about: the Stern Dollar.

The Stern Dollar (SBD from here on out) has to get its name from somewhere, and the most likely candidate is Stern Bild itself, which means that Stern Bild mints its own currency. Often shortened to "dollars" by the characters, it's used even in neighboring towns like Kotetsu's hometown (i.e., Muramasa charging him "two dollars" for a whiskey in season 1.)

We also know Stern Bild has a very localized culture based on the events of The Rising and a few character scenes in S2. In The Rising, the backdrop to the story is the time leading up to and the day of the Stern Bild holiday of Justice Day, which celebrates the time our lord and savior Jesus Christ appearedunto man in crab form and was unfortunately eaten, resulting in the Goddess bringing her wrath down on the ancient people of Stern Bild. (hello mutuals who haven't seen Tiger & Bunny and are reading this anyways, THIS IS CANON I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP THIS FUCKING HAPPENED, CRAB JESUS) This is a holiday that is, again, celebrated outside of Stern Bild, as Kotetsu's family celebrates Justice Day despite hailing from his hometown. By extension, it's likely the same goddess is worshipped in the territories surrounding Stern Bild.

We also know based on S2 that other cities have their own hero programs, all of them ran wildly differently. However, again, we look to Kotetsu's home town—no mention of other heroes. Just Hero TV heroes. Both the religious and secular mainsteam culture are exported from Stern Bild to its outlying territories.

And finally, political life: the politics of Stern Bild are interesting af because we know basically that we have the mayor and the mayor's cabinet, which includes prominent industry figures and judges from the Justice Bureau. We typically only see them making decisions about the governance of Stern Bild, and it's true that politics exist at all levels in a nation, but the reason why it seems to me that Stern Bild is a center of political life is (SEASON 2 SPOILERS LOOK AWAY LOOK AWAY NOOOWWWW)

Well, mostly it's because of the concentration camps, which seem to exist decidedly outside of Stern Bild's city limits. Stern Bild proper is always shown to be a bustling megalopolis. It's very dense and doesn't have a lot of extra wide-open spaces laying around. However, the mayor of Stern Bild was able to have these NEXT concentration camps set up on short notice in seemingly the middle of nowhere.... Which would very likely be an outlying territory, again, like Kotetsu's very rural hometown. This one's a little bit tricky because we can't be absolutely certain, but for all intents and purposes it seems to me that Stern Bild has some political relevance to its surrounding territories.

So, is it TECHNICALLY POSSIBLE that Stern Bild is in the United States? Yeah, sure, it could be I guess. But it's much more likely that it's an independent city-state, especially since it mints its own currency.

anyways that's my tiger & bunny thought of the night, dont mind me, i just wanted an excuse to rant about this bc the stern dollar's been on my mind for a few days

#tiger & bunny #tiger and bunny #stern bild #sternbild #kuras tiger and bunny posting again #FIGHT ME NERDS #YOU KNOW IM RIIIIIIGHT #alternatively we dont have to fight peace and love on planet earth i will support u and whatever u think about stern bilds nation status #go to bed kura #spoilers #maybe?